Bradford & Borders
No 37 June / July 2014
Ashley, Avoncliff, Broughton Gifford, Farleigh Hungerford, Freshford, Holt, Limpley Stoke, Monkton Farleigh, Rode, South Wraxall, Westwood, Wingfield, Winsley & Surrounding area.
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welcome Welcome to our June/July edition, which is, as ever, brimming with interesting news and events from the local area. For those of you not glued to the World Cup, you’ll find something for everyone, from our full-to-bursting What’s On section, an Interiors Feature, showcasing many of Bradford’s home retailers, to information on local festivals, including Bradford’s own Arts Festival, which runs until September and culminates in a lantern procession through the town.
Cover: Ruth Walton
Following massive refurbishment, The Boathouse at Bradford Marina will be reopening under new management, and to celebrate this, and the start of summer, readers will be invited to enter a fantastic competition to win a two night stay at Widbrook Grange Hotel with meals and champagne included. Definitely one to enter, even if you live locally! Go to page 30 to find out more. And finally, our other exciting news is that ‘A Local Life’ will be starting a Warminster edition in September, under the helm of editor Clare McNaughton, who currently runs her own blog detailing her life as a Modern Military Mother. We’d like to welcome Clare and wish her every success in her new venture; we’re looking forward to working with her. Lastly, we’d like to wish our readers a sunny and relaxing summer – let’s hope the rain stays away. A Local Life
all
a local life WIN 2 night stay! 22
34 Riverford Feature Recipe 28
No 37 June/July 2014
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We host a series of exclusive chamber music festivals on land and at sea throughout the UK & Europe, featuring highly acclaimed musicians in elegant surroundings. We also arrange tours to leading festivals in Europe such as Schubertiade and the Verona Opera Festival, and opera weekends in Dresden,Venice, Milan & New York.
Prices include flights, transfers, accommodation with breakfast, meals and concerts as described, a full programme of sightseeing and the services of the Kirker Tour Lecturer. Single supplements on request.
THE KIRKER CHOPIN FESTIVAL IN MALLORCA Our 2014 Chopin Festival is based in picturesque Banyalbufar, on the glorious north coast of Mallorca. Pianist Benjamin Frith, soprano Ilona Domnich, and the young and exciting guitarist Manus Noble will play three concerts at the monastery in Valldemossa. They will be joined by the actors Dame Harriet Walter and Guy Paul, and pianist Lucy Parham, in two evenings of words and music telling the tale of Frederic Chopin and his mistress George Sand. Our programme of sightseeing includes visits to Deià, Lluc, the romantic gardens of Alfàbia and Palma. Price from £1,698 for six nights including six dinners, two lunches and five concerts. Departs 1 October 2014.
THE 9th KIRKER ISCHIA MUSIC FESTIVAL Join pianist Tim Horton on the idyllic island of Ischia for six exclusive concerts at La Mortella, the former home of Sir William & Lady Walton. Tim will be joined by classical guitarist Gary Ryan, tenor Thomas Hobbs and violist Simon RowlandJones for concerts overlooking the garden, next to the villa where the Waltons lived. We stay at the 4* Albergo San Montano in the small resort of Lacco Ameno, with spectacular views of the Bay of Naples. Price from £1,998 for seven nights including seven dinners and seven concerts. Departs 13 October 2014.
THE KIRKER MUSIC FESTIVAL IN MALTA Malta is the destination for our new music festival in the late autumn, a perfect time to visit the island and its smaller neighbour, Gozo. Join the Doric String Quartet, prize-winning young pianist Louis Schwizgebel and acclaimed Maltese tenor Cliff Zammit Stevens for concerts given in the Teatru Manoel, an 18th Century Baroque masterpiece, and at the Villa Bologna. Our varied programme of sightseeing will include a visit to St John’s Co-Cathedral to see Caravaggio’s The Beheading of St John the Baptist, which provided the inspiration for a new quartet by Simon Rowland-Jones - to be given its world premiere by the Doric String Quartet during the Festival. Price from £1,995 for six nights including six dinners, two lunches and five concerts. Departs 30 October 2014.
This is just a small selection from the wide range of holidays that we offer. We also arrange short break holidays including opera and concert tickets for independent travellers. To book or request a brochure please contact:
Michael Eaves
available 7 days a week at a time to suit you
01373 888 620 michael.eaves@travelcounsellors.com www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/michael.eaves
CONTENTS
Inside... What’s On..........................................................................6 Warminster Edition......................................................10 Community News............................ 12,18,20,26 & 44 Culture.............................................................................14 Gardening.......................................................................18 Interior Feature.............................................................21 House & Home..............................................................22 Food & Drink..................................................................27 Recipe...............................................................................28 Competition...................................................................30 Riverford Feature..........................................................34 Travel Feature................................................................38 Health & Fitness............................................................40 Pets’ Place.......................................................................46 Directory..........................................................................48
Get together. Over coffee.
Book Review...................................................................50 Slice of Life.....................................................................53 Puzzles.............................................................................54
CONTACTING US Sales enquiries: publish@alocallife.co.uk or call 01225 866566 Contribute: editor@alocallife.co.uk
Pop in to Starbucks in Fore Street,Trowbridge, and you can enjoy a FREE Tall Latte when you buy one for a friend.
Publisher: André Balkham Jones Contributors: C&A, Jo Fairburn, Erica Morgan, Colin Edwards, Ruth Walton, Joe Venrables, Clare MacNaughton. Design: A Local Life Printed on paper sourced from responsible sources.
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No 37 June/July 2014
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WHAT’S ON
What’s on
JUNE & JULY 2014
Sunday 1st June
Thursday 5th June
"The Art of Seeing" 7.30pm Upper Masonic Hall, Church Street, BoA. Arts Association talk by sculptor and painter Jonathan Mulvaney. £3 members, £4 nonmembers. 01225 862670
Celebrating Art in the Garden West Lavington Manor SN10 4LA, 11am-6pm. £6 inc. cat. accompanied u16s free. Runs until Sun 22nd June. 01672 540180 www.friendsofthegarden.org.uk
Tuesday 3rd June
Saturday 7th June
City to Countryside Bath Skyline Walk 10am–2pm. A free 6 mile guided walk of the Bath Skyline. Meet outside Bath TIC. Bring packed lunch. www. nationaltrust.org.uk/priorpark
Coffee Morning (summer theme) United Church, St Margaret's Street, BoA. 10am. Proceeds to charity. Free. www. bradfordonavon-unitedchurch. co.uk
Wednesday 4th June
Summer Jamboree 2014 Bradford TIC & Pavilion Cafe, 12-5pm. Delicious food and entertainment. 01225 865797 tic@bradfordonavon.co.uk
Frank Cinelli @ Seend Acoustic Seend Community Centre, Rusty Lane, Seend, SN12 6NS, 7.45pm. Frank Cinelli headlines, with Jordan Whatley supporting. £4. 01380 828660 www.seendacoustic.org
Thursday 5th June Book Launch at Bath Cats & Dogs Home. 6.30pm. Damien Lewis launches new book ‘Judy… the only Animal Prisoner of War’. Tickets £10 (proceeds to charity). 01225 787334 tomparker@bcdh.org.uk
“HEARTSONG” - Singing Workshop 10am-1pm Christ Church, Mount Pleasant, BoA. Songs from around the world, taught by ear. £7. 01225 863916
Tuesday 10th June Phil King @ Bradford Folk Club Cellar Bar, Swan Hotel, Church Street, Bradford on Avon, 8pm. Free. 01380 870734 www. boafolkclub.org.uk
Thursday 12th June University of the Third Age Bradford on Avon United Reform Church Hall, 2.30–4pm. Talk by Vivienne Kynaston: Developments of Fairtrade. www. bradfordonavon.com
Friday 13th June Wessex Auction Rooms Sale of Stamps, Coins, Postcards, Film. 11am (viewing from 9am). 01249 720888. wessexauctions.co.uk
Jazz: Gerry Brown Mission Hall, Mount Pleasant Social Club, Lady Lansdowne’s Bowood BoA, BA14 1SJ, 8pm. £10. 01225 Charity Dog Show and Summer 400959 Fair Bowood House 10am-4pm. Kennel Break Fundraiser, Pedigree, family and fun dog Bath Cats and Dogs Home. classes and displays to watch. £10. Business professionals trade bowood.org/event/bowood-dog-show places with dogs. Book your
Sunday 8th June
Antiques, Collectables & Sporting Memorabilia 6
A Night of Italian Opera at Iford Garden open 5.30pm for picnics, Concerts 6.15pm and 8.30pm. £24. 01225 448844 www.ifordarts.org.uk
Tel: 01249 720888
www.wessexauctionrooms.co.uk
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WHAT’S ON
Saturday 21st June
boss or colleague a place! 01225 787335 fundraising@bcdh.org.uk
Fitzmaurice School Strawberry Fair. 11am-3pm incl balloon modelling & free circus workshops. £1/children free. www.fitzmauriceschool.info
Saturday 14th June Dyrham's Glorious Gardens, 10-4pm. Dyrham Park & Dyrham village showcase beautiful gardens. £7.50, u16's free. www. nationaltrust.org.uk/dyrham-park (running until Sunday 15th June) Bristol Classic Car Show
Siyaya: Zimbabwean music and dance. Wiltshire Music Centre, 3pm. A cappella harmonies and vibrant dances from Africa. £10/£6 u18s. 01225 860100 www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk
Monday 16th June
Bath & West Show Ground from £11. www.bccsl.co.uk or 0117 907 1000. Parking & accompanied u16s free. ‘Touching Earth’ exhibition Paintings by Lizbeth Spurgeon. The Exhibition Centre, The Vaults, Lambs Yard, BoA. Until17th June.
Sunday 15th June Father's Day Melksham Food Festival Fair, Melksham House. www. melkshamtown.co.uk Ravel, Debussy, Chroma in Concert at Iford Gardens open 6pm for picnic, concert begins at 7.30pm. £24. 01225 448844 www.ifordarts.org.uk
Climate Friendly Bradford on Avon 7.30pm, Quaker Meeting House, Whitehead's Lane, BoA. Talk on Swifts by Edward Mayer of Swift Conservation. Free. 07507 782523. www. climatefriendlybradfordonavon. co.uk
Friday 20th June Terry Gilliam’s Benvenuto Cellini. Wiltshire Music Festival. 7pm. Sung in English. £15/£3 u18s. 01225 860100 www. wiltshiremusic.org.uk The Silver Ring Choir of Bath Joint Concert with Herbertscher Choir St Michael’s Church, Broad St, Bath. 7.30pm. £10. 0117 9422205 or silverringchoir.org.uk
Jane Austen Regency Summer Ball, Guildhall, Bath, BA1 5AW 7pm-11pm (doors 6.30pm) Tickets: £57 each. www.janeausten.co.uk Wessex Midsummer Vintage Gathering. Semington, Nr Trowbridge, 10-4.30pm. Vintage cars, tractors, fairground rides. Adults £5, accompanied children under 14 free. 01225 754374. (running until Sunday 22nd June)
Monday 23rd June The Forever Friends Appeal Information Tours, Oncology Unit, RUH, Bath. 6-7.30pm. Free. 01225 825691. www. foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk/ ruhcancercentre
Tuesday 24th June Bradford on Avon Probus Club Limpley Stoke Hotel, 10am talk “The History of Glass” by James
Why not tell people what’s on in a local life
7
WHAT’S ON
What’s on
JUNE & JULY 2014
Adlington of Bristol Blue Glass, Sunday 29th June Contact Ray Sanger 01225 865088 BoA Secret Gardens Festival Royal Opera Live: Manon Bradford TIC, 2-6 pm. £6, u14s Lescaut Wiltshire Music Centre. free. See 7th June for contacts. 6.45pm. Sung in Italian with Monday 30th June English sub-titles. £15/£3 under Donal Maguire @ Devizes Folk 18s. £13 multibuy 01225 860100 Club. The Lamb Inn, St Johns www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk Street, Devizes, SN10, 1BT, 8pm. A Thursday 26th June fine singer/songwriter and great Winsley & District Gardening guitarist. £6. 07714 550990 Club Talk 7.30pm, Winsley Village www.devizesfolkclub.co.uk Hall, BA15 2LU. Jamie’s Farm, Box: Friday 4th July The role of gardening in a charity Frome Festival helping vulnerable young people. www.fromefestival.co.uk £2 incl refreshments. 01225 Running until 13th July. 723589. www.winsley.org.uk
Friday 27th June
Saturday 5th July
First Night Party Iford. Music and picnics from 6pm, bands from 7.30pm. Including Molotov Jukebox, Polly and the Billets Doux. £34. 01225 448844 www.ifordarts.org.uk
Coffee Morning & Bring and Buy United Church, St Margaret’s Street, BoA. From 10am. Coffee morning proceeds to charity. Free entry. www.bradfordonavonunitedchurch.co.uk
Saturday 28th June
National Trust Georgian Celebration Prior Park Landscape Garden. 10am–4.30pm. Normal admission applies. 01225 833422. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/prior-park/
Corsham’s Walking Festival. Guided walks running all day. Walks start from Corsham TIC, booking advised. 01249 714660 www.corshamforwalking.org.uk
Friday 11th July
Wessex Auction Rooms Sale 10am, viewing from 8.30am. 01249 720888 www.wessexauctions.co.uk
Wessex Auction Rooms Sale 11am, viewing from 9am. 01249 720888 www.wessexauctions.co.uk
Bike Bath Bath Recreation Ground. A weekend of cycling activities. www.bikebath.co.uk
Saturday 12th July
8
Corsham Town Hall, 7.30pm. £10 (incl refreshments). Tickets from Corsham Book Shop or wwwcorshamchoralsociety.org.uk
Sunday 13th July Winsley Cricket Club Charity Day in aid of Dorothy House & Club Funds, 10am ‘The Downs’, Winsley, BA15 2LX. 01225 866061
Tuesday 15th July St Swithin’s Day – a day on which people watch the weather
Saturday 19th July Wessex Auction Rooms Sale 10am, viewing from 8.30am. 01249 720888 www.wessexauctions.co.uk
Monday 21st July Climate Friendly Bradford on Avon 7.30pm. Talk by A. Millington of Sustrans. See 16th June for more details.
Tuesday 22nd July Bradford on Avon Probus Club Limpley Stoke Hotel, 10am talk “Life as a Buddhist Monk” by John Preston. 01225 865088
Friday 25th July Village Pump Folk Festival White Horse Country Park, Westbury. www.efestivals.co.uk
Corsham Choral Society ‘Songs for Summertime’ Tell advertisers you saw them in a local life
WHAT’S ON
Regular Weekly / Monthly Events MONDAYS New Yoga for Pregnancy Class Call Julie: 07867 117413 / 01225 766704 yoganama@hotmail.co.uk Jane Austen Dancers of Bradford on Avon. United Reform Church Hall, 8-10pm. £4. 2nd & 4th Mondays in the month. jkgreaves@uwclub.net Jazz Factory Wiltshire Music Centre. 7.30pm9pm. Come and sing or play jazz in our weekly workshops.
West Wiltshire Amnesty Group Meets 3rd Tuesday of month. Quaker Meeting House, Whiteheads Lane, BoA. 7.30pm. 01225 863562. jillbenedictross@gmail. com
7-8.30pm St Laurence School £3.50. Friendly netball for all abilities. Fridays (term time only). Nicola 01225 864874
WEDNESDAYS
Live Music at The Three Horseshoes Frome Rd 01225 865876
Bradford Choral Society United Church Hall, Bradford on Avon, 7.30-9.30pm. No audition, new members welcome. 01225 862670. www.boachoral.org.uk Bradford Bridge Club See Mon
Bradford Bridge Club The Swan Hotel BOA, 7pm to 10pm. Come & play duplicate bridge in a relaxed & friendly atmosphere. Jan O’Connor 01225-865669
Ekleksis - Bradford on Avon Club, 7 for 7.30pm start. Acoustic musicians practice group. £10 Andrew Clifton on 07791 192639 aclifton@live.co.uk
The Silver Ring Choir of Bath Manvers Street Baptist Church Bath, 7.45-9.45pm. New singers welcome, bursaries available to full time students. All enquiries 0117 9612802 silverringchoir.org.uk
Farmers Market Westbury Gardens, 3rd Thursday monthly. 9am-1pm.
Civil Service Retirement Fellowship Second Monday of the month at United Reform Church Hall in St Margaret’s Street. 2.15-4pm. 01225 864541
TUESDAYS
THURSDAYS
Market Day 9am-1pm Library Car Park University of the Third Age in BoA is held on second Thursday of month. United Reform Church and Hall in St Margaret’s Street 2.30-4pm. Members must have membership card.
Con Brio Mixed Voice Choir United Church Hall. 8pm-10pm 01225 863066 www.conbriovoices.org.uk
Rhyme Time
Open Mic Night 8.30pm-midnight. The Canal Tavern. Free entry
FRIDAYS
Live Music at The George Woolley Street 01225 865650
Bath Old Time Dancers - 1st Friday of month, 7.30-10pm St John’s School Hall, Oldfield Lane, BA2 3NR. 01225 335740 www.batholdtimedancers.co.uk
SATURDAYS Live Music at The George Woolley Street 01225 865650 Live Music at The Three Horseshoes Frome Rd 01225 865876 BoA Lifesaving Club Bradford Swimming Pool. 5pm. 5 years to adults. £2 www.boalsc.org.uk
SUNDAYS Farmers Market. Lamb Yard. Last Sunday monthly. 10.30am-2.30pm
Free activity for babies & toddlers 10am-10.30am at the Library 01225 863280
Back to Netball
Why not tell people what’s on in a local life
...UPCOMING Annual Walking Festival Taking place 5th-7th Sept. For more information go to www.walkbradfordonavon.org where you can also find out about our monthly walks and register to receive a regular e-newsletter. 9
HEADING
Warminster & Borders Launch of Warminster Edition At The Helm, local journalist Clare Macnaughton
Dear Local Lifers, When André Balkham Jones launched ‘A Local Life’ in Bradford Avon in 2010 his ambition at that time was to create a genuinely independent, locally focussed, good quality magazine. Four years on and we are delighted that A Local Life Bradford on Avon is thriving, passionately supported by the local community and advertisers. With each issue, the aim is always to deliver an exciting issue jam-packed with news, events and articles that are relevant to you and your environs. It is this essence that distinguishes A Local Life from other local magazines. It is written specifically with the community it is working with, and supporting, in mind. The Warminster edition will continue this tradition of good quality locally relevant editorial. As an area Warminster is blessed with fabulous countryside, interesting attractions, great food 10
No 1 September / October 2014
establishments and a strong, connected business community. We look forward to delving deeper into this fertile area and showcasing what’s on offer. I am so excited to be managing editor. Like many locals, I migrated here in 1980; my father was a railwayman and his job at Westbury Station brought us south from the North. I attended New Close Primary School and then Kingdown Comprehensive School, which I left with one O Level, eight GCSEs and three A Levels. At the age of 18 years old I left Warminster to travel the world. During this time I studied a Ba Hons in PR & Media studies from Exeter University, married an RAF Chinook pilot, had a son, was the PR Manager for British yachtsman Mike Golding in the solo around the world yacht race, Vendée Globe, the Communications Director of the solo circumnavigation yacht race the Velux 5 Oceans, had a daughter and then co-wrote the bestseller Immediate Response. I began blogging as A Modern Military Mother in 2010 and have written many articles and columns under this handle.
local community and unearthing the local treasures. Growing up in Warminster I took for granted the creative, cultural, historical, rural uniqueness that we are so lucky to experience around us. Even having travelled the world, I now realise there is so much I gleaned from my youth here that I am very excited about enriching my rapidly advancing middle age by reconnecting once again with the glorious town and the surrounding villages. If you have any feature ideas for our inaugural edition and beyond we would love to hear from you so please email us at: warminster@alocallife.co.uk I look forward to catching up soon, Kind regards, Clare Macnaughton
I returned home to Warminster in 2011. I love living once again in the majestic Kingdom of Wessex. Warminster lent me a fantastic childhood, filled with fresh air, freedom and adventure and I now want my own children to benefit from this superb offering. There is so much to discover and share literally on our doorstep and I am particularly looking forward to re-acquainting myself with the
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COMMUNITY
Volunteers' Week 2014 Volunteers’ Week is an annual celebration of volunteers across the UK and is taking place from the 1st-7th June. As part of Volunteers’ Week, Volunteer Centre Wiltshire will be visiting libraries in Salisbury, Marlborough, Devizes and Chippenham. We have lots of volunteering opportunities: you could be a Good Neighbour, a Home Library Volunteer, volunteer at Trowbridge Museum or ‘Get Wiltshire Walking’. Other opportunities include gardening, befriending, mentoring, administration and IT. To find out about Volunteers' Week, please visit our website www.volunteercentrewiltshire.org.uk Follow us on twitter: @volcentrewilts or facebook: volunteer.centrewiltshire or call 0845 5216224
A Family Concert from the Athenaeum Singers The Athenaeum Singers present a family concert on Saturday 7th June at 5.30 pm, featuring a children's choir from The Minster School, Warminster. The programme includes John Rutter: 'Feel the Spirit', a lively presentation of seven spirituals, and Joseph Horovitz and Michael Flanders: 'Captain Noah and his Floating Zoo'. Please note that the performance will take place in the Minster Church of St Denys, Church Street, Warminster, BA12 8PQ. The concert starts at 5.30pm and will be followed by refreshments. For ticket details please go to www.athenaeumsingers.com/page/contact
Guitar tuition in Bradford on Avon Students of all ages are welcome, from complete beginners to guitarists looking to improve their technique, repertoire and musicianship. Lessons are flexible, tailored to you, and offered in:
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Acoustic guitar ● Classical guitar All lessons are on a private one-to-one basis, in a relaxed and quiet environment.
Call Zac on 01225 309230
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COMMUNITY
Westwood Children’s Community Library Westwood with Iford primary school has launched a new scheme to operate a children’s community lending library from the school. The Bradford on Avon Area Board made a grant to enable the purchase of dedicated library software and hardware that will enable the school library to be opened up to the local community. Ian Rockey, head teacher of the school, said:
The Bradfordians present JANE EYRE at the Tithe Barn, 8th-12th July Join the award-winning Bradfordians for a new production of Charlotte Bronte's 'Jane Eyre' as they stage a new, true-to-book adaptation of this classic gothic masterpiece. A wonderful story, atmospheric venue, a cast of 40 of the best local talent - and a picnic and glass of wine on the banks of the river Avon beforehand. Sounds like the recipe for a perfect summer’s evening!
“The children at the school are already really excited, and I hope we will be able to share that excitement with other children in the community, be they at other local schools, home educated or perhaps just staying with friends or grandparents locally.”
The production runs from Tuesday 8th July until Saturday 12th July, 7.30pm at the Tithe Barn, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1LF.
The school is inviting anyone to register their interest by sending an email to library@ westwoodwithiford.org. The school would also be delighted to hear from anyone who is able to donate children’s books to the library.
Tickets are £12 or £10 concessions. Available from The Wiltshire Music Centre www. wiltshiremusic.org.uk 01225 860100
Men to Climb 15 Mountain Peaks for Local Youth Charity James Vaughton and Bradford on Avon residents Tom Vaughton and John Fuggle are to embark on a gruelling challenge in North Wales. From 13-15th June, the men will aim to conquer 15 mountain peaks over 3000 ft high, in under 24 hours, hoping to raise £5000 to support young people in the area. The challenge includes Snowdon (3560 ft) and Crib Goch which is a terrifyingly narrow ridge with a 1000 ft drop either side. If you would like to support the group by sponsoring them you can do so at www.give.net/15peaks Find out more at www.wiltshireyfc.org.uk and www.bathyfc.co.uk. If you would like to contact or help support the team, please email james@bathyfc.co.uk
No 37 June/July 2014
13
CULTURE Local success story Jesus Jones headline the Electric Stage on Sunday 7th September
The affordable, fun, family festival! 5TH – 7TH SEPTEMBER 2014 The Woolley Festival announces a change of venue, a stunning line up across 3 stages, and a bold new era for the Festival. Following the decision last year to encompass even more music and genres, The Woolley Festival is relocating to Merkins Farm, Bradford Leigh, BA15 2RW. Bringing national and international artists to Bradford on Avon for a three day weekend, the festival also offers activities and attractions for children of all ages in a safe environment. This year sees a fantastic headlining set from the legendary Joe Brown, followed by the indescribably talented Chas & Dave, alongside local favourites Billy In The Lowground, Calico Jack and The Frukes on Friday 5th September. Festival veterans The Selecter headline the Electric Stage bill on Saturday 6th September, topping a bill that includes the inimitable Dreadzone, Yes Sir Boss, and locally based The People’s String Foundation. Over on the Alternative Stage alongside headliners The Aristocrats are acts such as Bristol based Zun Zun Egui, Hidden Orchestra and Dizraeli & The Small Gods. The Acoustic Stage sees a headline performance 14
from the exhilarating 3 Daft Monkeys, who follow Joe Driscoll & Sekou Koyate, and Miranda Sykes' pairing with Rex Preston. Local success story Jesus Jones return to their home town for the first time in 23 years to headline the Electric Stage on Sunday 7th September, to perform, in its entirety, their classic chart-topping 1991 album “Doubt”. On the Acoustic Stage, Martin Simpson headlines a bill which includes 2014 BBC Radio 2 Folk Award Winners Phillip Henry & Hannah Martin. The Jazz stage sees a stunning headline performance from the enigmatic Courtney Pine, closely followed by acts such as The Robert Brian Quartet, Bartoune and festival favourites The Zen Hussies. Tickets are available online via the festival website – www.woolleyfestival.com, and via The Bristol Ticket Shop (these tickets may include a booking fee) Weekend Tickets £70 Adult (16+), £18 Child (515), £150 Family (2 Adults & up to 4 Children) Friday Tickets £25 Adult, £6 Child, £55 Family Saturday Tickets £35 Adult, £8 Child, £75 Family Sunday Tickets £25 Adult, £8 Child, £55 Family On site camping is available, and is free to weekend ticket holders, £10 per night otherwise.
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CULTURE
Local artists feature at West Lavington sculpture show
Summers 1914-2014’ picks up on this same theme and promises a variety of smaller work by over 40 artists, all for immediate sale. This exhibition is promoting good causes too with four charity partners involved, and surplus funds are promoting and supporting sculptors in Wiltshire. With light lunches, coffees and cream teas available, all provided by the West Lavington Youth Club, it makes for an exceedingly tempting day out.
Saf
Local Wiltshire artists Olivia Clifton-Bligh, Celia Smith, Lucy Strachan, Anthony Rogers, Jeff Pigott and Belinda Gizzi are showing work at a major exhibition of sculpture taking place at West Lavington Manor in June.
Photo: Long Dog © Olivia Clifton-Bligh
an attraction will be work shown by several artists that make a link to the centenary of WW1. The exhibition shop ‘Moods of
Contact Details:
Full details are availablePhone at Number: 01225 350612 www.friendsofthegarden.org.uk
E-mail: safecare@blueyonder.co. uk
can assist with: We We can assist with:
Contact Details:
Personal Care: Washing, bathing and
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showering Personal Care: Washing, Bathing & Showering Lunches: Fresh or frozen meals
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Domestic: General cleaning Lunches: Fresh or frozen meals Laundry: Washing, drying and ironing
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we can do it for youGeneral cleaning Domestic:
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Safety visits Washing, drying and ironing Laundry:
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Shopping: With carer or we can do it for you If you would like anymore information
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E-mail: safecare@blueyonder.co. uk
◊ ◊
Shopping: You can go with the carer or Medication prompting Sitting services
please don't hesitate to contact us on any of the contact details.
Medication prompting Safety visits We operate 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Sitting services
The areas we cover are Bradford on Avon, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury and surrounding villages Registered with the CQC with a good rating
Covering areas; Bradford on Avon, Melksham, Trowbridge and surrounding villages. For further information:
Phone: 01225 350612 E-mail: safe-care@blueyonder.co.uk
www.safecare-wiltshire.co.uk Registered with the CQC
No 37 June/July 2014
If ple an
The T
Providing care in the comfort of your own home
Phone Number: 01225 350612
W
The exhibition is open from 11am–6pm Thursdays to Sundays from 5th-22nd June.
Safe Care
7 days a week, 365 days a year.
In total twenty artists will show work in bronze, stone, metal, clay and wood, completely transforming this very special garden. Visitors will also be delighted to discover that some wooden sculptures by multimedia artist Michael Fairfax can be played to make music. For others
Prov
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The Sculpture Garden OPENING NIGHT • Saturday 12th July • 6pm – 10pm • Tickets: £5 (includes a glass of wine)
• Sunday 13th July to Sunday 20th July (closed Monday) • Opening times: 11am – 6:30pm • Late night opening Friday: 11am – 9pm • Tickets: £3
Tell advertisers you saw them in a local life 1AD 16 Venue: Lynchetts, 15 Woolley Street, Bradford on Avon, BA15
CULTURE draw on your iPad, a Magic Lantern Show by the Arts Association, a competition to get your poem published on a beer mat, an audio-visual installation entitled 'The Quantum Theory of Light', music on canal boats and more. Log on to the website www. boaartsfestival.com to see what’s on offer, not forgetting The Sculpture Garden from the 12th to 20th July.
Arts Festival 1st-20th September 2014 The Bradford on Avon Arts Festival showcases the abundant artistic talent that exists within our picturesque town. The annual festival provides the opportunity for residents, visitors and tourists to come together and appreciate the wealth of creative and cultural activities that can be found here. The festival aims to offer local talent the opportunity to demonstrate their creativity across a broad spectrum of artistic media from painting, sculpture and photography to the written word, video art and theatrical performance.
There will be a very special end of summer party on Saturday 13th September in and around Westbury Gardens called ‘Lighting Up the Town’, with a lantern procession through the town where each lantern will be in the form of a fish (or other river or sea creature). Fire eaters, a choir, food offerings and a bar, and MORE, will make it a celebration to remember! Starting in June, Kate Nottage and her team will be running workshops to enable individuals or groups to make lanterns from willow and paper. The workshops will be supported by YouTube videos to both instruct and inspire. Lantern making is a craft that is suitable for everyone: primary school children, families, businesses and community groups.
To hear more about how to join in and make a fish lantern for the Arts Festival this September contact Kate on 07967 634978 or email katenot9@gmail.com
From 1st - 20th September, the 2014 festival will be shining a light on the town’s artistic community. Poets, painters, photographers and performers will be responding to this year’s theme for the festival – LIGHT – culminating in the end of summer party on Saturday 13th September. The Arts Festival will play host to a variety of events including: two ghost walks (not for people of a nervous disposition!), a workshop to show you how to No 37 June/July 2014
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GARDENING FEATURE
summer gardening
J
ames Vincent and Matthew Webb set up the Avonfield Garden Centre in 2008 offering the very best quality range of plants with excellent levels of service and absolutely no gimmicks. New and seasoned gardeners alike seek out their advice with over 40 years industry experience between them. There’s a large range of hardy plants available in the outdoor area that they are proud to say
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are sourced from only British Nurseries. June is the month for roses and there are so many varieties available, including Hybrid Tea, Floribunda, miniature & climbing roses plus a range of David Austen roses. This month sees James give us some ideas about what we should be doing in the garden over the coming weeks and recommends some ideas for planting. The mild spring has seen a lot of plants coming early, and it looks like we
will have a bumper crop of fruits this summer. You can also pick up a selection of plants, tools, ironmongery and hardware from J. Alex Brown in Bradford on Avon town. Avonfield Garden Centre, Holt Road, Bradford on Avon BA15 1TS. 01225 866886 www.avonfield-gardens.co.uk J. Alex Brown, 30 Silver Street, Bradford on Avon BA15 1JX. 01225 862236
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GARDENING FEATURE
Jobs in June & July Kitchen garden
Ornamental Garden
Pest and disease watch
•
Tie-in new shoots on cane fruit.
•
•
•
Time to plant out peppers, • courgettes, squash, sweet • corn, outdoor cucumbers and runner beans.
Look out for powdery mildrew which may be evident in warmer weather.
•
Damp down glasshouse floors to raise humidity and discourage red spider mite.
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Pick off the larvae of scarlet lily beetle.
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Introduce predators and parasites immediately if glasshouse whitefly, red spider mite, mealybug or scale insects are found.
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Sow beetroot, cabbage, carrots, lettuce, peas.
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Begin harvesting early carrots, lettuce, new or early potatoes.
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Net ripening fruits.
Liquid feed container plants regularly. Deadhead roses. Remove old leaves and flowered stems of hellebores and collect their seeds.
Lawns & Meadows •
Mow regularly. If weather is hot, increase cutting height.
•
Apply high-nitrogen lawn feed if wet, but not in drought.
GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE
Avonfield Gardens Holt Road, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire BA15 1TS Tel 01225 866886
We offer a wide range of high quality trees, shrubs, conifers, alpines and herbaceous perennials, complemented by a range of key gardening products such as composts, fertilisers, tools, seeds, terracotta & glazed pots and garden sundries. The Centre prides itself on excellent levels of service, horticultural advice and a clear, no-nonsense, no-gimmicks approach.
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm • Sunday 10.00am - 4pm Avonfield Gardens • Holt Road • Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire BA15 1TS. Tel: 01225 866886
Why not tell people what’s on in a local life
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GARDENING/COMMUNITY
Wessex Midsummer Vintage Gathering The Wessex Midsummer Vintage Gathering will be held over the weekend of 21st and 22nd June 2014, at our show site in Semington, on the A361 Trowbridge to Devizes Road. Vintage exhibits will be coming from all parts of the South West and beyond: tractors, commercial vehicles, vintage and classic cars and steam engines, both full size and miniature. Working on site will also be an Aveling & Porter steam roller that worked with Barns of Southwick laying the roads in and around Trowbridge. Children's entertainment will include a clown, fair ground rides and mini quad bikes. A Wild West Show, 'The Shootout at the O.K. Corral', will be staged and living history groups will keep you enthralled with their artefacts from the Old West Frontier, the American Civil War and Viking times in Britain. There will be a working area displaying a variety of vintage crafts, trade stands and a craft marquee.
ALSO AVAILABLE • • • • • •
A weekend of fun for all the family! Gates open at 10am and close at 4.30pm each day. Admission £5 per adult, accompanied children under 14 free. The main aim of the event is to raise funds for The Children's Hospice South West (reg. charity No. 1003314). For further details please contact Eric on 01225 754374. Bath-Press Adverts - Various - Feb2014-5.pdf
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INTERIORS
independent interiors Bradford on Avon and Formosa Kitchens Formosa Kitchens are up to date the area has a great the latest trends and wants choice of independent with for a 21st century kitchen. There shops for interiors and are now so many key aspects to take into account when trying the home. J. Alex Brown Hardsware Following on from the success of Avonfield Gardens, the opportunity arose to take over the hardware store under its original name of J. Alex Brown, and reopen on 02 November 2013. Just like the local hardware store of old you literally will find anything. Unlike a big DIY centre, if you want six brass screws they have them individually — not in a pack of 30. Its charming, and an experience in its self. James is ‘open all hours’. Standard opening times Mon–Sat: 9-5.30 Sun: 10-4.
to get a balance between style, practicalities and desires. This year we have really seen an increase in soft curves and fluid lines, coupled with practical storage that makes the most of every nook and cranny while making access easier for the end user. Lighting has also become a major must-have in all design, with the development of LED lighting creating a bright working space, whilst also having the option of a soft ambience for entertaining. Introducing colour is also on the increase, and following the latest trends and fashions we are seeing more and more colour options being added to the range.
So if it’s all things home or garden 32 Silver Street, Bradford on Avon you’re looking for you can find BA15 1JX. 01225 868877 them both at either Avonfield www.formosakitchens.co.uk Gardens on Holt road or J. Alex Brown Hardware on Silver Street in town. 30 Silver Street, Bradford on Avon BA15 1JX. 01225 862236
Dible & Roy With summer fast approaching, Dible & Roy in Bradford on Avon are seeing an increase in customers coming in for lighter weight curtains — with the trend for winter and summer curtains really coming back. Cotton sheers have a fine natural look and absorb the light into the room beautifully; they can create a lovely summery feel but also give privacy in these lighter evenings. Harlequin has quite a choice including a new book of ombre sheers to add a splash of colour into the room as well! As a Sanderson specialist, Dible and Roy are pleased to have just received the highly anticipated Emma Bridgewater pattern book. With well known designs usually seen in ceramics now available in fabrics and wallpapers, this collection is already attracting much interest and sure to be a popular choice in the coming months. For more information or advice, do call in to Dible and Roy. Bridge Street, Bradford on Avon BA15 1BY. 01225 8623 www.dibleandroy.co.uk (Not open on weekends)
Why not tell people what’s on in a local life
21
HOUSE & HOME J B BESPOKE UPHOLSTERY Jeff has been upholstering for over twenty years and he started J B Bespoke upholstery in 2012. He offers free quotes for all your furniture needs whether its a new piece or recovery of a loved item. He designs and makes a range of footstools and cubes which can be covered in the fabric of your choice and made to any shape or size. Fully upholstered headboards and wall boards are other items he produces. Whether its traditional or modern, he has a fine eye for detail.
Find him on facebook and twitter. @jbBespoke 07972 199607 01225 775589 jeff.brock@hotmail. co.uk Footstools start from £45 & Cubes from £50 plus fabric.
If you haven’t visited Bath’s unique working studio that specialises in furniture painting and showcases a beautiful palette of French and Gustavian-style colours, then come to the awardwinning Marmalade House on the Lansdown Road and be inspired. We work with and sell the hugely popular Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™, run workshops, and have our own blend of irresistible home accessories, fabrics and soft furnishings.
If you love interiors and want to be involved in your own make-over projects this is the place to go.
27a&b Belvedere, Lansdown Road, Bath BA1 5HR.
01225 445855
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www.themarmaladehouse.co.uk
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HOUSE & HOME
Midwinter Designs
Burbidge Electrical
was established in 1974, whether its a new socket or a full re wire, we go to great lengths to ensure you won’t have to worry about a thing, from the design stage through to the completion.
Hand made Curtains & Blinds
• • •
Part P registered Inspection and testing All aspects of Residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial electrics
• • •
Burglar Alarm & CCTV installations Fully insured Free no obligation quotes
01225 851323 Tel 01225 722011 or 07850 136537 www.burbidgeelectrical.co.uk
Church Cottage, Monkton Farleigh tricia@midwinterdesigns.co.uk
www.midwinterdesigns.co.uk
Martyn Wyatt Flooring Services supply and install carpets & flooring with a huge selection to suit every need and budget. Call Martyn to arrange a free appointment at your property. A FREE measuring and Quotation Service with No obligation
Tel: 01225 866442 Mobile: 07973 305125 Email: info@martynwyatt.co.uk
Expert fitting service Large range of flooring always available at excellent prices... CARPETS
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Martyn Wyatt Flooring Services, Little Potticks, 194 Haugh, Winsley, Bradford on Avon, Wilts BA15 2JD.
No 37 June/July 2014
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local_life_June-July_14_Layout 1 20/05/2014 14:07 Pag
HOUSE & HOME
We specialise in helping older homeowners relocate from one home to the next. www.tailormaderelocation.co.uk
Tailormade Moves takes the stress out of all aspects of moving home. We assure our clients of friendly, supportive and pactical help when and where it’s most needed.
8 home finder 8 building & decorating project management 8 declutter/sell/dispose of unwanted goods 8 manage the move 8 organise utilities 8 house clearance ... and much more! Call Sara on: 01225 868692 / 07968 213510 or email sara@tailormaderelocation.co.uk
4 tailormaderelocation We specialise in all aspects of moving home
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07875 701860
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New Collection
Flooring | Wallpaper | Fabric | Furniture Bridge Street Bradford on Avon Wiltshire BA15 1BY
T: 01225 862320 Open: Monday - Friday (8.00-17.00) www.dibleandroy.co.uk
COMMUNITY
Lady Margaret Hungerford Schoolroom and Almshouse The Lady Margaret Hungerford Schoolroom and Almshouses in Corsham were founded in 1668 to provide accommodation for “the elderly deserving poor” and to provide an education “for ten poor scholars”. The buildings incorporate the Master’s House, originally intended as spacious accommodation for Lady Margaret to impress her aristocratic friends. As well as encouraging individual visitors, we are keen to promote group visits too, which can be booked by contacting Marian King on 01249 713486. She can arrange tours by our Volunteer Guides lasting approximately 45 minutes. The website www.corshamalmshouses.org.uk gives our opening times and other details such as entry charges and information about disabled access. We are sensitive to the fact that the buildings are not a museum; they are home to over a dozen people. For this reason it is not possible to see the
Bradford Arts Association Bradford Arts Association was formed in 1986 with the aim of encouraging the enjoyment of all things artistic and cultural, whether in our town through lectures, performances and exhibitions, or further afield with coach outings to museums, country houses and gardens. Meetings are held on the first Sunday
inside of an almshouse during a visit, but there is still plenty to see: the combined schoolroom and chapel, with its beautiful carved Jacobean gallery; the Master’s rooms upstairs and down; the stunning pentice, and the lovely tranquil gardens. For information call Marian King on 01249 713486 www.corshamalmshouses.org.uk
evening of each month in the Upper Room of the Masonic Hall and this season’s speakers have been particularly exciting. In the autumn Paul Emsley discussed in fascinating detail his portrait of the Duchess of Cambridge, and in March local writer, producer and director Michael Darlow, whose work includes two of the episodes of The World At War, spoke about the moral complexities of dealing with the subject of war and conflict in the modern age. A day out with the Arts Association is always a day to be remembered, and trips in the pipeline for this year include a chance to explore the Mary Rose at Portsmouth and a ‘Stayaway’ weekend in Yorkshire with a visit to Saltaire Village and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. For further information contact 01225 862670
Photo:Arts Association trip to Compton Verney © Bob Williams
Free appraisals at our auction rooms or by appointment at your home... Antiques, Collectables & Sporting Memorabilia 26
Tel: 01249 720888
www.wessexauctionrooms.co.uk
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THE BOATHOUSE
boathouse canal side dining
I
t’s exciting to see new businesses that are investing in the area with the hope that this has a knock on effect for the town. Bringing people and growth to the area can only be good. Earlier in the year Widbrook Grange was bought by a new owner, and they have recently also acquired the former Beef and Barge on the Trowbridge road in Bradford on Avon. Now renamed the boathouse, it is currently undergoing extensive refurbishment and is due to open to the public on the 6th June. Blessed with a wonderful setting, the boathouse will provide a relaxed and informal dining experience, in which general manager Christopher John will instill the same high standards in food and service that are making Widbrook Grange a go-to destination for fine dining. Executive chef Phil Carroll will share his passion for local produce, elevating classic British food with contemporary touches and unusual ingredients, whilst
remaining committed to providing good value, serving meals that don’t need a side dish to satisfy, or catch you out with those added costs. The extensive menu will cater for the shifting appetites of diners throughout the day, including a brunch spread, fresh bread and great coffee, through to a wide selection of lunch and dinner options, and many fresh takes on well-loved dishes.
the kids can keep themselves entertained while you enjoy great food and the tranquility of the canal. Chris, Phil and their team look forward to welcoming you to The Boathouse Soon!
“... a wonderful setting, the boathouse will provide a relaxed and informal dining experience, in which general manager Christopher John will instill the same high standards in food and service...”
Whether you’re meeting friends, a business traveller, or a local resident wanting a night off the cooking, there’s always a quiet intimate corner for you to relax in. Situated just outside the centre of town, with ample parking and easy access from Trowbridge and BoA, the boathouse is just minutes away from bustling town life, but, when you’re sitting in the canal-side garden on a summer’s evening, the stresses of modern existence will seem a long way Bradford On Avon Marina, away. Widbrook,Bradford-on-Avon, The children’s play area means it’s BA15 1UD 01225 309318 also a place that you can bring
boathouse
the whole family, knowing that
www.boathouseboa.co.uk
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27
Food&drink
Potted Ham Hock A recipe for potted ham hock with pickled asparagus and spring onions and toasted soda bread. Perfect for sitting in the summer sun with a large glass of something (cider obviously) . Ham hock was regularly on the menu when I was young, along with trotters and chitlins, the legacy of thrifty Scottish grandparents, usually boiled and served with whatever veg was available, but in summer it was with a warm broad bean salad and new potatoes from the garden. (houses had much bigger gardens back then, did they not, and greenhouses not conservatories.)
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The pickled asparagus and spring onions need to be made the day before, or you can use piccalilli as a good substitute.
Hock INGREDIENTS 1kg ham hock
METHOD Place hock in cold water and bring to the boil,drain, repeat this twice Bring to the boil again and simmer for 3 hours with the peppercorns, celery, carrot,and onion. Leave to cool in stock, until cool enough to handle.
2 sticks of celery
Strain the stock into a bowl. Pick down hock leaving some large pieces, and place in another bowl. Take 300 ml of ham stock, add cider, and reduce by half.
1 peeled carrot
Soak gelatine in cold water.
3 tsp Cider vinegar 5 crushed coriander seeds
Add coriander seeds, parsley, cider vinegar, and return to boil. Remove from heat, cool for 5 minutes,
300ml cider
Stir in gelatine.
1 tsp black peppercorns Half an onion studded with 4 cloves and 4 bay leaves
2 tsp chopped parsley
Food&drink “...a mix of historical and modern British cuisine, seasoned with current food trends” Pour this liquid over ham, taste, adjust seasoning, and pack this mixture into 4 150 ml ramekins. Place in fridge for two hours to set.
Pickled spring onions and asparagus.
Note, freeze remaining ham stock for a nice pea soup.
METHOD
Head Chef at Widbrook Grange Country House Hotel. His background includes time at Langan’s Brasserie, London, and Head Chef at The Orange Balloon, Twickenham, owned by Brian Turner. He enjoys food which has a mix of historical and modern British METHOD cuisine, seasoned with current Trim and wash spring onions, to fit food trends and unusual ingredients. With eleven acres into the Kilner jar to forage, a kitchen garden, Trim asparagus, remove woody their own chickens and access part, wash then cut in half to the very best local produce. lengthways.
Pre-heat oven to 200c
Place asparagus in Kilner jar
Stir all dry ingredients together. Melt the butter and add, along with the buttermilk,
Place all other ingredients except spring onions into a pan and bring to the boil, add spring onions for 30 seconds and then remove from heat.
Soda Bread. 1 Loaf INGREDIENTS 380g plain wholemeal flour 380g strong white flour 40g butter 2 tsp. bicarbonate of soda 1/2 tsp salt 650ml buttermilk
Stir in and knead to form a dough,
Ingredients 720ml cider vinegar 1 tsp whole coriander seeds 2 tbsp coarse sea salt 3 bay leaves 1/2 lemon 80g caster sugar 3 bunches spring onions I Kilner jar
Pat into a nice loaf shape, place on a floured oven tray, sprinkle with a Take out and discard lemon, remove spring onions and place little flour. in jar with asparagus. Pour over Bake for 40 to 50 minutes until liquid and seal. risen and beautiful golden brown. To serve, remove the potted hocks Leave to cool on a rack from the fridge 10 minutes before you need them, toast the soda bread under a hot grill on both sides, place on a board with a pot of pickle and a pot of ham, enjoy.
Phil Carroll
boathouse Bradford On Avon Marina, Widbrook, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1UD 01225 309318 www.boathouseboa.co.uk 29
Food&drink
To celebrate the renovations and opening of The Boathouse
WIN A FABULOUS 2 nights for 2 at Widbrook Grange Worth over ÂŁ500 Enjoy an all expenses paid 2 nights stay for 2 people at the Widbrook Grange hotel. Arrive and receive a complimentary bottle of Champagne in your room. Includes Bed & Breakfast plus evening meals and High Tea on the first day. Evening Meals: A La Carte dinner at medlar tree restaurant @ Widbrook Grange with free bottle of wine from house wine list. 3 Course Meal at the new boathouse with free bottle of wine from house wine list.
To enter please register at:
www.alocallife.co.uk/competition
widbrookgrange
boathouse
T&C’s Apply: One application per household applicant must be over 18 years old, not available to employees of Widbrook Grange or the boathouse, to be taken prior to 31st November 2014. Booking available through the week subject to availability. Prize cannot be taken as a cash alternative.
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Food&drink New Shoots Growing at Bradford’s Community Agriculture Project urple sprouting broccoli, leeks, rainbow chard, spring onions, curly kale and rocket are just some of the colourful array of veggies currently being harvested at the Bradford-on-Avon Community Agriculture site. The project’s popular veg box scheme is back on track, bringing affordable, organically grown veg to the community.
new growers Adam and Dave have joined the team and the project has undergone serious transformation. Local volunteers have been working hard to put up a brand new polytunnel, bought using funding from the Big Lottery Local Food Grant, and there’s now a cosy cabin where volunteers can have a cup of a tea and a chat. Other additions include a new irrigation system and an eco-friendly compost loo.
There have been big changes at the site off Bath Road over the past few months:
The BoACA growers, Adam and Dave, look forward to meeting more people from the local community and showing them around the transformed site. If you’re keen to do some gardening, meet other volunteers and exchange a few hours of help for a selection of spring veg, sign up to the mailing list to find out about volunteer days and events. boaca.ltd@gmail.com
P
Wiltshire Farm Stay celebrates 30th Birthday with vintage tea party On Monday 31st March, Wiltshire Farm Stay chairman Trish Bowles and member Hayley Painter welcomed past and present Farm Stay members, representatives from Visit Wiltshire and the NFU to a vintage tea party celebrating English Tourism Week and Wiltshire Farm Stay’s 30th anniversary. More than 40 people turned up to celebrate and heard from James Sheppard, (Chairman of Wiltshire National Farmers Union), David Andrews, (Chief Executive
of Visit Wiltshire), Wiltshire Farm Stay’s founder member Cynthia Fletcher, and current chairman Trish Bowles, who spoke about the history, development and future of Wiltshire tourism. “It was fantastic to see so many people turn up to support Wiltshire Farm Stay and celebrate its contribution to the rural economy over the past 30 years. Thank you to James Sheppard and David Andrews for their kind words and especially to Hayley and the team for hosting such a delicious tea party.” Over the past 30 years, £4 million has been added to the rural economy as a result of guests staying on farm locations through Wiltshire Farm Stay, which is a member-owned group of farmers and landowners who offer unique, rural, independently graded accommodation throughout Wiltshire. www.wiltshirefarmstay.co.uk 31
Food&drink CHURCH FARM MEATS Broughton Gifford, Wiltshire
Specialist Butchers & Farmers since 1860
For a tasty summer barbecue or grill this June and July... Visit us for all your meats, including turkey, poultry, beef, lamb, hams, pork, venison and game. Farm assured and free range from our family run farm and butchers in Wiltshire.
Why not try our selection of marinades, there is something for everyone!
By selling direct to the public we can offer a premium Farm Assured meats at the best prices! You can be sure of getting 100% pure produce!
Opening Hours: Mon 9am-12 noon, Tues 8am - 4.30pm Weds 9am - 12 noon, Thurs 8am - 4.30pm Fri 8am-4.30pm, Sat 8am - 2pm, Sun 9am - 12 noon
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Church Farm Meats Church Farm, The Street, Broughton Gifford, Melksham Wiltshire SN12 8PR.
T. 01225 783467 www.churchfarmmeats.co.uk
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Food&drink
Nick Abendanon Farewell Dinner Howard Booty, Managing Director of West Country Vending will host Stuart Hooper, Howard Booty & Nick Abendanon a farewell dinner on May 20th for Nick Abendanon at the Three Gables restaurant. West Country Vending has been Abendanon’s shirt sponsor at Bath Rugby for several years and a close relationship has been built up over this time. Abendanon is leaving Bath Rugby after eight seasons and more than 200 games to join the Clermont Auvergne club in France. Bath Rugby captain Stuart Hooper and other players will join Howard Booty at this top class Bradford on Avon restaurant to celebrate Nick’s time at Bath and to wish him well in his career in France. 01225 781666 www.thethreegables.com
Fathers Day Special - June 15th
(Bookings Only) 2 Courses £12, 3 Courses £16
All Wines £10 per bottle Real Ales • Large Garden • Dogs Welcome Stag/Hen Parties welcome ( Booking required) Tuesday Nights - 2 steak meals £20 Wednesday Nights - Any burger & pint £7.50 Thursday Nights - 2 BBQ Rib Meals £20 Bar Open: Mon-Sat 12-3pm & 6-11.30pm, Sun 12-3pm & 6-11pm Food served: Mon-Sat 12-2.30pm & 6pm-9pm Sun 12- 2.30pm Full Menu (Not Sunday Roast)
01225 722122
Woods Hill, Limpley Stoke, Nr. Bath BA2 7FS.
THe THree GaBLeS Thursday 5th June Maculan Veneto Wine Dinner with Angela Maculan The Maculan family has been selecting and vinifying the best grapes in Breganze. Aperitif and canapés from 7.30pm. 4 courses including wines: £75.00 per head. Sunday 15th June Father’s Day Sunday Lunch Do not forget your Dad !!! Treat him to a delicious three-course lunch. Canapés and three-course lunch: £28.50. Thursday 10th July La Rioja Alta wine dinner Hosted by Francisco Corpas celebrating Spanish wines. Aperitif and canapés from 7.30pm. Four courses including wines: £75.00 per head.
Special Lunch Offer £12.00 for 2 courses, 3 courses £16 until 31/7/14 T&C apply.
THE THREE GABLES 01225 781666
St. MargaretS Street, Bradford on avon Ba15 1da.
www .thethreegables.com
No 37 June/July 2014
info@thethreegables.com 33
Food&drink
Seasonal eating from Riverford
R
iverford delivers vegboxes, meat and other seasonal organic food to your door. Alan and Vicki Mowat have recently taken over Riverford locally. They sent us one of the vegboxes to try, together with a copy of the Riverford Farm cookbook. We caught up with them to find out more.
“We left our London office jobs to move to Limpley Stoke and take over the Riverford franchise for Bath & NE 34
Somerset nearly two years ago,” said Vicki. “We were looking for a better environment in which to raise our sons, who are now five and eight. We’d been Riverford customers for about five years in London, and we loved the convenience of having a weekly vegbox delivered free to our door, plus the fantastic flavour of Riverford’s organic, seasonal veg. As we looked into it more we were really impressed with the company’s credentials in giving farmers a fair deal, too.” “We’ve been covering the Bath & NE Somerset area for nearly two years now – and we’re now delighted to take on this part of West Wiltshire too,” said Alan. “It’s right on our doorstep, so we’re looking forward to getting to know our customers here! We offer a really local service. For example if there’s a particular type of veg someone isn’t keen on, we’ll swap it for something else.”
So how did we get on with the vegbox that Alan and Vicki sent us to try? With the help of their suggestions and the cook book for inspiration we felt encouraged to get creative, to cook with seasonal fresh produce as opposed to just shopping from supermarket offerings. Our box contained spring greens, wild garlic leaves, large portobello mushrooms, sweet peppers, aubergine, cauliflower and purple sprouting broccoli. Genuinely fresh veg always tastes significantly better and and it needn’t cost any more. Riverford’s veg is consistently cheaper than the supermarket equivalents, and delivery is free.
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Food&drink
The benefits of organic foods from studies show that they have more beneficial nutrients than conventionally grown vegetables. People with food, chemical or preservative allergies may see their symptoms improve or even disappear. Navigating your way through which foods are healthier can be confusing but Riverford makes the choice easy.
From veg box to plate, our first meal of a piece of fish with steamed purple sprouting broccoli immediately proved to us that the difference in taste and colour was obvious. Over the course of a week we tried a wild garlic pesto, spring greens with a little wild garlic combined with butchers sausages and stuffed peppers, made a sweet burnt pepper with onion and garlic bruschetta, had stuffed mushrooms and enjoyed naughty garlic, cheese and creamed
mushrooms on toast for breakfast. Our last meal of the week was a curry with the remaining veg, which were still incredibly fresh, something we don’t always experience with supermarket produce! Although the intention wasn’t to just have vegetarian dishes, we found ourselves encouraged to eat what has been proven to be a healthier diet, and felt all the better for it too!
Interested in trying a vegbox?
Alan & Vicki are offering Local Life readers a FREE copy of the Riverford Farm cookbook (by Guy Watson, BBC Farmer of the Year 2012, and Jane Baxter) on your second delivery when you set up a regular order. Vegboxes start at just £10.35. Go to www.riverford.co.uk or call 01225 722387 and quote the promotion code “A LOCAL LIFE”.
To advertise call 01225 866566
alocallife.co.uk
35
SHOPPING
gift and shopping ideas Don’t forget fathers day 15th June
Precious gifts from the silver gilt range from £25 to £250 Footstools start from £45 & Cubes from £50 plus fabric. JB Bespoke 07972 199607 01225 775589 jeff.brock@hotmail.co.uk @jbBespoke
Orton Jewellery, 6-7 Market Street Bradford on Avon, BA15 1LH 01225 309039 www.ortonjewellery.co.uk
NEW - RHS Gifts for Gardeners A collection of gifts for gardeners using iconic imagery from the RHS Lindley Library. These garden tools and accessories are designed to perform to the highest standard. From £9.95
J. Alex Brown, 30 Silver Street, Bradford on Avon BA15 1JX. 01225 862236 36
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11064-13994:A Local Life
15/5/14
16:08
Page 1
Make this your
best summer for years The warm weather is nearly here, and at Wiltshire Heights Care Home we are planning to make the most of it! We are well-placed to do so, with beautiful landscaped gardens that allow residents to sit outside and enjoy the warm weather, whilst indulging in a fresh menu of food that reflects the season. Wiltshire Heights isn’t just a lovely place to live; it has all the ingredients needed to make an older person’s life enjoyable and interesting, with Porthaven’s award-winning schedule of activities, hobbies and entertainment, developed in partnership with the National Association for Providers of Activities for Older People. We have a vast number of activities planned, both indoors and out, to make the most of the summer, some of which will be open to the wider public. Why don’t you join us at one of these events and see for yourself why our care homes keep winning awards? Please call us on 01225 435582 and speak to our Home Manager, Selvie Naidoo who can tell you more about Wiltshire Heights and our planned activities.
Wiltshire Heights Care Home 16 Cottle Avenue, off Berryfield Road Bradford on Avon BA15 1TA (Sat Navs: BA15 1ST)
Tel: 01225 435582 www.porthaven.co.uk/bradford-on-avon
You’ll like us!
TRAVEL
travelling in good company “I take the time to get to know my clients and their needs to find them the perfect trip that’s just right for them.”
Local travel agent receives prestigious Queen’s Award for International growth
W
estbury based travel agent Michael Eaves, who runs his own home-based travel business as part of leading independent travel company Travel Counsellors, is celebrating after the company was awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise, the UK’s highest accolade for business success, in recognition of the company’s continued growth and overseas expansion. The independent travel company, which has one of the highest scores in the world for client loyalty, received the award for International Trade having successfully brought its business model, which focuses on providing clients with the highest levels of personal service, to overseas markets in Ireland, the Netherlands, South Africa, Australia, Canada, Dubai and, most recently, expanding into Belgium earlier this year. The company, which now has 800 travel counsellors across the UK and a further 500 overseas, has experienced a growth of 120% since its first overseas launch in Ireland nine years ago. Since joining the company in 2009 Michael has seen his travel business go from strength to strength. He comments: “I am thrilled the company has received this fantastic accolade. Our international expansion hugely benefits me and my clients as I have access to exclusive products and can draw on 38
the local knowledge and support of fellow Travel Counsellors in eight countries across the globe, offering my clients a unique level of personal insight into travel destinations worldwide. Plus I have 24/7 support from our global offices, so my clients know I am always available to help them should they need it.” The award also follows Travel Counsellors being the first, and so far the only, UK travel agency to receive the Queen’s Award for Innovation in 2003, which recognised the company’s pioneering concept of enabling professionals such as Michael to work from home whilst supporting them from the company’s central head office in the UK, which now has over 200 staff, with a further 60-plus in its overseas offices. Travel Counsellors continued success has also recently been recognised when the company was listed in the 2014 Sunday Times Profit Track earlier this month. For more information or to discuss your future travel plans please contact Michael Eaves on 01373 888620 email michael.eaves@ travelcounsellors.com
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TRAVEL
RELAX With the promise that all your holiday plans are in the safest possible hands.
At Travel Counsellors we’re all about you. Your individual needs, wants and desires. Your aspirations and dreams. So if you’re looking for a holiday to remember and a personal, caring service that you won’t find anywhere else, contact me - your local Travel Counsellor - now. Fulfilling dreams; creating memories. We’re Travel Counsellors
Call Me: MICHAEL
01373 888620 TRAVEL COUNSELLOR
MICHAEL EAVES michael.eaves@travelcounsellors.com www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/michael.eaves
No 37 June/July 2014
39
HEALTH & FITNESS
M a k i n g H e a d way HypnotHerapy witH Kerry SturrocK
www.makingheadway.co.uk hypnotherapy@makingheadway.co.uk
07968 365228 appointments at Dixon Health, Bradford on avon
Yoga for Pregnancy Gentle, supportive classes for a healthy, relaxed and positive experience of pregnancy, birth and beyond Suitable for both experienced and those new to Yoga
Classes in Bradford on Avon & Trowbridge Also Hatha Yoga Classes, Yoga Therapy and Traditional Thai Yoga Massage
For further details, please contact Julie Ngama Tel: 01225 766704 • Mob: 07867 117413 Email: yoganama@hotmail.co.uk
FREE EYE TEST Valid for one test booked on or before 31 August 2014. Present voucher at time of test. Cannot be exchanged for cash, used with other vouchers or redeemed by customers already entitled to a free NHS eye test. One per person, at named Specsavers stores only. CODE 4848 Trowbridge The Shires Shopping Centre. Tel 01225 775 434
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HEALTH & FITNESS
The Sports Room
Foot Help
30a Silver Street, Bradford on Avon BA15 1JX Suppliers of Team Kit and Equipment for all sports including: Football, Rugby, Netball, Basketball, Hockey, Cricket, Badminton, Tennis & Table Tennis.
Jenny Hepenstall-Brown RGN Dip Foot Health. Dip Trop Nursing LSHM FAETEC Member of the Alliance of Private Sector Practitioners
Home visits for all your foot needs:
Leisurewear Schoolwear Workwear Embroidery T Shirt Printing Trophies Sports Bags Trampolines Promotional Items
THiCk NAiLS AND LoNg NAiLS CorNS AND CALLuSES PAiNFuL FEET DiAbETiC FEET registered general nurse for 36 years. Experience to Ward Sister level in NHS hospitals. Community Nurse experience in the patient's own home. Voluntary nursing work overseas. Have your feet looked after by a caring professional in your own home.
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The
Perfect Driving Range
Visit www.kingsdowngolfclub.co.uk Email secretary@kingsdowngolfclub.co.uk Call 01225 743472 Find Us Kingsdown, Corsham SN13 8BS
No 37 June/July 2014
41
Cut above the rest Market Street Barbers has been running now for 3 and a half years and has built up its business based on its excellent reputation alone. People keep coming back to have their hair cut by owner Suzie Healey, who has been barbering for 13 years having originally trained at Wella in London. Suzie demonstrates real attention to detail in every haircut she does, a fact not missed by her many loyal customers. To celebrate the fact that summer is finally here, Market Street Barbers are now offering a massive 40% discount on your first hair cut, so confident are they that once you've had a cut there, it certainly won't be your last. They also offer an on-going loyalty card where for 7 haircuts, you get your 8th for half price. Additional offers are shown on the board outside the shop and are regularly updated. Here are some quotes from a few happy customers:
“I always come back as I’ll get the same perfect haircut every time.” So why not pop in with the voucher below and give them a go? You won't be disappointed.
40% off
New MSB customers: with this voucher
Existing MSB customers: One extra loyalty sticker with this voucher
“I've been coming to Market Street Barbers since it opened and have always experienced a top quality hair cut at every visit”.
Designs
on Summer
Designed and handmade by Lee Orton
Design • Commissions • Workshop on premises • Wedding Rings
Tel: 01225 309039
www.ortonjewellery.co.uk
6-7 Market Street, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1LH. Open: Tuesday - Saturday 10-5pm or by appointment!
42
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Summer pampering
The Spa at
Prepare for a polished Summer with a limited edition Gorgeous Leg Massage or a luxurious Spa Day, from just £40. To book, please telephone 01249 823883 or email spareception@bowood.org and quote ‘A Local Life’ or visit www.bowood.org Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort, Derry Hill, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 9PQ
No 37 June/July 2014
43
COMMUNITY NEWS
Dorothy House Midnight Walk supports ‘home from home’
W
omen from across Wiltshire are already signing up for the Bath Midnight Walk 2014, which this year is raising money for an innovative ‘home from home’ project: the community lodges recently opened in the beautiful grounds of the hospice at Winsley.
The purposebuilt lodges allow patients, their families and carers to stay together in a private setting, cared for by the Hospice at Home team and trained volunteers. They provide a safe, comfortable and peaceful alternative for people who for some reason cannot be cared for in their own home, but who want to remain in a family setting. They will cost about £150,000 a year to run, so that’s the fundraising target for this year’s women-only walk – on Saturday 13 September, starting on the stroke of midnight at the SouthGate centre in Bath. To register, download an entry form at www.bathmidnightwalk.co.uk, pick up details at any Dorothy House shop, or call fundraising on 01225 721480.
44
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COMMUNITY NEWS
CLIMATE FRIENDLY BRADFORD ON AVON NEWS Electric Cars are Go! Would you like to drive without using petrol or diesel? When replacing your car, think about an electric version instead. Most manufacturers are selling electric versions of their most popular models, and the Government is investing £500m in this sector to promote electric vehicles. They recognise that the move towards electric cars is essential if we are to cut our carbon emissions and improve air quality. There are many unfounded myths about electric cars but also several websites explaining the issues. Visit www.goultralow.com to start with, or read our article on the CFB website via the Active Travel page.
Sainsbury’s bag packing day helped Solar Polar Bear raise over £500!
The big fundraising event is Chris Giles’ “Auction of Promises” on Saturday 27th June, in St Margaret’s Hall. Chris is aiming to raise £10,000 for the project, which would see us safely to our target. She’s already been promised masses of fantastic prizes, including a weekend on a Devon organic farm, golf at Bowood, a cake a month for a year, a meal served in your own home, a 2 hour photography session, 2 Italian lessons, and a set of signed books from Jeremy Strong, the children’s author.
Fitzmaurice school pupils and staff with Kevin Sharpe and his electric Tesla sports car, during the school’s science week.
www.climatefriendlybradfordonavon.co.uk
Fitzmaurice Solar School Project Going Great Guns Fitzmaurice Primary School is on a mission to raise £16,000 for 40 solar panels by the end of July. At the start of May £6,500 was already in the bank and, by the time you read this, we expect to be well over half way to our ultimate goal.
Antiques, Collectables & Sporting Memorabilia
Maybe you have a skill, service or product you could offer? If so please contact Chris on c.giles.68@ btinternet.com or pop into her Sustainable Supermarket in the centre of town and see her. Finally, we’re still waiting for our first “Major Sponsor” for the project. Could that be the company you run or work for? In return you will receive lots of really good publicity as well as a lovely warm feeling from contributing to a very worthwhile community project.
For more information, visit our website: www.solarschools.org.uk/fitzmaurice or e-mail fitzmaurice1314@gmail.com
Tel: 01249 720888
No 37 June/July 2014
www.wessexauctionrooms.co.uk 45
PETS’ PLACE
Dinners in the Dog!
W
hen Fetch Pet Shop opened seven years ago, owner and general manager Ruth Warren never envisaged spending so much of her time discussing dog poo, but with media attention focussing on the state of our dogs’ dinner it has become a very hot topic, with many of the nations favourite brands uncomfortable in the spotlight. It’s easy to be seduced by the packaging but many popular dog foods are packed full of cheap ingredients that can cause health problems in our dogs.
vegetables), combined with the absence of the animal derivatives, meat meals, cereals, colouring, salt, sugars and preservatives commonly found in cheap pet foods make this food her first choice for dogs with skin, tummy or behavioural problems. Natashya would expect to see a change in as little as two weeks, simply by changing a dog’s diet. Many of us consider a premium food to be beyond our budget, but look more closely and you will find buying cheap, poor quality food is a false economy. Bakers Complete costs £27.75 for a 14kg bag and they advise feeding a 10kg dog 200g a day; that works out at 40p per day. Now look at that seemingly expensive bag of Natural Dog Food, which costs £54.95 for 15kg: because of the quality of the ingredients and the absence of cheap fillers, you feed a 10kg dog 100g so it works out at 36p per day. Meaning that meal for meal the best dog food we can find is cheaper than Bakers Complete. Of course, you don’t have to buy 15kg. The Natural Dog Food also comes in a 2kg or a 7.5kg bag priced at £8.95 and £29.95. If you want to find out more about the Natural Dog Food or would like to try a free sample just call in at Fetch Pet Shop and staff will be only too happy to discuss, amongst other things, the state of your dog’s bowels! 10 The Shambles, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 1JS. Open Mon – Sat 9.30am to 5pm 01225 864767 mail@fetchpetshop.co.uk www.fetchpetshop.co.uk
Animal behaviourist Natashya Sheppard of Best Behaviour Pet Therapy recommends the Natural Dog Food — examine the contents and you will see why: fresh and dried British chicken or lamb that has been allowed full access to the outdoors (or Scottish salmon, whole grains, herbs and
Natashya Hanch from Best Behaviour will be hosting a drop in clinic at Fetch on Saturday 26th July between 10am and 1pm to offer free advice on nutrition, training or behaviour problems.
First bag of
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PETS’ PLACE
Why choose our Puppy Classes?
Puppy Training & Socialization Courses in Winsley. Classes use positive, ethical and effective reward based training in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere to assist your puppy to become a well mannered and trained pet dog.
w ww.b estb eh av io u r.o rg
No 37 June/July 2014
u Limited numbers to ensure each individual receives attention and assistance. u Behaviour advice and positive reward based training techniques taught. u Courses have been successfully established in the area for over 4 years. u Classes run by a qualified and insured behaviourist.
Contact Natashya Sheppard DipCABT 01225 767138 07 7 3 4 9 51 7 3 7
47
DIRECTORY
Directory Charities & Organisations Lions Club Bradford on Avon Meet 3rd Wednesday of month at Cumberwell Park Golf Club 0845 833 9513 Rotary Club Bradford on Avon Leigh Park Hotel- Mondays 7.30pm. A meal followed by a speaker or a bit of business. 01225 865633
Trades PJA Plumbing & Tiling ‘From a dripping tap to a full bathroom refurbishment!’ Tel: 01225 430505 Mob: 07825 647770 Web: www.pjaplumber.co.uk
Reach over 25,000 readers From only £20 per month sales@alocallife.co.uk 01225 866566
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Maintenance • Refurbishments • Fitting Decorating • Alterations Flexible working arrangements for all your household improvements.
Contact Paul 01225 862100 or 07971 166314 p.lovering253@btinternet.com
5 The Shambles, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 1JS tel: 01225 309110 web: www.bathroomsatno5.co.uk
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TAXIS
32 Silver Street, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 1JX tel: 01225 868877 web: www.formosakitchens.co.uk
01225 86 22 77 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Email: bradfordonavontaxis@btconnect.com
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From smaller repair jobs to complete extensions; all work is given the same attention to detail and quality the discerning client expects and deserves. Extensions
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M.Williams
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BOOK REVIEW
Cold Blood: Adventures with Reptiles and Amphibians
by Richard Kerridge (Chatto & Windus, 2014) The approaches made in this book towards the secretive, wild creatures (lizards, snakes, newts, frogs, toads) cannot be described as coldblooded: this book turns out – and it is one of its finest qualities – to examine some extremes of human emotion (most notably, our fears), using a beguiling variety of voices; casual, scientific, anecdotal. It is, absolutely, a book for non-specialists: it will surprise you with its range of knowledge, about current ecological concerns (species extinctions) and, indeed, about family life too. Look closely at the exquisite detail in the creature suspended on the book’s front cover! As with Kerridge’s prose, you find yourself taken more deeply inside the whole business – the fascinations of the wild. This newt’s criss-cross of hair-like blood vessels conjures up ideas about the complexity of its delicate, skin-breathing spirit: it also suggests how vulnerable the translucent creature may be, even as it shimmers pure gold on its tummy. The chapter on toads tells quite a different story. Here, the imagery isn’t quite so obviously magical: “It makes sense to see them as distillations of earthy environments, for in those environments their colours have evolved. Like soil, they soften and swell in the rain and tighten and go dusty and drab in dry
weather.” Kerridge (like Philip Larkin) has noticed that there is poetry in Mr Toad. His little digressions on the literary treatments of toads by the likes of the washerwoman in Wind in the Willows (suddenly seeing him as a “horrid, nasty, crawly toad in my nice clean barge!”) can be wonderfully amusing. One of the crisscrossing threads of discussion, about the stern rules of education which Kerridge picked up in angry battles with his schoolteacher father, is about the need to acknowledge fears: for our own weakness – and our need to find out the fears of our rivals. Suddenly, an imagery of warfare (learned both from reading boys’ comics as well as from his father’s experience, when he served in a tank regiment in France) cuts across the talk about survival rates of animals in the wild. And so – through particular detail – we are given more than a picture: we see something of the inside of the writer’s own drama; these wild animals are, for him, the real thing. Fortunately, this well-researched book has a way of keeping its knowledge in touch with the voices of boyhood and family – it is a book about an individual’s need to escape the limits of civilisation – often by finding pockets of wildness within the confines of London suburbia in the 1960s. Leading, as he does, the MA course in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University, Richard Kerridge teaches us that we may acknowledge, in these fragile survivors, some of our own most elusive thoughts about modern life, and our hopes to retain hold of an individual “self’ within it. Revealing the magic of their presence, he tells a story of human presence, and its mixed consequences for the environment we try to protect, but – too often – share so clumsily. Colin Edwards
Free appraisals at our auction rooms or by appointment at your home... Antiques, Collectables & Sporting Memorabilia 50
Tel: 01249 720888
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Dedicated to producing resolution, not prolonging conflict The specialist family law solicitors and mediators at Sharp Family Law understand that every client and their family are unique. Separation and divorce influences all aspects of their lives and much can be preserved and easily lost. Therefore, it is important that every client feels heard, can maintain their respect and dignity in difficult times, believes it is their resolution process – not the lawyers, can work through the emotional, financial as well as legal issues, feels empowered and educated on all options and can make fully informed decisions. Sharp Family Law, the largest niche firm of family law solicitors in Bath, is committed to providing an individualised approach which means putting clients into the right dispute resolution process, with the right resources for them, so they are able to find the best possible outcomes and solutions for themselves and their families.
5, Gay Street, Bath, BA1 2PH, UK +44 (0)1225 448955 | sharpfamilylaw.com
CONTACTS
Deadline for Next Issue Adverts: 11th
July 2014
Community & Editorial: 4th July 2014
PUZZLE
SOLUTIONS
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Useful Contacts Police BOA Station Approach 101 Utilities Electricity Southern 0845 770 8090
Chemists Silver Street Pharmacy, 6 Silver Street, Bradford on Avon, 01225 862212
DrinkLine Freephone 0800 917 8282 24 hrs Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 769 7555
Doctor’s Surgeries
Cruse Bereavement Care 0870 167 1677
Bradford on Avon Health Centre, Station Approach 01225 866611
Gas Transco 0800 111 999
Hospitals
Wessex Water 0845 600 4 600 Leak Line 0800 692 0 692
Trowbridge Community, Adcroft St., Trowbridge
Churches
Minor Injury Unit 01225 752558
Holy Trinity Church, BOA. Priest in Charge Joanna Abecassis 01225 864444
Opticians
Christ Church, BOA Priest in Charge Ann Keating 01225 722230
Father Conrad 01225 862739
50 St. Margaret’s St 01225 865797 Transport National Rail Enquiries 0845 748 4950
Councils - Town/Parish Bradford on Avon Town, St. Margaret’s Hall, St. Margaret’s St, 01225 864240 Westwood & Wingfield Parishes 01225 862770
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01225 775434.
Tourist Information
St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church
Winsley Parish 01249 782367
Specsavers, The Shires, Trowbridge.
Bradford and District LINK Good Neighbour Volunteers 07957 367124 Helplines Hope Debt Advice Service: Free Debt & Budgeting Advice. Freephone 0800 840 2298
Carer’s Line Freephone 0808 808 7777 Childline Freephone 0800 1111 NSPCC Freephone 0808 800 5000 24 hrs Consumer Direct 08454 04 05 06 Mon-Fri Drugs Frank 0800 77 66 00, 24hrs Samaritans 08457 90 90 90, 24hrs Legal Community Legal Service Direct 0845 345 4345 www.clsdirect.org.uk Money & Debt National Debtline Freephone 0808 808 4000 Senior Citizens Help the Aged 0808 800 6565 Age Concern 0800 00 99 66 www.ageconcern.org.uk
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SLICE OF LIFE
slice of
LIFE
Daughter’s friend is a bad influence My daughter, 6, has a very controlling ‘best friend’ at school, a boy who I’m really not keen on. Not only does he boss her about and get her to do things she wouldn’t normally do, he stops other children playing with her. I’ve also noticed her behaviour deteriorating at home. What shall I do? B White, BoA
Answer While you can’t control who your daughter plays with at school, it seems obvious this boy is stopping her forming other friendships. My first step would be to talk to her teacher and explain the situation. Secondly I would try to encourage play dates with other children outside school. Other that that, keep demonstrating the kind of behaviour you do want at home, and hopefully she will mirror this. Good luck.
I can’t find a job My youngest child has just started school, and for the first time I find myself in the position where I could work part time (ideally around school hours). I have applied for so many jobs and been rejected from every single one. I am finding the whole process quite soul destroying. What can I try next? P Taylor, Melksham
strangers are constantly wanting to touch it. I know it’s well meant, but I’m finding it quite annoying and intrusive. Any advice? B Wallace, Rode
Answer Congratulations on your pregnancy; such an exciting time. Your dilemma is a tricky one, as the attention is well intended, but I have a few suggestions. When people approach you, you could say, “Sorry, personal space!” in a light-hearted way, or “Sorry, would you mind not doing that?”. Failing that, apparently there are t-shirts for sale that say “Don’t touch my bump!” or similar.
Train annoyance Whilst travelling home on the train today in the Quiet Carriage (which I had chosen deliberately), I was faced by a business man talking loudly into his mobile phone. It infuriated me. I just ignored him and hoped he’d stop. He didn’t. What should I have done? P Bright, BoA
Answer
Answer Don’t give up! There is something out there for you, it’s just that unfortunately what you’re looking for is in high demand. Keep plugging away and apply for anything that seems suitable. Consider volunteering for a while (it looks good on your CV), and mention it to your friends as in my experience word of mouth is a valuable resource. Good luck!
Don’t touch my bump! I am eight months’ pregnant and very much enjoying my pregnancy. My bump has now increased to quite an impressive size and I’m finding that
How annoying. You were completely within your rights to say, politely “I think you might be in the wrong carriage. This is a quiet one.” Or, less politely, “Would you mind shutting up? The rest of the carriage aren’t really interested in your business.” Or you could just mention it to the next passing guard; it’s certainly not worth getting punched over.
Erica Morgan Email Erica for some advice and solutions... erica@alocallife.co.uk
No 37 June/July 2014
53
PUZZLES 1
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4
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6
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8
CROSSWORD ACROSS
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1. Swellings 7. Interim
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8. Perfect
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10. Woven wall-hangings 12
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12. Arriving at 14. Sweetly appealing
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17. Orators
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20. Senselessly 21
23. Abated
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24. Languidness
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25. Cranium
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DOWN
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Solutions - see page 60
P U Z Z L E S
SUDUKO
16. Spoilt child
P U Z Z L E S
1. Dally 2. Fire fuel 3. Festival 4. Bring together 5. Made fun of 6. Leaseholder 9. Wood-shaping machine 11. Small parrots 13. Crab’s pinch 15. Aesop tale 16. Wrist ornament 18. Summer shoe 19. Have buoyancy 21. Wise person 22. Tug sharply
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