Crossing counties,
look inside for info on the best events and activities in
West Dorset and
Magazine
South Somerset
DON’T MISS
SHERBORNE ABBEY MINI FESTIVAL Issue 246 September 2021
SEE PAGE 4 FOR MORE INFO
INSIDE THIS MONTH
Somerset Open Studios | Autumn Fruits from Sherborne Lit Soc Why electric cars have a way to go | Business: It’s all about you Where to find a money tree
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 10.00am-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 September brings an exciting mix of live music, exhibitions and performance to pick up our spirits after what has been rather a grey and damp summer. Starting on 18 September Somerset Open Studios 2021 features work from more than 300 Somerset Art Works Members in over 200 studios and spaces across the county. Sherborne Abbey Music Festival is giving us a taste of what is to come in 2022 with its ‘Mini’ Festival featuring some amazing music from 24 to 26 September. Plus there’s an expanding list of Music Gigs taking place at different pubs and clubs across the region and it’s good to see Movies back at various venues. If you have an event taking place please let us know in plenty of time – our copy deadlines appear below. Elsewhere in the issue check out our growing business section, find out what’s been happening at popular Corton Denham pub The Queen’s Arms, and celebrate four years of editing The Conduit with me by raising a glass inspired by my occasional column, The Editor Drinks…
EDITOR & ADVERTISING Jane Adkins
ASSISTANT EDITOR Julie Locke
Ruth Rogers described as ‘one of the most gifted young violinists in Britain’ graces The Conduit front cover and will be performing at The Sherborne Mini Festival. See page 4.
Contents
OCTOBER DEADLINES News and Articles: FRIDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER Advertisements: MONDAY, 13 SEPTEMBER
WHAT’S ON p4-11 Info on markets, workshops and social activities
GARDENING p12-14
Harvesting fruit and ornamental grasses
BUSINESS p15-17 It’s all about you!
MOTORING p22-23 Hybrids and electric cars
ARTS p24-30
Exhibitions, Music & Movies
FOOD & DRINK p35-38 Pubs, Farm Shops & Spice
HISTORY p41
Milborne Port and Slavery
RACHEL’S RAMBLES p46 A Dorset walk
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
WHAT’S ON
Sherborne Abbey ‘Mini’ Festival Lowdown After over twenty years of bringing wonderful music to the town, Sherborne Abbey Festival is thrilled to be able to present its first ‘mini’ Festival from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 September this year. There will be concerts spread over three days including afternoon matinees and fulllength evening concerts covering music from the Renaissance period of Queen Elizabeth I to contemporary composers such as John Ashton Thomas and Sir Peter Maxwell Davies. The Festival will open at 3.00pm on Friday 24 September in the Gransden Hall at Sherborne Girls, with a programme of French music for piano and cello performed by local husband and wife duo Ana Manero and Arturo Serna. Ana made her orchestral debut at the age of 13, and at age 17 performed Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3, Op 26, with the renowned Simon Bolivar Youth Symphony Orchestra in Venezuela. Arturo is well known locally as the conductor of four south-west orchestras and as a teacher in many of the schools. Those who know their choral repertoire, and who enjoy jazz, will be in for an absolute treat on Friday 25 September at 7.30 pm in Sherborne Abbey, when the rich tones of saxophonist Mark Lockheart (Loose Tubes, Polar Bear) combine with the sonorous beauty of the Abbey organ played by Roger Sayer (Organist of the Temple Church and of Hans Zimmer’s Interstellar). An extraordinary and unique exploration of the works of English choral composers, including Stanford, Tallis, Purcell and John Ashton Thomas, ideally suits the Abbey’s wonderful acoustics and of course the Abbey Organ which was overhauled with festival funding just before the first lockdown. At 3.00pm on Saturday 25 September, we welcome back classical guitarist Felix Stickland to the Tindall Recital Hall in the Sherborne Music School. As a professional guitarist Felix has played in many of the bands of well-known London musicals, but today he will be performing an extensive programme of music for classical guitar by British composers, including Dowland, Walton and Britten. 4
Returning to the Gransden Hall on Saturday evening at 7.30pm, a performance led by flautist Rosie Bowker, with her ensemble Pocket Sinfonia, involves a programme of Shakespeare inspired works by Haydn, Mendelssohn and Prokofiev, using both modern and period instruments in clever reinterpretations of orchestral masterpieces for small chamber ensemble. On Sunday 26 September at 3.00pm in Cheap Street Church, soprano duo Fair Oriana present ‘The Trials and Triumphs of Oriana’— their intimate yet theatrical programme of Renaissance music with a contemporary twist. Accompanied by period instruments, they explore the public and private faces of Queen Elizabeth I, and feature two commissions that set her own words to music. The artist for the final concert, at 7.30pm in Sherborne School’s Big School Room, needs little introduction. Ruth Rogers, the Festival’s artistic adviser, leads the Iuventus Ensemble in two chamber music works by Schubert and Mendelssohn. Leader of the London Mozart Players and guest leader with the Hallé, Scottish Chamber, BBC Philharmonic, City of London Sinfonia, City of Birmingham Symphony and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestras, Ruth Rogers has been described as ‘one of the most gifted young violinists in Britain’ (Musical Opinion) and, when reaching the finals of the BBC Radio 2 Young Musician of the Year in 2004, was chosen personally by Lorin Maazel to perform with the tenor Andrea Bocelli.
The mini Festival is grateful for permission to perform in the Abbey, in Cheap Street Church, and in the venues at Sherborne School and Sherborne Girls. Their continued support of the Abbey Festival is testament to its ethos to encourage music locally. The Abbey Festival is also grateful to the many patrons. As a patron you benefit from advanced bookings and ticket discounts. Please visit the website www. sherborneabbeyfestival.org/ Patrons for details of how to support us.
Mini
FESTIVAL
Mini
Friday 24th September
3.00pm Ana Manero (Piano) & Arturo Serna (‘cello). Gransden Hall, Sherborne Girls – £10 7.30pm Salvator Mundi: Mark Lockheart (saxophones) & Roger Sayer (organ). Sherborne Abbey – £12
Saturday 25th September 3.00pm Felix Stickland (guitar). Tindall Recital Hall, Sherborne School – £8 7.30pm Pocket Sinfonia, led by Rosie Bowker (flute) with violin, ‘cellos & piano. Gransden Hall, Sherborne Girls – £10
Sunday 26th September 3.00pm Fair Oriana present The Trials & Triumphs of Oriana. Cheap Street Church – £10 7.30pm The Iuventus Ensemble, led by Ruth Rogers (violin). Big School Room, Sherborne School – £15
More information and tickets available from: sherborneabbeyfestival.org and ticketsource.co.uk/ sherborneabbeyfestival
General booking opens 3rd August
To advertise – 01935 424724 • email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk • www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk
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 Charity LANGPORT On Monday 6 September, Langport & District Red Cross volunteers hope to reopen Langport Centre (entrance is in the large Langport car-park). The centre, open from 10.00am to 12.00 noon each day, serves hot drinks and sells donated goods whilst providing a meeting place for a chat and company. A volunteer is needed one morning a week; if able to spare a few hours, please contact Chris Cox on 01458 273085 or at cox.cj@ btinternet.com. Donations for the shop are accepted at the centre during opening hours or in Somerton by arrangement with Chris. Happy to re-home mobility aids, but no room for large items such as furniture. YEOVIL New Breast Cancer Unit Appeal £1.83 million plus raised so far. Yeovil Hospital Charity hopes to reach the £2 million required in the coming autumn. The charity would like to thank: Friends of the Yeatman hospital for their very generous donation; the dress shop Caroline Nicholls in Cheap street, Sherborne, for promoting the appeal; Acreman St Auctions for selling the donated jewellery, and all those who continue to support the appeal. Yeovil Hospital Charity is still collecting unwanted or broken jewellery and watches - nearly £45,000 raised so far! To donate, please call Maggie (appeal committee volunteer) on 01963 250108.
Coffee Morning SANDFORD ORCAS On Saturday 11 September from 10.30am to 12.30pm at The Village Hall is the Village Café. Enjoy a warm welcome, with cakes, coffee and chat. SHERBORNE Every Thursday from 10.00am to 11.30am at Cheap Street Church Hall
is Coffee Time. Everyone welcome. SOUTH PETHERTON On Saturday 4 September from 9.30am to 12.00 noon at 29 St James’ Street, South Petherton, Stoodley & Son Funeral Directors is holding a coffee morning to celebrate the first anniversary of the opening of its South Petherton branch. All are welcome. Every last Wednesday 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 11.30am at The Davis Hall, there is a coffee morning. There will be the usual tea, coffee and cake, a selection available from The Bakery, eggs and local produce as available, plus post office. Free entry. WINCANTON On Saturday 4 September from 10.00am to 2.00pm at Memorial Hall, there is the Wincanton & District Gardeners Association’s coffee morning. Cake stall and raffle. All are welcome. On Saturday 11 September from 10.00am to 12.00 noon at the Parish Church, there is a coffee morning. Cakes, produce, raffle and books. All are welcome. YEOVIL Every Thursday from 10.00am to 12.00 noon at Yeovil Baptist Church, opposite the library, there is a coffee morning. At ‘Jacob’s Well’, hot and cold drinks are served, along with a delicious array of homemade cakes, scones and other goodies. Covid secure premises plus an outdoor seating area. Entry is free, and a warm welcome guaranteed!
Fair CREWKERNE From Friday 3 to Sunday 5 September is Crewkerne Charter Fair.
WHAT’S ON
Contact: Julie Locke
/theconduitmagazine
E: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk
@conduitmag
Community Carnival for Castle Cary!
Castle Cary is one of two towns in Somerset going ahead with their annual carnival this year. The date for your diary is Saturday 16 October. This year’s procession will be very different. It’s about everyone in Cary and Ansford celebrating coming out of the pandemic and looking forward to the future. There are already some great walking entries, a few small floats, plus twirling majorettes and three stomping bands. The magical new addition is a lantern procession – many local primary schools, including Castle Cary, Wincanton, and North Cadbury, are already signed up to create some amazing entries! Due to the pandemic, Castle Cary and Ansford carnival couldn’t celebrate 100 years of carnival last year and that was one reason why the Carnival Society was especially keen to put on a procession in 2021. ‘We know it will be different this year,’ said Society Chair, Paul Burch, ‘It’s about celebrating as a community that we are coming out of the pandemic, and looking forward positively to the future.’ ‘This year we are welcoming everyone into the procession.’ Paul continues, ‘We would love it for local clubs, societies, families and friends to enter - you don’t need a float, and walking entries can be easier than people think. Often simple ideas work best – a funny take on your club or organisation, your favourite TV program, or band.’ To enter, go online to www.ccacs.org.uk. FAMILY RACE NIGHT WITH BRUE VALLEY ROTARY! ‘We’re hosting a Family Race Night, with Brue Valley Rotary on Saturday 2 October.’ says Carnival Society Honorary President Di Pinnions. ‘It’s a first for us and we’re really looking forward to it. Just like a normal horse-racing event you bet on your horse ahead of a race, and see how they finish. The good news for us is that this time carnival also wins!’ The race night is at Caryford Hall, Maggs Lane, Castle Cary. Tickets are £10 including a buffet supper, and are available from Sue Pexton on 01963 350022 or suepexton12@gmail.com, Di Pinnions on 01963 351307, or at Heathers Flowers, High Street, Castle Cary.
Help us bring sparkle, lights and music to this year’s unique
Castle Cary and Ansford Carnival Saturday 16 October Find out how you can support us and join in the fun by visiting www.ccacs.org.uk or tel: 07711 266969
To advertise – 01935 424724 • email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk • www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk
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WHAT’S ON
On Friday from 4.45pm and Saturday from 12.00 noon is Edward Danter’s Fun Fair. On Sunday from 10.00am to 3.30pm in Market Street and Market Place, there is a street market offering an array of food, drinks, goodies and gifts. A perfect opportunity to get ahead with Christmas shopping, taste local goods and support local traders. www.crewkernefair. co.uk. GLANVILLES WOOTTON On Saturday 4 September from 1.00pm to 4.00pm at Church Farm is Glanvilles Wootton Fete. Flower festival, cookery competition, dog show, children’s races, barbecue, Pimms tent, teas, games and stalls. Entry £2, children free. For more Information, visit www. glanvilleswootton.org/fete-2021. MARTOCK On Saturday 28 August from 2.00pm at the recreation ground is the Martock & District Gardening Society Annual Show. Entries include flowers, fruit, vegetables, crafts, photos and children’s section). Running alongside the show are competitions for best front garden, best containers or hanging baskets and a best home-made scarecrow competition for children of all ages. A show to brighten up the village this summer! For more information, visit the What’s On page at www.martockonline. co.uk.
We are always keen to buy antique silver and old Sheffield plate at current prices Please telephone or call into the shop
01935 816828 38 CHEAP STREET, SHERBORNE DORSET DT9 3PX enquiries@henrywillis.co.uk www.henrywillis.co.uk
WELLS On Sunday 12 September from 10.00am to 5.00pm at The Bishop’s Palace, there is a Rare Plant Fair offering a wonderful range of rare and unusual plants from a fantastic range of expert nurseries. The admission fee for the Fair is a combined package and includes access to the fair and gardens. Ticket £7, under 16s free. For more information, phone 01749 988111 or visit www. bishopspalace.org.uk. YARLINGTON On Sunday 12 September from 10.00am to 4.00pm at Yarlington House, there is a Country House Fair and Treasure Trove Sale. Classic cars, antiques and collectables, vintage and artisan stalls, plants, stunning gardens, refreshments – a fun family day out! Entry £5, under 16s free. For more information, visit www. somersetsight.org.uk or email admin@somersetsight.org.uk
Festival CASTLE CARY On Monday 30 August from 2.00pm to 6.00pm on Fairfield, come along to Fun on the Field, a free family festival organised by Castle Cary Town Council to celebrate summer together and to thank the townspeople for their strong sense of community during the past difficult year. There will be live music, Morris Men, majorette shows, dog show, nature trail, pump track demonstrations, food stalls, butcher’s BBQ, cream teas, the combined bars of The George and The White Hart, and stands
TOP PRICES PAID FOR OLD TOYS - any condition
Trains, cars and lorries, soldiers, etc Britains, Dinky, Corgi, Hornby, Meccano, Tri-ang, etc
01935 816072 (07527 074343) Pastimes of Sherborne, 3 Westbury (in front of the Abbey)
WINCANTON RACE COURSE BA9 8BJ (Formally at Yeovil Show Ground)
TAKING PLACE EVERY SUNDAY 1PM – 4PM
Sellers: All Vehicles £6 for as much room as required Public Car Park: £1 per car For further info: 07979 345914 or 07479 476809 Gates open to sellers: 11am Strictly no dogs on site | No booking required 6
displaying many of the town’s community groups’ activities. For more information, contact Colleen Bower at markethouse. bookings@castle-cary.co.uk or on 01963 351763. WELLS From Saturday 28 to Monday 30 August from 10.00am to 5.00pm at The Bishop’s Palace sees the return of the popular Medieval Weekend. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in 800 years of history and get into the medieval spirit. The medieval re-enactment troupe Bowlore will delight visitors with its daring displays of medieval weaponry including swordfighting, archery, and axe and stick fighting! Entrance to the Medieval Weekend is included with any valid entrance ticket/ membership to The Bishop’s Palace. For more information, phone 01749 988111 or visit www.bishopspalace.org.uk.
Food ILMINSTER The Gallery Café at Ilminster Arts Centre is open for coffee and cakes, and light lunches. Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday, 10.00am to 2.00pm. 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. The outside bar is open for drinkers as is the garden and marquee. Open: 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; open for drinks only on Sunday and Monday evening from 7.00pm to 9.30pm. For more information, phone 01963 220271, email cheryl@mitreinn. co.uk or visit www.mitreinn. co.uk. SOUTH CADBURY Teals Farm Shop, on the A303 at the North/ South Cadbury junction, is an eco farm store, packed with sustainably sourced products from fantastic local suppliers. Why not stop for breakfast or lunch and explore the food market and colourful store of independent-label gifts, or just take a break from the road? Open seven days a week from
8.00am to 6.00pm. For more information, phone 01963 361755 or visit www.teals.co.uk. YEOVIL On Saturday 18 September from 10.00am to 4.00pm in the town centre is the Yeovil eat:Festival. This one-day celebration of local and regional food and drink, organised by multi-award-winning eat:Festivals, is free to attend and will have approximately sixty regional food and drink producers, plus entertainment. The festival will be held at St John’s Churchyard and King George Street as part of Super Saturday. www.eatfestivals.org.
Market CASTLE CARY Every Tuesday from 8.30am to 2.00pm at the Market House is a weekly openair market. 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. 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 stalls, offering bread and baked goods, dairy and eggs, drinks, fish, fruit, vegetables, meat, as well as preserves and honey. For more 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, meats, butter, cheese, cakes, preserves, honey, desserts, savouries and plants. Refreshments available. Free parking. ILMINSTER Every Thursday from 8.00am to 5.00pm at the Market House is the Ilminster Town Market. There are a variety of stalls, including a barber. Regular traders sell fruit and veg, bread, cakes, fish, preserves, olives and nuts, cheese, decorative items for the home and plants. For more information, contact Ilminster Town Council on 01460 52149.
To advertise – 01935 424724 • email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk • www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk
Flying the flag for local
Hand picked & selected artisan market featuring local producers, suppliers, amazing food, arts and crafts. 2021 dates
April 18th 19th August 15th SEPTEMBER May 16th17th September 19th OCTOBER June 20th October 17th NOVEMBER 21st July 18th November 21st
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WHAT’S ON
MARTOCK On Saturday 11 September from 10.00am to 1.00pm at the Moorland’s Shopping Precinct is Martock Farmers’ Market, with stalls selling vegetables, cheese, coffee, chicken, beef, cordials, jams, bread, savouries and plants. 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 offers a wide range of fresh local produce, such as fruit, veg, bread, cheese, seafood, and cider. For more information, visit the market’s Facebook page or phone 07912 769731. SHERBORNE On Sunday 19 September from 10.00am to 3.00pm, The Sherborne Market will take place along Cheap Street, Digby Road and Pageant Gardens. This hand-picked and selected artisan market features local producers and suppliers, amazing food, plus arts and crafts. @thesherbornemarket.
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. Every third Friday from 9.00am to 1.00pm at Cheap Street, there is a Dorset Farmers’ Market. Come and support local Dorset traders with a gorgeous selection of outdoor stalls. For more information, visit www.visitdorset.com/food-and-drink/farmers-markets. SOMERTON Every first Friday from 9.00am to 2.00pm at the Buttercross, Market Place, is the Somerton Market. Vintage, retro, artisan food, bike repairs and more. For more information, visit the market’s Facebook page or phone 01458 273008. 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. Homemade baked goods using locally sourced ingredients, jams, marmalades, chutney and pickle – all unique to this market. Locally sourced butter, cheese, meat and fresh vegetables in season. For more information, visit Scrumerton Facebook page or phone 01458 273926. WINCANTON Every first Friday from 9.00am to 11.30am at The Barn (via the Peace Garden) is the Wincanton Country Market. Enjoy locally homegrown produce including cakes, cheese, jams, vegetables and flowers. www.somersetcountrymarkets. co.uk.
Open Day HENSTRIDGE On Tuesday 7 September from 2.00pm to 4.30pm at Henstridge Village Hall is an Open Day with Blackmore Vale u3a. The u3a has been heralded as a gap year for grown-ups, but where is it and what does it do? Come along and find out. This young vibrant branch offers activities, friendship, and fun. Put the date in the diary – a warm welcome awaits with a glass of wine or a cup of tea. Become a member in September and get three months for free! For more information, phone 01963 31077 or visit www.u3a.org.uk.
REMOVALS & CLEARANCES
Contact us for your free, no obligation quote; Phone: 01935 509057 Freephone: 0800 2425012 Mobile: 07853 275379 Email: enquiries@back2market.com 8
SHERBORNE On Sunday 19 September from 11.30am to 3.30pm at Sherborne Steam & Waterwheel Centre, there is an open day. See how the area overcame a previous health crisis. Waterwheel and steam engines running, audio visual displays and many items of local and historic interest. Tea room, picnic area, toilet, free parking on road. Entry by donation (cash or card). For more information, visit www.sswc.co.uk or Facebook page, SherborneSteam. WELLS From Monday 13 to Friday 17 September at 11.00am at The Bishop’s Palace, there are Heritage Open Day tours. Hospitality and food have always played a big part in the way of life at the palace. Come along and find out about the feasts in The Great Hall, Bishop Ken’s table, and see the community garden and the public allotments. Max. 8 people per tour. To book, email siobhan.goodwin@bishopspalace.org. uk.
Sale
ILCHESTER Every Sunday from 7.30am off the A37/A303 roundabout is the Ilchester Sportsfield Fund charity car boot sale. Gates open at 6.30am for sellers. For more information, phone 07967 280754 (weekends only) or visit the Ilchester Charity Car Boot’s Facebook page.
Social LANGPORT Langport & District History Society has launched a new website with the aim of celebrating the Langport area’s rich history through images, quirky stories, personal accounts and original sources. The society has also unveiled a new local history board in the car park opposite St Mary’s Church, Huish Episcopi. The board has two purposes: to outline the history of Huish Episcopi, and to mark the fact that the Battle of Langport was fought in fields nearby. It also has leaflets about the Battle of Langport walking trail. www. langportheritage.org.uk. MARTOCK On Wednesday 8 September at 2.00pm at Martock Parish Hall, Martock & District u3a is hoping to host a ‘Welcome Back, Welcome to Join’. Members are encouraged to bring along any friends, who are interested in joining, to discover what the many groups get up to. Tea, cake and a raffle will be available. To find out more, visit the Martock & District u3a website. Anyone interested in membership, please contact the Membership Secretary on 01460 240788. www.u3asites.org.uk/martock. SHERBORNE Every Thursday at 6.00pm at Culverhayes car park, join a friendly group for a cycle ride. The rides usually last about an hour and are at a relaxed pace. Newcomers/beginners welcome. For details, contact Peter Henshaw on 01935 389357 or at sher@dcn.org.uk. STALBRIDGE Every last Monday from 2.00pm to 4.00pm at the village hall is the Stalbridge Cancer & Recovery Support group (SCARS) monthly meeting. SCARS offers friendship, information and support in a caring and confidential environment to cancer sufferers and survivors, their families and friends. SCARS, a self-funding group, holds fundraising events throughout the year and is always keen to find volunteers. There is always a warm, friendly welcome and a cuppa, plus a chance to chat. For more information, phone 07961 027089, email contact.scars@gmail.com or visit www. scarscancersupport.co.uk. No meeting in August. YEOVIL Every Friday from 3 September at 1.00pm at The Gateway (Yeovil Community Church), the Yeovil Good Afternoon Choir is back with new conductor Chris Grabham. No auditions. No charge for the first rehearsal. Sing for fun – everyone welcome.
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. For more information, visit www. goodafternoonchoir.org or phone 01761 472468.
Talk SHERBORNE On Wednesday 1 September at 3.00pm and 7.00pm at The Digby Hall is a lecture entitled ‘Passionate Potters: de Morgan to Leach’ by Julian Richards. This lecture explores the lives of these truly passionate potters and celebrates their extraordinary and beautiful creations. William de Morgan, the Martin brothers, Sir Edmund Elton and finally,
Bernard Leach, created a legacy that is still alive today. Visitors are welcome (£7 payable on the door, card payment preferred). Also available on Zoom. www. theartssocietysherborne.org. On Thursday 2 September at 7.30pm at Castle Gardens, join Sally Morgan for the launch of her new book, The Healthy Vegetable Garden. Author and expert gardener Sally believes a healthy, productive garden should work in harmony with nature to produce and protect delicious fruits and vegetables. She will discuss how to grow healthy, resilient and nutritious crops in the garden or allotment, and will be taking
WHAT’S ON
audience questions. Register for this free event via www. eventbrite.co.uk. Doors open at 6:30pm. On Friday 7 September at 7.00pm at The Digby Hall, Sherborne Literary Society plans to restart its 2021 programme with a talk by Dr Hilary Jones. See below for details. WINCANTON On Friday 1 October at 7.00pm at Memorial Hall is the Wincanton & District Gardeners Association’s AGM. After the AGM is a talk by Castle Gardens. All welcome. YETMINSTER On Wednesday 8 September at 2.30pm at the Jubilee Hall, Yetminster History
Society’s new season starts with a short AGM followed by a talk on The Battle of Jutland given by Robin Miller. Annual membership £7.50, guest £2.00. All welcome.
Workshop ILMINSTER On Wednesday 1 September from 10.30am to 3.30pm at Ilminster Arts Centre is a ‘Waggle Tails’ Hound applique workshop designed and developed by textile artist and designer Gary Mills. The workshop is very much a ‘skills bomb’ of processes to
Autumn fruits:
ADVERTORIAL
The Sherborne Literary Society in late 2021 By Richard Hopton, Sherborne Literary Society As the world is gradually released from its long confinement, the Sherborne Literary Society is returning reinvigorated with an exciting and varied programme of literary events for the autumn months. The Society’s reputation has always enabled it to attract well-known authors to the town to discuss their work, and this year is no exception. Our programme opens with a fanfare on Tuesday 7 September when Dr Hilary Jones, Britain’s pre-eminent TV doctor, will be discussing his debut novel, Frontline. An epic romance set in the trenches of Flanders during the Great War, Jones tackles the subject of the Spanish Flu pandemic which killed millions of people worldwide in 1919, an historical event with an obvious resonance for our own time. Our second speaker will be Andrew Lownie, historian and man of letters, who will be discussing his history of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor’s life in exile after the abdication of 1936. The fact that the story of a Windsor marrying an American divorcée before going into exile is now worldwide news gives Lownie’s book a dash of topical fizz. The story of Edward and Wallis’s life after the abdication is not an edifying one; in Lownie’s account they come across as shallow, spoiled, and self-indulgent. The third speaker is Simon Heffer who will be discussing his new edition of the diaries of ‘Chips’ Channon. The diaries were originally published in an abridged and bowdlerised form in 1967 but Dr Heffer is now producing an unexpurgated version of Channon’s readable and electrifyingly indiscreet diaries which date from the First World War until his death in 1958. The first
of the three volumes was published earlier this year. Later in the autumn, the Society will be welcoming Adam Nicholson, scion of a famous literary family who is himself an accomplished and versatile author. He will be talking about his new book on the fascinating and ecologically important world of the intertidal zones. In December, Sir Max Hastings will talk to the Society about his new book on Operation Pedestal, the 1942 naval operation to resupply Malta then under siege by the Axis powers. Sir Max is one of the country’s best-known and most prolific military historians and an engaging speaker. In former years the Society concentrated its activities into an autumn festival, laying on a series of events over the course of a few days. Henceforth, it will be putting on a programme of events at regular intervals throughout the year. The Society’s Events Director, Caroline Hopton, said: ‘The new year-round programme is an immensely positive development. There are now more than 360 literary festivals in this country, so it can scarcely be said that we need another one. By staging events throughout the year we can broaden our scope, avoiding books intended solely for the Christmas market, and fly the literary flag in the town all year round. It is the gift which keeps on giving.’
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY: 7 September, Dr Hilary Jones 1 October, Andrew Lownie 20 October, Simon Heffer 12 November, Adam Nicolson 18 November, Timothy Biles 3 December, Max Hastings Richard Hopton’s first novel, The Straits of Treachery, was published by Allison & Busby last year. www.richardhopton.co.uk.
Membership of the Sherborne Literary Society costs a mere £10 a year and offers reduced ticket prices for the Society’s events and 10% discounts in the in Winstone’s and the town’s other bookshops. Further details and ticket information can be found on www.sherborneliterarysociety.com. 9
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
OCTOBER DEADLINES News and Articles: FRIDAY, 10 September Free initial consultation
A personal and friendly approach to business that will work for you www.chalmersaccountants.co.uk info@chalmersaccountants.co.uk Offices at Yeovil, Crewkerne & Langport 01460 279000 learn. Gary has tailored this project for all to enjoy learning a mixture of creative textile skills. Workshop £40, materials £10. To book, please email workshopbookingIAC@gmail. com or phone 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse.org.uk. From Tuesday 7 September to Tuesday 12 October at 6.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a weekly ‘Figure Drawing’ evening class with Heather Ford. Improve drawing skills and discover the joy of drawing from life in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Suitable for beginners as well as those with more experience. Bring along materials or use Heather’s for just £2. £16 per session. To book, please email workshopbookingIAC@gmail. com or phone 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse.org.uk.
From Wednesday 8 September to Wednesday 6 October at 6.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a weekly ‘Experimental Drawing & Printing with Nature’ evening workshop with Julia McKenzie. This is an observational ink drawing and printmaking course using traditional and non-traditional tools. Expressive drawings, created using tools found from the natural world and the man-made environment, will be translated into prints using various techniques. Suitable for all levels. Five-week workshop costs £100 including materials. To book, please email workshopbookingIAC@gmail. com or phone 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse.org.uk. From Thursday 9 September to Thursday 14 October from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at Ilminster
Advertisements: MONDAY, 13 September Arts Centre, there is a weekly ‘Creative Portraits in Oils’ workshop with Heather Ford. Discover a variety of oil-painting techniques and produce a beautiful A3 portrait in a relaxed atmosphere – bring along an A4 photograph to work from. Suitable for beginners as well the more experienced. Bring along materials or use the materials provided. Six-week workshop costs £90 (plus £2 if using materials provided). To book, please email workshopbookingIAC@gmail. com or phone 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse.org.uk. On Friday 17 September from 10.00am to 3.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a one-day ‘3D Needle Felting’ workshop with Geraldine Field. Transform wool into a 3D model using special barbed needles and lots of stabbing! Make a small animal or bird – Geraldine will have examples for inspiration or bring along a picture to
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work from. Cost £30 (materials available to purchase on the day if needed). To book, please email workshopbookingIAC@ gmail.com or phone 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse. org.uk. On Friday 24 September from 10.00am to 12.30pm or from 1.15pm to 3.45pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a half-day ‘Slow Stitch – Folk Embroidery’ workshop with Paula Simpson. With simple embroidery stitches create interesting designs using embroidery thread, upcycled wool fabric and jumpers, or felt. There will be a choice of simple projects - a needle case, pincushion, mug rug or mobile phone case. Cost £20 per session (both for one or both!). For more information and to book, please email Paula Simpson at hello@ paulasimpson.co.uk. www. paulasimpson.co.uk. SOMERTON Every Wednesday from 10.30am to 12.30pm at The Courthouse, Market Place, is a weekly life drawing session. Tea and coffee provided. Please bring along drawing materials. Limited numbers, booking essential. £12 per session. Book online at www.acearts.co.uk/workshopand-events. WELLS On Saturday 4 September at 10.30am at The Bishop’s Palace, join folk singer Dora Darling for a ‘Sea Shanty Singing’ workshop. Sea shanties are rousing songs with a long history and tradition. They are a joy to sing, uplifting and full of the passions of life at sea. All songs are taught by ear with words provided. Tickets £12.50. Each session is 2.5 hours long (with a small break) and the ticket includes day entry to the Palace and Gardens. To find out more and to book, visit www. bishopspalace.org.uk.
WHAT’S ON
ARTISAN ROUTE IN SHERBORNE ALPACA – PIMA COTTON – SILK: Discover rare pieces of Alpaca Knitwear – never found on the High Street On Saturday 25 September from 10.30am to 3.30pm at The Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, Artisan Route will be holding an Open Day Event in the main hall, showing its Autumn collection, all of which will be available for sale on the day. Artisan Route is six years old with a wealth of experience gathered over many years by owner Clive Webber. This brings a maturity which underpins this exciting brand. The brand specialises in rare pieces of alpaca knitwear, exotic handwoven silk scarves, and ‘Perfect Fit’ Pima cotton tops. They are described as an example of real excellence, with an attention to fit and finish which just ‘shouts’ quality. Clive has had connections with Sherborne for more than twenty years and is so pleased to have organized this special Open Day - this time in the very spacious main hall at The Digby Hall in Sherborne. Visitors are requested to bring a face covering. There will be hand sanitisers and an adjusted layout will encourage safe distancing. Payment areas will be protected with a screen and card readers sanitised after each use. Check out the collection in advance at www. AR Conduit Mag_September 21.qxp_Layout 1 06/08/2021 12:49 Page 1 artisanroute.co.uk.
A RTISAN R
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Paulina by Raffa – Beautiful and rare intarsia jacket with intricate embroidery detailing. Knitted in 100% Peruvian Superfine Alpaca.
GARDENING WHAT’S RADIO ON
THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE KEEPS TURNING By Steve Haigh, Station Manager, Radio Ninesprings 104.5 FM I was delighted to see that a former colleague – Clive Myrie – had been chosen as the new host of BBC’s ‘Mastermind’. Back in 1989, Clive was my reporter as producer of the Breakfast Show at BBC Somerset Sound. Fresh out of university, the one thing he hadn’t done a lot of was tape editing. In those days, interviews were recorded on reel-to-reel portable recorders and tape editing was a bit of an art form. If Clive has to thank me for showing him anything it has to be how to use a razor blade and sticky tape to edit interviews and not cut his fingers in the process. As a new recruit, Clive showed great professionalism and moved quickly from Somerset Sound into television. In his new role Clive will be maintaining a great British tradition - the TV game show. The BBC broadcast the first TV game show in 1938. Called the ‘Spelling Bee’ and hosted by Freddie Grisewood, a panel of guests were challenged to spell words and the one who spelt the most words correctly won a prize. A game show that many still remember is ‘What’s My Line’ – contestants with unusual occupations would perform a mime of the job they did and answer yes or no to questions from celebrities who had to guess the contestant’s job.
The one TV game show that is truly British is ‘Who Wants to be A Millionaire’. It debuted on ITV in 1998 hosted by Chris Tarrant. His catchphrases ‘final answer’ and ‘phone a friend’ became part of everyday language. Chris stepped down in 2013 and Jeremy Clarkson successfully relaunched the format in 2018. There have been many notable game shows down the years – ‘Family Fortunes’, ‘The Price is Right’ and ‘Deal or No Deal’ were all outstanding successes. In following the footsteps of Magnus Magnusson and the great John Humphrys, Clive Myrie will be upholding not only the popularity of ‘Mastermind’ but the tradition of the TV game show – I can’t wait to hear him utter those immortal words: ‘I’ve started so I’ll finish.’ It’s a phrase that Clive could have used all those years ago at BBC Somerset Sound when struggling to edit his news reports – with his recorded piece urgently needed for broadcast, and struggling to stick together his bits of tape, I can almost hear Clive saying, ‘don’t worry, I’ve started so I’ll finish!’ I wish Clive every good fortune hosting ‘Mastermind’, I’m confident he will prove masterful in the role. To listen to Radio Ninesprings: Yeovil and South Somerset 104.5 FM
With the arrival of ITV in 1955, big prize money shows took centre stage. ‘Take Your Pick’ hosted by Michael Miles was the first to offer a prize of £500. But the biggest money was won on ‘Double Your Money’ with Hughie Green. In 1956, a contestant took home £2,000 and another £5,000 the following year.
Chard/Ilminster 107.6 FM (from August)
In the 70s, the game show ‘3-2-1’ with Ted Rogers and mascot Dusty Bin was an ITV hit. So too was ‘Sale of the Century’ hosted by Nicholas Parsons. ‘The Golden Shot’ was another popular game show with 15 million watching!
thereafter: ‘Alexa play Radio Ninesprings’
Wincanton/Bruton 103.3 FM (from August) To listen online: www.radioninesprings.com
ListenStation on Smart Speakers: New Local Radio for say: ‘Alexa enable the Radio Yeovil and South Somerset Ninesprings skill’
Open Day Event Digby Hall - Spacious Main Hall Saturday 25th September 2021 (10:30am - 3:30pm) Hound Street, Sherborne DT9 3AA Check out our Autumn collection of Alpaca Knitwear, Pima Cotton Tops and Handwoven Silk Scarves in advance at
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SPRINGS 11
GARDENING
CASTLE GARDENS New Road, Sherborne DT9 5NR Tel: 01935 814633
HARVESTING FRUIT
BRIMSMORE GARDENS Tintinhull Road, Yeovil BA21 3NU Tel: 01935 411000
By Mike Burks, Managing Director of The Gardens Group
POUNDBURY GARDENS Peverell Avenue, Poundbury DT1 3RT Tel: 01305 257250
I quite enjoy harvesting fruit at this time of year and especially if it’s from the wild, or at least not from tame parts of the garden or countryside. We used to call it ‘scrumping’ in Devon and, after school, waiting for the bus, we would head to a large crab apple tree which overhung the school yard. It may have been just a wild tree, but on looking back, it could well have been the variety John Downie, as the fruit was quite large and we managed to eat them without too many after effects! We were in Yorkshire a few weeks ago and went bilberry picking on the moors (known by Devonians as whortleberries). Bilberries are a relative of the blueberry but much smaller, so it’s dedicated work but the resulting pie was magnificent. Back home the blackberries were just starting to ripen and although there were then no home-grown apples ready, it won’t be long before an old
Bramley apple tree will begin to be productive and the classic combination – hopefully as a crumble – will be possible. Elsewhere we have a number of old plum and damson varieties dotted around. These are probably growing from the rootstock of some longlost variety, but are all still consistently productive. This is especially surprising this year, as when the blossom was out in the spring, conditions were very cold and wet and not at all conducive to pollinating insects. However, the crops are abundant, and, at the time of writing, the fruit is ripening steadily meaning that we should get to use most of the fruit… and with wasps being in low numbers we won’t be competing with those fellas for once. (By the way I am a fan of the wasp which isn’t something
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you often hear. They are an amazing friend in the garden, tackling all kinds of insect pests, and it’s only later in the summer that they become pesky to us.) In the garden we have an old Myrobalan plum which usually produces masses of flower and then thousands of tiny fruits. These are not to be eaten from the tree even when fully ripe, but they make a great, if sour, sauce. This tree must have been affected by the poor weather when in flower as there is very little fruit this year. Whereas this is a shame for me, it’s also not good news for the wood mouse (or maybe even dormouse) who gnaws away at the stone to get to the almond-like seed inside. This seed is poisonous to us if eaten in large enough quantities, but seemingly it’s fine for our mouse friend! I undertook the first harvest of plums last week and a crumble
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was made. They went in whole with blackberries too. Some may criticise this as lazy but I was recalling the counting rhyme ‘Tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor...’ and in today’s sanitised world it’s important that we still keep such traditions going. The career prediction for me got to ‘beggarman’, but only after second helping! Later in the month the first pears will be ready. These are old varieties, long forgotten, and can be tough but still flavoursome. These are planted against the walls in the garden centre and sometimes there is an old metal label behind giving the name, but in many cases this has long disappeared. It doesn’t help writing this before dinner, as I’m already looking forward to the possibility of a plum crumble this evening – only if I go scrumping first though.
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GARDENING
UP THE GARDEN PATH ORNAMENTAL GRASSES
Sandhurst Garden Design Julie Haylock Garden Designer 20 Sandhurst Road, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 2LG
By Julie Haylock, Sandhurst Garden Design Late summer and into autumn are when ornamental grasses really come into their own. The low angle of the sun at this time of year shows them off at their best, backlit by the early morning or afternoon sun silhouetting their outline is pure elegance. Ornamental grasses are versatile, hardy and bring movement, texture and height into your garden borders. They can be used as a specimen plant providing a focal point, dotted through borders, perfect for a gravel garden or planted in containers. Grasses are easy to care for. They like a sunny open spot with well-drained soil, and make great companion plants in borders, providing vertical height and drama, as well as movement in the slightest of breeze. There are lots of varieties to choose from, and I only have space to select a few, but it is important that you plant your chosen ornamental grass at the right time of year to suit the plant. Deschampsia, festuca, helictotrichon and stipa varieties have their growth rate in late winter and flower before mid-summer, so plant them in the autumn. Miscanthus, panicum and pennisetum
do their growing in late spring and flower after mid-summer and usually cut back in later winter, so best planted in late spring.
Tel: 07899 710168 Email: juliesandhurst1@gmail.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
Two of the best mound forming varieties are Festuca glauca ‘Elijah blue’ with its blue spikey foliage that does best in full sun and Hakonechloa macra ‘Aurea’ that has arching stems of green/yellow that mature to green/gold before dying back and prefers a shadier spot. Perfect for containers or edging a border. 40cm.
Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’, sometimes called Chinese Silver Grass, is ideal for the back of a border. It has copper-coloured tassel-like plumes that if left on the plant, look great in winter covered by sparkling frost. 1.30m.
Deschampsia cespitosa: this perennial evergreen grass forms a neat clump with masses of airy flowers on slender stems that tolerate some shade and once fully established is drought tolerant. 90cm.
Panicum virgatum ‘Rehbraun’ or Switch Grass: this deciduous grass has clusters of tiny purplegreen pendant shaped flowers on upright green foliage which turns a gorgeous reddish-purple in autumn. 75cm.
Helictotrichon sempervirens or Blue Oat Grass: this evergreen grass has tightly rolled blue-grey foliage that form a neat mound, perfect for planting with Mediterranean-style plants or in a gravel garden. 60cm.
Pennisetum advena ‘Rubrum’, sometimes called Fountain Grass, has deep burgundy foliage with a bristly red-purple flower spikes, looks great grown in a container but will need some winter protection. 60cm.
Stipa gigantea or Giant Golden Oats: this semi-evergreen plant has large heads of oatlike flowers above a mound of green foliage. Although tall at 2.5m, this plant is airy with arching see-through stems so just right for a specimen plant in your border.
If you can find space to include an ornamental grass or two in your garden borders, it will make a great addition to your garden. Until next time, Julie
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GARDENING
THE EASING OF LOCKDOWN
ADVERTORIAL
By Liv Sabat
Lockdown restrictions are continuing to be lifted, which is an exciting time for us with hope that a ‘normal reality’ may be in sight for us all. It is advised to meet outdoors where possible and let fresh air into homes, which is where a sunroom can come into play. A sunroom can provide you with not only an extra indoor space but, once open, an outdoor space. We may have had a tough time during this pandemic and all, but England has allowed us to enjoy our summer so far with the lovely sunny weather. We have been able to spend time with family and friends outdoors, enjoying ourselves. As we go into September, weather may not be so nice, especially going more into the winter months. You can still invite family over even in the rain and have more space to host such gatherings, due to the fact our sunrooms feature a retractable waterproof roof as standard. If you’re lucky maybe the rain will stop, meaning you can open up your sunroom and bring the outdoors in. Whilst you enjoy that warm summer breeze blowing through your sliding glass walls, you can put down your roller blinds if the suns glare is becoming slightly harsh. Not only that but our glass room will also open up your
home to let the light in, as well as extending your living space and creating a smooth transition between your home and garden. Everything is tailored to your needs, so depending on your house layout, you could, for example, create an extra space for your kitchen, which you can open up if you opt for the sliding doors. For those of you who are looking for something a bit more minimal, an awning is the perfect alternative. We have all seen pretty little cafes and restaurants with awnings over a seating area – have you ever wanted to recreate that cosy atmosphere for your guests? There are so many positives to investing in an awning; you extend the amount of usable outdoor space, they fit seamlessly into any architectural style, and they are rainproof and windproof. Our awnings come in so many different colours and styles that there is something for everyone, whether you want to create an authentic French cafe feel or take a more modern approach, there is something for you. Our awnings also come with optional privacy screens so not only can you shield yourself from the wind, you can also have a little extra privacy in your own little space. Thank you for dropping by, see you next month!
Fort Financial Planning Ltd moves to new premises in Sherborne Fort Financial Planning Ltd was founded by Andrew Fort over 15 years ago. Many in Sherborne will remember Harry Fort Insurance Brokers who were long-standing insurance providers in the town for many years. Andrew was cofounder, with his father, of Harry Fort Insurance Brokers. In 2004 Andrew decided to set up a company that would provide a specialist financial planning service offering clients peace of mind, confidence and reassurance with their financial and life goals. A purpose-built cabin-style office was built at his home in Bradford Road and Fort Financial Planning Ltd was established with a small handful of clients. Mark Salter joined Andrew when the company was set up and has recently been appointed as Managing Director. The client base has grown naturally over time, mainly through recommendations, and Fort Financial Planning now have clients in various locations around the UK. Additional staff have been employed to keep the professional service maintained with many staff achieving high-level qualifications and expertise in financial planning. In 2018 enquiries were first made to buy land on the Barton View Business Park and plans to build a modern office with client meeting rooms and an open-plan working space were put in place. It wasn’t until August 2020 that work could finally start, but in March this year the office was completed and Fort Financial Planning moved into their new premises. With the rules easing in recent months, the company is delighted to welcome clients to the office and hopes to be able to hold various events and seminars in the future. Mark explains, ‘By deliberate design Fort Financial Planning was, and will remain, a small company. It was designed this way so that we have the time and expertise to provide our clients with a comprehensive and ongoing financial planning service. We aim to establish long-term relationships with all clients to help them create a plan for themselves and for their family’s future.’ Fort Financial Planning are independent financial planners who are highly qualified, good listeners and trustworthy. We take the time to understand your unique goals, clarify objectives, ensure plans are implemented and continue to monitor the plan in an ever-changing world.
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For more information, please visit our website: www.ffp.org. uk.
FINANCIAL COMPUTING
INSURANCE
HOW QUICKLY THINGS CHANGE By Mark Salter, Fort Financial Planning Less than a year ago, The Guardian reported, ‘Why low inflation is a worrying sign for the UK economy’. More recently, an article in The Independent presented a headline that likely touched a raw nerve among investors, ‘Bank decision in sharp focus amid beast of inflation warning’. Is inflation headed higher? In the short term, it’s already moved that way. With many firms now reporting strong demand for goods and services following the swift collapse in business activity last year, prices are rising – sometimes substantially. Is this a negative? It depends on where one sits in the economic food chain. Do such price increases signal a coming wave of broad and persistent inflation or just a temporary snapback following the unusually sharp economic downturn in 2020? We simply don’t know. But future inflation is just one of many factors that investors take into account. The
market’s job is to take positive information and balance it against negative information, like falling profits, wars and natural disasters, to arrive at a price every day that both buyers and sellers deem fair. Let us assume that rising inflation persists into the future. Some investors might want to hedge against higher inflation, while others might see it as a markettiming signal and make changes to their investment portfolios. But for the market timers to do so successfully, they would need a trading rule that directs exactly when and how to revise the portfolio. A trading rule based on inflation estimates, however, is just a market-timing strategy dressed in different clothes. A successful effort requires two correct predictions: when to revise the portfolio and when to change it back. It’s not enough to be negative on the outlook for stocks or bonds in the face of disconcerting information regarding inflation (or anything else). Current prices
HOW TO MAKE YOUR BUSINESS EASY TO INSURE By Dean Holloway
Over the next few months, Holloway Insurance Services will use its thirty years’ experience to share tips on how to make sure you are fully covered when you choose your insurance schedule, so you don’t face the horror of trying to make a claim and then find your loss isn’t covered under your policy. The current insurance market is hard; insurers have less appetite for risk. This means that at renewal you may find the terms you enjoyed before are no longer available for you. We shall share ways in which you can make your business more attractive to insurance companies to take on your risk. This month we look at the paperwork that insurers will often expect to see in place before they will offer to cover you. Having appropriate risk assessments, checks and rules in place will
sometimes be mandatory for your insurance cover. It may be possible to find insurance that doesn’t request them but this will cost more and will be harder to find. Some of these may be legal obligations to protect your staff. 1) Ensure that your health and safety risk assessments are reviewed every year and signed. They may not have changed, but they need to be signed to say that they haven’t changed. If someone makes a claim after an industrial accident, the insurers may not pay out if you have not got up to date assessments. We have risk assessment templates that we share with our clients so they understand what may be asked of them. 2) Check your equipment is tested regularly, think PAT testing, pressure boilers (e.g. coffee boilers), fire suppressant systems and smoke alarms. An insurer
already reflect such concerns. To justify switching a portfolio, one needs to be even more negative than the average investor. And then outsmart the crowd once again when the time appears right to switch back. Rinse and repeat. The evidence of success in pursuing such timing strategies – by individuals and professionals alike – is conspicuous by its absence. Some of the recent concern regarding inflation appears linked to substantial increases in government spending and government debt load. Determining the appropriate level of each is a contentious public policy issue, and we don’t wish to minimise its importance. But historical news headlines suggest these concerns are not new, and the expected consequences of these issues are likely already reflected in current prices.
The future is always uncertain. But as economist Frank Knight observed 100 years ago, willingness to bear uncertainty is the key reason investors have the opportunity for profit. Investors will always have something to worry about; the possibility of unwelcome or unexpected events should be addressed by the portfolio’s initial design rather than a hasty response to stressful headlines in the future. As research from Fort Financial Planning highlights, simply staying invested can help investors outpace inflation over the long term.
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COMPUTING
BUSINESS
PRINTERS, AGAIN!
By James Flynn, Milborne Port Computers As you’ll know from previous blogs, I hate printers! They are the bane of my life and I have wasted more hours, days and years failing to fix them than I care to think about. Microsoft also don’t help, as every time they release an update it seems to remove all your printers and then try and rediscover them, failing in the process. It’s then up to you to reinstall your printer manually. So, what is a printer? In computing terms, a printer is a peripheral which makes a persistent human readable representation of graphics or text on paper (thanks to Wikipedia!). In English, they put what you see on the screen onto paper. Today there are only really two types; inkjet and laser. Inkjets squirt dots of coloured ink onto the paper as the print head passes over it; they are relatively slow and, cost per sheet, expensive on ink, but good for low volume home use. They are also excellent for home printing of photographs; they don’t require any warm-up time but are prone to drying out if not used regularly. Cheap to buy! Laser printers fuse coloured powder onto the paper with heat, they are fast and much cheaper on consumables per copy in a high-volume environment. However, they can’t use special papers for photographs, can take several minutes to warm up for the first copy, but will print perfectly after months in a cupboard. Historically they have been
KNOW YOUR LIMITS
By Jim Rayner
relatively expensive to buy in comparison to an inkjet, but they continue to become cheaper.
How profitable could your business become? In heady moments of entrepreneurial excitement it’s tempting to imagine the sky is the limit. The reality is that for most businesses there are physical limits constraining our profit making capacity.
Should you buy cheap replacement ink and toner? I do! The cost of a set of genuine cartridges for an inkjet can be almost as much as the cost of the printer itself. However, it carries a risk in that if your printer is still under warranty then it is invalidated if you have not used genuine ink or toner. I could never ‘recommend’ you do it, but I consider the risk to be worthwhile as the savings can be huge … T&Cs apply!!
A hotel has only so many rooms to fill. A theatre has a limited number of seats to sell each week. In practice businesses rarely operate at full capacity all the time.
So, what are you to do? I always say, ‘spend as little as possible, and replace as often as necessary’. If you’ve only spent £34.99 on a printer, then it’s not worth worrying about if it breaks down after your year’s warranty. There is nothing to mend in a printer, you just throw it away and get another one. When buying a printer also try and make sure that it has a screen on the printer as these can be easier to install and troubleshoot if you need to. Finally, always spend a little time uninstalling the old one from your computer first, then carefully follow the instructions provided by the new one to get it set up properly right away. If it’s a wireless printer, the order is – your printer talks to your router and your router then talks to your computer! The choice as always, is yours, but if you think you need advice, you know where to come.
Imagine you’re running a small restaurant. Your business potential could be limited by the size of the kitchen, or even the number of customer parking spaces. But let’s say the biggest constraint is the number of tables. Your restaurant only opens in the evening and with every table occupied you could serve a maximum of 240 covers each week. Let’s suppose the average spend is £30 (plus VAT), the cost of food and drink is £12 (40%) and your weekly overheads amount to £2700. The absolute maximum profit you could achieve each week works out to £1,620. Of course you’re unlikely to have a full restaurant every night. So how many covers do you need each week to avoid making a loss, and how wide a margin of safety do you have? The answers are shown in the table below. But what if the trading environment changes? Maybe hospitality staff are in short supply and you need to pay more to retain your team, and at the same time the cost of food and drink rises? Let’s say your fixed costs rise by £270 (10%) per week and the cost of food and drink rises from 40% to 42%.
Break-even Maximum Break-even Maximum
Covers
150
240
171
240
Sales £30 ASP
£4,500
£7,200
£5,130
£7,200
Direct cost 40%/42% £1,800
£2,880
£2,155
£3,024
Gross profit
£2,700
£4,320
£2,975
£4,176
Fixed costs
£2,700 £2,700 £2,970 £2,970
Profit per week
£-
£1,620
£5
£1,206
Assuming you don’t increase your menu prices, your maximum possible profit falls to £1,206 and your margin of safety now starts at 171 covers per week. Suddenly it has become more difficult to trade profitably and even if your restaurant operates at full capacity your potential weekly profit has fallen by over £400 per week. That is a potentially catastrophic £20,000 a year. If you need help with working out your maximum profit, there’s a simple calculator on my website www.james-rayner.co.uk or give me a call.
STAY ON TOP OF THE NUMBERS PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS SAVE LIVELIHOODS BUSINESS NUMBER EXPERTS WWW.JAMES-RAYNER.CO.UK
16
BUSINESS
IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU
Future Farming Resilience
By Patricia Marks
Creating your own business or becoming self-employed or starting to work for yourself can be the most exhilarating challenge you will ever take on in your life I believe. There is something deep in all of us that at some point or other feels the need or desire to go it alone – my advice: ‘do it’! But do it with the right support, the right frame of mind, the right reason, and the right business to suit you.
You need to know yourself. It will help determine the immediate direction of travel. A great starting point is a SWOT analysis – a tried-and-tested method of reviewing something. An overview of the four factors (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) is given below. Strengths – Strengths are the qualities that enable you to accomplish the projects and your own personal goals. These are the basis on which continued success can be made and continued/ sustained. Strengths can be either tangible or intangible. These are what you are well versed in or what you have expertise in, and the traits and qualities you possess. Strengths are the beneficial aspects to the project or the capabilities you have.
Choosing the type of enterprise for yourself is the biggest hurdle at the beginning of your journey. Take the time to reflect on you – for once it is all about you! Write yourself a story about what you like, what you are interested in, what you already know about the work you are considering doing, and what connections you have to the sector/industry you are considering. Who do you already know that can help you, where can you get data from the area of work, how good are you at finding things out, how good are you at connecting with people, how risk inclined are you, and what is your appetite for trial and error?
Weaknesses – Weaknesses are the qualities that prevent you from accomplishing the projects and your potential. Weaknesses are the factors which do not meet the standards set by you or the organisation. They must be minimised and eliminated. Weaknesses could be in products, service and knowledge, technical
So many questions that need real and considered answers that you understand and can work with.
Free, tailored one to one advice, webinars and business skills development
skills and competencies, your understanding of your role and responsibilities, and in elements that could be around your confidence or desire to undertake certain tasks. Opportunities – Opportunities are presented by the environment within which you and your project operate. All individuals and project leads should be careful and recognise the opportunities and grasp them whenever they arise. Selecting the targets that will best serve the project while getting desired results is a difficult task. Threats – Threats arise when conditions in the external environment jeopardise the reliability and success of the project’s outcomes. At journey’s beginning I recommend two SWOTs: one of you and one of your business idea. Remember to be honest
workshops to help farmers and land managers navigate the changes brought about by the Agricultural Transition.
Get in touch to learn more and register
01458 254 331 somersetbusinessagency.org
with yourself and ‘all seeing’ about your idea. Then give them to a trusted mentor/advisor/ critical friend to get feedback and comment. With the right person, be prepared for challenging questions, some actionable advice and potentially some home truths that may feel negative. If you are interested in starting your journey, email hello@sbacic. org and I will send you SWOT templates, or visit www.sbacic. org for the latest business support and guidance.
Get connected. Stay connected. WiFi • Email • FaceTime • WhatsApp Skype • Google • eBay • Amazon Facebook • Twitter • Instagram
R Laptop R Tablet R Smartphone R desktop PC
PARDOES FREE LEGAL HELPLINE Questions for the Qualified Tough times require a community willing to help and support one another. Due to the restrictions in place in Somerset (and the nation) we have had to halt our popular free Legal Clinics in the villages/towns dotted around South Somerset.
• Friendly, patient, and knowledgeable help • Keep in touch with family, friends and
We have endeavoured to continue to help our community by offering other free services such as The Friendly Law Podcast which covers a range of important legal topics, but we would like to offer a further solution: The Pardoes Free Legal Helpline will commence on the 22 February and will run every Monday between 16:00 and 18:00. It will be manned by qualified staff
• Buying advice, setup and installation
colleagues for free over the Internet • Sell online easily, quickly and reliably The Legal Helpline
It is our ambition that dedicating this time to give free legal help will ease some people’s worries and give back to the community of which we have been a proud member for over 100 years. Please book an appointment using our enquiry form at the bottom of our website homepage www.pardoes.co.uk Alternatively, please check our website/social media platforms @PardoesLLP to find out who will be taking calls and their number. We look forward to hearing from you.
pardoes.co.uk @PardoesLLP
I’m Phil Hudson, your local tech expert and trouble-shooter. I’ll come to you and sort things out, at a time that suits you. Or you can drop off your machine at my workshop for quick, efficient care and maintenance.
Call me now on 07805 783147 17
ANTIQUES
ANTIQUES
At Acreman St. Antiques Auction, with the lifting of government restrictions we are now able to offer physical viewing and bidding in the room for our 27 August General Antiques and Collectables Auction. You will also still be able to bid online through Easyliveauction.com and Liveauctioneers.com. Our catalogue is available to view online from Wednesday 18 August and viewing is on Thursday 26 August 10am-5pm. We are now accepting items for our 24 September General Antiques Auction as well as items for our 17 September Asian Art Sale and our 19 November Textile, Fashion and Apparel Auction. We are always happy to give advice and free valuations and can make home visits if required. Contact Gill Norman by email at auction@acremanstreetantiques. co.uk or telephone 07908 333577 or 01935 508764.
ACREMAN ST. ANTIQUES
Auction
SHERBORNE GENERAL ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES
Friday 24th September 10am ONLINE ONLY through easyliveauction.com
VIEWING BY APPOINTMENT
Thursday 23rd September 10am-5pm
We are now taking in items for our 29th October General Antiques Auction. For all enquiries please contact
Gill Norman 07908 333577 / 01935 508764 auction@acremanstreetantiques.co.uk 18
Yeovil firm invests in future SW leather maker Pittards recognises long-service employees and celebrates the creation of new jobs and new skills training for the future. Recently, Pittards, manufacturers of fine leather in Somerset since 1826, welcomed the Master of the Glovers Livery Company to present employees with recognition for 25 years’ service. This traditional annual event was necessarily cancelled in 2020, but in 2021 the company used the occasion to not only mark long service, but also to celebrate its investment in future skills of the next generation through its apprenticeships and Kickstart team members. Preeta Ramachandran, Area Director Southern - Work and Health Services at Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), also attended the event. It wasn’t just employees who had served 25 years with the company who were celebrated. One employee, Diana Turton, received recognition for an incredible 54 years with Pittards. At the other end of the scale, Ollie Tremlett, one of the firm’s new apprentices, was recognised as the South West Apprenticeship Company, Apprentice of the Year 2020. Ollie joined Pittards early in 2020 as an accounts apprentice just as the company was entering lockdown and it is therefore a mark of his hard work and commitment through what could have been a difficult early start that he has already been promoted. He comments, ‘The apprenticeship with Pittards allows me to work alongside study for formal qualifications. I am gaining a broad knowledge of the business and invaluable experience for the future.’ Pittards exports its high performance leathers throughout the world and as a supplier to
military and services was able to continue to manufacture through the pandemic. Now its technical product for sports footwear and gloving is in demand as people look to exercise and socialise more outside. ‘People have always been at the heart of this 200-year-old business’ says CEO Reg Hankey. ‘We are proud to be able to perpetuate the skills that make Pittards’ leather so valued by major brands and to be able to create employment through apprenticeships and the Kickstart programme. We will be looking to create at least ten further apprenticeships in the coming year.’ Pittards at a glance • Pittards has been making leather in Yeovil since 1826, specialising in high performance leather for gloves and footwear for sport, the military and services, and interiors. • Pittards also has an Ethiopian division that manufactures gloves, apparel and footwear. • Pittards employs 200 people in Yeovil and exports over 90% of its product to 44 countries. • Pittards continued to work and innovate through the pandemic, releasing Tri Protex® anti-bacterial technology and Explorer Firebloc II™ fire-resistant leather. • Pittards Yeovil HQ houses not only its high performance leather manufacturing but also fine leather goods production and footwear production capability. • Pittards is currently training fifteen Kickstart scheme members and four apprentices, and are looking to take on at least ten more apprentices in the coming year.
LEGAL
Double promotion
THE RETURN OF 5% DEPOSITS FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS By Emma Worth, Battens The property market can be daunting for first time buyers and add Covid-19 into the equation and you have a challenging situation. However it’s not all doom and gloom as property expert Cate Barnes explains: ‘The property market is facing unprecedented demand partly fuelled by the changes the pandemic has brought with it. ‘At Battens Solicitors, we appreciate that trying to get on the property ladder for the first time can be a difficult experience, but especially for those who have been trying to secure a mortgage in the last year. In 2020 interest rates were rising and the majority of Mortgage Lenders were no longer accepting deposits as low as 5%. This was because Mortgage Lenders were limiting the distribution of mortgages offered and only typically accepting those who needed to borrow a smaller amount from them and who had a higher deposit. This made it almost impossible for the majority of first time buyers who would only be expected to have smaller deposits.’ Now that the economy is starting to open up again, we have seen a rise in mainstream mortgage lenders, such as NatWest, Nationwide, Halifax and Santander, beginning to accept not only 10% deposits, but also 5%, which is great news for those now buying for the first time or even those looking to purchase on again. What is a 95% Mortgage? • A 95% mortgage, known as a 95% loan to value (LTV) mortgage, is a mortgage to purchase a property with a small deposit (at least 5% but
less than 10% of the purchase price). This mortgage will be provided on completion with a term set and you will then pay the mortgage off monthly once the purchase transaction has completed. • Your deposit is the amount of money that you need to put towards the property to make up 100% of the final purchase price. What does this mean for a First Time Buyer? A mortgage lender is likely to allow you to borrow more than they would have done in recent years. You can find a property to buy once you have saved at least 5% of the purchase price and, as long as the mortgage lender believes this is affordable for you, they will lend the remainder of what you need to purchase the property. This means that you could be eligible to buy your first home even earlier than you thought and you don’t have to save quite as much money to do so and get onto the property ladder. Should you, a friend or colleague be looking to purchase a first home, please do not hesitate to get in contact with a member of Battens’ residential property team for a quote or further information which we should be happy to provide. For further information, please contact Emma Worth on 01935 846205 or email emma.worth@battens. co.uk.
Battens Solicitors is commending the work of Property Dispute Resolution Lawyer, Jacqui Swann, and Commercial Property Solicitor, Michael Sewell. In recognition of their dedication to the firm and clients both Jacqui and Michael have been promoted to Associate. Jacqui specialises in property dispute resolution, including landlord and tenant issues, agricultural tenancies, rights of way and adverse possession. Jacqui originally joined Battens’ Debt Recovery Team in 2009 and took the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) route to qualification within the Property Dispute Resolution Team, becoming a Chartered Legal Executive in 2018 and a CILEx Advocate in June 2019. ‘CILEx offers an alternative route to becoming a lawyer, and this is something Battens supports and encourages throughout all our legal teams,’ explained Jacqui
Michael joined Battens as a Trainee Solicitor in 2014 and completed his training contract in November 2016, qualifying into the Commercial Property Team. Michael’s focus is working with clients, advising on commercial property sales and purchases, development transactions, landlord and tenant matters and property financing. Michael says: ‘It is rewarding that my work and commitment has been recognised with this promotion to Associate. Battens have been a great help throughout my training contract and are always supportive of career progression throughout the firm. Managing Director, Ceri Stephens, says: ‘Both Jacqui and Michael are assets to Battens and their promotions not only reflect their hard work, but the rapport they have developed with their clients, which we value as a company.’
Solicitors
Specialist legal advice and solutions For whatever life brings - at home or at work
Private Client Solicitors who are always on your side Our specialist team can assist with Wills, Trusts, Estates, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Probate Contact us today: enquiries@battens.co.uk 0800 652 8373 www.battens.co.uk Yeovil, Sherborne, Castle Cary, Dorchester, Wareham, Bath and London 19
BOOKS
SUMMER READING
ADVERTORIAL
By Wayne, Winstone’s
We have selected some fabulous summer reads, ALL £2 OFF for staycations, garden relaxing or for the pure pleasure of enjoying a good book.
Humankind by Rutger Bregman £9.99
Human beings, we’re taught, are by nature selfish and governed by self-interest. Humankind makes a new argument: that it is realistic, as well as revolutionary, to assume that people are good. By thinking the worst of others, we bring out the worst in our politics and economics too. In this major book, Rutger Bregman takes some of the world’s most famous studies and events and reframes them, providing a new perspective on the last 200,000 years of human history.
Diary of a Young Naturalist by Dara McAnulty £9.99
Evocative, raw and beautifully written, this very special book vividly explores the natural world from the perspective of an autistic teenager juggling homework, exams and friendships alongside his life as a conservationist and environmental activist. With a sense of awe and wonder, Dara describes in meticulous detail encounters in his garden and the wild. The power and warmth of his words also draw an affectionate and moving portrait of a close-knit family making their way in the world.
The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante £8.99
Giovanna’s pretty face has changed: it’s turning into the face of an ugly, spiteful adolescent. But is she seeing things as they really are? Where must she look to find her true reflection and a life she can claim as her own? Giovanna’s search leads her to two kindred cities that fear and detest one another: the Naples of the heights, which assumes a mask of refinement, and the Naples of the depths, a place of excess and vulgarity. Adrift, she vacillates between these two cities, falling into one then climbing back to the other.
8, Cheap Street, Sherborne, Dorset. DTP 3PX 01935 816 128 winstonebooks1@gmail.com www.winstonebooks.co.uk 20
Sherborne author makes her debut The Pale-Faced Girl by Cath Hensby Worboys £8.99 Writing as Cath Hensby Worboys to include her maiden name, the daughter of a local family has just had her debut novel published and it has already received fivestar reviews. Although aimed at 11-13 year olds the book is also being enjoyed by adults, who are appreciating how well written it is. The Pale-Faced Girl is a fantasy adventure about twelveyear-old Jack who finds himself on a quest to uncover dark forces that threaten to bring danger to his school. Helped by his friend Alison and by the mysterious Celeste, he battles against fellow pupils who have been corrupted by evil teachers. It is an exciting, and at times scary, story about the fight between right and wrong and reaches its climax in the school library at midnight! Cath Hensby grew up in Sherborne and attended the Abbey Primary School and Lord Digby’s Grammar School, one of the three state secondary schools in Sherborne before the Gryphon School was established. She insists that none of her teachers were evil! Cath now lives in Hampshire with her husband and two teenaged sons and works as an occupational therapist in mental health services. The Pale-Faced Girl by Cath Hensby Worboys is available as a paperback from Winstone’s, 8 Cheap Street, Sherborne, priced £8.99 or by emailing cathhensbyworboys@gmail. com.
LIFESTYLE
INSPIRATIONS FOR THE CURIOUS SHOPPER
By Dawn Woodward, The Emporium, Yeovil
September always marks the start of a new retail chapter for us at The Emporium and we’re so excited about all we have planned for the coming season! There are many reasons to visit us over on Princes Street in Yeovil – our shop is always evolving, the blend of 65 different independent businesses within The Emporium creates such an eclectic environment, a superb destination worth travelling to! One brand-new business to mention is Wallis Creation; this fledgling venture is the result of one man’s passion for cars and his desire to be a designer! Just look at these unique, industrial-styled home accessories, lighting and furniture. Come and take a close-up look, this reinvention of scrap car parts and meticulous workmanship takes upcycling to a whole new level! The shopping experience has never felt better and our shop is looking so smart and curated! We’re busy creating some spaces for additional traders to join us in the coming months. In particular, we’re working on two new departments: Our brand-new Antiques Centre on our first floor will be launching this month and is going to be an amazing collection of high-end antiques and decorative pieces. We are inviting traders of quality antiques to contact us to hear more about this opportunity – come and launch your antiques business and be part of this exciting, new collective!
‘The Little Emporium’ is our arcade filled with tiny shops, all beautifully sitting alongside one another in this new further department. We’ve been delighted with how quickly this is filling up. We still have several spaces for small and beautiful shops, so please get in touch for further details, you could have your own little shop within this charming area. Our cafe has been very busy over the summer months and our brilliant cafe team continues to delight customers with all sorts of home-made delicacies. Just look at this amazing cake ‘The Forbidden Fruits Cake’, a real show stopper. You can see the stepby-step stages of how we made it by visiting The Emporium Cafes social media platforms. All of our cakes and other meals are made from scratch in house, we love it! We’ve recently hosted some wonderful celebrations for brides-to-be and mums-to-be … we love a good party, made all the better with our amazing afternoon teas being enjoyed by all! Seen our events schedule? We’ve some brilliant live music and supper evenings planned in our cafe. Contact us in the usual way to get your ticket, or buy tickets online through Eventbrite.
Contact us as always in the following ways: Phone: 01935 411378 Email: info@theemporiumyeovil.co.uk Website: www.theemporiumyeovil.co.uk Visit: The Emporium, 39 Princes Street, Yeovil, BA20 1EG
21
MOTORING Brewers Garage.qxp_Layout 1 16/03/2020 14:23 Page 1
BRISTOL ROAD GARAGE Western Ways Yard, Bristol Road, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4HR
• DIAGNOSTICS • MOT • SERVICING
• REPAIRS • AIR CON SERVICING • TYRES
Call us on 01935
812720
Founder and editor of ‘Travel & motoring magazine’, Tim Saunders is an advanced motorist and journalist. He has always been passionate about motoring and regularly reviews cars from the leading manufacturers.
WHY ELECTRIC CARS STILL HAVE A WAY TO GO By Tim Saunders, Motoring Correspondent
It’s going to take a lot to convert me to electrically powered transport. I used to watch the electric milk float drive down the road when I was small and wondered why it was so slow. Indeed, it used to be painful sitting in the long tailback behind one. Then in 1985 Clive Sinclair invented his famous and fun C5. There was a glimmer of hope that there could perhaps one day be an electric car. But true mass production didn’t happen until eleven years ago with the introduction of the Nissan Leaf and the Tesla. I appreciate that the environment needs protecting from harmful gases and I realise that the combustion engine is a threat to Mother Nature. But combustion engines are getting cleaner and they are not the only problem. What about the dirty gas boilers that power our central heating and those drafty older houses many of us still live in? It’s 2021 and there’s been a lot of noise around green motoring. There’s only nine years left before the only new car we’ll be allowed to buy in the UK will be electric. Surely things must have improved in the forty-odd years since I watched that milk float struggle down the road. It’s not just me thinking this but
FACTS AT A GLANCE Leaf e+ 3.Zero
Price: £37,320 OTR
On the road price (includes Government Incentive – Plug-in Grant of 35% up to a maximum of £3,500 and £55 Government First Registration Fee)
0-60mph: 6.9secs Range: up to 319 miles Power: 147bhp Top speed: 98mph Watch the video at www.testdrives.biz 22
fellow motorists in my area have replaced their old gas guzzlers with electric BMWs and Mitsubishis (sadly, the latter is pulling out of the UK). But how is that electricity generated I wonder. There’s a lot of talk about dirty electricity - how clean is it? Times are a-changing. So when Nissan offered me their green Leaf, I thought I ought to embrace yet more change. Compared to traditional cars the design is more bulbous, no doubt to make it as efficient as possible, reducing wind drag. I can’t say it makes me weak at the knees. But it is finished in a striking magnetic red two-tone black and there are alloys, in compensation. ‘What do you think, Harriett?’ I ask my eldest daughter. ‘It looks ok but can you drive it at a normal speed?’ she asks. We find out when I take the troublesome trio on their first and only school run so far this year. And it gets us there. It’s a shame there isn’t a manual five- or six-speed gearbox, instead there’s an automatic, which isn’t particularly engaging. We go on a 50-mile round trip to Petersfield and back leaving at 81% charge and 191 miles range. We return with 47% charge and about 100 miles range because of demisting the windscreens, heating the vehicle, listening to the radio and having the headlights on. I
rest my case. And try as I might I cannot find any way of heating my poor little feet or my wife’s on a cold day. That’s no good. Where a conventional car uses the heat from the engine for such purposes electric ones can’t do this. So there needs to be underfloor heating to keep occupants toasty warm. In this day and age we shouldn’t have to suffer for protecting the climate, but it’s also about compromises. I would happily forgo having power folding wing mirrors, air conditioning, electric windows, even heated seats and steering wheel if I could have warm feet instead. ‘But I do like the way it drives silently,’ says my wife Caroline. It also has impressive acceleration but you don’t want to enjoy yourself too often for fear of having to charge it up yet again. But with a hybrid at least you have backup - once the charge is lost it will revert to its conventional engine. Once the range has gone there is no backup, you are stuffed and have to rely on a breakdown service to rescue you. The 85% charged battery that claims to deliver 200 miles or so actually delivers about 150 miles driving it normally, using the heating, demisting the windscreens and listening to the radio. That is just pootling around travelling between 30mph and 60mph generally. Once you cruise at 70mph on the motorway that range will drop further and there’s only a speed limiter but no cruise control.
MOTORING
Why choose a Suzuki hybrid?
1. LOWER CO2 EMMISSIONS
2. LOWER RUNNING COSTS
3. NO CHARGING
4. A BETTER DRIVE ALL ROUND
5. NO CHANGE TO HOW YOU DRIVE
SO WHAT IS HYBRID?
Hybrid consistently improves fuel economy. How? Well, the hybrid system provides electrical assistance to the petrol engine in certain conditions, so less fuel is needed.
With all Suzuki hybrid models (except the Plug-in Across) it’s a self-charging hybrid system, so you can have peace of mind on long journeys and don’t have to worry about interrupting your drive to find somewhere to charge. Hybrid doesn’t just improve your Suzuki’s efficiency; it also improves how it drives. The hybrid system cleverly assists the engine at different times during driving to reduce engine noise and make driving feel more smooth. You can drive a Suzuki Hybrid car as you would a regular nonhybrid car, so you don’t have to compromise your normal driving style.
Hybrid cars are becoming more and more popular, and one big reason is the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions they offer.
For more information on the Suzuki hybrid models, speak to the team at Vale Motors located in Wincanton.
Hybrid is a system which has the ability to store energy that would normally be lost during braking and deceleration, so it can be used again. It can also save fuel by restarting the petrol engine, assisting the petrol engine during acceleration and even drive the vehicle on zero emission, electric-only power, depending on the type of hybrid car.
SAY HELLO TO THE SUZUKI SWACE
BRAND NEW IN STOCK AND READY TO DRIVE AWAY
SAVE £3,000
AGAINST MRRP
PLUS, AN ADDITIONAL £500 SAVING WHEN YOU QUOTE ‘SUM500’*
DRIVE AWAY WITH
NIL
ADVANCE PAYMENT
www.fjchalke.co.uk Saxon Way, Wincanton BA9 9RT
Call: 01963 34034
*Summer Saving Offer Code is available on all Suzuki stock models and excluded from all factory ordered Suzuki models. The offer code must be quoted to the Sales Consultant at the time of discussion. Online voucher code expires 30th September 2021. Offer can be amended or withdrawn at any time.
23
ARTS ARTS
By Julie Locke
VISUAL ART
Until Saturday 28 August from 9.30am to 5.00pm at The Jerram Gallery, Sherborne, there is a summer exhibition showing a variety of new work from several of the gallery’s regular artists, plus a few who are new to the Gallery: Christie Bird, Michael Clark and Daniel Shadbolt. Gallery open: Tuesday to Saturday. For more information, visit www. jerramgallery.com or phone 01935 815261.
Jerram Gallery Summer Exhibition Until Saturday 28 August from 11.00am to 5.00pm at Kings Bruton Memorial Hall, Bruton, is Bruton Art Society’s 68th annual exhibition. Affordable art from regional artists – some of the best amateurs and professionals in Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset and beyond! Free entry. www. brutonartsociety.co.uk.
Until Saturday 4 September from 10.00am to 5.00pm at ACEarts, Somerton, there is a community art exhibition entitled ‘Putting on a Show’. An exciting and vibrant exhibition of works made during intergenerational community workshops led by artist Edwina Bridgeman. Expect narrativebased work and a whole host of imaginative pieces made by the pupils at King Ina School. Exhibition open: Tuesday to Saturday. For more information, phone 01458 273008 or visit www.acearts.co.uk. Until Sunday 5 September at the Market House, Castle Cary, there is a fascinating display ‘Cary21: Castle Cary through Time in 21 Objects’. Explore the story of the town from the Stone Age through the Roman and Norman invasions, the Civil War and right up to date through a selection of intriguing objects and accompanying video presentation. Illuminated by a 4000-year-old axe head, a Roman house-god, the story and model of the castle, a hoard of hidden coins, the horsehair factory and more – see how the town has developed through the ages. A joint venture by the Cary History Society, Castle Cary Town Council, Castle Cary and
District Museum, and The Newt in Somerset. Opening times: Monday to Saturday 10.00am to 4.00pm and Sunday 3.00pm to 5.00pm.
Cary 21 Exhibition Until Saturday 11 September from 9.30am at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is an exhibition ‘From Forest to Foreshore’ featuring artists Jackie Cox and Chris Sinden from the Forest of Dean. This beautiful exhibition will be like taking a walk through nature! Opening times: Tuesday to Friday 9.30am to 4.00pm and Saturday 9.30am to 3.00pm (on the final day of the exhibition the gallery will close at 1.00pm). For more information, phone 01460 54973 or visit www. themeetinghouse.org.uk. Until Thursday 30 September at Bishop’s Palace, Wells, there is an exhibition of nature-inspired paintings entitled ‘Light in the Dark’ by the artist Jackie Henderson. Country lanes, The Levels and Moors, birds, flowers and even home-grown vegetables are all celebrated in vibrant watercolour. A year-long
Templecombe Art Exhibition
Village Hall 2 -3 October Free Entry 10am – 5pm In aid of Alzheimer’s Research
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project commenced when the world had turned into a dark place, but the light was there, if only one chose to see it. The exhibition will be held in the Exhibition Room of the Palace. Entrance is included with any valid admission ticket to the Palace and Gardens. For more information, visit www. bishopspalace.org.uk or phone 01749 988111. Until Friday 1 October at Bishop’s Palace, Wells, there is an exhibition of garden sculpture, curated by African Masters of Stone, featuring works by Zimbabwean artists of the Shona Sculpture movement. African Masters of Stone provides a platform for artists to present their work to a wider audience, so that they can continue a sustainable living and receive the artistic credit they deserve. The organisation also donates 10% of its profits to charities fighting poverty, malaria and HIV in developing countries. The sculptures will appear in the formal gardens, in flower beds, by the well pools and in the outer gardens – all available to purchase. The exhibition is included in standard admission to the Palace and Gardens. For more information, visit www. bishopspalace.org.uk or phone 01749 988111. On Friday 3 and Sunday 5 September from 10.00am to 3.00pm at the Castle Cary Market House, South West Heritage Trust team will be bringing the Cary Hoard and other items from Castle Cary to the Shambles (ground floor). The hoard of 152 silver coins, discovered under floorboards in a building in Paddock Drain in 2006, is believed to have been hidden during the English Civil War – with the most recent
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.
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SOMERSET OPEN STUDIOS 2021 18 September to 3 October 2021
In one of the largest Open Studios events to date, Somerset Open Studios 2021 presents work from more than 300 Somerset Art Works Members in over 200 studios and spaces across the county in September. Visitors have the opportunity to go behind the scenes and meet the artist, find out what inspires them and experience the working process – engaging with creativity at the source. Studios occur in a variety of unique situations and the event is the perfect opportunity to discover hidden locations and workspaces – in person and also online. For 2021, visitors will be able to experience and explore artists’ workspaces in new and different ways. A fold-out venue map and listings, available in cultural venues, helps visitors plan their journeys and navigate the sixteen days of Open Studios. Also new for this year is an Open Studios app, providing full venue details including art forms, accessibility information and opening times. The app works offline and links to Google Maps to take you straight to the studio door! In another new initiative for 2021, venue
details are listed on the Visit Somerset website, enabling visitors from further afield to make the most of their stay in Somerset. This year, there is an increased focus on improving access for visitors – information is available in a range of formats, in print and online, and artists are doing their best to ask if they can help to make access easier to venues. QR codes will help visitors locate information easily – just scan the codes where you see them to take you to the app. The Open Studios page on the SAW website contains all venue details, as well as information on the event programme with workshops, talks, films and have-a-go activities listed. Every weekend is Family Friendly Weekend with a range of activities suitable for families of all shapes and sizes! Work by artists taking part in the recent Somerset Reacquainted project will show in ‘Community’ at Taunton Brewhouse and there is also a special exhibition, ‘Thread Bearing Witness’, with work by Alice Kettle at Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury. New headline sponsors Acorn will be presenting two special
virtual tours by artists Sally Muir and Angela Charles, filmed at their show home properties at The Old Print Works in Frome and Cubis Bruton. Artists have made preparations to ensure that venues are Covid-safe including waiting areas and some venues may be open by appointment only. Please follow the latest guidance when entering artists’ studios, including wearing a mask if required, hand sanitising, social distancing and complying with Covid safety information at each venue. Please also check venue details before making a special journey or phone ahead. Many venues will be
happy for you to make an appointment. After a difficult few months, artists will be pleased to welcome you and show you what they’ve been working on. For more details, please see somersetartworks.org. uk/what-we-do/art-weeks/ sos2021/or contact Paul Newman at Somerset Art Works on 07715 528441 or paul.newman@ somersetartworks.org.uk. Images: Jackie Curtis Bottom), Paul Larner (top)
SOMERSET OPEN STUDIOS 18 Sept - 3 Oct 2021 Over 200 artists’ studios and spaces across Somerset open their doors this autumn
somersetartworks.org.uk
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coin dated to 1644. On Sunday, the Finds Liaison Officer for Somerset will be running a finds surgery where members of the public can bring in archaeological objects for identification. For more information, contact Colleen Bower at markethouse. bookings@castle-cary.co.uk or on 01963 351763.
Jackie Philip Exhibition – David Simon Contemporary From Friday 3 to Saturday 25 September from 10.00am to 5.30pm at David Simon Contemporary Art Gallery, Castle Cary, there is an exhibition ‘Jackie Philip: A Colourist in the Caribbean’. Last year, when Jackie’s short trip to Barbados turned into seven months of being stranded on the island, due partly to lockdown and partly to fallout from volcanic eruptions, she set up a temporary studio to make good use of time. Her latest paintings, informed by a variety of cultures and traditions, are more expansive and filled with luminosity and colour. Open: Monday to Saturday (closed on Wednesday and Sunday). For more information, phone 01963 359102 or visit www.davidsimoncontemporary.com. From Saturday 11 September to Saturday 23 October from 10.00am to 5.00pm at ACEarts, Somerton, there is an exhibition ‘Thriving and Declining on the Somerset Levels’ by Angela Knapp.
In Angela’s lifetime many of the birds that were once common in the UK are now under threat. Without the reserves on the Somerset Levels the situation would be far worse. This exhibition of stitched work celebrates some of the successes, and aims to increase awareness of the plight of others. Exhibition open: Tuesday to Saturday. For more information, phone 01458 273008 or visit www.acearts.co.uk. From Saturday 18 to Wednesday 29 September at The Jerram Gallery, Sherborne, there is an exhibition of John Maddison’s stunning still life, interior and landscape works in a unique solo show. A sensitive painter who ‘celebrates the sweetness of an ordinary moment’, John’s work signifies his profound perception of the beauty in everyday life. John has been described as a painter ‘capable of investing the ordinary table-top stilllife with magic and mystery.’ Gallery open: Tuesday to Saturday, 9.30am to 5.00pm. For more information, visit www. jerramgallery.com or phone 01935 815261.
John Maddison Exhibition – Jerram Gallery From Saturday 18 September to Saturday 2 October from 10.00am to 5.00pm at ACEarts, Somerton, there is an exhibition ‘The Shape of Trees’ by Joanna Briar. Landscape ink drawings, paper sculptures and printmaking focus on Somerset trees and plants, with original drawings alongside lino, wood cut and Mokulito (wood lithography) prints. Handmade cards, postcards and books will also be for sale. Exhibition open: Tuesday to Saturday. For more information, phone 01458 273008 or visit www.acearts.co.uk. From Saturday 18 September to Sunday 3 October is the Somerset Art Works Open Studios 2021 event. See page 25 for details.
Angela Knapp Exhibition – ACEarts 26
From Saturday 18 September to Sunday 3 October from 11.00am to
5.00pm at 5 Flingers Lane, Wincanton, Sarah Ayling and Julie Jenkins combine forces to show their colourful paintings and prints as part of Somerset Art Works Open Studios event. Sarah completed a degree in Art for Community in London and specialised in stained glass before relocating to Somerset. She also works in textiles and leather. Julie trained and worked as a graphic designer in London. She paints, in mixed media, vibrant portrait and landscape subjects, inspired by her extensive travel to remote locations. Escape on an exciting artistic journey around the world with Sarah and Julie - a unique opportunity to visit these two practising artists, to see and buy their work.
Sarah Ayling & Julie Jenkins Exhibition – Open Studios www.yeovil.razzamataz.co.uk
As well as performing arts lessons for ages 2-18, we’re a great place to make friends, boost confidence and have fun! Contact Claire at Razzamataz Yeovil to book a place or for more information 07856 273166 yeovil@razzamataz.co.uk
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.
The 3rd Somerton
Oktoberfest The Ultimate Bavarian Party Night Enjoy traditional German food, beers and music
h October 7pm Saturday 9t rton So Edgar Hall, me food) c (in 6 £1 ts ke Tic
#Oktoberfest Details and tickets: somertonartsfestival.co.uk
MUSIC
On Friday 27 August at 8.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a tribute to the First Ladies of Jazz with Annika Skoogh. Annika has a widespread reputation for her adventurous approach to her various styles – jazz, gospel and soul music, and has performed several times at the Arts Centre. Accompanied by guitarist Nigel Price, tenor sax player Martin Dale and the Craig Milverton Trio, she will sing songs made famous by well-known vocalists, such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Blossom Dearie, Billie Holiday, Anita O’Day, Peggy Lee, and so many others. Tickets £20. To book, email musicbookingsIAC@gmail.com or phone 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk. On Saturday 28, Sunday 29 and Tuesday 31 August at 2.30pm and 7.00pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil, there Is a screening of ‘Andre Rieu: Together Again’. The King of the Waltz has handpicked his all-time favourite show tunes, operatic arias and dance numbers from stages around the world - from São Paulo, Mainau, Bucharest, Mexico City, Amsterdam, Melbourne and Istanbul -
featuring many performances never seen before on the big screen. André brings together performers from all over the world in one global spectacular. Smile, sing and dance with Andre! Book soon – don’t miss this one! Tickets £8.50 to £14. Box office 01935 422884. www. westlandsyeovil.co.uk. On Friday 3 September at 8.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, Concerts in the West presents the Linos Piano Trio. Prach Boondiskulchok (piano), Konrad Elias Trostmann (violin) and Vladimir Waltham (cello) will play works by Debussy, Ravel, CPE Bach and Schönberg – for the full programme visit www. concertsinthewest.org. Founded in 2007 and winners of the 2015 Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition, the trio has developed a colourful and distinctive musical voice. Tickets £15. To book, please email musicbookingsIAC@ gmail.com or phone 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse. org.uk.
Town Hall Information Centre (email lic@crewkerne-tc.gov. uk or phone 01460 75928) or Concert in the West (email concertsinthewest@gmail.com or phone 01823 252658). On Saturday 4 September at 8.00pm at The David Hall, South Petherton, there is a ‘chance to dance’ event with the five-times BBC Radio 2 Folk Award-winning outfit, Oysterband. This band brings passion, power and poetry to folk and roots music, with some of the finest songs in the modern folk canon to their name: Put Out the Lights, When I’m Up (I Can’t Get Down), Blood Wedding, Everywhere I Go, The Oxford Girl, Granite Years, Native Son, A River Runs – these and many others from their vast back catalogue will feature as they embark on another year of international touring and festivals. Tickets £24. To book, phone 01460 240340 or visit www.thedavidhall.org.uk.
Oysterband Linos Piano Trio On Saturday 4 September at 7.30pm at The Dance House, Crewkerne, Concerts in the West presents the Linos Piano Trio. Prach Boondiskulchok (piano), Konrad Elias Trostmann (violin) and Vladimir Waltham (cello) will play works by Debussy, Ravel, CPE Bach and Schönberg – for the full programme visit www.concertsinthewest. org. Founded in 2007 and winners of the 2015 Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition, the trio has developed a colourful and distinctive musical voice. Tickets £15, students £5, under 12s (with a paying adult) free. Tickets available from
On Sunday 5 September at 7.30pm at The David Hall, South Petherton, there’s another chance to enjoy an evening with Oysterband at this seated concert. Tickets £24. To book, phone 01460 240340 or visit www.thedavidhall.org.uk. On Sunday 5 September at 7.30pm at the Octagon Auditorium, Yeovil, direct from the USA, is the William Hicks’ American Four Tops Show. Featuring the voice of Mr William Hicks, this show is jam-packed with sweet soul music and Motown magic that continues to leave audiences dancing and chanting for more. High-stepping choreography and superb vocal harmonies
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hit the stage with all the glitz of Vegas. Visually exciting, musically authentic, enjoy the Four Tops’ hits: Reach Out, Baby I Need Your Loving, I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie), Standing in The Shadow, Bernadette, Walk Away Renee and Loco in Acapulco, as well as the songs of The Temptations, The Drifters, The Miracles, The Platters, The Stylistics, Smokey Robinson, Ben E King and many more. Tickets £25. Box office 01935 422884. www.octagon-theatre. co.uk. On Monday 6 September at 7.30pm at The David Hall, South Petherton, The Stanchester Quire will be starting afresh. New members are very welcome and the ability to read music is not essential as everything is learned by ear, led by musical director, Eddie Upton. The quire will be learning Christmas carols and songs, collected from or written about the south-west, with a view to performing a series of Christmas Concerts during December. So why not come along and try the first couple of weeks free? Community singing is good for the soul! For more information, email stanchesterquire1@gmail.com or phone Bonnie on 01935 822287. On Friday 10 September at 8.00pm at The David Hall, South Petherton, there’s an evening with Charlie Dore and Julian Littman. Multiaward winner Charlie brings a genre-defying evening of ‘intriguingly other’ eclectic, contemporary, rootsy, folk music – bursting with earworms and crunchy lyrics. Charlie and her long-time collaborator
Charlie Dore & Julian Littman 27
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.
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and multi-talented musician Julian of Steeleye Span will swap guitars, piano, mandolin, harmonium, ukulele, banjo and stories, as they showcase songs from her new release alongside favourites from the past albums. The night will end with a new acoustic version of her worldwide radio classic, Pilot of the Airwaves. Tickets £16, concessions £15. To book, phone 01460 240340 or visit www.thedavidhall.org.uk. On Saturday 11 September at 7.30pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil, Merrill Osmond, lead singer for The Osmonds, will be performing all their big hits, plus talking about his experiences of growing up within one of the world’s biggest bands. It’s Merrill’s incredible voice that can be heard on such hits as One Bad Apple, Let Me In, Love Me for a Reason, Goin’ Home, The Proud One, I Can’t Stop, Having a Party and Crazy Horses – he sang lead on 27 gold records! Merrill is also an established solo artist and has toured throughout the world performing in major venues. Tickets £26.50, VIP (includes meet & greet) £76.50. Box office 01935 422884. www. westlandsyeovil.co.uk.
Merrill Osmond On Sunday 12 September from 1.00pm to 3.00pm at The Prince of Wales, Ham Hill, Stoke-sub-Hamdon, there is a free autumn concert by Stoke-sub-Hamdon Band. All welcome. On Tuesday 14 September at 2.00pm at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, Neil Sands and his wonderful cast will be ‘Bringing Back the Good Times’. This delightful trip 28
down memory lane celebrates all-time favourite songs from the 40s to the 60s along with best-loved singalongs and ever-popular show tunes. All mixed with stunning costumes, amazing voices and finishing with a signature flag-waving finale singing wartime songs and paying tribute to the veterans of the UK armed forces. Tickets £11 to £13. Book in advance online at www.stur-exchange.co.uk or via the box office (01258 475137).
On Friday 17 September at 7.00pm at The Emporium Café, Yeovil, there is a live session with Tom Toomy and Friends. Come along for an evening of incredible food and music! For more information and to book, phone 01935 411378, visit the Facebook page or via The Emporium Cafe. On Friday 17 September at 8.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, listen to The Neil Maya Quartet, featuring Matt Carter on piano, in a tribute to Dave Brubeck. Performing such classics as Blue Rondo a la Turk, Raggy Waltz, Unsquare Dance and of course Take Five, the band will take the audience back to the golden years of jazz. Tickets £16. To book, please email musicbookingsIAC@gmail.com or phone 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk.
On Saturday 18 September at 7.30pm at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, Rob Kingsley stars in a ‘A Vision of Elvis’. This show is an emotional rollercoaster through time, engaging audiences with a true Elvis Concert experience featuring Elvis’s greatest hits. Rob is internationally renowned as the best Elvis Presley tribute touring the world today. Tickets £22. Book in advance online at www.stur-exchange.co.uk or via the box office (01258 475137).
On Saturday 18 September at 7.30pm at the Octagon Auditorium, Yeovil, Yeovilton Military Wives Choir return to deliver the concert they had planned for April 2020! The concert will feature songs from patriotic World War favourites, popular West End musicals right up to modern day classics, as well as a special selection of their own songs, including much of the new repertoire that has formed part of the choir’s learning over the past twelve months. This stirring concert promises a few surprises along the way, making it a most wonderful evening of entertainment, so book now! Tickets £16. Box office 01935 422884. www.octagon-theatre. co.uk.
Yeovilton Military Wives Choir
The Neil Maya Quartet
On Saturday 18 September at 8.00pm at The David Hall, South Petherton, there is a remarkable intimate solo performance by Martin
Simpson. Since he recorded his first album, Golden Vanity, in 1976, Martin has been known as a guitarist of formidable talent. Equally at home playing English traditional folk, American folk and blues and his own compositions, he is consistently named as one of the very finest fingerstyle guitar players in the world. ‘He never ceases to amaze and every performance is totally different from, and better than, the last. Like a good wine, Martin continues to improve with age.’ Tickets £19, concessions £18. To book, phone 01460 240340 or visit www.thedavidhall.org. uk.
Martin Simpson On Friday 24 September at 7.30pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, Jemima Farey introduces Jim Reynolds and the folk duo, Fiddleback, for an evening of ‘flying folk’ music. A Jim Reynolds performance is always a delight; songs about his experiences and inspired instrumental pieces are interwoven with classic blues, ragtime and the odd old romantic ballad. Together with Fiddleback (Ollie Back and Sam playing her fiddle), singing a wide mix of traditional-styled music and song, this will be a rare treat of an evening. Jemima and other family members will, as usual, be singing a few songs of their own. Tickets £10. To book, please email musicbookingsIAC@gmail.com or phone 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk. On Friday 24 September at 8.00pm at The David Hall, South Petherton, Seckou Keita, master of the 22-string kora, returns for his third visit. Seckou has arguably become the most influential and inspiring kora player of his generation, an
To advertise – 01935 424724 • email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk • www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk
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. exceptional and charismatic musician and a modern global citizen, living with seven centuries of tradition and heritage expressed through his music. In his solo album, 22 Strings, Seckou shows the kora in its purest guise, a wondrous instrument that can soothe the bloodlust of warriors and take the human spirit to a place of deep meditation, stillness and beauty. Tickets £18. To book, phone 01460 240340 or visit www.thedavidhall.org.uk.
Seckou Keita From Friday 24 to Sunday 26 September is Sherborne Abbey’s Mini Festival. See page 4 for details. On Saturday 25 September 7.30pm at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, relive The Ultimate Dire Straits Experience with ‘dS:uK…in Tribute to Dire Straits’. The band began touring in 2016 and is regarded as the quintessential tribute band among Dire Straits fans with their incredible attention to musical and sonic detail. To say that they sound like Dire Straits is an understatement. Their 2020 ‘Brothers in 85’ tour pays tribute to the worldwide Brothers in Arms tour, bringing fans the ultimate 1985 Dire Straits experience and all of those classic songs the audience want to hear. Don’t miss it! Tickets £18. Book in advance online at www.sturexchange.co.uk or via the box office (01258 475137). On Thursday 30 September at 8.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there’s an evening of modern jazz in the Blue Note vein with Equinox. This newly formed Bath/Bristol band comprises Steve Mathers (sax), Martin Kolarides (guitar), John-Paul Gard (Organ) and
Dave Smith (drums). Led by sax player Stephen, Equinox delivers straight-ahead, nononsense arrangements of ‘hard bop’ contemporary jazz. These four truly accomplished musicians will be sure to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Tickets £15. To book, please email musicbookingsIAC@gmail.com or phone 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk.
PERFORMANCE
On Wednesday 25 August at 7.30pm at Castle Gardens, Sherborne, Illyria Theatre presents an outdoor performance of ‘HMS Pinafore’. Set on board the warship HMS Pinafore, the opera cheerfully mocks such great British institutions as class, patriotism and the Royal Navy. Gilbert & Sullivan’s wonderful comic opera gets the complete Illyria treatment, faithfully performed by a reduced cast on a beautiful nautical set. Gates open 6.30pm. Tickets £15, concessions £12.50, under 16s £5. Tickets on sale from Castle Gardens and online via www. illyria.co.uk.
of 21, Stephen Sondheim’s legendary musical was directed by Dominic Cooke and filmed live on stage at the National Theatre in 2017. Tickets £11.50 to £17. Box office 01935 422884. www.westlandsyeovil. co.uk. On Friday 3 September at 6.30pm at Bishop’s Palace, Wells, outdoor cinema returns with a screening of the classic 1978 film ‘Grease’ in its singalong version. Get those vocal cords warmed up to join in with well-loved numbers such as ‘Grease Lightning’, ‘Summer Lovin’ and or course ‘You’re the One That I Want’. Bring along a blanket or low-backed seating and an umbrella – the show will go on whatever the weather. Doors open 6:30pm, show begins 8.00pm. Tickets £20, child £18 to include a Hog Roast provided by Wells Film Centre (or vegetarian/vegan option) and a drink. This event sells out quickly, so book soon. Tickets available from www. wellsfilmcentre.co.uk. www. bishopspalace.org.uk.
On Thursday 2, Friday 3 and Sunday 5 September at 2.30pm and 7.00pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil, there Is a National Theatre screening of the multi-award-winning production ‘Follies’. Thirty years after their final performance at the Weismann Theatre, New York, the girls gather to have a few drinks, sing a few songs and lie about themselves. Tracie Bennett, Janie Dee and Imelda Staunton play the magnificent Follies in this dazzling production. Featuring a cast of 37 and an orchestra
On Monday 6 and Tuesday 7 September at 7.30pm at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, Living Spit presents the classic French tale of ‘Beauty and the Beast’. A beautiful young woman is taken prisoner by a beast in his castle. She learns to look beyond its hideous exterior and discovers the kind heart that lies within. The enormously popular Living Spit stars Howard Coggins and Stu McLoughlin. Howard is beautiful – there’s no escaping that – but so is Stu! However, one of them will have to portray an ugly, foul-tempered beast. But which one will it be? Suitable 12+. Tickets £14. Book online at www.stur-exchange.
Follies
Living Spit – Beauty and the Beast
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co.uk or via the box office (01258 475137). On Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 September at 7.30pm at the Octagon Auditorium, Yeovil, is a comedy adventure with ‘The Three Musketeers’. Armed with only a baguette and his questionable steed, join hot-headed D’Artagnan as he travels to Paris to become a Musketeer. Will things go to plan? It’s unlikely! Featuring hilarious heroics, raucous romances and some bonkers fun with BMX bikes, Le Navet Bete condense Dumas’ seventy-page classic into two hours of non-stop comedy gold. Supported by a top-notch band of brothers including long-time co-conspirator John Nicholson, internationally renowned choreographer Lea Anderson MBE and critically acclaimed set designer Ti Green, this show is the company’s biggest and most riotous to date. Tickets £18.50 to £20. Box office 01935 422884. www.octagon-theatre. co.uk.
On Thursday 9 September at 7.30pm at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, renowned historian Lucy Worsley presents a ‘Very British Murder’, an illustrated tour through the dark story of people’s fascination with murder. Lucy has covered the history of this very British obsession in a book and BBC TV series. Here she shares its secrets and explores the history of this phenomenon in forensic detail, examining not only the crimes themselves but also how murder became a form of middle-class entertainment through novels, plays, artefacts and the press. Tickets £22. Book in advance online at www. stur-exchange.co.uk or via the box office (01258 475137).
To advertise – 01935 424724 • email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk • www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk
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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
On Tuesday 14 September at 8.00pm at the Octagon Auditorium, Yeovil, is Simon Amstell’s brand-new comedy show, ‘Spirit Hole’. This is his first stand-up tour since the release of internationally acclaimed feature film, Benjamin, and Netflix Special, Set Free. ‘Spirit Hole’ is a blissful, spiritual, sensational exploration of love, sex, shame, mushrooms and more. If yearning for a night of unprecedented joy and laughter, then book now and avoid regret. Suitable 15+. Tickets £26 to £36. Box office 01935 422884. www.octagontheatre.co.uk.
Simon Amstell
On Wednesday 15 September at 7.30pm at the Octagon Auditorium, Yeovil, follow Belgian detective extraordinaire Artemis Arinae in his quest to solve ‘Crimes in Egypt’. Artemis is set to enjoy a holiday cruise along the river Nile when tragedy strikes. All the passengers and staff aboard are suspects, and the murder count is growing; will Arinae’s little grey cells identify the murderer in time? A versatile cast of just four, brings to life lascivious lawyers, crocked captains, fastidious physicians, ardently amorous authors, feuding femme fatales, plodding paramours, friendly first mates and attractive Americans, in this romp inspired by Christie, Coward and Wodehouse. Presented by New Old Friends, directed by James Farrell. Tickets £15 to £16.50. Box office 01935 422884. www.octagon-theatre. co.uk. On Saturday 25 September from 7.30pm at The David Hall, South Petherton, it is the monthly Acoustic 30
Night. Petherton Arts Trust is encouraging local performers to come to The David Hall and perform on a professional stage. All types of performance welcome – music, comedy, poetry, dance! 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. Payment is on the door. On Tuesday 28 September at 7.30pm at the Octagon Auditorium, Yeovil, is a moving and powerful new work ‘Boy’s Khaya’ by Bawren Tavaziva. From a little house hidden behind the white master’s mansion, a young man struggles to comprehend the world and his place in it. Monarchies, political persecution, slavery and modern colonialism create a rich source of untold truths. In this performance, Bawren’s discoveries are a universal comment on Africa and mankind today. Exploring the use of real-time landscapes and motion-capture technology, ‘Boy’s Khaya’ creates an immersive and unforgettable audience experience. Tickets £10 to £16. Box office 01935 422884. www.octagon-theatre. co.uk.
His tour of the UK coincides with the publication of his new book, the brilliant, funny and insightful I Could Be Wrong, I Could Be Right. John will talk about how he sees life, along with his unique and extraordinary career, and take audience questions. Tickets £30, VIP £45, VIP PLUS (includes meet & greet) £80. Box office 01935 422884. www. westlandsyeovil.co.uk.
John Lydon Dairy Cows & Dorset Knobs is a brand-new poem by Liv Torc, commissioned by Artsreach for Dorset Food & Drink, to celebrate Dorset’s wealth of local producers and to thank those who choose to shop locally! Captured on film by Pageant Productions and available to view at www. artsreach.co.uk/projects/poemfor-dorset. Pop the kettle on, play and enjoy! The poem is also available on a postcard, which features illustrations by local artist Delphine Jones, from various food and drink outlets across Dorset or by contacting the Dorset Food & Drink team directly.
‘Igglepiggle’s Busy Day!’. Join Igglepiggle as he looks for his friends in the Night Garden by following their funny sounds until he finds them all! See all the favourite characters beautifully brought to life with full-size costumes, magical puppets, enchanting music and the amazing flying Pinky Ponk. Now in its twelfth year, In the Night Garden Live is one of the UK’s favourite family events. See website for various performance times. Tickets £15.50 to £19.50. Box office 01935 422884. www.octagontheatre.co.uk. On Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 September at the Octagon Auditorium, Yeovil, ‘Stick Man’ is back in town! What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree? This awardwinning production, from the team behind ‘Zog’, ‘Tiddler and other Terrific Tales’ and ‘Tabby McTat’, features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves. Performance times: Saturday, 1.30pm and 4.00pm; Sunday, 10.30am and 1.30pm. Tickets £13.50 to £15.50. Box office 01935 422884. www.octagon-theatre. co.uk.
Boy’s Khaya On Thursday 30 September at 7.30pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil, there’s an evening with John Lydon. He’s a legend, an icon, and a revolutionary: John Lydon, aka Johnny Rotten, changed the face of music and sparked a cultural revolution. The frontman and lyricist of the Sex Pistols and Public Image Ltd caused a political earthquake and transformed music for good.
Liv Torc Liv Torc
CHILDREN
On Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 August from 10.00am at the Octagon Auditorium, Yeovil, Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends are coming to Yeovil with their fun-filled live show
To advertise – 01935 424724 • email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk • www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk
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.
MOVIES
MOVIES
AROUND THE TOWNS AND VILLAGES DREAM HORSE (PG)
Jan Vokes, a cleaner and bartender, recruits her initially reluctant husband Brian and local accountant Howard Davies to help her bring together a syndicate of local people to breed a foal - which they name Dream Alliance. This is a classic story of triumph against adversity, and a tale of how a woman strives to make her dream a reality in a place where hope is thin on the ground. SHOWING AT West Camel on Friday 24 September, The Davis Hall, 7.30pm. Admission £5 on the door.
JUNGLE CRUISE (12A)
This is a rollicking ride down the Amazon with wisecracking skipper Frank Wolff (Dwayne Johnson) and intrepid researcher Dr Lily Houghton (Emily Blunt). Based on Disneyland’s theme park ride where a small riverboat takes a group of travellers through a jungle filled with dangerous animals and reptiles but with a supernatural element. SHOWING AT Yeovil on Friday 27 August, Saturday 4, Monday 6 September, Westlands Entertainment Venue, 11.00am, 2.30pm, 7.00pm. Tickets £5 to £10. Box office 01935 422884. Yeovil on Saturday 28, Tuesday 31 August, Friday 3 September, Westlands Entertainment Venue, 11.00am. Tickets £5 to £10. Box office 01935 422884.
LITTLE WOMEN (U)
Jo March (Saoirse Ronan) tells the story of the March sisters - four young women, each determined to live life on her own terms. Following the Civil War, Jo is in New York City making her living as a writer, Amy (Florence Pugh) studies painting in Paris, and Meg (Emma Watson) is married to a schoolteacher. Then Beth (Eliza Scanlen) develops a devastating illness that brings the family back together. SHOWING AT West Camel on Friday 27 August, The Davis Hall, 7.30pm. Admission £5 on the door.
Jungle Cruise
LOVE SARAH (12A)
When Sarah dies in a tragic accident, her dream of opening an artisan bakery in Notting Hill is fulfilled by her daughter Clarissa, her mother Mimi and her best friend Isabella. Enlisting the help of an expert pâtissier, they produce a range of exquisite cakes and pastries that reflect the neighbourhood’s cultural diversity. Starring Celia Imrie, Shannon Tarbet and Bill Paterson. SHOWING AT Castle Cary on Tuesday 22 September, Caryford Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £5 in advance from The Market House and from Tessa Gayford on 01963 350132 or £6 on the door.
MODERN TIMES (U)
Charlie Chaplin’s iconic Little Tramp character struggles to live in the modern, industrialized world. When he escapes the monotony of factory work, he meets Ellen, a young homeless woman. They survive one scrape after another, until one bright day at dawn, they walk down the road together towards an uncertain but hopeful future. This is the last time that Chaplin portrays the tramp and the first time Chaplin’s voice is heard on film. SHOWING AT Sandford Orcas on Friday 24 September, Village Hall, 7.30pm. Entry by donation. For information: phone 01963 220363.
NOMADLAND (12A)
After losing everything in the Great Recession, Fern (Frances McDormand), a woman in her sixties, packs her van and embarks on a journey through the American West, exploring a life outside of conventional society as a modern-day nomad. SHOWING AT Halstock on Saturday 18 September, Village Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £6.50 from Halstock Shop or on the door. For information: 01935 892485. Hinton St George on Saturday 11 September, Village Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £5 in advance from Personal Services Store and Dorothy’s Tearoom or £5.50 on the door. For information: 01460 74959. Milborne Port on Friday 17 September, Village Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £5 in advance from 1 September from Wayne the Butcher or £6.00 on the door. Yetminster on Tuesday 7 September, Jubilee Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £6, advance tickets from the Spar Shop. For information: 01935 873719.
SPIRIT UNTAMED (U)
Lucky Prescott’s life is changed forever when she moves from her home in the city to a small frontier town and befriends a wild mustang named Spirit. This is an epic adventure about a headstrong girl longing for a place to belong and discovers a kindred spirit. DreamWorks Animation. SHOWING AT Yeovil on Thursday 26 August, Westlands Entertainment Venue, 11.00am, 2.30pm. Tickets £5 to £10. Box office 01935 422884.
STILLWATER (12A)
Bill (Matt Damon), an American oil-rig roughneck from Oklahoma, travels to Marseille to visit his estranged daughter, who is in prison for a murder she claims she did not commit. Confronted with language barriers, cultural differences and a complicated legal system, Bill builds a new life for himself in France as he makes it his personal mission to exonerate his daughter. SHOWING AT Yeovil on Monday 20, Tuesday 21 September, Westlands Entertainment Venue, 11.00am, 2.30pm, 7.00pm. Tickets £5 to £10. Box office 01935 422884.
THE COURIER (12A)
Unassuming British businessman Greville Wynne (Benedict Cumberbatch) becomes entangled in one of the greatest international conflicts in history. Recruited by MI6 and a CIA operative, Wynne forms a covert partnership with Soviet officer Oleg Penkovsky (Merab Ninidze). Both men risk everything in a dangerous race against time to provide the intelligence needed to prevent nuclear confrontation and to end the Cuban Missile Crisis. SHOWING AT Yeovil on Thursday 9, Friday 10 September, Westlands Entertainment Venue, 11.00am, 2.30pm, 7.00pm. Tickets £5 to £10. Box office 01935 422884.
Spirit Untamed
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31
MOVIES
MUSIC
THE LAST BUS (12A)
An elderly man, Tom, whose wife had just passed away, uses only local buses and his free bus pass on a nostalgic trip to carry her ashes all the way from John O’Groats to Land’s End, where they originally met. Unbeknownst to Tom, his journey captures the imagination of the local people that he comes across and ultimately becomes a nationwide story. Starring Phyllis Logan, Timothy Spall, and Grace Calder. SHOWING AT Yeovil on Tuesday 7, Monday 13, Tuesday 14 September, Westlands Entertainment Venue, 11.00am, 2.30pm, 7.00pm. Tickets £5 to £10. Box office 01935 422884. Yeovil on Wednesday 15 September, Westlands Entertainment Venue, 11.00am. Tickets £6.50 to £10. Box office 01935 422884.
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.
THE LAST LETTER FROM YOUR LOVER (12A)
A pair of interwoven stories set in the past and present follow an ambitious journalist determined to solve the mystery of a forbidden love affair at the centre of a trove of secret love letters from 1965. Starring Shailene Woodley, Joe Alwyn and Wendy Nottingham. SHOWING AT Yeovil on Thursday 26 August, Westlands Entertainment Venue, 7.00pm. Tickets £5 to £10. Box office 01935 422884.
WILD ROSE (15)
Fresh out of prison, Rose-Lynn, a troubled young working-class girl from Glasgow, dreams of becoming a Nashville country star. With two small children to support, she’s forced to get a cleaning job but is still determined to make her dreams come true. A funny and sad drama with some truly great acting performances, full of passion and emotion, plus a great soundtrack. SHOWING AT Batcombe on Friday 24 September, Jubilee Hall, 7.45pm. For information about Batcombe Film Society and for guest tickets, phone 01749 850307.
Music Gigs
All Music Gigs are FREE entry unless mentioned.
AUGUST
28 Bad Edukation, Classic Rock, Fleur De Lis, Stoke-sub-Hamdon, 4.00pm Roadstars, Rock/Pop Covers, Stoke-sub-Hamdon Working Mens Club, 9.30pm 30 Powercut, Acoustic/Electric Rock/Pop, Recreation Ground, Castle Cary, 2.00pm
SEPTEMBER
4 Shakedown Ridge, Classic Rock, The Bell Inn, Yeovil, 9.00pm The Disciples, Pop/Rock, Stoke-sub-Hamdon Working Mens Club, 9.30pm Unknown Identity, Covers & Originals, White Hart, Sherborne, 9.00pm 10 Ross Kirk, Rock Covers, The Highwayman, Shepton Mallet, 8.30pm 11 Roadstars, Rock/Pop Covers, The Bell Inn, Yeovil, 9.00pm 12 Chill, 60s to 90s Covers, The Brewers Arms, South Petherton, 3.00pm 17 Robbin Williams, Robbie Williams Tribute, The Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil. 8.00pm. £8 advance, £10 on door 18 Chill, 60s to 90s Covers, The Lord Nelson, Norton-sub-Hamdon, 9.00pm Dabinetts, Rock/Pop Covers, Stoke-sub-Hamdon Working Mens Club, 9.30pm New Ocean, Rock Covers, The Old Barn Club, Yeovil, 8.30pm Wrecking Ball, Country Rock, White Hart Inn, Crewkerne, 9.00pm 25 AC/ZZuk, AC/DC & ZZ Top Tribute Band, The Lord Nelson, Norton-sub-Hamdon, 9.00pm Caught On The Back Foot, Classic Rock, The Globe Inn, Somerton, 9.00pm Unknown Identity, Covers & Originals, The Bell Inn, Yeovil, 9.15pm
The Quicksilver Mail
Hendford Hill, Yeovil BA20 2RG presents
ROBBIN WILLIAMS
8pm, Friday 17 September
Tickets: £8 in advance from bar £10 on the door 32
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INTERIORS
BACK TO THE FUTURE By Alec and Caroline Grant, from Grants of Somerset
Why? The key to understanding the comeback of this era could lie with our experiences over the past 18 months. Despite some harsh day-to-day realities, the 70s were a decade of optimism and playfulness as the horizons of tech and travel really expanded – something we’re ironically going through again as restrictions are lifted. It was also the first time people really started decorating with a sense of fun rather than function, making room for personal expression and individuality. With homes being the focus of our attention, now more than ever we are looking to put our personal touch on our personal space. Textiles From rattan to wicker to velvet and satin, materials are playing a big part in this revival – tactile surfaces that register to sight and
Colours We’re not sure deep brown is going to find its way into too many homes today, but we’ve definitely seen a shift away from the axis of beige and grey towards a more vibrant colour palette – mustards, oranges, deep greens and purples are very much back in. Shapes Curved edges, soft geometric shapes and vibrant patterns are the order of the day here. It might sound counterintuitive, but they can easily be combined to give any space depth and interest. Accessories Tentative about going all in on the retro styling? Why not dot a few accessories here and there? Eclecticism really works with this style and that gives us licence to dust off our favourite trinkets and pieces, and put them on display. There’s no need to go full lava lamp to enjoy a bit of 70s in your life, but we’re sure that if you welcome a little of the decade into your home now, it won’t be another 40-odd years before you bring a little bit more in.
Colour is a really easy way to express yourself. The vivid colours of the 70s won’t only make homes more vibrant, they could also be better for your health as psychologists have proven that colours can influence our energy and positivity.
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Here are a few ideas to help you embrace this prodigal style and, maybe more importantly, help you understand why you would want to.
touch. In ceramics, we’re seeing a lot of reactiveware (a glaze you’ll find on dinnerware) and handfinished pieces coming back.
OUR F A
For those of you picturing brown and orange polyester curtains – fear not! We’re talking 70s ‘influence’ rather than a total regression. It’s like a ‘You’ve been framed!’ best bits.
Colour me happy A lot of the revival is down to how much time we’ve spent indoors lately, wanting homes that reflect our personalities and feeling sure our personalities aren’t entirely greige (it’s a thing! The colour between grey and beige).
IN ED
Ah, 70s home decor. A ‘marmite’ era full of colours and patterns which some will look back on with fondness, some with a shiver and others with no feeling at all as they weren’t even born then! We’re not sure where it’s been since it was firmly packed away in the 80s, but it’s back for 2021!
For further information, see our website www.westcountrywindows.com and click on jobs or call 0800 378 371 and we can have an informal chat 33
BUILDING
A WELCOME KIND OF NORMAL!
By Paul Harvey, Branch Director Bradfords, Sherborne At the start of March 2020, we were welcoming in customers like ‘normal’: handshakes, a shared coffee, even the occasional manly hug.
But as this goes to press, we enter a new phase, and the closest to what prior to midMarch 2020 looked like. Dare we now think about those things that we so used to enjoy doing with our customers, sharing a coffee discussing their next project or maybe something a little stronger if out of trading hours? Trade events, bringing our suppliers in to demonstrate their products and help us all improve our knowledge, are something that we have certainly missed and something that we will look to re-engage with to ensure our customers are updated regarding any new products or ranges. We’ll be pushing out news of these through the branch and our social media platforms. This is going to be even more interesting as our suppliers start to increase the focus on the green credentials of products and new products designed specifically to meet environmental criteria. Whilst the branch has remained open throughout, 34
one department that hasn’t has been the kitchen and bathroom showroom as deemed non-essential. Thankfully the department is now fully operational again and our showroom team, Katie and Victoria, would welcome the opportunity to help you with any kitchen or bathroom projects you have in mind by offering our free design and quotation service. We launch our Big Kitchen and Bathroom sale in September so perhaps now is the time for that improvement or upgrade! The relaxation in restrictions means we also have a recent addition to the site at Barton View: the ‘Sherborne Café at Bradfords’ catering van. It’s been a popular addition for the past couple of months, a neat nod to our previous home next to the station, and Henry, Elodie and Karin are quickly becoming as much a part of the furniture as me and my team.
Katie and Andrew, members of the Bradfords team, in the reopened kitchen showroom
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APPLIANCES
Back to normal? We remain cautious and continue to adopt best practice to prevent any spread of the virus which of course hasn’t gone away. But as the above hopefully suggests, we’re certainly well on the way.
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Post 23 March 2020 and over the past 18 months, we’ve had this liberty removed, with varying degrees of measures making our branch seem more like a military base than a builders’ merchant. No guns at the gate, but certainly strict entry control (I like to think that I was the strictest!!) and at the outset the requirement to have booked in before being allowed access to pick up materials and products that had all been pre-booked. A far cry from what we are used to. And we’re so grateful that our customers patiently tolerated our adherence to government guidelines.
BATHROOMS
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The catering van is proving popular
40% OFF ALL SANITARYWARE
*Terms, conditions & exclusions apply. Ask staff for more details. Offer available in store only. For full terms and conditions please visit bradfords.co.uk or ask in showroom.
To advertise – 01935 424724 • email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk • www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk Untitled-2 1
03/08/2021 15:28:28
FOOD & DRINK
A new look for
The Queen’s Arms The Queen’s Arms, on the border between Dorset and Somerset with far reaching views over the Somerset levels, has always been a well-known and loved pub. When it came up for sale it was an opportunity too good to miss for new owners Simon and Doune Mackenzie-Francis. The pub is their village local and they spent many a sunny afternoon on the terrace, dreaming of what they would do were they ever to own it one day. This is the couple’s first foray into the world of pub management but they are not without experience in the culinary world. Doune, who is the director of the Queen’s Arms, has a background in food, she spent eight years working at the renowned cookery school Leith’s School of Food and Wine. ‘We are surrounded by such incredible produce and this area is becoming a destination for foodies’ says Doune, ‘it’s been fantastic collaborating with the chef about the new dishes for our menu and it’s exciting to know it will grow and change as we find our feet.’ Pub classics, such as fish and chips and a Queen’s Arms hamburger, remain along-side dishes such as padron peppers with marjoram sea salt, monkfish with samphire, and freshly made pasta. ‘Hospitality is a challenging industry, especially right now, opening during this time has not been easy, therefore to have such a great management team is invaluable’ says Doune. The senior team has come from varied backgrounds, all of them
started their careers in London at places such as Soho House, learning the art of service and hospitality, and they are now imparting their training to a new generation of young adults. ‘We are still looking to hire in some areas, for example a sous-chef, but so far we’ve had great feedback on the food’ adds Doune. As for the building, there have been some changes: ‘We took the opportunity to close in January, during lockdown, to carry out a full top-to-bottom refurbishment.’ The ground floor has been reconfigured and a ‘Pub Hub’ has been added. ‘I love the Pub Hub. It partly stemmed from lockdown where communities really came together. It’s a place where the village can meet for coffee and pastries whilst using our re-fillable milk machine and buying freshly baked bread. It will change organically as we discover what people want from it’, says Doune. ‘There’s plenty for us to do especially now we are open, from training and hiring staff through to carrying out snagging from the build but it’s exciting, and our three children are just as excited as we are.’ says Doune. The Queen’s Arms is open Wednesday-Sunday noon-11pm (food served 12pm-3pm and 6pm-9.30pm). The Pub Hub is open Wednesday-Sunday 8am12pm. To make an advanced booking, please go to www. thequeensarms.com or call
The Queen’s Arms Corton Denham
Open Wednesday - Sunday Food Served 12-3pm and 6-9.30pm
Pub Hub open 8am-12pm 01963 220317 infor@thequeensarms.com www.thequeensarms.com Hiring: sous chef, housekeeper, floor manager
To advertise – 01935 424724 • email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk • www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk
35
FOOD & DRINK
TALES FROM THE TRADING POST By Kate Forbes
It’s been a month of highs and lows here at the Farm Shop. Early July, after weeks of frantic social media campaigns, we were delighted to be told that we had made it into the finals of the coveted Muddy Stiletto Awards for the third year in a row. A tense few weeks followed as we awaited the final result and we were utterly thrilled when, in the middle of our holiday to beautiful Pembrokeshire, we got the email from Muddy Stilettos telling us that we are now officially the Best Farm Shop & Deli in Dorset and Somerset in 2021! I suspect the people sat near me when I got the email were slightly perturbed by the crazy lady punching the air and whooping next to them – especially as at that moment Andy had gone to get coffee and the children were lost in a play area somewhere – so I was doing the happy dance all by myself! Muddy Stilettos is our very favourite award platform, not just because we have won it for the last three years, but because it is one of the only awards that don’t require you to big yourself up, writing essays on how great your shop is and how much money you take. The Muddy Awards are purely down to our amazing customers voting for us and it is this that makes winning so much more special.
On the flip side most people are probably aware of the haulage crisis in the UK – a hideous mix of pandemic and Brexit has left a countrywide demand for HGV drivers. This morning, as I write this article, the impact of this has now hit us. One of the big supermarkets has offered drivers £1000 to sign on with them. In a year when a lot of people have lost jobs or been unable to work, this £1000 bribe has encouraged drivers to make the move. This has left smaller businesses and independent shops with transport and supply issues, with both supply from distributors and movement of produce affected. However, we are very, very lucky that so many of our amazing suppliers are local producers who can keep our shelves topped up, and even if we can’t get all the stock all of them time, our shelves will never be empty! The sun has just peeked through the clouds again - I hope that by the time you read this the promised heatwave has hit us and we are all basking in our gardens enjoying the late summer sunshine with a G&T in hand.
The Editor Drinks… In The Conduit Editor’s fridge at the
moment are two rosé wines from The Wine Society’s newly elected Wine
Champions. Rosé wine has long been soaring in popularity as wine lovers
embrace it all year round – a rosé is not
just for summer! Rosés come in a variety of pinks from many different countries, and vary from the palest baby pink, to
flamingo, to fuchsia, to very nearly red. The colour is a general indicator of the
Señorio de Sarría Rosado, Navarra 2020
Rui Madeira Beyra Rosé, Beira Interior 2020
delicate the wine, while the deeper pinks
This generous Spanish rosado makes a huge impact with its colour before its ripe raspberryfruit perfume leaps out of the glass. Generous and fruity but not sweet, it’s an easy-drinking and excellent-value wine. £6.95.
Pink Portuguese prowess here, in the form of an accomplished, serious wine, built for food and delivering both pretty red fruit and a slightly salty savoury tang on the finish. An arrestingly assured rosé and fantastic value. £9.95. Available from: www. thewinesociety.com.
style – the lighter the colour, the more will have more pronounced flavours.
One of the two wines has one of the
deepest and most vibrant colours of any rosé we have ever tasted. 36
Let me know if you have any To advertise – 01935 424724 • email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk • www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk wines you would like reviewed!
FOOD & DRINK
CHARLIE BIGHAM’S LAUNCHES LOCAL RECRUITMENT DRIVE IN SOMERSET Independent local food brand, Charlie Bigham’s, has launched a recruitment drive to welcome a further 30 people to its 300 strong team in preparation for the busy autumn period. Bigham’s has been dishing up premium food at its Quarry Kitchen near Wells since 2017 leading to the creation of new jobs within the local area. Bigham’s has also announced plans to increase the wages of all colleagues across the business with entry-level pay increasing to £10.35 per hour, with the opportunity to progress depending on skill level and experience. Earlier this year, Bigham’s introduced a range of new working patterns designed to enable colleagues to get the right work-life balance including four-day week shifts (Monday to Thursday), four on four off rotational shifts and a threeday weekend shift working across Friday to Sunday. Richard Bain, general manager at Bigham’s said: ‘We have a fantastic team here at the Quarry Kitchen – they have done an incredible job over the last year and have really lived up to their key worker status. We are very proud to have been recognised earlier this year as one of the UK’s Best Large Workplaces and to be in a position to welcome more people to our team.’ Bigham’s prides itself on offering its team the best opportunities within the workplace including fantastic progression opportunities and training delivered by the Bigham’s Academy, competitive bonus scheme, pension, subsidised café, discounts at high street retailers, cycle to work scheme and of course lots of delicious Bigham’s meals to enjoy at home, amongst other perks. For more information on the current vacancies available at Bigham’s, visit www.bighams.com/all-jobs/ or send your CV to people@bighams.com. About Charlie Bigham’s Inspired by his travels and love of cooking, Charlie Bigham set up shop back in 1996 with the sole aim of creating really delicious dishes for foodies – putting in all the care and attention that you would if you were to cook them yourself. Using top quality ingredients, his goal was to help people steal back some quality time by doing all the dinner prep for them. Bigham’s selection of dishes now includes over 60 delicious meals, made and sold exclusively in the UK.
2020 highlights include Bigham’s success at the Best Places to Work Awards, where it was named 38th best large workplace in the UK, the launch of the brand’s first range of ready-to-bake sweet dishes, Proper Puds. Also a YouGov survey named Bigham’s the UK food and drink brand most recommended by its customers, plus the business was headline sponsorship of the Wells Food Festival and achieved 12 Great Taste Awards for classic and recently-released dishes. Bigham’s achieved B-Corp status in 2020 as recognition of its commitment to the local area and environment and is also shortlisted for Brand of the Year at The Grocer Gold Awards 2021.
Want to join in our success? We are on the lookout for talented people to join the growing team at our Production Kitchen located in Dulcote, near Wells, Somerset. There is something for everyone with roles across all production departments and a range of shift patterns, including: • • • • •
4 shifts on 4 shifts off (days) 4 shifts on 4 shifts off (nights) Mondays to Thursday (mornings) Monday to Friday (afternoons) Friday to Sunday
As a Bigham’s team member you will receive a starting salary of £10.35 per hour, increasing to £10.65 per hour after 3 months training as well as lots of great benefits. Shift premiums 28 days annual leave
Annual bonus Paid breaks
Free Bigham’s meals to take home And much more…..
To find out more or apply to join our team visit www.bighams.com/all-jobs or email your CV to people@bighams.com
To advertise – 01935 424724 • email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk • www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk
37
FOOD & DRINK
WHY I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT CONSERVATION By Khrishma Preston, The Alternative Indian
A milestone birthday has made me reflect on other milestones in my life related to India. The small Indian state of Goa has conjured up milestones on each of three visits. First trip - I had just completed my first field job; a year researching Asiatic lions and the Indian wolf, I decided the highlight of the trip would be to get my open water and advance open water PADI diving courses completed within the last ten days of the trip. I completed these in Goa. Second trip - I had taken my then boyfriend to India for his first trip. I used the four-week trip to catch up with an old boss, work colleagues and family across India. We had a few days chilling out in Goa at the end of the trip where we ate some of the best Indian seafood ever. Third trip - last trip out to India was to get married. We had an Indian ceremony adjacent to a Goan Beach with some amazing friends and family. So as I reflect on completing the last three decades, it fills me with hope to be able to travel back there again soon. It’s my soul and I miss it. With that in mind I wanted to tell you about the last small NGO I worked with out in India. The Applied Environmental Research Foundation (AERF) (www. aerfindia.org) is based in Pune. They apply the principles of ‘community-based conservation’ and natural resource management models that actively involve local communities in forest protection. AERF projects are implemented in the North Western Ghats that form a part of a global biodiversity hotspot in India in a region where there is very little state protection. While there, I focused on researching the two largest species of hornbills in India. Dr Archana Godbole and her team’s work towards conservation inspired me to drive my business in the direction I have and is why I chose to incorporate the hornbill into my logo. Since the start of the business in November 2018, I have been putting a collection together to help carbon offset the business’s use of imported spices and ingredients. I named this ‘Tiffins4Trees’ which ran until the restaurant closed in May 2020. I collected 5p from every tiffin take-away we sold and raised just under £100 from local customers choosing my deposit made tiffin takeaways over plastic. As a little fortieth-birthday treat to myself, I wanted to match the customer contributions (and add a little) so that as ‘The Alternative Indian’ we work towards woodland conversation for the next few years. The AERF team and I are currently working out where our total £250 donation would be best utilised. It may not sound like much but I know how far such money can go when used in the correct way. If you would like to add to the donations being collected, please get in touch via my website www.thealternativindian.com. If you have tried any of my recipes, I’d love some feedback – please email me on info@thealternativeindian.com.
Goan Prawn Curry
Prep time 10 mins | Cook time 25 mins | Serves 2-3
INGREDIENTS
METHOD
Approx. 300g king prawns, shelled (responsibly sourced if possible)
Ensure the prawns are completely defrosted and washed before use. To a large heavy-bottomed pan on a low heat, add all the ingredients listed under Toasted Masala (with the exception of the coconut milk).
Toasted Masala 4 dried Kashmiri red chillies 6 garlic cloves 1 tsp black peppercorns 1 tbsp coriander seeds 1 tsp cumin seeds 1 tsp pitted tamarind or 1 tsp tamarind paste/1:1 ratio lime juice and light brown sugar 1 tsp turmeric powder 1/2 cup grated or desiccated coconut 1 cup coconut milk Curry Sauce 2 tbsp coconut oil or rapeseed oil 2 star anise 1 thumb-size piece of ginger, finely minced 1/2 cup onions, finely chopped 1/2 cup tomatoes, finely chopped Salt to taste 150g spinach/A decent handful of spinach 5-6 curry leaves Red onion, thinly sliced, for garnish Coriander leaves for garnish
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Slowly roast the spices until aromatic. Do not burn. Once toasted let completely cool then add to a food processor with the coconut milk and grind to a smooth paste. Reheat the pan, heat oil and add star anise, ginger and onions. Sauté till onions are a light golden brown and add tomatoes. Cook for 5-7 minutes till they break down easily with the back of a spoon. Add the ground masala paste from the food processor, salt to taste and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer for 10-15 minutes till colour deepens slightly. Add drained prawns to the gravy and cook them for 7-8 minutes. Sprinkle the spinach and curry leaves on top, mix well and switch off the heat. Rest for 5 minutes in order to thicken. Garnish with red onion and coriander before serving with steamed rice.
TRAVEL
PLAN YOUR HOLIDAYS AHEAD AT MILES MORGAN TRAVEL…
By Heather Muir, Manager – Miles Morgan Travel, Yeovil With 2023 holidays going on sale, now’s the perfect time to start planning an incredible adventure. Here at Miles Morgan Travel we know that part of the excitement of a holiday is the anticipation – the build-up, the countdown, the planning, the packing. That’s why now is the perfect time to get an adventure in the diary for 2022 or 2023. As a main agent for Titan Travel, we are delighted to announce that their 2023 holidays are on sale now and with their door-to-door transfers to your UK airport included, your trip really can get off to a truly hassle-free start. Whether it’s a trip to a destination you’ve always dreamed about or perhaps a return to somewhere you’ve loved and longed to revisit, here are our three favorite 2023 Titan tours that we think you may want to start looking forward to today… Antarctica, Rio & Iguazu Falls How do you top a trip to see the colossal icebergs and penguin colonies of Antarctica? By adding a tour of Rio and Iguazu Falls to the start and a short break in Buenos Aires (with a tango dinner included, of course) to the end. A real once-in-a-lifetime expedition to the ‘bottom of the world’!
Japan: Honshu & Hokkaido Japan is famous for its springtime blossom, but for something a little different (and a lot less crowded), try a winter escape instead. On this tour, you’ll see snow monkeys bathing in hot springs, sleep in an authentic rural ryokan, and take the bullet train to Hokkaido, where you’ll gaze up at house-sized snow sculptures. Victoria Falls, Safari & South Africa Get ready for three weeks of incredible experiences. Feel the spray from Victoria Falls and watch hippos playing on a sunset cruise along the Zambezi. Spy the Big Five and enjoy a candlelit bush dinner beneath star-filled skies. Cruise along South Africa’s spectacular coastline and spend two days in captivating, cosmopolitan Cape Town.
MAIN AGENT FOR • 2023 tours are on sale now • All include VIP door-to-door service • Book today for just £49pp deposit Cuba with Central America Cruise Various 2023 dates 21 days From just £3,699pp
Japanese Winter Wonderland Various 2023 dates 12 days From just £3,699pp
Safari with a South Africa Cruise Various 2023 dates 20 days From just £4,849pp
Antarctica Expedition Cruise Various 2023 dates 19 days From just £7,999pp
Contact our Travel Specialists today Phone lines open until 10pm
01935 428 488
www.milesmorgantravel.co.uk
14-16 Middle Street, Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 1LY
These are just a few of Titan’s 2023 holidays. More are being added daily, so be sure to ask our travel specialists for the latest additions. For all your holiday needs, trust your local travel agent at 14-16 Middle Street, Yeovil, for expert advice including information on PCR and testing. Pop in and see us or call us on 01935 428488. We look forward to seeing you soon.
To advertise – 01935 424724 • email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk • www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk
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TRAVEL
WHERE TO FIND A GIANT MONEY TREE! By Tim Saunders, Travel Correspondent The children are now of an age where they can begin to appreciate the finer things in life… to a degree. It is still a great struggle at times with Henry (5) who likes to do what he wants when he wants and woe betides you if you try to interfere with this. It’s all my fault, it’s in the genes. And so we venture to West Dean Gardens near Chichester; a botanist’s delight and a place of tranquillity and beauty for the rest of us to thoroughly enjoy. The grounds are vast and there are some magnificent tall trees, flowers and shrubs. As we arrive we are surprised to find a money plant, like the ones we have at home. But this one is absolutely enormous, stood outside and priced at £200. This is the great thing about visiting places like this; you pick up interesting ideas that you otherwise simply would not. There are also not that many people about so social distancing is not a problem at all. Adults are asked to wear facemasks in some of the greenhouses (but many don’t bother) as well as the toilets where only two people are allowed at a time. It’s a changeable August day, one minute hot and the next threatening to rain. We arrive at lunchtime and thankfully there are plenty of benches from which to 40
choose and we make our way towards one. We’ve brought some homemade cheese and tomato quiche and tuck into it. Henry does not though; he struggles with eating food that is mixed together. An apple and banana satisfies him. We hope that as the children grow up life will become easier. Heidi (8) and Henry (5) do enjoy a good argument about anything you care to imagine and it takes a good hour-and-a-half before the dynamic duo actually start appreciating the fact that they are on a family outing where we all hope to enjoy ourselves. To encourage them in this endeavour we play a bit of catch, which then eases them into the idea of walking round the gardens. We arrive at a grand pergola, which looks to be made from oak and covers a sizeable ornamental pond. “I love this,” says Harriett (10), our placid eldest child, who generally manages to deal with the other two with ease until she has enough and then starts shouting the odds! The long pergola leads to a charming room with an etched glass window that bears a thought-provoking passage from a Wordsworth poem about how we are dust and yet bond to form society. Again something you don’t expect to find and it’s really refreshing. This building has a flint floor and the
design can be found in what Henry calls the witches’ houses elsewhere in the gardens. These are wood structures with thatched roofs and provide an excellent hiding place for the children, who eventually tear about and let off steam. They’re also somewhere for the adults to sit and admire the surroundings, briefly. It is very relaxing just ambling around enjoying the scents from various brightly coloured flowers and plants. We spot some that we have in our own garden. The children decide that the sunken garden is an excellent place for hide and seek. There are benches for Caroline and me to rest. The children dash about thoroughly enjoying themselves. Success. We while away a happy half an hour. “I want to go to the toilet,” Henry announces yet again so we all march back to them. Afterwards we explore the kitchen garden, which is brimming with wonderful produce. When we return home Heidi puts one of her money plant cuttings outside in the hope that it will grow like the one at West Dean. For more information visit: www.westdean.org.uk/gardens Watch the video at www.travelwriter.biz
HISTORY
POEM
SLAVERY AND MILBORNE PORT By Dr Lesley Wray
In Bristol last summer, the statue of a philanthropist was torn down because he had made his fortune from the slave trade. International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its abolition was on 23 August this year. Slavery is a horrific abuse of peoples’ rights, but it is easy to forget the history behind it. Slavery has existed since society began; the Domesday Book mentions two slaves in Milborne. Slavery did not disappear from England until around 1100, although feudal serfdom was little better. In Africa, slavery was endemic, and from the seventeenth century European nations exploited this. Between 1662 and 1807, three and a half million African slaves were transported on British ships, while Portugal transported even more. Slavery was big business. Putting the trade in context is important; in Britain, workers had no rights, children worked from the age of six, and there were 220 crimes punishable by death, including ‘strong evidence of malice in a child aged 7–14’or using a ‘mask whilst committing a crime.’ Executions were public spectacles. Even so, the brutality of the slave trade meant people turned against it. In 1774, Mary Scott, the daughter of a wealthy linen merchant in Milborne Port, published The Female Advocate. In this poem she commends literary women, including Phyllis Wheatley, the first slave and black woman to have a book of poetry published in Britain. At the time women were still considered the property of their husband or father, and had no rights, so they had a natural sympathy for enslaved people. In 1776, a motion ‘that the slave trade is contrary to the laws of God and the rights of men’ was debated in parliament. The trade reached its peak in the 1780s, then legislation limiting the number that could be carried on each ship was passed. New colonies in the Caribbean and the demand for their goods fuelled the trade, but finally legislation was passed in both the Commons and the Lords which brought an end to Britain’s involvement. From 1 May 1807, it
was illegal for any British ship or British subject to trade in enslaved people. Action was still needed to abolish slavery in the colonies. Milborne Port inhabitants sent anti-slavery petitions to the Commons on 30 March 1824, and to both Houses on 5 and 8 May 1826, while the Milborne Port Methodists sent antislavery petitions to the Commons on 15 December 1830, as did ‘persons residing’ in the town on 2 March 1831. The Slavery Abolition Act stopped slavery in most British colonies, freeing more than 800,000 enslaved Africans in the Caribbean and South Africa. It took effect on 1 August 1834, but the Act ensured that change was slow; it emancipated children under the age of six, but older slaves were to be retained by their owners for four to six years as ‘apprentices.’ Those who had been enslaved did not receive any compensation, although the British government paid £20,000,000 for ‘damages suffered’ by the owners of registered slaves. These were not just plantation owners, but included many ordinary people for whom owning a slave was a good investment. Slaves were like company shares today, the owners were paid a percentage of the plantation profits for the work the slave performed. Like many places, Milborne Port played a small part in helping to get this horrible trade outlawed. However, while we rightly condemn the past trade, we should remember that modern slavery still continues. If you would like to learn more about Milborne Port or visit the museum, please visit our website www. milborneporthistory.org.uk or email lesmik71@gmail.com.
Water Lilies Sun rays shone through the pond-side ferns, Water lilies opened, as summer’s day returned. Pretty as any flower in its aquatic home, Above its pristine petals the hover flies droned. Trickling water caused ripples and bubbles of light, Like marbles on the surface, shiny and bright. Between lily pads a frog with fixed stare, Waited to catch airborne prey unaware. Water boatmen effortlessly kept a steady pace, Natures equal to the universities’ boat race. A spider spun her web with skillful ease, A silver thread suspended within the reeds. A breeze stirred bullrushes as dragonflies played, In the pond depths the fishes’ tails swayed. Reflections on the water dictated by the sky, Highlighting the clouds as they sailed by. The sun descended and disappeared from sight, Water lilies signal to close petals for the night.
Andrew Haylock
To advertise – 01935 424724 • email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk • www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk
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CARE
A HISTORY: CEMETERY BURIAL REACHES HEIGHT OF FASHION! By Tracey Warren, Stoodley and Son
In my last article I explained the tipping point for the closures of the overcrowded churchyards in London, and this was subsequently reached in other cities and towns. After the cholera epidemics, on the last day of August 1848 the first Public Health Act, 11 & 12 Vict c.63, received royal assent. It banned any new vault burials within the walls or underneath any church or place of worship, with a fine of £50 to anyone who contravened this. (Existing family vaults were exempt.) This Act laid the foundations for all subsequent public health measures and was the beginning of the legislative process that would establish public cemeteries throughout Britain. The Act was influenced by Chadwick’s report of 1843 which created a General Board of Health, with local boards of health being established. The Metropolitan Interments Act 1850 and the Burial Acts of 1852, 1853 (consolidated in 1857) stated that, for the protection of public health and prevention of contagious diseases, overcrowded burial grounds and churchyards were finally closed. Parish secular groups appointed their own Burial Boards to be responsible for providing for the
interment of the dead of the parish and they would often do so by building a cemetery and charging the expenses to the Poor Rate. (This was a tax on property levied in each parish, which was used to provide poor relief.) The Burial Board was responsible for the management of the cemetery, for fixing fees and charges, and for the sale of grave plots; today Burial Boards are still in existence within the town or parish council. These cemeteries would have grounds consecrated for Anglican use and grounds unconsecrated for the use of Nonconformists. In the Burial Act of 1854, town councils were enabled to form Burial Boards using the Borough Rate (a tax on properties within the larger borough) to establish cemeteries deemed to be for the parishes within the borough. In the 1850s-60s, the Burial Acts resulted in a large number of cemetery foundations in both rural and urban areas, such as Sherborne in 1856 and South Petherton in 1868. Furthermore, once public authorities were given the power to provide decent places of burial, the building of private cemeteries with getrich schemes ceased to be commercially viable.
Find out why this butterfly is so rare on p46 42
But one problem still remained, the public still wanted to be buried within the churchyards. They wanted to be at the hand of God at the day of judgement. Burials within cemeteries were a necessity but there was much resistance. Walking though any cemetery today, you can see they were set out as glorious Victorian parks, with beautiful trees and sweeping paths. Cemeteries were marketed as somewhere you could promenade in your Sunday best whilst tending to your loved ones’ graves. The magnificent seven cemeteries were marketed as the place to be buried, but the uptake was slow. This was until more famous people were buried there. In Kensal Green cemetery in London (one of the magnificent seven), Prince Augustus Frederick, Duke of Sussex, was buried amidst pomp and ceremony that
made cemetery burial the ‘height of fashion’. Sadly, today, the cemeteries that were opened to provide safe burial of the dead are now full themselves. Grave reuse legislation has been rolled out in London, where old Victorian graves are reused, often with the existing headstones turned around and a new inscription placed on the back. Locally, both Ilminster and Yeovil are now facing the same crisis with burial space running out. We have sadly come full circle. We are holding a coffee morning on Saturday 4 September from 9.30am to 12.00 noon at 29 St James’ Street, South Petherton, to celebrate the first anniversary of the opening of our South Petherton branch. All are welcome.
PET HEALTH
A GREAT SUMMER – FOR FLEAS!
By Peter Luscombe BVSc, PgC SAD, MRCVS
As we move towards the end of summer, I can report that we have encountered major problems with fleas this year; the hot spells and rainy days have created ideal flea hatching and breeding conditions. Many pets have paid the price for inconsistent flea treatment earlier in the year allowing eggs and pupae to accumulate, producing population explosions. I believe this is likely to result in flea problems in homes this autumn and winter as the fleas love our centrally heated homes. Fleas breed incredibly quickly. After feeding, fleas lay up to 40 eggs a day and over 2000 eggs in a lifetime. Eggs accumulate in bedding and carpets to complete their life cycle, and many more hungry fleas. This cycle is typically completed in 3-4 weeks but under optimal conditions of temperature and humidity it can be as little as 12 days. Under natural
circumstances, the flea cycle accelerates through the spring and summer to a peak in the early autumn; however, with central heating, our homes also create the perfect environment for fleas over winter and we recognise significant flea problems throughout the winter. It is important to appreciate that more than 95% of the flea population in the home will not be on our pets, but in their bedding or carpets waiting to hatch into adult fleas again. Also, pupae can remain dormant in carpets for 6-12 months, so massive numbers of fleas can appear quickly when the conditions are right, as we have seen this summer. It is really important to continue vigilant flea treatment now and throughout the year, not just to kill fleas but more crucially prevent breeding and the risk of ongoing problems in the coming months.
142 Preston Road, Yeovil Somerset BA20 2EE Lower Acreman Street Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3EX www.newtonclarkevet.com
My key pointers to planning flea control are: • Check all your pets regularly for fleas. Look for black specks or ‘flea-dirt’ in your pet’s coat. A few fleas might lead to a major problem quickly. • Flea treatments are available as Spot-on products, tablets, shampoos and collars. I do not favour shampoos as they do not persist and very few owners use them frequently enough. Collars can be hazardous for cats if they get caught in them. Also, some insecticides are toxic to cats so always check the label carefully. • Select good quality products. Products are not all the same; cheaper options often prove a false economy. I often find evidence of fleas on animals
which have been treated with such products. • Read the label and follow the instructions carefully. Make sure you apply the correct dose at the correct interval. Fleas can lay 40 eggs a day, so even a short break in the treatment can mean a lot more fleas. • If you have a flea problem, invest in a good quality household flea spray for the carpets. Read the label carefully and treat all areas thoroughly after vacuum cleaning. Continue regular (daily) vacuum cleaning. Consult your veterinary practice for more advice; they will be happy to provide more information and guidance on effective flea control.
Support needed to turn dreams into realities Mary’s Beat, based in Cossington, between Street and Bridgwater, physical activities and the is a fund created in the memory of Mary Christabel Dyer, to help community in a safe way. disabled people take part in activities that will build self-confidence A Mary’s Beat grant of and encourage participation, that they may not otherwise be able to £750 was awarded earlier afford. this year Support needed totowards turn the dreams into realities cost of a specialist trike Grants of up to £1,000 are awarded for individuals to take part so that Harrison can join in music therapy, music experiences or outdoor adventures and Mary’s Beat, based in Cossington, betweenhis Street andonBridgwater, family cycle rides.is a fund created in the memory of Mary activities, and are made possible thanks to Mary’s family, who Having this trike has given Christabel Dyer,year. to help disabled people take part in activities that will build self-confidence and encourage normally organise fundraising activities every Harrison access to cycling, that they may not otherwise significantly be able to afford. Since the fund was launched byparticipation, Somerset Community Foundation increasing (SCF) in July 2017, a total of £12,405 has been awarded in grants to his level of outdoor and 23 individuals with physical disabilities, disabilities or both,for individuals physicalto activity, giving him therapy, music experiences or outdoor Grants oflearning up to £1,000 are awarded take part in music living in Somerset or Devon. However, the pandemic has meant that the sensory feedback he activities, and arecycle made possible Mary’s family haven’t been ableadventures to do theirand planned sponsored needs.thanks to Mary’s family, who normally organise fundraising ride or other fundraising activities. To be able to award grants early activities every year. Mary’s Beat will consider next year, more funding is now desperately needed. funding for individuals to Piers Dyer, Mary’s father, explained: normally around £3,000 Community participate Foundation in an activity(SCF) in July 2017, a total of £12,405 has been Since ’We the fund was raise launched by Somerset each year for the fund which is then given out by SCF as grants to which would not otherwise disabilities, learning disabilities or both, living in Somerset or people living with disabilities. awarded in grants to 23 individuals with physical be available to them. Harrison with his specially adapted trike Eligible activities include However, theplan pandemic ‘We’re keen to start fundraisingDevon. again and hope to eventshas for meant that Mary’s family haven’t been able to do their planned sponsored cycle music therapy, one-off 2022, which include a concert as well another sponsored cycle To ride. ride or as other fundraising activities. be able to award early next year, funding is now desperately concerts, andgrants outdoor activities thatmore will build self-confidence, Also, if anyone would like to arrange a fundraiser for Mary’s Beat we encourage participation and inspire hope for the future. Previous can offer support and would beneeded. happy to come along to an event to grants have been awarded towards the cost of specialist buggies, speak about the fund. We also welcome any donations which can be trikes and wheelchairs, football season tickets, music and equine made at our Justgiving page: www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/ Piers Dyer, Mary’s father, explained: ’We normally around £3,000 therapy,raise and outdoor activityeach days.year for the fund which is then given somersetcf/marysbeat.’ out by SCF as grants to people living with disabilities. If you have any questions regarding Mary’s Beat, please visit www. Harrison, aged 9, has Fragile X Syndrome, which causes him to be somersetcf.org.uk/marysbeat or email Kirsty.campbell@somersetcf. severely intellectually and learning disabled. His condition is lifelong org.uk. keen to start fundraising again and hope to plan events for 2022, which include a concert as well as another and has a significant impact on‘We’re his mobility and ability to access
sponsored cycle ride. Also, if anyone would like to arrange a fundraiser for Mary’s Beat we can offer support and
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would be happy to come along to an event to speak about the fund. We also welcome any donations which can be
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Back in the Game!
By James Cattigan, Sherborne Sports Centre Manager We are delighted to see our members returning after such a long wait. Now that we, here in Dorset and South Somerset, are seeing things get back towards ‘normal’ we want to remind you of the sporting opportunities and warm welcome waiting for you at Sherborne Sports Centre.
• GYM SESSIONS
• SWIMMING
• TENNIS COURTS
• SQUASH COURTS
• BADMINTON COURTS
• AQUA AEROBICS
• CHILDREN’S SWIMMING LESSONS
…AND MORE TO COME!
You may be daunted by the prospect of restarting your fitness regime or lacking motivation. To overcome this, we suggest setting small, manageable goals. It could be to look at what’s on offer on the website, to give us a call to hear what’s going on, or maybe to come in and see how the centre looks. You may then want to book a gym session or a swim and start to build up your fitness levels, gradually increasing the time and/or intensity. Regular participation in physical activity offers physical, mental and social benefits, so to give you an incentive to return, simply cut out the coupon below to claim your free session with us! For more information, please visit www.sherbornesports.co.uk or phone 01935 810548.
Whether you have been able to maintain your fitness or have found it more challenging, our staff are ready to help you along your personal fitness journey whether that is to become stronger and fitter or simply to enjoy exercising socially alongside others.
HEARING CARE THAT'S AS UNIQUE AS YOU ARE
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF PROVIDING PERSONALISED HEARING CARE IN
SHERBORNE *SEPTEMBER OFFER* A free hearing accessory with new OTICON aids
t: 01935 815647 4 Swan Yard, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3AX
www.girlinghearingaids.co.uk
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FOR YOUR EARS ONLY
HEALTH & WELLBEING
We are making the Switch By Samantha Kirk, Centre Manager
Oxley Sports Centre has had Myzone, a unique heart-rate monitor, available to their members for over two years now and it became invaluable over the several lockdowns that have happened during the past eighteen months. The best thing about Myzone is that it is suitable for all abilities so anyone can get involved.
Myzone is a simple yet effective way to track your training; it records your heart rate during your workouts allowing you to monitor the intensity of your workouts. Myzone also helps generate a sense of community within the centre via the app which allows you to: participate in challenges, connect with our fitness team and other members, earn rewards, post workouts, and connect live to our group training screens in the spin zone and fitness suite. Having used the Myzone heartrate monitor strap for the past two years, we are making the switch to the next level of tech which means more people can participate and get involved with the Myzone community at Oxley. The new Myzone Switch has three bands: one for your chest (as before), one for your forearm and one for your wrist. This means that those of you who swim can now use it more effectively and get the same level of monitoring as you can on dry land! What does Myzone say about switching? ‘A new light indicator on the MZ-Switch means that you can see which zone you’re in
without breaking your flow. Wear on your arm to work out phone free.... When you are not streaming live to your workout tile or in-club display, you can store up to 30 hours of exercise data with the Switch. From a full charge, your MZSwitch will monitor any physical activity for three to six months of battery life....
can get in on the action. By wearing the heart-rate monitor on your wrist band or forearm strap, your MEPS will be counted, and you will be able to see in real time (without your phone) how much effort
you are exerting by referring to your monitor. It shows which effort level you are at, by displaying the colour zones, at that particular time. So, you will know to switch it up or dial it down.
‘It gives me a really straightforward way to monitor my intensity. It is an absolute game-changer....’ The Myzone community is centre based and is a fantastic communication portal for both customers and instructors alike. Share your workouts, photos, challenges and become more engaged with others from the centre, helping you to stay motivated. Achieving MEPS (Myzone energy points) month on month, through effort not just intensity, will increase your status from IRON though to PLATIMUM over the months, gaining not only prizes but continuing your fitness journey with the encouragement of others around you. It is a great motivator as you must keep your effort level each month otherwise you will drop back a level. And now with the Myzone Switch, swimmers
Join in
September and get December for FREE.
*
osc_info@sherborne.com
www.oxleysc.com
*Direct Debit is required
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WALKING
GETTING FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD IN HARDY’S DORSET By Rachel Woods
On a hot and sticky Sunday in July we were looking for somewhere shady and cooler to go with the dogs. A first outing for our rescue puppy, Meg. A quick look at Google maps for Dorset woodlands and we selected Thorncombe Woods. I cannot believe I have never come here before. Close to the former home of Thomas Hardy, now maintained by the National Trust, it seemed the perfect place for a walk in the shade. I couldn’t help but wonder as we meandered through the well-maintained paths, admiring the variety of evergreen and deciduous broadleaf trees, that Hardy himself probably spent time wandering these very pathways. I suspect they may have been less organised, not so many dog doo bins or neat signposts to help those struggling to get their bearings to return to the car park. Hardy certainly wouldn’t have
had to pay and display, although I don’t begrudge the charge for such a well-kept space*. Did Hardy bring a picnic to enjoy by Rushy Pond, or sit amongst giant evergreens standing like sentinels? Did he ever have his ankle scratched by a blackthorn or suffer nettle stings while exploring? It seems funny to think of one of our great writers suffering from something so mundane; maybe scratching around for dock leaves to ease the irritation. This landscape is famed for inspiring Hardy and it’s easy to see why. Hardy wouldn’t have been aware of the neurological effects of nature. He’d have no idea that alpha waves in his brain were being stimulated, boosting his creativity and powering his thoughts. Maybe the trees should share in the credit as inspiration for his works. This place is certainly far from any madding crowd and is more the magical for it.
This is a haven for wildlife, recognised as a home for dormice, bats, butterflies and a wide variety of songbirds and raptors. Spot ponies free roaming in parts of the woodland and keep an eye out for deer. At dawn and dusk, I suspect it’s not unusual to spot foxes and badgers or the occasional hedgehog. For all of the wildness, and wildlife, there is something very managed about Thorncombe Woods. I doubt it would have been the case in Hardy’s time. It feels safe, controlled. Easy to lose your way but equally easy to get back on track. A cool place to wander on a sticky summer day; I look forward to returning for the autumn colours. Finally, I imagine Hardy would have been glad of the café with
its sturdy seating, clean and wellkept toilets, and water for our furry friends, plus an exceptional selection of cake - in generous portions I might add. The cottage itself is lovely and no doubt was a wonderful place to return to after a stroll. However, there’s something special about a quality café being found at the end of a good walk. A decent coffee and a slice of cake. Bliss. *The car park is not operated by the National Trust and is pay and display. Hardy’s cottage is a 10-minute walk. Hardy’s Cottage is accessed via the National Trust, pre-booking may be required. Find out more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hardyscottage.
Nature
By Colin Lawrence The Small Copper is one of the UK’s most striking smaller butterflies that captures our attention because of its vivid orange and black colouring, however, sometimes an aberration occurs in the butterfly world. An aberration is a variation in the wing pattern of a butterfly species which is different in some way to the normal pattern; some are regarded as common, others as extremely rare. Following a tip-off from a fellow photographer, I was informed that there was this really different and unidentified butterfly sighted on Cerne Abbas Hill. Needless to say, off I set with camera in hand – but just how do you find a single butterfly on such a vast hill? (I did!) This is the beautiful aberration of the Small Copper (ab.schmiditii), probably the rarest that can be seen. After posting my photograph, I received a message from a retired Oxford professor who informed me that it was the first that he had seen for 45 years! This is what Dispar (the UK authority on butterflies) has to say, ‘Other aberrations occur with differing frequencies and many are extremely rare, not being reported at all in some years. Keeping with Small Coppers, ab. schmidtii is an extremely rare creature, but one was seen in 2009 and two more were reported in 2010.’ Readers can take part in the national butterfly survey by visiting www.gardenbutterflysurvery.org.
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Wills
FEBRUARY DEADLINES
of Sherborne
PlumbinG &Heating ltD Local & Reliable Plumber Gas safe registered, fully insured New Build, Renovations, Gas boiler installations Bathroom installations, LPG Vented and Unvented Cyclinder Installation Free quotes – competitive prices Email: wills.plumbing@hotmail.co.uk Telephone Malcolm: 07885 420609
WANTED
Dry Stone Walling and Paving
Dave buys all types of tools.
All types of stone walling undertaken www.yenstonewalling.co.uk
Tel: 01935 428975
Patrick Houchen - DSWA member
01963 371123 Professional & reliable service
GUNS WANTED FOR CASH
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.
DeLonghi Coffee Machine Model EC685, new December 2020, now unwanted, boxed, condition as new, selection of coffee included. Cost £189, accept £130 Tel: 01963 33160 (Wincanton) Vintage terracotta pots also glazed (photos available) from £10 Tel: 01460 55105 (Ilminster)
Portable gas grill £25 Bicycle Apollo GXO with speedometer £25 Pair of jack stands (heavy duty) 2,000 kg each, 17” high £12 Brandnew set silver ring open-end spanners from 6-21mm £35 Brand-new Bratol 10 ring spanners, 8-19mm £45 8 new steel tent pegs or bivvey pegs, 8” long, hammer-in type £2 each Tel: 01935 476815 (Bradford Abbas)
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
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