Crossing counties, look inside for info on the best events and activities in West Dorset and South Somerset
Magazine
YEOVIL LITERARY FESTIVAL Issue 247 October 2021
See pages 4 & 5 for more info
INSIDE THIS MONTH Small and Local – the way forward
An Attractive Family Car | Start talking about Mental Health Fun and Games at The Red Cow | Not just a number’s game 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 As the nights draw in, my go-to activity involves settling down with a good book, a glass of red wine in hand and a suitably plump cushion to support any premature nodding off! There is a reason I have highlighted these actions involving reading, drinking and sleeping because inside this issue you will find articles mentioning all three. The Yeovil Literary Festival begins towards the end of the month with a star-studded line-up and plenty of literary suggestions to fill everyone’s bookshelf for several months. Supporting independent bookshops is particularly important – turn to Winstone’s page to read some recommendations. Tales from the Vintner returns this month with some suitably hair-raising tales from the Wine Wizzard in Castle Cary and there are more suggestions of wine to try in The Editor Drinks… column. Finally, should you feel the need to jazz up your decor and replenish your tired old cushions with some fetching new ones, read our Interiors column by Grants of Somerset and head to South Petherton to take advantage of their brilliant offers. See you there!
Contents
EDITOR & ADVERTISING Jane Adkins
ASSISTANT EDITOR Julie Locke
NOVEMBER DEADLINES News and Articles: FRIDAY, 15 OCTOBER Advertisements: MONDAY, 18 OCTOBER
WHAT’S ON p4-13
FOOD & DRINK p36-38
Info on markets, workshops and social activities
Wine, Pumpkin & Spice
GARDENING p15-17
Autumn tasks and planning ahead
BUSINESS & LEGAL p18-21 A case of premature enumeration!
ARTS p23-31
Exhibitions, Music & Movies
HEALTH & WELLBEING p41
Talking about Mental Health
NATURE p45
The Kestrel and the Cricket
RACHEL’S RAMBLES p46 An Autumn Paradox
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
The
Yeovil Literary Festival
ANNOUNCES A STAR-STUDDED LINE UP! The 2021 Yeovil Literary Festival has announced a star-studded line up of writers, celebrities and thinkers, with tickets now on sale. The festival runs from Thursday 28 October to Wednesday 3 November, with over 50 events taking place across multiple venues in Yeovil. Yeovil Literary Festival 2021 boasts some exceptional names, including royalty joining us in the form of Sarah, Duchess of York discussing her first novel for adults. The festival also welcomes comedy royalty, with Michael McIntyre taking to the stage at a post-festival event on Tuesday 9 November to talk about the highs and lows of his rise to the top and desperate attempts to stay there, all shared in his book A Funny Life. Alongside royalty, well-known literary figures, comedians and emerging writers will be providing fascinating insights and extracts from their current books and bringing inspiration to South Somerset. With too many names to quote, we bring you just some of the highlights to look forward to: Our pre-festival event on Sunday 17 October welcomes Dr Richard Shepherd, forensic pathologist. Dr Shepherd has taken to the road for the first time ever on a theatre tour which promises to be utterly fascinating and his book Unnatural Causes gives an insight into not only the cases and bodies that have haunted Dr Shepherd the most, but also how to live a life steeped in death. He has performed over 23,000 autopsies including some of the most high-profile cases of recent times: the Hungerford Massacre, the Princess Diana inquiry, and 9/11. Thursday 28 October: TV presenter and charity campaigner Katie Piper brings her inspiring book A Little Bit of Faith to the festival and will be encouraging the audience to see that heartbreak and hardship can become fuel for your fight. Tim Marshall, global bestseller of Prisoners of Geography presents his new book Power of Geography at The Octagon Theatre: find out why the earth’s atmosphere is the world’s next battleground; why the fight for the Pacific is just beginning and why Europe’s next refugee crisis is closer 4
than it thinks. Author, illustrator and drawalong genius Rob Biddulph discusses his journey from budding artist to awardwinning author and Guinness World Record holder, bringing his new title Monsters and Magic to the Octagon Auditorium. Evanna Lynch, best known for her casting as Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter films, discusses her memoir The Opposite of Butterfly Hunting in a conversation that will bring out stories of her bitter struggle between pursuing perfection and the desire to fully and fearlessly embrace her creativity. Friday 29 October: Sunday Times bestselling author and international sensation, Clare Mackintosh, will be talking about her new novel Hostage, a showstopping take on the classic locked-room thriller. Saturday 30 October: David Baddiel will entertain the audience when he will be talking about his new book (The Boy Who Got) Accidentally Famous and the inspiration behind his award-winning books, plus why he loves writing for children. During the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, ITV’s Dr Hilary Jones launched his first book Frontline in his epic historical series and will be discussing his foray in to fiction. Long-standing Yeovil Literary Festival attendee, Lucy Worsley, shares secrets and explores the dark story of our fascination with murder and how crime has turned into art. James Holland, internationally acclaimed and awardwinning author of a number of bestselling history books, will be discussing his new book Brothers in Arms which recounts the heroism of the Sherwood Rangers, an elite tank regiment bloodied in the deserts of North Africa, who played a pivotal role in D-Day. Sunday 31 October: Number one bestselling historian, Sir Max Hastings, provides a thrilling narrative of Operation Pedestal, a little-known but crucial naval
Armistead Maupin Credit Christopher Turner
battle. With over twenty-seven books to his name, Max brings a wealth of experience to share with the audience. Giles Terera draws from his journal kept throughout his yearplus-long process of preparation, rehearsal and performance for the smash-hit musical ‘Hamilton’ in London’s West End. His performances in this musical helped Giles to win the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Aaron Burr; this account is honest, intimate, thrilling and not to be missed. Dr Irving Finkel, author and assistant keeper in the Department of the Middle East at the British Museum, explores a subject that has fascinated him since he was at school - ghosts. Monday 1 November: Ben Miller – actor, director, comedian and author – talks about his new book Diary of a Christmas Elf; a funny and heart-warming story about the true meaning of gift giving. We also see Armistead Maupin at The Octagon Theatre recounting his favourite tales from the past four decades and offering his own engaging observations on society and the world we inhabit. Reverend Richard Coles, the man who so often helps others during times of grief, discusses his book Madness of Grief which details the time when he needed help, guidance and support during the unexpected death of his beloved life partner Reverend David Coles in 2019. Royal Marine sniper and extreme TV adventurer Aldo Kane brings Lessons from the Edge to Westlands Entertainment Venue when he tells jaw-dropping stories which will inspire and show how it is possible to survive and flourish through sheer strength of mind and sharp decision making. Tuesday 2 November: Sarah, Duchess of York will be making an appearance and discussing Her Heart for a Compass, her first novel for adults. We are also delighted to be joined by BAFTA-winning actor, voice of everything from Monkey to the Cadbury’s Caramel Rabbit, and creator of
WHAT’S ON
Rob Biddulph - photo credit Toby Madden Michael McIntyre
Evanna Lynch
unforgettable characters such as Lady Whiteadder, Miriam Margolyes OBE. Miriam will be giving a warm and honest account of her life from her new book This Much is True. Lucy Beaumont, TV’s award-winning comedy mum and one half of the popular Meet the Richardsons, will be discussing her hilarious literary debut on the trials and tribulations of motherhood. Wednesday 3 November: We see the Yeovil Literary Festival wrap up with names including: Michael Portillo, detailing events from his book Life: A Game of Two Halves, and Phil Wang, one of the UK’s most exciting stand-up comedians, who will be reflecting on his experiences as a Eurasian man in the West and in the East from his book Sidesplitter. Jessica Fellowes also appears to discuss her new fictional book from the Mitford Murder series, The Mitford Vanishing. Jessica is also an author of five official companion books to Downton Abbey, several of which hit the New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller lists.
Dr Irving Finkel
Lucy Beaumont
For the full Yeovil Literary Festival 2021 programme or to book tickets, visit www.yeovilliteraryfestival. co.uk or call The Octagon Theatre Box Office on 01935 422884. The Yeovil Literary Festival is a not-for-profit partnership between The Octagon Theatre and Westlands Entertainment Venue (part of South Somerset District Council), Waterstones Yeovil, the Yeovil Community Arts Association and Somerset Libraries; it’s designed to allow you to access some of the most high-profile names in the literary world that will inspire you and leave you wanting more.
Dr Hilary Jones Katie Piper
Audiences can also take advantage of the festival’s ‘Discover Events’ whereby when purchasing a ticket to any Yeovil Literary Festival event taking place in The Octagon Auditorium or Westlands Ballroom, audiences will be allocated a Discover Event voucher (one voucher per purchased ticket). This voucher can be exchanged for a complimentary ticket to one of the Discover Events. Festival organisers have stated that all events will comply with the latest government Covid regulations and are certified as ‘See it Safely’, so festival goers can feel confident knowing that the venues are Covid-secure.
Sarah Duchess of York
Phil Wang - Credit Henry Jay Kamara
5
WHAT’S ON
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 Carnival CASTLE CARY On Saturday 16 October, Castle Cary and Ansford Carnival will bring sparkle, lights and music to the town. Castle Cary is one of two towns in Somerset going ahead with their annual carnival this year. This year’s procession will be very different. 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 – already local primary schools, including Castle Cary, Wincanton, and North Cadbury, are signed up to create some amazing entries! Find out how to support the event and join in the fun by visiting www.ccacs.org.uk or phoning 07711 266969.
Charity DORSET Inspire a child to read! Local charity Dorset Reading Partners is recruiting volunteers to deliver vital literacy support to children in primary schools across the area. The charity has been supplying primary schools with trained literacy volunteers for fifteen years. Volunteers will be provided with full training, a DBS check, resources and ongoing support from the charity’s friendly team. If interested and can spare two hours a week over a school year, contact Juliet on 01305 458515 or visit dorsetreadingpartners. org.uk. SOMERSET Your Year, Your Challenge, Your Hospice For this fundraising campaign, St Margaret’s Hospice Care has created a catalogue of challenges to choose from – walk/cycle any route any distance, daily yoga, the staircase mountain step challenge, go chocolate or alcohol free, and more. Each month, pick a challenge. There is something for everyone! So, why wait? Sign up today! 6
For more details, visit www. st-margarets-hospice.org.uk/ fundraise-your-way. YEOVIL New Breast Cancer Unit Appeal at Yeovil Hospital has now reached over £1.85 million of the £2 million needed. There is now a big push to reach the target so building can start as soon as possible. With this in mind, the charity is still collecting unwanted and broken jewellery and watches. Yeovil Hospital Charity is so grateful to those who have already donated. Please keep looking in those jewellery boxes and drawers for any items to help the appeal for this much needed unit for women and men. To donate, please call Maggie (appeal committee volunteer) on 01963 250108.
Coffee Morning SANDFORD ORCAS On Saturday 9 October 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 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 9 October from 10.00am to 12.00 noon at St Peter and St Paul Parish Church, there is a coffee
Contact: Julie Locke
/theconduitmagazine
E: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk
@conduitmag
morning and sponsored knit. Cakes, books, raffle. Everyone is welcome. For more information, phone 01963 824503. 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 SHERBORNE From Thursday 7 to Monday 11 October is Pack Monday Fair, a fourday celebration with a wide range of music, shopping and entertainment in store. After the fun fair rolls into the Terraces, two nights of great entertainment soon follow. The tradition of Teddy Roe’s band is sure to continue, before the big day itself when everyone converges on the streets of Sherborne for Pack Monday fair.
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)
The Monday street fair will have a mix of new and old traders, new entertainment, an indoor exhibition space and more. For more information, visit www. packmondayfair.com.
Festival CASTLE CARY On Sunday 10 October from 11.00am to 3.00pm at The Market House is Apple Day – a free celebration of all things apple! There will be plenty of appleproduce stalls, food and drink to complement the apple, such as cheese, pork and cider, apple-themed activities, apple art trees, feeding Peppa Pig apples for the children, apple pressing, and an exploration into the science behind apple production, as well as live music from Hello Hopeville. For more information, contact Colleen
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
WINCANTON SPORTS GROUND Moor Lane, Wincanton BH9 9RB (formerly at Yeovil Show Ground)
Now open after tremendous start!
EVERY SUNDAY 12 NOON – 3PM
Room for 400 sellers. All sellers £5 for as much room as required £1 for public car parking. We do not operate a charity car parking scan Strictly no buyers before 12 noon. Strictly no dogs on site Gates open to sellers at 10am, if raining will be on tarmac
Further info: Tel 07979 345914 or Tel: 07479 476809
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 August 15th OCTOBER May 16th17thSeptember 19th NOVEMBER June 20th 21st October 17th July 18th November 21st
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
Bower on 01963 351763 or email markethouse.bookings@ castle-cary.co.uk.
Food ALHAMPTON Levant Takeaway Treats Delicious, fresh, safe home-cooked food. Collect from the Corner Cottage front door between 5.00pm and 6.00pm (at other times by arrangement). 5* Food & Hygiene rating. Please check the website for the week’s menu and collection day. To place an order, email tanya@levantcatering.com or text 07779 093020. Payment by BACS. For more information, visit www.levantcatering.com. CREWKERNE Every third Saturday from 10.00am to 12.00 noon at the Henhayes Centre, the yummy Henhayes Big Breakfast is served! Last orders at 11.30am. Breakfasts start from £5. Full breakfast menu and vegetarian options are available, with vegan options on request. 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. LOPENHEAD The Trading Post Farm Shop is a hidden gem that delights with its selection of farm grown organic vegetables, locally sourced food, drink and unusual locally crafted gifts – it’s a wholefoods market, a greengrocer’s, a deli and a treasure trove, all rolled into one! The farm shop supports over 150 local suppliers providing the best produce that the West Country has to offer. Open Monday to Saturday 8.30am to 6.00pm and Sunday 10.00am to 4.00pm. For more information, visit www.tradingpostfarmshop. co.uk. 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 PETHERTON Frogmary Green Farm Stop by the Farm and Field Café for a salad bowl, loaded panini or a delicious Clifton coffee and a piece of gorgeous homemade cake. Indoor and outdoor seating. Opening times: Wednesday to Sunday, 9.00am to 5.00pm (last food orders from the kitchen at 3.00pm). Find more details and latest menus via social media or website, or phone 01460 242775. www. frogmarygreenfarm.co.uk.
Market BRADFORD ABBAS Every Tuesday from 1.00pm to 2.00pm at the Rose and Crown car park. Local suppliers including meat, veg, bakery, florist and other stalls. 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
Yeovil Mediumship School plus Spiritual Development Group AUTUMN INTAKE - OCTOBER 2021 For people just willing to give it a go or with little or no experience this is FOR YOU For further information and secure your place
01935 329030 or 07775 647 267 Promoters - Linda Bassett & Ron Lines
8
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. EAST COKER Every Friday from 3.00pm to 4.00pm at the Recreation Ground. Local suppliers including meat, veg and bakery. 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. LEIGH Every Wednesday from 1.00pm to 2.00pm at the Village Hall car park. Local suppliers. MARTOCK On Saturday 9 October 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. MILBORNE PORT Every Saturday from 10.00am to 1.00pm at The Square. Local suppliers including meat, veg, bakery, florist and other stalls. ODCOMBE Every Friday from 1.00pm to 2.00pm at the Village Hall car park. Local suppliers including meat, veg and bakery. 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 Saturday 2 October from 9.00am to 12.30pm at The Digby Hall, Hound Street, there is an indoor market. Arts, crafts, food and more. Cafe. Toilets. Free entry. On Sunday 17 October 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. 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. visit-dorset.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. Home-made 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. WEST COKER Every Thursday from 10.00am to 11.00am behind Saunders Butchers. Local suppliers. 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 SHERBORNE On Sunday 17 October from 11.30am to 3.30pm at Sherborne Steam & Waterwheel Centre, there is
To advertise – 01935 424724 • email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk • www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk
A CHOIR FOR YOU
FUN - FRIENDSHIP FREE
1st Rehearsal
TAUNTON Good Afternoon Choir
The
with our brilliant Conductor Chris Grabham
at
Temple Methodist Church, Upper High Street, Taunton, TA1 3PY
2-4pm Every TUESDAY COME AND MEET US! S N O I T I D U A NO and The FROM
YEOVIL Good Afternoon Choir
with Chris
at
Every FRIDAY FROM 1-3pm
The Gateway/Yeovil Community Church, Addlewell lane, Yeovil, BA20 1QN
EVERYONE WELCOME
Music Man Grenville Jones started The Good Afternoon Choirs 11 years ago in Bath. There are now 20 from Cheltenham to Cornwall. Hundreds enjoy ‘good afternoons’ in the mixed-voice fun and friendly for all - NO AUDITIONS - come and meet us.
GRENVILLE JONES
is Good Afternoon Choir Project Leader
Call us 01761 472468 email: gac@grenvillemusic.co.uk
www.goodafternoonchoir.org
WHAT’S ON
an open day. 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.
Sale CREWKERNE Every third Saturday from 10.00am to 12.00 noon at the Henhayes Centre, there is a table-top sale. £5 per table. Set up from 9.00am. To book a table, email office@henhayescentre. org. Sale to coincide with the Henhayes Big Breakfast! There’s also a Christmas Craft Fair on 20 November, book a table now to avoid disappointment! 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. SANDFORD ORCAS On Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 October from 10.00am to 4.00pm at Sunnyside, there is a Yard Sale with vintage retro mid-century china, clothes, jewellery, tools, books and much more. SHERBORNE 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. The Autumn collection will be on show and available for sale on the day. Artisan Route specialises in rare pieces of alpaca knitwear, exotic handwoven silk scarves and Pima cotton - examples of real excellence and quality. View the collection in advance at www. artisanroute.co.uk. WINCANTON Every Sunday from 12.00 noon to 3.00pm at Wincanton Sports Ground is Wincanton car boot sale. Room for 400 sellers; all sellers £5 for as much room as required. Gates open to sellers at 10.00am. Strictly no buyers before 12.00 noon, no dogs on site. £1 for public car 10
parking. For more information, phone 07979 345914 or 07479 476809.
Social CASTLE CARY On Saturday 2 October at Caryford Hall, Brue Valley Rotary is hosting a Family Race Night. Just like a normal horse-racing event, bet on horses ahead of a race and see how they finish –and the good news is that the carnival society also wins! Tickets £10, including a buffet supper, are available from Sue Pexton on 01963 350022, Di Pinnions on 01963 351307, or from Heathers Flowers, High Street, Castle Cary. CREWKERNE Every Monday from 11.00am to 2.00pm at the Henhayes Centre, there is a Monday Memory Group for the over 55s who suffer from dementia or memory problems. The group is a happy, social session for up to fifteen people, providing those attending with company, comfort, and stimulation, while providing their family members and carers some often much needed respite. Sessions start from £6.50 per person with the option to add drinks and a twocourse lunch at an additional cost. To book, email office@ henhayescentre.org. Every Tuesday from 10.00am to 12.00 noon at the Henhayes Centre, come along to the Henhayes Computer Group for the over 55s. Get help with computers, tablets, and smart phones in a welcoming and social environment. £3.50 per session, includes tea/coffee and a biscuit. To book, email office@ henhayescentre.org. Every Tuesday from 2.00pm to 4.00pm at the Henhayes Centre, there is a Henhayes Knitters session for the over 55s. Enjoy a knit and natter session, whilst raising funds for the Henhayes Centre. All abilities are welcome. In 2019 the Henhayes Knitters raised an amazing £840 for the Centre! To book, email office@henhayescentre.org. Every Friday from 11.00am at the Henhayes Centre is the new Meet, Greet and Eat group for the over 55s. This consists of many smaller clubs, such as, the chess, bridge, scrabble, craft and book clubs, meeting
CALLING ALL SINGERS!
If you love to sing and have always wondered what it’s like to sing in a choir, now’s the chance to find out! The new no-audition Taunton Good Afternoon Choir runs from 2pm-4pm at Temple Methodist Church and the Choir leader Chris Grabham existing Yeovil Good Afternoon Choir runs from 1pm-3pm at The Gateway, Yeovil Community Church … there’s a warm welcome, so go along and find out more. Bath-based music man Grenville Jones started his Good Afternoon Choirs twelve years ago and Taunton is one of eight new choirs starting up this autumn. Chris Grabham is a composer and conductor from Ilminster, Somerset. Despite his young age, Chris has already conducted a number of choirs, orchestras and bands throughout the south-west. He also holds regular positions in the Taunton area as director of music of the Wiveliscombe Town Band and deputy musical director of the Taunton Deane Male Voice Choir. The choirs sing popular melodies in harmony and each choir raises money for a local charity selected by the members. In 2019, prior to lockdown, the Good Afternoon Choirs raised over £22,000 for local deserving charities. Choir founder Grenville Jones said: ‘There’s no charge for attending the first rehearsal and bring a friend. Choirs are great for meeting new friends and enjoying the best hobby in the world!’ See www.goodafternoonchoir.org for further information. each week for companionship and camaraderie, followed by a special roast lunch. £11 (members £9.50), includes club of choice and lunch. Tea/coffee and a biscuit on arrival. Twocourse roast lunch, served at 1.00pm, followed by tea/coffee and a chocolate. (Lunch only can also be booked.) To book, email office@henhayescentre.org. LANGPORT Langport & District History Society has new website which celebrates the Langport area’s rich history through images, quirky stories, personal accounts and original sources. Have a look at the society’s 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. SHERBORNE Every second Tuesday from 11.30am to 1.30pm at Sherborne Library,
there are ‘Family and Local History’ sessions with the Somerset and Dorset Family History Society. Share stories and get help with family research – all welcome. For more information, phone 01935 812683. 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. YEOVIL Every Friday at 1.00pm at The Gateway, Yeovil
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. Community Church, there is a Yeovil Good Afternoon Choir session with conductor Chris Grabham. No auditions. No charge for the first rehearsal. Sing for fun – everyone welcome. For more information, visit www.goodafternoonchoir. org or phone 01761 472468.
Sport CREWKERNE Every Monday and Thursday from 9.30am to 10.30am at the Henhayes Centre is Physio Fit for the over 55s. A chair-based exercise/ physio for all abilities. aimed at those suffering with mobility issues or recovering from health problems. £4 (members £3). To book, email office@ henhayescentre.org. Every Tuesday from 2.30pm to 4.00pm at the Henhayes Centre, there are Tai Chi sessions. This is gentle but potent exercise with a calm mind – relax, breathe and move. Open to all ages and abilities, including complete beginners. £7 per session. To book, email blftcsomerset@ icloud.com. Every Thursday starting 7 October at the Henhayes Centre, there are two new Yoga classes for the over 55s. From 9.15am to 10.30am is Gentle Yoga, suitable for beginners or those wishing to go at a slower pace. From 10.45am to 12.00 noon is Mixed Ability, a friendly
WHAT’S ON
and relaxed class, suitable for all, with or without previous experience. £7.50 (members £5.50). To book, email office@ henhayescentre.org. Every Friday from 9.30am to 10.30am at the Henhayes Centre, there is a Keep Fit class for the over 55s. A weekly, fun workout session to get the blood pumping and body moving! £4.50 (members £3.50). To book, email office@ henhayescentre.org.
Talk CASTLE CARY On Sunday 10 October at 6.00pm at Caryford Hall, there is a lecture organised by Cary History Society about ‘The Apple in Art’ with a speaker from the National Gallery. For more information, contact Colleen Bower on 01963 351763 or email markethouse. bookings@castle-cary.co.uk. On Tuesday 12 October at 7.00pm at The Market House, the first-ever season of Café Scientifique Somerset sessions is due to start. In an informal café-style setting, there will be free monthly talks and debates about the latest thinking in science and technology from researchers and experts across the science, technology, engineering and mathematics spectrum. The audience is decidedly non-expert and the talks are aimed at anyone
Free initial consultation
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is a Sherborne Literary Society event – an evening with author Andrew Lownie. His new book about the Duke of Windsor, Traitor King, tells the story of a royal exiled with his wife, turning his back on duty, his family and using his position for financial gain. Tickets £10, members £9. Tickets are available online via Eventbrite (plus booking fee). For more information, visit www. sherborneliterarysociety.com. On Friday 15 October at 7.30pm at The Digby Hall, there is a screening of Lawrence: After Arabia followed by a director’s talk. This award-winning feature film tells of the last years of T.E. Lawrence - Lawrence of Arabia - scholar, writer, soldier and reluctant hero. Retiring to his cottage in Dorset, Lawrence hopes to forget his past but he is soon drawn into political intrigue and his many enemies begin to plot against him. Was his fatal motorcycle crash an accident or an assassination attempt by the British Secret Service? The film, shot in Dorset with a mainly Dorset-based cast and crew, stars Brian Cox, Hugh Fraser and Michael Maloney. Writer and director, Mark J.T. Griffin, will talk about the film and his life-long interest in T.E. Lawrence. Tickets £8. Book online via Eventbrite. On Wednesday 20 October at 7.00pm at The Digby Hall, Sherborne Literary Society presents an evening with historian Simon Heffer. Simon will talk about his new edition of the diaries of ‘Chips’ Channon. Chips married into the immensely wealthy Guinness family. His career was unremarkable, but his diaries were quite the opposite. Elegant, gossipy and bitchy by 11
WHAT’S ON
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.
turns, they are the unfettered observations of a man who went everywhere and who knew everybody. Tickets £10, members £9. Tickets are available online via Eventbrite (plus booking fee). For more information, visit www.sherborneliterarysociety.com.
WINCANTON On Friday 1 October at 7.00pm at Wincanton Memorial Hall is the Wincanton & District Gardeners Association’s AGM. After the AGM is a talk by Castle Gardens entitled ‘Grasses in the Garden’. All are welcome.
On Friday 22 October from 3.00pm to 4.00pm at Sherborne Library, join Peter Tait for a talk about ‘Thomas Hardy’s Women: In Life and Literature’. Peter discusses the influence of women on Thomas Hardy’s life, and how they each fed into his fiction. Free entry, booking essential. Book online via Eventbrite or phone 01935 812683.
YEOVIL On Friday 1 October at 7.30pm at Holy Trinity Church, Yeovil Archaeological and Local History Society has an interesting talk ‘Henry Hunt’s Mistress Revealed’, a juicy story of Georgian scandal. Speaker: Graham Mottram. Henry Hunt, a political reformer, was involved in the Peterloo massacre in 1819 and imprisoned in Ilchester jail. His mistress tried to visit him, but was banned. Hunt’s anger against the jailer was one of the reasons that eventually brought about the closure of Ilchester Jail. Who was that lady? Guests £2 at the door. Masks to be worn until in the meeting room, after registration with the treasurer. For more information, contact James Fison on 01935 477174.
On Wednesday 27 October at 7.30pm at the Digby Memorial Church Hall, the Sherborne branch of the Dorset Wildlife Trust resumes its monthly talks. This month Mark Tatchell will talk about ‘The Energy in Indian Sal Forests, the Home of the Tiger’. Doors open at 7.00pm. Cost £3, cash please. For more information, phone Lynne Doodney on 01935 814779. On Thursday 28 October at 7.00pm at Cheap Street Church, come and meet the multi-award-winning crime novelist, Elly Griffiths, author of the Dr Ruth Galloway novels. Elly will be talking about her new book The Midnight Hour, a Brighton mystery novel, which will be followed by a signing.Doors open 6.30pm. Tickets £5, available from Winstone’s, Sherborne. For more information, pone 01935 816128 or email winstonebooks1@gmail.com.
miles at a gentle walking pace. £10. Book at www.sherbornewalks.co.uk. For more information, visit the website or phone 07989 453966. On Monday 18 October at 10.00am at The Conduit, there is a rare opportunity to visit the Shell House in Sherborne town centre. This one-hour walk, organized by local Blue Badge guide Paul Birbeck, is last opportunity this year to visit the Shell House and to discover a little more about Georgian Sherborne. Meet at The Conduit, The Parade. £10. Limited spaces left. Book at www.sherbornewalks.co.uk. For more information, visit the website or phone 07989 453966. YETMINSTER On Saturday 30 October at 10.30am at the Old Gallery café, join a tour of the village – a unique historical gem – with local Blue Badge guide Paul Birbeck. Meet at the cafe. £10. Book at www.sherbornewalks.co.uk. For more
Walk REMOVALS & CLEARANCES
SHERBORNE On Tuesday 28, Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 September at 10.00am at Sherborne Abbey, there is a Sherborne Bombing 81st Anniversary walking tour. Meet Paul outside the Abbey porch for this guided tour. Approximately 3
SHERBORNE JOINS FIVER FEST Sherborne is joining a national campaign to support independent high streets across the UK. Shoppers will be able to enjoy very special £5 offers across two weeks in October, in the Totally Locally Fiver Fest. Jane Wood of Sherborne Chamber of Commerce said, ‘Fiver Fest is now a big part of our promotions for Sherborne. The independent shops and businesses are what makes our town special and unique. The community support for local businesses has been amazing during lockdown, so these offers are to say thank you to customers, and to highlight the great value and economic impact of shopping locally.’ For Fiver Fest, Totally Locally is partnering with Visa, and together they are calling on shoppers to divert £5 of their weekly spend to support the small businesses in their communities. Fiver Fest is based around the famous Totally Locally £5 message: ‘If every adult in Sherborne spent just £5 per
week in their local independent shops and businesses, it would mean £1.9m per year going directly into our local economy which can lead to more jobs, a better high street, a stronger economy and a nicer place to live. Makes you think, doesn’t it?’ Spending just £5 a week in Sherborne can make a big difference to our high street. Elsewhere in the country, Fiver Fest Offers have been imaginative and varied: from £5 massages to £5 locally sourced meat packs, £5 bestselling book offers to £5 lunch deals, £5 walking tours and even £5 vintage bus seats and ticket machines! And where the community really got behind the campaign, many businesses found it to be their busiest time outside of Christmas.
Contact us for your free, no obligation quote; Phone: 01935 509057 Freephone: 0800 2425012 Mobile: 07853 275379 Email: enquiries@back2market.com
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For any independent business wishing to participate in the Fiver Fest in Sherborne, please contact Jane Wood on 07917 754757. For further information, please see www. totallylocally.org and www.fiverfest.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. information, visit the website or phone 07989 453966. WELLS From Friday 22 to Sunday 31 October from 10.00am at The Bishop’s Palace, join in the fun family Autumn Treasure Hunt during the October half term. Collect a trail from the Visitor Reception and follow the clues around the site. To find out more, visit www. bishopspalace.org.uk.
Workshop ILMINSTER 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 (book for one or both!). For more information and to book, email Paula at hello@ paulasimpson.co.uk. www. paulasimpson.co.uk. On Saturday 2 October from 10.00am to 2.30pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a one-day ‘Slow Stitch – Contemporary Kantha’ workshop with Paula Simpson. Kantha, a Bangladeshi word for rags, is also the name given to a form of stitching used to make quilts and covers from the good parts of old worn saris. In this workshop, explore how to create an interesting design using simple running stitches. Cost £35. Lunch, 12.15pm to 12.45pm, bring a packed lunch or visit the cafe. For more information and to book, email Paula at hello@paulasimpson. co.uk. www.paulasimpson.co.uk. On Friday 15 October from 10.00am to 3.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a one-day ‘Wet Felting’ workshop with Geraldine Field. Transform loose wool fibres into a piece of art, using soap, water and a little elbow grease! Try making a simple picture, or a scarf or wrist-warmers or perhaps a glasses case. Suitable for complete beginners as well as those with a little experience. Cost £30 (materials available to purchase on the day if needed). To book, email
workshopbookingIAC@gmail. com or phone 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse.org.uk. On Tuesday 19 October from 10.00am to 3.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a one-day ‘Still Life’ workshop with Heather Ford. Learn a variety of drawing techniques and produce a beautiful artwork in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. An ideal opportunity to develop observational drawing skills. Suitable for beginners as well as those with more experience. Bring along drawing or painting materials. Cost £25. Hour lunch break. To book, email workshopbookingIAC@gmail. com or phone 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse.org.uk. On Thursday 21 October from 10.00am to 3.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a one-day ‘Collage Art with Frida Kahlo’ workshop with Heather Ford. Explore the extraordinary life and art of Frida Kahlo and create a collage inspired by her paintings. All materials will be provided, however, bring along materials and photographs to use, if desired. This workshop is suitable for all abilities. Cost £25, including all materials. Hour lunch break. To book, email workshopbookingIAC@ gmail.com or phone 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse. org.uk. On Friday 22 October from 10.00am to 12.30pm or from 1.15pm to 3.45pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a halfday ‘Slow Stitch – Christmas Cards’ workshop with Paula Simpson. There is something special about receiving a handmade Christmas card and in this workshop Paula will be helping the student create and stitch personalised cards for friends and family. Cost £20 per session (book for one or both!). For more information and to book, email Paula at hello@ paulasimpson.co.uk. www. paulasimpson.co.uk. On Saturday 23 October from 10.00am to 2.30pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a one-day ‘Beginners Sewing Machine’ workshop with Paula Simpson. Always wanted to sew? Not sure where to begin? Get to know the sewing machine with Paula; she will cover threading, overview of stitches, and basic maintenance. If there’s time, practise the skills learnt and build confidence by making a simple project. Cost £35. Lunch,
WHAT’S ON
12.15pm to 12.45pm, bring a packed lunch or visit the cafe. For more information and to book, email Paula at hello@ paulasimpson.co.uk. www. paulasimpson.co.uk.
size tips and tricks. Perfect for beginners. Cost £30. To book, email workshopbookingIAC@ gmail.com or phone 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse. org.uk.
On Tuesday 26 October from 10.00am to 3.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a one-day ‘Creative Acrylics’ workshop with Heather Ford. Explore the magic of the Middle East and create a rich, colourful painting, with a variety of techniques and resources to inspire the student. Suitable for beginners as well as those with more experience. Cost £25, including all materials. Hour lunch break. To book, email workshopbookingIAC@ gmail.com or phone 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse. org.uk.
SHERBORNE Art Classes are back at The Digby Hall! The following classes are back under a new banner called Sherborne Arts: ‘Language of Drawing’ with Alex Cree on Mondays, ‘Oils Open Studio’ with James Budden on Wednesdays, ‘Understanding Oils’ with James Budden on Wednesdays, ‘Portraiture’ with James Budden on Fridays, ‘Life Drawing’ with Susan R Hughes on Fridays. For more information and to book, visit the new website at www. sherbornearts.org.
On Thursday 28 October from 10.00am to 3.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a oneday ‘ Learn to Sew Together’ workshop by textile artist and designer Gary Mills. This is a perfect workshop to introduce a young person to sewing, working alongside a parent, grandparent, or guardian to make a simple bib-apron for each. Both Gary’s grandmothers taught him how to sew, a skill which has given him an extensive career and a passion for anything involving textiles. Cost £55 for an adult with one child (10 years +), plus £10 for materials. To book, email workshopbookingIAC@gmail. com or phone 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse.org.uk. On Friday 29 October from 10.00am to 3.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a one-day ‘Beginners Sewing Machine – Cushion’ workshop with Paula Simpson. Learn how to make a simple patchwork cushion using cotton fabrics, old and new. Or continue to develop the skills learnt in the previous workshop (Saturday 23 October). Cost £35. Lunch, 12.15pm to 12.45pm, bring a packed lunch or visit the cafe. For more information and to book, email Paula at hello@paulasimpson. co.uk. www.paulasimpson.co.uk. On Saturday 30 October from 10.30am to 1.30pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a one-day ‘Introduction to Calligraphy’ workshop with Ruth Sutherland. The perfect taster session in the art of calligraphy; learn some of the basics in hand lettering, using pen and ink with stepby-step instruction and bite-
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 Tuesday 26 October from 10.30am at The Bishop’s Palace, there is an Autumn Crafting Day. Celebrate the changing season with crafting sessions at the Bishop’s Palace. Take inspiration from the beautiful fourteen acres of gardens to build an autumnal crown and colour in a picture of an autumn garden. Suitable 3+. Admission included with any valid Bishop’s Palace ticket. Timings: 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Drop in any time. To find out more, visit www.bishopspalace.org.uk. YEOVIL Yeovil Mediumship School is currently accepting new students for its autumn intake starting October 2021. The weekly workshops will take place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7.00pm to 9.00pm at Unity Hall. The course is a practical introduction on how to access and develop spiritual/psychic awareness, including the allimportant essential techniques of protection and grounding. Little or no experience is required, so why not give it a try! Nominal fee payable. For more information and to secure a place, contact Linda Bassett or Ron Lines on 01935 329030 or 07775 647267. 13
RADIO
RADIO ONE ROADSHOW GOES BACK ON THE ROAD By Steve Haigh, Station Manager, Radio Ninesprings 104.5 FM
Steve Haigh interviewing Graham Bonnett of The Marbles on Radio One Club, 16 July 1969.
It was a great British summertime tradition that spanned more than four decades. And now the Radio One Roadshow - which first hit the road 50 years ago - is making a return. Somerset businessman Tony Miles - famed for his Smiley Miley character on the Roadshow - has bought the Radio One Roadshow stage and plans to take it on a tour of the UK in 2023.
The first Radio One Roadshow was held on Fristral Beach, Newquay, on Monday 23 July 1973, hosted by Alan Freeman. Radio One DJs visited towns all around Britain, usually on the coast, with top bands performing live and the audience taking part in games. The Roadshow was live on Radio One from 11am to 12.30pm each weekday and by the late 70s had become a key part of the summer schedules with the largest attendance being at Sutton Park, Birmingham, on 30 August 1992, when 100,000 turned up.
New Local Radio Station for Tony will be visiting six locations Yeovil and South Somerset across the UK, teaming up with former Roadshow DJs Mike Read, Gary Davies and Bruno Brookes. All of this has reminded me of when I appeared on Radio One and the start of the Roadshow.
R ADIO 104.5 FM 14
The forerunner to the Roadshow was the Radio One Club with a top DJ, a guest DJ and leading bands playing live. It introduced some new names - Richard Park (who went on to launch
SPRINGS
Capital Radio), Dave Eager, Tony Wynne-Jones, and a certain Steve Hanson, which was my DJ name at the time. I made one appearance on Radio One Club at Butlins Holiday Camp, Skegness, with Alan ‘Fluff’ Freeman on 16 July 1969. I made another brief appearance on national BBC on Top of the Pops with Tony Blackburn a few days later. It was my lucky break as the manager of BBC Radio Leeds, for whom I presented the Leeds Top Ten, was watching in his office. On my return north from London, he offered me a staff job at Radio Leeds and I stayed at the BBC for 40 years. I was told the manager of Radio Leeds had been most impressed that one of his DJs had not only talked his way onto the set of Top of the Pops without a ticket but ended up on the Top of the Pops podium next to Tony Blackburn saying goodnight to 19 million viewers.
to him wearing my Radio Leeds T-shirt, the manager of Radio Leeds would never have known of my exploits. Sadly, the moment didn’t have the same lasting impression on the great DJ. When I met Tony Blackburn several years later and reminded him of the story he said he couldn’t remember it happening! That’s show business. To listen to Radio Ninesprings: Yeovil and South Somerset 104.5 FM Chard/Ilminster 107.6 FM Wincanton/Bruton 103.3 FM To listen online: www.radioninesprings.com Listen on Smart Speakers: say: ‘Alexa enable the Radio Ninesprings skill’ thereafter: ‘Alexa play Radio Ninesprings’ Radio Ninesprings can also be heard on Amazon TV
I have Tony Blackburn to thank for that lucky break because had he not invited me to stand next
info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk • www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk To advertise – 01935 424724 • email: You can’t get more Local!
GARDENING
UP THE GARDEN PATH TIME TO PLAN AHEAD
Sandhurst Garden Design Julie Haylock Garden Designer 20 Sandhurst Road, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 2LG
By Julie Haylock, Sandhurst Garden Design Autumn is traditionally the time of year to plan and plant in the garden. Whether you are planning to redesign your garden, create new borders or divide existing plants in overcrowded flower beds, now is the time to do it! In autumn, the soil is still warm and rainfall reliable which makes the perfect recipe for making changes to existing planting or adding perennials, hedges, trees, shrubs and bulbs, giving them time to establish their roots before the worst of the winter weather. During the year, it is a good idea to make notes and take photographs of your borders to see which areas need to be improved. Doing this will make it easier in the autumn to make decisions about plants or shrubs which need to be relocated or replaced with something different. Divide your garden borders up into months, January/February, March/April and so on, and then into areas, front, middle and back of the border. Make notes so you can see clearly over the course of the year where an injection of colour, height or interest is needed.
Ensure that your borders do not solely rely on colour and contrast. Remember to use form and texture, so that when blooms fade, foliage remains looking good and providing interest. Think of the flowers in your border in three main groups: spires, plants like foxgloves, delphiniums and larkspur; daisies, plants like echinacea, helenium and rudbeckia; and finally, umbellifers, plants like achillea and sedums. If you want, you could even add a fourth, flowers that are spherical in shape, like alliums and echinops. By doing this, you will ensure your border has a continuous supply of showstoppers. Evergreen shrubs form the backbone of the garden and are key to keeping the garden looking good throughout the year, and now is perfect time to plant them. Even in the smallest of gardens you can incorporate small dome-shaped evergreens like Ilex crenata, Hebe rakaiensis or Pittosporum tobira dotted through the borders, complementing the perennials. If you feel that height is missing in your borders, then consider adding a tree. Multi-
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
stem trees are shrubbier in their appearance than a single stem tree, and as they mature, they will cast interesting shadows over your border. Amelanchier lamarckii is a great choice with its white early summer blossom and good autumn colour. If space is tight, then the upright habit of Malus ‘Adirondack’ may be the one for you? This crab apple has white blossom in spring followed by small edible red fruit in autumn. Or how about a Cornus kousa ‘Miss Satomi’? This small tree is covered in pink-bracted flowers in early summer and has fabulous golden-orange leaf colour in autumn. Just remember to read the label carefully to check on the final height and spread of the tree you choose to ensure it will have space to thrive. Until next time, Julie
LOW MA
ANCE INTEN
DITED ACCR E PROFESSIONAL
INSTALLATION
To advertise – 01935 424724 • email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk • www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk
15
GARDENING
OUR AUTUMN STYLING GUIDE By Liv Sabat
Welcome back! Today I am covering how to style your garden and sunroom ready just in time for high autumn. PLANTING A lot of people seem to think that autumn is a month devoid of colour and life; this is not true. There are many plants that flower during the autumn that can bring colour and life back into your garden; the crocus, the dahlia and the Japanese anemone. The purples, pinks and reds of these flowers will bring vibrancy back to your garden. Whilst you may want to stick to more natural planting, artificial plants are okay too, particularly within your sunroom. To bring a bit more life back into your sunroom you may want to incorporate a few artificial greens to mix up the colours alongside the more neutral palette I mention below. DECOR We love our neutral, earthy colours when it comes to autumn home decor; beiges, whites, browns and tans. When decorating a sunroom in autumn, we love rattan furniture alongside a lovely oak-effect deck underfoot. As I mentioned above, it might be nice to have some artificial plants in your sunroom which could be placed into some lovely little wicker baskets and dotted around the space.
YOUR SUNROOM Now, as it gets a little bit colder in the autumn, consider having a sliding glass wall installed if you haven’t already. The advantage of these sliding glass walls is that you can shut out the cold air and the noise, whilst still having the freedom to enjoy the beauty of your garden. You can go all in and opt to have radiant heaters as well, the advantage of these being that they don’t heat up the objects around you, they just keep you warm. It also starts to get darker earlier in the day so it may be a good idea to include LED lighting. There are two different types of LED lighting; spotlighting and strip lighting. The spotlights are just a white light but the strip lights are RGB meaning you can change the colour of them to fit the mood. Either kind of lighting allows the sunroom to be used at any time during the day or night, no matter the weather. In conclusion, a sunroom is perfect if you want to be able to enjoy your outdoor space throughout the autumn and there are so many ways that you can style it; those were just some of our favourites and I know you will be able to think of many more.
Bats Bats in the belfry hanging upside down, After sunset they start to fly around. An organised squadron they duck and dive, Skillfully catching insects, to make them thrive. As they swoop between branches and leaves, It is hard to believe they can hardly see. These mystic creatures are full of grace, Happiest at roost in a dark place.
Thank you so much for reading. See you next month!
Legends surround them of days gone by, A lifetime conducted in our jet-black skies. And during this time of year at Halloween, A bat or two might just be seen! Their night-time ritual, stars shining bright, Their frame silhouetted by silver moon light. Around the church steeple then gone, flying high, Little bats disperse before the dawn sky.
Andrew Haylock
16
GARDENING
CASTLE GARDENS New Road, Sherborne DT9 5NR Tel: 01935 814633 BRIMSMORE GARDENS Tintinhull Road, Yeovil BA21 3NU Tel: 01935 411000
AUTUMN TASKS
POUNDBURY GARDENS Peverell Avenue, Poundbury DT1 3RT Tel: 01305 257250 www.thegardensgroup.co.uk
By Mike Burks, managing director of The Gardens Group and chairman of the Garden Centre Association
I’ve heard it said that there is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing – so there’s no excuse not to get out into the garden! There is often a gloriuos spell between the summer and the start of winter when, if we get a sunny day, it is an unexpected bonus. It is also when lots of plants come into their finest hour, sometimes this will be the culmination of their efforts over the year with flowers turning into seed so that their species can continue or the ripening of berries or fruit, which bring a wonderful glow. The cold nights start to turn the colour of the foliage of deciduous plants and that combined with the plants getting rid of their waste can cause fabulous autumnal colours. Once these leaves fall then another feature appears, as stems are revealed in their winter glory especially the dogwoods, birches, contorted hazel and spindleberries. Autumn is the time to get a number of tasks done, which will prepare the garden for the tough months to come and also get them in better shape for the following year. This includes the first and most important stages of controlling such problems as blackspot in roses, scab on apples, and peach leaf curl. Blackspot overwinters on the leaves and other debris that falls from the rosebush in the autumn. It huddles here until the spring when the new leaves start to appear above. At the first opportunity the fungal spores head for the fresh growth and
reinfect the plant. So, by removing – raking up – the debris, the life cycle of blackspot is interrupted and reinfection will reduce. I can’t claim that you won’t get blackspot because unfortunately the disease is endemic and unless everyone in a 20-mile radius follows the same practice, blackspot is here to stay. But it will give your roses a clean start. Mulching with something like Bloomin’ Amazing will also help as it will seal in any spores. It’s a similar story with apple scab which reduces the yield of apples and also disfigures the fruit. Once the leaves have fallen and autumn pruning is completed, the debris needs to be cleared away. Commercially this would be done by shredding all such material and spraying the area with a solution of urea. This is high in nitrogen and acts as a compost accelerator feeding the bacteria that naturally break down the leaves. Soon the debris has disappeared and with it the home of the scab spores which then perish. Again such treatment will not eradicate the disease but it means a clean start. We don’t sell bottled urea but I’ll leave it to your imagination as to a suitable and free source! There is also some pruning to do now especially of tall fast growers such as Buddleia davidii and lavatera (the tree mallows). These shrubs have grown long and leggy with lots of flower over the
summer and if the foliage is left unpruned, wind rock in the winter weather will allow water to get into the area at the base of the stem. When there is a big freeze this will cause what I describe as the ice-lolly effect with the potential of greater damage. However, pruning too hard will expose the centre of the plant to a potentially tough winter; therefore a compromise is required so that foliage is reduced by half in the autumn and then finished off in the early spring. Such pruning will not only protect the shrub but will also cause it to produce lots of fresh growth on which flowers will later emerge. Whilst you are out in the garden carrying out such tasks, enjoy the late autumn and winter garden pleasures whether it is the glorious glow of foliage and stem, the rich colours of fruit and berries or the scent of winter flowers from mahonia, viburnum and sarcococca.
Garden Landscape & Construction Services
www.sherbornegardenangels.co.uk 01935 324737
To advertise – 01935 424724 • email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk • www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk
17
FINANCIAL
INSURANCE
AVOIDING DISAPPOINTMENT By Mark Salter, Fort Financial Planning The summer of 2021 has certainly been eventful for all sorts of different reasons and as I write this article the news is still full of uncertainty such as overseas travel, tax rises and volatility in the stock market. However, I want to focus on something else; it’s something that’s also very uncertain but definitely more enjoyable, sport. We’ve had so much to enjoy watching this summer with sport back to its best with Wimbledon, the Euros, test matches, and the Olympics. And in just the last week, British tennis has a new rising star as teenager Emma Raducanu has beaten all the odds to make it through to the final of the US Open. A few months ago she was studying for her A-Levels and she is now one step away from being a world champion. It doesn’t really matter which sport you enjoy watching, they all have the same goal – to win!
As viewers we only see the final stage whether it’s a race or a match. Perhaps what we don’t think of as much is the amount of time, dedication and planning that has taken place to enable that person or team to achieve their goal. Professional sportspeople and athletes don’t just sit at home and put their feet up expecting it all to come together on the day. With the help of experts such as coaches, fitness coaches, nutritionists and psychologists, they formulate a plan and stick to that plan. The plan may have to be adjusted to reflect unexpected events but ultimately the goal will always remain in sight. Financial planning and investing is no different. Saving for next year’s holiday is very different to saving for your retirement in 10 or 20 years’ time. You need to set yourself goals and then once you have specific goals in mind you can
formulate a plan to achieve them. With all the sacrifices and hard work that Emma Raducanu has put in, she wanted to be competing with the best tennis players in the world and ultimately become a champion, but what are your personal goals? Would you like to retire early, help your children financially or perhaps own a holiday home in the sun? The problem is that many people have no real goal and therefore no plan. They pay into a pension or ISA and are disappointed with the outcome because they have unrealistic expectations. The simple reason why they have unrealistic expectations is because they had no expectations in the first place, and therefore any result will be disappointing (i.e. no goals and no plan will ultimately lead to disappointment).
So when you’re watching the next big sporting event, you might start thinking about some of your own personal financial goals. To achieve greatness you need a goal, and you need a plan, and you need to stick to that plan. At Fort Financial Planning we are the experts that can help you build a financial plan for your future and coach you through the uncertainties and unexpected events to ensure you achieve your goals.
ALWAYS READ THE SMALL PRINT!
By Catherine Holloway
18
Holloway Insurance Services is using its thirty years’ experience to share tips on how to make sure that you are fully covered when you choose your insurance schedule. This will reduce the chance of you facing the horror of trying to make a claim and then finding your loss isn’t covered under your policy.
price. This month we discuss common omissions, for example, clauses that you may not notice that could prevent a payout. With all policy prices being on an upwards trend, it is possible that the cover you did have may have been trimmed to reduce the price so you must check every bit of wording.
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. Last month we discussed the paperwork and systems that help to make your business more attractive for insurers to want to insure at a good
Check that every part of your business is covered. Read any small print that may say ‘excludes’. For example, a retailer or manufacturer may find ‘excludes oversea export’ or indeed that certain industries that you may currently service have now been excluded in the updated policy e.g. excludes ‘aviation
industry’. Check your policy doesn’t exclude ‘abuse cover’ if you are a care provider. Check also if you are a ground Expect more more fromfrom youryour broker our ofs broker - expect ourfull fullspectrum spectrum of worker that you covered toExpect INSURANCE &- expect RISK MANAGEMENT You can rest easy with our regular co FOR BUSINESS newsletters, articles, action plans work on main roads or ifRiskyou Compliance keep you up to date on the latest leg Management as your you company grows. are a tree surgeon that you We don’t believe in finding We aren’t just here to help you when cheap business insurance, claim, all our clients have access to F are not excluded from working resources that will imp we believe in finding youmanagement the best and reduce risk within your compan over a certain height. Company Needs
business insurance andor working sector of business you are in. 30 years’ experience and a with you to ensure thatWith youover are Gauntlet Group we offer an unrivall supported at all stages. to market. We have access to more o
Insurance providers are less insurers than most of our competito inclined to cover for floods Communication to a more competitive quote for you www.hollowayinsurance.co.uk Proud so don’t presume you are Insurance Proud to tobe beinsuring insuringand andsus local localbusinesses businesse Guidance info@hollowayinsurance.co.uk covered. A good broker will Telephone: 206588 or 07341 663783 Telephone: 0146001460 206588 or 07341 663783 01460 206588 work with you to ensure that deanholloway@gauntletgroup.com info@hollowayinsurance.co.uk your property is fully covered covered, e.g. missing fire but they won’t know what you suppression systems! own, unless you tell them. Next month we will discuss We offer premises visits to the main types of business help clarify what you need to insurance so you can make an cover, e.g. fixtures and fittings, informed decision on what you and spot any practice that do and don’t need to pay for. could prevent you from being
BUSINESS
POSITIVE (+) NEGATIVE (-) BUSINESS PLANNING AND ADVICE
Future Farming Resilience
By Patricia Marks 1. Don’t have a plan – Yes, the good old business plan. There’s an old business saying that ‘plans are useless, but planning is indispensable’ – and that is absolutely right. You should be planning and preparing, plotting and scheming, wheeling and dealing on a continual basis. 2. Be wary of any initial advice you get, including this! – The majority of advice you read or hear will be generic and general and won’t apply to you and your business. But some of it will, and your task is to decide which is best and applies to you. 3. Don’t totally trust people – This includes business partners, staff, advisers and suppliers. Somewhere down the line you will inevitably be let down by someone you felt you could trust – be prepared. 4. Never switch off – One of the most common pieces of advice given to owner-managers of new and small/micro enterprises is that you need to make sure you take time off or at least switch off occasionally from your business. Have these ‘advisers’ actually
ever run their own business? You don’t need to be at your desk, in your shop or in your workshop 24/7, but the time you spend away from your workplace is often the best time to think about the things you never get a chance to think about when you’re up to your ears in the daily grind. 5. Be obsessive and on it – Being obsessive can sometimes be the difference between success and failure, in terms of product and service standards, never giving up on what you believe to be right. Trust your gut. 6. Say no most of the time – It’s tricky though, especially when it involves the temptation of some short-term cash, but there can be a cost in terms of lost time and focus. Opportunity cost is something that inexperienced business owners often find difficult to grasp. 7. Always push forward – There’s a difference between being annoying and offensive – all of us can be guilty of that – but the business owners who
Free, tailored one to one advice, webinars and business skills development workshops to help farmers and land
are most likely to taste success, especially in sales, are those who know exactly when to push and to push the hardest. 8. Worry is good, especially about the detail – In fact, it makes perfect sense to worry about the detail in everything to do with your business. Worry about the detail in contracts, in promotional copy, on price lists, on your tax returns, in the spec of your product, in your legal obligations, in business correspondence and especially on the advice you get. The devil (and the key to remaining solvent) is always in the detail. 9. You’re vulnerable, so scare yourself – It’s better to scare yourself stupid about going out of business than not. Customers and suppliers are attracted to business owners who don’t try and act as though they are something they’re not and will trust and respect you more as a result.
managers navigate the changes brought about by the Agricultural Transition.
Get in touch to learn more and register
01458 254 331 somersetbusinessagency.org
10. Hate debt – and continue to hate it – It’s incredible when you look at the fact that so many – probably the majority – of business failures (or failures to make any decent money) are caused by, or brought about by, being unable to service their debts.
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. 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
• Friendly, patient, and knowledgeable help • Keep in touch with family, friends and colleagues for free over the Internet • Sell online easily, quickly and reliably
• Buying advice, setup and installation
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 19
BUSINESS
COMPUTERS
IT’S NOT JUST A NUMBERS GAME By Jim Rayner Most of us don’t like to talk about it, but there is an embarrassing medical condition that often afflicts accountants and business advisors like me. And when it strikes, it blights our relationships with business owners, leaving them feeling misunderstood and unsatisfied. Tim Harford (the Undercover Economist from The Financial Times) has given this condition a name: premature enumeration. I’m unashamedly a numbers man. I have a degree in mathematics and I’ve spent around 40 years working with small businesses and looking at their numbers. But I know that the numbers don’t tell the whole story of what makes a business tick. Here is an example. A recent edition of Undercover Boss showed the cunningly disguised managing director of Pickfords visiting a disillusioned removal team in East London. Following the sale of their depot, they were required to work from a potholed yard without vehiclewashing facilities or even proper toilets. The blame, they said, lay with accountants who ran the company, implying that accountants are only interested in cutting costs. I don’t know enough about Pickfords to know whether there was any justice to this complaint. But it’s certainly true that concentrating on the numbers before understanding how a business generates profit usually leads to poor decisions. As business owners or advisors, we need to be aware of the risks
of premature enumeration, and only examine the numbers after we’ve understood the business model. So what is a business model? I love Saul Kaplan’s definition: ‘A business model is a story about how an organisation creates, delivers, and captures value.’ It describes your ideal customers, the problems you solve for them, why they buy from you, the relationship you have with them, what you do that they value, how you set your prices, the key resources you use, and your cost structure. Successful businesses create something their customers value enough to willingly part with good money to get hold of. It could be a cup of coffee, a piece of furniture, a weekend break in a country hotel or maybe a relieved toothache. Then it needs a way of reaching its ideal customers and providing them with that bespoke hand-crafted pantry cupboard and pain-free root canal treatment. And finally it needs pricing and payment strategies that mean it gets paid for the value that it provides.
By James Flynn, Milborne Port Computers I think we’ve been here before in one guise or another, but it’s a perennial issue that I like to keep in the minds of all my clients; read on …
loss or corruption from hardware failure, human error, hacking or malware could be significant, so a plan for data backup and restoration is essential.
Businesses and individuals (that’s you and me), use IT to quickly and effectively process information. We use electronic mail and VOIP telephone systems to communicate. Electronic data interchange is used to transmit data including orders and payments from one company to another or just ordering a tin of beans from Tesco online. Servers process the information and store large amounts of data; desktop computers, laptops and wireless devices are used to create, process, manage and communicate information. What are you going to do when your IT stops working?
In planning your recovery strategy, you should consider the loss of one or more of the following system components if it applies to you:
Understanding how a business makes a profit – how it creates, delivers and captures value – is the key to knowing which business numbers really matter.
Now, most small businesses and individuals can cope with an interruption like a power cut or internet failure for a short while; yes, it’s inconvenient, but it’s not usually life changing. Bigger businesses, however, should have a disaster recovery plan as their whole business could stop operating – imagine a supermarket without power, it has to close because it cannot operate. Furthermore, all its perishable stock will be lost, but I’m sure they have insurance for that. Happily, once the power has been restored, life goes on.
If you own a small business and you’d like to tell me about how you create, deliver and capture value, I’d love to talk to you. You can get in touch via my website www.james-rayner.co.uk and I promise I won’t prematurely enumerate.
So what are you going to do if your server dies a nasty death, or you flush your mobile somewhere it wasn’t designed to go? Much of your data is important; some of the data is vital to the survival and continued operation of your business. The impact of data
STAY ON TOP OF THE NUMBERS PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS SAVE LIVELIHOODS 20
DISASTER PLANNING, RECOVERY AND BUSINESS CONTINUITY
BUSINESS NUMBER EXPERTS WWW.JAMES-RAYNER.CO.UK
• Servers (secure location, backup power supply, etc.) • Hardware (networks, desktop and laptop computers, wireless devices and peripherals) • Connectivity to a service provider (fibre, cable, wireless, etc.) • Software applications (internet, email, resource management, office productivity, etc.) • Data and restoration (backup!) My plan only focuses on data and restoration, as all the others can be ordered for next-day delivery or connected to my neighbour with a long bit of cable. All of my data (personal and business) is backed up daily to a cloud-based system that I pay an annual fee for, and my email system is cloud based. If everything failed or got burned to the ground, I’d just buy a new PC, install my programs, download my data and connect to my email. Yes, it would be a faff. Yes, it would be inconvenient. Yes, it would cost me time and money. But would I lose anything? No! However modest your needs, you should have a plan, and as ever know what your passwords are! The choice as always is yours, but if you think you need advice, you know where to come.
LEGAL
IS YOUR HOME YOUR CASTLE? By Bhavani Hogarty, Pardoes The property market in the south-west has been buoyant this year, fuelled by city dwellers deciding to relocate to more rural locations and the pandemic making homeworking the norm. The internet has made such purchases possible without stepping foot outside: making it hard to judge a neighbourhood, glean local knowledge, get a handle on neighbours, understand the extent of a garden. It is difficult enough to gauge potential issues when viewing a property in person, particularly when you are bowled over by the perfect country kitchen, but unfortunately disputes can materialise even in the most idyllic surroundings. A tricky neighbour can make life very difficult. Disputes can arise for all manner of reasons from the height of a hedge/tree, the use of a shared driveway, the location of a boundary or even the positioning of satellite dishes and sheds. Throw in the installation of new home offices, extensions and the tweaking of porches and garages, and all sorts of misunderstandings or legal problems can rear their ugly head. I am a great believer in selfhelp. If possible you should always speak to your neighbour or whoever is causing the issue and try and sort out any misunderstandings or problems
with an amicable site meeting (I find a bottle of wine helps!). However, if that does not work please give me a call to talk it over - a problem will become harder to solve once parties become entrenched and I can advise before a matter becomes ‘legal’.
I am here to ensure that your dream home continues to be just that. You are welcome to contact me for a free consultation on 01935 385987 or email me at bhavani. hogarty@pardoes.co.uk.
For other legal queries, Pardoes runs a free telephone helpline every Monday between 4pm and 6pm. You can make an appointment on our website www.pardoes.co.uk or please call 01934 385998.
Some people decide the best option in such a scenario is to simply move and of course that is a solution, albeit an expensive one when you take into account stamp duty plus legal and moving costs. However, if that is what you want to do, you must ensure that you have not misrepresented the situation to any new purchaser and, of course, if there is an ongoing dispute, you must disclose it to any potential buyers. Very few disputes result in an application to the court. In the majority of cases it is a question of investigation, analysis of deeds, being creative with regard to solutions and finding some common ground. Knowing your legal position early on can avoid a dispute getting out of hand or can prevent you feeling like a prisoner in your own home. As a Legal 500 recommended property litigation specialist, 21
BOOKS
Family Business: An Intimate History of John Lewis and the Partnership by Victoria Glendinning | £20 hbck
BOOK REVIEW
By Wayne, Winstone’s
With Christmas approaching many people are starting to make mental notes of gifts for loved ones. Books are the perfect gift for many (but then I would say that) and this fascinating book by Richard Powers could hit the spot. Novelist Richard Powers won hearts and minds with his fabulous novel The Overstory and this month we are hugely pleased to have his new novel Bewilderment which is also shortlisted for the Booker Prize.
Bewilderment by Richard Powers | £18.99 hbck Theo Byrne is a promising young astrobiologist who has found a way to search for life on other planets dozens of light years away. He is also the widowed father of a most unusual nine-year-old. His son Robin is funny, loving, and filled with plans. He thinks and feels deeply, adores animals, and can spend hours painting elaborate pictures. He is also on the verge of being expelled from third grade, for smashing his friend’s face with a metal thermos. What can a father do, when the only solution offered to his rare and troubled boy is to put him on psychoactive drugs? What can he say when his boy comes to him wanting an explanation for a world that is clearly in love with its own destruction? The only thing for it is to take the boy to other planets, while all the time fostering his son’s desperate campaign to help save this one. ‘It’s not possible for Powers to write an uninteresting book.’ Margaret Atwood
A fascinating read about our favourite retailer from Sherbornebased writer Victoria Glendinning. From Victoria Glendinning, winner of the Duff Cooper Prize, the James Tait Black Prize and the Whitbread Prize for Biography (twice) and of course a Sherborne resident. Who was John Lewis? What story lies behind the retail empire that bears his name? Born into poverty, John Lewis was orphaned at the age of seven when his father died in a Somerset workhouse. Dreaming of a better life, the young man travelled to London at the start of what would become a retail revolution. From early years as a draper's apprentice, we see how Lewis's first pokey little business opened on Oxford Street in 1864 and expanded as an emerging middle class embraced the department stores as a recreational experience. Prize-winning biographer Victoria Glendinning has had full access to the company and family archives to write this eye-opening story. She captures the toxic relationships that unfolded between Lewis and his two sons, Spedan and Oswald, as they collided over the future of their retail empire – their worst moments including emotional blackmail, face slapping and a kidnapping – and much litigation between father and both sons. Yet the family never broke up and Spedan's vision of a partnership model to act as an ethical corrective and foster a community of happier, more productive workers was eventually realised and survives to this day. With riveting personal detail, this brilliant group biography captures a rags-to-riches story and a tempestuous family saga. The book concludes with an assessment of the position John Lewis holds in British sensibilities, and whether John Lewis and institutions like it have a place in our future.
Come and meet Elly Griffiths,
the author of the Dr Ruth Galloway novels The multi-award-winning crime novelist will be talking about her new book The Midnight Hour, which is a Brighton mystery novel, followed by a signing.
8, Cheap Street, Sherborne, Dorset. DTP 3PX 01935 816 128 winstonebooks1@gmail.com www.winstonebooks.co.uk
Event details:
Thursday 28 October, 6.30 for 7pm at Cheap Street Church, Sherborne. Tickets £5 available from Winstone’s, Sherborne. ‘Elly Griffiths writes with a sharp, smart eye and great elegance’ Peter James ‘Ruth Galloway is one of the most engaging characters in modern crime fiction’ Kate Mosse
22
ARTS
ARTS
By Julie Locke
VISUAL ART
Until 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. Until Wednesday 29 September from 9.30am to 5.00pm 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 still-life with magic and mystery.’ Gallery open: Tuesday to Saturday. For more information, visit www. jerramgallery.com or phone 01935 815261. Until Thursday 30 September from 10.00am 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 yearlong 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 from 10.00am 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. Until Saturday 2 October from 10.00am to 5.00pm at ACEarts, Somerton, there is an exhibition ‘The Shape of Trees’
TEMPLECOMBE VILLAGE ART EXIBITION 2021 Templecombe will be hosting its second art exhibition on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 October. The exhibition will be open from 10am to 5pm each day. Ian Jenkinson was a very talented artist. Though he suffered with Alzheimer’s, he liked to sketch and talk about the subject of art which he loved dearly. The first exhibition in 2019 was a great success and was based around Ian. Sadly, this second exhibition is in Ian’s memory; he passed away during November 2020.
The proceedings will be going to Alzheimer’s Research. Many people reading this will know a friend or a family member who is suffering from this dreadful disease. The exhibition is being held at Templecombe Village Hall, BA8 0HP. It will be opened by the mayor of Sherborne, Mrs Anne Hall, at 10am on the Saturday morning. There will be no charge at the door but there will be a list of entries available for 50p. There will also be a simple form available asking visitors to vote for their favourite painting or work of art. Refreshments will be available throughout each day.
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. Until 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. Until Sunday 3 October, Somerset Art Works Open Studios 2021 presents work from more than 300 Somerset Art Works Members in over 200 studios and spaces across the county – one of the largest Open Studios events to date. This year, visitors will be able to experience and explore artists’ workspaces in new and different ways, both in person and online. A fold-out venue map and listings, available in cultural venues, will help visitors plan their journeys and 23
ARTS
navigate the sixteen days of Open Studios. Also new this year is an Open Studios app, providing full venue details in an easily-accessible format, including art forms, accessibility information and opening times. For more information, visit www.somersetartworks.org. uk/what-we-do/art-weeks or phone 07715 528441.
Textile Set Exhibition Until Saturday 9 October from 9.30am at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is an exhibition by the Textile Set, entitled ‘The Natural World, Man’s Impact’. Textile Set is a relatively new group of eleven multi-talented artists who enthusiastically express themselves through a variety of textile media. Their work features embroidery, needle felting, mixed media, paint and contemporary quilting. Human impact on the natural world is a topical concern, and their pieces reflect current environmental and extinction issues. Free exhibition in the main gallery. Open: Tuesday to Friday 9.30am to 4.00pm and Saturday 9.30am to 3.00pm (closes at 1.00pm on the final day of the exhibition). For more information, phone 01460 54973 or visit www. themeetinghouse.org.uk. Until Saturday 9 October from 9.30am at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a solo exhibition ‘Coast’ by Sue Durant. Sue is a Somersetbased artist with a lifelong love of art and photography. Her work reflects her passion 24
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 the coast of south-west England; ‘wild and serene, sunny or stormy, rugged or tame, all conditions draw me’ says Sue. Free exhibition in the cafe gallery. Open: Tuesday to Friday 9.30am to 4.00pm and Saturday 9.30am to 3.00pm (closes at 1.00pm on the final day of the exhibition). For more information, phone 01460 54973 or visit www. themeetinghouse.org.uk. Until 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. On Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 October from 10.00am to 5.00pm at Templecombe Village Hall, Templecombe will be hosting its second art exhibition. The mayor of Sherborne, Mrs Anne Hall, will open the exhibition at 10.00am on Saturday. The first exhibition in 2019 was a great success and was based around Ian Jenkinson, a very talented artist. Although Ian suffered with Alzheimer’s, he liked to sketch and talk about art, a subject he loved dearly. Sadly, he passed away in November 2020. This second exhibition is in his memory and the proceeds will go to Alzheimer’s Research. Visitors can vote for their favourite painting or work of art. Refreshment available. Free entry (list of art entries is available for 50p). From Thursday 7 to Saturday 30 October from 10.00am to 5.30pm at David Simon Contemporary Art Gallery,
Castle Cary, there is an exhibition ‘The School of Paris’. This is a collection of original works on paper by some of the most influential names from the twentieth century – Georges Braque, Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse, Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso. Open: Monday to Saturday (closed on Wednesday and Sunday). For more information, phone 01963 359102 or visit www. davidsimoncontemporary.com. From Tuesday 12 to Saturday 30 October from 9.30am at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a solo exhibition of paintings, etchings and calligraphy by Janet Jordan. Open: Tuesday to Friday 9.30am to 4.00pm and Saturday 9.30am to 3.00pm (closes at 1.00pm on the final day of the exhibition). For more information, phone 01460 54973 or visit www. themeetinghouse.org.uk.
Leigh Art Show Look out for Leigh Art Show which takes place in the beautiful, thriving village of Leigh, in the village hall and is a very popular biennial fixture in the Leigh calendar of events. A range of artists from professional to amateur offer a wide variety of art, such as pictures, sculptures and ceramics, to exhibit and sell. Leigh Art Show has always been and still is a charitable event, and many local charities have benefitted over the years. Run entirely by volunteers, it could
From Friday 15 October to Sunday 7 November at OSR Projects, Church Street, West Coker, there is an exhibition ‘What Are you looking at?’ by Angela Charles (also known as Angela Blackwell). Since graduating from Goldsmiths in 1989, Angela has had parallel careers as an award-winning curator and visual artist. And yet, unbeknown to buyers and galleries, for the last eleven years Angela has been losing her sight. In this exhibition of new work, Angela explores notions of ‘seeing’ in art from the perspective of a visually impaired painter. This project marks a crucial period of transition whilst she adapts to her sight loss. Preview/press launch: Thursday 14 October from 6.00pm to 9.00pm. Open: Thursday to Saturday 11.00am to 5.00pm and Sunday 11.00am to 3.00pm. For more
not operate without their generous support. Fresh coffee, tea, soft drinks and delicious cakes will be available for visitors to buy throughout the exhibition, and the Chetnole Inn is just a mile away for anyone wishing to have a pub lunch. The Art Show opens with a preview event on Friday 22 October from 6pm to 8pm and the main show runs on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 October, from 10am to 4pm. Address: Leigh Village Hall, Chetnole Road, Leigh DT9 6HL. Payments: cash, cheque and most cards.
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. information about workshops and events, visit www. osrprojects.co.uk/projects/ what-are-you-looking-at. From Friday 22 to Sunday 24 October at Leigh Village Hall sees the return of the very popular Leigh Art Show. The show opens with a preview event on Friday from 6.00pm to 8.00pm; entry £5 includes a glass of wine and canapés. The main show is on Saturday and Sunday from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Amateur and professional artists offer a wide variety of pictures, sculptures and ceramics to exhibit and sell. Fresh coffee, tea, soft drinks and delicious cakes available to buy throughout the exhibition. Leigh Art Show is a charitable event, run entirely by volunteers. For more information, visit www. leighartshow.co.uk. From Saturday 23 October to Wednesday 10 November from 9.30am to 5.00pm at The Jerram Gallery, Sherborne, there is an exhibition of Still Life and Landscape by Ann Armitage, Caroline Frood, Bryan Hanlon and Mhairi McGregor. Gallery open: Tuesday to Saturday. For more information, visit www. jerramgallery.com or phone 01935 815261. From Saturday 30 October to Saturday 13 November from 10.00am to 5.00pm at ACEarts, Somerton, there is an exhibition ‘Repetition, Reconstruction and Rhythm’ by Amy Bonsor. A collection of tactile pieces exploring repetition, transition and changing surfaces. Constructed with paper and stitch and
Amy Bonsor Exhibition
inspired by the macro and microscopic, observe these tiny unnoticed moments of beauty from stone walls to lichen and moss. Exhibition open: Tuesday to Saturday. For more information, phone 01458 273008 or visit www.acearts. co.uk.
MUSIC On Friday 24 September at 3.00pm at Gransden Hall, Sherborne Girls, husband and wife duo, Ana Manero (piano) and Arturo Serna (cello), will perform works by Saint-Saens, Fauré and Franck. Tickets £10. For more information and tickets, visit www. sherborneabbeyfestival.org. On Friday 24 September at 7.30pm at Sherborne Abbey, there is a majestic and atmospherically rich new programme ‘Salvator Mundi’ from saxophonist Mark Lockheart and organist Roger Sayer, featuring interpretations of English composers including Stamford, Blow, Purcell and Tallis, as well as new works. The programme is a captivating balance of the English Church music tradition combined with the improvising tradition of jazz. Tickets £12. For more information and tickets, visit www.sherborneabbeyfestival. org. 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
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£10. To book, please email musicbookingsIAC@gmail.com or phone 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk.
(piano/fortepiano). Tickets £10. For more information and tickets, visit www. sherborneabbeyfestival.org.
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 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.
On Saturday 25 September at 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 Saturday 25 September at 3.00pm at Tindall Recital Hall, Sherborne School, Felix Stickland performs a fascinating and varied programme of works by British composers for classical guitar ranging from John Dowland to Walton and Britten. Felix has performed with the orchestras of several well-known London musicals and has toured the UK and Far East. Since the pandemic put a hold on the music industry, Felix has returned to his first love of playing classical guitar. Tickets £8. For more information and tickets, visit www.sherborneabbeyfestival. org. On Saturday 25 September at 7.30pm at Gransden Hall, Sherborne Girls, Pocket Sinfonia will perform Shakespeare-inspired works by Mendelssohn, Haydn and Prokofiev. The group uses both modern and period instruments to reinterpret orchestral masterpieces with the fresh spontaneity and intimacy of a chamber ensemble. Pocket Sinfonia comprises Rosie Bowker (flute), Eleanor Corr (violin), Thomas Isaac (cello) and Emil Duncumb
On Sunday 26 September at 3.00pm at Cheap Street Church, Fair Oriana presents ‘The Trials and Triumphs of Oriana’. Accompanied by period instruments, the soprano duo explores the public and private faces of Queen Elizabeth I, featuring two commissions that set her own words to music. Fair Oriana comprises Angela Hicks and Penelope Appleyard (sopranos), accompanied by Sam Brown (lute) and Harry Buckoke (viola da gamba). Tickets £10. For more information and tickets, visit www.sherborneabbeyfestival. org. On Sunday 26 September at 7.30pm at Big School Room, Sherborne School, The Iuventus Ensemble will perform works by Schubert and Mendelssohn for chamber ensemble. The ensemble is led by Ruth Rogers (violin), leader of the London Mozart Players and Sherborne Abbey Festival’s artistic adviser. Alongside Ruth will be Nicola Sweeney, Matthew Ward and Ciaran McCabe on violin, Becky Low and Joel Hunter on viola, and 25
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Gemma Rosefield and Jesper Svedberg on cello. Tickets £15. Tickets £10. For more information and tickets, visit www.sherborneabbeyfestival. org. On Tuesday 28 September from 11.00am to 2.00pm at the Henhayes Centre, there is live entertainment with Trinity Entertainers followed by a two-course set lunch for the over 55s. Trinity Entertainers is a mixed group of talented singers from South Somerset. They sing a variety of arrangements, accompanied and a cappella, including folk songs, light classical, pop, swing, jazz, poetry, comedy, and solo spots – they promise a morning of good music, fun, and laughter. £12.50 per person. To book, email office@ henhayescentre.org. 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. On Friday 1 October at 8.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, Concerts in the West presents Emma Halnan and the Eblana String Trio. Emma (flute), Jonathan Martindale
Emma Halnan 26
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. (violin), Lucy Nolan (viola) and Peggy Nolan (cello) will play works by Mozart, VillaLobos, Viotti, Beethoven, Finzi and D Matthews – for the full programme, visit www. concertsinthewest.org. Emma and the trio perform together often; Emma was winner of the Woodwind category of the 2010 BBC Young Musicians and the Eblana String Trio was formed in 2006 at the Royal Northern College of Music. Tickets £15. To book, please email musicbookingsIAC@ gmail.com or phone 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse. org.uk. On Saturday 2 October at 7.30pm at The Dance House, Crewkerne, Concerts in the West presents Emma Halnan and the Eblana String Trio. Emma (flute), Jonathan Martindale (violin), Lucy Nolan (viola) and Peggy Nolan (cello) will play works by Mozart, Villa-Lobos, Viotti, Beethoven, Finzi and D Matthews – for the full programme, visit www. concertsinthewest.org. Emma and the trio perform together often; Emma was winner of the Woodwind category of the 2010 BBC Young Musicians and the Eblana String Trio was formed in 2006 at the Royal Northern College of Music. Tickets £15, students £5, under 12s (with a paying adult) free. Tickets available from 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 2 October at 8.00pm at The David Hall, South Petherton, there’s a ‘chance to dance’ event with multi-award-winning Merry Hell. This band offers joyful, uplifting folk-rock, with a message for troubled times. Their energy and passion are complemented by their love of what they do and their desire to share hope and togetherness with as many people as are willing to listen. Through six well-received
albums and hundreds of gigs, they’ve offered voices of hope and beacons of light to anyone valuing both melody and positive humanity. Tickets £19, concessions £18. To book, phone 01460 240340 or visit www.thedavidhall.org.uk. On Tuesday 5 October from 11.00am to 2.00pm at the Henhayes Centre, there is live entertainment with Laura Sharley followed by a two-course set lunch for the over 55s. Laura is a classical soprano and opera graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music, graduating with honours, with a Bachelors in Music Performance. Laura first gained experience singing with the Candlelight Opera Company touring the UK performing in historic venues. £12.50 per person. To book, email office@henhayescentre. org.
dancing the night away to The Painkillers and DJ Ray. Tickets on sale now!! Food included. Tickets £16, available at www. somertonartsfestival.co.uk. On Thursday 14 October at 7.00pm at The Emporium Café, Yeovil, there is a secret acoustic folk supper. Come along for an evening of incredible food and music! These BearCat Music Nights, the busiest ‘secret’ in town, feature acoustic sets from a variety of hand-picked, quality musicians. Tickets £8. Advance bookings only. Doors open at 6.45pm. For more information and to book, phone 01935 411378, visit the Facebook page or drop into The Emporium Cafe.
On Friday 8 October at 8.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there’s an evening of ‘Trad Jazz’ by the Pedigree Jazz Band. This band has been playing together for more than thirty years and during that time has kept the music of the ‘trad’ boom of sixty years ago alive and well. The Pedigree Jazz Band has a top reputation all over the UK and will be playing hits recorded by Barber, Ball and Bilk, plus a great many more of the tunes made popular by other bands at that time. Tickets £18. To book, please email musicbookingsIAC@gmail.com or phone 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk.
On Friday 15 October at 7.30pm at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, guitarist Justin Daish returns with his Hank Marvin extravaganza ‘Shadowing Hank’. This show features The Shadows’ greatest hits, including ‘Apache’, ‘Wonderful Land’, ‘Foot Tapper’ and ‘Cavatina’, plus music recorded and performed by Hank over a record-breaking sixty-year career. Not only is there a visual similarity to Hank Marvin, but Justin’s famously accurate guitar sound has seen him share the stage with Bruce Welch and Jet Harris. ‘Shadowing Hank’ captures the magic of the great man’s live shows, so join in this celebration of the music of one of the UK’s greatest-ever guitarists. Tickets £13, under 18s £12. Book online at www. stur-exchange.co.uk or via the box office (01258 475137).
On Saturday 9 October at 7.00pm at the Edgar Hall, Somerton, is Somerton’s very own Bavarian Oktoberfest. Somerton Music and Arts Festival is pleased to welcome back the fabulous Wagonkered Bar with a selection of fine German beer, as well as a wide range of other beverages. The entertainment will once again be provided by the Sherbavarian Stompers (with the usual audience participation!), followed by
On Friday 15 October at 8.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, enjoy ‘A tribute to Stephane Grappelli’ with John Etheridge, Chris Garrick, Dave Kelbie and Andy Crowdy as Sweet Chorus. The band was formed twenty-five years ago as a personal tribute by John to his mentor and inspiration Stephane Grappelli with whom he worked in the 70s and early 80s. Sweet Chorus has been brilliantly replicating the wildly swinging sound of ‘Hot club
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. de Paris’ ever since. Tickets £20. To book, please email musicbookingsIAC@gmail.com or phone 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk.
Christian Garrick and the Budapest Café Orchestra On Saturday 16 October at 8.00pm at The David Hall, South Petherton, Christian Garrick and the Budapest Café Orchestra return with their blistering barrage of traditional folk and gypsy-flavoured music from across the Balkans and Russia, as well as their own unique re-imaginings of some classical greats. The group features Christian Garrick (violin), Eddie Hession (accordion), Kelly Cantlon (double bass), and Adrian Zolotuhin (guitar, saz, balalaika, domra). They have won legions of fans through their magical and infectious performances, evoking vivid images of Tzigane fiddle maestros, Budapest café life and gypsy campfires – plus a few surprises along the way! Tickets £19, concessions £18. To book, phone 01460 240340 or visit www.thedavidhall.org.uk. On Monday 18 October at 7.30pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil, Dillie Keane, Adèle Anderson and Liza Pulman appear as Fascinating Aida. The songs – some of the old favourites, some not heard before – are hilarious and topical, and the glamour is unstoppable. With three Olivier Award nominations and over 25 million YouTube and Facebook hits for their song ‘Cheap Flights’ and their incredibly rude ‘Christmas song’, it’s a show not to be missed! Suitable 14+. Tickets £25.50 to
£27. Box office 01935 422884. www.westlandsyeovil.co.uk. On Friday 22 October at 8.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there’s a performance of modern jazz by Alan Barnes, Art Themen and the Dave Newton Trio. Between them, they represent the very best that the UK’s jazz scene can offer, and will no doubt give another sell-out performance. They will play a mix of wellknown mainstream and modern jazz standards in their usual light-hearted way which will entertain the audience as only they can. Book early, it is sure to be a very popular sell-out. Tickets £20. To book, please email musicbookingsIAC@ gmail.com or phone 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse. org.uk.
Sam Carter On Saturday 23 October at 8.00pm at The David Hall, South Petherton, there is a concert by Sam Carter. In the ten years since winning Best Newcomer at the 2010 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Sam has earned a reputation for vivid, narrative-driven songwriting and captivating live performances. Renowned as ‘the finest English-style fingerpicking guitarist of his generation’, Sam made a spellbinding appearance on ‘Later… with Jools Holland’ in 2012 and has toured the world, sharing stages with some of the finest guitarists and songwriters, including Nic Jones, Martin Simpson, Richard Thompson, and Chris Wood. Tickets £15, concessions £14. To book, phone 01460 240340 or visit www.thedavidhall.org.uk.
On Friday 29 October at 8.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, celebrate the fabulous music of Paul McCartney, The Beatles and Wings with Howie Casey and his twelve-piece band, Beatles with Wings. Band leader and sax player, Howie, played with The Beatles and Paul McCartney’s group Wings through the 60s and 70s. This will be a spectacular evening of nostalgia for everyone of a ‘certain age’ who remembers classics such as, ‘Jet’, ‘Let Em In’, ‘Silly Love Songs’, ‘Live and Let Die’, ‘Hey Jude’. ‘Yesterday’, ‘Get Back’, ‘Penny Lane’, ‘Lady Madonna’ and many more. Tickets £20. To book, please email musicbookingsIAC@gmail.com or phone 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk. On Saturday 30 October at 8.00pm at The David Hall, South Petherton, Calan is back with a great show of fabulous music and fun. This multiaward-winning Welsh folk band of five virtuoso musicians was formed after they met at a folk music course in Sweden. They won international acclaim at the world-renowned Inter-Celtic Festival in Lorient, France, where they eventually became the first Welsh ensemble to win the coveted International Band Trophy, and in April 2019, they were voted Best Band at the inaugural Wales Folk Awards.Calan comprises Bethan Rhiannon (accordion, vocals, clog dancing), Patrick Rimes (fiddle, Welsh bagpipes), Angharad Jenkins (fiddle), Sam Humphreys (guitar) and Shelley Musker-Turner (harp). Tickets £18, concessions £17. To book, phone 01460 240340 or visit www.thedavidhall.org.uk.
PERFORMANCE On Saturday 25 September and Sunday 24 October from 7.30pm at The David Hall, South Petherton, it is the monthly Acoustic Night. Petherton Arts Trust is encouraging local performers to come to The David Hall
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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. Please pre-book. 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. 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. 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. 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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Box office 01935 422884. www. westlandsyeovil.co.uk. On Friday 1 October at 7.30pm at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, join psychic medium Nikki Kitt for an evening of mediumship; she is currently touring the UK with her successful psychic/ mediumship evenings. As a spiritualist medium, Nikki aims to provide evidence of life after life by getting links from loved ones in spirit for people in the audience with amazing accuracy in descriptions, personalities and all sorts of personal information to give both confirmation and comfort. Tickets £12. All tickets to be booked in advance at www. stur-exchange.co.uk or via the box office (01258 475137). On Saturday 2 October at 7.30pm at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, AsOne Theatre Company presents ‘Mary Anning – Lost in Time’. Lyme Regis, 1846. Fossil hunter Mary Anning is dying and reflects on her life. By challenging the status quo in a male-dominated scientific world, her work threatens to disprove the very foundations she was raised on. Haunted by hallucinations of friends, enemies and even the creatures she spent her life hacking out of the rock, Mary tries to make sense of her existence in her last moments. AsOne Theatre’s magical blend of narrative, movement, music and visuals tells this true story about legacy and coming to terms with the past. Tickets £14, under 18s £10. Book online at www.sturexchange.co.uk or via the box office (01258 475137). On Wednesday 6 October at 7.30pm at the Octagon Auditorium, Yeovil, join Britain’s most popular soprano, Lesley Garrett, for a delightful evening of song, reminiscences and chat. Accompanied by and in conversation with Anna Tilbrook, Lesley’s behind-thescenes stories and anecdotes will give audiences a unique insight into her life on the stage. Anna is one of Britain’s 28
Lesley Garrett most exciting pianists, with a considerable reputation in song recitals and chamber music. Tickets £16.50 to £18. Box office 01935 422884. www. octagon-theatre.co.uk.
On Friday 8 October at 7.30pm at the Octagon Auditorium, Yeovil, see Olivier Award nominated duo Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens as Eric and Ern. ‘Eric and Ern’ is a brilliant homage to Morecambe and Wise, crammed full of those famous comedy sketches from Grieg’s Piano Concerto, Mr Memory…’Arsenal’, to the paper bag trick! A show for all the family, full of Morecambe and Wise’s most loved routines, songs and sketches and, of course, a musical guest. It evokes memories of a time when whole families would huddle around the telly on Sunday evenings. Tickets £23.50. Box office 01935 422884. www.octagon-theatre. co.uk.
Mark Radcliffe On Friday 8 October at 8.00pm at The David Hall, South Petherton, broadcaster, musician and author, Mark Radcliffe, performs a mixture of original songs and stories in his new show ‘Loser’. Don’t
worry, it’s not as miserable as it sounds. Hopefully! Having lost six months to successful cancer treatment and with a new perspective on life, Mark takes stock of lost loves, lost friends, lost relatives, lost idols, lost bets and lost time. He has published five best-selling books and many albums, only one of which troubled the charts – for one week – in 2001. Not to be missed, so book early! Tickets £21, concessions £20. To book, phone 01460 240340 or visit www.thedavidhall.org.uk. On Saturday 9 October at 2.00pm and 7.00pm at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, The New Hardy Players present ‘The Mayor of Casterbridge’. Adapted for the stage by Philip Goulding and directed by Tim Laycock and Emma Hill, this production – their most ambitious production to date – combines the depth and subtlety of live performance with film and archive photography, plus a new musical score composed by Alastair Simpson and performed by Tatterdemalion. The talented cast is led by Mike Staddon (Michael Henchard) and Amelia Chorley (ElizabethJane). Tickets are limited, book early. Tickets £14, under 18s £12, family ticket also available. Book online at www.sturexchange.co.uk or via the box office (01258 475137). On Saturday 9 October at 7.30pm at The David Hall, South Petherton, there’ll be sketches, songs and silliness with Instant Wit. This quickfire comedy improv show is fresh and inventive – the perfect pick-me-up tonic with unexpected twists and a dash of sauce! It’s off-the-cuff, fastpaced and all based entirely around audience suggestions. Too shy to shout anything out? Don’t worry, there’ll be a chance to write things down (anonymously!) in the interval. Good suggestions get flying packets of custard; the best of the evening wins a bottle of wine. Tickets £12. To book,
phone 01460 240340 or visit www.thedavidhall.org.uk.
Solène Weinachter On Sunday 10 October at 7.30pm at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, Scottish Dance Theatre presents ‘Antigone, Interrupted’. A young girl is ready to die to defend what she thinks is right. A king is determined to impose his will as the rule of law. Will Antigone risk everything for what she believes? Scottish Dance Theatre’s artistic director Joan Clevillé presents an intimate solo work specifically commissioned for rural venues, created in collaboration with acclaimed performer Solène Weinachter. Using his distinctive mixture of dance, theatre, and storytelling, Joan examines the notion of dissent in democracy, and how the female body can be the target of oppression but also a powerful tool for resistance. Suitable 10+. Tickets £9, under 18s £5. Book online at www. stur-exchange.co.uk or via the box office (01258 475137). www.artsreach.co.uk.
Chris Ramsey On Saturday 16 October at 7.30pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil, critically acclaimed comedian Chris Ramsey is hitting the road
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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. for his biggest ever stand-up tour yet. Having filled venues across the country including The Newcastle Metro Arena (twice), don’t miss the chance to catch him live on stage. His stand-up special ‘Approval Needed’ is available to stream on Amazon Prime, and alongside his wife Rosie he is also the co-host of the No 1 hit podcast ‘Shagged. Married. Annoyed.’ Suitable 14+. Tickets £23.50. Box office 01935 422884. www.westlandsyeovil. co.uk. On Saturday 16 October at 8.00pm at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, is Comedy Night. Visit website for details. Suitable 18+. Tickets £15. Book online at www.stur-exchange. co.uk or via the box office (01258 475137). On Saturday 16 October at 8.00pm at Yetminster Jubilee Hall, Farnham Maltings presents ‘The Syrian Baker’, a story about two people who decide to go home despite the state of their country. It shows how small actions can make a big difference in one’s life and in rebuilding a community. It is a piece about humanity, hope and courage told with affection, irrepressible humour and bread – because without bread nothing else will happen. Expect an evening in the company of friends with stories, freshly-made bread, Syrian coffee and Mamoull like the ones from the Caffe Plaza in old town Homs. Suitable 10+. Tickets £10, under 18s £5, family ticket £25. Book online at www.artsreach.co.uk or phone 01935 873546. On Saturday 23 October at 7.30pm at Nether Compton Village Hall, is a charming oneman show ‘Old Herbaceous’; a humorous and touching portrayal of a single-minded yet gentle man with a passion for plants. Pottering amongst the seeds and cuttings in his ramshackle greenhouse in the garden of a Gloucestershire manor house is Herbert Pinnegar. Now in his twilight years, he’s full of memories
and tales of a bygone era. In between potting up and potting on, he recounts his journey from orphan boy to legendary head gardener ‘Old Herbaceous’ and tells of his friendship with the lady of the house. Tickets £10, under 18s £6, family ticket £30. Book online at www.artsreach. co.uk or phone Martine Dodd (enquiries) 01935 815033. On Thursday 28, Friday 29 and Saturday 30 October at 7.30pm at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, Sturminster Newton Amateur Dramatic Society presents ‘The Opposite Sex’. A contemporary farce about marriage and relationships with a bittersweet twist. Set in the 1980s, the story follows two couples who, unbeknownst to each other, have a secret in common. Full of laugh out loud moments. Written by David Tristram and directed by Denise Hobbs. Tickets £12. Book online at www.stur-exchange.co.uk or via the box office (01258 475137). From Thursday 28 October to Monday 1 November at The Octagon Theatre and Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil, is the Yeovil Literary Festival. See pages 4 and 5 for details. Every first and third Monday from 7.30pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, come along for a Jazz Jam. These informal sessions generally involve a group of a dozen or so jazz-minded individuals of varying levels of ability. All instruments are welcome, as are vocalists. Give it a go, or just come and listen. £3 per session. For more information, phone 01460 54973 or visit www.themeetinghouse. org.uk.
CHILDREN 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. On Monday 25 October from 10.00am to 11.00am at the Henhayes Centre, there is an October half term children’s ‘Yoga and Mindfulness’ workshop for 5 to 7 year olds. Through a range of creative and engaging activities, all delivered in a child-friendly way, yoga brings children into the present moment, where they can pause, reflect and be calm. For more information and to book, email office@ henhayescentre.org.
Margo & Mr Whatsit On Monday 25 October at 11.00am at Sandford Orcas Village Hall, PaddleBoat Theatre Company presents ‘Margo & Mr Whatsit’. Mr Whatsit is Sophia’s imaginary friend who is always there with a new joke to tell and a new game to play. But when Sophia moves into her new foster home, Mr Whatsit finds himself unimagined – replaced by Sophia’s new imaginary friend, the glamourous, grown-up Margo! Can Mr Whatsit’s childish playfulness keep him from being unimagined for good? Suitable 3+. Tickets £6, under 18s £5, family ticket £20. Book online at www.artsreach. co.uk or phone Susan on 01963
ARTS
220171 or Helen on 01963 220446. On Tuesday 26 October from 2.00pm to 3.30pm at Sherborne Library, there will be ‘Halloween Family Fun Time’! Join in fun activities. Come in fancy dress! Suitable for families with children aged 3+. Booking is essential. Book online via Eventbrite or call 01935 812683. On Wednesday 27 October from 10.00am to 11.00am at the Henhayes Centre, there is an October half term children’s ‘Yoga and Mindfulness’ workshop for 8 to 11 year olds. Through a range of creative and engaging activities, all delivered in a child-friendly way, yoga brings children into the present moment, where they can pause, reflect and be calm. For more information and to book, email office@ henhayescentre.org. On Thursday 28 October at 7.00pm at The David Hall, South Petherton, the duo GreenMatthews performs a brand-new musical adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s wellloved classic ‘Wind in the Willows’. Chris Green and Sophie Matthews use music, song, light and sound to bring this timeless tale to sparkling life. Join Ratty, Mole, Badger and of course the irrepressible Mr Toad, as they embark on various adventures – on the river, on the road and in the dark and dangerous Wild Wood. Using traditional English folk melodies set to lyrics, the show paints a vivid picture of Grahame’s world, from the humble comfort of Mole End to the grandeur of Toad Hall. Suitable 8+. Tickets £13, child £9, family £36 (2+2). To book, phone 01460 240340 or visit www.thedavidhall.org.uk. Every Friday from 10.00am to 10.30am at Sherborne Library, there is ‘Rhyme Time’ - songs and rhymes for children under 5. Booking is essential so please phone 01935 812683.
To advertise – 01935 424724 • email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk • www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk
29
MOVIES
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
AROUND THE TOWNS AND VILLAGES DREAM HORSE (PG)
A heart-warming true story of the triumph of the underdog. Dream Alliance is an unlikely racehorse bred by small-town Welsh bartender Jan Vokes. With no money and no experience, Jan persuades her neighbours to chip in their meagre earnings to help raise Dream, in the hopes he can compete with the racing elites. Starring: Toni Collette, Owen Teale and Alan David. SHOWING AT Halstock on Saturday 16 October, Village Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £6.50 from Halstock Shop or on the door. For information: Tony Hill 01935 892485. Kingsbury Episcopi on Tuesday 5 October, Community Centre, 7.30pm. Tickets £5. For information: 07964 294230. Leigh on Monday 11 October, Village Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £6. Advance tickets: Bridge Stores. For information: 01935 873269. West Camel on Friday 24 September, The Davis Hall, 7.30pm. Admission £5 on the door.
FREE GUY (12A)
A bank clerk discovers he is actually a background player in an open-world video game and decides to become the hero of his own story – one he rewrites himself. Now in a world where there are no limits, he is determined to be the guy who saves his world his way, before it is too late. Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer and Taika Waititi. SHOWING AT Yeovil on Thursday 23 September, Westlands Entertainment Venue, 2.30pm, 7.00pm. Tickets £5 to £10. Box office 01935 422884. Yeovil on Friday 24 September, Westlands Entertainment Venue, 11.00am, 2.30pm, 7.00pm. Tickets £5 to £10. Box office 01935 422884. Yeovil on Saturday 25 September, Westlands Entertainment Venue, 11.00am. Tickets £6.50 to £10. Box office 01935 422884.
30
LAWRENCE: AFTER ARABIA (12A)
This film tells the story of the last years of T.E. Lawrence - Lawrence of Arabia. Retiring to his cottage in Dorset, Lawrence hopes to forget his past fighting in Arabia but soon he is drawn into political intrigue and his many enemies begin to plot against him. Was his fatal motorcycle crash an accident or an assassination attempt by the British Secret Service? Starring Brian Cox, Hugh Fraser and Michael Maloney. SHOWING AT Sherborne on Friday 15 October, The Digby Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £8 for film and director’s talk. Book online via Eventbrite.
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 Wednesday 22 September, Caryford Community Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £6. Advance tickets: The Market House and from Tessa Gayford on 01963 350132.
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. 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 Castle Cary on Wednesday 27 October, Caryford Community Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £6. Advance tickets: The Market House and from Tessa Gayford on 01963 350132. Norton-sub-Hamdon on Tuesday 12 October, The Lord Nelson. Information and tickets from 01935 881227. Odcombe on Monday 4 October, Village Hall, 8.00pm. Tickets £5 in advance from 07934 737104 or £6 on the door. South Petherton on Friday 15 October, The David Hall, 8.00pm. Tickets £5. To book, phone 01460 240340.
SORRY WE MISSED YOU (15)
Hoping that self-employment through gig economy can solve their financial woes, a hard-up UK delivery driver and his wife struggling to raise a family end up trapped in the vicious circle of this modern-day form of labour exploitation. The subject matter may be grim but the storytelling is utterly compelling. Director: Ken Loach. SHOWING AT Yeovil on Wednesday 6 October, The Swan Theatre, 7.30pm. Members £1, members’ guests £5, Swan Theatre members £4. www.cinematheque.org.uk or 01935 421905.
SUPERNOVA (15)
Sam (Colin Firth) and Tusker (Stanley Tucci), a musician and a novelist, partners of twenty years, are travelling across England in their old camper van visiting friends, family and places from their past. Since Tusker was diagnosed with earlyonset dementia two years ago, their time together is the most important thing they have. SHOWING AT Yetminster on Tuesday 5 October, Jubilee Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £6. Advance tickets from the Spar Shop. For information: 07770 806990.
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
Music Gigs
All Music Gigs are FREE entry unless mentioned.
SEPTEMBER
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 Hinton St George on Saturday 9 October, Village Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £5 on the door. For information: 01460 74959. Milborne Port on Friday 22 October, Village Hall, 7.30pm. Advance tickets £5 from Wayne the Butcher (from 8 October) or £6 on the door. For information: 01963 251217. West Camel on Friday 29 October, The Davis Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £5 on the door. For information: 01935 851214.
THE SOUND OF METAL (15)
Ruben (Riz Ahmed), a heavy-metal drummer, is on tour with girlfriend and lead singer Lou (Olivia Cooke), when his already deteriorating hearing takes a devastating turn for the worse, throwing his life into turmoil. At a radical community for deaf people run by a Vietnam veteran, he tries to come to terms with his condition and the choices he has to make. A thought-provoking film which uses sound to contribute to understanding Ruben’s inner world. SHOWING AT Batcombe on Friday 15 October, Jubilee Hall, 7.45pm. For information about Batcombe Film Society and for guest tickets, phone 01749 850307.
24 The Lil' Devils, Blues, The Thatched Cottage, Shepton Mallet, 8.30pm 25 AC/ZZuk, AC/DC & ZZ Top Tribute Band, The Lord Nelson, Nortonsub-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
OCTOBER
2 Bad Edukation, Classic Rock, White Hart, Sherborne, 9.00pm Bowie Fashion, David Bowie Tribute Band, The Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil. 9.00pm. £10 Utter Chaos, Covers, Stoke-sub-Hamdon Working Mens Club, 9.30pm 9 Lewis & The Sound of the Suburbs, Ska/2-Tone, The Rose and Crown, Bradford Abbas, 9.00pm The Uptown Cats, Rockabilly, The Globe Inn, Somerton, 9.00pm Unknown Identity, Covers, The Lord Nelson, Norton-sub-Hamdon, 9.15pm 15 Moonshine Hillbillies, Rock & Roll/Rockabilly, The Railway Hotel, Yeovil, 9.30pm The Dreamers plus The Temple Brothers (Everly Brothers tribute band), The Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil. 8.00pm. £10 advance, £12 on door The Uptown Cats, Rockabilly, The Globe Inn, Somerton, 9.00pm 16 AC/ZZuk, AC/DC & ZZ Top Tribute Band, The Railway Hotel, Yeovil, 9.00pm Chill, 60s to 90s Covers, White Hart Inn, Crewkerne, 9.00pm Roadstars, Rock/Pop Covers, The Old Barn Club, Yeovil, 9.00pm Shockwave, Rock/Pop, Stoke-sub-Hamdon Working Mens Club, 9.30pm 30 Cover All Bases, Covers, The Arrow, Yeovil, 8.30pm Lewis & The Sound of the Suburbs, Ska/2-Tone, The Rose and Crown, Bradford Abbas, 9.00pm Roadstars, Rock/Pop Covers, The Manor House Inn, Ditcheat, 9.00pm Slipstream, Rock Covers, Stoke-sub-Hamdon Working Mens Club, 9.30pm Unknown Identity, Covers, The Beehive, Yeovil, 9.00pm
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.
The Quicksilver Mail
Hendford Hill, Yeovil BA20 2RG presents
THE DREAMERS (formerly Freddie & The Dreamers)
plus
The Temple Brothers (UK’s No 1 Tribute to the Everly Bros) 8pm, Friday 15 OCTOBER
Tickets: £10 IN ADVANCE FROM BAR | £12 ON THE DOOR
31
MOTORING
AN ATTRACTIVE FAMILY CAR By Tim Saunders, Motoring Correspondent
When I drive a new car, I like to My only qualm is that the sixdo so with little knowledge of speed manual gearbox is notchy the vehicle. Then when we have particularly when changing up made our acquaintance I enjoy from second to third. a journey of discovery. I’ve not It reminds me of the popular strictly been able to do this with old Ford Cortina in the way the Octavia because I have driven that it has found a place in the a number of them over the years. nation’s hearts as a trusty family After all, this model has been car available in both saloon and around since 1996 but each one estate configurations. But the over that 25 years, or quarter of Skoda is so much better built and century if you like, gets better more efficient, too. Outside it is and better, yet externally it has as exciting as an estate car can be changed little. So when I first but there are hints of luxury about drive this particular model I am it from the rear privacy glass, adamant that it is a 2-litre petrol chrome roof rails and of course because there is plenty of pull. the striking petrol blue metallic But I am completely wrong - by paintwork. some 500cc. This cavernous estate is powered by a tiddly Inside there’s comfortable 1.5-litre petrol engine, which is microsuede upholstery and Henry quite some achievement. As I (5) has discovered that there’s a drive an old Ford Fiesta 1.4TDCi, sliding cover over where drinks I’m still used to smaller cars bottles can be stored in the front having smaller engines but this is centre console. For the rear no longer the case. It is striking passengers, there’s iPad storage that the Skoda squeezes out behind the front seats so that 150bhp compared to 68 in my square-eyed occupants can hide 19-year-old Fiesta. While both their addictive devices, if only are as efficient returning around they can tear themselves away for 50mpg, the Fiesta produces 114 long enough… to 119g/km of CO2 compared to the Skoda’s 129 to 153g/km There’s a sat nav and even but these figures are misleading heated steering wheel and front because diesel fuel is more seats. This model is fitted with harmful to the environment ‘While a foldable tow bar with adaptor diesel fuel contains slightly more and Park Assist. It’s surprising that carbon (2.68kg CO2/litre) than a car of this size does not come petrol (2.31kg CO2/litre), overall with a reversing camera though – CO2 emissions of a diesel car I do find these helpful. tend to be lower,’ according It’s comfortable rather than to theconversation.com. ‘They engaging to drive and the build can also produce more nitrogen quality is good. Overall it’s an dioxide, making diesel one of the attractive family car. main sources of this toxic gas.’ Brewers Garage.qxp_Layout 1 16/03/2020 14:23 Page 1
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.
FACTS AT A GLANCE Skoda Octavia 1.5TSi 150PS
Price: £29,050 0-60mph: 8.5secs CO2: 129 to 153g/km Economy: 45mpg Top speed: 139mph Watch the video at www.testdrives.biz
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Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Images used for illustration purposes only. Savings based on RRP. Offers end 12th December 2021. Offers can be withdrawn at any time. Offers available while stocks last.
33
PET HEALTH
INTERIORS
FIREWORKS ARE COMING!
142 Preston Road, Yeovil Somerset BA20 2EE Lower Acreman Street Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3EX www.newtonclarkevet.com
By Peter Luscombe BVSc, PgC SAD, MRCVS
With the easing of social restrictions, more firework parties are likely in our communities this year. Although this may be weeks away, if your pet is afraid of loud noises you need to act now! Nearly 50% of dogs have a genuine fear of loud noises, and as 5 November approaches this can be a most distressing time of year for them. There are no magic cures for frightened animals, but I hope these suggestions will help to make things less distressing for your pets. Preparing for fireworks • Identify a safe quiet area for your pet. Provide a bed and some familiar items. Providing an unwashed item of your clothing may help so that the dog can smell your scent. • Consider placing a pheromone device nearby.
• Minimise the noise and light coming into the house by shutting all the windows and drawing the curtains early. • Walk dogs early to avoid going out once the fireworks have started. Keep them on a lead in case unexpected fireworks are encountered. • Try to mask the noise by turning on the television or radio. Try to do this before the first fireworks start. Keep the volume at a comfortable level to avoid adding to the problem. It is better to make these preparations now and not leave it until the last minute. When the fireworks start • Encourage your pet to go to the ‘safe area‘ and stay there. If they choose to hide somewhere else, let them do so. They will choose where they feel most safe.
• Let them have a free run of the house. Animals which are frightened will attempt to escape. If their efforts are thwarted, they may become aggressive or destructive. • Ignore your pet if it shows signs of fear. Although it seems natural to try to soothe or reassure your pet, this would only reward fearful behaviour and makes the problem worse in future. • Reward calm behaviour with praise or a treat. • Do not get cross with your pet. Punishment of fearful behaviour will only make them more anxious. • Try to stay calm and relaxed yourself. Act as a good role model.
for pets with firework phobias. They may be used alone or in combination if needed, but do not replace the approaches suggested above, and should be used as part an anxiety reducing plan. Seek early advice from your vet regarding the use of these medicines if you feel they are needed. They will discuss the most appropriate product for your pet.
Medications There are a range of nonprescription as well as prescription medicines that can be helpful
Behavioural Therapy All the above measures are aimed at coping with the immediate problem of noise phobias. Thinking ahead, it is worth making an appointment with your vet to discuss methods of desensitisation for your pet. It is too late to consider their use before this season, but it may be worth considering as a new year’s resolution to start after the new year celebrations have ended.
HOW TO EMBRACE THE CUSHION! By Alec and Caroline Grant, from Grants of Somerset
Want to know how you can change a room without spending days decorating? How to make almost any resting place more restful? Or how can you play with colour and texture without spending a fortune? What modern miracle of design gives you all this and so much more? Let us introduce you to … the cushion! We’re not saying you should just plonk any bit of filled fabric anywhere you like and call it done: finding the right cushions for the right places takes a bit of thought, so here are a few tips and tricks you can use to help achieve a style refresh comfortably. What’s your colour? Avoid colours that match your seating or bedding, go for a contrast that subtly complements other aspects of the space (the colour of a lampshade or picture frame) if you want an effortless impact. You could even try combining complementary colours but don’t go overboard – three colours will be plenty. If you’re using prints, you can avoid chaos by using prints in differing sizes alongside simple block-colour cushions. 34
Think of a number There is no hard and fast rule about how many cushions you should use … it’s going to depend on the space you have to work with. What you don’t want is to end up having furniture looking like display stands for a cushion collection. Odd numbers often work better for a relaxed feel as they give you scope to mix and match. If you want to achieve a formal look, go with pairs. Finding the fabric Cushions with a visually noticeable texture bring a sense of depth to a room and help enhance the other materials and fabrics in the room. An easy tip is to choose a cushion fabric that’s different to the seating itself: knit cushions work well on a leather sofa while velvet looks great on cotton or linen.
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Size and shape Having cushions all the same size and shape can sometimes look a little dull. Combine different sizes and shapes of cushions and you’ll immediately make your room more visually interesting – the eye is naturally drawn to variety. You can use the cushions’ dimensions to help emphasize contrasts. There are cushions out there to suit every style and every taste. Hopefully our suggestions can help you find the combinations you’re looking for. If you want to refresh your cushions, we’ve got 20% off all of ours in-store and online until the end of October.
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@conduitmag
LIFESTYLE
SHOPPING AT ITS BEST!
By Dawn Woodward, The Emporium, Yeovil How great is it that we are now a happy family of 76 independent businesses? That’s an amazing number, 76 individuals and their families all working towards the success of their own businesses and our shop. We celebrated our 10th anniversary recently and look forward to many more years serving the public and promoting independent trade within Yeovil. New departments at The Emporium We’ve recently launched two brand new departments! Firstly, there is our brand new antiques centre, Wyndham Antiques. Drawing on the heritage of the building we occupy, previously known as Wyndham House, we created this centre as a beacon for antiques traders and collectors across the region. We’re delighted to be welcoming new traders to Wyndham Antiques and here’s one new shop, C&C Vintage, that launched last month. We’re inviting antiques dealers to join us, please get in touch for further details about trading in our new centre. Another new department is The Little Emporium, a gorgeous arcade of tiny shops, which can be lost amongst the larger shops at The Emporium. Trading here in this lovey room means these micro shops are showcased with other small shops, strength in numbers! Come and browse, it’s lovely! The whole shop is looking great, we’ve so much retail therapy waiting for you at The Emporium. Come and
support local traders and find something different in our store. The Emporium Café News from our café is that we’ve had some staff changes! Our growing number of apprentices and trainees warranted a dedicated training manager, which is the role Maxine Clare has moved into. Maxine has a lifetime’s experience in catering at all levels and she is the perfect teacher for our apprentice chefs. Julie Turner has taken over the café manager role and is now managing the whole facility five days a week in her lovely, friendly, effective style! Congratulations to both Maxine and Julie on their new roles, our wonderful café is in great hands! Events We’re excited to be hosting many live music and supper events over the coming months. Please keep an eye on our social media for further bookings. Contact us at the café for any ticket information.
Julie Turner Café Manager
C & C Vintage
The Little Emporium 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 35
FOOD & DRINK
SMALL AND LOCAL – THE WAY FORWARD! By Khrishma Preston, The Alternative Indian The busy summer season is finally drawing to a close, and it has been a huge roller-coaster ride for The Alternative Indian, as with many others in the hospitality, food and drink sectors. Many local businesses have struggled to keep kitchens, venues and doors open amongst staff shortages and supply issues. I want to highlight some of the other local businesses that have been fighting to stay open by adapting and/or expanding what they do. I know that the last few months after reopening have had some massive highs and lows. However, as a general rule, most businesses have been extremely supportive of each other, though there are always lessons to be learnt. I have been amazed at the inspirational growth in small-scale refillable milk (and other products) vending machines that have been popping up across villages in the area. This helps the more isolated villages not only by giving access to basic supplies, but also allowing small local
producers to sell their products. It is this type of adaptation and adaptability that is allowing small businesses across our region to stay open. The need to support local business as we hopefully return to somewhere near normal life is still paramount. Our food and drink producers and suppliers, as well as the hospitality industry generally, are starting to speak up about how they are coming out the other side of the pandemic but I think it’s still a long uphill road for most of us. This is why over the last few months, I have seized every opportunity thrown at me including taking part in The Roaring Twenty portrait project. The amazing project is the creation of Tom at Food Envy Photography, based in Berkshire, and allowed twenty professionals to air their frustrations, challenges and successes within the food and hospitality sector on camera. Several of the professionals involved in the project are based in Somerset and Dorset. For more information on the project, please see www.instagram.com/theroaringtwenty
or visit www.foodenvy.photography/theroaring-twenty-project. I also wanted to highlight another brilliant business I have had the pleasure of working alongside and this is Dark Bear. Dark Bear is Bridport’s dedicated rum bar, with over 100 rums in stock it is hosted by the Bridge House Hotel, Bridport. Both these businesses, due to Covid, have had to adapt: Dark Bear through the creation of a range of canned cocktails which can be delivered contact free, therefore enhancing their range of products, and The Bridge House by their use of food-based popups that have allowed several businesses including mine to showcase their food to the local community. My recipe this month offers a change to the usual roast chicken; I hope you enjoy it. Author Photo Credit: @foodenvyphoto; @ theroaringtwenty Chicken Supplier: Barrett Bro Butchers, Crewkerne
Herby Garlic Masala Roast Chicken Prep time 5 mins | Serves 3-6 Cook time 45 minutes per kg, plus an extra 20 mins
INGREDIENTS
METHOD
1 large chicken
Remove chicken from fridge at least 20 minutes before roasting. Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6.
For the rub 2 tbsp salted butter, melted, or rapeseed oil 6 large garlic cloves, minced 1 inch fresh ginger, grated 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper 2 tsp chilli powder 1 tsp celery salt 2 tsp curry powder 1 tsp garam masala 1 tsp marjoram 1 tsp mixed Italian herbs 1 tsp salt For stuffing the chicken 1 whole garlic bulb 1 whole lemon, halved
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Place all the rub ingredients in a bowl and mix well. With a little gentle coercion, it is possible to loosen the skin covering the breast and thigh meat. Using either your fingers or an upsidedown spoon starting by separating the skin from the meat at the cavity end of the bird from one side first. Working slowly, separate as much of the skin from the meat as you can reach, ideally getting down into the thigh and legs. Be careful not to rip the skin too much, thus retaining as much moisture in the bird as possible. Grab a couple of teaspoons full of the rub and try and get as much in between the skin and meat as possible. Use your fingers to massage it down from the outside of the bird and distribute it evenly. Use any excess rub to coat the external skin. Grind a little more salt and pepper on to the skin. Break up the garlic bulb, leaving the skin on the cloves, and add to the bird’s cavity along with the halved lemon. Cooking time will depend on the weight of your chicken, but it couldn't be easier to calculate – you'll need 45 minutes per kg, plus an extra 20 minutes to finish. If you want to, you can baste your roast chicken once or twice during cooking to help keep it moist. Once cooked leave to rest for another 20 minutes before carving.
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FOOD & DRINK
A VINTNER’S TALE (ACT 2, SCENE IV) Peter Law, Chairman and MD at Wine Wizzard in Castle Cary, continues with his fascinating tales of life in the wine trade…. I was a bit of a petrol-head. I had learned to drive as a young boy on the farm at Plumber Manor, near Sturminster Newton, long before it became a fine country house hotel and restaurant, as my parents were great friends of Pam and Philip PrideauxBrune, parents of the current owners. By the age of about 12 I had saved up my pocket money and bought a Ford 8 for £5 and drove it home (not knowing that you had to be 17, have a licence tax and insurance!) and I had to promise my parents not to take it out of the garden. Shortly after starting my first job in the wine trade (1962), I bought a 1939 BSA Scout for £49 and 10 shillings, as I didn’t have the £50 asking price. It was a lovely front-wheel drive, two-seater, soft-top sports car and they had only made about 100, as Birmingham Small Arms had to revert to making guns. It broke down in Putney one evening and by the time I had found the spare part, the local children had wrecked it and I had to pay to have it towed away. Sad. With my starting The Malmesbury Vintner (in the 1970s) and with the help of my new friendly bank manager, I had already bought a Lancia Zagato which I kept for many years. With the almost instant success of my new business, I bought a Citroen S.M. (complete with Maserati engine). This was a magnificent beast and I hear that one of the Rolling Stones sold his recently. At that time, I was supplying Pierre Koffman’s Tante Claire restaurant in
Chelsea, splendid 2 and later 3 Michelin stars. He told me that he wanted to buy it. I did eventually sell it to him as I had found a two-seater Maserati Merak. Expensive fun!
and resold them to other customers for more immediate drinking and restocked the cellar with fine wines that were going to last. A very profitable and interesting Sunday!
I supplied The Old Bell in Malmesbury (the oldest hotel in England) and one day the manager asked if I could supply the owner (who kept a permanent suite there) with 25 dozen Louis Roederer vintage champagne, which was not a problem as I had previously worked for this prestigious champagne house. He was so impressed with the service that I was invited to his home in Wales for a Sunday lunch. I set off in the S.M. with plenty of time to spare as it was snowing hard. There was only one lane of the M4 open and I had to drive around many abandoned vehicles. The driveway to the mansion must have been at least a couple of miles and on arrival the doors were opened by a uniformed butler. There was a power cut during lunch and afterwards I was offered one of the silver candelabras to visit the extensive cellars. It took over two hours just to write down the contents! On leaving the owner and his wife came out on to the steps but he did ask me if he could sit in the S.M. as he had not seen one before. He turned around to ensure that his wife had gone inside (it was snowing again) and remarked ‘I bought my wife a Mini – great little car – f…... Bentley will never start!’ It was a dangerous drive home. I evaluated the wines (in excess of £2m (1970s)) and they were all top quality but some were not going to last as he wanted – so I bought them
In the here and now we must count our blessings that we live in such a lovely part of this country and are spoiled for wonderful local produce not to mention, if I dare, excellent, affordable wines from the Wine Wizzard! I have now been in the shop for about six days in the past 18 months and it was lovely to talk to some customers, both old and new. I am pleased to say that it has been a busy year so far and we have to hope that there are not too many freight or other delays. Linda has won yet another gold star for running the shop so capably and I have had a lot of complimentary feedback. We have recently started selling (with success) South African Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon and Chardonnay from Paarl, and hope shortly to add Merlot, Shiraz and Pinotage reds all under £10. I have always had a soft spot for Alsace wines (I worked in Hugel’s cellars in Riquwihr for a few weeks when I was 19). Pinot Gris (Tokay) £15.25, Riesling £14.40, Pinot Blanc £13.25 and Gewurztraminer £15.50 and hopefully a Grand Cru Riesling in time for Christmas (about £20). Well – as the French say ‘keep taking la médecine!’ and thank you all for your custom.
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37
FOOD & DRINK
TALES FROM THE TRADING POST By Kate Forbes
As the summer days draw to a close you can see autumn peaking around the corner everywhere you look. Fields have been harvested, the leaves on the trees have started turning a whole array of beautiful warm reds, oranges and golds; flips flops and sandals are making way for cosy boots and pretty much every magazine you pick up or social media platform you view has announced ‘Autumn is here!’ It is my absolute favourite time of year, maybe because my birthday falls at the beginning of it or because as a retailer this is when Christmas kicks off – but I have always been an autumnal girl at heart. Cosy evenings in front of the fire, good old-fashioned comfort food and beautiful walks in our glorious countryside. But … the very best thing about autumn is that it is when the UK really comes into its own with its
abundance of home-grown fruit and veg. Our displays are now full of a stunning collection of homegrown and UK-grown veg. All the roots; potatoes, carrots, beetroot, parsnips, turnips, celeriac and swede. So many varieties of beautiful leafy kale, cabbages, onions and of course not forgetting the squash family; butternut, spaghetti, mashed potato, Turks turban, onion, patty pan, crown prince, to name but a few … and of course by the end of the month our pumpkins will have been harvested ready for Halloween celebrations.
Jack ‘o’ Lantern but I would much rather turn mine into a vessel for a comforting autumnal family dinner.
Every year I post the same reminder on our social media pages – A pumpkin is for life not just for Halloween!
My absolute favourite creation from last year was so simple but so utterly delicious, I can’t wait for the pumpkins to rock up so I can recreate it. My style of cooking, as well as everything else in my life, is very much ‘winging it’ so a list of exact quantities or cooking times is not forthcoming, but this stuffed pumpkin is honestly one of the very best things you will eat this autumn.
The pumpkins grown here at The Trading Post Farm Shop are delicious. They can of course be used for creating your perfect
Fry up some finely chopped onions, garlic and then add some chunkily chopped mushrooms and continue to cook, add a
mound of grated celeriac and then mix through a thick cheese sauce made from the strongest cheddar you can get your hands on, Montgomery is always my go to for a spectacular cheese sauce. Chop the top off a small pumpkin and scoop out the insides then fill the cavity with the veg and sauce mix. Pop the lid back on, wrap in foil and then pop in the oven to cook, unwrap the foil toward the end of cooking to get a beautiful colour on your pumpkin and then when it’s done, slice it through like a cake and serve a wedge with a pile of roasted kale and carrots. Utterly delicious, so comforting and the perfect way to end a cosy autumnal day.
The Editor Drinks… The Conduit Editor has been discovering the delights of wine from the Lebanon this month. Aided and abetted by the local Somerset and Dorset wine group Wine Hunters, as well as a plentiful supply of wine (and a great tutor) from Vineyards of Sherborne, the Lebanon was revealed as more than a one-trick pony. In Lebanon, the wine industry is currently booming despite the desperate state of the economy with rabid inflation. In 1996 there were 40 producers and now there are 80. The harbour explosion also affected the sector, taking away the prime shipping facility. Respect should be awarded to all of those working in the wine industry; the vinification process takes place beneath the trajectories of rockets and bullets in both directions in the Bekaa Valley. There are no rules such as AOC/IGT, a factor which encourages experimentation. There are no particular vintages to focus on as climate is (so far) pretty uniform year on year. There is, however, a large diurnal change due to the altitude and annual variation from 30 degrees centigrade in summer to snows in winter. 38
And so to the wine, recommended as a ‘guilt-free’ mid-week sip at just £10 from Vineyards, Rouge Désir 2017 is a fresh and crunchy red wine produced by Chateau Oumsiyat. It’s best described as an unoaked Pinot-style fruit-driven wine with a very smooth finish. Although I love it, I am not going to focus on Chateau Musar, the wine the Lebanon is known for! However, for those who like a Bordeaux style, Chateau Oumsiyat has a Grande Réserve 2018 at just £18 from the aforementioned independent and much-heralded Vineyards. This unoaked Bordeaux-style blend with added Syrah is rich and robust, with a firm nose of black fruit, leading into a big earthy mouthful. Some in our wine group detected a hint of cedar and smoke, while others picked out a minty Syrah and plummy Merlot. An extremely nice wine and recommended post-prandial!
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TRAVEL
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR BESTSELLING CRUISES
By Heather Muir, Manager – Miles Morgan Travel, Yeovil Since the announcement of the cruise restart, we have seen a big increase in demand for cruising here at Miles Morgan Travel. Customers are booking longer cruises including popular around the world itineraries and planning a long way in advance for bucket list experiences on their cruise such as South America and Antarctica. Our exclusive escorted cruises are also proving extremely popular with customers taking full advantage of the free return transport from Yeovil to the port. As customers get back travelling again, we have extended the choice for 2022 and 2023 escorted cruises and now have 12 fantastic itineraries to choose from.
new ship Bolette. Bolette set sail on her maiden voyage recently and will be offering cruises from Southampton for 2022, many of our escorted cruises sail onboard. Space is limited for this event, so contact us to be added to the guest list or sign up on our website. If you would like to find out more information about the event or any other cruises or holidays then please pop in and see us at 14-16 Middle Street, Yeovil, or call us on 01935 428488. I hope that you will join us at the event. We look forward to hearing from you or seeing you soon.
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CRUISES FOR 2022/23
with free return transport to the port
FROM YEOVIL
12 itineraries to choose from Fully escorted by a Cruise Escort Private welcome party EARLY BOOKING STRONGLY RECOMMENDED Phone lines open until 10pm
01935 428 488
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14-16 Middle Street, Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 1LY
Prices start from only £999pp, based on two sharing a cabin, but we also have single cabins available too. Seats on the coach from Yeovil are limited, so early booking is strongly recommended due to the popularity. As a main agent for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, we are delighted that they will be joining us at the Manor Hotel in Yeovil, on Thursday 4 November at 7pm for a presentation that will include information about these exclusive escorted cruises as well as bringing us up to date on recent developments at Fred. Olsen and new early booking offers. The presentation will also include details about their brand
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39
TRAVEL
FANCY A TASTE OF THE CROWN?
By Tim Saunders, Travel Correspondent When we visit Wrest Park in Bedfordshire we feel like we are at a grand French palace such as Versailles. This magnificent stately home has been designed to emulate the best French and Italian design. It is such a significant British property that production companies regularly use this as a location for series like The Crown as well as programmes like Strictly Come Dancing and Flog It. Extravagantly built by British Tory statesman and First Lord of the Admiralty Thomas de Grey in the 1830s, this is the second house to stand on the site; the first one, where the pond is now, was 700 years older but was demolished. The Earl had inherited the 90acre estate and wanted to make his mark. His design drew its admirers because on the founding of the Institute of British Architects in 1834, he was invited to become its first president, remaining so until his death in 1859. The property needed to be so large to accommodate Grey’s twelve children. You can imagine the wonderful parties that must have been held in the rooms with their high ceilings and huge windows that look out onto the stunning gardens. ‘Oh have you seen my latest Chinese wallpaper?’ the Earl might ask a guest. He had to hire an artist to cover up a little patch but it was so difficult to get just right they had to put something in front of it to hide the blemish. On a dreary Saturday afternoon the children would have been able to put on a production on a raised floor that would come out of the wall of the drawing room by the push of a lever. 40
On another occasion the Earl might have hinted at his latest investment; a coal-fired boiler to power the central heating. Quite ahead of its time. We are given a potted history on our arrival and discover that the house became the base for an insurance company, and English Heritage acquired it in 2006 at which point it started preserving the estate. Today, the house is home to 30 fortunate local businesses with offices upstairs while the ground floor is open to the public. A sensible move, and what a privilege for these businesses to be based in such fantastic surroundings looking out over the 90 acres of Capability-Browndesigned gardens. Two hundred volunteers look after the grounds throughout the year and the Italian garden is replanted twice a year to ensure that the visual display is the best possible. The house is large enough for us to enjoy a brief visit but not spend too long, which is ideal for the children who love running up the staircase and down the other side while admiring the various portraits of Grey’s first and second wives as well as other relatives. The conservatory is quite something, too, with a variety of exotic plants, some quite tall. We thoroughly enjoy strolling around the gardens, admiring the many different blooms. For more information, visit: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/ wrest-park Watch the videos at www.travelwriter.biz
HEALTH & WELLBEING
STARTING A CONVERSATION ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH
WE'VE CARED FOR YOUR EARS SINCE 2001
By Amanda Whitlock, Total Wellbeing Matters It can be a little overwhelming to talk about mental health especially if it is a topic that is new to you. However, the more you talk about mental health the easier it becomes. We all have mental health. This is shown by the way we think, the way we feel and our sense of wellbeing. When we talk about mental health, we are not always talking about mental illness. Some life events such as bereavement or relationship breakdown can adversely affect someone’s wellbeing. However, there may be no obvious cause as to why a person is feeling mentally unwell. There may be some signs that someone may have poor mental health. You may notice that they are always tired or more withdrawn than normal. They may be tearful or appear distracted. The reality is there may be many ways in which a person may reveal they are having problems – the key is to notice a change in behaviour and then talk to them about it. Choose a private space to start the conversation, somewhere you can both feel comfortable. It’s important to give enough time for the conversation and to ensure that you will not be interrupted. Don’t just ask them how they are – most people will reply with ‘I’m fine!’ Ask them how they are feeling because you have noticed that they don’t seem to be themselves. Share instances of where you have concerns.
Listen to what they say to you. Respect their feelings, experiences and values even if you do not share them. Ask them how long they have been feeling like this, who do they have to give them support and ask if there is anything you can do to help. The most important thing is to be genuine and show that you care. Encourage them to contact their GP – they may not be mental health specialists but they can refer onto the relevant services and treatment. If a person talks about thoughts of suicide or self-harming remain calm and do not be afraid of continuing the conversation. If you feel that the person is at real risk of suicide, do not hesitate to call 999.
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Talking to a person experiencing 4 Swan Yard, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3AX mental distress can be shocking and unsettling. It is very important www.girlinghearingaids.co.uk INDEPENDENT & HCPC REGISTERED that you take steps to protect your own mental health. It is okay to have boundaries - don’t agree to 16/09/2021 20:57:45 give any support that would put Untitled-1 1 you under too much pressure or makes you feel uncomfortable. It is important to identify those things that boost your sense of wellbeing and improve your mood – find those things that give you joy and actively include them in your life. Do not feel guilty for prioritising your own mental health – you cannot help others if you don’t at first take care of yourself. For more information about training for you or your staff on mental health awareness, contact www.totalwellbeingmatters.com.
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41
HEALTH & WELLBEING
School Lunchboxes
By James Cattigan, Sherborne Sports Centre Manager We’re back to school and although you won’t have the kids raiding the cupboard and fridge all day long as you did in the holidays, you’ll still need to feed the little angels when they’re at school. But what to put in the lunchbox? As with any meal the foods you provide need to have a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. Proteins are used by the body for growth and repair. ‘Carbs’ are our preferred source of energy. Fats help with the relaying of electrical signals across the body and the absorption of vitamins and minerals which, in turn, helps with chemical processes that keep us focussed and energised. These nutrients can be split into four categories: vegetables and fruit, grain products, dairy and alternatives, meat and alternatives. Ensure you have some
of each of these in your lunchbox and you cannot go too far wrong. Vegetables and fruit could include: salad in a sandwich, carrot/cucumber/ pepper sticks, an apple, banana, pot of blueberries. Grain products could include: bread/wrap/ flat bread/bagel as part of a sandwich, couscous, rice pot. Dairy and alternatives could include: cheese in a sandwich, yoghurt, cheese sticks. There are many varieties of milkfree products in the supermarkets as well. Meat and alternatives could include: meat, fish or peanut butter in a sandwich, boiled eggs, pot of beans, tofu. The last thing to remember is to provide plenty of water.
Stick to these few lunchbox guidelines and you’ll keep your child fit and healthy while at school. The teacher will also thank you for their improved concentration levels. Unfortunately they will still raid the fridge as soon as they get home!
WIN £10 in our WORDSEARCH
competition THE READING ISSUE As you may have noticed the theme for this month has been somewhat literary! If you play Scrabble or Bananagrams (a recent discovery) you will know that a good knowledge of seven letter words can prove vital. This is the inspiration for this month’s Wordsearch. Just find the seven letter words in the grid below, ring each word until you have found all of them and when you have completed the puzzle send it to: The Conduit Magazine, Unit 4, Barton View Business Park, Sheeplands Lane, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4FW. The lucky winner receives a £10 cheque. The closing date is: Monday 25 October. Good luck.
ATHLETE EARLDOM FORCING GRANITE GROUCHY HABITAT HOLIDAY
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RESTFUL STOPPER TABLOID UTENSIL YEARNED YOUNGER ZANIEST
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42
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Screen Time
By Samantha Welch, Centre Manager I’m sure that we’ve all had the experience of talking to a loved one whilst they are craned over a mobile, tablet or staring at a screen. It can make you pretty miserable when the person you’re talking to is distracted and responds in grunts and quick glances, but if the phones are away it’s a different story and you get their full attention, that feels wonderful.
Sports centres across the country are trying to encourage and engage with youngsters to help deal with this problem by offering child-friendly classes, zones in the gym and swimming sessions, whilst promoting kids’ triathlons and competition. This has proved to be successful so far, but as the nights draw in, is the siren call of the screens too difficult to ignore? It’s a problem we need to face as a community and one which can, we believe, be fixed. Oxley Sports Centre is central to the town and is surrounded by several schools so has taken the community need for alternatives to technology seriously and is looking to help tackle this issue. The Centre has been offering swimming lessons, junior gym sessions along with junior climbing for a while now, but has boosted its children’s classes in recent months with classes such as Boogie Bounce. All this can be accessed on a pay-as-you-go basis or through the Active Kids membership. There are three different memberships for young, junior and teens
with different price points and offers, so that parents would be paying only for what they use, and children could access what they’d like to. The three age entry points allow the children to access activities suitable for them in their age range. As they get older, more activities and facilities open up to them, encouraging them to widen their activity level and hopefully their love for sport and physical activity, which we hope will help build a lifelong relationship with exercise – keeping healthy in fun and friendship. This October we are running our highly successful holiday activities for youngsters aged 8-14 with many different and varied activities, including water-based fun, sporting and non-sporting games, arts and crafts, team challenges, film and science days, plus all the old favorites like dodge ball and hamsterballs. To find more about all of the above, please contact Oxley Sports Centre on 01935 818277, email osc_info@ sherborne.com or visit our website on www.oxleysc.com.
Half Term
Holiday Activities
25-29 October
osc_info@sherborne.com
www.oxleysc.com
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43
CARE
DEVILISH TALES OF STINGY JACK By Tracey Warren, Stoodley and Son As the nights start drawing in and the first leaves turn brown, our thoughts turn to autumn and the end of summer. As a funeral director, people ask me if I celebrate Halloween, a time when the souls of our loved ones are remembered. I do have a bowl of sweets for the local trick or treaters and usually a carved pumpkin outside my door. However, for me Halloween represents a time of remembrance and continuing bonds with those that have passed away. Its origins are poles apart from the modern day ‘Americanisation’ of this celebration. The word Halloween dates from about 1745. It simply means Saints Evening, and is a mixture of the Scottish word eve or een and the English word All Hallows (The Feast of Saints). But further back than that in the pagan calendar it is linked with Samhain which is from the old Irish for summer’s end. During these festivities the passage tombs of their Neolithic forefathers were lit with flaming torches. It was also marked with great gatherings and feasts. The ancient burial mounds were opened and these were seen as portals to the other world. The festival also paid tribute to the souls of deceased family members who they believed visited the house, and food and offerings were left out for them. The families even laid out a place for them at the table during the Samhain meal. The thought that the souls of the dead would return home for one night of the year and must be appeased is actually prevalent in many cultures around the world. 44
In Christian society Halloween is the evening before All Hallows Day on 1 November and All Souls Day on 2 November. This time is used for honouring the saints and praying for the souls of the newly deceased. In many of the local churches in the local area, All Souls services take place to commemorate the dead. In today’s traditions many of us have a house decorated with a carved pumpkin, but this tradition was not carried out until mid-late nineteenth century in America. In Ireland and Scotland a turnip was used, then immigrants to North America started using a native pumpkin which was much softer and much easier to hollow out. The scary faces carved into them were said to ward off evil spirits. In Irish Christian folklore, the ‘Jack o Lantern’ was a representation of a wicked man called Stingy Jack whose soul was denied entry to heaven and hell. The tale goes – after an evening of drinking with the Devil, Stingy Jack decided he didn’t want to pay for any of the drinks and convinced the Devil to turn himself into a coin to pay the landlord. As soon as the Devil did this, Jack grabbed the coin and put it into his pocket next to a silver cross he had in there. This silver cross prevented the Devil from changing back to his original form. After some time had passed Jack decided to free the Devil on the condition he should leave him alone for one year, and if for any reason Jack died within that year the Devil would not claim his soul.
A year passed and the Devil once again came upon Jack who was admiring a beautiful fruit tree. Jack then tricked the Devil into climbing the tree to collect some fruit, whilst the Devil was at the top Jack quickly carved the sign of a cross into the bark, once again trapping the Devil. Jack demanded that he would only release him if he left Jack alone for ten years. Time passed and Jack spent his life, drinking, thieving and being generally unpleasant until he died. At the gates of heaven God refused him entry on account of the life he had led and the sins he had committed.
So Jack left and went to hell. The Devil, keeping his word not to claim Jack’s soul for ten years, would not admit him to hell either. In a rage, the Devil threw a hot coal from the fires of hell at Jack and banished him. Jack placed this coal into a hollowed-out turnip to stop it going out and carried it to light the way. He has roamed the earth ever since looking for a place for his soul to rest. May you have a peaceful Halloween and take time on that special day to remember those that have passed before.
HISTORY
NATURE
FUN AND GAMES AT THE SIGN OF THE RED COW By Barry Brock
In July 1769 the Sherborne Mercury advertised a ‘cudgels competition’ to be held at the Red Cow
in Sherborne. Cudgels? - what were cudgels? And where was the Red Cow?
Cudgels was a game played in inn yards, where competitors fought with wooden sticks, aiming to draw blood by a blow to an opponent’s head or neck. The onlookers would shout ‘a head’ when they saw blood drawn and there would be prizes for ‘breaking most heads’. ‘Sword and dagger’ was a similar game, played with even more dangerous weapons. And the Red Cow? There is no trace left of it now, but it stood at the bottom of Newland, close by the old Black Horse. William Dinning was landlord in 1719, and when he died without making a will in June that year, his widow, Frances, had to prepare an inventory of his goods for probate to be granted. Amongst these was a singular tavern sign: The Signe of the Red Cow. Prior to this, the earliest use of a tavern sign bearing this name and recorded by the English Place-Name Society had been in 1827, and that was not in Dorset. This Sherborne example shows that the name was in use much earlier in the town, probably even before the end of the seventeenth century. There was also evidence of less bloodthirsty inn games, such as a ‘Billard Chamber’ which contained a number of items, including a ‘billard frame’, so billiards was being played too. William Dinning was not only an innholder, he was a barber as well, and he is described as such in a 1691 deed held by the Dorset History Centre. This is reflected in the contents of the ‘Shopp’, which suggest that this Sherborne barber was acting as a dentist too: ‘A Chair, a broken looking Glass, a bason a Water pot, 6 old basons, 6 Rasors a pr Scisors, Instruments for drawing Teeth a old Surplice 6 Napkins, & 2 Capps’ Members of religious houses probably acted as the first dentists, but in 1215 the clergy were banned from shedding blood, and so various other trades came to take on this role. Blacksmiths, wigmakers, jewellers and apothecaries had all extracted teeth as a sideline, but in 1462 the first charter of the Barbers’ Company specifically mentioned ‘drawing teeth’. The Barbers’ Company merged with the surgeons in 1540 and both trades continued to carry out extractions before they separated again in 1745. Until then, a barber-surgeon would have been something like a modern general practitioner, tending wounds, setting broken limbs, letting blood and pulling teeth.
Nature
Beautifully captured by local photographer Colin Lawrence, here is nature’s take on the kestrel and the cricket. Colin comments, ‘I came across a family of five kestrels comprising two adults and three juveniles. The parents were clearly teaching the youngsters how to hunt.’ Colin continues, ‘Surprisingly their prey wasn’t the usual voles or mice, they were hunting and devouring in the air great green bush-crickets!’ He explains, ‘I photographed a family of five diving into two-foot-high grass and scrub (totally disappearing) and then reappearing with their prey!’ Kestrels have exceptional eyesight, which is vital in helping them catch their prey. While the human eye has around 38,000 photoreceptors per millimetre, a kestrel has twice as many. As a result, a kestrel hovering at a height of 20 metres is able to see clearly a 2mm-long invertebrate on the ground. Great green bush-crickets are relatively easy to identify because of their size. The males can grow up to 36 millimetres in length and females reach nearly 70 millimetres. They are normally completely green apart from a brown rust-coloured line on the top of their body.
The Red Cow ceased to be an inn or alehouse in about 1800 - owned for over a hundred years by the Dinning or Denning family. My thanks to George Tatham for the inventory and to Sue Detain for the inn-sign illustration.
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WALKING
AN AUTUMN PARADOX By Rachel Woods
‘The paradoxical mystery and beauty of the autumn equinox is that when the year is waning and moving towards the dark and colder days of winter, the earth blesses us with abundance’ Maria Ede-Weaving Autumn is my favourite season for walking. It has something to do with the colours of course but also the light; the glow of autumn sunsets on golden leaves is entrancing despite it reducing daily. I prefer the temperatures and let’s not forget the opportunity to sample the bounty to be found in woodlands and hedgerows. Maria Ede-Weaving, in her blog, talks of the earth providing us with what we need to deal with the challenging times ahead. Nature providing us with her harvests as well as the ‘test of strength, wisdom and endurance’ that is winter. I anticipate crisp mornings, sunny days and the crunch of leaves underfoot. The guessing games as I leave the house and something cracks underfoot in the darker mornings; is that a walnut or a snail? Speaking of walnuts, I enjoy the return of our local squirrels and badgers to clear my windfall nuts and litter the garden with shells. We even get to keep some for ourselves. ‘Tis the season for wardrobe adjustments, days of mixed temperatures that require some planning and layering. A time to wash and treat waterproofs, mend rips and tears in muchloved, serviceable items; a time to dig out cosy woollens, scarves and hats; a time when how my hair looks is never an issue, thanks to my woolly hat.
To choose my favourite would be like asking me to choose between my dogs. I love the variety of broadleaf woodlands but the consistency of the managed pine forest pathways. I love the incredible colours of the managed grand estates such as Hestercombe, Dyrham or Stourhead and the ethereal sense of history of North Dorset sunken paths which have an ancestral feel to them. I equally love blowing the cobwebs away on higher grounds such as Whitesheet Down near Mere and Ham Hill near Yeovil, and exploring further west to Exmoor or south to Golden Cap or Lulworth, when I’m feeling more intrepid. Although I’m no pagan or druid, I can’t deny though that there is something deeply spiritual about this season, the equinox, All Hallows Eve and watching the shifts in the trees as they lose their chlorophyl and show their colours before getting naked for the winter. Spotting the blooms of fungi, knowing that a much larger organism is at play underground connecting trees and plant life in a complex wood-wide-web, facilitating conversations we barely comprehend. A time for collecting blackberries, and sloes (for making a certain warming tipple of course). For hot chocolate, stews and soups, warming foods and the odd cheeky nightcap. Yes, autumn is truly the most wonderfully enriching season. For Marie’s full take on autumn wonders, visit www.druidry.org/ resources/autumn-equinox-thewaning-and-the-blessing.
Choosing a walk to recommend for autumn feels impossible.
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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.
Henry vacuum cleaner plus Hepa-Flo filter bags £80 Tel: 01935 389165 (Sherborne) Autocare 10” twin handle car polisher, brand new, still in packaging £20 Roberts Personal Stereo Listening FM RDS/DAB sports digital radio, brand new, still in packaging £20 Tel: 01963 440265 (South Cadbury) Two aluminium step ladders, 5 steps or 7 steps. Each £25 Tel: 01935 812743 (Sherborne) Fence panels 6’x6’ in good condition, five available. Each £10 Tel: 01458 443264 (Street) Rollator 4-wheel with seat and shopping bag £80 Rollator 3-wheel with zipped bag £40 Z bed single with cover £40 Bath chair lift £75 Gourmet Maxx multi grill, brand new in box £15 Cordless kettle tipper £10 Raised Mobilease toilet seat £15 All items VGC Tel: 07974 313227 (Sherborne)
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35 Tractor and Farming Heritage magazines in excellent condition. Years available include: 2014, 2015, 2016. Similar magazines available, please enquire £20 Tel: 01460 55105 (Ilminster) Piano Rogers London No.32425, overstrung & underdamped, good condition, bright tone, stool included £995 ono Tel: 01963 220855 or 07765 771184 (Sherborne) Accommodation wanted - 2 beds, small winter let/annex/ flat short-term, 5-mile radius Sparkford (approx). Working couple + working son, waiting for planning consent on land near Sparkford. No kids, no pets, non-smokers Tel: 01963 220855 or 07765 771184 (Sparkford) Cider apple trees for sale. Specialist Apple Tree Nursery selling local heritage varieties including eating & cooking apple trees Tel: 01963 220855 or 07765 771184 (Sparkford)
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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
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Dave buys all types of tools.
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Join the thousands of people who are stopping smoking this October.
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IAN CROSSLAND
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Tel: 01935 411813 Mob: 07811 070 498
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Providing Dental Care for the Yeovil area since 1864
NEW PATIENTS WELCOME Princes Street Dental Practice are an independent private practice where you will see the same dentist at each visit. We keep up to date with, and like to invest in, new technology. We have invested in a CEREC technology which allows us to fit crowns and bridges in just one visit no impressions!
We are proud to be members of the Denplan Excel scheme. Please feel free to ring and ask any questions, or come in and meet our lovely staff.
45 Princes St, Yeovil BA20 1EG
01935 475962 www.princesstreetdental.co.uk
