SEPTEMBER 2020 // ISSUE 129
+ CINEMA RETROW STEPHEN GRAVER THE LODGE & MUCH MORE
EDUCATION EDUCATION EDUCATION
OUR ANNUAL GUIDE TO SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION
FREE
WIN A WINE TASTING
FOR YOU & 5 FRIENDS AT CRU WINES!
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A SKID PAN COURSE AT DRIVE-TECH LTD!
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DELICIOUS GREEK RECIPES FROM THE FOOD WIFE
WE EXPLORE WILTSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST’S CONIGRE MEAD FOOD & DRINK // PUZ ZLES // HOME & GARDENS // HEALTH // COMMENT
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contents
September 2020 // issue 129
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Published by Wired Publishing Editor Lisa Rockliffe Contributors Andy White, Fran Stevens, Phil Rockliffe, Neil Mortimer, Katie Thomson, Andy Diffey, Adam Jacot De Boinod Advertising Enquiries Andy Diffey e: andy@wired-publishing.co.uk t: 01225 807775 General Enquiries e: info@wired-publishing.co.uk t: 01225 807775 www.wired-publishing.co.uk Address 20 Azalea Drive, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 9GG This magazine is printed on paper sourced from sustainable forests. Please recycle it when you are done, or pass it on! The publishers shall not be held liable for any loss occasioned by the failure of an advertisement to appear, or any damage or inconvenience caused by errors, omissions or misprints. Reproduction of this magazine in whole, or in part is strictly prohibited wihout prior permission of the publishers. Front Cover: Southern Hawker Dragonfly
t feels great to be back! The last few months have been tough for everyone. There are those who’ve had to be on the front line, there are those who have had to shield, there are those who have simply had to put up with home schooling their kids and having nowhere to take them! After the best part of six months all we need now is a little bit of normal! Now we may not have much say in what goes on at a Government level (none at all actually!) but we do hope to provide a little ray of sunshine among the gloom. Our September edition is packed full of great ideas for home improvements (we all feel we need those at the moment), school options for the little ones (p31), new places to try for food and drink and some great competitions too - win a skid pan course with Drive-Tech Ltd on p10 and a wine tasting session with you and 5 pals on p20! The Food Wife offers up a taste of the Med with some delicious Greekinspired recipes (p23) and we have a new feature that highlights a lovely Wiltshire Wildlife reserve, this month featuring Conigre Mead in Melksham (p28).
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Turn the page to enjoy a great read and stay safe everyone! Lisa Rockliffe, Editor Follow us on Twitter... @westwiltsmag Read online... westwiltsmag.co.uk
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in this issue... LOCAL NEWS Cinema Retrow An Elizabethan Evening returns! Dorothy House Hero Walk Private Dining at Heywood House
4 8 8 9
FOOD & DRINK The Swan Hotel Spotty Dog Farm Shop Cru Wines Eat the Seasons Greek recipes Meet The Chef at The Lodge
17 18 20 22 23 26
FEATURES Newland Place Conigre Mead
12 28
Education in 2020
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HOMES & GARDENS Stephen Graver Design & Build Antiqued wood flooring
42 44 52
BATH RUGBY Neal Hatley appointed Head Coach 60 COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES Win a Skid-Pan course! Win a group wine tasting! That’s interesting... Quiz, wordsearch & sudoku
10 20 62 64
COMMENT The Last Word
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local news
CINEMA RETROW A HUGE SUCCESS Innox Mills was abuzz in August as a new drive-in cinema event rolled into our county town.
Over 2000 people visited Cinema Retrow over 3 days
O
ver 2,000 people visited Innox Mills in Trowbridge in August to see 11 popular feature films screened on a giant 60sq.m screen over a three-day event. Many were local, but some came from as far afield as Bristol, Winchester, Swindon and London.
added a fun, summer picnic feel to the drive-in cinema experience. A number of film fans brought along props and toys to reflect their film's theme. A family of young Lion King fans shared their picnic rug with a small pride of cuddly Simba lion toys and Elliot from Trowbridge arrived in
"The digital in-car speakers produced excellent quality sound and people could be heard singing and clapping along to the films in their cars." Making the most of the weather, film fans arrived in vehicles of all shapes and sizes, from convertibles to classic cars and camper vans. As it was over 30°C on all three days, guests were allowed to sit outside their cars (whilst social distancing), which 4
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his convertible dressed as Elton John to watch Rocketman on Sunday. The digital in-car speakers produced excellent quality sound and people could be heard singing and clapping along to the films in their cars. The
roller skating waiters and waitresses whizzed delicious freshly cooked burgers, spicy hot dogs, vegan wraps, ice cream, sweets, popcorn and chilled drinks to the cars, all ordered via an in-car smartphone app. As people were driving out, many asked when the next drive-in will be taking place and a 75 year-old lady said it was the best time she'd had in years! Jonathan Dean, owner of the Innox Mills site which hosted the event, said: "We were so pleased that our Cinema Retrow drive-in events were such a success. It's very satisfying being able to put on a large event in these strange times. We've had some wonderful feedback from people complimenting our friendly team and saying what a fun idea it
local news
images credit Glenn Stanley, Your Digital Memories
was to have their food delivered by roller skating waiters and waitresses. They also commented on how safe they felt thanks to the health and safety measures we had taken. Our next event is the Innox Market on Sunday 20 September, where there will be food, drink and craft stalls, live music and freshly cooked takeaway food on offer. The market runs from 9am to 3pm in the Innox Mills car park at the end of the Trowbridge train station car park and entry is free. We also have a number of other exciting events in the pipeline, so watch this space!" To find out more follow @InnoxMills and see the Innox Market website. • theatm.co.uk THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
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NEW BRADFORD ON AVON SHOWROOM OPENING SOON
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Marsh Road, Hilperton, Wiltshire BA14 7PL Tel 01225 571331
roundup
local news
All the latest news and events from West Wiltshire and beyond!
THE ELIZABETHAN EVENING RETURNS!!
Every year, during open-air theatre season, Manor Farm in Corsley opens its gates for everyone to enjoy entertainment in the wonderful grounds of this historic Elizabethan Manor, in the shape of outdoor theatre by a professional equity registered open-air touring theatre. This year it will be a different experience though because of the COVID-19 rules.
The event takes place on Sunday 6 September with two performances at 2pm and 6pm; 1hour duration with NO interval. There will be no pre-performance dining, bar or coffees sold! Gates will open 1hour before each performance and the audience are asked to bring their own seating. On arrival guests will be shown to an appropriately socially distanced spot.
Illyria are performing The Wind In The Willows this year at Manor Farm
Award-winning theatre company Illyria are this year performing Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind In The Willows (adapted by Oliver Gray.)
Mole yearns for adventure, Rat adores boats and Badger likes peace and quiet. Into their lives bursts Toad who loves fast cars and just can’t seem to help getting into trouble. But can the animals reform Toad’s character and evict the squatters from his ancestral home to restore justice to the world? Kenneth Grahame’s perennial classic is brought to the stage in Illyria’s inimitable style. This is perfect summer fun for everyone aged 5+. Tickets are £10 for adults and £7.50 for children aged 5-13. Tickets must be bought in advance - please call 01373 832113 or email office@ theelizabethanevening.com for more details. • illyria.co.uk • theelizabethanevening.com
JOIN THE DOROTHY HOUSE HERO WALK TODAY!
© Tim Maynard Photography
Dorothy House’s mission is to provide compassionate care and support for those living with a lifelimiting illness.
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Sign-up today for just £5 (plus admin fee) and they’ll post your Welcome Pack including your very own cape to wear during your walk. By getting friends and family to sponsor you, Until 12 September they’re asking you to join their first ever virtual Hero you’ll raise valuable funds that will help Dorothy House continue to provide Walk to celebrate the heroes in our lives and across our community. You care and support, free of charge, to their patients and their families. can fly solo, recruit a buddy, enlist the family or draft a team! Pick the The event is live until 12 September distance challenge that suits you and you can complete your from a 5 to 26-miles! challenge all in one go or spread THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
it out. As you fundraise and tick off mile after mile, share your updates on your giving page! • dorothyhouse.org.uk/events/ hero-walk
local news
ENJOY EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE DINING AT HEYWOOD HOUSE
Imagine your very own special event set in idyllic grounds, and beautiful, light and spacious historic buildings… Heywood House near Westbury is now exclusively hiring the Conservatory for your own bespoke private dining experience.
Heywood House is a stunning venue for a special occasion
Whether you are planning to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, milestone, or accomplishment, Heywood House can help deliver an amazing and faultless event in a completely private location, keeping you safe in the current climate. The Conservatory is nestled in the glorious grounds providing somewhere private and spacious to host your celebration. Additionally, the front lawn of the estate is a wonderful outdoor space set between the lake and the Mansion house, offering the perfect backdrop for your next special occasion or event. The estate is situated in 30 acres of beautiful gardens and parklands and fully equipped with the facilities to provide a sit down three course meal, champagne and canapé reception, full afternoon tea or prosecco picnics, to name a few. The in-house dedicated events team and catering manager will work closely with you to create your bespoke package, catering to your personal requirements and delivering you a unique and unforgettable celebration Contact the team today to begin planning your tailor-made event on 01373 486800. • heywoodhouse.com THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 9
competition
WIN A SKID PAN DRIVING COURSE!
Enter our competition for your chance to win a Skid Pan Driving Course from DRIVE-TECH worth £110!
A skid pan course is educational and great fun!
D
rive-Tech is the West Country’s premier Skid Pan, Karting and 4×4 off road venue based at Castle Combe Circuit. Perfect presents for the petrolhead in your life, their Skid Pan course is a realistic and effective process of learning skid control techniques and the ideal safe environment to test your handling skills. It's great fun and educational making it a must for all drivers! Driving standard road cars
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their experts will show you how to react to adverse conditions and put you back in control!
A SKID PAN TRAINING COURSE INCLUDES: • Welcome Introduction • Safety Briefing • Initial driving session on the Skid Pan (in both cars) • Classroom session with instructor • Driving session on the Skid Pan (in both cars) • Braking Exercises (ABS & cadence) • Fun Time Trial (small prize for fastest time) • Debrief with presentation • Skid Control completion certificate • An explanation of how ABS works and how to get maximum benefit from the system
COMPETITION TIME Drive-Tech have kindly offered us TWO Skid Pan Driving Course vouchers to give away to two lucky readers! For your chance to win simply email your answer to this easy question to comp@wiredpublishing.co.uk, remembering to include your name and preferred contact details.
HOW MANY F1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS DID MICHAEL SCHUMACHER WIN? Is it: a) 3 b) 5 c) 7 Email your answers now. Good luck! Closing date for entries is 30.09.2020. Entrants must be 18 or over. Drivers in the Skid Pan Course must hold a full driving licence. Your details will not be stored.
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CELEBRATING
years
IN CORSHAM
RIGHT ANGLE Picture Framing
REAL ALES & LIVE MUSIC From leather jackets to suits, work boots to shiny shoes and mohicans to combovers, you’ll get a warm friendly welcome at The Three Horseshoes.
LIVE MUSIC
EVERY FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY Real Ales | Beer Garden | Pub Games Real Log Fires | Parking Next to Bradford on Avon Train Station Frome Road, Bradford On Avon, Wiltshire BA15 1LA Tel 01225 865876 Find us on Facebook
For all types of picture framing & art materials too. OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY
10am-1pm for collections & purchases 1pm-4pm for consultations (by appointment) 20 High Street, Corsham SN13 0ES
Tel 01249 716051
www.rightanglepictureframing.co.uk
Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary Saving stray & unwanted dogs since 1958
Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary is a small independent animal rescue organisation. We are a non-destruction sanctuary for abandoned and unwanted dogs.
Our dogs are all vet checked, vaccinated, wormed, neutered (if old enough), chipped, and looking for loving new homes
OPEN DAILY BY APPOINTMENT ONLY (Office Hours: 10:00-12:30 & 14:00-16:30)
Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary, Priory Rd, Ascot, Berks SL5 8RJ
01344 882689 | pineridgedogs@yahoo.co.uk Registered Charity Number 256728
Sunday 6th September 2020 at Manor Farm, Corsley BA12 7QE
2pm & 6pm (Running time 1hr.) Please bring your own seating.
(Picnics are discouraged due to social distancing but bring light refreshments if required. We regret that no food or refreshments will be available on site)
Tickets: Adults £10, Child 5-13yrs £7.50
01373 832113 // office@theelizabethanevening.com (Tickets must be bought in advance)
local news
NEW AT NEWLAND PLACE
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Trowbridge’s latest housing development, Newland Place, has been progressing apace...
ewland Place by Newland Homes is fast becoming Trowbridge’s popular new address, thanks to its meticulous design and high-quality interiors. A selection of properties, ranging from 1-bed apartments to 4-bed detached houses, are well underway on Bradley Road. The homes are centred around an attractive green, framed with established trees. As the only new build development in the town, there are advantages to buying at Newland Place rather than from existing housing stock. The Government’s Help to Buy scheme is available on all properties at Newland Place, which means those wanting a new home could achieve this for a lot less than they anticipated. Help to Buy lends buyers up to 20% of the cost of their new home through an equity loan from the Government, which is interest free for the first five years. One of the homes at Newland Place has a particularly special location. Plot 21 is a ‘Hampton’ by Newland Homes and it enjoys an awe-inspiring view over the majestic oak tree and green, which forms the centrepiece of the site. The Hampton is a detached, four bedroom three storey home designed for entertaining. There is a light and spacious ground floor with breakfast bar island and fully glazed conservatory, equally matched by the galleried top floor master suite, with a walk in wardrobe and en-suite, which makes a perfect retreat from the hubbub of daily life. Not only that but its also has a dedicated work from home space incorporated into the design. Plot 21 is priced at £360,000
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Natasha and Lloyd Butler, who bought a home at Newland Place
"As the only new build development in the town, there are advantages to buying at Newland Place rather than from existing housing stock." (or £288,000 with Help to Buy) and it’s available now. Natasha and Lloyd Butler and their son moved into a Hampton at Newland Place last year. She comments: “We work locally and we wanted more space for our family to grow. We weren’t actively looking to move house and we didn’t think the properties would be in our price range, but we were pleasantly proven wrong and now we have the perfect home for entertaining.” Erica Povey, Field Sales Manager at Newland Homes offers a word of caution if you want to buy but might be holding off: “The Government is changing the Help to Buy eligibility criteria from next Spring. Under changes scheduled to be introduced from April 2021, a Help to Buy equity loan will only be available to first time buyers and a regional price cap will
be introduced, which means there is a limited window of time to take advantage of this incentive.” Newland Homes has a long association with Trowbridge. It has been the recipient of the Trowbridge Town Enhancement Award for an unprecedented three times for its work in transforming and enhancing the local community. This legacy is set to continue, with Newland Place forming the next chapter in Trowbridge’s evolution. Prices currently start at £245,000 at Newland Place. Tailor-made appointments to view are available daily between 11am and 5pm at Newland Homes’ sales office and show homes at Newland Place. Please visit the website or call 01225 287001 to book your appointment. • newlandhomes.co.uk/trowbridge
local news
HOPE NATURE CENTRE CHANGES
H
ope Nature Centre, an Animal Park and Café set in 15 acres of Southwick Country Park just outside Trowbridge, are continuing with their investment plan following three months of closure due to COVID-19. Fairfield Farm Trust, the charity which operates Hope Nature Centre, were given the go ahead to re-open in late June, with a host of safety measures in place. Throughout the closed period, the team worked tirelessly improving the site, including the building of a brand-new Rabbit & Guinea Pig Village, alongside many improvements to animal enclosures and plenty of land management.
rave reviews from excited young adventurers. “We’ve been delighted by the support of visitors who have returned and helped support this very special project and charity” said David Gillingham, Commercial Manager for Fairfield Farm Trust.
The Centre is also celebrating being a 2020 Travellers’ Choice award-winner for visitor attractions in the UK. To find out more, and to book tickets, visit the website. • hopenaturecentre.org.uk
Lockdown provided an opportunity for lots of improvement works to be carried out at Hope Nature Centre
The ‘jewel in the crown’ of these investments is the brand new £35,000 adventure play area which opened in mid-August to
SOCIALLY DISTANCED GRADUATIONS
F
airfield Farm College was able to host their 2020 Graduation, albeit slightly different from the normal experience. Delivering education in ‘bubble groups’, social distancing and plenty of hand sanitizer, students at Fairfield Farm College had to quickly adapt to a Fairfield Farm College students enjoyed a socially distanced graduation ceremony
new normal within their learning environment. Unfortunately, the schedule of summer events which normally includes a Reunion BBQ, their Summer Country Fayre and more all had to be cancelled. Staff at the college knew there was
one event that couldn’t be cancelled though, so they developed a safe way for students to celebrate all their hard work. With 12 students in attendance at the ceremony, just one member of their family was able to join them. Students and guests were treated to an inspirational presentation from wheelchair tennis player and two-time Paralympian, Louise Hunt. Students were then able to collect their certificates and framed photos of them enjoying their time at the college. Those who were not able to attend were able to watch a live stream of the event, whilst students across the college also watched in classrooms so they could clap and cheer for their peers. • ffc.ac.uk
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1 Church Street Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1LN 01225 868686 theswanbradford.co.uk
theswanbradford @stayswan swanbradford
AUTHENTIC THAI FOOD (prepared by our Thai Chefs)
Available Monday to Saturday Lunch & Dinner Thai Chilli Restaurant
Open 12 noon – 3pm & 6pm – 10pm (Thai Takeaway and local non-contact delivery service also available)
PUB CLASSICS MENU (available all day)
Monday to Saturday 12 noon-10pm, Sunday 4pm–9pm Cream Teas from served 3pm-5.30pm Our pub also offers a great selection of real ales, lagers, ciders, wines & soft drinks. Come and enjoy them in our riverside garden!
BATH & BORDERS CAMRA RURAL PUB OF THE YEAR 2020!
NOW OPEN AS AN OFF LICENCE! LOCAL REAL ALES & CIDERS IN BOTTLES & ON DRAUGHT. ALSO A SELECTION OF WINES & SPIRITS Helping us through these different times Tel: 01985 211777 | www.theorganinn.co.uk NO PRODUCTS TO BE CONSUMED ON PREMISES. ALL PRODUCTS BOUGHT MUST BE TAKEN AWAY. NO UNDER 18’S - PLEASE ADHERE TO SOCIAL DISTANCING.
49 HIGH STREET, WARMINSTER, WILTSHIRE BA12 9AQ (just a 5 minute walk from the railway station)
OPENING HOURS WED TO SAT, 10AM - 2PM & 4PM - 7PM
food & drink
THE SWAN HOTEL
T
For great tasting food and some great live music head over to The Swan Hotel in Bradford on Avon.
he Swan Hotel in Bradford On Avon has been busier than most during these strange months. Firstly operating as a Thai takeaway when the hotel, pub and restaurant was forced to close its doors and also by undertaking a whole range of improvements. One of the main upgrades has been to their WiFi, they are now offering fibre optic throughout the building with vastly improved signals in the bedrooms and all public areas (even the terrace has excellent signal!) They have also installed new smartTVs in all bedrooms. Whilst in lockdown, the hotel also accommodated the homeless and vulnerable and provided meals for some in need. Such have been their efforts that they've been shortlisted in two categories in the Great British Pub Awards for their work with the local community (you can vote for them on their Facebook page). Over the summer they've kept spirits high with regular live (socially distanced) music afternoons on their terrace and owner James SullivanTailyour hopes to continue these for the foreseeable future. He says, "We will certainly continue live music as much as we can - weather permitting - on our terrace and when it is safe to do so we will be welcoming back
"Whilst in lockdown, the hotel also accommodated the homeless and vulnerable and provided meals for some in need"
The Swan has been hosting socially distanced outdoor live music this summer
our various live music sessions that include Jazz, Blues, Irish, English Country music, Folk, Sea Shanties and more. "We are also delighted to have restarted our popular quiz nights that are held twice a month and continue to offer Thai food in our restaurant and pub 6 days a week (not including Sundays). We also have our pub classics menu available 7 days per week as well. Our Thai takeaways are also still available Monday to Saturdays. "We would like to really thank all our customers who both supported us by ordering Thai Takeaways while we were closed and for all our customers who have returned to us and continue to support us now we are open, we really value your patronage and would like to thank you - it is only with your support that we as businesses can stay open!" • theswanbradford.co.uk
SHOP LOCAL SCHEME Bradford on Avon businesses have gotten together to launch a new SHOP LOCAL scheme, enabling businesses to make exclusive offers available to residents and visitors wanting to support local shops and businesses. Residents and visitors to the town can collect Shop Local cards from the Tourist Information Centre, participating businesses and the Town Council office. The cards entitle holders to take advantage of bespoke offers made by participating businesses. The aim is to encourage interest in special offers but also awareness of, and spending at, local businesses as a whole, which is ultimately good for the community and - of course your carbon footprint! See the latest offers on the Explore Bradford on Avon website. • bradfordonavon.co.uk/boa-shoplocal-card THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 17
food & drink
SPOTTY DOG FARM SHOP IS OPEN!
After a bumpy start due to COVID-19, Spotty Dog Farm Shop in Rowde is now open for business!
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fter 18 months of intensive planning and a barn conversion, Spotty Dog Farm Shop opened its doors on Saturday 21 March… and closed again 3 days later as the UK went into lockdown. The timing couldn’t have been worse, but circumstances weren’t about to get the best of them as owner Kerry Davies explains, “Having invested so much time, energy and money into our project, I wasn’t about to give up everything we had worked so hard for, so instead we decided to adapt our business.
treats including our now legendary doughnuts and cakes.
“The new farm shop is based at Lower Farm, Rowde, already home to Rowdey Cow Café & Ice Cream Parlour. We knew we could serve our community by offering home deliveries of food, but we also needed to ensure our staff were safe. We decided to keep our doors shut to the public and moved the shop around so we could fit in additional chilled food storage and everything we would need to be able to change from being a traditional shop to a busy food distribution centre. Next we set up a Safe Zone outside for customers who wanted to shop as part of their daily exercise and collect their orders from us. Everything happened so quickly – it amazes me now when I look back at what we managed to achieve. Within the first couple of weeks we built an online ordering system so people could choose what they wanted to have delivered and we added in some
Take a step inside Spotty Dog and you’ll notice it’s a farm shop with a twist. They have a butchery, bakery (and separate cakery), fresh fruit & veg, deli, chilled & dairy items, general
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groceries plus artisan chocolates and confectionery (chocolate pizza anyone?!). However, Spotty Dog’s “The farm shop re-opened to huge point of difference is that it visitors fully in May but we have is also home to their Little Nippers continued to offer home deliveries Children’s Shop, a natural pampering and collections from the Safe Zone range, thoughtful eco gifting ideas, outside the shop. Although we know stationery and greetings cards and the virus will be with us for a while artwork from specially selected artists. yet, we are fully confident our farm Kerry continues, “Our range is jam shop can operate safely in normal packed with great quality products times, full lockdown and every from smaller businesses, some of scenario in between so we can crack whom are local. We like things that on with growing our business with are natural and sustainable as far as confidence.” possible.” Open 7 days a week you are welcome to pop in anytime, or you can take a look at their online shop! • spottydogfarmshop.co.uk Spotty Dog has all your farm shop favourites and a whole lot more!
BREAKFASTS, SNACKS, LUNCHES, AFTERNOON TEAS
Freshly baked, delicious food! Local, homemade, freshly prepared delicious food in beautiful surrounds Event catering also available.
Call for details on 07595 503337 or email avonfieldkitchen@gmail.com
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm
The Nursery, Marsh Road, Hilperton BA14 7PL
*******Our cakes and traybakes can now be found in Wiltshire-based cafes & independent retailers*******
THE
WESTBROOK
Bromham, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 2EE
tel 01380 850418
www.westbrookbromham.co.uk
WINNER OF BEST FOOD & BEST OVERALL PUB IN THE DEVIZES CONSTITUENCY BEST LOCAL PUB AWARDS! Kevin & Louise invite you to visit The Westbrook. It offers an inviting bar, a beautiful sun deck, garden and a new children’s play area. The menu is bursting with superb value traditional pub classics and top notch specials. • FRESHLY COOKED FOOD • DAILY SPECIALS • FAMILY FRIENDLY • LARGE GARDEN • CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA • REAL ALES • CAR PARK
Opening Times: Wednesday - Sunday 9am-10pm Food Served: Wednesday & Thursday 9am - 3pm & 5.30pm - 8pm, Friday-Sunday 9am - 8pm
food & drink
JOIN THE CRU
Bradford on Avon's wine emporium is now also available online... drinking whatever your budget. The shop is open Monday to Friday 12-5pm and Saturdays 12-4pm or of course you can take a look at the online shop! On the website you'll find all the same great options you can get instore, simply select what you want and it will be delivered to you the next day.
WINE TASTINGS
C
ru Wines Emporium in Bradford on Avon is an independent wine shop run by local mother of two, and wine enthusiast, Leanne Olivier. Leanne explains, “We ensure we put you at the centre of your wine buying experience, so we prefer to call our shop an emporium. Just like a shop, you will find plenty of wine, however, if you visit our shop, we hope you find it a place of curiosity and adventure too.” With the recent Covid-19 pandemic, wine buying habits have changed and many people prefer to buy online and avoid the shops. Brand new for Autumn 2020 Cru Wines are putting the convenience into wine buying and supporting independent retailers and you can now shop for your favourite wines online. You can browse their selection at their online shop and travel the world through wine. Cru offers FREE NEXT DAY local
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Small group wine tastings cost just £10pp
"On the website you'll find all the same great options you can get instore, simply select what you want and it will be delivered to you the next day." delivery to Bradford on Avon and within a 3 mile radius. Whether you are looking for affordability and a good bottle for everyday drinking, or want to spend a little more for a special occasion, Cru has over 200 different wines to explore; so whatever your favourite grape, region or style, they'll be able to find something perfect for you.
SUPPORTING INDEPENDENTS
Cru focuses on supporting small independent wine growers and makers from across the globe who produce great quality wines. And with a selection of wines for under £10 you’ll find plenty of choice for home
After months in lockdown, why not get a small group of friends together and suggest a wine tasting at Cru Wines? The tastings are an informal way to try up to four different wines and learn a little something too. Tastings are bookable in advance on Thursday and Saturday evenings, last approximately an hour and a half, are socially distanced and cost just £10pp. To book, or to find out more, call 01225 862289 or email info@ cruwines.co.uk. • cruwines.co.uk
COMPETITION TIME
Cru Wines are giving away a private wine tasting for you and 5 other people. To enter simply email your answer to this easy question to comp@wired-publishing.co.uk, remembering to include your name and preferred contact details.
WHICH TYPE OF WINE IS THE MOST POPULAR WINE IN THE UK? Is it: a) Pinot Grigio b) Tonip Oigirg c) Grigio Pinot Email your answers now. Good luck! Closing date for entries is 30.09.2020. Entrants must be 18 or over. Your details will not be stored.
food & drink
seasons eat the
Keeping you in the know as to what is coming into season each month is NEIL MORTIMER from Lovejoys Wholesale...
M
arch 2020 and lockdown feels far away now in fact like another lifetime!
We supply mainly retail leisure and hospitality customers who, as we all know, closed for three months. As I write some are still closed now as their premises or kitchen areas are too small for social distancing so they have no idea when they might be able to open again. It is wonderful to see people eating out again getting our trade going. All our customers are doing their level best to ensure customer safety and confidence to return. It is particularly difficult for those who had to shield for so long to feel relaxed enough to sit in a public environment to have coffee or a meal, but hopefully confidence is now growing. As long as we all stick to the guidelines - masks, handwashing, social distancing etc - we can get this huge part of the country’s economy growing again. Looking ahead though September is a time when we start to forget about summer vegetable crops like runner beans, broad beans, peas and salads. Let’s not focus too much on the winter veg yet as it is a very long winter! We have some fantastic produce grown locally which will 22
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be more than enough to whet the appetite for a month or two yet. Available at the moment in local farm shops and village shops are ruby chard, heritage beetroot and carrots, cavolo nero and kale, broccoli and kohl rabi. All of the lovely fresh
elderflower berries, sloes and wild horseradish. Look a bit harder in the woods and you will find hazelnuts and sweet chestnuts. Next month we will have an autumn competition. In the meantime
“The foragers among you should find plenty of blackberries, crab apples, elderflower berries, sloes and wild horseradish.” local herbs and watercress are at their best also. This year, perhaps more than any other year since the war, people are selling lovely locally grown vegetables that they have an abundance of in their vegetable patches and allotments. Keep an eye out for these in your local area. The flavours are always superior to produce that has been shipped in and it’s vital to shop locally if you can. As we don’t seem to have many fruit growers left in our area we get up at 3.30 every morning to visit the fruit market to pick out the best soft fruit for our chefs with wye valley strawberries, raspberries and blueberries being our favourites. UK apples and pears are now available as well and there are many community orchards with fruit growing ready for picking soon. The foragers among you should find plenty of blackberries, crab apples,
enjoy growing and harvesting if you have a grow bag, a window box, an allotment or a garden. If you have been thinking about an allotment my tip would be to search out the ones nearest to you and go and have a walk round them. If you feel like it would be right for you then approach them and put your name on a waiting list. Sometimes it can take years to get to the top of the list and you can always say no when the time comes. You might have a new hobby next year! Neil neil@lovejoyswholesale.com @lovejoysuk • lovejoyswholesale.com
OPA!
recipes
Almost all of us have missed out on our annual summer holiday in the sun. Fear not though, you can recreate some beautiful Greek dishes (if not the weather) at home with the help of FRAN STEVENS, aka The Food Wife.
SPICED HALLOUMI WITH POMEGRANATE Serves 2-4
Salty cheese with a lightly spiced coating and a hint of sweetness in the dressing makes a great combination in this summer dish. This is best served immediately after frying the halloumi although it can afford to sit for 10 minutes or so, but do dress it at the last moment. The dressing can be made as a larger amount in a jar and used for other salads. You will only need a tablespoon for this. This dish is perfect as part of a larger meal with accompanying salads or served with a few salad leaves as a starter. Ingredients 1 tbsp (chilli infused) oil Ras al hanout 225g halloumi To serve 1 tbsp pomegranate seeds 1 tbsp balsamic & oil dressing (3 parts oil, 1 part vinegar)
slices (go from the short end). Place them on a piece of kitchen paper, and another on top, and gently press to remove excess moisture. Sprinkle each side of the halloumi with a tiny pinch of ras al hanout.
Heat the oil in a non stick frying pan over a medium heat. Carefully lie each piece of halloumi into the pan, ensuring none are overlapping. Fry for a few minutes on each side, until golden. Transfer to a serving plate. When ready to serve sprinkle over the pomegranate seeds and drizzle with the balsamic dressing.
✃
Method Begin by slicing the block of halloumi into eight roughly even THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 23
recipes
BAKED FETA
Serves 2-4 as part of a mezze Baked feta has been a revelation in our household. Whilst I’ve always loved it in its regular state, The Food Husband has never been particularly fussed by it. But he loves this, so it’s been a real favourite this summer! Ingredients 200g block of feta 2 tbsp runny honey Pinch of oregano Pinch of dried chilli flakes Method Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan).
GREEK STYLE LAMB CHOPS Serves 2
Cook under a hot grill or BBQ for a few minutes on each side (approximately three minutes a side for medium/ four minutes for medium-well/five minutes for well). Rest for two minutes before serving.
This is a really quick and easy way to prepare and cook lamb which leaves you with deliciously flavoursome meat This is good with herby potatoes and that can be done under a grill or (if the salad. I also like it with Greek yogurt on the side with fresh mint stirred weather allows it!) on a barbecue. through it. The combination of olive oil, oregano, lemon and garlic sings of Greece and the quantities I’ve given here can be easily scaled up to feed a larger crowd.
Place the feta in a small baking dish. Drizzle over the spoonful of honey and sprinkle the oregano and chilli across the top. Bake for 10-15 minutes and serve immediately. It’s particularly good as part of a mezze with hummus, salad and flatbreads.
Ingredients 4 lamb chops 1 tbsp olive oil 1 unwaxed lemon (zest and juice) 2 cloves garlic (crushed) 1 tsp dried oregano Pinch each of salt and pepper Method Combine all the ingredients in a sealable bag or in a dish covered with cling film.
24 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
✃
Marinate for at least half an hour in the fridge, removing it 20 minutes before you want to cook it.
✃
THE
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Enjoy a wide variety of homecooked food, as well as superb real ales & fine wines. It is the ideal place to enjoy lunch, dinner or a drink, with friendly efficient service, in stylish and comfortable surroundings. RELAX IN OUR LARGE, SAFE GARDEN Frome Road, Southwick, Nr Trowbridge BA14 9QD t 01225 764366 e the.farmhouse@btconnect.com www.farmhousesouthwick.co.uk (COVID-19 SAFETY MEASURES IN PLACE)
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food & drink
MEET THE CHEF
MARIUSZ KAMINSKI, head chef at The Lodge, talks about his career in food, the importance of good service and keeping cooking simple but full of flavour! What was your first job in catering? I started working in catering and hospitality when I was only 15 years old. My first job was as a waiter in a restaurant in France. I decided to train from a really young age in the kitchen and in front of house. I wanted to understand how giving good customer service is as important is being a great chef. Even now if I can I will try to spend some time out of my kitchen talking to our guests. Where have you worked previously? I worked and trained in many different kitchens and some of them were a great experience. I worked in traditional English pubs, fine dining venues, including Claridge’s in London, The Fat Duck in Bray, The Marlborough in Marlborough, The Rudloe Arms, in Corsham, Marco Pierre White's place, and others, and I've also spent time in Poland, France, Italy and Morocco as a part of my culinary journey. Do you have any favourite local suppliers? I have worked with my suppliers for many years and we have built great relationships. They know my standards, that I expect quality and consistency. I will always support local farmers, butchers and other suppliers and I will give them chance to show me them standards and
"Every service I do is important to me as every guest who walks through our restaurant is special" 26 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
Mariusz has worked in and around restaurants and kitchens since he was 15 years old
produce they can provide in to my kitchen. But if there is no quality, consistency and trust, it is impossible to work with each other. Our reputation as a business depends on it. What is the most memorable event you have cooked for? Every service I do is important to me as every guest who walks through our restaurant is special, treated with respect with great service and the best food experience.
with my daughter Maya. When we organize family dinners my cooking is simple but always full of flavour. Less is more! From Moroccan pulled lamb tagine with roasted cous cous, salmon with coriander dhal and prawns pakora or simple smoked haddock cassoulet. It all depends on what I will find in the local market and what is in season and at its best. To make a reservation at The Lodge call 01985 846300. • thelodgewarminster.com
Which local pubs and restaurants do you like visiting? Some of my favourite places include The Daffodil in Cheltenham, The Harrow near Marlborough or The Red Lion near Devizes. I love the countryside so I also enjoy relaxing and fishing in the Pewsey Vale. When you cook for friends and family, what’s on the menu? When I'm home I enjoy spending time in the kitchen, cooking together
The Lodge has a beautiful waterside setting
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wildlife
WILD WILTSHIRE
With lockdown forcing us to stay home, the beauty of our own patch of England became all the more evident and all the more important. In the first of a new series, we focus on one of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust's 38 reserves, CONIGRE MEAD in Melksham...
image © Gill Cardy
A Southern Hawker Dragonfly
C
onigre Mead was a field of rough grass until it was bought by local people who set about digging ponds, clearing scrub, and planting trees and wildflowers. It was given to Wiltshire Wildlife Trust as a nature reserve in 1989 and is now a lovely mix of ponds, wildflower-rich grassland, and shrubs. Easily accessible with good, level paths, you can walk around the meadow, and sit overlooking the Bristol Avon. On sunny days you can watch the courtship displays of the emperor dragonfly, red-eyed and common blue damselfly, and the rare whitelegged damselfly. In spring and summer the meadow is a pink-andwhite patchwork of ragged robin and ox-eye daisy, red campion, and
28 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
meadowsweet. Keep an eye out for butterflies such as the orange tip and brimstone – one of the earliest to come out in spring. Over the pond, which is fringed with golden marsh marigolds and yellow iris, you might see the blue flash of a kingfisher. Migrating wading birds such as the common
"Over the pond, which is fringed with golden marsh marigolds and yellow iris, you might see the blue flash of a kingfisher."
vole by the river. A hidden world of runs and tunnels in the grass are used by small rodents to get about unseen. The rare water shrew is also found here. Pipistrelle and Daubenton’s bats can be seen on summer nights too – mainly along the river, which is also a feeding ground for otters. A group of volunteers visit Conigre Mead on the third Saturday of every month for a few hours to mow grass, rake up, trim shrubs, plant flowers, and maintain ponds. If you’d like to volunteer at the reserve, please e-mail volunteers@ wiltshirewildlife.org ccing colegates@talktalk.net, or call Peter on 01225 703779. Melksham, SN12 6UL OS map 156 Grid ref: ST900637 • Suitable for pushchairs & wheelchairs • Dogs on leads welcome • 1.21 hectares • wiltshirewildlife.org
sandpiper stop off here and regular visitors include moorhens, mallards, and mute swans. You may spot a grass snake sunning itself, or a water The pond, image © Paul Darby
wildlife image © David Hall
DIRECTIONS
If driving - From Melksham town centre take Riverside Walk, which runs between the river and Sainsbury’s supermarket car park. The path leads directly into the nature reserve through some gates. Please be aware that in a rural county, postcodes often cover wide areas; some may point you to a reserve entrance, others may direct you to its centre and others may simply direct you to the reserve's vicinity. If using bus – There are lots of regular buses to Melksham town centre. If cycling – see sustrans.org.uk
THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 29
education
EDUCATION IN 2020
WHETHER YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT SCHOOLS OR COLLEGES, EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES OR TUTORING, OUR EDUCATION GUIDE IS PACKED WITH USEFUL INFORMATION. KINGSWOOD SCHOOL
Lansdown, Bath Kingswood Prep School is situated on a magnificent 100-acre site, a short distance from the Senior School. It embodies a bucolic atmosphere, with open fields and plenty of space for the children to explore. A familyfriendly day and boarding school, Kingswood balances academic rigour and real objectives for all pupils with pastoral care that was rated ‘excellent’ in their latest inspection report.
The Senior School meanwhile has the highest aspirations for all pupils. Within a community that promotes the importance of shared values, they encourage a real enthusiasm for learning and a spirit of enquiry.
forward-looking school. Intellectual achievement is highly valued, and the pursuit of excellence in other fields is central to the School's commitment to provide the very best all-round education.
Firmly based on Christian principles, Kingswood is a happy, vibrant and
You can have a virtual tour online or book a spot on their COVID-19 safe
"Intellectual achievement is highly valued, and the pursuit of excellence in other fields is central to the School's commitment to provide the very best all-round education".
Kingswood prizes intellectual achievement alongside a pursuit of excellence in other fields
THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 31
education
St Margaret's packs excitement and fun learning experiences into every day
Open Events. The Sixth Form Open Evening takes place on Tuesday 29 September and the Whole Senior School Open Morning is on Saturday 3 October. The Prep School and Nursery Open Days are on Thursday 1 October. If you are interested in any of these events, complete the appropriate event registration form on the website. • kingswood.bath.sch.uk
Teaching throughout the school is tailored to meet the needs of the individual child. Children
Of course you want your child to be happy, alongside giving them the best possible start in life. They will join a school with real spirit and energy, which lives each day to the full. Excitement and learning experiences are purposefully packed into every moment.
"Specialist teachers offer a wide range of experiences and as a result, the teaching delivers truly personalised learning for each child."
Find out more by registering for their next Open Morning on Thursday 8 October. Due to current guidelines, the plan is to hold two virtual events, however, if restrictions are relaxed, they will hold the Open Morning at St Margaret's at 9.30am.
are encouraged to reflect and evaluate their own learning and, with support, identify their next steps. Specialist teachers offer a wide range of experiences and as a result, the teaching delivers truly personalised learning for each child. Your child will learn in a safe, nurturing An extensive range of technology environment and spend each day in enhances learning across the modern, stimulating and purposecurriculum.
The first virtual event will take place at 10am and will be an Early Years Open Morning. This is designed for parents whose child would be entering Kindergarten or Reception. The second virtual event will take place at 4pm and is for parents who currently have child(ren) at school and who are in Year 1 or above. • stmargaretsprep.org.uk
ST MARGARET'S PREP SCHOOL Curzon Street, Calne SN11 0DF
St Margaret’s is a thriving independent day school for boys and girls, sharing a site with St Mary’s, Calne. Entry is from 3 years when children join Kindergarten and children move to senior school at the end of Year 6 when they are aged 11.
32
built teaching spaces. 30 acres of campus and offsite facilities means there’s space to explore, learn, play, let off steam, relax, think and grow.
THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
local news Stonar is highly ambitious for all its pupils
STONAR SCHOOL
Cottles Park, Atworth SN12 8NT A co-educational day and boarding school that goes from Nursery to Sixth Form, the school is highly ambitious for its pupils, providing a nurturing education which brings out the best in every child. Pupils benefit from exceptional teaching, strong relationships and great facilities, including an outstanding equestrian centre, all in beautiful Wiltshire countryside, yet within easy reach of Bath. If you are a prospective family looking for a school for your child, the Admissions Office is open and members of the team are available to talk to you. The team can also arrange for video meetings with the Headmaster Matt Way, Head of Prep and other senior academic staff. In addition, they are also able to offer a limited number of pre-booked tours in line with social distancing requirements. Stonar are also hosting a virtual whole school open morning on Saturday 26 September at 10am. Families can join the virtual meeting, hear from the Headmaster, meet teachers and pupils and ask them 34 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
questions about life at Stonar. For more information please call 01225 701741 or email admissions@ stonarschool.com. • stonarschool.com
TUTORING KIP MCGRATH
45 Castle Street, Trowbridge Kip McGrath provide professional tuition in English and maths to children aged 6 - 11 and science to secondary school children in Wiltshire. They aim to provide the best specialist facilities and professional expertise to help children realise their potential in English, reading, writing, spelling, maths and science. Children can study at their centre or via a bespoke interactive online platform. Whilst studying, students grow in confidence as they are provided with a programme that is tailored specifically for them, with any new or difficult concepts clearly and patiently explained. Kip McGrath’s
"Kip McGrath’s tutors find that increased confidence can have a massive impact on a child's progress"
tutors find that increased confidence can have a massive impact on a child's progress, and this can affect all subjects. All tutors at Kip McGrath Trowbridge are fully qualified, DBS checked teachers. What’s more they provide feedback on a regular basis so parents can see how their child is improving. “We emphasise the positive aspects with every child so outright failure is eliminated. Kip McGrath Education Centres provide an opportunity to repair self-esteem and confidence, in an atmosphere of encouragement where learning can be fun,” said Centre Director Matt Hughes. To find out more call the Trowbridge office on 01225 777514 or email trowbridge@kipmcgrath.co.uk • kipmcgrath.co.uk/trowbridge
KUMON
Frome Frome Kumon Instructor, Susan Gatward, continued working with students in online classes throughout the COVID -19 crisis to ensure they received the continuity and progression in their learning that is so crucial during this unprecedented time. Children now have the option to work at the Kumon Centre, in small distanced groups, or online if they prefer. There is also currently the option of a free trial. Susan said: "The children have continued with their structured daily home studies. I am so impressed with how they have adapted to a new way of working with me online and we will continue to offer this to families who would prefer not to attend the centre. Progress has continued in line with targets and at Kumon's recent online awards ceremony there were over 80
Qualified Teachers Personalised Learning Programmes At Kip McGrath, our focus is to help your child reach their full potential.
We make learning fun and engaging to improve results. You will receive progress reports and updates to track your child’s improvement.
TROWBRIDGE 01225 777514
45 Castle St, Trowbridge, BA14 8AY kipmcgrath.co.uk/trowbridge • trowbridge@kipmcgrath.co.uk
Foreign Languages Centre
Daytime, lunchtime and evening foreign language classes for members of the public. Enrolling now!
Arabic French German Italian Japanese Mandarin Chinese Portuguese Spanish We offer a wide range of foreign languages at beginner through to advanced level. To find out more about the courses available, or to enrol, visit our website www.bath.ac.uk/flc and apply online or call 01225 383991.
local news
ADULT LEARNING FOREIGN LANGUAGES CENTRE
DBD Play specialises in outdoor play and learning
awards for children working ahead of the level expected for their age. This included eight students who have reached GCSE level while still in primary school."
different bubbles. Finally, they offer surfacing and landscaping ,which is critical if you want to ensure your playground is accessible and mud free all year round.
If you would like more information about Kumon Study or the Free Trial, please call Susan on 07930 127919. • kumon.co.uk
The best place to start is with a meeting, from this we will prepare a proposal including scale plan and detailed quotation. Call today on 01249 470100 to start your playground development. • dbdplay.com
PLAYTIME DBD PLAY
Dbdplay specialises in the design and installation of school playgrounds. They are passionate about creating outdoor environments that stimulate learning and discovery, as well as activity and play.
"The teachers are qualified language teachers, with years of experience teaching at every level." You can learn 8 different languages at the FLC
Their range includes equipment that encourages Active Play such as Jungle Climbers, Towers and Timber Trails. To inspire curious minds the Imaginative and Creative range includes Mud Kitchens, Story Telling Chairs and Bug Hotels. They offer a comprehensive range of outdoor classrooms and canopies to extend the learning environment or provide a shelter for waiting parents. A key range is also fencing, storage and furniture, particularly considering COVID-19, as schools have been required to create separate zones for 36 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
University of Bath The Foreign Languages Centre at the University of Bath offers foreign language courses for members of the general public. The courses are in 8 different foreign languages: Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Brazilian Portuguese and Spanish. They conveniently run during the day, at lunchtime or in the evening to suit the needs of everyone. The teachers are qualified language teachers, with years of experience teaching at every level. The courses are offered in the fantastic setting of the University of Bath Claverton Down campus or at the University Virgil Building on Manvers Street. The classrooms at the university have been recently refurbished and they are equipped with up-to-date teaching technology. The courses, which usually last 10 or 11 weeks, will start this September. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn a foreign language in a friendly, but effective manner! • bath.ac.uk/flc
education
NEW HEAD AT KINGSWOOD SCHOOL ANDREW GORDON-BROWN has been appointed the new Headmaster at Kingswood Senior School and takes up the position on September 1, 2020. CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND? The gift of growing up in a loving family, as the second of four children, has been the single most defining element of my life. It underpins the optimistic, down to earth person I aim to be. My first few years of life were in Cape Town before we relocated to Johannesburg where I went to school. This was in the 70s and 80s during the height of apartheid South Africa. With the benefit of hindsight, this experience has instilled in me an appreciation of the importance of young people being exposed to the major stories facing the world today if they are to effect positive change. My adolescent years were characterised by a fair degree of fear of missing out, so I got stuck into school sport, music and drama and plenty of socialising with friends. My undergraduate years were at the University of Cape Town where I came away with an honours degree in Commerce and a contract with Deloitte to complete my articles to qualify as a chartered accountant. It is UCT I have to thank for the discovery that my physiological makeup was rather suited to rowing, a sport which was to dominate the next 10 years of my life. Rowing took me to the Olympic Games in 1992 and to Oxford University which is where I met Harriet, both of us studying for a Master of Science degree. We have been married for 23 years and have 38 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
Kingswood School is situated on a magnificent 200-acre site in Lansdown, Bath
been blessed with three children, all now teenagers.
Secondly, my experience in the world of banking and finance is unusual in a Headmaster and gives me an insight Between 1994 and 2003 I worked first in education as a business and, I hope in management consulting and then the ability to take a progressive and in the City as an investment banker entrepreneurial approach to moving at UBS and JP Morgan, before seeing the School forward. the light and switching career to become a teacher. WHAT ATTRACTED
YOU TO THE POST AT YOU INITIALLY WORKED KINGSWOOD? OUTSIDE OF THE My initial perception of Kingswood WORLD OF EDUCATION. as a fine school with a great ethos in a lovely part of the world was more WHAT BENEFITS DO than confirmed during my very YOU THINK THAT HAS first visit where I was struck by the BROUGHT TO YOUR palpable sense of community, the APPROACH? Having worked in different industry sectors in different roles on different continents gives me an ambition on behalf of my pupils that they too should have the chance to gain the qualifications and develop the character to be in a position to respond to a good opportunity, wherever in the world that may be.
pride and loyalty of the staff and the unpretentious pupils. This is the kind of environment where I’m sure I will feel at home.
WHAT PARTICULAR STRENGTHS DOES THE SCHOOL HAVE? Hard wired into the School’s DNA is a
interview belief that children develop best in a caring family community. I love the inclusive ethos where excellence in all its forms is pursued.
WHAT DO YOU SEE IT AS YOUR ROLE TO IMPROVE? Ask me this question again in a year’s time once I have had a chance to look, listen and find out. Every Head’s main desire is to leave a school a bit better than he or she found it. Simon Morris hands over an excellent school, my job is to move it forward, ensuring that each child continues to have an excellent education of breadth and balance.
DAYS WHERE WE CAN LOOK AROUND THE SCHOOL?
We have several Autumn Term events for Sixth Form on Tuesday 29 September, for Prep School and Nursery on Thursday 1 October and for the Senior School on Saturday
3 October. Please check out our website for further details. See the website for full details on open events and for the information on the admissions process for the Nursery, Prep and Senior School. • kingswood.bath.sch.uk
"I know from personal experience that finding and fulfilling talents (whatever they may be) is life changing and so the importance of each child at Kingswood having the chance to learn as much outside the classroom as inside it will always be one of my mantras."
YOU HAVE TRAINED AS AN ELITE ATHLETE - IS SPORT PARTICIPATION AND EXCELLENCE PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT TO YOU? The short answer is yes. But, it’s about a whole lot more than sport. I know from personal experience that finding and fulfilling talents (whatever they may be) is life changing and so the importance of each child at Kingswood having the chance to learn as much outside the classroom as inside it will always be one of my mantras.
WHAT ARE THE KEY BENEFITS OF AN EDUCATION AT KINGSWOOD?
When you choose Kingswood you are joining a lifelong community of past and present pupils, parents, staff and other stakeholders. You are buying into an ethos that cares about the wellbeing of each child and offers an education of breadth, balance and excellence that will prepare them pre-eminently for work and service in society.
DO YOU HAVE ANY UPCOMING OPEN
Andrew Gordon-Brown takes up his new post in September
THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 39
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house & home
CHANGING YOUR LIVING SPACE STEPHEN GRAVER can help you transform your home in this new
post-lockdown landscape..
Every project is underpinned by outstanding craftsmanship from conception to completion and backed by exceptional customer service that has kept clients returning again and again for over 30 years.
T
he past few months have been revolutionary for so many of us in so many ways. Life in lockdown forced us all to see our homes and how we live in them, in a totally different light. Our living spaces have become permanent or flexible home working spaces, exercise areas, home schooling areas for the children, dining spaces for bigger families who came together more often than usual to eat every meal of the day. Energy efficiency is constantly under scrutiny and for most of us, life under a ‘new normal’ is taking shape. It has forced us all to think about how we use the space available to us most efficiently and how to really make the most of our homes. Based in the very pretty village of Steeple Ashton, Stephen Graver
42 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
With more of us now working from home, the demand for flexible spaces has grown
has seen a change in how receptive clients are to using the space available to them in more innovative and exciting ways once they start to work with his team of expert craftsmen in their award -winning studio and showroom. Pre-Covid, 70% of Brits had never worked from home (ONS). August has seen over 20 million of us swapping the daily commute for home working, some of us will never return to it, and for many it has swiftly become a new way of life. Stephen Graver’s trademark is exceptional quality design and delivery of outstanding interior projects. From handmade kitchens, bathrooms of distinction, awe-inspiring garden rooms that merge the inside and outside of your space, beautiful bespoke home offices to full home renovations.
The majority of Stephen Graver’s clients are from word of mouth recommendation and a visit to their unique studio makes it clear to see why. As many large businesses start to see working from home as the key to happier staff, and the need for multifunctionality grows within our homes, owners are focusing on getting the best out of their living space. Searches on Houzz for garden offices rose by 80% during lockdown. The year’s warmest spring on record also saw demand for homes with balconies and gardens or rooftop spaces becoming outdoor havens. • stephengraver.com
"As the need for multifunctionality grows within our homes, owners are focusing on getting the best out of their living space."
house & home
DESIGN & BUILD
If you're planning to improve rather than move you'll need the help of a specialist like DPO Design, who can help turn your dreams into reality... extension can also be stressful, for the homeowner it is important to make the best use of available space whilst also being considerate to neighbours and the environment and sympathetic to the building itself. This is where DPO Design can help smooth the process and guide the client through the planning process maze.
A new indoor swimming pool in Bradford on Avon
D
PO Design is a small consultancy that specialises in the preparation of architectural design drawings for a large and varied range of projects from domestic extensions, to new build homes, commercial and even agricultural buildings. Headed up by Peter Oughtibridge it seeks to provide a bespoke and personal service whilst creating lasting and ongoing relationships with its clients.
by providing a detailed construction package ready for building control and builders to work from.
Peter, has worked with several architectural practices over the past 25/30 years and now specialises
There are many things to consider whilst undertaking a building project, from constraints on site to the budget so at the heart of Peter's approach to a job is his ability to listen to and work with his clients to achieve the results they are looking for.
"For many people, the planning process can be a daunting exercise and people often don’t know where to start." in preparing detailed planning applications (including work on listed buildings). As well as this crucial aspect of the design Peter also completes the drawing work 44 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
For many people, the planning process can be a daunting exercise and people often don’t know where to start. This is where Peter, with his experience and gentle approach, can step in and make the difference by acting as your agent with the local authority.
For most of us owning our own home is the single most important purchase we will ever make and increasingly people are choosing to update or extend their existing properties as moving house can be an expensive and stressful process. The decision to build an
DPO Design deals with all kinds of projects, from garden room and kitchen extensions, side return extensions, annex buildings for multigenerational living, loft conversions and more. Recently a client living in a local village wanted to upgrade a substandard bungalow. They now have a new purpose built, timber framed four bedroom cabin style family home which sits beautifully in its semi-rural setting. (pic below). So, whatever project you're planning be sure to contact Peter for a quote on 07748 801306 or browse the Facebook page for examples of recently completed work. • dpodesign.co.uk
A new timber framed cabin style home
Classic Gardens
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WE SPECIALISE IN DRAWINGS FOR PLANNING & BUILDING REGULATION APPROVAL FOR NEW HOMES, DOMESTIC EXTENSIONS AND CONVERSIONS “We were recommended Peter Oughtibridge and thank goodness we followed it up. He listened to our ideas and explained things clearly. Then he did the drawings, submitted everything and the whole process was so easy and quick. The cost of the plans were very reasonable and with Peter always at the end of the phone to help it was an absolute bargain. We could not recommend him more highly.” Dr and Mrs J Aldiss
Call to find out more on 07748 801306
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We are a traditional hardware store with a modern twist.
Come to us for... Gardening Equipment | Outdoor Furniture Household Items | Ironmongery | Tools Paint | DIY | Electrical | Key Cutting Camping Equipment | Sugarcraft | Gifts 4 High Street, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 9AE 01985 212115 | slcorden.com | s.fraser2@btconnect.com
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tel 01249 716161 or 01225 811222 Email: info@sovereigndpc.co.uk www.sovereigndpc.co.uk 1 Ingoldmells Court, Edinburgh Way, Leafield Ind Estate Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 9XN
BROWNS HARDWARE & IRONMONGERY Bradford on Avon’s independent hardware store
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house & home
'ANTIQUED' WOODEN FLOORING If you need a new floor that's a sympathetic fit to a period home then head over to the showroom of Pietra Wood & Stone in Holt.
OPTION 1 Extra rustic grade which has been hand carved to enhance the natural open cracks and characteristics, with open knots and end cracks.
OPTION 2 Extra rustic grade with a natural undulating surface with raised knots and hand carved cracks. Includes a brushed and band saw finish with filled cracks & end cracks.
OPTION 3 Extra rustic grade with naturally shrunken knots and hand carved cracks. A slightly brushed and smooth undulating surface with occasional light band saw marks along with filled cracks and end cracks.
Antiqued engineered flooring can be used in a wide range of period properties
M
any people expect an engineered floor to look brand new once it has been installed. This isn't necessarily the case according to Stuart Faint of Pietra Wood & Stone. "People who live in period homes often don't want finishes that look brand new. Our range of 'antiqued' engineered flooring gives everyone the option to install a new floor that looks like it is original.
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THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
"That being said, these are modern engineered floors, so they are designed to work with underfloor heating, are extremely stable and are availble in a variety of widths and colours. There are 3 different 'antiqued' finishes available. They are each subtley different and can then be coloured to your choice, making them ideal for use in any room of the home and in period properties of various styles."
Visit their Holt showroom to view the antique collection. • pwasltd.com
retirement
TRUE CARE IN THE COMMUNITY Community spirit is set in stone at Avonpark Retirement Village in Winsley, near Bradford on Avon.
W
hen it comes to community spirit – one local retirement village is certainly building on solid foundations of goodwill and supporting its neighbours. Over the past few months, the Avonpark retirement community has worked alongside its local Winsley Parish Council and a group of expert Cotswold Conservation Volunteers to provide horticultural highlights and an environmental enhancement to the local area. Avonpark – part of Retirement Villages Group Ltd – is set in 15 acres of landscaped grounds overlooking the Avon Valley and just six miles from Bath. One of its boundaries encompasses a drystone wall which has been in need of repair for some time. On approaching Retirement Villages for permission, a group of expert volunteers used traditional Cotswold stone to give the wall a fantastic facelift. And with the wall restored to its former glory, Winsley village residents were granted permission to plant some 60 sapling trees along the edge of the wall to enhance the future vista. Avonpark village manager Bridget Rice said it was a joy to watch the volunteers at work, restoring the wall; and as a thank you – a donation was made towards their Christmas party. In addition, Nigel Jones and the village maintenance team rallied round to a call from the Parish
54 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
Over the past few months volunteer Avonpark residents have helped improve the grounds and local area
"Winsley village residents were granted permission to plant some sapling trees along the edge of the wall to enhance the future vista." Council to support the Winsley in Bloom venture - transforming empty planters into colourful displays to take pride of place outside the local cricket ground. Bridget said: “There is a real sense of togetherness here at Avonpark, not just within the village itself, but within the wider community. We have been delighted to be able to support local good causes in recent months and are thrilled with the repairs to the wall – it looks stunning.” Avonpark currently has a range of properties available, including independent living studios, one and two-bedroom apartments and houses tucked away amongst the evergreen borders and leafy cul de
sacs in this established retirement community. Some even overlook the stunning Avon Valley. The village has its own vibrant clubhouse with residents’ bar, restaurant and hair salon. Purchase prices currently start from £105,000 or there are a handful of properties available to rent too. Interest is high as people look to downsize and take advantage of the stamp duty relief. For more details or to make an appointment to view, contact the sales team on 01372 383950 or visit the website. • avonparkvillage.co.uk
retirement
NEW SHOWHOMES AT WADSWICK GREEN
W
Wadswick Green has unveiled two new showhomes and is also launching virtual viewings!
adswick Green, the modern and popular later living village for the over 60s in Corsham, has unveiled two new showhomes in their Ash Lane and Almond Close phases. Decorated by interior designer Rebekah Jones of Ombre Interior Designs, these new showhomes add to the existing complex of showhomes available to view. They may be visited on an appointment-basis and have also been entirely scanned in 3D, meaning potential purchasers can arrange virtual tours from the comfort of their own home. Prospective buyers can book an appointment with a dedicated member of the sales team for a virtual viewing. The Sales Advisor will be able to answer any questions the viewers may have, as well as allow them to explore aspects of the showhomes as the virtual tour progresses, just like they would if they were physically present.
The new showhomes can be visited by appointment or via a virtual tour
"Prospective buyers can book an appointment with a dedicated member of the sales team for a virtual viewing." inside out and vice versa through the large picture windows.“
The contemporary build of the apartments give innovative and modern kitchens with moveable island units; high-quality hardwood flooring and the latest Neff appliances Rebekah of Ombre Interior Designs including slide and hide oven doors. comments: "‘The Avebury’ showhome Bathrooms feature easily accessible is very much about playing with walk-in-showers and luxury taps and colour and texture and the joy that fittings, as well as a bath in the two can bring. The various spaces certainly and three bed apartments. make a statement whilst putting a smile on your face. In contrast, the The village community at Wadswick look in ‘The Lacock‘ showhome is far Green adapted to ‘lockdown life’ very more tonal with a pared back colour quickly with the support of the team. palette - it's a strong and impactful Activities and services were tailored, look achieved through the use of making sure everyone was safe, happy bold furniture choices and lashings and stimulated across the village. of black… a colour so many of us are afraid of… and a splash of purple for Wadswick Green apartments start the sofa. Balconies have also been from £229,950 and range up to furnished, showing how to bring the £765,000 across the village. Following 56 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
government announcements, future buyers will be exempt from paying Stamp Duty on their property purchase up to £500,000 until 31 March 2021. In addition, Rangeford Villages will pay the stamp duty on any purchases over this amount. Wadswick Green is now open on an appointment basis, for more information visit the website or call 01225 220948 to find out more. • rangefordvillages.co.uk/villages/ wadswick-green
local news
A SANCTUARY OF RELAXATION
M
uch has changed in the world over the past few months, but head to Vitality Day Spa and you’ll still find a sanctuary of relaxation in the heart of Bradford on Avon. Based at the top of Market Street, the spa is ideally located in the heart of the town, perfect for local residents and visitors alike. And with affordable rates you can enjoy a luxury massage or an indulgent facial without it costing the earth, all done with social distancing and hygiene measures at the top of the priority list.
scrub containing watermelon and Yuzu, followed by a full body wrap containing green tea and mint leaves. To prolong this divine experience, up the treatment to 90 minutes and enjoy a full body massage using an oil containing lemon peel, black pine and rosemary. 50 minutes, £60, 90 minutes, £98 (a saving of £16).
Call 01225 309356 or email book@ vitalitydayspa.co.uk to schedule an appointment. The spa is now open 7 days a week - Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sundays 10am to 4pm. Evening appointments available upon request. • vitalitydayspa.co.uk
If you’ve missed out on a summer getaway don’t worry, you can enjoy a taste of the sun with their brand-new treatment ‘Exotic Paradise’. Drift away and think of beach sunsets and zesty cocktails whilst enjoying a full body
Vitality Day Spa is back offering treatments
SCULPTURE IN A LANDSCAPE Penny Hardy ‘Dancers’
58 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
I
n 1969, against the backdrop of a modernist architectural home in Wiltshire, a major exhibition of sculpture took place. Hosted by Friends of the Garden - a voluntary organisation with the aim of bringing contemporary sculpture to rural areas of Wiltshire - it was one of the first exhibitions of contemporary sculpture exhibitions held in a private garden in this country. The layout of the landscape in the garden is relatively unchanged and organisers are delighted to be holding an exhibition there again. This year it will feature work by over 30 of today’s sculptors from across England and Wales as well as the work of a small number of those who were also here in 1969.
This late summer event takes place at West Leaze, Ogbourne Rd, Aldbourne, Wiltshire and will be open from 3 – 27 September, 11am – 6pm every day except Mondays and Tuesdays. There will be a popup café serving light refreshments, a pop up shop, summer house gallery and toilets too. Entry is £7.50 including a catalogue. Accompanied under 18’s free. Only assistance dogs are allowed and wheelchair access is limited. Please note in order to manage visitor numbers tickets must be pre-booked online where you will also find further details. • friendsofthegarden.org.uk
up the treatment to 90 minutes and enjoy a full body massage using an oil containing lemon peel, black pine and rosemary 50 minutes, £60 - 90 minutes, £98 (a saving of £16)
V I TA L I T Y D AY S PA
A sanctuary of relaxation in Bradford On Avon
Vitality Relaxation & Day Spa provides 5* luxury treatments and therapies in a tranquil and welcoming environment, at affordable prices. Only 100% natural and cruelty free products are stocked and used in the spa, and they are sourced from a local company.
BRAND NEW TREATMENT
EXOTIC PARADISE
Enjoy a full body scrub with watermelon & Yuzu, followed by a full body wrap with green tea & mint leaves. To prolong the experience, up the treatment to 90 minutes & enjoy a full body massage... 50 minutes £60, 90 minutes £98 (a saving of £16) FULL TREATMENT MENU & DESCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE IN THE SPA & ON OUR
f PAGE
NOW OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK - BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
01225 309356 • vitalitydayspa.co.uk • book@vitalitydayspa.co.uk • 8 Market St, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1LH
Peter Wilkinson
M.Inst.Ch.P
ADVERTISE WITH US IN 2020 INTRODUCTORY & SERIES DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
JANUARY 2020
// ISSUE 125
West Wilts The
LATER LIFE
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LOCAL LISTINGS+ THE SWAN HOTEL INTO THE BLUE STEPHEN GRAVER & MUCH MOR E
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FOCUS ON CARE & RETIREMEN T PLANNING
MARATHON WOMAN PAULA RADCLIFFE TALKS NEW YEAR FITNESS REGIMES
Alan Titchma rsh READ OUR EXCLUSIVE WITH A TRUE IEW NATIONALINTERV TREASURE
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// HOME & GARDENS
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Call Andy today on � 01225 807775 westwiltsmag.co.uk
IMPROVING YOUR FOOT HEALTH WE CAN HELP WITH...
• corns • calluses • hard skin • ingrown toenails • footcare for the elderly, diabetics & those with poor circulation • advice & support Member of the Institute of Chiropodist and Podiatrists
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bath rugby
BATH APPOINT HATLEY AS HEAD COACH
D
Bath have appointed Neal Hatley as their new Head Coach.
irector of Rugby Stuart Hooper has confirmed the appointment of Neal Hatley as Bath Rugby Head Coach. Hatley returned to Bath as Forwards and Defence Coach after helping guide England to the Rugby World Cup Final in Japan.
Neal Hatley arrived back at Bath after the 2019 Rugby World Cup
He re-joined Bath Rugby after three and half successful years in the international setup, bringing with him a wealth of experience at all levels of the professional game. Hooper said: “We’re thrilled to confirm Neal as Head Coach. The Director of Rugby and Head Coach setup has always been the route I want to follow. I believe it’s the right way to get the best out of our people. Bringing Neal back into our environment was about reconnecting, finding out how I can complement him, how he can complement me and how we can deliver the best programme at the Club.” Hatley said: “When I rejoined Bath, Stuart was very clear about what we are trying to do at the Club. Now as Head Coach at Bath, I’m responsible for field performance. With my focus on delivering great performances on the pitch, it allows Stuart to focus on how we want to play and perform, making sure we are doing what we discussed in training and optimising everything we do. “As Head Coach, I want to make sure I get the best out of our players and that’s a lot about building relationships, knowing they trust your leadership. I’ve set out very clearly 60 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
how I expect our players to behave, how I expect them to train and how we expect to treat each other. “Not only is Bath an incredible city to live in but it’s a rugby city through and through. I feel incredibly proud to be Head Coach at this Club and believe me, we want to win silverware.” Hooper added: “You can talk about significant expertise in areas of the game but it’s only a small part of being Head Coach. Neal’s ability to connect with the players and develop those relationships along with his ability to deliver the key principles of our play is a huge skill.
“He takes players on the journey and helps them understand why we do what we do. His ability to connect with those guys, influence them, develop them outside of the training field is massive and an absolutely fundamental part of being a Head Coach. “In the same way I look at how we can build a world-class squad, exactly the same detail and thought goes into our rugby staff. I believe that appointing Hats in this role makes our coaching team even stronger as we head into the culmination of the season.” • bathrugby.com
REARRANGED 2019/20 FIXTURES The following Gallagher Premiership games have been rearranged and will all be played behind closed doors. All matches will be shown on BT Sport... 31 Aug 5 Sep 9 Sep 13 Sep 18 - 20 Sep 4 Oct
15:00 14:00 19:45 15:00 TBC 15:00
H A H A H A
Wasps Harlequins Worcester Warriors Sale Sharks Gloucester Rugby Saracens
GP GP GP GP GP GP
TV TV TV TV TV TV
legal & financial
FAMILY DEPARTMENT EXPANDS AT GOUGHS Wiltshire law firm, Goughs Solicitors, has welcomed a new appointment to their growing family law team.
G
oughs, a legal 500 accredited law firm that opened its seventh office earlier this year, is delighted to be continuing their growth and expansion in welcoming a new member to the team.
“We are delighted to welcome Mark to Goughs and I am certain that with his extensive range of experience he will become a great asset not only to the firm, the family department and the armed forces sector, but to the local community as a whole”.
Mark Hood will be based at the firm’s Trowbridge office and works across a range of family matters including divorce and separation, financial matters, injunctions and arrangements for children.
On joining Goughs, Mark said, “I am grateful to be joining such a wellestablished law firm with a large family team and a sterling reputation. Having spent 20 years in the military, often travelling the world, I can’t think of a better place to be situated, enabling me to spend more time with my family whilst embarking on this new and exciting career. The opportunities at Goughs to develop your career and your role within the firm are unmatched. Great emphasis has been placed not only on
With an impressive military career already under his belt, Mark will also become a key member of the
“Mark will also become a key member of the firm’s Armed Forces sector which actively looks to support and advise members of the armed forces community.” firm’s Armed Forces sector which actively looks to support and advise members of the armed forces community. With an understanding that military lives can be even more complicated than civilian, Goughs is a signatory to the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant committing to supporting those in the field. Richard Bebb, Partner in the family department and head of the armed forces sector commented,
recruitment, but also on the firm’s strategic direction and overall vision which is really exciting for everyone involved.” To arrange a meeting with a member of the family team at Goughs Solicitors please email info@ goughs.co.uk, call 01249 712193 or head to the website to make an online enquiry. • goughs.co.uk
Mark Hood
THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 61
puzzles
THAT’S INTERESTING...
Each month ADAM JACOT DE BOINOD, former researcher from ‘QI’ and author of The Meaning of Tingo, poses a vocabulary quiz from our local Wiltshire dialect. CAN YOU GUESS THE CORRECT DEFINITION?
b) of grass, rough and coarse c) a tree bare of leaves or twigs
CID - Consider it done KIT - Keep in touch
4. PETH
1. LAVE
a) a breadcrumb b) a small cavity in a rock c) the number five in shepherds’ counting
When people switched to predictive text, they discovered the phenomenon of the phone’s software coming up with the wrong word; most famously ‘book’ for ‘cool’ (so teenagers started describing their hipper friends as ‘book’). Other textonyms with some service providers include:
2. RINNICK a) a tree bare of leaves or twigs b) the smallest and worst pig of a litter c) a turnstile
3. ROWETTY a) unsettled weather
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TWITTERING Mobile phones have thrown up some interesting usages. In the first wave of the language of texting came the shortened versions of much-used phrases: AFAIK - As far as I know T+ - Think positive BCNU - Be seeing you DUR - Do you remember
Lips for kiss Shag for rich Poisoned for Smirnoff “Do you want to in out some time?” for “Do you want to go out some time”? ANSWERS 1C, 2B, 3B, 4A
a) the swamp surface of a wet ploughed field b) the second swarm of bees in the same season c) of a candle, to gutter down
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puzzles
TEA BREAK TEASERS What/who is missing from the grid?
BERRY WORDSEARCH
BILBERRY BLACKBERRY BLUEBERRY BOYSENBERRY CLOUDBERRY
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Q1: What is the scientific name for Blackberries? Q2: Which singer had a hit in 1963 with the song “Don’t You Think It’s Time”? Q3: What disease can occur if a person has a lack of Thiamine? LAST MONTH’S SOLUTIONS Wordsearch missing word: Guilder Quiz answers 1: Curaçao and Sint Maarten 2: Crown 3: 1st January 2007 4: 183 5: 22
64 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
Q4: In Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights who played the character of Jerry the Berry? Q5: Who played the female lead in the 2001 film Monsters Ball? Be sure to include your contact details so we can get in touch with you if you are our winner!
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last word
COVID-19... AGAIN!
W
ell….where to start? This is the first magazine we have been able to print since March (we did complete April but were only able to make it available online as lockdown had begun) and we are very pleased and excited to be able to do so, but, to be honest it’s a bit strange. I usually have to try and come up with something vaguely humerous about any random given subject that I choose but in the last three or four months very little has happened that has a funny side to it. The last time I wrote one of these pieces it was about sport and how for some unknown reason I love to watch Biathlon on the TV. I usually write these quite a bit in advance of publishing so would probably have written it in early/mid February with no real clue as to what was going to happen in a few short weeks’ time and how the world and all of our lives would change. It, obviously, hasn’t all been doom and gloom. On a day to day basis in everyone’s household I’m sure there have been moments when the dark cloud has lifted and some
determination to get through such awful times as best they can. Sure there are some people who spoil everything and don’t do social distancing or stay at home but just because there is a global pandemic do you really expect those people to stop being idiots?! They were idiots before and they will be idiots afterwards. The average person in the street, like you and I, did what they were told and struggled through to where we are now with mostly good grace and not too much grumbling. No-one liked lockdown. No-one was supposed to like it. It just had to be done and by and large we all played by the rules. We are now, fingers crossed, at a point where we can see a tiny, tiny light at the end of the tunnel and that’s because most people (that’s you and I) are awesome!! There are also, obviously, a lot of people who have gone above and beyond over the last few months. The NHS workers and key workers (TW I’m thinking of you here) especially. These people have put themselves directly in harms way for us every working day since this whole thing hit the fan and frankly a round of applause on a Thursday
“No-one liked lockdown. No-one was supposed to like it. It just had to be done and by and large we all played by the rules.” humour and joy has shone through and as long as you didn’t turn on the TV/radio/social media then it might have even lasted an hour or so!! Overall though it hasn’t been great but what I have been struck by is people’s fortitude. The absolute 66 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
evening, lovely though that was, is the least they deserve. Each and every one of us should go out of our way to personally thank at least one NHS or key worker each and every day for the sacrifices they have made for us since March.
I really, really hope we are coming towards the end of all this, it’s been a long, hard few months for all of us and we deserve some nice things to happen. It’s been lovely to be able to be back writing again, albeit not quite as light as usual, and hopefully we will be fully back to normal for October’s edition.
Phil Rockliffe
