The West Wilts Magazine - August 2021 by Lisa Rockliffe

AUGUST 2021 // ISSUE 137

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+ KID-FRIENDLY BAKES BOA WALKING FESTIVAL A FORMOSA KITCHEN THE WESTBROOK & MUCH MORE

MID-SOMERSET

SHOW TIME SUN 15 AUGUST

FROME CHEESE RETURNS SAT 11 SEPTEMBER

MAGAZINE

GREAT WILTSHIRE WALKS TO ENJOY THIS SUMMER

WIN FOUR TICKETS TO BATH RACES!

Wonderful Warminster READ OUR 12-PAGE GUIDE TO THIS BUSTLING MARKET TOWN

FOOD & DRINK // PUZ ZLES // HOME & GARDENS // HEALTH // COMMENT

VISIT OUR NEW HOLT SHOWROOM Ham Green, Holt, Wiltshire BA14 6PX Tel: 01225 308541 info@formosakbb.co.uk www.formosakbb.co.uk

contents

August 2021 // issue 137

Published by Wired Publishing Editor Lisa Rockliffe Contributors 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: Cley Hill © Victoria Ashman

chool’s out for summer! Over at WWM HQ we’re looking forward to spending six weeks in and around The Shire. Not for us far flung holidays to places as exotic as Cornwaaaaallllll and Devonshuuurrre. Instead we shall be enjoying exploring our own little patch, starting with Warminster. We’ll be visiting many times I’m sure over the holidays - read our feature from p33 and see if you can be tempted over too. We’ll also be making use of our fab feature on local walks courtesy of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust (p16). Our local landscape is simply stunning, so we’ll be getting out and about on the downs and in the woodlands. You might also find the Rockliffe gang at some of the upcoming country shows and town events - there’s Frome Cheese and Mid-Somerset Show (p6), Corsham Street Fair (p8) and Bradford on Avon Walking Festival (p10) taking place in the coming weeks. We’ll also be heading over for a day out at Bath Races (see our competition to win tickets to Ladies Day on p22), paying a visit to Hope Nature Centre (p14) and taking inspiration from The Food Wife’s baking with kids recipes (p27) too. In all, it promises to be a jam-packed summer!. Enjoy!

Lisa Rockliffe, Editor Follow us on Twitter... @westwiltsmag Read online... westwiltsmag.co.uk

in this issue... LOCAL NEWS Frome Cheese Show Mid-Somerset Show Corsham Street Fair Dorothy House Fire Walk BOA Walking Festival Trowbridge Online Carnival Hope Nature Centre

6 6 8 8 10 10 14

FOOD & DRINK Eat the Seasons Baking with Kids recipes The Westbrook

26 27 30

HOME & GARDEN A Formosa Kitchen Transformation Garden Jobs for August Allsop Carpets & Flooring

46 52 54

FEATURES Five Top Wiltshire Walks Wonderful Warminster

16 33

HEALTH & WELLBEING Safe Care

LEGAL & FINANCIAL Awdry Bailey Douglas

BATH RUGBY The Heineken Champions Cup draw 60 COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES Win Tickets to Bath Races! 22 That’s interesting... 62 Quiz, wordsearch & sudoku 64 COMMENT The Last Word

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local news

FROME CHEESE SHOW RETURNS!

ith 18,000 visitors each year and a 160-year history; Frome Cheese Show is one of the oldest and largest one-day agricultural shows in the country. This year’s event is taking place on Saturday 11 September. Cheese is naturally at the heart of every show. The dedicated Cheese Pavilion will host the Global Cheese Awards, the famous cheese auction, cheese traders, cheese bar and a cookery theatre.

guests including The Strolling Gardeners and CBeebies’ Andy Day, who will be on hand to entertain younger visitors. There’s loads for kids to do, including an animal nursery where youngsters can handle small furries, a farmyard discovery

zone, climbing wall and The Hogg Show, the UK’s only pig stage show! Advance tickets are now available you can buy them online from the website. • fromecheeseshow.co.uk

Frome Cheese Show returns this September!

Elsewhere there’s everything you’d expect from an agricultural show and more including livestock and horse competitions, a fun dog show, arena attractions, the Shetland Performance Display Team, countryisde pursuits, crafts stands, artisan food and drink, a music stage and even celebrity

THE MID-SOMERSET SHOW IS BACK!

rganisers of the Mid-Somerset Show are busy preparing for the return of this year’s one-day agricultural show in Shepton Mallet on Sunday 15 August. After postponing last year’s show due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the team are now planning for the return of the event and its much-loved attractions, including the livestock, show jumping, local produce, country crafts and the popular Cheese Awards and Somerset Cider Championship. The show will also be welcoming the very exciting Shetland Grand National this year.

has now resumed, and this year’s show will take place on the new site alongside its new building and facilities – just a mile or so from the old one in Shepton Mallet. Schedules and entry forms for all classes including livestock, horses, showjumping, art and crafts, and more are available on the website and close on Friday 30 July. For further information please visit the website or go to the show’s Facebook page. Show Secretary, Christine Barham, said: “After the uncertainty of the last year it’s wonderful to be back planning for this year’s show. We’re very excited to welcome everyone back and to the new showground.

The show team and its office were due to move to a new home in 2020 but because of the pandemic plans For more information please contact were regrettably delayed. Work Christine Barham on 01749 938044 6

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or secretary@midsomersetshow.org. uk. The Mid-Somerset Agricultural Society will be complying with all government restrictions in place at the time of the event so for all the latest information head to the show’s social media pages. • midsomersetshow.org.uk The Mid-Somerset Show will be taking place on a new site in 2021

A jam packed day of entertainment for all the family plus lots & lots of cheese! LIVESTOCK HORSES CHEESE MUSIC STAGE DOG SHOW FOOD & DRINK FUN FAIR SHOPPING COUNTRY PURSUITS VINTAGE MACHINERY CELEBRITY GUESTS & MUCH MORE!

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local news

CORSHAM’S STREET FAIR RETURNS

aturday 11 September sees the Street Fair return to Corsham’s historic high street. With live music, entertainment, stalls, great food and drink, fun and games and more, there’s definitely something for everyone. The Street Fair runs from 12-4pm so you’re promised a great afternoon. To find out more visit the website or email corshamstreetfair@gmail.com.

printmakers, jewellers and painters. your ears. Every Saturday between For details, visit peacockartstrail.co.uk. now and 25 September, local performers will be busking from And if you just want to visit Corsham 11.30am-1pm. And there’s two hours’ for its glorious architecture, free parking in all the public car parks independent shops and history every day of the week! and heritage, then a weekend walk around the town will be music to • corsham.gov.uk Corsham’s Street Fair is a great community event

The event also sees the launch of the Peacock Arts Trail, a unique art exhibition in the windows of Corsham’s town centre shops and homes. The Trail takes flight from 11-19 September and allows art lovers to explore open studios, displays and - this year - an online extravaganza of events, demos and more. Over 70 local artists are taking part, including sculptors, ceramicists,

DOROTHY HOUSE’S FIRE WALK

ould you like to walk on fire? Here’s your chance to kick off your shoes and take the warmest walk of your life, all for a fantastic cause! On Friday 8 October Dorothy House will be holding a Firewalk at the hospice. Starting at 6pm it costs £30 to enter this fantastic event and they ask that participants aim to raise £200 for the vital work of the charity. All participants will receive an exclusive FREE t-shirt, and if you raise £300, you’ll get a hoodie too! Doing a Fire Walk is an incredible, life-fulfilling experience. Get the thrill of tasting fear and get the opportunity to discover your own true potential. You will be led through the 1.5 hour preparation by one of Phoenix’s highly skilled seminar leaders, then take on the

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challenge of walking 10-12 ft across a bed of glowing coals bare foot. Your family can watch you participate (from a safe distance) and buy refreshments too. There

are limited places so sign up today through the events section of the website and be part of something special. • dorothyhouse.org.uk Doing a fire walk is an incredible experience

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local news

BOA ANNUAL WALKING FESTIVAL

hy not pop over to Bradford on Avon during the first weekend (3-5) in September and join one of their festival walks? Bradford on Avon Walking Festival is laying on 15 walks altogether and most are on the theme of “Woodlands and Wildlife”; they range from 1.5 miles up to 12 so there should be something to suit everyone.

foraging - both led by experts - and can you resist a tea and cake walk on Sunday afternoon or a ‘Tongue in Cheek Trek’ around the town led by a local entertainer? If you’re tempted to head along you can view all the

walks on the website; they’re taking bookings now. Please be aware they have a “no dogs except assistance dogs” policy. • walkbradfordonavon.org BOA Walking Festival offers walks for all abilities

Each day there is at least one all day walk of over 10 miles, a couple of half day walks and a themed walk. There will also be a rare opportunity to join a guided tour of Avoncliff Wood, which is not normally open to the public. Several of the festival’s regular walks sell out quickly, particularly the bat discovery walk and wild food

TROWBRIDGE CARNIVAL GOES ONLINE

rowbridge Carnival will be unable to hold a Carnival Procession this year due to the current situation, which has impacted on the fundraising of carnival clubs who cannot build floats and make costumes. Not to be defeated, carnival organisers have decided to hold an Online Trowbridge Carnival in Miniature, run through their Facebook page. It is basically a challenge to all - children, families and groups - to build a miniature float using recyclable items (boxes, plastics, paper, scraps of material, wool, bottle tops, empty crisp packets) glue sticks, sellotape, paint, crayons, whatever you have to hand. Be sure to get creative, let your imagination run wild and make your miniature float as bright and colourful as you can!

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Once you are finished simply send photos or short videos of your upcycled floats to the organisers via Facebook. They will then collate all the entries and create an online ‘carnival procession’ that they will post onto Facebook. It’s a great idea for a rainy day summer holiday activity! For more information you can email maryrosemantle@gmail. com. Please send your completed entries to Trowbridge Carnival’s Facebook group via Facebook Messenger. • fb.com/ trowbridgecarnival

local news

THE CHEESE & GRAIN IS BACK!

Live music events are now back up and running at full capacity at the CHEESE & GRAIN in Frome. The Shires will be performing on 14 October

ull capacity live events are back at Frome’s Cheese and Grain after an absence of over 500 days. The biggest season of shows in the venue’s 20+ year history kicked off in style at the end of July with legendary DJ and friend of the venue Fatboy Slim playing a special reopening party. The venue will see a mixture of some of the biggest and best touring acts take to the Grain’s stage in the coming months. These include the likes of folk-rock superstar Frank Turner, Brit award winner Beth Orton, the UK’s best-selling country act The Shires and 80’s icon and national treasure Martin Kemp. Over the course of an astonishing career spanning 20 years + and counting – during which he has to date sold in excess 1 million records and played to over 2 million people – Frank Turner’s popularity has grown Beth Orton

Martin Kemp

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local news Folk-rock superstar Frank Turner

with his artistry. His return to the Cheese and Grain will see Frank not only performing but curating two 1 day music festivals dubbed 'The Gathering', on successive nights on 7 & 8 August. The Gathering will see Frank Turner bring some of his

The Frome 80s festival is set to place on Saturday 25 September. The stacked line up is set to be headline by Martin Kemp’s Back To The 80s DJ set. Martin is one of the most in-demand DJs in the UK currently, having previously sold out the

"The venue will see a mixture of some of the biggest and best touring acts take to the Grain’s stage in the coming months."

Country Music Awards. Their debut album, 'Brave' reached gold-certified status and topped the UK Country charts. A further two gold-certified albums and three Top 10 singles followed, firmly cementing their status as two of country music’s most prominent voices. For full details and tickets for all events please visit the website.

favourite artists to Frome to share the Cheese and Grain a record 3 times • cheeseandgrain.com stage with him over the two events. in a year and venues across the UK. The Spandau Ballet star will be taking Beth Orton is one of the most to the decks again and spinning all original voices in music, a trailblazer the best of the hits from the decade who has paved the way for many. that made him an icon. Pop reggae Her debut LP Trailer Park pioneered a stars Musical Youth, best known for synthesis of electronic and acoustic the smash hit 'Pass The Dutchie' are songs to huge acclaim, including also confirmed as main support for two Brit Award and Mercury Award the event. nominations. Beth's previous soldout performance at the Cheese and Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes - The Grain remains one of the venue’s all Shires - will be performing at the time favourite events, so her special venue on 14 October as part of their one off solo performance on 9 intimate, acoustic tour. The duo September promises to be a mustwere the first UK artists to win ‘Best see show. International Act’ at the prestigious

Fatboy Slim

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local news

ANIMAL ADVENTURES HOPE NATURE CENTRE in Southwick has a busy line up of events planned for the school holidays, including their popular animal 'meet and greets'.

ope Nature Centre, an animal park and café just outside Trowbridge, is gearing up for a ‘Summer of fun’, as they plan a range of events to entertain families throughout the holidays. Running from now until 5 September, you can experience their popular Goat Walks, Donkey ‘Meet & Greets’ and the new Birds, Bees & Bugs Experience. The goat walks are one of the most popular events that run throughout the year, and during a 30-minute session, you will be introduced to your very own goat. Those partaking in the special event will get the opportunity to give their goat a groom before, having a stroll around the Animal Park with them. Guests will also learn key facts from the experienced Animal Park team. You can also enjoy a ‘meet and greet’ experience with the lovely Hope Nature Centre Donkeys; Dexter, Denzel and Dudley. You can get up close and say hello, feed and groom them, as well as learning a variety of interesting facts too. Hope Nature Centre are also launching a brand-new educational experience, featuring a whole host of interesting birds, bees and bugs. The hour-long tour takes visitors on a behind the scenes look in the new Aviary, where they can learn about the various birds that call Hope Nature Centre home. As well as learning about the birds, visitors can handle chicks and help to look for eggs. After the birds, visitors head over to the on-site beehives, where they can learn all about the

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The goats are full of character and fun

"Hope Nature Centre are also launching a brand-new educational experience, featuring a whole host of interesting birds, bees and bugs." importance bees, and try honey made on-site. The experience finishes in the Woodland Walk, where participants will learn all about the different bugs living in the Hope Nature Centre ‘bug hotels’, as well as they are so important to the ecosystem. Bookings are limited for each group to ensure it is a small handson experience. Event tickets also include entry to the Animal Park for the full day of your visit, so visitors can enjoy all the other animals and play areas after the event. There is also a Bank Holiday Funday planned on 29 August, featuring face-painting, animal petting, a BBQ and much more. To pre-book your event tickets, and find out more

information about the upcoming summer activities, visit the website. • hopenaturecentre.org.uk/summer The new playground

The land train

wildlife Coombe Bissett Down

GREAT WILTSHIRE WALKS

In Wiltshire we are spoilt for choice when it comes to wonderful summer walks. Showcasing a diverse range of flora, fauna and landscapes, here are five top walks to enjoy over the summer holidays and beyond... 16

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image © Manuel Muñoz Sánchez

wildlife

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wildlife

MORNINGSIDE MEADOWS

You'll find extensive areas of wildflowers, including great burnet, at Morningside Meadows

near Royal Wootton Bassett With its abundance of wildflowers, Morningside Meadows is a national treasure. In summer, the fields are ablaze with colour and the air is filled with wildflower perfume. There is a wealth of butterflies, crickets and pollinating insects, while birds nest in the mature hedgerows. What can you see here? Extensive areas of great burnet and drifts of betony, ladies bedstraw, bird's-foot trefoil, meadow sweet, meadow cranesbill, and knapweed are found at Morningside Meadows, as well as a wide variety of birds. If you're lucky, you may spot the bright blue flash of a kingfisher as it flies along the canal. House martins and swallows have also been seen at the reserve.

COOMBE BISSETT DOWN

near Salisbury There are over 70 acres of beautiful chalk downland at Coombe Bissett Down, just south of Salisbury with stunning views over the surrounding countryside. Part of the reserve has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of the rare flora and High Clear Down offers uninterrupted countryside views

fauna found there. It is also one of Wiltshire Wildlife’s first reserves to have a designated Tramper map, as well as Large Print, Easy Read and Visual ID guides all available to download prior to your visit, as we try to make nature accessible to all.

What can you see here? In the summer months the chalk downland comes alive with butterflies such as Adonis blue, chalkhill blue, dingy skipper and marbled white as well as a glorious display of wildflowers, including delicate harebells, bee orchid, devil’s-bit scabious and Wiltshire’s county flower - the burnt orchid.

HIGH CLEAR DOWN

image © Steve Day

Marlborough The steeply sloping chalk downland of High Clear Down, close to Aldbourne, near Marlborough has no set footpaths so you can wander freely over the grass. In summer, enjoy the beautiful wildflowers and the uninterrupted views of rolling countryside. There is an abundance of flowers because the down

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wildlife

"Where there are flowers, butterflies follow. Along the Wansdyke you can find the Adonis, chalkhill, common and small blues."

Morgan's Hill

MORGAN'S HILL

near Calne Situated between Devizes and Calne, Morgan’s Hill offers incredible views of Cherhill Down and the plains of north Wiltshire. The reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its orchids, butterflies and for the general quality of chalk grassland and wildflowers. A Roman road runs along its northern edge and the fifth century Wansdyke defines its southern border - it was built to defend the northern territory of Wessex. This large bank with a deep ditch is home to early purple orchids and round-headed rampion.

image © Barry Craske

An orchid at High Clear Down

image © Ellie Dodson

Green veined white butterflies at Morgan's Hill

has escaped being ‘improved’ by fertilisers and pesticides and has been What can you see here? Unusually, all three of the UK’s native continuously and lightly grazed. conifer trees grow here - Scots pine, juniper and yew - possibly planted What can you see here? as way-markers to signpost the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust bought drovers’ route. Cowslips, primroses the reserve in 1998 because it and violets bloom in spring, with has one of the country’s largest populations of the nationally scarce wild thyme, horseshoe vetch, common rock rose and marsh early gentian. This is a little annual helleborine in summer. with a purple trumpet that flowers in May and June and is unique to Britain. The orchids that flower here Where there are flowers, butterflies follow. Along the Wansdyke you can are fragrant, common spotted and find the Adonis, chalkhill, common pyramidal. In some years you can find green winged and frog orchids, and small blues. Further down the slopes look for the marsh fritillary – and at the end of summer a few one of the UK’s most endangered spikes of autumn ladies-tresses. species of butterfly, which feeds Butterflies such as the nationallyon devil’s-bit scabious. The reserve scarce Duke of Burgundy, brown is a magnet for moths such as the argus and a clutch of blues – the Mother Shipton and birds that can Adonis, common, chalkhill and are be found on the reserve include also in residence on the reserve. THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 19

image © Ellie Dodson

wildlife

16 species of dragonflies and damselflies can be found at Ravensroost

RAVENSROOST WOOD & MEADOWS

Between Malmesbury & Royal Wootton Bassett Ravensroost Wood is full of interesting wildlife and history and the surrounding wildflower fields offer a very contrasting experience.

The wood’s northern section is a fine example of ancient woodland, meaning it has been continuously wooded since at least 1600AD. The south was almost completely cleared from the mid-1600s to make way for agriculture, before being replanted in the 19th century.

What can you see here? Ravensroost Wood is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and fantastic for birds such as tawny owls and lesser spotted woodpeckers. In summer, listen out for warblers, blackcap, wren and treecreepers. The western fields surrounding the wood are particularly colourful and contains pignut, pepper-saxifrage, oxeye daisy, devil’s-bit scabious, meadow vetchling and betony.

For more information about the 40 reserves Wiltshire Wildlife Trust manages, conserves and supports visit the website. • wiltshirewildlife.org

The meadows are surrounded by mature hedgerows and contain plenty of blackthorn, which is the food plant of the rare brown hairstreak butterfly’s caterpillar. Sixteen species of dragonflies and damselflies are drawn to the

"The wood’s northern section is a fine example of ancient woodland, meaning it has been continuously wooded since at least 1600AD." 20 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

ponds in the middle of Ravensroost Meadows.

Devil's bit scabious

image © Ralph Harvey

kestrel, buzzard, yellow hammer and skylark.

competition The leader comes into the finishing straight

WIN TICKETS TO BATH RACES! Enter our competition for your chance to win a ticket for you and three friends to Ladies' Day at BATH RACECOURSE on Saturday 14 August!

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xperience all the style, drama and excitement at Bath Racecourse’s Ladies Day on Saturday 14 August by winning four tickets to this highlight of the racetrack’s calendar. The prize includes two pairs of Grandstand Enclosure tickets. Stylish racegoers flock to Ladies Day. Drawn by the racing, fashion, food, drink and, of course, the popular Style Awards, this year, the most stylish racegoer wearing their #forgottenfavourite outfit will win a huge cash prize of £500. Stylish outfits and beautiful headwear will abound as racegoers put their best shoes forward to impress the judges of the annual Style Awards, which is open to all. With Covid putting a halt to many special occasions and events, at this year’s Ladies Day judges want racegoers to dust off their #ForgottenFavourite outfit (this year's awards theme) from their wardrobe to give it outing it deserves with a trip to the races. Up for grabs is a huge £500 cash prize and, of course, all the kudos associated to winning the annual Style Awards competition! While there will be style aplenty off the track, racegoers will also be treated to exciting races on it plus a variety of delicious food and drink. Liam Johnson, Executive Director of Bath Racecourse, said: “Ladies’ Day is great fun. It’s special seeing the variety of outfits and racegoers getting into the spirit of the event. There aren’t many occasions where people can get properly dressed up anymore, so Ladies Day gives people a muchneeded excuse to get their gladrags on. I’m looking forward to seeing our customers looking fantastic, particularly this year, when no one’s had much cause to get put on anything fancy; I’m sure our customers won’t disappoint!” Tickets are now on sale and can be bought online and in advance. With restrictions being relaxed, racegoers will be able to experience all the excitement Ladies Day offers with minimal restrictions! Racegoers can get ready to

competition

COMPETITION

For your chance to win four tickets to Ladies Day on 14 August all you have to do is email your answer to this easy question to: comp@wired-publishing.co.uk.

WHICH OF THESE IS A RECOGNISED WINNING MARGIN IN HORSE RACING? IS IT: A) A NOSE B) AN EYE C) A FACE Email your answers now. Good luck! Ts&Cs: Closing date for entries is Wednesday 11 August 2021. Entries received after that date will not be counted. Entrants must be 18 or over. Tickets have no cash alternative and are non-refundable.

Ladies Day is a calendar highlight Racegoers enjoying the view from the Grandstand enclosure

enjoy every roar and cheer with friends and family, so they don’t have to miss another moment together. Registration to enter the Style Awards is free for all racegoers who attend the dedicated area on the evening to have their picture taken. A shortlist of 10 will then be invited to Parade Ring for the final judging panel to select the winning outfit. • bath-racecourse.co.uk THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 23

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AT S TA N D E R W I C K

YOUR HOSTS, LYN & ANDY HOBBS, WELCOME YOU TO THE NEWLY RE-OPENED RISING SUN.

OUR PICTURESQUE FAMILY PUB IS SITUATED IN THE HEART OF THE MENDIPS. With a large dining area, a pretty patio garden, and a new family garden, our newly refurbished pub welcomes dogs of all shapes and sizes too. We’re pleased to offer a traditional yet varied menu, including a hugely popular Sunday Carvery, and a selection of cask condition Badger Beers. OPEN Tues-Sat: 12noon-3pm & 5.30pm-10pm, Sun: 12noon-5pm

tel 01373 830413 | thebell-standerwick.co.uk

A traditional English pub, The Rising Sun aims to be the best local around. The menu offers delicious, classic British dishes using local and fresh ingredients, complemented by a great range of well-kept traditional ales, local gins and fine wines.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

• BEER GARDEN • HOMEMADE FOOD SERVED DAILY • LOCAL REAL ALES & CIDERS • GLUTEN FREE MENU • STEAK DEAL • TRADITIONAL SUNDAY ROAST • TAKEAWAYS AVAILABLE • LARGE CAR PARK 61 Woodmarsh, North Bradley, Trowbridge BA14 0SB 01225 776545 therisingsun-northbradley.co.uk

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...

ith the weather working with us for a change we have had the best quality vegetables being available I have ever known! The rain has come along regularly (but maybe this is just a growers ‘ view with lots of people I know going camping!!) and that rain, with intervals of fairly warm sunny days, has produced an abundance of high quality, locally produced goodies including salads and fruit. As you know most of our vegetables are produced in Bromham, our potatoes in Corsham, salads on the edge of the New Forest, organic watercress from the chalk streams feeding the farm just outside Warminster and most of the soft fruit comes from the Wye Valley. These included strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and gooseberries but also asparagus when in season followed up by green beans and bobby beans which are not grown in our area. If

26 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

you are reading this and you are a grower or producer in the area of this magazine please do get in touch with me. I suppose I should mention how our industry has coped since the re-opening of the hospitality trade and I think from a supply side we have done fantastically, especially managing to source a reliable supply of certain produce. Some of

One thing the rain does do is make our country a green and pleasant land (okay, I stole those words). As I drive around, dropping off second deliveries when needed, I have been observing the lovely wildflowers in the hedgerows and along verges. Recently I dropped down to Stanley near Derry Hill and drove through to Foxham - I could have been in Devon or Cornwall as it was completely unrecognisable

“Our mission is to keep everything as fresh as possible and delivered into our chefs in tip top condition” our produce inevitably comes from outside the UK and imports have been extremely fraught at times. Our mission is to keep everything as fresh as possible and delivered into our chefs in tip top condition, we have got over this by buying less more often. Lorries can take an extra day sometimes to get through all of the checks and this is due to Brexit as well as Covid causing drivers to have to isolate and wait for other drivers to arrive to bring the lorries on. We adapt as always!

to me. I have been local my whole life but I don’t think I’ve ever driven that route, it was stunning. The Foxham Inn was my destination - it’s well worth a visit. Why not ask the places you go to eat if they use local suppliers where possible? More on the allotment next month. As always email me about anything. Neil neil@lovejoyswholesale.com @lovejoysuk @lovejoysuk • lovejoyswholesale.com

KID-FRIENDLY BAKES

recipes

With the school holidays in full swing, this month FRAN STEVENS, aka The Food Wife, has some great sweet recipes you can try at home with your kids!

BUTTERFLY CAKES Makes 12

Butterfly cakes are fun to make and a delicious treat. They’re an excellent addition to a party spread or to accompany an afternoon tea. For dietary requirements they can easily be made dairy-free by switching the butter in the sponge and buttercream to a vegetable fat based block. We added some coloured sugar sprinkles to make ours colourful, but you can leave them plain, if you wish.

✃

Ingredients For the sponges 160g softened butter or vegetable baking block/spread 160g caster sugar 160g self-raising flour (or 160g plain

flour with 3 level tsp baking powder) 3 large eggs 1 tsp vanilla extract For the buttercream 150g softened butter or vegetable baking block/spread 250g icing sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract Method Preheat the oven to 150°C (fan) and line a 12 hole muffin tray with cases. Place all the cake ingredients into a mixer and beat using the paddle attachment, until smooth. Divide evenly between the cases and bake for about 22 minutes. They

should be risen and spring back to the touch. Allow to fully cool. Make the buttercream by beating the ingredients together until smooth. Use a sharp knife to cut a circle out of the top of each cake. Leave a centimetre rim around the edge, and angle the knife so that you can pop the circle out to reveal a hollow. Slice each removed circle in half to make two wings. Fill the hollows with buttercream (using a piping bag will make them nice and neat but you can spoon them in if needs be) and then pop the wings back on. Add any sprinkles or extra decorations as you like. THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 27

recipes these vegan/dairy-free) 2 tbsp golden syrup 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda (gf if required) 150g oats (gf if required) 150g plain flour (gf if required) 120g soft light brown sugar 1 tbsp ground ginger

BANANA MUFFINS WITH CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT FILLING Makes 12

They are best eaten on the day they are made (not really a hardship!) although could be refreshed in the microwave for a few seconds. As with all muffin recipes, minimal mixing is required to achieve a light, rather than tough sponge. Ingredients 3 large very ripe bananas, mashed 60ml vegetable oil 120g light soft brown sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 300g plain flour 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 12 tsp chocolate hazelnut spread (plant based if vegan) Method Preheat oven to 190°C (fan) and line a 12 hole muffin tin with paper cases. Lightly combine the banana, oil, sugar, vanilla, flour, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda in a bowl. 28 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

For a light muffin minimal mixing is required. Half fill each muffin case with the batter. Top each with a teaspoon of chocolate hazelnut spread and then cover with the remaining muffin batter. Bake for 25 minutes and then remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack.

GINGER OAT COOKIESS (gluten free) COOKIE Makes 12

Continuing my quest to make tasty gluten-free alternatives, I’ve been experimenting in the kitchen with some new cookies.

In a large bowl combine the sugar, flour, oats and ginger. Stir the bicarbonate of soda into the cooled liquid mix and then add to the dry ingredients, stirring thoroughly until all combined. Roll into 12 equal balls and spread out on two lined baking sheets. Bake in a preheated oven (180c fan) for 10 minutes, until golden and cracked on top. Remove from the oven and allow to cool (they will firm up as they cool). Leave them for five minutes on their trays and then carefully transfer the cookies, still on their baking parchment (hold diagonal corners taut), onto wire racks to cool completely. • thefoodwife.co.uk

These do not have to be made gluten-free, and can be made using regular flour and oats as you wish. If following a vegan or dairy-free diet, substituting the butter for coconut oil will result in a suitable alternative. Store these in an airtight container and they will last a few days. Ingredients 120g butter (or coconut oil if making

✃

Here we have a vegan muffin stuffed with a decadent filling of chocolate hazelnut spread. If keeping this totally vegan, use a plant based spread (I noticed one available in M&S). These are really quick to put together and take just 25 minutes to bake.

Method Over a low heat, melt the butter and syrup in a heavy bottomed pan, stirring now and again. Once melted, leave to cool slightly.

✃

Award-Winning, Family Run Farm Shop

Established for over 30 years selling quality local produce Open 7 days a week HOME & LOCALLY REARED FRESH MEAT, POULTRY & GAME HOMEMADE SAUSAGES, BURGERS & FAGGOTS LOCAL CHEESES & HOME COOKED MEATS LOCALLY GROWN VEGETABLES, FRUIT & SALADS HOMEMADE CAKES & PIES LOCALLY MADE CHOCOLATES & FUDGE FINE WINE, LOCAL ALE & CIDER PRESERVES & CHUTNEYS GIFT HAMPERS

www.allingtonfarmshop.co.uk TEL: 01249 658112 Allington Bar Farm, Chippenham, SN14 6LJ

Orders now taken for Minimum Contact Collection & Delivery Email orders to sales@allingtonfarmshop.co.uk

WILTSHIRE YEOMAN

Come & try our delicious homemade food!

ENJOY OUR LARGE SUNNY GARDEN LIVE MUSIC NIGHTS See our Facebook page for details ✦ Large children's play area ✦ Doggie friendly ✦ Ample parking ✦ Delicious Sunday lunches ✦ Locally brewed ales

Find us on Facebook for upcoming events

01225 765370 Chilmark Rd, Trowbridge BA14 9DD www.thewiltshireyeoman.co.uk

food & drink

THE WESTBROOK Looking for somewhere family-friendly to take the kids this summer? Look no further than THE WESTBROOK in Bromham.

e all deserve to head out and enjoy a nice meal this summer. If you have kids in tow you so often have to compromise on the food (and the surroundings) to give the children what they need. Not so at The Westbrook. Owners Kevin and Louise Fraser have young children themselves and so know how important it is to get their offering right for families. There is a great sized play area that's perfect for kids under 7 to let off steam and on sunny summer days there is a bouncy castle too. The garden is large and open so parents can keep an eye on their little ones without feeling like they're dining in a playground! Beyond the garden is a lovely decked area with inviting outdoor sofas that lend themselves perfectly to lazy summer afternoons spent catching up with friends and family whilst enjoying some drinks and some great food.

The garden at The Westbrook is large and open

When it comes to food The Westbrook offers great pub classics cooked beautifully using top quality ingredients; keeping the kids happy doesn’t mean compromising on eating well here. They are particularly renowned for their 28-days aged steaks and extra meaty BBQ ribs. Their pork comes from Padfield Porkies in Seend and the ribs are slow roasted with the belly on for 3-4 hours until the meat melts in the mouth, before being topped

"When it comes to food The Westbrook offers great pub classics cooked beautifully using top quality ingredients"

The beautiful deck

30 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

with a homemade Guinness BBQ sauce. Delicious! If you fancy trying something a little different there are always their daily specials to sample,

each also comes with a helpful wine recommendation to make sure it complements your meal. Children meanwhile also have a great selection of meals to choose from, with homemade and healthier options available as well as nice touches like children’s cutlery and smaller cups, a simple idea so often overlooked. So if you want to eat well with the family over the holidays be sure to pay at least one visit to The Westbrook! • westbrookbromham.co.uk

Play area for under 7s

THE

WESTBROOK

Bromham, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 2EE

tel 01380 850418

www.westbrookbromham.co.uk

***BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY ALONG TO OUR FAMILY FRIENDLY PUB THIS SUMMER!*** Kevin & Louise invite you to visit The Westbrook. It offers an inviting bar, a beautiful sun deck, garden and a children’s play area. The menu is bursting with superb value traditional pub classics and top notch specials. • FRESHLY COOKED FOOD • DAILY SPECIALS • LARGE GARDEN • CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA & BOUNCY CASTLE • REAL ALES • CAR PARK

OPEN WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY

warminster

Wonderful Warminster

Warminster is a friendly market town surrounded by beautiful countryside beneath the chalk downland. It is full of independent shops, boutiques, and cafés and lots more besides...

Cley Hill

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 33

warminster The beautiful Lake Pleasure Grounds

arminster is known for its friendly people with a variety of community groups, clubs, arts, and entertainment to enjoy. Links to clubs and leisure facilities can be found on the Warminster Town Council website. If you fancy visiting over the school holidays a fun thing to do is follow the Blue Plaque Trail, it helps you explore the town and gives you a little more information on its history. Again, a trail map can be found on the town council website. One of Warminster’s biggest draws is a short stroll from the town centre: the Lake Pleasure Grounds, which have been awarded a green flag. This gem has something for everyone to enjoy, children love playing on the timber trail and state of the art skatepark and while you relax with a coffee from the Pavilion Café you can take in the views of the boating lake and abundant wildlife. If you’re feeling more energetic challenge your friends to a game

34 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

of tennis (racquet hire available) or pitch and putt, then take a stroll around the lake following the tree trail guide available from the Pavilion Café. What’s more, an exciting space-themed splash pad is landing in 2022 with 12 water features and a paddling pool with sluice gate so be sure to plan your visit and bring the whole family. For more information on Warminster events you can follow the Facebook page @warminstertowncouncil or head to the website. 01985 214847 | warminster-tc.gov.uk

SHOPPING & SERVICES

Warminster boasts some fantastic local businesses across all sectors. Here are some of the best…

FOOD & DRINK CJ ROBBINS

76 Market Place, Warminster CJ Robbins is a Warminster institution; having occupied its premises in the Market Place for three generations it is owned and run by Chris Robbins. Business is thriving largely thanks

CJ Robbins has a great BBQ range

"If you are planning a BBQ this summer Cj Robbins have a full range of products available to sizzle on the griddle." to the simple principle of offering a good quality product at a reasonable price. They source many of their wares from local established micro food wholesalers, including farmers, cheese makers and egg producers, all of whom value the small business and operate exacting welfare codes, producing free range food with complete traceability. If you are planning a BBQ this summer Cj Robbins have a full range of products available to sizzle on the

AUGUST 2018

// ISSUE 108

West Wilts The

FREE

MAGAZINE

BB QS

Getaways IDEAS BAGGING A& TIPS FOR BARGAIN SUMMER BREAK

A NEW OUTDOOR KITCHEN FROM STEPHEN GRAVER

Time for Tea GREAT LUNCHES & AFTERNOON TEAS

WIN A

£15

iTUNES R! VOUCHE

FOOD & DRINK // TRAVEL

// HOME & GARDENS

LOCAL LISTINGS+ TRAVEL ESSENTIALS PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS & MUCH MORE

// HEALTH

// COMMENT

DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT... “Having spent over 15 years advertising our business in various local publications, I can safely say that the WWM has by far been the most productive... I couldn’t recommend them highly enough.” STUART FAINT Pietra Wood & Stone

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ADVERTISING WITH US... Contact Andy on tel 01225 807775 or email andy@wired-publishing.co.uk

westwiltsmag.co.uk

Traditional and contemporary kitchens and cabinetry Holbrook Joinery Ltd. holbrookjoinery@gmail.com // 01985 840689 www.holbrookjoinery.co.uk

Offering beautifully designed kitchens, or kitchen replacement doors, with a FREE innovative design & planning service • Stunning ranges including Contemporary, Traditional, Painted, Gloss & more • Expert Design & Installation • Appliances from the Industry’s Leading Manufacturers • The Homemaker Customer Care & After Sales Service

NEWLY REFURBISHED SHOWROOM 5-6 George St, Warminster BA12 8QA 01985 219200 Longmead, Shaftesbury SP7 8PL 01747 851476 www.myhomemaker.co.uk

warminster griddle. They make a lot of products on site and offer extra special cuts you just won’t find in supermarkets as well as coatings and sauces to add extra flavour to their locally sourced meats. Pop in, call, or order via their new online shop! 01985 213052 | cjrobbins.co.uk

JERK HUB

Home delivery One taste of JerkHub and you will keep coming back for more. It is Warminster’s newest street food takeaway and it’s the brainchild of Tristan Woodward and his partner Ewa Rea. Tristan says, “I have always

JerkHub is Warminster's newest street food takeaway

been inspired by Caribbean cuisine and its incredible flavours. Our menu offers our take on this delicious cuisine; it’s all homemade and full of Caribbean warmth.” At JerkHub their meat, which is locally sourced, is dry rubbed and marinated for 30 hours with their signature seasoning to give it an incredible flavour. It is then slow cooked and finished on a chargrill to create the succulent mouth-watering JerkHub experience that customers keep coming back for. Ewa continues, “At JerkHub we don’t cut corners, we use the very best ingredients, and all our food is homemade. As well as classics like jerk chicken, rice and peas you can also order sides like sticky wings, plantain and festivals (sweet fried dumplings). You can get 15% off our entire menu if you order via our new website!” 07377 382327 | Jerkhub.uk

TAPHOUSE

9-10 George Street, Warminster Taphouse is a new independent off license based in Warminster. Run by Dan Keene and his wife Becky - who locals may remember as the landlords of The Organ Inn - the couple have brought their knowledge and passion for craft ales to their new venture, which opened earlier this year. As well as a large selection of cans, bottles, spirits (including over 50 varieties of gin!) and wines they also have draught ale available for customers to takeaway. Local offerings include Downton Brewery, Cheddar Ales, Kettlesmith Brewery and the Bristol Beer Factory, whilst on

The Taphouse is a new independent off license specialising in great craft beers, ciders and spirits

36 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

"As well as a large selection of cans, bottles, spirits and wines they also have draught ale available to takeaway."

• CRAFT BEER • REAL ALES • BOTTLE SHOP • CIDER - ORDER ONLINE - TAKEAWAY - FREE LOCAL DELIVERY*

TRY OUR NEW ONLINE SHOP!

See website for details

9 - 10 George Street Warminster BA12 8QA

01985 217 700

We’re a traditional butcher that’s proud to serve the finest British meats. If you are planning a party or BBQ come & see us for our great value meat packs. We have a selection of tasty specialist coatings & marinades especially for the BBQ!

info@taphousewarminster.co.uk taphousewarminster.co.uk

tel: 01985 213052 | www.cjrobbins.co.uk 76 Market Place, Warminster BA12 9AW

fit

WARMINSTER’S NEW STREET FOOD TAKEAWAY INSPIRED BY THE FLAVOURS OF THE CARRIBEAN

MADE WITH CARE USING TOP QUALITY LOCALLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS GET 15% OFF OUR ENTIRE MENU WHEN YOU ORDER THROUGH OUR NEW WEBSITE!

www.jerkhub.uk

OPEN Friday & Saturday: 16:30 - 19:30

TEL: 07377 382327

warminster the appley-front they have Honey’s great one-off items available to Midford Cider and Iford Cider to name suit every budget, including lots of but a few. locally made artisanal pieces. And should you require a more extensive The shop is open Thursday to interior renovation, About The House Saturday for you to pop in and also offers a full interior design takeaway whatever you fancy, or you consultation service too! 01985 218882 | fb.com/ can order online for delivery when it aboutthehousewarminster suits you. 01985 217700 | taphousewarminster.co.uk

HOME & GARDEN ABOUT THE HOUSE

Chinns Court, Warminster At About The House, tucked away in the beautiful Chinns Court in Warminster, owner Sarah Jayne brings 22+ years of interiors experience to her thoughtfully stocked boutique. There are inspirational schemes, quirky ideas and accessories and lots of fabulous ‘gotta have it’ items that would look great in any home. Whether you are buying for yourself or family and friends, there are

About The House has a great range of homewares and gifts

Bonbon Chic has lots of great accessories

38 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

"at Bonbon Chic you’ll find a mix of textures and colours to delight the senses and make you smile!" BONBON CHIC

14 High Street, Warminster Bonbon Chic was first set up in Frome in 2012 and opened its second store in Warminster in 2018. Both shops have gone from strength to strength, with stock changing on a daily basis. Specialising in a mix of clothing, accessories, gifts, homewares and cards, at Bonbon Chic you’ll find a mix of textures and colours to delight the senses and make you smile!

HOLBROOK JOINERY

Sutton Veny, near Warminster Owner Dan Williams and the team at Holbrook Joinery offer a truly bespoke service, delivering beautifully crafted, handmade kitchens and custom joinery solutions. They tailor every element of your kitchen to your home and family life, use the highest quality materials from managed and sustainable sources and deliver an individual design created to your exact requirements. Holbrook Joinery offers contemporary, country and shaker kitchen designs in solid timber such as oak, maple, ash and walnut and in contemporary lacquered birch plywood. They can also give you a beautiful painted finish which can be sprayed or hand painted in any colour you like. A range of worktop options are also available from solid timber, crafted to fit your kitchen design perfectly, to granite and marble or the more modern look of solid surface tops such as Corian.

Goods are sourced from the UK and worldwide and many are handmade and fair trade. The Warminster shop is at 14 High Street, Warminster and is open Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 5pm and on Sundays from 11am to 4pm. If you wish you can also browse their new online shop too!

All kitchen cabinets and units are hand built in their workshop in Sutton Veny, near Warminster. So if you are considering a new bespoke kitchen or other joinery project, get in touch and organise a no obligation meeting to discuss your requirements.

01985 219526 | bonbonchicshop.co.uk

01985 840689 | holbrookjoinery.co.uk Holbrook Joinery create handmade kitchens and other joinery projects

ABOUT THE

V I N TA G E F U R N I T U R E & I N T E R I O R S

We are a local Wiltshire shop specialising in vintage furniture, lifestyle and westcountry gifts. 29 High Street, Warminster BA12 9AG

07733 265795 numberteninteriors.co.uk

interiors

House

NUMBER TEN

BEAUTIFUL INTERIOR ACCESSORIES & GIFT BOUTIQUE FULL INTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTATION SERVICE AVAILABLE 4 CHINNS COURT, WARMINSTER BA12 9AN TEL 01985 218882 | FIND US ON FACEBOOK

S.L. Corden & Sons

GIFTS, ladies wear & accessories

We are a traditional hardware store with a modern twist.

OPEN MON - SAT 9.30am - 5pm SUN 11am - 4pm 14 High Street, Warminster BA12 9AE • 01985 219526 info@bonbonchic.co.uk • www.bonbonchicshop.co.uk 9 Catherine Hill, Frome BA11 1BY • 01373 464412 You can also BUY ONLINE with HOME DELIVERY & CLICK & COLLECT services available...

warminster

Homemaker is a family-owned independent

HOMEMAKER

5-6 George Street, Warminster Homemaker is a family-owned independent company supplying kitchens and electrical appliances from all the major manufacturers from their shops in Warminster and Shaftesbury. As an independent Homemaker pride themselves on giving good reliable local service to their customers at very competitive prices. As well as stocking a great range of top appliances, Homemaker is probably best known in the area for their British made kitchens by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Quantum as well as their Hacker Kitchens, custom made in Germany. The latest solid quartz, acrylic and timber worktops are stocked too. If you are looking for a change but need some ideas as to what you could do, or even if you know exactly what you are looking for, pop into their newly refurbished showroom in Warminster to take a look around.

Lakeside has great plants and a gorgeous setting

centres are based in Warminster and Bitton, between Bath and Bristol. In either location you can be assured of a friendly welcome, top-quality products and knowledgeable advice. In addition to the wide range of trees, shrubs, patio plants and perennials, you will also find a select range of quality garden furniture, barbecues and gifts. Lakeside is situated on the A350 in Crockerton, just outside Warminster, on the edge of the Longleat estate. What really marks this garden centre apart is the beautiful setting - no visit to Lakeside is complete without a stroll around the lake and a chance to meet the ducks and geese that have settled there. It’s a wonderful spot for a summer day out. 01985 217413 | fonthill-lakeside.com

LAKESIDE GARDEN CENTRE

40 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

29 High Street, Warminster Number Ten Interiors, based on the High Street, is a local store that specialises in vintage furniture, lifestyle and westcountry gifts. As a proud independent retailer you simply won’t find big name brands here, instead you can get your hands on some real one offs, stunning antique and vintage furniture and beautiful artisanal goodies that make wonderful, thoughtful gifts for family and friends. Owner Adele devotes much of her spare time on the lookout for great locally sourced West Country products and hunting down interesting vintage finds for the store. It’s a real treasure trove and well worth the visit! 07733 265795 | numberteninteriors.com

S L CORDEN & SONS

01985 219200 | myhomemaker.co.uk

Crockerton, near Warminster Lakeside and Fonthill Garden Centres are a family run business that has been serving gardeners in the West of England for over 40 years. The two

NUMBER TEN

No 10 is filled with stunning antique and vintage furniture

4 High St, Warminster Cordens is a real fixture of Warminster high street. A traditional ironmongers, the store is now so much more to local residents, and currently operates 10 departments over three floors, covering: kitchenware, DIY and paint, ironmongery, tools, electrical, gardening, camping, locks and key cutting, sugarcraft and gifts.

Jacqueline’s Wedding Flowers

Bridal Boutique

Exactly how YOU want them Listening to YOU & creating YOUR perfect day With free parking in Frome it’s easy to pop in

Call for a FREE Consultation on

01373 467726 01985 216570

www.thelittleflowerco.co.uk Unit 4, Forest Road, Frome BA11 2TU Serving all areas in Frome, Warminster and Westbury

MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER

• Rise & Recline Chairs • Stairlifts • Adjustable Beds • Mobility Scooters • Walkers & Wheelchairs • Bathing Aids • Daily Living Aids

Perfect designs for your perfect day. From bridal gowns to flower girls to jewellery - we have it all! Sizes 6 to 34 Book your appointment today!

Visit our independent Wiltshire showrooms... 17 George Street, Warminster, BA12 8QA

01985 843035

Western Way, Melksham SN12 8BY

01225 251601

www.lifeandmobility.co.uk

t 01985 620419 e sharon@jacquelinesbridalboutique.co.uk 67 Market Place, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 9AZ

jacquelinesbridalboutique.co.uk

fip

warminster

Cordens is a real fixture of Warminster high street

As an independent firm, they are renowned for their helpful and cheerful staff, their knack for problem solving and their ability to source unusual items quickly. Their gardening department is the place to head for gardeners too; they stock everything from seeds to secateurs, furniture to tomato feed – everything the greenfingered enthusiast needs to get their plot looking tip top! 01985 212115 | slcorden.com

SOFA CO PLUS

15 George Street, Warminster Sofa Co is an independent boutique furniture store established by Tom O’Hare in Warminster in late 2009. SofaCo Plus has been in Warminster for almost 12 years

42 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

It has established a reputation for supplying top quality sofas from some of the finest manufacturers in the UK, Europe and South Africa. There are beautiful UK built sofas, stunning leather sofas from South Africa and funky colourful designs from Spanish manufacturer Fama. As well as sofas, you can also find mirrors, lighting, throws, cushions and a new solid oak dining range and some exclusive pieces of artwork; offered in amazing colours to will brighten any room. Alternatively, Sofa Co also offer a re upholstery service, from a seat pad repair to a full re-cover of a sofa. Tile House is an independent bathroom and tile specialist

Now is an ideal time to pop in and take a look – Tom will put the kettle on! 01985 847031 | sofaco.co.uk

TILE HOUSE

Silver Street, Warminster Tile House is celebrating its first year of trading this month having established itself as one of Warminster’s favourite house and home outlets. The family run bathroom and tile showroom, situated on Silver Street, has been designed to offer inspiration through an extensive range of bathroom furniture and sanitaryware to suit all budgets and tastes from traditional to contemporary. The full installation

INDEPENDENT SHOWROOM OPEN IN WARMINSTER! Open: Tuesday-Friday 09:00–17:30hrs, Saturday 09:00–14:00hrs, Sunday Closed

A new family run bathroom and tile showroom offering an extensive range of bathrooms and tiles to suit all budgets and tastes, from traditional to contemporary.

FULL INSTALLATION SERVICE AVAILABLE We stock trusted bathroom brands including Roca, Scudo, Heritage as well as quality floor and wall tiles from Porcelanosa, Minoli and many more... (Parking to the front of the showroom and a collection point to the rear.) 6 Silver Street, Warminster BA12 8PN Email: info@tilehousewarminster.com Tel: 01985 804745

...keep safe and well

fti

THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING LOCAL! 01985 847031 • sofacoplus@yahoo.co.uk • sofaco.co.uk • 15 George St, Warminster, BA12 8QA

warminster service takes away the hassle of coordinating tradespeople and trusted brands including Roca, Scudo and Heritage mean new bathroom choices can be made with confidence. The added benefit of a choice of quality floor and wall tiles from Porcelanosa, Minoli and others allows the customer to realise their bathroom dreams under one roof. There is parking to the front of the showroom and a collection point to the rear.

Jacqueline's Bridal Boutique opened in June 2020

Tile House offers a warm welcome and a relaxed atmosphere in which to discuss your vision, as well as the latest in CAD software so you can envisage what your finished bathroom will look like. 01985 804745 | fb.com/tilehouse.warminster

WEDDINGS & EVENTS JACQUELINE’S BRIDAL BOUTIQUE

67 Market Place, Warminster Located in the heart of Warminster, Jacqueline’s Bridal Boutique is there to fulfil all your bridal needs. Since opening in June 2020 this boutique has taken the bridal shop business by storm! With excellent customer care and over 8 years' bridal experience, this bridal boutique is the number one choice in Warminster! From bridal gowns to flower girls to jewellery - they have it all! Inside this gorgeous boutique there is plenty of space to make your bridal dreams come true. What makes this bridal boutique best? You are able to customise parts of your dream gown to make it your own! Sizing starts at a size 6 all the way to a size 34. Jacqueline’s Bridal Boutique caters for any bride and are happy to go out their way to make your bridal appointment the most enjoyable it can be! 01985 620419 | jacquelinesbridalboutique.co.uk

44 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

The Little Flower Co create stunning bouquets for any occasion

warminster

THE LITTLE FLOWER CO

LATER LIFE

Forest Road, Frome (serving Warminster) LIFE & MOBILITY “Reputable”, “reliable”, “friendly”, SOLUTIONS “professional”, “fresh” and “beautiful” are 17 George Street, Warminster just some of the words customers use This family run mobility equipment to describe The Little Flower Co. supplier has four local showrooms, one in George Street, Warminster, They have an excellent reputation another in Trudoxhill near Frome, and passion for flowers, providing another in Shepton Mallet and a new ideas for any budget and style. From branch in Melksham. Life & Mobility big wedding celebrations to a simple Solutions supply all major mobility thank you bouquet they are able to equipment including rise and recline help and guide you. To view some of chairs, adjustable beds, stairlifts, their work you can visit their Facebook mobility scooters, living aids and and Instagram pages - both can be much more. They have over 30 years’ accessed via the Website. They also experience within the industry and offer same day delivery for a large can offer help and advice on most range of gifts and plants, sympathy things connected to your mobility. tributes, corporate and more. Owner Mark Cawthra and his team Whilst their Warminster branch has believe in presenting you with all closed, they can still count on a loyal the options, so you can make an following from the town and its informed decision on what is best surrounds, serving it instead from for you. They carry products from all its branch in Frome. They are still the leading manufacturers but are delivering out across the region. not tied in with any one of them, You can order your gifts via the web meaning they can offer you clear, shop or call 01373 467726 or 01985 impartial advice. Call them to find 216570 and place your order, where out more or visit their independent their knowledgeable and friendly staff showrooms. If you are unable to get will be able to assist and guide you to any of these, they also offer a free through your choices. home visit and delivery service. 01985 216570 | thelittleflowerco.co.uk

01985 843035 | lifeandmobility.co.uk Co-Operative Funeralcare has branches in Warminster and Frome

Life & Mobility Solutions has showrooms in Warminster, Melksham, Frome & Shepton Mallet

CO-OPERATIVE FUNERALCARE

3 George Street, Warminster The Southern Co-op Funeral Plan is tailored to your individual needs so you can choose exactly what you want. The cost is guaranteed and inflation proof, protecting you and your loved ones from ever-rising costs. The average cost of a funeral has soared well above the rate of inflation in recent years and is expected to rise further. By choosing to plan now, you are paying at today’s prices. Whether the funeral takes place in 5 or 10 years’ time, there will be no extra or hidden costs to your partner, relatives or executor. An easy payment scheme allows you to spread the cost from 1 to 10 years through monthly instalments, securing the cost for a fixed monthly payment. The Southern Co-op Funeral Plan is valid in over 1,100 Co-operative Funeralcare branches across the UK and includes a 28 day cooling off period for complete peace of mind. To find out more, visit one their branches in Warminster or Frome or visit the website. 01985 220105 | funeralcare.co.uk

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 45

house & home

FAMILY-FOCUSED

LIVING

FORMOSA has been helping customers create the kitchens of their dreams for almost 10 years. We caught up with clients Louise and Matt following a recent project...

46 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

he last year of intermittent lockdowns has certainly changed the way we need our homes to function. With kitchen tables shared between home schooling and home-working, or living spaces packed with exercise kit, many of us have gotten to know our four walls very well - but found them falling short in terms of how they work for us... This was the case with homeowners Louise and Matt, who had to put off a more significant move in March 2020, “We had a house move fall through because of the pandemic." says Louise. "It was a huge disappointment at the time, but, stuck at home like so many others, we instead turned our thoughts to improving some of the things in our home that bothered us and which had prompted us to want to move in the first place. We live in a 4-bed detached house but seemed to be on top of each other constantly, we certainly weren’t making the most of the space.” Like every family home, the kitchen was at the heart of the action, “Our layout was a fairly standard one – a decent-sized kitchen/diner looking out on to the back garden, then a separate dining room that led through an archway into the living room." Louise continued. "We also had a conservatory which we never used – it was freezing in winter or upwards of 50°C in the summer. It just seemed like a huge waste of space and created this awkward, multi-door access to the garden, with about 1,000 trip hazards for our two-year-old.” Many of us have spaces like this, which don’t fit with how we want to live – often the kitchen is separate and leaves one family member away

house & home from all the action. “The kitchen was perfectly functional I suppose but it was tired and not somewhere you particularly wanted to be. We wanted a new range as we both enjoy cooking and I wanted a much more social space, possibly with an island, where I could have friends over for coffee and have eyes on the kids playing too.”

"Many of us have spaces like this, which don’t fit with how we want to live – often the kitchen is separate and leaves one family member away from all the action." Louise and Matt wanted to create a ‘broken plan’ space – that is, an open-plan kitchen/diner with some seating and a play area for the kids. They also wanted to block up the archway to make the living room a more grown-up space, free from children’s toys! “Rather than having a full extension, we found out we could build up – using the existing conservatory foundations and dwarf walls – to create a proper insulated room with a skylight. Then, by removing the stud wall between the kitchen and

The new kitchen leads into a snug/play room

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 47

house & home dining room, we could create a large L-shaped space, which included a snug/playroom for the kids.” says Louise, “This reconfiguration also allowed us to have French doors direct from the kitchen to the garden – something that makes summer dining outside so much easier!” The couple went to see Natasha from Formosa with their ideas. She suggested that rather than go for an island, the couple would be better off, given the shape of the space, to have a peninsula or breakfast bar instead. “For an island to work well you need to have lots of room to go around it, otherwise they dominate the space and make it cramped rather than spacious.” Natasha says. “Islands are so on trend sometimes clients want them even if it’s not the best option. Thankfully Louise and Matt took on board what I was saying and the peninsula is a great alternative!” Louise agreed, “If we’d have tried to put an island in here we’d have been squeezing past each other or it would have been so small as to render it a bit pointless. The peninsula performs exactly the same job for us and it’s now the real focal point of the kitchen.” The couple wanted a classic but modern finish so Natasha suggested they look at the Lifestyle Kitchen The old dining room...

48 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

range by Crown Imperial. They loved the sleek simplicity of a modern shaker style called Avio and the colour options were fantastic. “I really like the look of dark units with light worktops, so we went with the Graphite shade on the bulk of

The old conservatory

The new extension and the kitchen's double doors which lead out on to the garden

the cabinets – mixing it with white around the seating area. The dark colour is gorgeous – there’s such a depth to it which shifts in the light and the simple lines keep it timeless. We opted for a mix of conventional wall and base units, larder cupboards around the fridge, a curved unit for the peninsula and full height cupboards on the banquette seating – great for housing the hoover and large kitchen appliances! The light worktops are Aria by Mistral solid surface worktops. They are smooth ...and separate kitchen/diner

and non-porous - so inherently hygienic and resistant to staining - as well as being durable and stylish.” The kitchen also has some great finishing touches and extra features, including a beautiful herringbone Amtico floor, a selection of spot and feature lighting from DAR Lighting in antique chrome and a GROHE Minta SmartControl kitchen mixer tap that's perfect for the hygiene-focused and budding chefs alike with its buttoncontrolled start technology. The devil

house & home There are some lovely touches, including great lighting

The Grohe Minta SmartControl tap is a great feature

is in the detail so they say, and here the details have all been carefully considered.

The Mistral solid surface worktop

Having now completed the project, would they change anything? “Honestly, it’s surpassed our expectations," says Louise, "It was a relatively painless process; Natasha recommended an installer for us - Rich Jones from Carpentry Plus and his work was fantastic. As for the kitchen itself, we opted for the

best quality we could afford and I’m so glad we did - the work has completely changed how we use and see our home - moving is now definitely off the agenda!” To find out more get in touch with Formosa, or pop into the new showroom in Holt, where you’ll also find a gorgeous range of bathroom and bedroom displays. • formosakbb.co.uk

The kitchen is now great for the cook as well as being a really social space

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 49

1981-2021 CELEBRATING

YEARS IN BUSINESS

A family run business situated in the heart of Westbury

Wild Ivy

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FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS IN & AROUND THE HOME • DIY • Hand & Power Tools • Gardening • Plumbing • Heating • Logs & Fuels • Electricals • Decorating • Cooking • Sugarcraft FREE DELIVERY TO WESTBURY & SURROUNDS

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OPEN Monday to Saturday 9am - 5.30pm (Sunday CLOSED)

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at 288 Frome Rd, Trowbridge, Wilts BA14 0DT

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Tel 01225 763927

***BAY TREE CAFÉ NOW OPEN!*** Plants, Trees & Shrubs, Bedding Plants, Roses, Fruit & Veg, Seeds & Bulbs, Gardening Products, Paving, Pots & Containers, Ornaments, Tools, Compost and Wildlife Feed plus A wide selection of gifts for every occasion

Also home to The Bay Tree Café, Garden Affairs, Room to Groom,The Nail Lounge, Premium Tubs, Paul’s Double Glazing Repairs, Hair by Angela,The Foot Clinic & Kalahari Kitchen

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We offer a comprehensive service for all kinds of damp proofing, basement waterproofing, timber treatment and specialist replastering.

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gardens

GARDEN JOBS

Here are some of the top jobs to be getting on with in the garden this month... 1. Prune Wisteria. Cut back the whippy green shoots of the current year’s growth to five or six leaves after flowering in July or August. This controls the size of the wisteria, preventing it getting into guttering and windows, and encourages it to form flower buds rather than green growth.

hot dry spells. Capture rainwater/ grey water wherever you can and use it to keep containers and new plants well watered. Forget about the lawn, it may go brown but it will bounce back quickly after any decent rain! 5. Collect seed from garden plants. Don't miss an opportunity to increase your plants for free! Collect ripe seed on a dry day, as soon as the seedheads (e.g. capsules or pods) ripen. This is often indicated by a colour change from green to brown, black or red, but must be before they open and shed their contents.

2. Summer prune fruits trained as restricted forms. Summer pruning is mainly for apples and pears trained as restricted forms: cordon, espalier, fan, pyramid, spindlebush. Summer prune when the bottom third of the new shoots become woody. Generally, this will be mid-July for 6. Harvest sweetcorn and other pears and mid/late August for apples. vegetables as they become ready Sweetcorn cobs starts to ripen from 3. Deadhead flowering plants mid-summer. Once the tassels at the regularly. Not only will your plants end of a cob have turned chocolate look more tidy but it will also prolong brown, test for ripeness – peel back a their flowering season as the plant little of the husk and pierce a kernel continues to put its energies into with your fingernail. If a watery liquid making flowers rather than into seed squirts out, it’s not yet ripe, if the production. liquid is creamy, the cob is ready, but if it's paste-like then the cob is 4. Watering! Be water wise during over-mature. Keep container plants well watered and deadhead regularly to prolong flowering

Collect seed from your plants to get more flowers for free!

Twist ripe cobs and pull sharply from the stem. Once picked, sweetcorn rapidly loses its flavour, so only harvest when required and eat as soon as possible. 7. Continue cutting out old fruited canes on raspberries Cut them down to ground level after harvesting in summer, without leaving a stub 8. Lift and pot up rooted strawberry runners. After the final harvest of the summer, use spare runners (young plants that develop as offshoots from the parent) to fill in gaps or replace old plants. Remove any unwanted runners. 9. Keep ponds and water features topped up. Water evaporates during windy or hot weather, leading to the water level dropping. Ideally use rainwater from a butt as tap water is rich in nutrients that causes algae to prosper. 10. Feed the soil with green manures Green manures are fastgrowing plants sown to cover bare soil. Often used in the vegetable garden, their foliage smothers weeds and their roots prevent soil erosion. When dug into the ground while still green, they return valuable nutrients to the soil and improve soil structure.

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

HUGE SELECTION OF TREES & SHRUBS

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INTERIORS SHOWROOM

Bespoke Curtains & Blinds, Roller Blinds, Curtain Poles, Upholstery, Interior Design, Fabrics & Wallpapers, Flooring, Rugs, House Accessories New furniture ranges including Vincent Sheppard, Whitehead Designs & Pacific Lifestyle Measuring, Fitting & Decorating Services also available. Includes Inspirational Bathrooms, Bedrooms & Kitchens Find us at Silver Street, Gastard, Corsham, SN13 9PY We are just a 4 minute drive from Corsham Town Centre with free customer parking available

NOW OPEN IN MELKSHAM... @HOME WITH PERFECT ROOMS GIFTWARE

• www.perfectrooms.co.uk • Tel: 01249 716445 • interiors@perfectrooms.co.uk

house & home

ALLSOP CARPETS & FLOORING

For a top quality floor, and an expert installation, look no further than ALLSOP CARPETS & FLOORING, a Frome-based family business.

or over 30 years, Allsop Carpets & Flooring have strived to deliver the highest quality and service possible. Their commitment to their clients has led to a loyal customer base not just in Frome but throughout the South West. Whether you are looking for a cosy new carpet from Cormar or a smart, durable new LVT floor from Amtico, you can be assured of a top quality product at a competitive price. As well as supplying great flooring, Allsop’s is also renowned for the high quality of its installations. Owner Brian says, “We work with the top brands in the industry and want to make sure that those brands are also installed beautifully. It is only then that our customers will get to enjoy a great quality floor for years to come.”

Amtico's Noble Oak herringbone flooring

54 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Helen and Rich from Bradford on Avon came to Allsop’s via a recommendation when they were let down by other companies. Helen says, “We recently came to the end of kitchen extension and had selected a beautiful Amtico floor to run throughout. It all turned into a bit of a nightmare though, we went from

"As well as supplying great flooring, Allsop’s is also renowned for the high quality of its installations." one flooring company who kept delaying delivery (which held up our build) to an installation company that did such an awful job the whole floor had to be ripped up and done again. It was incredibly stressful, but

Allsop’s came to our rescue. Brian and his team were unbelievable. Not only did they have the new flooring packs with us in a couple of days they fixed the bodged job the other team left and gave us a new Amtico floor that looks fantastic. I’d recommend them to anyone, I just wish we’d gone to them straight away!” If you would like to find out more the team can visit your home or business, bring samples and also provide a no-obligation quotation and free measuring service. Alternatively, you can pop into their showroom at The Corner Garage on Christchurch Street where their knowledgeable and helpful staff will also be on hand for expert guidance and advice. • allsopscarpets.co.uk

Allsop Carpets & Flooring

Amtico Cornish Oak

• Carpets • Vinyl • Naturals • Wood Flooring

www.allsopcarpets.co.uk | 01373 463866 Corner Garage, Christchurch St West, Frome BA11 1EB

Using British Manufacturers & Suppliers

health & wellbeing

IN SAFE HANDS

If you or a loved one are struggling to cope at home, or simply need a helping hand with some everyday tasks, local company SAFE CARE can help... Safe Care help with a wide range of needs and requirements

ith an ageing population, the problem of how we will cope in our dotage is one that affects us all. For many it can be an issue that causes a great deal of anxiety too. Whilst there are many care options available, for many of us, the prospect of staying in our own

Helen Cass established Safe Care in 2004, initially running the business from home. Since its establishment, the company has expanded to meet the demand for its services, which include everything from weekly visits to several check ups per day. It's not just the physical things they help with either, if the last 18 months has shown us anything, it's how having day to day contact with

"they operate 7 days a week, 365 days a year, so you can be sure you or your loved one will always be well looked after." homes for as long as we can is the most appealing option. Safe Care is a local company that helps people do just that by assisting with those day to day tasks that get much more difficult as we get older. 56 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

another human being is so crucial to all of our wellbeing. Safe Care's team of carers can help with a wide range of needs and requirements including personal

care, lunches, general cleaning, laundry, shopping, medication prompting, safety visits and sitting services. They cover a large proportion of the West Wiltshire area, including Bradford on Avon, Melksham, Trowbridge and the surrounding villages. What’s more, they operate 7 days a week, 365 days a year, so you can be sure you or your loved one will always be well looked after. Safe Care is registered with CQC (Care Quality Commission) and a member of the WCP (Wiltshire Care Partnership). If you would like more information about Safe Care’s services call 01225 350612 or email safe-care@blueyonder.co.uk. • safecare-wiltshire.co.uk

SAFE CARE ***RECRUITING NOW***

Peter Wilkinson

M.Inst.Ch.P

Providing care in the comfort of your own home

We can assist with: • Personal Care: Showering, washing & bathing • Lunches: Fresh or frozen meals • Domestic: General cleaning • Laundry: Washing, drying & ironing • Shopping: You can go with your carer or we can do it for you • Medication prompting • Safety visits • Sitting services For more information please get in touch. We operate 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Covering Bradford on Avon, Melksham, Trowbridge & surrounding villages Tel: 01225 350612 | www.safecare-wiltshire.co.uk Email: safe-care@blueyonder.co.uk CQC Rated Good

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

www.trowbridgechiropodist.co.uk

55-57 Stallard St, Beaufort Mansions, Trowbridge BA14 8HH

legal & financial

AWDRY BAILEY & DOUGLAS EXPANSIONS PLANS Increased client demand enables AWDRY BAILEY & DOUGLAS to lease the entire ground floor of 2 Gateway North, Swindon.

The new Swindon branch of ABD has been a huge success

ne of Wiltshire’s leading law firms, Awdry Bailey and Douglas are pleased to announce they have recently signed up to lease the additional space on the ground floor of 2 Gateway North, Swindon all 2,000+ square feet of it.

all parts of Swindon, the firm’s new office has proved to be very popular.

This marks another exciting step forward for ABD, which continues with its expansion and growth plans, whilst also delivering on its commitment to providing excellent This progressive, forward thinking law levels of client service to their local firm only opened their newly built communities and surrounding areas. Swindon office in March this year, but due to the increased demand for From their office in Swindon the their high quality legal services they firm provides advice and guidance grasped the nettle and completed on a wide range of practice areas the lease for the whole of the ground including Agricultural Property, floor as from 18 September 2021. Conveyancing, Commercial, Employment, Family Law, Land and 2 Gateway North is conveniently Development, Litigation and Private located on Latham Road adjoining Client services. the B4534 Lady Lane and the A419 dual carriageway to the North of Resident Partner of the Swindon Swindon. office, Tim Hotchkiss, who is also a member of ABD’s Management With dedicated car parking spaces board commented “As demand and being easily accessible, from for our services in Swindon have

58 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

increased we are delighted to be able to take full advantage of the extra space available to us at 2 Gateway North. "It is due to the hard work and dedication from every single person here at ABD that we have been able to continue to expand and grow. I would personally like to thank everyone for their incredible efforts in what has been an unprecedented year. "We are currently recruiting for a number of very talented individuals who can help us to deliver the high quality legal services we are renowned for. If you would like to be part of a forward thinking, progressive law firm where everyone is valued and success is always acknowledged, then please visit our website today.” • awdrys.co.uk

Kitchens

Renovations

Timber Frames

Domestic & Commercial work undertaken Call for a free quotation 07979 153241 www.carpentryplus.org

bath rugby

BATH HEINEKEN CHAMPIONS CUP DRAW

Bath Rugby have been handed a tough draw in the 2021/22 Heineken Champions Cup.

ath Rugby will take on last season’s European finalists La Rochelle and four-time European champions Leinster in the 2021/22 Heineken Champions Cup pool stage.

Bath will play Leinster and last year’s losing finalists La Rochelle in the Champions Cup

The Blue, Black and White qualified for the tournament by securing a top eight finish in the Gallagher Premiership with a thrilling victory over Northampton Saints on the final day of the season. Losing out to Toulouse in last year’s final, La Rochelle finished runnersup in TOP 14 last term while Leinster were victorious for the eighth time in the Guinness PRO14. Director of Rugby Stuart Hooper says: “There is always an air of excitement when it comes to the Heineken Champions Cup draw and we’re thoroughly looking forward to the 2021/22 campaign. We were really pleased with our performance on the final day of last season to secure our place in the Champions Taulupe Faletau

“La Rochelle finished runners-up in TOP 14 last term while Leinster were victorious for the eighth time in the Guinness PRO14.” Cup, and there is no doubt our supporters helped cheer us on to victory that day. “Not much comes close to the roar of a packed-out Rec and having fans at our European matches will add to that special feeling of facing opponents with recent history in the competition.” The Heineken Champions Cup will be competed for by 24 clubs with eight representatives from the Gallagher Premiership, the Guinness PRO14 and the TOP 14 having secured their places. The clubs have been divided into two pools of 12 – Pool A and Pool B - by means of a draw and the tournament will be played over

60 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

nine weekends with four rounds of matches in the pool stage starting in December when Toulouse begin the defence of their title. The eight highest-ranked clubs from each pool will qualify for the knockout stage which will consist of a Round of 16 on a home and away basis, quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final in Marseille on Saturday 28 May 2022. Rounds 1 and 2 of the Heineken Champions Cup will take place in December (weekend of the 10/11/12 and 17/18/19) while Rounds 3 and 4 will be played in January (weekend of the 14/15/16 and 21/22/23). • bathrugby.com

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? 1. RANNEL

a) a pathway up to a steep hill b) ravenously hungry c) the froth on top of a glass of beer

2. POUNCEFUL

a) masterful, self-willed b) careless, reckless, happy-go-lucky c) vigorously; with might and main

4. POOK

a) a small cock of hay b) the youngest of a litter of pigs

62 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

UNIVERSITY LINGO

Local slang was adopted at many universities. At Oxford, your battles (Tudor-Stuart) were (and still are) your college bills; if you didn’t get to an exam you ploughed (1853) it; and academic nudity (b1909) was the appearance in public without a cap or gown. At Cambridge, in Victorian times, a brute (19C) was one who had not matriculated and a sophister (1574) was an undergraduate in his second or third year. In both places a whiffler (c1785) was one who examined candidates for degrees, while at Dublin a sizar (1588) was one who got a college allowance. At Aberdeen, from the

18th century on, you were a bajan in your first year, a semi in your second, a tertian in your third, and a magistrand (1721) if staying for a fourth year to sit an M.A. Much more recently, a new slang has grown up to describe the various kinds of degrees that one may hope to get. The much-prized First has been known as a Geoff (Hurst), a Damien or a Pattie (Hirst), a raging (thirst) or a James (the First). A 2:1 is known as an Attila (the Hun) or a Made-In (Taiwan). A 2:2 is known as a Desmond (Tutu) and a 3rd as a Douglas (Hurd), a Thora (Hird), or even a Gentleman's Degree, though who would admit to having one of those these days?

ANSWERS 1B, 2A, 3C, 4A

3. QUILT

a) a turnstile b) wool taken from a dead sheep c) to swallow

c) unsettled weather

puzzles

TEA BREAK TEASERS What/who is missing from the grid?

ICE CREAM WORDSEARCH

CALIPPO COUNT DRACULA FAB FEAST FUNNY FEET

JUBBLY MAGNUM MINI MILK MR FREEZE NOBBLY BOBBLY

SOLERO SPLIT TWISTER ZOOM ZZAPP

WIN A £20 iTUNES VOUCHER! SUDOKU

MEDIUM

Email your answers to these trivia questions to comp@wired-publishing.co.uk by 23.08.2021 to be in with a chance of winning a £20 iTunes voucher. Good luck!

Q1: What is sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia? Q2: What country consumes the most ice cream per person per year? LAST MONTH’S SOLUTIONS Wordsearch missing word: MURRAY Quiz answers 1: Jack Anderton. 2: Finn Russell. 3: 2-Watson and Faletau. 4: Cape Town. 5: 2033.

64 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Q3: Which American ice cream company boasts the slogan, “Ice Cream of the Future”? Q4: In 1670 ice cream was made available to the general public for the first time in what country? Q5: In which country is a ‘Sundae’ a type of blood sausage? Be sure to include your contact details so we can get in touch with you if you are our winner!

We have been trading in Wiltshire for 20 years, and are specialists in writing Wills, advising on Trusts and helping with Probate.

Lasting Power of Attorney

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WILL PRICES: £75+VAT SINGLE, £100+VAT JOINT If you have money or property and become unable to deal with your affairs because of an accident or illness your assets may be frozen. If you have a stroke, or develop Alzheimer’s, your family may have to apply to the courts to deal with your affairs. This can be expensive, may take a year or more to complete and a large sum of money may have to be deposited with the courts! A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document that gives somebody of your choice the power to deal with your financial affairs if for any physical or mental reason you were unable to. It is the only document which gives this power but you can only complete one while in good health, so you need to act as soon as possible.

We are currently offering appointments at your home, via telephone and from our Bath office. To make an appointment please call:

01225 400060

Head Office: Redbridge House, Lower Bristol Road, Bath BA2 3EW www.wtponline.co.uk | david@wtponline.co.uk | 01225 400060

last word

FEELIN’ HOT HOT HOT

went for a run this morning. Quite a long run for me, 15k, but I am writing this on 20 July in the midst of a mini heatwave so decided to get up early, 4.30am, in a bid to miss the worst of the heat. It worked but as a friend remarked “No sane person sets an alarm that starts with a 4.” No argument there! It was early enough to be lovely and cool but by the time I got back, even at that time of the morning, it was getting to the point where you’d seriously consider not going out at all let alone for a run. It set me thinking a bit about how we just aren’t set up for extreme

it happens. We have friends who live in South Australia where, in the summer, they will have weeks and weeks of 40°C temperatures (that’s just over 104°F - it sounds hotter in fahrenheit). All the houses there, though, have air conditioning which makes the day-to-day experience of that sort of heat much more bearable. Compare that to here where you have to wander listlessly along the freezer aisles of the local supermarket to cool down. On the other side of the coin friends in Canada, in winter, regularly have to plug their cars into the electricity supply of their house overnight as it gets so cold the engine block may

“We have friends who live in South Australia where, in the summer, they will have weeks and weeks of 40°C temperatures (that’s just over 104°F - it sounds hotter in fahrenheit).” weather in this country, hence we generally complain about it. A LOT. Every time the sun comes out the newspapers are filled with headlines like ‘UK hotter than the Sahara this weekend!!!’ and the BBC website offers advice on how to cope in extreme heat (very informative it was too actually) I’m actually not of the opinion that we are a nation of complainers (although we do excel at it natch) I just think the extremes of weather we experience are actually few and far between so we don’t have the kit or the mentality to deal with it when 66 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

crack!!! Another of the downsides of the extreme cold is that so much salt is spread on the roads to help with the ice and snow that it reduces the life of cars to about 5 years! (I haven’t fact checked this it’s just my friend telling me but it sounds feasible.) Compare life continuing in Canada through 10ft snow drifts with winters in the UK. If we get the smallest amount of snow everything comes to a halt - my daughter’s school sent them all home for a snowday when there was less than 1cm of snow on the ground a year or so ago. Can you imagine the uproar

though if Wiltshire Council spent a million quid on proper snow ploughs (that’s how much they cost btw, who knew?!) which then sat in the depot for 5 years as we endured a few ‘unseasonably mild’ winters?! It’s not like we really ever get enough snow to warrant the expense in any case. How about if all offices, shops, houses had to, by law, have air conditioning? It would be great for the 6 days a year it would be needed but otherwise just sit there idle and not justifying the large amount of money needed to have it there. I’m pretty happy being able to complain if I’m honest. “It’s too hot/ cold/snowy, icy/windy (delete as appropriate)! Instead I’ll just be grabbing an ice cream and staying inside to protect my delicate English skin. Phil Rockliffe

The West Wilts Magazine - August 2021

Articles inside

The Last Word

That’s interesting

The Westbrook

Garden Jobs for August

Baking with Kids recipes

Allsop Carpets & Flooring

The Heineken Champions Cup draw

A Formosa Kitchen Transformation

Eat the Seasons

Five Top Wiltshire Walks