A Local Life Malmesbury No2 Winter 2014/15 by A Local Life

Malmesbury & Borders

No2 Winter 2014/15

Allington, Calne, Castle Combe, Charlton, Corston, Crudwell, Hullavington, Luckington, Sherston, Pinkney, Great Somerford, Minety, Oaksey, Shipton Moyne, Westonbirt, Yatton Keynell & surrounding area.

CHILDRENS ACTIVITY LOCAL COMMUNITY & BUSINESS NEWS WINTER WARMERS

e e r F

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welcome Cover: Andrew Evans

Welcome to the winter edition of A Local Life – Malmesbury & Borders, It’s been fun to be in and around the area so much during the last few weeks building connections and finding out more about the local community. You may also have spotted photographer Sabine Coe walking around town with her trusty camera – in this edition she’s provided e Fre images of Malmesbury itself and of the Emergency Services Show. I’d also like to thank Robert Peel for providing a picture of Lord Ashdown’s talk at the Living History Weekend. Malmesbury & Borders

No2 Winter 2014

CHILDRENS ACTIVITY

LOCAL COMMUNITY & BUSINESS NEWS WINTER WARMERS

In this edition, you can catch up on some community news and I hope you enjoy the features on Dr Eva Detko’s new Christmas cookery book and the work of acclaimed Wiltshire artist Joanna May are interesting to read. Do send in pictures of your cookies if you followed the recipe and are pleased with the results. I hope this edition will encourage you to get in touch if you’ve had a book published (self publishing counts) or if you are an artist, gardener or photographer who would like to share your stories, hints and tips or creativity with us. There are lots of interesting activities going on in Malmesbury and the area over the coming weeks so I hope you find the What’s On pages useful for planning your diaries. Don’t forget if you’ve got an event you would like publicised in the future you can now submit details yourself – look for instructions around the What’s On pages or email me directly. Your listing will be free if the event is community-led and not-for-profit. These pages are very popular so we cannot always guarantee your event will make it to print. I’m already working on the Spring edition so please send me all of your news, views and photographs at malmesbury@alocallife.co.uk. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year. Fiona

Winter food & Drink 24

Childrens Activity CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY

Make your own recycled Christmas decorations...

Step 3:

Get crafty and save money this Christmas by making your own recycled decorations! These sparkling stars are fun to make, and look beautifully festive hung on the tree or in a window. This is a great activity for a rainy December day...

You Will Need: Cardboard tubes (from kitchen or toilet roll) Ruler & Pencil Scissors PVA Glue & a small paintbrush Paperclips Lots of glitter Stick-on gems and sequins String or Ribbon

No2 Winter 2014 Step 2:

Repeat step 2 and slices of your card using paperclips t place. Carry on un are joined togethe dry for around 15

Step 1:

Squash your cardboard tube flat, and use a pencil and ruler to mark out six equal pieces. A kitchen roll will make enough for two stars (12 pieces). Use your scissors to carefully cut the roll into equal pieces.

3 Tie a piece of

DELIVERING LOCALLY

Delivering your copy to;

Malmesbury & Borders

No2 Winter 2014

Allington, Calne, Castle Combe, Charlton, Corsham, Corston, Chippenham, Crudwell, Hullavington, Malmesbury, Luckington, Sherston, Pinkney, Great Somerford, Little Somerford, Malmesbury, Minety, Oaksey, Shipton Moyne, Westonbirt, Yatton Keynell and surrounding area. With such a large area, we want as many readers as possible hence we pick extra areas each issue to go through the door to remind people of their local pubs, shops and amenities near them. CHILDRENS ACTIVITY

In the future you can pick up from:

The Plough Inn SN15 5PS

SUTTON BENGER Wellesley arms SN15 4RD

The Jolly Huntsman Inn SN14 6JB

The Bell House Hotel SN15 4RH

KINGTON ST MICHAEL

Kingston St. Michael Village Shop Post Office, Shop & Cafe SN14 6HX La Flambe 01249 750181 SN15 4RY LOWER STANTON ST QUINTIN Costcutter/Murco Garage SN14 6BN

LOCAL COMMUNITY & BUSINESS NEWS WINTER WARMERS

e Fre

KINGTON LANGLEY Hit Or Miss Inn SN15 5NS SHIPTON MOYNE Cat & Custard Pot Inn GL8 8PN Available through the door and picked up from over 100 Post Offices, Shops, Pubs Restaurants, Tourist Info Centres, Hotels & B&B’ and businesses in the area.

THE PLOUGH INN Christmas Lunch Menu £11.95 per head 2 courses, Evening Menu £20.95 per head 3 courses.

Come join us over Christmas & New Year 0 1 2 4 9 7 50255

Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 5PS. (A350 & M4 Junction 17) all

Call 01666 335002 or visit www.alocallife.co.uk

3 areas to reach affluent customers! 4

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a local life

CONTENTS

Inside... What’s On..........................................................................6 Community News...........................................................9 Living History Weekend..............................................13 Childrens Acivity...........................................................14 Business Features..........................................................16 Travel Co Feature..........................................................18 Shopping Pages.............................................................20 House & Home..............................................................22 Food & Drink..................................................................23 Recipes......................................................................24-26 Health & Fitness............................................................28

Christmas family photos

Up Close with Joanna May........................................30

In your own home bookings available in December

Useful Contacts.............................................................32 Slice of Life.....................................................................33 Puzzles.............................................................................34

Delivering happiness… one image at a time

CONTACTING US Sales: publish@alocallife.co.uk or call 01666 335002 Contribute: malmesbury@alocallife.co.uk Publisher: André Balkham Jones Editor: Fiona Scott Contributors: C&A, Sabine Coe, Andrew Evans, Jo Fairburn, Erica Morgan, Ruth Walton. Design: A Local Life Printed on paper sourced from responsible sources. Small Print: The publisher will not be held liable for any loss or damage caused by errors, omissions or failure of an advert to run or any other cause. A Local Life and Brand2M Ltd. does not endorse any advertising material within the publication or on the website. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior permission of the publisher.

07727 627915 Portrait | Wedding | Corporate

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Distributed to Households, Post Offices, Shops, Pubs Restaurants, Tourist Info Centres, Hotels & B&B’s - the perfect vehicle to reach more than 25,000 affluent readers in the area... Malmesbury

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Warminster

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No2 Winter 2014

WHAT’S ON

What’s on WINTER 2014/15 Monday 1st December Edwina Bridgman: Ship of Fools Victoria Art Gallery, Bath A central installation of a fragile ship invities visitors to interact with it. The gallery walls are lined with over 100 figures and animals Running until 11 January 2015 £3.50/concs/under 21s free www.victoriagal.org.uk

illuminated trail. £10 adults, £8 concessions, £5 children. Running Friday, Saturday & Sunday evenings until 21st December. 03000 680400 for tickets or www.boxofficeforestry.gov.uk The International Mummers Festival, Gloucester Gloucester Folk Museum. Also running Saturday 6th December. www.mummersunconvention. com/mummers-festival-2014

Saturday 6th December Anna Lizzio - Christmas Art Club 8am - 5pm. Anna is holding Christmas Art workshops at her studio shed in Crudwell. 2 day workshop for 7-11 yr olds, also same times Sunday 7th. £90. Call 07828 957004

Wednesday 3rd December Christmas Extravaganza, Bowood House, Calne See Bowood decorated and indulge in a fantastic shopping experience! Ticketed preview evening with carols & cocktails. £15 per person. 01249 822422 or office@ fionashelburne.co.uk

Friday 5th December Enchanted Christmas – Westonbirt Arboretum Nr Tetbury, Glos, GL8 8QS 5-8.30pm. A spectacular one mile 6

Wessex Auction Rooms Antiques and Collectables sale Westbrook Farm, Draycot Cerne, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 5LH 10am, (viewing Friday before sale from 8.30am) 01249 720888 www.wessexauctionrooms.co.uk

HEALS Christmas Dinner Dance Kings Arms, High Street, Malmesbury . 7pm. In aid of local charity HEALS Malmesbury. Price £30 per person for 3 course meal and entertainment. Tickets from the Kings Arms or call Brian Slade on 07736 335822 Dick Whittington starring Nigel Havers Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon, SN1 1QN Tickets start at £17.50, booking charges will be added. Running until January 4th 2015. Details visit http://bit.ly/1wqLIHo or call 01793 524281 Charity Christmas Band Night – The Charity Christmas Cracker St Margaret’s Hall, Bradford-onAvon, Wiltshire, 7pm An amazing christmas party band night to raise money for children’s charities £15. Please contact Emma for tickets. 7862284177 or evans_emma@live.co.uk

Christmas Bazaar St Athelstan House, Priory Way, Malmesbury. 1pm. Including stalls, tombola and Santa’s grotto 01225 710700 Malmesbury Community Choir: Christmas with the Choir & Friends Malmesbury Abbey. 7.30pm £8, u-16s £4 available from A4 Stationers

Sunday 7th December The Origins of the English Seaside Upper Masonic Hall, Church

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WHAT’S ON

Street, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1LN, 7.30 - 9pm. Arts Association talk by Ian Meadows illustrating the long and interesting history of the English Seaside. £3 members/£4 non-members meganandjoyce1882@gmail.com or 01225 862670

Malmesbury Singers: ‘Christmas in Venice’ concert Malmesbury Abbey, 7.30pm £12 adults, £10 concessions, £5 children. Tickets from Abbey Bookshop, Malmesbury singers or from jeansaxty2@gmail.com

Thursday 11th December Cinderella – starring Dani Harmer, Melanie Walters and Jon Monie. Theatre Royal Bath, Saw Close, Bath, BA1 1ET. Running until Sunday 11th January 2015 www.theatreroyal.org.uk or call 01225 448844 for tickets

‘Match’, a play from Calne Town Council in partnership with Anything But Ordinary Productions Calne Town Hall. Saturday 13th December 11.30am, 7.30pm, Sunday 14th December 10.30am, 1.30pm, 4.30pm. www. anythingbutordinary-productions. com

Friday 12th December

Sunday 14th December

Christmas with Haydn and Handel – Bradford Choral Society Holy Trinity Church, Church Street, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1LN, UK, 7.30 - 9.30pm. A feast of Christmas music to begin the Christmas period. Tickets £10 from Ex Libris bookshop meganandjoyce1882@gmail.com, 01225 862670.

Saturday 13th December Anna Lizzio - Christmas Art Club 8am - 5pm. Anna is holding Christmas Art workshops at her studio shed in Crudwell. 2 day workshop for 7-11 yr olds, also same times Sunday 14th. £90. Call 07828 957004

Bowood House – Family Christmas Carvery A traditional 3 course Christmas Carvery. Santa will be visiting with gifts for all children under 12. Also running Sunday 21st December. £25 per adult, £10 per child. 01249 822228 or resort@bowood.org Evening Carol Service Malmesbury United Reform Church, St Mary’s Street, Malmesbury. 7.30pm. With traditional songs and festive celebrations. 01666 823107

Sunday 21st December Malmesbury Film Society: The Bishop’s Wife St Mary’s Hall, Malmesbury 7.30pm. A wonderful classic for No2 Winter 2014

Christmas with Cary Grant, David Niven, and Loretta Young £5 per film (£28 for 12 films) www.malmesburyfilmsociety. org.uk

Wednesday 24th December Christmas Eve Thursday 25th December Christmas Day Friday 26th December Wednesday 31st December Thursday 1st January 2015 New Year’s Eve New Year’s Day New Year’s Day at the Races: Cheltenham Racecourse Gates open at 10.30am, first race at 12.15pm, last race at 3.40pm. www.cheltenham.co.uk

...UPCOMING Rodmarten Manor: Garden Open for Snowdrops Cirencester, GL7 6PF 2nd, 9th, 13th and 16th Feb From 1.30pm £5 garden only, children £1 01285 841442 www.rodmarten-manor.co.uk 7

WHAT’S ON

Regular Weekly / Monthly Events MONDAYS

North Wiltshire Flower Club

Alzheimer’s Society: Singing for the Brain Activity Zone, 1.30-3pm A fun, stimulating and social activity for people in the early to moderate stages of dementia, and their carers. Fortnightly. Please check to see if it is running. Contact 01249 443469

TUESDAYS Sherston: Peaceful Fair Trade Coffee Shop Holy Cross Church Sherston, 9.30-12pm, each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday until the end of October. Children welcome.

WEDNESDAYS Lea and Charlton Toddler Group Charlton Village Hall, 10.15-12pm Craft, stories, songs and cake. Term time only.

Crudwell Village Hall, 7.30pm. Third Wednesday of each month Contact Sue on 01666 577125

THURSDAYS

Sherston WI Sherston Village Hall, 7.30pm in spring/sumer, 2.30pm in winter months. First Thursday of the month. Group has been going for 74 years. Contact: Hjquirk@aol.com

SUNDAYS Malmesbury Film Society St Mary’s Hall, Malmesbury, 7.30pm. Showing films every third Sunday of the month. www.malmesburyfilmsociety.org.uk

Malmesbury Morris Corston Reading Room, 7.30pm New dancers and musicians welcome. www.malmesburymorris.org.uk

Fitness Classes & 1:1 Training

Malmesbury Carers’ Café

Chippenham Sports Club, SN15 1NG Goss Croft Hall, SN15 5HD Malmesbury Town Hall, SN16 9BZ

Kings Arms, Malmesbury, 10.30am. Fourth Thursday of the month. Support, information and advice for people caring for a relative, child or partner. Contact 0800 181 4118 or www.carersinwiltshire.co.uk

Kettlercise, Fitness Yoga Group Class, Yoga Sculpt, BodySculpt Available at:

See website for details

07902 406252 www.Flexi-Fit.com

Your event could be here... Here at A Local Life, we are expanding, and we now produce magazines in the Warminster, Bradford on Avon and Malmesbury areas. In order to streamline proceedings and minimise any confusion, we have devised a new system for our What’s On entries, which will potentially give exposure in all of our magazines and on our website. First, go to our website at www.alocallife.co.uk and click on ‘What’s On’ from the tabs on offer. Then select the green ‘Post Your Event’ button on the right hand side and fill in the fields as instructed. This page will also give you the option of attaching an image to publicise your event. Our offer is free to community not-for-profit events, with the opportunity for people running courses and programmes to advertise these in this section. As ever, we cannot guarantee that your listing will appear (the decision is made ultimately by our publisher and depends on space available/how many other entries there are that month etc), but the sooner you can supply your information, the better. Get on board…

Next deadline is 9th February 2015... 8

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COMMUNITY

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If you want to know what’s going on in Malmesbury, check out the all new Malmesbury.com. No2 Winter 2014

COMMUNITY

Malmesbury School becomes training hub for new teachers

almesbury School has been selected a National Teaching School - one of only 60 schools in England to be accepted in the last round of applications. With this new responsibility, the school will take a leading role in recruiting and training

new entrants to the profession. School staff will help new teachers, develop the skills of experienced teachers and identify leadership potential. They will also provide support and best practice guidance for other schools.

The concept of Teaching Schools was introduced three years ago and all of those selected must be rated as ‘outstanding’. They raise standards through school-to-school support, engage in research and development, and ensure the most talented are identified and supported to become successful head teachers.

Local charity joins Grow Your Tenner Scheme Heals Malmesbury – which supports vulnerable people in the town and beyond - is taking part in the Grow Your Tenner Scheme. The scheme, run by online company LocalGiving.com, means any donations made for up to £10 until January 31 2015 will matched funded. Heals Malmesbury, which has an office in the High Street, offers information, advice, financial assistance as well as advancing education, health and well-being and citizenship. In the last year, it has provided help to 117 people in the community who have had problems from homelessness, through to eviction, rent arrears and many other difficult isses. The charity also supports people into employment and delivers service to community organisations and start-up businesses. To donate visit www.localgiving.com/healsmalmesbury and for further information contact Heals Malmesbury on 07931 098347.

Remember loved ones at Dorothy House Light up a Life service

n outdoor service to remember loved ones at Christmas is being held at Market Cross in Malmesbury. The ‘Light up a Life’ service for Dorothy House Hospice Care, starts at 6pm on Tuesday 9 December and will allow people to light a candle in memory of loved ones who have passed away. The seasonal services of remembrance are open to all and are part of the annual Dorothy House Light up a Life appeal. The hospice invites people to sponsor a light to shine on the Christmas tree in the hospice grounds as a dedication to a loved one - you don’t have to have a connection with the hospice – and the tree will be lit from 2 December until 6 January 2015. Dorothy House community fundraiser, Yvonne Brunton, who has been involved in organising the Light up a Life services taking place throughout the area said ‘The Light up a Life services are always very poignant and a very special time for families and friends to join together and remember a loved one. Many people gain great encouragement from attending the services and view it as the start of their Christmas’. For more information about all the Light up a Life services for Dorothy House visit:

www.dorothyhouse.co.uk/lual or call 01225 721480 10

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Local Designers & Makers T 01225 862268 www.coppiceguild.co.uk Visit our new showrooms at 28 Coppice Hill, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1JT KITCHENS | DRESSING ROOMS | HOME OFFICES | MEDIA ROOMS

COMMUNITY

Visitors flock to this year’s Emergency Services Show

ood weather and the promise of unusual and dramatic entertainment brought visitors out in their thousands to the Emergency Services Show held at Hullavington airfield this year.

west. Volunteer motorcyclists transport blood, pathology and microbiology specimens, patient notes, X-rays, breast milk and other medical supplies from place to place.

In 2012, the charity made 3,648 deliveries, riding more than 120,000 miles. The volunteers operate a fleet of motorcycles with high-visibility markings, blue lights and sirens. The aim

The event – now in its ninth year - showcases the work and skills of our emergency services and gives an opportunity for other less wellknown services to shine. These include Wiltshire Air Ambulance, Great Western Air Ambulance and various charities supporting the emergency services including Swift Medics and Charity Sci-Fi. Another was the Freewheelers Emergency Voluntary Service which provides out-of-hours motorcycle courier services to hospitals throughout the south 12

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COMMUNITY of the service is to support the emergency health service so hospitals are not forced to use taxis or commercial couriers. Adding colour and interest to the event were vintage vehicles including cars from Swindon Classic Car Meet where members gather on the second Monday of each month (for details contact Graham on 07790 098859). During the day, visitors were also treated to rides in fire engines, police cars and could even have a go at motorsport, all to raise money which will be donated to charities related to the emergency services. In 2013, the event raised £26,000 which was donated to 26 good causes.

Rescue Service, South Western Ambulance Service and the Highways Agency. This year’s main sponsors were Vodafone and the Grist Group of Companies. Planning for next year’s event is already underway and it’s scheduled to take place on Sunday September 13 2015. For details call 01380 732999 or email enquiries@ emergencyservicesshow.com.

The Emergency Services Show is organised by volunteers from Wiltshire Police, Wiltshire Fire &

Living History Weekend Makes Headlines Hundreds of history enthusiasts from all over the UK headed to Malmesbury for the BBC Living History Weekend. Leading authors and historian specialising in a range of topics appeared at venues ranging from Malmesbury Abbey, the Town Hall, through to the Old Bell Hotel and a marquee in the Cloister Gardens. The organisers chose Malmesbury to host the first festival as the town, the country’s oldest borough, is steeped in history. For four days, top name historians spoke on subjects including the French Resistance, Viking adventures, Britain’s Pagan Heritage, Richard III and the myths and realities of the First World War.

The festival began with a presentation by former Liberal Democrat leader Lord Paddy Ashdown on The French Resistance and the Battle for the Vercors 1944. Another highlight was the double lecture by Tracy Borman and Hilary Mantel on the subject of Thomas Cromwell. Also appearing was Earl Spencer, the younger brother of Princess Diana, who was promoting his new book Killers of the King: The Men Who Dared to Execute Charles I.

Many thanks to local photographer Robert Peel for sharing his picture of Paddy Ashdown. Robert will displaying some of his landscape images at his own exhibition in the Town Hall from Saturday November 15 to Thursday December 4. Details are available at www. malmesburyphotos.com

BBC History Magazine partnered with Malmesbury School to engage A-level historians students who had the opportunity to meet and greet speakers and introduce talks. No2 Winter 2014

CHILDRENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ACTIVITY

Make your own recycled Christmas decorations... Get crafty and save money this Christmas by making your own recycled decorations! These sparkling stars are fun to make, and look beautifully festive hung on the tree or in a window. This is a great activity for a rainy December day...

You Will Need: Cardboard tubes (from kitchen or toilet roll) Ruler & Pencil Scissors PVA Glue & a small paintbrush Paperclips Lots of glitter Stick-on gems and sequins String or Ribbon

Step 1:

Squash your cardboard tube flat, and use a pencil and ruler to mark out six equal pieces. A kitchen roll will make enough for two stars (12 pieces).

Step 2: Lay out some paper to protect your table as this step can get messy! Paint a thin strip of PVA glue across the end of one of the pieces of cardboard and use a paperclip to secure it to another piece. 14

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Use your scissors to carefully cut the roll into equal pieces.

CHILDRENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ACTIVITY

Step 3: Repeat step 2 and keep adding slices of your cardboard tube and using paperclips to hold them in place. Carry on until all six pieces are joined together. Allow them to dry for around 15 minutes.

Step 4: When the glue has dried, take off the paperclips. Use your brush to paint a thin layer of PVA all over the star. Sprinkle it with glitter until the whole star is covered. You could also use gold or silver paint. When it is dry, add stick-on gems and sequins for some extra sparkle!

Tie a piece of string ribbon onto your star and hang it on the tree or in your window... No2 Winter 2014

BUSINESS

Wiltshire’s leading heating and plumbing company is officially a trusted trader

iltshire’s Business of the Year, John Williams Heating Services, has become one of only a handful of companies in the county to become a Which? Trusted Trader. After undergoing a rigorous accreditation process, the company, which is based on the Bumpers Farm Industrial Estate in Chippenham, has been awarded Trusted Trader status.

John Williams Heating Services celebrates its tenth anniversary this year and employs 16 staff. Earlier this year, the company won two titles in the Enterprising Wiltshire Awards backed by Wiltshire Council – Best Small Business and the Business of the Year Award.

Debbie Williams, co-founder of John Williams Heating Services, said: “It was an extremely stringent process with painstaking criteria – many companies don’t meet the standards required. “However we felt our customers would feel even more confident in our services and standards if we went the extra mile to get this accreditation with such a trusted brand as Which?”

Husband joins family accountancy business as company continues to flourish

he success of young accountancy company Sunflower Accounts Ltd has led Mark Rickaby to join his wife Steph in running the successful business. Mark, who’s 38, supported his wife Steph when she set up Sunflower Accounts Ltd in early 2013 after many years of working as an employed accountant.

As Sunflower Accounts Ltd entered its second year and began growing rapidly, he made the decision to leave his job of ten years at the Hydrographic Office in Taunton, Somerset, as a data analyst working in cartography and Geographic Information Systems. Mark said: “Our long term vision was always that I would join the business as it evolved to support Steph and to create a family-run firm with an aim of providing excellent customer service educating and supporting SMEs nationwide.” Mark and Steph have also moved their business HQ from Clevedon, near Bristol to Calne in Wiltshire. Steph said: “We love Wiltshire as a county and it’s where Mark was brought up. We have clients all over the UK so being based here provides us with fantastic access being so close to the M4 and with excellent rail links. We could not be happier in our decision to make these changes to our business.”

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BUSINESS

New look to Nativity at Malmesbury Abbey

undreds of families will be treated to a colourful Malmesbury Nativity when the performances begin in the Abbey in December. This year, the play will feature new music and will include Wiltshire’s own historical characters of The Abbot Aldhelm, the flying monk Eilmer, the writer William of Malmesbury and the barmaid who was eaten by a tiger, Hannah Twynnoy. Four young actors will take these leading roles and will re-enact the nativity with a script taken from the gospels of St Matthew and St Luke.

This year The Malmesbury Nativity takes place on Saturday December 20, Tuesday 23rd December and Christmas Eve. Tickets are available from the Abbey at a cost of £2 for adults. Children attend free of charge. It’s advisable to pre-buy tickets as availability on the door may be limited. For further details of events at the Abbey over the Christmas period see our What’s On pages or telephone 01666 826666. You can also visit www. malmesburyabbey.com

More than 1,500 guests attend the nativity each year, enjoying the performances in stunning surroundings where a stage will be set up running the length of the building. This stage represents Malmesbury High Street or the road to Bethlehem. Children are integral to the performance and will join in the action dressed as angels, shepherds and magicians. Guests will hear traditional carols with a modernised feel and sound.

Sales expert joins growing business

ales expert Louise Elliott has become the first employee of growing business Sales Coaching Solutions. Louise, known as Lou, has been headhunted by managing director Alison Edgar and started in her new role as business development and training manager a few weeks ago. Alison knows about Lou’s background in sales and customer service as Lou used to be Alison’s boss! They met more than 16 years ago when Lou recruited Alison to her successful sales team at Yell. It was Lou who was responsible for passing on the skills, which allowed Alison to become the founder of Sales Coaching Solutions Ltd, which has its base in Chippenham. Now in an unexpected turnaround, Lou has joined Alison in her own company.

Alison said: “I cannot express how delighted I am to be bringing Lou into the business. Together we’ll make a great team.” The company focuses on sales and customer service training for start-ups, SMEs and corporate organisations. For start-ups and growing businesses, there are often grants and funding available to help cover the costs of training and development.

Lou said: ““I am thrilled to be working with Alison at Sales Coaching Solutions Ltd. I’m looking forward to working with business owners and employees in the near future.”

Lou lives in Chipping Sodbury and has two grown up children. When not spending with family and friends, she’s is a mentor for breast cancer sufferers and has raised over £30,000.

No2 Winter 2014

TRAVEL

Quality coach travel across Bath, Bristol, Swindon and the surrounding areas.

ndrew James was born and raised in Malmesbury, which is just one of the areas that his coach, bus and taxi business serves.The family owned company has been in the bus and coach industry for 30 years, with Andrew starting in the in the early eighties. Beginning with a Bedford YRT Dominant coach, his business has gone from strength to strength and today Andrew operates a smart fleet of 18 vehicles ranging from local bus services, to large, private executive coaches, taxis and vintage buses.

Day Trips They provide a range of wonderful day trips visiting exciting and beautiful parts of the country, using their luxury coaches. The coaches have reclining seats with seat belts, music, a PA system and doubleglazing with climate control air conditioning for your comfort. They can also offer TV and video, table facilities for drinks, buffets and full washroom facilities. Travel in style and comfort and enjoy a special day out with us.

Vintage Bus Hire A special way to travel to Exceptional Quality and Service events Andrew James Quality Travel Their 1965 Leyland PD3 prides itself on always providing (affectionately known as Buffy) a high level of service, attention is a great way to arrive in style to detail for any event or trip and for your wedding, prom, birthday, providing perfectly presented, anniversary, party or special clean and valeted vehicles.Its team occasion. It is also available for of staff will ensure the success photo shoots, filming or corporate of any occasion, advising and entertainment. assisting with the arrangements. 18

Private Hire Travel in comfort and style Their chauffeur driven private hire cars are the perfect solution for airport transfers, company business or weddings. Arrive at your destination relaxed and ready for the next stage of your journey. Our chauffeurs are fully licensed and are DBS checked (formally CRB) so that you feel safe and secure when travelling with us. Andrew James Quality Travel is the largest coach operator in the Malmesbury area and has a reputation for excellence. However you use an Andrew James Quality Travel coach you will end your journey with nothing but great memories. Call today for a copy of our 2015 tour brochure or to get further help and advice. Contact us on 01666 625655 ajcoaches@andrew-james.co.uk www.andrew-james.co.uk

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GREAT DAYS OUT FOR 2015

Andrew James Q U A L I T Y T R AV E L

C or e all m now ail us for y copy our !

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SHOPPING

gift inspiration

These brandies and liqueurs are available from Brandyclassics and are just a taste of the many delights that can be found on their website at www.brandyclassics.com A beautiful presentation box with two engraved glasses from Raymond Ragnaud. This Vieille Réserve Cognac is liquid gold with tints of bronze, and has been aged in the barrel for 15 years. £90.32

We have picked some gift ideas from independent businesses in Wilshire for you. Rather than get online why not look to suport your local retailers to keep money in the local area. Dupont Dream Calvados cream liqueur, a little different from the norm with a clean, apple flavour. £22.25.

Hermitage 1999 Grande Champagne Cognac. £43.55 - “The daddy of gifts - as complex and satisfying as a Dickens novel.” Olly Smith Journalist & TV Presenter. Raw Chocolate Gift Bag Three of our popular raw chocolate goodies and combined them in stylish jute bag. A tin of Raw Hot Chocolate (you can choose the flavour), a Raw Cacao Nib Grinder and a bar of our award winning Yummy Scrummy. £13 01225 459436 www.elementsforlife.co.uk 20

See page 25 and for further information and advice about Christmas orders call Brandyclassics on 01225 863988 or visit www.brandyclassics.com

Get your 5% A Local Life discount by entering the code ALL5 when checking out on the website.

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HEADING

18ct Rose Gold Sapphire & Amethyst Earings £725

Bering Watches from £99.90 Available from Orton

Range of Cufflinks from £40, Vitreous enamel Silver Turtle cufflinks £159 and above racing cars £169. Orton Jewellery 6-7 Market Street, Bradford on Avon BA15 1LH 01225 309039 www.ortonjewellery.co.uk

From your first bike to a wide range for all ages from your local Bicycle shop.

Ridgeback MX12 Tangerine £129.99 Right: Merida Crossway from £299

Ch White & Son 51 High Street, Malmesbury, Wiltshire SN16 9AG. Open: Mon-Sat 9.15 - 5pm, Thurs 9.15am-1pm Range of Brompton & folding bikes Images are not representative of actual models in stock!

01666 822330 chwhite@btinternet.com www.foldingbikes.biz

No2 Winter 2014

HOUSE & HOME

Custom Made Furniture with a Contemporary Twist Kristian has spent the past twelve years creating both traditional and contemporary furniture in some of the leading studio workshops in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Quality and exceptional craftsmanship are a common theme between all, but the variety of experience has proved to be a very precious resource. In 2011 Kristian started his own business with a desire to have more control over the creative relationship between the client and designer maker. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is an extremely rewarding process to work collaboratively with clients and to jointly resolve design ideas. Either providing an object that is truly functional on a day to day basis or to create a one of a kind that will remain for many generationsâ&#x20AC;? . Kristian is based in the Cotswolds in a traditional cabinet-making workshop and undertakes a broad spectrum of personal commissions. kristianpettifor@gmail.com 07922 878899 www.kristianpettifor.com

Local Life eighth page 2014 dft1_Layout 1 15/09/2014 15:44 Page 1

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FOOD & DRINK

Dusty Ape Coffee Roasters makes it into the first ever guide to speciality coffee outside of London

he South West independent Coffee Guide has just been launched on October 17 to let people know where they can get fantastic quality, speciality coffee in the South West. Venues and roasters were invited into the guide based on their top notch credentials including the use of speciality coffee from quality sources, barista skill and training, use of different brewing methods and overall knowledge and skill. Which is why we are thrilled to announce that Dusty Ape Coffee Roasters in Hilperton, Wiltshire is one of the 50 coffee venues and 16 roasters who are in the guide, having made the grade. The inclusions in the guide were chosen by an editorial committee made up of some of the South West’s leading coffee experts, including Andy Tucker Head of Coffee at highly rated Clifton

Coffee Roasters, Nick Cooper of South West publishing company Salt Media and Ed Gooding of Bunn Equipment. Tom Sobey of Cornwall’s Origin Coffee also played a key part in getting the project off the ground. The coffee shop reviews include information on different brew types, beans, grinders and equipment, and in addition, the guide showcases 16 top local artisan roasters, has funky maps, a history of coffee in the South West and information on worldwide coffee producing areas. The South West Independent Coffee Guide’s editor Jo Rees of Food Insider’s Guides, says, ‘There’s long been this idea that the only place to get a good coffee in the UK is in central London. The South West has been working away quietly behind the scenes and all of a sudden there’s been an explosion of activity in places No2 Winter 2014

like Bristol, Bath, Exeter and Truro, with amazing quality artisan coffee being roasted and brewed. Maxwell said, ‘The South West has quietly become a nuanced and exciting coffee landscape, driven by the development of a cohesive speciality coffee market. At its heart, speciality coffee is like the world of wine in that it focuses on provenance and character.’ The guide will be available for sale at the coffee venues featured in the guide, at Waterstones and good bookshops, via Amazon and from the Food Insider’s Guide Website : www.food-mag.co.uk priced £7.99. The venues will also feature on the food Insider’s Guide website with their write-up and images: www.foodmag.co.uk. 23

Food&drink

Portuguese Sweet Potato Cookies Broa Castelar Total Time:

Ingredients:

Method:

50-55 minutes (preparation only: 25-30 minutes);

400 g (14 oz) sweet potatoes;

1. Pre-heat oven to gas mark 5 (190Â°C / 375Â°F).

Yield: 24 cookies. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget greaseproof paper.

2. Boil sweet potato (peeled and 60 g (2 oz) unsweetened diced) on medium heat for desiccated coconut or grated fresh 5-10 minutes, drain, mash, coconut; and place on low heat for 1-2 1 large egg; minutes to dehydrate slightly. 1 tbs runny honey; 3. Combine the mashed potato

150 g (5 oz) almonds (ground);

4 tbs plain gluten-free flour; 2 tbs orange extract; 5o g stevia Additional:

with almonds, 60 g of desiccated coconut, egg, honey, flour, and stevia. 4. Shape the mixture into oval cookies, approx. 2.5cm / 1in wide (pinch ends and flatten to make them look like leaves).

25 g (1 oz) unsweetened desiccated coconut or grated fresh 5. Sprinkle cookies with the rest of the desiccated coconut, coconut place on a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper, and bake for 25 minutes (or until golden brown). 6. Eat and enjoy or store for two to three days in an air-tight container.

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Food&drink

Nutritional therapist publishes Christmas recipes for those living with food intolerances. Dr Eva Detko, a leading nutritional therapist based in Wiltshire, has published a festive cook book, for people with special dietary requirements. Dr Detko, who lives in Wiltshire, said: “The purpose of this book is to make it easier for people on restricted diets to enjoy delicious Christmas treats they can share with their friends and family.” “To give the book an international flavour I’ve incorporated recipes from different countries. I challenge anybody who doesn’t know any better to be able to tell that they are indeed wheat, gluten, dairy and refined sugarfree!”

Dr Eva has worked in the field of nutritional therapy for the last 14 years and she said: “Having special dietary requirements can be daunting, especially at Christmas, but there is no need to feel discouraged. You can still have your favourite treats and enjoy them!”

It’s suitable for novice and experienced cooks and can be found on Amazon by visiting http://amzn.to/1oxI8fA

“I’ve worked hard to create 50 wheat-free, gluten-free, dairyfree, soya-free and refined sugar-free treats. With classics such as Christmas pudding, mince pies, pumpkin pie, panettone and Yule log, the book offers Christmas delicacies from Poland, Japan, Puerto Rico and the Canary Islands.”

Distinguished Vintage Cognacs From a Past Era Local Wiltshire company Brandyclassics, supplies luxury vintage cognacs, armagnacs and other brandies online and to the trade. All the brandies they supply are handpicked for their quality, flavour and provenance. Vintage Brandies are extremely popular as presents for birthdays and anniversaries as the year printed on the label captures the uniqueness of the gift and the thought behind the purchase. They also have a rarity value as vintages are produced in small quantities and so are always in limited supply. Specialising in cognac, Brandyclassics also has its own label, Hermitage. Hermitage Cognacs are produced by many of the top distillers in the most favoured parts of the cognac producing region of France, known as Grande Champagne. These producers have skills, not just in distillation, but also in the ageing of rare cognacs which produces rich flavours. Each vintage comes from a single estate and is selected for its highly individual style.

All of Brandyclassics’ brandies come beautifully packaged in presentation boxes. From the Hermitage red silk boxes, designed to embody the quality and exclusivity of the Hermitage Vintage Cognac range, to the Raymond Sabourin pearlescent white, silver and purple presentation box which always catches the ladies’ eye, they make great Christmas presents. 01225 863988 www.brandyclassics.com

Get your 5% A Local Life discount by entering the code ALL5 when odering.

No2 Winter 2014

Food&drink

winter

WARMERS

Venison is higher in moisture, similar in protein and lower in calories, cholesterol and fat than most cuts of grain-fed beef, pork, or lamb. Venison has enjoyed a rise in popularity in recent years, owing to the meat’s lower fat content. This venison casserole benefits from long, slow cooking. Ask your butcher about different cuts of Venison, we have used a haunch of Venison.

Ingredients 1 tbsp olive oil

400ml/14fl oz water

25g/1oz butter

2 beef stock cubes, crumbled

12 Whole Baby Onions

3 tbsp redcurrant jelly

4 fresh garlic cloves

salt and freshly ground black

4 rashers smoked bacon

pepper, to taste

500g/1Ib 2oz mushrooms

50g/2oz cornflour

2.5kg/5½lb haunch or shoulder

punnet redcurrants, to decorate

of venison, diced

6 sprigs rosemary or thyme, to

½ bottle red wine

decorate

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Food&drink

Slow cooked Venison Casserole

Preparation method Preheat the oven to 150C/300F/ Gas 2. On the hob, heat the olive oil and butter in a large lidded casserole dish. Add the onions and cook until softened, but not browned. Add the garlic, bacon and mushrooms and cook for a further minute. In a frying pan, brown the venison a handful at a time and add to the casserole. When all the meat is browned, add the red wine, water, stock cubes, redcurrant jelly and salt and pepper.

thicken the sauce - add a little at a time if you are not sure how much you will need.

To serve New potatoes Asparagus or Green Beans

Transfer the casserole to the hob, and, on a low heat, cook until the gravy has thickened - this will take about five minutes. Serve with new potatoes and vegetables. Decorate each plate with a sprig of rosemary or thyme and a bunch of fresh redcurrants. Enjoy . . .

Bring to the boil and stir well. Put the lid on the casserole and place in the middle of the oven - cook for 90 minutes. Remove from the oven. Make a paste with the cornflour and two tablespoons of water. Add as much of the paste to the casserole as is needed to

No2 Winter 2014

HEALTH & FITNESS

A Total Body Workout

i! I’m Kerry and I am a yoga and fitness instructor and the founder of Flexi-Fit. I’m passionate about bringing yoga, fitness and wellbeing to all, helping you create and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle for mind/body balance and ultimately for your long term health. I provide yoga and fitness classes within the community and workplace and also teach young people yoga and mindfulness in primary schools, secondary schools and colleges.

• • • • • • •

Burns Calories Builds Healthy Bone Density Tones Shoulders, Biceps and Core Increases Core Strength and Stability Improves Flexibility For all Fitness Levels Leaves you feeling: Calm, Strong, Refreshed, Re-energized & Rejuvenated!

Testimonial: “I find a year on from doing yoga and fitness classes with you that I am now able to move better than I have done in years and have not had back pain for months and months” If you would like more information about the different classes, your fitness and wellbeing, please visit my website at www.Flexi-Fit.com.

I am launching brand new Flexi-Fit YogaSculpt classes in Malmesbury and Chippenham from this September. YogaSculpt is a Total Body Workout combining cardio, yoga and weightlifting (small handweights!) which is designed to sculpt and tone your entire body.

to expand their expertise can take Diplomas in Cryotherapy for the freezing of verrucae. Painful feet can lead to a reluctance to mobilise in the elderly, which can cause added medical problems and isolation if they feel that they cannot venture out.

Good Foot Health

oot Health has come a long way from simply “cutting nails”. It covers a myriad of lower limb conditions including corns, ingrowing nails, infections, verrucae and many other foot problems. As life expectancy increases, many more elderly people find themselves needing help with their foot care, although this is not just the realm of the elderly, the explosion of road running has led to a huge increase in the development and demand for orthotics and many Foot Health Practitioners have studied Biomechanics enabling them to supply them to their patients. Foot Health Practitioners wishing 28

As a Foot Health Practitioner I am on a voluntary register that has been accredited by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care. The AVR scheme was set up by the Government to improve standards and safety for the benefit of the public. Accreditation demonstrates my commitment to high professional standards, to enhancing safety and delivering a better service.

Contact Fred Oviatt for advice and a consultation at 4 different clinics in the area, see advert opposite! 01275 795058 fred.oviatt@hotmail.com www.fitfootfoundation.co.uk

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HEALTH & FITNESS

Putting your feet first Verruca treatment • Ingrowing toenails Nail trimming • Hard skin & Corn removal Fungal infections Diabetic foot care & advice

Calne - Northlands Surgery, North St 01249 812141 Bradford on Avon - Dixon Health, Kingston Rd 01225 862140 Corsham - Jet Set,19 Lypiatt Rd, Corsham 01249 712339 Devizes - Wharfside, Couch Lane 01380 729103 DipCFHP, MPSPract VRFHP

Certification Mark

Fred R Oviatt

01275 795058 - 07780 000867 fred.oviatt@hotmail.com

www.fitfootfoundation.co.uk No2 Winter 2014

UPCLOSE

How has Joanna May become one of Wiltshire’s most successful artists?

ildlife artist Joanna May has achieved worldwide recognition for her paintings of animals. Currently working on some new artwork involving lions and hearts, Joanna easily commands a fourfigure sum for her original pieces. 30

Living in a small village in North Wiltshire, with her husband David, she has an eye for colour and design. She’s been a professional artist for more than 20 years, for the first ten years as a children’s wildlife book illustrator.

when it came to creating images of animals – whatever the scale. In 2001, she opened a gallery in Marlborough to sell her wildlife paintings. This grew gradually but went skyward when she first put her representations of hares up During this early part of her career for sale. she realised one of her great She said: “My first Boxing Hare strengths was extreme accuracy painting sold before I opened the

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UPCLOSE doors and this quickly led to the BBC getting in touch to ask if I’d like to be on Spring Watch in 2006 to talk about the hare and why it is so popular.” Another highlight came along in 2005 when she got her first zebra painting into Christies’ ‘Art for Life’ Auction. Together with the tv coverage, the interest in her work increased and commissions came in. There was particular interest in larger more contemporary canvases on world wildlife, taking the pattern of animals to the edge of the canvas. She said: “Raymond Blanc fell in love with a Black Leopard painting and commissioned me to paint seven for his famous hotel Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons.” Joanna believes her work has been so successful because she sees painting as a full-time profession and not as a hobby. She said: “It’s very important to be pro-active and either have a gallery or be prepared to work hard to place your work through other galleries. “It’s also best to work at your trade as an artist full time juggling the painting as well as selling it – it takes your full commitment and more to succeed as any selfemployed job does.” For Joanna charity is also important. She has a deep passion for wildlife and raises thousands for projects to protect endangered species. Over the years, she has supported the Moon Bears, Tusk and the Born Free Foundation.

www.joannamay.com No2 Winter 2014

CONTACTS

Deadline for Next Issue Adverts: 16th

February 2015

Community & Editorial: 9th February 2015

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0800 & 0808 Freephone, 0845 Local rates.

Doctor’s Surgeries Malmesbury Primary Care Centre Priory Way, SN16 0FB 01666 825825

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Utilities Electricity Southern 0845 770 8090

Opticians J M Forss Opticians Ltd 57 High Street, SN16 9AG 01666 822444

Gas Transco 0800 111 999 Wessex Water 0845 600 4 600 Leak Line 0800 692 0 692

Tourist Information Town Hall Cross Hayes 01666 823748

Churches Malmesbury Abbey Holloway, SN16 9BA. 01666 826666 www.malmesburyabbey.com

Transport

The King’s Church 0845 46 37773 www.kingschurch.info Town Hall Cross Hayes Malmesbury, SN16 9BZ 01666 822143 townhall@malmesbury.gov.uk www.malmesbury.gov.uk

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

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Helplines

Age Concern 0800 00 99 66 www.ageconcern.org.uk

Hope Debt Advice Service: Free Debt & Budgeting Advice. Freephone 0800 840 2298

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Help the Aged 0808 800 6565

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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?

to quite an impressive size and I’m finding that 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 Jones, Malmesbury

B Wallace, Corsham

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.

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.

I can’t find a job

Train annoyance

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?

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?

S Taylor, Sherston

B Bright, Chippenham

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!

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.

Don’t touch my bump!

Erica Morgan

I am eight months’ pregnant and very much enjoying my pregnancy. My bump has now increased

Email Erica for some advice and solutions... erica@alocallife.co.uk

No2 Winter 2014

PUZZLES 1

CROSSWORD ACROSS

1. Havoc

7. Beekeeper

8. Vocal sound

10. Manual art

12. Elegant 14. Honey drink

16. Boast 17. Undo

20. Available 21

23. Recorded (music)

24. Hugging

25. Used keyboard

Solutions - see page 32

P U Z Z L E S

SUDUKO

DOWN

P U Z Z L E S

1. Exploring caverns 2. Exclamation of pain 3. Mimicked 4. Receive ball 5. Thin wires 6. Declared 9. Roof overhangs 11. Procession 13. Grecian vase 15. Gymnastics event 16. Tree limb 18. Required 19. Bible song 21. Taverns

6-7 Market Street, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1LH.

Tel: 01225 309039 34

www.ortonjewellery.co.uk

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Purple reign... Design • Commissions • Workshop on premises • Wedding Rings Opening Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10-5pm or by appointment! 6-7 Market Street, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire. BA15 1LH.

Tel: 01225 309039 No2 Winter www.ortonjewellery.co.uk 2014

Large Regular Auctions of ANTIQUES, FURNITURE & COLLECTABLES

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ENTRIES NOW WANTED

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Westbrook Farm, Draycot Cerne, Chippenham. Wiltshire, SN15 5LH