Conduit Magazine December 2017

34 Princes Street, Yeovil, BA20 1EQ Tel: 01935 478100 walterwallyeovil@hotmail.co.uk

Conduit

The

Issue 190 December 2016

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Magazine 40 PAGES PACKED FULL OF LOCAL EVENTS, THINGS TO DO, PLACES TO GO, WHERE TO EAT & MUCH MORE...

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Win a family ticket for the Peter Pan Pantomime

Special Features on:

See Page 35

Christmas Gift Ideas - 26-28 Christmas Eating Out - 29-33 Dining Club Card - 30

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Antiques & Collecting - 12-14 Art - 34-36 Fashion - 24 Finance - 11

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Food & Drink - 29-33 Gardening - 20 Health & Wellbeing - 37 History - 15 Home & Interiors - 17 Legal - 10 Lettings Arena - 18 Motoring - 38 Music Gigs - 36 Pet Health - 37 Property - 16-20 Save on Bills - 11

Eat out locally at over 18 local restaurants and save money with our new local Dining Club Card for just £10pa!

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Sports - 38 Town News - 21-24 Travel - 25 Village News - 5-9

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Bargain Hunters Corner - 39 What’s On in December - 2-5 Front Cover Competition - 15

PUBLISHED FOR OVER 16 YEARS

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Serving Bruton, Castle Cary, Sherborne, Somerton, Wincanton, Yeovil & surrounding Villages to Call tell01935 advertisers you saw it ininfo@theconduitmagazine.co.uk The Conduit Magazine!

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Domestic and contract flooring specialists

East Coker Village Hall, 2.30pm & 7.30pm Vintage Market, Digby Church Hall, Sherborne, 8.30am-3.30pm* Chasty Cottage Antique Fair, Digby Hall, Sherborne, 9.30am-4.00pm Coffee Morning for Bruton Choral Society, Bruton Community Hall, 10.00am-12.00 noon* Christmas Tasting & Gift Fair, Kimbers Farm Shop, Wincanton, 2.00pm* Christmas Bazaar, Memorial Hall, Stoke Sub Hamdon, 2.00pm-4.00pm Christmas Fair, Schoolroom, East Lambrook, 2.00pm-4.00pm* ‘The Book of Darkness & Light’, The Shambles,

What’s On *

26th

Free admission to all events marked with an asterisk

Due to space restrictions if any event is already fully booked we no longer include them in our calendar.

NOVEMBER 24th

Books, CD’s & DVD’s sale, Hub Café, Sherborne Sports Centre, Sherborne, 9.00am-3.00pm* Sherborne Floral Society’s ‘Countdown to Christmas’ demonstration, Digby Hall, Sherborne, 7.30pm ‘Berlin &t the Fall of the Wall’, Compton Castle, Compton Pauncefoot, 6.00pm 25th Crewkerne’s Annual Christmas Lighting Up, 4.30pm* 25th-26th ‘Snow White’ panto,

Castle Cary, 7.00pm & 8.45pm Michael Partington concert, Village Hall, Hornblotten, 7.30pm ‘Hail, Caesar!’ film, Warehouse Theatre, Ilminster, 7.45pm 26th-27th 5th Latin American Music Festival, Cheap Street Church, Sherborne, 3.00pm Christmas Fayre, Wincanton Community Hospital, 2.00pm4.00pm 28th General Auction, Lyme Bay Auctions, Seaton, 10.00am* 30th Red Berry Recruitment talk, The Manor Hotel, Yeovil, 8.00am* Vale of Camelot Opens for Xmas Trees, wreaths, etc, Sparkford, 9.00am-4.40pm Auction, Lawrence’s, Crewkerne, 9.30am* Coffee Morning, David Hall, South Petherton, 10.00am-12.00 noon ‘Phoenix’ film, Yeovil College, 7.30pm ‘Star Trek Beyond’ film, The Queens Arms, Corton Denham, 7.30pm ‘Florence Foster Jenkins’ film, East Coker Village Hall, 7.30pm 30th Nov-3rd Dec‘Key For Two’ play, Swan Theatre, Yeovil, 7.30pm

DECEMBER 1st

1st-2nd

1st-3rd

Christmas Jingle: Leweston Nursery, Sherborne, 9.45am11.30am* ‘Red Hot Rhythms’ concert, Charlton Horethorne Village Hall, 7.00pm HMS Heron Volunteer Band concert, Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton, 7.30pm Christmas Show, Sigwells, The Stables, 10.00am-5.00pm

November/December Exhibitions:

2

Now-26th Nov

‘Made In Glastonbury’ Exhibition, Ilminster Arts Centre, Mon-Fri 9.30am-4.30pm, Sat (2.30pm)

25th Nov-23rd Dec

Christmas Exhibition, Jerram Gallery, Sherborne, 9.30am-5.00pm

28th Nov-23rd Dec

‘The Christmas Collection’ Exhibition, Ilminster Arts Centre, 9.30am-4.30pm

To advertise – 01935 424724

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email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk

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Chasty Cottage Antiques

Sat 26th November & Sat 17th December 9.30-4.00 Entry £1

Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, DT9 3AA

Enquiries 01963 370986 1st-4th

2nd

& 10.00am-4.00pm* Festive Warehouse Sale, Melbury Gallery, Sherborne, 10.00am-4.00pm* Somerton Market, Market Place, Somerton, 10.00am-2.00pm* ‘The Tinderbox’ Puppet performance, St Andrew’s Primary School, Yetminster, 6.00pm General Auction, Hazy Maes, Glastonbury, 6.30pm* ‘Mosiac’ Christmas Concert, Methodist Church, Castle Cary, 7.30pm ‘Clarks of Street - The Story of a Quaker Business’ talks, Holy

See page 36 Music Gigs

Enhanced What’s On Listing Your event is highlighted in colour and included in editorial for just £6!

Call us now on 01935 424724

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Trinity Church, Yeovil, 7.30pm ‘The Man Who Knew Infinity’ film, David Hall, South Petherton, 8.00pm Cornish Armada Band, Ilminster Arts Centre, 8.00pm Matthew Rock live, Nuova Italian Restaurant, Ilchester, 8.00pm 2nd Dec-1st Jan ‘Peter Pan’ pantomime, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, various times 3rd Produce Market, Market House, Ilminster, 8.30am-12.30pm* Big Butty Christmas Breakfast, Alweston Village Hall, 9.00am-11.00am Coffee Morning for St Margaret’s Hospice, Bruton Community Hall, 10.00am-12.00 noon* Christmas Church Fair, Marston Magna Village Hall, 10.00am2.00pm* Christmas Craft Market, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, 10.00am* Leweston Christmas Fair, Leweston School, Sherborne, 10.00am-3.00pm Coffee Morning, Parish Church, Long Sutton, 10.30am to 12.00 noon Christmas Fayre, Marion Hall, The Avenue, Yeovil, 10.30am-2.00pm ‘The Tinderbox’ Puppet show, Sandford Orcas Village Hall, 11.00am General Auction, Hazy-Maes, Glastonbury, 11.00am* Christmas Fair, King Ina Academy, Somerton, 11.00am-1.00pm ‘A History of Christmas Carols’ talk, Yeovil Library, 2.00pm ‘A Seasonal Miscelleany’, Digby Hall, Sherborne, 2.30pm Parnham Voices Christmas

Concert, St Martin’s Church, North Perrott, 3.30pm Twinning Quiz Night, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, 7.00pm ‘From Darkness to Light’ concert, Sherborne Abbey, 7.30pm ‘A Christmas Carol’ The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, 7.30pm ‘Police Dog Hogan’ concert, David Hall, South Petherton, 8.00pm 3rd-4th ‘Santa’s Grotto’, Yeovil Railway Centre, Stoford, 10.00am-4.00pm 3rd-4th Annual Crafts for Christmas, Digby Church Hall, Sherborne, 10.00am-4.00pm* 3rd-11th Christmas Tree Festival, Cheap Street Church, Sherborne, 10.00am4.30pm 4th Giant Flea & Collectors Market, Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, 9.30am-4.00pm ‘Santa Dash’, Caryford Fitness and Leisure Centre, Castle Cary , 11.00am ‘Santa Specials’, Yeovil Railway Centre, Stoford, 10.00am-4.00pm Sherborne Festive Shopping Day, 10.00am5.00pm* Music and Wine Evening, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, 3.00pm ‘The Jungle Book’ film, Halstock Village Hall, 3.30pm ‘Practice Makes Perfect’ concert, Pendomer Church, 5.00pm 5th -10th Christmas Tree Festival, Minster Church, Ilminster, 11.00am-6.00pm (TuesFri 9.30am-6.00pm; Sat 9.00am-4.00pm) Christmas Bingo,

6th

Misterton Village Hall, 7.30pm ‘Golden Years’ film, Odcombe Village Hall, 8.30pm Conduit Dinner Club Evening, Nuova Italia, Ilchester, 7.00pm WI Christmas Dinner, Village Hall, West Coker, 7.30pm

7th

‘Otters’ talk, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary7.30pm Auction, Lawrence’s, Crewkerne, 9.30am* ‘Twitter on iPad’ course, The Shambles, Market House, Castle Cary, 10.00am-12.00 noon ‘Candles by Candlelight’, Bruton School For Girls,

The Conduit Magazine Higher Mudford, Nr Yeovil BA21 5TD

01935 424724 E-mail: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk

SHERBORNE’S 13th ANNUAL CRAFTS FOR CHRISTMAS Digby Church Hall, Sherborne

Sat 3rd & Sun 4th DECEMBER 10.00am-4.00pm

Editor Assistant Editor Franchesca Lauren Dening Hill

Admission Free West Country Fairs 01749 677049

© 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.

Graphic Designer Richard Scott

JANUARY DEADLINES News and Articles: Friday 9th DECEMBER Advertisements: Monday 12th DECEMBER

8th

9th

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Bruton, 7.30pm ‘Ridicule’ film, Yeovil College, 7.30pm Duke’s Jewellery & Silver Auction, Brewery’s Square, Dorchester, 10.30am* Friendship Coffee and Tea Morning, Somerton Sports Club, 10.30am Health walk & talk, Market House, 2.00pm* Annual Christmas Shopping Event, Charlton Horethorne Village Hall, 6.00pm-8.00pm* ‘The BFG’ film, Jubilee Hall, Ditcheat, 7.30pm Gardening Club Quiz Night, Village Hall, East Coker, 7.30pm ‘How to Build a Christmas Display’ talk, Memorial Hall, Queen Camel, 7.30pm Duke’s Furniture & Works of Art Auction, Brewery’s Square, Dorchester, 10.30am* ‘Impressionism Around the World’ lunch & learn, The Eastbury Hotel, Sherborne, 10.00am ‘Come for Soup’, Parish Hall, Martock, 12.00 noon ‘Time For Tea’, United Reformed Church, Martock, 2.00pm4.00pm The newly refurbished Plume of Feathers opens, Half Moon Street, Sherborne, 6.00pm* Medieval Christmas Evening, Holnest Church, 7.00pm Christmas Entertainment Evening, Methodist Church, Castle Cary, 7.30pm ‘The King and I’ film, Parish Rooms, Somerton, 7.30pm Bring and Share supper & ‘Endangered Animals’ talk, Memorial Hall, Wincanton, 7.30pm ‘Star in the Night’ & ‘Christmas in Connecticut’ films, Village Hall, West Coker, 7.30pm Somerton Festival Band Christmas Concert, Long Sutton Village Hall, 7.30pm ‘Shall We Dance’ film, Wadham School,

Crewkerne, 7.30pm 9th-10th Christmas Tour, David Hall, South Petherton, 8.00pm 10th Full English Breakfast, Vicarage Street Church, Yeovil, 8.00am Vintage Christmas Market, Digby Church Hall, Sherborne, 8.30am-3.30pm* Christmas Charity Silent Auction & Sale, Plume of Feathers, Sherborne, 10.00am-5.00pm* Coffee Morning for Liberal Democrats Cancer Charities, Bruton Community Hall, 10.00am-12.00 noon* Farmers Market, Martock Shopping Centre, 10.00am-1.00pm* Produce & Craft Market, Town Hall, Crewkerne, 10.00am-3.00pm Auction, Yeovil Auction Rooms, 3 Court Ash, Yeovil, 10.30am* ‘Carols for Christmas’, Parish Church, South Petherton, 7.00pm ‘Magic, Music and Mirth’ concert, Cheap Street Church, Sherborne, 7.00pm Bingo, Social Club, Merriott, 7.30pm Mid Wessex Singers Christmas Concert, St Michael’s Church, Somerton, 7.30pm 10th-11th Christmas Crib Display, Marston Magna Church, 10.00am-4.00pm & 10.00am2.00pm 10th-11th ‘Santa’s Grotto’, Yeovil Railway Centre, Stoford, 10.00am-4.00pm 11th Santa Dash, Yeovil Country Park, 9.00am-2.00pm ‘Santa Specials’, Yeovil Railway Centre, Stoford, 10.00am-4.00pm Wreath Making Workshop, Chedington Village Hall, 10.00am Toy Collectors Fair, Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, 10.30am-2.30pm Christingle Service, Primary School, Charlton Horethorne, 2.00pm ‘Yeovil Concert Band’ & ‘The Trinity Entertainers’ Christmas Concert, Holy Trinity Church,

To advertise – 01935 424724

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12th

13th

14th

15th

16th

Yeovil, 7.00pm Wincanton Choral Society Christmas concert, Wincanton Sports Centre, 7.30pm General Auction, Lyme Bay Auctions, Seaton, 10.00am* Somerton Sings, West Street Church, Somerton, 10.45am-12.00 noon Christmas Bingo, Misterton Village Hall, 7.30pm WI Members Christmas Party, Village Hall, South Petherton, 7.30pm ‘Sherborne Christmas’ concert, Sherborne Abbey, 7.30pm Christmas Production dress rehearsal, Primary School, Charlton Horethorne, 2.00pm Duke’s General Sale, Weymouth Avenue, Dorchester, 10.30am* ‘Frost Fairs on the Frozen Thames’ lecture, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, 11.00am Gardening Club Christmas meeting, Jubilee Hall, Yetminster, 7.00pm Somerset Sight Mobile Advice Service, Cox’s Yard Car Park, Somerton, 9.30am-3.30pm* Auction, Lawrence’s, Crewkerne, 9.30am* Primary School Carol Singing, outside Village Shop, Charlton Horethorne, 11.00am WI meeting, Pavilion, Recreation Ground, Martock, 2.00pm ‘The BFG’ film, Queens Arms, Corton Denham, 7.30pm ‘Christmas Garlands and Wreaths’ talk, Village Hall, West Coker, 7.30pm ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ film, Digby Church Hall, Sherborne, 7.30pm ‘Christmas Garlands and Wreaths’ talk, Village Hall, West Coker, 7.30pm Main Line Steam Day, Yeovil Railway Centre, 10.30am4.00pm Cary’s Big Christmas Night, 5.30pm Charterhouse Auction, Long Street, Sherborne, 10.00am*

email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk

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Macmillan Cancer Unit Yeovil Hospital

Christmas Charity Silent Auction & Sale Saturday 10th Dec 10am-5pm

over 100 gifts from restaurant vouchers, books, jewellery, soaps, pictures, scarves, pickles & jams, holidays, flower decorations, wine, antiques & much more... + Holly Wreaths & Mistletoe*. * Can be ordered earlier

Ideal for a Christmas Gift!

Free Entry Plume of Feathers, Half Moon Street, Sherborne (Opposite Abbey) Come along, see the lots and make a bid or buy outright online beforehand.

You can see all lots at:

www.TheConduitMagazine.co.uk

SOMERTON MARKETS Butter Cross, Market Place

Friday 2nd December & Friday 23rd December From 10am to 2pm Meat, sausages – Plants – Italian cheeses, salamis – Cushions, lampshades Handmade soaps, candles - Bespoke catering, salmon rolls, veg samosas, cooked meals Avalon Kombucha – Dorset pies - Somerset deli - Olives, spices, nuts, snacks, baklavas – Cupcakes - Preserves, jam, chutney Vinaigrette, tapenade, mayo, pesto - Rare breed woollen products, sheepskins, fruit juices – Jewelleries - Glassware – Vegetables – Fish.

marketonatsomerton@gmail.com

Primary School Carol Service, Charlton Horethorne Church, 1.45pm Christmas Hootenanny, Church House, Milborne Port, 7.30pm ‘Money Monster’ film, Davis Hall, West Camel, 7.30pm

www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

Music and Wine

Sunday 4 December, 3.00pm

20th

Caryford Community Hall, Castle Cary

Music by folk duo Mitchell and Vincent Informal wine tasting hosted by The Somerset Wine Co Tickets £8 (inc 6 tastings or glass of wine) from The Market House or www.caryfordhall.co.uk

Christmas Celebration concert, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, 7.30pm Benny Goodman’s tribute concert, Ilminster Arts Centre, 8.00pm Grease & Dirty Dancing live, Nuova Italian Restaurant, Ilchester, 8.00pm ‘Love and Friendship’ film, David Hall, South Petherton, 8.00pm ‘Carols By Candlelight’ Bruton School for Girls, Bruton, 7.30pm 17th Chasty Cottage Antique Fair, Digby Hall, Sherborne, 9.30am-4.00pm ‘Readings for Christmas’, Wincanton Library, 10.00am-11.00am* Coffee Morning for Explorer Scouts, Bruton Community Hall, 10.00am-12.00 noon* ‘Carols and Classics by Candlelight’, All Saints Church, Merriott, 7.30pm An Evening with ‘The Diamonds’, Charlton Horethorne Village Hall, 7.30pm Sherborne Singers Christmas Concert, Horsington Church, 7.30pm ‘Belshazzar’s Feast’ concert, David Hall, South Petherton, 8.00pm 17th-18th ‘Santa’s Grotto’ & ‘Santa Specials’, Yeovil Railway Centre, Stoford, 10.00am-4.00pm 17th-18th Christmas Tree Festival, St Catherine’s Church, Montacut, 10.30am-4.30pm 17th-18th ‘The Nutcracker’ ballet, The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, 2.30pm & 7.00pm 18th Children’s Disco, The George Hotel, Castle Cary, 3.00pm5.00pm Performance Evening, the David Hall, South Petherton, 7.30pm 19th Christmas Bingo, Misterton Village Hall, 7.30pm Elvis Tribute live, Nuova Italian

22nd 23rd

24th

28th

30th

31st

Restaurant, Ilchester, 8.00pm Auction, Lawrence’s, Crewkerne, 9.30am* ‘Christmas Memories’ performance, The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, 2.00pm Quiz Night, Somerton Sports Club, 8.30pm Somerton Christmas Market, Butter Cross, Market Place, 10.00am-2.00pm* ‘Santa Specials’, Yeovil Railway Centre, Stoford, 10.00am-4.00pm Mystery Live Act, Nuova Italian Restaurant, Ilchester, 8.00pm Candlelit Midnight Mass Service, Holnest Church, 11.30pm Steam Train Day Mince Pie Special, Yeovil Railway Centre, Stoford, 10.30am-4.00pm ‘The Barralhouse Blues Orchestra’ concert, The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, 7.45pm Children’s New Year Story & Craft Morning, Wincanton Library, 10.00am-11.30pm* Coffee Morning for St Mary’s Church, Bruton Community Hall, 10.00am-12.00 noon* Janet James live, Nuova Italian Restaurant, Ilchester, 8.00pm ‘A Tribute to Elvis’, Somerton Sports Club, 8.30pm New Years Eve Party, Queens Arms, Corton Denham, 8.30pm New Years Eve Party Ceilidh, the David Hall, South Petherton, 8.30pm New Years Eve with DJ Robert Galloway, Gallery Bar, Castle Cary, 8.30pm

Village News

by Lauren Hill ALWESTON On Saturday 3rd December at the Village Hall from 9.00am to 11.00am it is the Big Butty Christmas Breakfast. There will be a Christmas raffle, preserves, mince pies, children’s activity table and more. There is a free child’s breakfast (under 10 years old) with the purchase of an adult breakfast. This is a community event organised by Folke Church.

CHARTLON HORETHORNE On Thursday 1st December from 7.00pm at the Village Hall see ‘Red Hot Rhythms’. Son Yambu plays authentic Cuban songs, the intoxicating fusion of Spanish and African rhythms, that gave rise to salsa. They give this irresistible music a contemporary edge, bringing their audiences a truly, sensational, authentic Latin music experience. The band has released an album and played at several music festivals including Glastonbury this year.

Their music will surely make you want to get up and salsa! There will be a bar and they will be a

short dance workshop for those wishing to learn how to Salsa!

Tickets £10 available from Derek Owens on 01963 220911 or from the Village Shop. On Thursday 8th from 6.00pm to 8.00pm it is the Annual Christmas Shopping Event at the Village Shop. A great chance to try lots of festive goodies and place orders. On Sunday 11th at 4.00pm at the Primary School there is a Christingle Service. All welcome. On Monday 12th at 2.00pm the Primary School have their Christmas Production dress rehearsal. This is open to all local residents who would like to come and watch. The production officially opens on Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th at 6.00pm, which will be just for parents and families of children at the school only. On Wednesday 14th from 11.00am there will be carol singing with children from the Primary School outside the Village Shop. On Friday 16th at 1.45pm the Primary School have their Carol Service at the Church. On Saturday 17th at

Remember to tell advertisers you saw it in The Conduit Magazine!

5

7.30pm at the Village Hall there is An Evening with ‘The Diamonds’. Go along and relive the rock n’ roll era with this live popular Sherborne band returning by popular demand with their usual numbers from the 60s and 70s. Dance the night away and quench your thirst at the licensed bar. Tickets £10 from the Village Shop or from Derek on 01963 22011.

CHEDINGTON There is a Wreath Making Workshop on Sunday 11th December from 10.00am to 4.00pm at the Village Hall. Get in the festive mood and learn how to create a beautiful Christmas Wreath from natural materials. Cost £40 with price including all materials, drinks, lunch and afternoon mince pie. All proceeds to the Village Hall.

Booking essential. For more details and to book call Carole Birtwhistle on 01935 891437.

COMPTON PAUNCEFOOT On Thursday 24th November from 6.00pm there is a talk by Major General Sir Robert Corbett, KCVO,CB on ‘Berlin and the fall of the Wall’ at Compton Castle.

On behalf of The Balsam Centre tickets are £25 from 01963 31842 and include drinks on arrival, cheese and wine after as well as a raffle and silent auction.

CORTON DENHAM On Wednesday 30th November at 7.30pm there is a film night showing ‘Star Trek Beyond’.

Entry £12.50, includes a main meal and a glass of red or white wine, a pint of local ale, a coke or lemonade. On Wednesday 14th December at 7.30pm there is another film night with ‘The BFG’. Entry as above. On Saturday 31st there is a New Years Eve party with the theme of 007 James Bond black tie.

There will be black jack and roulette tables and entertainment and win vouchers to exchange for drinks at the bar from the tables. There is also a three course meal and free taxi home if booked by Wednesday 30th November. Tickets £75 from 01963 220317 with a 50% non refundable deposit at the time of booking. All events at The Queens Arms.

DITCHEAT On Thursday 8th December at the Jubilee Hall from 7.30pm the film showing will be ‘The BFG’. Licensed bar and tea and coffee available.

Tickets £6, available from Ditcheat Farm Shop or on the door. For more details call 01749 860396. See Movies Around the Villages & Towns.

EAST COKER On Friday 25th at 7.30pm and Saturday 26th November at 2.30pm and 7.30pm the East Coker Players present ‘Snow White’ - a traditional family pantomime.

Tickets Adults £6, Children £4 available from Vicky on 01935 862711. On Wednesday 30th at 7.30pm see the film ‘Florence Foster Jenkins’. Entry £6. For more details call 01935 862447. On Thursday 8th December from 7.30pm the Gardening Club have a Quiz Night with Martin Young. For more details call 01935 862447. All events at the Village Hall.

EAST LAMBROOK There is a Christmas Fair at the Schoolroom on Saturday 26th November from 2.00pm to 4.00pm. There will be many exciting stalls including Avon Bulbs so a chance to stock up on some unusual bulbs. Free entry.

HALSTOCK On Sunday 4th December at 3.30pm at the Village Hall see the Disney animated classic ‘The Jungle Book’. Tickets Adults £6, Children £4. See Movies Around the Villages & Towns.

HOLNEST On Friday 9th December from 7.00pm at the Church there is a Medieval Christmas evening. Frances Eustance plays a plenitude of medieval instruments and is writing a PhD on medieval carols. She will entertain you with a selection of music, songs and readings and encourage you to join in with some familiar and not so familiar carols. The walls of Holnest Church will be ringing and the gargoyles reminiscing about Christmases 600 year ago. Refreshments available after. Tickets £7 from 01963 210635 or 07760 261056. On Saturday 24th at 11.30pm, for the first time ever, there is to be a Candlelit Midnight Mass Service with carols Port in the Church.

Max e Taxi Based in Milborne Short & Long distances Hospital Wait & Return Airports, Seaports Train Stations 07929 152158 maxetaxi@mail.com 6

To advertise – 01935 424724

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HORNBLOTTEN On Saturday 26th November from 7.30pm at the Village Hall see classical guitarist Michael Partington.

Those of you who were lucky enough to see Michael play at Hornblotton two years ago were struck not only by his technique but equally by his sensitive musicality.

Michael is Director of the Guitar Program at the TH University of Washington, USA Semi Permanent Eyelash Extensions and we are Or delighted to host Eyelash Lift with Eyelash Tint an all too rare For £40 British appearance.

Shellac Manicure and Pedicure for £45 He will be playing a programme of Gift vouchers and Decleor Christmas music from three Gift sets also available. centuries by Napoléon Coste, Isaac Albéniz, Joaquín Rodrigo, Astor Piazzolla, Bryan Johanson and Stephen Goss.

No meals this time, ‘Time For Tea’. Everyone but Christmas snacks and punch welcome. On Saturday 10th from available. Tickets £10 from 10.00am to 1.00pm at the bowencolin@hotmail.com or Moorlands Shopping Centre there 01963 240282. is a Farmers Market. There will

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UNTIL DECEMBER 10

HORSINGTON On Saturday 17th December from 7.30pm at the Church the Sherborne Singers perform their Christmas Concert conducted by Bill Slogrove.

ILCHESTER Nuova Italian restaurant has live music through December starting at 8.30pm..

Matthew Rock is on Friday 2nd December, Grease & Dirty Dancing on Friday 16th, an Elvis Tribute on Monday 19th, a Mystery Live Act on Friday 23rd and Janet James on Saturday 31st. Go along and have a great meal and listen to the talented acts. Nuova Italian have also just joined the Conduit Dining Club Scheme.

LONG SUTTON On Saturday 3rd December from 10.30am to 12.00 noon at the Parish Church there is a Coffee Morning in aid of Action for Children. On Friday 9th at 7.30pm at the Village Hall the Somerton Festival Band have their Christmas Concert.

Tickets £6, under 16’s free available from 01935 321330 or on the door.

MARTOCK On Friday 9th December at the Parish Hall from 12.00 noon to 1.30pm go along to ‘Come For Soup’.

Homemade soup served with a roll, cheese and a hot drink for just £3.50. A great opportunity to get out and meet people and enjoy a light lunch. Any profits to charities. For more details call Jenny Becker on 01935 822144. On Friday 9th at the United Reformed Church from 2.00pm to 4.00pm go along to

email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk

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be 18 stalls selling almost everything to stock your larder for a quality Christmas, and holly wreaths, etc. If you would like to play some music at the market, please get in touch on 01935 822202. On Wednesday 14th from 2.00pm in the Pavilion at the Recreation Ground the WI have a meeting with seasonal activities and refreshments.

The competitions are: Flower of the Month and a handmade Christmas tree decoration. For details call 01935 825494.

MARSTON MAGNA On Saturday 3rd December from 10.00am to 2.00pm there is a Christmas Church Fair at the Village Hall. Cakes, books, toys, Christmas decorations, tombola and raffles. Bacon Baps plus coffee and teas are also available. Free entry. Enquiries on 01935 850705. Then on Saturday 10th from 10.00am to 4.00pm and Sunday 11th from 10.00am to 2.00pm there is a Christmas Crib Display at the Church. Over 20 displays to admire and get into the festive spirit. Refreshments available and entry is free with donations for the Church.

MERRIOTT On Saturday 10th December at 7.30pm at the Social Club there is a bingo evening.

On Saturday 17th from 7.30pm at the All Saints Church there is ‘Carols and Classics by Candlelight’. A pre-Christmas gem performed annually provides an evening of classical and festive arrangements for strings, piano and organ in the setting of the 15th Century candlelit church.

www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

Started in 2009 this will be the 8th Carols and Classics concert performed at the Church by the Fisher Sinfonia. The musicians regularly perform with major UK orchestras, such as the London Symphony, Philharmonia, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and Royal Philharmonic Orchestras and they use the occasion at Merriott to meet, entertain and enthral a wide audience from over a 30 mile radius. The concert will be the 16th organised by violist, Joseph Fisher, formerly from Merriott, who has amassed a significant following of appreciative classical music lovers to his concerts. Mince pies and refreshments available before the concert to start the Christmas festivities. Tickets £8 from Osbornes Store; Crewkerne Information Centre or from 07870 404631 or 01460 76360. Please book early to avoid disappointment. On Sunday 18th from 2.00pm to 4.00pm at the Social Club there will be a Children’s Christmas Party. Non members £3 per child, under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential.

MILBORNE PORT On Friday 16th December from 7.30pm at Church House, Bathwell Lane there is a Christmas Hootenanny.

There will be Christmas carols and sing-a-long, performance slots to tell a joke, magic tricks,

read a poem or anything you like and maybe a dance around to folk music. Free soft drinks and seasonal treats but take your own booze. Entry by donation, £5 suggestion appreciated. Any surplus after the expenses are accounted for will go to the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal. To book a performance slot of 10 minutes or for more details call 01963 251533.

QUALITY CHRISTMAS TREES AND WREATHS AND A SELECTION OF SEASONAL PLANTS, DECORATIONS AND STANDS

MISTERTON On Monday 5th, Monday 12th and Monday 19th December from 7.30pm at the Village Hall there is Christmas Bingo with 10 games being played. Entry £1. For more details call 01460 74808. On Saturday 10th from 10.30am to 2.00pm at the WI Hall there will be a Christmas Fayre. Free entry.

MONTACUTE Do not miss the fantastic Christmas Tree Festival at St Catherine’s Church on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th December at 10.30am to 4.30pm.

Enjoy the sparkle and get into

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the festive mood. Entrance £2 includes tea, coffee and mulled wine (afternooons only) with festive nibbles. Accompanied children under 11s free.

NORTH PERROTT On Saturday 3rd December at 3.30pm at St Martin’s Church there is a Christmas Concert with Parnham Voices. Songs both sacred and secular, ancient and modern and popular carols will be interspersed with seasonal readings. Parnham Voices have

been singing to audiences and congregations in the West Country for 14 years, at venues as fine and impressive as Salisbury Cathedral and Bath Abbey to small and much loved local churches. The Choir’s acapella music, both sacred and secular, covers several centuries and languages. Tea and coffee, sandwiches and cakes will be served after the concert. Tickets £8 includes food, 16-18 years £5, under 16’s free available from North Perrott Farm Shop or

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on 01460 72883 or 01460 76457.

Proceeds towards redecorating the Church interior after extensive water damage.

ODCOMBE On Monday 5th December from 8.30pm at the Village Hall see the film ‘Golden Years’. Doors open from 7.45pm and refreshments will be available. Tickets £5.50 in advance or £6 on the door from Diane or Judy on 07934 737104. See Movies Around the Villages & Towns.

PENDOMER On Sunday 4th December at the Church at 5.00pm listen to the third ‘Practice Makes Perfect’ Wind Instrument Ensembles with this month performing Dvorak in serenade in D minor with oboes, clarinets, bassoons, horns, a cello and a bass. Free admission (donations to the Church appreciated). For more details call Anthea Lovelock on 01935 891328.

QUEEN CAMEL On Thursday 8th December from 7.30pm at the Memorial Hall the Horticultural Society has a talk called ‘How to Build a Christmas Display’ with a speaker from Castle Gardens. Non-members £2.

For more details call 01935 850961. Please note, no meeting in January.

SANDFORD ORCAS On Saturday 3rd December from 11.00am at the Village Hall the Norwich Puppet Theatre presents ‘The Tinderbox’. A unique retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale is set to enchant children and families. Norwich Puppet Theatre breathes new life into this classic tale of magic, bravery and love with a combination of puppetry, animation and music. One of only three theatres dedicated to puppetry in England, this show brings together leading artists in the field, including puppet maker Iain Halket, animators Alison Harvey and Professor Suzie Hanna, and sound designer Phil Archer. The tale follows a roguish soldier who acquires a magic tinderbox which gives him the power to summon three extraordinary dogs to do his bidding. One of Hans Christian Andersen’s least known and most original tales, the hero of the story is not your average fairytale Prince. The hero is flawed and makes poor decisions; it is his journey through ups and down which shapes the story. The show’s inventive design combines an ingenious rotating set, animation and a host of puppets including rod, shadow, glove and humanettes! Follow the soldier as he embarks on a remarkable 8

roller coaster adventure from rags to riches and back again as he tries to win the love of the beautiful princess. For more details call 01963 220163.

SIGWELLS On Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd from 10.00am to 5.00pm and on Saturday 3rd December from 10.00am to 4.00pm at Sigwells, The Stables there is a Christmas Show.

Whether you need a glorious decoration or the perfect Christmas present, browse at leisure through rooms full of wonderful silk flowers and arrangements. The fire will be lit and coffee will be brewing!

Free entry. For more details call 01963 220460. (See Christmas Gift Ideas.)

STOKE SUB HAMDON On Saturday 26th November from 2.00pm to 4.00pm at the Memorial Hall the Triangle Trust have their Christmas Bazaar.

Seasonal stalls with crafts, toys, books, teas, Father Christmas and much more as well as a grand raffle. Free entry. All welcome. For more details call 01935 881718.

SOUTH PETHERTON On Wednesday 30th November from 10.00am to 12.00 noon there is a Coffee Morning at the David Hall. Pop in and look around the books and bric-abrac stalls and more often than not, listen to some live music.

Free entry. On Friday 2nd December at 8.00pm at the David Hall the Petherton Picture Show presents ‘The Man Who Knew Infinity’. Tickets £5. (See Art pages) On Saturday 10th from 7.00pm at the Parish Church there will be Carols for Christmas. Tickets £8, under 16’s free from N & D News or on 01460 241467. On Monday 12th from 7.30pm at the Village Hall the WI have their Members Christmas Party. The competition is Christmas Hat. On Friday 16th from 8.00pm at the David Hall see ‘Love and Friendship. Tickets £5. (See Art pages) WEST CAMEL On Friday 16th December from 7.30pm at the Davis Hall see the film ‘Money Monster’. Tickets £5 on the

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door. Licensed bar and refreshments available.

See Movies Around the Villages & Towns.

WEST COKER On Tuesday 6th December the WI have their Christmas Dinner from 7.30pm.

On Friday 9th from 7.30pm see the short film ‘Star in the Night’ followed by ‘Christmas in Connecticut’. The USA’s leading magazine cookery writer, Elizabeth Lane, who has invented a persona in which she lives with a devoted husband and family on a rural New England farmstead, actually lives alone in New York and cannot cook. To boost the sales of her new cookery book, her agent invites a wounded war hero to spend Christmas with the Lane family in Connecticut.

Refreshments available and licensed bar. Admission £5 available from The Post Office, on 01935 863176 or on the door. On Wednesday 14th at 7.30pm the Gardening Club host a demonstration on ‘Christmas Garlands and Wreaths’ with mince pies, mulled wine and festive treats!

Discover tips on how to make a stunning centrepiece for your Christmas table and a pretty wreath for your front door. Nonmembers £2. For more details and to become a member phone 01935 863176. All events at the Village Hall.

YETMINSTER On Friday 2nd December at 6.00pm at St Andrew’s Primary School the Norwich Puppet Theatre presents ‘The Tinderbox’. (See write-up in Sandford Orcas above.) For more details call 01935 872430. On Tuesday 13th at the Jubilee Hall from 7.00pm the Gardening Club have their Christmas meeting.

YEOVILTON On Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd December at 7.30pm at the Fleet Air Arm Museum join the HMS Heron Volunteer Band with a concert featuring several classics and some festive numbers for the occasion. Tickets £12, includes mince pie and mulled wine on arrival, available from the museum on 01935 840565 or online at www.fleetairarm.com On Thursday 8th at the Fleet Air Arm Museum there will be two Reserve Collection Tours. The Fleet Air Arm Museum’s Reserve Collection is now larger than many other entire aircraft museums and is housed in a purpose built and climate-controlled building called Cobham Hall.

Cobham Hall is now

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bulging with their precious assortment of all things ‘naval aviation heritage’ as they just keep on adding to it! So much so that sadly they are unable to conduct their regular annual Open Day. There is simply not the space to accommodate all the visitors and enthusiasts at once. With this in mind, the museum fully appreciate the interest to still get ‘behind the scenes’ and as such will be holding a series of special guided tours. There will be a one hour tour in the Aero Hall with their Aircraft Curator and Engineers. The aircraft housed in Cobham Hall are in various stages of preservation, repair or just storage. Two sessions per day with one 10.00am and the other at 12.00 noon. All tours will be £12 per person, places are limited and must be booked in advance via Museum Ticket Box on 01935 842616. Price does not include access to the main Museum.

MOVIES AROUND THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS ABSOLUTELY FABOULOUS (15) Appropriate for their big screen debut, Edina Monsoon (Jennifer Saunders) and Patsy Stone (Joanna Lumley) are still oozing glitz and glamour, living the high life they are accustomed to; shopping, drinking and clubbing their way around London’s trendiest hotspots. When they accidentally push Kate Moss into the river Thames at an uber fashionable launch party. Eddy and Patsy become entangled in a media storm surrounding the supermodel’s untimely demise and are relentlessly pursued by the paparazzi. Fleeing penniless to the glamorous playground of the super-rich, the French Riviera, they hatch a plan to make their escape permanent and live the high life forever more! (Showing at Sherborne) THE BFG (PG) Ten year old orphan Sophie (Ruby Barnhill) is in for the adventure of a lifetime when she meets the Big Friendly Giant (Mark Rylance).

Though scared at first, she soon realizes that the 24 foot behemoth is actually quite

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THE JUNGLE BOOK (PG) In this lushly filmed epic adventure, Mowgli, a man-cub raised in the jungle by a family of wolves, embarks on a captivating journey of selfdiscovery when he is forced to abandon the only home he has ever known. Starring Neel Sethi, with the voices of Bill Murray (Baloo), Idris Elba (Shere Khan) and Scarlett Johansson (Kaa). (Showing at Halstock)

THE KING AND I (PG) Mrs. Anna Leonowens and her son Louis arrive in Bangkok, where she has been contracted to teach English to the children of the royal household. She threatens to leave when the

GOLDEN YEARS (12A) Fate, the financial crisis and a stubborn refusal to accept the injustices of old age have forced law-abiding, retired couple Arthur and Martha Goode into a life of crime. Refusing to take

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gentle and charming. As their friendship grows, Sophie’s presence attracts the unwanted attention of Bloodbottler, Fleshlumpeater and other giants. After traveling to London, Sophie and the BFG must convince Queen Elizabeth (Penelope Wilton) to help them get rid of all the bad giants once and for all. (Showing at Ditcheat & Corton Denham)

the loss of their pensions lying down and simply fade away into their declining years, our characters decide to fight back and take back what is rightfully theirs.

Their plan is simple: hit a series of banks and steal back their pensions along with those of their similarly stricken friends. After all, who would suspect an elderly couple towing a caravan behind their sensible Rover of being a modern-day Bonnie-and Clyde? Pretty soon, their friends are recruited to form a motley band of unusual suspects and they prepare to take down the biggest bank of all. Starring Bernard Hill, Virginia McKenna, Una Stubbs and Simon Callow.

(Showing at Odcombe)

MONEY MONSTER (15) Arrogant TV financial advisor Lee Gates (George Clooney) and his producer Patty (Julia Roberts) are at the top of their game on CNBC, with the show Money Monster, that advises working class citizens on which stocks to buy and sell. When Gates promotes a hightech stock that mysteriously crashes, he is held hostage on live TV by Kyle Budwell (Jack O’Connell), a janitor who lost everything investing in that stock. Lee soon figures out there is more than meets the eye with the mysterious crash and works to find out the truth.

(Showing at West Camel)

house she had been promised is not available, but falls in love with the children. A new slave, a gift of a vassal King, translates “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” into a Siamese ballet. After expressing her unhappiness at being with the King, the slave decides to make an attempt to escape with her lover. Anna and the King start to fall in love, but her headstrong upbringing inhibits her from joining his harem.

She is just about to leave Siam but something important she finds out makes her think about changing her mind.

(Showing at Somerton)

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T O E B U O G D F L R I C H Q 9

Legal Matters

by Naomi Dyer, Senior Associate Solicitor in the Private Client Department of Battens Solicitors

Why Making A Will As a Business Owner Needs Additional Planning aking sure your affairs are in order is obviously an important consideration for anyone, but even more so if you own a business. You should take professional advice on what will happen to your business, or your share in a business, after your death.

Ownership of a business can be beneficial for inheritance tax planning purposes. An interest in a business, or assets or property used in a business can qualify for either 50% or 100% relief from inheritance tax. Rather than leave your business interest to a spouse, which would be free of inheritance tax in any event, there may be some tax planning opportunities to pass this to the next generation or into a trust for the benefit of the family.

If you are in a partnership you should make sure you take along a copy of any Partnership Agreement to your professional advisor so that this can be considered alongside your Will, to

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make sure your partnership share passes as you would wish. There may be restrictions in the Partnership Agreement as to who can inherit your share, or whether the partnership continues after your death.

Helen Grady has helped many people from the Yeovil area with their mesothelioma claims over the past 7 years and people are often exposed to asbestos at the same places of work. Helen is very familiar with many local factories, schools and colleges in and around Yeovil.

All the usual considerations when making a Will apply, i.e. who will be your Executors, do you wish to leave any legacies, who will inherit the bulk of your estate and in what shares?

However, particular consideration should be taken of a business interest if you wish to secure its future for your family, or ensure that you are mitigating your inheritance tax liability.

For more information on this matter or any other enquiries please contact Naomi Dyer on 01935 811307 or naomi.dyer@battens.co.uk

Please contact Helen Grady on Freephone 0808 129 3320 or drop into see us at our legal surgeries at: The Old Barn, Old Barn Way, Yeovil, BA20 2NX. Free Parking & Disabled Access. on Thursday 26th January between 10.30am-1.00pm for a free consultation.

Free initial consultation

01935 846000

www.battens.co.uk

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Save on Bills

Financial Planning

by Edward Covill, Ten Go

by Mark Salter, Financial Planner.

Planning for Christmas t is that time of year again, one minute we are enjoying the sunshine and then before we know it, Halloween has been and gone and the shelves are filling up ready for Christmas. Over the next few weeks you are reminded frequently of the number of shopping days until Christmas.

At this stage many of us start thinking about planning for the festive season and how much it is all going to cost. You might begin by writing a list of all the people you need to buy presents for and then thinking about how much you will spend

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and what you need to save for.

How long will you continue working for and how will your income change in retirement.

You then have a basic plan to work from. You will be able to calculate how much you can afford to spend or how much you need to save. Unfortunately many people live day to day and leave it too late.

One important consequence of planning, whether it is for Christmas or for the rest of your life, is that you will start feeling more organised, you will be less worried and start feeling happy and positive about the future.

on each person. You will also be thinking about what extra food and drink you will need and the cost of the big Christmas food shop.

Whilst many people follow this approach we all know someone that has been buying presents since January and somebody else that will be leaving everything until the last week before Christmas. This got me thinking about the similarities of planning for Christmas and what we do every day as lifestyle financial planners. Many people might have a plan for Christmas but very few have a plan for the rest of their lives. Even a very basic plan is certainly better than having no plan at all.

A good place to start is creating a budget and thinking about the cost of your lifestyle now and how this might change in the future. What else do you need to pay for such as children’s education, more holidays, new cars, etc. Once you have an idea of the costs you can then start thinking about how you might pay for it

A bit like the Christmas shoppers that start planning early - when everyone else is frantically looking for presents and worrying about how they are going to afford it, they are at home with a warm mulled wine and all the presents neatly wrapped under the tree, ready to enjoy Christmas.

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“All politics are based on the indifference of the majority” wrote James Reston his also applies to Service companies who can rip off consumers in the knowledge that not many bother to change supplier when they are being overcharged.

Due to the lack of efficient electricity generation capacity, prices are likely to rise during the winter, so now is the time to switch suppliers and make sure you are on a fixed deal. There seems to be a 50/50 chance of an increase of 5%. “Which”

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estimates that the average household pays £300 more than necessary with 66% of users are on a standard tariff.

Fuel oil prices are also rising.

There is not a huge percentage saving to be made, but by going to “my consortium”, you can probably shave a useful 5% off your costs.

There has been a scandalous amount of bad billing by mobile phone companies.

Vodaphone seems to be the worst. Of bills sent to us for checking, mistakes by them are equal to all the rest of the providers put together. Check your bills as far back as possible. You may have been put on the wrong tariff and even if your bill is correct, check your bank statement to ensure you have been debited with the correct amount. Users have also been wrongly reported to credit agencies for missing payments.

It is as well to check your credit rating yourself to see that there has been no misinformation recorded.

Experian give a free score to those who go to their website and Equifax give you a 28 day free trial. Report discrepancies in the first place to the provider but if no action is taken, go to the Ombudsman.

The recent troubles with Germany’s banks and China's huge debt, reminds us that all is not well with financial institutions.

We do not really know what will be the impact of President Trump’s economic policies but while a few are predicting a repeat of the 2008 world financial crisis, individual institutions could collapse. In that event, remember that you are only covered for £75,000. If you have savings of more than this, you may wish to put the money in two and three institutions so you are protected.

As usual any questions call from 5.00am Monday to Friday, or email for further information.

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Antiques & Collecting...

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.

Auctions, Fairs & Sales Sherborne Vintage Market is on Saturday 26th November from 8.30am to 3.30pm at Digby Church Hall in Sherborne. Over 30 sellers of quality vintage.

Free entry.

these sales start at 9.30am and viewing is from the Tuesday before the sale from 9.00am to 7.00pm.

For more information go to their website.

Also, on Saturday 26th from 9.30am to 4.00pm at Digby Hall, Sherborne the monthly Chasty Cottage Antique Fair takes place.

Lots of stands to peruse with a wide variety of antiques.

Entry £1.

Hazy-Maes Auction at Unit 4 Beckery Road, Glastonbury is on Friday 2nd at 6.30pm and then on Saturday 3rd from 11.00am. Lots of varied lots from household items to antiques. Viewing is on Friday before the sale from 11.00am and then 9.30am on the sale day.

On Monday 28th from 10.00am Lyme Bay Auctions at Seaton have their monthly general auction of furniture, antiques, collectables, artwork and household goods.

Viewing is the weekend before the sale and from 9.00am on the morning. Live online bidding takes place at easylive.com as well as @the-saleroom.com Lawrence's in Crewkerne have their usual General Sales on Wednesdays 30th November then on 7th, 14th and 20th December. All

There is a Giant Flea and Collectors Market with over 200 stands on Sunday 4th from 9.30am to 4.00pm at the Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet.

Entry £4.50 with accompanied children free.

Duke's in Dorchester have a Jewellery and Silver Auction at Brewery's Square, Dorchester on

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Sherborne Christmas Vintage Market is on Saturday 10th from 8.30am to 3.30pm at Digby Church Hall in Sherborne. Over 30 sellers of quality vintage.

Free entry.

Yeovil Auction Rooms also have an Auction at 3 Court Ash, Yeovil on Saturday 10th from 10.30am.

Viewing is on the day before from 10.00am to 6.00pm, then from 8.30am the day of the sale or on easyliveauctions.com where you can see and bid for all lots.

There is a Toy Collectors Fair with over 300 stands on Sunday 11th from 10.30am to 2.30pm at the Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet. Entry £3.50.

On Monday 12th from 10.00am Lyme Bay Auctions at Seaton have another general auction of

furniture, antiques, collectables, artwork and household goods.

Viewing is the weekend before the sale and from 9.00am on the morning. Live online bidding takes place at easylive.com as well as @the-saleroom.com Duke's in Dorchester have a General Sale at Avenue Auctions, Weymouth Avenue on Tuesday 13th from 10.30am. Catalogue available online and viewing Saturday and Monday prior to the auction. Viewing prior to the auction.

Charterhouse Auctioneers has a Coins, Stamps, Militaria, Collectors' Items and Antiques on Friday 16th from 10.00am in their Long Street Salesrooms in Sherborne. Full catalogue online at www.charterhouse-auction.com On Saturday 17th from 9.30am to 4.00pm at Digby Hall, Sherborne there is another Chasty Cottage Antique Fair just before Christmas. An ideal fair to find something different for Christmas.

Entry £1.

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Thursday 8th from 10.30am. Then on Friday 9th a Furniture and Works of Art Auction. Catalogue available online and viewing prior to the auction. Catalogue online at www.dukes-auctions.com

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Bagley Pressed Glass Before the 1820's, decorative glassware was an exclusive and high priced commodity, but pressed glass made it accessible to all. The technique involved pressing molten glass into a metal mould using a plunger. When the glass had cooled, the mould would be opened and any seams removed by hand. Gradually machines were developed that could carry out this process allowing glass items to be mass produced, mainly bottles to start with.

In England several firms used this technique, Bagley is probably the best known of these companies and eventually made a vast range of glassware in a variety of patterns, colours and styles. Bagley Glass first started as bottle makers, but after WWI developed their Crystal Glass Section producing domestic glassware and drinking tankards for the hospitality industry and canteens.

In the 1920's the company introduced their Art Glass range which imitated Cut Glass but by the 1930's Art Deco was all the rage and Bagley produced ranges with geometric shapes and in pastel colours which could be clear or frosted. Their designs were intended for the mass markets and were made in large numbers for department stores but were still stylish and attractive. In 1937 the company was honoured by a visit by King George VI and

Antiques

by Acreman St. Antiques, Sherborne

Persian Carpets & Rugs ersian carpets and rugs of various types were woven in parallel by nomadic tribes, in village and town workshops, and

by Royal Court makers alike. As such, they represent different, simultaneous lines of tradition and reflect the history of Iran and its various people. The carpets woven in the Safavid Court workshops of Isfahan during the 16th century are famous for their elaborate colours and artistic design and are treasured in museums and private collections all over the world today.

Carpets woven in regional centres like Tabriz, Kerman, Mashhad, Kashan, Isfahan, Nain and Qom are characterised by their specific weaving techniques and use of high quality materials, colours and patterns. Town workshops like those of Tabriz have played an important historical role in revising the tradition of carpet weaving after periods of decline.

Rugs woven by the various tribes of Iran are distinguished by their fine wool, bright and elaborate colours, and specific, traditional patterns.

Nomadic and small village weavers often produce rugs with bolder and sometimes more coarse designs, which are considered as the most authentic and traditional rugs of Persia, as opposed to the artistic, preplanned designs of the larger workplaces. Gabbeh rugs are the best known carpets from

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Queen Elizabeth of which they were extremely proud, producing a booklet with photographs of the occasion as a memento.

From the 1930's until 1975 Bagley was one of the of the most prolific British glass manufacturers and employed over 800 people and had agents worldwide.

Today the works is still making glassware but is now owned by the German Stolzel company.

Collecting pressed glass can be fun, as it is still very affordable, but is now starting to become rarer and especially the Art Deco designs. These are now very desirable and a good selection can be found at Wardon Hill Trading Post.

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this line of tradition.

The art and craft of carpet weaving has gone through periods of decline during times of political unrest, or under the influence of commercial demands. It particularly suffered from the introduction of synthetic dyes during the second half of the 19th century. However, carpet weaving still plays a major part in the economy of modern Iran. Modern production is characterised by the revival of traditional dyeing with natural dyes, the re-introduction of traditional tribal patterns, but also by the invention of modern and innovative designs, woven in the centuries old techniques. Hand woven Persian carpets and rugs were regarded as objects of high artistic and utilitarian value and prestige from the first time they were mentioned by ancient Greek writers and are still highly prized today.

Although the term 'Persian carpet' most often refers to pile woven textiles, flat woven carpets and rugs like Kilm, Soumak and embroidered textiles like Suzani are part of the rich and manifold tradition of Persian carpet weaving.

Fadedposh has been selling these lovely rugs for some time now and their knowledge if growing. They have taken a space in Acreman Antique Centre where the rugs can be seen and felt before purchased.

ACREMAN ST. ANTIQUES CENTRE SHERBORNE Mon-Sat 10am-5pm & Sun 11am-4.00pm 121 Acreman Street, Sherborne, DT9 3PH 01935 508764 www.acremanstreetantiques.co.uk

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Stamp of Approval at Charterhouse A collection of stamps is estimated to sell for several thousand pounds when they go under the hammer at Charterhouse Auction on Friday 16th December.

“We have been selling stamps in our collector’s auction for many years and this market continues to perform well at auction.“ Commented Richard Bromell.

“Having had an interest in coins, medals and stamps for over 40 years I have seen and sold some wonderful collections, and although this Iconic British stamps included in the Charterhouse collection is in just 10 auction of coins, medals, stamps and collectors’ items albums, it is a on Friday 16th December beautifully arranged Cup Winners mint stamps. and presented group of stamps, Overall the collection is many of which are high value estimated to sell for £2,000issues and will be of great interest 4,000. to collectors and dealers alike.”

Charterhouse is now The owner of the stamps, who accepting further entries for their lives near Salisbury, took autumn programme of auctions advantage of the home visit including coins, medals, stamps service Charterhouse offers

clients looking to sell at auction.

He collected the stamps as a young man and returned to the subject again later on in life.

There are many iconic stamps represented in the collection

including a Penny Black and a Penny Red, both of which were printed in 1841, through to mid/late 20th century stamps such as the 1966 Football World

and collectors’ items in December followed by pictures, print and books in January.

They are also taking entries for their February specialist sales of classic and vintage motorcycles closely followed by classic and vintage cars being held at The Royal Bath & West Showground.

For further information regarding these auctions, or to arrange a home visit, please contact Richard Bromell at Charterhouse on 01935 812277 or email items for valuation at info@charterhouse-auction.com

JANUARY ADVERT DEADLINE: Monday 12th DECEMBER 14

To advertise – 01935 424724

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BMW with just 16,000 miles in our next Motorcycle Auction

Coins, Medals, Stamp & Collectors Auction Friday 16th December Classic & Vintage Motorcycle Auction Sunday 5th February Classic & Vintage Car Auction Sunday 12th February We are accepting items for these auctions

Further items may be delivered to the salerooms or contact Richard Bromell for a home visit

The Long Street Salerooms Sherborne DT9 3BS 01935 812277 www.charterhouse-auction.com

TOP PRICES PAID FOR OLD TOYS - any condition Trains, cars and lorries, soldiers, etc Britains, Dinky, Corgi, Hornby, Meccano, Tri-ang, etc 01935 816072 (07527 074343) Pastimes of Sherborne, 3 Westbury (in front of the Abbey)

P R I VA T E S A L E S

You can advertise your private antique sales for any value here with a short description for just £15. Send in the post with paymet or e-mail us at: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk

Old Stone Jars Large and smaller Some local names £20-£30 each 01935 421389

Edwardian "Dressing stand" Unusual, very high quality, beautifully inlaid, original handles, with gallery, inset marble top & shelf below, 43"H, 20"W, 12.5"D £220.

01935 882835 eve

Antique Leather Pony Driving Collar Mirror Can be used as original pony collar or with mirror for original item. £60 01935 421389

Fish Knives & Forks Ornate silver plated with different fish engraved on each. £30. 01935 421389

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Front Cover Competition Would you like to see your favourite photo, drawing or painting on our front cover?

If so enter our competition now!

History

by George Tatham

Vulpine Venery - Hunting with the Blackmore Vale Hounds: 1914-1918 n 19th February 1918, The Western Gazette published a report from Colonel H.M. Ridley, hunt secretary to the Blackmore Vale Hunt, describing an average season with frost and snow in December/January, only one inexperienced whip and insufficient hounds. Hunting had been reduced to two days a week

O

Our Front Cover Competition is open to all our readers of any age.

Whether you are a keen photographer or artist (amateur or professional) send in your entry as soon as possible.

All pictures must be of the local area along the themes of: • Local landscape • People at work • Days out • Local wildlife • Make us laugh There will be a winner for our Competition which will be printed in one of our future issues. The winner will receive a £15 cheque. So look through your old photos as well as start snapping new ones and send them in to us by Monday 12th December or sooner for our next issue.

1) Entry is free and open to professionals and amateurs of all ages.

2) You may submit as many entries as you like as a 6 x 4 standard colour photograph by post direct to The Conduit Magazine or e-mail info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk but no more than 3 photographs at one time of no more than 1 MB per photo.

4) Each picture of the month will be accredited accordingly and copyright protection respected.

5) All images must be taken in our local area i.e. South Somerset & West Dorset.

6) Mark on the back of the photo or in your e-mail whether you are amateur, semi-pro or professional. Please also put your full name, address and contact details.

7) The Editor’s choice is final and no royalties or other payments other than above will be paid.

Macmillan Cancer Unit Yeovil Hospital

Can you donate items or vouchers for our Auction? We require items outright or you can donate with £3 per lot or 10% of sold item.

Christmas Charity Silent Auction & Sale Saturday 10th Dec 10am-5pm at The Plume of Feathers, Sherborne

01935 424724 Feeling your business is restricted?

We can help find new customers Call 01935 424724 for our competitive rates.

amounting to just 70 days for the season, although Thursdays were enlivened by the presence of the Rev. E. Milne (master of the Cattistock Hunt) and his daughter.

Major F.J.B. Digby (the Master) had made his first appearance in February after service overseas.

Apologies were also proffered to farmers whose gates had been inadvertently left open.

The continuance of hunting during WWI may come as a surprise in the light of the many hardships and privations endured by those in the armed forces and the general population. How essential was the hunting field to the war effort and what were its benefits? Were the great landowners reluctant to cede their rights in the sporting and social calendar? Was the tradition of hunting too established in the rural landscape and thus immutable to change? Were there protests and dissent from the status quo and if so, from whom?

The scale of elite support can be seen in the report of the annual hunt ball of January 1914 where 370 guests gathered at Sherborne School for dinner and dancing some couples were bold enough to essay the tango! Other events designed to strengthen the hunt’s appeal and interest in the countryside included the annual hedging and ditching competition (skills vital to maintain the hunting terrain); the annual point-to-point held at different venues each year and the annual puppy show in June at the kennels with the chance to thank all those connected with the hunt - huntsmen, puppy walkers,

gamekeepers, earth stoppers and supporters. The 1913 show reported on the increased danger of injury to hounds exercising on the road from the growing number of motor cars. In April 1914, Major Digby, ever courteous and generous, requested the pleasure of all farmers in the BVH, with their families, to tea at the Easter Monday meeting of the Wincanton Steeplechases. The cooperation and support of tenant farmers was of vital importance, as it was over their land much of the hunting occurred.

However, dissent could be seen in the action brought by Charles Bastable Scammell of Vale Farm, Henstridge in July 1914 against Major F.J.B. Digby and others for trespass over his land, causing damage to his fields, gates, fences and livestock (slipped calves). The hunt paid him compensation and apologised but with no admission of liability although they gave an undertaking not to enter his land again. On the outbreak of war the War Dept. outlined the benefits of hunting as providing remounts and riders for the Cavalry and Yeomanry Regiments. Conscription was introduced in January 1916 and the Rector of Penselwood, the Reverend Newton Parsons, made an impassioned appeal that the Military Tribunals should not favour the exemption of hunt servants over farmers’ sons and by June 1917 BVH had suffered a decline in personnel, horses (from 30 to 10) and hounds from (56 to 32 couples) and the number of hunting days per week fell from 4 to 2.

Yet the BVH was not immune from tragedy. Hunting accidents claimed the lives of Miss Mary Crofton of Thornhill House and Col. JD Mansel of Wincanton while Capt. FAC Liebert (hunt secretary) and Lt. C Garstein (a BVH subscriber) died in cavalry charges early in the war, while HMS Blackmore Vale, a minesweeper named after the BVH, struck a mine in 1918 and sank with the loss of her crew. Hunting survived the war, providing horses and manpower for the war effort but the superficial continuity in tailoring, ceremony and public image was perhaps masking the break-up of a self-contained, cohesive rural community.

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15

Property, Home & Interiors Create ‘Hygge’ in your Home...

If anyone knows how to create a sense of cosiness it is the British.

Recently people have become more and more interested in the Danish version ‘hygge’ (pronounced hoo-gah). The word hygge comes from an old Viking language and was used to describe the sense of comfort and relaxation experienced after coming in from a long day in the cold.

There is a subtle difference between our sense of cosiness and ‘hygge’ mood. One of the key elements is clarity of thought and the home which can be designed to allow for this at the start and end of the day.

Having space is important as gathering people together is central to getting in the ‘hygge’ mood which is particularly good in

open-plan interiors featuring dual use rooms and light filled spaces. To add the touch to British cosiness add zones to

create intimate spots such as adding extra seating, a rug and a huddle of chairs for a chat.

In homes with separate rooms, a big corner sofa or an armchair to sink into would create ‘hygge’. In smaller rooms, adding squishy cushions to the floor giving a sense of comfort along with blankets and throws. In the bedroom and kitchen, add chairs.

The calming effect of nature is an important part of the concept so adding flowers, hardwood furniture and pretty table decorations can add to the look.

Of course, adding a

roaring fire is the epitome of cosiness in British homes, but in Scandinavia they have a good wood burning stove in the living room or bedroom. In the absence of a fireplace, down-lit lamps, fairy lights and candles create a similar mood with a warm and inviting atmosphere.

• Trade, Commercial and Domestic Waste disposal • All sizes of skips, 2-40 cubic yard, roll ons, compactors and enclosed containers • Wait & load service

• Waste transfer facilities and self-tip • Hazardous waste disposal and advice • Fast delivery & collection

For a prompt & professional service call on

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JANUARY ADVERT DEADLINE: Monday 12th DECEMBER 16

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Home & Interiors

by Paula Young, Old Shambles Vintage

• Carpentry

and Joinery • Kitchens, Bedrooms and Bathrooms • Property Refurbishment • Patios, Driveways and Fencing Tel: 01935 815839 or 07920 875893 manbuilduk@gmail.com www.manbuildltd.co.uk

Dorset Water Centre Ltd Incorporating Water-wise of Sherborne

for all your Water Softening needs

• Block & tablet salt • Service & repairs • Kinetico dealer • 37 years experience

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Painter and Decorator with over 30 years experience Commercial & Domestic Inside & Out Dulux Select Decorator No VAT Special Offers for OAPs No job too small - general DIY also undertaken

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Call now for a free no obligation estimate

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See yourself in a reflections bathroom

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Extensive selection of Showers and Bathrooms Tiles & Bathroom Furniture Free home visit and design service All budgets catered for Our team of dedicated staff on hand to help

incorporating

Paint it Beautiful often hear comments like "It's just the fashion at the moment, they'll all be stripping it back to bare wood in a year or so!" and yes it is true that in the seventies there was a lot of beautiful antique pine furniture that had been plastered in the horrible latex paints of the time and by the late eighties we were all rushing for the Nitromors to strip it off. However, paint has been used as a decorative finish since before recorded history and when King Tutankhamun's tomb was opened in 1924 artifacts found, including models and furniture, were painted in the earliest form of milk paint.

Over centuries and across Europe painted furniture has taken pride of place in beautiful homes and royal palaces with the likes of Marie Antoinette being a big fan. As milk paint did not lend itself to commercial use oil paints were developed which contained formaldehyde ammonia and lead and later rubber and styrene to form the first latex paints so paint seems to have gone full circle from simple natural ingredients to full of harmful chemicals and now back to natural milk and chalk paints of ancient times.

With so many paints on the market and with a love of furniture painting I am always trying out different and new products. Lots have disappointed and not ticked all of my boxes but a few have and I am now the proud stockist in the area of my three top scorers!

This month I took delivery of Fusion Mineral Paint as an addition to Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint and the top selling

I

Frenchic Chalk & Mineral Paint Fusion is a self levelling acrylic mineral paint. This means that you can achieve a flawless finish with barely any brush marks and the 100% acrylic resin means coverage is excellent and very durable. The pigments used are from the earth rather than synthetic so there is a wonderful depth to the colours. The range also includes some gorgeous waxes and a

texturing powder called Fresco which can be added to the paint to produce a weathered and worn effect. I have been experimenting with this and have loved the results so if you like that aged rustic look you will enjoy Fresco. All products are VOC free so no 'nasties' whatsoever.

Take the risk out of advertising Call us now 01935 424724

Opening Hours: Monday - Friday - 8:30am - 5:00pm Saturday - 8:30am - 4:00pm www.plumbase.com reflections is part of GMGB

4 Vale Road Pen Mill Trading Estate Yeovil, Somerset BA21 5HL Tel: 01935 382440

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17

Lettings Arena

by Linda Bassett, MARLA Director of MPP Lettings & Management

“How Many Should I See?” hen looking to rent a property, it is natural to want to see as many properties as possible before making the "right" choice and common sense dictates that you should view a handful of alternatives before deciding which to rent.

Our job as professional letting agents is to help tenants make decisions that are genuinely in their best interests,

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which, without our assistance, they might have difficulty making. So here are some pointers for those who might be struggling to balance the merits of the property with a new kitchen against the one with the better garden.

First, there is a place for instinct and sometimes the heart should be allowed to influence, if not rule, the head. This will be your home after all. Ask yourself the obvious question, "could I be happy here?"

However, sometimes you need your head to agree with your heart. Is your favoured property a significant improvement on where you already live or are you just being bowled over by a smart exterior or fashionable decor?

Weigh up the important aspects of life: commuting time, school run, parking,

entertaining space (although do you really entertain that much?)

Satisfy these aspects first before allowing a lovely view or the extra storage space to sway you away from your real reason for moving.

Finally, you can bet your bottom dollar that if you instinctively like a particular property, other tenants will as well. We usually find that a property that fills most people's basic needs, as opposed to their wants, will let very quickly.

The more you see, the more difficult it becomes to make a decision at all.

So our advice is: decide your minimum criteria with your head and once these are satisfied in a property, let your heart take it from there. Happy Hunting!

PLUMBING, HEATING, SERVICING, MAINTENANCE, INSTALLATION, REPAIRS FOR GAS & OIL + TILING BATHROOMS JAMES STEPHENS

24 HOUR CALL OUT Put YOUR Trust in MPP

01458 273984 or 07517 186404 jhsboilerrepairs@hotmail.co.uk BOILER SCRAPPAGE SCHEME AVAILABLE

Missed our Deadline for Advertising?

Call us now so you are ready for next month 01935 424724

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Beware Night time Lights Many people leave lights on at night for reassurance but also for safety. However, receptors in the eye are triggered in a particular way makint it difficult to sleep.

For instance, blue light from phones, computer screens and TVs exposure tricks the body into thinking it is daytime. All

artificial light, whether from standard bulbs or fluorescent strips, releases the sleep inducing hormone melatonin but blue light has a greater effect.

It is advised to switch gadgets off at least an hour before going to sleep if you want a good nights sleep.

JANUARY ADVERT DEADLINE:

Monday 12th DECEMBER

Decorate your Home for Christmas Why not order your holly and mistletoe through the Macmillan Charity Sale.

You can order and purchase beforehand or buy on Saturay 10th at The Plume of Feathers, Half Moon Seet, Sherborne.

You can also order Holly Wreaths.

All proceeds going to the charity.

Call 01935 424724.

Follow us on twitter @conduitmag for updates on events and news.

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December Gardening £100 wo M & S r th o f Vo with eve uchers ry ba installe throom d wit this adve h rt Expires 31/3/17

*Discounts for Over 60’s SSAFA and Ex Service personnel* Vouchers sent out 30 days after completion of bathroom installation.

by Mike Burks Managing Director of The Gardens Group

Houseplants for Christmas simply wonderful. The classic Christmas houseplant is, of course, the Poinsettia and the best-known variety has bright red bracts, nowadays though, there is a vast array of other colours including white, pink, cream and marbled with variegated forms of foliage also available. Compact and bushy plants are the best quality and are often dwarfed using hormones. Ponsettias are sensitive plants and like an even warm temperature away from draughts and do not like getting too wet.

Cyclamen are also seasonal favourites, and where there used to be straightforward and distinct hardy and indoor types, there are

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Call now to arrange a FREE survey and quote

01823 729564 Visit our showroom at Blackdown Garden Centre A38 West Buckland, Nr Wellington TA21 9HY

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Competitions, Dining Club Cards, Restaurant Reviews, Up to date Calendar and much more...

Dry Stone Walling and Paving All types of stone walling undertaken

www.yenstonewalling.co.uk

01963 371123 Patrick Houchen - DSWA member Professional and reliable service

WESTREE COMPANY est. 1975 CARING FOR YOUR GARDEN & MORE • Tree Surgery - pruning, reductions, felling & planting • Tree Stump Removal • Hedges - pruning, shaping, planting & laying • Landscaping - soft & hard • Fencing - all types supplied & fitted • Timber Garden Sheds, Stables & Field Shelters, Garages & Workshops 01963 362615 • Logs enquiries@westreecompany.co.uk www.westreecompany.co.uk

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now many varieties that can be used as autumn and early winter bedding plants too. The indoor varieties like cool conditions and must be watered from the base to keep them in good form. What the plant does not drink after quarter of an hour can be tipped away leaving the plant in a dry saucer. With stunning flower colours from purest white to darkest reds and purples and a vast range of sizes too from minis through to the very large, Cyclamen bring a diverse range of varieties to suit any space.

The old adage of small pot meaning large amounts of flowers is well described by indoor flowering Azaleas. These varieties are potted into relatively small pots, which forces the plant to flower profusely. If looked after correctly, then the flowering time can be very rewarding. Care must be taken not to let the plant dry out at any stage, as this will cause flowers to abort just as they open which is very frustrating.

Orchids are a Christmas favourite and despite being more and more popular still have the mystique and exotic feel. They are easier to look after than many

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think with the Cymbidium needing fairly cool conditions with Phalaenopsis and Cambrian liking it slightly warmer. The Cymbidium are larger growers and have large flower spikes, which can last for a very long time. Phalaenopsis have a more sophisticated look to the flower which again lasts a long time and they will re flower too.

There are lots of bulbs around too including Hyacinths with their glorious colours and powerful scent. These come from ‘prepared’ bulbs planted in early September.

Our growers grow them as individual pots and then group together those at the same stage to ensure even flowering.

We have them as planted bowls but also in individuals if you are doing your own arrangement.

Other bulbs include the powerfully scented Paperwhites, a form of Narcissi, which are so easy to grow and great value too.

With free gift-wrapping and delivery too, should you wish, houseplants make wonderful presents not just at Christmas but at any time of the year.

www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

Town News

by Lauren Hill BRUTON Every Saturday morning between 10.00am and 12.00 noon at the Community Hall there is a coffee morning to raise funds for local charities.

On Saturday 26th November Bruton Choral Society, Saturday 3rd December St Margaret’s Hospice, Saturday 10th Liberal Democrats Cancer Charities, Saturday 17th Explorer Scouts and Saturday 31st St Mary’s Church. There are hot drinks and refreshments served as well as cakes, books, bric-a-brac and a raffle. It is a good time for local people to meet up, have a drink and either catch up with friends or meet new ones. For more details call 01749 812074.

from Bruton Pharmacy, Churchbridge Stores or on 01749 812281.

CASTLE CARY On Saturday 26th November at 7.00pm and 8.45pm at the Shambles see ‘The Book of Darkness and Light’. Adam Robinson in Association with ‘Little Mighty’ host three ghost stories based on scary legends in a story and music performance. Age 14+.

Adults £8. On Friday 2nd December from 7.30pm at the Methodist Church music group ‘Mosaic’ will be presenting their third consecutive Christmas concert. Tickets Adults £9, under 16’s £6, family £25

On Wednesday 7th December from available from Bailey Hill 6.00pm it is the Bruton Late Bookshop. (See Arts for more Night Shopping Evening. On details.) On Saturday 3rd at the Friday 16th at 7.30pm at Bruton Caryford Hall from 10.00am School For Girls the Choral there will be a Christmas Craft Society present their traditional Market with handmade crafts ‘Carols by Candlelight’. An and food. Also on Saturday 3rd event not to be missed! As ever, at 7.00pm at Caryford Hall it is there will be mulled wine, mince the annual Twinning Quiz Night pies and audience participation with food. For more details call in an atmospheric candlelit Lesley Quick on 01963 evening of medieval Christmas 359248. On Sunday 4th from music with both original and 3.00pm at the Caryford more modern settings. The Community Hall there is a Music choir is delighted to be and Wine evening. welcoming Frances Eustace, a An informal wine tasting leading performer in the world hosted by The Somerset Wine of Early Music. Frances played Co. with music by folk duo with the Orchestra of the Age of the Enlightenment for many years and she will demonstrate a variety of medieval musical instruments during the concert.

Soprano soloist Angela Ashworth will Local & Reliable Plumber be joined by Mair Mills Gas safe registered, fully insured (soprano) and New Build the concert will also feature Renovations Bruton Recorder Gas boiler installations Consort and Bathroom installations Faelan LPG Sydenham (trumpet and Vented and Unvented Cyclinder Installation percussion).

Free quotes - competitive prices Tickets £10, includes mulled Email: wills.plumbing@hotmail.co.uk wine and mince Telephone Malcolm: 07885 420609 pies, available

Wills of Sherborne

PlumbinG & Heating ltD

Mitchell and Vincent. Tickets £8 (inc six tastings or glass of wine) from The Market House or www.caryfordhall.co.uk On Sunday 4th from 11.00am South Somerset Mind are hosting their second big fundraising event of the year – ‘Santa Dash’!

Registration from 10.00am begins at the 1610 Caryford Fitness & Leisure Centre, participants can run, jog or walk the 2k route that will take them through the Town Centre, creating a sea of Santas for passers-by to enjoy. Once participants have completed the run, they receive a Festive Goodie Bag along with a free mince pie. Online registration is essential to secure your space in the run. Visit thir website: www.southsomersetmind.co.uk for information on how to sign up. You have the option to reserve yourself a Santa Suit or come in your own fancy dress.

Discounted rates are available for families and under 5’s are free (with a free Santa Hat too).

On Tuesday 6th from 7.30pm at the Caryford Hall the Wildlife Trust have a talk about ‘Otters’

by Dr Rob Williams. Entry Adults £2.50, Children free.

On Wednesday 7th from 10.00am to 12.00 noon at the Shambles in the Market House there is another Lamp course - ‘Twitter on iPad’. Delve into the mysteries of Twitter and learn to use it with tutor Jason King. On Thursday 8th from 2.00pm to 6.00pm from the Shambles at the Market House there is a health walk and talk called ‘Thinking about what to eat and how to prepare and cook it’. To go along please call Lorraine on 07845 10060. On Friday 9th at 7.30pm at the Methodist Church the Gardenining Assocation have a Christmas Entertainment Evening with music, song and talk from Mr Bernard Coulter. Visitors £1.

More details from 01963 350618. On Tuesday 13th at the Caryford Hall at 11.00am NADFAS

host an illustrated lecture entitled ‘Frost Fairs on the Frozen Thames’. Entry £6. For more details call 01963 350132. On Thursday 15th from 5.30pm go along to Cary’s Big Christmas Night. There will be lots to do and see and in The George Hotel Justin Daish, a professional solo guitarist, will be playing. On Saturday 18th The George Hotel has a Children’s Disco from 3.00pm to 5.00pm. Tickets £2 per child with a visit from Santa. In the evening there is a Christmas Quiz Night and draw. On Saturday 31st spend New Year’s Eve at the Gallery Bar with Levant and DJ Robert Galloway, dancing the night away. The menu includes: A welcome passion fruit martini or bellini and canapes, wood fired marinate lamb in harissa and pomegranate molasses or North African style vegetables roasted on embers with Moroccan dressing served with Lievito flatbread and meshwiya (Spicy North African salsa) and a glass of prosecco to welcome in 2017. Tickets £25. For more details call 07901671495.

CREWKERNE The Annual Christmas Lighting Up, organised by the Christmas Committee, is on Friday, 25th November. This is always a popular event and this year should be no exception. Many shops and cafes will stay open and there will be charity stalls in Falkland Square and The George Shopping Centre. The craft fair will be open in the Victoria Hall from 5.30pm and for children there is a treasure hunt and biscuit decorating at the Library from 4.30pm. Do not forget to enter the children’s Christmas hat competition with the theme “pom poms and Christmas”. Judging will take place in Market Square at 5.55pm. Entry is free - just turn up wearing your creation.

There will be entertainment around the town; music in the Market Square will be provided

by Steve Carpenter and Phoenix Brass Band will play in Falkland Square from 6.00pm or join the Carol singing with CUDOS, in the Market Square from 6.30pm. As usual, the highlight of the evening will be when Santa makes his way down Market Street, escorted by the Merriott Majorettes, to help the

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21

Mayor and Town Crier turn on the Christmas lights at 7.00pm.

Santa will then be in his Grotto in the Town Hall from 7.15pm to hear all your Christmas wishes.

Market Street will be closed to traffic from 6.45pm to 7.30pm to ensure safety. Diversion routes will be signed and the road will be opened as soon as it is safe to do so. On Friday 9th December at 7.30pm at Wadham School the Film Crew is showing ‘Shall We Dance’. A successful but unhappy Japanese businessman plucks up the courage to learn ballroom dancing – a warm hearted story of late life fulfilment. On Saturday 10th December from 10.00am to 3.00pm at the Town Hall there is a Christmas Produce and Craft Market. For more details call 01460 74001.

ILMINSTER On Saturday 26th November at 7.45pm at the Warehouse Theatre see the film ‘Hail, Caesar!’. Set during the latter years of Hollywood’s Golden Age, the film follows a single day in the life of a studio fixer with plenty of problems to fix. Starring Channing Tatum, George Clooney, Scarlett Johansson and Ralph Fiennes.

Guests to take seats after 7.30pm. (Please note, there is no film in December.) On Saturday 3rd December from 8.30am until 12.30pm at the Market House go along to the Produce Market. The market is for local groups and producers to sell their goods locally and support the projects that are in need of support from the Forum.

On Monday 5th at 11.00am to 6.00pm, Tuesday 6th to Friday 9th at 9.30am to 6.00pm and Saturday 10th at 9.00am to 4.00pm in the Minster Church visit the Christmas Tree Festival.

This is a spectacular display of around 50 lit and decorated Christmas Trees. This year for the first time, as an alternative to a tree, the charity sponsors a display of a traditional crib scene. Local organisations, individuals and families sponsor trees which they decorate themselves to raise money for their nominated charities. You are invited to the short opening ceremony on Monday 5th at 11.00am when the Reverend

Nigel Done, the Mayor of Ilminster Councillor Val Keitch, the Town Crier, Mr Andrew Fox and students from local schools will be in attendance. For more details call 01460 53955.

SHERBORNE On Thursday 24th November there is a books, CDs and DVDs sale on behalf of the Peace International School in Kigali, Rwanda in the Hub Cafe next to Sherborne Sports Centre from 9.00am to 3.00pm. Free entry. Also on Thursday 24th at 7.30pm get your tickets from the Tourist Information Centre for the Sherborne Floral Society’s ‘Countdown to Christmas’ demonstration at Digby Hall. stalls and boutiques at the On Saturday 26th from 8.30am to Leweston Christmas Fair. Entry 3.30pm at the Digby Church £2.50. (See Christmas Gift Hall the Sherborne Vintage Ideas on page 27) Also on Market takes place. Also on Saturday 3rd at 2.30pm at Digby Saturday 26th from 9.30am to Hall the Blackmore Vale and 4.00pm at Digby Hall the Yeovil National Trust monthly Chasty Cottage Antique Association host an afternoon of Fair takes place. Entry £1. music and readings called ‘A On Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th Seasonal Miscellany’ by the The 5th Latin American Music Gillingham Singers. A welcome Festival takes place at Cheap return visit from the singers with Street Church. (See Art pages.) a fresh offering of music and Leweston Nursery Activity some readings about the Morning: Christmas Jingle takes Christmas season. The singers place from 9.45am to 11.30am are a four part choir of around on Thursday 1st December. This is 30 members. Refreshments a free event for parents and served at the end as well as toddlers aged from newborn to non-alcoholic punch and a four years old of festive crafts, selection of festive food. There music and activities. To register will also be a raffle. Entry £5. your attendance or for more Profits shared between the details contact 01963 210783. association and the singers.

Cheap Street Church’s Finally on Saturday 3rd at 7.30pm Christmas Tree Festival is from Sherborne Abbey hosts the Saturday 3rd until Sunday 11th from ‘From Darkness to Light’ concert 10.00am to 4.30pm (except

by Sherborne Chamber Choir.

Sundays when from 12.00 Great choral music from across noon). There are over 40 the ages to celebrate the start of Christmas Trees supplied by advent, centred around settings Castle Gardens which are of the Magnificat and Ave sponsored and decorated by Maria. Tickets £5 to £16, local businesses and charities.

Free admission with donations to Yeovil Street Pastors and Parkinson’s Disease. On Sunday 11th the Festival finishes with a Carol Service from 6.30pm. On Saturday 3rd from 10.00am to 3.00pm go along and see a wide range of Sherborne Tourist nformation Centre

Cards for Good Causes Multi-Charity Christmas Card Shop

Available from Monday 31st October until Friday 23rd December

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Digby Road (opposite Abbey) 01935 815341 + A wide choice of gifts & books for Christmas including theatre tokens Open Monday to Saturday November – 9.30am-4pm December – 10am-3pm

www.visit-dorset.com 22

To advertise – 01935 424724

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email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk

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under 18’s free from 01935 815341. On Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th from 10.00am to 4.00pm at Digby Church Hall it is the 13th Annual Crafts for Christmas. Unique and unusual crafts and gifts for Christmas or the home. Free admission.

Organised by West Country Fairs with enquiries on 01749 677049. On Sunday 4th it is the town’s Festive Shopping Day from 10.00am. Entertainment and lighting up of the Christmas Tree in the afternoon. On Friday 9th at The Eastbury Hotel from 10.00am to 3.00pm there is a lunch and learn lecture called ‘Impressionism Around the World’ by Julian Halsby. Also on Friday 9th from 6.00pm go along and see the newly refurbished Plume of Feathers in Half Moon Street. There will be a free buffet of their new menu throughout the evening and all are welcome. On Saturday 10th from 8.30am to 3.30pm at the Digby Church Hall the Vintage Christmas Market takes place.

Also on Saturday 10th drop in and bid in the Christmas Charity Silent Auction and Sale at The Plume of Feathers, Half Moon Street from 10.00am to 5.00pm. There are so far over 100 lots and it is in aid of Macmillan Cancer Unit in Yeovil Hospital. You can see the items or alternatively bid for them beforehand or purchase outright on www.TheConduitMagazine.co.uk website. Free entry and coffee, tea and lunch will be available in the newly re-opened pub.

This is a great way to buy your Christmas gifts getting some super and different presents including antiques, holiday weekends, jewellery, some signed books and at the same time helping a great cause! See Christmas Gift Ideas on page 26. You can even get floral arrangements, holly wreaths and mistletoe. If you have any items or vouchers that you can donate they would also love to hear from you at 01935 424724. On Saturday 10th from 7.00pm at Cheap Street Church Sherborne Voluntary Ambulance

www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

Susan Deane on 01458 241808. See Movies Around the Villages & Towns. On Saturday 10th at 7.30pm at St Michael’s Church there is a Christmas Concert from the Mid Professional Foot Care Wessex Singers. There will be in the comfort of your Home selected choruses from Handel’s Messiah with carols for Corns, calluses, problem nails, etc audience and choir seasonal Fully qualified, friendly, readings candlelit procession. female practitioners Tickets £10, under 18’s £5 available from Cobbs Xmas Gift Vouchers Available!

Wholefoods or on 01458 274139 or on the door. On For appointments and information Monday 12th from 10.45am to 01258 820203 12.00 noon at West Street email: gillian@bmvfootcare.co.uk Church Somerset Sings meet. www.bmvfootcare.co.uk Purely for fun and for all ages and abilities. Entry £1 includes have a concert with a coffee and biscuit. For more programme of Magic, Music details call Anna Creed on and Mirth. There is an 01458 272750. On Wednesday outstanding line up of 14th from 9.30am to 3.30pm at performers. Tickets £10, under Cox’s Yard Car Park there is a 14’s free, available from Somerset Sight Mobile Advice Parson’s The Butcher in Cheap Service with service operator Street and The Sherborne Tourist Donna Cannell. Donna has a Information. Finally on Monday wide knowledge of the products 12th at 7.30pm go along to available for people with sight Sherborne Abbey for Sherborne loss and has a wealth of Christmas. On Wednesday 14th at experience in supporting people 7.30pm at the Digby Memorial with sight problems. She is able Hall Sherborne Flicks presents to demonstrate items from liquid ‘Absolutely Fabulous’. Tickets level indicators and talking £6 from 01935 815341 or on watches to talking microwaves the door. See Movies Around and video magnifiers. The the Villages & Towns. On vehicle also stocks mobility aids Saturday 17th from 9.30am to such as white walking sticks and 4.00pm at Digby Hall it is the canes, and games such as large monthly Chasty Cottage Antique print Scrabble and playing Fair. Entry £1. cards. Donna can also talk about the range of services and SOMERTON On Friday 2nd activities that Somerset Sight December from 10.00am to offers and make the appropriate 2.00pm at the Market Place it is referrals. On Thursday 22nd from the monthly Market. Plenty of 8.30pm at the Sports Club there stalls including meat, plants, is a Quiz Night. Teams of up to homemade soaps and candles, six people, £2 per person. All wool art craft, Dorset pies, welcome to this friendly monthly preserves, Italian cheeses, brain teaser. On Friday 23rd bespoke catering and more. from 10.00am to 2.00pm at For more details email Butter Cross, Market Place the marketonatsomerton@gmail.com Somerton Christmas Market On Saturday 3rd from 11.00am to takes place. There will be a 1.00pm at the King Ina variety of stalls including plants, Academy School there is a cushions, jewellery, woollen Christmas Fair. Free entry. On products, glassware and more.

Thursday 8th from 10.30am at the There will also be food stalls Sports Club there is a Friendship including Italian cheese, cooked Coffee and Tea Morning. All meals, pesto, preserves, welcome. For more details call cupcakes, vegetables, fish, 01458 274631. On Friday 9th Dorset pies, Somerset Deli, at the Parish Rooms from spices, nuts, snacks and more.

7.30pm the film showing will be On Saturday 31st at 8.30pm at ‘The King and I’. Tickets £6 the Sports Club there is a New available from Cobbs, Brunel Year Dance with Tim Bassett’s ‘A Precinct. For more details call Tribute to Elvis’. Take your own snacks. Tickets 5th LATIN AMERICAN MUSIC FESTIVAL £10 from 01458 273808 or Dave CHEAP STREET CHURCH, SHERBORNE on 01458 Sat 26 Nov, 3.00pm Steele 274048.

Piano Trio Recital

Duo Teresa Carreno and Catrin Win Morgan (violinist) Ana Lauara Manero (piano) & Arturo Serna (cello)

Sun 27 Nov 3.00pm

Wessex Strings

Soloists: Katherine Hawnt (soprano) & Valerie Tsoi (Piano) Conductor - Arturo Serna

Tickets £10 inc tea & cakes (u18s free) from Sherborne TIC (01935 815341) or at the door More info: 07972 141911

WINCANTON On Saturday 26th November at 2.00pm at Kimbers Farm Shop there is a Christmas Tasting and Gift Fair with carols from the

Salvation Army and a chance to order gifts and hamper stalls. On Sunday 27th from 2.00pm to 4.00pm at the Community Hospital there is a Christmas Fayre. There will be a Santa’s Grotto, face painting, raffle and tombola with Christmas gifts and hampers, cake stall and external stalls, Steam Traction Engine Rides, Wincanton Town Band and much more.

On Friday 9th December at 7.30pm at the Memorial Hall the Gardeners Association host a Bring and Share Supper with a talk by Dawn Lawrance, supporter of the Born Free Foundation. Dawn will speak on ‘Endangered Animals’ and how she came to write her book of verse entitled ‘Two Steps Behind’. The talk is light hearted and amusing. There is also a table top decoration competition, instead of Flower of the Month. Non members £1. For more details call 01963 33160. Wincanton Library Friends have two free events. On Saturday 17th ‘Penny Readings for Christmas Penny-atickets: listen to Christmas readings from 10.00am to 11.00am. Then on Saturday 31st a Children’s New Year story and craft morning from 10.00am to 11.30am.

YEOVIL On Wednesday 30th November at The Manor Hotel from 8.00am to 10.00am Red Berry Recruitment have launched their own ‘HR Club’ and host a talk by Kevin Green, the CEO of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation. The REC is the professional body for the UK’s 28.7 billion private recruitment industry. Kevin is a much sought after speaker on subjects such as the future of resourcing, using people strategies to improve competitiveness and how to undertake people-centric organisational transformation.

Topics for this talk include Economy and jobs market What’s hot and happening as well as the emerging talent crisis and more.

Tickets £10. On Wednesday 30th at Yeovil College at 7.30pm the Cinematheque Film Society are showing ‘Phoenix’. This film follows singer Nelly, a Holocaust victim with a new face, as she searches for her husband in post WW2 Berlin. A gripping study of treachery, identity and survival. Non-members £5 per film. For more details call 01935 421905. On Friday 2nd December at 7.30pm at the Holy Trinity Church the Yeovil Archaeological and Local History Society have

an interesting talk called ‘Clarks of Street - The Story of a Quaker Business’ by Dr Tim Crumplin.

Guests £2. From Friday 2nd December to Sunday 1st January at the Octagon Theatre see everyone’s favourite pantomime ‘Peter Pan’.

Tickets £12 to £22 from 01935 422884. (See Arts for more details.) On Saturday 3rd from 10.30am to 2.00pm at the Marion Hall, The Avenue there is a Christmas Fayre. There will be many stalls including Christmas flower arrangements and crafts, cake, jewellery, books, tombola and more. Tea, coffee and snacks available as well as an Indian lunch being served.

Adults £1, £2 per family. On Saturday 3rd at 2.00pm at Yeovil Library there is an informal talk called ‘A History of Christmas Carols’ with musical accompaniment on the history of nine traditional carols. Tea, coffee and biscuits available. £1.50 per person. Please book to avoid disappointment on 01935 472020. From Saturday 3rd, Sunday 4th, Saturday 10th, Sunday 11th, Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th between 10.00am to 4.00pm the Santa’s Grotto is open in the wood cabin in the Quedam Centre. Tickets £4 per child. Making a difference for patients by raising funds for Yeovil Hospital Charity. On Sunday 4th, Sunday 11th, Saturday 17th, Sunday 18th and Friday 23rd at the Yeovil Railway Centre in Stoford from 10.00am to 4.00pm the Santa Specials are back.

Booking required. Once again running over five days, this offers a great family occasion leading up to Christmas. The visit starts with a train ride behind one of the steam locomotives and they have a choice of a heritage carriage or a brake van (with a real coal fire) to ride in. The track is about 1/3rd mile long, so

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the train ride is full of fun for the children but not long enough for them to get bored.

Afterwards, visitors can then make their way to the ex GWR Transfer Shed, which is transformed into a magical place with snow and bubble machines enhancing the experience, where Santa will be ready in his grotto (with a present for the children).

Seasonal refreshments are also included in the ticket price.

Tickets adults and children £9, £8.50 parties of eight or more, £10 on the day. To book please call 07501 189065. On Wednesday 7th at Yeovil College at 7.30pm the

Cinematheque Film Society are showing ‘Ridicule’. France is in the reign of Louis XVI. A provincial baron needs royal support to improve his lands but finds he needs to be smart and witty at court if he is to succeed.

A vintage film to mark 40 years of Cinema for All. Non members £5 per film. For more details call 01935 421905.

On Saturday 10th from 8.00am to 1.00pm at the Vicarage Street Church, Middle Street start your Christmas shopping off to a great start with a full English Breakfast. Tickets £5 and booking before Thursday 8th enters you into a special raffle.

This is raising money for St Margaret’s Hospice Yeovil and The Piers Simon Appeal - School in a Bag. For more details call 07425156591. On Sunday 11th from 9.00am to 2.00pm at Yeovil Country Park there is the annual Santa Dash. This is a festive and fun-filled event aimed at runners, non-runners, families, work teams and in

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Fashion & More

by Thelma Drabik, Melbury Gallery

Cosy up with your Friends & Family this Festive Season s the days are getting colder Christmas is on its way and Melbury Gallery is not just about gifts, it is about celebrations and a time to relax and look forward to some downtime at home with friends and family.

Come and see our gorgeous jewelled tones and berry hues this season with rich colours all across our clothing collections.

This fabulous Adini tunic and jacket in luscious plums will take you from a casual lunch to an evening dinner seamlessly! Add

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fact, just about anyone! It is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit while helping to raise vital funds for your local hospice. All participants will receive a medal at the finish line. Entry £10, children £5, under 5’s free, £40 for corporate teams up to four including two free Santa suits.

Book quickly as the first 50 adult registrations only receive a free Santa suits. For detilas and the form visit www.somerset-hospice.org.uk On Sunday 11th at 7.00pm at the Holy Trinity Church the Yeovil Concert Band and The Trinity Entertainers present a Christmas Concert in aid of Yeovil Heartbeat. Tickets £9, under 16’s £3 from 01935 321330 or on the door. On Thursday 15th at Yeovil Railway Centre in Stoford there is a Main Line Steam Day from the Railway Touring Company and on Wednesday 28th from 10.30am to 4.00pm there is a Steam Train Day Mince Pie Special. Using the Andrew Barclay 0-4-0 steam engine ‘Lord Fisher’ will give train rides along the 1/3rd mile of the ex-great Western Railway Clifton Maybank branch.

Passengers travel in historical brake van vehicles or coach with train runs every 20 minutes. There will also be a miniature railway, model railway, exhibits, displays and refreshments available.

Admission £7, children £3.50, under 5’s free.

ARE YOU SECRETARY FOR A LOCAL CLUB OR ORGANISATION? SEND IN YOUR CALENDAR OF EVENTS AND WE WILL TRY AND INCLUDE YOUR DETAILS EACH MONTH.

To advertise – 01935 424724

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some fantastic Alaya Bar jewellery and you are good to go!

Dress up an outfit with one of our wonderful handwoven pure merino wool scarves by Kapre. So soft and in amazing colours and designs, they look great on all occasions.

Use as a shawl or drape around the neck to keep those winter winds away! We have got thousands of scarves that make great presents or just a treat for you, ranging from just £12.

How about a Kopka wool felt beanie? Made in Germany from pure new wool, at just £21 each, they make great gifts.

We have got them in a great colours at both shops.

Once you have tried one on, you will never want to take it off!

Cheer up your home with some wonderful coloured cushions and throws… burnt orange, deep teal, silver grey, subtle mauves, sea greens and Nordic inspired designs are in both shops. How about a

pair of our fluffy Braintree socks to pad around in, or add a bark tealight holder or gorgeous silvered votive to give a lovely warm glow?

We have also got an exciting array of gifts to choose from and we are always being described as an ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ because it is such a great place for gifts and treats and... we have to agree!

We have prices for all pockets, from stocking fillers to that special gift for your loved one, or even to treat yourself.

Good news… the Sherborne shop will also be open on Sundays from 10.00am to 4.00pm from Sunday 27th November up until Christmas and do not forget our Dorchester shop is always open on Sundays throughout the year.

Looking forward to seeing you and have a Happy Christmas!

FESTIVE WAREHOUSE SALE – 3 for 2!

Thursday 1st & Friday 2nd December (5pm to 8pm) Saturday 3rd (10am to 4pm) & Sunday 4th December (10am to 2pm)

MELBURY GALLERY Half Moon Street, Sherborne 10-11 Tudor Arcade, South Street, Dorchester www.melburygallery.co.uk

email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk

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www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

Travel Heather Muir - Manager Yeovil Branch Miles Morgan Travel

Wow...what a year – lots to celebrate at Miles Morgan Travel ecember is a great opportunity to update you on our year at Miles Morgan Travel as it has certainly been a busy one for myself and all of my team. This year is a very special one for us as it’s our 10th birthday and great news also that we have just finished another record year of sales having received overwhelming support from the people of Yeovil, Sherborne and the surrounding areas.

Good news also that we have enjoyed more outstanding customer feedback.

We pride ourselves in delivering consistently high levels of personal service and we are really proud that we have received nearly 200 'Feefo' customer reviews and are delighted that 100% of them have rated our service either good or excellent – take a look at our website and see what our customers are saying about us.

Our team have also enjoyed a busy year travelling the world with the intention of gaining even more knowledge to share with you.

Sharon has been to The Maldives, Boston and Cape Cod, Cape Town and as this goes to print she will be enjoying the bright lights of Las Vegas.

Jon sampled the beautiful Norwegian Fjords on a Fred. Olsen Cruise and I have taken a break to Cascais and Lisbon and also a holiday in Rhodes - lots of new knowledge and all for your benefit!

This year we have also won several awards and had lots of recognition within the trade. The first award we were named “The Best Travel Agent in the South West and South Wales”; the second was an award dedicated to our Yeovil branch where we came top on a Mystery Shopper for one of

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our main travel magazines - Travel Weekly who scored us the highest on service and knowledge. Lastly our Managing Directory, Miles Morgan, was awarded “Outstanding Contribution to the Travel Industry”, at a prestigious award ceremony recently voted for by tour operators, airlines and tourist boards throughout the country. To say that we are all proud is an understatement and as it is our 10th birthday it feels even more special.

However, we know that we could not have achieved what we have without you, our loyal customers, and I wanted to say a personal thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey for your continued support for the last 10 years. Please do come and visit us when you are passing and if you can make it between the 15th until the 22nd December we will be serving sherry and mince pies to all who visit so a great time to pop in.

We look forward to seeing you over the festive period and we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Here is to the next 10 years!

DORDOGNE, FRANCE COTTAGE FOR RENT Pretty listed 18thC Farmhouse - 2 cottages next to one another each sleep up to 5 with 2 bedrooms. or whole farmhouse for 10.

Easy reach of Bordeaux, Bergerac and Limoge from Bristol, Exeter or Southampton airports.

Book for 2017. See more details on: www.clickstay.com/france/riberac/orchidee-maison-8413 or www.clickstay.com/france/riberac/papillon-2542

01935 421389 Now Long weekends at £45 per night Prices from £240pw to £420pw

Spanish Villa to Rent in Benitachell Sleeps 5/6 with communal pool www.casajuanita.co.uk

JANUARY ADVERT DEADLINE: Monday 12th DECEMBER

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Christmas Gift Ideas...

The Beauty Barn is a beauty salon situated in Trent, between Sherborne and Yeovil.

Their two beauty therapists, Catherine and Kay are highly trained, experienced therapists who have worked locally in the beauty industry for over 20 years. Between them, they can offer a wide range of treatments from massage and facials, manicures, pedicures and Shellac (gel nails), waxing, threading and tinting to eyelash extensions, and electrolysis to treat hair removal, thread veins and skin tags. They have some great offers at the moment so why not take advantage of one of these? Semi Permanent Eyelash Extensions or Eyelash Lift with Eyelash Tint for £40 or a Shellac Manicure and Pedicure for £45 will definitely get you ready for the party season! It is also ideal for a present as gift vouchers are available. Call 01935 851221 now to book or buy a treatment.

Blackmore Vale Foot Care have been established for over 11 years and offer professional foot care in the comfort of your home. Fully qualified and friendly female practitioners Sisters Gillian, Rosemary and

Caroline are fully qualified Foot Health Professionals and after your foot car will also give a gentle foot massage to complete the treatment. Why not give yours or a family member's feet a treat and buy a Christmas gift voucher as something different.

Just call 01258 820203 now.

Conduit Dining Cards make an ideal 'Stocking Filler' at just £10. The card offers an unlimited minimum of 10% discount for up to four people at

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over 18 local restaurants and cafes in the area with more joining. If you join now you might even win a bottle of Bordeaux Wine! The cards are available from The Conduit Magazine (see full details of restaurants and offers on page ? or on www.TheConduitMagazine.co.uk).

Alternatively you can pop into Sherborne or Yeovil Tourist Information Centres and many of the participating restaurants for the application form and a card.

Along with the discount you or who you are giving the gift to, will receive a monthly e-mail newsletter with all the latest offers and competitions from participating businesses. This card not only supports local businesses but you genuinely will save money over the year.

A Charity Christmas Auction and Sale takes place at the newly refurbished Plume of Feathers in Sherborne on Saturday 10th in aid of Macmillan Cancer Unit in Yeovil Hospital.

There are over 100 interesting lots which include several vouchers for local restaurants, The Octagon and Swan Theatre tickets and a year's membership to Sherborne Sports Centre.

There are also books including an original signed 'Watership Down' as well as a signed 'Sir Humphrey' edition. In antiques you can bid for vouchers to spend at Acreman St Antiques Centre as well as Warden Hill Trading Post along with two silver dress table pots, Jasperware, Poole pottery and crystal glasses. There is also jewellery, scarves including Hermes and original modern artwork as well as soaps, hand wash and cashmere jumpers.

Add in some French Holiday weekends, toys, Backgammon set, jams, pickles and wine and there is something for everyone!

Finally there will be Christmas floral decorations which can be made to your own specifications as well as holly wreaths, holly and mistletoe for sale. All items will be online so you can buy outright beforehand if you wish or make an early bid.

To advertise – 01935 424724

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Macmillan Cancer Unit Yeovil Hospital

Christmas Charity Silent Auction & Sale Saturday 10th Dec Plume of Feathers, Sherborne Bid or Buy Now Online beforehand!

Some of the Auction items: Hermes Paris Pavois Vintage European Flags Scarf 'Watership Down' original & illustrated book signed by Richard Adams 12 Cut glass Tumblers Vintage Brussels Lace Linen bread basket Tan & Black adjustable & reversible Gucci Belt Aynsley Bone China Plate & Server

www.TheConduitMagazine.co.uk Alternatively go along and bid on the day to help raise as much money as possible. If you have any items that you would like to donate or wish to offer for sale in the auction please contact 01935 424724.

The Pet Experience Training & Behaviour LTD is dedicated to promoting responsible pet ownership through expert training and behaviour counselling. Having worked

email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk

with all breeds and dispositions since 1994 Sarah Easterbrook has developed a real passion for their welfare and a sound understanding of their nature and requirements. As well as her qualifications as a dog trainer and pet behaviourist, her vast experience has taught her that no pet is beyond help. So, whatever your problem do not panic! Whether it is basic training you need after receiving that gorgeous puppy for Christmas or ongoing behaviour counselling she can provide a dedicated service to fulfil all your needs. Dog Training classes are on Sundays in Sherborne with new classes starting on Sunday 8th January.

Courses run from Puppy/Novice through to Intermediate and Advanced levels. One-to-one training and/or behaviour sessions take place in your home to deal with more individual issues. Contact Sarah now or visit the website for more information.

Sherborne Tourist Office has its annual offering of charity Christmas cards and gifts. Card sales raise funds for the Cards for Good Causes group, who ensure that as much money as possible goes to the member charities. All proceeds, with running costs deducted, go to the charities: this means they receive at least 70p in the pound, so it is well worth supporting. The TIC sells

The Pet Experience Training & Behaviour LTD Sarah Easterbrook CoPAS GoDT Master Trainer IACP Member

Qualified and experienced Dog Trainer and Pet Behaviourist Dog & Puppy Training: Group classes or 1-to-1 Behaviour Counselling: Dogs, Cats & Parrots

Next DOG TRAINING CLASSES in Sherborne start on Sunday 8th January 2017 From Puppy to Advanced levels

Phone now on: 07769 705 807 Or e-mail: sarah@thepetexperience.co.uk www.the-pet-experience.co.uk

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www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

Sundays 4th,11th and 18th December Saturday 17th December Friday 23rd December

Bookings via website www.yeovilrailway.freeservers.com or telephone 07501 189065 £9 each Adult/Child (£8.50 each for parties of 8 or more) Babies under 12 months old free of charge £10 each on the day

Christmas stamps and a range of local goodies, such as chocolates, biscuits, books, mugs, bags which make ideal gifts.

They also sell Theatre Tokens and Conduit Dining Club Cards, which are both a perfect solution when you need to post a present or are trying to think of a present that is a bit different.

Yeovil Railway Centre will once again be running over five days during December from Sundays 4th, 11th, Saturday 17th, Sunday 18th and Friday 23rd. The Santa Specials offer a great family occasion in the run up to Christmas with pre-booking highly recommended to avoid any disappointment. The visit begins with a steam train ride and then visitors make their way to the Visitor Centre which is transformed into a magical place with snow and bubble machines enhancing the experience. After a visit to see Santa in his Grotto (with a present for the children), seasonal refreshments are also included in the ticket price. The cost is £9 each adult or child and £8.50 each for parties of 8 or more in advance or £10 each on the day subject to availability.

More details and photos of previous years can be viewed at www.yeovilrailway.freeservers.co m where bookings can also be made online. Alternatively call 07501 189065 and leave a message for a return call.

Leweston Christmas Fair is on Saturday 3rd December at Leweston’s Manor House between 10.00am to 3.00pm. With a wide range of spectacular stalls and boutiques, the Fair presents the perfect opportunity to kick start your Christmas shopping or simply to treat yourself with an exciting new purchase. With stalls selling everything from fashion and accessories, to homeware, skincare products, toys, stocking fillers, crafts, unique and unusual gifts, Christmas decorations, greetings cards, delicious treats and much more, there is something for everyone at the Fair. Entry is £2.50 and this year the Fair will

be supporting Mosaic and the Leweston Bursary Fund. Mosaic is a Dorset wide charity offering a pathway of support to bereaved children, young people and their families. They

also work with young people who are facing the death of a loved one.

Mosaic provides individual, family and group support.

Every child has the opportunity to attend their residential weekend programme where they can meet others and share their experiences.

For more details www.mosaicfamilysupport.org.uk The Leweston Bursary Fund offers children from less financially able families the opportunity to experience the first class education that Leweston provides.

For further details please contact the Admissions Team by emailing

Make someone's Christmas this year by setting them up with Careline

admissions@leweston.dorset.sch. uk or by calling 01963 211010.

Perennially popular, this seasonal extravaganza attracts around 400 shoppers every year, all eager to bag those Christmas bargains! Offering a one stop Christmas shopping experience, a visit to the Leweston Christmas Fair is a fabulously festive way to ease yourself into the holiday season.

There are a few tables left at the Fair. If you are interested call 01963 210783.

Careline offers 24 hour help at the touch of a button. It gives independence at home and makes an ideal present to give peace of mind for someone living alone or feeling at risk. The South Somerset District Council run service, provides an emergency alarm pendant that can be worn at all times, this links to their control centre where staff are on hand to answer calls 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Careline staff are fully trained to respond to calls from those in need, with experience in handling thousands of calls a year from the elderly and frail, the disabled, the young and vulnerable, recovering hospital patients and those working or living in isolation. They can call a doctor or an ambulance, the police or friends and family within seconds of pushing the Careline button. Many elderly and vulnerable residents are already benefiting from the reassurance that help is at hand at the push of a button, and relatives can enjoy peace of mind. They offer a free demonstration and if you happy with it, their staff can fit the unit for you immediately. Please visit their website for further information at www.carelinesouthsomerset.co.uk where you can find out about the service, how it works and register an enquiry, or contact them on 01935 479815.

Pene Dene has created beautiful arrangements over the last 20 years using the fabulous faux flowers which she has found on her travels round the world and with Christmas approaching what better time to decorate your

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home. Tiny snowdrops sitting in pretty glass vases, tall phalaenopsis orchids, as glorious as the real thing, are planted in superb blue and white Chinese vases, roses blushed in softest pink are the perfect flower for a summer dining table - the list of blooms is endless but all have one thing in common and that is the care with which they have been selected by master florist Pene Dene. Years as an interior decorator taught Pene the joy that her clients felt when their

house was filled with flowers and her talent as a horticulturalist has enabled her to choose the finest flowers and arrange them with skill and creativity. She is a talented florist who creates wonderful silk flower arrangements in her Studio near Sherborne. Her range of silk flowers is used to make original and beautiful designs. Whether you need a single perfect flower or a glorious arrangement for your home or a bespoke festive arrangement for Christmas.

Call her to discuss arrangements that will transform your house or go to her Christmas Show at her home on Thursday 1st, Friday 2nd (10am-5pm ) and Saturday 3rd December (10am-4pm). Tea and coffee served, with the proceeds to the Lurcher Rescue Charity.

Suzana Cross Stitch can teach you the perfect cross stitch techniques as well as Embossed Patchwork in two new Winter courses starting in Montacute and Sherborne in the New Year. Suzana Lima is a craft designer and she is visiting from Brazil with her 'Perfect Finish Cross Stitch

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To advertise – 01935 424724

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technique' which she teaches in her book on how to have both a fantastic front and back when doing embroidery projects.

However, you might be asking yourself why do I need to go on a course? It is for when you stitch towels, tablecloths, bibs, aprons, napkins, etc they look good whichever side is visible and when someone turns your work over to look at the back it is as good as the front. They can also tell how much love you put into it. Suzana will also be showing you how to create beautiful objects with embossed

email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk

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patchwork. This is an enjoyable craft which can be applied to a variety of different objects and there is no need to sew anything. Both courses have limited spaces and can be booked by yourself or why not gift someone, who loves crafts and cross stich, as something different for Christmas? For dates and bookings email contactus@suzanacrossstitch or give her a call on 07850 285949 or you can see more details on their website www.Suzanacrossstitch.com

www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

Christmas Eating Out Brown and Forrest at The Somerset Smokery in Hambridge is one of the best smokeries in the country with a fantastic reputation. They offer for Christmas a wide range of hampers which can be ordered on line and on Saturday 3rd December from 10.00am to 4.00pm they have a special Open Day. This includes a tour of the smokery, a chance to taste all the products as well as enjoy a free glass of wine.

The shop will be fully stocked and the restaurant is open but booking

is strongly advisable. They have just joined the Dining Card scheme so 10% discount is also available in their restaurant. Call 01458 250875 or visit www.brownandforrest.co.uk Goose Slade Farm Shop in East Coker is a fantastic farm shop stocked to the gills with a fantastic range of local food as well as gifts. The owners have been traditionally rearing free range and local geese on their farm for many years and it is

The Conduit Dinner Club Why not join The Conduit Dinner Club? The meals are informal and there is no joining fee.

There are normally 25-40 people who come along and the Club has a cross section of ages. The evenings are a good way to get out and about to meet new people as well as try new restaurants – often with some great deals! Due to numbers

we nearly always have a set menu and although everyone is asked for comments on their meal this is not for food critics.

Our next meal is at Nuova Italia at Ilchester on Tuesday 6th December at 7.00pm. Remember if you know a Restaurant that would like a review and for the Dinner Club to visit do contact the Editor, Franchesca Dening.

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advisable to order your goose as soon as possible to guarantee you can get what you require. If you do not need a whole goose they offer goose crowns, breasts and thigh portions as well as goose and plum sausages, smoked goose breast and goose fat which is absolutely delicious for crispy, roast potatoes. You can also order local turkeys, ducks, chicken and game as well as lamb, beef and pork. During December they are open every Monday as well as their usual hours from Tuesday to Saturday, 10.00am to 6.00pm.

They also have a cafe so you can have a coffee or tea and scones as an extra treat.

Gin & Prosecco at The George, Castle Cary For the gin connoisseur the recently opened Gin Bar and Grill

Participating Restaurants:

The Conduit Dining Card We launched our unlimited use of your Conduit Dining Club Eat out locally card for one year the Card in October and & save money day you receive it for we already have less than £1 per over 18 local month which offers All offers on restaurants exceptional value. www.TheConduitMagazine.co.uk participating with Buy a card now Name Membership Number 10% discounts off and you will also be Expiry Date your food bill for 2-4 entered into our Prize people each time and sometimes Draw to Win a bottle of Bordeaux much more with various offers. You Wine. You can purchase a card by only need use the card 3 or 4 times filling out the application form and you get discounts for the rest of opposite or apply online under the year! Now that is what we call 'Food & Drink' and click on good value. For just £10pa you can 'Join the Dining Club' at buy a card from us, Sherborne Tourist www.TheConduitMagazine.co.uk.

Information Centre, Yeovil and You will also find all the Cartgate Tourist Information Centre participating restaurants and or some of the participating various offers as well as the restaurants. There are some full Terms and Conditions restrictions like other 'special offers' online Fill out the short and Christmas Day as outlined on application form and send a our website but the rest of the time cheque made payable to: The you keep saving. You can also try Conduit Magazine and pop it in the some great restaurants and pubs in post. We will return your card the area plus this is a fantastic local straight away. Alternatively visit food scheme supporting local WDDC or SSDC TICs and get your businesses with ‘no chains’. card immediately. If you have any Find all the restaurants, pubs and questions just give a ring on 01935 cafes special offers and monthly 424724. This scheme is a local details on www.TheConduitMagazine.co.uk initiative to help local businesses with full details of how to contact and save, you our local readers, them. Plus each month we will send money when you go out so what you a regular newsletter with all the are you waiting for... The cards latest news and offers with their make a great stocking filler which events, etc. In fact, you have lasts a year!

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Restaurant at The George Hotel in Castle Cary offers over 40 choices of gins and five choices of Prosecco. They also have both gin and Prosecco cocktails available and will be having some great special offers throughout December, which will be advertised on their facebook page. Currently on Thursday night you can have some fun by trying to "Beat the Barman". If a customer beat's the barman at rock, paper, scissors they are entitled to a half price gin but full price if the barman wins!

Eat out locally with saving of at least 10% off your meal with our new local Dining Card for just £10 pa at over 18 restaurant!

We are adding more restaurant regularly just see our website!

Call now and reser ve your table: Bishops Caundle: White Hart (01963 23301) Bradford Abbas: Rose & Crown Inn (01935 474506) Drinks promotion (5.30-7.00pm) Carlsberg, Symond's Cider, Banks Bitter & all House Wines (175ml) £3 Castle Cary: George Hotel (01963 350761) Sun Night: 2 Rump/Gammon Steaks & glasses of wine £20. Wed: Rump Steak & Gin Cocktail £12.50pp Hambridge: Brown & Forrest Smokery Restaurant (01458 250875) Ilchester: Nuova Italia Restorante & Pizzeria (01935 840033) Free Delivery 10 miles Take Away Service Merriott: Kings Head (01460 78912) Montacute: Kings Arms (01963 350761) Over Stratton: New Farm Restaurant (01460 240584) Queen Camel: Mildmay Arms (01935 850456) Mon: 2 for 1 Steak, Fri: Take Away Fish & Chips Sandford Orcas: Mitre Inn (01963 220271) Sherborne: Flame Lily Tearoom (01935 815568) Teddy Rowe (01935 389330) Mon-Fri BOGOF Mon: Selected drinks. Food - Mon: 2 for 1 on mains/specials; Tues: 2 steak burger & fries £10.95; Wed: 2 Curries £18.95; Thurs: 2 rump steaks & bottle of wine £29.95; Fri: 2 beer battered Cod & Chips £19.95; Kids eat for £1* Crown Inn (01935 816115) Fri: Lunch & 5.30-7.30 selected ale £2 pint, Cod & Chips £5* Eastbury Hotel (01935 813131) Sherborne Golf Club (01935 812475) Three Wishes (01935 817777) Min spend of £6pp 10% off coffee & tea West Camel: Walnut Tree (01935 851292) Yeovil: Sienna Restaurant (01935 508113) 10% off drinks, coffee & tea * Extra card discount not applicable

For all offers and 'Special' Evening, Christmas Menus, etc go to: www.TheConduitMagazine.co.uk and click on 'Food & Drink'. If you have not already got a card then click on: 'Join the Dining Club' and sending in the form and cheque to: The Conduit Magazine or buy one from Sherborne or Yeovil Tourist Information Centre, Cartgate (A303) or from any of the participating businesses.

email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk

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Purveyor of the finest English and Continental chocolates, traditional fudges and specialist confectionery

The Chocolate Musketeer is a delight to anyone who loves 16 Cheap Street, chocolates! There are few Sherborne specialist private shops left in the 01935 815139 High Streets but this is one of them. You can not only buy their Chocolates by Post or Buy online: chocolates online with a selection www.thechocolatemusketeer.co.uk of truffles, pralines and nuts but you can visit their charming shop in Cheap Street, Sherborne and choose from their extensive range of loose and pre-packed Belgium, English and Continental chocolates. They have an extensive knowledge for customers with specialist chocolates including sugar free chocolates suitable for diabetics as well as gluten free and dairy free confectionery. They also have customised gift boxes which can be gift wrapped and sent in the post if you prefer. In fact, you can buy an ideal present of chocolates for the one you love.

JANUARY ADVERT DEADLINE: Monday 12th DECEMBER

Eat out locally and save money with our Brand new local Dining Card for just £10pa!

Join now and also have the chance to Win a Bottle of Bordeaux Wine

We have over 30 bottles to give away!

Name............................................. Tel...............................................

Address...............................................................................................

+ MONDAYS THROUGHOUT DECEMBER

Benefits of The Dining Club Card: - All participating pubs, restaurants, cafes and hotels offer a MINIMUM of 10% off your food bill for 2-4 people - When you eat out you can now see anytime online from a wide selection of food offers currently available in the area along with full contact details and opening times - Receive the discount even when you dine with friends - Receive a monthly e-mail newsletter, with all the latest news, offers and competitions from participating businesses - UNLIMITED use of your card for one year the day you receive it for less than £1 per month!

- This is a local scheme supporting local businesses

........................................................................................................... ...........................................................................................................

E-mail address.....................................................................................

I would like to purchase ........ (No of cards*) at £.......... *Each card is £10pa

I picked up details of this card from: WDDC Tourist Office Participating business

SSDC Tourist Office Other

*Full Terms & Conditions are availabe on ww w.Th eCon du i tMagaz i ne .co .uk

These cards also make great presents which last a year so order one now!

Go to: www.TheConduitMagazine.co.uk Click on 'Food & Drink' & then 'Join the Dining Club' or buy one from Sherborne Tourist Information Centre, Yeovil & Cartgate (A303) Tourist Information Centre or from any of the participating businesses

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Difficulty in Resisting Treats New Year’s Eve Party 007 James Bond party (Black Tie) With Black Jack and Roulette tables and entertainment; Win vouchers to exchange for drinks at the bar at the tables.

Three course meal and free taxi home if booked by the 30th November £75 per person, 50% non refundable deposit at time of booking Four tables remaining call 01963 220317 to book or e-mail.

Research has shown, high fat, high sugar diets create a vicious circle that encourages people to snack even more. A team from Macquarie University in Australia found that eating a lot of sugary things inhibits the capacity of the hippocampus, the part of the brain linked to memory, to block out pleasant memories of food, which should be suppressed once someone is full up. This leads to making it

harder for the person to resist treats even if they are well fed, which may trigger a cycle of overeating. So beware over Christmas with all those chocolates and rich food!

THE PLUME OF FEATHERS HALF MOON STREET, SHERBORNE, DT9 3LN

01935 816569 RE-OPENING AFTER EXTENSIVE RENOVATIONS

FRIDAY 9TH DECEMBER, 6.00PM-11.00PM

Corton Denham, Sherborne, Somerset, DT9 4LR Email: relax@thequeensarms.com www.thequeensarms.com Facebook @TheQueensArmsPub Twitter @QueensArmsPub

Recipe Tip: Don't cry while chopping onions Keep the onions in the freezer for half an hour before slicing them. In case you are on a tight schedule, keep a bread slice partially sticking out of your mouth so that the bread absorbs the gas before it reaches the eyes.

JOIN NEW OWNERS, BEN & STEPH, FOR A DRINK, SEE THE CHANGES AND ENJOY A FREE BUFFET OF THEIR NEW MENU THROUGHOUT THE EVENING.

Alcohol a Diuretic Alcohol is a sedative and a stimulant which is rapidly absorbed and as soon as it is the body craves more which is why it wake you up after a few hours sleep. As well as disturbing the body’s REM stage of sleep,

Small also gets noticed!

Advertise here in colour from just £35 and reach 40,000+ local people

alcohol is a diuretic, encouraging night time trips to the bathroom.

Ideally, make your glass of wine at 8.00pm your last drink.

Call

01935 424724 JANUARY ADVERT DEADLINE: Monday 12th DECEMBER

The Gallery Bar High Street, Castle Cary Live Music Wine & Cocktails

sam@thegallerybar.co.uk 07901671495 32

To advertise – 01935 424724

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The Mitre Inn Sandford Orcas

Nr Sherborne, DT9 4RU

01963 220271 FREEHOUSE

Allen & Cheryl welcome you with a cosy bar & great food.

Christmas Menu - 2 courses £17.95, 3 courses £21.95 with Petit four & coffee* * Pre-booking essential

Wed to Fri - Senior Citizens 2 course lunch £9.50 Sunday Roast - £9.75 (£8.75 for smaller portion) £6.25 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

The Rising Sun Chinese takeaway offer delicious traditional Chinese cuisine freshly cooked to order for collection or delivery*. Using the very finest ingredients and setting the highest of standards. Please visit our website for our full menu.

We look forward to seeing you. * Conditions apply for delivery service

Monday – Thursday Tuesday Friday – Saturday Sunday

5.00 pm – 10.00 pm CLOSED 5.00 pm – 10.30 pm 5.30 pm – 10.00 pm

61 Princes Street, Yeovil, BA20 1EE • Tel. 01935 476184 www.therisingsunyeovil.co.uk

Cocktail Party Noise Eating less does not suppress Appetite ...

The cocktail party problem will be familiar to anyone who has struggled to make themselves heard against the hubbub of a noisy room. A study now suggests that you should ignore temptation to raise your voice.

It seems the difficulty is often in the listener’s brain rather than their ears and could be solved with training exercises.

Researchers from the University of Maryland had a woman read ‘A Christmas Carol’ and a man read from ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’ out loud simultaneously to groups of younger and older adults. The participants were told they would be asked questions about what the man had said. The 15 people in the older group aged between 61 to 73 and had normal hearing did much worse at this task than those in the 17 and younger group. Scans had shown that the signals describing the two sounds in the older participants brains appeared to be a fraction of a second out of sync making it more difficult to process.

When the sound enters the

human ear, it is translated into electrical signals in the auditory nerve, which sends information down to the base of the brain, which works out what direction the noise is coming from. From there it arrives in a primitive region called the midbrain where the cells are supposed to fire with the same rhythm as the noise. The competing sounds are then separated out for processing in another area known as the auditory cortex.

At the level of the midbrain, it seems the synchronisation is degraded for a typical older listener. The answer to the cocktail party problem is to be very careful enunciating your words more clearly as people often partly rely on lip-reading and to speak at normal level or slightly lower.

Like us on Facebook Check out our new page. We are keeping it up to date with local news and events taking place.

Avoid Mature Cheese before Bed Cheese before bedtime will not affect your sleep, provided that you avoid aged varieties. If you are having a late night 'toastie', avoid Brie and extra mature Cheddar which contain high levels of tyrosine. This is an amino acid that triggers the release of norepinephrine, a

stimulant that makes you feel more alert.

Eating a low calorie diet may fill you up but it does not mean that it makes you eat less. Research has found that there is little evidence that suppressing the appetite stops people eating.

The study implies that there may be no point in spending money on diet foods that promise to stop your hunger because you will have an afternoon snack regardless. Bernard Corfe, from Sheffield University, reviewed dozens of papers which scientists had tried to find a link between subjective ratings of appetite and subsequent calorie consumption

and found no clear relationship.

A test was carried out giving omega 3 to people and asked about their appetite and measured what they ate afterwards. The scientist found there was an impact on appetite but no change in energy intake.

Still they felt more research was needed and every paper on the subject published between 1999 and 2015 was looked at. In more than half there was no relationship between appetite scores and calorie intake and in many of the others it was marginal.

Resisting Colds & Flu On average, most adults catch two to five colds a year and children seven to ten. Flu and most colds are viral infections with about 200 forms of the cold virus, the flu is caused by a different group of viruses. Colds and flu cannot be treated with antibiotics so the best way is to strengthen your immune system and combat the symptoms. Foods

that contains zinc such as beef, pumpkin seeds, seafood as well as porridge, Manuka honey, dark chocolate and adding garlic and turmeric to curries all prevents a cold but also helps your body to fight them as well as drinking chamomile tea and herbal tea. You can also take Vitamin D tablets and foods rich in Vitamin C such as oranges, green peppers, strawberries, broccoli and potatoes or use an antiviral spray, which traps viruses.

Rose & Crown Inn Places still available for:

Christmas Party Menu £19.95pp Three courses + coffee & mince pie & Christmas Day £49.95pp* Three course + coffee, mince pie & liquor of your choice

Bradford Abbas, Nr Sherborne, DT9 6RF 01935 474506

* £15pp deosit on booking Full menus on:

www.roseandcrownbradfordabbas.weebly.com

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Art

by Rachel Mowbray

Local Theatre Box Office Contact Numbers: David Hall, South Petherton Octagon Theatre, Yeovil The Exchange, Sturminster Newton Ilminster Arts Centre Dillington House

01460 01935 01258 01460 01460

240340 422884 475137 54973 258648

Due to space restrictions we no longer list events which are fully booked.

VISUAL ART From Friday 25th November to the 23rd December at Jerram Gallery in Sherborne between 9.30am to 5.00pm they have their Christmas Exhibition with new work by 15 selected artists.

For more details call 01935 815261.

From now until Friday 23rd December at the Ilminster Arts Centre see ‘The Christmas Collection’. A cornucopia of hand-crafted gifts for the festive season, including ceramics, textiles, jewellery, accessories and decorative items such as glass and pictures. Featuring gifts for all ages, presents for children and items for even the hardest to buy for friend or relative! The only dilemma you will face is can you resist not wrapping it up and keeping it for yourself?

MUSIC Do not miss on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th November at 3.00pm at Cheap Street Church, Sherborne the 5th Latin American Music Festival. On Saturday there is a Piano Trio Recital with duo Terese Carreno and violinist Catrin Win Morgan who will performing works by Faure Turina and Haydn with Ana Laura Manero on piano and Arturo Serna on the cello. On the Sunday Wessex Strings are presenting a concert with soloists Katherine Hawnt on soprano and Valerie Tsoi on piano playing works by Albinoni, Purcell, Mozart, J.C Bach and Parry, with conductor Arturo Serna. Tickets £10, including tea and cakes, under 18’s free from Sherborne TIC (01935 815341) or on the

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door. The festival is supporting the HOPE for Children Foundation. For more details contact 07972 141911.

On Friday 2nd December from 7.30pm at Castle Cary Methodist Church music group ‘Mosaic’ will be presenting their third consecutive Christmas concert. Siona Stockel will again be joining regular members Maria Marton on soprano, Nicola Bracey on pianoon and Mark Tromans on clarinet. This year they will be presenting many new pieces, in a variety of combinations and styles. Composers will include Handel, Johan Strauss and John Rutter. There will also be seasonal readings. Tickets £9, under 16’s £6, family £25 available from Bailey Hill Bookshop. Alcohol-free punch and mince pies are included.

On Friday 2nd from 8.00pm enjoy the music of the Cornish Armada Band at the Ilminster Arts Centre. Roger Marks and his Cornish Armada jazz band have been together for more than 25 years, the band members coming from a variety of other orchestras, bands and groups local to the southwest.

The band is revered for the sheer musicianship of its players and over the years has developed a high reputation nationally. They play traditional jazz in a fine unrestricted style which has resulted in the high level of popularity which befits the quality of their music.

Tickets £14.

stirring and funny, mixing country-fried heartbreakers, belting anthems and foot stomping singalongs. With their third album ‘Westward Ho!’ (produced by Oysterband’s Al Scott) now released on the Union Music Store label, Police Dog Hogan look set for big things.

Tickets £16.

On Friday 9th and Saturday 10th at 8.00pm at the David Hall, South Petherton the St Agnes Fountain come together for their Christmas Tour to perform ‘rhythmed-up’ carols and Christmas music interspersed with laughter and spoken word.

Tickets £18.

Rodgers & Hammerstein are among several composers to be enjoyed at the Wincanton Choral Society Christmas Concert on Sunday, 11th at 7.30pm. The lively and varied programme, ‘From Noah to the Nativity’, features tunes, songs and carols the audience will know and love by Vaughn Williams, Bach, Horowitz and others. The Musical Director is Simon Twiselton and the soloists are Philip Smith (baritone) and Arturo Serna (cello), with Katrine Reimers as accompanist. There are 89 enthusiastic people in this community choir, the biggest in the area, who together make enough sound to fill the venue for this concert, Wincanton

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email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk

Saturday 10th Dec at 7.30pm St Michael's Church, Somerton Selected choruses from

HANDEL'S MESSIAH with carols for audience & choir seasonal readings candlelit procession Tickets £10 adults, £5 under 18s Available from Cobbs Wholefoods, Somerton by phone on 01458 274139 or at the door Sports Centre. Tickets £13.50 in advance up to 5th December via www.wincantonchoralsociet y.co.uk or £15 on the door (£6 for 18’s and under). Drinks are served in the interval. This promises to be a wonderful musical evening not to miss so get your tickets early.

On Friday 16th from 8.00pm at the Ilminster Arts Centre an impressive array of top UK talent will be paying tribute to Benny Goodman’s Small Groups. The many ‘Goodman’ hits were mainly with his big band, but this is a tribute to his small groups which featured the clarinet of Goodman, the vibraphone of Lionel Hampton, the guitar of Charlie Christian and the piano of Teddy Wilson.

Tickets £20.

On Saturday 17th from 8.00pm at the David Hall in South Petherton see ‘Belshazzar’s Feast’. On tour with a Christmas themed show that mixes traditional Folk music, seasonal material, added to their usual touch of classical and jazz, with a bit of pop and music hall, all topped off with lashings of wry humour. Paul Sartin (of Bellowhead and Faustus) and Paul Hutchinson (of Hoover The Dog) together wow audiences across the UK with their

On Saturday 3rd from 8.00pm at the David Hall in South Petherton see ‘Police Dog Hogan’. With eight members in the full line up and instruments including guitar, accordion, banjo, mandolin, fiddle and trumpet, they draw their influences from many different styles. You could call it Americana, Country-Folk, FolkPop or even Urban Bluegrass, but it is difficult to do justice to the sheer range of styles this band is willing to take on and transform. Their live shows are exuberant, accomplished,

To advertise – 01935 424724

Christmas Concert

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eclectic and eccentric mix of tunes and between songs chat that always sends audiences home with smiles on their faces.

Tickets £16.

The Barrelhouse Blues Orchestra will be performing at the Exchange on Friday 30th from 7.45pm. Blow away those Christmas blues and get ready for the New Year with some loud and exciting blues, rock & soul! Tickets will cost £15. Book your tickets now and make it a night to remember!

PERFORMANCE From Wednesday 30th November to Saturday 3rd December at 7.30pm at the Swan Theatre in Yeovil the Civic Players presents ‘Key For Two’ by Dave Freeman and John Chapman. Harriet, a

divorcee living in an elegant flat in Brighton, solves her financial problems by entertaining two married gentleman callers on different days of the week. The scheme faces collapse when her friend Anna, whose marriage is tottering, arrives at the flat hotly pursued by her husband. One of Harriet’s lovers is confined to her bed with a sprained ankle and the second lover turns up unexpectedly, closely followed by two irate wives in search of the itinerant husbands. The indescribable confusion that ensues builds to a rich complexity of mistaken identity, splendidly farcical situations and a climax of comic wizardry.

Tickets £9, students £8, Wednesday night offer – two tickets for £15, available from www.civicplayersyeovil.com or 01935 421772.

Peter Pan at The Octogon

The Octagon Theatre in Yeovil has joined forces with Evolution Productions to bring you the classic story of Peter Pan. The panto is written by Paul Hendy and brought to you by the same creative team behind last year’s smash hit, Sleeping Beauty.

With audience participation and spectacular special effects, this promises to be a spectacular pantomime. The production will feature a top quality cast including the welcome return of

Andrew Fettes, Lizzie Frances and Jack Glanville.

Someset’s Premier Theatre is excited to present another wonderful festive season which starts on Friday 2nd December through to Sunday 1st January 2017 for 53 fun filled performances.

Do not miss out! To book your tickets call the Box Office now on 01935 422884, book online at www.octagon-theatre.co.uk or pop into The Octagon Theatre.

Competition Win a Family ticket to see Peter Pan on New Year's Day 6.30pm Show By answering the following question:

Who wrote this pantomime?

Send your answer with address & your phone number by postcard to: The Conduit Magazine (address on page 3) or e-mail the answer to: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk

by Monday 19th December Good Luck.

On Thursday 1st December from 7.00pm at Charlton Horethorne Village Hall see ‘Red Hot Rhythms’. Son Yambu plays authentic Cuban songs, the intoxicating fusion of Spanish and African rhythms, that gave rise to salsa. Tickets £10 available from Derek Owens on 01963 220911 or from the Village Shop.

(See Village News for more details.)

On Friday 2nd December at 6.00pm at St Andrew’s Primary School, Yetminster the Norwich Puppet Theatre presents ‘The Tinderbox’ then on Saturday 3rd from 11.00am at the Village Hall in Sandford Orcas.

(See Village News for more details.)

Also on Saturday 3rd at 3.30pm at St Martin’s Church, North Perrott there is a Christmas Concert with the Parnham Voices. Songs both sacred and secular, ancient and modern and popular carols will be interspersed with seasonal readings. Tickets £8 includes food, 16-18 years £5, under 16’s free available from North Perrott Farm Shop or on 01460 72883 or 01460 76457.

(See Village News for more details.)

On Saturday 3rd from 7.30pm at the Exchange in Sturminster Newton see a unique version of ‘A Christmas Carol’. Like a coiled spring Howard Coggins waits in the wings, ready to take up the mantle and give the performance of his career as the mean Ebenezer Scrooge.

He has brought Stu Mcloughlin along for the ride to dress up, sing, dance and generally act like a complete idiot whilst playing all the other parts.

With silly songs, pitiful puppetry and more Dickensian daftness than you can shake a selection box at, Living Spit’s Christmas Carol promises to be a feast of festive foolery that you will never forget.

Tickets £10.

On Friday 16th from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil celebrate the festive season with your favourite Christmas songs and new ones to discover with The Octagon Choir, Castaways Theatre Group, Holy Trinity Primary School Choir and The Octagon Tappers.

Guaranteed to put you in the festive mood this concert will raise funds for The Foyer Club Charity and St Margaret’s Hospice.

Tickets from £10.

Go and enjoy the festive family classic ‘The Nutcracker’ this Christmas at the Exchange in Sturminster Newton on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th December. at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. LW Dance produces its first ever full length ballet following their sell out production in 2015.

Children from age 6-18 will be performing in the ballet, which tells the story of Clara, a little girl who receives a Nutcracker from her Uncle. It is based in wartime Britain following the story of one family at Christmas time. A brilliant opportunity for children to be introduced to ballet and a classic Christmas treat for families. Tickets £6.

On Tuesday 20th at the Exchange from 2.00pm see ‘Christmas Memories’. From the producers of 90 Glorious Years comes a brand new Christmas matinee nostalgia show. Join Neil Sands and his brilliant cast as they start Christmas in style with this delightful and unforgettable festive trip down memory lane.

We can all be dreaming of a ‘White Christmas’ and watching ‘Chestnuts roasting on an Open Fire’, as we sing along to all your festive favourites. This enchanting Christmas production is a truly wonderful mixture of all your favourite Christmas songs and carols, stunning costumes, lots of good old fashioned festive fun, and a unique atmosphere that will warm your heart on the coldest winters day. Tickets £10.

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FILM On Friday 2nd December at 8.00pm at the David Hall in South Petherton see the film ‘The Man Who Knew Infinity’. Set in Colonial India in 1913.

Srinavasa Ramanujan is a 25 year old shipping clerk and selftaught mathematical genius.

Determined to pursue his passion despite rejection and derision from his peers, Ramanujan writes a letter to G. H. Hardy, an eminent British mathematics professor at Trinity College, Cambridge. Hardy recognizes the originality and brilliance of Ramanujan’s raw talent and despite the scepticism of his colleagues, undertakes to bring him to Cambridge so that

his theories can be explored.

Leaving his young wife behind, he arrives in England where his race and culture arouse prejudice and hostility. Starring Dev Patel, Jeremy Irons, Stephen Fry, Toby Jones and Jeremy Northam. Tickets £5.

On Wednesday 14th at 7.30pm at the Digby Church Hall in Sherborne Sherborne Flicks presents ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ starring Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley. Tickets £6 from Sherborne Tourist Informaton Centre at 01935 815341 or on the door. (See Village News for write-up and more details.)

On Friday 16th from 8.00pm at the David Hall in South Petherton see ‘Love and Friendship’ starring Kate Beckinsale, Morfydd Clark, Xavier Samuel and Tom Bennett.

Beautiful young widow Lady Susan Vernon visits the estate of her in-laws to wait out the

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Call us now so you are ready for next month 01935 424724

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Abbey Bookshop Cheap Street Sherborne Wide selection of Magazines, Periodicals and DVDs in stock.

New Naxos Classical CDs

Have your daily paper delivered.

Ask in store for details.

01935 812367 colourful rumours about her dalliances which are circulating through polite society. Whilst ensconced there, she decides to secure a husband for herself and a future for her eligible but reluctant daughter, Frederica.

In doing so she attracts the simultaneous attentions of the young, handsome Reginald DeCourcy, the rich and silly Sir James Martin and the divinely handsome, but married, Lord Manwaring complicating matters severely. Based on the Jane Austen novella ‘Lady Susan’. Tickets £5.

OTHER Petherton Arts Trust is trying a new evening as a way of encouraging more local performers of all genres to come and perform on a professional stage and to attract more people in the audience. It is a great evening full of extraordinary skill, talent and variety and it does not cost the earth just £2 audience and £1 performers to cover the cost of heating and lighting the hall.

The next Performance Evening at the David Hall is on Sunday 18th December from 7.30pm.

On Saturday 31st from 8.30pm at The David Hall in South Petherton bring in 2017 in style with music and dance courtesy of Jigs for Gigs with caller Simon Maplesden. Their New Year’s Eve party/Ceilidh is now firmly established as one of the favourite nights of the year. A splendid time with great music, lots of dancing and a super buffet at a very reasonable price. All the family welcome.

Tickets £15 including buffet.

Please book by Thursday 29th.

ALSO SEE Village News

& Around The Towns & Villages

To advertise – 01935 424724

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Music Gigs All Music Gigs are free entry unless mentioned.

November 26th

‘The Defibrillators’, Rock, The Old Pound Inn, Langport, 8.30pm ‘The Painkillers’, Rock, The Globe Inn, Somerton, 9.00pm ‘Bad Edukation’, Classic Rock, The Royal Standard, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Tripod’, Rock Covers, The 94 Club, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Forever Free’ – Free & Bad Company Tribute Band, The Westminster, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Freak Circus’, Rock Covers & Original, The Beach Café Bar, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘Crimson On Silver’, Classic Rock, The Old Barn Club, Yeovil, 9.00pm ‘One Tree Hill’, Acoustic, Merriott Social Club, 9.00pm Chris Banderas, Classic Rock, The Swan Hotel, Crewkerne, 9.00pm John De Barra, Covers 60’s-present, The Crown Inn, Ilminster, 9.00pm ‘Daytona’, Rock/Pop, The Shrubbery Hotel, Ilminster, 9.00pm December 2nd

'Mr D'arcy', Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil, 9.15pm 'The Van Graham's, Covers, The Foresters Arms, East Coker, 9.30pm 'Bad Edukation', Classic Rock, Fleur de Lis, Stoke Sub Hamdon, 9.30pm 3rd 'Grouvecat', Acoustic Rock, White Hart Inn, Bishops Caundle, 8.00pm Jaz Devonshire, The George Hotel, Castle Cary, 8.30pm 'Sneakers', Rock. Yeovil Labour Club, 8.30pm 'Storm', Covers, The Beach Cafe Bar, Yeovil, 9.00pm 'Bad Edukation', Classic Rock, The Great Lyde, Yeovil, 9.00pm 'Lewis & the Sound of the Suburbs', Ska, The Black Horse Inn, Yeovil, 9.00pm 'The Perfect Strangers', Classic Rock, The 94 Club, Yeovil, 9.00pm 'D-State', Covers 70's-present, The Bell Inn, Yeovil, 9.00pm 'The Replicas', The Old Barn Club, Yeovil, 9.00pm 'Quo-No', Status Quo Tribute Band, The Foresters Arms, East Coker, 9.00pm 'The Lewis Creaven Band', Rock Covers & Original, The Foresters Arms, 4th East Coker, 3.30pm 9th 'Band Substance', Rock, White Hart, Sherborne, 9.00pm 10th 'The Rockin 60's, Rock, Yeovil Labour Club, 8.30pm Sean Flanagan, Solo guitarist, The George Hotel, Castle Cary, 8.30pm 'Rip It Up', Rock, The Tippling Philisopher, Milborne Port, 9.00pm '2 Foot Moose', Rock Covers & Original, The Beach Cafe Bar, Yeovil, 9.00pm 'Cellarats', The 94 Club, Yeovil, 9.00pm 'Powercut', Acoustic/Electric Rock/Pop, The Bell Inn, Yeovil, 9.00pm 'The Van Grahams', Covers, The Old Barn Club, Yeovil, 9.00pm 'Utter Chaos', Various Covers, The Working Mens Club, Stoke Sub Hamdon, 9.00pm 'Steve P', The Royal Oak, Crewkerne, 9.00pm 'Old Dogz New Trix', Rock/Blues/Pop, The Shrubbery Hotel, Ilminster, 9.00pm 16th 'Out of Order', The Old Barn Club, Yeovil, 2.30pm 'Elvis 56', Rock, Yeovil Labour Club, 7.30pm, £7 David 9 Lunas, Original Acoustic, The Gallery Bar, Castle Cary, 8.00pm 'Daytona', Rock/Pop, The Great Lyde, Yeovil, 9.00pm 'Midlife Crisis', Rock Covers, The Foresters Arms, East Coker, 9.00pm 'The Relics', Rock/Blues, The Royal Oak, Ilminster, 9.00pm 'Old Dogz New Trix', Rock/Blues/Pop, The Shrubbery Hotel, Ilminster, 9.00pm 17th 'Decibelles', Yeovil Labour Club, 8.30pm Una, Irish Folk, The George Hotel, Castle Cary, 8.30pm 'Bad Edukation', Classic Rock, Rose & Crown, Bradford Abbas, 9.00pm 'Sidekicks', 60's-90's Covers, Working Mens Club, Stoke Sub Hamdon, 9.00pm 'Rip It Up', Rock, The Rose & Crown, Martock, 9.00pm 'Grouvecat', Acoustic Rock, The Brewers Arms, South Petherton, 9.00pm 'The Renegades', Various Covers, Merriott Social Club, 9.00pm 'Nevertheless', Rock Covers, White Hart, Sherborne, 9.30pm 'Tom & the Clementines', The Old Barn Club, Yeovil, 9.30pm 18th 'Chill', 60's-90's, The Foresters Arms, East Coker, 3.30pm 21st Flatland Boogie Band, Blues Rock, The Crown Inn, Sherborne, 9.00pm 23rd 'Danny Adams', Original Acoustic & Covers, The Old Barn Club, Yeovil, 3.00pm 'Lewis & the Sound of the Suburbs, Ska, The Royal Marine, Yeovil, 7.00pm 'Wise Intentions', Covers, The Globe Inn, Somerton, 7.30pm Sam Jefferson, The Crown Inn, Sherborne, 9.00pm 'One Tree Hill', Acoustic, The Brewers Arms, South Petherton, 9.00pm 'Chill', 60's-90's Covers, The Royal Oak, Ilminster, 9.00pm 'Finian Mcgurk, Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil, 9.15pm 24th 'John De Barra', Cover 60's-present, The King William Inn, Crewkerne, 8.00pm 'We R 4', Pop/Rock/Acoustic, Yeovil Labour Club, 9.00pm 'Bad Edukation', Classic Rock, Half Moon Inn, Stoke Sub Hamdon, 9.00pm 'Chris Banderas', Classic Rock, The Swan Hotel, Crewkerne, 9.00pm 26th 'Chris Banderas', Classic Rock, The King William Inn, Crewkerne, 7.00pm 29th Ross Kirk, Rock Covers, Dolphin Hotel, Wincanton, 8.00pm 30th 'The Van Grahams', Covers, Fleur de Lis, Stoke Sub Hamdon, 9.30pm 31st 'Flatland Boogie Band', Blues Rock, The Old Barn Club, Yeovil, 8.00pm 'The Transitions', The Globe Inn, Somerton, 9.00pm 'Old Dogz New Trix', Rock/Blues/Pop, Yeovil Labour Club, 9.00pm 'Livewired', Rock Covers, The Bell Inn, Yeovil, 9.00pm 'John Swish', The Royal Oak, Crewkerne, 9.00pm 'The Defibrillators', Rock, The Langport Arms Hotel, Langport, 9.30pm If you would like to advertise your pub or club events here send in your details. This will also appear on our website. We can also put your event in bold and yellow to stand out. This is just £6 per event or free if you advertise with us! Call 01935 424724 or e-mail us.

email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk

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Health & Wellbeing

Pet Health

by Niki Cassar

Matt Saunders BVetMed MRCVS is a Director at the Newton-Clarke Partnership with surgeries in Yeovil and Sherborne

Common Emergencies n 5th November I presented a talk at Castle Gardens in Sherborne as part of their Pet Wellbeing Day. It was titled Common Emergencies, Toxins and Misconceptions. It generated lots of interesting discussion so over the next two months, I thought it would be a

O

Caring for the Carers at Christmas igures published in 2015 show there are 6.5 million people in the UK who are acting as unpaid carers and this continues to rise. Shockingly, the 2011 Census indicated that almost 178,000 under 18s have caring responsibilities, so current figures will undoubtedly be higher.

None of us begin our lives imagining that we will become a carer for a parent, spouse, partner or one of our own children. For some people, the role is one taken on gradually, as with elderly parents becoming frail or suffering from dementia. For others it can happen suddenly, even dramatically, as the result of a serious illness, accident or following the birth of a child with physical or mental health issues.

For carers, there is often little respite, with the person requiring care becoming increasingly dependent, to the point where a codependency exists and the carer feels guilty if they take time off, even briefly. They will find themselves in an apparently never-ending cycle of care, often twenty-four seven.

External support in the form of medical appointments and social services is almost exclusively centred around the person with the illness or disability and the carer finds themselves increasingly isolated and lonely.

Prior to the two World Wars, families mostly lived within the same communities and care was willingly shared. The big change in demographics and reduced size of families, with grown up children moving away to other parts of the UK and overseas, has had a huge impact on all family members, with increased reliance on friends and paid carers.

Often, the voluntary carer has to give up their job, resulting in a big

F

drop in income and further isolation, and as time goes on, the feelings of anger and resentment are likely to increase, in line with their mental and physical exhaustion. Guilt swiftly follows, as they will chide themselves harshly for feeling angry about being stuck in the unwelcome role of carer, and believe they are being selfish. They do not feel justified in asking for support, and so they will just ‘soldier on’ until they reach the point where they feel they cannot cope any more, and will seek help usually in the form of antidepressants from their GP. How many carers do you know?

Take a moment to consider this question carefully. The chances are that you know several. In fact, public holidays and even the summer holiday periods, can be the worst times of year for carers, as they perceive everyone around them having a wonderful time and feel even more lonely than usual. What could you do to help them in some way? Would you be willing to call someone, or drop by and offer some help and support, perhaps extend an invitation, or even just have a cup of tea with them? Your gesture, however small, might make a huge difference to that person’s day and give them a small but significant boost to carry on.

If you are a carer at the end of your tether, then please recognise that it really is OK to ask for help.

Hypnotherapy can assist you in neutralising those feelings of guilt and anger, so that you can take back control of your life. Please call Niki Cassar on 01963 371695 for a free, confidential chat. Quote ‘The Conduit’ for a £10 discount on your first session in Horsington (near Templecombe) or The Sherborne Rooms in Sherborne.

good idea to cover these topics starting with common emergencies.

Every veterinary surgery has to provide an out of hours emergency service and as we cover this service ourselves, it forms a big part of our working life and gives pet owners invaluable peace of mind when the surgery is closed. So what is actually a veterinary emergency? This will vary from one vet to another and between different pet owners.

Trying to decide what constitutes an emergency is sometimes more than half the battle.

The following examples are typical veterinary emergencies either that we see or should certainly be considered emergencies and warrant a call to the emergency vet: Any significant blood loss is an emergency. If you have to ask yourself “is this amount of blood loss significant?” The answer is yes, it is! Small dogs and cats especially do not need to lose very much blood to lower their total blood volume to dangerously low

levels.

Road traffic accidents are obvious emergencies and even if it is just a glancing blow and your pet looks ok, be aware that internal injuries could still be present and bleeding into the lungs for example may not become obvious for several hours.

Any sign of respiratory distress; any increase in respiratory rate or effort, from deep heavy breathing to short shallow breathing is an indication for urgent veterinary treatment. Breathing problems can suggest lung or heart problems and can progress rapidly.

Acute vomiting and diarrhoea can not only lead to dehydration but vomiting especially can be a symptom of a more serious underlying illness or even gastro-intestinal obstruction.

In large deep chested dogs, unproductive attempts at vomiting (usually with abdominal bloating) are a classic symptom of a twisted stomach, and without doubt an emergency.

Straining to frequently pass small amounts of urine (cystitis) may be uncomfortable and warrant pain relief but is not life-threatening. However, in male cats (and less commonly male dogs) urinary obstruction can occur and is life threatening. It is not only extremely painful but can lead to acute kidney failure and even cause high potassium levels in the blood potentially triggering sudden heart failure.

These are some of the more common emergencies I think we, as pet owners, should be aware of but there are many other situations that require outof-hours attention. Another group of emergencies are toxin ingestions and poisonings but we will cover these in next months article.

If you as pet owners have an emergency or have any concerns what so ever, help is always at the end of the telephone.

www.newtonclarkevet.com

Remember to tell advertisers you saw it in The Conduit Magazine!

37

Sport

by Gary Shackle, Sherborne Sports Centre Manager

Watch those Christmas Caleries... o as I am writing this article, I realise that there are only 34 days until Christmas Day. For most of us it is a time to let our hair down, but for others who struggle all year round with their weight, it can be a real challenge.

I am not writing this to scare monger people or make them dread the whole period.

It is purely to give some unbiased information, which you can take or leave.

The average British person is said to consume 7,000 calories on Christmas Day (with your daily allowance already consumed by the main lunchtime meal). New research reveals that we eat more than anyone else in Europe for our main Christmas meal…..second only to the USA. Despite the healthy turkey, a full Christmas lunch with all the trimmings is equivalent to 1,450 calories and with pudding added ie custard and brandy butter (+ another 1,174 calories). Although this a lot, it is the endless supply of chocolates, snacks, mince pies and festive drinks that really has an impact on your Christmas weight battle. Two mince pies - 450 calories, a handful of nuts - 240 calories, cheese and biscuits – 500 calories, a pint of strength beer215 calories etc, etc….

With some careful preparation in the run up to Christmas, it is easy to change your eating habits and by paying attention to yourselves through a combination of a balanced diet and exercise, you will be able to get through the Christmas period relatively unscathed. Low fat

S

cookies, macaroons, homemade rice crispies and raw veggies are all great alternatives when you feel like picking and then a brisk walk around the block will burn off another 200 or 300 hundred

calories- depending on your weight and walking pace.

So it only remains for the team and me to wish you all a very Happy Christmas. The key to it all is moderation, but I guess we all know that and for most people it is just trying to find ways to meet that moderation. Good Luck!

Job Opportunities: Part Time Advertising Sales Person required for this Magazine

Sales Partner Required

Sales person needed to sell advertising space. with drive Previous sales experience required. We are a and enthusiasm friendly team and this would suit anyone who for new likes talking to people, is organised and wants to Food Marketing earn extra income. Car essential but mainly Initiative working from home. There is good commission In the first for the right person. instance contact: Send your CV to: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk or phone 01935 424724

38

To advertise – 01935 424724

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Motoring Miss Daisy Companion Driving Service Becoming socially isolated and house-bound can be measured in the distance from someone’s front door to the taxi waiting at the gate. Fear of falling, not being particularly mobile, maybe restricted sight or hard of hearing, are common reasons why people stop going outside of their front door. This can affect confidence and from there it is a short step to becoming isolated.

This is a situation Miss Daisy come across daily and it is something they want to help eradicate. Driving Miss Daisy makes living life to the best of a person’s ability, possible and just as important, they make it fun!

This month they have taken people to doctors, hairdressers, dentists, the hospital, the shops, the pub, out to lunch, took a pet to the vet, visited Sherborne garden centre and airport runs. They have also accompanied people to appointments, helped with shopping and spent companionable time with people inside their own home.

Driving Miss Daisy provides a trusted service; we are licensed, first aid trained, dementia friends (Alzheimer’s Society), police checked, use liveried cars (very noticeable!), uniformed ‘Daisies’ and are always there with a reassuring smile.

If there is a journey; a journey with several stops, Welding - Diagnostics - Air Condition an outing or simply Tyres - Brakes - Exhausts - Clutches companionship in the home, this company is there for you. Driving Miss Daisy Yeovil operates throughout Yeovil, Sherborne and surrounding areas. Please call Sherborne Road, Milborne Port, Client Services Nr Sherborne, DT9 5AU Centre (Port Solent) on 0333 014 6211. www.crackmoregarage.com

email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk

01963 251221

MOT's £35 AIR CONDITIONING £35

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Bargain Hunters Corner Free Private Sales – Got something to sell – then let us know!

If you have something to sell send details in the post, e-mail us at info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk or call 01935 424724. Also see Private Antique Sales.

This section is free of charge, however, does have some restrictions. You must be a private seller and the item cannot be valued over £200. Alternatively you can advertise items over £200 in a box for just £6 or via our Antique & Collecting section.

The Conduit Magazine reserves the right to decline unsuitable items.

Home & Garden Chainsaw Stihl MS210C. Very low mileage, original chain, easy start. In good order. £160. 01305 814050 (Weymouth) Log Hoop in Black Wrought Iron approx 58cm (23”) diameter – an attractive way to store logs by the fireside. Folds flat for storage. Little used £30. 01460 240268 Cream Filing cabinet with dividers & three drawers. Home use. Excellent condition. £45. 01935 850647 Two 2-seater settees. Excellent condition, grey/brown colour. £175 o.n.o. Absolute bargain!

01935 815667 Reproduction glass fronted bookcase.

W 1.50m x H 1.20m x D 0.30m. £75 ono. Must collect from Bradford Abbas. 01935 413119 /07554 271272 Glass top coffee table approximately 80cm square, iron base. £50 ono.

01935 413119/07554 271272 Howdens Intergrated Fridge/Freezer, (H) 177cm (W) 54cm (D) 54cm. Frost free, A+ Rated. Nearly new! £130.

01935 472533 or 07586292500 Howdens Intergrated Larder Fridge, Adjustable height. W 60cm x D 54.5cm. Auto Defrost, A+ Rated, Nearly New! £100. 01935 472533 or 07586292500 Howdens Intergrated Washer & Dryer (H) 82cm (W) 59.5cm (D) 56cm.

7kg Drum, A Rated. Nearly new! £140. 01935 472533 or 07586292500

3 x 2kw electric fan heaters. £5 each. 01935 829137 Round Table. 122cm black finish with single pedestal. Glass topper optional for protection.

Excellent condition. 07860 237252 Single Divan Bed with bronze coloured metal headboard & 2 draws + Myers mattress with 800 pocket springs. £199. 01935 474221

Gents 3/4 length 44" sheep skin coat. £30. 01963 34397

Non motorised treadmill, hardly used. £25. 07443 857764

Flying Jacket. Dark brown with fur lining XL. £75. 01935 815515

Drainage rods. £10. 01823 333369

BOSCH Corded Garden Vacuum used twice. £45. 01963 34397

Pair of black leather car seat covers £7.50 for pair. 01935 829137

Small foldable plastic greenhouse. £10. 01823 333369

Large Wooden Pallets. For compost box, furniture or firewood! Solid wood. Bargain at £3 each.

01935 424724

Wedgewood Jasperware blue dishes in original boxes. Fluted small tray (J102 4014) £10; Heart shaped trinket dish. £6. 01935 421389 Double airsprung mattress (non turning) & an open coil double metal bed frame. Both v.g.c. £85 for both.

01458 252003 Le Creuset orange saucepan set. 16", 18" & 20" with lips and lids & wooden handles. As new. £120 ono. 01458 252003 Bunded Oil Storage Tank 1200L g.c.

New £1000 asking £450.

01935 410486/0797 5528863

Armchair Hebden Recliner in black PU leather - 3 months old in new condition. Cost £245. Unexpected posting abroad. £100.

01935 817815

Garden Shredder - ALCO H2200RS. Little use, surplus to requirement. £20.

01935 851870

Aerobed luxury inflatable deep raised single mattress with electric pump - 3 months old in new condition - used once. Unexpected job posting abroad. £90. 01935 817815

Single Divan Bed with bronze coloured metal headboard & 2 draws + Myers mattress with 800 pocket springs. £199. 01935 474221

4 Volvo winter wheels/tyres (16”). £80. 07836 246678 or 01935 816802

Garage Door. Up & Over 7' x 7'. £100. 01823 333369

Horse brasses. £4 each or 3 for £10.

01935 421389

Christmas Tree. 4' silver artificial with decorations. £5. 01935 421389

Embroidery/tapestry frame. Can be free-standing and will take canvas up to 66cms wide. £25 ono.

01935 813842

2 gents shower proof winter coats 46" chest. £7.50 each.

01935 829137

Parker Knoll pale green draylon chair, e.c. £50. 01963 440265

Two Bathroom cabinets. As new. £7 each. 01823 333369

Sports & Leisure

Dog guard for Freeland Mark 1 car. g.c. £20. 01935 706058

Lace making equipment inc pillows, threads, bobbins old & new, magnifier, thread winder & more. £175 the lot or will separate.

01963 220943

8 Babycham glasses. £10.

01935 429641

Smoke alarm. £5. 01935 829137

Beannie Babies. Selection of 20. £5 each ono. 01935 429641

Ladies faux leather black biker jacket, M&S Limited Edition, size 10. As new, never worn. £20.

01935 426197

Large 2 seater sofa in A1 condition, with thick feather cushions, recently recovered in expensive warm beige fabric. £185. Photos available.

Buyer collects Horsington.

01963 371695

Bendix BTD BTD 03 Tumble Drier, White, Reverse Action, 5Kg Load, 2 Temps. H: 85 x W: 60 x D: 57cms. £40; Bendix BIW 105W Washing Machine, White, 1000 RPM, Auto Wash. H: 85 x W: 60 x D: 60cms. £40. Both in good working order. £70 for both. 01935 881982 or 07930848739

ZANUSSI Electric Ceramic Cooker.

Black. Double Oven, main with fan, Second with grill. 4 x Ceramic plates.

Size: 900 x 600 x 600mm. Absolute minimal use. £150. 01935 881982 or 07930 848739

Nappy changing collapsible table. £5. Baby Nappy Safe dispenser. £8. 01935 421389

Pair of Wrought Iron Gates 4'4" w x 3'8" h. £40. 01823 333369

TEFAL 8 in 1 electric cooker with 8 programmes. Only 3 months old & little used. £30. 01935 817815 Bang & Olsen TV, analogue with a couple of digi-boxes & remote.

Classic quality - stopped working when moved home recently - so spares or repair. A bargain £20.

01300 341637

Cycle Rack for car boot with fittings.

Hardly used. £50 ono.

01935 413554 Snooker Cue. Golden Jubilee one piece. Metal case and lock. £15.

01935 815515 Teak Patio and 4 chairs £60; 4 green chair pads £10; green umbrella £10; steamer chair £20. 07836 246678 or 01935 816802 Golf Balls. Maxfli MD90 Max distance 3 new golf balls + pack of Arnold Palmer Training balls + odd golf balls, score counter and 3 packs of tees. Bargain for £10 the lot.

01935 421389 Black Hill-Billy Golf bag as new.

Cost £99. £45. 01963 34397 Adidas black ruck sack. £5 01935 829137 Artist easel, wooden for painting or display. £15 ono. 01935 424724 Wine making equipment. Lever corking machine, recipe books, gravity tub, fermenting locks, corks, demijohns, etc. Various prices or £25 the lot. 01935 421389

Gents quality trousers - waist 43", leg 31" £7.50; quality suits - waist 43", chest 44-46" £15; 3/4 Jackets - chest 44"-46" £6. 01935 815515

Free Items Cardboard Boxes. Suitable for packing and storage.

01935 424724 Double mattress, coil-sprung, 130 cms wide - barely used/as new/perfect condition 01935 863450

GUNS WANTED

By Registered Firearms Dealer Rifles - Shotguns Air Rifles - Air Pistols Any condition. We collect in any area

07970 742471

Wine Press 5 litres. White metal. g.w.o. £30 ono. 01935 421389 Puch Ladies Bike. £40.

01823 333369 Patio wooden table & 4 chairs.

Hardly used. £50 o.n.o.

01935 413554 2 inner tubes for ride on mover or wheelbarrow tyres 4.10/3.50-5 tube.

Never used as sent in error. £8 ono. 01935 424724

Baby Care & Toys

Miscellaneous

Pram & Cot. Britax. Blue floral print. £10. 01935 421389

Dog guard suitable for small/medium dog. H 26" extends to 43". As new. £15. 01935 432688

Remember to tell advertisers you saw it in The Conduit Magazine!

JANUARY SMALL AD DEADLINE THURSDAY 8th DECEMBER

39

Bellissima

WE HAVE MOVED AND ARE NOW NEXT TO WAITROSE

17 Cheap Street, Sherborne tel: 01935 813812 email: jane@bellissimalingerie.com To advertise – 01935 424724

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