Rwb malmesbury october town crier small

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Covering MALMESBURY, ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT and villages

Your Local

www.towncriermagazine.com

TownCr er Magazine FREE

OCTOBER 2016

Autumn Colours

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Royal Mail

TOYS

WessexAuctionRooms wessexauctions

ANTIQUES, FURNITURE & COLLECTABLES

WessexAuctionRooms

VINYL & MUSIC

ITEMS WANTED ITEMS

anTiques, FurniTure & collecTables

SPORTING MEMORABILIA, STAMPS, POSTCARDS, FILM SILVER, GOLD, JEWELLERY & COINS

We offer free appraisals at our auction rooms Mon-Fri 9-5pm

WANTED Home visits by appointment

enquiries@wessexauctionrooms.co.uk Toys

We offer free appraisals at our auction rooms Mon-Fri 9-5pm

www.wessexauctionrooms.co.uk 01249 720888 Westbrook Farm, Chippenham, Wilts. SN15 5LH Just off J17 of the M4 Home Draycot visits byCerne, appointment

01249 720888 Town Crier Magazine | OCTOBER 2016 1 FOOD l HEALTH & BEAUTY l MOTORINGVinyl l The HOME & GARDEN l PETS & Music, enquiries@wessexauctionrooms.co.uk sporTing MeMorabilia,

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The Town Crier Magazine | OCTOBER 2016

Welcome to

Belly Busters As a nation we are to used to seeing overweight pets but at Thameswood vets we are passionate about helping our pets maintain a healthy weight.

Even more than in humans, pets who are overweight are at higher risk of diabetes, heart and respiratory conditions and joint problems so keeping your pet a healthy weight is important.

Which is why during October we are offering FREE Belly Buster assessments to see how we can help get your pets weight back on track with simple diet and exercise changes.

To book your pet’s free assessment contact your nearest clinic or click on our website.

39B Station Road, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire SN4 7ED Tel: 01793 230266 62-64 Purton Road, Swindon, SN2 2LZ Tel: 01793 526780 1A Oppenheimer, Greenbridge Road, SN3 3LH Tel: 01793 511267

www.thameswoodvets.co.uk The Town Crier Magazine | OCTOBER 2016

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OCTOBER 2016

Editor’s Letter Welcome to the October edition! d weather While there are a few weeks of goo with half and , back ks left before we put the cloc out for kids the take not why term this month, t's On Wha our in s idea few a have We the day.

Section. in Many thanks to everyone who sent th we mon This contributions to this issue. shire, Royal Wilt port Sup r Care feature items from Wltshire Wootton Bassett & District Art Society, We are ir.

Cho Air Ambulance and Wessex Male l loca of s item iving rece always interested in ers. read our interest from Until next time ...

22

Annie

Your Local

TownCr er Magazine

5b Wood Street, Calne, Wiltshire SN11 0BZ Tel: 01249 811068 www. towncriermagazine.com Deadline for submissions for the November 2016 issue: 6th October 2016 Editor: contact@towncriermagazine.com Advertising: contact@towncriermagazine.com Advertising: carlene.sales@towncriermagazine.com Artwork: production@towncriermagazine.com

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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.

For general enquiries please call Annie Harling on 01249 811068 or email: contact@towncriermagazine.com

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The Town Crier Magazine | OCTOBER 2016

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IN THE OCTOBER ISSUE 6

Local Focus Local News and Events

18 Carer Support Wiltshire

Local charity for carers 20 Wiltshire Air Ambulance

New Charity Ambassadors 22 Gardening

Spring into Action 24 Toffee Apples

A Halloween Treat!

26 Puzzle Corner

Crossword & Sodoku

Are you the best? Then work for the best name in nursing and care.

Recruiting Homecarers, Support Workers, Healthcare Assistants and Registered Nurses.

WE OFFER: • Competitive pay rates • Ongoing Support • Member Advantages

• Variety of work • Award-winning training • Flexible hours

27 Get the Study Habit

Contact our Gloucester branch on:

28 A Good Halloween Read

The Man in the Picture Goosebump

gloucester@prestige-nursing.co.uk Or visit www.prestige-nursing.co.uk

01666 503 020

Prestige Nursing + Care

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If you would like to advertise in our next edition, you can go to our website: www.towncriermagazine.com and upload and pay for your advert online.

Alternatively please contact Jake or Carlene at the numbers below Jake Fortune: 07725 191206 jake.sales@towncriermagazine.com Carlene Field: 01249 811068 carlene.sales@towncriermagazine.com

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Email: andyrids@aol.com www.compasssecuritysystems.co.uk The Town Crier Magazine | OCTOBER 2016

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ON W NE HAT A R ’S YO U

Local Focus OCTOBER 2016

What’s happening locally • News • Events • Charities • Clubs

MALMESBURY CONCERT BAND’S

Musical Extravaganza T

HE Malmesbury Concert Band’s annual musical extravaganza will be held on Saturday, 29th October, in Malmesbury Town Hall.

The concert, now in its ninth consecutive year, includes light classics, marches, much loved tunes from famous films, popular and big band numbers, and some quality original music for concert wind band.

The concert will again be under the direction of Tony Fleming, its conductor and musical director, now in his tenth year leading the band.

Mr Fleming said: “ We have put together a programme which will have something for everyone. The band includes some excellent musicians and I can promise a wonderful evening.”

Tickets, which will cost £8, or £6 for the usual concessions, are available from A4 Stationers, in Malmesbury High Street, or Michael Thomas butchers, in the Triangle, Malmesbury.

FOR ONE DAY ONLY MINETY ART CLUB CELEBRATE THEIR 10TH ANNIVERSARY WITH AN

Art Exhibition and Sale of Work

MINETY VILLAGE HALL SN16 9QH on Saturday 8th October from 10am to 5pm Members will be demonstrating different art mediums throughout the day, with a chance for visitors to re-kindle their artistic skills. Our chairman, David Brown, will show children the basic drawing skills, there will be a small prize for the best effort. Refreshments available.

We look forward to seeing you!

Apple Festival On Saturday 22nd October, Horsells Farm Enterprises will be opening its gates to host Apple Festival! The first of many special events to be held at Sunday Hill Farm, Brinkworth where we combine the literary festival with the farmers market. Roger Scruton, Elizabeth Hodder and Rose Prince will be speaking in our Authors Tent – tickets are available now from eventbrite.co.uk Apple Festival will be a celebration of events including: Market Stalls, Apple Expert – Andy Howard form The Heritage Fruit Co., Childrens Entertainment, Bar, Authors Tent, Cookery Competition, Local Producers, Book Sales, Cooking Demonstrations and live music from Newton Country.

Entrance to the Farm is FREE. Gates open at 10.30am.

More information can be found at www.horsellsfarment.com

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The Town Crier Magazine | OCTOBER 2016

Swindon College

Johnson & Daltrey Independent Funeral Service Your Local Family Owned Funeral Director

OPEN EVENING Thursday13th October 2016 5pm - 7pm

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Join us for our open evening and find out more about our range of full and part time courses, university level courses and Apprenticeships.

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Take a tour of our industry-standard facilities Speak to one of our experienced career advisors Meet some our lecturers Find out more about life at Swindon College from current students

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Roves Farm

A great family day out, come rain or shine

Online day tickets only.

Tickets must be redeemed before 31/10/16.

OPEN DAILY

Membership Passes from just £6.66 per month

Meet & Feed the Animals, Tractor Rides, Kids Craft, Woolly Sheep Tearoom, Indoor & Outdoor Play, Den Building & Stamp Trail

www.rovesfarm.co.uk

Sevenhampton, Nr. Swindon 01793 763939 The Town Crier Magazine | OCTOBER 2016

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What’s On

Diary Dates SEPT/OCTOBER 2016

festival with the farmers market.

Roger Scruton, Elizabeth Hodder and Rose Prince will be speaking in the Authors Tent – tickets rom eventbrite.co.uk Market Stalls, Childrens Entertainment, Bar, Local Producers, Book Sales, Cooking Demonstrations and live music!

More information on page 6 or visit www.horsellsfarment.com Entrance to the Farm is FREE Gates open at 10.30am

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TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE Town Hall, Cross Hayes, Malmesbury, SN16 9BZ Tel: 01666 823748 Email: tic@malmesbury.gov.uk SAGA HOLIDAYS COMES TO MALMESBURY The Town Hall, Malmesbury Thursday 29th September at 3pm Find out more about the huge range of Saga holidays when they visit Malmesbury along with the Miles Morgan Travel team. Call 01666 824801 to be added to the guest list.

ATHELSTAN MUSEUM “Malmesbury Voices” Wednesday 5th October 6pm A presentation capturing the voices of the Malmesbury Area.

Tel: 01666 829258 www.athelstanmuseum.org.uk POTS AND PAINTINGS Great Oak Hall at Westonbirt from Friday 7- Thursday 13 October.

See page 12 for further information or visit: www.eelespottery.co.uk.

MAY CONTAIN FOOD ...

Friday 7 October Grittleton Village Hall 7.45pm Award-winning dance company Protein is coming to you with an evening of dance theatre around our relationship with food.

Tickets: Jan on 01249 782798 dandjjeffcoate@btinternet.com MINETY ART CLUB celebrate their 10th anniversary with an ART EXHIBITION AND SALE OF WORK Minety Village Hall, SN16 9QH Saturday 8th October 10am–5pm Minety Art Club Members will be demonstrating different art mediums throughout the day, with a chance for visitors to re-kindle their artistic skills. Our chairman, David Brown, will show children the basic drawing skills, there will be a small prize for the best effort.

Refreshments available.

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HALLOWEEN THEATRE WORKSHOPS with The Last Baguette For ages 11-18 yrs Wednesday 19th October 4-6pm in the Hub at the Town Hall Saturday 22nd October 1.15–3.15pm at St Mary’s Hall Calling all young actors and theatre makers: Join The Last Baguette for a thrilling theatrical adventure, packed with physical theatre, characterisation, makeup and fun!

Using theatre techniques we will create blood-curdling characters and scary scenes; expect vampires, zombies, werewolves and worse ... Tell a ghost story and create a deathly atmosphere ... You will have the chance to develop Halloween characters, trying out costumes and makeup to chilling effect. We will also bring a healthy dose of comedy to the proceedings, finding out if you can be scary and funny at the same time! Participation is free but space is limited, reserve your place by calling Sidney on 07597 601589 or email: thelastbaguette@ gmail.com LADIES MOVIE NIGHT Friday 14th October Malmesbury Town Hall Pretty Woman Doors & bar opens at 6pm, film starts at 8pm In aid of HEALS of Malmesbury. Contact HEALS on 01666 238100 for ticket info.

APPLE FESTIVAL Saturday 22nd October, Brinkworth Sunday Hill Farm, Brinkworth Apple Festival combines the literary

The Town Crier Magazine | OCTOBER 2016

“DRACULA” - A TERRIFYING COMEDY by the Last Baguette Saturday 22nd October 8pm St Mary’s Hall Tickets £10, £8 concessions available from 07597 601589 MALMESBURY CONCERT BAND’S MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA Saturday, 29th October, Malmesbury Town Hall. 7:30-9:30pm The concert, now in its ninth consecutive year, includes light classics, marches, much loved tunes from famous films, popular and big band numbers, and some quality original music for concert wind band. Tickets, which will cost £8, or £6 for the usual concessions, are available from A4 Stationers, in Malmesbury High Street, or Michael Thomas butchers, in the Triangle, Malmesbury. http://www.freewebs.com/ malmesburyconcertband/2016engagements MAMS CONCERT Saturday 29th October Malmesbury Abbey, 7:30pm DANIEL COOK Sub organist at Westminster Abbey An organ recital reflecting the life of Westminster Abbey. Go to mamsmusic.co.uk for ticketing and more information on our 2016 programme.

Daniel Cook

ADVERTISING FEATURE

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 and to be happy and fulfilled in their work.

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.

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December 2016 will see the opening of the new wing that has large living and dining areas overlooking the Dauntsey Vale. We will have many new features to include community coffee hub, bar, hairdressing salon, nail bar, ensuite shower in each room, large assisted bathrooms, WI FI throughout. The gardens are a magnificent feature of Hill House where you can enjoy peace and tranquillity sat on the terraces.

ORMA & Chad have enjoyed a first class reputation throughout their 26 years of running Firlawn Nursing Home in Holt Wiltshire. Hill House was acquired in 2008 as part of their new care organisation Country Care Homes.

Norma and Chad have recently taken a back seat in the running of the two homes since appointing their Operations Director Anita Hawkes from April 2015. Anita was previously an R.G.N at Firlawn before taking on the position of Matron at Hill House for 7 years.

The success of both Homes can be measured by the many letters of thanks that have been received as well as recommendations that both Hill House and Firlawn get from local Health Care Professionals and the Community.

The Manager of Hill House is Donna Hughes who worked at Firlawn for 15 years before working at both Homes as Training Manager for a further 7 years. She was appointed Manager of Hill House in April 2015.

“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

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.

Our Activities Team arrange a programme which is designed to enable the residents to enjoy their daily life. We spend time to get to know individual needs and preferences. Our catering team is led by a Head Chef who attends Residents’ meetings to discuss menus so that food offered reflects the resident’s wishes.

Hill House Care Home, Little Somerford, Nr Malmesbury SN15 5BH Tel: 01666 822363 email: hillhousemanager@gmail.com • www.countrycarehomes.co.uk The Town Crier Magazine | OCTOBER 2016

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Lydiard Turkeys C

HRIS AND LINDSAY RUMMING run Lydiard Turkeys from the family farm near Royal Wootton Bassett. Their aim is to produce the best tasting turkeys in the highest possible welfare conditions. This is done by only rearing a small number of birds which means they have the time to focus all their attention on the details that make an exceptional turkey.

The bronze turkeys are grown to twice the age of fast growing strains, and are given double the paddock space of most free range turkeys. This combined with on farm traditional dry plucking and temperature controlled game hanging means the turkeys will be succulent and full of flavour. They supply traditional whole birds, crowns or rolled joints in a range of weights to suit your needs. They come beautifully packaged and ready to pop in the oven and the cooking instructions will help to produce the perfect Christmas turkey. www.lydiardturkeys.co.uk

GRITTLETON VILLAGE HALL with Rural Arts Touring presents

May Contain Food, May Contain You Award-winning dance company Protein is coming to you with a playful yet thought provoking evening of dance theatre around our relationship with food and eating. Your hosts, Sonya and Carl, will welcome you into a dining area filled with themed tables and serve you a show that brings food to life.

You are invited to bring with you some food that you have made, grown or bought - something with sentiment that you wish to offer and share……

FRIDAY 7th OCTOBER 2016 GRITTLETON VILLAGE HALL

doors open 7.45pm for 8.00pm start TICKETS - Jan on 01249 782798 dandjjeffcoate@btinternet.com

www.lydiardturkeys.co.uk 01793 881215 10

The Town Crier Magazine | OCTOBER 2016

Adults £8, Concessions £7, Children (under 16) £5, Families (2 adults & 2 children) £21 Target audience Ages 12+ Bring your own DRINKS Limited tickets available so book early!

Your local service for Wills, Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney and other legal needs.

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Free home visit from your local Goodwills consultant

Single Will only £88 Mirror Wills for couples only £148

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Email: info@goodwillslocal.co.uk Website: www.goodwillslocal.co.uk Prices include VAT, an individual consultation and your Will being produced by Goodwills Legal Services Ltd, a professional regulated law firm.

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www . matthewsofmalmesbury. com

7 Burnham Road, Malmesbury, Wiltshire SN16 0BQ The Town Crier Magazine | OCTOBER 2016

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What’s On

Pots and Paintings Friday 7 - Thursday 13 October 2016 10am - 4pm

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HE EELES FAMILY OF POTTERS return again to the Great Oak Hall at Westonbirt from Friday 7 October until Thursday 13 October. They make a wide range of ceramics by hand. These are individually decorated with a variety of clay slips, colours and glazes that are prepared by themselves, with extensive testing and firing, to produce the complete range of textures and patterns that makes the Eeles pottery so sought after.

Gill Ashley, artist, has normally exhibited with the Eeles on her own but this year is joined by three others. Gill works mainly in acrylics and has paintings in collections in Canada, USA, Australia and Europe.

She is joined by Julia Leyden who has produced a body of work in multi-media; Heather Martin, a textile artist, who has a broad range of approaches which will include a small selection of mixed media drawings and Jenny Riley who works in oils and mixed media but also takes commissions for dog portraits.

Ellen Blacker Health and Wellbeing Champion Please contact Ellen if you think she can help or support you with transport, home or personal safety, feeling lonely or finance.

Hello! As I write this it is a beautiful day and the sun is shining, but it won’t be long until the days get shorter as the nights draw in. Sorry to bring the subject up, but winter is coming! How about trying something different this year to stave off the winter blues?

Couple of ideas to think about: Mens Sheds! Newly retired? Done all those chores you promised after retirement? What next? How about sharing your skills and tools and having a natter over a cuppa at your local shed? RWB Fire Station will be opening their doors to the first Men’s Shed in RWB as soon as their refurb is completed. For more information, contact John Loran on jsloran@aol.com or Alexa Smith on alexa.smith@wiltshire.gov.uk or 01249 706610.

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The Town Crier Magazine | OCTOBER 2016

For further information: on pottery: email: eelessb@aol.com or 01308 868257 www.eelespottery.co.uk. The group of artists: gill.ashley1@btinternet.com 01666 840993.

7-13 October 2016 admission free after entry to arboretum.

Area Board. Ever wondered what an “Area Board” is? Did you know that it can offer financial support to local groups and projects? Why not pop along to the next Area Board meeting on 23rd November (check Wiltshire Council website near the time to confirm time and venue). The meetings are friendly and informal and there is chance to meet and talk to the Councillors as well as people from all around our Community Area. For more information, call Alexa Smith on 01249 706610 email: alexa.smith@wiltshire. gov.uk” Benefit Cap…. Is coming. Just a reminder to please, don’t ignore any letters about this! We may not like or agree with the changes, but the rules are changing and you will receive a letter if it affects you or your household. There is always help available, so call me or pop into the Citizens Advice office if you need some help.

As ever, I am around for general help and support on a wide variety of issues including transport, mobility and safety around the home and reducing the feeling of loneliness. Give me a call on 07557 922020 and leave a message. I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Email ellen.blacker@wiltshire.gov.uk or telephone: 07557 922020

Have you ever wondered what we do at the Laser Clinic?

At the Laser Clinic we are a privately registered independent hospital and we are entirely nurse-led.

This means we are regulated and insured to provide you with the best safest and most affective treatment whilst ensuring your comfort and dignity and satisfaction.

Thread veins

We offer a wide variety of treatments from laser treatment such as hair removal and tattoo removal to beauty treatments including facials manicure and massage.

As we approach our ninth birthday we are confident with our proven track record we are able to take care of your needs.

We also offer treatment for a variety of treatments and conditions which used to be available for treatment by a GP. All of our practitioners are fully qualified experienced and insured. Consultations are free of charge and without obligation.

Treatment plans can then be arranged to suit your needs.

Skin Tags

Blood Spots

What are you waiting for! Contact us and book your free consultation today.

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The Laser Clinic

The Laser Clinic 33a High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett Swindon, Wiltshire, SN4 7AF

Tel: 01793 686486 Warts

info@swindonlaserclinic.co.uk www.swindonlaserclinic.co.uk

The Town Crier Magazine | OCTOBER 2016

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Local Focus

F

The Mysterious ‘Project RMS’

OR weeks now, people locally have been receiving e-mails and posts on social media about the mysterious ‘Project RMS’ simply saying that the project would be starting soon. However, we can finally reveal that Project RMS is all about getting men into singing. The ‘RMS’ stands for ‘Real Men Sing’ and it is the idea of three singers with Swindon’s Wessex Male Choir. Project RMS is offering men the chance to take part in a series of fun events ranging from joining-in a flash-mob, to singing at a military base (and getting close-up to some military hardware), to singing on the pitch at Wembley in front of 80,000 fans, and performing a few numbers with the Choir in a concert.

With an increasing number of studies telling of the health benefits of singing, the Project not only offers men a chance to get more out of life, but also promises fun and friendship whilst at the same time chalking-up some truly memorable experiences.

The Choir’s Chairman Guy Edwards says: “This is an amazing opportunity for men to experience at first-hand what it’s like to sing with a top amateur choir. So many of our singers wished they had got into singing sooner, so we really hope that men will want to find out what all the fuss is about.”

Even for those who are lucky enough to get places on Project RMS, there is no obligation to join the Choir full time. You can find out more information about Project RMS at: www.realmensing.co.uk or you can register interest by calling 01793 772359. Places on the Project are limited.

Wessex Chairman, Guy Edwards is one of the singers behind Project RMS.

Royal Wootton Bassett & District Art Society

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HIS friendly group of local artists which was formed in 1982 meets every Wednesday at Hook Village Hall from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. We welcome new members of all abilities, no tuition is given though help and advice is always available and various workshops and demonstrations are held.

We have ‘terms’ of around 12 to 15 weeks and the current cost per term is £20, we meet from early September until the end of June with a small break over Christmas and New Year. During the summer months a group of members will still meet up weekly to arrange outings to sketch in various beauty spots - as long as there is a good pub not too far away!

We have a competition each term with subjects provided by our President. These competitions are judged on the last day of each term with an annual shield awarded to the artist with the most points.

We also hold an Annual Exhibition of Work, which next year will be in Hook Village Hall from May 19th to 21st.

More details can be found on our website: www.artinbassett.weebly.com and on our facebook page: artinbassett or phone Sue on 01793 848233

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The Town Crier Magazine | OCTOBER 2016

Abbey House

NOW OPEN

the future of dementia care in Swindon A bespoke 73-bed nursing and residential home specialising in dementia care.

Call us on 01793 987730 to arrange a visit today

EARTHMOVING SERVICES www.earthmovingservices.net

• Garden/site shaping, levelling and clearance Micro excavator, • Footings, trenches and ditches excavated minimum access • Sub-bases, soakaways and land drains width required: • Concrete, tarmac, hedge and stump removal 29 inches (730mm) • 0.75-7.5 ton excavators with driver For more information call Steve on

01793 848708 07967 341567

KW Decorating Painting & Decorating Paper Hanging • Coving Contact Kevin

07867 975549

kwilts2005@yahoo.co.uk

Experts in all building works, renovations, conversions, decorating, kitchens and bathrooms for your home or business enquiries@priorandcompany.com The Courtyard, Bath Road, Shaw, Melksham SN12 8EF

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The Town Crier Magazine | OCTOBER 2016

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Summer House Weddings at . . .

The Pear Tree

While British law doesn’t allow ceremonies to be actually performed outside (the bride, groom, registrars and witnesses must be under cover in a licenced building) the guests are able to sit outside the structure and view the ceremony inside.

It is licenced for up to 50 people and the John Veysey Suite inside is always available in case of bad weather.

The first wedding ceremony to be held in the summer house - Jill Park and Steven Kiernan

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NOWN for its bespoke wedding service, The Pear Tree of Purton can now offer a beautiful outside setting for those who want to enjoy their ceremony in the garden.

A new Summer House has been built in the 7.5 acre gardens of the hotel and restaurant near Swindon and has now been licenced for weddings.

The Harper Summerhouse has just hosted its first wedding and is named after John and Johnnie Harper who have been regular and valued guests at the hotel for almost 30 years.

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Alix Young, Hotel Manager and wedding organiser said: “The Harpers are hugely important to us here at The Pear Tree, they are very much part of the family. When we thought about building the new Summerhouse we wanted to make it a really special venue to celebrate the whole idea of marriage and to us The Harpers are the ultimate example of what a great marriage can be. They were married for over 60 years and continued to love and support each other throughout that time as well as bringing joy and happiness to everyone they met.”

The Harpers began visiting the hotel’s fine dining restaurant when it opened in 1987 and they have held many special family events in the hotel.

The Summerhouse has been built on the lawn in the hotel gardens and is surrounded by the spectacular herbaceous border. The central path of the garden makes a perfect aisle for the ceremonies and a wall of pear trees provides a picturesque backdrop.

After Mrs Harper’s sad passing a few years ago Mr Harper continues to visit the restaurant for lunch, making it his mission to introduce more and more guests to the venue each year.

Ideal for ceremonies from April to late October, the Summerhouse has been officially licensed so ceremonies held by them underneath the structure are legally binding.

The Town Crier Magazine | OCTOBER 2016

Alix said: “Our weddings are bespoke, unique and small and we’re thrilled to be able to offer something extra special. The first ceremony we held inside the Summerhouse was for a lady who’d grown up in Purton but now lives in Australia. The sun shone that day and we like to think it showed off our little part of the countryside in its best light.”

The Pear Tree caters for small and intimate weddings, with a maximum of 50 people. The team also specialise in short notice weddings and will guide couples through the process from start to finish.

For an informal conversation please contact Hotel Manager Alix Young on 01793 772100 or email alix@ peartreepurton.co.uk

Bookings can be made by phone 01793 772100 or online visit: www.peartreepurton.co.uk @peartreepurton

Home heating oil?

You’re in safe hands

We are Watson Fuels - suppliers of heating oil and fuel to homes, farms and businesses since 1957.

Chippenham 01249 657640 www.watsonfuels.co.uk

Watson-Chippenham-TownCrier.indd 1

23/10/2015 10:55:05 The Town Crier Magazine | OCTOBER 2016 17

Local Focus

Carer Support Wiltshire A local charity supporting carers

Britain’s Best Breakfast 10-16th October 2016 Be a good egg and make a difference

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S our population ages and people live longer, often with complex health conditions, more and more of us will find ourselves caring for someone, with three in five of us becoming carers at some point in our lives.

A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a family member or friend who cannot manage without their support. They might look after someone with a physical disability, long term health condition, mental health issue or a problem with substance misuse.

Carer Support Wiltshire is a local charity supporting carers in Wiltshire. We help them to access support, information, services, education and training, and breaks from their caring role. Our Carer Cafes and Support Groups are held throughout the county and offer friendly advice, help and opportunities to meet other carers and chat over a cuppa.

If you are looking after someone and would like to know what support is available telephone: 0800 181 4118.

If you would like to support our work by fundraising or volunteering, or are a business or community group looking for a local charity to support we would love to hear from you. You can find out more at: www.carersinwiltshire.co.uk or call us 01380 871690.

Take part in Britain’s Best Breakfast and invite your friends, family or work colleagues to join you for breakfast and help raise money for local charity, Carer Support Wiltshire. You could host a fundraising fry-up for friends or a breakfast buffet at work? Or why not get your school involved? There are over 47,000 carers in Wiltshire and money raised could help in the following ways: £25 could provide a trip to the cinema for two Young Adult Carers to enjoy time with their friends and a break from their caring role. £50 could provide relaxing pampering sessions and a rare treat for five carers. £150 could pay for a series of counselling sessions for carers who need additional support.

How to host a breakfast It could be a platter of pastries, a celebration of cereal or a fantastic fry-up - all you have to do is provide an eggcellent breakfast and invite people to join you for an eggceedingly generous donation! Posters and collection tins are available to help make your brekkie a success.

Visit www.carersinwiltshire.co.uk/breakfast/

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The Town Crier Magazine | OCTOBER 2016

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Local Focus

New Wiltshire Air Ambulance Charity Ambassadors W ILTSHIRE sports stars Shelley Rudman and Lauren Booth and broadcaster Alan Dedicoat have become Charity Ambassadors for Wiltshire Air Ambulance (WAA). Shelley, Lauren and Alan all have a passion for WAA and are committed to helping to raise awareness and funds to enable the charity to save more lives.

said: “I have friends who live in the Wiltshire area and I frequently use the M4 from my home in London to get to the West Country. I know of the good work that Wiltshire Air Ambulance does and I know how – in a medical crisis – speed is of the essence.”

David Philpott, Chief Executive of WAA, said: “We are delighted that Shelley, Lauren and Alan have become Charity Ambassadors for Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

They are well respected and inspirational in their respective fields. Their support of Wiltshire Air Ambulance will help boost our profile and raise the funds we need to operate an essential helicopter emergency medical service in Wiltshire and surrounding counties.

“Shelley, Lauren and Alan all understand the importance of fundraising for charities and we thank them for giving their time to help us with that and using their connections to spread the word about Wiltshire Air Ambulance.”

Left: Alan Dedicoat at Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s Operations Centre in Devizes.

Shelley, who lives in the Pewsey Vale and who won the Olympic silver medal and was the World Champion in Skeleton Bobsleigh, said: “Generally around where I live, Wiltshire Air Ambulance is very well regarded and there are often fundraising activities which I have been part of or donated items of kit to. I’ve become an Ambassador for it because it’s a local Wiltshire charity and is very much needed in such a rural area. You also never know when and who may need it.”

Lauren, 15 of Chippenham, who is a Champion Para-cyclist and is a member of the British Cycling Academy, said: “I’m really pleased to support Wiltshire Air Ambulance and to help raise awareness of the invaluable work carried out by the charity. The air ambulance covers such a large area and is able to get to the required locations within minutes, with highly trained medics and extra medical equipment on board, to help save lives.”

Alan, who is known as the ‘Voice of the Balls’ on the National Lottery draw TV programmes and is the voice of Strictly Come Dancing on BBC One, 20

The Town Crier Magazine | OCTOBER 2016

Below: Shelley Rudman (second from left) and Lauren Booth (fifth from left) with (l-r) WAA’s Louise Cox (Critical Care Paramedic), Dan Tucker (HEMS Paramedic), Kevin Reed (Head of Operations) and Richard Miller (Critical Care Paramedic) at Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s Operations Centre in Devizes.

Photos: Stephen McGrath at maddoggiraffe.com

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www.mardenroofing.co.uk 26/01/2015 The Town Crier Magazine | OCTOBER 201614:0321

Gardening

Spring into action!

by Rachel Leverton

P

LANTING DAFFODILS is one of my favourite jobs, though it is tinged with a bit of sadness that summer is now truly over. So planting these sunny yellow flowers is a good way of looking forward to the spring.

When I had my very first garden I planted loads of daffodils and had a wonderful display the first year. I congratulated myself that all my hard work was worth it because now I would have a fantastic display for years to come. The second year however I had loads of foliage but just a few flowers. I learned that I had not planted my bulbs deep enough...classic novice error!

Bulbs which are too close to the soil surface are subject to drought as soon as the sun begins to shine.

They simply don’t get enough moisture or sustenance.

It’s the leaves, which remain after the flowers, that pass food to the bulbs as they die back, so the bulbs can store enough nutrients to produce flowers again the following year. Daffodil bulbs need to be planted at least 15cm / 6 inches deep, and don’t cut the foliage back after the flowers have died for at least 6 weeks (another novice error!).

In order to produce the best possible display the following year, once the foliage has faded sprinkle some general fertiliser around the plants.

When planting for the first time, clumps look best in the average suburban garden. I plant eight to ten bulbs in a round group spaced about 8cm / 3 inches apart. I dig a hole wide and deep enough to accommodate the whole group, firm the earth back into place and (really important) label the spot! That way I avoid spearing the bulbs when I’m digging while they are dormant.

If you want early flowers then go for short stems as they survive frost better. The bright yellow ‘Tête-à-tête’ is the perfect partner for late snowdrops.

I love ‘Jenny’, which has pale yellow trumpets that gradually fade to white, and ‘Trevithian’ which is a lovely yellow and quite graceful.

‘Thalia’ and ‘Pipit’ are both good later-flowering daffs, and I have a soft spot for ‘Hawera’, which is a soft yellow and multi-headed. The latter looks amazing in a blue pot underplanted with white Pulmonaria angustifolia ‘Sissinghurst White’.

Now it’s your turn to spring into action!

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The Town Crier Magazine | OCTOBER 2016

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The Town Crier Magazine | OCTOBER 2016

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Food & Drink

Toffee Apples

METHOD

Wash the apples an

d dry thoroughly with kitchen pape Remove the stalks r. and push a stick into the centre of each apple wher e the stalk has be en removed .

Line a baking tra y with non-stick baking paper.

Put half each of th e sugar, syrup, bu tter, lemon juice water and stir ov and er a very gentle he at until the butte has melted and th INGREDIENTS r e sugar has compl etely dissolved.

12 small dessert apples, Cox's or Spartan are good. Bring to the boil and boil rapidly for 510 minutes until 130C has been re 12 wooden lollipop sticks or short dowels ached on a suga r thermometer ( you haven't got a or if thermometer un 450g /1lb Demerara sugar til a teaspoon of toffee becomes ha the rd an d brittle when po 2 tbsp golden syrup bowl of cold wate ured into a r.

60g/2oz butter Remove the pan from the heat ea ch time before te 4 tsp lemon juice sting.

When the correct temperature has been reached plac the pan on a wood 4 tbsp water e en board or trive t.

One at a time qu ickly dip six of th e apples into the toffee until even ly coated.

Lift out and let th e excess toffee dr ip back into the pa Stand the coated n. apples on the pr epared tray and in a cool, dry plac leave e to set.

This is important as moisture in th e air will cause th toffee to become e sticky.

Use the remainin g ingredients to make a second ba of toffee. If you try tch to make it all in on e go the toffee wi set before you m ll anage to coat all twelve apples ... take your time! so

A Halloween Treat!

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The Town Crier Magazine | OCTOBER 2016

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www.ask-ams.co.uk @AMSAccountancy www.ams-accountancy.co.uk The Town Crier Magazine | OCTOBER 2016

25

Puzzles

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Monday & Tuesday Royal Wootton Bassett Ridgeway House for this delicious curry recipe visit Tel: Malcolm slimmingworld.co.uk 07825 251872 0344Mon 8977:30pm 8000 The Lawns, & Tues 6:30pm

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ACROSS 7 Nocturnal black and white mammal (6) 8 Our nearest continental neighbour (6) 9 Deceased (4) 10 Alumnus, former student (8) 11 Entertainment with music, song and dance (7) 13 Tickly, needs a scratch (5) 15 Cheat, deceive (5) 17 Lack of belief in God (7) 20 Non-acceptance, repudiation (8) 21 Playthings (4) 22 Lowest position (6) 23 Christie, mystery writer (6)

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The Town Crier Magazine | OCTOBER 2016

DuncanJoyce 73x90 AW.indd 1

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DOWN 1 Yellow curved fruit (6) 2 Fictional man-eating giant (4) 3 Activate, generate (7) 4 Edible internal organs (5) 5 French bread (8) 6 Whisky (6) 12 Financial records (8) 14 Language descended from Latin (7) 16 Global sportswear brand (6) 18 Long curved agricultural blade (6) 19 Means of paying for postage (5) 21 Capture, ambush (4) Solutions to the crossword and sudoku on page 29

Get the Study Habit

by Louise Addison

T

he kids have been back at school for a month and you may have noticed old battles over homework and study resurfacing.

Now is a great time to introduce good study habits to your child, which will pay off throughout their educational journey.

Routine: Get into a homework routine as soon as possible. Immediately after school is good, after they’ve had a snack and a drink, as they will still be in the right frame of mind. Find out what works best for your child though. Some may need to expend pentup energy first, others may need to chill for twenty minutes.

‘Worst first’: When mental energy is high work on the most difficult subject. Don’t try to cram too many subjects into one session.

Study station: Designate an area for home learning.

Make it as uncluttered and distraction-free as possible.

Ensure all equipment required is nearby, so there’s no stalling.

No TV: Switch off TVs and phones until after studying.

Use it as a bribe if necessary. No games, texting or TV until homework is completed!

ACCENT

Talk: Encourage your child to talk through the project with you first. Your child is then more likely to get the work right and won’t get frustrated. Gently ask questions about any areas they seem unsure about.

The earlier your child gets into a routine the easier homework will become, for the whole family.

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Books

A Good Halloween Read The Man in the Picture

by Susan Hill

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

Susan Hill is best known as the author of Woman in Black and this short novel is in a similar vein. It certainly is short, at just 145 pages, and this makes it a perfect story to occupy a dark evening approaching Halloween.

Oliver is a Cambridge graduate who is returning to his old college to visit his old professor, Theo Parmitter. The professor is well into his eighties but still attracts the attention of his old students and the younger fellows at the university.

There is just something about him. It is during this visit, sitting in the old man’s college rooms on a dark January night with a fire burning in the grate that Oliver hears a story that will irrevocably change his life.

In addition to teaching at the university, Dr Parmitter spent his younger years as an art collector, travelling auction rooms buying known and unknown works. It is on one of these trips that he encounters a mysterious painting of a Venetian carnival, complete with gondoliers and revellers in costume and masks. As soon as he sees it he knows that he must have it. After winning the auction he is approached by a man who insists that he must have the painting and tells Theo to name his price. He turns down the offer and the painting enters his life forever. A chance photograph of the professor in a newspaper brings a mysterious old widow into the story. It is from the widow that Dr Parmitter learns the full horror of the painting: a painting with the power to trap and horrify you.

For this is no ordinary painting and Theo will find himself drawn into the story told within it, as others have in the past. Who is the man in the picture and why is he screaming and pleading with the viewer?

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The Town Crier Magazine | OCTOBER 2016

Like Woman in Black this story is told in the firstperson as Oliver learns about the painting. The narrator switches during the novel to allow us to hear directly from the professor and the Countess. Using the story-within-a-story device, allows the narrative to unfold at a leisurely pace but one which still drives the reader on to learn more. The true horror is revealed at the end and it is guaranteed to leave you wanting more, with so many questions still unanswered.

Goosebumps: Be careful what you wish for

by RL Stine

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

Keeping with the Halloween theme for the children we have a classic Goosebumps book. Samantha is a bit of a klutz: she trips over, drops things, and despite being tall, can’t manage to shoot on the school’s basketball team.

As if that weren’t enough she is picked on by the popular star of the basketball team, Judith. One day Samantha decides that she has had enough and a chance meeting with a strange little woman in the rain gives her the opportunity to get her revenge. Granted three wishes in return for helping the woman Samantha thinks she knows exactly what she wants to wish for. But, as the title says, she learns that you do indeed need to be careful what you wish for as the outcome may not be exactly what you imagined it to be.

A great scary read for pre-teen readers this is another instalment of the successful Goosebumps series. The chapters are short with plenty of cliff hangers to keep you reading and a spooky ending that reveals revenge can never be sweet.

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Crossword & Sudoku solution page 26

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www.danbaileybuilding.co.uk • danielbaileybuilding@icloud.com The Town Crier Magazine | OCTOBER 2016

29

ADVERTISING FEATURE

How to pick the right web designer for your business website Google ‘web designer’, and you’re confronted with tens of thousands of results. How on earth do you choose the right agency for you?

Without having specialist knowledge of web design, this may seem a daunting task. But don’t despair – as it turns out, you already have all the tools you need to choose wisely. Despite its apparently baffling technical nature, web design is essentially the same as any other service, and the same rules apply in selecting a provider.

If you were choosing a builder, you’d probably want to know about their previous work, any testimonials, and prices. You’d also make a judgement on their customer service. This is no different for web design. Let’s look at these a bit more closely: Previous work. Any web designer worth their salt will have a portfolio of work that you can browse through.

When you visit their site, make the most of that

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The Town Crier Magazine | OCTOBER 2016

opportunity. If you think their customer sites look ugly, or they’re confusing and hard to navigate, chances are that other people think the same. When it comes to the overall impression a website makes, your opinion is an expert one. Also, ask yourself if the sites fit nicely with the nature of the companies they’re representing. Some designers add a commentary to their portfolios, and whilst not essential, these can give some indication that the designer has really thought about the site and tried to match it to the customers’ needs.

Testimonials. What previous customers have to say about the company can give you a great deal of insight.

Often, what’s missing from testimonials can tell you a lot. Don't forget that there’s nothing to stop you contacting previous customers and asking them directly about their experiences.

Price. This is obviously important, but can be very hard to pin down. Very few web designers give a binding quotation without knowing about the project in some detail. That’s understandable, as designers have to accurately estimate how long the job will take them.

Yet many designers’ web sites don’t even give rough guidelines to their prices. With so many professionals offering their service, is it worth pursuing those that cannot even give you a ball-park figure?

Customer service. This is the crucial one. There are many, many competent web designers out there, but far fewer who have stellar customer service skills. Other than testimonials, making contact is probably the only way of making a judgement on this. Get in touch, and you’ll soon get a feel for what it would it be like to work with the designer. Are your emails and calls returned promptly? Are they able to communicate in plain English? Do you get the sense that the designer will really listen to you? Will they take the trouble to understand your business and translate that into a website design? If the answer to any of these questions is ‘no’, look elsewhere!

Happy hunting…

Apply these four common-sense criteria to your search for a web professional and you’ll soon separate the wheat from the chaff.

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The Town Crier Magazine | OCTOBER 2016

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The Town Crier Magazine | OCTOBER 2016