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SEPTEMBER 2016

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The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 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 September 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 | SEPTEMBER 2016

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SEPTEMBER 2016

IN THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE

Editor’s Letter !

Welcome to the September edition

kids go As the the days grow shorter and the an has y itabl inev issue back to school this e. them l mna autu with many Heritage Day is on 10th September ic - see publ the local buildings open free to ils of deta for uk .org. days open www.heritage what is open near you. in Many thanks to everyone who sent Autumn contributions to this issue - Oaksey , eum Mus lstan Athe of ds Frien Festival, many more Malmesbury League of Friends and items of - we are always interested in receiving local interest from our readers.

Until next time ...

6

22 Game Pie 23 Cider 24 Quiche Lorraine 25 Rosé Wine 26 Puzzle Corner & Books

The Snowman by Jo Nesbø

Crossword & Sodoku 30 Gardening

Scented Narcissi

Annie

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Your Local

TownCr er Magazine

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

For general enquiries please call Annie Harling on 01249 811068 or email: contact@towncriermagazine.com 4

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2016

Local Focus Local News and Events

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

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ON W NE HAT A R ’S YO U

Local Focus SEPTEMBER 2016

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

Sponsored ‘Toddle’ for Bumps and Beyond

Malmesbury Concert Band plays the Market Cross

T

HE Malmesbury Concert Band (MCB) will be playing in the Market Cross in Malmesbury on Saturday, 24th September, between 1030am and 12 noon.

While playing a selection of its usual repertoire of classical, popular and original music, the main purpose of the programme will be to promote its main event of the year, the Musical Extravaganza on Saturday, 29th October in the Assembly Room, Malmesbury Town Hall.

O

N Thursday 28th July 2016, 10 toddlers from Royal Wootton Bassett (6) and Broad Town (4) took part in a 'sponsored toddle' at Jubilee Lake along with 3 siblings in prams, parents and grandparents. The children were asked to walk through the woods, around the lake and up a steep hill to the finish at the Tea Room. There were some games and plenty of enthusiasm along the way! Remarkably, the children have raised over £200.

The money raised will help to keep running 'Bumps and Beyond' parent and toddler group of Broad Town which is fully run by volunteers (mums and dads, with the help of the Women's Institute in the kitchen). 'Bumps' runs every Tuesday morning of term time with a variety of fun toys, craft activities, songs and snacks each week. The mummies get valuable social support and the children have fun and develop social and play skills.

Thanks to family and friends locally and further afield who have been so generous in their sponsorship to support this small, friendly group for the benefit of all the families who attend.

Esther Webb, Organiser and Committee Member 6

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2016

Band Manager Art Robb said: “ This will provide an opportunity for the band to play, and the public to hear, some of the music we are planning for the Extravaganza.”

For more information on MCB visit: www.freewebs.com/malmesburyconcertband

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

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Local Focus

Diary Dates SEPTEMBER 2016

i

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE Town Hall, Cross Hayes, Malmesbury, SN16 9BZ Tel: 01666 823748 Email: tic@malmesbury.gov.uk PLANTS SALE Oaksey Village Hall on 10th September from 09.00 until midday and Market Cross Malmesbury on the 17th September again starting at 09.00 until midday, we will be selling plants starting at 50p to £4, if you would like more info please ring or email Stuart Jackson Tel: 01666 860621 / 07434 402376 MORAVIAN CHURCH & ATHELSTAN MUSEUM APPEAL 10th September - see page 14.

Come, see and give us your ideas at the Moravian Church, Oxford Street Malmesbury at 2pm to 5pm on Heritage Open Day. www.athelstanmuseum.org.uk GRITTLETON BAPTIST CHAPEL Heritage Open Day Sat 10th September 1pm-4pm “Baptists of North Wiltshire” a talk by Dr Robert Oliver of Bradford on Avon Saturday 10th September at 6pm Victorian Harvest Festival led by Pastor Jonathan Hunt Saturday 1st October 2.30pm For further details phone Sue on 01666-822730 or visit: www.facebook.com/GrittletonBaptist-Chapel-Friends MALMESBURY EMBROIDERERS GUILD Tuesday 13th September 7pm9pm at Malmesbury Town Hall Open Evening with guest speaker Judi Grant For more information please call Ruth 01666 826597 or Janice 01249 721609 8

OAKSEY AUTUMN FESTIVAL 17th-18th September Scarecrow Trail – Flower Festival – Produce Show. Further details on page 10.

MALMESBURY ABBEY MUSIC SOCIETY CONCERT Saturday 17th September, 7:30pm, Malmesbury Abbey Bristol Ensemble Orchestra Bristol’s acclaimed professional orchestra are coming to Malmesbury for an evening of some of the most loved pieces in the classical repertoire: Mozart: Marriage of Figaro overture, Mozart: Clarinet Concerto, Beethoven: Symphony No 7.

Go to mamsmusic.co.uk for ticketing and more information.

TOWN CRIER CHAMPIONSHIP 17th September 2016 11am Royal Wootton Bassett www.royalwoottonbassett.gov. uk/events/ FLYING MONK – ARTS & CRAFTS TRAIL 2016 Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th September Flying Monk Arts Trail (formerly Malmesbury Arts & Crafts Trail) is an annual weekend event funded by artisans who have opened their studios and kind local sponsors. The trail showcases the creative abilities of people who live or work within 8 miles of the historic town of Malmesbury. Further details: 07580 128130 kim@rokipottery.co.uk www.flyingmonkartstrail.co.uk Trail guides from the Town Hall ATHELSTAN MUSEUM Thursday 29th September 6.30pm for 7pm Celebrating 300 yrs of Capability Brown Tickets £14, available from the Museum to include a drink on arrival.

TETBURY MUSIC FESTIVAL Thursday 29th September – Sunday 2nd October Full programme of events at www.tetburymusicfestival.org.uk

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2016

OCTOBER 2016

i

CELEBRATION OF HERITAGE AND HARVEST WEEKEND St Peter’s Church, Clyffe Pypard SN4 7PY 1st/2nd October There will be something to suit everyone. Celebration of Harvest at 4pm on the Sunday, to which everyone is invited. Full details at www.clyffepypard-bushton. com Concert tickets from: Anna Radley 01793 739223 or Barbara Davis 01793 739017 THE KING’S SINGERS Saturday 1st October – Malmesbury Abbey – 7pm The world-renowned King’s Singers will perform in Malmesbury Abbey a concert which will include the 80 voices of The Bath Chorus. Tickets Bath Box Office, tel 01225 463362 POTS AND PAINTINGS Great Oak Hall at Westonbirt Friday 7 until Thursday 13 October.

For further information visit: www.eelespottery.co.uk.

MAY CONTAIN FOOD, MAY CONTAIN YOU 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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The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2016

9

Local Focus

Oaksey Autumn Festival 17–18 September 2016

for the Oaksey lily and the orchids, now owned

by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Oaksey weddings and the butcher’s shop. The magnificent wall paintings will highlight the displays and the flowers will be glorious.

The weekend will end with a Harvest Festival Service in the Church at 5 p.m. on Sunday, 18 September, to which all are very welcome.

This will be a wonderful day out with refreshments in the Village Hall, an open pub and a scarecrow trail to follow! Come, see and enjoy! Tickets on Saturday and Sunday are just £3 with a programme and are available at the door.

A

N Autumn Festival is to be held in Oaksey over the weekend of 17–18 September. The main event will be a flower festival in the beautiful All Saints Church, with a special opportunity to view the unique 15th Century wall paintings. This is the first time that such a festival has been held in Oaksey Church for over 20 years. With support from the North Wiltshire Villages Flower Club, the event will run all weekend and the overall theme will be “Looking back at Oaksey 10

in the 20th Century.” The event will coincide with a Produce Show in the Village Hall on the Saturday and the renowned Scarecrow Trail with scarecrows being displayed throughout the village and beyond, with prizes to be won. The scarecrow theme for 2016 is “Around The World.”

The topics covered at the flower festival will include the Grand National, World War II and the Nuremburg Trials, the Pub in the early 1920s, the Forge, the W.I., the Dairy, Clattinger Farm, famed

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2016

A preview evening of the flower display will be held on Friday 16 September, from 6 to 8 p.m, in All Saints Church with a reception, including champagne and canapes, at a cost of £10 per ticket.

Tickets are available from Nick Mangnall, Rose Cottage, Oaksey, Wilts, SN16 9TF, on 01666 577982 or Email: nickjmangnall@gmail.com or from the Village shop. Cheques, including donations, should be made payable to All Saints Church, Oaksey.

All proceeds will go towards the cleaning and restoration of the wall paintings and repairs to the Church roof.

Above: Detail of 15th century painting in Oaksey Church

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2016

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Abbey House

A

The future of dementia care in Swindon

BBEY HOUSE is a 73-bed purpose built care home that has been developed with every stage of elder and dementia care in mind. From the soft furnishings to the position of the beds, every aspect of the care provision at Abbey House has been thought through.

Throughout the six community living areas within the home, you can rest assure that your loved one will not only be comfortable in the home from home surroundings, but will receive the best possible care and support to ensure their every individual need is met and their independence is maintained.

Our care teams use ‘Person Centred Software’ to enable them to carry out real-time record keeping, helping reduce their administration burden, enabling them to provide a better level of care.

Facilities at Abbey House • En-suite shower room in every room • Communal living and dining rooms to enable more familystyle communities • Ground floor rooms have access to the landscaped communal gardens • Special ‘grassed’ balconies on the first and second floors to help bring the outside in • On-site hairdressing facilities and therapy room • Assisted bathroom within every community • Community café space

“We are delighted to have welcomed our first residents into the home, and are now looking forward to meeting more of our future residents and their families over the coming months.”

Sheila Jolly, Registered Home Manager, Abbey House

“The in-house nursing care service offered here at Abbey House is focussed around being able to meet every stage of people living with dementia – from early on-set to end of life care.

Our nurses are able to prescribe medication in-house for common ailments, allowing us to react quickly to help minimalise hospital admissions whilst enabling continuity of care.”

Erica Price, Registered Nurse Manager

“I have been so impressed with the use of technology here and can see that it will really improve the quality of care Dad receives and most importantly his quality of life.” Family Member Call the Abbey House team on 01793 987730 or email: abbeyhouse@milestonestrust. org.uk to arrange a visit today.

For more information on the home and careers at Abbey house visit: www.milestonestrust.org.uk/ abbeymeads.

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The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2016

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The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2016

13

Local Focus

F

Have you heard the news?

RIENDS of Athelstan Museum (FOAM) certainly hope so! They are trying very hard to make sure everyone knows is aware of the wonderful news about the Moravian Church. FOAM tried to buy it nearly 2 years ago but it was bought by a developer before they could raise sufficient funds. Now thanks to some extremely generous donors they have been able to do so.

The project is repair, restore and convert the Grade 2 listed building to provide additional facilities for the museum.

Once the building work is done the building will have to be furnished and equipment provided. So there’s lot to be done!

Look on the websites for news of the appeal and how to donate. athelstanmuseum.org. uk and malmesburyappeal. co.uk The project ticks so many boxes. First, a neglected historic building will be saved and a sustainable use found for it and an untidy ( to say the least) corner of Malmesbury will be smartened up.

children are restricted by the limited space. FOAM will be able to offer a wider and more energetic range of options to school parties and cater for many more children. There will be generous room for exhibitions and displays, not just for the museum but for other groups as well. The church will make a extremely good venue; meetings, lectures, talks, films and social events will all be able to be held there. Lavatories and a small kitchen will be provided and the intention is to make all these facilities available for the town generally.

The museum will be able to house its reserve collection and there will be room to work on it for conservation and

The Athelstan Museum will not be leaving the Town Hall; this is an ideal location but the museum is a victim of its own success; it needs more room to grow. Horticulturally the museum is pot bound! And the Moravian Church is ideally situated – just across the road.

The museum will benefit by the additional space. Education will benefit; at present the opportunities to engage with 14

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2016

cataloguing. There will be office space. It may be that space at the museum used for storage will be released for exhibition areas or for electronic displays.

On Saturday 10th September between 2 and 5pm the church, as part of Open Heritage Day, will be open to the public. This will be the first opportunity for nearly 20 years to see inside the building. Come and have a good look round (please don’t fall down the well), hear what FOAM’s plans are and give your ideas and suggestions. It is such an exhilarating project – come and get involved.

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15

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Weddings at The Pear Tree

We can take on last minute weddings where we can turn things around in a very short time if needed – in a month if necessary. We’ve done this, for example, with couples where one partner is in the armed forces and is suddenly posted overseas.

W

EDDINGS in a beautiful location like The Pear Tree of Purton create such a happy vibrant atmosphere for both staff and guests alike.

Very popular this year has been our special offer of a wedding for up to 25 guests for £2,016 during 2016.

It’s likely we’ll do a similar offer for 2017, and we’re taking bookings for next year already.

Here we specialise in bespoke smaller weddings for those who want an intimate affair with fine food and fine company. Hotel manager Alix Young is our wedding planner and she’s very good at her job.

This package includes room hire for your ceremony in our John Veysey Suite, a three-course set meal for 25 with personalised table plans, place cards and menus which will be specially printed for you.

She said: “Whether your Big Day is a year away or less than a month away I’ll do everything I can to ensure you have such a special time. Our hotel is perfect for a smaller wedding with historical surroundings, grounds which are in themselves romantic and we offer fantastic food.”

There will also be a drinks reception for your guests, half a bottle of wine per person and a glass of bubbles for 25 guests for toasts. A cake stand and knife for the cutting of the cake will also be supplied.

We can also recommend any other services you need to make your special day extra special – such as referring you to a local photographer or wedding cake maker.

This offer also includes accommodation in an executive room for the happy couple the night of the wedding including full Wiltshire breakfast (which can be taken as room service).

You are more than welcome to add extra guests or services, up to a total of 50 people – and prices are available on request.

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The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2016

Please be aware a separate fee is payable to the Wiltshire Registrars who perform the ceremony in our licensed premises. Due to its location on the edge of a village, The Pear Tree is not suitable for evening events with discos.

For an informal chat, please feel free to call Alix Young on 01793 772100 for further details.

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

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The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2016

23/10/2015 10:55:05

17

Local Focus

Malmesbury League of Friends make further donations THE Malmesbury League of Friends (MLOF) has

made two further donations, totalling nearly £9,000, following requests from local organisations.

The first, of just over £7,000, through a request from HEALS of Malmesbury, will enable ten local adults and children to receive disability assessments, which will ensure their disabilities will be professionally recognised, thereby enabling them to apply for the necessary benefits and receive the support they need in their daily lives.

The assessments will be undertaken by Dr Julie

Betenson, a chartered psychologist, who holds a ampion Masters degree in Psychology of Education from Bristol University.

Bassett & Cricklade Community Areas

Ellen Blacker

, happy, healthy and fulfilling f topics. Working to improve needs at decision making levels. ake decisions about their lives uals who need support to Health and Wellbeing

Champion

port, finance & emotional issues Please contact Ellen if on and services to ensure their you think she can help or support you with d encourage membership and transport, home or Championing the voice personal safety, feeling lonely finance. of or older and vulnerable people Thisand is athe free ase capacity in supporting Hello! As I write this it is a beautiful day andlong confidential service sun is shining, but it won’t be until the days

get shorter as the nights draw in. Sorry to bring the on to contact to subject up, but winter is coming! How about trying mation on just about different this year to stave off the winter which will something help our older blues? Couple of ideas to think about: rable community”

y m TY

Men’s Sheds. This project is gaining momentum and in our area! Royal Wootton Bassett are well on the way to creating their “Shed”. They hope to open next month – look out for posters or contact Alexa Smith on 01249 706610 Mobile 07768 357306 or John Loran on 01793 771735. For those of you in Cricklade and Purton, do come and see what is going on as the plans are well under way to start similar sheds in both locations – if there is interest!

Again, call Alexa for details of the progress in Cricklade and Purton.

18

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2016

The second donation, almost £2,000, through a request from a local school, will provide vitally needed help for a local family who desperately need urgent temporary financial support to cover the cost of child care for a period of four months.

MLOF chairman Robin Clark said: “ We are always happy to respond positively to help those in desperate need, as well as continuing to support organisations such as HEALS, which does such excellent work in Malmesbury.”

HEALS Chairman Gavin Grant said: “We are very grateful for the continuing support of MLOF in helping HEALS’ work. These assessments are not available free on the NHS, so they simply would not be possible without this vital support.”

More information on MLOF can be accessed on its website: www.mlof.co.uk Using your computer? Thinking about buying a Tablet? Then the Digi Champion group could be for you! A very friendly group meet in the Cricklade leisure centre coffee shop every Monday between 10 and 12 and are happy to help and support anyone who is struggling to get to grips with the technology. Why not pop along to see if they can help you? Of course, if you are a whizz with technology, perhaps you could support others to learn? Greensquare Housing are supporting this and will also be present with some new gadgets etc.

Drop in to find out more.

Time to spare? Could you help someone who has been in Hospital? The Royal Voluntary Service is looking for people who could spare an hour per week to visit someone who has recently come home from a stay in hospital. The duties may be to check all is well and perhaps fetch a little shopping, run the vacuum around, pop the washing out or just be there to show someone cares. The commitment last for 6 weeks to support that person get back into the normal routing of life at home. If you can help, call Emma Dowie on 07766 473267.

Meanwhile, as ever, I am around for general help and support so 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

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• 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

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All aspects of Carpentry Bespoke Furniture, Door Hanging and Adjusting Wood & Laminate Flooring Interior & Exterior Tel: 01249 813734 Mobile: 07415 607968 email: s.m.carpentry@hotmail.com The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2016

19

Local Focus

Wessex Auction Rooms had one of their busiest Antiques, Furniture & Collectables auctions on Saturday 16 July, with a record number of online bidders.

The market for 20th century design is still proving strong, with the sale including several items of interest.

Unaware that a Rene Lalique coquilles dish was amongst a box of mixed collectables, the seller was delighted to see the dish sell for £340. Modern design also featured, with a Moorcroft Pottery 'Trout' pattern twin handled baluster vase, designed by Phillip Gibson, which sold for £340.

The auction included a number of Chinese bronzes and porcelain collectables, with telephone bidding interest from China, along with room bidders.

The star of the sale was a Chinese porcelain polychrome enamelled 'dragon' bottle vase, selling for £520.

Wessex Auction Rooms are accepting items for the next Antiques, Furniture & Collectables auction, which takes place on 1st October 2016 For more information please call: 01249 720888 or email: enquiries@wessexauctionrooms.co.uk Wessex Auction Rooms, Westbrook Farm, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 5LH www.wessexauctionrooms.co.uk 20

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2016

Purton Scarecrow Trail WEEKEND OF 17/18 SEPTEMBER

Purton will be holding their second Scarecrow Trail this year. The theme is musicals and will be held over the weekend of 17th/18th September. Local businesses have donated prizes and money raised will be put towards the maintenance of the defibrillator which was purchased with the proceeds from the last trail.

Programmes costing £2 will be available beforehand from Hiscocks Butchers or The Royal George from Wednesday 14th, and on the day from 3b High Street or the Lower Square opposite the Village Hall. There is a children’s section – entry £1 – theme Disney Characters.

Refreshments will be available throughout the village and parking will be available. For information email: info@purton-scarecrow.co.uk or call 01793 772579 or find us on Facebook.

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, Local Producers, Book Sales, Cooking Demonstrations and live music from Newton Country.

More information can be found at www.horsellsfarment.com Entrance to the Farm is FREE Gates open at 10.30am

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The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2016 21 GAR_697653.pdf 13:49:24 January 15, 2014 1 of 2 Sarah

Food & Drink

Game Pie Preparation time: 35 minutes + cooling Cooking time: Approximately 2 hours Serves 6 Ingredients 2 tbsp sunflower oil 800g/ 1lb 12oz boneless mixed game (rabbit, venison, pheasant etc), cut into 2.5cm / 1 inch cubes 225g / 8oz shallots, peeled and halved 1 garlic clove, finely chopped 100g / 3.5oz smoked bacon lardons 175g / 6oz carrots, chopped 2 sticks celery, roughly chopped 2 tbsp flour, plus extra for dusting 300ml / 10fl oz chicken stock 200ml / 7fl oz red wine 2 tbsp redcurrant jelly Few sprigs of fresh thyme 500g / 1lb 2oz pack puff pastry Salt and pepper Beaten egg to glaze

22

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2016

Method Heat half the oil in a large saucepan.

Fry the game cubes in batches until brown. Remove the game to a plate and add the remaining oil to the pan, fry the shallots, garlic, lardons, carrots and celery for 10 minutes, stirring until lightly golden in colour.

Add the flour to the pan and cook for one minute, then gradually stir in the stock, followed by the red wine, then the redcurrant jelly, and bring to the boil.

Return the meat to the pan and add the thyme. Season with salt and pepper, cover and simmer gently for about an hour, until the meat is tender.

Preheat the oven to 220C / Gas mark 7. Transfer the game casserole to a large pie dish. Place a pie funnel (if using) in the centre and dampen the rim of the dish with water.

Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 5cm / 2 inches wider then the dish. Cut a 2.5cm / 1 inch strip of pastry from the outer edge, brush with water and use to line the rim of the dish. Then brush the pastry rim with water and top with the pastry lid. Seal, trim and crimp the pastry edges, and decorate the top of the pie with pastry trimmings.

Glaze the pie with the beaten egg. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the pastry is risen and golden.

Cider

I

T is believed that cider existed as long ago as Roman times, but its popularity in the UK stems from just after the Norman Conquest.

The UK has the highest per capita consumption of cider and the largest cider producing companies.

Cider is the thirst-quenching choice for many on a long hot summer’s day.

Ciders range from sweet to dry and can be cloudy amber in colour, brown or even clear liquids.

Modern mass-produced varieties appear similar to sparkling wine whereas traditionally brewed varieties tend to be darker and stronger. A lot depends on ingredients and technique.

Historically West Country varieties use cider apples and a pressing process which involves layers of straw rather than cloths. In Eastern Counties it is more usual for a variety of eating and cooking apples to be used.

Scrumpy is one of the most famous forms of traditional cider. It is usually cloudy, has little or no carbonation, and a high alcohol content.

When pears are used rather than apples the drink is known as Perry. Some of the big producers now have specific pear varieties and there are also many popular ‘fruit’ based contemporary brands which are created by adding other fruits to apple cider.

Low alcohol versions are available meaning that cider can be enjoyed by everyone this summer.

by Susan Brookes-Morris The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2016

23

Food & Drink

Quiche Lorraine Preparation time: 30-40 mins including chill time.

Cooking time: 25-30 minutes Ingredients

4 eggs 175g / 6oz streaky bacon 1 onion (finely chopped) 125g / 4.5oz hard cheese (Gruyere is nice but cheddar is fine) 250ml / 9fl oz single cream Salt and pepper

Pastry

175g / 6oz plain flour 85g / 3oz hard block butter (chilled) Pinch salt 2-3 tbsp water 24

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2016

Method Make the pastry: put the flour into a bowl, rub in the butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs, then add the salt and enough water to make a firm dough.

Roll it out and line a 20cm / 8 inch loose-bottomed flan tin. Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes While the pastry is chilling preheat oven to 220C/gas 7.

Prick the pastry case all over with a fork then line it with greaseproof paper. Use baking beans or lentils to weight it down.

Bake for ten minutes. Remove the greaseproof paper and bake for another 5-10 minutes until pale golden brown.

Reduce the oven temperature to 180C. Chop the bacon into small pieces and fry in a pan until crisp and golden. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and pop it into the pastry case. Then fry the onion in the bacon fat until that too is golden and add it to the pastry case. Top with the grated cheese.

Beat the eggs, cream, salt and pepper together lightly, then pour into the pastry case.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until just set. Take care not to overcook the quiche or it will develop a rubbery texture, full of little holes.

Rosé Wine

T

HE popularity of rosé wine is increasing.

Barely heard of twenty years ago, a Nielsen report in 2015 said that rosé sales were growing ten times faster than overall table wine sales.

Rosé wine can be created in a variety of ways.

The most common is maceration - where red grape skins rest in the juice for a shorter period of time than if red wine was being created. The winemaker removes the skins when the perfect colour is reached. The second is the ‘bled’ method.

Here, juice is bled off during the first few hours of making a red wine and placed in a new vat to make rosé. Very rarely and usually only when creating sparkling wines a blending method is used where red wine is added to a vat of white wine.

The primary flavours of rosé wine are red fruit, flowers, citrus, and melon with a green crunchy flavour in the finish similar to rhubarb or celery.

The exact flavour depends on the types of grapes used. Rosés can vary from dry to sweet.

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25

Books & Puzzles

A Good Read

PUZZLE CORNER

The Snowman

by Jo Nesbø

A bit of a different novel this month and a genre that is growing in popularity these days: Nordic noir. ‘The Snowman’ is about as far from Miss Marple as you can get and will appeal to fans of Stig Larsson’s ‘Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’.

Nesbø is the creator of Harry Hole, an ex-alcoholic detective from Oslo. Hole became famous when he was sent to Australia to help solve the murder of a Norwegian citizen. This sealed his reputation upon his return to Norway: a country lacking in serial killers. Until the events of ‘The Snowman’.

In this, the seventh Harry Hole book, women start to go missing from the Oslo area. They all have one thing in common: they are all married. In each case there doesn’t seem to be any reason why these women would go missing. Marital status alone is not enough to make a connection but in these snowy regions of Northern Europe there is one more similarity between the cases. In each case a snowman appears at the murder scene.

This is an engrossing novel which draws you, not only into the case, but into Hole’s life in the capital of Norway. As in all of Nesbø’s novels, the city of Oslo and the surrounding areas come to life almost as if they were characters in their own right. Hole is far from a hero, his character flaws are ever present and conflict between him and his colleagues is a common theme. As with many novels in this genre life is shown, warts and all, and it makes for a novel that is dark, bleak, alien, and yet one you will struggle to put down.

Review by Willow Coby 26

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2016

ACROSS 1 Drinking chocolate (5) 4 Worries (5) 7 Keeps the rain off (8) 8 Drop (4) 9 Quantifies (8) 11 Thing, object (4) 12 Breakfast food (6) 14 Rented or available to rent (2,4) 16 Settee (4) 18 Acrobatics (8) 20 Remaining (4) 21 Cars, lorries etc (8) 23 Dismisses (5) 24 Trades (5)

DOWN 1 Vie (7) 2 Vocal, umbilical, and spinal __ (5) 3 Whole (3) 4 Teaching area in a school (9) 5 Litter (7) 6 Tint (5) 10 Ancestors (9) 13 Stretchy (7) 15 Sprinters (7) 17 Complies (5) 19 Resident in an area (5) 22 Possesses (3) Solutions to the crossword and sudoku on page 29

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27

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Pets

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Autumn Awareness Mike Hollywood

BvetMed CertVOphthal MRCVS

www.georgevetgroup.co.uk The George Veterinary Hospital: 01666 823165 Royal Wootton Bassett: 01793 852458

The shorter cooler days herald the onset of autumn; as we mourn the loss of another summer, here are some tips to keep your pet safe and disease free at this time of year.

Autumn is a busy time for parasites! Fleas are still very much a problem, so do keep up to date with anti-parasitic treatments. This time of year is also the peak time for ticks. Ticks live in long grass

and woodland areas and attach themselves to passing pets. Grooming your dog after a walk is an ideal opportunity to remove them before they attach. At the same time you can check for grass seeds which can get stuck in the coat, and penetrate the skin working their way in to cause pain and possible infection.

Harvest mites are another problem seen in the late summer and autumn months. The mites live in long grass and swarm onto passing pets, where they typically congregate on the face, ears and feet. They present as bright orange dots and are usually a cause of great irritation.

Other risks perhaps lie closer to home in your garden. Keep pets away from fallen fruits, acorns and conkers, all of which can cause digestive upsets. Also, do try and prevent your dog eating slugs and snails since these can spread the lungworm Angiostrongylus vasorum.

Above: Ticks Below: Harvest Mite Bites

AUTUMN ACHES: Bear in mind that the cooler weather ahead may unmask arthritic disease and joint stiffness so do keep an eye on your pet’s mobility and for any signs of discomfort.

It’s a good idea to keep an eye on your pet’s weight too over the next few months since it’s all too easy to gain a little at this time of year! If you are at all concerned then book your pet in with your vet for a check-up.

28

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2016

Finally, I’d like to take the opportunity to welcome Holly Chivers and Alice Manley into the Hospital team as our newest Veterinary Interns, increasing our team of small animal vets to 12. Keep a look out for future articles here from them both. The expansion of our current hospital facilities is now underway in Malmesbury which will further enhance the 24 hours services we provide in the most modern of developments.

Crossword & Sudoku solution page 26

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Gardening

Scented Narcissi

I

by Rachel Leverton

KNOW it’s only just September but I need to talk about ... Christmas! Before you all pelt me with clay flowerpots just hear me out. A little advance planning now and when skies are dark and the north wind blows you’ll reap the benefits.

Everyone knows about potted hyacinths, ubiquitous during the festive period. They smell heavenly but let’s face it everyone has them and they’re a bit old-hat. I have the answer: scented narcissi. To my mind they’re more elegant and fit better into contemporary homes. The two varieties I grow are Paper White, which is my favourite, because it’s white and so seems to fit in with the whole Christmas theme, and Grand Soleil d’Or for when I need a sunnier, yellow bloom.

Both varieties have tiny flowers, clustered at the top of straight, long stems and, if planted now they will be in flower before Christmas. I tend to plant a few pots now (they’re great as economical gifts for those hard-to-buy-for elderly relatives) plus a pot per week for myself between now and

the end of October so I can have the luxury of scented bulbs continuously in flower for a couple of months during the bleak winter period.

You need to buy ‘prepared’ bulbs which have been heat-treated to make them flower before Christmas.

I tend to plant one variety per pot because I think that provides more impact but you can plant to suit your own tastes.

I use a nice 15cm / 6 inch pot with drainage holes (so there’s no danger of water-logging) and fill it with soil-less multipurpose compost. I cram as many bulbs in as I can, leaving just the pointy bit of the bulb protruding.

Then I water them and keep them in a cool dark place until the flower shoots are visible.

Within a fortnight of bringing them into a warm room they will flower. Have some split green canes on hand with some twine so if the stems need support you can provide it. Then just sniff and enjoy.

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The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2016

ALLIED WESSEX WESTINSURE YOUR LOCAL INSURANCE BROKER

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DAMP HOUSE?

DAMP HOUSE?

BLACK MOULD GROWTH? CONDENSATION A REAL BLACK MOULD GROWTH? PROBLEM?

CONDENSATION A REAL PROBLEM?

Install a Heat

Recovery System from as little as £600

Install a Heat Recovery System from as little as £600 Heat Recovery will Heat Recovery willfilter out stale, filter out stale, moisture-filled air and clean out moisture-filled airmaking and pollen and dust, your clean out pollenand andhealthier home a cleaner dust, making your place to live. home a cleaner and

healthier place to live. needs For all your electrical (part P approved contractor)

An independent, friendly, family run business.

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Product manufacturer Before andAS after photographs FROM ASguidance.

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Please call Eaton Electrical

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Tel: 07796 000927 Fully insured or 01666 838096

eatonelectrical75@gmail.com The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2016 Qualified electrician with over 16 years’

31

LANDLORDS

REQUIRED 3 MONTHS FREE MANAGEMENT

*

Debbie is looking for new properties for her tenants in Royal Wootton Bassett and the surrounding areas.

Our management services are second to none so if you have a property to let in the area please give her a call and you can have our expertise free for 3 months*.

Royal Wootton Bassett

01793 855 117 *Subject to a minimum 12 month contract, additional fees apply.

For full Terms and Conditions please visit richardjames.info/3monthsfree

richardjames.info 111 High Street | Royal Wootton Bassett | Wiltshire | SN4 7AU Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @RJEstateAgent

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The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2016

Debbie, your local lettings expert