The Conduit Magazine January 2021

Crossing counties,

look inside for info on the best events and activities in

West Dorset and

Magazine

South Somerset

Minterne House See p23 for weddings where

Issue 238 January 2021

anything & everything is possible

INSIDE THIS MONTH

Ilchester’s latest antique shop | Hunt’s legacy for Sherborne

The Boxer packs a punch | Children’s short story | Rachel’s Rambles Serving Bruton, Castle Cary, Crewkerne, Ilminster, Langport, Sherborne, Somerton, Wincanton, Yeovil & Surrounding Villages www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

Established in 1826, Pittards is world-famous for its high quality leather and still makes it locally in Yeovil today.

Visit the factory store to buy direct from a huge range that includes gloves, bags, accessories and leather for crafts.

Pittards, Sherborne Road, Yeovil, BA21 5BA Coffee shop, free car park.

Mon-Fri 9.00am-5.00pm

www.pittards.com

Crafting quality timber buildings and gates since 1912 Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 7LH Tel: (01963) 440414 | Email: info@sparkford.com | @sparkfordtimber | www.sparkford.com

From the Editor For many of you reading this it will already be January 2021 and frankly it can’t come soon enough! With positive news about vaccines it looks as if there really is some light at the end of the tunnel and at last some reason to celebrate. At The Conduit we are proud to have kept going throughout 2020 with a regular printed issue every month and our online version too. We hope traders and businesses will continue to support us so we can bring you all the varied content that our readers enjoy every month. Take a look through this month’s issue and you will see interesting and informative articles on topics ranging from running a small business to test driving the Subaru Boxer and where to go for a country walk. On top of that there is our on-going and compelling children’s serial, a short story on a very special Christmas tree plus The Alternative Indian talking about her wonderful family spice mix. In The Conduit there really is something for everyone to enjoy. Happy New Year!

Contents

EDITOR & ADVERTISING Jane Adkins

ASSISTANT EDITOR Julie Locke

FEBRUARY DEADLINES News and Articles: FRIDAY, 15 JANUARY Advertisements: MONDAY, 18 JANUARY

WHAT’S ON p5 Info on markets, online workshops and social activities

ARTS p19-21

Exhibitions, online activities & Movies

GARDENING p8-10

FOOD p28

Winter gardening

MOTORING

p11 Test drive a Subaru Boxer!

Anyone for Ghar Ka Kadak Chai?

ANTIQUES p32

What makes a specialist in restoration?

CHILDREN p12-13

Skygate, our children’s serial

WALKING p34 Rachel’s Ramble

Visit our website for more Events, Services and Classifieds www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk Unit 4, Barton View Business Park, Sheeplands Lane, Sherborne DT9 4FW | 01935 424724 | info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk © 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.

3 www.remousonline.com

Events listed are correct as we go to press but we advise checking with organisers before attending any event as the Covid-19 situation may change.

WHAT’S ON

What’s On Charity ONLINE St Margaret’s Hospice Care Christmas Fundraising Campaign The charity’s brand-new ‘12 Days of Christmas’ campaign represents twelve days of fundraising, giving and acts of kindness, which will be very valuable this Christmas to bring peace, comfort and dignity to every patient the charity cares for.

Take part in any activity at any time, or start from Day 1 on Monday 14 December right up until Christmas Eve. All twelve ideas can be carried out virtually or non-virtually. To get involved, please visit www.st-margaretshospice.org.uk/12-days-ofchristmas.

CREWKERNE On Wednesday 16 and Monday 21 to Wednesday 23 December from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, Rotary Club of Crewkerne District will bring Father Christmas on his Santa Float around Crewkerne for the annual Rotary Christmas Collection.

SHERBORNE Schoolreaders Required Now! The Schoolreaders charity provides volunteers to listen to children read in primary schools, at no cost to the school. Covid and lockdown have affected primary school literacy levels badly. The charity is asking for volunteers to sign up now (due to the recruitment process and DBS checks) in order to start in schools in January 2021.

No experience needed, just a good command of the English language and a spare hour or two a week in term time.

Illiteracy affects all areas of life! If willing to help, please complete the online application at www.schoolreaders.org or

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call the Schoolreaders team on 01234 924222.

YEOVIL Yeovil Hospital Breast Cancer Unit Appeal Yeovil Hospital Charity would like to thank everyone who has supported its fundraising for this appeal; £1,636,719 million raised so far! A total of £2 million is required to build this much needed dedicated Breast Cancer unit. The charity is still collecting any unwanted or broken jewellery and watches to help raise the final amount.

To donate, please call Maggie (appeal committee volunteer) on 01963 250108. Yeovil Hospital Charity would like to thank Acreman Street Antiques for their invaluable support.

Coffee Morning SOUTH PETHERTON On Wednesday 27 January from 10.00am to 12.00 noon at The David Hall, there is a Coffee Morning. Pop in for a cup of real coffee and a chat. Look around the book and bric-a-brac stalls and more often than not, listen to some live music. Free entry.

WEST CAMEL Every Thursday from 9.15am to 11.15am at The Davis Hall, there is a coffee morning. Come for coffee and cakes, Post Office, books, cards, a selection from The West Camel Bakery, plus eggs and local produce as available. Free entry. Please follow the signs;

Contact: Julie Locke

/theconduitmagazine

E: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk

@conduitmag

hand sanitiser on arrival and departure; social distancing.

Food SANDFORD ORCAS The Mitre Inn has set out a number of measures so that guests can have a safe and enjoyable dining experience. Booking essential as seating inside the pub is limited. Opening hours are now: Wednesday to Friday from 12.00 noon to 2.00pm, Saturday and Sunday from 12.00 noon to 3.00pm; Tuesday to Saturday from 7.00pm to 10.00pm. For further information, call 01963 220271, email cheryl@mitreinn.co.uk or visit www.mitreinn.co.uk.

Market ONLINE Pennard Plants The 16th annual Grown Your Own & Seed Potato Day for 2021 is going virtual! A vast array of online products is on offer to help kick-start the growing season; potatoes, onions, heritage/heirloom seeds, plus a huge range of patio and tall fruit trees and bushes. For further information, visit www. pennardplants.com.

CASTLE CARY Every Tuesday from 8.30am to 2.00pm at the Market House is a weekly open-air market. Having run for six years, it is heralded as possibly the friendliest market in Somerset! Food stalls: West Country sourced fish, extensive range of cheeses, greengrocery plus Roots Organic, artisan bread, home-made preserves, home-made pies and pasties, Swanky Cakes, freshly-cooked Thai food and sauces, and Jack’s Mac and Cheese. General stalls: perennial plants (and advice!), creative household wooden items, as well as general crafts/ giftware on a casual basis.

Contact 01963 351763. www. castle-cary.co.uk/market.

CREWKERNE Every third Saturday from 9.00am to 1.00pm outside Henhayes Centre is Crewkerne Farmers’ Market. It has a comprehensive selection of around 16 stalls, offering bread and baked goods, dairy and eggs, drinks, fish, fruit, vegetables, meat, preserves and honey, speciality products, plants and flowers, and much more. For further information, visit www. somersetfarmersmarkets.co.uk.

DRAYTON Every third Saturday from 10.00am to 12.00 noon at the Village Hall is the monthly market. Produce includes bread, vegetables,

We are always keen to buy antique silver and old Sheffield plate at current prices Please telephone or call into the shop 38 CHEAP STREET, SHERBORNE DORSET DT9 3PX

01935 816828

enquiries@henrywillis.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON

meats, butter, cheese, cakes, preserves, crafts, honey, plants, desserts and savouries.

Refreshments available. Free parking.

LANGPORT Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday until 23 December in the Undercroft is the ‘Vintage Quarter’ Market.

Times: Wednesdays 1.00pm to 7.00pm, Fridays 10.00am to 3.00pm and Saturdays 10.00am to 4.00pm.

Every Friday from 9.00am to 12.00 noon at the Town Hall meeting room is the Langport Country Market. This market offers a wide variety of artisan produce. All baked goods are home-made and ingredients locally sourced. There are jams, marmalades, chutney and pickle unique to this market.

Locally sourced butter, cheese, meat and fresh vegetables in season. To order, email julia.jewell@mypostoffice.co.uk or call 01458 253508.

MARTOCK On Saturday 9 January from 10.00am to 1.00pm at the Moorland’s Shopping Precinct is Martock Farmers’ Market, with stalls selling all key foods such as vegetables, plants, cheese, coffee, chicken, beef, cordials, jams, bread and savouries. Card payment preferred, but cash handled carefully. Please observe the advice on distancing and queueing. Any enquiries, please phone Fergus on 01935 822202.

SHEPTON MALLET Every Friday from 9.00am to 2.00pm at the Market Place is Shepton Mallet market. This historic market, which dates back to 1318, offers a wide range of fresh local produce (fruit and veg, bread and cheese, seafood, cider) and crafts. For further information, visit the market’s Facebook page or phone 07912 769731.

SOMERTON Until Thursday 24 December from 10.00am at ACEarts, there is an Artisan Christmas Market. ‘Gifted’ offers all the advantages of a Christmas Market - unique gifts, variety and a festive feel - without the crowds. 15 artists during November and a different 15 during December, so it’s worth visiting more than once! All artists are from Somerset, so visitors can support local small businesses whilst choosing unique gifts for everyone on their Christmas list. Private shopping is available on Tuesdays, phone to book a slot. Opening times: Wednesday to Saturday 10.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.00pm. For further information, phone 01458 273008 or visit www.acearts.co.uk.

On Friday 18 December from 9.00am to 2.00pm at the Market Place is the Somerton Vintage Market. Antiques, vintage, retro, artisan food, bike repairs and more. For further information, email somertonvintagemarket@gmail.com or visit the market’s Facebook page.

Every Saturday from 9.00am to 12.00 noon at The Unicorn Hotel skittle alley is the Wessex Country Market offering a wide variety of artisan produce. There are homemade baked goods using locally sourced ingredients, jams, marmalades, chutney and pickle unique to this market. Locally sourced butter, cheese, meat and fresh vegetables

in season. For further information, contact Julia on 01458 253508 or visit Scrumerton Facebook page. An extra market on Wednesday 23 December, usual times!

Social ONLINE Every Tuesday and Thursday at 11.00am, join in with the Goldies Online Sing-along. The fun, free online sessions are led by Rachel and Cheryl. The sessions are recorded and go ‘live’ on YouTube. The words of the songs are on the screen so join in and Sing&Smile from home! For more information, visit www.goldieslive.com.

CRANMORE Until Thursday 24 December at East Somerset Railway, there are Santa Special train rides. Tickets from £19 are available online at eastsomersetrailway. com. For dates and time, and to book, visit the website, Facebook page or call 01749 880417 (phones not manned during lockdown). On Sunday 20 December, there’s also a chance to meet Santa by Starlight!

ILMINSTER Every second Friday from 12.30pm to 2.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre is the Readers Group Book Club.

An informal and friendly book group that meets to chat and share ideas about the latest ‘read’. All books are provided by the local library service. £5 per session (includes refreshments). For further information, contact Sarah at somersetwalker@gmail. com. www.themeetinghouse.org.uk.

MARTOCK Martock & District U3A wishes everyone a much happier 2021 and hopes to back to its normal activities as soon as possible. Under current restrictions, members are still able to keep up with some of their hobbies and interests, with several groups meeting online. The U3A is also sourcing online talks for members, keeping in touch through online coffee mornings, and sharing news, stories and support through a special Facebook group, Martock U3A Keeping in Touch. For further information or if interested in joining, visit the Facebook page, www.u3a.org.uk, email martocku3amembership@gmail.com, or phone 07510 178094.

Walk FIDDLEFORD On Sunday 10 January at 10.15am starting at Fiddleford Mill, there will be a Dorset Ramblers’ walk. Lunch will be a picnic or pre-booked at Fiddleford Inn. Walkers will be in groups of six, and those coming must phone the walk leader (Jo on 07779 471273) the day beforehand so numbers can be managed. For further information, email jenny.newman@zen.co.uk or visit www.dorsetramblers.co.uk.

LANGPORT Every evening until 23 December in the town’s historic main street is a ‘Winter Light Trail’. Langport residents are invited to decorate one window per house, with twinkly lights, fairy-tales and silhouettes, to shine a little magic into the Winter darkness. Take a heart-warming evening stroll around town, and on the way look out for the window illuminations.

Keep an eye out for Langport’s ‘Twinkle Team’ (Dancer the deer, Farley the fox, and Rocket the rabbit!) – they’ll be looking for pretty windows and may leave a little ‘thank you’ for the best displays. #WinterLightsLangport.

Every Wednesday until 23 December from 1.00pm to 7.00pm in the town’s historic main street is ‘Winter Wednesday Lates’.

Langport’s many charming independent shops and the outdoor ‘Vintage Quarter’ market will also be open, offering an ideal opportunity to browse on the way.

WELLS Until Tuesday 22 December from 10.00am to 4.00pm at the Bishop’s Palace, Wells, brighten up this winter with some festive cheer with a visit to ‘Christmas at the Palace’! There will be a Christmasthemed family trail which will take visitors through the palace and gardens, leading to a traditional nativity scene at the end.

The gardens will also be dressing up, with a winter woodland theme, and outdoor lighting and decorations in the formal

REMOVALS & CLEARANCES

Talk ONLINE On Tuesday 12 January at 2.30pm on Zoom, Blackmore Vale U3A has a short AGM followed by a talk. The speaker is Arthur Coles, head gardener at The Newt in Somerset. Arthur will cover ‘The History, Present Day and Future of The Newt’. Members will receive the Zoom link nearer the time. If interested in becoming a member (£10 annual subscription), contact the membership secretary at bvmembership@outlook.com or visit www. u3a.org.uk.

Contact us for your free, no obligation quote; Phone: 01935 509057 Freephone: 0800 2425012 Mobile: 07853 275379 Email: enquiries@back2market.com

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

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WHAT’S ON

gardens. The rooms of the medieval palace building will be festooned with decorations on a variety of themes, from medieval through to Victorian.

Get into the Christmas spirit with festive music and Germanmarket-inspired food and drink, whilst admiring the decorations.

Tickets available to purchase at www.bishopspalace.org.uk.

Every weekend from 30 January to 21 February from 10.00am to 4.00pm at The Bishop’s Palace, Wells, celebrate the arrival of Spring and head on down to the gardens for their hugely popular Snowdrop Weekends. Visitors can collect a printed Snowdrop Walk which will guide them around the Moat banks carpeted with spectacular snowdrops, and across the Willow Bridge to enjoy an Arboretum full of snowdrops of several varieties. Each weekend a children’s trail will also be available from the ticket office with a small prize upon completion. Head gardener James Cross has noticed that the snowdrop season seems to be beginning and ending earlier each year - so don’t leave it until the last day to visit, as the snowdrops may have already

Events listed are correct as we go to press but we advise checking with organisers before attending any event as the Covid-19 situation may change. gone! Included with standard admission. Tickets available to purchase at www.bishopspalace. org.uk.

Workshop ILMINSTER On Wednesday 16 December from 10.15am to 1.15pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a ‘Christmas Hanging Decorations’ workshop with Claire Jeans. These delicate hanging shapes are really easy and therapeutic to make. They can be any size or shape and will twirl around if suspended over a heat source.

Bring along materials or they can be provided at a small cost (see website for details).

Cost £20. To book, email workshopbookingIAC@gmail. com. For further information, phone 01460 54973 or visit www.themeetinghouse.org.uk.

decorations. Bring narrow ribbons, needle, thread and small scissors - Carol will supply the corn for £3 per person.

Cost £20. To book, email workshopbookingIAC@gmail. com. For further information, phone 01460 54973 or visit www.themeetinghouse.org.uk.

On Thursday 17 December from 2.30am to 5.30pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a ‘Cheeky Christmas Gnomes’ workshop with Gary Mills.

Textile artist and designer, Gary, will guide the student through the various stages of making this adorable Gnome decoration - with his little pink nose, white furry beard and his shaped pointy hat. Suitable for intermediate or practiced beginner. Age 16+. Cost £30, plus £10 for all fabrics and haberdashery. To book, email

On Thursday 17 December from 10.30am to 1.30pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is an ‘Eco Corn Dolly Decorations’ workshop with Carol Cooke.

Learn the traditional arts of corn dollies and create the ultimate eco-friendly

workshopbookingIAC@gmail. com. For further information, phone 01460 54973 or visit www.themeetinghouse.org.uk.

On Tuesday 22 December from 10.30am to 12.00 noon at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a ‘Christmas Table Flower Arrangement’ workshop with Adele Deane. Make this year’s table that bit more special with a Christmas table flower arrangement. No experience needed and plenty of guidance given. Bring special baubles or Christmas decoration to add to the effect, all other materials provided (please bring secateurs). £25 including materials. Adults only. To book, email workshopbookingIAC@ gmail.com. For further information, phone 01460 54973 or visit www. themeetinghouse.org.uk.

FEBRUARY DEADLINES News and Articles:

FRIDAY, 15 January

Advertisements:

MONDAY, 18 January

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BOOKS

DON’T MISS DANCERS IN LOCKDOWN Until Saturday 30 January from 10.00am to 5.00pm at the Octagon Gallery, Yeovil, there is an exhibition ‘Dancers in Lockdown 2020’ by Len Copland, local photographer and friend of the Octagon Theatre. When theatres and dance schools across the country closed due to lockdown, Len embarked on a personal project capturing young dancers carrying on their passion for dance at their homes around South Somerset. The pictures were taken where possible on their front doorstep and in their gardens. This project soon escalated after the first picture of well-known dancer, James Bamford, was posted and Len’s inbox was soon full of young dancers willing to take part. Gallery open: Monday to Saturday (open until 9.30pm on performance evenings). For further information, visit www.octagontheatre.co.uk/creative-arts/visual-arts. Box office 01935 422884.

BOOK REVIEW

By Wayne, Winstones

The Other Bennet Sister

by Janice Hadlow | £8.99 After the stress and lockdown confusion I thought an uplifting feel good read of sheer entertainment would be a good recommendation for the cold month of January. For fans of Pride and Prejudice this book will delight.

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Mary is the middle of the five Bennet girls and the plainest of them all, so what hope does she have? Prim and pious, with no redeeming features, she is unloved and seemingly unlovable.

The Other Bennet Sister, though, shows another side to Mary. An introvert in a family of extroverts; a constant disappointment to her mother who values beauty above all else; fearful of her father’s sharp tongue; with little in common with her siblings - is it any wonder she turns to books for both company and guidance? And, if she finds her life lonely or lacking, that she determines to try harder at the one thing she can be: right.

One by one, her sisters marry - Jane and Lizzy for love; Lydia for some semblance of respectability - but Mary, it seems, is destined to remain single and live out her life at Longbourn, at least until her father dies and the house is bequeathed to the reviled Mr Collins. But when that fateful day finally comes, she slowly discovers that perhaps there is hope for her, after all.

Simultaneously a wonderfully warm homage to Jane Austen and a delightful new story in its own right, Janice Hadlow’s The Other Bennet Sister is, at its heart, a life-affirming tale of a young woman finding her place in the world.

Witty and uplifting, it will make you feel - and cheer - for Mary as you never have before.

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PET HEALTH

GARDENING

EUTHANASIA THE TIME TO SAY GOODBYE

By Peter Luscombe BVSc GPCert(Derm) MRCVS Euthanasia is a big decision.

We are responsible for a pet during its lifetime, we are also responsible during the time of illness and death. Feelings of guilt are natural when considering euthanasia.

Many owners quietly hope their pet will pass-away peacefully in their sleep when the time comes. This rarely happens because animals sharing our homes are not living naturally; we feed them, shelter them and provide healthcare which prevents a natural death. This leaves us having to decide when the time is right to say goodbye. I believe this is our final responsibility and the last thing we owe our pets.

Because making a decision to put a pet to sleep is likely in the future, it is wise to give some thought to what is an acceptable quality of life before it is a question we are forced to make.

There is no right or wrong answer, only our best judgement. A veterinary examination, and follow up tests can help us make a diagnosis and offer a prognosis, but cannot dictate when it is time to say goodbye. With any terminally ill animal we must also consider the quality of life, in many ways this is the more important question.

As an owner, you are best placed to make the decision when the time comes. As a veterinary surgeon I can offer my advice based on my medical knowledge and offer an opinion, but there is not necessarily a right or wrong answer.

142 Preston Road, Yeovil Somerset BA20 2EE Lower Acreman Street Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3EX www.newtonclarkevet.com

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When discussing quality of life, I often suggest owners assess whether their pets are living or just existing. It may help to consider a life worth living against a life not worth living. Afterwards the regret I hear most often is “I waited too long”.

When asked to perform euthanasia, more than anything else I do as a veterinary surgeon I feel this is a personal service rather than a clinical procedure.

I must retain my focus on the animal, but also work with the human family to get the outcome for the pet that we all wish for. As an owner you must plan whether you would like this to happen at the clinic or request a house visit, which we are happy to arrange. Many clients request a familiar face to perform the euthanasia. You also need to consider whether you would like to stay when it happens. Some owners would rather not be present, this is a personal choice and we are happy to talk about this if it will help.

No matter how you think about it, from my own experience I believe you will know when the time is right to say goodbye.

The difficulty is the feeling of guilt that comes with it. What we must remember is that the decision is taken with love.

Although we currently cannot allow clients into the surgery, throughout the covid-19 restrictions we have made an exception and made every effort to allow owners to be with their pets and say their final goodbyes, safely.

BORDER PLANNING

By Mike Burks, Managing Director of The Gardens Group The trouble with gardening in January is that sometimes the weather is against you and that isn’t much fun. If there is a break in the weather and you do manage to wander outside, it’s often cold and wet and your boots start weighing three times your body weight, as the mud accumulates. If this is the case, then actually you aren’t doing any good and in fact you may be damaging your garden, so you have my permission to head inside and make a lovely cup of tea!

It is though a great time to plan your garden for the year ahead. Get out your books and a piece of paper and start to dream of glorious summer days in the perfect garden. You can dream away at the kitchen table all you like in January!

If it’s a new border that’s needed then some hard statistics are required. Sorry about this, but you need to get the coat and boots on again and go out to measure up the area. Plot that onto paper, in scale if you can, as any plans you create will then make sense when put into practice. The scale I like to use for borders is 1:50, so this means that 1cm on paper is equal to 1 metre in the garden. In imperial measurement, it’s best to use 1:48, so that 1 inch on paper is equal to 4 feet (48 inches) in real life.

There are some other boring but essential bits that need to be noted, including the direction in which your border faces. This is important as it will determine what plants can be grown, because whereas a south facing border will tend to be warm and light, a north facing patch will be cool and won’t get direct sunlight very often. East facing means that the morning sun will be a factor, as will cold winds, whilst a west facing will get warmer winds and the afternoon sun.

The pH of the soil will also need to be noted. We sell easy to use pH kits, but in fact a quick wander around the area and a chat to anyone who has gardened locally for a while will reveal what can and can’t be grown. For most of us locally, the soils will be slightly alkaline, so limiting the ability to grow rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas and the like. The soil texture too

needs to be considered and whether it is free draining or wet and claggy.

Then it’s time for some fun! Plot the border onto paper and then start playing about with shapes. These may need to reflect the style that you already have in the garden, but in fact it’s your garden and you can do what you like. There are some practical implications though, so for example, if the border is curved it is best that these are gentle to facilitate easy mowing should they be alongside a lawn.

Choosing plants for the border is also enjoyable and I would suggest making a list of what you like. Cross off this anything that won’t suit the aspect and the soil conditions.

Plant choice is also affected by the situation and so a front garden border that is seen all year round will probably need a higher proportion of plants for year round interest. A border at the bottom of the garden can perhaps be a higher mix of spring and summer plants.

It’s up to you of course, but I would position larger plants at the back of the border, mediums in the middle and smaller at the front so that all can be seen. I always choose plants firstly for their foliage, as that will be a feature far longer than berries, stems or flowers.

Having a go yourself can be really good fun, but if you need some help then we have a free of charge service. Just pop in and see one of the team, armed with the information that I’ve described above, and we’ll be happy to assist.

CASTLE GARDENS New Road, Sherborne DT9 5NR Tel: 01935 814633 BRIMSMORE GARDENS Tintinhull Road, Yeovil BA21 3NU Tel: 01935 411000

POUNDBURY GARDENS Peverell Avenue, Poundbury DT1 3RT Tel: 01305 257250 www.thegardensgroup.co.uk

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GARDENING

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR YOUR GARDEN

By Liv Sabat

Most of us probably didn’t get out as much as we would have liked last year, so I have put together a short list of resolutions as suggestions for this year. I know I am going against the conventional ‘one new year’s resolution’ so please accept my apologies in advance.

Keeping with the Seasons: resolve at the beginning of the year to keep your garden up to date with the seasons this year. This will give you something to keep yourself busy, but also give you something to show off and be proud of. Keeping with the seasons essentially consists of replacing the plants and even the colours in your garden when the seasons change.

Look after Your Garden: Not only does looking after your garden give you something to do in your spare time, it also gives you something that you can be proud of. When all your hard work clipping,

mowing, planting and watering pays off, you will have something you can show off and you will be able to say ‘I did that!’

Your Sunroom: First of all, do you have a sunroom? If you answered no to that question then you should definitely consider having one put up. They really are the conservatory of the future, with a shedload of innovative accessories and almost limitless options when it comes to the size and position of the structure. If you do already have a sunroom, but it doesn’t have any accessories, then why not consider adding some radiant heaters to keep

you warm and think about adding some weather sensors to keep your possessions safe? Don’t forget you also need to maintain your sunroom; clean it like it’s your prized possession. Finally, if you already have a sunroom, you may want to consider decorating it with plants and more neutral colours so it feels homely all-year-round.

Stay Motivated: This is probably one of the most important resolutions; not just so that your garden stays its bright and beautiful self, but also so that you can too! You have to find ways of motivating yourself to get out and do whatever it is that makes you happy.

We don’t know what this year holds for us yet, but what we do know is that we, as a combined people, can get through anything.

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9

GARDENING

Sandhurst Garden Design Julie Haylock Garden Designer 20 Sandhurst Road, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 2LG

Tel: 07899 710168 Email: haylock2lg@btinternet.com www.sandhurstgardendesign.co.uk Contact Julie for garden and border design, planting plans, plant selection advice and garden styling

BBC Gardeners’ World Live Gold Medal Award Taunton Flower Show Gold Medal Award and The Western Daily Press Cup for Best Show Garden

UP THE GARDEN PATH

By Julie Haylock, Sandhurst Garden Design

During the winter months, gardens provide a vital source of food for our native and visiting birds when they need us most. Encouraging birds to visit your garden is easy and extremely rewarding, and all you need to do is consider a few simple things, food, shelter and water.

Use a good quality bird seed in your feeders which will ensure less waste. A favourite of many species at this time of year is sunflower hearts.

Having a good variety of food choice including seed, fat balls and some protein in the form of meal worms will provide the complete menu for your guests. Birds use up a lot of energy searching for food when it is cold, so convenience is high on their priority list.

Using a feeding station and combination of feeders suspended from hooks or branches is the perfect choice. Smaller birds like blue tits and finches are experts at using the hanging type feeders, whilst robins, blackbirds and dunnocks prefer a flat surface, so a bird table is ideal placed out the of way of a sneaky cat!

Ensure bird feeders are cleaned regularly to prevent the spread of disease; do this outside using a mild disinfectant and warm soapy water in a bucket, probably best not to use the kitchen sink!

When considering wildlife friendly planting ideas for your garden, it is essential to include a selection that will benefit them throughout the year, including the winter months. Trees, shrubs, flowers and even your lawn will attract a whole host of insects 10

to your garden which in turn will provide a valuable food source for the birds.

At this time of year in the winter garden, rowan trees and shrubs with berries, like holly, pyracantha and yew, are good providers, whilst teasles, sunflowers and grasses offer seeds that are particularly loved by finches.

If you need some advice or would like help to redesign your borders with wildlife friendly planting in mind, then why not get in touch and we can discuss your ideas.

Good shelter is an especially important consideration. Safe warm nest boxes come into their own in spring when birds lay their eggs, but during the winter they can provide much needed shelter from the cold and wet particularly for smaller birds.

Position boxes out of direct sunlight and rain, and ensure it is 2 to 4m above ground level, ideally facing between north and east.

Naturally, dense hedges like privet and conifer provide the perfect evergreen place to hide and make the ideal perch or song post. Climbing plants like honeysuckle and ivy do a similar job for both birds and insects alike.

Finally, water, a cold bath to us does not sound particularly alluring on a winter’s

day, but to our birds it is vital to keep their feathers in good condition to ensure perfect flight and insulation.

Keep bird baths clean and topped up with fresh water, a good idea to stop it freezing over is to place a small ball or something that floats in the water which will create a gap in the ice. Add a few pebbles around the water edge to allow small or young birds and insects a safe place to drink without the risk of falling in.

Between 29 and 31 January, the RSPB will be holding its annual Big Garden Birdwatch, contact www.rspb.org.ok for more details. This is a great way to spend a few hours sat in the warm or, as we do, in the summerhouse counting the variety of visitors to our own garden. This information provides the RSPB with vital data to allow them to chart which species are doing well and not so well, so why not take part?

Until next time, Happy New Year

Garden Landscape & Construction Services

www.sherbornegardenangels.co.uk 01935 310302

GARDENING MOTORING

THE BOXER PACKS A PUNCH!

By Tim Saunders, Motoring Correspondent The Subaru XV Boxer packs a powerful punch, if slightly subdued compared to its ancestors. It has road presence as you would expect and commands respect from other road users. Interestingly, they don’t seem to tailgate the Boxer in the way they do other cars that I drive. It might be that there are comparatively few of these on Britain’s roads and that there’s a healthy interest about what it is that is in front of them. Certainly during the test I do not see a single Subaru on the roads making me feel that I am driving something rather special.

This all-wheel drive five-door car is basically an estate with raised ride height.

An attractive alternative for those not wanting a traditional 4x4 but certainly as competent.

Tim Saunders is an advanced motorist and journalist. He has always been passionate about motoring and regularly reviews cars from the leading manufacturers.

His first report on a BMW 520i was published in the Dorset Echo when he was 17 (just after passing his driving test) in 1995. He went on to become business and motoring editor at the Bournemouth Echo.

be able to handle speeds of at least up to 30mph for, say for a mile regardless how heavy your right foot but I am always left bitterly, bitterly disappointed. Unless the driver nurses the car along whispering sweet nothings about the environment it completely forgets it’s a hybrid. When driving there’s a graphic in the middle of the dashboard showing the electric motor charging. That keeps the children entertained but it’s unnecessary and I question how much more efficient this really is over a standard model because Subarus have always been fairly thirsty and so’s this one. The cruise control is easy to operate and automatically brakes or accelerates depending on what the car in front is doing. One annoying thing is that on damp days the windscreen mists up

Paddle shifts either side of the steering wheel allow the driver a choice between lazy automatic or more involved driving. This petrol hybrid clicks over from petrol to an electric motor at low speeds or when slowing down or at least it should do. Trouble is the motor doesn’t kick in very often. I find this a lot with hybrids. You see, I expect them to

quite quickly and the blowers have to be put on full to clear it.

There’s a comfortable driving position and the black leather seats are hardwearing.

In the back there’s a good amount of space for passengers meaning that oldest daughter Harriett (9), who has now grown out of using a booster seat, has some room, which isn’t often the case in other cars.

The large boot easily copes with the weekly shop and there’s a neat cover that can be pulled over for security.

Another bonus is the sizeable tilt/sliding glass sunroof that fully opens; a joy on a sunny day. A problem though is that when the sun shines it hits the plastic on the screen of the centre console and bounces off forcing both driver and front passenger to squint. A shame to have to pull the blind over the sunroof to stop this.

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Watch the video at www.testdrives.biz

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11

CHILDREN

SKYGATE

Part III: Mother Tree Flying. How can I possibly put into words the majesty of it? Wind in my hair, my body light and fast and willowy, like a branch whipped up and carried off into blue sky and horizon. For the first time, fully understanding something about who I was supposed to be.

Only fitting then, that the first truly happy moment of my life should be punctuated with an arrow aimed straight at my heart. If I’d had time, I would have nursed quite the bruised ego: ‘Typical.

Flying orphan skewered by an arrow.

Just your luck, Red.’ But there was no time. I dodge the arrow, feel its metal whistle close to my ear, look left where dear Ted is floating into a second arrow’s path, dive, wrapping my arms around him before swinging right, plunging headfirst into green tree-tops.

We land with a thump! and immediately I feel the weight of a hundred eyes. I know what you’re thinking: You can’t feel eyes, Red. It’s called paranoia, which is fair enough after your little dance with death! But you’re wrong. I felt those eyes. They were in the rustle of branches, in the creaking of tree. I knew in my bones we were surrounded.

Ted licked my hand and, for once, didn’t run off.

I look over my shoulder for the onehundredth time and say, in an overly loud voice, ‘Ok Ted, let’s walk for a bit and find somewhere warm to camp.

And then in the morning Aunt Agatha will be here to collect us.’

12

Red arrives in Sherborne, hoping to start a ‘normal’ life with distant relative, Great-Aunt Agatha. But Agatha has other ideas. Before Red can unpack a suitcase, they have been pushed through to the Skygate, a magical ledge positioned hundreds of miles above oldWessex. Now, with only Agatha’s Labrador Ted for company, Red must become the newest Guardian of the Skygate, fly down into old-Wessex and survive the arrow fired straight at their heart…

Ha! How stupid I was back then.

Thinking it was all some strange dreamy-holiday that Great-Aunt Agatha could click her fingers and save me from. Of course, I had no idea what awaited me. Didn’t know that by passing through the Skygate I had already made myself the two-hundredand-fifteenth Guardian, sealing my fate up with that of old-Wessex, the mermaids, the tree people and— Sorry. I’m getting ahead of myself.

I reread the note Alexander had given me before (so kindly) pushing me from the top of his lighthouse and into the sky: ‘When you land, head straight to the tree-people. There is trouble afoot and you are needed!’

Funnily enough, there weren’t any handy signposts pointing us towards ‘tree-people’ and so we began to move slowly through thick forest. Without clear paths to follow, we meander in a north-easterly direction, only because the wannabe-murderer, with a bow, arrow and excellent aim, lay to our south.

In my last school, I’d completed a project on England’s forests and I whisper what I remember to Ted now, not because I’m stupid enough to think he will care, but because I need something to distract me from the memory of deadly arrows and the feeling of eyes peeling away at the back of my neck. My pulse is a hard and fast thrum-thrum-thrum, echoing inside of me.

‘…and so you see Ted, England had been covered in forests. From the end of the last ice age, the island was thick with oak, hazel and birch…just like this forest, in fact.’

I stop for a moment and sniff the air.

It’s like nothing I’ve ever smelt before and now I realise this is the first time in my life I haven’t been able to smell the ghost of human presence— the faint whiff of a passing car, wood smoke or a newly painted gatepost— there is nothing human here. The realisation sends a terrifying thrill right through me.

We walk for another hour or two and finally the forest opens out onto a clearing. In the centre of the clearing stands a beautiful tree. Its branches low and strong, the inside of its trunk completely hollowed out.

I look up, ‘It will be night-time soon.

We’ll make this our camp, Ted.’ I climb inside the hollowed out trunk but Ted won’t budge.

‘Come on now, Ted! We need to keep one another warm.’

But he won’t move. Lets out a little whine, tipping his head to one side, his face full of confusion.

I’m clearly all over the place because his refusal to follow me into the tree, and the thought of a night spent alone in this place, brings angry tears to my eyes and I find myself shouting, the hollow tree amplifying my voice so I sound monstrous, almost godlike, ‘GET IN HERE YOU STUPID DOG!’

CHILDREN

SKYGATE AUTHOR BIO Zoe Gray grew up in the Somerset countryside where she and her brother made up whole imaginary worlds full of witches, troll-families and duck-queens.

She has always loved magical stories and spent her childhood either reading or writing them. Later she studied English at Lancaster University, going on to share her love of words teaching in a London secondary school. Although missing her wonderful students, she is happy to be back in the countryside with her husband, son and Labrador Teddy.

Zoe is currently writing her first novel for children.

Quick as a flash, a voice close to my ear responds, ‘Perhaps he knows it is rude to climb inside someone’s tummy.’

I cry out and leap from the tree, backing away and pulling Ted with me.

‘Ahhh now, no need to be afraid.

We know one another. We have always known one another. The link between Mother Tree and Guardian of the Skygate is like moon and sea.’

The voice is green velvet, coming up from the roots at my feet, filling the clearing.

I am trembling, ‘Where are you?’

A low branch begins to move, creaking its way towards me, the leaf at its end gently brushing the end of my chin, ‘All around you. I am Mother Tree. A part of me can be found in every inch of this forest. But the majority of me is here.’ She spreads all of her branches wide, seems to lift up onto tippy-toes.

Along her trunk there is something flickering. It is not a face, more of an expression; everything raised and open. She is smiling.

‘Oh, right…pleased to meet you?’

Mother Tree begins to laugh, her branches shaking in leafy choir, ‘Yes. Pleased to meet you. We have needed the Guardian. Have missed your protection. There is much here for you to repair.’ Suddenly, she claps her branches together and the clearing shrinks as trees lean in, crowding us.

Now her voice is thunder, ‘Wessex

forest! At last, the Guardian of the Skygate has heard our call. They will move out at first light and deal with the human settlers to the south. We must do everything in our power to assist them in their task. We cannot lose another Guardian of the Skygate.

It will only mean more of our brothers and sisters are destroyed.’

The surrounding trees clap their branches in response and the sound is enough to rip soil from the ground.

(And the feeling of being watched is instantly explained. The forest has been following my every move.)

It is only at night, tucked up safe and cosy under a layer of warm leaves, cradled tight by Mother Tree’s roots, I dare ask, ‘Mother Tree…the humans to the south…they aren’t by any chance the same humans that shot at me with a bow and arrow?’ The great old tree holds me tighter, her voice no more than a whisper on the night air, ‘Why are you asking a question you already know the answer to? Hush now and sleep. Your voice holds more power than any of their weapons.’

The thought of facing arrows with only my voice is certainly no comfort and my dreams that night are fretful; filled with arrows and blood and a woman with red hair who must be my mother telling me to fly away, back to Sherborne, leaving the Skygate far behind me.

To be continued…

13

FINANCE

COMPUTING

FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL

By Mark Salter, Financial Planning

Moving into a new year is celebrated around the world each year and, for my family and I, it is usually a memorable night of fun and celebrations with close friends.

Although the celebrations won’t be quite as much fun for most of us this year, I’m sure that many of us will be pleased to say goodbye to 2020 and are hoping for a better 2021, where we can spend more time with our family and friends, and begin doing more of the things we enjoy, whether that’s eating out, playing sport or planning our holidays and trips away. Normally we have control over how we spend our time, but the last nine months have seen us all having to make changes to our lives which have been outside our control.

When I sit down with people to discuss their finances, I focus on what we can control rather than those things that most of us can’t control. Many people I meet ask me ‘when is the right time to invest?’, ‘what will happen to inflation after Brexit?’ or ‘what

tax changes will be announced in the budget?’ Like everyone I may have an opinion on a subject but without a crystal ball, I have no influence, insight or control on the world stock markets, the rate of inflation or the changes to the tax system each year.

As a financial planner, I can however help individuals and business owners take control of their finances and identify steps they can take to improve their financial position now and for the future.

As we head into the new year, you may want to begin the year by focusing on the many things we can control in 2021 rather than those we can’t. Asking yourself some of these simple questions might help: What is my future vision and what do I want to achieve in 2021

towards this vision?

Do I have a budget for 2021 and a record of my monthly income and monthly outgoings?

What changes could I make to reduce my monthly outgoings?

What can I do to clear my overdraft, credit card, loans or mortgage sooner?

How much can I afford to save/ invest each month?

Am I saving enough for my retirement and taking advantage of my workplace pension scheme?

Are my investments working hard for me and towards my vision?

Are my family adequately protected if I can no longer work or die prematurely?

Do I have a Lasting Power of Attorney in place?

Just answering these ten simple questions will be a good place to start, and I’m sure that almost everyone reading this will be able to implement a positive change for 2021 that they can control rather than worrying about those things we can’t.

If you would like to know more about how financial planning can help you and your family in 2021, then please visit www. financialplanning.org.uk/ wayfinder.

Where is my will and does it reflect my current wishes?

NAVIGATING THE JANUARY SALES ONLINE

By James Flynn, Milborne Port Computers

In the good old days, the January Sales were a way for retailers to shift unsold Christmas stock.

Today, retailers have discovered that they can have a ‘sale’ whenever they want, and they buy stock deliberately to be able to sell it in a ‘sale’.

The latest trend of Black Friday and Cyber Monday pre-Christmas sales is a good example of retailers stocking-up for a sale. However, being the cynic that I am, I do question if the deals are really as good as they appear. Many retailers will simply have sold the goods at an inflated price for the legally requisite period, only to massively ‘discount’ them in the sale.

Supermarket wines are a great example of this: A single facing of a wine at £10 in a corner for 6 weeks becomes a whole end-ofaisle display at £5 a bottle (50% off). Nobody questions if the wine 14

was actually worth £10 in the first place as it’s rarely possible to find the product elsewhere. This brings me onto my next area of cynicism: Price Matching. We get offered a price that if we can find a better deal elsewhere then we’ll get double the difference back, or some other waffle. The reality is that the product will be an exclusive for the retailer and impossible to match elsewhere. Computers are a good example of this where the specification is never like-for-like between shops.

Always ask yourself, why is the item on offer in the first place? Is it old stock? Is it low specification?

Is it the line that makes the retailer the best margin? I’ll openly admit that if I can find a real bargain in IT equipment then we do tend to buy a load of it simply because we’ll make a better profit. That’s called good business, however, it’s only good business if you can

afford the cash outlay, or you can sell out before you have to pay for it. Picking up a bargain in the sales on credit is never a good bargain!

So, what are you to do if you’re looking to get some new kit in the sales? Be clear what you’re looking for and write down the specification, then start searching online and visit as many retailers as you can find. Compare the prices and detailed spec, and try to find the best compromise. We often find it difficult to find exactly what we’re looking for, so have to

accept a product and then modify it ourselves.

Be clear that the sale is really genuine, and check that the headline price is not someone else’s normal price and, finally, delivery charges can make all the difference. The product you’re looking for may be cheap, but you’ll have to pay £9.95 delivery; whereas another online store sells for a higher price but with free delivery. Be a savvy shopper!

As always, if in doubt or if you need help, you know where to come!

BUSINESS

2021 BELONGS TO SMALL BUSINESSES

By Jim Rayner

Around 66 million years ago something known as the K-T Extinction event is thought to have killed off 75% of all animal and plant species. The COVID-19 event of 2020, though far less dramatic, has already swept away several well-known lumbering dinosaurs from our high streets and will probably see off a few more corporate giants, along with a swathe of smaller businesses, before it is done with us.

Business life will recover, just as biological life has repeatedly flourished and diversified after extinction events. The demise of the dinosaurs left space for smaller, more adaptable mammals to evolve, eventually allowing our own species to dominate the planet – I’ll let you decide whether that has ultimately been a good thing!

Hospitality, tourism, events and non-essential retail have been very badly hit by COVID-19. But other sectors have boomed, particularly delivery firms, online retailers and IT companies.

Hornby has apparently reported its first profit for ten years, thanks to increased demand for model railways and Scalextric.

Equally there have been big losers and winners among consumers. Rising unemployment, job insecurity and uneven support for the self-employed have left many unable or unwilling to spend. While anyone lucky enough to have a secure income may be sitting on more cash than usual after forgoing holidays.

into high overheads. Many had loyal customers keen for someone to step in and look after them.

4. Big companies are starting to pull out of activities that independent niche businesses do much better. Several supermarkets are doing away with deli and fish counters.

5. We may need to rethink our target market. There’s a good rule of business: you can’t make money out of people who haven’t got any.

6. Experiment. We are all prone to fall in love with our first business idea but usually it needs to be refined or completely reworked to achieve success.

As we enter 2021 and put together our business rebuilding plans what should we be thinking about? Here are a few ideas. But do bear in mind that if I’d attempted to guess what was in store as I stood outside Sherborne Abbey with a glass of fizz in my hand, listening to the bells welcoming in 2020, I would have been hopelessly wrong!

1. Owner-managed enterprises will be at the heart of the recovery. We are more adaptable, more willing to experiment, less weighed down by debt and less cursed by meetings than big corporates.

2. We shouldn’t count on help from government. There is no business problem that can’t be made worse by wellintentioned but blundering government.

3. Some chains with a sound business model have gone simply because they had unsustainable levels of debt or were locked

STAY ON TOP OF THE NUMBERS PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS SAVE LIVELIHOODS BUSINESS NUMBER EXPERTS WWW.JAMES-RAYNER.CO.UK

15

LEGAL

COVID-19 – FAMILY MATTERS, HOW HAVE THINGS CHANGED?

By Hollie Knapman, Battens

COVID19 and the lockdowns have left many people feeling adrift in their relationships and have sadly led to an increase in incidents of domestic violence. According to Women’s Aid, 66% of women in an abusive relationship have suffered more violence during the lockdown period, and 75% say they have found it harder to leave their abusers . The good news is that we are still able to help you with any and all family matters during this time and have dedicated practitioners working within the team. This includes divorce or separation, children matters or any injunctive Orders such as a Non-Molestation Order or Occupation Order.

You may wish to undertake mediation in the first instance to see if matters can be agreed between you and your spouse or partner. Mediators are still working and this can be done remotely via Zoom.

Thanks to the technology we now have, the same benefits of mediation such as separate rooms, individual or joint mediation, or family mediation can be accessed without putting yourself at risk.

There are some circumstances in which mediation is not suitable, however, if you and feel that mediation may assist you it can help keep the relationship more amicable. A less contentious divorce or separation can be much easier in situations where there are children, for example.

Mediation is a voluntary process and neither party can be forced to attend outside of Court proceedings. However, mediation is usually a mandatory step (save in certain circumstances) before any Court proceedings can be issued. We can advise you fully in respect of mediation and whether it is appropriate in your case.

If mediation is not suitable, or you reach an impasse, we are now taking instruction mainly via telephone or remotely, for example, via Zoom. We can arrange a telephone call or virtual meeting whenever is convenient for you and give you the necessary advice. Our office is COVID safe and so should you need to drop documents 16

off, please be reassured that you can do this in a safe way.

All documents and bundles for filing with the Court are now often being filed electronically. This prevents multiple people handling documents and crosscontaminating them. We may therefore be sending you more emails with documents to be electronically approved rather than printing hard copies to be approved and signed. Consequently, we will take your email address at the outset to ensure we can send everything we need to you promptly and safely.

The main difference to how proceedings are now managed is the use of remote Court hearings. The Court is providing both telephone and video link hearings at this time. Usually you would have to attend court in person alongside your solicitor and the other parties involved. However, during the pandemic, Courts are now using the BT MeetMe telephone conference service, Microsoft Teams, Skype and other video conferencing software. Generally, these new methods of conducting hearings are easy to use and access, and do not require additional software above and beyond a smart phone for video conferences or any phone number for BT MeetMe. At the outset of the Court hearing you will be reminded that recording a Court hearing is a criminal offence and that it is essential you

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are in a private location free of disturbances for the duration of the call and cannot be overheard. Once this formality has been covered, the process can continue the same as in pre-COVID times, and your solicitor can represent you in your case.

There is currently a backlog of Court cases due to the increased demand and staff absence. However, Courts are still running and dealing with as much as they can manage but there are delays in getting Court hearings and receiving paperwork being dealt with by the Court. Court staff are working from home in the majority but the Courts are still providing a full service.

Whilst this may mean any proceedings take a little longer than usual, we are still able to offer the full range of assistance and services as we could at any other time.

If you need any assistance in relation to any family matter, please be confident that our team can assist you fully – the processes may be slightly different in these difficult times – however, we can still progress matters on your behalf.

For more information and advice, contact Hollie Knapman on 01935 846255 or hollie. knapman@battens.co.uk.

/TheConduitMag

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BUSINESS

LUCKY SHERBORNE The late Mrs Sybil Hunt of Hunt’s Foodservices has left the entire proceeds of the sale of her house to charities most of which care for Sherborne and the surrounding area.

Her nephew, Richard Hunt, the company chairman, said ‘Sadly my aunt died just short of her 100th birthday and because of the Covid-19 crisis we were unable to hold a memorial service. She was a remarkable lady and she was 100% focused on Sherborne and its people.

After hxer husband’s death she continued to play a major role in both the business and many aspects of Sherborne life.’

Sybil was born in Sherborne where her father owned the first garage in the town. After attending the Lord Digby School, the war years saw her move to Oxford where she was involved in the Territorial Auxiliary Service.

At the end of the war she returned to Sherborne and started working in the ice cream division of Hunt’s Dairies which was based on the site now occupied by Oliver’s and Waitrose. There she met and fell in love with Michael Hunt.

Michael Hunt took over the running of the company in 1949, and he and Sybil started to transform it. In the early 1950s they foresaw that advances in refrigeration with

the accompanying proliferation of fridges in homes, shops and pubs meant there was going to be a great demand for frozen food. The bold decision was made to sell the dairy business and concentrate on frozen foods; and as a result of growth, garages, hotels and cold stores were added to the business.

Sybil and Michael’s legacy is that today Hunt’s employs over 500 people and delivers a wide range of goods across the whole of the South West. To honour Sybil’s memory one of the new Hunt’s delivery lorries has her personalised number plate, SEH15, which will continue to drive around the streets of Sherborne serving the community.

Richard Hunt commented ‘I was very lucky to have her help and advice when I was the managing director and now that I have passed that role on to my son, Thomas, I can say that I have worked with one of the oldest chairmen and the youngest managing directors. We will continue to build the company that Sybil and Michael helped to create, maintaining the same family and community values as we have done for the past 60 years.’

To find out more visit: www. huntsfoodservice.co.uk.

Stocking a range of food, drink & everyday grocery essentials.

Find us at: Digby Rd, Sherborne DT9 3NB

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17

A

LIFESTYLE

INSPIRATIONS FOR THE CURIOUS SHOPPER

By Dawn Woodward, The Emporium, Yeovil

Wishing everyone a very optimistic and happy new year!

We can’t wait to head into safer times and wish everyone all the best of luck for 2021.

We feel that life in our shop will be very different as we head into 2021 and looking back at all we’ve been through, it feels so bizarre!

We did however manage to have a fantastic December, trade was very strong and our wonderful customers pulled out the stops to support us, all 60 independent businesses here at The Emporium.

What was really incredible is we had ten brand new traders join us in December!

Ranging from The Honesty Jar, to Cornucopia, Coven Garden to name but a few. The shop is now so full and packed with beautiful stock.

It’s so lovely when bloggers and ‘influencers’ come along and feature our shop, we’re very happy to collaborate.

We were delighted to welcome back Lottie Evans, a stylist and fashion blogger AKA @Yummy_Mummy_Outnumbered, broadcasting a live Instagram video in our fashion boutique ‘Wild Violet’ - all exciting stuff! If you’d like to feature any of our shops or products please get in touch.

Our café served many festive afternoon teas, and lots of customers ordered these as a take away option to celebrate in their own home. We’ll be extending our takeaway service and broadening the menu into 2021 - our takeaway menu offers something completely different, freshly cooked real food, deliciously prepared!

Home cooked meals to collect or have delivered - yes please!

We managed to hold some wonderful events recently including a spectacular launch for the new Saville Row Hounds 18

Boutique, a shop full of coats, accessories and treats for your dog, it’s simply stunning!

We were joined by our friends Darren and Faye Santiago, who brought along Valentino, who happens to be the brand ambassador for this shop. He worked the room and gave us some wonderful photo opportunities. It was all great fun and a successful launch for Amanda Reed, the designer and owner of this unique shop in The Emporium.

Our community of over 60 different traders, with shops selling such a range of interesting and unique goods has never felt better or stronger! We’ve worked hard behind the scenes to transform our infrastructure and future-proof our business. Our online shop at www. theemporiumyeovil.co.uk has kept us trading, no matter what, and now offers customers the option to experience the wonder of The Emporium from home.

Please follow us on our social media platforms to keep in touch with all of our news!

If you’re hoping to launch a new business idea with a retail platform, drop us an email or pick up the phone; we’d love to hear from you and we’ll have you trading in no time at all.

Contact us as always in the following ways:

Email: info@theemporiumyeovil.co.uk Phone (shop): 01935 579482 Phone (office & cafe) 01935 411378 Website: www.theemporiumyeovil.co.uk

Follow us online: www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

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ARTS

ARTS

By Julie Locke

VISUAL ART

Until Wednesday 23 December from 10.00am to 2.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is an exhibition entitled ‘Made-inGlastonbury’. This exhibition features seven artists from the Vale of Avalon and includes paintings, photography, and works in glass, ceramics, wood and recycled items. The artists are Artists Sue Allen, Yulia Allen, Sam Bull, Kate Dimambro, Beblinda Miers, Stephen Spraggon and Don Storey. Gallery open: Tuesday to Saturday (exhibition closes at 1.00pm on final day). On Thursday 17 December until 6.00pm, there’s a late night shopping opportunity to buy gifts from the exhibition, and have a glass of mulled wine and a festive treat from the café. Box Office 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse.org. uk.

Until Wednesday 23 December from 10.00am to 2.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a ‘Christmas Collection’ exhibition.

Craft artists from the West Country will have on display a wide variety of handmade items - ideal as gifts for family and friends. Gallery open: Tuesday to Saturday (exhibition closes at 1.00pm on final day).

On Thursday 17 December until 6.00pm, there’s a late night shopping opportunity to buy gifts from the exhibition, and have a glass of mulled wine and a festive treat from the café. Box Office 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk.

MUSIC

On Saturday 16 January at 6.30pm and 9.00pm at The David Hall in South Petherton, come and see Wille and the Bandits. This classic Blues/Rock three-piece’s use of some bizarre instrumentation and eclectic influences in their song-writing often pushes them more into a World music or progressive category. Their albums burst at the seams with textures, originality and soul.

Ten seconds of YouTube will not scratch the surface of the band’s sound and message; this is a band that is very much about discovery and one best experienced LIVE! Tickets £17. To book, visit www.thedavidhall. org.uk. Box office 01460 240340.

On Saturday 23 January at 6.30pm and 9.00pm at The David Hall in South Petherton, enjoy an evening with Edwina Hayes. Edwina’s beautifully written songs, charming stage presence and voice of an angel have won her a reputation as a true natural talent of gentle Folk-Americana.

She has opened numerous shows for Jools Holland and Van Morrison, as well as playing her own gigs on stages everywhere from Glastonbury Festival to The Royal Albert Hall. Edwina numbers Michael Parkinson and Mike Harding among her fans and the title track of her album Pour Me A Drink was covered by Nanci Griffith who calls her ‘the sweetest voice in England’. Tickets £15. To book, visit www.thedavidhall.org.uk. Box office 01460 240340.

Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’. Peter Wright’s interpretation of The Nutcracker has been enchanting children and adults alike since its first performance by The Royal Ballet in 1984. The ballet begins in the nineteenthcentury German home of the Stahlbaums, where they are hosting a lively Christmas party. The period setting is captured in opulent detail by Julia Trevelyan Oman’s designs, which include authentic Christmas tree decorations that are magically brought to life. The combination of Lev Ivanov’s 1892 ballet and Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score presented in a festive setting makes this a charming and magical production. Tickets £8.50 to £14.00. Book in advance. Box office 01935 422884. www.westlandsyeovil. co.uk.

Concerts in the West Although the Online Concert Series has come to an end, most of the concerts are still available to watch until Saturday 19 December. Donations to support performers and Concerts in the West would be very welcome. For wonderful music and dazzling performances, visit www. concertsinthewest.org. Planning has now begun to restart live concerts in April 2021.

On Thursday 17 and Sunday 20 December at Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil, there Is a National Theatre Live screening of ‘War Horse’. The show starts at 11.00am, 2.30pm or 7.00pm depending on the day, so please check the website. The story is based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo and adapted by Nick Stafford in association with the award-winning Handspring Puppet Company. At the outbreak of World War One, Albert’s beloved horse, Joey, is sold to the Cavalry and shipped to France. Though still not old enough to enlist, he embarks on a treacherous mission to find him and bring him home. Age 12+. Tickets £11.50 to £17.00. Book in advance 01935 422884. www.westlandsyeovil.co.uk.

PERFORMANCE

Until Sunday 27 December, ‘A Christmas Carol’ by David Mynne will be available to enjoy online. Celebrate the festive season with this mesmerising performance of Charles Dickens’ timeless, transformative story, devised, adapted and performed especially for film by veteran Cornish actor and founder member of Kneehigh Theatre, David Mynne. Expect Dickens’ original words with added silliness. Silliness? Bah humbug! E-tickets are available from the Artsreach website (whilst the events are free to view, donations to Artsreach are welcomed). For further information and to register, visit www.artsreach.co.uk.

On Wednesday 16 and Saturday 19 December at 11.00am, 2.30pm and 7.00pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil, there Is a screening of The Royal

From Friday 18 to Thursday 24, Saturday 26 to Wednesday 30 December and Friday 1 to Sunday 3 January at the Octagon Auditorium, Yeovil, watch as ‘Nurse Nellie saves Panto’! Don’t miss this fun-sized festive treat for the whole family starring the Octagon’s regular panto stars, Gordon Cooper, Jack Glanville and Thom Ford.

When a baddie steals the joy of pantomime, will Nurse Nellie and her friends manage to rescue it? Oh yes they will! Joyous, funny and uplifting, this really is a must-see show and the perfect antidote to 2020! With a reduced number of tickets available, please book early for this show! For the various performance times, visit the website. Tickets £15.00 to £19.50. Book in advance 01935 422884. www.octagon-theatre.co.uk.

On Saturday 19 December at 11.00am, 1.00pm and 3.00pm at the Bishop’s Palace, Wells, there will be costumed readings of Dickens’ seasonal classic, ‘A Christmas Carol’, performed by members of Wells Theatre Company. The shows will last around an hour and will involve costumed 19

Events listed are correct as we go to press but we advise checking with organisers before attending any event as the Covid-19 situation may change.

ARTS

actors bringing this timeless tale to life in a wholly unique way. The performance is included with entrance to the palace and gardens but tickets are strictly limited and must be booked in advance. Tickets for ‘A Christmas Carol’ will be available to book from Tuesday 1 December at www. bishopspalace.org.uk.

On Saturday 19 December and Saturday 30 January from 7.30pm at The David Hall, South Petherton, it is the monthly Acoustic Night. Petherton Arts Trust is encouraging more local performers of all genres to come to The David Hall and perform on a professional stage. This is an evening full of extraordinary skill, talent and variety – and it doesn’t cost the earth: just £2 for audience members and £1 for performers to cover the cost of heating and lighting. All types of performance welcome – The David Hall has had music, comedy, poetry, dance and more! Everyone has the opportunity to deliver for 10 to 15 minutes with full PA and lighting. To attend as a performer or audience member, please email Chris Watts at folk@chriswatts.org or call 07715 501157.

Please pre-book so the evening can be managed properly under current conditions.

Payment is on the door.

From Sunday 20 December to Sunday 3 January, ‘A Dorset Christmas’ with the Ridgeway Singers and Band will be available to view online. Hear the story of how ancestors celebrated Christmas in this brand new show featuring music, song, story and dance - a heart-warming seasonal celebration of all things Dorset! E-tickets are available from the Artsreach website (whilst the events are free to view, donations to Artsreach are welcomed). For further information and to register, visit www. artsreach.co.uk.

On Tuesday 22 December from 5.00pm to 6.15pm at Royal Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, there is a drive-in car park Christmas panto ‘Horrible Christmas’. Horrible Histories comes to the rescue with their own unique take on the great British tradition. Not strictly speaking a panto, ‘Horrible Christmas’ is the next best thing; enabling families to enter into the festive spirit in a safe, socially distanced manner from the comfort of their own sleigh car! Doors open 4.30pm.

Tickets are available from the Ticketmaster website. For further information, visit www. bathandwestshowground.com/events.

On Sunday 10 January at 2.30pm and 7.00pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil, there Is a screening of ‘Macbeth’.

Phyllida Lloyd’s production for The Royal Opera, filmed in 2018, is richly hued, shot through with black, red and gold. She depicts the Macbeths’ childlessness as the dark sadness lurking behind their terrible deeds. The witches - strange, scarletturbaned creatures – are ever-present agents of fate. ‘Something wicked this way comes’ in Lloyd’s haunting production of Verdi’s magnificent opera based on Shakespeare’s 20

tragedy! The opera is conducted by Antonio Pappano, with a magnificent cast including Anna Netrebko, Željko Lučić and Ildebrando D’Arcangelo. Sung in Italian with English subtitles. Tickets £8.50 to £14.00. Book in advance. Box office 01935 422884. www. westlandsyeovil.co.uk.

On Friday 29 January at 7.30pm and Saturday 30 January at 3.00pm and 7.30pm at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, Taboo Theatre Company presents ‘Flea the Pandemic, Dorset 1348’ by Sue Ashby. In 1348, a ship arrives at Melcombe Regis carrying goods from China, having visited ports across Europe. A flea comes ashore, carrying the plague. Dorset folk are the first to experience the unknown illness that will spread across the whole country.

‘Flea the Pandemic’ mixes history and humour to look at the rich and the poor, the powerful and the essential workers – and wonders why little has changed in 672 years!

Tickets £12. Book in advance. Box office 01258 475137. For further information, visit stur-exchange.co.uk.

Macbeth

Every week Artsreach will share some of the brilliant cultural events that its artists are releasing digitally. The page is constantly changing so keep checking and keep sharing it. For more information, check What’s On and Digital Diary at www. artsreach.co.uk.

From Thursday 14 to Saturday 16 January at 7.30pm at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, Living Spit presents the classic French tale of ‘Beauty and the Beast’. A bright and beautiful young woman is taken prisoner by a beast in his castle. She learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and discovers the kind heart and soul that lies within. The enormously popular Living Spit stars Howard Coggins and Stu McLoughlin. Howard is beautiful. There’s no escaping that. But then so is Stu. However, in this tale one of them will have to portray an ugly, foul-tempered beast. But which one will it be? Suitable 14+. Tickets £14.

Book in advance. Box office 01258 475137.

For further information, visit stur-exchange. co.uk.

On Sunday 24 and Monday 25 January at 2.30pm and 7.00pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil, there Is a screening of ‘Giselle’, filmed live at the Liverpool Empire in October 2017. Giselle, one of the greatest romantic ballets, has been re-imagined by celebrated choreographer Akram Khan. Artistic Director and Lead Principal of English National Ballet, Tamara Rojo, dances the role of Giselle, one of a community of migrant workers cast out of their jobs in a condemned garment factory. With staging and costumes by Academy award-winning Tim Yip, the ballet has won an Olivier Award and the South Bank Sky Arts Award for English National Ballet, received rapturous 5-star reviews and was sold out when performed at London’s Sadler’s Wells. Tickets £8.50 to £14.00. Book in advance. Box office 01935 422884. www. westlandsyeovil.co.uk.

Wassail Theatre presents ‘Radio Zummerzet’ online. This play pays homage to the way rural communities have responded to the Covid-19 crisis. Devised by the cast, it features eclectic radio personalities and bombastic local news stories, exploring a picture of the country through local voices and rural responses to the crisis. The three initial episodes will be the forerunner for a live, rural touring theatre production. Listen to all three episodes at www.wassailtheatre.co.uk/radio-zummerzet.

Wassail Theatre is a registered charity, so any donation will be most welcome.

CHILDREN

On Saturday 19 December from 10.15am to 11.30pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a children’s ‘Christmas Wreath’ workshop with Adele Deane. This is a fun session in which children learn to construct and decorate a willow wreath. They’ll make a beautiful wreath to sparkle and shine that they can display with pride this Christmas!

Age 4/5+. £12 per session, £3 for materials.

To book, email workshopbookingIAC@ gmail.com. For further information, phone 01460 54973 or visit www.themeetinghouse. org.uk.

On Saturday 19 December from 12.00 noon to 1.15pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a children’s ‘Christmas Candle and Mosaic Tea Light’ workshop with Adele Deane. The children will dip and dye two candles and gift wrap them - a special present for someone this Christmas. There is also an opportunity to make a mosaic tea light holder from clay. Age 4/5+. £12 per session, £3 for materials. To book, email workshopbookingIAC@gmail.com. For further information, phone 01460 54973 or visit www.themeetinghouse.org.uk.

Giselle

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MOVIES

MOVIES

AROUND THE TOWNS AND VILLAGES ELF (PG)

Buddy (Will Ferrell) was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. This turns out to be Walter Hobbs (James Caan), a cynical businessman, who reluctantly attempts to start a relationship with the childlike Buddy with increasingly chaotic results.

SHOWING AT Yeovil on Tuesday 22 December, Westlands Entertainment Venue, 11.00am, 2.30pm, 7.00pm. Tickets £5.00 to £10.00. Book in advance 01935 422884.

HOME ALONE (PG)

On the evening before the McCallister family sets off for a Christmas holiday, eight-year-old Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) gets into a scuffle with his brother and is sent to his room. In a rush to catch the flight, the McCallisters accidentally leave without Kevin. His excitement at being home alone sours when two con men try to rob the McCallister residence. He realises that he alone must protect the family home!

SHOWING AT Yeovil on Monday 21 December, Westlands Entertainment Venue, 11.00am, 2.30pm, 7.00pm. Tickets £5.00 to £10.00. Book in advance 01935 422884.

LOVE ACTUALLY (15)

Nine intertwined stories examine the complexities of the one emotion that connects everyone: love. Among the characters explored are David (Hugh Grant), handsome newly-elected British prime minister who falls for a young junior staffer (Martine McCutcheon), Sarah (Laura Linney), a graphic designer whose devotion to her mentally ill brother complicates her love life, and Harry (Alan Rickman), a married man tempted by his attractive new secretary.

SHOWING AT Yeovil on Friday 18 December, Westlands Entertainment Venue, 11.00am, 2.30pm, 7.00pm. Tickets £5.00 to £10.00. Book in advance 01935 422884.

LOVE SARAH (12A)

A young woman wishes to fulfil her mother’s dream of opening her own bakery in Notting Hill, London. To do this, she enlists the help of an old friend and her grandma. Starring Celia Imrie, Shannon Tarbet and Bill Paterson.

SHOWING AT Sturminster Newton on Thursday 21 January, The Exchange, 7.00pm. Tickets £5 to £7. To book, phone 01258 475137.

MILITARY WIVES (12A)

With partners away serving in Afghanistan, wives left at home need to find a way to deal with the stress until the tour of duty is completed. They form a choir and quickly find themselves at the centre of a media sensation and global movement. As unexpected bonds of friendship flourish, music and laughter transform their lives, helping each other to deal with their fears for loved ones in combat. Starring Kristin Scott Thomas and Sharon Horgan.

SHOWING AT West Camel on Friday 18 December, The Davis Hall, 7.30pm. Admission £5 on the door.

THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL (U)

The Muppets perform the classic Dickens tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine). Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Fozzie Bear, Sam the Eagle and many others weave in and out of the story, while Scrooge receives visits from spirits of Christmas past, present and future to show him the error of his ways. But the miserable old man seems to be past any hope of redemption and happiness - or is he?

SHOWING AT Yeovil on Wednesday 23 December, Westlands Entertainment Venue, 11.00am, 2.30pm, 7.00pm. Tickets £5.00 to £10.00. Book in advance 01935 422884.

THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COPPERFIELD (PG)

An award-winning modern take on a Charles Dickens classic. Armando Iannucci (director) and Simon Blackwell (screenplay) lend their wry comedic storytelling-style to revisiting Dickens’s iconic hero, David (Dev Patel), on his quirky journey from impoverished orphan to burgeoning writer in Victorian England.

SHOWING AT South Petherton on Friday 18 December, The David Hall, 8.00pm.

Tickets £5. To book, phone 01460 240340 before 3.00pm on the Friday.

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

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MUSIC

WILL 2021 BE THE YEAR WHEN LOCAL COMMUNITY RADIO COMES OF AGE?

By Steve Haigh, Station Manager, Radio Ninesprings 104.5 FM

If the lockdown has shown us anything it is the importance of keeping people well informed of what is happening where they live.

Cue Radio Ninesprings 104.5 FM: because at a time of crisis, nothing compares to local community radio for communicating timely messages.

People tune to the radio station closest to them when something local happens they want to know more about.

Audience research by Ofcom has shown the vast majority of people use the broadcast media as their primary source of information about Covid.

And, that radio is one of the most trusted sources for updates on the pandemic.

Social media does play a part but people don’t always trust what they read on Twitter and Facebook. The information on local radio is spoken by ‘real’ people, whose voices are familiar to listeners. The human touch is what engages local audiences.

for help with doing the shopping and ‘is meals-onwheels still working?’

One example stands out.

It was a planning meeting at South Somerset District Council on Zoom at which a contentious housing development was being discussed. Dozens of objectors had signed up to Zoom to take part but with just a few hours to the meeting starting the application was removed from the agenda.

Faced with disappointing a lot of people, the council needed a message put out urgently that the planning application would not be discussed.

New Local Radio Station for Yeovil and South Somerset

At Radio Ninesprings, we’ve delivered all manner of key Covid messages, providing answers about who to contact

RADIO 104.5 FM

We put out that message, and it must have been heard because those who had registered to speak at the meeting on Zoom all deregistered.

Radio Ninesprings – like local community radio in general – has come into its own during the pandemic. We’ve broadcast

SPRINGS

You can’t get more Local!

104.5fm 01935 319000 info@radioninesprings.co.uk www.radioninesprings.co.uk

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messages on Covid for Public Health England, and campaign messages on domestic abuse and fostering for Somerset County Council. With South Somerset District Council, we have promoted the emergency financial help available to businesses forced to shut because of lockdown.

Our presenters have been working from home studios over the past seven to eight months, but you would never know that when Steve Carpenter presents his Breakfast Show he’s wearing his pyjamas and that Ross Owen Williams is encased in an attic room at home presenting Drive.

Despite these obstacles, we have introduced new shows; a lockdown quiz Thursday 7.30pm, a sports results show Saturday 4pm and Vicky Welton with songs from the movies Sunday 6pm.

Topping of all of this has been our very own Jake Hunter who won the ‘Young Aspiration Award’ in the Somerset Education Business Partnership Awards 2020.

Radio Ninesprings takes pride in having given 18-year-old Jake his start in broadcasting and we wish him every success in his new role as a Daytime

Presenter with a national radio station based in Manchester.

At Radio Ninesprings 104.5 FM we like to think that during the pandemic we’ve created a sense of togetherness.

As one listener put it so well:

‘It’s lovely knowing that there’s somebody down the road listening to the same thing as you. It brings back a sense of community in isolation.’

To contact Radio Ninesprings 104.5 FM – Number ONE for local radio in Yeovil and South Somerset Email: info@radioninesprings.co.uk Studio: 01935 319000 To listen to Radio Ninesprings Tune in: 104.5 FM Listen online: www. radioninesprings.co.uk To listen on Smart Speakers Say: ‘Alexa enable the Radio Ninesprings skill’ Thereafter: ‘Alexa play Radio Ninesprings’ Radio Ninesprings can also be heard on Amazon TV

WEDDINGS

MICRO, MACRO OR MAGNIFICENT Minterne House weddings, where anything and everything is possible As you make your way through the gates to Minterne House and down the winding driveway, you are greeted with the spectacular view of the warm Ham Hill stone house and beautiful valley in which it nestles. Home of the Churchill and Digby families since 1620, Minterne House is steeped in history and its view welcomes you like a warm embrace.

In an exciting new chapter for the house, Minterne is opening its beautiful oak doors and welcoming couples to celebrate their special day in its exquisite surrounds. A family home to Lord Digby, the house has previously held only a handful of weddings ensuring this is now one of Dorset’s most exclusive wedding venues.

A unique country house in an unequalled setting, Minterne offers couples the perfect backdrop for their wedding with exclusive use of the house and gardens. Understanding that every wedding is unique, they are proud to work with couples offering the flexibility and support to create their perfect day, from ceremony start to starlit end. Whether you are looking for stately home style, or to design your very own marquee venue, Minterne House is now here to help create your perfect day.

Benefiting from having all its principal rooms licensed, couples have the freedom to say ‘I do’ in a breath-taking backdrop of their choosing before celebrating their first meal as a married couple in

the warmth and splendour of its embrace. From the grand Trafalgar Hall with its floor to ceiling stone mullioned windows to the intimacy of Lady Digby’s Garden Room, each room is filled with charm and detail.

Holding their wedding at Minterne gives couples the opportunity to stay in the private House with their closest friends and family.

With beautifully appointed accommodation, once the evening draws to a close, guests can retire to a land of high tread counts and enjoy a leisurely morning while the sun rises over the spectacular gardens and Estate.

As a family home, and very much lived-in residence, the house is both grand and intimate. As you enter the barrel-vaulted Trafalgar Hall you are enveloped in warmth making it the perfect setting for intimate and large weddings alike. The private rooms within the house were conceived with entertaining in mind.

From exclusive rooms that can be adjusted to your every need to sumptuous gardens to host the ultimate al-fresco experience, Minterne House has it all, and all right in the heart of Dorset.

Micro, Macro or Magnificent, Minterne House is available for weddings. Contact Sarah at weddings@minterne.co.uk or 07709 031722 to book your viewing and find out more.

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

23

HISTORY

A NEW YEAR AND A FRESH START?

By Paul Birbeck, Sherborne Walks & Blue Badge Tour Guide Welcome to 2021, a time to look forward and feel more positive. Sherborne Walks is certainly looking forward to launching a number of new initiatives including a range of new walks around the area to explore themes such as, ‘A History of Entertainment and Leisure’ and ‘The Role of Markets and Fairs in Shaping Local History’. These will be added to our traditional walking tour programme.

One year ago I wrote my first monthly article for The Conduit promoting a fresh start for Sherborne Walks. Twelve months on, like many small, independent enterprises, life has certainly changed.

The lockdown meant we lost all visitors, our foreign guests and coach parties cancelled, routine weekly group trading completely ceased.

All was not lost. In August we were able to resume leading guests around the town following strict Covid guidelines.

The ban on foreign travel generated a significant increase of UK residents looking for ‘Staycation’ activities, resulting in a pick-up in demand for our highlyrated historical town walk tours. We even extended the season into October.

A highlight was the walk-talk to explore the sites associated with the 80th anniversary of the Sherborne Bombing in late September. Earlier in the year I had interviewed over fifteen surviving witnesses and was able to collate a record of their recollections. These were used at key sites around the town. The walk proved to be very popular with locals and visitors alike, and additional walks were added to the schedule. This will be rerun next September. My thanks and best wishes go to all those who contributed their moving and heart-felt accounts – I hope they’re keeping safe.

Having spent lockdown developing new ideas with Cindy Chant, it was a shock when she informed me in November that

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owing to declining health, my guiding partner and mentor would no longer be able to lead future walks for Sherborne Walks.

Cindy is a well loved and much respected town tour guide who established what is now Sherborne Walks when she started ‘Cindy’s Walks’ in 2015.

She quickly earned a reputation as an enthusiastic and incredibly knowledgeable guide, promoting Sherborne in her own inimitable style.

Seventy-six top-rated 5-star reviews speak for themselves. ‘Interesting, riveting, amusing, eccentric, very informative and full of local knowledge and history.

An amazing couple of hours with Cindy as our guide. This is a ‘must do’ in Sherborne.’ [May 2019] Her ‘high season’ guided walks twice a week and number of special occasion walks allowed Cindy to share the knowledge she accumulated from living in the area for over 50 years with a passionate interest in the area’s heritage and history. ‘A truly delightful tour guide who is very frank and says just what she thinks…..very refreshing!! If there is an award for best walking tour guide it should go to this very interesting lady!’

[August 2018] But be warned – Sir Walter Raleigh is still her true love! ‘Wow. What a performance!

Cindy is clearly in love with Sir Walter Raleigh! She gave a two-hour declaration of his character and life in Sherborne in the beginning of sixteenth century. She is a natural! Very entertaining.’ [February 2020] Cindy hopes to continue researching, writing and publishing articles. I am indebted to her for persuading me to undertake the Blue Badge tour guide course and all the advice and encouragement she provides. I’ll try

Cindy Chant with Sir Walter Raleigh

to live up to her legacy as she enjoys retirement.

In October Charlotte Cobb joined us to develop our website and social media presence. We now deliver Zoom talks which have proved extremely popular with care home residents isolated during lockdown. These are available for online purchase on the website. We are also working on developing an exciting range of new products targeted at the younger generation, including Horrible Histories and Scary Stories around the town.

So, a new year, a fresh start, and we look forward to welcoming you on our interesting and unusual tours.

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

A PECULIAR INCIDENT IN THE NIGHT-TIME

HISTORY

TRAVEL

By Barry Brock

In early June 1899, the Western Gazette carried a short article about the death of Anne Kingston: Many of the old school of hunting men familiar with Sherborne will regret the death of Mrs Kingston, for a considerable time the genial hostess of the Antelope Hotel.

She passed away on Friday at the ripe old age of 80 years.

Those who mourned the old lady may not have known that thirtythree years earlier, Anne Kingston was at the centre of a controversy which thrilled the imagination of Sherborne’s inhabitants and cast a shadow over her reputation.

Born Anne Carew, she married James Searle in 1844, and then in 1860, she and James took over the Antelope Hotel on Greenhill.

Across the road from the

Antelope was the Angel, another old coaching inn, run by Charles Johnson and his wife, Nancy.

On the night of 3 April 1866, Nancy had to send for Charles to be called from the Antelope, where he was drinking with the landlady, Anne Searle. There was no witness to what happened, but somehow Nancy fell from the steps leading to the harness room and, in the words of the Sherborne Mercury: … received a mortal fracture of the skull, of which she languished for nine days, until the 12th day of April, when she died.

The inquest jury returned a verdict of accidental death.

That tragic event might have been forgotten except that only two months later, by a strange coincidence, Anne

Searle’s husband, James, died too; and then, less than a year later, Anne married Charles Johnson.

Charles gave up the Angel, only to die himself in 1870, leaving Anne a widow again. While she concentrated on farming and being the postmistress, the Antelope was run by Isaac Mead and then Anne’s son, Henry, increasingly becoming a centre for the horse trade.

After resuming control herself (had she ever really given up?), Anne married George Kingston in 1886, but did not retire from inn-keeping until 1895, only four years before her death.

The truth of what happened on the harness room steps of the Angel will never be known, but most likely it was as Charles Johnson described and just a terrible accident. What is known

is that Anne Carew/Searle/ Johnson/Kingston had charge of the Antelope for a very long time - 35 years in all.

The Antelope is an inn-name based on chivalric heraldry and associated with the royal arms; whereas the symbol of the Angel was intended to entice pilgrims and other travellers. The first mention of an Antelope in Dorset was in Shaftesbury in 1553; and the first Dorset mention of the Angel was also in Shaftesbury, in 1615.

Note: I owe David Stacey an apology - I called him Brian Stacey when I wrote about his grandfather’s tenure at the Black Horse. I’m sorry about that David.

My thanks to Sue Detain for her ‘paint and stitch’ of the Antelope.

A TRIP TO RHS WISLEY

By Tim Saunders, Travel Correspondent

As we sit on a rustic wooden bench eating our picnic of tuna and sweetcorn sandwiches at RHS Wisley in Surrey, the ducks come to greet us. They are such a welcome sight.

In common with many attractions these days it’s necessary to book a slot when you expect to arrive in order to help the venue with crowd control. As it is only an hour or so away from home we anticipate arriving at 11am and get there for twenty past due to roadworks. An extremely popular attraction all ages and abilities are visiting. Hardly surprising when gardens are so good for us all, for our mental well-being and all round general happiness. Social distancing is a bit of an issue at times though, but the grounds are so vast it is easy to avoid people when outside. Funnily enough the day before we arrive, BBC

Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time came from here so it is a privilege to be able to visit what has become a national treasure.

Speaking of national treasures, we spot a plant that was actually planted by Her Majesty.

It’s a hot day too, and Heidi (7) and Henry (4) quickly tire. We’ve been quite busy of late with kayaking, cycling and camping and it’s catching up on them.

Not half an hour into our visit and Henry asks, ‘When can we go home?’ Really frustrating but that’s children for you. An hour later and he has to sit on my shoulders to save his aching little legs, bless him. So Caroline takes my rucksack. ‘I’m hungry,’ he moans. ‘Have you brought sweets?’ He’s a joker. Caroline and I will have to make sure that when we go on such jaunts again that we take the pushchair and a trailer of provisions for our hungry little children. Thank goodness Harriett (9) is more grown up. She’s

mesmerised by the beauty that surrounds her. It’s lovely to see.

area. While we are there we spot a magnificent blue dragonfly.

In time the wonderful gardens and ever-changing landscape help Caroline and I with our struggles.

When we spot the waterfalls Henry and Heidi suddenly shake off their lethargy and become far more enthusiastic and energetic.

These transformed characters suddenly run up the steps and actually start enjoying themselves.

Thank goodness for that. But they soon return to their old ways.

So while Caroline, Henry and Heidi rest in a heap beside a tall beech tree, carefully cut into what looks to be a thick pole, along with a number of others near the lake, Harriett and I wander off to admire the bamboo in a shady

Before long the children find a wooden building that they call the witch’s lair and instantly run to it. Inside there is not a witch in sight but we do learn that this stunning garden was started by George Wilson, who offered it to the RHS in around 1870. Since then it has been packed with such a wide variety of flowers, shrubs and plants, and there’s so much vibrant colour.

For more information visit: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley Watch the videos at www. travelwriter.biz

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

25

TRAVEL

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM MILES MORGAN TRAVEL

By Heather Muir, Manager – Miles Morgan Travel, Yeovil We hope that you all had a great Christmas and we wish you a very Happy New Year.

As you know 2020 was quite a different year for us, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers for your continued support.

January is a great month to book your holiday as it’s a perfect time to have something in the diary to look forward to and there are always some great savings available too. With the vaccine news we are sure this month will be a busy one as customers make up for lost time exploring the world.

Being an award-winning independent travel agent and a main agent for all big brands, it means that we can offer you the widest choice of holidays, from a range of cruises with complimentary return transport to the port from Yeovil, to low deposits on holidays from just £49pp. We offer an extensive range of worldwide tours with a VIP home departure service, beach retreats and of course we are now a main agent for TUI, Jet2holidays and easyJet holidays who offer an extensive range of holidays from Bristol airport.

We can also tailor make holidays especially for you, giving you complete flexibility so that you can choose when you go, how long, where you stay and of course we have holidays to suit all budgets. We can offer you a free appointment service with 26

any one of our travel specialists and can match their travel experience with where you want to visit, therefore it’s very likely that you will be served by someone who has been to your chosen destination ensuring that you receive first hand advice.

We know that some of you may be nervous, which is why many of our supplier partners are offering low deposits and free amendments up to the time when your balance is due, which we hope may give you the reassurance you may need to secure your holiday early before any price increases.

If you haven’t received a copy of our very own brand-new holiday magazine, then please do call us very soon. Inside you will find Ocean and River Cruises, Escorted Tours with VIP home pick-ups, Faraway and European Holidays. We also have a new magazine dedicated to holidays from Bristol Airport for the first time this year.

Please don’t miss out on our many exclusive offers and the award-winning service provided at 14-16 Middle Street. Yeovil.

With lines open until 10pm where you will find Jon from our team on call for your holiday enquiries and to book during the evening if you cannot reach us by day. We look forward to welcoming you and once again we wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

2021 will be the year we all get travelling again.

Phone lines open until 10pm

01935 428488

www.milesmorgantravel.co.uk

14-16 Middle Street Yeovil BA20 1LY

SHORT STORY

ALLIES

By Jan Pain

Early evening, when Anders Larsen returned home from his job as a functionary in the mayor’s office in Oslo, his wife always posed the same question as she set his dish of pickled herring on the table: ‘Anything interesting happened today, dear?’ to which his stock answer was, ‘No, just routine,’ and he’d fork his supper into his mouth whilst reading his copy of Morgenbladet.

But one Thursday in the late summer of 1947 his reply was swift and animated.

‘As a matter of fact, the most extraordinary directive has been received by the mayor’s office from none other than the King himself! Someone in the London branch of the Norwegian Tourism Association has suggested that we should make a gift of a Christmas tree to the people of London as a gesture of our country’s appreciation for their support during the war. Can you believe that I have been selected to oversee this task, ensuring the safe despatch of the tree in time for the Christmas festivities? I can only think it’s because of my father’s extensive estates they surmised I might know a thing or two about forestry.’

‘Oh, Anders, what an honour! Of course they have just the right man for the job,’ said Astrid, delightedly.

In the weeks that followed, Anders Larsen was never more voluble. Every evening his wife would receive a progress report.

‘I’ve selected a forty-year-old fifteen-metrehigh spruce, growing as close to the road as possible to allow easy access for loading and transportation to the docks. Fred Olsen, the cruise people, have offered to take the cargo free of charge in a liner’s hold to the port of Felixstowe on England’s

east coast. After that it’ll go by a logging truck to Trafalgar Square, in London’s West End. Also, I’ve been invited to attend the tree cutting ceremony here, together with the British Ambassador and my boss, the mayor, so I feel I’m making a mark in the department,’ he told his aspirational wife who beamed her approval. Promotion, it seemed, might be around the corner. oOo Over one thousand miles to the south, seven-year-old Billy Parker was kicking a ball around with his mates in the rubble of a bombed-out area of Poplar. He was waiting for his dad, Joe, to appear after a gruelling day on a construction site, rebuilding homes from the devastation of war-torn London.

Billy’s mother had been killed by a flying bomb, and he and his dad lived with Billy’s nan, Ethel, who always had tea on the table for them both at six o’clock sharp.

Joe scrubbed his hands and arms in the shallow stone sink and pulled on the roller towel in the scullery. Setting a plate of oatmeal-coated fried herring in front of each of them, she enquired, as she did every day, ‘Anything interesting today, son?’

Instead of his usual shrug and then burying his face in the Daily Herald, she was surprised when he answered, ‘As a matter of fact, Mum, there’s something exciting afoot. Tomorrow the Council’s putting me and some mates on special duties. You need to listen up, young Billy, an’ all. We’re going up West to put up a giant Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square! First off, we’re digging a six-foot ‘ole and this ‘ere tree is eight times taller than me, so that’ll be quite a sight. They reckon four days to get the job done.

‘Where’s that flown in from?’ demanded Ethel.

‘Not flown, Mum, come across the North Sea on a ship to Felixstowe. It’s a present from the Norwegian people who want to show their gratitude for what we did for ‘em in the war. D’you remember their King came ‘ere and ‘is government? ‘Holed up in Kensington they was.’

‘Bless my soul,’ cried Ethel. ‘Whatever next?’ whilst Billy stared at the pair of them disbelievingly.

‘By next week the job’ll be done,’ said Joe, ‘and I vote we go up West on the No. 15 to watch the Mayor switch on the lights.

What d’you say to that young Billy?’

‘Not ‘arf,’ replied the lad. ‘Can’t wait to tell me mates!’

On 18th December the little trio stood amongst the throng of people gathered in the Square for the special Christmas celebration. Joe watched Billy’s expectant face light up simultaneously as the switch was flicked. A star shone from the top of the tree and five-hundred bulbs illuminated. Strains from the choir of St. Martin’s in the Fields drifted across the Square.

No more austerity, thought Joe, no more bombs, please God, and involuntarily he sent up a little prayer of thanks for this symbolic gesture of generosity as he held on tightly to his son’s hand. oOo This celebration endures. There is a commemorative plaque placed at the base of the tree that reads: ‘This tree is given by the city of Oslo as a token of Norwegian gratitude to the people of London for their assistance during the years 1940-4.’

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

27

FOOD & DRINK

Chai Masala Spice Mix INGREDIENTS 5g cinnamon stick

6g black peppercorns

6g star anise

4g mace (skin of nutmeg)

5g whole cloves

Pinch of saffron

6g green cardamoms

20g dry strong ginger powder

2g black cardamoms

METHOD

GHAR KA KADAK CHAI – OUR HOME SPICED TEA

By Khrishma Preston, The Alternative Indian This month I thought I would provide you with our chai masala (spice mix) and masala chai (the tea itself) recipes. Everyone has their own preferred mix of spices and method of making chai (my mum’s and my dad’s chai come out very differently even if using the same spice mix).

While growing up, the kitchen was entirely Mum’s domain with only one exception - the morning pot of chai. To this day my dad still makes the morning tea. I’ve only had one cup of my dad’s tea this year as they have been mostly shielding through Covid in London.

As an honour to them I have asked them if I can share this warming morning wake-me-up.

Traditionally chai is a stovebrewed, milky, sweet tea made with loose leaf black tea. Over the years Dad has been gently bullied into making the chai without sugar (as you would buy from the street vendors in India) for health reasons – but we add sugar according to taste once brewed. Nothing brings back memories of home quite as much as the aroma of the spice blend in the morning awakening the senses with its unique flavour.

28

The main spice component for our masala is ginger.

Indian Ayurvedic medicine has used ginger root to help treat aliments form digestive issues to headaches, but only recently scientists have been able to recognise its clinical and medicinal properties. In January 2020 the EU Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products concluded that ginger could help prevent nausea and vomiting in motion sickness. It also concluded that, based on its long-standing use, ginger can be used to treat mild complaints affecting the stomach or gut. Star anise and cardamom complement the digestive properties but have also been found to have gentle anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral effects, and may even help to ward off the flu virus. Cloves and ginger are said to have anti-inflammatory properties, which help relieve pain by increasing circulation that delivers oxygen-rich blood cells to areas with aches and thus ease the symptoms.

Cinnamon could also help in lowering the bad cholesterol and blood pressure, thus aiding the improvement of overall heart health.

In a spice blender, first break up the cinnamon and grind until it is a coarse powder. Slowly add the following spices in order until each spice is ground down - star anise, cloves, green cardamom, black cardamom, black peppercorn, mace and saffron. Once you have a fine powder spice mix, add the ginger powder. Give this a quick blitz to incorporate. Caution: do not overheat the spice mix in the grinder once the ginger is added, as it will cause it to clump and it will not keep for as long.

Once ground down, spread the mixture out on a tray to ensure that there is no heat retained from grinding down the spices, allowing it cool completely. The spice mix blend can then be kept up to six months to a year in a sterilised airtight jar.

The recipe can be adapted to those spices you have or do not have, or to your own preference. If you do not have ginger powder leave it out. You can alternatively add 1cm (per person) of grated or sliced fresh root ginger when brewing chai.

Pop’s Morning Masala Chai per cup/per person

INGREDIENTS ½ cup water

¼ tsp chai masala

½ cup milk

Sugar to taste

1 heaped tsp loose-leaf black tea – or 1 teabag

(1cm of root ginger, thinly sliced or grated)

METHOD In a saucepan bring the water and milk to a boil. Lower the temperature to a simmer and add your preferred tea blend.

The colour of the tea will start to develop. Once it starts to look more like tea add the chai masala. If you didn’t add ginger powder in the masala, add the fresh root ginger now. Simmer for another minute or two. Strain into a cup if you’re using loose-leaf or remove teabag before pouring. The amount of chai masala you add and how long you brew the tea leaves for is very much a personal preference. Traditionally chai would be sweet – two sugars per cup to help give you a morning boost – but not everyone likes sweet tea. The more chai masala and a longer brew on the stove will give you a stronger and spicier drink.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and see your pictures of your morning chai. Please follow me on Facebook – Tiffins and Tapas or on Instagram – The Alternative Indian. There will also be an instructional video for these on my YouTube Channel – The Alternative Indian, in the new year.

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

CARE

RESOLUTIONS FOR THE BEREAVED

By Tracey Warren, Stoodley and Son

New Year, a time to look forward to the next 12 months with excitement and joy. We set ourselves New Year’s resolutions – starting a fitness regime or diet, stopping smoking or simply making more time for ourselves, and it is an opportunity to start afresh.

For those that have been bereaved in 2020, it has been a very challenging and emotional time; funerals being restricted, family and friends not being able to come together and the feelings of isolation and loneliness being exacerbated. The idea of starting over in the new year can just feel overwhelming.

So, as we look back on the past 12 months it is important that we draw strength from the positives that have happened, and it is this that we should also do when we have lost someone we love.

We need to give thanks to all of those who have supported us though the year; the NHS, the shops, village agents, key workers, family and friends. And we also need to think about how they have helped and the

value they have brought into our lives.

This is the same when someone passes away, we need to recall and reminisce the things that they did, the happy times spent together and the joy they brought into our lives, this brings comfort to ourselves in times of sadness.

So, what resolutions should the bereaved consider?

Allow yourself to be vulnerable and express your emotions – tears are not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of how much you cared and your relationship with the person you have lost.

Let go of expectation – there is an expectation that after three months bereaved people should be ‘getting over it’ and they ask ‘why don’t I feel better’ - let that expectation go, whatever you are feeling is natural and normal, you will eventually reach a state of less pain and anxiety, and you will find a new normal.

Ask for help – this coming year if you need help with your loss then ask, speak to your GP, village agent, family, friends or access our Grief Chat on www.stoodleyandson. co.uk.

On behalf of Colin, Ellie and myself, we wish you all a peaceful new year.

Embrace who you are – if you are grieving you may feel you have lost your identity but remember you will not always feel like this.

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

29

HEALTH & WELLBEING

START 2021 WITH A WHOOP NOT A WHIMPER!

By Niki Cassar

There’s no denying that 2020 was a year of challenges and massive change affecting us all.

It started as a year of promise, with encouraging growth in the UK economy and IMF predictions that Britain would grow faster than any other major European country. Lockdown came as a huge and unexpected shock, and the ongoing consequences will be felt worldwide for many years to come.

The New Year always brings a sense of hope, and this year it is more important than ever to feel hopeful about the future, and remind ourselves that we human beings are proven survivors, having experienced every possible natural and manmade disaster in our history. Like Pandora’s Box, once all the bad things have escaped, hope still remains.

We can look back and remind ourselves about the bad things we went through, but we will only sink deeper into the depths of depression and despair. Whatever each one of us experienced, whether it be job loss, illness, loss of a loved one, loneliness and isolation, the fact is that if you’re reading this article, you are the proof that you came through it, even if somewhat battered and bruised.

Despite having little idea of what 2021 might bring, we can make the choice to focus on the positive rather than the negative. Rather than looking back to 2020 with anger, regret, fear or sadness, perhaps we can

remember some of the good things that came out of the lockdowns. For some, it might be the community spirit; for others, more time at home alone or with family, doing things that we would never have found the time for previously. Many people used the enforced period of isolation to do online courses or learn new skills. Some totally redecorated their homes or redesigned their gardens; others used the time to catch up on reading or dressmaking or DIY. Each and every one of these apparently ‘little’ things has allowed us to grow stronger and wiser.

Forget about New Year’s resolutions because it’s a known fact that we never stick to them.

Don’t mourn for what we cannot change in the past. Rather, let’s start the year by celebrating what we have learned, and give gratitude daily for the many good things in our life, no matter how small or mundane. Although I am not a subscriber to any particular organised religion, I love this Serenity Prayer: ‘Lord, grant me the strength to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.’

For those who are seriously struggling to stay afloat, please give me a call on 07973 346747 for a free, confidential chat to find out how Hypnotherapy can help you, or email mail@nikicassar. com. Wishing you all a very Hopeful New Year!

YOUTH CHARITY OFFERS YOUNGSTERS ANOTHER CHANCE

With free Maths & English 1:1 learning in Yeovil & Sherborne

One third of students in Somerset complete his joinery certificate at by Helen Rendezvous English Tutor and Dorset areDevonshire, leaving school Yeovil College.

Having struggled without a Maths and English with English both at school and qualification which severely College, he eventually found limits their opportunities to find out he was dyslexic. When he work or go to college. Add to started to work with the volunteer this the global pandemic, which tutors at Rendezvous he was able has exerted more pressure on concentrate on studying and get local young people who want to through the exam. Having got enter the labour market at a time his qualification, he was able to when many local businesses and complete his apprenticeship at enterprises are struggling to keep Town and Country Joinery where going, and the future looks bleak he now works full-time on high-end for many local students. kitchen cabinetry with owner and joiner Malcolm Pitts.

But, brand new to Yeovil, The Rendezvous, a local youth charity Helen Devonshire was tutor to will be offering 16- to 25-year-olds Rhys and has been a volunteer in Yeovil free Maths and English English Tutor at The Rendezvous one-to-one tuition in the town in Sherborne for just over three centre from January. years now. She has seen it make a difference to the lives of many Helped by funding from Somerset young people like Rhys as well as Community Foundation’s her own. ‘It’s amazing.’ she says Coronavirus Recovery Fund, ‘I really enjoy it! It’s great to see The Rendezvous Learning young people’s confidence grow Programme is paving the way to and I’ve also seen them begin to help these youngsters join the job think for the first time about how market, go to college, or join an they fit in with the world and what apprenticeship. mark they want to make. At the same time, it’s been life changing ‘Some people find even the for me, as I’ve found something thought of learning Maths makes that I’m really passionate about and them feel anxious. We call it am planning on going into teacher Mathemanxious!’ says Faye training.

Dimdore who is launching the Rendezvous Learning project ‘Some Volunteer Tutors have a in Yeovil in January. ‘For others, teaching qualification, but it’s not learning in a classroom just doesn’t essential’ says The Rendezvous work.’

Learning Manager, Julie Bartle. ‘They need GCSE level ‘But this is very different - we competence, but most important match a volunteer tutor and a of all, a great deal of patience and young person, and they meet kindness, and an ability to explain weekly, learning at the young ideas calmly and clearly. Volunteers person’s pace. It’s an unpressured need to have 2 to 3 hours free atmosphere and they sit their exam a week, and we give them an when they are ready, so the success induction, support and a mentor as rate is high. They gain so much in well as safeguarding training.’ confidence throughout and, with their qualifications in place, can If you, or anyone you know, would start to move onto their next steps like to find out more about Maths in life.’ or English Learning with The Rendezvous in Yeovil or becoming Rhys Bainbridge from Sherborne a Volunteer Tutor in Yeovil, you can is one young person who has email Julie and Faye on Learning@ already benefitted from learning therendezvous.org.uk and visit with The Rendezvous in Sherborne. www.therendezvous.org.

He needed Level 2 English to

Volunteer as a 1 : 1 English or Maths Tutor Make a big difference to a Young Person’s life Teaching Qualification not necessary To find out more email: Learning@therendezvous.org.uk www.therendezvous.org.uk/volunteer

‘It feels good to know I'm having a positive effect on a young person's life’ 30

YEOVIL • SHERBORNE • GILLINGHAM

HEALTH & WELLBEING

BRING ON THE NEW YEAR!

By Samantha Welch, Centre Manager

January is normally the month where we try something new, become a new you, take up exercise and start that diet you have been thinking about….

However, this New Year is going to be bit different. We are all hoping it is going to bring a feeling of hope and a new freedom that we haven’t had since March last year when we were plunged into months of uncertainty, and of missing the basics of human contact and interaction. 2020 has been an extremely hard year for everyone and so we want to, and need, to look forward to 2021.

knows what you may end up achieving?

Your health, both physical and mental, needs looking after.

There are many ways that you can achieve that goal. Whilst you may not still want to come into a physical setting, there are so many things you can do without setting foot inside a gym or sports centre to help improve your wellbeing.

If you want to be sure you are getting the best from your online classes, then you could join Oxley and its Myzone community who are utilising the online platform and incorporating the virtual and physical classes to the best of their abilities. Everyone then can join in, there is no waiting around, and we can have more people attend virtually especially in the busiest couple of months of the year. No one needs to ever miss their classes.

Assuming we can go out, the outdoors is a fantastic tonic to clear the head, breathe in the fresh air and get in those important steps. It’s a good beginning to start the ‘couch to 5km’; you do not need anything special just loose clothing, some music and away you go. Start small and who

There are so many options open to you, you just have to have the inclination and sometimes the technical knowhow to access the apps that are now available for online and virtual classes.

YouTube has a plethora of exercise classes you can choose from, but you need to be a bit selective in what you are doing.

If you want to join us, check out our website www.oxleysc. com or call Reception on 01935 818277 for more details.

We look forward to seeing you all in the New Year. www.oxleysc.com 31

ANTIQUES

CAREY B THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK! Having retired to Somerset after managing an antique shop and restoration business in South London for more years than we care to remember, we have opened an antique and restoration shop in Church Street, Ilchester.

While recognising that antiques are no longer fashionable, at the end of the day, they are, however, very durable and have lasting beauty and functionality. Many items can be painted or indeed repainted. A wide spectrum of colours is available in various finishes, eg, satin, gloss, eggshell, and these can be finished either being left as painted, or waxed over or benefit from another coat of paint being painted over and rubbed through.

The paintwork can of course be ‘dragged’ or have other finishes.

On the restoration side, our restorer has worked in numerous companies, located in London/City of London, the Gherkin Tower, Downing Street and Lloyds of London, to name but a few. He has also done considerable work for both international and domestic ‘removal’ companies, keeping customers for many years at a time.

His workings have included many contemporary pieces. He is also very skilled at veneering, removing and disguising heat and water marks, as well as the ‘usual’ marks (perfume and eau de Cologne bottles!) acquired on tops of bedroom dressing table and chest of drawers.

Other services include staining, painting, reviving and waxing tired wooden surfaces, and re-gluing worn or loose joints. Our estimates/quotes are free of charge.

Another very popular line we offer are refurbished original butchers’ blocks, which have been completely cleaned, restored and oiled for day-to-day use in the kitchen. The stands for these blocks are primarily made from recycled roof joists, which in most cases are older than the blocks themselves!

We are currently fortunate enough to have some six assorted blocks awaiting refurbishment, including a completed and restored one in the shop.

All enquiries are most welcome.

32

Carey B

Antiques & Restoration 4a, Church Street, Ilchester BA22 8LW

Tel: 01935 841071 Mob: 07791 894937 Email: info@antiquerestoration.co.uk Antiques & collectables ALL kinds of antique & contemporary restoration work undertaken, with free estimates.

Bargain Hunters Corner

If an item/items are valued at more than £200 there will be a £6 charge. Wanted adverts are also charged at £6.

Vintage terracotta plant pots in good condition, various sizes.

Photos available Tel: 01460 55105 Classic Plant and Machinery magazines. 2017and 2018 complete in good condition £20.00 Also Tractor and Farming Heritage 2012 onwards £15.00 per year, ie. 12 issues.

Tel: 01460 55105 Portmeirion Botanic Garden Chamberstick Candle holder 1980s with forget-me-not flowers. excellent unused condition £10.00 Tel: 01458 442747

Large collection of Royal Memorabilia, Mugs, plates and booklets. Includes Queen Victoria, King Edward V11 and Queen Alexandra, King George and Queen Mary also a coronation mug for Edward V111 the uncrowned King. £40.00 Tel: 01458 442747 Assortment of records in carrying case. LPs and 45s. Good entertainment. £20.00. TV Stand, black with shelf under 24” x 17” perfect condition £15.00. Decorator’s folding pasting table £5.00 Tel: 01935 812328 6 metre length of aluminium box gutter £35.00. Canon Printer and Copier MG5650 – surplus to requirements £25.00 Tel: 01935 475451

WIN £10 in our WORDSEARCH

competition ANYONE FOR CHOCOLATE?

I have a good excuse to focus on chocolate as although this is the January issue we are actually out just before Christmas and I am sure there can be very few readers who can resist a festive chocolate or two!

Consequently this month’s Wordsearch is all about words associated with that most prized of beans - the cacao bean.

Just find the hidden words in the grid below, ring each word until you have found all of them and when you have completed the puzzle send it to: The Conduit Magazine, Unit 4, Barton View Business Park, Sheeplands Lane, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4FW. The lucky winner receives a £10 cheque. The closing date is: Monday 25 January. Good luck.

BARS BOURBON CAKE CANDY CARAMEL CHIPS COCOA COOKIE

DARK DIGESTIVE DRINKING EGGS LIQUEURS MILK MOCHA MOUSSE

PLAIN PUDDING RICH SAUCE SWEET WHITE

Name:__________________________________________________________ Tel :_________________________Email:______________________________ Address:_________________________________________________________ 33 ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________

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

33

WALKING

RACHEL’S RAMBLES

By Rachel Mead

It’s the turn of the year and that means it’s time for a new ramble on new turf, and the introduction to our new handy rambler’s guide at the end of the article.

We have parked up in South Petherton and typically Oakley is tugging at her lead as we make our way up St James’ Street which is adorned with a sprinkling of independent shops. We’re going to be taking a right turn down Silver Street and, despite the chill that marks the time of year, the honeycoloured hamstone buildings make the village feel warm and welcoming.

It’s not long before we have picked up a footpath and then, within moments, we are temporarily di-verting off of our proposed route because we have chanced upon Duchie’s Orchard. It’s a sweet little copse, just over an acre in size, and is managed by the Woodland Trust, and offers peace and solitude in what is only a moment away from the village hustle and bustle. (Interestingly, the Woodland Trust has planted over 43 million trees in the UK since it began its work in 1972, and tip of the day – it has a handy page on its website ‘Find a wood’ where you can search for your nearest woodland.)

Leaving the dry leaf-laden woodland floor behind us, we rejoin the footpath, which following recent rain is a tad squelchy underfoot. Oakley is in heaven! The footpath is the River Parrett Trail and it is heading north-easterly in the direction of East Lambrook. The trickling of North Mills Brook is to the left of the footpath and soon we are entering an area 34

known as ‘Mere Linches’. The land is a steep plot made up of a series of ridges and ledges which I assume hark back to a form of ploughing in an-cient times. A sign tells us that the area has been preserved by the village and that it was a prehistoric encampment. If you want to increase your heart rate you can walk up to the ridgeline and take a rest on a bench.

The best view is southerly, back towards the village where the tower of St Peter and St Paul’s Church is peeking above the tree-lined horizon.

On we go, taking note of the Scarlet Waxcap mushrooms, which although apparently edible look to me like a hazardous warning from Mother Nature! The vivid redness is startling. Conscious that they only grow in land which is free from fertiliser they are becoming fairly rare, so one for us all to admire rather than forage.

The loop we have chosen takes us around the edge of farmland and so I am thankful at this time of year for my deep-lugged footwear. The ground is pretty saturated which makes for some fun splashing with the labrador but she won’t be quite so keen when it’s bath time!

Our brief exploration of this area has confirmed that it is a village to revisit. With a myriad of footpath options to choose from, South Petherton as a rambling destination is certainly on the map.

Ease of parking: 10/10 Clear signage: 9/10 Terrain underfoot: Multi Distance: 5km/3.1miles

Follow us online: www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

To find some more inspiring walks in the countryside: www.visitsouthsomerset.com /menu/inspire-me/ brochures.aspx?parentNodeName=Brochures# If you would like to recommend a ramble for Rachel then please email rachel@zestbureau.co.uk You can also see more photos from each walk on instagram: rachelsrambles /TheConduitMag

@conduitmag

News and Articles:

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FRIDAY, 15 January

MONDAY, 18 January

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Patrick Houchen - DSWA member

01963 371123 Professional & reliable service

GUNS WANTED FOR CASH Any Condition. SOS to all air rifles and pistols any maker or model.

We collect in any area. Top prices paid in cash

07970 742471

IAN CROSSLAND

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Tel: 01935 411813 Mob: 07811 070 498

• 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

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

01935 808052

Domestic and contract flooring specialists 34 Princes Street, Yeovil BA20 1EQ

Tel: 01935 478100

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

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Providing Dental Care for the Yeovil area since 1864

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME Princes Street Dental Practice are an independent private practice where you will see the same dentist at each visit. We keep up to date with, and like to invest in, new technology. We have invested in a CEREC technology which allows us to fit crowns and bridges in just one visit no impressions!

We are proud to be members of the Denplan Excel scheme.

Please feel free to ring and ask any questions, or come in and meet our lovely staff.

45 Princes St, Yeovil BA20 1EG

01935 475962 www.princesstreetdental.co.uk