Magazine
Issue 226 Decemebr 2019
SHERBORNE FESTIVE SHOPPING DAY
SUNDAY, 1ST DECEMBER
Crossing counties, look inside for info on the best events and activities in West Dorset and South Somerset
INSIDE THIS MONTH
Must Attend Events & Activities
Test Drive new Motoring Column
Where to Shop for Christmas
Sarah Ali Choudhury’s Indian Food Local author’s Writing Journey
Serving Bruton, Castle Cary, Crewkerne, Ilminster, Langport, Sherborne, Somerton, Wincanton, Yeovil & Surrounding Villages www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk
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From the Editor
Super excited as we are bringing you a bumper issue for December packed full of events and activities to attend, plus information on Christmas shopping days spreading across The Conduit catchment area including extra special occasions like Sherborne’s Festive Shopping Day on 1 December and Langport’s Christmas Fair on Saturday 7 December. By shopping locally and actually visiting the shops in your local town or village, you are not only contributing to your own health and wellbeing by getting out in the fresh air and meeting local shop keepers, but you are also helping those shops stay open and solvent in the months ahead. More exciting news is the introduction of two excellent new columnists. Celebrity chef and Dorset Food and Drink Awards Entrepreneur of the Year Sarah Ali Choudhury will be writing a regular column for The Conduit in our Food and Drink section. We are also delighted to introduce our new motoring correspondent Tim Saunders who regularly reviews cars from the leading manufacturers. Tim will also be contributing a monthly travel column, reviewing accommodation, Day’s Out and Family Holidays in the UK.
EDITOR & ADVERTISING Jane Adkins
ASSISTANT EDITOR Julie Locke
Hope you enjoy the magazine and Season’s Greetings to all our Readers!
10am-4pm
Contents SHERBORNE
FESTIVE SHOPPING DAY SUNDAY, 1st DECEMBER
@sherborneCOT @sherbornefestiveshopping @sherbornefestive ABBEY CHURCH SERVICES
MUSIC, BANDS CHOIRS
CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL
STREET ENTERTAINMENT
CHILDRENS COMPETITION
FESTIVE SHOPS & STALLS
SANTA’S GROTTO
LOCAL PRODUCE
ABBEY 104 LIVE BROADCAST
JANUARY DEADLINES News and Articles: FRIDAY, 6 December Advertisements: MONDAY, 9 December
WHAT’S ON p4 Find out what’s going on in your area. A definitive guide to what’s happening near you.
ARTS p34
All the upcoming events from the local Arts scene
Domestic and contract flooring specialists 34 Princes Street, Yeovil, BA20 1EQ
PLACES TO EAT & DRINK EVENT SPONSORS
CHEAP STREET PARADE & LIGHTING OF THE TREE 4PM— AT THE CONDUIT
PLEASE NOTE: NO VEHICLE ACCESS TO CHEAP STREET OR DIGBY ROAD ON 1st DEC UNTIL 6PM ORGANISED BY SHERBORNE CHAMBER OF TRADE & COMMERCE, SUPPORTED BY SHERBORNE TOWN COUNCIL WWW.SHERBORNECHAMBER.CO.UK
Tel: 01935 478100
BOOKS p18
walterwallyeovil@hotmail.co.uk
Some great literary Christmas gift ideas
FOOD & DRINK p44
Featuring a great vegan recipe from Sarah Ali Choudhury
MOTORING p25 Full review on the New Skoda Octavia VRS Challenge
WALKS p54
A look at the physical and mental benefits of a daily walk
Visit our website for more Events, Services and Classifieds www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk Wyvern Buildings, North Street, Milborne Port DT9 5EP | 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.
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WHAT’S ON
Sherborne’s Festive Shopping Day On Sunday, 1 December, Sherborne comes alive with festive fun. Christmas lights twinkle around the town, carol singers delight locals and tourists alike and Sherborne Town Band reminds us to Hark! The Herald Angels Sing as Sherborne Festive Shopping Day gets underway. Festive Shopping Day is organised by volunteers from Sherborne Chamber of Trade and supported by Sherborne Town Council, Porter Dodson, The Eastbury, The Paddock Project, Sherborne Girls, Sherborne School, Abbey104 and Rotary Club of Sherborne Castles. The town’s increasingly popular ‘Love a Local Christmas’ event is free to attend, takes place between 10am and 4pm and offers a fabulous family day out. During the day the town hosts free musical fun and entertaining activities for all ages including balloon modellers, face painters and a stilt walker; dancing from the Black Rock Dancers and Dance Academy; ukulele treats from Yeovil Ukulele Group; singing from the choirs of Sherborne Girls, Leweston School and members of Sherborne Chamber Choir, plus the wonderful Sherborne Abbey Choristers. Sherborne Town Band and festive bagpipes add to the musical extravaganza throughout the day. The main shopping areas of Cheap Street and Digby Road will both be closed to traffic to allow for the street entertainment, market stalls and much more, with Abbey104 FM broadcasting live all day from The Parade. This year for the first time market stalls will also be found on the Abbey Green by kind permission of Sherborne Abbey.
Father Christmas will be taking up residence in his Grotto outside the Post Office with a little help from Blackmore Vale Lions and every child he sees will receive a gift from him (in return for a small entry fee of only £2). Carol services will be held in Sherborne Abbey throughout the afternoon. Visitors are welcome to attend and to enjoy the stunning backdrop of the spectacular ceiling-high Christmas tree. Cheap Street Church stages its ever-popular Christmas Tree Festival too, featuring dozens of twinkling trees, all delightfully and individually decorated. At 4pm a parade of musicians and dancers will gather at the top of Cheap Street ready to make their way down towards the Conduit for the town’s Christmas Tree illumination. The day ends just in time for visitors to join Sherborne Abbey’s annual Advent Carol Service at 5pm. Keep up to date with the latest news on Facebook @ SherborneFestiveShopping, Instagram @sherbornefestive and Twitter @SherborneCOT.
5pm-8pm
10am-4pm
Delicious local produce will be available with pop up shops and stalls offering individual and imaginative gifts for all the family. Every year the shops outdo themselves with their beautiful Christmas displays and window dressings. Take time to look for Christmas decorations made
by local school children and displayed in the shop windows around the town. The town’s many coffee shops, pubs and restaurants will be offering delicious festive treats and a glass or two of mulled wine will add to the seasonal atmosphere. Don’t miss the Christmas display at Castle Gardens too, just five minutes’ drive from the town centre.
SHERBORNE
FESTIVE SHOPPING DAY SUNDAY, 1st DECEMBER
SHERBORNE
LATE NIGHT SHOPPING DAY WEDNESDAY 11th DECEMBER Enjoy late night shopping in Sherborne this December @sherborneCOT @sherbornefestiveshopping
Enjoy special offers in participating shops for this special shopping event Enjoy FREE parking after 6pm
@sherbornefestive ABBEY CHURCH SERVICES
MUSIC, BANDS CHOIRS
CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL
STREET ENTERTAINMENT
CHILDRENS COMPETITION
FESTIVE SHOPS & STALLS
SANTA’S GROTTO
LOCAL PRODUCE
ABBEY 104 LIVE BROADCAST
PLACES TO EAT & DRINK
*
EVENT SPONSORS
@sherborneCOT @sherbornefestiveshopping @sherbornefestive
CHEAP STREET PARADE & LIGHTING OF THE TREE 4PM— AT THE CONDUIT
4
PLEASE NOTE: NO VEHICLE ACCESS TO CHEAP STREET OR DIGBY ROAD ON 1st DEC UNTIL 6PM ORGANISED BY SHERBORNE CHAMBER OF TRADE & COMMERCE, SUPPORTED BY SHERBORNE TOWN COUNCIL WWW.SHERBORNECHAMBER.CO.UK
WHAT’S ON
COMPETITION
Dance To The Music is a sumptuously beautiful, glamorous dance show created, directed, choreographed and starring ex Strictly Come Dancing professional Kristina Rihanoff. Kristina is excited to tour the show with even more fabulous costumes, stunning vocals and breathtaking choreography.
Proud to support the Sherborne Festive Shopping Day.
Hosted by heartthrob Jake Quickenden who first found fame with on the X Factor, I’m A Celebrity and Dancing On Ice and an exciting troupe of dancers featuring South African Dancing With The Stars professionals, Marcella Solimeo & Dylon Daniels, this promises to be an evening not to be missed. With over 15 styles of dancing performed to the biggest hits of every decade, DTTM is the ultimate family show which can be enjoyed by all generations. Featuring Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, Rock-n- Roll, Hustle, Funk, Disco, Breakdancing, Street, Hip Hop, Contemporary Ballet, Salsa and the spectacular Argentine Tango presented by the incredibly talented and versatile team of dancers. Tickets: £45 VIP/£28/£26
WIN
Whether it’s commercial matters or personal matters you need help and advice with, we make sure that it’s all about you. www.porterdodson.co.uk
One pair of standard tickets (worth over £50) to see Dance To The Music at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton on Tuesday 4 February 2020 at 7.30pm.
To enter just answer the following question: How many different styles of dancing will feature in the show? Send answers by Wednesday 18 December with your name and contact details and the subject heading “Dance to the Music” competition to info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk or post it to the NEW address on p3. Good luck!
ROY WOOD AND HIS ROCK & ROLL BAND Playing their classic hits including ‘I wish it could be Christmas Every Day’ Friday 6th December, 8pm Tickets £27.50 BYE BYE BABY Music of ‘Jersey Boys’ and Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. Friday 13th December, 7.30pm Tickets £20 JAKI GRAHAM With ‘Could it Be I’m Falling In Love?’ and her other soul hits Friday 10th January 7.30pm Tickets £17.50 PASADENA ROOF ORCHESTRA The 11 piece band play the best mix of swing and hot dance music. Saturday 11th January, 7.30pm Tickets £20
CLOUDBUSTING - THE MUSIC OF KATE BUSH Running Up That Hill, Wuthering Heights, Babooshka and many more! Saturday 18th January 7.30pm Tickets £19.50/£18.50 TOTALLY TINA Voted the UK’s Official No1 Tina Turner tribute Friday 24th January, 7.30pm Tickets £19.50/£18.50
THE JAMES TAYLOR QUARTET (NEW DATE) The coolest sounds of funky acid jazz Saturday 25th January, 7.30pm Tickets £19/£18
ICONS THE LEGENDARY DIVAS The hits of Cher, Aretha, Whitney, Dusty, Tina, Barbra & many more. Friday 7th February, 7.30pm Tickets £18.50/£16.50
Old Market Hill, Sturminster Newton DT10 1FH Tel: 01258 475137 Web: www.stur-exchange.co.uk Email: info@stur-exchange.co.uk 5
What’s On
WHAT’S ON
Coffee Mornings SOUTH PETHERTON On Wednesday 27 November from 10.00am to 12.00 noon at The David Hall, there is a Coffee Morning. Free entry.
Early Listing SHERBORNE On Tuesday 31 December at The Eastbury Hotel, celebrate New Year in Style with a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner. Champagne reception, a sumptuous 7 course tasting menu, music and dancing, followed by a spectacular firework display - be sure to start the New Year with a real bang. £90 per person. To reserve a table, call 01935 813131 today! On Wednesday 1 January at 2.00pm, blow the cobwebs away with Blue Badge walking guide Cindy Chant. Discover stories from Sherborne’s lost and mysterious past by taking a leisurely New Year’s Day stroll. The walk will last about 2 hours. £8 per person. Booking not needed – just turn up. Meet on the Abbey Green outside the Abbey Porch at 2.00pm. For
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PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Tel: 01935 411813 Mob: 07811 070 498
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further information, contact cindyatsherbornewalks@ gmail.com. YEOVIL On Saturday 11 January 2020 at 7.30pm at The Octagon Theatre, come to a Night of Take That. This charity event is in aid of the Hidden Needs Trust, supporting special educational needs children in Dorset and Somerset. Tickets £21, now on sale from the theatre box office (01935 422884).
Fair EVERCREECH On Saturday 23 November from 9.30am to 12.30pm at Evercreech Village Hall is the Evercreech Show Society Christmas Fayre, with stalls selling handicrafts, cards, jewellery, Christmas gifts, holly wreaths, and much more. Also face painting, grand prize draw, and delicious refreshments, with the arrival of Father Christmas at 10.00am! LANGPORT On Saturday 7 December from 2.00pm to 6.30pm, join in the merrymaking at Langport Christmas Fair, with over 50 stalls in the town centre, Ridgway Hall and The Angel. Shops and cafes will be open. Live entertainment. Hot food, hog roast and more available. Fireworks start at 6.30pm. Free parking.
Contact: Julie Locke
/theconduitmagazine
E: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk
@conduitmag
SANDFORD ORCAS On Saturday 23 November from 10.30am to 1.00pm at Sandford Orcas Village Hall is the inaugural Christmas Craft Fair. This will include a Village Table offering cards, crafts, produce and local wine. There will also be a raffle, coffee and cakes. SHERBORNE On Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December from 10:00am to 4:00pm at The Digby Church Hall, West Country Craft Fairs will be holding Sherborne’s 16th Annual Crafts for Christmas Fair. For further information, contact 01749 677049. On Sunday 1 December from 10.00am to 4.00pm in the town centre is Sherborne’s Festive Shopping Day. Organised by volunteers from Sherborne Chamber of Trade & Commerce, the event offers a great family day out, while raising awareness for many local charities. The main shopping area of Cheap Street is closed to traffic allowing for street performers, choirs, bands, orchestras, carollers, dancers and more. The Abbey Church welcomes visitors to join in its joyful Shoppers’ Carol Services held at 1.30pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm. The Cheap Street Church stages its ever-popular Christmas Tree Festival too, featuring dozens of twinkling trees, all delightfully and individually decorated.
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
01935 808052
On Friday 6 December from 1.00pm to 6.00pm at Leweston School, there is the annual Leweston Christmas Fair. The fair will have a wide range of stalls and boutiques to kick start this year’s Christmas shopping. Free entry. On Saturday 7 December from 10:00am to 4:00pm at The Digby Church Hall, West Country Craft Fairs will be holding Sherborne’s 15th Annual Christmas Craft & Gift Fair. For further information, contact 01749 677049. WINCANTON On Saturday 23 November from 10.00am to 1.30pm at Wincanton Racecourse, there is a Winter Fair in aid of The Balsam Centre. There are some wonderful stalls of Trash and Treasure, Deli and Cakes, The Toy Stall, Jewellery, Books, Tombola, The Bag Ladies, The Balsam Centre Stall, Art Gallery, Kitchen Dresser, Pre-Loved Fashion, Gifts, Plants, Raffle and a delicious Café. A unmissable chance to meet, shop and chat. Entry 50p. Free CAT bus shuttle from Wincanton Memorial Hall from 9.30am to 1.00pm. Any queries to Paul Hadow at hadow@btinternet.com or on 01963 440104.
Food ALWESTON On Saturday 7 December from 9.00am to 11.00am in Alweston Village Hall is the Big Butty Christmas Breakfast. Christmas raffle, preserves, mince pies etc. Woodturning display with certain items for sale. A FREE child’s Butty Breakfast with the purchase of an adult breakfast (applies to children up to 10 years old). Children’s activity table. There is also a Food Bank Collection at the hall for anyone wishing to contribute. This is a community event organised by Folke Church. CREWKERNE On Saturday 30 November from 10.00am to 12.30 noon at the Henhayes
Alan Barnes Octet ‘A Christmas Carol’, Ilminster Arts Centre, 8.00pm 16 Churches Together Centre, there is a Big Christmas Coffee Morning, Market Breakfast. Full-sized pig-inHouse, Castle Cary, a-blanket, 2 turkey rashers, 2 9.00am-12.00 noon* hash browns,Coffee tomato, slice for of Morning Explorer Scouts, toast, and tea or coffee. Only Hall, Bruton, £5.50. Extra Community portions 50p each. 10.00am-12.00 noon* Vegetarian options available. Levels Best Farmers For more information phone and Craft Market, 01460 74340. Montacute House, On Friday 610.00am-2.00pm* December at Santa Specials, Yeovil 12.30pm at the Henhayes Railway Centre, Stoford, Centre, it’s Fish & Chips Friday! 11.00am-3.00pm Battered Cod with chips, mushy Legends of Rock, peas and tartar sauce followed George Albert Hotel, by a fruity dessert. Only £8.75 Evershot, 7.30pm ‘CarolsBooking and Classics by (members £6.50). Candlelight’, All Saint’s essential by 10.30am. Lunch Church, To Merriott, served at 12.30pm. book, phone 014607.30pm 74340. ‘The Dylan Project’ concert, Hall, From Monday 16 toDavid Friday 20 South Petherton, December at 12.30pm at the 8.00pm Henhayes Centre, Christmas 80’s party, Westland’s Lunch is being served. Fruit Entertainment Centre, juice, roast turkey pigsYeovil,with 8.00pm in-blankets, stuffing, bread Dorset Ramblers sauce, roast Christmas potatoes and Dinner, Dorset Gold and seasonal vegetables, followed Club, Bere by ChristmasCountry pudding or fresh Regis fruit salad, and tea or coffee. ‘Bad Edukation’, Vegetarian alternative of Kelways Inn, Langport, parsnip, cranberry 9.00pm& chestnut roast £10.50 17is available. Santa Only Specials, Yeovil (members £8.50). RailwayBooking Centre, Stoford, 11.00am-3.00pm essential by 10.30am. Lunch ‘BBC Somerset served at 12.30pm. To book, phone 01460Christmas 74340. Extravaganza’, SANDFORDWestland’s ORCAS Every Entertainment Centre, Thursday from 12.00 noon 7.30pm at The Mitre Yeovil, Inn, Sandford 17-18 Whittington’ Orcas, there ‘Dick is a Senior Citizens pantomime, 2.30pm & 2-Course Lunch for £11.50. 6.30pm Contact or Cheryl onCharity 18-19Allen Choral Society 01963 220271. Concert, the Church, Ilminster 18 Christmas Sale, Lyme Bay Auctions, Seaton, East Devon, 10.00am 19 ‘St Agnes Fountain’, David Hall, South Petherton, 8.00pm CASTLE CARY Every General TuesdaySale, 20 Lawrence’s from 8.30amCrewkerne, to 2.00pm9.30am at the 6Market House, there is a weekly
Market
market. Fruit, vegetables, bread, fish, cheese, preserves, baked goods, gluten free options, season plants and other giftware available.
MARTOCK On Saturday 7 December from 10.30am to 2.30pm at Martock’s All Saints Church is the annual Christmas Market. Stalls, refreshments, entertainment, games, raffle. For more information, phone 01935 824238. On Saturday 14 December from 10.00am 1.00pm at the Moorland’s Shopping Precinct
George Albert Hotel, Evershot, 7.30pm 23 Coffee Morning, Community Hall, Bruton, 10.00am-12.00 noon* is Merry Martock Farmers Santa Specials, Yeovil Market, with around 16 stands Railway Junction, ranging from plants, crafts to Stoford, 11.00amcheese and3.00pm local produce. For 29 information Steam Train Day01935 – Mince more phone 822202. Pie Special, Yeovil Railway Junction, MILBORNE PORT10.30amOn Stoford, 4.00pm Saturday 23 November Ben to Waters, The at from 10.00am 3.00pm Exchange, Milborne Port VillageSturminster Hall is Newton, 8.00pm the Christmas Market which 30 Coffee Morning for St features local stall holders, Mary’s Church, stage entertainment, well as Community as Hall, Bruton, an open kitchen serving noon* light 10.00am-12.00 refreshments, hot breakfast Country and Western Dance Club host rolls, teas and coffees. FullBen Thompson, Davisto Hall, raffle with seasonal prizes be West Camel, 7.30pm drawn at drawn at 2.30pm. Stall 31 for Gigs’ concert, and further ‘Jigs information from David Hall, South Charlotte Chiplen on8.15pm 07400 Petherton,
089050 or at charlottechiplen@ hotmail.com. December Exhibitions* Now-25 NovOn Saturday MONTACUTE Neroche Artists Exhibition, 14 December from Ilminster Centre, 10.00am toArts 2.00pm in the 9.30am-4.30pm
Old Stable Courtyard at 18 Nov-24House, Dec Montacute visit the ‘Impress’, ACELevels Arts, Best award-winning Somerton, Farmers and 9.30am-4.30pm Craft Market. Approximately 27 Nov-22 Dec30 stalls ‘Christmas Collection’, selling a variety of fresh, Ilminster Centre, artisan and Arts traditionally-made food9.30am-4.30pm and drink. Local crafts 27 Nov-22 DecFree parking feature as well. and South entry.Somerset’s Dog friendly. Level Embroiderer’s Guild access for the less-abled and exhibition, Café Gallery, For EVERYONE is welcome! Ilminster Arts Centre, further information email 9.30am-4.30pm lbmarketsmontacute@gmail. Dec www.levelsbest. com1-22 or visit Christmas Exhibition, Jerram co.uk.
Sunday 12.00 - 3.00, 7.00 - 10.30 (Monday drinks only 7.00 - 11.00)
www.MitreInn.co.uk
Abbey Bookshop Cheap Street Sherborne
WHAT’S ON
Saturday 16th DECEMBER Triple Award Winning
Farmers & Craft Market
Santa Specials at Yeovil Railway Centre
Wide selection of Magazines, Periodicals and DVDs in stock. New Naxos Classical CDs
Have your daily paper delivered. Ask in store for details.
Local seasonal produce and crafts.
Montacute House, Yeovil, TA15 6XP 10 am – 2 pm
PARKING & ENTRY FREE - Dog friendly too!
The 01935 time of year has arrived when Santa is ready to greet 812367 www.levelsbest.co.uk children of all ages in his Grotto at Yeovil Railway Centre. He was busy last year so the volunteers have arranged an extra day for him this year!
MMS Soft Furnishings
Before visiting Santa, visitors can enjoy a Woodside short steam train ride and afterwards Court Sparkford move into the carefully decorated exBA22 7LH GWR Transfer Shed where snow and (next to Haynes Motor Museum) bubble machines provide a truly exciting experience. Santa will cushions. be ready to talk to Bespoke curtains, blinds, from an extensive range ofa fabrics from Prestigious Textiles, Clarke and theChoose children and hand them wrapped Clarke, Fibre Naturelle, Iliv and more.. or supply your own. Free measuring and present. Light refreshments are included. estimating service. Santa be visiting on workshop, Sundays 1, 8,estimates contact. For will appointments, 15Melody and 22, Saturday 14 and089 Monday 23 333 on 07883 December. that he can come prepared, or email:Sosalesmmssoftfurnishings@aol.co.uk beShowroom able to spend time with the young ones now and open to avoid and recently opened workshop 9.30disappointing to 2pm anyone, heto suggests that made. Monday Thursday. Allpre-bookings other times byare appointment. NO V.A.T This can be done through Yeovil Railway Centre’s website: www. yeovilrailway.freeservers.com
Gallery, Sherborne,
9.30am-5.00pm SHERBORNE On Saturday 30 November from 12.00 noon to 3.30pm at the West End Hall in Sherborne, there is a Christmas Bazaar, with stalls, refreshments, Santa and bar. Free entry
JANUARY ADVERT SOMERTON On Friday 6 DEADLINE: December from 9.00am to 2.00pm at the Butter 4.12.17 Cross in the Market Place is
Sundays 1, 8, 15 and 22 December Plus Saturday 14 and Monday 23 December.
£11 each Adult/Child (£10 each for groups of 8 or more). £13 each on the day subject to availability. Babies under 12 months no charge.
Somerton’s monthly market.
SOMERTON MARKET
Friday 6th December 9am – 2pm
CHRISTMAS MARKET
Friday 20th December 9am – 2pm Butter Cross, Market Place
Free initial consultation
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WHAT’S ON
Best of the West
The Westcountry Equine Fair continues its great focus for 2019, ‘The Best of the West’. The West Country will be celebrating some local equestrian stars including some amazing masterclasses. Andrew Williams, show jumper on Saturday 7 December and Louise Hutchinson, dressage on Sunday, 8 December. Andrew Williams juggles a busy show jumping career with coaching and equine dentistry. He currently runs his competition yard with his wife Juliet in the West of Cornwall. Over recent years, Andrew has enjoyed a huge amount of success with a thrilling end of season overall points win at Bicton Arena; an invitation to the Royal International Queens Cup; jumping the iconic Hickstead Derby as well as the speed Derby. Andrew has established a great reputation as an all-round horseman and a reputation for being friendly and approachable. Andrew’s displays will show: ‘Flat work and warm up for competition’ and ‘The importance of rhythm when riding a course’. Louise Hutchinson announced at the age of three that she wanted to do dressage when watching a demonstration at The Great Yorkshire Show. She had completed her first test age 6 and continues to the present day whether on youngsters or at Grand Prix level. Louise has competed successfully over the years being placed at Regional and National level up to PSG and has trained two horses up to Grand Prix on a shoestring. ‘I have always enjoyed teaching and enjoying the different challenges of teaching pupils at different stages of their dressage journey from grass roots to those competing at National level’. Louise will provide two masterclasses ‘Who said dressage is boring?’ – brilliantly entertaining displays. There are also four pony club teams taking part on Saturday and Sunday in the Pony Club horse & hound show jumping challenge. On Saturday these are: East Cornwall Hunt Pony Club; Lamerton Hunt Pony Club; Mendip Farmers Hunt Pony Club; Poole & District Pony Club. The four clubs taking part on Sunday are: Dartmoor Hunt Pony Club; Cury Hunt Pony Club; South Dorset Hunt Pony Club; South & West Wilts Hunt Pony Club The clubs will compete against each other in this fast-paced and thrilling competition. Riders will jump a course followed by runners and their dogs. With a breed village and heavy horse area plus the BETA Equestrian Knowledge Zone – featuring Robocob the mechanical horse, there is something for everyone, whatever your riding level. The show is not complete without the amazing equestrian shopping village. Stay stylish with the latest fashions; keep up to date with new products and excellent advice and of course plenty of the main brands, show offers, competitions and book signings. With over 200 companies, this is a great equestrian shopping experience for the horse and for the rider. Don’t forget you don’t need to carry those heavy shopping bags around with the shop and drop facility in the foyer - all donations to Brooke.
COMPETITION TIME! Win two free adult tickets (worth £30) to the Westcountry Equine Fair! Just answer this question: What’s the name of the mechanical horse? Mark your entry WC Equine Fair Competition in the Subject Heading and email your answer by Friday 29 November to info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk or post to the address on p3. Good luck!
BEST OF THE WEST
To book your tickets in advance and save money visit www. westcountryequinefair.co.uk
Join the West Country’s equine community for a weekend of equestrian celebration – from show jumping, dressage and competitions to shopping and expert advice, there’s something for everyone! 01392 421500 - westcountryequinefair.co.uk
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WHAT’S ON
On Friday 20 December from 9.00am to 2.00pm at the Butter Cross in Somerton’s Market Place is the Christmas Market. STOKE-SUB-HAMDON On Sunday 1 December from 11.00am to 5.00pm at The Prince of Wales, Ham Hill, there is a pop-up market. For further information, phone 01935 822848 or visit www. princeofwaleshamhill.co.uk. WINCANTON On Saturday 23 November from 10.00am to 4.00pm, visit the Wincanton Seed Market in the Market Place, SEED Café, Shop at No.4, and Bootmakers & Coles Yard with Storytelling Chairs around town for storytellers of all ages. For further information, contact 01963 33886 or visit www.hubatno3.com YEOVIL Until Tuesday 17 December in The Vicarage Street Methodist Church Hall, Yeovil, the Cards for Good Causes Multi Charity Christmas Card shop is now open in ITS NEW VENUE! There you can buy a wide range of Christmas Cards from over 33 National and 3 Local Charities, plus
Gifts, Advent Calendars & Stocking Fillers. Over 74p in every pound spent goes to the charities. Open Monday to Friday 10.00am to 3.30pm and Saturday 10.00am to 1.30pm. Look for the Red Santa signs celebrating 60 years of trading.
Quiz SHERBORNE On Friday 6 December at 7.00 pm at the Digby Memorial Hall, there is the annual fund-raising Christmas Quiz. A great quiz for all the family, including questions to test established quizzers! Bar available, and a great raffle thanks to the generosity of Sherborne Businesses. Do come along it is always a great evening. Tickets £13 includes a Fish and Chip Supper (Vegetarian option available). Tickets only with no supper £6.50. To reserve all tickets, contact Joanna at office@therendezvous.org.uk or on 01935 814496. The £6.50 tickets will be available on the door on the evening.
STOKE-SUB-HAMDON On Sunday 15 December at 8.00pm at The Prince of Wales, Ham Hill, there is a Fun Quiz. For further information, phone 01935 822848 or visit www. princeofwaleshamhill.co.uk.
Social MARTOCK On Wednesday 11 December at 2.00pm at Martock Parish Hall, come along to Martock & District U3A’s social Christmas Festive with the Somer Singers, mulled wine and mince pies. All those no longer in full time employment are welcome to enjoy a social afternoon and to find out about the 30 hobby and interest groups. Refreshments available. For more information about Martock & District U3A, visit Facebook Martock & District U3A, website www.u3a.org.uk, email martocku3amembership@ gmail.com, or phone 07510 178094. SEAVINGTON ST MARY On Thursday 12 December at 7.30pm in The Millennium Hall,
the South Somerset RSPB Local Group will hold its Christmas Social Evening. A chance to chat with fellow members and friends, and enjoy the popular quizzes. Seasonal music by Stoke-sub-Hamdon Band. Please bring a plate of food for the buffet. Please also bring glasses/mugs to avoid use of disposables. Members £3, nonmembers £4, under 18s free (tea/coffee/soft drink included). Wheelchair access. Nonmembers are very welcome. For further details, contact Denise Chamings (group leader) on 01460240740 or visit www.rspb. org.uk/groups/southsomerset. SHERBORNE Every Tuesday during term time from 10.00am to 11.45am at the Digby Memorial Hall, Sherborne, it is Tuesday Toddlers. In 1985 a toddler group was started by The Mothers Union and supported by Sherborne Churches Together. Volunteers from each of the churches would support the running of the toddler group and it became a popular place for mothers and babies to meet, play and exchange tips of parenthood. Recently renamed
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Tuesday Toddlers, it is still run by volunteers, mostly from the local churches and a few parents and grandparents. To keep this valuable group alive Tuesday Toddlers are seeking helpers and a new leader. If you have a valid DBS certificate, are under 70 (for insurance reasons), and can spare a few hours of a Tuesday morning, then please pop in to introduce yourself. Maybe you are a crafting goddess, take joy in preparing food or enjoy preparing or packing away toys? Maybe you just like to help? Every first and third Thursday each month from 2.00pm to 4.00pm in the Richmond Green Community Room, the Dorset Blind Association host Social and Handicraft clubs. Transport provided. For more information phone Judy on 07748 212009 or 01202 712865. Every Thursday from 9.30am to 11.30am at St Pauls Church Hall or West End Hall (two groups) join in with Art for Parents. Free friendly art class for parents and carers of primary school age children. 10
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Fully funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. For more information and to book text 07483 338969. Organised by ArtsLink. Every Tuesday from 10.00am to 12.00 noon and 2.00pm to 4.00pm (two groups) in the Wingfield Room, Digby Hall, go along to Art For Memory. These groups are for people experiencing mild to moderate memory loss. Free entry. Funded by the National Lottery. Organised by ArtsLink Fizz. For more information phone 01935 815899. Every Thursday from 2.30pm to 4.00pm at Tinney’s Lane Youth and Community Centre join in with Parkinson’s Dance. Free friendly class for people who are experiencing the challenges of living with Parkinson’s Disease. Funded by the National Lottery. Organised by ArtsLink Fizz. Free entry. For more information phone 01935 815899. SOUTH PETHERTON On Sunday 24 November from 2.00pm to 4.00pm at The
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YEOVIL Every Wednesday from 7.30pm to 10.30pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil, there is Ballroom, Latin and Sequence Dance. All abilities. Different dance host each week, playing a variety of traditional and modern dance tracks. Smart casual dress. Over 18s only. Non-members £8.50 on the door. For more information phone 01935 825939 or westlandballroom@ yahoo.com. On Sunday 1 December from 4.00pm at St John’s Church, Yeovil, join the St Margaret’s Hospice Light up a Life celebration service. This service offers a way to commemorate loved ones at this time of year. Open to anyone, not just people whose loved one was cared for by a hospice. The gentle uplifting service provides an opportunity to pay tribute to cherished family members or friends, and to dedicate a message in their memory by lighting a candle, hanging a message on a tree, recording the name of someone special in a book of remembrance, or reading it aloud. For more information, please contact Terena Gill (Community Fundraiser) on 01935 709484 or 07736 886183 or email terena. gill@st-margarets-hospice.org. uk. Every Tuesday from 7.00pm to 8.30pm at Westlands Sports Centre, Yeovil Table Tennis Club have a social Table Tennis Evening. Play for fun, no need to sign up. Opportunities to join the club and play competitively if desired. Entry £4. Every Saturday at 7.30pm at the Holy Trinity Church Hall in Yeovil, there is a Whist Drive. Enquiries 01935 862325.
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CHARD Every Wednesday from 6.00pm to 7.00pm at Holyrood Academy, Zembard Lane, there is Walking Netball. This is a slowed down version of the game of netball, designed for anyone looking to exercise in a relaxed, supportive and friendly environment. Every session contains a gentle warm up and suitable for all ages and abilities. Entry £4 a session. For more information phone 07738 696362 and visit www. englandnetball.co.uk/walkingnetball. CREWKERNE Every Tuesday from 6.00pm to 7.00pm at Crewkerne Sports Centre, join in at the weekly Walking Netball sessions. For all ages and abilities. All sessions contain a gentle warm up. No need to book. First session free then £3.50 per session.
Talk ANSFORD On Tuesday 3 December at 8.00pm in Caryford Hall, there is a Somerset Wildlife Trust talk on Better Birding by Mike Langman. Refreshments and raffle from 7.30pm. Entrance £3 adults, children free. CHARLTON On Tuesday 10 December at 7.30pm at the New Remembrance Hall in Charlton, Shaftesbury, the Blackmore Vale Amateur Radio Society have a meeting. Visitors welcome. For more information visit www.bvars.org.uk. MARTOCK On Tuesday 26 November 2019 at 7.30pm in Martock Primary School Hall, Ted Udall will give a talk on Slavery to Poorhouse. People who have heard Ted talk on parish registers know he has a deep understanding of history from the perspective of ordinary folk. Tea from 7.00 pm. Free to members, £3 to non-members. For more information phone 01935 822202. MERRIOTT On Tuesday 26 November at 7.30pm at the Tithe Barn, Merriott, Neil Lovesey (from Picket Lane Nursery, South Perrott) will
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Christmas at the Palace This year, The Bishop’s Palace in Wells will once again be celebrating the magic of the Christmas season over two weeks of festive fun! The Bishop’s Palace is the 800 year old home of the Bishops of Bath & Wells. The medieval palace is also home to the wells and ancient springs that give the City of Wells its name. From 8 December until 23 December between 10am and 4pm, the rooms of the medieval Palace building will each be adorned with decorations on a different theme, from medieval through Victorian to Nordic. The Entrance Hall will be warmed by a roaring fire, and seasonal greenery and foliage from the Palace Gardens will be used to create stunning adornments to complement the historic interiors. For younger visitors, a ticket can be bought to visit Father and Mother Christmas who will be meeting children in the Palace on 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22 Dec. Each child will get individual time with Father Christmas, and of course, a gift! Tickets for Father
Christmas can be purchased online and always sell out in advance. There will also be a Christmas-themed family trail which will take visitors through the Palace & Gardens, leading to a traditional nativity scene at the end. Family Christmas craft sessions will be taking place daily upstairs at the Palace, giving children the chance to create handmade decorations, perfect as a gift to granny or to adorn their own tree. Check the website for further details about timings. In addition, on Saturday 14 and 21 December Wells Theatre Company will be performing a costumed reading of Dickens atmospheric tale A Christmas Carol in the Entrance Hall of the Palace at 11am and 2pm. The shows will last around an hour and will involve costumed actors, musicians and carol singers bringing this timeless tale to life in a wholly unique way around the medieval fireplace of the stunning Entrance Hall.
Each weekend there will be a selection of musical performances in the Chapel, based on Christmas themes and the café will be selling mulled wine and mince pies to get you in the Christmas spirit. Entrance to Christmas at the Palace is included in standard admission, Father Christmas tickets are £10 per child and include admission for the child, and must be accompanied by a paying adult/member. www.bishopspalace.org.uk
The Bishop's palace presents
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Tickets Adult £9 Child £4 Under 5's free
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give a talk with slides about his newly created White Garden. Neil is a wonderful raconteur and he will no doubt give expert advice and tips for your own garden. Refreshments and raffle - no Flower of the Month for the winter period. Nonmembers £2 at the door - all very welcome. MILBORNE PORT On Tuesday 10 December at 7.30pm in The Camelot Room at the Village Hall, Milborne Port Gardening Club will meet for a talk from Paul Cumbleton (retired Head of Alpines at RHS Gardens, Wisley) on The Dolomites: Woodland, Meadow and High Peak Plants. Free for members and £2.00 for visitors. Wine and mince pies will be served after the talk. For further information, contact 01963 250654. OBORNE On Thursday 21 November at 7.00pm at The Grange, Oborne, Wolfgang Grulke gives a powerful illustrated talk Beyond Extinction – Perspectives from Deep Time. This covers the work leading up to his new book, plus a book-signing by the author. Tickets £10 from www.elementumjournal.com. SANDFORD ORCAS On Thursday 21 November at 7.30pm in Sandford Orcas Village Hall, there is a talk about ‘Serving with The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance’. The speaker, Dr Tony Doyle, specialises in major trauma.
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He is a consultant anaesthetist at Dorset County Hospital and part of the emergency medical team who serve with The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Come and listen to his experiences first-hand and help raise funds for the vital work he and the team provide for our community. 7.00pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets £10, includes a drink from the bar with proceeds to The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Tickets from Lucy Robinson on 01936 220480 or on the door. SEAVINGTON ST MARY On Thursday 21 November at 7.30pm in The Millennium Hall, Seavington St Mary, there is a South Somerset RSPB Local Group meeting and talk. The Hedgehog Predicament is an illustrated talk presented by Colin Varndell, a well-known Dorset wildlife photographer. Colin’s talk will cover the natural history of the hedgehog, reasons for its decline and what we can do as individuals to help hedgehogs. Entry: group members £3, nongroup members £4, under 18s free, (tea/coffee & biscuit included). Wheelchair access. Non-members very welcome. For further details contact Denise Chamings (group leader) on 01460 240740 or visit www.rspb.org.uk/groups/ southsomerset. SHERBORNE On Wednesday 20 November at 7.30pm in
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the Digby Memorial Church Hall, DWT hold their November meeting. Wareen Bicheno from Surfers against Sewage (SAS) will be our speaker on this topic. He is the South Coast Rep of SAS and was a volunteer at the Kimmeridge Marine Centre. Entry £2.50. On Monday 25 November from 11.30am to 12.30pm at Trinity Manor, Kyla Foster from the Castle Garden Centre will demonstrate how to make a Christmas doorwreath. The demonstration will be followed by mulled wine and mince pies. Free entry. Book on 01935 574961. On Thursday 28 November from 7.30pm to 10.00pm in Digby Hall Sherborne, Coral Gardiner (National Demonstrator) will present a Seasonal Sparkle. Refreshments from 6.45pm. Sales table and
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raffle. For tickets, phone 01935 813316. On Friday 29 November from 2.00pm to 3.30pm in Sherborne Library, there is a talk entitled Origins: Something Understood. Join Cindy Chant and John Drabik for a talk on the early history of Sherborne and how it became a bishopric. Refreshments provided. For more information, phone 01935 812683. On Tuesday 3 December at 8.00pm at the Digby Hall, the Sherborne Historical Society have a talk on Dutch Courage & Mother’s Ruin: the Gin Craze. Dr Richard Barnett takes the audience on a walk down Hogarth’s Gin Lane, exploring the realities behind this notorious episode of Enlightenment history. Non-members £5. For more information visit sherbornehistoricalsociety. co.uk. On Wednesday 4 December from 2.00pm to 4.00pm at Trinity Manor, there will be a Dementia Friends Information Session. For further information, phone 01935 574961. On Thursday 5 December from 11.00am to 1.00pm at Trinity Manor, there will be a talk on how to investigate one’s family history. Barry Brock will outline the sequence of steps required to investigate one’s family history and to prepare a family tree. He will describe the various sources of information available, both online, in record offices, and with the help of organisations such as the Somerset & Dorset Family History Society (SDFHS). The talk will be
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followed by tea and cake. Barry was manager of the Sherborne SDFHS research centre for five years and chairman of Sherborne Museum for four years. He is responsible for the Museum’s publications and has written several of them. For further information, phone 01935 574961. On Thursday 5 December from 2.00pm to 3.00pm in Sherborne Library, there is An Afternoon with Rosie Lear. Join Rosie as she discusses how Sherborne Abbey inspired her to write her murder-mystery series. Refreshments provided. For more information, please call 01935 812683. On Saturday 7 December at 7.00pm at Digby Memorial Hall, there is a Sherborne Literary Society festival event. Andrew Lownie will speak about his book The Mountbattens: Their Lives and Loves. Tickets £9 members, £10 non-members, available from eventbrite. co.uk, Sherborne TIC and Winstone’s Bookshop. On Thursday 21 November at 6.30pm for 7.00pm at Winstone’s Sherborne, there is a Book Launch for Eve Bonham’s new novel Dear Magpies. The book tells the tale of a courageous woman, Josie, in search of her long-lost grandchildren, recounting her life through a series of emails, as she fights to cling on to hope. The author will give a talk about her book and will answer questions and sign copies of the book. Do come along to meet Eve and celebrate the publication of her fourth book with a glass of wine and some nibbles. SOMERTON Every fourth Friday of each month at 10.00am at the Edgar Community Hall, there is a Somerton U3A meeting. Meetings start at 10.00am with coffee (50p) and chat. After any notices, the main event begins at 10.30am and finishes by 12 noon latest. Free for members, £2 per visitor. All welcome. Please note there is NO meeting in December.
SOUTH PETHERTON On Monday 2 December at 7.15pm at Frogmary Green Conference Centre, there is an Arts Society lecture on Painted Pleats - a History of European Fan Painting by Jacob Moss. Visitors £10. For further information, phone Maralyn on 01460 241143. TINTINHULL On Saturday 23 November from 2.00pm to 4.30pm at Tintinhull Village Hall, there is a special seminar to celebrate the 40th birthday of the Somerset Vernacular Group (SVBRG). Key note speaker Nick Griffiths will talk about Heating, Lighting & Cooking in Medieval Cottages & Townhouses. There will also be short presentations on the decreasing cost of light, taper burns and an early painted fireplace lintel. Includes a free piece of the SVBRG’s 40th birthday cake! £5 in advance, £8 on door. For more information phone 01935 822202. WINCANTON On Friday 22 November from 6.00pm to 9.00pm at the SEED Café, the SEED Café Women’s Supper & Gathering presents TELL ME A STORY!, kicking off the Wincanton Storytelling weekend. Lynne Franks will be telling some of her stories over her fifty years of working as PR, writer and businesswoman. There will be an opportunity for the audience to tell their stories too, whether personal or professional and learn how to make all life’s experiences relevant and positive. Ticket £25, includes a delicious healthy supper. For further information, contact 01963 33886 or visit www.hubatno3. com. On Saturday 23 November from 7.00pm at the SEED Café, Saturday Night at the SEED Cafè presents Stories in Music. This is an Indian Tahli night with live music by CODENAME RUBY who will play favourites and classics as well as tell the stories behind the songs. Ticket £25, includes a vegetarian Tahli supper. For further information, contact 01963 33886 or visit www.hubatno3. com.
DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS FROM YEOVIL’S PREMIER VENUES
The Octagon Theatre and Westlands Entertainment Venue are busy preparing for one of their favourite periods of the year, with a fabulous selection of shows and events to brighten up those dark winter nights. From Friday 6 December 2019 – Sunday 5 January 2020 Evolution Productions presents Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at The Octagon Theatre. This spectacular, fun-packed pantomime promises to be exceptional entertainment with stunning costumes and scenery, a genuinely funny script, amazing special effects and lots of audience participation. The production features a top quality cast with returning Yeovil favourites, Lizzie Frances, Jack Glanville, Gordon Cooper (Best Dame nomination at the Great British Pantomime Awards 2019 for Widow Twankey in Aladdin at The Octagon Theatre) and local ‘Crewkerne boy’ Thom Ford. The theatre is also extremely excited to be introducing Kathryn Nash in the title role. The BRIT award-winning trio Blake have a very special treat in store on Monday 9 December when they take patrons on a festive journey at Westlands, performing timeless Christmas songs including Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Let It Snow and White Christmas. With the warmth that only their rich vocal harmonies can deliver, you can expect a spectacular evening, with great music, funny stories and a ‘virtual duet’ with Dame Shirley Bassey! It wouldn’t be the festive season without a big Christmas party to look forward to and Westlands have two fantastic Back to The 80s parties lined up. On Saturday 14 December, Punk Princess and award-winning rock legend Toyah Willcox will wow audiences as she performs her classic hits – It’s A Mystery, Thunder in the Mountains and I Want to Be Free - live on stage. She will be supported by The Zoots, who will play the floor fillers, party anthems, classic pop and power ballads that were Top of the Pops. On Saturday 21 December, The Best of Wham will return to Somerset Premier Entertainment Venue by popular demand to perform live, following their sold out party night at Westlands last year. On Sunday 15 December Westlands will host A Christmas Celebration. Join The Octagon Choir, Castaway Theatre Group, The Octagon Lunchtime Tappers along with other local groups and special guests associated with the theatre as they present a stunning night of Christmas classics for you to enjoy. This concert is in aid of Yeovil Hospital Charity Breast Cancer Unit Appeal and The Foyer Club Charity. On Monday 23 December Westlands will be bursting with festive fun for all the family. Written by CBBC TV Writer and Children’s Author, Ian Billings, Santa’s Elves and the Shoemaker will feature original songs, energetic choreography, audience participation and gifts for all the children. This brand new show for Yeovil is recommended for little ones aged 2+. In the evening Westlands will also present their popular Christmas Family Disco. Get the whole family together and enjoy a night of music and festive celebration. There will also be a very special guest appearance! For the full programme of events or to book ticket at the Octagon Theatre and Westlands Entertainment Venue visit octagon-theatre.co.uk or westlandsyeovil.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01935 422884. 13
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of 5 to 6 miles to Wyndham’s Oak and Stilton Church. For further information, email jenny. newman@zen.co.uk or visit www.dorsetramblers.co.uk.
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MELBURY OSMOND On Sunday 8 December at 10.15am at the Sheaf of Arrows pub, the Dorset Ramblers will meet for a morning walk in Melbury Park and Melbury Bubb. 5 to 6 miles. For further information, email jenny. newman@zen.co.uk or visit www.dorsetramblers.co.uk. SHERBORNE Every Thursday at 11.00am starting by Sherborne Museum, there is a 40 minute Health Walk. Generally flat with a mixture of pavement and fields in dry weather. For more details call Bryan Pearson on 01749 938191.
www.facebook.com/sherbornesweater https://sherbornechristmassweater.eventbrite.co.uk
YEOVIL On Tuesday 26 November at 7.15pm at Waterstones, there is a free talk by Wildlife Photographer, Paul Williams. He will be talking about his ground-breaking book Wildlife Photography: saving my life one frame at a time, which as well as featuring remarkable photography also chronicles Paul’s personal mental health journey as he begins his recovery from PTSD and mental trauma. 10% of proceeds from the sale of books during the evening are being donated by the Dorset-based publisher Veloce to MIND in Somerset. This hardback book would make a fantastic Christmas present for anyone interested in mental health and who also loves nature and wildlife.
Walk GILLINGHAM On Sunday 29 December at 10.15am at Rolls Bridge Way, the Dorset Ramblers will meet for a morning walk with festive nibbles. A fields and lanes walk 14
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Every Friday from 2.00pm starting from Waitrose Sherborne store entrance, there is a Health Walk. Free, friendly walk of approximately 60 minutes around the town. Optional refreshments at the end. No need to book, just turn up! For more information phone 07825 691508. STALBRIDGE On Sunday 1 December at 10.15am at Dike’s Car Park, the Dorset Ramblers will meet for a 4-mile walk over fields in the morning, followed by a ramble round the village in the afternoon. Lunch in Dike’s café. For further information, email jenny.newman@zen.co.uk or visit www.dorsetramblers. co.uk.
Workshop CASTLE CARY On Thursday 28 November from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at the Market House in Castle Cary, go along to From Wolf Hall to Poldark: Historical Dance Class. Taught by friendly specialist. No experience or partner needed. Wear light loose clothes and flexible footwear. £6.00 per stand-alone session. Just turn up (every fourth Thursday (check before first time). For more information, contact Ann Hinchliffe on 01935 472771 or thedancingmaster@outlook. com. ILMINSTER Until Wednesday 11 December from 10.30am
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to 12.30pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, explore and develop your own painting style in this series of six Acrylic Painting workshops with tutor Juliet Farnese. Suitable for all abilities. £66 for 6 workshops. Advance booking required. To book, phone 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse.org.uk. Until Wednesday 11 December from 2.00pm to 4.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, learn how to capture a likeness and hone your observational skills in this series of six workshops, entitled An Introduction to Portraits with tutor Juliet Farnese. Suitable for those with some prior experience. £75 for 6 workshops (plus £5 for materials payable to the tutor). Advance booking required. To book, phone 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk. From Thursday 7 November to 12 December from 1.45pm to 4.15pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, paint a portrait of your choice and discover a variety of oil painting techniques in this series of six workshops, entitled Painting Portraits in Oil with tutor Heather Ford. Suitable for beginners. £65 for 6 workshops (plus £7 for materials payable to the tutor). Advance booking required. To book, phone 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk. On Friday 22 November from 10.00am to 12.30pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a Slow Stitch workshop with tutor Paula Simpson. Develop your creative skills through the simple and mindful process of creating designs on fabric with stitch. Bring your own hand sewing kit. £15 (excluding materials). Advance booking required. To book, phone 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk. On Monday 25 November from 10.00am to 3.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a Clay Sculpture workshop. This is a friendly and informal untutored group that meets every Monday. All abilities welcome. Pay as you go - no need to book in advance. Materials not provided (but there is always sufficient to start off a newcomer). £7 per session. Book on 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse.org.uk.
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CHRISTMAS IN LANGPORT Christmas is a great time to abandon online shopping and support your local high street. In Somerset the pretty market town of Langport is one of the smallest towns in England and is showing its shoppers “small is beautiful” when it comes to Christmas shopping. The Town invites shoppers to enjoy a relaxed shopping experience on Saturday 7 December to experience the sights, sounds and smells of the Christmas season and a special Christmas Fair. Parking is free and a gorgeous individual high street is brimming with unique, highquality gifts for family and friends. Merrymaking truly starts on Saturday 7 December with the annual Christmas Fair, held in the town centre from 2pm to 6pm. It boasts over 40 merchants on the island, on Parrett Close, with additional stalls in The Angel and the Ridgway Hall.
the joyful atmosphere. An amazing firework display starts at 6.30pm alongside the River Parrett where you will also find a hog roast. Why not enjoy some local shopping and join in the celebrations? Langport promises to make even the grouchiest Scrooge smile.
The organization of the market, fireworks and allocation of the stalls is done by the Langport This is the perfect opportunity Christmas Fair team which is for some Christmas shopping headed up by Reverend Jess for thoughtful gifts supplied by Pitman, John Rice-Lewis and local makers, craftspeople, and Kate Gibbins. foodies, selling mulled cider, festive goods, unique art, and Langport is a Transition town delicious treats. Entertainment and music from local bands and and as such is committed to being as plastic-free as carol singers will help get you possible. The town encourages in a merry mood, and as ever, parking in Cocklemoor car park stallholders, traders and businesses to use recyclable is free. One tryOne and try you’ll beyou’ll converted! and be converted! materials, cups, bags, food packaging and wrapping The town will be decorated wherever possible. in thousands of twinkly white lights that stretch the length For fans of Instagram, hashtags of the high street. The fair will are: #LangportChristmasFair run until 6pm, with many local #Langport shops staying open, giving #Totallylocallylangport you the perfect occasion to #WhereItsTo browse, shop and soak up Award Winning British and Award Winning British and NationalNational Champion Ciders, Ciders, Champion made from 100% cider fruit. made from 100% cider fruit. www.harryscidercompany.co.uk www.harryscidercompany.co.uk
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To advertise – 01935 424724 • email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk • www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk
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WHAT’S ON
On Friday 29 November from 10.00am to 4.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a Moonstruck Hare workshop with tutor Paula Simpson. Create a winter landscape using natural fabrics which will be embellished with textured hand stitching. £30. Book on 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse. org.uk. On Saturday 30 November from 10.00am to 1.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a Recycled Hat workshop with Jean Chisholm. Turn tragedy into fashion triumph by upcycling a shrunken jumper into a cosy winter hat. £15 (to include materials). Advance booking required. Book on 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk. On Friday 6 December from 10.00am to 3.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a workshop entitled Creative Watercolours with tutor Nicky Clarke. Explore creative and expressive techniques that will set your watercolour paintings apart from the crowd. A friendly and relaxed class - all abilities welcome. £30. Book with Nicky on 01460 281773. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk. On Saturday 7 December from 10.00am to 1.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a Surface Decoration Montage workshop with tutor Claire Jeanes. Use images and coloured paper from magazines to decorate a tin, box or object. £16 (plus £2 for materials). Book on 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse. org.uk. On Friday 13 December from 10.00am to 1.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a Beginners’ Sewing Machine workshop with tutor Paula Simpson. Get to know your sewing machine; learn about threading, stitches and basic maintenance. £15 per session. Book on 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk. On Friday 20 December from 10.00am to 3.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, there is a Felting workshop with tutor Geraldine Field. Discover the art of felting by making scarves, bags, slippers, hats, or whatever takes your fancy! Beginners to advanced welcome. £25 (excludes materials). Book 16
on 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk. LANGPORT Every Friday from 2.15pm at Ridgway Hall, Langport, go along to ‘Health and Wellbeing Circuits’, led by exercise specialist Marion Cooper. Ideal as a continuation of an NHS, COPD Respiratory or Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme. Suitable if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis or part of your health recovery. The session offers support, guidance and motivation in a safe, comfortable and friend environment. For more information phone 07814 826951 or marioncooper@ hotmail.co.uk. LONG SUTTON Every Monday from 9.30am to 11.00am during term time at Long Sutton C of E Primary School, there is a workshop called Music Baddies. A group for 0 to 4 year olds which includes a sing, play and snack. Entry £2 per family. Friendly and informal. All welcome. MARTOCK Every Monday from 2.30pm at Martock Parish Hall, go along to an Age UK Somerset ‘Mature Movers’ session, led by exercise specialist Marion Cooper. Ideal as a continuation of an NHS, COPD Respiratory or Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme. Suitable if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis or part of your health recovery. The session offers support, guidance and motivation in a safe, comfortable and friend environment. For more information phone 07814 826951 or marioncooper@ hotmail.co.uk. SHERBORNE Every Tuesday from 9.15am at The Scout Hut, Blackberry Lane, Sherborne, there are award-winning Monkey Music Classes for Babies and Young Children from 3 months to 3 years. Monkey Music aims to introduce music to very young children in a fun way they can easily understand and enjoy, with specialist teachers who gently encourage social and musical skills within fun, stimulating and friendly environment. Unique to Monkey Music is their newest
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• House Clearing of Bad Energies • Free Checks Undertaken House Clearing of Bad Energies
DOWSABILITY – Finding the Unseen Free Checks Undertaken Ancient DOWSABILITY Skills for– Finding the 21st Century the Unseen Ancient Skills for the 21st Century
Matthew French FRGS, MRIN, MHydSoc. Matthew French FRGS, MRIN, MHydSoc. Tel: 01458-250465 Tel: 01458-250465 www.dowsability.co.uk/freechecks www.dowsability.co.uk/freechecks
curriculum Extra which has YEOVIL Every Thursday text if been room specially written for babies from Transformational Quantum Energy from Healer2.00pm at Birchfield 3 months. This wasVortex in response Centre, Yeovil, go Qualified Energy Healing Community Practitioner to huge demand from parents along to ‘Health and Wellbeing Quantum healing of people, buildings and land. who are increasingly aware of Circuits’, led by exercise BSD Registered Professional Dowser Qualified Lightbody Healer the importance of introducing specialist Marion Cooper. Ideal their children to music from as as a continuation of an NHS, young an age as possible. Each COPD Respiratory or Cardiac class is themed around the Rehabilitation Programme. everyday life of a very young Suitable if you have been child. To find out more, or to diagnosed with diabetes, book your free first class, phone osteoarthritis, osteoporosis or Alison on 01935 850541 or part of your health recovery. email sherborne.dorchester@ The session offers support, monkeymusic.co.uk. Or why guidance and motivation not visit the interactive website in a safe, comfortable and at www.monkeymusic.co.uk to friend environment. For more sample some of the delights of information phone 07814 Monkey Music for yourself? 826951 or marioncooper@ hotmail.co.uk. On Saturday 7 December from 10.30am to 11.30am in On Saturday 14 December at Sherborne Library, there is a 10.00am at The Emporium, Christmas Card Making session. there will be a Christmas Festive, creative and suitable Wreath Workshop. For for all. For more information, further information, phone please call 01935 812683. 01935 411378 or email info@ theemporiumyeovil.co.uk. On Saturday 14 December from 10.30am to 11.30am in Sherborne Library, there is a Christmas Decoration Crafts session. Festive, creative and suitable for all. For more information, please call 01935 812683.
Celebrate New Year in Style with our
New Years Eve Gala Dinner
Push the boat out in style at our New Year’s Eve dinner, optional black-tie and Jimmy Choos to the fore. The party starts with a Champagne reception, followed by a sumptuous 7 course tasting menu feast created by Matthew Street, our executive chef and his talented team. With music and dancing, followed by a spectacular firework display you are sure to start the New Year with a real bang. All this for just £90 per person.
To reserve your table call 01935 813131 The Eastbury , Long Street, Sherborne, DT 9 3BY
/TheConduitMag
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THE CONDUIT INTERVIEWS...
Conduit Interviews... The
CARYS BEXINGTON
We spoke to local author Carys Bexington, author of new children’s book The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland, who told us about her journey to becoming a published writer. Have you always lived in this area and if not, where do you come from? I grew up close to the Jurassic Coast in Dorset and I live and write there today. I moved back to Dorset after living in London for a few years when I returned home from travelling after university. I am hugely attached to this part of the country; it’s so beautiful and inspiring. Trudging along the hedgerows in my welly boots whilst yelling at my dog to come back makes me very happy, so I can’t see myself leaving anytime soon. What is the inspiration behind your book? I’m not sure precisely when the lightbulb moment happened. I think I was probably walking my dog (which is when I get most of my ideas) and from a small thought about St Nick and his misbehaving reindeer and a faded memory of The Night Before Christmas poem the story escalated into something much bigger. I always loved Christmas as a child and Wonderland is story with so many unanswered questions. Each character has an enormous presence and they raise more questions than they answer, so there is so much scope to place them into an original story and have them fit in seamlessly. I love thinking of characters existing beyond the snippet of story that’s been told and imagining what else may have happened to them. I’m certain Alice is not the only character to have visited into Wonderland! Have you always wanted to write? I suppose I have, yes. I wouldn’t say that I always wanted to be an ‘author’ specifically, but stories were very special to me growing up - as I think they are to most children - and living in the middle of nowhere was a perfect place for my imagination to run riot, so it was natural for me to write stories and I think I never really lost that. Writing fits me in a way nothing else ever really has. Why a book for children? I didn’t set out to write for children, it sort of happened without me noticing. I started
writing and the stories that came out were perfectly suited to children and now I can’t imagine writing for any other audience. I think the books I loved as a child have stayed with me and my head is still full of that curious imagination and wonder. Children’s books have so much joy in them and there’s the potential for anything to happen. Plus, rhyme is the most brilliant way to tell a story, I absolutely adore writing in rhyme and children share my enthusiasm for it. What top tips would you offer to other would be authors? There’s a quote by Neil Gaiman which is so helpful to me as a writer: “Start telling the stories that only you can tell, because there’ll always be better writers than you and there’ll always be smarter writers than you. There will always be people who are much better at doing this or doing that - but you are the only you.” - Neil Gaiman Writing for children is hugely competitive and it’s so easy to find yourself wondering about book trends and the market and what publishers are looking for. If you can switch all that noise off and write a story that’s unique to you, that only you can write, that’s what will always set you apart from the thousands of other people just like you who are searching for an agent or publisher. Write first and foremost for yourself and then practice, practice, practice! When I look back at my work five years ago and compare it to my work today I am amazed at the difference. Just keep going, keep showing up. I find it’s equal parts brilliant and torture almost all of the time, but I still keep showing up to write because I love it. It took two and a half years from signing contracts to my book being on the shelf, three and a half since I started writing it. It’s a long process and it can be frustrating, but persistence furthers. Keep showing up, keep loving what you write.
How did you go about getting a publisher for the book? I have a wonderful agent, Arabella Stein at the Bright Agency in London. I was at Bright’s Christmas party in 2016 and met Laura who was, at the time, a commissioning editor at Macmillan. She asked me to send her through a few of my picture book stories in the New Year. I had just finished The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland and it was extremely long, about 1300 words I think and didn’t have a title yet, so I almost didn’t include it. It turned out that Laura was a huge Alice in Wonderland fan and had wanted to do a Christmas/ Wonderland ‘mash-up’ for a while. So I was in the right place at the right time with the right story in front of the right editor. It’s the classic tale of right place, right time. But, as I said before, keep showing up. If I hadn’t been at the party that I almost didn’t go to, then none of this would have happened. Any more books in the offing? I hope so! I’m working on another classic ‘mash-up’ at the moment because they’re really fun to do and, although it’s torturing me somewhat at the moment, I’m almost there with it. I’d love to write for an older age group too as there are some fantastic stories to be told for a middle grade audience. I like to think I’m at the beginning of a happy and long career writing children’s books. 17
BOOKS
BOOK REVIEW By Wayne, Winstones
I am really looking forward to the new series of The Crown starting this month and thought to build appetite we should highlight the two most interesting books on the monarchy this autumn. Lady in Waiting: My Extraordinary Life in the Shadow of the Crown by Anne Glenconner £20 hbck The remarkable life of Lady in Waiting to Princess Margaret who was also a Maid of Honour at the Queen’s Coronation - and is a character in The Crown this autumn. Anne Glenconner reveals the real events behind The Crown as well as her own life of drama, tragedy and courage, with the wonderful wit and extraordinary resilience which define her. Anne Glenconner has been close to the Royal Family since childhood. Eldest child of the 5th Earl of Leicester, she was, as a daughter, described as ‘the greatest disappointment’ by her family as she was unable to inherit. Anne Glenconner writes with extraordinary wit, generosity and courage and she exposes what life was like in her gilded cage, revealing the role of her great friendship with Princess Margaret, and the freedom she can now finally enjoy in later life. She will appear as a character in the new series of The Crown this autumn. This is a remarkable memoir - containing, at last, a genuine portrait of Princess Margaret from one who knew her well. But this book is poignant too, and through the pages shine her courage and good-humoured acceptance of her demons and tragedies.
THE SUNDAY TIMES ‘Remarkable . . . If your jaw doesn’t drop at least three times every chapter, you’ve not been paying proper attention’ The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe by Angela Kelly £20 hbck When Angela Kelly and The Queen are together, laughter echoes through the corridors of Buckingham Palace. Angela has worked with The Queen and walked the corridors of the Royal Household for twenty-five years, initially as Her Majesty’s Senior Dresser and then latterly as Her Majesty’s Personal Advisor, Curator, Wardrobe and In-house Designer. As the first person in history to hold this title, she shares a uniquely close working relationship with the Queen ‘The book documents the unique working relationship between Her Majesty The Queen and the woman who has been her Personal Assistant and Senior Dresser for more than two decades”
And now something completely different… 18
8, Cheap Street, Sherborne, Dorset. DTP 3PX 01935 816 128 winstonebooks1@gmail.com www.winstonebooks.co.uk
The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse by Cahrlie Macksey £16.99 hbck A book of hope for uncertain times. Soothing balm for the soul in these turbulent, polarised times, former Spectator cartoonist Charlie Mackesy’s tender illustrations have already become an online phenomenon. Now, his finest artwork has been gathered together in this beautifully produced volume, a book to treasure forever and a permanent reminder of the need for compassion and love in a world suffused with ignorance and hatred. The boy, the mole, the fox and the horse are four friends who share a deep, unshakable bond. Through a series of brief but profound conversations, Mackesy teases universal truths and rich wisdom from the mouths of his characters, celebrating warmth and empathy in all its myriad forms. Exploring kindness through exquisite, sensitive artwork and delicate calligraphy, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse is a moving study in friendship and the perfect gift for those people that you hold closest to your heart.
BOOKS FOR CHRISTMAS
100 Great Wildlife Experiences What to See and Where by James D Fair
(RRP: £16.99) Aimed at families and also more adventurous natural historians, there are many guides to the world’s great wildlife experiences, but the UK is neglected and this book sets out to remedy this. 100 Great Wildlife Experiences really takes in all the amazing things to see and do in the UK, in all seasons – because winter, of course, can be just as good as summer or spring. Each experience is rated in difficulty and time needed. The 100 experiences to be had here in the UK are placed in categories such as “Best for families”, “Best for Couples”, “Best on a budget” and so on. Covering every county in the country, this book is useful for people who want to explore their local area and surrounding counties, and for those in need of an insightful guide to take on their travels. The author is an experienced natural history journalist and is Environment Editor at the BBC.
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PLEASE NOTE EARLY Mapperton House DEADLINES FOR JANUARY
Spring Plant Fair News and Articles:
Mapperton Gardens, nr Beaminster DT8 3NR
Sunday 14th April 10am – 4pm
FRIDAY, December £3 admission in aid of6 Dorset Wildlife Trust (house tours and garden entrance extra)
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MONDAY, 9 December
Details of other fairs and stall holders at plantfairs.com
Not just for 2019 but for the next 25 years! That’s because there’s no need to paint or repair ColourFence. It’s guaranteed not to wrap, crack, shrink, rot or peel for the next 25 years, making it the world’s best maintenance-free fence. And, unlike other fences, ColourFence can withstand wind speeds of up to 130mph. There’s a choice of colours to harmonise and enhance your garden’s design. Choose your preferred height, with or with trellis and also with the choice of a gate to make your garden secure.
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GARDENING
SOME GARDEN TASKS FOR BOXING DAY!
UP THE GARDEN PATH by Julie Haylock, Sandhurst Garden Design
These versatile plants even offer leaf variation - Anna’s Red which flowers between February and April has marbled leaves that look very striking, and Helleborus argutifolius The Corsican Hellebore’ has a serrated edge to its leaf. This particular variety is evergreen and will tolerate full sun or partial shade and makes a real statement in a mixed border adding architectural interest long after its light green flowers have faded. There really is a hellebore to suit everyone’s taste, and when planted in the border with other spring bulbs they make a wonderful display.
If there is one plant for me that encapsulates winter and early spring, it is the Hellebore. Part of the buttercup family Hellebores grow best in full or dappled shade. Hellebores come in many different varieties and several colours; some even have a marbled effect on their leaves. Helleborous Odours which has large lime green flowers and grows to approximately 60 cms in height, has the added bonus of a delicate scent, so perfect to position near to a path or doorway where it can be appreciated. The perennial Hellebore niger Christmas Carol commonly known as the Christmas rose or Lenten rose, flowers in December until early spring. With gorgeous white flowers sometimes tinged with pink it is perfect to bring inside your home at Christmas time to create a festive display, but remember to mist it regularly with water to keep it looking fresh.
In late October Andrew and I revisited three gardens that we planted in the summer, this time to add some bulbs. All the gardens looked great and their owners have done a brilliant job of looking after them – it goes to show a little bit of regular maintenance really does pay off and helps to extend the flowering season.
Hellebores have single or double flowers, which help to provide a vital winter and early spring food source for bees. The Harvington hybrid range has many varieties to choose from including Double Ellen Picotee which is semi evergreen, losing some of its leaves in the winter, it has lovely creamy white petals edged in a deep plum-pink and flowers between February and April.
We were particularly delighted to see how good the borders at the Jubilee Cafe in Minehead were looking. This was my first experience of planting borders in such an exposed site, both in terms of the elements and visitors! There was lots of colour still in the borders with the Verbena Bonariensis, Stipa Tennuissima and Salvia Caradonna still looking great! Until next time, Julie
Sandhurst Garden Design Julie Haylock Garden Designer 20 Sandhurst Road, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 2LG
Tel: 07899 710168 Email: haylock2lg@btinternet.com www.sandhurstgardendesign.co.uk Contact Julie for garden and border design, planting plans, plant selection advice and garden styling
BBC Gardeners’ World Live Gold Medal Award Taunton Flower Show Gold Medal Award and The Western Daily Press Cup for Best Show Garden
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By Mike Burks, Managing Director of The Gardens Group One might be forgiven for thinking that it’s time to relax in the garden now that the nights have drawn in and Christmas is on the horizon. However, there are many chores that are traditionally carried out at this time of year, which include quite a few that need doing on Boxing Day. Traditionally, this will inevitably be to do with limited time off from work in days gone by and so Boxing Day may have been the only opportunity to carry out gardening tasks. In more recent times, these chores are stuck to perhaps because the in-laws have decided to stay an extra day and you just need an excuse to get out of the house! Boxing Day chores include the planting of broad beans varieties, such as Aquadulce and The Sutton and the reason for planting these varieties before the worst of the winter is to get the plants established sufficiently so that they are too tough for the Bean Aphid to munch on or so that it is no longer interested in them at the growth stage they have achieved. The earliest time I have found for broad bean planting is the day after bonfire night, followed by Armistice Day and then the
shortest day, but Boxing Day is the favourite. It’s also a time for onion, shallot and garlic planting, although tradition suggests that the shortest day is the more popular day. Harvesting, certainly of onions, should take place on the longest day. Climate change may have messed with the latter date, but the planting time is certainly still observed in many gardens. In the fruit garden Boxing Day is one of the recommended dates for pruning autumn fruiting raspberries. These varieties grow from the ground and produce flower and fruit all in one season. The traditional summer fruiting varieties fruit every year, but the growth is on a two-year cycle. Having the fruit late in the season is an advantage and autumn varieties are increasingly popular. With the simplicity of the pruning and the added excuse for getting out in the fresh air after Christmas is a bonus. Wassailing isn’t a Boxing Day activity normally with the most popular date being the twelfth day of Christmas. There are various forms but in the garden it involves making a lot of noise in the orchard around and amongst the trees using pots and pans and the firing of shot guns into the boughs! The benefit to the orchard in all of this is unclear but some sources say that the trees get beaten during the process and this could be a form of pruning. After such pruning apply Arbrex or Medo to the wounds. Having a little break from being indoors is quite nice and it’s a good feeling to have achieved something and to get the hands dirty. It’s also a reminder that spring will be soon around the corner.
GARDENING CARE
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SAMARITANS OF YEOVIL, SHERBORNE & DISTRICT
WELCOME NEW DIRECTOR The Yeovil Branch of Samaritans has appointed a new Director, Simon Hicks. The appointment was announced at the Samaritans Annual General Meeting in October. Simon Hicks, has been with the Branch since April 2018 and is delighted to take up the three year volunteer position from outgoing director, Sarah Coote. ‘I’m absolutely thrilled to have been selected and utterly committed to carrying on where Sarah leaves off, that is to work towards building Yeovil Samaritans into a branch that is open 24/7 with more volunteers on board. I can’t imagine a nicer group of supportive people to work with and I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in’ Simon said. Samaritans Branch Directors are invited by the volunteers to step into the role for a maximum of three years. This applies also to other roles within the organisation including Deputy Directors and
Trustees. “It’s a great system” continues Simon “as it gives anyone who wants to step up to the plate an opportunity to make a real difference.” In his new role, Simon will oversee the final stage of the move for the Branch from 25 The Park to Morley House, a three storey building in the town centre which was made possible as a result of the extraordinarily generous legacy left to the branch by a Yeovil resident last year. “The hard work has really already been done by a fabulous team led by my predecessor Sarah. Everyone involved has been amazing, both pushing through the acquisition and getting the building into a position where it’s almost ready to go. “Aside from the work she’s done with Morley House, Sarah has been an inspirational leader and along with the help of many others, the number of branch volunteers has already increased this year. She will,
I am sure, continue to be supportive to me and my team through this directorship.” Simon, who lives in Milborne Port has always described himself as a pretty regular guy who enjoys rugby, a round of golf and a pint. He came to Samaritans originally out of curiosity but was very quickly seduced by the people he met from the outset, as well as the calibre of training for volunteers which he describes as ‘the most thorough and intense he’s ever encountered’.
Samaritans will be transferring in stages to Morley House during December and will be fully up and running early in the New Year. Could you help turn the Yeovil branch into a 24/7 operation? Why not join us at one of our information evenings? To find out more, call our information line on 01935 414015, email recruitment@yeovilsamaritans. org.uk or visit our website at https://www.samaritans.org/ branches/samaritans-yeovilsherborne-and-district
Simon takes up the role in January 2020.
Yeovil Sherborne & District
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CARE
BLUEBIRD CARE DELIVERS ANOTHER COMMUNITY GRANT TO CHANCERY TRIPS Chancery Trips is a Community Transport Service that offers affordable social and leisure trips, providing disabled friendly door to door-to-door transport and destinations to people who would otherwise be socially isolated. Run by volunteers, and started as a Community project as a legacy to their day centre closing, they visit historic houses, have pub lunches or visit the seaside. The Chancery Trips minibus will pick up from home with their wheelchair friendly vehicle and refreshments are provided. If you know of a group that works with older people or works to address loneliness in our community, (or both!) that would benefit from a £250 grant, get in touch for an application form by emailing: southsomerset@bluebirdcare.co.uk with the subject line ‘Community Grant’. Bluebird Care offers a realistic alternative to residential care by allowing people to stay in their own homes with care and support. Their work can involve one or more short visits a day in order to help with the everyday tasks of life. However, their homecare service doesn’t stop there because longer duration visits are also available, including overnight help and live in care. For further information about Bluebird Care’s homecare and support services across the South Somerset area, please contact the team on 01935 584 184 or visit www.bluebirdcare.co.uk/southsomerset .
All about Talking Newspapers Sight problems can often mean that people are unable to enjoy the different articles appearing in our magazines and newspapers, but did you know there is something called Talking Newspapers right on The Conduit’s doorstep? We approached The Shaftesbury Area Talking Newspaper to find out more. Talking Newspapers have a provenance stretching back to 1968 and, for the past twenty-five years of that time, the Shaftesbury Area Talking Newspaper has been published. Every Friday afternoon, the latest edition is recorded. On Saturday morning, courtesy of Royal Mail, copies of the recording land on the doormats 22
of visually impaired listeners all over the Blackmore Vale from Blandford to Wincanton, and from Sherborne to Tisbury. Numerous volunteers edit, read, record, pack and post a ‘sound’ newspaper, so that people whose sight problems prevent them reading easily can be kept up to date with selections from the current editions of the local newspapers and magazines;
these include The Conduit magazine, Blackmore Vale Magazine, the Salisbury Journal and the Western Gazette, and occasionally other journals too. It’s very informal - there are often poems and jokes that have taken the readers’ or editors’ fancy - and there’s even a local and parish news supplement with selections from local monthly magazines; these enable listeners to stay in touch with events and people’s ideas that are nearer to home. The recording itself comes in the form of a memory stick that is easily inserted into a simple
player. Players can be borrowed and new listeners are coached, if required, on how to use the player but in fact it is all very simple. Being run by a charity, the service is entirely free; this includes loan of the player, and receipt and return of the memory sticks in their wallets. New listeners are always very welcome, so if you know of someone who might be interested in receiving the Talking Newspaper or would like to learn more about it, do please contact the Secretary, Collette Drury on 01258 473923 or at collette@woolhousefarm. co.uk
Sherborne’s Luxury New Care Home OPENS THIS DECEMBER You’re invited to our Open Weekend 14th–15th December, 10am–4pm Trinity Manor is now complete. Join us for our open weekend, our friendly team would love to show you around. • Bespoke residential, dementia and respite care Daily life-enrichment programme • Choice of nutritious and delicious home-cooked meals • Interactive multi-sensory environment for residents living with dementia
Tel: 01935 574 969 Bradford Road, Sherborne, DT9 6EX • www.barchester.com/TrinityManor Minibus • Café • Private dining • Concierge service • Spa bathroom • Salon • Wi-fi • Cinema
Somerset pharmacists advise you to STOCK YOUR MEDICINE CABINET FOR WINTER Somerset pharmacists are advising that everyone get prepared for winter this year by making sure you have all the medications you need for the winter season. Pharmacist Manager Emma Jane Waller from Day Lewis Pharmacy in Yeovil said: “It always helps to be prepared and stocking up on medications now in preparation for winter is one of the best ways you can help minimise the cold weather’s impact on you and your family. Nobody likes having to get dressed and go out to the shops when they’re feeling unwell so if you have your winter medicines on hand at home you can selfcare while staying cosy and warm.
and reduce the aches and pains associated with a winter illness
Superintendent Pharmacy Manager for Crewkerne Pharmacy, Fivos Valagiannopoulos, said: “Your local community pharmacy also does much more than just dispense medications and fulfil prescriptions – we also offer medical advice and we can give you your flu jab. All pharmacists are trained for five years and are medical experts, equipped with a wealth of knowledge to help you stay well this winter. And if we can’t help you get back to full health, we will advise you to make an appointment with your doctor. We’re here to help everyone in Somerset Stay Well this winter.”
•
Here are some key medicines that you should keep to hand: • Paracetamol/cold and flu medication – This helps to keep fevers under control
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Ibuprofen – This anti-inflammatory medication is a useful general painkiller. Please note that you should not take Ibuprofen over long periods of time and people with certain conditions should avoid taking it altogether – always read the label
• Aspirin – a good general painkiller and anti-inflammatory medicine. Over 16s only
• • • •
•
Rehydration salts – It’s important that you replenish your salt levels when you have an illness (usually these come as a powder in sachets that you mix into a glass of water)
• Indigestion treatment – Especially useful after one too many mince pies over the holidays! • Thermometer – If you have a fever, you should monitor your temperature; this will allow you to know what adjustments to the environment (if any) are needed.
Anti-congestion medication – Medications like Pseudoephedrine can When keeping medicines at home, help reduce nasal congestion, making remember: it easier to breathe • Always follow the directions on Vapour-rub – Nasal inhalers and vapour medicine packets and information rubs can help with blocked noses and leaflets, and never take more than the chesty coughs stated dose Plasters – Always useful to have • Always keep medicines out of the sight throughout the year and reach of children – a high, lockable Cough syrup – some people prefer cupboard in a cool, dry place is ideal syrups to tablets for treating coughs • Regularly check the expiry dates on a and colds – use whichever you feel medicine – if a medicine is past its use- works best for you by date, don’t use it or throw it away: Anti-diarrhoea tablets – When a take it to your pharmacy, where it can gastrointestinal disorder strikes, these be disposed of safely. will help manage your symptoms (it’s also a good idea to bring these with you on holiday – whatever the weather)
Motoring Experienced author, advanced motorist and motor correspondent Tim Saunders test drives the Skoda Octavia VRS Challenge. “It’s got the same electric seat as the Volkswagen van,” observes my son Henry (3) on assessing the Skoda Octavia VRS Challenge. He’s a clever lad. Previously, we had tested a VW Caravelle Executive and he’s quite right about the driver’s seat. Economies of scale dictate that the Volkswagen Group, which owns 12 manufacturers including Skoda, Bentley and Seat, will use the same or similar parts and features across its range; a sensible idea. Excellent quality is something that we have become used to from the Volkswagen family and this Skoda is another shining example (quite literally from that gorgeous velvet red metallic paintwork). I think the beautifully crafted black alloy wheels compliment this souped-up saloon making it really quite eye-catching. “They look out of place on this car,” says my artist wife, Caroline, who, it is fair to say, knows more about design than I do. “The shape of the car is quite bland yet the wheels look as if they should be on a totally different vehicle.” Whatever her thoughts, a Jaguar XF parks next to the Skoda and the driver cannot take his eyes off the Octavia. The Skoda Octavia has won legions of fans including the British traffic police, who can often be seen in them pulling speeding motorists over by the roadside. The driving position is as I would expect; excellent and all my family agrees that it provides a very comfortable environment. There’s adequate room in the rear for three passengers. But despite its size it’s a real struggle strapping in my three children in their car seats. Dare I say it; it’s easier in my geriatric and considerably tinier Ford Fiesta. On the Skoda a push button ignition replaces the traditional key on the steering column. It is quick, especially when sports mode
GARDENING MOTORING
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. is engaged by pushing the VRS button; 0 to 60mph in 6.6secs and a 155mph top speed. Put your foot to the floor in second gear and it will reach 70mph as quickly as you can say ‘Jack Robinson’. What a delight. I enjoy using the decisive six speed manual gearbox and there’s a traditional handbrake. It’s the last day of term for my daughters Harriett (8) and Heidi (6) and it makes a nice surprise for them to be collected from school in this cool, flash Skoda. The Skoda comes loaded with luxuries including heated front seats, cruise control, aluminium pedals, black exhaust tailpipes with sports sound and there’s even an umbrella under the front passenger seat. At night there’s some fun blue lighting on the door inserts. While there is no reversing camera, the Octavia does beep when getting too close to obstacles, which can be helpful, if a bit irritating. This sizeable sports saloon is a top class driver’s car but the Brewers Garage.qxp_Layout 1 19/06/2018 11:33 Page 1 overall experience could still be enhanced further, I feel.
BREWERS GARAGE LTD Western Ways Yard, Bristol Road, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4HR
• DIAGNOSTICS • MOT • SERVICING
• REPAIRS • AIR CON SERVICING • TYRES
Call us on 01935
812720
Octavia VRS Challenge FACTS AT A GLANCE
Price: £30,770 Engine: 2.0 TSI Power: 245bhp Economy: 36mpg approx Watch the video at www.testdrives.biz
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MOTORING
Superior Motorcycle Experiences providing elevated adventure! For several years now, there has been a marked interest in holidays and short breaks that provide something more than simply the place itself; they strive to create an unforgettable experience that will form a unique and fantastic memory for everyone who takes that journey. The Conduit found out more from Superior Motorcycle Experiences based in Sherborne, Dorset. Superior Motorcycle Experiences is the home of luxury motorcycling adventures. It specialises in carefully curated tour packages for the rider who is looking for that next level experience. The company’s packages have been meticulously planned and constructed around the ideals of pleasure, luxury and experience. Rides aim to present the best local scenery, the finest establishments and food as well as premier time in the saddle. There are two main headquarter locations. The splendid Eira ski lodge in the Spanish Pyrenees is the base abroad and charming Green Cottage is nestled away here in the heart of Sherborne, Dorset. Both locations are on the doorstep of some of the most stunning motorcycling scenery you could wish to ride in.
“Riding the Brough� is the cornerstone of Superior Motorcycles Experiences (SME) as a company. They are proud to to offer a unique opportunity to pilot one of the world’s most exclusive and desirable motorcycles. The Brough Superior SS100 Mk 1 is the rebirth of a legendary machine from the 1920s that was the motorcycle of choice for connoisseurs of speed. The experienced guides at SME will lead you on a panoramic preview of the finest roads in Dorset. Carefully engineered routes might take in seaside vistas, retrace the steps of T.E Lawrence or simply lace together the ridge views and winding valleys of this unspoilt English county. The evocative Brough Superior will be your companion and as ever we will be your comprehensive guide and support. You have the choice to choose from a curated package or create your own bespoke experience, this is your adventure. The founders of Superior Motorcycle Experiences have thought of everything and say they understand that life is hectic and finding the time to plan an epic adventure can be hard, so they have engineered taster versions of their signature experiences.
Trail School
This tour provides the opportunity to learn how to ride off-road. You will explore the best of hidden Dorset whilst astride one of our Himalayan Royal Enfield motorcycles. Discover the confidence and skill to push your limits beyond the road and over the horizon.
Superior Sunday
The company is partnering with Motocorsa to offer a range of iconic motorcycles, as well as its own fleet of rare Brough Superiors. Choose your machine and a suitable date, then experience riding the world’s elite motorcycles on the most spectacular tarmac Dorset has to offer.
Asphalt adventure Carefully curated rides will take you to glorious motorcycle locations in Dorset or the Spanish Pyrenees. Everything is provided to the highest standard including industry leading motorcycles for both on and off-road experiences.
www.superiormotorcycleexperiences.com
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Both tours are interspersed with scenic stops including breakfast, lunch, drinks and refreshments. The tours include expert guides, all your tuition, fuel, insurance, and the use of a support vehicle and of course motorcycle. Superior Motorcycle Experiences say, “Let us show you a new way to enjoy Dorset. This is adventure, elevated. “Superior Motorcycle Experiences homepage: www.superiormotorcycleexperiences.com Facebook: SuperiorMotorcycleExperience Instagram: @Superiormotoexperiences
Fashion
CHRISTMAS GIFTS AND TREATS!
By Thelma Drabik, Melbury Gallery
The festive season is upon us and here at Melbury Gallery we are bursting at the seams with wonderful clothes and accessories for any occasion! Be it a merry gathering with family, a special party or a winter wedding we have you covered! All the winter collections have made their way into our shops and we couldn’t be more thrilled by the cornucopia of colours and sumptuous fabrics! Velvet is the fabric of the season and most of our favourite brands have created delightful designs using this luxurious material. ADINI have made some gorgeous designs in their coveted velour fabric and this year’s collections feature flattering tunics, warm skirts and wonderful soft cowl-necks. Perfect for some everyday luxury! For party wear look no further than SAHARA and GRIZAS for the most glorious velvet in spectacular rich jewel tones. Emerald, deep purples, burnt oranges, teals and stunning silver . . . simply beautiful!
GARDENING FASHION
MELBURY GALLERY
SHERBORNE Half Moon Street DORCHESTER 10-11 Tudor Arcade, South Street www.melburygallery.co.uk Lapis, Moonstone, Garnet, Peridot, Pearl, Turquoise, Rose Quartz, Black Spinel, Labradorite, Chrysoprase, Coral and much more! And for something really special we have our ever popular AYALA BAR range featuring all manner of materials including crystals, beads and thread among others. Each piece is a wearable work of art! Pop in and see us in Sherborne or Dorchester this festive season. We would love to help you feel fabulous! And don’t forget the marvellous events that are happening this December! Come join us for the amazing Festive Shopping Day on Sunday 1 December and Late Night Shopping Wednesday 11 December when we will be open from 9am – 8pm. We would love to see you!
To truly stand out from the crowd we of course have our wonderful range of RALSTON clothing which boasts fantastic bold colours and quirky silhouettes that flatter any figure and are such fun to wear! Accessorise your party outfits with our incredible range of jewellery, scarves, bags and much more! Our cabinets are an absolute treasure trove of goodies; perfect to treat yourself or give as a gift! We have dazzling opals as well as many glorious gemstones. Amethyst, Amber,
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TRAVEL
MILES MORGAN TRAVEL RELOCATE IN YEOVIL…. by Heather Muir, Miles Morgan Travel
This month I am delighted to bring you up to date on things here at Miles Morgan Travel. Those who have been into town recently may have noticed that we have relocated. We are delighted to announce that we have moved to larger premises and for your convenience, not too far. The new shop is just five minutes from where we were on Middle Street opposite Costa, the old Ponden Mill shop. Jon, Sharon, Victoria, Christine, Sue, Heather and I are looking forward to welcoming you into our new home where we can continue to offer you expert advice and great service. The reason for our move is simple, we want you to enjoy a more comfortable environment, allowing you more space and privacy too when you visit. After continuous business growth and back to back record sales, and collecting numerous awards in 2019, including The Best Travel Agent in the South West
CANADIAN ROCKIES WITH A VIP HOME PICK UP ESCORTED BY SHARON
Join me on my escorted tour
and Wales, we are looking forward to the year ahead with some exciting new opportunities for our customers. Our Fred Olsen cruises with the free pick up from Yeovil to the port, continue to be in demand and we have a choice of 10 itineraries for you to choose from for 2020. We also have our very first personally escorted tour hosted by Sharon to Canada next September. We still have space available on this tour so if you are looking to travel to Canada and would like to join Sharon please do contact us for full details. For your information and convenience our new address is as follows: Miles Morgan Travel 14-16 Middle Street, Yeovil, BA20 1LY
Departs 30 May 2020 Prices from only £3,209pp Phone lines open until 10pm
01935 428488
www.milesmorgantravel.co.uk
2 Borough Arcade, High Street Yeovil BA20 1RX
Our telephone number remains the same which is 01935 428488. In closing, I would like to thank you for your business and support and we look forward to welcoming you into our new home. Please do call in when you are passing and take a look around as our kettle is always on.
Travelling to the Isle of Wight – with small children and a lot of rain! By Travel Correspondent Tim Saunders
A weekend on the Isle of Wight gives the opportunity of discovering some wonderful litter free beaches. We sail from Portsmouth to Fishbourne with Wightlink. Arriving by car at the port near Gunwharf Quays it’s a matter of showing our home printed boarding pass and then queuing. Once on board the ferry we go outside to wave goodbye to Portsmouth and watch the white foam of the waves behind. It’s a bit wetter than usual on deck due to the heavy rain and we venture inside for the children to go to the play area complete with slide and climbing area. They thoroughly enjoy this. The boat seems new and up-to-date with plenty of comfortable seating. It’s a surprisingly quick crossing taking around 30 minutes. The sun is shining when we disembark and drive to Cowes. We’re able to find a side road to park with no time restriction and then saunter off towards the town. Soon the children discover a park and demand to play in it. They’ve been ever so good. So how can we decline? Henry spots a policeman, 28
who says, “Good morning.” And Henry (3) becomes shy, for a change. After a while we head towards town. There’s an array of independent and charity shops. We make our way to the water’s edge to see the start of the world famous Cowes Week regatta, which we later learn is postponed due to bad weather. Apparently visibility is very poor and there are strong winds. Hard to believe when our crossing was fine. The heavens have opened and everyone is ducking for cover, apart from us. We glimpse some action on the water. After our picnic in the car we make our way to Sandown to the AA 2 star Wight Bay Hotel, with its imposing and historic roadside frontage. There is ample parking for guests. An open mind is always important when staying in any hotel, no matter what the rating. Up the front steps and inside where we are greeted by an extremely helpful and friendly receptionist. That cannot be said of many hotels we have stayed in including some four star ones. We are informed that breakfast is between 7.30am and 9am and that check out is 10.30am. It’s almost bang on the 3pm check in and Henry
desperately needs the toilet, as only he can. Key in hand we dash up the stairs to our en-suite family room and Henry can now uncross his legs. The room has two single beds and one double; Henry shares with Heidi, despite his insistence on the double bed. The room, which has a new carpet, is comfortable and clean with a sea view. There’s a good supply of hot water, too. So often we have stayed in so-called luxury establishments where the hot water runs out. Our return crossing to Portsmouth with Wightlink is prompt and the little ones discover the cinema, which is showing Sing, a computer animated film. For more information visit: www.wightlink. co.uk www.wightbayhotel.com Watch the videos at www.travelwriter.biz
COMPUTING
CABLES & WIRES AND THE PAPERLESS OFFICE By Jimmy Flynn, Milborne Port Computers
Those of you of a similar age to me will remember Tomorrow’s World from the 70’s and 80’s when we were promised everything from personal robot-servants to the paperless office … That went well then! The reptilian overlords who rule us from afar must be crying into their primordial broth at the volume of copper and paper we consume in our technological time-saving lives. When Volta, Faraday and Ohm rubbed a bit of amber and learned how to manage electricity, their legacy is that every device we have has to be plugged into the mains at some point in its day. Even the latest toothbrushes and smart watches that use contactless charging have to have a base station plugged in somewhere and there is no technology on the horizon that is going to change this anytime soon. However, once you have accepted that, it is possible to get rid of nearly everything else. Wireless keyboards and mice have been around for years, wireless printers are now commonplace, and you can now get a wireless screen (but sadly, it still must get power from somewhere). So, assuming that your desktop PC has a Wi-Fi adapter as well, the only thing that needs to be plugged in is the mains. Laptops, tablets and other hand-held devices have all been completely wireless for some time, except for charging, and apparently from 2040 your car and my van will be too! Now, as to the paperless office (or study or home), there has been some progress towards generating less paper, but it seems that as fast as we get rid of some, more attacks us from another direction! Supermarkets are the worst offenders, giving us endless reams of toilet paper thinly disguised as a till receipt with unwanted vouchers for more toilet rolls, and then they send us more publicity in the post … Sorry, I seem to have gone off-topic!
copy and there is a certain trust element in that, if it’s not tangible, then it can’t be trusted. We print every invoice we receive, process it into our accounting system and then file it for the statutory seven years. Why? Because we believe that the tax or VAT inspector will want it that way. Wrong! You only have to be able to prove your income or expenses, and that can be entirely electronic. I think that from April next year we might give it a try … we’ll process incoming invoices without printing, file them electronically and encourage all our suppliers to send invoices this way. For our own, we’ll show customers their invoice on a tablet when they come to pay and give them an option to receive a copy by email … but old habits die hard! Now all I’ve got to do is to stop the credit card machine from printing its life history faster than Usain Bolt can run 100m every time we make a transaction. As always, if in doubt you know where to come if you need help.
The idea of paperless is that we simply stop printing! This seems to be a generational thing with the younger age groups much less likely to print anything like documents or photographs, rather using technology to view and store. The older generation prefer a hard29
COMPUTING LEGAL
DO YOU REALLY KNOW WHO WILL RECEIVE YOUR ESTATE WHEN YOU DIE? By Catherine Murton, Head of Private Client, Pardoes Solicitors LOOKING AFTER YOU, YOUR FAMILY & YOUR BUSINESS If you have made a Will then you probably think that you do know. Hopefully, of course, you are absolutely right…
ultimately leave their estate to their children so your former spouse may end up inheriting your estate from his or her parents.
As a Private Client solicitor I am often asked by couples for joint Wills but, in law, there is no such thing. Each individual must execute their own Will. However, we commonly prepare mirror Wills for couples, whereby the instructions in each Will distribute their estates in the same way. For example, a husband leaves everything to his wife if he is the first to die and vice versa and then instructions that, on the death of the second spouse, the estate is divided between their children.
The moral of the tale is to review your Will regularly and take good advice on the implications of both marriage and divorce if either of these circumstances arises. I offer a free consultation. Please contact me on 01935 382689 or, alternatively, at catherine. murton@pardoes.co.uk .
These simple Wills are extremely common. Of course, when executing mirror Wills few couples consider what the consequences would be if they divorced. In fact I am sure that, if asked, most would assume that the Wills would be automatically revoked. Unfortunately, the law provides that marriage automatically revokes a Will but divorce simply treats the former partner as if they had pre-deceased. The Will is still a valid document but it is read excluding any reference to the former spouse. This tends not to cause any huge difficulties where there are children of the marriage and they are the beneficiaries on second death. Generally, both parties would be happy enough that their children received their estate instead of the former spouse. However, what about the situation where there are no children? In this case people often divide their estate on second death between the two sets of relatives. For example, younger couples may leave everything to each other on first death and then divide their estate equally between their two sets of parents. If a divorce occurs the former spouse will be disregarded when reading the Will but in-laws remain valid beneficiaries. Effectively, you could divorce and inadvertently leave all or part of your estate to your mother-in-law! To add to this, most parents
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Come and see us at one of our
FREE LEGAL CLINICS Walk in on the day for a free chat and we’ll help you find the best way forward. YEOVIL Church of St John the Baptist, 10am - 1pm Saturday - 30 November 2019 SOUTH PETHERTON The David Hall, 9am-12pm Wednesday - 27 November 2019 SOMERTON The Parish Rooms, 9am-12pm Tuesday - 3 December 2019
LOOKING AFTER YOU, YOUR FAMILY & YOUR BUSINESS Bridgwater • Bridport • Taunton • Yeovil 01935 382680 @PardoesLLP pardoes.co.uk
PET HEALTH
VETS LAUNCH NEW PET HEALTH PLAN
By Matt Saunders BVetMed MRCVS, Newton Clarke Veterinary Surgeons It’s been many months since I wrote an article for this column and I think most would agree that Peter has done an excellent job in my absence, but have no fear he will return again next month! There are always changes occurring at our practice, often behind the scenes but some recent ones will start to become obvious to pets and pet owners as they walk through the door. Firstly, I would like to welcome our new fulltime vet, Leanne Thompson, who joined us in late October after moving from a first opinion and referral practice in Cornwall. She qualified from Edinburgh University in 2009 and has a Small Animal Surgery Certificate. She has not only slotted seamlessly into our team but adds to our increasingly qualified vets and nurses. We now have three vets with further qualifications which include
HISTORY
142 Preston Road, Yeovil Somerset BA20 2EE Lower Acreman Street Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3EX www.newtonclarkevet.com
Peter (Dermatology) and Kate (Emergency Medicine and Surgery). I am sure many of you will meet her soon and make her feel at home! We have a fairly large renovation planned for our Sherborne surgery next year. This will include the exterior of the building and also the interior, with a complete refurbishment of the reception and consult rooms and numerous improvements behind the scenes too. We hope to send the plans out to tender in the next month and look forward to keeping you updated as things progress. Our final bit of news is that we are launching our own Pet Health Plan in December. This will be available for Dogs and Cats and will include your pets’ preventative medications; vaccinations, flea, tick and worm control (including Lungworm for dogs) and all of your consultations, for a monthly set fee, via
direct debit. You will also have the option to have your flea and worm treatment delivered quarterly, directly to your home. The exciting difference between our Plan and many others is we are including unlimited consultations with a vet or nurse for this set monthly fee. This hopefully will provide a huge amount of reassurance to pet owners and fit in alongside your own Pet Insurance Polices. Please speak to a member of staff if you are interested in more information and prices. As you can see, life in the veterinary practice does not stay still for very long but we hope you both appreciate and enjoy these changes over the coming year and on that note we would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!
THE HISTORY OF LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHY: HENRY STIBY (1843-1934) By Robin Ansell
Henry Stiby was born on 19 January 1843, at Acreman Street, Sherborne, the son of parents Robert (a farmer) and Frances Moore (Brook) Stiby. Following in the footsteps of his older brother, he attended King’s School, now Sherborne School (entered 1854). After briefly running the family farm, he completed an apprenticeship and went into business with Thomas Denner in May 1869. Trading as Denner & Stiby, “Furnishing and General Ironmongers”, their premises were centrally- located adjacent to the Town Hall, at 20 High Street, Yeovil. This successful partnership lasted for a quarter-of-a-century, until their retirement in 1894. However, during his career as an ironmonger (and well-beyond) he was an enthusiastic amateur photographer. For about 30 years (c1880-c1910) Henry Stiby devoted much of his leisure-time to this hobby, helping to establish the Yeovil & District Camera Club in 1894. Subjects he photographed included: portraits, street-scenes, schools, landscapes, follies, farms, manor houses and in particular, local parish churches. Amongst his surviving Somerset photographs are those for: Ashington, Barwick, Brympton, Cheddar, Chilthorne Domer, Chilton Cantelo, East Chinnock, East Coker, Ilchester (including
Northover), Lufton, Marston Magna, Martock, Montacute, Norton-sub-Hamdon, Odcombe, Pendomer, Stoke-sub-Hamdon (including East Stoke), Sutton Bingham, Thorne Coffin, Tintinhull, West Camel, West Coker and Yeovil. Dorset coverage was slim by comparison: Bradford Abbas, Ryme Intrinseca, Sherborne, Stalbridge and Yetminster. Henry Stiby had many other interests, in addition to photography, including astronomy, microscopy, numismatics, cycling, shooting, animal welfare, the church, the blind and youth organisations. In a crowded life he also found the time to involve himself in civic affairs, being elected a Yeovil Borough councillor (1902), mayor (1904), justice of the peace (1906), alderman (1907) and freeman (1926). He died, a life-long bachelor, at his home, 5 The Park, Yeovil on 19 January 1934 - his 91st birthday! In his will he left over £18,000. The Community Heritage Access Centre (successor organisation to the Museum of South Somerset) has custody of the surviving Stiby images. This locally-important collection consists of over 30 original, card-mounted, sepia prints - often signed and dated in his neat, copperplate hand. Additionally, the collection includes more than 50 of his halfplate, glass negatives. Henry Stiby is also known to have produced some of his portraits
in a non-commercial, carte-de-visite format and several examples exist today in a private collection. Author note: Robin Ansell lives in Sherborne and is a retired chartered librarian. He wrote Henry Stiby 1843-1934: amateur photographer, ironmonger, civic leader - his life and times (1997) to accompany a linkedexhibition at the Museum of South Somerset. The details above have largely been gleaned from this publication, which is still available from CHAC (01935 462855). He has recently compiled, with co-authors Allan Collier and Phil Nichols, Secure the shadow: Somerset photographers, 1839-1939 published by the Somerset and Dorset Family History Society.
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FINANCE
A PLAN - IT’S NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS By Mark Salter, Financial Planner
What’s at the top of your Christmas list? Some new clothes, the latest gadget or perhaps it’s being able to spend time with family or friends or giving to others. By now you will hopefully have some idea of the presents you will be giving to family and friends for Christmas and a plan for the festive period. Christmas seems to creep up on me quicker each year and with so much to think about from organising Secret Santa for the office Christmas party to what vegetables we’ll be cooking. I often do nothing until someone tells me there are only a couple of weekends and a single evening of late night shopping to go. I’m sure I’m not alone on this!
month. You may have come into a lump sum and want to make the best of it.
I always end up thinking to myself, next year it’ll be different, I’ll plan Christmas and start shopping earlier so I can enjoy the few days before Christmas, possibly with a few long walks with my family and a glass of mulled wine in the evening.
We need to balance our investments. We need to diversify. But how do we do it?
Thinking about what I do every day for people and reflecting on how difficult I find planning for Christmas each year, I suddenly thought that when I’m planning someone’s future, they only have one chance to get it right. They can’t sit down in retirement and think ‘I didn’t really plan that very well’, so I’ll do it so much better next time. What are your goals in life? A nice home? A good education for your children? Perhaps it’s to own your own business then retire early and travel the world? Or maybe it’s a comfortable retirement and being in the position to help your family or friends when they need it? Whatever your goals, you’ve probably wondered how you’re going to pay for it. You might want to put aside a sum every
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Building a plan for the rest of your life and then designing an investment portfolio is one of the most valuable services a financial planner can perform for you. If you’re serious about doing something with your money, you will most likely need to invest it. But where should you invest? How? In what?
For some people, it might be quite simple. Monthly payments into a low-cost multi-asset fund. For others there are all kinds of complex considerations – tax liabilities, foreign currency requirements, inheritance, charitable donations or maybe the need for a regular income. At FFP we help you to build the investment plan that’s right for you. We take account of your family life, your aspirations, your wider financial situation, your capacity to put your savings at risk, or your need for income or your need to grow your capital to meet your life goals. We match up your circumstances with an investment portfolio that has the best chance of helping you to achieve your goals – whatever they might be – a home, education or support in later life. The more you can work together with a financial planner and the more you can share information in an open and honest way, the better your financial planner can
help with your plan. And the better your plan, the more likely you are to succeed. Writing this and thinking about Christmas has made me appreciate how important financial planning is and that everyone needs a plan. It doesn’t matter how simple or complex that plan might be, it’s so important we start planning early and we do everything we can to get it right and end our days with no regrets. I hope you have enjoyed reading my articles over the year and wish all the readers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. If you’re interested in introducing a financial planner into your life and building a plan for you and your family’s future then please give us a call on 01935 813322 or visit www.ffp.org.uk .
LIFESTYLE
INSPIRATIONS FOR THE CURIOUS SHOPPER By Dawn Woodward, The Emporium, Yeovil
We can’t believe it’s been a little over four years since we first opened our front door and launched Waterloo Music! We turned a neglected, empty old shop into a beautiful hub for musicians, filled with a stunning range of instruments, teaching studios and all sorts of essential bits and bobs that keep customers coming back.
Looking back over the last few weeks, we’ve had an amazing time at people TheandEmporium! Neither could we have imagined that we’d meet so many amazing had some really great times. It’s certainly been an enjoyable adventure that we wouldn’t have missed for the world.
booked with events right Our café to not shop only feed Wehere are now very oldof four years So we so are, at full thewith ripetraders, old age old,team now continue with a ‘sister’ in TauntonWe’re calledvery Bath Placeup Music, stocking through 2020 and we’ll bestore. providing details us so well, entertain with some and new, we are struggling for space! fabulous brands, an established team of talented staffbut and having us just completed a refresh of our Yeovil based Here you’ll find oursoamazing guitar andthe folkhuge instrument incredible departments are We all now our ground floorofalong with these in theour newrepairs year. centre. On the events! were on delighted There’s much variety within first floor you’ll find our specialist department, books and Chef, our teaching rooms. There’s so much to see, call in and to recentlymusic host TV Celebrity Matt range of independent shops located drum in I’d like to finish off by wishing all of our take a look at our new store lay-out, have a chat with our friendly staff, all musicians Pritchard: Dirty Vegan, in our café recently, themselves, they can help all your playing our huge store. All displaying such lovely readers, customers, traders, staff, friends, related queries asall well asofaccessories, teaching. forand a cooking demonstration, with our own stock and bringing sorts skills too, werepairs performers and supporters a very merry Head Chef,BA20 James1TE. Woodward. We507330 had are very lucky. I’d like all16 of our Waterloo Music cantobewelcome found at Hendford, Yeovil, Tel 01935 or visit: www.waterloomusic.co.uk FB/ Christmas and very happy New Year! Your a fantastic turn out for this demo and our waterloomusic newcomers and wish ALL of our traders support is so much appreciated by all at The guests were treated to tasting delicious much success over the coming months. Emporium and Café. vegan food cooked right in front of them by We hope to see you at The Emporium both Chefs. soon, if you’re interested in joining us as There are just a few events left before we a trader, please get in touch as we have a conclude this year, and what a great way few opportunities for dedicated business to finish! The stunning Black River Sinners owners! If you’d like to reserve a table for return for another evening of country music breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea, or to over supper, organised by the incredible enquire for a private event, please call us on Bearcat Collective on 12 December at 7pm. 01935 411378 or drop us an email to info@ theemporiumyeovil.co.uk. We’re also looking forward to our Christmas Wreath Workshop on 14 December at Until next time, Dawn 10am.
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VISUAL ART
Until Saturday 23 November from 9.30am to 4.30pm at the Ilminster Arts Centre see popular exhibition by the Neroche Artists. Their work is diverse; each artist excelling in their own particular field. All are based in and around Somerset which offers inspiration for much of their work, but also travels abroad and people going about their everyday business, these all add to an interesting and varied exhibition. Neroche Artists include members who have all the ability to cover these subjects, and more, in the most sensitive and skilful of ways. Mediums include etchings, oils, watercolours, pastels and beautifully executed sculptures, and because there is such a broad range of subjects, mediums and techniques, there will be work that appeals to everyone in some way. Free entry.
From Friday 22 to Saturday 30 November from 10.00am to 4.00pm at Long Load Village Hall there is the Annual Exhibition Connections. An exhibition of embroidery and textiles by the members of the Somerset group. Sales table. Refreshments available. Free admission. For more information email dragonflyliz@btinternet.com. From Monday 25 November to Saturday 21 December from 9.30pm at the Ilminster Arts Centre, the popular Christmas Collection returns with an enticing exhibition of seasonal gift ideas from local artisans - everything from jewellery to ceramics, textiles to toys, decorative art to home accessories. Enjoy stress-free Christmas shopping Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 4.30pm and Saturday from 9.30am to 2.30pm. With free entry, free parking and the Arts Centre’s Gallery Café for a light 34
lunch and a freshly brewed Fairtrade cuppa, Christmas shopping does not get better, or more local, than this! www. themeetinghouse.org.uk.
7.00pm in Mudford Church, The Benefice Choir and guests will be singing Nights of Miracles by John Peterson. Donations in aid of BIBIC.
On Wednesday 27 November at 7.30pm, ArtsLink will draw the winning tickets of their fundraising Sherborne ArtsLink Art Raffle 2019 at the Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne. This will be an evening about art and community. Free entry, all welcome. Contact ArtsLink on 01935 815899 or visit www.sherborneartlink.org. uk.
On Friday 22 November at 7.30pm in the Dining Hall of Sherborne School, there is Dinner and Jazz. The Sherborne School Swing Band will perform music by Charlie Parker, Dizzie Gillespie, Nat King Cole and others. Director, James Henderson. Tickets £25 from Sherborne School Reception, 01935 812249 or tickets@sherborne.org.
On Saturday 7 December from 11.00am to 1.00pm and on Sunday 8 December from 2.00pm to 4.00pm at the Cemetery Chapel Museum, Milborne Port, there will be a display of ‘Milborne Port in Winter’, along with a craft and book sale plus other unusual cards and gifts for Christmas. Cash and cheques only.
MUSIC
On Thursday 21 November at 7.30pm in the Tindall Recital Hall, Sherborne School, as part of the Visiting Artists’ Tindall Recital Series, Andrew Fawbert (Trombone) and Benjamin Davey (Piano) will perform: Horovitz, Euphonium Concerto; Vaughan Williams, Tuba Concerto; David, Concerto for Trombone; Curnow, Rhapsody for Euphonium. Tickets £10 from Sherborne School Reception, 01935 812249 or tickets@ sherborne.org. On Friday 22 November at 1.45pm in Cheap Street Church, Sherborne, there is a Chamber Music concert for Wind Quintet, String Duo, Brass Quintet and Piano Trio. Performances are free of charge (no tickets required). On Friday 22 November at
On Saturday 23 November at 8.00pm at The David Hall in South Petherton, enjoy one of the UK’s ‘must see’ rising live acts The Little Unsaid, plus support from Mitchell and Vincent. The Little Unsaid is a band with an original sound and an international outlook. They have spent the last year touring Europe, leaving audiences emotionally rapt with a live show described as having ‘a thumping depth of passion, recalling the intensity and melancholic overtones of Nick Cave and Leonard Cohen.’ The Little Unsaid embrace elements of electronica, folk, jazz and alt-rock. Support act, Mitchell and Vincent’s fiddle and guitar playing has been described as ‘stunning’, enjoy their skilled arrangements and expert delivery of tunes and songs which show the vibrancy and variety of folk music across Britain. Tickets £16. concessions £15. Book on 01460 240340 or boxoffice@ thedavidhall.org.uk. www. thedavidhall.org.uk. On Friday 29 November at 1.45pm in Cheap Street Church, Sherborne, there is a Singers’ Recital. Members of choirs at Sherborne School will perform solos in the final lunchtime recital of the Michaelmas term.
By Rachel Mowbray
ARTS
Performances are free of charge (no tickets required). On Friday 29 November from 7.00pm at the SEED Café, Wincanton, enjoy cool sounds and good vibes with the Wincanton Soul and Ska Appreciation Society. The Music Selector for the night is Wincanton’s Vintage record specialist Brett. Come along chill out and lounge. Free entry. For further information, contact 01963 33886 or visit www.hubatno3.com. On Friday 29 November at 8.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, guitarist Ant Law with The Al Swainger Quartet BIOSPHOSMOS perform a melodic soundscape of latin and fusion with an ambience guaranteed to surprise and delight. Music inspired by Chick Corea and played by award-winning jazz musicians. Tickets: Concert £16; Concert plus pre-show supper ticket £31 (supper is at 7pm and must be pre-booked at least 2 days before the concert). Book on 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk. On Saturday 30 November from 7.30pm at the SEED Café, Wincanton, see Hattie Webb in concert. Leonard Cohen band member, singer, songwriter & harpist, Hattie, and Italian double-bass player Andrea Resce will be appearing in this exclusive concert at the SEED Café. Ticket £40, includes a light vegetarian supper. For further information, contact 01963 33886 or visit www. hubatno3.com. On Saturday 30 November at 8.00pm at The David Hall in South Petherton. there is a Chance to Dance. Multiaward-winning Merry Hell offer joyful uplifting folk-rock, with a message for troubled times. Native to the North West of England, the eightpiece musical charabanc was built from the embers of the
much-loved folk-punk band, The Tansads, developing a life and feel all of its own. Through five well-received albums and hundreds of gigs, they have offered a voice of hope and a beacon of light to anyone valuing both melody and positive humanity. Tickets £18. concessions £17. Book on 01460 240340 or boxoffice@ thedavidhall.org.uk. www. thedavidhall.org.uk. On Saturday 30 November at 8.00pm at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton, enjoy a Tequila-fuelled Tex-Mex party night with Los Pacaminos! One of the UK’s most popular Live touring bands, Los Pacaminos plays the very best in Tex-Mex Border music from The Texas Tornadoes and Ry Cooder to Los Lobos and even Roy Orbison. The band features Paul Young, Drew Barfield, Mark Pinder, Steve Greetham, Jamie Moses and Melvin Duffy (UK’s premier pedal steel player). Get ready for a great night’s rocking with the cactussharp, tequila -filled, Stetsonwearing, magnificent 6, Los Pacaminos!! Tickets from £20. Box office 01258 475137. On Sunday 1 December from 10.00pm to 3.00pm at the SEED Café, Wincanton, experience Meru’s Sound Healing Tune-up! Singer and musician Meru has worked
with leading sound therapists and for many years has hosted workshops using sound healing as a tool to raise the vibrational frequency. Ticket £30, includes a tasty healthy light lunch. To book and for information, contact 01963 33886 or visit www.hubatno3. com. On Sunday 1 December at 7.30pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil, The Yeovilton Military Wives invite the audience to ‘Step into Christmas’, with a mixture of fun Christmas material plus some of the most spinetingling classic Christmas repertoire ever written, to give the most unforgettable start to the Christmas season. With some very special guests on the bill too, this is one not to miss! Tickets £16.50. Box Office 01935 422884. On Thursday 12 December at 7.00pm at The Emporium, Yeovil, the stunning Black River Sinners return for another evening of country music over supper, organised by the incredible Bearcat Collective. For further information, phone 01935 411378 or email info@ theemporiumyeovil.co.uk. On Friday 6 December at 1.45pm in the Tindall Recital Hall, Sherborne School, there
is a Mince Pies Lunchtime Recital. Free entry. On Friday 6 December at 2.00pm at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, Neil Sands and his wonderful cast return with their biggest ever production of their hit show Christmas Memories. Be transported back on a yuletide sleigh ride filled with over 60 all-time favourite Christmas songs and carols. Described as like A Sparkly Christmas Card Come To Life with its shimmering stage set, beautiful Christmas trees, glittering fairy lights, and even falling snow. This is the perfect pre-Christmas treat, guaranteed to having the audience singing along from start to finish, enough to warm the heart on the coldest winter’s day. Tickets £13, under 18s £11, senior citizen £11. Box office 01258 475137. On Friday 6 December at 7.30pm at the Church of St Peter and St Paul, Shepton Mallet, join Castle Cary Choir for their Christmas Concert. These are a joyous affair, with a program of Christmas songs including seasonal favourites, some new arrangements, and some light-hearted Christmas readings. And, as always, the chance for the audience to sing some carols with the choir. Tickets £8 available on the door or from the Parish Office (01749 342163). Refreshments available. Fundraising for the church re-ordering project. For further information, contact John Roberts on 07970 039007 or visit www.castlecarychoir. org. On Friday 6 December at 8.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, let the good times roll with an evening of traditional jazz performed by John Maddocks and his Jazzmen. John, a superlative clarinettist, and his Jazzmen play a wide mix of music from the
traditional songbook and are known for their musical drive and cohesion. Tickets £16. Preshow supper £15 at 7.00pm, must be pre-booked. Advance booking highly recommended. Book on 01460 54973. www. themeetinghouse.org.uk. On Friday 6 and Saturday 7 December at 8.00pm at The David Hall in South Petherton, St. Agnes Fountain (aka The Aggies) return with their Christmas Show. This band gives Christmas songs a good, if respectful, kicking. They bring sparkling musicianship, humour and heartfelt renditions of your favourite Christmas tunes, both original and those you know so well (or thought you did!). Great musical talent, wit and invention in the form of founder member David Hughes with Chris Leslie (Fairport Convention) and Chris While and Julie Matthews (Radio 2 Folk Award Winners). They have brought joy, laughter and a few tears to every concert performance for the last 17 years. Tickets £19, concessions £18. To book, phone 01460 240340, email boxoffice@thedavidhall.org. uk or visit www.thedavidhall. org.uk. On Friday 6 December at 8.00pm at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, is the Roy Wood and His Rock
www.sherborneartslink.org.uk
Creative Art
Courses, Workshops, Films & Wellbeing activities
Book now for Spring visit website for details
Free weekly groups: Parkinson’s Dance, Art for Memory, Art for Parents 01935 815899
Charity no.1007680 Company no.24714382 Funded by Dorset Council and National Lottery Community Fund
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ARTS
On Saturday 7 December at 7.00pm in Holnest Church, near Sherborne, The Stanchester Quire will perform their Christmas Carol Concert ‘We Singers Make Bold’ by candlelight. Tickets £8 (includes mulled wine and mince pies) from Graham on 01963 210632. Early booking strongly advised as there is a very limited availability.
& Roll Band Christmas Show. What better way to celebrate the holiday season, than with a man who has helped shape our musical Christmas. Recently inducted into New York’s Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, Roy is known across the world as a founder of The Move, ELO, and Wizzard. In this rock-packed evening, Roy with his Big Rock & Roll Band will perform classic hits, including California Man, Flowers in The Rain, Fire Brigade, I Can Hear the Grass Grow, Blackberry Way, See My Baby Jive, I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day, and more. It promises to be a great rockin’ evening! Tickets £27.50. Although advertised as STANDING, unreserved raked seating is available. Box office 01258 475137.
On Saturday 7 December at 7.00pm in the Parish Church, South Petherton, start the festive season with South Petherton Combined Arts Society Choir as they perform ‘Carols for Christmas’. Enjoy carols both traditional and new, including the first performance of a carol written especially for the Choir by their Musical Director, Alice Beckinsale. The choir is delighted to welcome Daniel Cummins as the organist for this concert. Tickets £10, this includes first drink, mince pie and programme. Under 16s are free! Tickets available from N & D News, choir members or phone 01460 241467. There will be a retiring collection for charity. On Saturday 7 December at 7.30pm in Stoke-sub-Hamdon’s Memorial Hall, Stoke-subHamdon Band has their Christmas concert. Tickets £6, includes pudding and pie. Tickets available from Jane Herbert (01460 419317) or on the door. On Saturday 7 December at 8.00pm at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, The Barrelhouse Blues Orchestra are back to blow away those
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winter blues! The regular line-up of professional players are joined again by the sensational voices of Jon Kenzie, Ray Foster, Rebecca Chambers and Naomi Coombes. The 12-piece band will rock their way through blues, rock, soul, R&B and gospel. Founded by the late Paul Hart, the band goes from strength to strength with its winning formula of 12 great players doing what they do best, playing music from Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, Ray Charles, BB King, Fleetwood Mac, Free, Blind Boys of Alabama, plus much more. Tickets £20. Box office 01258 475137. On Sunday 8 December at 7.00pm at Holy Trinity Church, Yeovil, Yeovil Concert Band presents The Steph Talbot Memorial Christmas Concert with special guests, The Trinity Entertainers, in aid of Yeovil Heartbeat. Tickets £10, under 16s £3 (includes mulled wine, soft drinks and a mince pie). Tickets available from 01935 321330, www. yeovilconcertband.com or on the door. On Monday 9 December at 7.30pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil, begin the Christmas celebrations with Blake as they take a journey of Christmases through the years. The awardwinning trio perform timeless Christmas songs including Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Let It Snow and White Christmas with the warmth that only their rich vocal harmonies can deliver. A spectacular evening is in store with great music, funny stories and a ‘virtual duet’ with Dame Shirley Bassey! Tickets £25.50, concessions £24. Box Office 01935 422884. On Wednesday 11 December at 7.30pm in St Andrew’s Church, Yeovil, the Yeovil Chamber Choir presents ‘From Darkness into Light: Music for Winter & Christmas’. This is the Choir’s first concert under its new Musical Director William McElwee, with Robert Langston as accompanist. This concert incorporates many journeys from darkness to light and of rebirth or
reawakening, moving from the prediction of the coming of Christ to His birth, in Handel’s great oratorio The Messiah, on to Bach’s chorale ‘Break forth O heavenly light’ from his Christmas Oratorio, and to Gustav Holst’s setting of Christina Rossetti’s poem ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’. Tickets £10, include refreshments, available on the door or in advance from 01935 873719, 01935 425383 or via yeovilchamberchoir@hotmail. com. On Thursday 12 December at 6.00pm in Sherborne School Chapel, there will be music and readings for Christmas in aid of Crisis - together to end homelessness. The programme includes music by Holst, Poston, Howells and Cornelius. Tickets £10 from Sherborne School Reception, 01935 812249 or tickets@ sherborne.org. On Friday 13 December at 7.30pm at Castle Cary’s Methodist Church, join Castle Cary Choir for their Christmas Concert. These are a joyous affair, with a program of Christmas songs including seasonal favourites, some new arrangements, and some light-hearted Christmas readings. And, as always, the chance for the audience to sing some carols with the choir. Programmes £8 on the door, refreshments included. Fundraising for the church and the choir. For further information, contact John Roberts on 07970 039007 or visit www.castlecarychoir.org. On Friday 13 December at 7.30pm at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, see Bye Bye Baby, a jawdropping tribute to the musical phenomenon Jersey Boys and the timeless iconic music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. Incredible four-part harmonies, roof-raising falsetto with energetic and stylish choreography will make it a night to remember! The show includes Valli’s greatest hits: Sherry, December ’63 (Oh What A Night), Grease, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You and many more. Tickets £20. Box office 01258 475137.
ARTS
On Friday 13 December at 7.30pm at St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Wincanton, The Stanchester Quire will perform their Christmas Carol Concert ‘We Singers Make Bold’. Tickets £8, available from the Parish Office (01963 824503) or Richard (01963 33160) or Judy (01963 33834).
collection in aid of church funds. On Saturday 14 December at 7.30pm at the Church of St Luke and St Teresa, Wincanton, Spectra Musica will perform their first Christmas concert ‘The First Nowell’. The evening will be led by their talented Musical Director, Peter Leech, and organist Harold Jackson will feature throughout. The programme includes ‘Torches’ by John Joubert, ‘Sir Christémas’ by William Mathias and ‘Masters in this Hall’ by David Willcocks, some surprise pieces, as well as some favourite carols for the audience to participate in. Tickets £12 (includes refreshments), available from 01963 350160, tickets@ spectramusica.co.uk or on the door.
On Friday 13 December at 8.00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, get Christmas off to a smoking hot start with an uptempo soul and blues concert that promises to deliver some seriously funky Kick Ass Brass. An all-star line-up with a sizzling horn section and rip-roaring vocals from Jacqui Hicks (Shakatak). Tickets £25. Pre-show supper £15 at 7.00pm, must be pre-booked. Advance booking highly recommended. Book on 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse. org.uk.
On Saturday 14 December at 8.00pm at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, enjoy an intimate show with Kim Wilde and her 3-piece acoustic band. This concert celebrates the re-release of her acclaimed ‘Wilde Winter Songbook’ album featuring some beautiful winter and Christmas inspired songs, as well as some much-loved Christmas cover versions, acoustic versions of her biggest hits, and some tracks from her recent hit album ‘Here Come The Aliens’. Tickets £26. Box office 01258 475137.
On Saturday 14 December from 2.00pm to 4.00pm at The Prince of Wales, Ham Hill, join in Carols on the Hill and sing along as Stoke-sub-Hamdon Band plays a selection of favourite carols. On Saturday 14 December at 3.00pm at South Petherton Parish Church, The Stanchester Quire will perform their Christmas Carol Concert ‘We Singers Make Bold’. This event is primarily aimed at those unable to attend evening concerts but everyone will be most welcome. Retiring
On Sunday 15 December at 7.30pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil, join The Octagon Choir, Castaway Theatre Group and The Octagon Lunchtime Tappers as they present a stunning night of Christmas classics. This concert is raising money for The Foyer Club and the Name A Seat campaign. Tickets £14, concessions £12.50, children £10. Box Office 01935 422884. On Monday 16 December at 7.30pm in St Mary’s Church, Bruton, join the Bruton Choral Society at their Christmas concert. A wonderful way to start the festive season in a beautiful setting; choir items and solos intertwined with traditional carols for all to join in. Listen to the Pilgrim Singers directed by Jane Fenton, soprano Angela Ashworth and local schoolgirl flautist Holly Millard. Over 80 singers taking part - quite impressive for a small community! Tickets £10 (include a glass of wine or a soft drink), children free. Tickets available from Bruton Pharmacy, Church Bridge Stores, on 01749 813161 or visit www.brutonchoralsociety. org.uk. On Thursday 19 December at 7.30pm at The Prince of Wales, Ham Hill, there is the annual Midwinter Solstice Night of Dance. Be entertained by five Morris teams and join the lively music session in the pub after the dancing. For
further information, phone 01935 822848 or visit www. princeofwaleshamhill.co.uk. On Friday 20 December at 7.30pm at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, Mark Daniels as Ultimate Bublé performs the biggest hits of Michael Bublé in this stunning tribute show featuring his live band. This special Christmas edition features a light dusting of festive tunes from Bublé’s renowned 2011 album ‘Christmas’, along with all of the favourites that one would expect to hear. The show’s incredible big band sound, along with Mark’s mesmerising likeness to the modern-day Canadian crooner, will appeal to fans of traditional Big Band music and Michael Bublé alike. Expect laughter, great humour
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and admirable camaraderie between Mark and his band. A perfect indulgent Christmas treat - experience the best Big Band night of the year! Tickets £18. Box office 01258 475137. On Friday 20 December at 7.45pm at the Henhayes Centre, Crewkerne, celebrate Christmas with mulled wine, mince pies and Crewkerne’s friendly brass band. Phoenix Brass Band will perform a host of Christmas favourites - this is one not to be missed! Only £12.50. Bar opens at 7.00pm. Concert starts at 7.45pm. Booking required. For tickets, please phone 01460 74340. On Friday 20 December at 8.00pm at The David Hall in South Petherton, the duo Belshazzar’s Feast perform their Christmas-themed show; a mix of traditional Folk music, seasonal material, their usual touch of Classical and Jazz with a bit of Pop and Music Hall, all topped off with lashings of wry humour. Together, Paul Sartin (of Bellowhead and Faustus) and Paul Hutchinson (of Hoover The Dog) wow audiences across the UK with their eclectic and eccentric mix of tunes and chat, that always sends the audience home smiling. Tickets £16, concessions £15. To book, phone 01460 240340, email boxoffice@thedavidhall.org.uk or visit www.thedavidhall.org.uk. On Saturday 21 December at 7.30pm at Limington Parish Church, near Yeovil, The Stanchester Quire will perform their Christmas Carol Concert ‘We Singers Make Bold’. Admission £8, payable on the door. On Tuesday 31 December at 7.30pm at the George Albert Hotel and Spa, Evershot, see in the New Year with the Jersey Boys Tribute Night. The event includes DJ/Disco, a three-course meal and an arrival glass of bubbly with canapés. Price £65 per head. For more information, contact 01935 483430 or events@gahotel.co.uk. On Tuesday 31 December at 8.15pm at The David Hall in South Petherton, join in the New Year’s Eve Celebration Ceilidh with Jigs for Gigs. Bring in 2020 in style with music and dance. Tickets £17 includes a light supper. Booking essential by Friday 20 December. No tickets available on the night. To book, phone 01460 240340, email boxoffice@thedavidhall.org.uk or visit www.thedavidhall.org.uk.
PERFORMANCE
From Wednesday 20 to Saturday 23 November at The Octagon Theatre in Yeovil, Yeovil Youth Theatre presents Chicago: High School Edition. This fulllength musical has been adapted to become content-appropriate for youth performers, whilst still containing all the 38
favourite musical numbers including All That Jazz, Cell Block Tango, When You’re Good to Mama and Razzle Dazzle. Broadway’s longest-running American musical, Chicago is a dazzling and satirical look at fame, justice, and the media machine. Set in 1920s Chicago and based on real-life murders and trials. With catchy music and timeless lyrics, Chicago is a musical spectacular that is as addictive as gossip rags and as unforgettable as any trial of the century. Tickets £18, concessions: £16. Please check with The Octagon Theatre for show times. Box office 01935 422884. On Thursday 21 November at 7.30pm in the Johnson Studio, Octagon Theatre in Yeovil, YCAA presents their Winter Impromptu. A charming evening of music and spoken word performances from hand-picked local acts. Winter Draw and mince pies. £6 for non-members. Any money raised will support talented young people training in the creative arts. Box Office 01935 422884. On Friday 22 November at 7.30pm in Halstock Village Hall, The Pentabus Rural Theatre Company tells The Tale of Little Bevan. In a peaceful Norfolk village three people are seeking happiness, but as the harvest moon fills and the party begins, ancient forces are brought to life. While Tony and Mike get trapped in the tunnels below the village, Gill’s plan for revenge turns extremely nasty. Award-winning writer Robert Alan Evans presents a darkly comic journey through 24 hours in the life of a village, brought to life with live music, storytelling and the spirit of a 10th century saint. Suitable 12+. Tickets £9, under 18s £6, family £25. For more information, visit www.artsreach.co.uk or www.pentabus. co.uk. On Saturday 23 November at 6.30pm at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton, Taboo Theatre Company presents The Miller’s Daughter; Unrest at the Mill 1830 by Sue Ashby and Tony Benge. The setting for this original play is Sturminster Mill, where it was first performed. It uses both real and fictional characters living through the huge social unrest of the 1830s. It is now re-designed for performance indoors and presented with minimal scenery. After the hour-long performance, there will be time, for those who wish, to discuss the play and its history with the writers and actors. Taboo Theatre Company is a collective group of local actors formed in 2006 in association with The Martinsey Isle Trust. Tickets £9, under 18s £4. Box office 01258 475137. On Thursday 28 November at 7.30pm at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton, the theatre group Close to the Mark presents the Bedroom Farce. Capturing the true spirit of Alan Ayckbourn’s work, this hilarious farce, set in the 1970s, sees
four couples navigate their relationship issues around a house-warming party. Ayckbourn’s timeless talent turns this calamity into a fast-moving comedy that connects to all who have ever been in a relationship. Tickets £10. Box office 01258 475137. On Friday 29 November at 7.30pm and Saturday 30 November at 2.30pm and 7.30pm at East Coker Village Hall, the East Coker Players present Robin Hood and The Babes in the Wood, a pantomime by Ben Crocker. Tickets from 4 November, adults £6, students £4. For more information phone 01935 862711. On Saturday 30 November at 7.30pm in Nether Compton Village Hall, Jim has a murder to solve in Forget Me Not – The Alzheimer’s Whodunnit. Jim’s wife, a patient on a dementia ward, has died from what appears to be natural causes. Jim, a retired police detective, smells a rat and is determined to solve one last murder. The problem is he also has dementia. This is a case worthy of the greatest detective mind but his will have to do! Hilarious and thought-provoking, this is a one-man comedy poetry theatre show that has a lot to say about how we treat and perceive people with dementia. Written and performed by comic, poet and psychiatric nurse Rob Gee, Forget Me Not has just completed a sell-out run across the US and Canada. Suitable 14+. Tickets £12, under 18s £10. For more information, visit www.artsreach.co.uk or www.robgee.co.uk. From Friday 6 December 2019 to Sunday 5 January 2020 at The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, come and see the spectacular fun-packed family pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs! Mirror, Mirror on the wall, what’s the greatest pantomime of them all? Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs promises to be exceptional entertainment with strong casting, stunning costumes and scenery,
presents
The First Nowell A concert of Christmas music (Director: Peter Leech, Accompanist: Anita D’Attellis)
Saturday, 14th December 2019, 7.30 pm at the church of St Luke & St Teresa Wincanton BA9 9DH Tickets, £12 (to include refreshments) available from: tickets@spectramusica.co.uk or call 01963 350160 www.spectramusica.co.uk registered charity no.1114436
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and a genuinely funny script. Book now for the funniest and most spectacular show of the year! There are various performance times starting on Friday 6 December at 6.30pm. Tickets from £14. Box Office 01935 422884. On Saturday 7 December at 7.30pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil, Ardal O’Hanlon, star of Death in Paradise, Father Ted, and My Hero, continues to tour his acclaimed stand-up shows worldwide. In an age of raging populism, MeToo, identity politics, the end of truth, the collapsing middle ground, peak avocado and £15 Gin and Tonics, and desperate to prove that his gender, race, age and class don’t necessarily define him, Ardal is forced to saddle his high-horse again and ride fearlessly into the culture wars (with a white hankie in his pocket just in case) - after all, The Showing Off Must Go On! Tickets £23.50. Box Office 01935 422884.
CHILDREN
On Saturday 14 December at 1.00pm and at 3.00pm at The David Hall in South Petherton, Tall Tails Theatre Company presents What a Superhero wants for Christmas. Zinnia, the superhero, is so busy that her only companion is her favourite school rubber. This year for Christmas, she is going on a quest to find Santa Claus; all she wants to ask for is a new friend. She follows him around the world on Christmas Eve, facing many challenges and
meeting interesting people along the way. Suitable for 3 to 6-year-olds and their parents. Tickets £8, under 10s £7. Bring all the family! To book, phone 01460 240340, email boxoffice@thedavidhall.org. uk or visit www.thedavidhall. org.uk. On Monday 23 December from 10.30am to 11.00am in Sherborne Library, come and enjoy a Festive Storytime. Listen to your favourite joyful stories and join in with a minicraft. Suitable for ages 2 to 8 years. For more information, please call 01935 812683. On Monday 23 December at 11.00am and at 2.00pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil, come and see Santa’s Elves & The Shoemaker by CBBC TV Writer and children’s author, Ian Billings. With just three days left before Christmas, Mr. Klopp, the penniless shoemaker, has only enough leather left to make one pair of shoes, so sets the leather aside to be completed the next morning. That night two cheeky elves, Bip and Bop, make the leather into a splendid pair of shoes. Find out what happens to Mr Klopp and the shoes! With some Christmas Magic, Santa saves the workshop, and he rewards the boys and girls for their help, with an exciting early Christmas present. This show features original songs and energetic choreography, audience participation and gifts for all the children. Recommended age 2+. Tickets £12. Box Office 01935 422884.
On Monday 23 December from 6.00pm to 11.00pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil, bring the family together this Christmas for this popular Christmas Family Disco, a fantastic party suitable for all ages. Tickets £5, under 2s free. Box Office 01935 422884.
OTHER
On Friday 29 November at 7.30pm to 11.00pm at The David Hall in South Petherton, it is the monthly Acoustic Night. All styles and forms of performance welcome – not just music. If you wish to perform email folk@chriswatts. org to secure a slot. Just £1 for performers and £2 Audience. Please pay on the door. On Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December from 10.00am to 4.00pm at All Saints Church, Castle Cary, there is a Festival of Heavenly Christmas Stars made by local shops, businesses, schools, organisations and individuals. Do come along and enjoy what promises to be a spectacular event. There will also be a Christmas stall for ‘pre-loved’ Christmas decorations (in good, saleable condition), and Christmas chutney, pickles or other festive fare. Refreshments available. Free entry - donations welcome. The exhibition will culminate in a Carol Service at 4.00pm on Sunday 15 December.
dance the night away with Toyah & The Zoots to the sounds of the 80s. The Zoots will keep you Hungry Like The Wolf, as they play the floorfillers, party anthems, classic pop and power ballads that were Top Of The Pops from the acts that mattered - Wham, The Jam, Queen, Bon Jovi, Michael Jackson, Madness and many, many more. This is a standing gig. Over 18s only. Advance tickets £18, on the day £20. Box Office 01935 422884. On Sunday 15 December from 7.30pm to 11.00pm at The David Hall in South Petherton, it is the monthly Acoustic Night. All styles and forms of performance welcome - not just music. If you wish to perform email folk@chriswatts. org to secure a slot. Just £1 for performers and £2 for audience members. Please pay on the door. On Saturday 21 December at 8.00pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil, there’s chance to party with fabulous live performances from The Best Of WHAM! Dance the night away to all the best 80s hits from the resident DJ. Last year’s event sold out, so be quick to get tickets for this themed party night. This is a standing gig. Over 18s only. Advance tickets £18, on the day £20. Box Office 01935 422884.
On Saturday 14 December at 8.00pm at Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil,
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MOVIES
MOVIES KIND HEARTS AND CORONETS (U)
A golden-age Ealing comedy and a classic of British Cinema, Kind Hearts and Coronets stars Dennis Price as Louis, the would-be Duke of Chalfont, whose mother was disinherited by her noble family for marrying beneath her. Her dying wish to be buried in the family crypt is refused, so Louis vows to avenge his mother and to regain the title of Duke by engaging in the gentle art of murder, killing off one by one each of the eight successors to the title - all unforgettably played by Alec Guinness. (1949) SHOWING AT West Camel on Friday 13 December, The Davis Hall, 7.30pm. Admission £5 on the door.
LAST SUMMER (15)
During a long hot summer in 1970s Wales, four boys roam free through a neglected rural paradise, until a tragedy strikes that sets them against the adult world and changes their lives forever. The film captures the children’s perspective on life perfectly and uses it to challenge adult assumptions about what’s best for them. SHOWING AT Cerne Abbas on Saturday 23 November, Village Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £5.
MANON DES SOURCES (PG) In this, the sequel to Jean de Florette, Manon has grown into a beautiful young shepherdess living in the idyllic Provencal countryside. She plots vengeance on the men whose greedy plot to acquire her father’s land caused his death. (1986) SHOWING AT Sandford Orcas on Friday 29 November, Village Hall, 7.30pm. Free, donations in aid of the Village Hall. 40
RED JOAN (12A)
Joan Stanley (Judi Dench) is a widow living out a quiet retirement in the suburbs when, shockingly, the British Secret Service places her under arrest. For Joan has been hiding an incredible past; as one of the most influential spies in living history. SHOWING AT Castle Cary on Tuesday 26 November, Caryford Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £5 in advance from The Market House and from Tessa Gayford on 01963 350132 or £6 on the door.
ROCKETMAN (15)
The story of Elton John’s breakthrough years, following the fantastical journey of transformation from shy piano prodigy Reginald Dwight into international superstar Elton John. This inspirational story, set to Elton John’s most beloved songs and performed, tells the universally relatable story of how a small-town boy became one of the most iconic figures in pop culture. SHOWING AT Ditcheat on Thursday 21 November, Jubilee Hall, 7.00pm. Contact Geoff Webber (01749 860184). Sherborne on Wednesday 11 December, Digby Hall, Hound Street, 7.30pm. Tickets £6 in advance from Sherborne TIC or on the door if available. Milborne Port on Friday 13 December, Village Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £5 in advance from Wayne the Butcher, £5.50 on the door.
ROCKETMAN
Wednesday 11 December 7.30pm 15 Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne DT9 3AA Tickets £6 in advance from Sherborne Tourist Information Centre 01935 815341 or on the door if available
www.sherborneartslink.org.uk
Charity no 1007680 Company no 2471382
AROUND THE TOWNS AND VILLAGES SOMETIMES ALWAYS NEVER (12A)
Alan (Bill Nighy) has spent years searching for his missing son Michael. With a body to identify and his family torn apart, Alan must repair the relationship with his youngest son and solve the mystery of an online player who he thinks could be Michael. A detective fantasy/family drama. SHOWING AT Odcombe on Monday 2 December, Village Hall, 8:00pm. Tickets £5 in advance from 07934 737104, £6 on door.
THE KEEPER (15)
This tells the extraordinary truelife story of Bert Trautmann, an ex-PoW who made it to the top of English football. While visiting a PoW camp near Manchester at the end of the WWII, Jack Friar, a local manager, notices one prisoner’s skill as a goalkeeper and arranges for him to play for his team. Initially, the presence of this former soldier causes outrage and hostility, especially amongst the Jewish community, but Trautmann gradually wins over both the city and Jack’s daughter Margaret. SHOWING AT Batcombe on Friday 13 December, Jubilee Hall, 7.45pm. To book guest tickets, contact Ann Biddle on 01749 850307.
THE LION KING (PG)
After the murder of his father, a young lion prince flees his kingdom, only to learn the true meaning of responsibility and bravery. Voices of James Earl Jones, Beyonce, Chiwetel Ejiofor. Songs by Elton John and Tim Rice. SHOWING AT Sturminster Newton on Thursday 12 December, The Exchange, 7.00pm. Tickets £5.
THE WHITE CROW (12A)
A film full of dance, and surprises with every turn! Director Ralph Fiennes captures the raw physicality and brilliance of Rudolf Nureyev, whose escape to the West stunned the world at the height of the Cold War. With his magnetic presence, Nureyev emerged as ballet’s most famous star, a wild and beautiful dancer limited by the world of 1950s Leningrad. His flirtation with Western artists and ideas led him into a highstakes game of cat and mouse with the KGB. SHOWING AT Castle Cary on Tuesday 10 December, Caryford Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £5 in advance from The Market House and from Tessa Gayford on 01963 350132 or £6 on the door.
TOLKIEN (12A)
This film explores the formative years of the orphaned author as he finds friendship, love and artistic inspiration among a group of fellow outcasts at school. This takes him into the outbreak of World War I, which threatens to tear the ‘fellowship’ apart. All of these experiences would inspire Tolkien to write his famous Middle-Earth novels. Enjoyable escapism, great design and imagery. SHOWING AT Milborne Port on Friday 22 November, Village Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £5 in advance from Wayne the Butcher from 1 November, £5.50 on the door.
Music Gigs
MOVIES
MUSIC
All Music Gigs are FREE entry unless mentioned.
VITA & VIRGINIA (12A)
A fascinating true story about the love affair and the friendship between writer Virginia Woolf (Elizabeth Debicki) and aristocrat Vita Sackville West (Gemma Arterton). 1922, Bloomsbury, Vita receives an invitation and their paths cross. Their romance overcomes all social boundaries, Virginia’s mental health struggles, Vita’s recklessness - neither will ever be the same without the other. SHOWING AT South Petherton on Friday 22 November, The David Hall, 8.00pm. Tickets £5.
YESTERDAY (12A)
Jack, a struggling musician, wakes up after a freak accident to realize he’s the only person on Earth who can remember The Beatles. Performing songs by the greatest band in history to a world that has never heard them, and with a little help from his steel-hearted American agent, Jack’s fame explodes. From director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Richard Curtis comes a rock-n-roll comedy about music, dreams, friendship, and the long and winding road that leads to love. SHOWING AT Halstock on Saturday 16 December, Village Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £6 from Halstock Shop or on the door. Contact 01935 892485. Hardington Mandeville on Friday 6 December, Village Hall, 7.30pm. Admission £6 on the door, £5 in advance from Springfield Stores (01935 862363). Martock on Saturday 30 November, Parish Hall, 7.30pm. Admission £6 on the door, £5.50 in advance from Martock News newsagent. South Petherton on Friday 13 December, The David Hall, 8.00pm. Tickets £5. Sturminster Newton on Thursday 21 November, The Exchange, 7.00pm. Tickets £5. West Camel on Friday 29 November, The Davis Hall, 7.30pm. Admission £5 on the door.
NOVEMBER 29
Funny Fish Comedy Night, Comedy/Music, The Square & Compass, Ilminster, 8.00pm Peter Burns, The Old Pound Inn, Langport, 8.30pm Rexes Hollow, Rock/Pop Covers, The Westminster, Yeovil, 9.00pm The Fat Marrow Band, Digby Hall, Sherborne, 8.30pm. Private ticketed charity event, no admission on the door 30 Bad Edukation, Classic Rock, White Hart, Sherborne. 9.00pm K’fuffle, Rock/Pop, The Westminster, Yeovil, 9.30pm Lewis & The Sound of the Suburbs, Ska/2-Tone, The Unicorn Hotel, Somerton, 9.00pm Powercut, Acoustic/Electric Rock/Pop, The Bell Inn, Yeovil, 9.00pm Rexes Hollow, Rock/Pop Covers, The Arrow, Yeovil, 9.30pm Simon Gee, Various, The King William Inn, Crewkerne, 9.00pm Utter Chaos, Covers, Stoke-sub-Hamdon Working Mens Club, 9.30pm Roadstars, Rock/Pop, Ilminster Town Football Club, 9.00pm Wrecking Ball, Country Rock, The Great Lyde, Yeovil, 9.00pm
DECEMBER 1 6 7 8 13 14 20 21 22 24 26 28 31
Chill, 60s to 90s Covers, The Lord Nelson, Norton-sub-Hamdon, 9.00pm Greg Agar, Yeovil Labour Club, 4.00pm Grouvecat, Acoustic Rock, The Unicorn, Somerton, 9.00pm The Relics, Rock/Blues, The Railway Hotel, Yeovil, 9.00pm Bad Edukation, Classic Rock, The Phoenix, Gillingham, 9.00pm One Tree Hill, Acoustic, The Brewers Arms, South Petherton, 9.00pm Project 17, Pop/Rock, The Arrow, Yeovil, 9.00pm Roadstars, Rock/Pop Covers, The Stonemasons, Ilminster, 9.00pm Twerzels, Tribute Band, The Thatched Cottage, Shepton Mallet, 9.00pm Olliedays, Various, Yeovil Labour Club, 4.00pm K’fuffle, Rock/Pop, The Great Lyde, Yeovil, 9.00pm Roadstars, Rock/Pop Covers, The Preston, Yeovil, 9.00pm Ross Kirk, Covers, The Thatched Cottage, Shepton Mallet, 8.30pm Unknown Identity, Covers/Original, Fleur De Lis, Stoke-sub-Hamdon, 9.00pm Adam Sweet, Blues, The King William Inn, Crewkerne, 9.00pm Calibr8, Stoke-sub-Hamdon Working Mens Club, 9.30pm Jackdaw, Classic Rock, The Great Lyde, Yeovil, 9.00pm Lewis & The Sound of the Suburbs, Ska/2-Tone, The Lord Nelson, Norton-sub-Hamdon, 9.00pm Powercut, Acoustic/Electric Rock/Pop, The Brewers Arms, South Petherton, 9.00pm The Relics, Rock/Blues, Half Moon Inn, Stoke-sub-Hamdon, 9.00pm Adam Sweet, Blues, The Thatched Cottage, Shepton Mallet, 8.30pm Bad Edukation, Classic Rock, The Westminster, Yeovil, 9.00pm Bowie Fashion, David Bowie Tribute Band, The Railway Hotel, Yeovil, 9.00pm Ian Valentine, Covers 60s to present, The Old Pound Inn, Langport, 9.00pm Jackdaw, Classic Rock, The Bell Inn, Yeovil, 9.30pm Stacey Lou, Vocalist, Yeovil Labour Club, 4.00pm Bad Edukation, Classic Rock, Fleur De Lis, Stoke-sub-Hamdon, 9.30pm Chris Banderas, Classic Rock, White Hart, Sherborne, 9.30pm D-State, Covers 70s to present, The Bell Inn, Yeovil, 9.30pm DVO, Covers 50s to present, The Stonemasons, Ilminster, 8.30pm Ian Valentine, Covers 60s to present, The Old Pound Inn, Langport, 9.00pm One Tree Hill, Acoustic, The Lord Nelson, Norton-sub-Hamdon, 9.00pm ReD, Rock/Pop, The Globe Inn, Somerton, 9.15pm Stevie P, Pop, Yeovil Labour Club, 4.00pm The Strayhearts, Acoustic, The Tippling Philosopher, Milborne Port, 9.30pm Elvis 56, Rock & Roll, Yeovil Labour Club, 4.00pm Lewis & The Sound of the Suburbs, Ska/2-Tone, Sherborne Football Club, 8.00pm Milk & Alcohol, Dr Feelgood Tribute Band, The Railway Hotel, Yeovil, 9.00pm Nasty Habits, Blues Rock, The Pickled Inn, Evercreech, 9.00pm D-State, Covers 70s to present, The Arrow, Yeovil, 9.00pm Frazer Mitchell - House Drum & Base, The Tippling Philosopher, Milborne Port, 9.30pm Hamburg 62, Rock & Roll, The Globe, Somerton, 9.00pm Jackdaw, Classic Rock, Coopers Mill, Yeovil, 9.00pm Karma Alarm, Covers, The Royal British Legion, Gillingham, 8.30pm Nevertheless, Rock Covers, The Halfway House, Pitney, 6.00pm Powercut, Acoustic/Electric Rock/Pop, Stoke-sub-Hamdon Working Mens Club, 4.00pm Project 17, Pop/Rock, Coronation Club, Gillingham, 9.45pm ReD, Rock/Pop, The Westminster, Yeovil, 3.30pm Undersound, Covers, Gainsborough Arms, Milborne Port, 9.00pm 41
MUSIC
SOARING VOICES FOR FESTIVE FUN By Ross Owen Williams, Presenter on Radio Ninesprings, 104.5fm It’s not often that I get the chance to see a concert where a five-piece choir combines with a band (including a string section) to perform a wide-variety of tunes, ranging from musical theatre pieces to contemporary pop medleys. In fact, I can only recall one such time – and that was recently in Yeovil when I went to see local choral society The Phoenix Voices.
A MUSICAL NOTE!
By Ryan Leese, Manager of Waterloo Music With the festive season upon us, I’d like to start by wishing all of our amazingly supportive customers, students and friends a very merry Christmas!
Opening with an orchestral take on some of Green Day’s most wellknown hits before taking the audience through songs by artists including Annie Lennox, Sting, Coldplay, and U2, the show had something for everyone. Capable solo performances of numbers from popular musicals Wicked and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory complimented group arrangements of classics like You Raise Me Up and Bridge over Troubled Water to make for a superb evening’s entertainment. In talking with both Kris Emmett, the musical director of the society, and several of the members, it became clear how deeply passion for music and performance runs through the society, a group that prides itself on accepting anyone who is interested in being involved, no matter their musical background (or lack thereof!) That highly communal attitude has seen them looking to engage with budding local songwriters over the last couple of months, running a Christmas song contest where applicants are asked to submit lyrics for a festive track with the winning entry being put to music composed by Kris himself, then performed live by the Voices at their Christmas concert on Saturday 7 December at the Holy Trinity Church and Community Centre in Lysander Road. Along with Yeovil’s own new addition to the carol collection, the concert will feature favourite festive tunes performed with a band including a string and wind section and full choir, and range from traditional classics such as Bing Crosby’s White Christmas to contemporary corkers including my own personal favourite festive song (Shakin’ Stevens’ Merry Christmas Everyone). It’s a great chance to pop down and support local community as well as a good cause, as the evening is in support of the Yeovil District Hospital Breast Cancer Appeal and backed by the Mayor of Yeovil’s office. The Mayor himself will no doubt be in the front row, tapping his toes along to the catchy tunes and may even be persuaded to trade in a mince pie in for a handbell so he can join in with Slade’s Merry Xmas Everybody. There will also be a raffle with a top prize of a weekend break away, so if you’re interested in coming along, tickets at £7/£4 concessions can be booked in advance online via www. thephoenixvoices.co.uk/book-online or at the door on the night. You can also follow @thephoenixvoices on Facebook for more information.
We are ready for Christmas, have you seen our festive window displays? We’ve gone all out this year, some would say over the top, but so what, it’s for Christmas and we love it! Inside, we’re brimming with fabulous gifts for musicians of all abilities. From stocking fillers like guitar strings, polishing cloths, guitar straps, drum sticks and music books, to quality instruments like acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and drum kits, we’ve got it all in one shop. Can’t decide what to buy? Let our shop staff come up with some ideas for you. And don’t forget about treating yourself! If you are buying an instrument for a beginner, or you’re planning to improve your playing level, you might need to have a chat about lessons in our teaching department! Call the shop to discuss lesson options, there’s sometimes the option for us to offer a free taster session for new students. In the meantime, we’re here to help you with any enquiries you may have, so contact us via the number below. There’s so much more to running a music shop than simply selling instruments and accessories, and that’s what makes it so enjoyable!
Tel: 01935 507330 shop@waterloomusic.co.uk 16 Hendford, Yeovil, Somerset www.waterloomusic.co.uk FB/waterloomusic 42
Antiques & Collectables AUCTIONS, FAIRS AND SALES
On 3 December, Dukes in Dorchester will be holding an Avenue Auction comprising a sale of Toys & Collectables, Vintage Clothing & Accessories at 10.30am. Please note viewing is every Saturday prior to sale from 9.30am-12.00noon and on every Monday prior to sale - 9.00am-7.00pm as well as on the morning of the auction day from 9.00am. On 5 December there is a Fine Art sale with the intriguing title of A Taste of Luxury. Contact one of their specialists to find out more: enquiries@dukes-auctions.com. Auction house Lawrences in Crewkerne has General Sales taking place on Wednesdays 27 November and 4, 11, 18 December. All general sales start at 9.30am and viewing is from the Tuesday before the sale from 9am to 7pm. For more information call 01460 73041. Bridport Auction House has its sale of Collectables and Antiques on Friday 29 November, starting at 10am. Viewing Days are Wednesdays and on the morning of the sale. For more information call: 01308 459400. On the following Thursday, 6 December Mike is auctioneering for Bridport Arts Centre’s Auction of Promises at 7pm, held at the Arts Centre. Prizes include the following: • A week at Minack House (adjacent to the Minack Theatre in Cornwall) • Tour of the House of Lords plus tea with Tony Hall, DirectorGeneral of the BBC • A day trip on the Oxford Canal with lunch for four people • Croquet and champagne for six people in Whitchurch Canonicorum • A handmade couture dress, designed and fitted • An Indian Dinner for six • A trip to the rugby at Exeter in an Aston Martin (includes rugby ticket) Mendip Auction Rooms in Binegar, Somerset has a sale of Victorian and Later Effects on Tuesday 26 November and also on Tuesday 10 December. Note that sales of Antique, Fine Art & Collectables are held on a monthly basis on Saturdays and the next one takes place on 14 December starting at 10am. Entries of items are invited. For more info, call: 01749 840770. Yeovil Auction House has a sale coming up on Saturday, 23 November. Yeovil Auctions is located at Court Ash - opposite the main car park in the town centre we hold an auction, usually of antiques and collectables, every month. Call: 01935 433965 or email: yeovilauctionrooms@gmail.com . West Country Fairs will be holding On Saturday & Sunday 30 November and 1 December West Country Fairs has Sherborne’s 16th Annual Crafts for Christmas at The Digby Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne. On Saturday 7 December Sherborne’s 15th Annual Christmas Craft & Gift Fair takes place at The Digby Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne.
ANTIQUES
This section covers local sales, auctions, antiques fairs and events in the area with advice from dealers and experts on different topics. If you are interested in this and have some items to sell or run an antique or restoration business then do contact us for our next issue.
MODEL MOTORS A collection of 100’s of die-cast scale model cars are going under the Charterhouse hammer in their auction of collector’s items on Friday 13 December.
“It’s a huge collection amassed by the owner, who lives near Weymouth, over a long period of time,” commented Richard Bromell. “He has been having a sort out recently and decided now is the time to let other collectors enjoy the models and called me for a home visit. I must admit there were a lot more there than I thought there would be!”
cars, trains, coins, medals, toys and other collectors’ items in December followed by pictures, Beswick and automobilia in January with specialist classic & vintage motorcycle and car auctions in February. For further information regarding these specialist auctions, or to arrange a home visit, contact Richard Bromell and the team of experts at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277 or email info@ charterhouse-auction.com
Most of the scale models have never been out of their boxes. They were stored in the attic of the house which is why they have survived in such good condition. Models in the collection include supercars with Porsche, Ferrari, Bentley, Lamborghini, Bugatti, other sports cars and race cars along with Fords, Mercedes and many, many other marques. Overall, the collection is expected to sell for £2,000 at the Charterhouse auction, which is a fraction of the millions of pounds it would take to buy the real cars. Charterhouse are now accepting further entries for their busy auction programme with model
Model Motors – some of the scale models from an attic and included in the Charterhouse December 13th Collectors’ Items auction
TOP PRICES PAID FOR OLD TOYS - any condition
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
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)
CLOCK REPAIRS
ANTIQUE AND MODERN CLOCK REPAIRS
Long Case Clocks a speciality Free pick up and delivery 40 years experience
01935 477582 43
FOOD & DRINK
Food & Drink A TASTE OF ASIA
By Sarah Ali Choudhury
You may have seen Sarah Ali Choudhury recently on BBC’s Inside Out presenting a piece about Asian women in the Indian curry trade. We are delighted to announce that Sarah has joined The Conduit Magazine as a contributor on the food pages. Sarah loves Indian food and culture and will be sharing her extensive knowledge with Conduit readers.
Sarah Ali Choudhury is a multi award-winning Indian food expert and columnist whose recipes and articles have featured in print and online publications locally, nationally and internationally including Forbes, The Sun, The Telegraph, iNews, The Guardian and various other publications. Sarah is a born and bred Dorset girl and spent many years running her family business, Taj Mahal in Bridport before moving to Bournemouth and becoming mum to her four children. She now regularly demonstrates Indian cookery at food festivals and was recently awarded The Dorset Food and Drink Awards Entrepreneur of the Year. Sarah also teaches authentic Indian cookery at her Cookery School and through YouTube videos ‘Garam Masala’. Sarah was presented with an award by HRH The Princess Royal for her contribution to the catering industry and is listed in the F: Entrepreneur #ialso 100 List, recognising the top 100 Female entrepreneurs in the UK. She went on to receive a Recognition Award by The British Armed Forces and reached the BBPI British Asian Powerlist. Her work is featured on The Food Talk Show and Sarah is listed as one of the ‘Food Heroes’. Sarah champions diversity, inclusion and equality through her work with Rotary International, Bournemouth Chambers of Commerce and as the Lead for Women in Catering with The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). Sarah is partnered with Tide Business Banking, Venus Awards 2020 and Wonderchef UK. Sarah is PR Ambassador for UK Nepal Friendship Society and Patron of Tyler’s Friends Charity who offer financial support to families who are arranging the funeral of a precious child who grew their angel wings too soon. You can connect with Sarah on twitter at @ saraheasycurry and through social media channels Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube @Sarah Ali Choudhury. www.sarahalichoudhury.com
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Here Sarah shares some nutritional information about Okra along with a recipe for a delicious healthy vegan Indian dish. Okra, also known as ladies’ fingers is a heat-loving plant with slightly fuzzy green pods that contain a rich source of potassium, folic acid, vitamins B and C, calcium and fibre. It is estimated that eight medium-sized okra pods contain over three grams of fibre, which can help digestion, cut hunger cravings and keep you fuller for longer. Said to be replete with antioxidants, okra can make excellent anti-fatigue food and contains glutathione, which is said to protect against a wide range of health problems. It has been suggested that okra may help manage blood sugar in cases of type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. However, okra is not to everyone’s taste because of its subtle flavour and it can have a slippery texture as the seeds release a sticky, viscous liquid when cooked. This makes the vegetable (technically a fruit), useful for thickening stews. It comes into its own when cooked with spicy ingredients and when used whole, okra makes a tasty side dish. This versatile food can also be chopped, sliced and fried. When doing this remove the seeds first and mix with spices and flour and drain before serving. Okra is available all year round in supermarkets and other stores and when choosing fresh okra, select the rigid pods and look for those that are brightly coloured and avoid any with brown marks or that are limp. The larger ones are tougher (between 7-10cm length is best). Drinking okra water is a popular new method of using okra. This is done by soaking okra pods in water overnight and drinking the water the following day. It’s a quick solution to derive the benefits of okra if you aren’t crazy about the taste of it when cooked. Okra is sometimes called bhindi and belongs to the same plant family as cotton and hibiscus. Look out for our okra recipe in the next issue but enjoy this delicious vegan recipe.
FOOD & DRINK
Local - Ethical - Sustainable We are not your average curry house We source as many local ingredients as possible Our Tiffin – Takeaways are Plastic Free We aim to carbon off-set what we import We support Yeovil Ambulance Station through our ‘no food’ waste programme INGREDIENTS • 4 tbsp Oil • 2 tsp Panch Phoran • 1 Medium Onion peeled and chopped 1 Inch Ginger peeled and grated • 5 Cloves Garlic finely chopped • 1 tsp Salt or to taste • 1 small tin chickpeas (washed and drained) • 1 tbsp Coriander powder • 1 tsp Cumin powder
• 1 tsp Chilli Powder • 1 tsp Turmeric • 1 tbsp Tomato Puree or 2 fresh plum tomatoes • 1 Potato peeled and cut into 3⁄4 inch cubes • 1 Aubergine cut into 1⁄4 inch cubes • 1 carrot (chopped) • 2 Peppers green and/or red, cut into 1 inch pieces 2 cups (500ml) Water • 2 tbsp Chopped Fresh Coriander
A small intimate venue, we aim to provide a fine dining experience. We cater for most dietary requirements and have several vegan and vegetarian options.
Please call 07940735263 or 01935863929 for enquires or bookings East-to-East 1 East Street West Coker BA22 9BE
METHOD 1. Heat oil in a saucepan over a medium heat. When hot, add the panch phoran* and cook until sizzling then add the onion and allow to soften for about five minutes then add the garlic, ginger and salt, stirring occasionally.
to add the potatoes and carrots and stir fry for about five minutes. Then add the aubergine and peppers, stirring for another five minutes.
2. Then add the coriander powder, cumin, chilli powder, turmeric and tomato puree and continue to stir; then add 100ml water and allow to cook on a medium heat.
4. If it is sticking to the bottom of the pan or drying out you can add a touch more water. Add the chickpeas now then stir well, cover the pan and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft. Garnish with fresh coriander.
3. You will start to see the colour go darker around the edges of the pan and the oil comes to the top, that’s the perfect time
5. You can use other seasonal vegetables such as courgettes and tomatoes, okra, pumpkin or sweet potato.
Important Fact! *Panch Puran is an equal amount of the following: Fennel seeds, Mustard Seeds, Fenugreek, Nigella Seeds and Cumin Seeds 45
FOOD & DRINK
CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS By The Stag’s Head Inn
Together with friends recently we all decided to share some of our family food-related traditions for Christmas-time. There were many, ranging from the ridiculous to the sublime! However, there are a few solid family traditions common to all of us, which you may well relate to as well:
Stir Up Sunday. I started by reminiscing about how I would
assist my maternal grandmother in purchasing and preparing all the Christmas pudding ingredients in the week beforehand, including steeping the dried fruit in brandy, or cherry brandy, and preparing the basins, brown paper, string, foil for steaming them. My brothers and I would all look forward to giving the mixture a big stir, and making a wish. However, it wasn’t until recently that I learnt the specific religious significance of this tradition. Stir Up Sunday is the last Sunday of the Church Year (this year 24th November), the Sunday before Advent. (Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas.) It is the traditional day for everyone in the family to take a turn at stirring the Christmas pudding, whilst making a wish. It dates from Victorian times when the family would gather to stir the Christmas pudding five weeks before Christmas. The opening words of the Book Of Common Prayer, used on the last Sunday before Advent, reads: “Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people,” so the tradition stands that this is the day to get stirring!
The Stir-up traditions: Christmas pudding would traditionally contain 13 ingredients to represent Jesus and his disciples. It is traditionally stirred (while making a wish) by each member of the family from East to West, to remember the Wise Men that visited Jesus in the Nativity Story. The customary garnish of holly represented the crown of thorns. Adding coins, originally charms, to the pudding was said to bring luck if you found them in your portion on Christmas Day. The traditional lucky charms were a silver coin for wealth, a wishbone for luck, a thimble for thrift, a ring for marriage, and an anchor for safe harbour.
Feasting on fish on Christmas Eve.
All our families consume either fish pie or at least a prawn cocktail on Christmas Eve. This apparently relates to a Roman Catholic tradition (none our families happen to be Catholic) of abstaining from eating meat on the eve of a feast day. As no meat or animal fat could be used on such days, observant Catholics would instead eat fish (typically fried in oil). The tradition comes from Southern Italy, where it is known simply as The Vigil (La Vigilia). This celebration commemorates 46
the wait, the Vigilia di Natale, for the midnight birth of the infant Jesus. The most famous dish for Southern Italians is baccalà (salted cod fish). The custom of celebrating with a simple fish such as baccalà reflects customs in what were historically impoverished regions of Southern Italy. However, our modern day families’ translation of this tradition results in a luxurious fish pie, (some with egg, some without; some with prawns and scallops added; some with puff pastry top, some with mashed potato topping; some cheeesy, some plain), but all accompanied by buttery garden peas (plus some with steamed broccoli) and lots of fizzy and sparkly drinks to wash it all down!
Bloody Marys on Boxing Day *. The universally agreed pick-me-up for us all! The hair of the dog Bloody Mary on Boxing Day, whether accompanying a late breakfast in pyjamas, some cosy Christmas TV catch-up, a bumper picnic at the Races, or a leisurely brunch/lunch down at the pub. Lots of animated discussion ensued about what constitutes the perfect Bloody Mary: a dash of sherry? Horseradish - freshly grated or sauce? Worcestershire sauce? Perhaps it needs celery salt/a stick of fresh celery, or both? How much Tabasco or Mustard? It turns out that each of us has our preferred definitive version! * Of course, If you feel like you need the perfect pick-me-up on Boxing Day why not venture down to the Stags Head Inn and try our state of the art nine-ingredient Bloody Mary, (or the 8 ingredient Virgin Mary), or a bespoke Bloody Mary ~ Your Way!
Whatever your family traditions, however numerous, celebrate and enjoy them and have a very Merry Christmas!
FOOD & DRINK
Eastbury Wins Top Award! The Eastbury Hotel is celebrating again this month having won the Best UK & Ireland Hotel for Luxury Value at the prestigious Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2020. The Awards are now in their 37th year and well prized within the tourism industry providing a benchmark for excellence. The judges singled out the “warm smiles “and “homely atmosphere” to be found at The Eastbury Hotel and the “fine food” from Seasons restaurant at The Eastbury. Here’s how they describe The Eastbury: pretty Sherborne’s medieval buildings, Georgian architecture, specialist shops, castles and commanding abbey stretch out before The Eastbury in Thomas Hardy’s Dorset. There’s nowhere more winsome and restful for a short break away. Respected hoteliers and entrepreneurs, Peter and Lana de Savary run this 26-bedroom Georgian-styled hotel whose façade has little
changed since the 1920s when it was a gentleman’s residence. Beyond its town house exterior lies a Tardis interior that unfolds to reveal rooms of varying sizes and designs. Some guest rooms are Georgian through-and-through, while others are contemporary in style. Individual touches include a freestanding bath discretely shielded by an antique screen, a vast mahogany sleigh bed and Asian-inspired sliding shoji doors. Outside, The Eastbury’s peaceful walled garden is a calming oasis (the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee and the morning papers). Lunch and dinner may be taken out here on the terrace Bistro; private dinner parties, weddings and parties too. Use of carefully chosen local produce, herbs and salad crops grown on-site, as well as honey from beehives in the garden have all contributed to the Two Rosettes the Seasons Restaurant now holds.
Christmas Party Nights & Celebratory Lunches Enjoy a wonderful festive lunch or night of celebration with family, friends or work colleagues this year at the Eastbury in Sherborne, Dorset
To reserve your table in our award winning Sea ons
Restaurant, call us on 01935 813131
www.theeastburyhotel.co.uk
47
FOOD & DRINK
A VINTNER’S TALE (ACT 1, SCENE 1) By Peter Law, chairman & MD at Winewizzard, Castle Cary. In the late 1950s, whilst still at boarding school in Yorkshire, I decided to become a wine merchant. It was actually the smells emanating from the cellars, spice warehouses and the sounds from the subterranean Cavern Club in close proximity to my father’s Liverpool office that clinched it (I still have my 1961 membership card). I decided that if I were to live to be 120 that I could never know it all...... In 1962 I joined a City wine shipper and lived in a room near the Tower of London (to save tube fares). Very foolishly they put an 18 year old in charge of the tasting room! I was subsequently transferred to the high-end wine trade in Regent Street and moved into a room in Soho (again to save tube fares and its proximity to the famous London jazz club Ronnie Scott’s). The wine trade was very stuffy in those days and I was sent out to buy a pin-striped suit. My white suit with a dark stripe from the newly created Carnaby Street was not greatly appreciated (although strictly speaking it fitted the brief!). I hitch-hiked to Champagne and Alsace in my holidays as I wanted to learn as much as possible about wine. The pay was Dickensian, so I had to moonlight cooking in a very seedy Soho night club until I could no longer stay awake and lost both jobs - but I had already learnt a lot. ........so, 50 odd years later, I came across a grape variety I had never heard of: PRUNELART, (sometimes ending “D” and sometimes in just “R”). Prunelart Noir was an ancient and rare black berried grape variety which produced high quality wines in Gaillac (Southern France) and was thought to be extinct since the ravages of phylloxera in the 1850’s, which destroyed much of Europe’s vineyards. Found growing wild in the late 20th century, 2009 DNA testing proved that it is a parent of MALBEC, sometimes known as COT. This low yielding variety has hints of plums (prune in French). It is an ideal match for Boeuf Bourguignon, other winter rich casseroles and barbecued meats (Roll on the Summer). We, at Winewizzard, have been importing this for a couple of years with great success. Our twenty fourth Christmas in Castle Cary is nearly upon us and we have had to spend much time, effort and money importing stock to meet the now defunct Brexit date and the needs of our 2,000+ customers.
range from other European and New World countries. Parcels of very fine wine come and go. Havana cigars are always in stock. Just a few ideas from the Winewizzard for your feasting and parties:Two gold medal winning Champagnes from Fallet Dart whose vineyards have been in the same family for over 400 years. Superb! “LES BULLES”(Bubbles). Very rare, a Chateau bottled sparkling wine produced in Gaillac by the ‘methode ancestrale’. This delightful wine has some natural sweetness. A great new addition. Excellent selection of Chateau bottled clarets including Montagne St.Emilion , red Graves, Grand Cru St.Emilion and the sensational Clos De May from a tiny vineyard near Margaux. Red and white Loires, including Sancerre and Pouilly Fume, both domaine bottled – Languedoc, Rhone, Burgundy, Alsace, south west France. My co-director, Linda Fogg has been tasting wines with me for the past 30 odd years and now runs the shop in Castle Cary and her knowledge, enthusiasm and friendly service is a great asset and much appreciated by so many customers, a delight! We look forward to seeing customers, old and new over the coming weeks and wish you all a peaceful and Merry Christmas. Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm (or by appointment).
22 years in Castle Cary
WineWizzard Affordable wines you can be proud to put on your table We buy, sell and broker fine wines Undertake cellar management for individuals and companies Supporting the hospitality trades for over 50 years Stockists of fine Havana cigars
We still specialize in quality wines from small chateau and family owned vineyards in France in addition to a carefully selected small
Woodcock Street, Castle Cary ba7 7bl Telephone 01963 351 919 info@winewizzard.com www.winewizzard.com
48
Selected wines also available at Church Bridge Stores, Patwell Street, Bruton. Open 7am–7.30pm Monday–Saturday, 7am–5pm Sunday
FOOD & DRINK
Skippers
Traditional pub classics and weekly specials served alongside a new range of ales. Traditional bar, separate restaurant area, dog friendly and with a beautiful garden for all to enjoy. Also available for private functions.
OPENING TIMES
Tue-Thu: 12:00 - 15:00, 17:00 - 23:00 Fri: 10:00 - 23:00 Sat: 12:00 - 23:00 Sun: 12:00 - 20:00
FOOD SERVED
Tue - Thu: 12:00 - 14:00, 18:00 - 21:00 Fri: 10:00 - 21:00 Sat: 12:00 - 21:00 Sun: 1200 - 17:00
CHRISTMAS MENU AVAILABLE NOW 2 Courses £18.00 or 3 Courses £21.00 1 Terrace View, Horsecastles, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3HE 01935 507900
07525 928604
Join us and see the New Year in with some style! Event includes DJ / Disco, a three-course meal and an arrival glass of bubbly with canapés. Price £65 per head 7.30pm start Accommodation available at £115 B&B (per room)
Cross Keys AD for Dorset Magazine Dec 2019 v.3_Cross Keys AD for Dorset Magazine 05/11/2019 17:05 Page 1
MEET & RELAx EAT & DRINK CELEBRATE & STAY
PLEASE NOTE EARLY DEADLINES FOR JANUARY
ENjOY A FESTIvE DECEMBER IN SHERBORNE’S HISTORIC PUB wITH
RESTAURANT AND LUxURY ROOMS. A PERFECT BASE TO ExPLORE DORSET!
News and Articles: FRIDAY, 6 December
Advertisements:
MONDAY, 9 December Bar & Restaurant | Private Dining | Meeting Room | Luxury Accommodation
BREAKFAST ~ BRUNCH ~ LUNCH ~ DINNER ~ SUNDAY ROAST
The Mitre Inn
Sandford Orcas
Nr Sherborne, DT9 4RU
01963 220271 FREEHOUSE
Allen & Cheryl welcome you with a cosy bar & great food. CHRISTMAS PARTY MENU FROM 1st DECEMBER (Advance bookings only)
THE PARADE
| 88 CHEAP STREET | DT9 3Bj
www.thecrosskeyssherborne.com
T: 01935 508130
Wed to Fri - Senior Citizens 2 course lunch £11.00 Sunday Roast - £9.95 Adult, £8.95 OAP and £6.50 children 2 En-suite double rooms now available Tuesday - Saturday 11.30 - 2.30, 7.00 - 11.00 Sunday 12.00 - 3.00, 7.00 - 10.30 (Monday drinks only 7.00 - 11.00)
www.MitreInn.co.uk
49
HEALTH & WELLBEING
OLYMPIANS MAKE A SPLASH AT WINCANTON SPORTS CENTRE Six times World Champion Mark Foster visited LED Leisure’s Wincanton Sports Centre on 30 October with his successful one-day swimming camp. Katy Sexton MBE, the first British female to win a World Championship title, also joined the coaching team, sharing her winning techniques with aspiring swimmers from around the county. Swimmers aged 9-18 were coached on all aspects from improving stroke technique, starts, turns, land training, fitness, strength and flexibility programmes, as well as motivation, selfbelief, race preparation and tips on nutrition. Mark says of the day “We had a very warm welcome at Wincanton and it was fantastic to see so many swimmers and parents there. My team & I put together a great day of skills and drills both in and out of the water as well as inspiring talks and video presentations. It was a great day to inspire the next generation of young swimmers and give some insight and expert knowledge into our journeys to global success”
funds for continuous and sustainable scientific research into brain tumours and we are a leading voice calling for greater support and action for research into what scientists are calling the last battleground against cancer. It was a privilege to be part of the community and see the youngsters having a great time led by Mark & Katy”.
The initiative, set up in 2013, has already inspired thousands of swimmers around the UK to achieve the best level of swimming they can, using fun and informative teaching techniques to engage both swimmers and their parents, who are also invited to come along and observe. Swimmers from local swimming clubs and swimmers from Wincanton Sports Centre’s Learn to Swim programme had a fantastic day.
LEARN
Dawn Harvey, Swimming Co-ordinator said, “ We were very pleased to welcome Mark, Katy and the team and honoured to host one of only five events around the country. The day was a great success; there was a real buzz around the Centre. Swimmers really benefitted from the experience and it was a great opportunity for them.”
at Wincanton Sports Centre
Mark & Katy also made time for a Q&A session. Abigail Hills aged 9 a Stage 10 swimmer from the Centre’s Learn to Swim programme asked questions submitted by herself and other swimmers. A Coffee Morning to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research was also held on the same day. Staff and customers donated cakes. Melanie Tiley, Community Fundraising Manager said, “We were thrilled to be chosen as the beneficiary by LED Wincanton Sports Centre for their Mark Foster Swimming Academy day as we are the only national charity in the UK dedicated to raising 50
TO SWIM
• Adult & Baby / Toddler classes • Duckling classes for ages 3 – 5 years • Learn to Swim programme from 5 years + following the Swim England National Teaching Plan Stages 1-10 – Beginners through to Competitive swimming • Rookie Lifeguard programme • Junior Swim fit sessions • Holiday Intensive swimming courses • Disney Inspired Family swimming sessions • Adult Lessons – Beginners to Advanced
For further information please contact Dawn
dharvey@ledleisure.co.uk Reception 01963 824400
HEALTH & WELLBEING
CARE FOR YOURSELF THIS CHRISTMAS!
Gift You NO JOINING FEE Our
to
By Niki Cassar
As a child, were you constantly told to ‘put others first’ and reminded it was very selfish to think of yourself? Told to always put others’ needs well before your own? If you believed that then, there’s a good chance you believe it now. And if you are, then you’ve been doing yourself a huge disservice. Supposing you’d been taught that it’s important to take care of yourself and your needs and to always put yourself first? Not in an unkind or disrespectful way, but instead in a way that made you feel good about yourself from the inside out. Self-love is the most important lesson we can learn, and the earlier we learn it, the better we feel, and the better we feel, the better we relate with the world and the people around us. The problem is that our parents and grandparents and great-grandparents and so on, were all fed that same lie, and so it got handed down through the generations. Those of us who don’t love or care for ourselves find it much harder to give or receive love, and may resort to unhealthy ways of filling the empty space in our heart. But there is no food or drink or clothes or drug that can replace the feeling of real love inside us. We may feel briefly comforted, but the empty space quickly returns. Some people who have the Selfish Belief, will find it hard to say ‘no’ to the requests of others, whilst wishing that they could. The more
they say ‘yes’, the more resentful and frustrated they feel over time, inwardly accusing friends, work colleagues and family of taking advantage of their good nature, but rarely able to say anything, for fear of causing displeasure. Christmas is the perfect time to change this habit. There’s a good chance that you’ve been invited to go somewhere you’d rather not go to, or pressurised to have unwelcome relatives come to stay. You may be worried about finding the money to buy overpriced gifts. Never mind New Year resolutions why not end this year by speaking up and telling those around you what it is that YOU want instead? Start by choosing who you want to spend the holiday with; set a budget and only buy gifts you know will be well-received – noone minds getting a voucher for their favourite shop or online store! Oh, and be sure to buy yourself something really special. With practice, these new habits will start to feel really good. If others don’t approve, remember: that’s their problem and not yours! It is said that we can never truly love another until we learn to love our Self. If this is something you’re struggling with, then come and see me so I can teach you how! Call me on 01963 371695 or 07973 346747 for a free confidential chat. Remember to quote The Conduit to get a special Christmas gift of £20 off your first hypnotherapy session!
in December
For more information please call 01935 818270 or go to our website www.oxleysc.com Bradford Road, Sherborne DT9 3DA
Beat the January rush and save yourself £20 when you sign up for monthly membership Please see our website for full terms and conditions
YOUR GUIDE TO HAVING A GUILT FREE CHRISTMAS
by Sam Hill, Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer Just like that, Christmas is around the corner again. As it comes around, so does the over indulging of highly palatable foods and days of minimal activity. It’s very common and also incredibly okay to gain a few pounds over this period. Gone are the days of striving for extreme weight loss and unnecessarily strict diets. Instead, be empowered in your lifestyle and make smarter choices. Below are a few tips I’ve put together to get you through this busy period and come out on the other side on the food front to help you feel like you have had a guilt free and fun Christmas break. 1) Keep your activity levels high – as the days get shorter and weather gets colder, we always feel less inclined to move more. Instead, do the little things often and they eventually add up. Park that bit further away from the office and get your steps in. Get up regularly from your seat if you sit at a desk. Use the stairs instead of the escalators. These small things really do make a difference over time; they increase your overall energy output allowing you a bit of extra room in your diet. 2) Curb your cravings – it’s at this time of year where the chocolate comes out in the work place. You shouldn’t feel guilty about enjoying some chocolate now and then. But, in order to keep the hunger at bay, be sure to keep high protein foods and lots of veg in your main meals. These foods are lower in calories but high in satiety – meaning they will make you feel fuller for longer and less likely to snack. 3) Social events – at work and with the family, be ready for them. If you know you will be having a big meal (and drinks) later in the day, then there are ways to enjoy it without feeling like you’ve overdone it. If it’s a social lunch, make dinner a smaller meal. If that isn’t an option, reduce your food quantity over the next couple of days or days prior. Try to stay within your weekly calorie goals, so if you do over do it on one day, you can eat that little bit less the next day. 4) The Big day – once Christmas Day comes around – enjoy it. Don’t stress the small stuff. One sunny day doesn’t make a summer just as one overindulgent day won’t ruin your diet. Feel empowered knowing you can eat and drink whatever and still feel in control. A few pounds on the scales is nothing to lose sleep over!
Merry Christmas and see you in the New Year. 51
HEALTH & WELLBEING
THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS WORKOUT By Gary Shackle, Sherborne Sports Centre
With Christmas fast approaching one of my newest instructors has come up with this festive challenge for you all…… The 12 Days of Christmas workout. It’s not for the faint hearted but should really burn off those pesky pre Christmas calories!
1
Sumo Deadlift High-Pull
2
Thrusters
3
Push Presses
4
Power Cleans
5
Power Snatches
6
Kettlebell Swings
7
Pull-Ups
8
Knees-to-Elbows
9
Box Jumps
10 Double-Unders 11 Burpees 12 Overhead Walking Lunges Make sure to choose a weight that’s appropriate for you, then like the song the “12 Days of Christmas,” complete each exercise in ascending order then work back down to 1, adding one exercise per round. Like this: 1, then 2-1, then 3-2-1, then 4-3-2-1, etc. – all the way to 12-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 – for a total of 364 reps!
From everyone at Sherborne Sports Centre we hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Dr Peter’s top tips for mental wellbeing this winter How we feel can change from day to day and sometimes from hour to hour. Many people find that the change when the clocks go back can also affect their mood. If you’re finding the darker mornings and nights a struggle, Dr Peter Bagshaw, GP and mental health lead for Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group, has some top tips to support your mental wellbeing. “Keeping active is a great way to improve your mental wellbeing,” said Peter. “This doesn’t mean you have to go to the gym or find your running shoes. Taking a walk, being active in the garden or even dancing round the living room to your favourite music can all boost your mood.” “Being outside is helpful even when the weather is not great. Research shows that contact with the natural world can boost our wellbeing.” “Spending time with the people who are important to you can support your mental wellbeing and make you feel better. If you can’t meet up face to face, then why not call up a friend or family member for a chat? Or drop them a text?” Peter also suggests, “Rediscovering an old hobby or learning something new. Whether it’s model making, knitting, singing or writing stories, why not give it a go? Challenging yourself to learn a new skill can kick your brain out of unhelpful thought patterns.” As we move into winter there are lots of things that we can all do to help each other feel better. Peter said: “Volunteering within your local community can help improve your wellbeing as well as making a difference to others. There are lots of organisations who would welcome your time or ideas, contact somccg.engagement@nhs.net and we’ll put you in touch with those in your local community.” Everyone’s mental wellbeing changes throughout their life, but it’s important never to just put up with poor mental health. If you’re concerned about how you are feeling, please speak to your GP or visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxietydepression/. We have just successfully bid to be a pathfinder CCG putting more funding into mental health services in Somerset, which means that we can start to broaden the range of services available in the county. We will also be taking a person centred approach to developing mental health services in Somerset, supporting people in their communities to get the help they need at the right time and in the right place. The Every Mind Matters campaign encourages adults to be more aware of their mental health and helps them discover simple steps to look after their mental health and wellbeing. Find out more at: https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mindmatters/
Sports Centre 52
BOOKS
WIN £10
Cook to INSPIRE…Again! by Nessie Owen
WORDSEARCH
FOR CHRISTMAS (RRP: £7.50) In December 1992 Nessie Owen dislocated and fractured her back in a skiing accident in the French Alps. Consequently Nessie was cared for at one of the UK’s eleven specialist Spinal Injuries Units in Salisbury. Rehabilitation took five months during which time she was introduced to the INSPIRE Foundation under its Executive Director the late Jack Gardner. INSPIRE (short for Integrated Spinal Rehabilitation) raises money to run its own research programme addressing independence and quality of life after spinal cord injury. During her long period in hospital Nessie developed the idea of Cook to INSPIRE putting together recipes from her many friends and contacts in the culinary world. Such was the success of the book that earlier this year, Nessie decided to give further support to the INSPIRE Foundation producing Cook to INSPIRE Again, a new collection of recipes in an easy to follow format beautifully illustrated by Dorset artist Helen Lloyd-Elliott.
IN OUR
PUZZLE
We all know how important it is to recycle and for some reason winter seems to bring even more cardboard boxes, packaging and newspapers to my table. Here are a whole load of words associated with recycling use them as inspiration in this month’s Wordsearch. 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, Wyvern Buildings, North St, Sherborne DT9 5EP. The lucky winner receives a £10 cheque. The closing date is: TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER. Good luck.
GOOD LUCK ANTEATER CRICKET EAGLE ELAND FOX HARE HIPPOPOTAMUS
JAGUAR KANGAROO LYNX MOTH MOUSE OTTER OWL SWAN
TAPIR VIXEN VOLE WALLABY WASP WOLVEINE YAK
COOK TO INSPIRE AGAIN is available to buy at Piers Pisani’s Antiques Shop in Cheap Street, Sherborne and Cattistock Village Shop. At just £7.50 the book will make a brilliant stocking filler!
Name:__________________________________________________________ Tel :_________________________Email:______________________________ Address:_________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________
If you would like to know who has won our Wordsearch Puzzles see our website. 53
WALKING
RACHEL’S RAMBLES By Rachel Mead
We are in the throes of the festive season, normal routine has been cast aside and replaced with the hustle and bustle that comes with the arrival of family guests, the travelling to visit old and dear friends, and not to mention the sometimes frantic queues in the shops.
front door. The rewards in wandering these familiar routes are bountiful because when you already know the way, you are in fact given a greater gift – this is wrapped up as a form of comfort and it gives you the opportunity to let your mind be completely still.
And so it is this December, that I have decided to step out of the Christmas craziness and take an extra moment for myself. Some may tag this with the buzzword of ‘mindfulness’, others as a pause for one’s ‘wellness’. Either way, I have learned that a daily walk can regulate one’s heart rate, encourage a steady breathing pattern and above all else, offer you some selfish escapism.
With your coat hood up and a contented lean over a gateway, one is allowed a private solitude which upon closing one’s eyes presents not only a hidden peace but also a moment of subterfuge and above all else an occasion to pause and listen. Nature always provides, she never lets one down and whether it is the call of the buzzard, the rustle of the last autumnal leaves falling or simply the dancing wind, these moments are yours and yours alone. Listen to the breeze as though she plays your favourite tune. Be selfish, take! For the added greatness in this present is that there will be even more to covet again tomorrow.
Each and every month Oakley and I have the fortune to explore the wonders that our counties of Dorset and Somerset have to offer and I am so thankful for the vistas that so often mesmerise. But this month we have decided to focus our ramble on what is quite simply our daily go-to walk and the hidden benefits that it has to offer. It’s a simple forty-minute loop which we can do in either direction and it starts at our 54
There are on occasion the days when one looks out of the window at the driving rain and an excuse to avoid a walk can be made, but one can guarantee that there has never been a walk which one regrets once it is completed. The reward of coming back to
the log fire and a mug of tea ( and perhaps a mince pie or two!) is greater than if one hadn’t been braving the wintry elements beforehand. The jadedness that can come from one too many stolen sherries or Christmas cocktails can easily be resolved by throwing on your wellies and being the first to crack the ice on the frozen puddles. The NHS advise that just thirty minutes of walking a day can boost your energy, reduce stress and decrease blood pressure levels. With the added bonuses that walking can help manage one’s weight and also ensure a better night’s sleep there aren’t too many reasons to not get up and go. So this festive season, when days are too busy to explore further afield, I know Oakley and I shall be walking a well-trodden path and I also know that the gifts on offer can be even better than those under the tree.
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
Bargain Hunters Corner If an item/items are valued at more than £200 there will be a £6 charge. Wanted adverts are also charged at £6. Space Hopper which is yellow with a large happy face on the side. £3.00. Wooden jewellery box in treasure chest style, red velvet lined with 6 compartments to separate jewellery. Excellent condition. £15.00. Natural wicker linen basket with lid and carry handles. Basket is new and unused. £15.00. Cobblers Last, antique unusual 3 feet design in cast iron, which can be used as a doorstop. Superb condition. £15.00. Backlit Mirror, fluorescent low energy, on/ off hands free sensor, demister pad, shaver socket. Approx 800mm X 600mm. Unused. £100.00. Oak wood foot stool with natural woven string top. Stool has never been used, so is in new condition. £15.00. Tel: 01935 824029
Hostess electric food warmer with three pyrex dishes. Hardly used. £40.00 Tel: 01935 816982
Handmade wooden dolls house. Fully furnished and upholstered with fitted carpets and little solid brass front door knobs. £50.00 Tel: 01935 420003
Two Roman blinds (blue and yellow stripes) 1.4mtrs and 1.7 mtrs long x 1mtr width £35.00. Tel: 01935 817556
Rowing machine £30.00 Tel: 01935 813171 Pair of very attractive blue and gold fruit patterned lined curtains, length 6’4” (193 cms), width 6’5” (195 cms). Would make two pairs of curtains £85.00. Tel: 01935 817556 Pair of very good light green lined curtains, length 4’ (122cms), width 5’ (163 cms). Could make two pairs of curtains £40.00. Tel: 01935 817556
BARBOUR Northumbria waxed jacket size 38L with hood. Little used. £30.00 Tel: 01963 824261 (Wincanton)
GUNS WANTED FOR CASH Any size, any condition, make or model We collect in any area By Registered Firearms Dealer
AIR RIFLES
0 7 9 7 0 7 4 2 4 7 1 AIR PISTOLS
WANTED Dave buys all types of tools. Tel: 01935 428975
Brand new Continental tyre 195/15×15 on new steel spare wheel (off Skoda Roomster) complete with brand new jack and wheelbrace kit. Much better then tyre glue! £30.00. Four part worn Winter tyres 195/55×15. These tyres have 7mm of tread remaining, new tyres have 8mm of tread. £40.00 Tel: 07989 342850 W & J Grahams Port Display Case £25.00. Vini Italiani Wines x 3 Fine Vintage 2016 & 2017 Wooden Display Case £30.00. Artificial Christmas Tree 4’6’’ with Stand, Lights and some Decorations G.W.O £30.00 Tel: 01935 813582 Smiths artdeco style carriage clock with accurate battery movement in heavy brass case. Top quality, circa 1970. £20.00 Tel: 01935 815887
Dry Stone Walling and Paving All types of stone walling undertaken www.yenstonewalling.co.uk
01963 371123 Patrick Houchen - DSWA member
Professional & reliable service
Write Your Life Story
Memories and Photos preserved for Friends and Family to treasure Full memoir writing service available (01458) 223251 07969 333940 Please visit: www.mandybloom.co.uk 55
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 machine 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