The County Magazine | November 2013

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CONTRIBUTORS Emma Dance Editor T: 01225 322224

e.dance@bathchron.co.uk

Ann Oddy Advertising Director T: 01749 832303 ann.johnston @midsomnews.co.uk

Joanne Reynolds Advertising Manager South Somerset T: 01935 709707 joanne.reynolds @westgaz.co.uk

Flora Thompson Senior Writer T: 01935 709742 flora.thompson @westgaz.co.uk

Christina Sim Fashion Editor

I

s it me or does Christmas seem to be getting earlier every year? It might only be November, but already the shops are full of festive goodies, there are the dreaded Christmas adverts on the TV and everywhere I look, there seem to be countdowns to the big day.

I must confess, however, that I do have a tendency to leave things until the last minute; I’m not quite as bad as rushing out to do shopping on Christmas Eve, but I’m not far off.

So maybe starting to think about things a bit earlier wouldn’t be a bad thing.

I understand from those in the know that if you’re thinking of making your own Christmas cake or Christmas pudding, then you need to be getting on with it if you haven’t already, and we all know how awful it can be going shopping on a Saturday during December, so hitting the High Street before the crowds could mean a whole lot less stress.

Take a look at our Christmas feature for some inspiration on how to prepare for the festive season. The Christmas celebrations are certainly kicking off early in Bath, with our star interview this month, Mary Berry, throwing the switch on November 7.

Lesley Taylor Interiors Editor

But there’s no need to wish away November too quickly as there’s plenty of fun to be had this month before the Christmas celebrations start in earnest.

There’s Bonfire Night, of course, with firework displays taking place all over the county, and then carnival season is upon us, with the fabulous illuminated processions lighting up the towns.

November weather might be dreary, but there’s certainly plenty going on to brighten it up!

Congratulations to the winners of our competitions over the past few months.

Kim Beer Business Support Manager T: 01749 832317 kimberley.beer @midsomnews.co.uk

From our July issue, the winner of a season ticket to Bowood House and Gardens was Margaret Ducker, from Bath; Katrina Crate won a meal for two at Beau Nosh restaurant at Bath Racecourse, Clara Horswell, from Bristol, won a VIP ticket to Longleat, and Gerard Ellis, from Bath, was the winner of a Carluccio’s picnic hamper.

Phil Merritt, from Wincanton, won the competition in our August issue to win an afternoon tea at The Crown at Wells, while Peter Wells, from Bath, was the winner of a meal for two at Loch Fyne.

Heather Bray, from Midsomer Norton, won a voucher to take part in a workshop at The Makery in Bath in the competition in our September issue, while Ria Davies, from Wells, has bagged herself a beautiful clutch bag from Peony & Moore.

Mtth Lhujl EDITOR

COUNTY 3 COUNTY 3 THE

Rebecca.feather @bathchron.co.uk

THE

Becky Feather Lead Designer

MAGAZINE

MAGAZINE

CONTENTS

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FASHION

Everything’s looking rosy when it comes to fashion this autumn. Whether it’s candy, bubble gum or bright fuchsia, pink is the colour to be seen in this season

10

JUST SO FASHION

12

HEALTH & BEAUTY

18

FOOD & DRINK

21

RECIPE

24

TRAVEL

28

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS

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STAR INTERVIEW

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Christina Sim takes a look at the M&S Autumn/Winter collection

Make sure you look the part with this season’s make-up trends, plus tips on staying healthy this winter

The Great British Bake Off has seen a boom in the popularity of baking. We take a closer look

Mary Berry shares a recipe for Lemon Drizzle Traybake from her new book, Recipe for Life

Emma Dance goes on the tapas trail in Madrid

Get ready for the festive season

Queen of Cakes Mary Berry talks books and baking with Flora Thompson

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CONTENTS PROPERTY

44

INTERIORS

50

GARDENING

55

GADGETS

57

COVER STORY

59

EVENTS

66

SOCIETY

74

MOTORING

What’s happening with the housing market?

Lesley Taylor gives her tips on how to revamp your dining area

Keep your garden looking colourful during the cold months with these winter shrubs

We look at some of the best 4G handsets around

Meet our cover girl Ashton Porter

We take a look at some of the great events taking place across the county this month

We go out and about to capture the action at some of the area’s most glamorous events. Society pages 66-71

Matt Joy gets behind the wheel of the new Porsche 911 Turbo

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FASHION

Xyl{{ IN PINK

Go girly this season with fashion’s lipstick-inspired shades. From pretty to punk, Lisa Haynes reveals how to pull off pink.

■ Black coat, £125, dress, £59, both La Redoute

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FASHION

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t’s the surprise colour for autumn that has created a candyfloss-light style stampede.

Pastel pink is ‘the’ must-have hue on every fashion editor’s It List.

Put aside Barbie doll connotations and give pink the colour credibility its due.

“Pink brings out the femininity in every woman,” says Veronique Henderson, creative director at Colour Me Beautiful.

“It can be grown up and sexy, you just need to know how to wear it.”

Design houses including Lanvin, Dior, Céline and Miu Miu all paraded blush hues on the catwalks, breaking away from the traditional black, navy and grey winter palette.

It’s official, this season, pink is the new black.

Sugar coated Brighten up the gloomy days of winter with a pink coat for an instant rosy glow.

Pink cover-ups come in every shade imaginable from barely-there blush that works in the same way as a neutral, through to electrifying neon, to really make a statement.

The paler the shade, the less practical the coat, especially if you’re prone to spills and stains.

“Pink is huge for outerwear this season and it will certainly brighten up winter days, but you do need the personality to wear it,” Henderson warns.

“Partner pink coats over greys, browns and blacks for an instant burst of femininity.”

For the coolest silhouette, balance out the prettiness of the pink with an androgynous, oversized shape.

Pretty in pink Bubblegum pinks are the standout tones for autumn and can look elegant and grown-up for evening or officewear.

■ Ingrid coat, £179, Canonbury clutch, £59, both Boden

“Wearing a pink outfit might not be your most powerful look, however, if you’re wearing a charcoal business suit, teaming it with a blush pink top, worn as an accent, will give you an air of authority,” Henderson advises.

Look for unexpected fabrics and ■ Topshop Unique sequin pencil skirt, £250 textures to create interest, such as sequins and faux fur – this will work especially well if you’re planning a top-to-toe pink look.

■ In the pink at Miu Miu’s Ready to Wear Fall-Winter 2013-2014 collection in Paris

■ M&S Collection coat, £85

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Don’t forget, you can introduce prints to pink. A traditional tartan check suddenly looks fresh and contemporary for winter set against an icy pastel pink.

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FASHION Fierce fuchsia Pink doesn’t have to mean uber-pretty and girly. If you want a stronger look, steer clear of dusty tones and pick out the punchier pinks, like fuchsia, neon and raspberry.

These tones are the perfect tag team with black and grey, especially if you can’t get your head around the idea of wearing pastels in winter.

If bright pinks can’t persuade you to part company with your dark wardrobe, punctuate your outfit instead.

“You may prefer to include pink in your wardrobe through your accessories, so try a handbag, heels or scarf as the most accessible way to work the colour,” Henderson suggests.

You can still stay on the rebellious side of pink with hardware details, like studs, to add an edge.

Find your perfect pink

■ Dorothy Perkins embellished neoprene dress, £35

From powdery pale to punchier neons, pink is more versatile than you think. Fill in Colour Me Beautiful’s colouring questionnaire at www.colourmebeautiful.co.uk/ colouring-questionnaire to find out your natural dominant colouring (the same principles apply regardless of whether your skin tone is fair or dark), then follow this guide to determine your most flattering shade: Light: Pastel pink coats were made for you.

Deep: Blush pink works for both warm and cool skin tones. Deeps with cool skin tones can wear bold cyclamen or fuchsia.

Cool: Pink is a wow shade for you, so enjoy wearing hot pink, cyclamen and fuchsia. If you like softer shades, choose candy or blush pink.

Warm: As pink is a cool shade, you are best to avoid wearing it, especially close to the face. Go for apricot instead.

Clear: As with Deeps, blush pink works for both Cool and Warm tones and is strong enough to complement your colouring. If your skin tones are Cool, then choose the bold hues like fuchsia and hot pink.

■ Oasis pink wool coat, £110

Soft: Candy is just right for you, not too pale and not too bold. Cool skin tones can take cooler shades in icy or powder pink.

■ Chockers’ Rihanna studded heels, £15, www.chockersshoes.co.uk

■ Mohair coat, £399, and metallic dress, £250, both Jaeger

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FASHION South West fashion blogger Christina Sim, from Just So Fashion, shares her top Autumn/Winter 2013 picks from M&S

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’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – I really do love Marks & Spencer’s Autumn/Winter collection this year. There are so many striking pieces this season and I wanted to put together a winter outfit using my favourites.

Firstly this jumper (£39.50) immediately caught my eye from their Limited Collection. Patterned, fluffy jumpers are very on-trend this season and I especially love the colour pattern of this one and the two different woollen textures.

The jumper is so fluffy and soft that you immediately feel really cosy wearing it, perfect for those colder days. These leather-look jeggings (£25, Marks & Spencer Collection) smarten up the look, contrasting the different textures and in cranberry the autumnal colours are brought together using dark reds and oranges. These are a fantastic find, I have always wanted a pair of leather trousers and they fit perfectly.

I sometimes think black leather can look a bit harsh at times, but the cranberry colour softens the look.

M&S do them in all different colours, so obviously I now want a pair in each!

The coat pretty much jumped out at me in store.

Oversized boyfriend coats are very this season and this one is perfect to finish off the look. I love textured bouclé coats and the PU detailing and zips on this one (£89).

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FAVOURITES

So go and check out M&S and wear different textures together this season. Gone are the days of just going in for your underwear, M&S is now one of the top fashion stores on the high street and one you now can’t keep me out of!

Happy Shopping!

Koypz{puh For more fashion ideas visit justsofashion.blogspot.co.uk Follow Christina on twitter @justsofashion

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MAGAZINE MAGAZINE

PICTURE: Gez Ellis

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Get the

WOW FACTOR Feeling good about your look isn’t just about the image, it’s a state of mind. Here are my top tips for making a lasting impression.

Candice Fotheringham, CEO of Fotheringham Styling, believes that feeling good about your look isn’t just about the image; it’s a state of mind.

She gives her tips for how to make not just the right impression, but a lasting impression.

WHAT TO WEAR When you wear something you feel good in, you look good. Wear something that makes you feel confident, sexy, and brings out the best in you – this goes for everything, right down to your underwear!

HOW YOU WEAR IT When you wear something that you don’t feel good in, the body suffers. Yo u will find you slouch more and walk with a lack of confidence.

One of my clients had low selfesteem, and you could tell instantly. She wore baggy casual

clothes, with her hair down but not styled, and she wore no makeup. When I told her to sit up in her chair, she found the confident position embarrassing. After a psychological pep-talk on her situation, I styled her hair and applied natural makeup. I chose an outfit that I knew she would look fabulous in. When my client was ready, she glided out from behind the curtain, spinning around with a smile that charmed everyone around her. Her posture changed naturally due to the belief that what she was wearing suited her personality and lifestyle.

USE YOUR EYES Eye contact is a very important part of the wow factor. Now you have the posture and the clothes right, your body language and eye contact is the icing on the cake. If a person can hold eye contact it shows power and control.

For those who find this difficult, try looking at the detail of a person’s eyes. Notice the pupils, eye colour and how white the eyes are. That takes about 5 seconds; just remember to listen at the same time!

techniques I get my clients to use. It’ll feel a little strange at first, so practice before leaving the house!

IN THE LIMELIGHT

Now simply smile! Smiling is attractive and friendly, and will make you feel good. If you are ever struggling to smile, simply visualise someone smiling – your body will follow as a reflex.

When walking around with your head up, stomach in, and feeling great in what you wear, try turning your head towards a person with your eyes down and then gently open them and look upwards. I call this the ‘Alfie move’, it’s is just one of the many

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Nhjl |w

TO AUTUMN

Fall in love with autumn’s most coveted looks and colours.

Lisa Haynes unveils the new season’s make-up trends.

■ Bold brows at Proenza Schouler Picture: PA Photo/Michele Morosi/M.A.C

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

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f summer was all about minimalism and naked faces, prepare for an autumnal beauty revolution that requires a little more effort.

The pay-off is worth it – think show-stopping lips and eyes that will outshine any new accessory you’re planning for your new seasonal wardrobe.

“The Hitchcock woman has been a big influence this season,” says Kirstin Piggott, Rimmel London’s make-up artist. “We are seeing beautiful, polished beauty with real femininity.”

Linear fashion Bad news for those without a steady hand, eyeliner is more elaborate than ever this season. A nondescript, subtle line will no longer do – the classic cat eye has evolved into a dramatic statement flick. Go as bold as you dare.

“Take inspiration from Anna Sui with a monochrome Sixties-inspired eye that creates drama with a strong black graphic flick up into the socket line,” Piggott says.

Practice makes perfect when it comes to mastering a new shape. Whether you prefer a fine or bold line, a liner with a precise tip will give you an effective thick or thin application.

Lacquered lips Say goodbye to matte-look lips; pouts are luxurious, bee-stung and uber-shiny for autumn.

Glossy, opaque red lips were the order of the day at Marc by Marc Jacobs for the new season, but you can also go to the dark side with deeper berry and burgundy shades.

“At Marc by Marc Jacobs we kept layering and lacquering the lips right until the moment models walked out onto the runway, because the whole idea was this very wet-looking mouth,” says Shiseido make-up artist, Dick Page.

Once you’ve applied your lacquer-look lips, you can increase the shine intensity with a dab of gloss or lip balm for an almost reflective glaze.

■ bareMinerals Ready Eyeshadow in The Power Neutrals, £35; left, Rimmel London Scandaleyes Thick and Thin Liner, £5.49; below left, Rimmel’s Apocalips Lip Lacquer in Galaxy, £5.99 Pictures: PA

Sepia shadow

says Piggott.

Retro tones come to life on eyelids this season, as if lifted straight from a sepia photograph. Eyes were wrapped in rich chocolate tones at the likes of Mulberry and Tom Ford to create a dreamy, soft-focus haze.

And creamy velvety skin is the perfect accompaniment to a strong lip colour. Achieve a luminous semi-matte complexion by using a water-based foundation, applied using a foundation brush in gentle stippling motions until fully blended. Use an illuminating powder on your T-zone for extra radiance.

“This look relies on colour being buffed and blended for a blow-out, diffused result,” advises L‘Oréal Paris make-up artist Mathias van Hooff.

Bountiful brows

Get this classic, yet dramatic look by picking out matte and powdery pigments in a sepia tone that’s a few shades darker than your natural skin tone, and always apply using a brush for a soft finish.

Tweezers have been vetoed this season in favour of natural, brushed-up brows that frame the face.

Velvet skin

At Proenza Schouler, definition was achieved using two shades darker than the natural brow tone.

The heatwave summer gave us one default complexion offering: dewy. Conversely, skin for autumn isn’t matte but luxuriously velvet.

“Complexions for autumn are flawless with a velvety finish instead of a dewy glow,”

If you don’t have enough to play with, cheat and gently fill in for fuller and thicker eyebrows that bestow a more youthful look.

“It’s naturally enhanced beauty with a strong brow focus,” says M.A.C make-up artist Diane Kendal. “Powder will create a thicker, bushy effect.”

An eyebrow comb will be your best friend this season. Comb upwards and use a clear brow gel to set in place.

■ Sensai by Kanebo Fluid Finish Lasting Velvet Foundation SPF15, £35 Picture: PA

■ Graphic eyes at Moschino Cheap and Chic Autumn/Winter 2013 Picture: PA Photo/Michele Morosi/M.A.C

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■ An eye-catching look from Rimmel London Picture: PA Photo/Rimmel London

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Solution ADVERTISING FEATURE

TO BEAUTIFUL HAIR

Hair&Care4U is a hair boutique with more than just the solution to beautiful hair - providing a blend of superb cutting and colour work with the latest beauty techniques to offer an all round salon experience.

Hair&Care4U is a beauty salon that offers the latest treatment and styles in a relaxing, warm and welcoming environment, supported by professionals who are as knowledgeable in their field as they are passionate about their work.

Situated in Beales department store, Yeovil and owned by Michael Williams, Hair&Care4U’s young and vibrant group of stylists are friendly and enthusiastic and happy to advise or give a consultation on the treatments that are available to you.

This honest enthusiasm provides a helpful resource as the stylists will help guide you through the homogenous maze of styling

products available, determining exactly what is best for you.

The team consists of manager Ben Ness, 23 who has been a stylist with the company for eight years and is now the stylist director.

Ben loves his job and is happy to impart his knowledge and style advice to all his customers.

The team also includes stylists Sam Risk, 24, from Australia and Amy Manning, 22, and beauty therapist Abbie Toogood-Davey, 25, with apprentice Charley Bartlett who is training for her qualifications.

As well as the latest styles and beauty treatments the salon also offers a wide range

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Call Ben for more details on: 01935 444460 or 01935 444442.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

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COMFORT

Now that autumn’s setting in, it’s time to bolster your defences in time for winter.

Abi Jackson rounds up expert tips to help you dazzle through the drizzly months.

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ovember has arrived, and with it the inevitable darker evenings, cold misty mornings and – for many – an impending sense of doom. It means winter’s just around the corner, with all its bugs, runny noses, chilblains and vitamin D-deprived weeks. But the colder season doesn’t have to be something to dread and despise. Take steps to boost your wellbeing now, and you’ll be better prepared to ward off winter colds and weariness.

See the bright side You can have the perfect diet and lifestyle but one of the most important elements of wellbeing is attitude. While it’s normal – and healthy – to have off days and a good moan every now and then, if you over-focus on negatives, they can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

“Always look for the positive and focus on the benefits it will bring you, like log fires, autumnal colours, healthy soups and stews.”

If summer means fun and winter means dull, then take action and plan something to look forward to. A night out with friends or a country walk with a delicious roast at the end can work wonders for bringing you that feelgood factor.

Wet, freezing days trapped indoors can be transformed into a baking session or movie marathon. Sometimes it takes effort and energy to look on the positive side, but it pays off.

Get moving “With the seasons changing and it getting darker, motivating yourself to keep exercising is more difficult than usual,” says fitness instructor Richard Smith from British Military Fitness (BMF), which runs outdoor army boot camp-style fitness classes.

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book regular classes or take a morning run.”

Research also suggests exercise can help boost your immunity which is particularly important during winter.

“Finding an exercise buddy will help you stay on track, as you can motivate each other,” Richard But while cosy slippers may be far more tempting suggests. “During winter, we tend to hide under than trainers, exercise can boost winter wellbeing layers of clothes and comfort ourselves with food in countless ways, including reducing seasonal that’s mostly simple carbohydrates or full of fat affective disorder (SAD). which, in turn, makes you feel sluggish and beat “When you exercise, your body releases yourself up, and the vicious cycle continues. But if endorphins, which keep the blues at bay,” says you work out regularly it won’t matter if you Richard. “Exercising outdoors will enhance the indulge now and then.” positive impact because, even though the sun Eat for wellness might not be visible, your skin will still absorb “If you feel the winter blues gets the better of some vitamin D. you, look at your sugar intake,” suggests Annie.

“We breathe a lot of stale, recycled air when “A high sugar intake puts your body under we’re cooped up indoors, but a bit of cold, brisk unnecessary stress and plays havoc with your air can help you ‘snap out’ of some of the gloom mood. Balance sugar levels by consuming complex and doom you may be experiencing.” carbohydrates (oats, wholegrains, nuts and brown Annie Aulds agrees, saying: “It might be the last rice) and limiting simple carbohydrates, like crisps, thing you want to do, but remember that biscuits and cakes, and your energy levels will exercise gives you energy too, so make sure you improve.”

Rob Hobson, head of nutrition at Healthspan, agrees that incorporating certain foods into your diet can help winter wellbeing: “As the days shorten, windows stay closed and people around you start to get winter bugs, certain foods can help ensure your immune system’s fighting fit and your energy levels remain high.”

■ Annie Aulds

green veg, lentils, pulses, dried fruit and herbs to meat or vegetarian stews, soups and casseroles.”

Fruit and vegetables rich in antioxidants, plus vitamin C (citrus fruits, berries, kiwis), beta-carotene (peppers, carrots, pumpkins) and zinc (meat, yoghurt, eggs, nuts) can also help bolster immunity.

Super supplements “A healthy, balanced diet will give you all the nutrients you need. However, with our busy and hectic lifestyles, this is not always a reality,” says Rob Hobson.

Particular supplements could also be beneficial for topping up on nutrients for winter.

“There is mounting evidence that vitamin D plays a role in our mood too,” says Annie Aulds, who recommends a daily supplement that contains vitamin D for winter, particularly if you are prone to low moods during the darker months.

Echinacea is often hailed as a wonder supplement and could help with both preventing colds and reducing symptoms when they do hit.

Vitamin C can help reduce the severity of cold symptoms; selenium is believed to be beneficial for helping keep viral infections at bay, while zinc He suggests eating foods rich in vitamin D, like stimulates immune cell activity in the throat – oily fish and eggs, to help tackle SAD, and packing helpful if you are prone to sore throats. in lots of iron: “Many of us are potentially lacking in iron, which can lead to tiredness and fatigue as Probiotics could also assist with winter wellbeing, well as a compromised immune system. Add dark so consider taking a supplement.

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“How you see a situation has a huge impact on your mood,” says wellbeing expert and complementary therapist Annie Aulds (www.wisteriaholistichealth.co.uk).

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FOOD & DRINK

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COOKING

Britain’s love affair with cooking just keeps on growing. Andy Welch finds out more.

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here’s a whole lot of baking going on.

You’ve probably noticed, whether it’s work colleagues bringing in home-made treats every Friday, or Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry explaining to Great British Bake Off contestants about developing gluten or commenting on “good crumbs” as well as “soggy bottoms”.

The British have always loved a piece of cake – we even invented ‘elevenses’ and afternoon tea so we could enjoy a couple more slices – while bread is one of our most-eaten foods, with around 12 million loaves sold in the UK every day.

FOOD & DRINK Karoto vegetable peeler – £11 from maidenshop.com Despite its name, this peeler shaped like a giant pencil sharpener can tackle much more than carrots. It makes fast work of cucumbers, parsnips and courgettes, too. The makers claim it makes peeling fun, so much so that any children in your house will be clamouring to lend a hand.

With limited practice, you can create curls and shapes too, adding artistry to your salads.

More than five million viewers regularly tune in to watch The Great British Bake Off, since it arrived in a puff of icing sugar in 2010.

We’re copying what we’re watching, too.

Waitrose recently reported that Bake Off had been ‘whipping up demand’ for baking products such as butter, sugar and flour, following an episode which saw contestants tasked with baking biscuits.

Pastry was also being snapped up by shoppers, when any baker worth their salt should really be making their own.

The supermarket went as far as saying the rise in popularity of baking had helped contribute to a 12 per cent increase in profits.

Meanwhile at the back of kitchen cupboards across the land, lurking away in dark corners, is an array of contraptions purchased or received with good intentions but now left unused, unwanted and quite likely unnecessary in the first place.

Here are some that are much more than one-hit wonders – they’re full of function and visual appeal so they can stay on permanent display.

■ Pictures: PA

Cuisinart Soup Maker – £140 from cuisinart.co.uk It’s the perfect time of year for some home-made soup and this ingenious machine is all you need to serve up some delicious varieties. Just sauté the vegetables on the integrated non-stick cooking plate, then cook, simmer and blend your ingredients. When the cooking cycle is done, either pulse for chunky broths or use the powerful blades for silky-smooth soups.

Tefal Optigrill – £129.99 from Lakeland.co.uk For bacon, burgers and bangers, as well as chicken and fish, this griller delivers perfect results every time. The technology inside includes sensors to measure the thickness of your food and ensure it is cooked to your requirements. Excess fat is drained off into an easy-clean tray and you’ll wonder after a single use what you ever did without one.

Unicorn Sprinkles Shaker – £7.95 from prezzybox.com

Alessi Electronic Duck Timer – £34 from dreamicons.com The humble kitchen timer has often been maligned for its lack of finesse, but this one is a real game-changer. The design gurus at Alessi have engineered a timing unit inside a retro androidlooking duck, offering it in three different shades, to guarantee boiled egg perfection and more. No bells and whistles – a quacking noise alerts you that time is up.

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This colourful unicorn has been created to contain all those yummy pieces of sweetness that get sprinkled on to cakes, biscuits and the like.

Why this mythical animal has been roped in for the job is not exactly clear, but sitting on the worktop in your kitchen it can’t help but raise a smile and everyone will want to be the one doing the sprinkling.

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Opening in Yeovil on the 21st Nov 2013 the first new-style

in the country!

TO BOOK A CHRISTMAS PARTY, FIND OUT HOW YOU COULD WORK FOR US, OR JUST TO SEE MORE ABOUT OUR PLANS, GO TO WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/CHICAGOYEOVIL OR CALL US ON: 07557 447641

Drink, Dance, Dine ©LW

FOOD & DRINK

LEMON DRIZZLE TRAYBAKE INGREDIENTS (makes 24 pieces) 175g (6oz) soft butter 225g (8oz) caster sugar 225g (8oz) self-raising flour 2 level teaspoons baking powder 3 large eggs 6 tablespoons of milk Grated rind of 2 lemons For the icing Juice of 2 lemons 175g (6oz) granulated sugar

METHOD

Oylh{ B

CAKE

aking has enjoyed a surge in popularity thanks, at least in part, to The Great British Bake Off. But while many of the creations we see on TV might seem impossibly complex, there are still plenty of recipes for the beginner baker that will turn out delicious results.

Says Mary: “It is always moist and crunchy. The cake needs to be still warm when the topping is added, so that it absorbs the lemon syrup easily, leaving the sugar on top.

Here is a recipe for Mary Berry’s Lemon Drizzle Traybake, taken from her book, Recipe For Life.

“Do allow the cake to cool a little though – if it is too hot the syrup will tend to run straight through.”

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■ Mary Berry offers tips for making Lemon Drizzle Traybake Picture: Des Willie, courtesy of the BBC

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/ fan 160°C/Gas mark 4 2. Cut a rectangle of non-stick baking parchment to fit the base and sides of a traybake tin or roasting tin, 30 x 23 x 4 cm (12 x 9 x 1 ½ inches). Grease the tin and then line with the paper, pushing it neatly into the corners of the tin.

3. Measure all the ingredients for the traybake into a large bowl and beat well for about two minutes until well blended; an electric mixer is best for this, but of course you can also beat by hand with a wooden spoon. Turn the mixture into the prepared tin, scraping the sides of the bowl with a plastic spatula to remove all the mixture. Level the top gently with the back of the spatula.

4. Bake in the middle of the pre-heated oven for around 30 minutes or until golden and the traybake springs back when pressed lightly with a finger in the centre and is beginning to shrink away from the sides of the tin.

5. Allow the traybake to cool in the tin for a few minutes then lift it out of the tin, still in the lining paper. Carefully remove the paper and put the traybake onto a wire rack placed over a tray (to catch the drips of the topping).

6. To make the crunchy topping, mix the lemon juice and granulated sugar well in a small bowl to give a runny consistency. Then spoon this mixture evenly over the traybake while it is still just warm. Cut into squares when cold.

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TO BE WON!

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©LW

BRITONS

AgustaWestland Leisure Complex mplex needs

You

for an evening of 1940’s entertainment

16th November 2013 7:30PM TILL MIDNIGHT

PLEASE PL EA AS DRESS ACCORDINGLY TICKETS COST£15 INCLUDES BANGERS & MASH FOLLOWED BY SPOTTED DICK AND CUSTARD ENTERTAINMENT BY FIONA HARRISON AgustaWestland Leisure Complex, Westbourne Grove, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 2DD Tel office 01935 848 380 or visit www.westlandleisure.com

©LW

TRAVEL

Uhk hiv|{ MADRID

Emma Dance is charmed by the Spanish capital

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“

TRAVEL

’

■ The Royal Palace in Madrid; top, the view from the top of Fine Arts Circle

M

adrid is a city with a split personality.

To the average tourist, at first glance it might feel that the city lacks the vibrancy and energy of other European capitals.

Walk around in the early evening and the bars and cafés will be all but deserted, with just a scattering of tourists enjoying apéritifs or early dinners.

But after dark, it’s a whole different place.

Because once the tourists are tucked up in bed the Madrilenos come out to play, and the streets take on a party atmosphere.

While you can fill your days with sightseeing and visits to the world-class art galleries, at night is when you can experience the real Madrid and start to truly get under the skin of the city.

and restaurants with pictures of paella in While the beaches of Barcelona attract tourists in radioactive hues designed to lure in unsuspecting their swathes, Madrid remains comparatively tourists, it doesn’t take much to find a more quiet, and prices surprisingly low for a capital city. authentic experience.

Although there are the inevitable souvenir shops If you’re time is limited, though, and your Spanish far from fluent, one of the best ways to discover Madrid is on a tapas tour. In one evening you can discover not only some delicious dishes, but also find out about the history of the city and dispel some myths about tapas.

Our guide for the evening was James, an expat from New Zealand who married a Madrilena and has spent the past few years finding gastronomic hidden gems to share with tourists.

inadequate command of the Spanish language might otherwise have seemed beyond our reach.

Don’t let language be a barrier, however.

Although there’s plenty of places where you’ll find no one speaking any English, the Madrilenos are proud of their city and eager to show it off, so a smile and an attempt at a few words in Spanish will work wonders and you’ll be made very welcome.

Madrid is small enough to explore easily on foot and you’ll find that the best way to get a feel for the city.

Although there’s plenty to see and do, it doesn’t have the same ‘hook’ as other capitals – like Paris From a neighbourhood tapas bar, where only the with the Eiffel Tower, or Berlin’s Brandenburg locals know to ask for the Albondigas cooked in Gate – which means that instead of rushing from sight to sight, ticking off a list, you can take your the family kitchen upstairs, to a sherry bar with dust-coated bottles lining the walls, and staff who time to explore and discover places you might notch up your tab with chalk on the bar, we were otherwise have missed.

An aimless wander led to a blissful few hours in introduced to a side of Madrid that with our THE

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TRAVEL

Ol{{pun {olyl easyJet flies to Madrid from Bristol. Flight prices start from £25.99 per person (one-way, including taxes based on two people on the same booking). Visit www.easyJet.com to book.

Relax before you fly in Bristol Airport’s Aspire lounge. From £17.49 per person which includes drinks and snacks

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Madrid Food Tours’ Tapas, Taverns and History tour costs 95 euros (£80) per person and includes at least ten tapas and four beverages. Go to www.madridfoodtour.com

Ijjvttvkh{pvu Prices at Hotel Ritz Madrid start from £542 per room, per night including taxes, based on two people sharing a Classic Room. For further information or to book, please visit www.ritzmadrid.com or call the Orient-Express Hotels Ltd. UK reservations team on 0845 077 2222.

the sunshine, when we noticed a sign indicating that there was a roof terrace open at the top of Fine Arts Circle.

Three euros and a lift ride later we found ourselves on a sun-drenched roof which wouldn’t have seemed out of place in Miami, with music, bars, day beds and an unrivalled 360-degree view of the city.

Even if you’re not an art buff, no visit to Madrid would be complete without a visit to at least one of the art museums.

For classics, go to the Prado, or for modern art try the Reina Sofia. Both offer free entry on certain evenings, an offer well worth taking advantage of. Unless you arrive early you’ll find yourself at the back of a very long queue, but don’t let it put you off. They move quickly and you’ll still get in with plenty of time to get a good look around.

Next to the Prado is one of Madrid’s most luxurious and exclusive hotels – the Hotel Ritz – which was inspired by the desire of King Alfonso XIII to create a hotel to rival the best in Europe.

Today the public areas are still palatial and laden with antiques, while the bedrooms are large, lavish and luxurious and the service is impeccable.

■ A deluxe room at the Ritz

This is a hotel that oozes opulence at every turn, and while far from a budget option, staying here is an experience in itself.

a pianist playing in the lounge throughout the day staff are smiling, friendly and ever happy to offer and evening, and male guests being asked to wear help and advice, and the traditions add to the charm of the place, rather than detracting from it. jacket and tie in public areas after 11am.

While there are 21st-century touches, like iPod docks and free Wi-Fi, old traditions live on, with

But despite keeping at least a toe in the past, the There are many reasons to visit Madrid, and a Hotel Ritz doesn’t feel stuffy or overly formal, the visit to the Hotel Ritz is certainly one of them.

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A FAMILY B

US

INESS

5 YE AR –2 S

CARE • IN

Taylors

Coach Hire Holidays Day Trips Events

Christmas Specials!

30/11 Cardiff if Christmas Shopping iff 01/12 Portsmouth Victorian Festival 04/12 Bath Christmas Shopping 07/12/13 Clothes Show Live NEW 14/12 Hampton Court Florimania 22/02/14 Robin Cousins’ ICE NEW

Holidays 5-8/12/13 Bruges Christmas Markets Sample the Christmas markets in the stunning setting of medieval Bruges.

4 Day Party Weekend 31/01/14 Beat the winter blues and join us for plenty of fine food and live entertainment.

16-20/02/14 Disneyland Paris Kids Go Free! Includes a 2 day pass for disneyland & walt disney studios.

For private hires, call us and we can taylor a package for you!

Call for a 2014 Brochure!

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Get the

FESTIVE FEELING

Are you ready?

The festive season is upon us already and with so much to do it’s time to get planning to ensure everything goes the way you want, with the least amount of stress possible.

Our Christmas guide will help you to focus on the most important things this Christmas, get the home looking it’s best and ensure fun is had by the whole family.

Firstly, why not set a Christmas budget. We all know how buying presents, food and decorations can add up and sometimes costs can spiral out of control. If you know exactly how much you plan to spend on each area, you’ll be more careful when you hit the shops.

This year why not start a few family traditions, or focus on keeping up old ones. Traditions during the holidays make us feel connected to one another and to something larger than ourselves. They offer a sense of certainty and comfort. Whether it’s baking some cookies for Santa and leaving them with a glass on milk or opening a present on Christmas Eve, the whole family will love creating these special moments.

Finally, relax and enjoy the festivities. With the buying and wrapping of presents, the planning and cooking of the family dinner and making sure everyone’s having a good time, it’s easy to forget to sit back and take in the wonder that is Christmas. Listen to your favourite festive songs, take a walk through the winter wonderland and treat yourself to a few treats; whether that’s a glass of mulled wine or a tin of chocolates.

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Holidays 2014

Our new holiday brochure will be available very soon with some exciting new destinations and some of our old favourites.

We have over 20 tours organised for 2014, some of the early ones are shown below.We recommend you book early to avoid disappointment.

Monday 14th Apr - Kent (Victory Tour) Friday 25th Apr - Smugglers Cornwall Sunday 27th Apr - Northumbria & Scottish Railways Thursday 1st May - Battle of Normandy & D-Day Beaches Monday 5th May - Llandudno Monday 12th May - Lakes & Dales

Other services available Gift vouchers available from £10 to £500

We have vehicles for hire ranging from 8 - 57 seats for the following: Transport for Christmas parties Private hire bookings Airport transfers

For bookings, more information or to be placed on mailing list please contact our booking office on 01935 475872 or why not visit our website www.southwestcoaches.co.uk ©LW

Please quote WG1 when making an enquiry.

decorating the christmas tree The Christmas tree is the focal point of nearly every home at Christmas, and for many decorating the tree is a time-honoured tradition that marks the beginning of the festive period.

But how can you ensure that your tree is a stylish addition to your home?

Firstly, why not choose a theme. Be creative and find a theme that suits your family’s personality or your interior style. If you’re bored of red and green, try sliver and purple for something more modern, or red and white for a Scandinavian feel. Victorian style ornaments, like wooden toy soliders and red bows always looks classic, while oversized baubles or minimal decorations can be more striking.

For many people the best thing about the Christmas tree is the twinkling lights that adorn it. Illuminating your Christmas tree from the inside out will give it the most dynamic look so when you put them on, start at the base of the trunk and work your way up, wrapping lights around every major branch, moving from the trunk to the tip and back. Why not experiment with different lighting schemes until you find one you like, or mix and match colours and styles.

Just remember not to skimp on the number of strands you use.

When it comes to hanging Christmas tree ornaments, remember to place your favourites in the prime positions first. These will bring individuality and personality to your tree. Next, hang your larger ornaments, spacing them evenly around the tree. Fill in around those ornaments with medium and small size ornaments and be sure to hang some ornaments closer to the trunk to create depth and interest.

Of course, not everyone wants or has space for a Christmas tree, so why not choose a modern alternative.

Christmas decals offer a removable option that brighten up a dark corner and add some festive cheer when space is tight, while branches hung from the ceiling look really effective. Decorate them with a few select decorations and you’re bound to receive plenty of compliments over this creative alternative. Garlands on the mantlepiece or wound round the banister on the stairs are always beautiful and you can hang pinecones, ribbons or Christmas cards from them for a really festive look.

Choosing the right lights

There are plenty of lighting styles to choose from, each with their own individual effect.

Traditional incandescent lights come in a variety of sizes and colours and are the most popular type of tree lights. They warm up the branches of a real tree, which will release the scent of pine into the room.

LED lights are newer than the traditional incandescent lights and don’t produce heat.

They’re typically more expensive, but they are flameproof, fireproof and completely safe to put on your tree.

Globe lights look like balls of colour on the tree, and while they have a softer glow than mini lights, the light they produce covers a larger area on the tree.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

TABLE DECORATIONS AND CRACKERS Sitting down for a delicious Turkey dinner is the highlight of most people’s Christmas day, so getting the table settings and decorations just right is key. It may take some planning and creativity, but the meal you’ve spent hours slaving over in the kitchen is worth nothing less.

“

Firstly, choose the right tablecloth. Whilst Christmas patterns of gold, green and scarlet might seem festive, it can create a cluttered look so instead opt for a cream table cloth with a single bold-coloured runner down the middle. This will give you the perfect platform to accessorise to your taste.

A centrepiece is always a good start to decorating the table. It can match the theme of your Christmas tree and will provide the perfect foundation for other table adornments. Candles are always a favourite, but ensure you don’t buy the scented variety; you don’t want your Christmas dinner flowers. If you choose plants or smelling of flowers. foliage, ensure they won’t prohibit your guests finding the food. from seeing each other or finding

Make your guests feel really special with beautiful place settings, handmade napkin rings and name cards. For something rustic, pick holly from the garden or something more homely, ask the kids to get creative with felt, paints and festive ribbons.

If you’re planning on inviting a lot of people, a seating plan can ensure the conversation runs smoothly and everyone has the best time possible. Paper luggage tags are really effective name cards and can be picked up for next to nothing and can be easily customised with festive cheer. Try lacing them with gold ribbon or threading on some mistletoe then flex your calligraphy skills with a gold or silver pen. Old photos of your guests are also a great idea, and one everyone will love.

Don’t forget to make an effort choosing the right crackers. Shop-bought versions are fine but homemade crackers give you complete creative control. They’re simple to make and can be customised to suit your gathering so you can make them as kitsch or as elegant as your guests could desire.

Finally, you’ve planned the ultimate feast so now’s the perfect time to bring out the best china.

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We have 4, 6 and 8 seater vehicles available for hire and wheelchair accessible vehicles.

TEXT-A-TAXI is now available with your favourite Yeovil taxi company. It’s simple. it’s quick. Its reliable.

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WINCANTON GARDEN CENTRE

Be inspired this Christmas at Otter Nurseries

Visit us to revel in the magic of Christmas with inspirational gift ideas and decorations for all the family At our garden centres we have everything you need to make your Christmas magical, as well as to help you relax and enjoy this time of year.With our passion for celebrating the Christmas season & creating magical displays, we guarantee all the family will enjoy a visit to otter nurseries. Indulge in the Christmas spirit and start your festive season with us.

Garden Centre Open Times: Monday to Saturday 9am to 5:30pm - Sunday 10:30am to 4:30pm (Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day) Otter Nurseries Wincanton, Bruton Road,Wincanton, Somerset BA9 8HA Telephone: 01963 33 314

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Get Crafty AT CHRISTMAS

long, or you could still be making cards come the new year.

Making your own Christmas cards has become more and more popular over the last few years, and not just for those with young children. So this Christmas why not get have some fun, get creative and present your friends and family with unique cards they will cherish and place on the mantle piece with pride.

Firstly, if this is your first step into handmade cards, keep it simple. Choose a material you love and work out two or three designs you like. If you’re planning on making lots of cards, it’s also worth choosing a design that won’t take too

Next, don’t think you have to hit the craft shops to create really beautiful cards. One of the great things about making your own own is the money-saving aspect. Buy a pack of white or festive coloured card and get folding. Then your cards are ready to decorate. Raid the ribbon draw, dig out old Christmas cards and gather any pretty buttons you have lying around. Find the hole punch, a pretty gold pen and some white paper; the most essential buy will be a good, strong craft glue.

And don’t forget to use the same techniques to create pretty gift tags too. Brown parcel tags are particularly effective and would work well with any of our festive designs.

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creating extra special cards and tags. Christmas trees from green hand prints, decorated with sparkly stickers will impress everyone, while finger and thumb prints turned into reindeer or snowmen with felt tip pens are cute and festive.

Pretty designs that are easy to re-create Glue some string or pretty ribbon across your card, in a loop shape, like a washing line. Find some old Christmas cards or pretty wrapping paper and cut out a Christmas stocking shape.

Using a blob of craft glue or a mini peg to hang the stockings for a quick yet effective design.

Find the scissors, fold some white paper and get cutting. An intricate snowflake design on a piece of coloured card is simple but classic.

Buttons are the perfect material for Christmas cards. Coming in pretty designs, sizes and colours, you can create different designs that everyone will love. From Christmas stockings to stars, jingle bells to Christmas puddings.

GAMES

Once the presents have been unwrapped and the Christmas dinner has been consumed, it’s time to break out a tin of chocolates and get the fun and games underway.

S TOP BOARDGAME 013 FOR CHRISTMAS 2

predicting consumers This year, toy stores are boardgames with the c will be opting for classi favourites being: MONOPOLY of themes or get Choose from an array ctronic version. technical with the ele TRIVIAL PURSUIT st subject is Disney, Whether your speciali the Rings, there’s a celebrities or Lord of version for you.

CRANIUM for family, with sections A great one for all the d an es nary to sharad everyone – from pictio . ge led general know SCRABBLE sting by only allowing Why not make it intere rds.

Christmas related wo

More boardgames are sold in the run up to Christmas that at any other time of year, but if you’re after something a bit different, or a little more festive, we’ve put together a list of games the whole family will love.

Card games are perfect for Christmas, with unlimited numbers of players allowed and plenty to choose from. Make it interesting by playing for pennies, chocolates or sweets.

All the family love trivia games, so whether you buy a pack of question cards or make up your own, just remember to choose the right subjects for your audience; questions dating back to the 80s may not go down well with younger members of the family.

There are plenty of festive games you can work on before Christmas that are bound to be a hit with all your guests this year.

Play contestants the first few bars of selected Christmas songs and ask them to name the artist, title and year for something musical.

Christmas Bingo, with festive pictures, sayings or songs instead of numbers.

Who am I? Write the names of Christmas characters on post-it notes and get the whole family involved.

Pin the carrot on the snowman Santa suit relay – divide the room into two teams, each with their own Santa suit and see which can get dressed up the fastest Christmas present scavenger hunt. A great one for young guests.

Vis it

this Christmas Visit Love & Wonder, overlooking the beautiful St John’s Churchyard we’re perfectly placed for those wishing to have a calmer Christmas shopping experience. Our little shop is filled to the brim with an eclectic mix of nostalgic & contemporary gifts & homeware we really have got something for everyone.

Telephone: (01935) 424189 Web: www.loveandwonder.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/loveandwonder

Love & Wonder, 3 St John’s House, Church Street Yeovil, BA20 1EX

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STAR INTERVIEW

Y|llu

MARY

Flora Thompson catches up with the regal star of The Great British Bake Off

Picture: Noel Murphy

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STAR INTERVIEW

■ Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood Picture: Des Willie, courtesy of the BBC

Q

ueen of Cakes Mary Berry will be lighting up Bath this Christmas, as she switches on the city’s Christmas lights.

Like other female monarchs of our time, Mary Berry, from the moment she was born, has gracefully and firmly done things her own way.

The honorary sovereign is undoubtedly one of Britain’s most well-known and successful cooks, teaching us to bake for 60 years.

Her new autobiography, Recipe for Life, tells us her links with royalty do not stop there. Her creations are said to be a favourite of the Duchess of Cambridge.

The 78-year-old, who claims the best time of her life is “now”, will be coming to Bath on November 12 for the big switch-on, which will take place as usual on Milsom Street.

“I think Bath is one of the most beautiful cities in the South West and it has always been well looked after. I have very fond memories of my time there.”

Born in Bath, daughter of the city’s mayor, she said: “I grew up there and some of my relatives still live in the city. I had a lovely childhood and enjoyed my time at Bath High School and Bath

■ Bake Off 2013: left to right, round semi-circle, Glen, Ruby, Frances, Howard, Christine, Ali, Deborah, Mel Giedroyc, Sue Perkins, Paul Hollywood, Mary Berry, Lucy, Beca, Kimberley, Rob, Toby and Mark Picture: Des Willie, courtesy of the BBC

College. I’m very much looking forward to returning.”

provided cost-effective ways of putting a wholesome meal on the table.

She quickly became a beacon of light for working mums everywhere – with countless texts and accolades to her name. She was renowned for providing workable, straightforward recipes, which were both popular and manageable for families.

Now she is best known as the friendly but firm judge on The Great British Bake Off.

For those eagerly awaiting culinary inspiration, readers are treated to a selection of Mary’s favourite recipes dotted throughout Recipe for Life. There is everything from a tasty, alternative The recipes delighted dinner party guests but also tray bake to the perfect family roast. But don’t

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She said: “I am immensely honoured to be asked to switch on the Bath Christmas Lights, I was born in the city and come back frequently. Bath has an awful lot to offer at Christmas, Milsom Street will look the finest street in the country!

My father always said when walking through Bath, always raise your head and look at the fine architecture.

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STAR INTERVIEW

■ Mary on The Great British Bake Off set with Paul Hollywood, Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc Picture: Sam Beddoes

panic – there is not a technical challenge in sight.

Mary maintains the blind challenges set to Bake Off contestants are a key ingredient of why the show has gripped a nation of viewers.

She said: “It’s popular because contestants are bakers people can relate to. Audiences feel their passion for baking and sympathise with their frustration if things go wrong.

“People watch it avidly. But it has got to be fun, and it always is. I thoroughly enjoy the whole process.”

She feels the show encourages viewers to have confidence in themselves, realising that they can succeed at baking.

She said: “It’s practical and I think it inspires people when they see baking is fairly easy. If they are unsure, the masterclass episode Paul and I present can help with the method – showing how to make pieces step-by-step, which you can really get a sense of achievement from and delight the family when you put it in front of them.”

■ Mary Berry with son Tom Hunnings, husband Paul Hunnings and daughter Annabel Bosher after she was awarded the CBE at Windsor Castle last year Picture: Dominic Lipinski-WPA Pool/Getty Images

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She says fronting the show with fellow baker Paul Hollywood is a joy, saying they love to laugh together. She adds: “The Bake Off team will be friends for life.”

STAR INTERVIEW

For budding bakers Mary recommends a store cupboard full of fail-safe ingredients: “Any baker should store self raising flour in their cupboard, it can be used to bring life to so many dishes.

“Staple store cupboard items also include sugar and eggs. With these you can whip up a whole multitude of recipes.

“Shortbread is one of my most enduring recipes.

It is a simple tray bake but it always tastes delicious and can put out on a variety of occasions.”

The book’s dedication to the Berry family emulates Mary’s mantra that cooking is the element which binds such relationships together.

“Eating sat around the table is very enjoyable and it is chance to get to know each other and hear what everyone has been up to.”

She believes traditional cooking methods, and making meals from scratch, is one of the only ways to banish the country’s growing obesity rates, and the widespread ‘TV dinner’ culture.

■ Mary at the National Television Awards Picture: David Fisher / Rex Features

She said: “Obesity is certainly a problem.

Knowing food and its origins is again important and a staple, healthy diet is the only remedy. It is all a matter of cooking the right thing and making sure you don’t eat too much. It is true what they

say about a balanced diet – protein, dairy, vegetables, and a little cake will be sufficient.”

The programme of events for the lights switch-on will begin at 5.30pm with Mary throwing the switch at 6.30pm.

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She said: “Cooking is, and should be, central to family life. It can bring members together.

Children can learn how food is made and where food comes from.

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PROPERTY

’

PANIC!

■ Economic experts say that talk of a housing bubble is “hysteria”

B

ritain’s economic recovery is now firmly entrenched, thanks to a spending spree by consumers – and fears of a housing bubble are just “hysteria”, say leading economic forecasters.

paltry in comparison to those of a decade ago.”

The independent forecasters, sponsored by accountancy group EY (formerly known as Ernst & Young), also predicted a recovery in the housing market, with more than a million transactions this year and prices up 3.5 per cent in 2013 and 6.5 per cent in 2014.

short-term growth will continue to be fuelled by the consumer.

But the report dismissed criticism that the Government’s Help to Buy mortgage initiative might fuel a housing bubble as “hysteria”.

It predicted the most significant boost to UK growth will come next year, with a revival in business investment and exports.

The report highlights how rising consumer spending, which is increasing faster than incomes, is the key driver of the economic growth. Its one warning is that this alone will not sustain The economy will grow by 1.4 per cent this year, recovery. rising to 2.4 per cent in 2014, according to a The ITEM Club which uses the Treasury’s report published by the ITEM Club. economic model for its forecasts said the UK’s

Peter Spencer, chief economic adviser to EY ITEM, said: “Despite recent criticism of these initiatives, the chances of seeing another housing market bubble are extremely slim.

“House prices and transactions are only just recovering from the credit crunch and will be

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Despite only a modest increase in disposable incomes of 0.2 per cent this year, consumer spending is forecast to grow by 1.6 per cent and 1.9 per cent in 2014.

Mr Spencer said the UK recovery was now firmly entrenched but warned that there were still big risks to the forecasts. He added: “The boost from the consumer has pushed the UK economy into a progressively higher orbit, but this now needs to be supplemented by a thrust from the

■ Consumer spending is expected to grow

engines of export and investment.

“Otherwise, there’s a real risk that the recovery will falter in the face of the sustained pressure on real incomes from high prices and low wage inflation.”

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INTERIORS

Interior designer and member of the BIID Lesley Taylor is the Design Director of Taylor’s Etc.

A dining room isn’t just for Christmas, says interior designer Lesley Taylor

[lh{pun PLAN

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INTERIORS

■ The most important part of any dining space is the dining table. Use yours to act as a stylish focal point, such as this example from Rossetto

Q

uite often the dining room is an area of the home that gets forgotten. With so many of us living hectic lifestyles, the days of the whole family sitting around the table for dinner is a thing of the past, and it is easy for this space to become a dumping ground for school bags, shoes and toys.

why not have a go at upcycling a second-hand table yourself? For an ultra-modern interior, make a bold impression with the table you choose. Glass tops and geometric metal frames will work to make your table the focal point of the room.

The way in which it is dressed is just as important as the frame itself – you will be surprised what a difference a fresh set of linen and new dinner service can make. Ensuring your table is always laid allows you to make it into a feature and prevents it from getting cluttered. If you have young children, purchasing a PVC cloth that can be cleaned easily will keep your table in pristine condition.

A dining room shouldn’t just be used at Christmas and for special occasions; it should be used regularly to bring families closer together.

Having a properly functioning dining room makes your home a more sociable space and if you are one for entertaining and holding dinner parties, it is important that this space is dressed to impress and clutter-free. Even if you don’t have a dedicated dining room, you may wish to think about incorporating a dining area within your kitchen or lounge. It’s time to put your TV tray away, and get the paint brushes out.

Where space is at a premium, an extending table should be at the top of your shopping list. If your kitchen, living or dining room is simply not big enough to lend itself to a full-size table on a permanent basis, an extending design will still ■ MAIN PICTURE: even if you don’t have a separate dining room, you can still create an eating area within an open-plan kitchen or living space. Here the transition is seamless as Designer’s Guild’s Manhattan prints have been used to ensure the whole room has continuity

■ Accessorise your table with decorative candlesticks, perfect for romantic evenings and sophisticated dinner parties – frosted glass candlesticks, £24.95, notonthehighstreet.com

Lighting and accessories are a crucial part of any space, especially when it comes to dining. I would enable you to benefit from family meal times and recommend fitting a dimmer switch so you can evenings of entertaining friends, and can easily easily adjust the ambience of the room. If your fold away when not needed. dining area is part of an open-plan living space, I believe circular tables create a more sociable fitting pendant lighting over the table will help to atmosphere. There’s nothing worse than going to provide this section with definition and a sense of a dinner party, and only able to talk to the person separation from the rest of the room. sitting next to you or directly opposite.

Whether you choose to make a few minor The table you choose will depend on the layout changes or go all out, the first step should be to and size of the room, along with the décor. For a de-clutter and organise the space, allowing it to period property or if you are going for a kitsch, become a functional dining area for meal times cottage theme, reclaimed furniture will add and entertaining. You will wonder how you ever character and charm. If you are feeling creative, coped without this extra space.

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Often, homes that have the luxury of this extra reception room incorporate a computer desk, TV or even a sofa, but for me, a dining space should lend itself entirely to this purpose whenever possible. With technology rapidly developing, our lives have become dominated by mobile phones and emails, so I find it almost therapeutic to have just one area of the home that breaks away from this mould to avoid children and dinner guests from becoming distracted.

If you enjoy entertaining, then this is the one room where you need to go all out. In terms of decoration, if you are one for making a statement then I would suggest incorporating a feature wall with the use of bold wallpaper that has a sophisticated pattern. Use material to also bring the space to life and if your dining set is in perfectly good condition, but you would like to give it a bit of a revamp, purchase a fabric you love and re-upholster your dining chairs for a fresh new look.

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COME AND MEET Frederick Augustus the cat...at

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About 15 minutes walk from the bottom of Walcot Street.

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GARDENING

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■ A Gaultheria shrub

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GARDENING

S

maller shrubs provide the essential structure of most gardens and, as we move into autumn and winter, they deliver much of the visual interest too. But the value and uses of garden shrubs are more extensive than you might initially think.

It used to be believed that the way that cold intensifies the colours of Leucothoe had to be an indication of magical qualities. What is for certain is that this evergreen, hardy shrub occurs in many beautiful colours including green, cream, yellow, pink, red and purple.

Did you know, for example, that oil derived from the Gaultheria shrub (common name checkerberry or mountain tea plant) is used to flavour some toothpastes and chewing gum?

Shrubs like this are also important for bringing biodiversity to the garden. Birds, insects and small mammals love their flowers and berries.

Low-growing varieties are great as ground cover (e.g. Leucothoe ‘ Zeblid’). For a taller, border plant look out for Leucothoe ‘Walteri’.

Leucothoe is renowned for its beautiful autumn colouring.

Remember that the more sun the plant gets, the more intense are the colours of its leaves. So, plant in moist, well-drained acidic soil, as far as possible in full sun.

Gaultheria really is an all-year round plant, with its pretty white flowers in June and bright red berries and beautiful purple-coloured leaves in autumn and winter. Gaultheria procumbens (an RHS Award of Garden Merit holder) is easy to grow and very hardy, as well as delivering wonderful visual benefits. You may also want to look at Pernettya – a similar compact evergreen.

Shrubs love to be planted in the autumn when the soil is still warm but their metabolisms are slowing down. This is also the time when garden centres carry their best stocks – so timing is perfect.

Skimmia is a fantastic choice of compact shrub.

Plant now in time for Christmas, and enjoy the

■ Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’

■ Green and red leaves of evergreen plant (Leucotoe Zeblid) after rain

scent of spring before it arrives. Skimmia is distantly related to the lemon and orange, which explains the characteristic citrus fragrance of the leaves. Another great balcony or patio plant, Skimmia comes in white, cream and pink varieties. It is the female plants that are berry-bearing, but they must have male cultivars nearby to produce a crop. Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’ is a sure-fire winner.

Closely related but distinctly different, Calluna vulgaris, or heather, flowers mainly in late summer and autumn, whereas Erica or heath predominantly flowers in winter or spring. Both grow best in moist, well-drained acidic soil. Erica carnea f. alba ‘Springwood White’ flowers in winter through to spring and is an RHS Award of Garden Merit plant. For autumn flowers, go for Calluna vulgaris ‘Beoley Gold’, which is also an AGM plant.

Explore and investigate this wonderful plant group at your local garden centre and be sure to find space for some of them in your garden. Even if your soil is not quite right for these acid-lovers, you can work ericaceous compost into your soil or grow in containers. Beautiful little shrubs like these will bring you enjoyment right through the months when many other plants are sleeping.

Visit www.colour-your-life.co.uk for more plant stories and practical, as well as inspirational information on gardening and plants.

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Gaultheria is a great starting point in our exploration of compact shrubs. The evergreen leaves and striking red berries are the perfect complement for the festive season, so it makes a wonderful ‘Christmas’ plant. They’re ideal in pots as winter decoration for patios or balconies, but are also excellent as ground cover or for growing beneath larger trees and shrubs.

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GARDENING Most gardens which open for the National Gardens Scheme (NGS) are private and open to the public just a few times each year. All money raised goes to the NGS (including sale of teas and plants) and more than 80p in every pound is donated, with a small proportion sometimes going to a local charity. NGS donates more than £2.5 million each year to nursing, caring and gardening charities. This month we take a closer look at Stoberry Garden which is holding a special event on November 8.

A

s darkness falls, Stoberry Garden is lit to enhance every part; sculptures, seating areas enclosed with intimate planting, the Rondavel, mature trees and shrubs full of texture and detail, an abundance of autumn beauty.

As autumn gradually turns to winter, the structure of the garden is revealed. Illuminating the garden gives us the opportunity to observe the familiar in a new way.

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FANTASTIC

In the Walled Garden, the lights will illuminate beautiful sculptures, mature trees and the structure of herbaceous borders. In contrast, the Lower Garden offers an open aspect: large ornamental grasses rustling in the evening breeze, ■ Lights illuminate beautiful sculptures at Stowberry Garden, above and below garden sculptures, beautiful reflections in the pond and the fairy lights of Wells before you. sparklers for the children.

On Friday, November 8, instead of the usual As the last NGS Open Garden of 2013 in bonfire, why not enjoy a mystical evening out Somerset, don’t miss your chance to enjoy a very with friends and family in the relaxing peace of special evening. Bring your jumper and a torch!

Stoberry Garden.

There is ample parking in the field next to the garden.

Refreshments will be available and there will be NGS opening details: A Mystical Evening Opening with wine, Friday, November 8, from 5pm-8pm Admission: £5, children free Facilities: Wine, light refreshments, plants for sale, accommodation Contact: Frances & Tim Young Telephone: 01749 672906 Email: stay@stoberry-park.co.uk Website: www.stoberry-park.co.uk Address: Stoberry Park, Wells, BA5 3LD Directions: ½m north of Wells. From Bristol – Wells on A39, left into College Road and immediately left through Stoberry Park To see more gardens open for the NGS, see the Yellow Book, or Local County Leaflet, available from garden centres, or go to: http://www.ngs.org.uk THE

COUNTY MAGAZINE

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GADGETS

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CHOICE

[p l th{{lyz Samsung Galaxy Note 3, from free on contract, www.phones4u.co.uk An eye-pleasing 5.7inch OLED display really brings the screen action to life. Although certainly more sizeable than your average smartphone, the benefits are clear, and it still fits into a back pocket. There’s an S-Pen stylus tucked away inside to assist with doodling – sorry, note-taking – and as a step aside from other manufacturers in design terms, the back of this handset has a sophisticated leather finish.

Xv~ly |w LG G2 – £399.99, www.three.co.uk Not only will the powerful processor and 2GB of RAM give you speedy multi-tasking prowess, the makers have also tucked in a decent battery, meaning you can get a full day’s work out of this powerhouse handset. We’ve not seen LG on the scene for a while, and it looks like they’re back with attitude. With an edge-to-edge, highresolution screen and – a first – no side controls, as they’re all tucked away on the back, this model takes a bit of getting used to, but then people said that about the wheel at first...

X pj{|yl wlymlj{ Nokia Lumia 1020, from free on contract, www.carphonewarehouse.com This is not the best mobile ever, nor is it the best camera we’ve seen, but it is, hands down, the best camera-phone ever created. The incredible 41 megapixel sensor lets you shoot super high-resolution imagery and combines with a raft of features to create some of the best images you’ll see from a smartphone.

Th{lz{ hkkp{pvu iPhone 5s, from free on contract, www.phones4u.co.uk Keeping its position in top spot takes plenty of innovation from the Apple team. Samsung are really snapping at their heels, so the brand’s latest launch needed to stand out – and that it does. It might seem unnecessary to some, but the inclusion of a fingerprint scanner takes this model to the sci-fi level that consumers are seemingly hankering for. It also operates at breakneck speed.

M l zw Samsung Galaxy S4, £496.80, www.pixmania.co.uk About the best Samsung yet, definitely had the Apple execs in a flutter on release, and with technologies unique to the South Korean outfit, I suspect their sleepless nights are set to continue. The S4 features eye-monitoring technology that keeps watch on your ocular activity and does smart things, like pause video, when you look away from the screen.

[wshzo ohww Sony Xperia Z1, from free on contract, www.dialaphone.com Available in three colours, this offering from Sony is certainly a bold challenge to the more established manufacturers, and states their ambitions very clearly. This well-built and beautifully styled handset ticks plenty of form boxes and, function wise, is certainly a contender.

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More than 90 per cent of adults in the UK now own a mobile phone. And these days we expect far more of our phones than simply the ability to make phone calls. Peter Jenkinson looks at six of the best 4G handsets on the market at the moment.

MAGAZINE

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INTERVIEW

Ny|p{

SHOOT

C

ider making might not have the most glamorous of images but our cover girl Ashton Porter has proved that cider can be sexy.

The 22-year-old chiropractic and osteopathy assistant from Street found herself covered in freshly harvested cider apples after her friend spotted a Facebook post from photographer Jason Bryant who was looking for someone to recreate the iconic image from the film American Beauty, using apples instead of rose petals.

Ashton’s friend put her in touch with Jason and the shoot took place at Bob Wadey’s orchard at West Lydford.

Ashton said: “I was really happy to get involved. I’ve done a little bit of modelling before but nothing major – just things for local photographers. I’m not signed to an agency or anything.

“I’ve never really tried to pursue a modelling career but I do enjoy it, and I love photography myself.

“This was certainly something very different and it was really fun.

“Once the apples were strategically placed it didn’t take very long at all, which was good as it was pretty chilly and we did the whole thing outside!”

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EVENTS

Khyup}hs

GLORY

■ Guy Fawkes leads last year’s Bridgwater Carnival procession through the streets THE

THE

58 58 COUNTY COUNTY MAGAZINE MAGAZINE

EVENTS

■ The dazzling attraction by Wick CC of Glastonbury at the Bridgwater Carnival

Creating an explosive atmosphere of light, sound and movement, these spectacular carts, also known as floats, are accompanied by groups and individual masqueraders on foot, marching bands and majorettes, all bringing their own carnival flavour to the festivities.

The carnival procession runs along the Wessex Grand Prix circuit, on to the South Somerset Federation Carnivals circuit, and ends on the largest Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnival Association circuit.

The carnivals on the county circuit take place every November in Somerset, UK. They visit Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea, Glastonbury, North Petherton, Shepton Mallet, Wells, and Weston-Super-Mare.

The Somerset County carnivals are one of the most spectacular events in Somerset today, and Bridgwater carnival regularly attracts crowds of 150,000.

■ The British Flag CC of Bridgwater

The carnival carts are designed and built by dedicated carnival clubs around the West Country.

These clubs have many members who raise money throughout the year, and work relentlessly to achieve the spectacular carnival entries.

Each club’s entry then takes part in the carnival parade along with many other entries, putting on a show to the public and competing with each other to impress the judges.

The illuminated carts can be up to 100ft in length, 16ft high, and 11ft wide, with around 20-30,0000 light bulbs.

The events are free, but donations are welcome and money is collected from the public where all proceeds go to local charities.

The carnivals take place on the following dates: Bridgwater: Saturday, November 2 Burnham and Highbridge: Monday, November 4 Weston-super-Mare: Friday, November 8 North Petherton: Saturday, November 9 Shepton Mallet: Wednesday, November 13 Wells: Friday, November 15 Glastonbury: Saturday, November 16 For more information visit www.somersetcarnivals.co.uk

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egarded by many as the largest illuminated procession in Europe, more than 50 carnival carts lit by thousands of lights will wind their way through towns in Somerset this month.

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EVENTS

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CHARACTERS

■ Craigie Aitchison, Daphne Against a Black Background, 1968

■ Richard Hamilton, Hugh Gaitskell as a Famous Monster of Filmland, 1964

■ Francis Bacon, Study for a portrait of Van Goch VI, 1957

G

reat characters from the art world are to be found in the new Holburne Museum exhibition Characters: Portraits and People, from the Arts Council Collection, which runs in Bath until January 7.

This striking and entertaining exhibition brings together a host of characters both real and imagined.

■ Paula Rego, Sleeping, 1986

■ Milena Dragicevic, Supplicant 101, 2008

■ Hew Locke, Medusa, 2008

■ Maggi Hambling, Frances Rose (3), 1973

Painted by British artists over the past 60 years it will feature works by Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud, Paula Rego and 2013 Turner Prize nominated Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, as well as many of the other leading figurative artists of the last half-century.

The exhibition considers the twin traditions of observation and invention in the painting of people.

Arranged in two contrasting halves, the exhibition compares artists and works rooted in the observable world with those who have invented characters or distorted actual subjects to create grotesques and monsters, from Peter Blake’s portrait of the fictional boxer Baron Kaiser and Francis Bacon’s imaginary portrait of Van Gogh to Hew Locke’s fantastical Medusa, based on the Queen.

Entry to the exhibition costs £6.95.

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Oxley G Sports Centre Sherborne

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Party at the Palace

Join us in the atmospheric Medieval Undercroft or cosy Bishop’s Table this Christmas.

• Christmas menu available daily in The Bishop’s Table • Undercroft available to hire for 50-120 people • Christmas Party dates (for 8 or more) November 28, December 12, December 19 from 7pm.

Contact Helen on 01749 988 111 ext 209 to book today The Bishop’s Palace, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2PD

www.bishopspalace.org.uk

EVENTS

Most people are familiar with the story of Guy Fawkes and the plot to blow up Parliament in 1605, which led to the tradition of holding fireworks displays every year on November 5. We share with you some less-known firework facts – and reveal where the best displays are in the county this month.

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THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER

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EVENTS ■ Fireworks over Longleat

Friday November 1

Saturday November 2

Street Football Club Firework night. Gates open at 6pm and the display begins at 7.30pm. Adults £5, children £3, under-fives free, family ticket £15

Hatch Fireworks at Taunton Racecourse. Gates open at 5.30pm and the display begins at 7.30pm. Adults £5, children £3, family ticket £12

Saturday November 2 Friday November 1 & Saturday November 2 Longleat fireworks set to adventurous movie music. Last entry to Longleat at 6.15pm. Included in the price of a day ticket to Longleat

Yeovil Lions Branch Club & Yeovil Round Table 44th Annual Family Charity Firework Night at Yeovil Showground. Gates open 5.30pm, bonfire lit at 7.15pm and the display begins at 8pm. Adults £6, children £3, family ticket £15

Saturday November 2

Saturday November 2

Cheddar Vale Lions Club Bonfire & Firework Night at Cheddar Rugby Club. Gates open 6.30pm. Family ticket £10 in advance or £12 on the night, single ticket £3 in advance or £5 on the night. Tickets available from Woodbury Insurance & Deane's Outfitters, Cheddar

Rotary Club of Bath charity fireworks display at Bath Recreation Ground.

Gates open 6pm and the display begins at 7.30pm. Adults £5 in advance or £6 on the gate, child £3 in advance or £4 on the gate. Tickets available from Bath Building Society

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10. A sparkler burns at a temperature over 15 times the boiling point of water. Three sparklers burning together generate the same heat as a blowtorch.

1. The earliest documentation of fireworks dates back to 7th-century China. They were invented more than 2,000 years ago in China.

2. China is the largest manufacturer and exporter of fireworks in the world. Ninety per cent of all fireworks originate from here.

11. The record for the largest firework display consisted of 66,326 fireworks and was achieved in Portugal in 2006.

3. The first-recorded fireworks in England were at the wedding of King Henry VII in 1486.

12. Static electricity in synthetic clothing can set off firecrackers. People making firecrackers wear only cotton clothing while making firecrackers.

4. Catherine Wheels are named after a form of punishment that was used against St Catherine in the Middle Ages.

13. At first, fireworks were only orange and white. In the Middle Ages new colours were achieved by adding different salts. The hardest colour to create is blue.

5. Dreaming about fireworks means that you like to be the centre of attention and are showing off to others. It also symbolises enthusiasm and exhilaration.

7. The largest firework rocket is 13kg and was produced and launched in Portugal in 2010.

8. The word for firework in Japanese, hanabi, which actually means fire-flower.

15. A string of firecrackers that went on 22 9. A rocket can reach speeds of 150mph, and the hours marked the New Year’s Day celebrations in Hong Kong in 1996. shell can reach as high as 200 metres.

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6. The largest chocolate firework measured 3m high and 1.5m in diameter and contained 60kg of Swiss Cailler chocolates. The firework was released in Zurich on New Year’s Eve 2002.

14. A record-breaking 56,000 firework rockets were launched simultaneously in a spectacular opening to the Plymouth, UK Fireworks Championships by scientist Roy Lowry.

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Plhy{5~hytpun SOCIETY

AWARDS CEREMONY

D

aring rescuers, worthy causes and inspiring individuals were honoured at the annual Heart of Somerset Community Awards, organised by The County Magazine’s sister newspapers, the Mid Somerset Series and the Frome Standard.

the local communities.

The glitzy awards ceremony was held at Wookey Hole in association with the Care UK Shepton Mallet NHS Treatment Centre and was to celebrate inspirational people in

The ceremony began with a buck’s fizz reception followed by a sumptuous two-course meal for all finalists and their guests.

Hosted by TV presenter Valerie Singleton, the categories included environmental champion, sporting hero and brave heart hero.

The judges spent hours deliberating the many nominations down to the finalists.

■ Charity Champion and Outstanding Person of the Year award-winner Eddie Tymoshyshyn with his parents

■ caption ■ The audience at the Big Top Cafe at Wookey Hole

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■ Valerie Singleton hosts the awards ceremony at Wookey Hole

SOCIETY

■ Outstanding Young Persons of the Year winners Jazmyn Scott and Charlotte Sullivan, with sponsor Iain Kilpatrick, headmaster of Sidcot School

■ Public Sector Hero winner Gary Maule with sponsor Geoff Rouse, transport manager of Avalon Coaches

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■ Community Project Winner Wookey Choirworks with sponsor Paul Spencer, customer care manager of Clarks Shoes

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SOCIETY

■ Brave Heart Hero winners Luke Bolster and Charlie Cox with sponsor Sally Murrant, Cheddar Valley Gazette regional commercial operations manager, and Valerie Singleton

■ The Local Hero winner award, sponsored by West Mendip Federation, is presented to Gerald Franks’ representative by Sarah Pullen, MD of Mid Somerset News & Media

■ Valerie Singleton with all the Heart of Somerset award-winners

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■ Sporting Hero Winner Jack Eyers with sponsor Bob Buckingham, membership sales manager of Avalon Leisure, at the Heart of Somerset Awards ceremony

SOCIETY

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IN THE ABBEY

B

ath Abbey was transformed into Bath’s most majestic restaurant as three Michelin-starred chefs cooked a banquet for 106 people to celebrate the start of the month-long Great Bath Feast 2013.

The great church doors were wide open, the bells were ringing and everyone knew they were arriving for a very special occasion.

The one-night-only event saw the abbey as ■ Leigh & Becky Evans you have never seen it before – with a huge, selected the wines. beautifully decorated table through the centre of the choir stalls.

Catering and hospitality students from City of Bath College helped out and local producers On arrival guest were served canapés and such as Grow Green @ Hartley Farm Champagne Jacquart, followed by a three-course menu prepared by Chris Staines ensured that the feast was kept local.

■ Susanne Jiggins & Claire Rendell

■■ Guests captionsit down to feast in the stunning venue

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(head chef, The Allium Brasserie at the Abbey Have you hosted an event you would like Hotel), Sam Moody (executive chef, The Bath featured on our Society pages?

Priory Hotel and Restaurant) and Hywel Email: e.dance@bathchron.co.uk Jones (executive chef, Lucknam Park). Richard Bertinet of The Bertinet Bakery baked PHOTOGRAPHY: Paolo Ferla gorgeous focaccia, and Great Western Wine

SOCIETY

■ Chris Staines from The Allium Brasserie at the Abbey Hotel, Hywel Jones from Lucknam Park, and Sam Moody from The Bath Priory

■ Janet Abbott & the Rev Edward Masson

■ Katy Farrar & Tony Phelan

■ Harpist Siona Stockel

■ Andy Moody & Emily Farrar

■ Andrew & Christina Brownsword

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■ Adam & Jessica Lloyd-Smith

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Matt Joy road tests the new Porsche 911 Turbo ■ Hit the Sport Plus button and get ready...

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he supercar has been reinvented for the 21st century. Mention the ‘S’ word to most people and they think of crazy looks and monstrous performance, but crucially the other thing that springs to mind is a near-absence of usability. For some people at least, it’s not a supercar if you can see out of it and your spinal column is still intact at the end of the journey.

There’s another element at work here, too. The Porsche 911 has been an aspirational sports car for exactly 50 years, since it was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1963. And yet for all that love, for some reason it hasn’t been regularly regarded as supercar material. But that might well be about to change.

Turbocharged 911s have always delivered a fearsome amount of performance in a pretty compact package, but the current 991-series of 911 now has a turbo model of its own. Two, to be precise; the Turbo and Turbo S. Both use the same 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged flat six-engine, but the faster S has a mighty 552bhp and 516lb.ft of torque – although there’s an overboost function which serves up 553lb.ft for short bursts.

That sounds like a lot because it is. Squeezing 552bhp into 1,600kg is going to deliver spectacular performance, particularly when all that power is harnessed so well. The Turbo S uses the same four-wheel drive system already seen in the 911 Carrera 4, alongside the superlative seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox.

Facts at a glance

drive when required. The seats are comfortable and very supportive, the PDK gearbox operates seamlessly and that mighty engine is quiet when you want it to be.

That might sound like a recipe for a dull machine, but in truth, even a car like this will spend the majority of its time being driven sedately, in town, in traffic or on its way to somewhere possibly more exciting. When you’re in the mood to just get home with a minimum of fuss, it’s happy to oblige and more than capable too.That is half the story, however. You get a hint of what’s on offer even when driving normally; give the accelerator a delicate extra squeeze away from the lights and even with plenty left in reserve it pulls away as if it’s being towed by a passing jet plane.

But to really experience what it can do you need to push a few buttons. Slip the transmission into manual mode, hit the Sport Plus button and get ready. Gear changes are speeded up, the active dynamics system stiffens the suspension and the A further refinement to the gearbox includes active aerodynamics are deployed for increased ‘virtual’ gears – additional ratios created by a degree of clutch slip to boost efficiency. Efficiency downforce. might seem pretty unimportant in a car like this The results are spectacular. The engine responds but the fact that the Turbo S is still capable of instantly to the accelerator and, whatever the 29.1mpg when driven with restraint just revs, delivers a breathtakingly emphatic shove illustrates its remarkable versatility. Just like any forwards. It never lets up either; the next gears current 911, the Turbo S offers a very civilised snap in instantaneously to give one long, huge

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Porsche 911 Turbo S: £140,852 Engine: 3.8-litre petrol unit producing 552bhp and 553lb ft of torque Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch transmission driving all four wheels Performance: Top speed 197mph, 0-62mph 3.1 seconds Economy: 29.1mpg Emissions: 227g/km of CO2

surge of acceleration for as long as you dare flatten the pedal.

You can experience the full force of this by initiating a launch control start; simply squeeze the brake with your left foot, floor the accelerator then release the brake. All four wheels dig down and put all that power to the road in an instant. Our test route included many laps of a racetrack, and despite its power and expense, the 911 Turbo S could be hurled about with virtual abandon. The four-wheel drive, PDK gearbox and the dynamic stability control combine to allow full use of the immense power, but leave the driver feeling fully in control and bursting with confidence.

It is the duality of its personality that makes the 911 Turbo S so compelling. It is as comfortable and usable every day as many ordinary hatchbacks, yet given the space it is fantastically entertaining, outrageously fast. Sure it’s not cheap, but it’s as good as getting two cars in one.

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CO2 Emissions 268–135 g/km. *On the road price is the Manufacturer’s Recommended Retail Price plus Car Tax, First Registration Fee and Delivery Pack. **£1000 deposit contribution available when financed through Jaguar Finance. †3 years free servicing only available from Hartwell Jaguar. Terms and conditions apply. Services must be taken at Hartwell Jaguar and be in accordance with manufacturers scheduled services.

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Official Fuel Economy Figures for the MINI Paceman Range: Urban 26.4-60.1 mpg (10.7-4.7 l/100km). Extra Urban 44.8-67.3 mpg (6.3-4.2 l/100km). Combined 35.8-64.2 mpg (7.9-4.4 l/100km). CO2 Emissions 184-115 g/km. Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions. †Finance offer excludes 17" 5-hole Star Alloy Wheels in Black £610.00 RRP and White Indicator Lenses £70 as shown.

Finance example is based on a MINI Select agreement for the model stated, a MINI Cooper D Paceman, with a contract mileage of 32,000 miles and an excess mileage charge of 5.10p per mile. *On the road cash price is based on manufacturer’s recommended retail price and includes 3 year MINI Dealer Warranty, MINI Emergency Service, 12 months’ road fund licence, vehicle first registration fee, delivery, number plates and VAT. **Option to purchase fee and optional final payment payable at the end of the agreement if you decide to purchase the vehicle. Excess mileage charges and vehicle condition charges may be payable if you return the vehicle. Prices are correct at time of publication (October 2013) and are subject to change without notice. Retail customers only. Finance is subject to status and available to over 18’s in the UK only (excluding the Channel Islands and Isle of Man). Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Advertised finance is provided by MINI Financial Services, Bartley Way, Hook, Hampshire, RG27 9UF. Offers available on orders placed between 1 October 2013 and 31 December 2013 and registered by 31 March 2014. We commonly, but not exclusively, introduce customers to MINI Financial Services. This introduction does not amount to independent financial advice. ^Test drive is subject to status and availability. MINIstry is not connected to or endorsed by any government department.

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More food for thought comes courtesy of BMW EfficientDynamics, which improves performance and fuel economy whilst lowering emissions.

To get your hands on a brand new 63 plate BMW, please call us on 0845 0775537 or visit www.westerlyyeovilbmw.co.uk

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Fuel economy figures for the BMW range: Extra Urban 26.2 - 83.1 mpg (6.1 – 4.1 l/100km). Urban 13.8 – 62.4 mpg (20.5 – 4.4 l/100km).

Combined 20.3 – 74.3 mpg (7.9 – 4.7 l/100km). CO2 emissions 325 – 99g/km. Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions.

The BMW Range from £17,300. On the road price is based upon manufacturer’s recommended retail price and includes 3 year BMW Dealer Warranty, BMW Emergency Service, 12 months’ road fund licence, vehicle first registration fee, delivery, number plates and VAT. Prices are correct at time of publication and are subject to change without notice. BMW EfficientDynamics reduces BMW emissions without compromising performance developments and is standard across the model range.

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13. Local World Promotional terms and conditions also apply, see www.thisisbath.co.uk/houserules When you respond to Local World competitions, offers or promotions, we may use your information for marketing purposes. t 8F XJMM DPOUBDU ZPV CZ NBJM PS UFMFQIPOF UP MFU ZPV LOPX BCPVU BOZ PG PVS TQFDJBM PòFST QSPEVDUT BOE TFSWJDFT XIJDI NBZ CF PG JOUFSFTU UP ZPV VOMFTT ZPV IBWF BTLFE VT OPU UP 8F XJMM POMZ DPOUBDU ZPV CZ F NBJM UFYU NFTTBHF PS TJNJMBS FMFDUSPOJD NFBOT XJUI ZPVS QFSNJTTJPO 8F will only pass your name on to third parties if you have consented for us to do so. t *O TPNF DBTFT PVS TQFDJBM PòFST QSPEVDUT BOE TFSWJDFT NBZ CF QSPWJEFE PO PVS CFIBMG CZ PVS QBSUOFST *G ZPV IBWF BHSFFE UP CF DPOUBDUFE CZ VT ZPVS QFSTPOBM JOGPSNBUJPO NBZ CF QBTTFE UP PVS QBSUOFST IPXFWFS JO BMM TVDI DBTFT XF SFNBJO B EBUB DPOUSPMMFS PG ZPVS QFSTPOBM information. t 8IFO SFTQPOEJOH UP DPNQFUJUJPOT PòFST PS QSPNPUJPOT CZ QPTUDBSE JG ZPV EP OPU XJTI ZPVS EFUBJMT UP CF VTFE CZ VT UP TFOE ZPV TQFDJBM PòFST QMFBTF NBLF UIJT DMFBS CZ TUBUJOHiOP PòFSTw t 8F SFTQFDU ZPVS EBUB QSJWBDZ :PV NBZ NPEJGZ ZPVS QSFGFSFODFT PS HFU GVSUIFS JOGPSNBUJPO CZ XSJUJOH UP VT BU -PDBM 8PSME 8FTUQPJOU +BNFT 4U 8FTU #BUI #" %" PS CZ F NBJM UP QSPNPUJPOT!CBUIDISPO DP VL 'PS GVMM UFSNT QSJWBDZ QPMJDZ BOE PQU PVU WJTJU XXX UIJTJTCBUI DP VL IPVTFSVMFT #Z SFTQPOEJOH UP QSPNPUJPOT PòFST BOE DPNQFUJUJPOT ZPV BHSFF UIBU -PDBM 8PSME BOE PUIFS %.(5 (SPVQ DPNQBOJFT NBZ DPOUBDU ZPV CZ QPTU PS TNT XJUI PòFST PS TFSWJDFT UIBU NBZ CF PG JOUFSFTU :PV XJMM OPU CF DIBSHFE GPS SFDFJWJOH TNT NFTTBHFT BOE NBZ PQU PVU BU BOZ UJNF CZ UFYUJOHATUPQ UP UIF PSJHJOBUJOH OVNCFS 1MFBTF QSPWJEF FNBJM EFUBJMT JG ZPV XJTI UP SFDFJWF TVDI PòFST CZ FNBJM

THE FINAL SAY

\ol mpuhs zh 666 This time it’s the turn of Steve Smith, head at Maiden Beech Academy in Crewkerne, to answer our questions

What attracted you to this profession/business in the first place? I was keen to take on a headship and Maiden Beech seemed ideal; a good school with a lot going for it. The great thing about middle schools is that you have the privilege of working with children during the crucial years when they move from childhood to adulthood. It’s such an important time in their lives.

How long have you been established? Me personally? 42 years! The school has been around since the ’50s/60s and has always been a middle school.

What are you most proud of in your business life? Taking on a headship, I think. It’s an important responsibility as the decisions you take will affect the lives and life chances of the many children in your care.

If you weren’t following this career, what would be your dream job? Producing soundtracks for films – the incidental music. Or being an actor, although there isn’t much in the way of job security.

What do you love about living in Somerset? Somerset is a beautiful county.

Although I grew up in London, I’m very happy to be raising my own children in a rural county. I also feel very lucky to live in Frome, which is a unique place these days; there’s a lot of community spirit and a thriving arts scene.

“

I feel very lucky to live in Frome, which is a unique place these days; there’s a lot of community spirit and a thriving arts scene.

What star sign are you and would you say If you could be prime minister for a day you’re typical of this sign? Aquarius. No idea what law would you pass? Outlaw loan sharks – I don’t have any interest in astrology. and companies that take advantage of desperate What is your favourite film and why? I people who don’t have much money. suppose Bladerunner would be my favourite; a If you could be a super hero what power flawed masterpiece. It’s become iconic because of would you like to possess, and why? the stylistic look, the music, its symbolism.

Teleportation, so I could spend less time in the What is your favourite piece of music and car travelling. why? Favourite ‘pop’ album would be Depeche What makes you angry? The negative effect Mode’s Songs of Faith and Devotion, a social media can have on children. dark, driven and epic exercise in moody

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self-indulgence.

If you were washed ashore on a desert island and could have one companion, who would it be and why? Kenneth Williams for waspish comments and hilarious Carry-on anecdotes.

What would be your last meal? A very rare, almost-blue, piece of fillet steak and some triple-cooked Heston chips.

What would you like to be your epitaph?‘At least he had a go’.

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