Conduit December 2017 by Shelleys the Printers Ltd

Domestic and contract flooring specialists 34 Princes Street, Yeovil, BA20 1EQ Tel: 01935 478100 walterwallyeovil@hotmail.co.uk

The

Conduit www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

Issue 202 December 2017

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Inside:

Win Family Tickets to the Panto! Christmas Short Story

Mer r y s a m t s Chr i

Serving Bruton, Castle Cary, Sherborne, Somerton, Wincanton, Yeovil & surrounding Villages To Advertise in this Magazine CallRemember 01935 424724 or Email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk to tell advertisers you saw it in The Conduit Magazine!

Yuletide Savings Get your walking boots on!

Sherborne Festive Shopping

Wordsearch

If you have been diagnosed with an Asbestos illness you may wish to speak with one of our Specialist Solicitors. You may have been exposed to asbestos dust decades ago and you will not even know this as the dust comprises of invisible microscopic fibres. If you have been diagnosed with or have lost a loved one from:

Helen has specialist Asbestos Disease Accreditation and would urge people to always look out for this when instructing a specialist solicitor as these cases are highly sensitive and need to be dealt with quickly, compassionately and in accordance with a strict protocol.

ASSOCIATION OF PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS

Accredited Asbestos Disease Specialist

Please contact Helen Grady on Freephone 0808 129 3320 or drop into see us at our legal surgeries at: The Old Barn, Old Barn Way, Yeovil, BA20 2NX. Free Parking & Disabled Access. on Thursday 30 November between 11.30 a.m to 1.30 pm for a free consultation Call Jill Callen for information on 01935 473 284

LEARN TO BAKE BREAD WITH US COURSE VOUCHERS AVAILABLE oxfordsbakery.co.uk

To advertise – 01935 424724 • email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk • www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

What’s On

Due to space restrictions if any event is already fully booked we no longer include them in our calendar.

NOVEMBER 24 Somerton U3A, Edgar Community Hall, Somerton, 10.00am-12.00 noon ‘A Blast from the Past’ talk, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, 2.30pm ‘Poetry Plus – An Evening of Verse and Music’, Raleigh Hall, Sherborne, 7.00pm School Christmas Fair, Norton Sub Hamdon Village Hall, 5.00pm Gilda’s Quartet, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, 7.30pm ‘Dr Hook’ starring Dennis Locorriere, Westland’s Entertainment Centre, Yeovil, 7.30pm ‘A Life in Imaging: It Can’t All Be Shot in the Field’ talk, Parish Hall, Ilminster, 7.30pm ‘Churchill’ film, Davis Hall, West Camel, 7.30pm Mike Denham, Ilminster Arts Centre, 8.00pm ‘The Levelling’ film, David Hall, South Petherton, 8.00pm 24-25 ‘Aladdin’ pantomime, East Coker Village Hall, various times 25 Charity Christmas Coffee/Tea Morning, Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil, 10.00am-2.00pm Levels Best Farmers and Craft Market, Montacute House, 10.00am-2.00pm* Save the Children Coffee Morning, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, 9.30am* Coffee Morning for Bruton Choral Society, Community Hall, Bruton, 10.00am-12.00 noon* Big Breakfast, Henhayes Centre, Crewkerne, 10.00am-12.00 noon Christmas Market, Seavington Village Hall, 10.00am Christmas Craft Fair, Monks Yard, Ilminster, 10.00am-2.00pm*

28 ! !

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !

Dorset Ita Ita alian Want to learn or imp mprove e your Italian?

Now you can in Gillin ngham and Sherborne with local 10 0 week courses starttiing w/ w/c 8th January 2018

! Giillingham •!Upper In Intermediate Tues 9th 6.30p 0pm £100 •!Pre-IIntermediate di Tues 9th 8pm £100 •!Intermediate Thurs 11th 6.30pm Th m £100 •!False Beginners Thurs 11th 8pm £100 Sherborne •!Complete Beginners’ Mo Mon 8th 9.30am m £7 75 For more details please contact Jo Har Harv vey on Mobile: 078 781178 781484 joharvey@dorset-italian.co.uk

www.dorset-itallian.co.uk

Lessons also available in Bland dfford, Te effont and Bridgew d ater

29 Nov-2 Dec

‘Breadmaking Made Easy’ workshop, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, 10.00am6.30pm Mayor Charity Ball, Westland’s Entertainment Centre, Yeovil, 6.00pm Quiz Night, Merriott Village Hall, 7.00pm Spectra Musica ‘Autumn Leaves’ concert, Gillingham Church, 7.30pm ‘Steeleye Span’, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, 7.30pm CWMBACH Choir concert, All Saint’s Church, Martock, 7.30pm ‘Whisky Galore’ film, Parish Hall, Martock, 7.30pm ‘AJ’s Big Band’, the Exchange, Sturminster Newton, 7.30pm ‘Moscow Drug Club’ concert, David Hall, South Petherton, 8.00pm Obsidian Rock, Kelway’s Inn, Langport, 9.00pm Festive Christmas Baking Course, Frogmary Green Farm, South Petherton, 9.45am Christmas at the David Hall, South Petherton, 2.00pm JD Acoustic Duo, White Hart, Yetminster, 4.00pm Chas and Dave, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, 7.30pm Big League Wrestling, Westland’s Entertainment Centre, Yeovil, 7.30pm Antiques Collectables Silver Jewellery Fine Art Ceramic & Vintage Items auction, Lyme Bay Auctions, Seaton, East Devon, 10.00am Somerton Sings, West Street Church, Somerton, 10.45am ‘Made in the Image’ lecture, Sherborne Abbey, 7.30pm Christmas Demonstration, Parish Rooms, Somerton, 7.30pm ‘From Page to Stage – Shakespeare, Austen and Dickens’, Monks Yard, Ilminster, 3.30pm ‘South Somerset’s Parks and Gardens’ talk, Tithe Barn, Merriott, 7.30pm ‘The Postal System of Great Britain from Medieval Times Up Until 1840’ talk, Martock Primary School, 7.30pm ‘Another Mother’s Son’ film, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, 7.30pm Lawrence’s General Sale, Crewkerne, 9.30am ‘Light Up A Life’ service, St Mary’s Church, Huish Episcopi, 7.00pm ‘Amedeo Modigliani and Bohemian Lifestyle Paris 1906 – 1920’ lecture, Digby Hall, Sherborne, 7.30pm ‘Van Eyck, the Ghent Altarpiece and Cultural Flowering in 15th Century Burgundy’ talk, Long Sutton Village Hall, 7.30pm ‘The Handmaiden’ film, Yeovil College, 7.30pm ‘Relatively Speaking’, Swan Theatre, Yeovil, 7.45pm Simpson Millar Legal Surgery, The Old Barn, Yeovil, 11.30am-1.30pm*

*Free admission to all events marked with an asterisk

From the Editor

Welcome to our Christmas issue! It’s such a busy time for everyone, whether you are travelling to see friends and family, planning on organising a big festive dinner or simply dashing around the shops trying to buy something for everyone. Try to put aside some time to pause during all the frantic activity and take a few minutes to look through The Conduit – you may be surprised by all the different articles there are. Read our heart-warming Christmas short story, learn about some fascinating walks around the area and how you can join in with like-minded ramblers; and look out for the tale of a very surprising auction piece as well as reading about the last woman to be burned at the stake in Dorset. You can find out all about the Sherborne Festive Shopping Day as well as learning some ideas on how to save money at Christmas. It’s all here – just have a flick through and enjoy. Season’s Greetings!

The

Conduit Magazine Remous Ltd Wyvern Buildings, North St Sherborne DT9 5EP

01935 424724 info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk

Editor - Jane Adkins

Assistant Editor - Lauren Hill

© The publisher is The Conduit Magazine Limited. The layout, format, design and all other aspects of this magazine are an original idea and therefore copyright of the publisher. No part of the contents may be reproduced in whole or in part without prior permission in writing. Whilst every care is taken in compiling the contents of this magazine, the proprietor assumes no responsibility for mistakes and omissions. The views of our contributors is not necessarily the view of the publisher.

JANUARY DEADLINES

News and Articles: FRIDAY 1ST DEC Advertisements: MONDAY 4TH DEC

‘Bah Humbug’ talk, Digby Hall, Sherborne, 7.30pm Quiz Night, Sports Club, Somerton, 8.30pm DECEMBER 1 Monthly Market, Market Place, Somerton, 10.00am-2.00pm Hedgerow Christmas

9,&(52<¶6 +286( Wednesday 13 December 7.30pm 12a Digby Church Hall, Digby Road £6 in advance frro om Sherborne T To ourisstt Inf nfo orrm mation Centre, or on the door if available

www.sherrb borrn neartts sliin nk k..orrg g.uk

Basket and Willow Wreath workshop, Barrington Court, 10.30am Festive Afternoon Tea, Barrington Court, 11.30am ‘Christmas Crooners’, The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, 7.30pm

JANUARY ADVERT DEADLINE: 4.12.17

SHERBORNE'S 14TH ANNUAL

CRAFTS FOR CHRISTMAS Digby Church Hall, Sherborne

Sat 2nd & Sun 3rd December 10.00am-4.00pm

For that perfect Christmas gift, do not miss Sherborne's Crafts for Christmas Admission Free

West Country Fairs

01749 677049

1-2 2

‘Slightly Naughty Plants’ talk, Memorial Hall, Wincanton, 7.30pm ‘Doxford the Shipbuilder’ talk, Holy Trinity Church, Yeovil, 7.30pm ‘Really Classical’ concert, Ilminster Arts Centre, 8.00pm CUDOS Christmas Concert, Victoria Hall, Crewkerne, 7.30pm Produce Market, Market House, Ilminster, 8.30am-12.30pm Big Butty Christmas Breakfast, Alweston Village Hall, 9.00am11.00am Fine Art & Antiques & Collectables Auction, McCubbing and Redfern Auction Rooms, Wells, 10.00am Coffee Morning for St Margaret’s Hospice, Community Hall, Bruton, 10.00am-12.00 noon* Annual Christmas Sale and Coffee Morning, Beaminster Museum, 10.00am-2.00pm Christmas Fayre, Marion Hall, The Avenue, Yeovil, 10.30am Christmas Craft Market, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary Lovington School Coffee Morning & Christmas Sale, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, 10.00am Christmas Light Switch, Market Place, Sturminster Newton, 10.00am-5.00pm Coffee Morning, Long Sutton church, 10.30am12.00 noon Christmas Fair, Parrett Close & Angel and Ridgway Hall, Langport, 2.00pm-6.30pm ‘The Trinity Entertainers’ Christmas concert, Digby Hall, Sherborne, 2.30pm Castle Cary Christmas Light Switch On, 5.00pm Christmas Party, Frogmary Green Farm, South Petherton, 7.00pm ‘The Real Thing’ concert’, The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, 7.30pm Country and Western Club host Travis Logan, Davis Hall, West Camel, 7.30pm Chamber Choir, Sherborne Abbey, 7.30pm ‘Tankus the Henge’ concert, David Hall, South Petherton, 8.00pm

2-3

4-8 5

5-6

6-9

14th Annual Crafts for Christmas, Digby Church Hall, Sherborne, 10.00am-4.00pm Shakspeare Glass Open Day and Sale, Langport Sherborne Festive Shopping Day, 10.00am4.00pm* Santa Specials, Yeovil Railway Centre, Stoford, 11.00am-3.00pm ‘Light Up Your Life’ service, St John’s Church, Yeovil, 4.00pm ‘Hangmen’ film, Westland’s Entertainment Centre, Yeovil, 6.00pm ‘Somerset’s Highway Heritage’ talk, Holy Trinity Church, Yeovil, 7.30pm Langport History Club Annual Social, History Hut, Low Ham ‘The Armada Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I and Power Politic in Late 16 Century Europe’ talk, West Street Church, Somerton, 7.00pm ‘The Three Tenors’ concert, Westland’s Entertainment Centre, Yeovil, 7.30pm ‘Beauty and the Beast’ film, Odcombe Village Hall, 8.00pm Christmas Lunches, Henhayes Centre, Crewkerne, 12.30pm Duke’s Dorchester General Sale, Avenue Auctions, Weymouth, 10.30am ‘Wildlife in a Medieval Transylvanian Landscape’ talk, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, 8.00pm ‘Nativity’ performance, The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, 7.30pm Lawrence’s General Sale, Crewkerne, 9.30am ‘Christmas on Covent Garden’ talk, Digby Hall, Sherborne, 2.00pm ‘Goodnight Mr Tom’ performance, Warehouse Theatre, Ilminster, 2.30pm & 7.30pm History Society Christmas Party, Jubilee Hall, Yetminster, 6.30pm Castle Cary Big Christmas, 5.00pm Special Xmas Event, George Reynold’s Centre, Crewkerne, 5.30pm ‘A Game of Spies – The Secret Agent, the Traitor and the Nazi’ talk, Hoskyns Memorial Hall, North Perrott, 6.00pm

8 Dec-7 Jan

‘Exploring the North Island of New Zealand’ talk, Methodist School Room, Castle Cary, 7.30pm ‘The Sense of an Ending’ film, Kingsbury Episcopi Village Hall, 7.30pm Willow Reindeer workshop, Barrington Court, 10.30am ‘Rejoice and Sing’ Christmas concert, St John’s Church, Yeovil, 7.30pm ‘Les Parapluies De Cherbourg’ film, Wadham School, Crewkerne, 7.30pm Annual Christmas Concert, Beaminster Museum, 7.30pm New Scorpion Band, Milborne Port Village Hall, 7.30pm Castle Cary Choir Christmas Concert, Methodist Church, Castle Cary, 7.30pm ‘Classic Jazz’ concert, Ilminster Arts Centre, 8.00pm ‘Whisky Galore’ film, David Hall, South Petherton, 8.00pm ‘Cinderella’ pantomime, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, 7.30pm Charity Big Breakfast, Methodist Church, Yeovil, 8.00am Toybox Coffee Morning, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, 9.30am Coffee Morning, Community Hall, Bruton, 10.00am-12.00 noon* Coffee Morning, Memorial Hall, Wincanton, 10.00am12.00 noon Christmas Willow Decorations workshop, Barrington Court, 10.00am Farmer’s Market, Moodlands Shopping Precinct, Martock, 10.00am-1.00pm Christmas Market, Market Square & Town Hall, Crewkerne, 10.00am-3.00pm Handmade Craft Market, Digby Hall, Sherborne, 10.30am3.30pm* Orchard Tasting Shed Festive Refreshments, Halstock, 11.00am3.00pm Elles Bailey concert, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, 6.45pm Mill Singers Seasonal Concert, Digby Hall, Sherborne, 7.00pm

Carols for Christmas, St Peter and St Paul, South Petherton, 7.00pm Cross Culture Christmas Carnival, Bible Christian Centre, Haselbury Plucknett, 7.00pm ‘Fungi: The Good The Bad & The Ugly’ talk, Parish Rooms, Somerton, 7.30pm Acoustic Night, David Hall, South Petherton, 7.30pm ‘The Audience’ film, Milborne Port Village Hall, 7.30pm Dorset Italian Christmas Party, East Stour Village Hall, 7.30pm Phoenix Voices and Chamber Ensemble, St Michael’s Church, East Coker, 7.30pm ‘Whisky Galore’ film, Halstock Village Hall, 7.30pm Santa Dash, Yeovil Country Park, 9.00am2.00pm Christmas Wreath Making Workshop, Chedington Village Hall, 10.00am-3.30pm Santa Specials, Yeovil Railway Centre, Stoford, 11.00am-3.00pm Yeovil Concert Band and Mill Singers Memorial concert, Holy Trinity Church, Yeovil, 7.00pm ‘Brilliance’ performance, Jubilee Hall, Yetminster, 7.30pm ‘Cinderella’ ballet, Westland’s Entertainment Centre, Yeovil, 7.30pm ‘A Christmas Cantata’ concert, Wincanton Sports Centre, 7.30pm West Country Embroiderers Workshop, Digby Hall, Sherborne, 9.30am3.30pm Somerton Sings, West Street Church, Somerton, 10.45am ‘Chinese Railway Adventure’ talk, Yeovil Court Hotel, 12.00 noon ‘Carmen’ film, Westland’s Entertainment Centre, Yeovil, 6.00pm WI Christmas Party, David Hall, South Petherton, 7.30pm ‘Nordic Pioneers’ lecture, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, 11.00am Gardening Society Christmas Lunch, Martock Primary School ‘The Maiden Newton to Bridport Railway’ talk, Beaminster Museum, 2.30pm

ELLES BAILEY

DORSET RAMBLERS

ROOTSY BLUES AND SOULFUL ROCK

WE COULD BE THE GROUP FOR YOU

SATURDAY 09 DECEMBER 18:45 Caryford Community Hall

Every Sunday walk in the glorious Dorset countryside. Distances 5-10 miles

Castle Cary BA7 7JJ

jenny.newman@zen.co.uk www.dorsetramblers.co.uk

For more email:

Tickets £12 from www.wegottickets.com

‘A Christmas Concert’ by Yeovil Community Orchestra, Swan Theatre, Yeovil, 7.45pm Gardening Club Christmas Party, Jubilee Hall, Yetminster, 7.00pm Lawrence’s General Sale, Crewkerne, 9.30am ‘Come for Christmas Coffee’, Parish Hall, Martock, 10.30am12.30pm* ‘Viceroy’s House’ film, Digby Church Hall, Sherborne, 7.30pm Christmas Dinner, Methodist Church Hall, South Petherton, 7.30pm Gardening Club talk, West Coker Village Hall, 7.30pm ‘After the Storm’ film, Yeovil College, 7.30pm Main Line Steam, Yeovil Railway Centre, Stoford, 10.30am-4.00pm Gardening Club Christmas Lunch, Seavington Village Hall, 12.00 noon

14-15

‘Beauty and the Beast’ film, The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, 7.00pm ‘Christmas Naturally’ demonstration, Warehouse Theatre, Ilminster, 7.30pm ‘Hollies and Ivies’ talk, Memorial Hall, Queen Camel, 7.30pm ‘Celtic Christmas Strings’ – A Festive Feast of Harp and Guitar’, Sandford Orcas Village Hall, 7.30pm Christmas Party Quiz, East Coker Village Hall, 7.30pm ‘Christmas Concert Under Concorde’, Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton, 7.30pm Coins Medals Stamps Clocks & Collectors’ Items & Antiques Auction, Charterhouse Auctioneers, Long Street, Sherborne, 10.00am ‘Despicable Me 3’ film, Jubilee Hall, Ditcheat, 5.30pm

17-18 18-19 18 19 20 6

‘Rock and Roll: Back the Years’ concert, The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, 7.30pm ‘Acoustic By Candlelight’ concert, All Saint’s Church, Castle Cary, 7.30pm Reg Meuross & Phil Beer concert, St Bartholomew’s Church, Crewkerne, 7.30pm Elton John and Meatloaf tribute, George Albert Hotel, Evershot, 7.30pm Alan Barnes Octet ‘A Christmas Carol’, Ilminster Arts Centre, 8.00pm Churches Together Coffee Morning, Market House, Castle Cary, 9.00am-12.00 noon* Coffee Morning for Explorer Scouts, Community Hall, Bruton, 10.00am-12.00 noon* Levels Best Farmers and Craft Market, Montacute House, 10.00am-2.00pm* Santa Specials, Yeovil Railway Centre, Stoford, 11.00am-3.00pm Legends of Rock, George Albert Hotel, Evershot, 7.30pm ‘Carols and Classics by Candlelight’, All Saint’s Church, Merriott, 7.30pm ‘The Dylan Project’ concert, David Hall, South Petherton, 8.00pm 80’s party, Westland’s Entertainment Centre, Yeovil, 8.00pm Dorset Ramblers Christmas Dinner, Dorset Gold and Country Club, Bere Regis ‘Bad Edukation’, Kelways Inn, Langport, 9.00pm Santa Specials, Yeovil Railway Centre, Stoford, 11.00am-3.00pm ‘BBC Somerset Christmas Extravaganza’, Westland’s Entertainment Centre, Yeovil, 7.30pm ‘Dick Whittington’ pantomime, 2.30pm & 6.30pm Choral Society Charity Concert, the Church, Ilminster Christmas Sale, Lyme Bay Auctions, Seaton, East Devon, 10.00am ‘St Agnes Fountain’, David Hall, South Petherton, 8.00pm Lawrence’s General Sale, Crewkerne, 9.30am

WI Social Afternoon, the Pavilion, Martock, 2.00pm Christmas Social and Members’ Short Talks, Norton Sub Hamdon Village Hall, 7.30pm Jersey Boys, George Albert Hotel, Evershot, 7.30pm Quiz Night, Somerton Sports Club, 8.30pm ‘The Red Turtle’ film, Davis Hall, West Camel, 7.30pm Big Band Swing Night, George Albert Hotel, Evershot, 7.30pm Coffee Morning, Community Hall, Bruton, 10.00am-12.00 noon* Santa Specials, Yeovil Railway Junction, Stoford, 11.00am3.00pm Steam Train Day – Mince Pie Special, Yeovil Railway Junction, Stoford, 10.30am4.00pm Ben Waters, The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, 8.00pm Coffee Morning for St Mary’s Church, Community Hall, Bruton, 10.00am-12.00 noon* Country and Western Dance Club host Ben Thompson, Davis Hall, West Camel, 7.30pm ‘Jigs for Gigs’ concert, David Hall, South Petherton, 8.15pm

December Exhibitions* Now-25 Nov Neroche Artists Exhibition, Ilminster Arts Centre, 9.30am-4.30pm 18 Nov-24 Dec ‘Impress’, ACE Arts, Somerton, 9.30am-4.30pm 27 Nov-22 Dec ‘Christmas Collection’, Ilminster Arts Centre, 9.30am-4.30pm 27 Nov-22 Dec South Somerset’s Embroiderer’s Guild exhibition, Café Gallery, Ilminster Arts Centre, 9.30am-4.30pm

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F R EEH OUS E

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Abbey Bookshop Cheap Street Sherborne Wide selection of Magazines, Periodicals and DVDs in stock. New Naxos Classical CDs

Have your daily paper delivered. Ask in store for details.

01935 812367

Saturday 16th DECEMBER Triple Award Winning

Farmers & Craft Market Local seasonal produce and crafts.

Montacute House, Yeovil, TA15 6XP 10 am – 2 pm

PARKING & ENTRY FREE - Dog friendly too!

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Showroom and recently opened workshop now open 9.30 to 2pm Monday to Thursday. All other times by appointment. NO V.A.T

1-22 Dec Christmas Exhibition, Jerram Gallery, Sherborne, 9.30am-5.00pm

Sundays 3, 10 and 17 December and Saturdays 16 and 23 December.

JANUARY ADVERT DEADLINE: 4.12.17

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Village By Lauren Hill

News

ALWESTON On Saturday 2 December from 9.00am to 11.00am at the Village Hall there is a Big Butty Christmas Breakfast. Christmas raffle, preserves, mince pies and more. A free child’s butty breakfast with the purchase of an adult breakfast. Children’s activity table. Food bank collection for anyone wishing to contribute. A community event organised by Folke Church.

BARRINGTON On Friday 1 December from 10.30am there is a Hedgerow Christmas Basket and Willow Wreath workshop with Jo Sadler. Jo is a Somerset based willow artist whose distinctive willow sculptures will also be on display in the garden during December. On Friday 1 from 11.30am enjoy Festive Afternoon Tea. On Friday 8 from 10.30am there is a Willow Reindeer workshop with Jo Sadler. On Saturday 9 from 10.00am there is a Christmas Willow Decorations workshop with Jo Sadler. All events at Barrington Court. BEAMINSTER On Saturday 2 December from 10.00am to 2.00pm there is the Annual Christmas Sale and Coffee Morning. On Friday 8 from 7.30pm go along to the Annual Christmas Concert. On Tuesday 12 from 2.30pm there is a talk called ‘The Maiden Newton to Bridport Railway’ with speaker Douglas Beazer. Admission £2.50. For more information visit www.beaminstermuseum.wordp ress.com All events at the Museum. BERE REGIS On Saturday 16 December the Dorset Ramblers have their Christmas Dinner celebrating their 70th anniversary at the Dorset Golf and Country Club, BH20 7NT. Members are invited to stay overnight after the Christmas meal to enjoy breakfast and a morning walk led by Rita and Angie. For more information email jenny.newman@zen.co.uk

CHEDINGTON On Sunday 10 December from 10.00am to 3.30pm at the Village Hall there is a Christmas Wreath Making Workshop. Learn how to design

and create your own Christmas wreath from natural materials. Cost £40, includes all materials, drinks, lunch and afternoon mince pie. All proceeds to the Village Hall. For more information phone 01935 891437. DITCHEAT On Friday 15 December from 5.30pm at the Jubilee Hall there is a Christmas Family Film Show. Ditcheat Big Screen will be showing ‘Despicable Me 3’. Drinks, snacks and licensed bar available. Tickets £6, available from the Farm Shop or on the door. For more information phone 01749 860396. (See ‘Movies Around the Towns and Villages’) EAST COKER On Friday 24 November at 7.30pm and Saturday 25 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm at the Village Hall the East Coker Players presents ‘Aladdin’ a traditional family pantomime. Tickets Adults £6, Children £4 available from 01935 862711. On Saturday 9 December at 7.30pm at St Michael’s Church see The Phoenix Voices accompanied by the Phoenix Chamber Ensemble. They will bring you a magical mix of Christmas music, traditional and a capella, complemented by a selection of Christmas hits from the 1960’s, including Cliff Richard, Melanie Thornton and Carrie Underwood. Tickets Adults £6, under 16’s £3.50 available from phoenix.voices@live.com or on the door. For more information phone 07762 724602. Their annual Christmas Concert will be raising funds to be divided equally between charity and the purchase of additional music sheets for their work with the care home residents. On Thursday 14 at 7.30pm at the Village Hall the Gardening Club have their Christmas Party Quiz with Mike Short. Visitors £3. For details phone 01935 862447. EAST STOUR On Saturday 9 December from 7.30pm at the Village Hall go along to Dorset Italian Festa di Natale. This Italian Christmas Party will include tuition in Southern Italian folk dances by Ilaria of La Tarantella Exeter, an artisan hot pizza buffet and bar available. Tickets £18, includes

pizza, available from 07811 781484 or jojoharvey1970@aol.com GILLINGHAM On Saturday 25 November from 7.30pm at the Church of St Mary Spectra Musica host their concert ‘Autumn Leaves’. Tickets £12 from 01963 350160 or on the door. (See ‘Arts’) HALSTOCK On Saturday 9 December from 11.00am to 3.00pm the Orchard Tasting Shed opens for festive refreshments. In aid of Halstock Village Community Room. Special offers on sales of liberty fields, orchard products for Christmas – apple balsamic, apple syrup, dessert cider and Porter’s Perfection Golden Vodka. On Saturday 9 at the Village Hall from 7.30pm see ‘Whisky Galore’. Eddie Izzard and Gregor Fisher take the lead in this hilarious remake, adapted from Compton Mackenzie’s novel and based on a real life true story. A joyous tale of whisky loving small timers coming together to keep officialdom at bay. Tickets £6 from the shop or on the door. For more information phone 01935 893485. (See ‘Movies Around the Towns and Villages’) HASELBURY PLUCKNETT On Saturday 9 December from 7.00pm the Bible Christian Centre welcome the return of Piano a Deux for their Christmas concert entitled ‘Cross Culture Christmas Carnival’. Tickets £6 available from the Oasis Coffee Shop on 01460 73147. KINGSBURY EPISCOPI On Thursday 7 December at the Village Hall from 7.30pm see the film ‘The Sense of an Ending’. Tickets £5 in advance from Personal Services Store and Dorothy’s Tearoom or £5.50 on the door. (See ‘Movies Around the Towns and Villages’) LONG SUTTON On Wednesday 29 November from 7.30pm at the Village Hall there is a lecture entitled ‘Van Eyck, the Ghent Altarpiece and Cultural Flowering in 15th Century Burgundy’ with Joanna Cobb. This is part of the ‘History of Art: The Bigger Picture’ series. Tickets £8, includes refreshments and information

folder, available from the Village Shop. On Saturday 2 December from 10.30am to 12.00 noon the church there is a Coffee Morning in aid of Somerton Trust for Arts and Recreation. MARTOCK On Saturday 25 November from 7.30pm at the All Saint’s Church see the CWMBACH Choir from South Wales. Tickets £9 in advance from Martock News, Martock Gallery or on 01935 822706, or £10 on the door. On Saturday 25 at 7.30pm at Parish Hall see the film ‘Whisky Galore’. A lyrical comedy about the aftermath of SS Politician, an 8000-ton cargo ship sailing for Kingston, Jamaica with a cargo of 28,000 cases of malt whisky running aground off the Island of Eriskay in the Outer Hebrides in 1941. Drinks, popcorn and nibbles available. Tickets £5.50 in advance from Just For Pets or 01935 826457 or £6 on the door. (See ‘Movies Around the Towns and Villages’) On Tuesday 28 at 7.30pm at the Primary School the History Group have a talk ‘The Postal System of Great Britain from Mediaeval Times Up Until 1840’ by Roger Marsh. He has talked to the group before about railways around Yeovil, knows his stuff and speaks and explains well. In Martock they still have their Post Office next to Martock’s main post horse and victualling station, the White Hart, with a big curved window to watch the mail horses coming. Admission £3, annual membership £10. For more information phone 01935 822202. On Saturday 9 December from 10.00am to 1.00pm at the Moorlands Shopping Precinct go to the Farmer’s Market. 18 stalls selling almost everything to stock your larder for a quality Christmas, including Gilbert & Swayne chocolates, Eggardon black

pudding and raw buffalo milk. If you would like to sing merrily or play some music at the market, please get in touch. A free apple punch or coffee to anyone who does. For a table phone 01935 822202. On Tuesday 12 the Gardening Society have their Christmas Lunch. For more information phone 01935 822144. On Wednesday 13 at the Parish Hall from 10.30am to 12.30pm it is ‘Come for Christmas Coffee’. Enjoy mulled wine and seasonal snacks. Profits shared between Parish Hall fund and charities. On Wednesday 20 from 2.00pm in the Pavilion the WI have a Social Afternoon with Christmas activities and festive morsels and music. Visitors welcome. For more information phone 01935 508265. MERRIOTT On Saturday 25 November from 7.00pm at the Village Hall there is a Quiz Night. Tickets £10, including supper from Osbornes, the Pharmacy and Premier Garage. On Tuesday 28 from 7.30pm at the Tithe Barn the Gardening Club has a talk called ‘South Somerset’s Parks and Gardens’ by Stephen Fox. Bring your favourite flower for flower of the month competition. Refreshments and raffle. Non members £2. For more information phone 01460 72298. On Saturday 16 December at All Saints Church from 7.30pm there is Carols and Classics by Candlelight. This will be the 9th year that the Fisher Sinfonia has performed at this 15th century church providing an unmissable evening of string ensembles with organ and piano accompaniment. 2017 has been an extremely busy for the string musicians whose international orchestral commitments has seen them

performing with major UK orchestras across all the continents. They use the occasion at Merriott to meet as friends, then to entertain and enthrall a wide audience from over a 40 mile radius. This annual concert has amassed a significant following of appreciative classical and festive music lovers, raising funds for the church. Mince pies and refreshments available. Tickets £8 available from Osborne Store, Crewkerne Information Centre or phone 07870 404631. MILBORNE PORT On Friday 8 December the Village Hall from 7.30pm hosts the highly entertaining New Scorpion Band. Drinks available. Tickets £12.50 from Wayne Pullen Butchers. For more information phone 01963 251028. On Saturday 9 at 7.30pm the Village Hall presents a recording of a live performance of ‘The Audience’ from the London West End stage production. They will also be showing support

material for the stage production as well as an on screen Question & Answer session at the end of the performance. Tickets £5 from Wayne Pullen Butchers. This is part of the outreach of the National Theatre. This is the first time Moviola promotes a Moviola/Cinegi event. (See ‘Movies Around the Towns and Villages’)

in advance on 07934 737104 or £6 on the door. (See ‘Movies Around the Towns and Villages’)

MONTACUTE The triple award winning Farmers and Craft Market at Montacute House, organised by Levels’ Best is on Saturday 25 November and Saturday 16 December from 10.00am to 2.00pm. Parking, entry free and dog friendly so a great time to top up on local seasonal products.

SANDFORD ORCAS On Thursday 14 December from 7.30pm at the Village Hall ArtsReach host Celtic Christmas Strings – A Festive Feast of Harp and Guitar. Chris Newman and Maire ni Chathasaigh have created one of the most distinctive voices in modern acoustic music. Their new Christmas show features a breathtaking blend of traditional Irish music, swing jazz and bluegrass, plus festive favourites given a fresh voice with arrangements that are intricate, inventive, moving and beautiful - a spellbinding treat for mid winter. Tickets £10, under 16’s £6 available from 01963 220208.

NORTH PERROTT On Thursday 7 December from 6.00pm at the Hoskyns Memorial Hall there is a talk entitled ‘A Game of Spies – The Secret Agent, the Traitor and the Nazi’. Paddy Ashdown will give a talk based on his latest critically acclaimed book. He is the first to tell the extraordinary true story of a lethal spy triangle set in occupied Bordeaux who were responsible for the most controversial betrayal that took place in wartime France. A vivid account of espionage, treachery and executions with moments of courage, stupidity and some very black deeds. The basic ingredient of this thrilling history is the story of how ordinary, untrained people in occupied Europe faced great questions of life, death and survival. Tickets Adults £12, 13-18 years £6, under 12’s free, includes a light supper and a glass of wine or juice, available from 01460 72883 or georgina222@uwclub.net Signed copies of the book will be on sale. Proceeds to St Martin’s Church Fund. ODCOMBE On Monday 4 December at 8.00pm the Village Hall has a Film Night showing ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Tickets £5

QUEEN CAMEL On Thursday 14 December at 7.30pm at the Memorial Hall the Horticultural Society have a talk called ‘Hollies and Ivies’ with Roy Cheek. Guests £2. Please note no meeting in January.

SEAVINGTON On Saturday 25 November from 10.00am to 1.00pm at the Village Hall there is a Christmas Market. On Thursday 14 December from 12.00pm at the Village Hall the Gardening Club have their Christmas Lunch. SOUTH PETHERTON On Sunday 26 November from 9.45am at Frogmary Green Farm there is a Festive Christmas Baking Course. On Saturday 2 December from 7.00pm at Frogmary Green Farm there is a Christmas Party with festive feast and live music. On Friday 8 at 8.00pm the Petherton Picture Show presents Whisky Galore’. Tickets £5. (See ‘Movies Around the Towns and Villages’) On Saturday 9 from 7.00pm at Church of St Peter and St Paul go along to Carols for Christmas with the Combined Arts Society Choir. The Choir will be singing a selection of carols, old and new and there will be plenty of audience participation too. Tickets £10, includes a glass of wine, mince pie and programme from N&D News or on 01460 240635. Retiring collection for charity. On Saturday 9 from 7.30pm at the David Hall it is Acoustic Night. On Monday 11 from 7.30pm the WI have their Members Christmas Party. Competitions: A Handmade Christmas Cracker and Bloom of the Month. On Wednesday 13 from 7.30pm at Methodist Church Hall the History Group have their Christmas Dinner. Visitors £3. All events, unless stated, are at The David Hall. 9

WEST CAMEL On Friday 24 November from 7.30pm see the film ‘Churchill’. Admission £5 on the door. On Saturday 2 December from 7.30pm Country and Western Dance Club host ‘Travis Logan’. Soft drinks, rolls and snacks available. Overnight camping allowed. Tickets £6. For more details 01460 78895. On Friday 22 from 7.30pm see the film ‘The Red Turtle’. Admission £5 on the door. (See ‘Movies Around the Towns and Villages’) On Saturday 30 from 7.30pm Country and Western Dance Club host ‘Ben Thompson’ and have their New Year Party with American Supper. Overnight camping allowed. Ticket only. For more details 01460 78895. All events at the Davis Hall. WEST COKER On Wednesday 13 December from 7.30pm at the Village Hall the Gardening Club have a talk by Neil Lovesey from Picket Nursery. Neil is a true plantsman and raises all his own plants from seeds or cuttings. Christmas treats available! Annual membership £5. YEOVILTON On Thursday 14 and Friday 15 December at 7.30pm the Fleet Air Arm Museum have their ‘Christmas Concert Under Concorde’. By popular demand the concert is on two evenings. Join the HMS Heron Volunteer band for their annual show which features several classics and some festive numbers. Tickets £15, includes a mince pie and mulled wine on arrival. Refreshments and bar available in interval. YETMINSTER On Sunday 26 November from 4.00pm at the White Hart see JD Acoustic Duo. On Wednesday 6 December from 6.30pm the History Society have their Christmas Party. On Sunday 10 from 7.30pm ArtsReach presents ‘Brilliance’. Tickets Adults £10, under 18’s £5, available from 01935 873719. (See ‘Arts’) On Tuesday 12 December from 7.00pm the Gardening Club have their Christmas Party. All events at the Jubilee Hall unless mentioned.

Movies

AROUND THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (PG) Disney’s liveaction adaptation of the classic fairytale by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont. Belle is a bright, beautiful young woman taken prisoner by a hideous beast in his castle. Belle befriends the castle’s enchanted staff: a china teapot, a candelabra and a mantel clock and eventually learns to see beneath the Beast’s exterior to discover the heart and soul of a prince. Starring Emma Watson and Dan Stevens and voices of Emma Thompson, Ewan McGregor and Ian McKellen. (Showing at Odcombe and Sturminster Newton) DESPICABLE ME 3 (U) After he is fired from the Anti Villain League for failing to take down the latest bad guy to threaten humanity, Gru finds himself in the midst of a major identity crisis. But when a mysterious stranger shows up to inform Gru that he has a long lost twin brother-a brother who desperately wishes to follow in his twin’s despicable footsteps-one former super-villain will rediscover just how good it feels to be bad. (Showing at Ditcheat) THE AUDIENCE For sixty years, the Queen has met each of her twelve Prime Ministers in a weekly audience at Buckingham Palace - a meeting like no other in British public - it is private. Both of the parties to the audience have an unspoken agreement to never repeat what is said, not even to their spouses. The Audience breaks this contract of silence and imagines a series of pivotal meetings between Her Majesty and the Downing Street incumbents. Each Politician come and go through the revolving door that is politics; Her Majesty always remaining the constant, waiting to welcome her next Prime Minister. This stage production features Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II and Edward Fox as Winston Churchill, Rufus Wright as David Cameron and Richard McCabe as Harold Wilson. (Showing at Milborne Port) THE RED TURTLE (PG) A shipwrecked sailor’s survival on a tropical island becomes dependent on his complex relationship with a giant red turtle in this wordless animated feature, a first ever international co production for Japan’s esteemed Studio Ghibli. (Showing at West Camel) THE SENSE OF AN ENDING (15) Tony Webster is the curmudgeonly divorced owner of a specialist camera shop in London. He still has a cordial relationship with his ex-wife, Margaret and the two share a strong bond with their daughter who is extremely pregnant and on the verge of having her first child on her own. The arrival of a

registered letter disrupts his routine. It turns out that the mother of his first love, Veronica, a vivacious young woman he met in college, has died. She has willed him an item that Veronica, whom he has not seen in over 50 years, now refuses to give him. As Tony tries to track it down, he shares with Margaret the story of this young romance, as well as the friendship with a fellow classmate that came to a tragic end. Starring Charlotte Rampling, Jim Broadbent and Harriet Walter. (Showing at Kingsbury Episcopi) VICEROY’S HOUSE (12A) New Dehli in March 1947. The huge and stately Viceroy’s Palace is like a beehive. Its five hundred employees are busy preparing the coming of Lord Louis Mountbatten, who has just been appointed new (and last) viceroy of India by prime minister Clement Attlee. Mountbatten, whose difficult task consists in overseeing the transition of British India to independence, arrives at the Palace, accompanied by his Edwina, his liberal-minded wife and by his eighteen-year-old daughter Pamela. Meanwhile, in the staff quarters, a love story is born between Jeet, a Hindu, and Aalia, a Muslim beauty. Things will prove difficult - not to say very difficult - both on the geopolitical and personal level. Starring Hugh Bonneville and Gillian Anderson. (Showing in Sherborne) WHISKY GALORE (PG) A remake of the classic 1949 Ealing comedy, which itself was based on a real-life incident that occurred in 1941 on the Hebridean island of Eriskay when the SS Politician ran aground. The tale of how a group of local Scottish islanders raided the wreck for its consignment of 24,000 cases of whisky quickly became legend. As the film opens, WWII is making its way to the quiet and peaceful Scottish island of Todday, requiring the presence of Captain Wagget and the Home Guard, who work to set up military order, hoping to protect the locals through observation and border protection. When stockpiles of the neighborhood’s beloved whisky are depleted due to rationing, panic sets in, necessitating the cancelation of future events, including marriage for both of postman Macroon’s daughters. But then a miracle arrives in the form of a cargo ship that’s crashed in the nearby sea, and Macroon and his neighbors soon realize they’re in possession of 50,000 cases of whisky, with little idea what to do with it all. Hoping to restart everyday life now that there’s alcohol to share, the locals meet the wrath of Wagget, who’s determined to follow though his orders and maintain regulation, searching for the missing whisky. Starring Eddie Izzard and Gregor Fisher. (Showing at Halstock and South Petherton)

NEW! www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk Visit The Conduit’s brand new website containing all the events listings plus the latest news. To include your business in our local directory or to reach our dedicated readership with an online ad, contact us: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk or call: 01935 424724 10

Save on Bills by Edward Covill, Ten Go

Déjà Vue Although you may already have seen them, we think it is timely to review some of our past suggestions for saving money that we have made in the previous 12 months. Prices continue to rise for gas and electricity. The best domestic deals can usually be obtained by joining a consortium. Our favourite is NHS Savings. Overall savings average £300 per annum. With the increase in the bank rate, the era of cheap mortgages may have come to an end. Go to “Which Mortgage Advisers” to get the best deal. If you have not already changed, you could still save £1,000’s on a large outstanding balance. Many are still paying up to 20p for connection and minimum charges for telephone calls. This is not necessary. You can use services that charge for the length of the call only. Savings of 50% are common. People who have perfectly good credit ratings may find their limits cut. This may be due to the bank’s policy of limiting their overall outstanding balances. Should this happen and you need the credit, try your local Credit Union. Rates are good but they do make checks to see if you can repay. Heating oil prices continue to rise. By going to “My Consortium” you may save 4-8%. Bulk LPG prices are rising. Great reductions may be made by changing to Aventi or Flogas. Check that their delivery terms fit in with your requirements. Savings of 20-30% are about average. One of the biggest problems has been faulty cavity wall insulation. When urea formaldehyde or similar products are used, any break in the filling makes a channel for water causing dampness on the inner wall. Compensation of £5,000 has been obtained. In hard water areas Scale builds up in boilers. The double action “Scale Manager 2” can eliminate scale. Saving up to 25%where there is 1/4 inch scale are usual. About six million smart meters have been installed in domestic premises across the UK . These monitor the usage of Electricity and Gas and means your bills are never estimated. The most common existing model in use is the SMET1. The snag with this is that it can be used with the existing supplier only. If you want to change to another supplier, the smart meter is useless. I strongly recommend that you do not use this type. Next year a new model, the SMET2 will be available and this fault will not apply, I suggest that you wait until this is available. As soon as possible we will have this evaluated and we will publish findings of its effectiveness.

Legal Matters by Dawn Gallie, Battens Solicitors

Five Questions for Employers this Christmas As Christmas approaches, along with the bad weather, boozy workplace parties and staff absences, what should employers do to ensure a joyful festive season? Dawn Gallie, Head of Employment at Dorset and Somerset law firm Battens Solicitors, answers employers’ five top questions. 1. Where employees are unable to get to work, what can employers do due to bad weather or travel disruption? A. Generally, employees have no automatic right to pay if they are unable to get to work, subject always to their contracts. Employers could take a view and at their discretion continue to pay or, alternatively, pay for part and allocate the rest as annual leave. 2. What about the situation where adverse weather closes schools? Aren’t parents automatically allowed to stay at home to look after their children? A. Parents are entitled to reasonable, unpaid time off to enable them to look after their children and to make alternative arrangements for their care. They are not entitled to prolonged time off and, if the closures are likely to be long term, employees need to make other arrangements for the care of their children. 3. I’m worried about the potential for unruly behaviour at Christmas parties. What can I do? A. Tread carefully. Employers are liable for the actions of their employees during the course of employment, and this liability extends to Christmas parties. Informing a boss what they can do with their job is likely to be a dismissible offence but if

there’s free booze and encouragement from the company then dismissal for unruly and drunken behaviour could be unfair. 4. What about people who might not turn up for work the following day, saying their absence is because of the party? A. If you’ve organised a mid-week party and expect people at work the following day, make sure this is clear and that disciplinary action may follow for those who call in ‘sick’. You might want to consider an incentive in the form of a bacon butty or perhaps allow a slightly later start time the following day. 5. Can I shut our workplace over Christmas and insist staff take the time as part of their annual holiday? A. You can potentially require employees to take holiday at certain times of the year and by giving the required notice. Again, check what it says in employees’ contracts about the amount and allocation of holidays. If in doubt it is always best to check with your HR advisers. * BattensHR is a dedicated service providing fixed-fee HR and employment advice. For more information, visit www.battens.co.uk, call 01935 846000 or follow @BattensSol on Twitter.

As usual, call from 5 am daily or e-mail covill.tengo@btopenworld.com for more info.

01935 846000

www.battens.co.uk

OFFICES IN SHERBORNE, YEOVIL, DORCHESTER and WEYMOUTH 11

A Christmas Gift by Allison Heed

The Christmas tunes echoed through the supermarket, there were more customers here than I was used to and every one of them seemed to be in a rush. I squeezed past the rabble to the frozen meals which were blocked by a wall of people shoving and squashing to grab the frozen turkeys. The checkout queue was full of screaming kids, grouchy adults and crying babies. I had never been so tempted to try internet shopping. As I piled my supply of meals for one on the belt, a small envelope at the bottom of my trolley caught my eye. I hadn’t noticed it when I had wrestled the metal food cage out of the jam in the car park but I had an inexplicable urge to pick it up. I saw who it was addressed to and, although it is unusual for me, my curiosity won out and I took it home with me. I twiddled the envelope between my fingers. I should perhaps have handed it in, or just left it there in the trolley, but something about it, about the way the handwriting had clearly been practiced and the way the pencil marks surrounding the letters had been carefully erased to make it look as neat as possible, something about its total innocence compelled me to pick it up. I started to open it when the small, plump silhouette of Valerie Whitestaff passed by my front window. I put the letter on the table, ran a suddenly clammy hand through my untamed, silver hair and went to answer the door. ‘Afternoon Harold, I wonder if I could interest you in some raffle tickets for the church’s community Christmas dinner,’ she said as she waggled the ticket book at me. I looked at her happy little face, her eyes had almost become consumed by the wrinkles around them, but they still sparkled. Sure, why not,’ I said, giving her my most dashing smile. I had no interest in the raffle, but she was the only person I had come across here that I just couldn’t be rude to. I handed over five pounds for five strips. She was evidently thrilled and indicated that I was in with quite a good chance of winning. I wanted to offer to help, but I didn’t have a good relationship with the people in the community like Valerie did. As far as most of my neighbours were concerned I was the stereotypical grumpy old man yelling at kids to get off my lawn and always insisting people leave me alone. I hadn’t

reet 4 lorne st Berksdale DT119SP

, Dear Santa

have been arl and I C is e m a My n year. go o d this , but co uld ny presents a d e e n ’t turkey so I do n my mum a d n se se a er yo u ple stmas d inn n have C hri ca that e so w t g a th methin so sy is L t e g and please en o n sent to op re p a s so she ha s not been day. She ha s a is m e st sh ri h t, C a g if e deser ves sh t bu d n d ta o go ’t unders , she doesn only little things yet. stmas, Merr y C hri Carl

attempted to make friends since I moved here eleven years before, I only knew Valerie because she made it her personal mission to welcome any new neighbour and befriend them, no matter how much they resisted. She thanked me and wished me good luck then went on her way. I returned to my living room with my raffle tickets and back to the letter on the table.

As I read the words the excessive hair on my arms almost stood on end. I had never felt myself compelled to stick my nose into other people’s business but my heart wouldn’t let me post the letter back to him and just do nothing. I paced, as I always do when I am thinking. As I passed back and forth I caught sight of my reflection in the mirror above the fireplace. My wiry hair shone on my head as well as on my chin. My rosy cheeks gave me my solution. This letter was addressed to Santa, and so, Santa I would become. I fumbled my way around the local toy shop, wandering the aisles for at least an hour. Eventually a kind store assistant showed me some best sellers and even offered to wrap them. I drove my car full of toys to the horrendously overcrowded supermarket and fought my way to the freezer aisle but, to my horror, in the space of three hours, every single turkey had gone. The next supermarket along was seven miles away and it was already approaching closing time. I wandered the aisles trying to work out what to do about the poor boy’s Christmas dinner when I saw that Christmas cards had been massively reduced. I bought one and wrote it out to Carl and his family.

Dear Carl,

on’t make my elves d C hurch on I’m afraid go to the u yo if t turkeys bu there w ill fro m 11am y a d s a m C hrist C hristmas delicio us a d n a ls be caro Dinner. ristmas a Merr y C h e v a h u yo I hope amazing Keep being Santa

I felt my heart racing and my stomach seemed to be hosting a butterfly wrestling match. I can’t remember the last time I felt so excited. I had committed the perfect Christmas good deed and it felt so good. On Christmas morning I sat with my jam on toast re-reading Carl’s letter, imagining how he would feel when he saw that Santa had received his message, when the doorbell rang. I was in jogging trousers and a cardigan and so typically it was Valerie at the door. She looked wonderful, her smile was truly dazzling. ‘Will you be attending the Church dinner?’ She asked. I looked at her hopeful face, but even though I had a new appreciation for Christmas, I wasn’t ready to join the community just yet. ‘No, I won’t be, I wouldn’t want to take a seat which is needed for somebody else,’ I said. She very slightly cocked her head to one side. We stood awkwardly for a while. She sort of hovered in the doorway until I finally took the hint and invited her in for a cup of tea. I brought the tea things through to the living room on a tray. My heart jumped when I saw she was sitting in my chair, where I had left Carl’s letter. I sat down slowly. She looked across at me. It felt like she was studying my face and it put me a little on edge. She leant forward in her seat, keeping her eyes on my own. ‘I live across the road from a young widow with two small children. She can barely afford electricity. They have been using my facilities while she finds her feet. This morning she told me about an extraordinary act of kindness, her son said that it was Santa.’ I felt my face change colour. I wanted to deny it, but I couldn’t lie, not to Valerie. I just sat, sweaty palmed, not saying anything. ‘Only one person bought five strips of raffle tickets you know,’ she said

I put the card in the envelope along with my raffle tickets. I didn’t need them and wouldn’t be at the dinner for the draw. If I was in with as good a chance as Valerie implied I would be happy that the prize went to the family. I drove up and down the unfamiliar, snow dusted street under the cover of darkness, my head craned forwards as I looked for the house number. A heaviness pulled at my heart when I eventually found it and all the lights were off. I stared up at the dark house hoping for some sign of life within when a light at the back went on and then, almost immediately, off again. I couldn’t be sure, it could have been a reflection or a flicker of Christmas lights from neighbouring windows, but it was enough for me. I parked around the corner, carried the bags across the street, put them on the doorstep, rang the doorbell and moved out of view, waiting just long enough to hear the door open, a woman’s voice gasp and the bags moving into the house.

I picked up my tea cup, words failed me and I wanted to keep my hands steady. ‘Your secret is safe with me,’ she said. ‘I just wanted you to know that what you did was truly inspiring. You have really made my Christmas as well as theirs.’ As she stood to leave she gave me a kiss on the cheek. ‘Merry Christmas Harold,’ she said. As I watched her leave her words sunk in. She wished me a Merry Christmas, and for the first time in years I really was merry. Who knows; maybe next Christmas I’ll even get a tree.

Travel

Heather Muir - Manager Yeovil Branch Miles Morgan Travel

More cruising choice at Miles Morgan Travel…. As you will probably know, cruising has seen a huge growth over the last decade and this market continues to grow as we see so many new ships being built to suit every taste. Here in Yeovil we've encountered more and more first-time cruisers asking us for advice. With the sheer variety of cruises available, our team of Cruise Specialists are specially trained, many with firsthand knowledge, to help you filter through the range of cruises and cruise lines to find which ones suit your taste, location and budget. Our newly-launched Ocean Cruise edition of Travel Talk aims to help guide you through just a few of the amazing cruise lines and itineraries we can offer. From the luxurious five-star voyages on board a Silversea cruise to more homely voyages on board a Cruise and Maritime Voyages or Fred Olsen Cruise Lines ship - our team in Yeovil can help you find the perfect cruise for you.

The next few years will see more ships being commissioned. Take for example, MSC Cruise’s largest ship in the world which will be one of four ships of this size launched between 2022 - 2026. Upon its launch, the vessel will be the biggest cruise ship in the world hosting 6,850 guests and boasting 2,760 cabins on board; 70 more passengers than the current world-record holder Royal Caribbean International's Harmony of the Seas. If you prefer something more intimate, then Silversea has its new ship the Silver Moon, the 10th ship in the Silversea fleet. A sister ship to the Silver Muse, Silver Moon will carry just 596 guests. Silver Moon will encompass the incredible luxury Silversea is known for. More and more cruising ports-ofcall have also been introduced to satisfy the more adventurous cruiser but these also offer more frequent cruisers a wider variety of stunning locations to explore. This can most notably be seen in the dramatic increase of cruise lines sailing to places such as Alaska and the Arctic. The striking landscapes and wildlife exclusive to these locations lead themselves to a truly unforgettable voyage with plenty of photo taking and memory making opportunities. There's never been so much choice when considering your cruise holiday and our team in Yeovil are fully equipped to help you find your perfect cruise. Please call in and pick up your copy of our new brochure or talk to your Cruise Specialists at Borough Arcade or call us on 01935 428488. Heather Muir Branch Manager Miles Morgan Travel.

Sherborne Douzelage Young Musicians 2018 Call for entries Following successful Sherborne Young Musician concerts, competitions and festivals in 2014 & 2016 applications are now open for the 2018 round. If you live or at school in the Sherborne Urban or Rural area then this is for you.It begins with the Sherborne Young Musician Competition on 19 May 2018 at Sherborne School, run along the lines of the BBC Young Musician of the Year and is for strings, woodwind, brass and piano players as well as solo vocalists up to and including school year 10. Applications are open now and close on 31 January 2018. This year the International Douzelage Young Musician of the Year festival, with competition and a concert in Granville France, will take place from 1 – 6 July 2018. Applications for teenagers in years 11 – 13 are requested to apply by 8th December for a scholarship to take part. Kevin Waterfall said: “As with the

successful 2014 & 2016 events, the 2018 festival will bring the best young musicians from countries across Europe to play with our musicians in France. They will have master classes together, perform in a concert, discuss music and have a lot of fun as well as competing with our best musicians. This project is a wonderful opportunity for our young musicians and for audiences to experience excellent music.” The event receives support from Sherborne Abbey Festival, Sherborne Douzelage, Simon Digby (Sherborne) Memorial Trust and The Barbara Whatmore Charitable Trust. In addition Wessex strings hosts a fund raising concerts for this project. Local business supporters or entrants can download applications and competition rules via www.sherbornemusic.org, or contact Kevin Waterfall at kevin.waterfall@btinternet.com or on 07825 152251.

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Your Christmas Antiques could actually be collectables!

Have you ever wondered whether those old dusty vintage Christmas decorations you store in the garage could be worth something? Take a second glance at those glass-blown ornaments and Santa figurines. Decorating the Christmas tree originated in Germany. Traditionally, nuts, fruits and candles were most common decorations. In the early 1800s, Americans began decorating trees, often covering them with garlands of popcorn or cookies that were in festive shapes. During the late 1800s, Christmas decorations became more elaborate with ornaments, baubles and garlands. Sending out Christmas cards all started in1843 when Sir Henry Cole first Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London had so many Christmas greetings to send that handwriting them was impossible. Instead, he commissioned 1,000 handcoloured cards showing a family toasting to the holiday season. Between the 1870s until World War I, postcards that were produced by publishers focused mainly on nativity scenes and families around a Christmas tree. These cards were often decorated with silk, lace and satin. Between 1898 and 1918 was the golden era of postcards and many top artists such as Ellen Clapsaddle, Samuel Schmucker, Frances Brundage and H.B. Griggs worked for publishers including

Raphael Tick & Sons, De LaRue and Marcus Ward & Co, all of whom created what have now become collectors’ items. Christmas ornaments have been an intrinsic part of Christmas tree adornments and home decorations for hundreds of years. It all began during the 1880s when German craftsmen began producing images of fruits, hearts, stars and angels in glass in Lauscha, Germany. It sparked much interest from F W Woolworth, an American mass merchandiser, who began importing these German glass ornaments to his 5 & 10 cent stores all across the country. After World War I, the handmade German ornament trade began to decline, and Max Eckardt, a German immigrant and a representative at the F W Woolworth Company saw this as an opportunity and began to produce ornaments that were sold under the name Shiny Brite. Today, collectors of antique and vintage Christmas tree ornaments tend to focus on themes, period, material and shapes. Shiny Brites that are in their original festively coloured boxes are desirable. The history of Santa Claus dates back to the fourth century Myra (now Turkey), where Bishop Nicholas graciously became a patron for children and the poor. It was not until the

Dutch immigrants who brought the traditions of Saint Nick back to America and through the mispronunciation of ‘Sinterklass’ (St. Nicholas), that Santa Claus was born. The most desirable and valuable pieces of Santa memorabilia are small and generally made of paper mache and then painted by hand called Belsnickles (Nicholas dressed in fur). No holiday dinner table is complete without one of the biggest British traditions: Christmas crackers. When collecting Christmas crackers, there are a few key features collectors look for: the design of the box imagery, the novelties that are found inside, which define much of the rarity and of course ones that haven’t been pulled. Next time you purchase a simple cracker, you might want to buy two boxes– one set to pull at the dinner table and the other to save for the future as certain modern crackers are sure to explode in price. Although we may only use these antique and vintage Christmas items once a year, hang on to those decorations and hand-me-downs and even ones given as gifts. You never know what might become a valuable antique 30 years from now!

Town News By Lauren Hill

BRUTON Every Thursday at 11.00am starting by the Museum there is a 40 minute Health Walk. Generally flat with a mixture of pavement and fields in dry weather. For more details call Bryan Pearson on 01749 938191. Every Saturday morning between 10.00am and 12.00 noon at the Community Hall there is a coffee morning to raise funds for local charities. On Saturday 25 money raised goes to Bruton Choral Society, on Saturday 2 December funds go to St Margaret’s Hospice, on Saturday 9, on Saturday 16 money goes to the Explorer Scouts, on Saturday 23 and on Saturday 30 to St Mary’s Church. There are hot drinks and refreshments served as well as cakes, books, bric-a-brac and a raffle. For more details call 01749 812074. CASTLE CARY On Friday 24 November at Caryford Hall from 2.30pm the Camelot U3A have a talk called ‘A Blast from the Past’ with speaker Jonathan Weeks. Jonathan is a collector and lecturer on medieval musical instruments with a particular penchant for the pipe and tabor. All members and guests are welcome. On Saturday 25 November from 9.30am at Caryford Hall it is the Save the Children Coffee Morning. On Saturday 25 from 10.00am to 6.30pm at Caryford Hall there is a Christmas Breadmaking Made Easy workshop. Please enrol online or directly on 0330 332 7997. On Tuesday 28 at the Caryford Hall from 7.30pm Cinema in Caryford presents ‘Another Mother’s Son’. Tickets £5 from Market House or £6 on the door. (See ‘Movies Around the Towns and Villages’) On Saturday 2 December at the Caryford Hall there is a Christmas Craft Market. Handmade quality items from local producers. For more information phone 01963 350980. On Saturday 2 from 10.00am at the Caryford Hall there is a Lovington School Coffee Morning and Christmas sale with stalls, crafts, toys and more. On Saturday 2 from 5.00pm it is the Christmas Light Switch on. On Tuesday 5 from 8.00pm at Caryford Hall the Somerset Wildlife Trust has a talk called ‘Wildlife in a Medieval Transylvanian Landscape’. Bob Gibbons will talk about the beautifully unspoilt landscape and wildlife of Transylvania, and reflect on how Britain may well have looked similar before industrialisation. Non members £3. On Thursday 7 from 5.00pm it is the Castle Cary Big Christmas – Shop ‘Til You Drop. On Thursday 7 from 7.30pm at the Methodist 16

School Room there Gardening Association have a talk called ‘Exploring the North Island of New Zealand’ with Rosemary Le Grand. Non members £1. For more information phone 01963 240837. On Friday 8 December from 7.30pm at the Methodist Church the Castle Cary Choir has their Christmas Concert. Enjoy an evening of Christmas songs, including some light hearted readings relevant to the joys of Christmas. Programmes £8 on the door. Refreshments included. Fundraising for Methodist Church and the Choir. On Saturday 9 from 9.30am at Caryford Hall there is a Toybox Coffee Morning. On Saturday 9 at 6.45pm at Caryford Hall see Elles Bailey. Elles has a talent for crafting and seamlessly weaving rootsy blues, country and soulful with a contemporary edge. Country Music magazine named her as the ‘one to watch’ in 2017 and broadcasting legend Whispering Bob Harris recently hosted Elles for an ‘Under the Apple Tree’ session. Tickets £12 in advance from www.wegottickets.com/event/412806 or £15 on the door. A fundraising event for Caryford Hall Development Fund. On Tuesday 12 at Caryford Hall from 11.00am the Arts Society have an illustrated lecture entitled ‘Nordic Pioneers’ with Ann Clements. The years 1880 to 1920 was an outstanding period in Scandinavian art with Kroyer, the Anchers, Gallen-Kallela, Asger Jorn and Munch. Entry £6. For more information phone 01963 350132. On Friday 15 from 7.30pm at All Saints Church there is an Acoustic By Candlelight with Jo Burt performing. Tickets £10 from the Market House, Bailey Hill Bookshop or on 01963 351615. All proceeds to All Saints Development Fund. On Saturday 16 from 9.00am to 12.00 noon at the Market House there is a Churches Together Coffee Morning. CREWKERNE Every Tuesday at the Sports Centre from 6.00pm to 7.00pm join in at the weekly Walking Netball sessions. For all ages and abilities. All sessions contain a gentle warm up. No need to book. First session free then £3.50 per session. Every Wednesday it is the Crewkerne Market now extended until 2.00pm in the effort to help rejuvenate the market and attract both traders and shoppers. For more information contact Laura Gowers on 01460 74001. On Saturday 25 at the Henhayes Centre from 10.00am to 12.00 noon there is the usual ‘Big Breakfast’. Egg, sausage, bacon, tomato or beans, tea and

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New Build Renovations Gas boiler installations Bathroom installations LPG Vented and Unvented Cyclinder Installation Free quotes - competitive prices Email: wills.plumbing@hotmail.co.uk Telephone Malcolm: 07885 420609 coffee for £4. No booking needed. On Friday 1 and Saturday 2 December at 7.30pm at the Victoria Hall CUDOS presents a Christmas Concert. Tickets £7.50 from 01460 74380. From Wednesday 4 to Sunday 8 from 12.30pm at the Henhayes Centre Christmas Lunches will be served. Cost £9. Booking essential on 01460 74340. On Thursday 7 from 5.30pm to 8.00pm at the George Reynolds’ Centre there is a Special Xmas Event. Festive craft and gift fayre, local school singers, games and arts and crafts for children. Refreshments available. Entry £4. All profits to support local GRC and ALS services. For more information phone 01460 73972. On Friday 8 at 7.30pm at Wadham School the Film Club presents ‘Les Parapluies De Cherbourg’. A 1964 French classic with operatic score by Michael Legrand that has romance, pathos, dancing in the rain and unforgettable theme tune. Admission for the year is £25. For more information contact 01935 822656. On

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ILMINSTER On Friday 24 November from 7.30pm at Parish Hall the Somerset Wildlife Trust have a talk called ‘A Life in Imaging: It Can’t All Be Shot in the Field’. David Spears will tell of the trials, tribulations & some of the laughs involved in making natural history and science programmes for the broadcasters. This partly autobiographical presentation will include some

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incidents and experiences rarely encountered by the layperson: from Cape Buffalo in South Africa to bacterial trains trundling around their culture dish in Chicago. Non members £3. On Saturday 25 at Monks Yard from 10.00am to 2.00pm there is a Christmas Craft Fair. The popular annual charity event will be a festive treasure trove where you will find high quality, original and unique gifts in two rooms full of unusual, beautiful arts and crafts items all hand made by over 25 local people. Many of the usual stallholders will be there as well as several new faces. Refreshments available. Last year’s Christmas Fair raised £500 for Air Ambulance and £175 for Cats Protection. This year the proceeds will go to The Jemima Layzell Trust and Heaven’s Gate Animal Rehoming. Free entry. On Tuesday 28 from 3.30pm at Monks Yard the Art Society have a Day of Special Interest ‘From Page to Stage’ – Shakespeare, Austen and Dickens’ by Jane Tapley. Non members £40, includes coffee and lunch. Please apply www.theartssocietynerochesouths omerset.org.uk On Friday 1 December from 8.00pm at the Ilminster Arts Centre Concerts in the West presents ‘Really Classical’. For added authenticity, all the pieces will be played on historical instruments, so expect gut strings and unusually shaped bows. For added authenticity, the musicians play from early editions and manuscripts. Tickets £15. (See ‘Arts’) On Saturday 2 at the Market House from 8.30am to 12.30pm go along to the monthly Produce Market. Local groups and producers sell their goods locally and support the projects that are in need of support. If you are interested in having a stall at £5 contact Emma Jane at 01460 298090. On Tuesday 14 from

7.30pm at the Warehouse Theatre from 7.30pm the Ile Valley Flower Club has a demonstration called ‘Christmas Naturally’ by Pam Lewis. Tickets £10 from Harrimans or 01460 75025. From Wednesday 6 to Saturday 9 from 7.30pm plus a 2.30pm matinee on the Saturday the Warehouse Theatre presents ‘Goodnight Mr Tom’. Set during the dark and dangerous build-up to the Second World War, Goodnight Mister Tom follows sad young William Beech, who is evacuated to the idyllic English countryside and builds a remarkable and moving friendship with the elderly recluse Tom Oakley. All seems perfect until William is devastatingly summoned by his mother back to London. Goodnight Mister Tom is a tale of two broken souls at very different ends of the age scale that celebrates the value of love and proves that friendship knows no barriers. Tickets £10, Students £5, available from Harrimans Menswear. On Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 at the Church the Choral Society have their next charity concert featuring a programme of seasonal music including carols and readings. Tickets £8 in advance from Harriman’s or 01458 259079 or £10 on the door. Money raised will be shared between the MS Society and Mind. LANGPORT On Saturday 2 December there is the annual Christmas Fair from 2.00pm to 6.30pm followed by a firework display and hog roast. The fair is intended to complement businesses in the town and has over 40 vendors who will set up on Parrett Close and around the Angel and Ridgway Hall. A wonderful selection of stalls has been booked with everything from art, accessories and gifts to tasty treats and mulled cider.

Visitors will enjoy music and entertainment from local bands and carol singers to really get everyone in a joyful festive mood. To book a pitch phone 07767 310833. On Sunday 3 Shakspeare Glass will be holding their annual Open Day and Sale. An event for lovers of beautiful hand blown glass, art and more. For more information phone 01458 252477. On Monday 4 the History Society have their Annual Social at the History Hut, Low Ham, TA12 9DR. For more information contact anne.michell@btinternet.com On Saturday 16 at Kelways Inn from 9.00pm see Bad Edukation perform.

SHERBORNE On Monday 27 November from 7.30pm at Sherborne Abbey there is a lecture called ‘Made in the Image’. Dorothy L Sayers is best known as the creator of suave sleuth Lord Peter Wimsey but she was also one of the finest Anglican theologians of the 20th century. Sayers challenged the patriarchal church of her day to broaden its understanding of what it means to be human, male and female and in her book Mind of the Maker used the creative process in the arts and literature to illuminate theology and vice versa. Amy Orr Ewing is Director of the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics (OCCA). Amy is a passionate exponent of a rational Christian response to many of the pressing cultural issues of the day. She recently completed her DPhil at Oxford University looking at the work of Dorothy L Sayers. Entry £5 available from Parish Office, 3 Abbey Close or 01935 812452. On Wednesday 29 from 7.30pm at Digby Hall ArtsLink and the Arts Society have an illustrated lecture called ‘Amedeo Modigliani and Bohemian Paris 1906 – 1920’ by Julian Halsby. An exploration of Modigliani’s art, friends and bohemian lifestyle to coincide with Tate Modern’s exhibition of his work starting on Thursday 23. Tickets £8.50 available from Sherborne Tourist Information Centre on 01935 815341. On Thursday 30 November at 7.30pm at the Digby Hall the Floral Evening Group have an a talk called ‘Bah Humbug’ by National Demonstrator and Horticultural Auctioneer Nick Grounds. Admission £12 from 01935 812722 or £15 on the door, includes coffee and tea. Nick has a commanding presence on stage being entertaining, full of humour, as well as sharing interesting tips.

This is the biggest demonstration that they put on each year to raise much needed funds for their club. On Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 December at the Digby Church Hall from 10.00am to 4.00pm it is the 14th Annual Crafts for Christmas. Unique and unusual gifts for Christmas or the home. For that perfect gift do not miss Crafts for Christmas. Organised by West Country Fairs. Enquiries 01749 677049. On Saturday 2 from 2.30pm at the Digby Hall the Blackmore Vale and Yeovil National Trust Association hosts a Christmas Concert by The Trinity Entertainers. Festive refreshments and a raffle. Tickets £5. On Saturday 2 from 7.30pm at the Sherborne Abbey see the Chamber Choir. An advent celebration with conductor Paul Ellis and organist Simon Clarkson. Tickets £16, under 18’s free available from 01935 815341. On Sunday 3 from 10.00am to 4.00pm it is the annual Sherborne Festive Shopping Day. The town’s increasingly popular ‘Love a Local Christmas’ event is free entry and offers a fabulous family day out, whilst raising awareness for many local charities. During the day, the town puts on a whole host of different musical, fun and entertaining activities for all ages. This year includes Morris Dancing from Hobos Morris, clog dancing from the Treacle Eaters, and choirs from Sherborne Girls, Sherborne Boys, Sherborne Prep and Leweston – not to mention the wonderful Sherborne Abbey Choir. With face painting and balloon animals to entertain the children (and the big kids!) there really is something for all ages. Look out for one of Father Christmas’ very own reindeer walking tall through the town! Cheap Street and Digby Road will have street entertainment, market stalls, Abbey 104 and more. Father Christmas will once again be taking up residence in his Grotto outside the Post Office. On Wednesday 6 from 2.00pm at the Digby Hall The Arts Society hosts a talk by Sarah Lenton on

Christmas at Covent Garden who will be looking at 300 years of Christmas shows at the Royal Opera House. New members welcome. Visitors £5. For more information visit www.theartssocietysherborne.org. uk On Saturday 9 from 10.30am to 3.30pm at Digby Hall it is the second Handmade Craft Market. A good chance to get early Christmas presents! These traders only sell handmade goods, made by themselves. The range is very wide and includes embroidered gifts and contemporary textiles, together with beadcraft, chainmaille jewellery, children’s clothes, crocheted sculptures, felted bags and hats, fishing flies, fused glass, gemstone and silver jewellery, household textiles, keyrings and wine glass charms, needle felted pictures, wood turned gifts, and wooden keepsake pictures and plaques. Tea and cake available. Free entry. On Saturday 9 from 7.00pm at Cheap Street Church the Mill Singers presents their Charity Seasonal Concert. Festive music and grand raffle. Tickets £9, under 14’s free, from Winstones Bookshop or 01258 821576. In Aid of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. On Monday 11 from 9.30am to 3.30pm at the Digby Hall the West Country Embroiderers have a workshop. £15 in advance. New members welcome. For details call Ann on 01963 34696. On Wednesday 13 at Digby Church Hall from 7.30pm ArtsLink Flicks presents ‘Viceroy’s House’. Drama based on the final Viceroy of India, Lord Mountbatten and the transition of British India to independence. Starring Hugh Bonneville and Gillian Anderson. Tickets £6 from 01935 815341, the TIC, or on the door. (See ‘Movies Around the Towns and Villages’) On Sunday 17 at 6.30pm and Monday 18 at 2.30pm and 6.30pm at Digby Hall the Amateur Pantomime Society present ‘Dick Whittington’. SOMERTON On Friday 24 November at 10.00am to 12.00

noon at the Edgar Community Hall the U3A are meeting. After any announcements there will be a guest speaker. Non members £1.50. On Monday 27 November at Parish Rooms from 7.30pm the Green Gardeners have their Christmas Special with a demonstration and tasting session with luxury chocolatiers, Gilbert and Swayne of Baltonsborough. Refreshments available. Visitors £3. On Thursday 30 at 8.30pm at the Sports Club there is a Quiz Night. Teams of up to six people, £2 per person. All welcome to this friendly monthly brain teaser. On Friday 1 December from 10.00am to 2.00pm at the Market Place go along to the monthly Market. Plenty of stalls including meat, plants, homemade soaps and candles, wool art craft, Dorset pies, preserves, Italian cheeses, bespoke catering and more. For more details email marketonatsomerton@gmail.com On Monday 4 from 7.00pm at West Street Church there is a talk called ‘The Armada Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I and Power Politic in Late 16th Century Europe’ by Joanna Cobb. This is part of the ‘History of Art: The Bigger Picture’ series which will continue in the New Year. Tickets £8, includes light refreshments and information sheets, from Somerton Hair and Beauty Salon, Full of Beans Cafe ad Cobbs Wholefoods. For more information phone 01458 832178. On Tuesday 9 from 7.30pm at the Parish Rooms the Somerset Wildlife Trust has a talk called ‘Fungi: The Good The Bad & The Ugly’ with Michal Jordan. Everything you wanted to know about fungi, but didn’t know who to ask – what’s the difference between mushrooms and toadstools? Can I eat them? What are fairy rings? How do I get rid of them from my lawn? Non members £3. On Monday 11 at 10.45am at West Street Church Somerton Sings are meeting. They sing anything well known, songs from the shows, old English melodies, and songs from the 30’s up to present. For details 01458 272750. On Thursday 21 at 8.30pm at the Sports Club there is a Quiz Night. Teams of up to six people, £2 per person. All welcome to this friendly monthly brain teaser. On Friday 22 at 10.00am to 12.00 noon at the Edgar Community Hall the U3A are meeting. After any announcements there will be a guest speaker. Non members £1.50.

WINCANTON On Friday 1 December from 7.30pm at the Memorial Hall the Gardeners Club have their Bring and Share Supper and a talk on ‘Slightly Naughty Plants’ from a Castle Gardens member. On Saturday 9 from 10.00am to 12.00 noon at the Memorial Hall there is a Coffee Morning. There will be a raffle and cakes. Tea, coffee and biscuits available. On Sunday 10 from 7.30pm at the Sports Centre the Wincanton and Durweston Choral Societies presents their Christmas Concert ‘A Christmas Cantata’ by Geoffrey Bush with folk songs and seasonal music. Hannah O’Toole-Thrower will be on soprano and Sarah Shore on oboe. Licensed bar. Tickets £13.50 in advance before 4 December, £15 on door, under 18’s £6, available from 01749 813899. YEOVIL Whist Drive every Saturday at the Holy Trinity Church Hall at 7.30pm. Enquiries 01935 862325. From now to Saturday 25 November at Yeovil Library the Art Group will be holding their Autumn Exhibition. Find a display of original paintings and greetings cards on the top floor. Admission free. From now until Saturday 9 December at St John’s Church Cards for Good Causes Multi Charity Christmas Card shop is open. You can buy a wide range of Christmas cards from over 35 national and local charities as well as gifts, advent calendars and stocking fillers. Over 70p in every pound spent goes to charities. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday open 10.00am to 3.00pm, Tuesday 11.30am to 3.00pm and Saturdays 10.00am to 1.00pm. On Saturday 25 November from 8.00am to 2.00pm at Cartgate Picnic Site, A303/A3088 Roundabout there is a Food, Drink and Craft Market. On Saturday 25 from 6.00pm at Westlands Entertainment Centre there is a Mayor Charity Ball. The evening includes a four course meal, dancing to ‘Daytona’ and DJ Will, silent, main auction, tombola and raffle. Fun casino and a professional photographer. Raising money for St Margaret’s Hospice Yeovil and School in a Bag. On Wednesday 29 at Yeovil College from 7.30pm Yeovil Cinematheque Film Society will be showing ‘The Handmaiden’. Sarah Waters Victorian novel Fingersmith gets transferred to 1930’s Korea. A compelling tale of revenge, full of plot. Expect dark humour and stylish design.

Annual membership £30. Guests £5. For more information phone 01935 421905. From Wednesday 29 November to Saturday 2 December at 7.45pm at the Swan Theatre the Civic Players presents ‘Relatively Speaking’. Tickets £9, Students £8, Wednesday offer Two for £15. (See ‘Arts’) On Friday 1 December at 7.30pm at the Holy Trinity Church the Yeovil Archaeological and Local History Society have an interesting talk called ‘Doxford the Shipbuilder’ with Hilary Doxford, Honorary President of Doxford Engine Friends Association. Guests £2. On Saturday 2 from 10.30am at the Marion Hall, The Avenue there is a Christmas Fayre. Many stalls selling Christmas gifts, flowers, cake, bric-a-brac, bottles and more as well as a tombola. Tea, coffee, light lunches and Indian meal. School choir and Irish Dancers will be performing. Entry 50p. On Sunday 3, Sunday 10, Saturday 16, Sunday 17 and Saturday 23 at the Yeovil Railway Centre in Stoford from 11.00am to 3.00pm the Santa Specials are back. Once again running over five days, this offers a great family occasion leading up to Christmas. The visit starts with a train ride behind one of the steam locomotives and they have a choice of a heritage carriage or a brake van with a real coal fire to ride in. The track is about 1/3rd mile long, so the train ride is full of fun for the children but not long enough for them to get bored. Afterwards, visitors can then make their way to the ex GWR Transfer Shed, which is transformed into a magical place with snow and bubble machines enhancing the experience, where Santa will be ready in his grotto (with a present for the children). Seasonal refreshments are also included in the ticket price. Tickets adults and children £9.50 if booked more than 24 hours in advance, Groups £9, £12 if booked less than 24 hours before. Booking required from http://www.yeovilrailway.freeserver s.com/santabooking.htm On Saturday 3 from 4.00pm at St John’s Church St Margaret’s Hospice host a Light Up A Life service. Join and remember and celebrate the life of your loved ones. Tea and mince pies available. On Friday 3 at 7.30pm at the Holy Trinity Church the Archaeological and Local History Society have an interesting talk on ‘Somerset’s Highway Heritage’ with speaker Richard Raynsford. Guests £2. From Friday 8

December to Sunday 7 January at the Octagon Theatre their Christmas pantomime is ‘Cinderella’. Tickets £13.50. On Friday 8 from 7.30pm at St John’s Church the People’s Choir present their Christmas Concert ‘Rejoice and Sing’. Tickets Adults £7, under 16’s £4, includes refreshments, available from 07707 007099 or buy at the door. On Saturday 9 from 8.00am to 1.00pm at the Methodist Church there is a Charity Big Breakfast. Relax with a full English breakfast plus tea or coffee and toast. Vegetarian options available on request. Raising money for St Margaret’s Hospice and School in a Bag. On Sunday 10 from 9.00am to 2.00pm at Yeovil Country Park there is the annual Santa Dash. Festive and fun filled event aimed at runners, non runners, work teams and families. In aid of St Margaret’s Hospice. On Sunday 10 from 7.00pm at the Holy Trinity Church it is the Steph Talbot Memorial Christmas Concert featuring Yeovil Concert Band and the Mill Singers Male Voice Choir. Tickets £9, under 16’s £3 from 01935 321330, www.yeovilconcertband.com or on the door. In aid of Yeovil Heartbeat. On Monday 11 at 12.00 noon at the Yeovil Court Hotel The Probus Club have a talk called ‘Chinese Railway Adventure’. On Wednesday 13 at Yeovil College from 7.30pm Yeovil Cinematheque Film Society presents ‘After the Storm’. A blend of comedy and drama, the flawed protagonist Ryota hopes still to lay a significant role in the life of his estranged family. Annual membership £30. Guests £5. For more information phone 01935 421905. On Tuesday 14 at Yeovil Railway Junction in Stoford there is a Main Line Steam. They will be using a Black Five Engine 45305 from London Victoria to Sherborne and Yeovil. On Friday 29 at Yeovil Junction between 10.30am to 4.00pm is a Steam Train Day – Mince Pie Special. There will also be model railway, art gallery displays and historical railway exhibits. Admission Adults £7, Children £3.50, under 5’s free. Free mince pie with every cup or coffee!

Railtours running London Waterloo to Exeter via Yeovil Junction (return via Taunton to London Victoria). Engine will be 35028 ‘Clan Line’. YEOVIL. On Friday 3rd November at 7.30pm, Yeovil Archaeological and Local History Society have an interesting talk ‘Archaeology of Stone Quarrying’ the Speaker is Peter Stanier and is being held at Holy Trinity Church, Lysander Road, BA20 2BU. Guests £2 at the Door.On Tuesday 5th and Saturday 23rd September at Yeovil Railway Junction in Stoford there is a Main Line Steam. On the Tuesday with Steam Dreams running London to Sherborne & Yeovil. Engine booked as 70013 ‘Oliver Cromwell’. On the Sunday U K Railtours running London Waterloo to Exeter via Yeovil Junction (return via Taunton to London Victoria). Engine will be 35028 ‘Clan Line’. On Tuesday 5th and Saturday 23rd September at Yeovil Railway Junction in Stoford there is a Main Line Steam. On the Tuesday with Steam Dreams running London to Sherborne & Yeovil. Engine booked as 70013 ‘Oliver Cromwell’. On the Sunday U K Railtours running London Waterloo to Exeter via Yeovil Junction (return via Taunton to London Victoria). Engine will be 35028 ‘Clan Line’. A Cards for Good Causes Multi Charity Christmas Card shop is now open within St John’s Church in Yeovil, where you can buy a wide range of Christmas Cards from over 35 National and Local Charities plus Gifts, Advent Calendars & Stocking Fillers. Over 70p in every pound spent goes to the charities. It is open from 10th October until 9th December and Opening hours are :- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 10.00am to 3.00pm. Tuesday 11.30am to 3.00pm and Saturday 10.00am to 1.00pm. A Cards for Good Causes Multi Charity Christmas Card shop is now open within St John’s Church in Yeovil, where you can buy a wide range of Christmas Cards from over 35 National and Local Charities plus Gifts, Advent Calendars & Stocking Fillers. Over 70p in every pound spent goes to the charities.

On Tuesday 5th and Saturday 23rd September at Yeovil Railway Junction in Stoford there is a Main Line Steam. On the Tuesday with Steam Dreams running London to Sherborne & Yeovil. Engine booked as 70013 ‘Oliver Cromwell’. On the Sunday U K

It is open from 10th October until 9th December and Opening hours are :- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 10.00am to 3.00pm. Tuesday 11.30am to 3.00pm and Saturday 10.00am to 1.00pm. Halloween Trail at Yeovil Country Park

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Christmas gifts for gardeners It’s that time of year when we are thinking more and more about Christmas presents, and I always ponder, what do you get the gardener who has everything? A large pot to put everything in? Not a bad idea actually, as just about everyone has space in their garden for a plant pot and frost proof pots are extremely useful, just like our range of Yorkshire made pots, which also come in a range of traditional shapes and numerous sizes. Filling the pot might be a matter of choice, but what a choice there is. My suggestion would be something for the winter months, such as the Sarcococca or Christmas Box, this small evergreen shrub doesn’t look much in the summer but come the winter it flowers with tiny white blooms, which have a truly wonderful scent. Another joy is the Skimmia, particularly the male forms, such as Skimmia Rubella, which is an evergreen and bud up for the winter, becoming a darker red as the winter progresses, before eventually opening in the early spring with white scented flowers. Other tools such as secateurs or the compact foldaway pruning saws make superb presents. The downside is that if one were to try them out on Christmas Day, they’re such good fun that dinner may get forgotten. My sister always asks for seeds for Christmas and we take great delight in filling a small trug with a collection of vegetable seeds each year. We enjoy adding a personal touch

by taking care in choosing varieties that we know she likes but always surprise her with a few new varieties or with something we know she hasn’t tried before. Then of course there is always the option of a wonderful house plant, starting with the classic Christmas houseplant, the Poinsettia. The best-known variety has bright red bracts but now there is a vast array of other colours including white, pink, cream and marbled with the foliage also available in a variegated form too. Cyclamen also are a seasonal favourite, with flowers in colours of the purest whites to darkest reds and purples, and when indoors, thrive in cool conditions and must be watered from the base to keep them in good form. Orchids are a Christmas favourite and despite being more and more popular, still have a mystique and exotic feel. They’re much easier to look after than many think, with the Cymbidium needing fairly cool conditions, and Phalaenopsis and Cambrian liking it slightly warmer. With our free gift-wrapping service plus free delivery within 25-miles, a gardening gift could be just the thing to give this Christmas – and a great gift to receive too! Mike Burks, managing director of The Gardens Group

Fashion & More

by Thelma Drabik, Melbury Gallery

Melbury through

the

movement, music and theatre.

entire gallery, with a

They will take Rashid Johnson’s

combination of painting,

exhibition as their starting point.

sculpture, installation, and

It is available to young people

drawing, all completed during

aged 11 – 16 years. All work

his two month long residency in

culminates into a public

Bruton. Free entry, booking

performance on Thursday 24th

required.

has you covered for Christmas!

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August. This is a subsidised

event and tickets are £140 for

On Saturday 19th August at

the full course. We ask that all

7.30pm at the Ilminster Arts

participants are delivered to the

Centre there is a French Night

gallery and picked up by a

Fundraiser. Ilminster Arts

Baker launches Crowdfunder to create lasting legacy A fourth generation local baker has the perfect Christmas present available – plus it will help the community too! Steve Oxford from Oxfords Bakery which has outlets in Sherborne, Alweston, Sturminster Newton and Canford Cliffs, has launched a crowdfunding campaign which includes the chance to learn how to make chocolate eclairs for Christmas. Steve explains more about his project: “This project started as a vision that my Mum had, for the bakery to have a tea room and Museum to celebrate Oxford's involvement in the community over the past century. I've expanded that initial idea to include even more facilities to allow even more people to enjoy our bakery.“We have plans approved to develop our site to include new tourism, education, catering, glamping and recreational facilities. Oxford’s want baking and bakeries to continue to be at the heart of communities long after “The Great British Bake Off” has been cancelled from TV. This funding will go into ensuring that happens. By assisting to fund this project you will help: • Bring new tourists to the area helping to support other local businesses. • Create a community hub for social gatherings and youth groups • Create a facility for weddings, birthdays and other celebrations to create life long memories. • Enable a space to be utilised for the education of schools, businesses and recreational bakers. Ensuring that the values of good home baking don’t get lost and more people get into food through baking. • Enabling start up caterers/restaurateurs to have a venue for hosting ‘Pop up Restaurants’. • Allowing people from all walks of life to enjoy a weekend in the Dorset Countryside. • Provide a facility for businesses to host events. • Hopefully ensuring that the 5th generation of Oxfords Bakery have a sustainable future Your funding gets you some pretty tasty rewards including the chance to learn how to make some amazing chocolate eclairs!” Visit Oxfords Bakery’s website for more details (but you need to be quick as applications close 29 Nov!): www.oxfordsbakery.co.uk .

responsible adult, please let us It’s the time of sparkly lights, sparkling drinks andchild to know if you wish your (hopefully!) some nights of on travel to and from the gallery sparkling entertainment! And, their own. Children should bring of course, you’ll need an outfit a packed and At or two lunch, to see snacks you through! Melbury, we’ve got you drinks as necessary. Enquiries covered! contact Debbie Hillyerd at debbie@hauserwirth.com Sumptuous velvets and devorés from Grizas, gorgeous hand Ondyed Friday 18th August at of Xile creations from Out and Privatesachen, understated 5.00pm at Hauser and Wirth in style there from OSKA and fluid Bruton is an Exhibition shapes from Sahara and more. Tour. Make your outfit zing with Join them for a tour of Rashid some fantastic statement Johnson’s led by to jewellery‘Stranger’ - we have plenty choose from. Amazing hand Hauser & Wirth Somerset’s crafted earrings and necklaces Head of Education, Debbie from Ayala Bar, always Hillyerd. The walking tour will irresistible and every piece lead guests through the great unique (and they make galleries and We Cloister Courtyard gifts too!). also have plenty of other styles to choose from whilst discussing significant including 925 silver and some works in the exhibition. Rashid fabulous costume jewellery too Johnson employs a wide range in every style you can imagine of materials andtoimages to from delicate bold, simple to boho!themes of art history, explore literature, philosophy, and

Centre’s volunteers How aboutenterprising a scarf or shawl to drape around yourtheir shoulders? will be donning berets and We’re famous for our strings of onions forscarves. a We’ve literally got hundreds to fundraising evening. Taking its choose from - in all the colours inspiration from of the rainbow, andacross pricesthe to suit every pocket. Channel this friendly and informal fundraiser will feature Then it’s time to think about the a delicious three course meal of days at home, long country French cuisine andAgain wine,- we walks and coziness. accompanied by homegrown can help! Great casual clothing from Thought, Adini, Nomads, live entertainment, music and Mama B and more will ensure hilarity. The organisers are you look stylish as well as being even promising ‘a bit of oh la practical and warm. Finish it off la’ as well, felt andKopla if past with a wool hat in a fundraisers are anything to go myriad of beautiful hues, and maybe great pair of bamboo by, thisa alone should be enough socks fromthe Thought. to merit ticket price. There is no need to speak or even So pay us a visit - and you’ll be understand French either! the one shining this Christmas! Profits from the evening - which is organised and hosted by volunteers - go towards supporting Ilminster Arts Centre, which is a registered charity that receives no outside funding. Tickets £15 available

from the Arts Centre or by MELBURY GALLERY

personal and cultural identity.

ringing the Box Office on 01460 His exhibition atHalf Hauser & Wirth Sherborne Street, Moon

Street, Arcade, South Tudor 10-11 54973. BookDorchester a table and fill it Somerset unfolds throughout www.melburygallery.co.uk

ART

BY RACHEL MOWBRAY

VISUAL ART From now to Saturday 25 November at the Ilminster Arts Centre the Neroche Artists have an exhibition. They are a diverse group, each artist excelling in their own particular field. Mediums range from intricate engravings to beautifully executed sculptures along with watercolours, oils, pastels and etchings.

From now to Sunday 24 December ACE Arts in Somerton hosts a new exhibition called ‘Impress’. Showcasing the best of printmaking in Somerset. From Monday 27 November to Friday 22 December at the Ilminster Arts Centre there is the ‘Christmas Collection’. There will be a cornucopia of hand crafted gifts for the festive season, including ceramics, textiles, jewellery, accessories and decorative items such as glass and pictures available to buy. Featuring gifts for all ages, presents for children and items for even the hardest-to-buy-for friend or relative! From Monday 27 November to Friday 22 December at the Cafe Gallery in the Ilminster Arts Centre it is the South Somerset Embroiderer’s Guild ‘Ruby Collection’ exhibition. Stitchwork display celebrating the group’s ruby anniversary. During 2017 the group has been busy making a ruby table runner for another branch who also celebrated 40 years, worked together on a group banner, made ruby themed cards to exchange at their celebratory luncheon and worked toward this ruby/red exhibition. In 2018 they look forward to embroidering in ‘any colour but red!’ From Friday 1 to Friday 22 December from 9.30am to 5.00pm the Jerram Gallery in Sherborne has their Christmas Exhibition. New work by 15 selected artists. MUSIC On Friday 24th November at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil from 7.30pm enjoy a performance of Haydn, Ravel and Brahms by the Gildas Quartet. Tickets £16. On Friday 24 at Westland’s Entertainment Centre in Yeovil from 7.30pm see ‘Dr Hook’ starring Dennis Locorriere in his Timeless World tour. Tickets £36.50. On Friday 24 from 8.00pm at the Ilminster Arts Centre see Mike Denham. Marking the centenary of Joplin’s death in 1917, the concert will take the audience on a ‘magical history tour’ of American music from the origins of jazz in ragtime and blues, via the legendary pianists Fats Waller and Jelly Roll Morton, and on to the evergreen songs of George Gershwin and Irving Berlin with a smattering of Fat Domino’s boogie woogie and the birth of rock’n’roll thrown in for good measure. As well as being a highly skilful pianist, Mike is a great raconteur with a huge passion for his subject. He wears his knowledge lightly though, and his humorous anecdotes bring the musical past alive, as well as being thoroughly entertaining. Tickets £12. 22

On Saturday 25 from 7.30pm at Gillingham Church of St Mary Spectra Musica host their concert ‘Autumn Leaves’. The programme includes two works by Mozart – the Ave Verum Corpus and less well known Misericordias Domini which was written in less than a week for High Mass in Munich in 1775. Also included is Jeremiah Clarke’s anthem ‘Praise the Lord’ which was performed for the coronation of Queen Anne in April 1702. Many more composers will feature and it is hoped that some of the lighter pieces will bring a smile to your face. Tickets £12 from 01963 350160 or on the door. On Saturday 25 from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil Folk rock pioneers Steeleye Span are touring with a new live show. Maddy Prior, the voice of the band, leads a line up featuring faces old and new. They will be performing new gems alongside classics that have made them one of the most successful British Folk Rock bands ever. Tickets £22. On Saturday 25 at the Exchange in Sturminster Newton from 7.30pm see AJ’s Big Band. This is a 17 piece band, now in its 33rd year and have an exciting programme of feel good classics which takes a nostalgic, musical journey back to the golden age of swing and beyond. With a special tribute to the fabulous Ella Fitzgerald from the band’s stunning vocalist Paula Mitchell. As usual, the band is led by saxophonist Ken Parr and features some of the leading musicians in the West Country. Tickets £15. On Saturday 25 from 8.00pm at the David Hall in South Petherton see the ‘Moscow Drug Club’. They will again have a café style atmosphere for this five piece band. Tickets £15.

On Sunday 26 from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil experience the History of Chas and Dave in one special show. They will be performing all their hits that made the duo famous such as ‘Ain’t No Pleasing You’, ‘Rabbit’, ‘Margate’ and more. Tickets £25.50. On Friday 1 December from 7.30pm at the Exchange in Sturminster Newton see the ‘Christmas Crooners’. It will be jam packed with festive favourites including Christmas hits of Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole and Ol’ Blue Eyes himself – Frank Sinatra. Alongside is the beautiful Christmas “belle” singing her favourite Christmas songs, including ‘Santa Baby’, ‘I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus’, ‘Rocking Around the Christmas Tree’ and many more. This fantastic cast of West End Singers are backed by the superb and talented swing band The Jazz AllStars who will be performing over 30 well known Christmas hits. There will also be swing arrangements of Christmas hymns and songs such as ‘Deck the Halls’ and ‘Silent Night’. Tickets £16. On Friday 1 from 8.00pm at the Ilminster Arts Centre Concerts in the West presents ‘Really Classical’. Four brilliant young chamber musicians who played at Really Classical Relay - Jonathan Rees on cello and viola, John Crockatt on violin, Guy Button on violin and viola and James Toll on violin - will be bringing to life three superb works. Works include JS Bach’s Preludes and Fugues, K404a (arr. Mozart), Haydn String Quartet Op. 20 No 2 in C major and Beethoven’s luminous and transcendent late quartet Op.132 in A minor. For added authenticity, all the pieces will be played on historical instruments, so expect

gut strings and unusually shaped bows. For added authenticity, the musicians play from early editions and manuscripts. Tickets £15. On Saturday 2 from 7.30pm at the Exchange in Sturminster Newton see ‘The Real Thing’. Featuring the hits ‘You to Me Are Everything’, ‘Can’t Get by Without You’, ‘Can You Feel the Force?’ and more. The three original vocalists, Chris and Eddie Amoo and Dave Smith perform with their own five piece band in a performance that includes all their million selling hits. Tickets £21. On Saturday 2 at the David Hall in South Petherton from 8.00pm there is a ‘Chance to Dance’ event. Tankus the Henge is the London based, five wheeled, Funk fuelled, open top, custom paint job, Rock ‘n’ Roll jalopy that comes careering round the corner on a tranquil summer’s day, ruining the silence and disturbing the bats. Having played over 1000 shows all over the world the Tankus the Henge live experience is something to behold. Combining wild showmanship and musical dexterity, their sound incorporates rock, funk, blues, ska, roots and gypsy rhythms and their songs tell stories of wonder and woe. Tickets £18.

On Monday 4 from 7.30pm at Westland’s Entertainment Centre in Yeovil see ‘The Three Tenors’. They capture the joy and spirit of the season with their first ever Christmas concert, live from Vienna in 1999, featuring performances of international season favorites by the best selling and world renowned trio. Tickets £12.50. On Tuesday 5 at the David Hall in South Petherton from 8.00pm see ‘Eliza Carthy and The Wayward Band’ with their support act ‘Duotone’. Tickets £21.50. On Friday 8 from Ilminster Arts Centre from 8.00pm see ‘Classic Jazz’, a seven piece band formed with the original sounds of New Orleans jazz in mind. Steve Graham, Mike Denham, Dave Martin and John Wurr will also be performing with Steve’s full band. The bands repertoire includes pieces by King Oliver, Jelly Roll Morton and other New Orleans’ bands of the 1920’s, as well as the classic rags of Scott Joplin and his contemporaries. This is the music which influenced the popular ‘Trad’ bands of the 50’s and 60’s and Classic Jazz follows in their footsteps with its own distinctive sound which creates driving, swinging ensemble jazz. Tickets £16.

On Tuesday 12 from 7.45pm at the Swan Theatre in Yeovil Yeovil Community Orchestra presents ‘A Christmas Concert’. They will be playing popular classics, including ‘The Snowman’ and ‘Leroy Andersons Christmas Festival’ plus favourites from film and musical theatre such as ‘Oliver’, ‘My Fair Lady’ and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ together with a fantastic Disney Extravaganza. Tickets £7.50. On Friday 15 from 7.30pm at St Bartholomew’s Church in Crewkerne there is a Midwinter Concert with Reg Meuross and Phil Beer. Songs, tunes, carols and a Christmas Tree Festival. Bar and mince pies available. Tickets £14, under 14’s £5 from 01460 76058 and the Town Hall. On Friday 15 from 7.30pm at the Exchange in Sturminster Newton see ‘Rock and Roll: Back the Years’. Take a trip down memory lane with this critically acclaimed live 50s and 60s music show conceived at the iconic London Palladium and performed by the fantastic six piece band ‘The Fugitives’ and & female vocalists ‘The Tiffany Girls’ all recreating the sounds and the hits of this unforgettable era. With ‘Diddy’ David telling some not to be

missed anecdotes from his experiences working with the stars and the music, which will have you dancing in the aisles by the end, this is an evening that will leave you wanting more. Tickets £18. On Friday 15 from 8.00pm at the Ilminster Arts Centre enjoy the Alan Barnes Octet performing ‘A Christmas Carol’ with Karen Sharp, Bruce Adams, Robert Fowler, Mark nightingale and the Dave Newton Trio. Like the Dickens classic itself, Alan Barnes’s ‘Christmas Carol’ has something for everyone. A family night out that is also a treat for the jazz connoisseur; it will delight anyone who loves music or literature or just Christmas! A suite of pieces which takes the audience through the characters and scenes of ‘A Christmas Carol’. Readings from the original Dickens tell the story, and after each scene eight virtuoso musicians bring the characters and scenes to life, switching audiences from hilarity to pathos with a skill that would have done credit to Dickens himself. Tickets £25. On Saturday 16 from 8.00pm at the David Hall in South Petherton see ‘The Dylan Project’. Top of Form Take four of Britain’s most talented Folk Rock musicians and a unique singer, add the repertoire of a genius, and you

ALSO SEE VILLAGE NEWS & ABOUT

have got the recipe for a dream band. The musicians in question are PJ Wright on slide and electric guitar and pedal steel, Gerry Conway on drums and percussion, Phil Bond on keys, Dave Pegg on bass and the singer is Steve Gibbons. They present an exhilarating tribute to the work of arguably the greatest post war songwriter in the English language. Tickets £19.

On Sunday 31 at the David Hall in South Petherton from 8.15pm bring in 2018 with Ceilidh and Jigs for Gigs. Tickets £17, includes light supper.

On Tuesday 19 from 8.00pm at the David Hall in South Petherton see the ‘St Agnes Fountain’. They bring sparkling musicianship, humour and heartfelt renditions of your favourite Christmas tunes both original and those you know so well. Great musical talent, wit and invention in the form of founder member, David Hughes, Chris Leslie from Fairport Convention, Chris While and Julie Matthews. Tickets £19.

From Wednesday 29 November to Saturday 2 December at 7.45pm at the Swan Theatre in Yeovil the Civic Players presents ‘Relatively Speaking’. Greg wants to marry Ginny, who has only recently broken off an affair with her boss, Philip. Ginny goes down to Philip’s country home to get back some love letters, after telling Greg that she is going to visit her parents. Greg follows her secretly... Tickets £9, Students £8, Wednesday offer Two for £15. For more information phone 07593 539593.

On Friday 29 from 8.00pm at the Exchange in Sturminster Newton see one of the UK’s supreme boogie piano players Ben Waters. Tickets £15.

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PERFORMANCE On Sunday 26 November from 7.30pm at Westland’s Entertainment Centre in Yeovil Big League Wrestling takes place with their Grandslam. Tickets £31.50.

On Tuesday 5 and Wednesday 6 December from 7.30pm at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton see Living Spit’s ‘Nativity’. A donkey, a camel and a new born lamb. A tiny baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a makeshift bed in a dilapidated farmyard outbuilding. But enough about what Stu’s bought Howard for Christmas. With the usual mix of silly songs, pitiful puppetry and more Biblical befuddlement. Tickets £12. From Friday 8 December to Sunday 7 January from 7.30pm do not miss the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil showing their Christmas

family pantomime ‘Cinderella’. Once again, the show will be written by Paul Hendy and produced by Evolution. Tickets £13.50. On Sunday 10 from 7.30pm at the Jubilee Hall in Yetminster ArtsReach presents ‘Brilliance’. It is winter 1963. Everyone is gathering in the village hall. Daisy places her hand on the switch, presses it down, and life is never the same again. Long after its arrival in the city, the slow process of rural electrification is starting to illuminate every corner and crevice of village life. As the dark evenings hold us in, 240 volts of alternating current and the humble electric light bulb allows us to gather and sing long into the night. Tickets Adults £10, under 18’s £5, available from 01935 873719. FILMS On Friday 24 November from 8.00pm at the David Hall the Petherton Picture Show presents ‘The Levelling’. Set in Somerset, trainee vet Clover Catto returns home after hearing of her brother Harry’s death – in what appears to be suicide. Finding the family farm in a state of horrendous disrepair following the 2014 floods that devastated the area, Clover is forced to confront her father. Tickets £5.

On Sunday 3 December at Westland’s Entertainment Centre in Yeovil from 6.00pm see ‘Hangmen’. Following a sellout run at London’s Royal Court Theatre, Martin McDonagh returns to the West End with Matthew Dunster’s award winning production of his deeply funny new play Hangmen, broadcast live by National Theatre Live. In his small pub in the northern English town of Oldham, Harry is something of a local celebrity. But what is the second best hangman in England to do on the day they have abolished hanging? Amongst the cub reporters and pub regulars dying to hear Harry’s reaction to the news, his old assistant Syd and the peculiar Mooney lurk with very different motives for their visit. Tickets £12.50. On Friday 8 from 8.00pm at the David Hall in South Petherton see the film ‘Whisky Galore’. A remake of the classic Ealing comedy, Scottish Islanders try to plunder cases of whisky from a stranded ship. Tickets £5. Top of Form On Sunday 10 from 7.30pm at Westland’s Entertainment Centre in Yeovil see a screening of the Australian Ballet adaptation of ‘Cinderella’. As Cinderella works to support her stepmother and

THE TOWNS FOR MORE MUSIC & FILMS

On Saturday 2 December between 10.00am to 5.00pm it is the Christmas Light Switch on at the Sturminster Newton Market Place. There will be a producers market, Crafts at The Exchange, a lantern making workshop, school choir performance and Father Christmas.

sisters, she watches as they prepare for a magnificent ball being held by the Prince of the land, knowing that they will not permit her to attend. When they leave, she imagines herself dancing at the ball in a beautiful gown wishing that she could attend. The Fairy Godmother takes pity on her and visits Cinderella to transform her rags into a ball gown, transporting her to the ball and warning her that the magic will vanish at Midnight. Tickets £12.50. On Monday 11 from 6.00pm at Westland’s Entertainment Centre in Yeovil see ‘Carmen’ performed on the spectacular water stage of Lake Constance in Bregenz, Austria. As with their previous spectacular productions, you can expect the staging of this classic tale to have an extravagantly original and innovative design, with the waters of the lake being used as an extension of the stage. Tickets £12.50. On Thursday 14 from 7.00pm at the Exchange in Sturminster Newton see ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Belle is a bright, beautiful and independent young woman, is taken prisoner by a beast in its castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the beast’s hideous

exterior, allowing her to recognize the kind heart and soul of the true prince that hides on the inside. A wonderful musical starring Emma Watson, Dan Stevens and Kevin Kline with the voices of Emma Thompson, Ian McKellen and Ewan McGregor. Tickets £4. OTHER On Friday 24 November at the Ilminster Arts Centre from 9.30am to 3.00pm there is A Talent for Textiles Makers’ Fair. Beautiful textile based work by West Country artisans showcasing a range of techniques – traditional and innovative. Unique handcrafted Christmas gifts with a difference! Focuses on skilled mixed media artists, weavers, kintters, quilters and textile artists, incorporating fragments of vintage embroidery, linens and haberdashery to create unique and characterful pieces. Admission free.

On Saturday 16 from 8.00pm at Westlands Entertainment in Yeovil hosts the biggest 80s party to get you in the festive mood! Dance the night away to all the best hits as our DJ plays hits from Wham!, Bananrama, Rick Astley, Bronski Beat, Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson. There will also be amazing live performances from Toyah and Modern Romance! With confetti, balloons, your favourite tunes from the 80’s and Christmas party tunes plus prizes for the ‘best dressed’ it will be the best Christmas party ever! Tickets £12. On Sunday 17 at Westland’s Entertainment Centre in Yeovil from 7.30pm see ‘BBC Somerset Christmas Extravaganza’. Presenters from the radio station will be joined on stage by special guests and a live big band for an evening of festive swing. Be dazzled by glitzy and glamorous toe tapping dance routines and enjoy Christmas classics made famous by the likes of Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. Tickets £5.

On Sunday 26 November from 2.00pm celebrate the start of the Christmas season with fun and festivities at The David Hall in South Petherton. Enjoy the live music, Christmas stalls and Children’s Entertainment. Plus, be part of the countdown for the South Petherton Christmas Lights switch on. 25

Sherborne twinkles with Festive Cheer! 'Tis the season once again when Sherborne comes alive with festive cheer! Christmas lights begin to twinkle all over town; and the fabulous Sherborne Town Band and choirs of carol singers serenade the locals and tourists alike as they spread 'Joy to the World' on Sherborne Festive Shopping Day. So don't get your tinsel in a tangle – make sure you're in town on Sunday, 3 December to enjoy the festivities! The town's increasingly popular 'Love a Local Christmas' event is free-entry, takes place between 10am and 4pm and offers a fabulous family day out, whilst raising awareness for many local charities. During the day, the town puts on a whole host of different musical, fun and entertaining activities for all ages. This year includes Morris dancing from Hobos Morris, clog dancing from the Treacle Eaters, and choirs from Sherborne Girls, Sherborne Boys, Sherborne Prep and Leweston – not to mention the wonderful Sherborne Abbey Choir. With face painting and balloon animals to entertain the children (and the big kids!) there really is something for all ages. And look out for one of Father Christmas' very own reindeer walking tall through the town! The main shopping area of Cheap Street and Digby Road are both closed to traffic to allow for the street entertainment, market stalls and much more, with Abbey104 FM broadcasting live all day from The Conduit. Delicious local produce will be available, and pop up shops and stalls will offer individual and imaginative gifts for all the family. Every year, the shops outdo themselves with their beautiful Christmas displays and window dressings, and are full to bursting with gift ideas for even the most difficult person to buy for! The town's many coffee shops, pubs and restaurants are alive with people enjoying delicious festive treats, and the grown-ups can even enjoy a glass or two of mulled wine whilst soaking up the seasonal atmosphere. Father Christmas will once again be taking up residence in his Grotto outside the Post Office, and every little visitor he sees will receive a gift from

him (in return for a small entry fee of only £2). Carol services will be held in the Abbey throughout the afternoon. Visitors are welcome to attend, and to enjoy the stunning backdrop of its spectacular ceiling-high Christmas tree and traditional Nativity scene. Cheap Street Church stages its ever-popular Christmas Tree Festival too, featuring dozens of twinkling trees, all delightfully and individually decorated. Castle Gardens' award winning Christmas display is just five minutes' walk from the centre of town and will be open to visitors until 6pm that day. For those who enjoy something a little different, visitors and locals alike can take a gentle guided stroll around Sherborne with Blue Badge Guide Cindy Chant, and learn more about the town's fascinating history. The walk starts at 2pm outside the Tourist Information Centre in Digby Road and costs just £5. There is no need to book – just turn up! The parade along Cheap Street is always the highlight of the Festive Shopping event. Everyone is invited to join in the parade, which gathers at the top of Cheap Street at 4pm, and culminates in the illumination of the Christmas tree lights at the Conduit. The day ends just in time for visitors to join Sherborne Abbey's annual familyfriendly Christingle service at 5pm. It really is the most wonderful time of the year! Festive Shopping Day is organised by volunteers from Sherborne Chamber of Trade, and supported by Sherborne Town Council, Battens Solicitors, Hunts Accountants, Sherborne Preparatory School, Sherborne Girls, Abbey104 FM and both of the town’s Rotary Clubs.

To advertise – 01935 424724 • email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk • www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

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Trains, cars and lorries, soldiers, etc Britains, Dinky, Corgi, Hornby, Meccano, Tri-ang, etc

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MDG are recruiting selfemployed, Registered Nurses across the UK and SI to conduct medical examinations on behalf of insurance companies This is a flexible role to fit around your other commitments. An iPad and full procedural training is provided. If you can travel up to a 20 mile radius from your home, then please email your cv to nursenetwork@wearemdg.com

Coins, Medals, Stamps, Clocks & Collector’s Items 15th December Pictures, Prints, Books & Maps 19th January We are accepting items for these auctions

Further items may be delivered to the salerooms or contact Richard Bromell for a home visit

The Long Street Salerooms Sherborne DT9 3BS 01935 812277 www.charterhouse-auction.com

Antiques & Collectables This section covers local sales, auctions, antiques fairs and events in the area with advice from dealers and experts on different topics. If you are interested in this and have some items to sell or run an antique or restoration business then do contact us for our next issue.

Auctions, Fairs and Sales This month Duke’s in Dorchester has an Avenue Auction at Avenue Auctions, Weymouth on 5 December at 10.30am. Viewing times: Saturday prior to auction 9.30am-12 noon; Monday prior to auction 9.30 am -7 pm and morning of the auction. Catalogues are available online. McCubbing and Redfern Auction Rooms based in Wells has a Fine Art, Antiques and Collectables auction on Sunday 2 December. Viewing for sales takes place on the previous Monday 10am – 5pm and Tuesday 10am -7pm. Further information is available from 01749 678099.

Somerset Man’s Medals at Auction A group of medals awarded to Edward Bailey of South Petherton, near Martock Somerset are going under the Charterhouse hammer on Friday 15 December. It is the first time they have been on the open market. Accompanying Private Bailey’s medals, which comprise a Queens South Africa Medal, a 1914 Star with Mons bar, a British War Medal and a Victory Medal are his silver wound badge with his allocated number, his Soldier’s Small Book from 1902 and a 1914 Princess Mary Christmas tin which was sent out to the troops full of cigarettes and chocolate. The collection is estimated at £400-500 (plus 25.2% buyer’s premium including VAT). Lyme Bay Auctions in Seaton, East Devon is worth a visit on 27 November at 10am; head to Saleroom One where there will be an auction of Antiques, Collectables, Silver, Jewellery, Fine Art, Ceramics and Vintage Items. Viewing days: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays prior to each sale from 10.00am – 5.00pm and also the morning of sale from 9.00am. Another sale takes place at 10am on 18 December – pick up a surprise gift as a last minute Christmas present! Live online bidding is available. Further information is available from 01297 22453.

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IAN CROSSLAND

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Tel: 01935 411813 Mob: 07811 070 498

With over 20 years’ experience for a friendly reliable service please give me a call

Charterhouse Auctioneers based in Long Street, Sherborne has a Clocks, Coins, Collectors' Items, Stamps, Militaria, Antiques and Interiors sale on 15 December. See the story about the Somerset man’s precious medals that appears on the previous page. Viewing is on Wednesday 10 am to 6 pm and Thursday 10 am to 5 pm during sale week. Further details are available from 01935 812277. Don’t miss Sherborne’s 14th annual crafts for Christmas fair on Saturday & Sunday 2nd & 3rd December which is being held as usual at The Digby Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne, Dorset organised by West Country Fairs, from 9.30am to 4pm. It promises to be one of the busiest of the year! Human skull drinking cup sold for £3,220

07761 175424/01935 808052

• Interior and exterior decorating • Carpentry and small cabinet work • Restoration of timber windows • Making/restoring leaded windows • Hanging doors • Fitting fences and gates • Exterior lime mortaring

Lawrences Auction house in Crewkerne has General Sales on Wednesdays on 22, 29 November and 6, 13 and 20 December. All sales start at 9.30am and viewing is from the Tuesday before the sale from 9am to 7pm. There is also a Books, Maps, Manuscripts & Photography sale on 8 December but please note there is no general sale on 27 December as even auctioneers need a break for Christmas. For more information call 01460 73041.

The Rising Sun Chinese takeaway offer delicious traditional Chinese cuisine freshly cooked to order for collection or delivery*. Using the very finest ingredients and setting the highest of standards. Please visit our website for our full menu. We look forward to seeing you. * Conditions apply for delivery service

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Human Skull Drinking Cup raises eyebrows! The Charterhouse October auction of pictures, antiques and interiors produced strong results, with one Devon owner selling over £50,000 of paintings, but there was a very particular item which generated more than a few raised eyebrows! A drinking cup, formed from a human skull was used by a very wellknown politician, peer and poet, howbeit one who lived 200 years ago! With a silver coloured metal rim inscribed “Skull drinking cup used by Lord Byron at Newstead Hall” it attracted several telephone bidders with the successful telephone bidder paying £3,220 for a new drinking cup. Top lot of the day came from the Devon client. The John Armstrong 1949 picture entitled “Flower Piece” sold for £26,040. Also from the same owner, a painting by Tristram Hillier with a view in Segovia dated 1962 sold for £5,200, and two paintings by Felix Kelly sold for £3,960 & £4,200 to an Austrian collector who flew over just for the auction. Elsewhere in the auction, a large pastel and crayon picture of the Earl of Lonsdale jumping a fence, which from an Irish country house, measuring 118 x 241 cm, sold for Dry Stone Walling £3,720 to an American client, amid 18th century inlaid and Paving tortoiseshell box attributed to All types of stone walling undertaken www.yenstonewalling.co.uk Gennaro Sarao, and again consigned to Charterhouse from 01963 371123 Patrick Houchen - DSWA member a Devon client, sold for £12,150. Professional & reliable service

Pet Health

Matt Saunders BVetMed MRCVS is a Director at the

It’s good to talk Newton-Clarke Partnership with surgeries in Yeovil and Sherborne

One thing that I have learned over the years is the importance of good communication. We, as vets are actually very reliant on you as owners to help us get to the bottom of your pets problems. For example; a dog comes into the surgery with early signs of cataracts in both eyes. A thorough history reveals that for the last few months the dog has been gradually losing weight, drinking more and occasionally wetting in the house. The history is suggestive of diabetes and the cataracts are probably secondary to this.

been trained and how we communicate about medical and surgical cases between ourselves at the surgery, and secondly we probably think it impresses owners! I now think it probably does the opposite and over the years as I’ve gained more experience I have realised this is just not necessary. It is far more important to me that owners walk out of the consulting room with a very clear idea of the problems their pet is facing. Having a sick pet is worrying enough without the added stress of not understanding what is actually wrong with him or her.

Your history can be crucial to us making the right diagnosis. It can also be too easy to get carried away with the pets presenting problem and miss the bigger picture. Some of you may have noticed that when you come into the surgery with a lame dog for example, I will temporarily ignore the lameness and conduct a full clinical examination and ask you about your dog’s general health before investigating the lameness further. This is just my way of being thorough and trying not to miss potentially important or significant other problems.

I always encourage owners to ask questions until they have a clear understanding of the illness or injury involved and if you think of something once you’ve left the surgery, however trivial it may seem, just call back and if I can’t speak to you immediately I will call you back as soon as possible.

I think as vets we have a tendency to use too many technical terms and try to blind owners with science. We probably do this for two reasons; firstly it’s how we’ve

www.newtonclarkevet.com

One of the main reasons we see second opinions from other surgeries is not because anything has been done wrong but frequently there has been a breakdown in communication and consequently trust between vets and pet owners. I think trust and confidence in your vet is everything and this can only be achieved through good communication.

Health & Wellbeing by Niki Cassar

Christmas is like

Marmite – you love it or hate it That time of year is fast approaching, like a high-speed train coming down the tunnel. Some of us feel excited at the prospect (and I’m not talking about children), whereas others feel a sense of dread and wish they could avoid or even cancel Christmas. We are told that Christmas is a time of peace and goodwill to all men. Sadly, this is often not the case, with statistics showing that stress levels are hugely elevated and relationship breakdowns peak during the festive season. What we think and how we feel in any situation in life is based on our childhood experience and conditioning. Let’s say you had a very happy childhood, with a loving family, and Christmas was a time for celebrating. It wasn’t necessarily lavish or extravagant, but there was a lot of fun, laughter and sharing. Most likely, as an adult, you are someone who anticipates the coming event every year with pleasure, and plans to make it an enjoyable occasion for yourself and your family. If you remember Christmas as a time when there was a lot of shouting and fighting, then you are far less likely to feel good at this time of year, because your subconscious mind will be replaying all the thoughts and feelings that you stored away during those earlier Christmas holidays. If there was very little money to spend on Christmas food and gifts, you might well be someone who tries to overcompensate for your own childhood disappointment by spending huge amounts of

money on your own kids. Despite this, you may still feel an inexplicable sense of loss on Christmas Day, once the presents have been opened. This is because you are reexperiencing the same feelings that you had as a child, when you didn’t get the blue bike with the green and yellow go-faster stripes, or the walking-talkingweeing baby doll you really wanted, perhaps because your parents couldn’t afford to buy it for you. Another reason for dreading it might be because someone very close to you died around that time, so you will experience the same feelings of sadness and loss whenever you think about Christmas.

As I’m not the fairy on the top of your Christmas tree, I can’t wave my magic wand and make it a magical time for you. However, I can help you to let go of those outdated feelings that may be causing you to feel anxious, stressed, angry or sad throughout the year, Christmas included. Working together, we can clear out all the clutter in your mind cupboard so that you are no longer living in the past. This will enable you to enjoy every moment of the present, and look forward to the future – even in the weeks leading up to Christmas! Give me a call on 01963 371 695 for a completely confidential chat about your issues. Remember to mention the Conduit Magazine and I will happily give you a festive discount of £15 off your first session with me. Wishing you peace and joy!

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Music Gigs

All Music Gigs are FREE entry unless mentioned.

November

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‘Mighty Sasquatch, Rock, Chicago Rock Café, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘The Bee Gees Experiences’, Yeovil Labour Club, 8.30pm, £8 ‘Loose Connections’, Various Covers, Memorial Hall, Wincanton, 9.00pm ‘The Defibrillators’, Rock, Sports and Social Club, Milborne Port, 9.00pm ‘Grouvecat’, Acoustic Rock, The Westminster, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Twisted Vinyl’, The Bell Inn, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Peacock Suit’, Indie Pop/Rock, The Old Barn Club, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Bad Edukation’, Classic Rock, Merriott Social Club, 9.00pm ‘One Tree Hill’, Acoustic, Crewkerne Conservative Club, 9.00pm ‘Heart and Soul’, Soul Covers, The Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon, 3.30pm

December

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10 14 15 16

17 22

26 29 30

‘The Relics’, Rock/Blues, The Royal Oak, Ilminster, 9.00pm ‘Hurricanes’, Rock, Yeovil Labour Club, 8.30pm Ross Kirk, Rock Covers, Dolphin Hotel, Wincanton, 9.00pm ‘Rip It Up’, Rock, White Hart, Sherborne, 9.00pm ‘D-State’, Covers 70’s-present, The Arrow, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Soulville Express’, Soul Funk, The Bell Inn, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Livewired’, Rock Covers, The Old Barn Club, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Unknown Identity’, Covers, The Westminster, Yeovil, 9.15pm ‘Daytona’, Rock, Stoke Sub Hamdon Working Mens Club, 9.30pm ‘Delta 88’, Yess Club, Yeovil, 8.00pm ‘Lewis and the Sound of the Suburbs’, Ska, The Crown Inn, Sherborne, 8.00pm ‘Silverback’, Rock, The Westminster, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Old Dogz New Trix’, Rock/Blue/Pop, The Shrubbery Hotel, Ilminster, 7.00pm ‘Powercut’, Acoustic/Electric Rock, The Bell Inn, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Soulville Express’, Soul Funk/Disco, The Old Barn Club, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘D-State’, Covers 70’s-present, Ilminster Town Football Club, 9.00pm ‘Loose Connections’, Various Covers, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Wincanton, 3.00pm ‘Old Dogz New Trix’, Rock/Blues/Pop, The Shrubbery Hotel, Ilminster, 7.00pm ‘Out of Order’, The Old Barn Club, Yeovil, 2.00pm ‘K’fuffle’, Rock/Pop, The Royal Oak, Ilminster, 9.30pm ‘Livewired’, Rock, The Arrow, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘MicroLight’, Rock, The Bell Inn, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Crimson On Silver’, Classic Rock, The Old Barn Club, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Bad Edukation’, Classic Rock, The Kelways Inn, Langport, 9.00pm ‘MicroLight’, Rock, The Foresters Arms, East Coker, 3.30pm ‘Craig And Alex Priddice’, The Old Barn Club, Yeovil, 2.30pm ‘Crimson On Silver’, Classic Rock, The Bell Inn, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Lewis and the Sound of the Suburbs’, Ska, The Dolphin, Ilminster, 9.00pm ‘One Tree Hill’, Acoustic, Ilminster Town Football Club, 8.00pm ‘Loose Connections’, Various Covers, Henstridge Golf Club, 9.00pm ‘Daytona’, Rock, The Bell Inn, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Danny Adams’, Original Acoustic & Covers, The Old Barn Club, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Elijah Wolf’, Original Acoustic & Covers, The Rose and Crown, Martock, 9.00pm ‘Nevertheless’, Rock Covers, White Hart, Sherborne, 9.30pm ‘Powercut’, Acoustic/Electric/Pop, Stoke Sub Hamdon Working Mens Club, 9.30pm John De Barra, Covers 60’s-present, The King William Inn, Crewkerne, 2.00pm ‘Silverback’, Rock, The Royal Oak, Ilminster, 9.00pm ‘Soulville Express’, Soul Funk/Disco, The Arrow, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Loose Rock’, The Bell Inn, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘One Tree Hill’, Acoustic, The Old Barn Club, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Bad Edukation’, Classic Rock, Half Moon Inn, Stoke Sub Hamdon, 9.30pm Wendy J Bassett, 50’s-70’s, Somerton Sports Club, 9.00pm ‘D-State’, Covers 70’s-presents, Yeovil Labour Club, 9.00pm ‘Livewired’, Rock Covers, The Bell Inn, Yeovil, 9.00pm Phil Kelly, The Royal Oak, Crewkernem 9.00pm Chris Banderas, Classic Rock, The King William Inn, Crewkerne, 9.00pm ‘Loose Connections’, Various Covers, Bird In Hand, Henstridge, 9.00pm ‘Shockwave’, Rock/Pop, Catash Inn, North Cadbury, 9.30pm

History by Barry Brock, Chairman, Sherborne Museum Assoc

Prison for the Poor Sherborne’s Bridewell

What is a bridewell and why was it a prison for the poor? Put simply, during the sixteenth century and up until near modern times, English society could be divided into two categories: masters and servants, or wealthy and poor. The wealthy set the standards and when the poor failed to abide by these standards, they could be sent to the bridewell to correct their faults. Offences included vagrancy, refusing to take employment and petty theft; in addition, the bridewell was also used to detain ‘lewd women who have bastards’ and parents who left their children. Once inside, offenders were often required to perform periods of work, perhaps as a condition of receiving food. Bridewells usually contained a range of working implements, for crushing flax or hemp, grinding malt, or for the preliminary stages of textile manufacture. The original Bridewell was the ‘Bridewell Hospital’ (the name derived from its site, the old Palace of Bridewell, in London), set up in the sixteenth century to deal with vagabonds and beggars, the so-called ‘idle poor’. Some English counties went on to establish their own bridewells, mainly catering for rural areas, and when Parliament ordered the building of ‘houses of correction’, a network of bridewells was set up to cover the whole of England. Dorset’s County Bridewell was established in Sherborne, on the east side of what is now South Street. The date is not known, but it could have been quite early, as new evidence has confirmed that the

property is likely to have been built as an ecclesiastical building in the time frame 1450-1530. If owned by Sherborne Abbey, the site would have transferred into private hands (possibly those of Sir John Horsey, who acquired the bulk of the monastic possessions) in 1540 when the monastery was suppressed and may have been sold on by Sir John in 1545, to be eventually purchased by the Justices of the Peace to house the Bridewell. On 7 May 1794 the Old County Bridewell was put up for sale by auction at the Half Moon Inn in Sherborne and was purchased for £470 by the Earl of Digby. The consequent deeds of sale are the first in an unbroken series of such deeds still in the possession of the owner of the property and which will eventually be published by Sherborne Museum as part of a history of the Old Bridewell. The owner intends to produce an architectural survey before that. If you would like to learn more in the meantime, then why not come to the Museum’s Winter Talk, arranged to take place on Thursday 11 January at 2.30pm in the Raleigh Hall, Digby Road (admission: £5, free to members). This talk will review new evidence about the origins of the property, describe its role as a House of Correction, and then piece together the story of what happened to the property after the auction at the Half Moon Inn.

To advertise – 01935 424724 • email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk • www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

by Mark Salter, Financial Planner

Why costs are so important

We all know that Christmas is probably the most expensive time of the year and it’s important to keep a track on all your expenditure. When we plan to buy anything in this internet age, from a children’s toy to the Christmas turkey, making a price comparison is easy to achieve; a Google search or a visit to a price comparison website and Bob’s your uncle. When it comes to investing, gaining meaningful insight into the real cost is not quite so simple yet it’s so important to any investor. Why costs matter You can’t control the markets, but you can control how much you pay to invest. Every pound that you pay in costs and charges comes directly out of your potential return. Costs, like interest, have a compounding effect over time. They can have a dramatic impact on investment returns, one that’s not always obvious or transparent. The elements of investment cost The range of fees and costs incurred by investors is long, complicated and hard to put an accurate figure on. We have tried to make it a little simpler: Ongoing charges figure (OCF): The ongoing charges figure (OCF) is the clear cost that investors incur from investing in a fund. It is the sum of the annual management charge (AMC) charged by the fund manager and other direct costs incurred by the fund which can be offset against its underlying returns. As such, the OCF is nearly always higher than the AMC alone. OCFs can be found in the Key Investor Information Documents (KIIDS) that each fund is required to produce. Turnover (dealing) costs: These are the hidden costs incurred by investors when

securities within a fund are bought and sold. The costs are the product of the proportion of the fund that has been turned over and the costs of carrying out the trades to sell and buy securities. Investors are, byand-large, in the dark when it comes to dealing costs although some academics have previously attempted to calculate their impact. Product Charges: Whether you’re investing in an ISA, a pension or an investment bond, there is likely to be additional charges which need to be considered. Some providers can charge a regular fee or percentage based fee and there could be extra charges if you want to invest, withdraw or make changes to the investments. Costs in practice When analysing investments we often see a huge difference in the total costs and many people aren’t aware of the costs they are paying let alone the long term impact on the investment returns. For example Mr Smith invests £100,000 in a fund with ongoing costs of 2.0% per annum and Mr Jones invests £100,000 in a fund with low charges of 0.4%. If both funds achieve the same return of 6% per annum for the next 10 years, Mr Smith would have a total of £148,024 compared to Mr Jones who has a total of £172,440. An extra 1.6% in charges each year has cost Mr Smith a total of £24,416. Conclusion We cannot overstate the importance of controlling costs whether you’re buying presents at Christmas or saving for your retirement. An extra pound saved is of course an extra pound in your pocket. It is something that we continue to do on behalf of our clients, through our systematic and low cost approach to investing. We would like to wish readers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Get Creative!

Financial Planning

With plenty of time to go before the festive season – why not think about making your own Christmas decorations with materials that you'd normally put in the waste bin. It's a great, fun activity for all the family – what's more you'll be doing your bit for recycling and waste reduction. • Newspaper and magazine chains. Hang on to your newspapers and weekly magazines. Cut out strips to form a festive chain – you'll be amazed at how decorative it looks! • 'Bake' your own decorations. Make a simple salt dough from flour, salt and water. Cut into pretty shapes and make hole for string. Cook slowly in low temperature oven. When hardened – cool and hang from tree or doors. You can paint in bright colours too!

• Gingerbread figures. Bake 'real' biscuits to decorate your tree – gingerbread figures looks especially festive with coloured icing!

• Citrus stars. Keep the peel from oranges or lemons in largish sections – cut into shapes and dry. Hang from your tree for a pretty and fragrant decoration.

• Sparkly sweets. For the time pressed – just scatter handfuls of brightly wrapped sweets on your tree – 'Quality Street' works really well. You can even have fun putting the wrappers back together when you've eaten the chocolate and re-use!

• Corks. Keep your wine corks. Paint them in bright assorted colours. Carefully make a hole through the centre. Insert coloured ribbon and hang from your Christmas tree. • Wrapping paper. Use your old magazines, junk mail or even newspapers to wrap your Christmas gifts – they'll look satisfyingly colourful under the tree. Use your dried citrus shapes as novel gift tags. • Boxes. Hang on to boxes or containers from food deliveries, shoes or supermarket shopping. Re-use for your 'home-made' Christmas hampers and decorate as gift boxes – using colourful pages from your recycled magazines as protective stuffing. • Bits and Bobs. Look around for any colourful items such as buttons which can be threaded together to form little chains, bits of old ribbon to make pretty bows on the tree – and last year's Christmas cards cut into shapes and tied to branches or used as gift tags…..the list is endless! More ideas from: www.itdoesthejob.com

Winter Walks 2017 – Explore Somerset Wildlife Trust reserves

The nights have drawn in and the warmth of summer is but a faint memory. It’s high temptation to just chuck on a few more woolly layers and curl up and hibernate in the warmth, much like the county’s sleepy wildlife in the winter months, only braving the outdoors to get through the Christmas shopping list. But Somerset Wildlife Trust has got a better suggestion - ditch the busy high street, unravel yourself from rolls of wrapping paper, and head outside to enjoy the fresh, crisp air of the countryside and explore Somerset Wildlife Trust’s Nature Reserves when they’re at their most magical to get a festive feel good factor from the wonders of our county’s wildlife instead. Here’s a few winter walks to take your pick from: Great Breach Wood to Unwrap a Beautiful View If you would like to tick off a great view from your walking list then look no further than this 4.3 mile woody walk to put a festive smile on your face. The walk is mainly level but there are still some gentle slopes and steps to put colour in your cheeks with the rewards along the way being worth the extra exertion. To start, take the path to the left of the car park (with your back facing the entrance), following the blue butterfly way-markers of the Polden Way: www.combehillwood.co.uk/polde n-way After about a four minute stroll you will be met with downward steps, followed by a wooden bridge (watch out if it’s frosty as they get a little slippery) and then continue over a gulley and up the steps to reach the path through King’s Wood. After about 15 minutes of walking, following the way markers, you will pass through a kissing gate onto our Gilling Down reserve (who needs mistletoe?). You will be met with a stunning and stretching view of Butleigh Moor, Somerton Moor and King’s Sedge Moor, framed in the distance by the Blackdown and Mendips Hills, pieced together in a picturesque puzzle. Take a moment to look out for Fieldfare and Redwing feeding on berries on nearby scrub. Once you have breathed in the view, turn left and follow the fence line along the top of the slope to an information board, taking a left through another kissing gate. Follow the stone path to a fingerpost marking the start of Great Breach Wood’s new Discovery Trail, where you will be guided around the circular route by finger posts. Along the way you might catch a glimpse of a Roe Deer launching across the

distance, hear the charming chirps of Long-tailed tits, or witness a Sparrowhawk swooping through the trees. To return home, just simply retrace your steps, following the Polden Way through Gilling Down and King’s Wood. How to get there: Open to the public all year round this reserve is situated about 3 miles south-east of Street, Somerset, between Compton Dundon & Butleigh, along the ridge road known as Reynald’s Way which links the B3151 and the B3153. Car parking is at Combe Hill Wood car park. Langford Heathfield for a Winter Flutter This reserve that hosts a beautiful array of butterflies throughout spring and summer, transforms in winter to become a home for an array of birds such as the Tree Creepers, Goldcrests, Blue tits and Long-tailed tits. To witness their busy flight through the woodlands, you have a choice of two trails, both coincidently festively marked, one in green and one in red. If you don’t have to rush off and do the Christmas shopping you may like to take the long trail (marked with red arrows) which is approximately 3km. But if you just want a shorter ramble, you can take the shorter walk of 1 km (marked in green arrows). Whichever path you choose to take, look out for the sloes on Blackthorns, and the bright red berries of Red Guelder Rose. The trails are on boardwalks, which helpfully guide you through both walks, however please make sure to wear sturdy footwear as it could be muddy, wet or frosty under foot. Along the way you will enter on to the glades - pretty as snow globe scene - followed by scrub that is crisp with Winter’s chill and finally woodland you can see Jays flying overhead, going from tree

to tree in search of its much loved meal of acorns.

trotting Roe Deer and leaping Hares.

If taking the long trail there’s an opportunity to take a well-earned rest on the butterfly bench, the perfect place to whip out a flask of something warm to rejuvenate you for the rest of the walk. If you wish to take the shorter trail you can just follow the green arrows back, entering the wintery woodland along the way. Look out for the Jubilee seat so you can rest and take in the wonders of the reserve, keeping your eyes peeled and your ears alert for

How to get there: Open to the public all year round, the reserve is west of the village of Langford Budville, 1.9m (3 km) NW of Wellington, on the road to Wiveliscombe. If you are travelling by bicycle, a National Cycle Network route crosses the southern end of the reserve. Parking can be found in lay-bys on the Wiveliscombe Road, or Poleshill Lane, near the information boards.

Getting to know ... the Dorset Ramblers The Dorset Ramblers celebrates 70 years this December and we wanted to find out a bit more about this group of dedicated walkers who can be found walking most Sundays, exploring parts of the Dorset coast line or countryside.

Anne Noble, a member of the committee, explained the group was formed a few years after the war in 1947. As she says, possibly because life was rather bleak then, although 1947 was remarkable as being the year which experienced exceptional snow fall in the UK and also saw the then Princess Elizabeth marry Philip Mountbatten . Currently there are around 60 members, ranging in age from 50 to 90 (though the 90-yearold no longer walks!). Anne explains, “We walk on Sundays, which is a great boon to those who no longer have partners or relatives to share a Sunday roast with them. We lunch together at a pub and do a slightly shorter walk in the afternoon, especially in winter. The length of walk varies from 5 to 12 miles – usually somewhere between the two. Our members come from all walks of life and include both local people and those who, like me, have come down here to retire.” She continues, “We walk on the hills and coast, round villages and fields, occasionally crossing the borders of Dorset into Somerset and Wiltshire. The members take it in turn to lead the walks and make arrangements with the pub, but only when they have been walking long enough to feel confident.” In addition to walks there are a number of other social activities including a Christmas meal together with an optional stay over at a golf club near Bere Regis. Other activities include a summer outing: this year to Cothay Manor, and in previous years to Mottisfont, the Quantocks, Bath and Lynmouth. A gardening group from Sturminster Newton sometimes joins up with the Ramblers when gardens are visited.

The past year’s programme has also involved a quiz walk in Wells, a barbecue and a trip to Brownsea Island. Plus there are longer trips on HF walking holidays and abroad (Crete was the last foreign one) and !other holidays in Cornwall, the Lakes and other lovely places! Annual subscription is just £8.50 and anyone interested in joining or finding !out more information, please visit: http://www.dorsetramblers.co.uk/ .

WIN £10 IN OUR !

WORDSEARCH PUZZLE

This month it’s Disney animated movies to look for. Get the kids involved and see how many films you can spot. Just find the hidden words in the grid mentioned, ring each word until you have found all of them and when you have completed the puzzle send it to: The Conduit Magazine, Remous Ltd, Wyvern Buildings, North St, Sherborne DT9 5EP. The lucky winner receives a £10 cheque. The closing date is: Monday 11th December. Good luck. PINOCCHIO

BROTHER BEAR

MULAN

TARZAN

CARS

MONSTERS INC POCAHONTAS

BOLT

DUMBO

BAMBI

TANGLED

FANTASIA

PETER PAN

ALLADDIN

WALL-E

CINDERELLA

HERCULES

JUNGLE BOOK

Name:__________________________________________________________ Tel :_________________________Email:______________________________ Address:_________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________

If you would like to know who has won our Wordsearch Puzzles see our website.

REMEMBER TO TELL ADVERTISERS YOU SAW IT IN THE CONDUIT MAGAZINE! REMEMBER TO TELL ADVERTISERS YOU SAW IT IN THE CONDUIT MAGAZINE!

Book Reviews

This month we are featuring a couple of books associated with our local area. The first one, Foothold by Pam Hope is a poetry book and the author has given us permission to reprint a couple of the poems featured.

SPECIAL OFFERS

Publishers Ward Wood Publishing comment, “A sense of place runs throughout ’Foothold’ by Pam Zinnemann-Hope. Beginning and ending with snow, the poems move through the seasons in West Dorset in celebration of the landscape, while recording its ecology in a changing climate. There are poems which explore deep time and the tiny place we humans occupy in earth’s history, a number of pieces written in dialogue with Thomas Hardy’s landscapes and poems and a letter poem addressed to Edward Thomas. Some of the poems speak of music, (the poet’s husband is a composer), of love in old age & of love for a young grandson. Four of the poems have been set by composer David Dubery, of which ‘Visit’ was premiered by tenor James Gilchrist in Gloucester Cathedral. ‘Brim’ has been set by the poet’s husband, Peter Hope, and was premiered by Lesley-Jane Rogers at Manchester University on October 22.

UNTIL 9 DECEMBER Eyelash Extensions or Eyelash Lift and Tint for £40 Manicure and Pedicure for £40 Vitamin Glow Facial for £37 Call the salon for more details.

See our website for a full list of treatments

The book retails at £9.99 and Winstone’s in Sherborne have copies available.

THEY TELL US IT WILL COME TONIGHT There’s a sense of waiting for when life’s contracted to our valley: every shape described by white. Let it bring that certain hush to the river’s rage and roar leaving the climate in parenthesis, let it lie, firm and crunchy in the morning crystalline yet soft-appearing sun shining till it dazzles: let us feel intrepid then not afraid to walk out, or toboggan, because our bones are brittled. Remember when Henry was newborn, blue eyes entranced one morning by the wide world of my dressing gown, its white fields, his first snow.

SMALL NETTLES Dear Edward Thomas, Small nettles nestle in iced lane-side mud with dock, plantain, strawberry, celandine: tender leaves below the hedge, hoar-frosted, this rare cold day in a winter of rain. And you come to mind. A January with grass so green was never known: all the records say we’ve had the warmest year, though frozen tyre prints striped with shadows mark a moment when two cars passed here.

January 2016, Dorset

THROUGH Through the window I watch the half-moon rise from behind a crowd of bare trees quietly waving their arms in the dark

The second book is something of a grisly tale from author Summer Strevens. The life and death of Mary Channing In 1706 19-year-old Mary Channing was convicted of poisoning her husband and became the last woman to be burned at the stake in Dorset. Despite her impressive attempts to defend herself, the jury had taken only half an hour to find her guilty. Yet on pronouncement of the death sentence, Mary 'pleaded her belly' and thus postponed her execution until after she had given birth to her child in gaol. When the day finally arrived, her execution was made into something of a county fair, with 10,000 spectators gathering to view the barbaric ordeal upon the floor of Dorchester's ancient Roman amphitheatre, Maumbury Rings. Although the law extended an act of clemency allowing for Mary to be strangled to death before the fires were lit, there is evidence to suggest that she was, in fact, still alive when consigned to the flames. After the gory spectacle was complete, it was said not one of those 10,000 people ever cared particularly for hot roast after that. More than 300 years after her dramatic demise, Mary s fate still holds a macabre fascination, as it did for Thomas Hardy, who recorded some of the grislier details of her execution in his notebooks and used her as the inspiration for his poem, 'The Mock Wife'. Yet while Mary Channing has been granted a kind of grim celebrity, as well as an established place in the annals of female murderers, a measure of compelling sympathy for her case is nonetheless another lasting aspect of her legacy. Born in London, Summer Strevens now lives and writes in Dorset. The book is published by Pen and Sword Books Ltd and retails at £12.99

Bargain Corner Hunters Tea Set from 1994, Royal Doulton, Dishwasher proof ‘Tanglewood’ design. 6 Cups, saucers, plates. Perfect. Bargain £15.00 ‘The Conservatory Gardener’ by BBC GQT panel member, Anne Swithinbank. Hb with dj. 1st edition published 1993 £20.00 (can post) Tel: 01458 443264

MUSIC SYSTEM, 5-in-1 Steepletone SM 922 with CD recording and remote control. Twin CD player/recorder; 3-speed turntable; AM/FM radio; cassette tape player; AUX input. Copy/Record from all inputs onto CD. Headphone jack. Pair of speakers. As new and hardly used £65.00 Tel: 01935 817815

Mens very soft light brown leather jacket in excellent condition (as new) size medium £30.00 ono 3.5 ltr Perma-Thern water heater/dispenser with 5 temperature settings from 40-98 degree centigrade. It is very economical as only uses 2 watts to keep water hot all day. Unwanted gift. £30.00 ono Tel: 01935 414928

Draylon Headboard, single, sage green, perfect as new, but regret no struts hence only £3.50 Panasonic NV-GS 120 Camcorder, Leica Lens, 2 batteries, charger, tapes, CD set up, manual, includes carrying case. Excellent condition £50.00 Tel: 01460 55018

Large, very solid Victorian mahogany dining table (seats 8). Folds down to 113w x 55d x 75h. (113x170x75 when fully extended). Immaculate condition. Heatproof protector included. £175.00 Please text 07785 568075

Ex IKEA white stained pine, cabinet-on-cabinet w. glazed top doors & solid wood bottom doors. Very good condition £40.00 ovno Mahogany stained, reproduction nest of 3 tables with quartered veneer tops in good condition. £10.00 Tel: 01460 526645

Vintage Avery weighing scales £20.00. Ebac Humidifier £70.00 (cost £200) Tel: 01935 812743

Large three seater settee and matching chair. Floral design. Fire labels attached. Good condition. £100.00 for both Tel: 01935 389472

Large dolls house, fully furnished, complete with electric lighting £120.00 Tandy 35 watt TA amplifier wem speaker and microphone £35.00 Tel: 01963 250429

Vintage Swiss Passap Automatic Knitting Machine. Original box. Good condition £70.00 o.n.o. Tel: 07714 227447

Laura Ashley chandelier light fitting, with turquoise flowers. Never used £45.00 Tel: 01935 427360 Solid PineBedside Unit 3 Drawer 17"w x 17"d x 24"H As New £25 Tel: 01963 33160

Aerobed inflatable raised single airbed in new condition – used just once. Electric pump inflator. Ideal guest bed. View in Sherborne. £65.00 Tel: 01935 817815

1950s gents tailor made suit. 46” chest, 32” waist, 31” leg £9.99 3 x 1.5 kilowatt fan heaters £7.50 each 2 x gents ¾ length coats 46” chest £7.95 each Pair of black leather car seat covers £7.95 6 Throwovers £2.95 each Medium Wheelie travel bag £7.50 Tel: 01935 829137 I double and 1 single Bestway flock blow up mattress with electric pump and carrying bag in excellent condition as NEVER used. £25.00 ono Tel: 01935 414928 Early Learning Wooden Dolls House £10.00 Dingy Anchor £10.00 Verbon Extendable camera Tri Pod £20.00 Tel: 01935 863954

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Win a family ticket to see Cinderella at The Octagon! PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTION: Name the actors playing The Ugly Sisters in this production

Dimplex coal effect free standing fire plus base, remote control. Used twice £55.00 Dimplex display convector free standing LCD heater. Used twice £20.00 New Silverline drain rods, set of 12 £5.00 Tel: 01963 210756

Ikea Flat Pack Cream Hemnes Bedside Table. Brand new. £45.00 ono Tel: 07714 227477

GUNS WANTED FOR CASH Any size, any condition, make or model We collect in any area By Registered Firearms Dealer

07970 742471

Send your answer, together with your name and contact details to The Conduit Magazine (address on page 3) or email your answer to: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk by 5 December. 35

Bellissima WE HAVE MOVED AND ARE NOW NEXT TO WAITROSE 17 Cheap Street, Sherborne 01935 813812 jane@bellissimalingerie.com bellissimalingerie.com