The Conduit Magazine - August 2020

Crossing counties,

look inside for info on the best events and activities in

West Dorset and

Magazine

South Somerset

Issue 233 August 2020

The Emporium in Yeovil invites you to sample its stylish café – more on p19

INSIDE THIS MONTH

The importance of Willow | Motoring: test driving Invincible |

Win a meal at The Emporium Café | Remember the mangle | Good game, good 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 9.00am-5.00pm, Sat 10.00am-4.00pm Also at Clarks Village, Street

www.pittards.com

W e p sti by lea ll de are Ph se live on con rin e o ta g r W ct eb us sit e

Price Match Guarantee* | Super Service | Expert Knowledge | Professional Installation 1600 Spin 9kg Washing Machine

13 Place Settings Dishwasher

NSWE963CWSUKN

16 Programmes Inc: 45 Minutes Quick Wash BIT Digital Display, Dial Controls Up to 9Hours Delay Start Dimensions: H85xW59.5xD60cm 1 year labour 10 year parts D Energy Rating

5 Programmes, LED Display Delay Timer Easy Adjust Upper Basket Dimensions: H82xW60xD60cm 1 year labour 10 year parts A+ Energy Rating

Only

Only

£269.99

£299.99

8 Programmes Inc: Pre-Rinse Eco Wash LED Display Dimensions: H82xW59.5xD57cm 1 year labour 10 year parts A+ Energy Rating

Only

£299.99

7kg Condenser Tumble Dryer

1400 Spin 9kg Wash 6kg Washer Dryer

Built In Dishwasher

HEI49118C

HEFC2B19C

FDEU9640P

16 Programmes Inc: Eco Wash Wash/Dry 30 Minutes Anti Stain Wash Dimensions: H85xW59.5xD54cm 1 year labour 10 year parts A Energy Rating

16 Programmes Inc: Cool Air Cycle Empty Water Tank Indicator Anti Tangle Technology Dimensions: H85xW59xD61cm 1 year labour 10 year parts B Energy Rating

Only

Only

£389.99

£229.99

34 Market Place, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1AR 59 Cheap Street, Sherborne, DT9 3AX

CDN7000BP

Tel: 01258 472564

Tel: 01935 389665

www.EB Marsh.com *Terms and Conditions apply. Sold as an agent of Euronics Limited. All rights reserved. All offers are subject to availability while stocks last. Delivery & Installation charges may apply Exclusions and Radius Apply. See in store for full details. Images for illustration purposes only. Copyright Euronics 2020. E&OE June 2020.

SUMMER CAMPAIGN L A5 v1.indd 1

10/06/2020 17:46

From the Editor So exciting to see the country start to get back to some kind of normality…..the “new norm” as everyone seems to be calling it. It has been particularly heartening to hear about a few new events happening this month. Also good to see we have more cafes, pubs and restaurants opening their doors again. For fans of Thai food visit The Three Wishes restaurant in Sherborne which has a new “pop up” every Thursday evening or try the fabulous Sunday carvery at Haselbury Mill. If you haven’t given yourself a welldeserved pamper yet, our newest beauty columnist has a treat in store for your nails at her new salon called Glazed Sherborne in Sherborne’s Cheap Street. Finally don’t forget to check out the stylish Emporium café in Yeovil featuring on our front cover and which also has a special competition in this month’s issue for you to win a meal for two. For more information on the competition, plus all these events and much, much more, take a good look through our magazine where they all feature.

Contents

EDITOR & ADVERTISING Jane Adkins

ASSISTANT EDITOR Julie Locke

SEPTEMBER DEADLINES News and Articles: FRIDAY, 14 AUG Advertisements: MONDAY, 17 AUG

WHAT’S ON

p4 Info on businesses offering delivery, online workshops and social activities

ARTS p20–23

Choose from a number of online activities

BEAUTY p25

BOOKS p9

A new nail salon comes to Sherborne!

Somerset man hunts last great pirate!

GARDENING p10–12 Our growing gardening section

FOOD & DRINK

p28–30 Indian recipes, a Thai evening & wine tales

BUSINESS p16–17 Do you need to up your game?

HYPNOTHERAPY p32 Let’s tear off those labels!

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 WHAT’S ON

Charity YEOVIL On Sunday 9 August from 2.00pm to 5.00pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue, there is a fun car scavenger hunt. Yeovil Hospital Charity has organised this family friendly event to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Unit Appeal. The hunt will cover Yeovil and the surrounding towns/villages, and should last for around 2 to 2.5 hours. Entry £10 per car (all of which will be donated to the appeal). To register, or to find out more, email Sarah.Cherry@ ydh.nhs.uk.

Early Listing ONLINE From Saturday 19 September to Sunday 4 October, Somerset Art Works will hold its annual Somerset Open Studios event online. It will be a digital extravaganza, including a special 16-day programme of online workshops, talks, studio tours and events! Through an interactive brochure, visitors will be able to curate their own tours of artists’ works, see into studios and hear how they develop their work through films. Audiences will be invited to get hands on and interact with artists through a programme of talks, workshops, demonstrations and artists’ films hosted on Somerset Art Works’ website.

Look out for the online guide in late August. For further information, visit www. somersetartworks.org.uk.

YEOVIL On Saturday 19 September from 10.00am to 4.00pm, eat:Festivals will be hosting an outdoors food and drink festival in Yeovil. eat:Festivals is a social enterprise that focuses on reconnecting people with the productive landscape that surrounds them. Local food and drink producers are showcased at busy one-day 4

food and drink festivals in town centres across Somerset. Come along and enjoy awesome food and drink on Super Saturday!

For further information, visit www.eatfestivals.org.

Food & Drink MISTERTON Cedrics Triple Gold & Silver Winners at Taste of the West 2020. ‘No Contact’ Drive Thru. Choose from an exclusive range of awardwinning cakes, jams, chutney, marmalade, jellies and cider, as well as the basics: fresh vegetable boxes, fresh fruit boxes, fresh salad boxes, local free-range eggs, Somerset butter, local cheeses, organic yoghurt, Dorset cream, bread, bread flour, tea and coffee, etc. Order in advance or pull into the car park. Pay over the phone, collect with No Contact, then take home and enjoy! Call 01460 72592. www. cedricscakes.co.uk.

ODCOMBE Odcombe Village Hall Fresh milk available from a 24-hour vending machine.

Eastfield Farm in Tintinhull is home of Holy Cow Organic milk, and they are working extremely hard to supply organic milk straight from the farm to the local community in south Somerset via 24hour vending machines. Holy Cow Organic milk is simply pasteurised, cooled and ready to drink so no heavy processing and no food miles. The milk from their vending machine is never more than 48 hours old.

Bring along a bottle, top up, and support local farmers!

NORTH PERROTT North Perrott Farm Shop Fresh milk available from a 24-hour vending machine. Eastfield Farm in Tintinhull is home of Holy Cow Organic milk, and they are working extremely hard to supply organic milk straight from the farm to the local community in south Somerset via 24-hour vending

Contact: Julie Locke

/theconduitmagazine

E: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk

@conduitmag

machines. Holy Cow Organic milk is simply pasteurised, cooled and ready to drink so no heavy processing and no food miles. The milk from their vending machine is never more than 48 hours old. Bring along a bottle, top up, and support local farmers!

SANDFORD ORCAS The Mitre Inn Evening meals available from Tuesday to Saturday from 6.00pm to 8.00pm and Sunday lunch available from 12.00 noon to 2.00pm. A collection system is in operation (collect from the porch). The menu changes weekly. Picnic boxes and cream teas are also available for collection (pre-order 24 hours prior to collection). For further information, call 01963 220271 or email cheryl@mitreinn.co.uk.

SHERBORNE Every Thursday evening from 6.00pm to 9.00pm at The Three Wishes is a Thai Night. Asian Thai Catering is joining up with The Three Wishes to provide an enjoyable diningout experience. Weather permitting, there will also be tables available in the garden as well as in the restaurant.

Please give it a try. To book, call 01935 817777 or email reservations@thethreewishes. co.uk or nicky_king@icloud. com.

Market CASTLE CARY Every Tuesday from 9.00am to 2.00pm at the Market House is a weekly open-air market. Food stalls: Bagnell Farm meat, West Country sourced fish, greengrocery and eggs, artisan bread, home-made preserves, cheese and home-made pies, Somerset Blissful Bakes, freshly-cooked Thai food and sauces, and Jack’s Mac and Cheese. General stalls: perennial plants (and advice!), felted animals (commissions taken), turned wooden items and small furniture, as well as general crafts/giftware on a casual basis. Contact 01963

Follow us online: www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

/TheConduitMag

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

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

LANGPORT Every Friday from 9.00am to 12.00 noon under the clock arch in Bow Street is the Langport Country Market. This market offers a wide variety of artisan produce.

All baked goods are homemade and ingredients locally sourced. There are jams, marmalades, chutney and pickle unique to this market.

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

MARTOCK On Saturday 8 August from 10.00am to 1.00pm at the Moorland’s Shopping Precinct is Martock Farmers’ Market, with around 16 stands ranging from plants, crafts to cheese and local produce. For a table or further information, phone Fergus on 01935 822202.

SHEPTON MALLET Every Friday from 9.00am to

Abbey Bookshop Cheap Street Sherborne

Wide selection of Magazines, Periodicals. Also now stocking luxury Belgian chocolates

Have your daily paper delivered.

Ask in store for details.

01935 812367

@conduitmag

WHAT’S ON

2.00pm at the Market Place is Shepton Mallet market. This historic market, which dates back to 1318, offers a wide range of fresh local produce (fruit and veg, bread and cheese, seafood, cider) and crafts. It’s plastic-free July, so bring containers and bags!

Free parking in all Mendip District Council carparks (until Thursday 6 August) in support of local businesses and communities. For further information, visit the market’s Facebook page @sheptonfridaymarket.

SHERBORNE Every third Friday from 9.00am to 1.00pm at Cheap Street is the Sherborne Farmers’ Market.

Average 30 stalls. For more information, visit www.visitdorset.com/food-and-drink/ farmers-markets.

Every third Sunday until September from 10.00am to 4.00pm, The Sherborne Market will take place along Cheap Street, Digby Road and Pageant Gardens. This handpicked and selected artisan market features local producers and suppliers, amazing food, plus arts and crafts. @thesherbornemarket.

SOMERTON Every Saturday from 9.00am to 12.00 noon outside The Unicorn Hotel skittle alley is the Wessex Country Market. This market offers a wide variety of artisan produce. All baked goods are home-made and ingredients locally sourced. There are jams, marmalades, chutney and pickle unique to this market.

Locally sourced butter, cheese, meat and fresh vegetables in season. To order, email julia. jewell@mypostoffice.co.uk or call 07767 030251 or 01458 253508.

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.

Social ONLINE Every Tuesday and Thursday at 11.00am, join in

with the Goldies Online Singalong. The fun, free online sessions are led by Rachel and Cheryl. The sessions are recorded and go ‘live’ on YouTube. The words of the songs are on the screen so join in and Sing&Smile from home! Watch on YouTube or via the Facebook page. For more information, visit www. facebook.com/goldiesuk or www.golden-oldies.org.uk.

Every Wednesday at 1.00pm on the GoodAfternoonChoir YouTube channel, the new online choir tunes up with a one-hour internet rehearsal, taken alternatively by Grenville Jones (choir founder), Ben England and Matt Finch. No auditions required. The accent is on fun and making new friends. The online choir will sing the songs from the choir members’ weekly repertoire as well as new pieces specially arranged for them to sing from their sofas! Prior to lockdown, Yeovil’s Good Afternoon Choir sessions were on Fridays. Learn more on www.goodafternoonchoir.org.

Enquiries to Grenville Jones on 07778 282934.

Martock & District U3A groups now meet regularly online, including Ukulele, Recorder, Philosophy, and languages. For sharing news and offering support to members, there are virtual coffee mornings, as well as a special Facebook group Martock U3A Keeping in Touch. For further information or if interested in joining, visit the Facebook page, www.u3a.org.uk, email martocku3amembership@ gmail.com, or phone 07510 178094.

SHERBORNE ArtsLink is working hard to find alternative ways of bringing artistic opportunities to the public and to create more online learning opportunities. For further information, email office@ sherborneartslink.org.uk or visit www.sherborneartslink.org.uk.

ArtsLink. Art for Memory and Art for Parents groups have received creative packs in the post which provide materials, ideas and instructions, plus a little bit of contact with the outside world.

ArtsLink. Parkinson’s Dance exercises have been filmed by specialist Parkinson’s Dance tutors. The videos are now available online, so keep moving and dancing!

Sport WHEATHILL Wheathill Golf Club Open and thriving! The recent rain has boosted the quality and vibrancy of the land and everybody seems happy to play according to current PGA rules and government guidelines. Booking a tee time is essential. Lessons are available for all ages including children. The Clubhouse is now open. For further information on the course, lessons and clubhouse, contact 01963 240667. www.wheathillgolf. co.uk.

Walk ONLINE Until Friday 31 July from 10.00am, take a virtual walk around the open gardens at Over Stratton. The gardens have been photographed, and one has been captured on video. Take time to browse and wander through the gardens. No ticket required! If it has been an enjoyable virtual visit, a donations would be much appreciated to support The David Hall in these difficult times. Start the tour at www.thedavidhall.com/event/ open-gardens-over-stratton.

WELLS From Saturday 25 July to Thursday 1 September from 10.00am to 5.00pm at The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens, Wells, there is a Summer Family Activity programme to keep families entertained during the school holidays. Join in the weekly family trails based on a different theme each week, such as Colour, Dragons, Water, Gardening and Animals at the Palace. The trails are available to download from the Palace website, or visitors can collect a print-out from the onsite Shop.

The trails will lead families around the Palace and Gardens and, when completed, children will be able to collect a small prize on the way out. People’s Ticket, £15 for Adults, £7.50 for Children (5 to 17 yrs); this ticket allows the holder to enter for one day and return for the following 12 months. Contact 01749 988111. www.bishopspalace.org.uk.

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

01935 816828

enquiries@henrywillis.co.uk

www.henrywillis.co.uk

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

5

WHAT’S ON

NEWS

Workshop ONLINE ArtsLink Virtual Classrooms are now available weekly with James Budden.

Choose from Drawing, Oils and Portraiture classes. If interested in joining in, please contact ArtsLink at takepart@ sherborneartslink.org.uk or James at www.jamesbudden. co.uk. Please keep up the art practice at home! Take a photo and share it on social media; see the links at the bottom of the page on www. sherborneartslink.org.uk.

ArtsLink Art at Home Visit the Arts at Home page on the website to enjoy a series of activities to share with family or to do individually. Each activity uses basic art materials, just use whatever is at hand.

New activities will be added regularly; most include image and video links. Share creations on ArtsLink’s social media pages. www.sherborneartslink. org.uk.

WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK We've Got Your Back - Sherborne Advert 135 x 93.5mm.indd 2

VISIT OUR SHERBORNE BRANCH OR ORDER ONLINE: BRADFORDS.CO.UK FIND US AT HERE Unit 5, Barton View Business Park, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 4FW GET IN TOUCH T: 01935 813254 E: bbs.sherborne@bradfords.co.uk Monday to Friday: 7:30am to 5:00pm Saturday: 8:00am to 12:30pm

16/07/2020 13:19:29

TWO SIDES TO A COVID HAIR CUT! Trading Standards tells us hair has become quite an emotional issue during lockdown. Feeling good about how we look helps us to feel good about ourselves, good wellbeing helps us to get through these tougher times.

Businesses have been reopening from lockdown in a staged approach, with Trading Standards oversight, as we all work together to restart our economy safely while Government gradually amend business closure rules. At the time of writing this Dorset hairdressers and barbers, closed since the start of lockdown are reopening.

Many people have embraced DIY hairdressing, attempting athome trims and dye jobs, or growing out a more natural look, but generally we can’t wait to get back into the salon and into the hands of a professional hairstylist.

While thinking about our own hair you may not have given much thought to Dorset sheep, but our Trading Standards Animal Health 6

Officers have. This is because COVID-19 has resulted in a lack of migrant workers coming into the UK and when it comes to sheep shearers, that has had quite an impact on farmers.

Shearers normally arrive in the UK from Australia and New Zealand from spring onwards but have been unable to get here this spring.

UK based shearers are working hard to get around to all the sheep as soon as possible, which has been especially important with the hot weather we have had, as shearing sheep helps prevents welfare issues from developing.

From hairdressers to sheep shearing, Trading Standards in Dorset continue to work with a wide range of businesses to help keep our local economy ‘a cut above the rest’.

To contact Trading Standards please visit https://www.citizensadvice. org.uk/consumer or by calling the freephone number 0808 223 1133.

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

6

NEWS

THE COLLECTIVE MEMORY ARCHIVE In March 2020 the UK went into lockdown due to the COVID19 pandemic. In May 2020 Activate promoted an opportunity for artists to submit their ideas for ways to engage communities through this strange – and often isolating – experience.

The organisation was looking for creative interventions, community projects, activities for young and old to participate in and ideas to bring communities together in a creative way. There was a brilliant response to the call out and six artists and four emerging artists were selected to develop their ideas with £500 each, plus the continued support of Activate producers to bring the projects to life.

The projects include collecting memories from the residents of Sherborne, sensory audio stories for care home residents, outdoor adventures for 3-6 year olds, wildwriting workshops, audio postcards for those living with dementia and flag-making to thank local heroes.

Kate Wood, Artistic and Executive Director, Activate Performing Arts, said: “We are really pleased to be able to offer these micro commissions to local artists. As an organisation we want to support the development of artists in Dorset and have commissioned 10 local creatives (including four emerging artists). We know their work will have a positive impact on the communities they engage with.”

The full collection of micro commissions is as follows: • The Collective Memory Archive – Artist Isobel Jobbins is looking for local memories from residents of Sherborne. These stories will help create a booklet of walks for others to enjoy.

• Flag it up Portland – Get crafting to create a ‘thank you flag’ for your local heroes. Sophie Fretwell’s easy to follow videos will guide you through the process and if you’re a Portland resident, you can submit them for a chance to feature in a display.

• Our Tale – Share a line to create an epic story. Artist Rohan Gotobed will curate a story with the people of East Dorset.

• Mini Maisie’s Journal – UpsideUp Theatre Company bring to life a paper character. Children aged 3-6 can join Mini Maisie on her adventures through video and downloadable activity packs.

• Wildwriting! Dorset – Join Sarah Acton from Black Ven poetry on a series of 6 Wildwriting adventures – a new one will be released each week.

• Going online – Millstream Theatre are looking to create more work online and require a digital artist to help them do so.

Applications now open.

• Beside the Sea – Frenetic Fox Theatre are working with four Dorset care homes to bring memories of the seaside alive for those living with dementia.

• Audio Postcards – Artist Megan Dunford is working with In Jolly Good Company to create audio postcards with older people in the rural area of Wimborne St. Giles.

• The Quaranteens – BACStage Youth Theatre are going online and Zooming their way through lockdown.

• SoNiche Productions – Inspired by the BBC’s Radio Ballads, Jo Tyler and James Laming invite isolated creatives to record their thoughts to help create audio visual records of these times.

The Collective Memory Archive is probably of most interest to Conduit readers and is an investigation into the shared history of Sherborne, Dorset. The project aims to gather memories from residents across time and place.

7

How to get involved

A booklet will be produced and available to download with walking tours that residents can follow, along the sites of other people’s memories. By encountering these memories residents will create connections with each other, bringing the community together.

If you live in Sherborne and would like to contribute to the memory archive, please visit the link to complete a survey: https:// www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/T88NPSC.

The artist

Izzie Jobbins is an artist based in Sherborne, Dorset. Her work explores humour and memories and how these establish communication. Recent work used family anecdotes as inspiration to create irrational and ridiculous papier-mâché objects. Her use of replication warps the models from their original form becoming caricatures of each other. Rituals underpin her work creating a specific narrative. Her use of humour forges connections; creating a memory, a shared history, and a moment with whoever encounters the work.

Izzie Jobbins recently graduated with a BA in Fine Art at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London.

Sherborne

SELF STORAGE Centre of Sherborne. Flexible sizes and prices from £50 per month.

07398 624975

www.sherbornestorage.co.uk

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

7

WIN £10 in our WORDSEARCH

competition GOING WITH THE FLOW!

With pubs and restaurants opening up again, summer now seems to be in full swing and the perfect time to go for a picnic by a bubbling stream, pour a cool glass of wine and watch the clouds scudding by in a gentle August breeze. In other words, relax and go with the flow which is what this month’s Wordsearch is all about!

Just find the hidden words in the grid below, ring each word until you have found all of them and when you have completed the puzzle send it to: The Conduit Magazine, Unit 4, Barton View Business Park, info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk To advertise 01935 424724 • email: • www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk Sheeplands Lane,–Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4FW. The lucky winner receives a £10 cheque. The closing date is: Monday 24 August. Good luck.

RIPPLE SALAD DRESSING SLIDE SMOKE STEAM STREAM TIDES TRAFFIC TRICKLE WATER WINE

BEER BLOOD CLOUDS CONDENSATION EDDY GEYSER GRAVY GUSH KITE MAGMA MILK

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

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

WANTED Dave buys all types of tools.

Tel: 01935 428975

Dry Stone Walling and Paving All types of stone walling undertaken www.yenstonewalling.co.uk

01963 371123 Patrick Houchen - DSWA member

Professional & reliable service

GUNS WANTED FOR CASH

SOS to all air rifles and pistols any maker or model.

We collect in any area. Top prices paid in cash

07970 742471

Wills of Sherborne

PlumbinG &Heating ltD Local & Reliable Plumber Gas safe registered, fully insured New Build, Renovations, Gas boiler installations Bathroom installations, LPG Vented and Unvented Cyclinder Installation Free quotes – competitive prices Email: wills.plumbing@hotmail.co.uk Telephone Malcolm: 07885 420609 8

Follow us online: www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

Free initial consultation

A personal and friendly approach to business that will work for you www.chalmersaccountants.co.uk info@chalmersaccountants.co.uk Offices at Yeovil, Crewkerne & Langport 01460 279000 /TheConduitMag

@conduitmag

BOOK REVIEW

By Wayne, Winstones

8, Cheap Street, Sherborne, Dorset. DTP 3PX 01935 816 128 winstonebooks1@gmail.com www.winstonebooks.co.uk

Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World’s Most Dangerous Man

by Mary L. Trump £20.00 hbck This book has been involved in an intense legal battle to prevent publication led by the Trumps, particularly Donald’s brother Robert S. Trump. The Trump family has a lifetime gagging order on its members which makes this book all the more intriguing.

In this revelatory, authoritative portrait of Donald J. Trump and the toxic family that made him, Mary L. Trump, a trained clinical psychologist and Donald’s only niece, shines a bright light on the dark history of their family in order to explain how her uncle became the man who now threatens the world’s health, economic security, and social fabric.

Mary Trump spent much of her childhood in her grandparents’ large, imposing house in the heart of Queens, New York, where Donald and his four siblings grew up. She describes a nightmare of traumas, destructive relationships, and a tragic combination of neglect and abuse. She explains how specific events and general family patterns created the damaged man who currently occupies the Oval Office, including the strange and harmful relationship between Fred Trump and his two oldest sons, Fred Jr. and Donald.

A firsthand witness to countless holiday meals and interactions, Mary brings an incisive wit and unexpected humour to sometimes grim, often confounding family events. She recounts in unsparing detail everything from her uncle Donald’s place in the family spotlight and Ivana’s penchant for regifting, to her grandmother’s frequent injuries and illnesses and the appalling way Donald, Fred Trump’s favourite son, dismissed and derided him when he began to succumb to Alzheimer’s.

Numerous pundits, armchair psychologists, and journalists have sought to parse Donald J. Trump’s lethal flaws. Mary L. Trump has the education, insight, and intimate familiarity needed to reveal what makes Donald, and the rest of her clan, tick. She alone can recount this fascinating, unnerving saga, not just because of her insider’s perspective but also because she is the only Trump willing to tell the truth about one of the world’s most powerful and dysfunctional families.

BOOKS

Hunting Pirates How well do we really know our neighbours?

You might not associate a retired barrister living in the delightful south Somerset village of Queen Camel with one of the most infamous acts of piracy in the age of sail, but as Mike Ford’s new book shows we can always learn from each other. And he has little time for the romantic view of pirates as daring, independent and resourceful rascals – buccaneers, literally.

Mike retired from legal practice. And it is from here that he has carried out extensive research for the book – which began when he was working away on his family history. One of his ancestors set up the shipping company that built ‘Morning Star’ and once he started delving into that story, he put his family tree to one side and concentrated on getting to the bottom of the mystery surrounding the ship and why the attack on her was covered up

by Whitehall – and from those beginnings, the book grew.

Hunting the Last Great Pirate

by Michael E.A.Ford Published by Pen and Sword Books (2020) ISBN: 9781526769305 : pp.240 This is a story of crime and punishment - a savage attack on the unarmed Morning Star followed by the hunting down and bringing to justice of the perpetrators - but it is also a telling tale for our times, showing how politics, commercial interests and failed diplomacy created the conditions that led to the outrage and then impeded the search for justice.

In the 1820s a campaign by the US Navy drove pirates from the north Atlantic and Caribbean to the eastern seaboard of South America where they were well placed to prey on shipping returning from the Indies. The Royal Navy was in no position to provide much protection having lost over 1000 ships in defence cuts after the defeat of Napoleon; the East India Company had the resources to protect its own ships but less well-connected small traders were often left to shift for themselves.

Outrage at the rape of the Morning Star compelled the British authorities to act but the author reveals that they withheld vital information from the Spanish authorities for political and commercial reasons, and were duly paid back in the same coin. Even worse, both governments concealed evidence that could have secured justice for the crew of an American ship, the Topaz, every one of whom was murdered by the same pirates. Even so the pirates were soon caught, tried and executed, though their leader was only convicted after the authorities brought in a judge who was more compliant and less particular than his predecessor. As the author shows, justice and politics make poor bedfellows, then as now.

Patrick Pender-Cudlip

Still Shielding? FREE DELIVERY within two miles of Sherborne

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

9

GARDENING

UP THE GARDEN PATH

By Julie Haylock, Sandhurst Garden Design Including a water feature in your garden has many benefits; it creates movement, provides a relaxing sound that can help to mask un-wanted noise, for example the sound of a busy road and, importantly will encourage wildlife to visit you.

There are many self contained models available on the market, suitable for even the smallest of spaces. You may require an electricity supply for some models, whilst others are solar powered so can be positioned anywhere. Some water features even come with lights incorporated into their design which allows them to be enjoyed after dark giving a different feel to the space around it.

Choose a design and material that complements your garden style, for example a more traditional stone fountain would better suit a formal garden giving an elegant feel, and with the passing of time will age naturally allowing moss to grow on its surface giving a sense of history. Whilst a modern stainless steel design would look more at home in a contemporary garden with its straight lines and reflective surface bouncing light around the space.

Poly resin is a cheaper alternative and is both frost and UV resistant; this material is often used to create replicas of stone designs complete with that aged look but has the advantage of being less heavy to move around the garden!

We have one in our garden and the birds love it for bathing and having a drink. Whichever style you choose, adding water will be a positive addition to your garden both for you and the wildlife to enjoy!

For ease of installation many water features incorporate their own reservoir often positioned underground and safely out of the way of young children. Just keep an eye on the water level to ensure it does not run dry in hot weather and risk damaging your pump.

Finally, I am now offering a Garden Design Consultation Visit gift voucher, so if you are stuck for an idea for a present for a friend or family member who is struggling for inspiration for their own garden, then this might be just the answer! - Please contact me for more information. Until next time stay safe, Julie

Talking of pumps, if one is not supplied with your water feature as part of the kit, ensure the one you purchase has enough oomph to circulate the water, too little power and you will only have a trickle of water, and too much will have you rushing to the toilet!

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

If space is tight, perhaps opt for a wall mounted design that is self contained with its own small reservoir which will need topping up regularly, perfect for a small courtyard garden.

Solar power models allow a flexible approach to installing a water feature in that you can put them anywhere that the sun rays reach to charge the battery for a number of hours each day. The advantage being as long as the sun shines, it is free to use and easy to install.

Another idea to bring water into your garden is to use a stylish corten steel bowl; this will create a still reflective water effect, but consider adding a few pebbles to allow any wildlife that tumbles into the water to find its way out safely.

10

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

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

THE FENCING & GATE COMPANY Domestic Fencing Specialist All types of fencing and gates supplied and erected

Garden Landscape & Construction Services

www.sherbornegardenangels.co.uk 01935 310302

Follow us online: www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

Over 30 years experience Free Survey and Quotation 10 year guarantee • No VAT

01935 330 095 01460 353 046 /TheConduitMag

@conduitmag

GARDENING

DECORATING FOR SUMMER

By Liv Sabat It’s no secret that our summers in the UK aren’t exactly Mediterranean standard, but why let that stop you from enjoying your outdoor space? Today I will be talking about how to decorate your outdoor space ready for summer.

First let’s talk about colour; colour is one of the most important things to consider when it comes to decorating your outdoor space. When I say colour, I don’t necessarily mean just paint.

I mean the colour of your flowers, your furniture and even smaller things like your pots. When decorating for summer you should always consider warmer and lighter colours like white, light grey, light brown and cream, which bring life to a space and make it feel much more spacious. Having said this though let’s not forget when it comes to planting, flowers don’t really come in light grey and cream. That means you have to consider colours like purple, red and yellow so don’t be afraid to go really “out there” and add colours from the whole spectrum into your flower beds.

and tables, which really bring more authentic, handcrafted beauty into your outdoor space. One final tip on furniture, don’t overdo it; just keep it simple to avoid cluttering.

Finally: planting. Plants are important if you really want to bring summer into your garden; I’m not just talking about flowers, think bushes, trees and even hedges. In terms of flowers, the more vibrant the better. Here are a few recommendations: Daisies, African Lilies, Begonias and a few suggestions for trees and bushes: A Pink Dogwood tree, a Lavender bush, a Prairifire Flowering Crabapple tree or even a rose bush. If you have a glass room then why not bring the outdoors to you? You can bring in a couple of potted trees like Areca Palms or Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees to really get the summer feeling going.

Phew, I am done! There you have my tips on decorating your outdoor space for summer. Stop by next time when I will be talking about turning your outdoor space into the perfect space for accommodating guests.

Stay safe, Liv

Now let’s go into more detail; let’s talk about the kind of furniture you could consider and, like we said before, lighter is better for summer. I personally love the look a light grey or cream sofa gives to a glass room or the look a white or light grey dining set gives to a patio area. However white isn’t exactly the most versatile colour in an outdoor setting, so black or dark grey is fine for your dining set and any other outdoor furniture you might purchase like a swing seat. Don’t forget there are also more natural options available like wooden chairs

ANCE INTEN LOW MA

DITED ACCR E PROFESSIONAL

INSTALLATION

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

11

Gardening GARDENING

LATE SUMMER

BLUES

For the patio in the summer or the conservatory, or even a well-lit spot in the house, the indoor Plumbago is fabulous. Masses of light blue flowers are a real pleaser. It will last for many years in a pot but needs to be pruned back each year to keep it to a manageable size.

So blue is the colour for late summer, but with these plants the mood will be far from blue!

By Mike Burks, Managing Director of The Gardens Group The late summer can be a glorious time in the garden. Made all the better by a large number of blue flowering shrubs, which, for some reason, are all currently at their best.

One of these should really be described as a sub-shrub – so halfway between a shrub and an herbaceous plant – and this is the Russian Sage – Perovskia Blue Spire. It dies back over the winter and then throws up vigorous spikes up to 18 inches or two feet tall with clear blue flowers on the top from mid-summer onwards. Wildlife such as butterflies and bees love it.

I’m also a fan of the Blue Spirea, correctly known as Caryopteris.

They tend to have silvery green scented foliage and prefer hot, dry and sunny situations. A favourite is Heavenly Blue, but there is also the variegated variety, Worcester gold, with golden foliage and the blue flower, which works surprisingly well.

There is a large specimen hardy Hibiscus that grows in my Mum’s garden in Devon. It is slow to start in the spring, with other plants already in full leaf, and then whilst many are giving up so the Hibiscus performs in the late summer and autumn. My favourite is the variety Blue Bird but other colours are available!

Buddleia, in days gone by, always used to be very large growers, but there are some really useful compact new varieties in the Buzz series.

These are small enough for even the most compact of gardens and produce an endless display of flowers from early summer onwards.

The display from Lavender, especially in a dry summer, is unsurpassed. I think that if they were introduced today, they would be grown as bedding plants, so good is the amount of flower that they will produce. My favourite is still the compact and very dark blue flower of the variety Hidcote.

There are many Salvias that are used for large summer bedding plants. An intriguing variety is “Black and Bloom”, which is a strong multi-stemmed upright grower producing blue flowers with a black envelope around the flower. Lots of blooms are produced and they make a great pot specimen on their own or as a centrepiece to a CASTLE GARDENS large bedding display.

The hardy Plumbagos, known as Ceratostigma, are an autumn delight. These low growers prefer a sheltered spot and will even lean up against a warm fence or wall. I like the newer variety Ceratostigma willmotianum Forest Blue that has electric blue flowers.

12

New Road, Sherborne DT9 5NR Tel: 01935 814633

BRIMSMORE GARDENS Tintinhull Road, Yeovil BA21 3NU Tel: 01935 411000

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

Blooming Wild Nursery A small family-run retail nursery set on a hill overlooking the beautiful South Somerset countryside, specialising in growing herbaceous perennials and ornamental grasses.

From humble beginnings at their original site in North Dorset Will and Lauren Holley have developed their new nursery in Horsington, South Somerset to provide them with a dream space to grow the plants they love.

The site was purchased as a field and the family have spent the last four years transforming it into a functional nursery that houses two large polytunnels, one shade tunnel, a potting/ storage barn, capillary growing-on beds with automated rainwater harvested irrigation, a large car park and a brand new retail area. This area offers customers the chance to browse amongst current plants of interest and pay at the bespoke retail shed.

The Holleys love nothing more than chatting to customers about their planting projects and advising them on the right plant for the right place. Having worked with garden designers and other trade professionals in the past they are keen to continue to develop these relationships.

Their passion lies in growing a wide range of perennials and grasses to suit all the different growing conditions found in gardens. Having honed their palette of plants over the years they are proud to offer their customers the best species and cultivars available, many of which cannot be found in the average garden centre. They grow over three hundred different varieties all suited to the naturalistic planting style and are fantastic for pollinators.

All of Blooming Wild’s plants are grown in peat-free compost in recyclable taupe pots. They look forward to planting new stock beds which will enable customers to see mature plants which can then be purchased from the nursery. This will provide them with stock plants that can be used for propagation throughout the season.

The Holleys look forward to welcoming you to the nursery.

Opening hours (March–October) Wednesday–Friday: 9:30–4:30 Saturday: 10–4 Closed: Sunday–Tuesday For further information please visit their website www.bloomingwild.co.uk

Follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @bloomingwildnursery Alternatively contact them on info@bloomingwild.co.uk or tel: 01963 371060

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

GARDENING PET HEALTH

NEXT STEPS AT OUR VETS

By Matt Saunders BVetMed MRCVS, Newton Clarke Veterinary Surgeons As the government has taken its first steps in easing our lockdown, we all wait to see what the future holds for us and the containment of the Covid-19 virus. It has certainly made us consider our next steps as a veterinary practice.

We have operated a strict closed door policy to pet owners, with histories being taken often by telephone and pets being brought into the surgery to be examined without their owners.

I appreciate this has been a stressful situation especially for those of you with anxious pets; however, we have felt this is the best way to ensure your safety and the ongoing safety of our teams.

The way we are currently working may seem impersonal but rest assured from the moment your pets enter the building they are affectionately attended to by a nurse whilst the vet carries out any examinations and treatments required. Please also take comfort in the fact that most pets are perfectly happy in a relaxed environment, often more so then a when their owners are present!

As cafes, bars and restaurants have now begun to re-open and with leisure centres re-opening soon, we will however continue to operate the same policy we have for the last few months throughout July and into August as we and the government assess the response to these new freedoms.

As many businesses are re-opening, the question may well be why are we not now following suit? The answer is, we are able to function very well as a veterinary surgery without owners entering the buildings. I appreciate it is a more time consuming process for us and often yourselves but why put each other in harm’s way when so much progress has been made?

We are getting ourselves ready for when the time comes to invite pet owners back into the buildings in a carefully controlled manner. The difficulty arises when we try to bring pet owners back into the consult rooms. This would mean spending 15–20 minutes in a confined space together, requiring PPE to be worn by both the vet and pet owner and then a period of ventilation and sterilisation of the room between consultations. This is just not feasible or viable for us given the current number of pets requiring treatment of an urgent or non-urgent nature.

We would love to welcome pet owners back into the building and consult rooms to engage with you all personally once more. It would also be more efficient, allow you to maintain contact with your pet for the entirety of your visit and free up members of our team to carry out other important roles such as nurse clinics. We just do not feel this is the safest way for us to operate at present and the safety of you and our team is and will remain paramount. A case of Covid-19 at either site would not only put many at risk but almost certainly result in the temporary closure of a surgery.

Please be patient, we would not choose to work under these restrictions and would love for things to be back to how they were but our feeling is it is a little too soon. We all wait with interest as to what the next few months bring.

As the weather once again appears to be improving, please remember the effect of heatstroke on your pets – it can be life threatening and often is. The risk of hot cars has been highlighted to everyone over the years and thankfully we do not see these cases frequently any more.

Dogs do not regulate their temperatures as well as we do, especially the brachycephalic breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs and Boxers; they do not have the ability to pant effectively to cool themselves down. My advice would be to take all precautions possible. Avoid walks during the hotter hours, especially for the more at risk breeds. Try and provide areas of shade, even a paddling pool and you can also get cooling jackets for your pets! Enjoy the sun but take care.

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

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

13

FINANCE

COMPUTING

A PORTFOLIO FOR ALL SEASONS

By Mark Salter, Financial Planner Someone once told me that “if it’s false and bad it’s news and if it’s true and good it isn’t”. While that assertion might be pushing it a bit, I think it illustrates a truism of our 24-hour media-driven world, namely that unsubstantiated and negative stories dominate the news.

Over the short term, investment market values react disproportionately to news, with prices adjusting all the time both to new information and investor sentiment. The more extreme the events, the more volatile markets will be. The current pandemic is a typical example of this dynamic in action.

However, over the long term, investment market values are driven by the earnings generated by businesses and the dividends they distribute to their shareholders.

When investment markets fall many investors become more fearful and suffer from extreme pessimism. Sometimes those who need to invest for the long term become reluctant to invest ‘until markets settle down’.

Others liquidate their portfolio and revert to cash as a defensive move, even though their capital may still be well ahead of what they invested and they have no immediate need for access to the capital.

Good financial planners understand and anticipate such wealth-destroying behaviour and regularly remind clients on how to keep emotions in check. By the time you hear something on the news the market will already have adjusted prices to reflect the new information, so you will be too late to benefit from it.

Every time there is a major market shock the media peddle the line that ‘this time it’s different.’ Investors would do well to remember that the media needs to sell copies and advertising space and financial companies need to sell financial products that generate profits. The interests of the media and the financial industry are not aligned with those of investors. The next time you see an ‘expert’ opining on what’s going to happen next, ask yourself “if they really knew what was going to happen, why would they tell everyone – for free?”

By Jimmy Flynn, Milborne Port Computers

The advent of internet download and streaming has just about killed it off. New PCs and laptops rarely have a built-in CD player any more as even the install programs for computers are all downloadable today. The same can be said for DVDs. You don’t need to buy the latest movie on DVD, you just rent it and stream from Netflix or 14

While I can’t tell you that 2020 won’t be a bad year for investment markets, I can tell you that for long term investors it doesn’t matter. FFP clients have portfolios designed for all seasons allowing them to get on with living to the full and taking the worry out of managing wealth.

Investors need to remember that they will pay the price of poor financial decisions in the long term, not the media or financial industry which sells unhealthy investment strategies and products. The media is specifically exempt from the suitability requirements under which regulated financial advisers are (quite rightly) obliged to operate.

R.I.P. CD & DVD, USB & SD A long time ago, in a land far, far away … my father came to visit me at college in Portsmouth and we went to look at the new technology on the high street; the “Compact Disc”. Many years before he had gone with his father to look at electronic gramophones playing records at 331⁄3 rpm … how time marches on. What relevance does this have I hear you ask? Well, this bit of tech has lasted no more than 40 years.

It’s worth restating the four key principles to financial success: 1. Have a plan which reflects your money values, life goals, financial resources and risk profile 2. Adopt an asset allocation which reflects your plan 3. Ensure that your portfolio is periodically reviewed and rebalanced 4. Stick to your plan through thick and thin.

Amazon. As for storing your pics on disc to show the family at the weekend … just email them or share them on Facebook.

The USB port on your computer has been a good friend for years, USB1, USB2 (10x faster) and now USB3 (100x faster) is even obsolete before we’ve started realising its benefits.

Designed for connecting keyboards, mouses, printers, scanners, cameras etc., all of these devices now connect by Wi-fi or Bluetooth. What about your external hard disk and memory stick? … on-line storage and backup are now replacing these peripheral systems. Even cameras now come with built-in storage that simply connects to your Wi-fi and uploads automatically to cloud storage and social media.

The good old PC was originally made the width it was so it could incorporate the 5¼” CD drive, with this limitation removed we now see an increasing number of small form factor (SFF) computers over half the width of their predecessors. Then take away the old floppy disk drive and the card reader, add the energy efficient processor and smaller power supply needed as there is so much less to power, and you end up with a much more manageable package. Is it cheaper? Not really, computer prices have remained pretty static as the manufacturers have simply replaced all this with

more memory and processing power. The same is true of laptops that are now smaller and thinner, but not much cheaper.

However nothing much changes today or tomorrow as this is progressive; you’ll only really notice the difference when you buy a new PC or laptop, and then you’ll just have to adapt your workings to suit the new technology. Occasionally, really old peripherals will need to be replaced as they simply won’t work with your newer equipment, but normally there is enough overlap between the old and the new to prevent this.

“Progress?”, I hear you ask.

Mostly, but not always! Isn’t that always the way?

So where does this leave us?

Follow us online: www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

/TheConduitMag

@conduitmag

LEGAL

THE PUZZLE OF CONVEYANCING

By Laura Godfrey, Associate Solicitor at Pardoes Solicitors LLP

Conveyancing is like a puzzle; trying to put each piece together until you have a completed picture. However, you don’t hold all the pieces and you have to wait and rely on other people to give them to you.

Plus with a chain of transactions all the conveyancers in the chain must put their own puzzle together, but you all have to be ready to complete your puzzle at the same time. One missing piece in any one of those puzzles and everyone has to wait.

In the past few months the conveyancing sector has had to adapt, and adapt quickly, with our puzzles becoming more complex than ever before!

We have always had good systems in place at Pardoes that have allowed us to work electronically on our files. Our unique cloud based system, My Legal Space, has been of much benefit to our clients, agents, brokers…etc. now more than ever.

At the outset of the Lockdown Measures we continued to be busy working on transactions sales and purchases of empty properties (which adhered to Government guidance), including new build properties, properties requiring renovation and buy-to-let properties, as well as dealing with remortgages, lease extensions and transfers of properties between family members.

We had many clients who were in chains (both buying and selling) and initially the Government guidance was to delay those transactions whilst Lockdown Measures were in place. We were therefore pleased when the Property Market “reopened” in May and we were able to progress those transactions which had been on hold.

I am sure a lot of good will come from the challenges we have faced.

The use of technology to improve communication is something I will continue when I am back in our office. On a daily basis I have been carrying out virtual meetings with colleagues and clients and it has been surprising to see how well this has worked. I am also enjoying not working with so much paperwork and I will continue working in a “paper-light” manner – not only to save time and costs but also to save resources.

At Pardoes we understand that even at the best of times property dealings can be very stressful and probably one of the most important financial decisions someone will ever make. This is why as a team we do our utmost to ensure the whole process goes as swiftly and smoothly as possible.

A MESSAGE FROM VICTIM SUPPORT

At Victim Support Dorset we understand that in these unprecedented times people are feeling anxious and isolated and to become a victim of crime on top of this can be very difficult to cope with. If you’ve been affected by crime, we can give you the support you need to move forward. Our confidential and free service is available to all victims of crime regardless of whether the crime has been reported or how long ago it happened.

You can self-refer to our service for one to one support with a trained caseworker or supporter by phoning us on 0300 3030 163, open Mon to Fri 9-6 and late on Tues and Thurs until 8pm. You can also use our confidential live chat service which can be accessed via our webpage https://www.victimsupport. org.uk. Or contact our national support line free on 08 08 16 89 111 who are available 24/7.

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

15

Business BUSINESS

GOOD GAME, GOOD GAME

By Jim Rayner

My first supermarket trip during the lockdown was a joyless experience. The hazard tape dividing the floor into two metre boxes and the one-way no-overtaking system were new, but the usual friendly buzz was gone and the staff looked nervy and on edge. Somehow the managers had made shopping safer, but in the process sucked the life from it. The game was no longer enjoyable for customers or for staff.

Businesses succeed by having systems and rules to deliver value to their customers consistently. But on top of that they need to have life and personality. Their own particular way of doing things needs to be wrapped up in a game that customers and staff all want to play.

Look at any well run business and you’ll see a game with defined rules. There’s the supermarket game: we fill our trolley or basket before choosing whether to empty it onto the conveyor belt or place our unexpected items into the bagging area. The staff meanwhile are playing different roles, filling the shelves, checking our age before selling us glue, and mopping up spillages in the drinks aisle.

its Swedish meatballs, yellow and blue bags and disorientating showroom tour. Lidl has its centre aisles which this week may contain spot-welding gear or unicycles. And Argos has its “Ticket number 73 to your collection point.”

Covid-19 has forced change upon us, typically from government regulations or guidance from trade bodies. We also have to reckon with changes in customer behaviour; some have been scared witless while others are carelessly gung-ho. We need to adapt our games so that our staff and customers are not just safe, but feel safe, and want to carry on playing.

Every business is different and getting your game right may require experimenting. Here are a few pointers.

• Structure. Nobody wants to work with or work for a chaotic business.

• Clarity. Don’t leave customers wondering if it’s waitress service.

Yes, you, Nandos!

• Consistency. Constant rule tinkering annoys employees. And moving the eggs irritates customers.

• Choice. Customers are all different, offer them choices.

• Rewarding. If there’s pain, such as queuing, make your product worth waiting for.

• Predictable. Customers get confused if service standards vary and they don’t know what to expect.

• Fun. It doesn’t have to be constant fun but cheerfulness and the occasional surprise are good.

It is, of course, small enterprises that are ideally placed to put the joy back into doing business.

STAY ON TOP OF THE NUMBERS PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS

There are other familiar games: the petrol station game, the pub lunch game, the online recipe box game, and the bookshop game. All with their own well understood rules. Some businesses have developed unique games or particular variations. IKEA has

SAVE LIVELIHOODS BUSINESS NUMBER EXPERTS WWW.JAMES-RAYNER.CO.UK

STAMP DUTY RELIEF

Those people who are not replacing their main residence and are purchasing a property to let out or for use as a second home will still be required to pay the higher rate of stamp duty at 3% up to £500,000, but, the new rules mean this is not now paid on top of the standard rate of stamp duty since there is the new zero relief up to £500,000.

Those purchasers will therefore also incur a financial saving.

By Ross Siviter, Battens Solicitors

After several months of being in lock down without being able to move or attend viewings, Chancellor, Rishi Sunak’s recent announcement that the threshold for the payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax (stamp duty) has been temporarily increased to £500,000 up until 31 March 2021 is a relief to many purchasers.

Stamp duty is a tax paid by anyone who purchases a property in the UK. Previously, there were different rates across England and for certain types of buyers but from 8 July 2020, those wishing to purchase a new property in England and Northern Ireland to use as their main residence (be it a first time buyer or a seasoned home mover) will not pay any stamp duty on the first £500,000 of the purchase price.

As an example, a purchaser wishing to purchase a property for £390,000 would previously have had to pay £9,500. However under the new guidelines, the stamp duty payable is now £0, a huge financial saving. This also applies to those people purchasing a new leasehold property up to £500,000.

For those purchasing for more than £500,000 there are savings also as you will only be taxed on the amount over £500,000 on a sliding scale.

As an example, a purchaser who has agreed a purchase price of £715,000 prior to 8 July would have paid £25,750. in stamp duty.

The same purchaser will today pay £10,750, a saving of £15,000.

16

As an example, someone purchasing a second home for £250,000 would have previously had to pay stamp duty at £10,000.00, which includes the higher rate stamp duty land tax portion. From 8 July, however, the stamp duty payable would just be the higher rate portion of £7,500, a saving of £2,500.

This news is very much welcomed by home buyers across England and will be an instant saving for those that are completing after 8 July until 31 March 2021. Sarah Ford, Senior Associate Solicitor and Head of Residential Property says “we anticipate a sharp rise in those people now looking to purchase a property and hopefully a busy summer period to get the economy moving. If you have been thinking about moving properties whilst in lockdown, now may be the best time to start looking whilst potentially being able to make a huge financial saving on stamp duty.” For those looking to move, or if you wish to discuss the stamp duty changes further, please contact a member of our residential property team. For more information, contact Ross Siviter on 01935 846092 or email ross.siviter@battens. co.uk.

Follow us online: www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

/TheConduitMag

@conduitmag

BEING AN f:ENTREPRENEUR!

BUSINESS

Sarah Ali Choudhury updates us on the latest developments in the National Small Business Campaign which put her in the spotlight at The House of Lords Small business campaign f:Entrepreneur, which highlights inspiring female business leaders across the UK, celebrated its #ialso100 list of female business owners for the second year on 4 March, in the lead-up to International Women’s Day with an exclusive reception at the House of Lords, attended by the #ialso100. This is a collection of female entrepreneurs who are recognised for inspiring their peers and communities through their businesses and wider activities.

I was honoured to be invited to speak at The House of Lords about my experience of being on the f:Entrepreneur #ialso100 List for 2019.

I shared my successes over the past year which included being featured in Forbes, presenting a BBC programme, becoming Smile Ambassador for Dental Concepts and being flown to India for an allexpenses paid stay in a 7 star hotel plus my collaboration with Podcast Labs for The Curry Queen Podcast, various book endorsements and numerous speaking opportunities and sharing, “By being in the #ialso100 you’re about to go on a journey... this campaign has opened so many doors for me”.

The aim of f:Entrepreneur is to showcase multi-achieving women in the list #ialso100, to provide lessons of challenge and success for all small business founders – both men and women. The campaign is built around a programme of content, stories and events including roundtables, Q&A sessions and panels as well as larger all-day events.

f:Entrepreneur is run by Small Business Britain, the UK’s leading champion of small businesses which offers support, knowledge and access to the country’s 5.8 million small businesses – no matter their location, their industry, or their size.

Both f:Entrepreneur and Small Business Britain were founded by Michelle Ovens MBE, who is also director of Small Business Saturday. Michelle spoke at the House of Lords event alongside event host and former cabinet secretary Lord Young of Graffham, and myself, an Indian food expert and entrepreneur.

The event was supported

by Fintech business banking platform Tide.

Michelle Ovens MBE said: “The idea for the #ialso campaign was born from International Women’s Day 2018, during a breakfast event where the phrase used most by the gathered entrepreneurs was “I also…”, with each woman describing their work as being much more than a single-job career.

It led us to want to highlight the work of incredible women, creating the most amazing opportunities for their communities and doing so much more than just a day job. “We are making the case that the word ‘entrepreneur’ should not be reserved for men – with the word ‘female’ tagged onto the start for women who have started small businesses. f:Entrepreneur demonstrates the breadth of sectors women are leading in and the value they bring to so many people’s lives.”

About f:Entrepreneur: Michelle Ovens MBE set up the f:Entrepreneur Campaign, which launched on International Women’s Day 2017, because of the growing sense that there should be more recognition for the power women who run so many businesses in the UK. The goal of the campaign is to celebrate the dynamic and inspirational businesses led by women in the UK. It is aimed at both men and women, because everyone has something to learn from these stories of challenge and success.

Through events, content and story-telling, f:Entrepreneur showcases role models to help and inspire all small businesses.

About Small Business Britain: Small Business Britain is the UK’s leading champion of small businesses, supporting all 5.8 million small businesses in the UK – no matter their location, their sector, or their size. Led by Michelle Ovens MBE, Small Business Britain projects the voice of small businesses, backs the causes they are passionate about and inspires them to help one another and the people around them. Small Business Britain ensures small businesses are recognised for the incredible value they provide and the day-to-day impact they have on the lives of everyone in the UK, by policy makers, the media and the public, to foster increased small business confidence.

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

17

Motoring MOTORING

IS IT INVINCIBLE?

By Tim Saunders, Motoring Correspondent

HMS Invincible, a popular name for a Royal Navy ship, was an aircraft carrier, in operation for 28 years before being decommissioned in 2005. I am reminded of this as I confront the gargantuan Toyota Land Cruiser Invincible.

Finished in a pleasing metallic blue it is a huge presence on the driveway, dwarfing everything in sight including my little son, Henry (4). And when behind the wheel it feels like you’re taking your settee for a spin. Sit back and relax while this 2.8-litre diesel effortlessly transports you to your destination. The harder it is worked the louder the engine gets but it’s a comforting roar. It’ll cover around 400 miles on a tank returning around 30mpg, which considering its sheer weight isn’t bad really.

It can wallow a bit when slowing down, mainly due to its height and large tyres, but it can be driven at speed, if necessary.

This very capable vehicle is extremely well suited to a large family but also makes ideal transport for a farmer needing to traverse his many acres of land. I like the external design and the high up driving position where you look down on all other off-roaders. I particularly like the vast amount of space inside.

This is a seven-seater and the third row is put in place by simply pushing a couple of switches in the boot. All very easy, which is much appreciated because there are cars where getting the third row into position can be a bit of a nightmare. This function alone allows us to take a family friend on a trip with us as well as collecting Grandma.

Tim Saunders is an advanced motorist and journalist. He has always been passionate about motoring and regularly reviews cars from the leading manufacturers. His first report on a BMW 520i was published in the Dorset Echo when he was 17 (just after passing his driving test) in 1995. He went on to become business and motoring editor at the Bournemouth Echo.

The hardwearing leather seats are comfortable. The driver’s seat is electrically adjustable and proves to be supportive over a long journey.

The cruise control allows this beast to be driven in the most efficient manner but generally cancels out at speeds below 30mph. It cannot always be relied upon when hills are encountered either - over revving the engine when confronted with a steep drop. We meet a dustcart travelling up one of these steep hills and slamming it into sports mode and pushing the accelerator to the floor sees Invincible safely overtake and that fuel gauge drop a little…

We drive across West Sussex, which is completely saturated by persistent rainfall. As the water soaked roads result in us being engulfed on occasions, the wipers make light work of the situation and calm is quickly restored. Tempted as I am to slip off into a field I resist the temptation as the children and my wife are pleasantly relaxed and I don’t want to upset the apple cart.

Accessing the third row of seats is easy enough; simply pull the lever beside either the left or right seat on the second row and this will pull forward giving access to the back row. Henry and Heidi (7) bagsy the back row, giving Harriett (9) a bit of space in front of them. It works well with little bickering as is so often the case with them these days.

Brewers Garage.qxp_Layout 1 16/03/2020 14:23 Page 1

BRISTOL ROAD GARAGE Western Ways Yard, Bristol Road, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4HR

• DIAGNOSTICS • MOT • SERVICING

• REPAIRS • AIR CON SERVICING • TYRES

Call us on 01935 18

812720

FACTS AT A GLANCE Toyota Land Cruiser Invincible 5dr 7 seat 2.8 auto diesel Top speed: 109 mph 0-60mph: 13 secs

Economy: 30 mpg Power: 177 bhp

Watch the video at www.testdrives.biz

LIFESTYLE

INSPIRATIONS FOR THE CURIOUS SHOPPER

By Dawn Woodward, The Emporium, Yeovil I’d particularly like to Hello from all of us mention The Oak Tree at The Emporium in and Acorn Company Yeovil, I wanted to who joined us on 1 July.

The proprietors Rebecca start off by thanking and Jan are based in our amazing customers Surrey and have outlets for their wonderful in various locations across the South and South West. support since we Selling a fantastic selection reopened our shop of gifts and kitchenware, in June. We have including a vast array of Sophie Allport mugs and Rebecca and Jan of The Oak certainly been feeling kitchen textiles as well as Tree & Acorn Company the love, heartfelt some lovely gifts for little thanks to all who have visited ones, we’re delighted to have them join us. Adding to the shopping experience in us since lockdown. Our safety Yeovil, their shop is bound to inspire you! measures are working as well Good luck to Rebecca and Jan with their as can be and staff & customers new venture and a big warm welcome to South Somerset! are gaining confidence as the Much of our effort throughout August will weeks progress.

You’ll probably know that The Emporium is home to around 60 different independent businesses, all trading from our Town Centre location in Yeovil. Our traders sell all sorts, spanning antiques and vintage collectables, to interior design and giftware. Some of our members also offer services like The Temple, or Lissy Jane Vocal Tuition, and we even have an Independent Financial Advisor and Mortgage Advisors working out of an office at The Emporium!

We’ve recently been blown away by the demand for retail space and are delighted to say that many new shops have launched in our store recently.

be spent getting The Emporium Cafe back up and running. After a long lockdown, you’ll appreciate the scale of the job in hand! We reopened our café on 20 July.

We’ve not been idle and as you’ll see on the front cover of this issue, our café has been given a very stylish, new look!

We’ve removed 16 seats from our spacious restaurant to enable social distancing, introduced all of the required safety measures and created lots of comfy corners! All of the furniture, materials and accessories used were sourced from The Emporium and we’re very pleased with the look we’ve created. We’ve also increased the number of outdoor tables - we feel it’s now the the perfect balance of safety and style!

Now with a new, delicious menu and a great wine list, supplied by The Somerset Wine Co, based in Castle Cary, we’re offering the perfect location for relaxed breakfast, lunch, drinks and nibbles, just a great place to escape to!

Throughout August, we’ll be taking part in the government’s ‘eat out to help out’ initiative, so you’ll receive a 50% discount worth up to £10 off your food and nonalcoholic drinks. This offer is available every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in August, so make sure you call us on 01935 411378 and reserve a table. To make an online table reservation please visit tableagent/theemporiumcafe Be sure to enter our competition too, you might be the lucky winner!

Please contact us for any further information, if you have a shopping enquiry, need to book a table in our cafe, or you’d like to join us as a trader, our contact details are here:E mail: info@theemporiumyeovil.co.uk; Tel: 01935 411378 (office) or 579482 (shop) Website: TheEmporiumYeovil. co.uk; Follow us on Facebook/ TheEmporium.

COMPETITION Win a meal for two at The Emporium!

WIN a fabulous prize of a meal and drinks for two* at The Emporium by answering the following question: Where have we sourced the furnishings for The Emporium Café?

Send answers by Monday 24 August with your name and contact details and the subject heading “Emporium competition” to info@ theconduitmagazine.co.uk or post it to the Conduit’s address on p3.

Good luck! *Please note the value of the prize is up to a cost of £50 for two and has to be taken before 30 September 2020.

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

19

ARTS

By Julie Locke

VISUAL ART

Until Tuesday 28 July from 10.00am to 4.00pm at Shaftesbury Art Centre Gallery, there is an exhibition of large colourful oil on canvas paintings

by Gabrielle Bill. Her show ‘At One with Nature’ is all about the human form hidden within a natural environment. Gabrielle’s inspiration comes from her life and travels abroad. Box Office 01747 854321. www. shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk.

From Saturday 8 August to Saturday 12 September from 10.00am at ACEarts, Somerton, there is an exhibition entitled ‘Somerset’ by Jenny Graham.

The series of large paintings of the five districts of Somerset was created especially for this exhibition space, and includes etchings and assemblages relating to this magnificent county. Exhibition opening times for August: Thursday to Saturday 10.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.00pm. In September, the exhibition will also open on Wednesdays.

From Saturday 15 August, Bruton Art Society’s 67th Annual Exhibition will be online at www. brutonartsociety.co.uk. View some of the finest art in the southwest from the Society’s professional and amateur artist membership. All work in the exhibition will have gone through a selection process and will be for sale. Bruton Art Society has about 230 members which include amateur and professional artists. Thinking of joining? Membership costs just £15 per annum.

For general enquiries, email secretarybrutonart@gmail.com.

Until Wednesday 30 September from 10.00am to 4.00pm in The Hanging Chapel, Langport, is a new Pop-up Gallery. The spectacular thirteenth century Hanging Chapel has been made available as the backdrop for the Hanging Gallery by kind permission of the Portcullis Lodge of Freemasons and Langport Town Trust. The gallery showcases the work of David Sims, a resident of Langport, who has been nominated for British Landscaper Photographer of the Year 2020 in two categories.

The pieces are inspired by the wildlife and light of the Somerset Levels. His work is created on different mediums, including metal, aluminium, wood and paper. Viewing is by appointment; only two people maximum and social distancing at all times. Book via Facebook or Instagram or by phone (07850 997671). The Wild West collection is now available to order via the Facebook online shop.

ACEarts Virtual Exhibitions ‘In Search of Northern Soul’ by abstract artist Leonard Green explores the energetic movement in the dances related to Northern Soul music.

Powerful dynamic compositions overlaid with gestural drawing.

Jenni Dutton’s ‘The Dementia Darnings’ explores the effects of ageing and dementia using wool and thread. These current virtual exhibitions can be viewed at www.theabsentgallery.co.uk/ acearts. ACE stands for Art Care Education. As a charity they aim to provide art and creative activity to inspire, empower and enable people to develop and grow.

MUSIC

In Search of Northern Soul – ACEarts 20

Every day whilst in lockdown, Dan Baker has been recording a ‘song-a-day’ from his home studio. When not confined to home, he is the violinist from gypsy-swing/French chanson band Petites Annonces. His

song-a-day project covers a comprehensive range of genres and is always delightful with that gypsy-swing toe tapping feel!

All songs are available to view via the link at www.artsreach. co.uk/news/digital-diary or on his YouTube channel.

such as the annual Light Up a Life service for St Margaret’s Hospice. The repertoire is broad, including both accompanied and a cappella music. Anyone with previous experience of choral conducting who is interested in the position should visit www.yeovilchamberchoir. org or phone Vee Cockerell (Chairman) 01935 882604 or Elizabeth Gowers (Secretary) 01935 425383 for further details.

Applications must be received

by Monday 31 August 2020. The Choir is a registered educational charity and a member of Making Music (the National Federation of Music Societies).

Concerts in the West have created a section with pages of links to music performed by wonderful musicians, some of whom have previously performed for Concerts in the West, and others who are due to perform for the group at some point. Visit www. concertsinthewest.org to see what is available.

Tim Kliphuis Whilst in lockdown, genre-bending concert violinist, composer and educator Tim has been releasing videos on his YouTube channel, as well as writing his next composition ‘The Five Elements’, composed in crisis, about the crisis! This epic 30-minute piece, to be released in September, will feature his trio band members recording from Hilversum, Dublin and Edinburgh, as well as other top musicians. Watch all Tim’s video via the link at www. artsreach.co.uk/news/digitaldiary.

PERFORMANCE

Tim Kliphuis

On Thursday 23 July at 7.00pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue in Yeovil, there is a recorded live broadcast from The Old Vic, London, of Arthur Miller’s blistering drama ‘All My Sons’ (2019). America 1947, Joe and Kate Keller are a success story, but their contented lives are about to shatter. A figure from the past forces long buried truths to the surface, laying bare the price of their American dream. Writer: Arthur

Yeovil Chamber Choir seeks new Musical Director for September 2020. The Choir, which has about 20 singers from Somerset and Dorset, is an amateur mixedvoice choir with a good local reputation. Rehearsals observe the academic calendar and members perform concerts at least three times a year as well as participating in other events,

Follow us online: www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

/TheConduitMag

ArtsReach’s Digital Diary and the ArtsReach YouTube playlist will be regularly updated on the website. The page is constantly changing so keep checking back and keep sharing it. Past performances can also be viewed at www.artsreach.co.uk/ whats-on.

Take Art is a unique organisation that works with people in the villages, towns and rural communities of Somerset. Every year it provides opportunities for all ages and abilities to experience, participate and work within the arts. From its hub in South Petherton it runs one of the UK’s most celebrated rural touring schemes, along with county-wide projects that focus on supporting artists, children, young people and communities.

Check www.takeart.org for the latest online shows.

@conduitmag

ARTS

Miller. Director: Jeremy Herrin.

Stars: Bill Pullman, Sally Field, Jenna Coleman. Tickets £11.50 to £17.00. Box Office 01935 422884.

On Thursday 30 July at 7.00pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue in Yeovil, there is a recorded live broadcast from The Old Vic, London, of Noël Coward’s provocative comedy ‘Present Laughter’.

As he prepares to embark on an overseas tour, star actor Garry’s colourful life is in danger of spiralling out of control.

Engulfed by an escalating identity crisis as his many and various relationships compete for his attention, Garry’s few remaining days at home are a chaotic whirlwind of love, sex, panic and soul-searching. A giddy and surprisingly modern reflection on fame, desire and loneliness. Director: Matthew Warchus. Stars: Andrew Scott.

Tickets £11.50 to £17.00. Box Office 01935 422884.

quickly and creatively, people from across the theatre-making spectrum have used their imaginations to produce snapshots of what the world means to them right now. BARN is a collective theatre initiative, facilitated by Take Art, to support Somerset’s theatremaking sector. www.takeart.org/ event/somersets-one-minutetheatre-festival.

On Sunday 2 August at 2.30pm and 7.00pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue in Yeovil, there is a recorded live broadcast from the London Palladium of the multi-awardwinning and critically-acclaimed production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s ‘The King and I’. The musical’s plot relates the experiences of Anna, a British schoolteacher, hired as part of the King of Siam’s drive to modernize his country. The relationship between them is marked by conflict through much of the piece, as well as by a love to which neither can admit. Director: Bartlett Sher. Cast: Kelli O’Hara, Ken Watanabe, Ruthie Ann Miles.

Tickets £8.50 to £14.00. Box Office 01935 422884.

On Thursday 6 August at 7.00pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue in Yeovil, there is a screening of Shakespeare’s most famous romantic comedy ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, filmed live from the Bridge Theatre in London. A feuding fairy King and Queen of the forest cross paths with four

runaway lovers and a troupe of actors trying to rehearse a play. As their dispute grows, the magical royal couple meddle with mortal lives leading to love triangles, mistaken identities and transformations… with hilarious, but dark consequences. The theatre becomes a forest - a dream world of flying fairies, contagious fogs and moonlight revels, surrounded by a roving audience following the action on foot. Director: Nicholas Hytner. Cast: Gwendoline Christie, Oliver Chris, David Moorst. Tickets £11.50 to £17.00. Box Office 01935 422884.

SONGS FOR

A SOMERSET

SOLSTICE FEATURING

REG MEUROSS

WAS STREAMED ON ZOOM With the doors of The David Hall performing arts venue closed due to the pandemic, Petherton Arts Trust (PAT) has to be innovative when it comes to ensuring the venue has some income. Which is why, on Father’s Day in June, PAT arranged its very first concert via Zoom computer technology.

The two-hour event – called Songs for a Somerset Solstice – featured Crewkerne-based Folk singer and songwriter, Reg Meuross, and was streamed into 83 homes. The income was split between Reg and The David Hall.

Present Laughter – NT Live

Until Friday 31 July, BARN & Wassail Theatre present Somerset’s One Minute Theatre Festival. The Festival was originated by Ged Stephenson and is a collaboration with Wassail Theatre for the theatremaking community in Somerset to support each other in these challenging times. Responding

bad, salvation can show up in darned unexpected shapes. Noone in Hope Springs will ever forget The Magnificent Three!

Watch this comedy western via the link at www.artsreach.co.uk/ news/digital-diary or via Miracle Theatre’s YouTube channel.

The King and I Until Tuesday 4 August at 7.00pm, Miracle Theatre’s production of ‘The Magnificent Three’ is available online to enjoy for free. When times are

BRUTON ART SOCIETY

67th Annual Exhibition

“Reg is a huge supporter of our venue so he was the first person we thought to contact about this idea,” explained Emma Westerman, Administrator at The David Hall.

Reg Meuross was on tour when the pandemic hit the UK, so was forced to come off the road and has been running a pre-recorded online ‘Reg’s Sunday Best Lockdown Jukebox’ on Facebook every Sunday. The Zoom event by Petherton Arts Trust was his first live streamed solo gig. Reg has been on the music scene since the 1980s and is considered to be a true troubadour. Winner of many plaudits, his most recent was Soloist of the Year at the Folking.com Awards 2019. Reg released a new single – Shine On – on 1st May, described by the press as “a beacon of hope in troubled times”.

Emma Westerman added: “This on-line event allowed us to interact with our loyal audience members while The David Hall cannot be used and trying something new in this way also informed us as to how we might operate in the future.”

News of other events aimed at raising funds while The David Hall is closed can be found on the website – www. thedavidhall.org.uk

Affordable Art from the best Regional Artists Opens 15 August online only - brutonartsociety.co.uk

The David Hall has joined the national fundraising campaign, Save our Venues, run by the Music Venues Trust, and the Zoom event with Reg Meuross supported the cause by raising the profile of live music.

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

21

ARTS

Every Wednesday at 8.00pm on ArtsReach’s Digital Diary, see poet Luke Wright Live.

Luke has appeared as part of The Inn Crowd (a project which helps rural pub landlords put on live spoken-word shows in the comfort of their pub).

Now, every Wednesday during lockdown, Luke is taking to twitter and performing his poetry live. ‘His performances rumble with rage, passion and humour’ (The Guardian). Go to www.artsreach.co.uk/news/ digital-diary and click on the link to watch Luke Wright Live.

Every Friday at 2.00pm on ArtsReach’s Digital Diary, Pentabus Theatre releases a new recording of one of their shows. The latest is ‘This Land’, created by Sian Owen.

Fracking. How far down does one own the land beneath one’s feet? What happens when someone else comes along and stakes a claim? For young couple Bea and Joseph, this is a story of fracture: of fractured hearts, lives and lands. ‘This Land’ digs down through the history, and the future, of a patch of earth and through everything that has happened and will happen there. Watch via the link at www.artsreach.co.uk/news/ digital-diary. www.pentabus. co.uk/whats-on.

‘Stories from the Sticks’ Scratchworks Theatre Company’s new podcast brings together the city-dwelling Scratchworks members (Sian, Alice and Laura) with special guests from isolated communities who invite the listener into their village and share stories of love, history, local myths and community spirit. The latest episode, featuring lifelong friends, Fran and Jan, from Martinstown in Dorset, is full of songs and original music inspired by socially-distanced singing on the village green, tales of duck races in the river, Fran’s infamous muesli pudding and the time everyone pulled together to rescue a war veteran from the floods. Listen via the link at www.artsreach.co.uk/ news/digital-diary.

The Devil’s Violin comprises storyteller Daniel Morden, fiddler Oliver Wilson-Dickson and cellist Sarah Moody. After the amazing response to the Month of Sunday’s stories, The Devil’s Violin has decided to turn them into a storytelling podcast, with more new stories coming in the autumn. Access to the podcast is free but a donation will help the group produce more work. Listen via the link at www.artsreach.co.uk/ news/digital-diary.

The Living Spit Podcast Howard and Stu continue their weekly podcasts looking back at past shows, and discussing a whole host of things, with a dose of their usual humour!

Tune in every week. Go to www. artsreach.co.uk/news/digitaldiary and click on the link to listen to the Living Spit Podcast.

This Land – Pentabus Theatre

Pip Utton toured his awardwinning solo play ‘And Before I Forget I Love You, I Love You’ to Dorset just once back in the spring. Pip’s now taken the show online, so there is another chance to see it.

This play explores the effects of dementia on those who suffer and the ones they leave behind. ‘A richly human story, laced with unexpected humour and a message to seize the day’ (The Stage). Go to www. artsreach.co.uk/news/digitaldiary and click on the link to watch Pip’s new show.

22

‘Discover at Home’, a special version of Arts Award Discover, is aimed at children aged 11 and under. It enables children to be rewarded for the creative activities they enjoy. It supports children to connect with local museums, theatres and arts activities they enjoy, as well as explore new ones, online or at home, until it’s possible to visit them again. With easy to follow guidance and lots of suggestions for arts, craft and creative activities, ‘Discover at Home’ is for parents and carers who may not be arts specialists themselves but are looking for something different to keep children engaged and entertained. They can even gain a certificate! For further information, visit www. learn.artsaward.org.uk/discoverat-home.

I Believe in Unicorns’ Theatre Alibi’s production is now available to view for free. ‘I believe in Unicorns’, by Michael Morpurgo and adapted by Daniel Jamieson, is a magical story about the extraordinary power of books. Tomas didn’t like books or stories. He was happier clambering in the mountains like a goat or tobogganing with his Dad, until the Unicorn Lady came to town and reeled him in with her irresistible magic tales. A spellbinding and moving story.

For 5 to 11 year olds. Watch via the link at www.artsreach.co.uk/ news/digital-diary.

CHILDREN

#ArtJumpStart is a collection of easy art projects to try at home using materials from the recycling bin. Now children and families can get creative together at home. Every day, artist and maker, Darrell Wakelam is releasing free art home-schooling ideas on twitter, from loo roll Hogwarts and spaceships to pasta fish fossils and egg box monkeys!

Join Darrell every day on twitter and get creative. Visit www. artsreach.co.uk/news/digitaldiary and follow the link to download the full collection of art projects.

an exhibition to be held in the Stable Yard Room at the Palace at the end of the holidays, and the winners from each category will also be featured on the Palace website. To enter, families can post/tag the image to the Palace Facebook or Instagram account with the hashtag #MySummer or email it to info@ bishopspalace.org.uk.

PaddleBoat Theatre is finding new ways to engage with children/young people and has produced the following online activities. ‘According to Arthur...’; Arthur lives alone in his attic with only the moon for company, then one night the moon disappears, leaving Arthur to dig deep into his exciting past to find the courage to reconnect with the outside world (story and videos use sign-supported English). Clare’s Tasks; in ‘Clare Hollingworth and the Scoop of the Century’, learn more about Clare and have a go at being a journalist! Create with Us; PaddleBoat creates all shows in collaboration with schoolchildren. Get involved with the creation of the new show ‘Dream Maker’ by watching videos and sending in ideas. Help design a set, create characters, and much more. Go to www.artsreach.co.uk/news/ digital-diary, click on the link and get started!

According to Arthur – PaddleBoat Theatre I Believe in Unicorns

‘My Summer at the Palace’ The Bishop’s Palace, Wells, is running a photography competition for children over the summer holidays. Children are invited to submit their best photo on the theme of ‘My Summer at the Palace’. The photos must be taken within the grounds or buildings of the Palace, and there will be three separate age categories for entries; 1 to 4 yrs, 5 to 10 yrs and 11 to 15 yrs. The winners and runners up will have their work featured in

‘Tales from the Treehouse’ Ben Lindsey-Clark of Treehouse Theatre presents a range of immersive and engaging tales to enjoy. The listener’s imagination is free to draw its own imagery and create its own world inspiring future interaction with the story and its characters.

There are Traditional Tales as well as Myths and Legends to choose from. Treehouse Theatre would love to see any drawings and stories inspired by the tales, so please email them to info@ treehousetheare.com. Listen via the link at www.artsreach.co.uk/ news/digital-diary.

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

MOVIES

AROUND THE TOWNS AND VILLAGES MISBEHAVIOUR (12A)

In 1970 Miss World was the most-watched TV show on the planet with over 100 million viewers. Claiming that beauty competitions demeaned women, the newly formed Women’s Liberation Movement turned the Western ideal of beauty on its head, achieving overnight fame by invading the stage and disrupting the live broadcast of the competition.

SHOWING AT Yeovil on Wednesday 22 July, Westlands Entertainment Venue, 11.00am, 2.30pm, 7.00pm. Tickets £5.00 to £10.00. Box Office 01935 422884.

RIVERDANCE 25th ANNIVERSARY SHOW (12A)

A powerful and stirring reinvention of the show!

Composer Bill Whelan has rerecorded his mesmerising soundtrack, whilst producer Moya Doherty and director John McColgan have completely reimagined the ground-breaking show with innovative and spectacular lighting, projection and stage designs, plus new costume designs by Joan Bergin, to create Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show.

SHOWING AT Yeovil on Sunday 26 July, Westlands Entertainment Venue, 2.30pm, 7.00pm. Tickets £8.50 to £14.00. Box Office 01935 422884.

THE INVISIBLE MAN (15)

Trapped in a violent controlling relationship, Cecilia Kass escapes in the dead of night and disappears into hiding. When Cecilia’s abusive ex takes his own life and leaves her his fortune, she suspects his death was a hoax. As a series of coincidences turn lethal, Cecilia’s sanity begins to unravel as she desperately tries to prove that she is being hunted by someone nobody can see.

SHOWING AT Yeovil on Thursday 23 July, Westlands Entertainment Venue, 11.00am, 2.30pm. Tickets £5.00 to £10.00. Box Office 01935 422884.

Yeovil on Saturday 25 July, Westlands Entertainment Venue, 7.00pm.

Tickets £5.00 to £10.00. Box Office 01935 422884.

TROLLS WORLD TOUR (U)

When the Queen of the Hard Rock Trolls tries to take over all the Troll kingdoms (six different lands devoted to six different kinds of music: Funk, Country, Techno, Classical, Pop and Rock), Queen Poppy and her friends try different ways to save all the Trolls. An animated adventure comedy.

SHOWING AT Yeovil on Friday 24 July, Westlands Entertainment Venue, 11.00am, 2.30pm, 7.00pm. Tickets £5.00 to £10.00. Box Office 01935 422884.

Yeovil on Saturday 25 July, Westlands Entertainment Venue, 11.00am, 2.30pm. Tickets £5.00 to £10.00. Box Office 01935 422884.

Yeovil on Sunday 26 July, Westlands Entertainment Venue, 11.00am.

Tickets £5.00 to £10.00. Box Office 01935 422884.

MOVIOLA is offering ways of continuing to share films together with #MoviolaTogether. To find out more, visit www.moviola.org.

MOVIES

MUSIC

KEEPING AN i ON OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY

By Ross Owen Williams,

Presenter on Radio Ninesprings, 104.5fm As the country attempts to kick-start the economy again, many sectors are facing challenges and the radio industry is no exception. As you may have already read or heard, an international commercial group has folded 50 local stations across the UK into a national network that produces mostly syndicated programming.

While these stations may feature some area-specific news bulletins or occasional regionally produced programmes, these will cover only a limited number of broader areas and won’t have the genuine local feel that listeners look for when they tune to local radio.

Although community radio programming can step up to deliver a truly local offering, some community stations are facing closure, according to the Community Media Association. They suggest that, in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, a third of the UK’s 296 community radio stations are at risk.

Fortunately here at Radio Ninesprings 104.5 FM, we’re confident in both our stability and ability to adapt and evolve. Amongst the many lessons that 2020 has taught us thus far is that support for and within the local community is key to remaining positive, buoyant, and progressive. We consider ourselves fortunate to have a dedicated, supportive listenership, people who share our belief that you really can’t compare with the truly local feel of a genuine community station.

Both Vicky Welton and I call Crewkerne home, while our Breakfast and Drivetime Presenters, Steve Carpenter and Jake Hunter respectively, are both from Yeovil. Other local towns and villages are represented within our Presenter line-up, from Langport’s Greg Bown to Ilminster’s Pippa Hamilton and North Perrott’s Robson James, and Station Manager, Steve Haigh, from East Coker. Make no mistake, we’re as local as it gets.

Now, we’re looking to develop this further.

As part of our ongoing commitment to keep our programming as local as possible, we’ve launched a new initiative; iVoices for iVillages is our search for local correspondents within our broadcasting area, people who love where they live and keep their finger on the pulse of everything going on around their local area, who will be able to keep us and our listeners informed about issues and events from their town or village. If you or someone you know would like to get involved in our iVoices project, do please drop Steve Haigh an email to info@ radioninesprings.co.uk with iVoices in the subject line and we look forward to speaking with you!

Ross Owen Williams presents ‘Lunch With Ross’ each weekday from midday to 2pm, including a local musical spotlight segment at 12.50 pm, as well as the ’Sunday Afternoon Show’ from 4 pm to 6 pm every Sunday.

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

23

SHERBORNE WALKS

HISTORY

WILLOW MUSINGS

By Paul Birbeck, Sherborne Walks & Blue Badge Tour Guide.

Assisted by Kim Creswell, Willow sculptor.

One of the most evocative images of the Somerset Levels are paintings and photographs of pollarded willow trees emerging from the landscape in early spring morning mist. Old willow trees once a common sight lining the ditches are pollarded, ‘beheaded’ about 8ft from the ground. A new head of straight branches grows out from this point and can be harvested when the branches become thick enough. A few pollarded avenues can still be seen as one drives across the Levels.

Throughout history civilizations have used baskets from cradle to grave. Basket makers and withy-beds were common place in communities. Hundreds of years ago, one of Sherborne’s withy-beds used to be where the International College now stands, at the junction of Marston Magna and Sandford Orcas Roads. There remains some evidence of old withy beds and pollarding along the banks of the River Yeo. Basket making is one of the oldest crafts, and techniques still used link us directly with our pre-historic ancestors. ‘Osier’ is a general term for a willow used for basketry, ‘withies’ are the flexible sticks used for weaving. The cultivated areas where willows are grown have many names including ‘bed’, ‘holt’, ‘plat’ ‘grove’ or ‘garden’. In winter or early spring, short willow cuttings are planted in rows. When established these plants are coppiced or pollarded, allowing long, straight rods to grow which will be harvested each winter, when the sap has dropped. There are many naturally occurring bark colours, from bright purples to golden. Some varieties of willow can be steamed, boiled or stripped to create chocolate-brown, buff or white coloured rods.

Willow is a very versatile material, its uses include hurdle making, reinforcing river banks (spiling), wicker furniture, thatching pegs (spars), basket making, eel traps, dying wool and even medicine. The leaves and bark of willow have been used throughout history to relieve aches and pains. We now know that willow contains salicylic acid, which is the basis of Aspirin.

In 1825 the first commercial withy beds were planted on West Sedgemoor. Virtually the whole local economy around North Curry, Burrowbridge, Staithe and Stoke St Gregory depended on withies by the 1920’s. The industry also provided seasonal employment opportunities for ‘strippers’. By the mid 1930’s this labour-intensive industry had collapsed as modern plastics replaced traditional uses.

Abandoned withy beds can still be found on West Sedgemoor.

However, a few commercial businesses still produce willow products.

For a family day out, The Withy Trail is signposted during the summer around the West Sedgemoor villages. The Coates family runs the Willows & Wetlands Centre in Stoke St Gregory showing how the landscape has been created. See exhibits on withy-growing, basket making and teasel growing. The shop stocks an enormous range of willow products made by a team of skilled craftsmen and women using their own home-grown willow.

Local willow sculptor, Kim Creswell, teaches willow basketry and sculpture, holds presentations, demonstrations and foraging walks, as well as growing her own organic willows in Sandford Orcas.

Why not explore the Withy Trail or book the family into one of Kim’s workshops?

Contact: kim@kimcreswell.co.uk / www.kimcreswell.co.uk www.sherbornewalks.co.uk E: paul@sherbornewalks.co.uk 24

WASHING DAY

By Barbara Elsmore It was always women’s work and in cottages and homes up and down the country ‘the washing’ was usually done on a Monday. This was the reason why the serving up of a simple and easy to prepare cold lunch of leftovers from the Sunday roast went on for years. You may see the name ‹Laundry Cottage› on your travels which reveals that this would have been an early and vital cottage industry as well.

The rather magnificent mangle, discovered some 30 years ago hidden behind one of the buildings in Over Compton, looks to be in very good condition.

It has the name Harden, Trevett on it. The business became a limited company in 1926, trading as Harden, Trevett & Son Ltd, Ironmongers, Hardware and General Merchants operating from South Street, Sherborne. It was common practice for ironmongers to have their names cast on items they sold.

At home water was likely heated in a copper, often to be found in an outhouse or scullery. A Dolly tub, now so desirable for use as garden planters, may have been used and to aid the washing, blocks of soap were grated to make soap flakes.

Washing soda and later Borax would help to get the washing clean. I remember the ‘blue bag’ used in the last rinsing water to whiten the clothes. In fact Reckitt’s Crown Blue is still on sale today. Starch would stiffen the clothes and just think of what it would have taken to clean and stiffen the formal white shirt collars back in the day. Of course the washing was dried outside on a line whenever possible. Wooden clothes pegs and a prop were required. Who remembers hoisting up the prop taking the washing up into the wind to give it a better chance of drying?

And then there was the ironing. When we cleared my granny’s house in Nether Compton in 1974 there were half a dozen flat irons still in the kitchen and I kept the smallest (a Number 3 made by E Pugh and Co of Wednesbury) which I had assumed was for the most delicate work, and the mind boggles at how the laundresses would have managed. It was always best to iron when the clothes were still slightly damp and then everything would need to be ‘aired’ before use.

When I was very young my mother did not have a washing machine and each week she would pack some of our dirty washing into a big strong, oblong cardboard box which was collected and later returned with our laundry washed, starched, pressed and ready for use. She would still do quite a lot of washing by hand and there was a special large heavy pan to boil up certain items on top of the stove. At the earliest opportunity and certainly well before we had a refrigerator, the very first family washing machine was purchased.

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

BEAUTY

Welcome to Glazed Sherborne; we are a new and exciting nail experience right in the heart of Sherborne on Cheap Street, located above the Sherborne Barber (opposite Barclays Bank). Whether you’re looking for a classic gel manicure, nail art or extra-long stiletto nails like singer Cardi B, Glazed has what you need.

Sherborne is not short of fantastic female led salons and spas and the local area offers beautiful spas like beauty salons and clinics offering gel manicures, and the ever popular NSS (Non Standard) nail shops that are popular for fast, efficient acrylic nails.

With an ever progressive beauty industry moving forward at a fast pace we saw an opportunity to bring some new nail treatments to Sherborne in the form of HEMA free gel manicures and the revolutionary Après Gel X Nail Extensions. Glazed is the first salon in the South West to offer Après Gel X, a modern nail extension system bringing a more streamlined appearance than the chunky acrylic. It’s a dream nail, free from the harmful MMA products and it won’t damage your natural nails.

Apres Gel X is the world’s first and only soft gel nail extension system. Fast and easy to apply; there’s no dust, no odour.

There are a variety of lengths to choose from: short to XXLong with a variety of shapes from round, square, almond and stiletto amongst them.

All the products Glazed uses in the studio are cruelty free, vegan and HEMA free. We are advocates of healthy natural nails first and foremost, which means using high quality, ethically made products. We choose to use HEMA (2 Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) free products, as it is the most common allergen contained in gel polishes. Eliminating this allergen means a safer working environment for us, and a safer manicure for our clients.

Glazed is passionate about creating a fun space for the people of Sherborne to relax in; choose from our fridge of cold drinks, use the Wifi & feel safe in the knowledge that our space is your space and all conversations are treated confidentially. Our studio was created with one thing in mind; to break the habit of fast nail fashion and pave the way for a compelling change in the professional nail establishments Sherborne has to offer.

We look forward to meeting you all very soon - keep checking our social media pages for updates and your chance to win a set of nails!

You can find us at: Upstairs, The Sherborne Barber, 56 Cheap Street, Sherborne, DT9 3BJ Instagram & Facebook: @Glazedsherborne / 07717522023

GLAZED is your one stop shop for gorgeous nail art. We are a fun, inclusive nail experience in the heart of Cheap Street & the only nail studio in the South West offering the revolutionary Apres Gel X Nail Extensions.

All our products are acrylic free, HEMA free and cruelty free.

Price List: List P rice Gel Manicure Nail Art

from £20.00 from £5.00

Apres Gel X Nail Extensions from £28.00

f 07717522023 f @glazedsherborne f glazedsherborne.book.app Located above The Sherborne Barber, 56 Cheap Street, DT9 3BJ

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

25

TRAVEL

NEWS FROM MILES MORGAN TRAVEL IN YEOVIL....

by Heather Muir, Manager – Miles Morgan Travel, Yeovil

It’s great to be back open in Middle Street and over the last few weeks myself and my team have been delighted to have seen many regular, and new customers in our newly adapted environment. We have also ‘seen’ many of you via our new Zoom video call facility which is proving popular.

We continue to work hard, along with our suppliers, to offer our customers more peace of mind when thinking about booking a holiday. We have lots of great “Book with confidence” offers, all with one thing in mind - giving you the confidence to feel safe when you travel.

From low deposits, to being able to amend your holiday up to 48 hours prior to departure, 2021 holidays at 2020 prices, and travel insurance which covers for Covid 19. We have lots to tempt you.

As the world opens up the restrictions are constantly changing and we are on hand to help you make sense of it all and ensure that your travel goes smoothly – it can be a minefield without the right advice.

We have recently seen a surge in bookings for UK holidays and wanted to take this opportunity of reminding you that we have a large range of UK holidays on offers from coach tours, to UK holidays with a VIP home departure service, lodges, cottages, hotels. We don’t just offer holidays abroad.

As a main agent for Saga we have seen an increase in people booking with them as their holidays all include optional included travel insurance on all of their overseas holidays which includes up to £5m emergency medical and repatriation cover for coronavirus. They are also offering a flexible cancellation cover should you need to cancel due to coronavirus medical conditions prior to departure. Please ask us for full details.

Saga Ocean cruises have been especially popular as they offer an exciting range of itineraries sailing directly from Southampton, so no need to step foot into an airport. Your cruise starts from the minute that you close your front door with a return chauffeur service to the port (up to 250 miles each way). All cabins on board have a private balcony and the price includes all-inclusive drinks, speciality dining, gratuities and selected sightseeing excursions. Our Cruise Specialists have experience of this amazing product so please feel free to contact them and make a free appointment; they would love to share their knowledge with you.

STOP PRESS – Take a look at our website for details of our new virtual travel events where we can bring you news, updates on destinations and products along with exclusive offers all via zoom to your living room.

Myself and my team hope that you stay safe and look forward to seeing you soon. You can call us on: 01935 428488.

BOOK WITH SAGA’S MAIN AGENT • Book now with £99pp Deposit*

• VIP door-to-door travel service on all river cruises and worldwide holidays • A return chauffeur service on Ocean Cruises#

• Ocean cruises with all balcony cabins, All-inclusive drinks and gratuities~ • Optional travel insurance included which covers COVID 19 01935 577294

www.milesmorgantravel.co.uk

2 Borough Arcade, High Street Yeovil BA20 1RX yeovil@milesmorgantravel.co.uk

Terms & Conditions Apply. Prices and offers apply to new bookings only, are based on two people sharing, may be withdrawn without notice and remains subject to availability. *on River Cruises and European & Worldwide Holidays # up to 250 miles each way of the port. ~onboard Spirit of Discovery & Spirit of Adventure. Terms & Conditions Apply.

26

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

TRAVEL

A TRIP TO WEST SUSSEX

by Tim Saunders, Travel Correspondent As Tim visited prior to Lockdown, please check before visiting to find out opening times

The fire engines at Amberley Museum

There are times when you escape for just a few days but feel like you’ve been away for a week.

Heidi, Harriett and Henry Saunders at Petworth House

This happens during our trip to West Sussex. At Petworth House we learn about the painter JMW Turner. The owner of Petworth House, Lord Egremont commissioned and owned a number of Turner’s paintings and eight are exhibited.

An hour from Petworth is The Salterns at Chichester Marina where there’s a selection of luxury apartments.

On arrival we park in a secure car park and savour the view of the boats moored up. Our apartment has two large double bedrooms, a bathroom and an enChichester Harbour suite shower room.

The modern kitchen/sitting room has views over the marina and outside there’s a patio area. Finished to a high standard there’s an overwhelming desire to relax.

Harriett tucks into her tomato pasta at Three Veg

Twenty minutes away is West Wittering where there’s a lovely beach and a selection of eateries but it’s at Three Veg where customers find the healthy choice.

Just refurbished there’s a welcoming rustic charm. Apple juice for the children, a Peroni beer for me and a white wine for Caroline. A focaccia starter with olive oil is followed by pasta and tomato for the children while Caroline and I go for the squash and spinach risotto. Ice cream deserts for the children while Caroline has raspberry sorbet and I go for the vegan chocolate brownie and caramel ice cream.

An absolute must to visit is Amberley Museum, just under an hour away. We discover over 150 years of South Downs working history in what was once a busy chalk quarry and lime works. The 36-acre site, run mainly by volunteers, is easy enough to walk round but there’s a bus and a train, at half hourly intervals. The highlight is when the children do some woodwork; even little Henry (4) dons a visor and gets stuck in shaping his piece of wood on a lathe. He loves it and makes a windmill while Harriett and Heidi each create a bee.

What fun and a lasting memento.

Playing at Amberley Museum From here we go to The Capitol, an attractive glass fronted building, housing a cinema and theatre, at Horsham. We watch Sonic the hedgehog starring Jim Carrey which grips our attention for the best part of a couple of hours.

For dinner we head to Jupps Fish and Chips in Burgess Hill.

Martyn runs the businesses with his wife, Marie. “We serve 8,500 customers a week and get through two tonnes of potatoes each week,” he reveals. The fish and chips are, we conclude, the best we have tried because they’re not greasy and that’s very refreshing. We’ve tried Rick Stein’s, too.

Caroline needs to rest and the bath in the apartment certainly helps with this but a haircut, I am told, also makes her feel better.

At Regis Salon in Crane Street, Chichester she is treated to a cut and finish with Gemma, who is knowledgeable and even gives Caroline a soothing head massage. It’s all carried out in under an hour.

Which gives us time to pop into Pallant House Gallery and enjoy some great works of art.

For more information visit: https://www.thesalterns.co.uk/ https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth-house-and-park www.threeveg.co.uk https://www.amberleymuseum.co.uk/ https://www.thecapitolhorsham.com/ https://www.juppsfishandchips.com/ https://www.regissalons.co.uk/salon/regis-chichester https://pallant.org.uk/ Watch the videos at www.travelwriter.biz

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

27

FOOD & DRINK

Food & Drink RECIPE FROM SARAH ALI CHOUDHURY If you’ve got a cauliflower sitting around then try this recipe.

You will need: 1 cauliflower 1 tsp panch phoran (if you don’t have these you can use what you have at home, you can do without but it makes a difference to the flavour – description below) 1 onion 4 cloves garlic Salt to taste (I used a tsp) Fresh chillies (optional) 1⁄4 tsp tumeric powder 1 tsp coriander powder 1 tsp chopped red pepper (optional) 2 fresh plum tomatoes Fresh coriander for garnish

Method:

To begin, separate the leaves from the cauliflower and either steam, oil or microwave the cauliflower florets I used two microwaveable containers half filled with water and put the lid on, then put in microwave for 5 mins In a pan add 4 tbsp of oil, 1 tsp of panch phoran (equal quantities of mustard seeds, nigella seeds, fenugreek seeds, cumin seeds and fennel seeds), then add a finely chopped onion, 4 cloves of crushed garlic, salt and fresh chillies

Add a 1⁄4 tsp of turmeric powder and a tbsp of coriander powder. Add a touch of water Finely cut the cauliflower leaves from the outer part of the cauliflower and add it to the pan. Add some red pepper and fresh tomatoes Take the cauliflower florets, drain the water and add to the pan Finish by sprinkling fresh coriander

THURSDAY THAI

@THE THREE WISHES

We are delighted to announce that the Three Wishes have joined forces with Lek & Simon, Asian Thai Catering, to offer Thai food every Thursday evening 6–9pm from Thursday 23 July.

‘Paul and I have always enjoyed the Thai food that Lek and Simon serve so were delighted when they agreed to open a pop up restaurant at The Three Wishes.

In addition to Thursday Thai at The Three Wishes, Lek and Simon will continue to offer Thai at The George in Sherborne on Mondays and Tuesdays evenings. Due to space restrictions advance bookings and orders are essential (01935 812785).

Menus will be posted on Asian Thai Catering and The George at Sherborne Facebook pages, or can be requested from asianthaicatering@gmail.com .

‘The recent lockdown has forced us to revisit our business and look at new opportunities. The beautiful garden and restaurant are such a lovely space for evening dining that we wanted to be able to offer something different for our guests. In addition, to our new Thai nights we will also be open for dinner Friday and Saturday evening.

If there is anyone else out there looking to open up a pop up restaurant please get in touch because we would love to explore other opportunities’, stated Nicky King.

For reservations please call 01935 817777 or e-mail reservations@thethreewishes.co.uk or nicky_king@icloud.com

28

Follow us online: www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

/TheConduitMag

@conduitmag

FOOD & DRINK

VISIT HASELBURY MILL Where is the most beautiful setting in the South West of England?

Amongst many contenders Haselbury Mill, located just outside Crewkerne, has to be amongst the top three.

The original buildings date back many centuries and are of great local interest with a history stretching back to the times of William the Conqueror. They are reportedly mentioned in the Doomsday Book.

The three magnificent listed buildings & Tithe Barn provide the focus of this superb conference, restaurant, hotel & wedding facility. The Georgian Mill house & adjacent Coach houses have been transformed into a luxuriously appointed 21-bedroom hotel all with Wi-Fi Internet connection. All rooms are en-suite and are well appointed to add that little touch of luxury to the beautiful surroundings.

The original Mill buildings have been sympathetically converted to a stylish restaurant and a traditional local’s bar with flag stone floors and oak-panelled walls They also have further function rooms and conference rooms.

afternoon tea, picnics (currently picnics require 24 hours’ notice) and sandwiches served throughout the day. On Sunday enjoy the Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch dinner or drinks, choose spectacular Sunday carvery served up in either the Tithe Barn or from a full English breakfast in the morning, or browse the a la carte outside. menu at lunch or dinner.

The venue boasts 14 acres of outdoor space with unique outside The set lunchtime menu available Monday-Saturday, enjoy two dining areas (Alfresco, Miller’s snug & Belvedere) and is perfect for courses for £12.95 or three courses for £15.95 or perhaps drop in for small gatherings, Family Reunion, Weddings and Wakes.

AFTERNOON TEA Available 7 days a week Full Afternoon Tea Homemade Scones with Clotted Cream and Jam Selection of Mini Cakes Selection of Finger Sandwiches Cup of Tea or Coffee £14 (Prices are inclusive of up to 2 cups of tea or 2 cups of coffee per person ~ any extra will be charged at normal rate)

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

29

FOOD & DRINK

A VINTNER’S TALE (ACT 1, SCENE V) Peter Law, Chairman and MD at Wine Wizzard in Castle Cary, continues with his fascinating tales of life in the wine trade…. ......This was a serious job and not too formal (though suits and ties). The MD believed in youth (rare in those days, 1969) and as such I was now in fairly senior management, aged just 25.

Not unlike today, my salary would buy me nothing in London and I eventually bought a lovely but rundown cottage in Kent, surrounded by orchards and hop gardens (long gone and now a housing estate, regrettably),but this meant three hours a day commuting and the trains were awful and overcrowded: nothing new!

The company supplied wine merchants, breweries, hotel chains, cruise and airlines, including Harrods and Fortnum and Masons as well as outlets all over the UK. It was very busy and I met a huge amount of very interesting people.

We hired The Hyde Park Hotel for a two day Bordeaux tasting and all the owners of the major chateaux were there. My job was to introduce them to all the major UK buyers. I dried and forgot everyone’s name! These were the days before lapel badges.

Unfortunately the MD didn’t own the company and was restricted to how much he could pay staff (which wasn’t nearly enough), but he made up for it with free wine, and a generous expense account.

I ate at all the top London restaurants – great, but it didn’t pay the mortgage. In addition there were all expenses paid trips to Chateau Rauzan Segla (2nd growth Margaux) complete with private chef, chauffeur and maid.

One day I discovered an unused company car – a Triumph Vitesse – and commandeered it, saving on train fares!

They currently work on a new range of Champagne Fallet-Dart only available for professionals, retailers.

30

• MUSCADET de SEVRES et MAINE sur lie Domaine de la Chauviniere 2018/19 £10.65: top quality, dry, intense and aromatic wine from 45 year old Melon de Bourgogne grape variety. Vegan & vegetarian.

Paul and Adrien Fallet are working on a new project.

• FALLET DART CUVEE RESERVE BRUT Champagne £26.95 Gold medal Epernay.70%Pinot Meurnier,30%Pinot Noir.

Daily boardroom lunches usually lasted 4-5 hours, during which time huge amounts of very good wine were consumed and a great deal more sold. On one occasion, I took the car keys from my MD, gave him a fireman’s lift down the stairs, manoeuvred him into his Alfa Romeo and drove him to his home in Buckinghamshire. Between us, his wife and I got him into bed and I phoned my wife to say that I couldn’t get home. At breakfast the following day, I got the sack from a very embarrassed MD. His wife said she would divorce him if he went ahead. I was reinstated and it was never mentioned again!

• FALLET DART GRANDE SELECTION BRUT Champagne £31.50 Gold medal Paris.70%Pinot Meurnier,15%Pinot noir,15%Chardonnay.

Their vineyards have been in the same family ownership for over 400 years.

Knocks spots off many of the big names

I had by this stage in my career worked on a daily basis with six Masters of Wine (there were only 60 in the world at that time) and, as such, had tasted (and drunk) the best in the world. Lucky me! Having passed all the other wine exams, I decided not to go down the academic route and did not take the Master of Wine myself and have remained good friends with the only survivor.

• CHARLES de FERE BRUT Sparkling. £13.25 Made in Burgundy from carefully selected wines in the traditional method by an ex-champagne producer.

At a firm’s “jolly” at Quaglino’s in Jermyn Street, I had a quiet word with my MD’s wife to see if she could persuade him to give me a raise as I was struggling financially. On the dance floor she grabbed my crutch – it wasn’t the sort of raise I had in mind!

Back in the present day, my 58 years of experience is helping the lovely people of Somerset and elsewhere to enjoy really good wines at sensible, affordable prices and many customers, no longer eating out several times a week/month, are remembering that by buying excellent local produce, they can feast at home for a fraction of the price, keeping restaurants for the treats they used to be. I am sure that soon we will see the return of dinner and summer parties and here are just a few suggestions:-

Follow us online: www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

• Domaine de CABRIAC PINOT NOIR Pays d’Oc 2016/18 £11.25 A lighter red from the red Burgundy grape. This 45 hectare vineyard is protected from the fierce summer heat by the hills near Montagne d’Alaric and produces high quality wines.

We have many more excellent wines to choose from. Age, health and Covid isolation means that I am rarely in the shop, but Linda is doing a really splendid job.

I took her to my medieval house built into the ramparts of a 13th century bastide in SW France about 35 years ago. At that time she thought that wine was Lambrusco and her parents’ Black Tower. Fine vintage Louis Roederer champagne with Arcachon Oysters and a first growth claret with the excellent meal she prepared changed her mind! I have ensured that since the inception of Winewizzard she has tasted every single one of the thousands of sample bottles received and I am very proud of her knowledge – she is formidable at food matching.

Keep keeping safe and enjoy good wine.

/TheConduitMag

@conduitmag

CARE

HOW I BECAME A SAMARITAN

By Theresa Lovelace, Listening Volunteer at Samaritans Yeovil, Sherborne & District 62-year-old Glastonbury-based Theresa is a body builder, pole fitness enthusiast, works three days a week at West Mendip Hospital as well as being a mum and grandmother. She’s also a Samaritan, dedicating three hours a week to being a listening volunteer at the Yeovil, Sherborne & District Branch.

How does she make time for all these pursuits? The Conduit Magazine talked to her to find out.

Whilst you wouldn’t traditionally put Samaritans and body building into the same camp, in lots of ways the two things are interconnected’ says Theresa.

Five years ago, my son, who had suffered from mental health issues for some time, tried to take his own life. It was, as every parent can imagine, the most terrible moment in our lives.

As he was recovering from his attempt in the Bristol Infirmary, I had to take myself in hand. I recognised that I couldn’t crumble. I needed to be there for him, as well as the rest of the family, to be a rock, and hold us all together.

And that requires strength. Not just mental strength, but physical strength too.

I started meditating frequently using app to help with my mental well being. I’d always been a bit of an exercise nut but I’d never done body building and pole fitness before. Once I tried it, there seemed to be a connection for me between having core strength and feeling mentally strong too.

volunteers. Everyone is assessed on an individual basis. I got through the selection process because I was able to show empathy, and because I’ve had experience of being at rock bottom.

I’ve been working as a Samaritan now for 18 months. I get so much out of it. It makes me realise how lucky I am. I’ve also made great friends with fellow Samaritans who are genuinely kind, supportive and thoughtful people.

Kindness is at the heart of every Samaritan. It’s so easy to be kind.

I try and be kind every day. If a friend is wearing something that looks nice, I’m the first to tell them. It makes them feel good, and it makes me feel good too.

Could you volunteer with the Yeovil Branch of Samaritans? Please note that our monthly open evenings are currently suspended but we would still welcome your enquiry by email at recruitment@ yeovilsamaritans.org.uk or you can visit our website at https://www. samaritans.org/branches/samaritans-yeovil-sherborne-and-district .

I now train for three hours regularly at the gym, do ballet and perform pole fitness once a week Pole fitness is definitely not pole dancing (number one I can’t dance, and number two, I’m a bit old for that) but there’s a real beauty to the art. It requires precision control and balance, all skills that focus on your abdominals.

Once I’d achieved that core strength, and my son was on the road to recovery, I felt it was the right time to start volunteering – something that I’d always thought about doing. I knew about Samaritans as my son had leant on them quite heavily in his darkest days – when he just felt he couldn’t open to those around him. This is very typical of callers to the Samaritans helpline. Men don’t want to burden those who are closest to them.

When I went along to the selection day, I thought I’d be rejected because I just couldn’t stop crying. But in fact, it was completely the opposite. Samaritans don’t judge either their callers or potential

Volunteer with us We will train, mentor and support you all the way.

To find out more and apply, visit

samaritans.org/volunteer Email yeovil@samaritans.org

Yeovil Sherborne & District

Samaritans of Yeovil, Sherborne & District is a registered charity.

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

31

CARE

LET’S TEAR OFF THOSE STICKY LABELS!

By Niki Cassar Since my last article, I’ve had even more calls from people who are desperate for help, and don’t know who to turn to. I’ve been told about OCD, Social Anxiety, Social Distancing Phobia, Coronaphobia, Agoraphobia, Mysophobia, Bacteriophobia, and much more. I’ve listened to many sad stories from people of all ages and genders, who have experienced a massive increase in their levels or fear and anxiety since the start of the pandemic and subsequent lockdown.

The one thing they all have in common is fear. The so-called ‘experts’ in the mental health field are very quick to invent smart names and create labels that they hand out and instruct people to stick on themselves, just like you’d stick a label on a bottle.

The labelled person becomes even more fearful, and is likely to act out their fear in specific ways. Why? Because they believe themselves to be whatever is written on that label and so they live up to that name.

So let me be clear about what I’m saying: these are just labels that are playing tricks on you by letting you feel that there is something wrong with you, and your problems are too difficult to be resolved. They are JUST LABELS and they are certainly not you! Imagine you have a bottle of high-quality multi-vitamins.

Now imagine sticking a label on that bottle that says POISON. With that poison label on the bottle, nobody would dare to use the multi-vitamins. They are ruined and useless because of a bad label. Get it? Once you allow labels to be stuck on you, you are merely acting out what is written on that label.

What I’m suggesting you do is to rip off the label that you’ve stuck on yourself. Right now. Tear it off! You don’t need it and it won’t help you. The only thing that is wrong with you is that you have an underlying fear, that you have responded to by creating some unhealthy habits or behaviours. Forget the labels, and get help in neutralising that old, outdated anxiety and fear. You can now see your issues for what they are: merely a collection of symptoms caused by your inner fears. Now you know this, you can breathe a huge sigh of relief and begin to downsize your fears into something that is much more manageable!

Hypnotherapy can help you! I can help you! I work with these issues all the time. Call me, text me, email me. Let’s have a good chat (free and confidential) so I can explain exactly how I can help you: 01963 371 695 or 07973 346747. mail@nikicassar.com.

Online sessions are my speciality!

EVEREST CYCLIST GOES MORE THAN THE EXTRA MILE! Stuart Pollard who recently cycled up the equivalent of Mt Everest to raise funds for Mind in Somerset, recently presented the charity with a cheque.

Although his target had been £2,500, he met Vicky Poole, Funding Manager, in Taunton and presented a cheque for £5,752.16 – well over twice his target.

“This is wonderful and a huge achievement,” said Vicky. “We’re full of thanks and admiration, and our Suicide Bereavement Support Service will benefit greatly from Stuart’s generosity.”

Stuart had ridden through the night for 22 hours last month almost exactly a year since his mother took her life. The aim was to commemorate her memory and raise money for the Mind in Somerset Suicide Bereavement Service which had helped his family.

“Mum’s death was totally unexpected and devasting,” explained Stuart. “I wanted to raise money for Mind in Somerset as they’re fantastic and our family has really benefitted from their Suicide Bereavement Support Service. It’s amazing and deserves all the money it can get.”

Exeter-based Stuart, 35 and a sales manager with bathroom furniture makers Vanity Hall, trained four times a week cycling 70-80 miles, followed by 100 miles on weekends.

There were 125 suicides per week in the UK in 2018, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, and Vicky Poole says: “Stuart’s ride was fantastic and we’re very grateful to him.

People in the West Country, who’ve been bereaved by a suicide will benefit hugely from his efforts.”

• Mind in Somerset’s Suicide Bereavement Support Service is on T. 0300 330 5463 and is open for calls 24 hours a day.

• To donate to Stuart’s campaign, please visit: www. justgiving.com/fundraising/1man1bike1mind • www.mindinsomerset.org.uk lists all the services offered by the mental health charity

32

Follow us online: www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

/TheConduitMag

@conduitmag

2M We are NOW OPEN, see our social media platforms for how we have changed. www.oxleysc.com

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

33

WALKING

RACHEL’S RAMBLES

By Rachel Mead

My four-legged walking companion has been unwell. The usual routine of exploring new footpaths has temporarily been halted whilst I focus on getting Oakley back to being as fit as a butcher’s dog again.

prescribed ‘walk around the block’ is translated to ‘a mooch around the field out the back’. We have access to a small paddock which at present has been left to grow into the most magical of meadows. If you crouch down or sit amongst the thigh-high grasses you can see and hear the business of nature doing its thing. Initially tiny white butterflies flit away as we stir the airwaves but gradually the meadow accepts our presence and carries on its daily hum around us.

Ladybirds cling to their chosen grassy parapet swaying along to the beat of the stridulating grasshoppers and as we lie down, hidden away, I watch the clouds shape-shift as they travel east to west.

The peace is suddenly shattered. Oakley is giving a low grumble and I initially fear her stomach is playing up again.

The growl is however quickly exchanged for what appears to be a recuperated sprightly bounce as she plays an enthusiastic game of chase. I stand up to see if I need to holler at her, the last thing we want is a rabbit going down the hatch but my fears are soon exchanged for a smile as I see our family cat Nahla has come to join us on our meadow meander and the pair are playing.

The two of them fall into step alongside me and I smile at the cohesion of the animal kingdom and am happy with the knowledge that Oakley has turned a corner and tomorrow we will be back out there exploring new paths again.

Poor old girl, she may only be a month or so off nine years old (or 63 years in the canine world) but Oakley, being true to her labrador ways has never grown up or learned what is on or off the doggy menu. She has a penchant for scoffing, if it wasn’t for me insisting she maintain a strict healthy diet (the sight of a ‘flabrador’ makes me very sad) then she wouldn’t be the athletic beast for which she receives regular praise. However, her stomach must be incorrectly wired to her beautiful black nose because if there is anything rancid or rotten going free kerb-side she’ll sniff it out and swallow.

Her vacuuming talents are second to none, be it a rogue biscuit crumb or a freshly laid sheep’s dollop, if it’s on the ground, it’s her’s for the taking. This hoovering can of course be beneficial (especially when the children are causing culinary carnage during lockdown) but equally it has cost me a fair few pennies at the veterinary clinic over the years. And of course wiliness is not just reserved for foxes…labradors have cunning capabilities to steal food which can cause tremendous bellyache for the dog and be a financial headache for the owner.

So, it has been that Oakley has been relegated to short wanders around the block in place of our usual exploratory ramblings in order to give her the best chance of recovery from a severe bout of dyspepsia. I do of course count my blessings, thankful to live in a rural location where a vet 34

Follow us online: www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

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

@conduitmag

Y

PH

EE

ER

PO

S

Robert Squire: 2 x Hunting Prints 20” x 18” Colour, Bachelor’s Hall, circa 1850. £75 Cricketer’s Album 1938 £15 Tom Thumb History of Motor Racing £20 Tel: 01963 350840

CRABTR L I

BE

Bargain Hunters Corner

K E JOI N

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

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)

IAN CROSSLAND

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Tel: 01935 411813 Mob: 07811 070 498

• Interior and exterior decorating

• Carpentry and small cabinet work • Restoration of timber windows

• Making/restoring leaded windows • Hanging doors

• Fitting fences and gates • Exterior lime mortaring

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

01935 808052

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

Tel: 01935 478100 walterwallyeovil@hotmail.co.uk To advertise – 01935 424724 • email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk • www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

35

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