Conduit January 2019

Magazine INSIDE EVENTS ARTS

FOOD & DRINK

HEALTHY EATING

... AND COMPETITIONS

WASSAILING WITH THE STAG’S HEAD INN, YARLINGTON Issue 215 January 2019

(FRIDAY, 11TH JANUARY)

TURN TO P4 TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED AND CHECK OUT WHAT THE PUB HAS PLANNED FOR NEW YEAR

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From the Editor It is always a little strange writing this part of the January magazine because an early deadline means Christmas has not yet been and gone, and yet when most of you read this the New Year will be

EDITOR Jane Adkins

looming large and Christmas festivities a hazy memory as we start to think about how to tackle the year ahead. And what a year it looks set to be as the country is poised to move forward into who knows what scenario.

One thing you can depend on is our mission at The Conduit to bring you news and information on all the exciting events, films, music gigs, fairs and festivals happening across West Dorset and South Somerset. What’s more they come packaged up with a mix of interesting articles on subjects ranging from antiquities to health and wellbeing, book reviews to wine and more than a healthy serving of food and drink – although if you are thinking of eating more healthily this winter, read the excellent article from the Stag’s Head Inn or try the Eastbury’s Seasons recipe on that very subject. Happy 2019

ASSISTANT EDITOR Lauren Hill

– whatever it brings!

Contents

FEBRUARY DEADLINES News and Articles: FRIDAY, 11 January Advertisements: MONDAY, 14 January

WHAT’S ON

FOOD & DRINK

Find out what’s going on in your area.

Read The Conduit’s definitive guide to what’s on in your town or village. p4

GARDENING Cheer up and admire the snowdrops! p13

BOOKS p25

Do you want to embrace the Green Roasting Tin or will it leave you Speechless?

ARTS

All the news from the Arts and Music scene p20

Why drinking wine is good for you and looking at eating more healthily in 2019

p27

MOVIES

The lowdown on films showing near you p22

HEALTH & WELLBEING

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

Make changes that are here to stay! p31

Tel: 01935 478100 walterwallyeovil@hotmail.co.uk

FASHION

A New Year – A New You! p19

Visit our website for more Events, Services and Classifieds www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk Wyvern Buildings, North Street, Milborne Port DT9 5EP | 01935 424724 | info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk © The publisher is The Conduit Magazine Limited. The layout, format, design and all other aspects of this magazine are an original idea and therefore copyright of the publisher. No part of the contents may be reproduced in whole or in part without prior permission in writing. Whilst every care is taken in compiling the contents of this magazine, the proprietor assumes no responsibility for mistakes and omissions. The views of our contributors is not necessarily the view of the publisher.

3

GREAT EVENTS FOR 2018/2019

WASSAILING WITH THE STAG’S HEAD INN, YARLINGTON On the evening of Friday 11th January the Yarlington community, in collaboration with the Stag’s Head Inn, will be reviving the traditional folk custom of wassailing Yarlington’s fruit trees.

The wassailing ceremony begins just before dark, with people congregating at the Stag’s Head to sample the wassailing cup. Did you know Yarlington has its own special recipe hot, spiced cider? A procession led by the Wassail King or Queen who ceremonially bears the Wassail Bowl, followed by people armed with sticks, tins and drums will make its way to the local orchard, where the oldest, most venerable tree is surrounded.

The old tree is serenaded with chants, songs and rhymes and is then beaten around the trunk with sticks, to begin the process of awakening the tree and to encourage the sap to start flowing. This is accompanied by much shouting and noise, to wake the tree up as well as frightening away any evil spirits!

Pieces of cider-soaked toast are then placed in the boughs and hollows of the tree, with the remainder of the cup being poured around the trunk, accompanied by singing. Yarlington has its own traditional Wassailing Carol, with everyone encouraged to join in with singing this and other boisterous wassailing songs!

Once the ceremony is over the procession will make its way back to the pub, where a special Wassail Supper will be available. This will consist of Somerset Pork and Cider Sausages, with Garlic Mash, Seasonal Greens and Honey and Cider Jus, followed by Somerset Cider Brandy Apple Crumble with Proper Custard, and a child-friendly version available at half-price.

Hot Spiced Cider and Apple juice will be available to purchase both at the Stag’s Head throughout the evening as well as at the orchard.

All profits from the sales of Hot Spiced Cider, Apple Juice and the Wassail Supper will be donated to St Margaret’s Hospice.

So come along to the Stag’s Head Inn on Friday 11th January, 5:30pm onwards, to join in the celebration of this wonderful local tradition!

WHAT’S ON

Fleetwood Bac Celebrating the music of Fleetwood Mac Saturday 19 January 7.30pm, Tickets £16

The Zoots The 80’s Show It’s the Eighties show you Just Can’t Get Enough of!

Friday 1 March 7.30pm, Tickets £17

ELO Again Return To The Blue Tour Saturday 2 February 7.30pm, Tickets £20

Georgie Fame With a selection of music alongside anecdotes and stories from his astonishing career Friday 8 March 7.30pm, Tickets £19.50

Mari Wilson Mari had six hit singles, including hit ’Just What I Always Wanted’ Friday 8 February 8pm, Tickets £17

Altered Images Featuring Clare Grogan & band, ‘Happy Birthday’ ‘Don’t Talk To Me About Love’ and more Friday 23 March 7.30pm Tickets £22.50 Early bird offer £21 until 31.1.19 Lucy Worsley ‘Queen Victoria – Daughter, Wife, Mother and Widow’ Wednesday 29 May 7.30pm Tickets £20

iving Spit – The Giants L of Science Living Spit know nothing about science – but this might be…Scien-triffic!

Saturday 23 February 7.30pm, Tickets £14/£13

Old Market Hill, Sturminster Newton DT10 1FH Tel: 01258 475137 Web: www.stur-exchange.co.uk Email: stur-exchange.co.uk Follow us online: www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

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5

What’s On WHAT’S ON

Contact: Lauren Hill

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E: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk

@conduitmag

Market If you have been diagnosed with an Asbestos illness you may wish to speak with one of our Specialist Solicitors.

You may have been exposed to asbestos dust decades ago and you will not even know this as the dust comprises of invisible microscopic fibres. If you have been diagnosed with or have lost a loved one from:

ASSOCIATION OF PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS

Helen has specialist Asbestos Disease Accreditation and would urge people to always look out for this when instructing a specialist solicitor as these cases are highly sensitive and need to be dealt with quickly, compassionately and in accordance with a strict protocol.

Accredited Asbestos Disease Specialist

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 31 January between 11.30 a.m to 1.30 pm for a free consultation If earlier appointment required please call our helpline.

Coffee Morning LONG SUTTON On Saturday 5 January from 10.30pm to 12.00 noon at the Holy Trinity Church there is a Coffee Morning. In aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

QUEEN CAMEL On Saturday 12 January from 10.00am to 11.30am at the Queen Camel Bowls Club there is a Coffee Morning. All welcome.

SOUTH PETHERTON On Wednesday 30 January from 10.00am to 12.00 noon at the David Hall there is a Coffee Morning. Free entry.

6

Food YEOVIL On Thursday 17 January at the Emporium Cafe in Yeovil from 7.00pm there is a Vegan Tasting Evening.

The chef is planning on hosting a variety of dishes. All for £12.95. Booking essential. Bar available. For more information phone 01935 411378.

On Thursday 31 January at the Emporium in Yeovil Bearcat Collective help host a Secret Supper. For more information phone 01935 411378.

CASTLE CARY Every Tuesday at the Market House from 8.30am to 2.00pm there is a weekly market. Fruit, vegetables, bread, fish, cheese, preserves, baked goods, gluten free options, season plants and other giftware available.

MARTOCK On Saturday 12 January from 10.00am to 1.00pm at Moorlands Shopping Precinct it is the Monthly Farmers’ Market.

This month they will be selling everything from cauliflowers to carrots and an increasing amount of gluten free foods on a new stall by Vanessa. For more information or to book a table phone 01935 822202.

SOMERTON On Friday 4 January from 9.00am to 2.00pm at the Market Place it is the Monthly Market.

Quiz YETMINSTER On Wednesday 26 December at the White Hart from 7.00pm there is a Boxing Day Quiz. Teams of up to six people. £5 per person, includes a selection of nibbles per team. Families welcome.

Booking essential. On Saturday 12 January from 8.00pm at the White Hart a new monthly Saturday Night Quiz starts.

Teams up to six people. Entry £5 per person, includes snack meal.

Social DITCHEAT On Monday 31 December at the Ditcheat Jubilee Hall from 7.00pm it is the Barn Dancing group New Year’s Eve Dance. An opportunity to see what is on offer for when the group meets every second Friday of the month. Tickets £8, bring and share supper, available from 01749 672911.

MARTOCK On Saturday 29 December from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at the Parish Hall go along to Merry Martock. Join for a cuppa, cake and company.

Transport may be available if required. To book phone 01935 822891.

NORTH CADBURY On Saturday 19 January from 6.00pm at the Catash Inn there is a North Cadbury Charity Wassail hosted by the Rotary Club of Brue Valley Trust. Wassail queen, morris dancing, music, raffle, apple juice and mulled cider and more. Two course meal for £12, children half price, vegetarian option available. Booking essential on 01963 441531. Free entry.

SHERBORNE Every Tuesday from 10.00am to 12.00 noon at the Camelot Room, Village Hall join them for Art For Memory. This group is for people experiencing mild to moderate memory loss. Free entry. Funded by the National Lottery. Organised by ArtsLink Fizz. For more information phone 01935 815899. On Friday 25 January from 7.00pm at the Digby Memorial Church Hall the Friends of the Yeatman Hospital will be hosting a Fabulous Supper Quiz Night.

For more information visit www. friendsoftheyeatman.org.uk Every Thursday from 2.30pm to 4.00pm at Tinney’s Lane Youth and Community Centre join in with Parkinson’s Dance.

Dance movement class for people with their partners or carers who are experiencing the challenges of living with Parkinson’s, including those who think they have two left feet! Funded by the National Lottery. Organised by ArtsLink Fizz. Free entry. For more information phone 01935 815899.

SOMERTON On Thursday 27 December from the Sports Club at 11.30am there is a Short Health Walk. Tea and coffee on return. For more information phone 01458 274631. On Monday 31 December from 8.00pm at the Sports Club there is an New Years Eve Party with live music from Duo 142. Tickets from 01458 273808.

WHAT’S ON

LOW MA

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DITED ACCR E PROFESSIONAL

INSTALLATION

YARLINGTON On Monday 31 December from 7.30pm at the Stags Head Inn it is a Café de Paris themed New Years Eve Party. Bubbles on arrival, three course celebration dinner, music, dancing and fireworks at midnight. Tickets £27.50 per person, 50% deposit required

by Friday 28 December. For more information phone 01963 440393.

YEOVIL Every Tuesday from 7.00pm to 8.30pm at Westlands Sports Centre Yeovil Table Tennis Club have a social Table Tennis Evening. Play for fun, no need to sign up. Opportunities to join the club and play competitively if desired. Entry £4. Whist Drive every Saturday at the Holy Trinity Church Hall at 7.30pm. Enquiries 01935 862325.

YETMINSTER On Monday 31 December from 7.00pm at the

White Hart there is a New Years Eve Party with a pirate theme.

WINCANTON On Saturday 5 from 9.00am to 5.00pm, Thursday 10 and Thursday 24 from 4.00pm to 9.30pm and Saturday 26 January from 9.00am to 5.00pm The Club at Holbrook in Wincanton have their open days. Try the gym and pool for free and make the most of their special January membership offers.

Sales Free initial consultation

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SHERBORNE On Thursday 27 December from 9.00am Marsh’s in Sherborne sale starts. Great savings in store and online. For more information phone 01935 389665.

On Thursday 27 December Melbury Gallery in Sherborne starts their sale from 10.00am.

Great reductions of their winter line including top brands.

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DORSET RAMBLERS

WHY NOT TRY A WALK WITH THE DORSET RAMBLERS THIS MONTH? Jan 6th at Stoborough Jan 13th at Fiddleford Jan 20th at Spettisbury On Jan 27th at Melbury Hill & the enchanting Fontmell Down.

For details: www.dorsetramblers.co.uk or email jenny.newman@zen.co.uk.

Talks CASTLE CARY On Tuesday 15 January from 11.00am at Caryford Hall the Arts Society ‘Cannibals in Art - Myth or Realism’ with Louise Schofield.

For more information phone 01963 350132. Entry £6. On Sunday 27 January from 4.00pm at Caryford Hall there is a talk called ‘The Castles of Castle Cary, and their place in English History’ with historian Chris Culpin. He will draw on local and national history to explore not one but two castles in the town. Chris’ talk will put Cary’s castles into the context of their times, exploring what they looked like, who ordered them

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7

WHAT’S ON

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

to be built, what were they like to live in and what happened to them. Chris is a former Deputy President of the Historical Association, textbook author, and took part in the writing of two National Curricula for History. He is currently chair of governors at Ansford Academy. Tickets £5 from Bailey Hill Bookshop or on the door. Profits go to Castle Cary Museum.

CERNE ABBAS On Tuesday 15 January from 7.30pm at the Cerne Abbas Village Hall the Society for Horticulture have their AGM. On Thursday 24 January from 7.30pm at the Cerne Abbas Village Hall the Historical Society have their AGM. CORTON DENHAM On Wednesday 16 January from 7.30pm at Corton Denham Village Hall the Gardening Society have a talk called ‘Pollination of Flowers’ by Dr Anne Bebbington.

EAST COKER On Thursday 10 January from 7.30pm at East Coker Village Hall the Gardening Club have a talk called ‘From Seed to Fork’ with Greg Morter.

Visitors £3. For more information phone 01935 862447.

EVERSHOT On Friday 18 January from 7.30pm at the George Albert Hotel go along to ‘An Evening with Ian Botham and Geoff Miller’.

Meet the legend have a photo and signature. Memorabilia auction and two course meal and after dinner speech.

Tickets £50, £25 for under 16’s. For more information phone 01935 483430.

HENSTRIDGE On Tuesday 8 January from 2.30pm at Henstridge Village Hall the 8

Blackmore Vale U3A have a talk and AGM. Short AGM, and then Brian Anderson will talk about ‘The Prince and Princess of Wales: My Time as an Equerry’. Visitors £2.50, includes refreshments.

ILMINSTER On Friday 25 January from 7.30pm at the Parish Hall the Somerset Wildlife Trust have a talk called ‘Wildlife Photography Around Ilminster and Neighbouring Counties’. An opportunity to enjoy wildlife and its behaviour in the countryside as seen through the camera of published local photographer Robin Morrison. Wildlife is often fascinating, occasionally funny, sometimes sad but always rewarding and, as Robin reminds us, is there for us all to see with a little patience. Sales table.

Refreshments available. Nonmembers £3.50.

LONG SUTTON On Wednesday 9 January from 7.30pm at Long Sutton Village Hall the Gardening Club are meeting. Visitors £1. From Tuesday 29 January at the Village Hall from 7.30pm at the WEA start a six week course called ‘An Introduction to Ancient Egypt’ with John Billman.

This course aims to introduce the history, religion, daily life, monumental architecture and writings of the ancient Egyptians, to explore the fundamentals of their history and society and discover why their civilization was so successful. No previous

knowledge of the subject is necessary. Enrol on 0300 303 3464. For more information email wealongsutton@gmail.com MARTOCK On Wednesday 16 January from 2.00pm at the Pavilion, Martock Recreation Ground the WI have a talk by David Mountstephen of Yandles.

Visitors welcome. For more information phone 01935 508265.

On Tuesday 22 January from 7.30pm at Martock Primary School the Local History Group have a talk on ‘Montacute House’ by Brenda Webb. The most famous Hamstone house in the world, built to thrill the visitor over 400 years ago and still doing that today. Admission £3. For more information phone 01935 822202.

MERRIOTT On Tuesday 29 January at the Tithe Barn from 7.30pm the Gardening Club have a talk called ‘Herbaceous Plants’ with David Usher. David was Head Gardener at Hestercombe Gardens responsible for the restoration, development and care of the Jekyll Garden - this should be informative and interesting. Refreshments and raffle. Non members £2. For more information phone 01460 72298.

NORTON SUB HAMDON On Wednesday 16 January from 7.30pm at Norton Sub Hamdon Village Hall the Crewkerne and District Astronomical Society have a talk called ‘Lunar Geology from the Safety of Your Own Home’ with Barry FitzGerald. Refreshments

available. Visitors £2, under 16’s free. Annual membership £18.

OVER STRATTON On Monday 21 January from 7.30pm at Over Stratton Village Hall the Gardening Club have a talk called ‘Images of Garden Visits’

by Liz Randall. Visitors £3.

SEAVINGTON On Thursday 10 January from 7.30pm at the Millennium Hall the Gardening Club have a talk on ‘The Bishop’s Palace, Wells’ by James Cross, the Head Gardener at The Bishop’s Palace. Visitors £2 on the door. For more information phone 01460 249728.

SHERBORNE On Saturday 5 January from 2.30pm at Digby Hall the Blackmore Vale and Yeovil National Trust Association presents a talk called ‘Brunel’s Ships’ by Philip Unwin. Philip’s talk covers Brunel’s three ships, the Great Western, Great Britain and Great Eastern. After dealing relatively briefly with the first two ships, he coversin more detail the construction and life of Brunel’s leviathan, the SS Great Eastern, and her management and mismanagement. Entry £3.

For more information phone 01935 462781. On Thursday 10 January from 8.00pm at the Digby Hall the Historical Society have a talk called ‘The Titanic – Dispelling the Myths’.

Tim Maltin charts the history of the Titanic and the tragic events of 15 April 1912, dispelling a number of myths along the way.

Non-members £5. On Monday 10 January from 2.30pm at

WHAT’S ON

Potato Days 2019 Coming soon to a venue near you!

‘Grow Your Own and Seed Potato’ days Full Listing at:

www.potato-days.net

The Walled Garden, East Pennard, Somerset BA4 6TP

www.pennardplants.com

the Digby Hall the Gardeners’ Association have a talk called ‘Low Maintenance Gardening’ with a speaker from Castle Gardens. Visitors £2. For more information phone 01935 389375.

On Wednesday 16 January from 7.00pm at Digby Memorial Church Hall the Dorset Wildlife Trust have talk called ‘The Wildlife of a Working Forest’ by Mike Read. Mike regards the New Forest as his ‘local patch’ as he lives on the edge of this unique location. It is Britain’s smallest National Park and is under pressure from the huge number of annual visitors. Entry £2.50. Refreshments available.

On Friday 18 January at the Digby Memorial Hall from 7.00pm the Sherborne Literary Society host a talk called ‘The Pevsner Buildings of Dorset’ with Michael Hill.

Refreshments available. Non members £10. On Thursday 24 January from 8.00pm at the Digby Hall the Historical Society have a talk called ‘Exeter Cathedral – the Early Years’. Prof Sarah Hamilton examines the history of Exeter Cathedral up to the end of the 12th century. What did Exeter’s churchmen know about the history of their see and its place in the wider world? Non members £5. On Thursday 24 January from 7.00pm at Catholic Church Hall the Floral Group have a demonstration called ‘The World’s Your Oyster’ with Amy Shakeshaft. For more information phone 01935 813316.

SOMERTON On Tuesday 8 January from 7.30pm at the Parish Rooms in Somerton the Somerset Wildlife Trust have an illustrated talk called ‘Hummingbirds’ by Rob Williams.

The world’s smallest birds, the only birds that fly backwards, and a bird found only in the Americas. Rob will examine hummingbird evolution, diversity, and ecology, exploring their relationship with the many plants with which they have coevolved.

Non members £4. On Monday 28 January from 7.30pm at the Parish Rooms the Green Gardeners have a talk about vertical planting called ‘Growing Up’ by Claire Hart. Visitors £3.

SOUTH PETHERTON On Monday 14 January at the Blake Hall from 7.30pm the WI have a special meeting with members being given the opportunity to share their “Obsessions and Possessions” by way of a display and/or short talk. Visitors £4. On Wednesday 23 January from 7.30pm at the Methodist Church Hall the Local History Group have a talk called ‘The Stuckeys: A Somerset Family and their Place in Banking History’ with Janet Seaton and Barry Winetrobe. Visitors £3.

Annual membership £8.

YEOVIL On Friday 4 January from 7.30pm at the Holy Trinity Church the Archaeological and Local History Society have a Members’ Evening. All welcome.

With various talks, a quiz and refreshments. On Monday 14 January from 1.30pm at The Yeovil Court Hotel the Yeovil Probus Club have a talk called ‘Helicopter World Speed Record’. New members always most welcome. For more information please contact the Hon. Secretary on 01935 414765.

On Wednesday 23 January from 7.30pm at Holy Trinity Church the Flower Arrangers have their AGM. Visitors £5.

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Walk MARTOCK On Friday 18 January from 9.30am at the Precinct there is a Health Walk.

Walks are friendly and about 45 minutes long, they are led by trained volunteers at a pace suitable to the group. Free entry.

For more information phone 01935 824252.

then £3.50 per session. Every Thursday at 11.00am starting by the Museum there is a 40 minute Health Walk. Generally flat with a mixture of pavement and fields in dry weather. For more details call Bryan Pearson on 01749 938191.

Workshop HARDINGTON From Monday 28 January from 2.00pm to 3.30pm at Hardington Village Hall the Coker WEA have a six week course called ‘1930’s Crime Fiction’ with tutor Greta Depledge. Cost £33. Ref: C353179. For more information or to book phone 0300 303 3464.

SANDFORD ORCAS On Tuesday 1 January from 10.30am from the Mitre Inn it is the New Years Day Walk to Poyntington. Around five miles, includes coffee, biscuits and charity collection midway. Lunch at the Mitre Inn at 1.00pm – order before the walk starts. All welcome, including dogs. For more information phone 01963 220749.

SHERBORNE On Tuesday 1 January from 2.00pm from Sherborne Abbey there is a New Years Day Walk called ‘Bringing the Past to the Present’. Blue Badge Guide Cindy takes you on a two hour walk to discover stories from Sherborne’s lost and mysterious past. No need to book, just turn up, whatever the weather but to ensure your place phone 01935 815341. Entry £8. For an extra cost afterwards enjoy a cream tea or coffee at The Eastbury Hotel. Every Tuesday at the Sports Centre from 6.00pm to 7.00pm join in at the weekly Walking Netball sessions. For all ages and abilities. All sessions contain a gentle warm up. No need to book. First session free

SHERBORNE On Monday 14 January from 9.30am to 3.30pm at Digby Hall the West Country Embroiderers have their meeting.

No tutor this month, bring your own unfinished project. New members welcome. For more information phone 01963 34696.

On Sunday 20 January from 1.30pm to 4.30pm at Digby Memorial Hall the Sherborne Folk Band have their monthly workshop. Workshops will be led by Hannah Cummings, who is an inspiring and experienced workshop leader, who will help you build confidence to learn and play new tunes by ear. Suitable for all levels and all acoustic instruments. Notation and audio supplied. Everyone welcome!

Admission £10 in advance from 07527 508 277, 3 workshops for £25 via www.sherbornefolkband. org or £12 on the door.

CATS presents

Sweet Charity 20 to 23 February 2019 7:30pm at Ansford Academy, Castle Cary Tickets £10, available online at www.thelittleboxoffice.com/cats or from ‘Needful Things’ in Castle Cary

This February, Cary Amateur Theatrical Society (CATS) brings you the well-loved musical, ‘Sweet Charity’, by arrangement with MusicScope & Stage Musicals Limited of New York: Set in New York in the 1960s and featuring well known musical hits such as ‘Big Spender’ and ‘Rhythm of Life’, ‘Sweet Charity’ is a fun, fast paced musical guaranteed to give audiences a really enjoyable night’s entertainment. The show runs from Wednesday 20 February to Saturday 23 February at Ansford Academy, Castle Cary, starting each evening at 7:30pm. Tickets cost £10, available online at www. thelittleboxoffice.com/cats or from ‘Needful Things’, Castle Cary.

/TheConduitMag

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9

PROPERTY, HOME & INTERIORS

WHY A PROVINCIAL LIFESTYLE IS PROVING APPEALING by Chris McCaughey, Stags Estate Agents Happy New Year! And with an unseasonably busy December now behind us, the exciting New Year property market in full swing and spring just around the corner, there is no doubt that there is plenty to be cheerful about.

Now the Christmas trees are down and turkey with all the trimmings has become a distant memory, the minds of the property market are very much back on buying and selling; it seems that the festive season has been as much a time for reflection and making life-changing decisions as ever.

One trend which is more noticeable than ever this year is people selling up in other parts of the country, typically London and

Another highly important factor is fast,

is my hope that buyers will soon be able

the South East, and moving to the West

reliable broadband. Speaking to some

to have the confidence that wherever they

Country in search of a slower pace of life.

of the buyers currently registered with

choose to live, the internet will be able to

21st Century communications have made

us looking for a live/work property, it

accommodate whatever work they need to

working from home much easier than

seems that some companies require their

get done.

before, meaning that proximity to major

non-office based staff to carry out highly

cities is becoming less and less important

With lots of new buyers now coming into

technical tasks using domestic internet

and the allure of a provincial lifestyle all the

connections, which need to be capable

the market place, this is a great time for

more appealing.

of carrying out the work quickly and

As with all categories of buyers, the types

without the risk of losing connection at a

of properties they are searching for vary

critical time! Nowadays it is rare to find a

dramatically, but there are a few essential

property not already wired for broadband

requirements they all have in common. First

and, with suppliers rolling out superfast

and foremost (please forgive me for stating

services to rural and urban areas alike, it

the obvious), is somewhere to

in touch with estate agents for advice, so please do give Stags a call on 01935 475000 if you would like to hear more about how we can help you sell or buy your home this year.

MMS Soft Furnishings Woodside Court

work from. Some are happy with an additional bedroom or reception room to re-purpose

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seclusion or a greater separation

Bespoke curtains, blinds, cushions.

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between work and home areas have to look carefully to cherry-

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pick properties with outbuildings, annexe accommodation or potential to create the perfect space within the garden.

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anyone thinking of moving in 2019 to get

Showroom and recently opened workshop now open 9.30 to 2pm Monday to Thursday. All other times by appointment. NO V.A.T

Property & Interiors

PROPERTY, HOME & INTERIORS

MAKE AN ENTRANCE!

It’s often said that first impressions count. So what is the best way of transforming the look of your property without spending vast sums of money? The answer is: update your front door.

While a new door will certainly ramp up your kerb appeal, there can be plenty of other advantages too. There are plenty of companies around who can help. For example, the English Door Company says that it uses the very latest in modern materials to emulate the richness and depth of real timber, but without the problems traditionally associated with wooden doors.

Long lasting, highly durable doors just need a quick wipe over from time to time, but are virtually maintenance free.

They have excellent thermal properties, keeping the heat in and saving money on energy bills. The inclusion of secure glazing and comprehensive multi-point locking systems means that security and therefore peace of mind is guaranteed.

When it comes to choosing the look of your door, there are more options than ever, allowing you to reflect your personal style. A contemporary design can update a modern home, or a cottage style door can add fresh, timeless appeal to a period property.

With so many colours to choose from (including a bespoke colour matching service), a wide selection of glazing options and

an array of door accessories, a new front door is the perfect way to make a grand entrance and give your property a new lease of life.

A company like the English Door Company has doors priced from ÂŁ1,850 including installation.

For further information visit: www.evolutionwindows.com or call 0800 773 4045.

Providing Quality Self Storage for over 15 years across Somerset & Dorset.

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Lopen, South Petherton 01460 243100 Priorswood, Taunton 01823 323575

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11

TRAVEL

Happy New Year from Miles Morgan Travel –

Trust Your Local Travel Specialists in Yeovil to find your perfect holiday

voted The Best Travel Agent in the UK for 2018 by Heather Muir, Miles Morgan Travel

• Voted ‘The Best Travel Agent’ in 2018 for the South West • Widest choice of holidays • Specialist knowledge and expertise • Full financial protection

We hope that you all had a great Christmas and we wish you a very Happy New Year, this year is going to be another exciting one with lots of launches of new products and destinations.

also offer an extensive range of worldwide tours with a VIP home departure service, beach retreats and of course we are a main agent for holidays from all local airports including Bournemouth and Bristol. We can also tailor make holidays especially for you, giving you complete flexibility so that you can choose when you go, how long, where you stay and of course we have holidays to suit all budgets. We can also offer you a free appointment service with any one of our Travel Specialists and can match their travel experience with where you want to visit, therefore it’s very likely that you will January is also a great month to book be served by someone who has been to your holiday as it’s a perfect time to have your chosen destination ensuring that you something in the diary to look forward to receive great advice. We also have resident and there are always some great savings specialists for Ocean and River Cruise, available too.

Canada and Australia albeit all the team are

extremely well travelled for the benefit of our Being an award winning independent travel customers as it enables us to provide you agent means that we can offer you the with first- hand knowledge and advice for the widest choice of holidays from a range of many destinations they have visited around cruises with complimentary return transport the world. This is always handy when you are to the port from Yeovil and a wonderful Brewers Garage.qxp_Layout 1 19/06/2018 11:33 Page 1 arranging that trip of a lifetime. variety of itineraries now from Bristol too. We

Competitive rates on foreign exchange Heather and the team would like to wish all of their customers a Happy New Year and look forward to seeing you during January Phone lines open until 10pm

01935 428488

www.milesmorgantravel.co.uk

If you haven’t received a copy of either of our brand new Travel Talks, one dedicated to Ocean and River Cruises and the other to Escorted Tours, Faraway, European and many other holiday types then please do contact us as there are many exclusive offers that are only available at Miles Morgan Travel and are not to be missed, please don’t book before you have seen it!

Don’t miss out on our many exclusive offers and great service provided at 2 Borough Arcade, High Street, Yeovil, now with lines open until 10 pm where you will find Jon from our team on call to book during the evening if you cannot reach us by day. We look forward to welcoming you and once again we wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

BREWERS GARAGE LTD Western Ways Yard, Bristol Road, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4HR

• DIAGNOSTICS • MOT • SERVICING

• REPAIRS • AIR CON SERVICING • TYRES

Call us on 01935 12

812720

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2 Borough Arcade, High Street Yeovil, Somerset BA20 1RX

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GARDENING

COME ON, CHEER UP!

by Mike Burks, The Gardens Group

UP THE GARDEN PATH

by Julie Haylock, Sandhurst Garden Design Last month I wrote about scent in the winter garden. This month the spotlight is on Winter Greens.

Most perennials die back in the winter months but there are a few brave souls that soldier on!

Their green leaves add some welcome colour to winter borders and make an excellent foil for other plants including spring bulbs.

These ground covering plants will help to keep the soil warm through winter and will suppress the spread of weeds that somehow still manage to grow!

I know Christmas is over, it’s wet, cold and dark outside, but actually not as dark as it was a couple of weeks ago. If you look carefully, there is movement in the garden as some plants are already starting to stir for the New Year. Pots filled with winter bedding plants like Snowdrops and Christmas Roses close to the house can help bring lots of cheer.

An ideal centrepiece for such a tub could be the Skimmia Rubella, with its mass of tight red buds, it will hold until the early spring before slowly opening to reveal white scented flowers. Around this focal point Pansies or Violas, which are available in a range of colours can be planted, but don’t be too subtle at this time of year, go for bright colours that will shine out in the gloom.

The miniature cyclamen is also very useful and although they won’t look good all winter they will give a good deal of flower for many weeks. Primula and Polyanthus too will start to flower as soon as the day length increases, and they always give great hope that there will be better times ahead.

Lots of evergreen alpines can be used around the edge, such as Thymes and Sedum and then add those that flower in the early spring like Aubretia and Arabis and even some small leaved variegated Ivies will brighten the display up.

Although the bulbs of dwarf daffodils and narcissi, chinodoxa and crocus could have been planted in the autumn, they are also available in pots already growing on and will provide a real splash of colour.

Enjoyment of these plants will last for weeks by which time there will be signs that spring is on its way.

I have singled out a few to talk about, but there are more you can choose from which will add some interest to your winter borders.

Saxifraga Urbium ‘London Pride’ this plant covers the ground with rosettes of green oval shaped leaves that have a frilly-edge.

During the summer months this useful plant has masses of tiny starshaped flowers of white to pale pink in colour. This plant tolerates shade but likes well drained soil so is ideal to plant under trees in rich humus rich soil.

Epimedium Versicolor ‘Neosulphureum’ this plant is perfect for the shady woodland border. It has attractive heartshaped leaves which are often mottled with red or bronze along its veins. In springtime this variety produces stems of lemon yellow coloured flowers.

Phlomis Russeliana a favourite of garden designers because of its versatility in the garden border. This plant likes to be in full sun in well drained soil. In summer it has yellow pom pom like flowers that punctuate the length of the stem at intervals.

In winter this perennial plant if left alone to die back has seed heads that look very attractive and add interest for many months. At the base of the plant it has large green leaves that remain well into the winter months.

Bergenia cordifolia ‘purpurea’ this hard working plant is an excellent choice for all year round ground cover. It has large glossy leaves and produces spires of white, pink or crimson flowers during the spring. This particular variety has burgundy coloured leaves in winter.

This tough plant will do well in most situations including dry areas.

Helleborus Foetidus also known as the stinking hellebore, but don’t let that put you off! It only smells if the leaves are crushed. This plant is well worth adding to your winter border for its versatility and visual impact.

It has long slender leaves and produces zingy apple green coloured flowers in spring. A good variety to look out for is ‘Wester Flisk’ that has a reddish tint to the stems.

And finally, Ajuga reptans ‘Atropurpurea’. This creeping plant has mats of glossy green foliage.

This particular variety has purple leaves but if you prefer bronze foliage look out for ‘Catlins Giant’ which has bronzy-purple leaves or perhaps ‘Burgandy Glow’ which has silvery green leaves that turn a pinky-red in winter.

Ajuga likes to be in partial shade in a moist soil and in late spring produces stems of dark blue flowers.

Until next time Julie

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

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

BBC Gardeners’ World Live Gold Medal Award Taunton Flower Show Gold Medal Award and The Western Daily Press Cup for Best Show Garden 13

BUSINESS & FINANCE

WILL THIS BE YOUR BEST YEAR YET? YOU DECIDE!

SETTING FINANCIAL GOALS

By Peter Radford, Beyond This How committed are you to what you’re doing? Probably the biggest killer of progress is indecision. Wavering, hesitancy, half-heartedness, apprehensiveness. None of these traits give birth to successful, thriving projects or businesses.

At some point you have to make a decision: are we doing this or not? I heard Mark Stevenson (a futurologist - google him!) say there are only really two kinds of people in the world: the brave and the dead.

You see, either we attack life and give it everything or else we adopt a passive approach, one where we drift and kind of let things happen or ‘see how things go’. In my experience the consequence of a passive approach is regression.

There isn’t really any such thing as stagnating - either you’re moving forwards or you’re moving backwards; either you’re growing or you’re regressing. What looks like a plateau is actually just the beginning of decline. The pace of change around us is such that, if you stand still too long, you very quickly become irrelevant.

Just as you can’t step into the same river twice (think about it!) so as Lampedusa wrote: “For everything to stay the same everything must change.”

So again, how committed are you to what you’re doing? Have you made a quality decision, one from which there is no retreat, about where you’re going and what it will look like when you get there?

John Grant calls this the Law of Certitude: in life one must begin with the certitude of finishing successfully.

I experienced this first hand in the summer. Whilst on holiday in Guadeloupe we found a fantastic waterfall with a plunge pool that you could jump into from the surrounding rocks.

My youngest son was the most daring and after conquering the

lower levels, he took off from the highest point: about 10 meters high. I was determined not to be outdone and challenged myself to go higher. But at each point, it looked a whole lot higher from up there than it did from down below! There was that moment of indecision. Should I do this?

What if it goes wrong? What if I don’t jump out far enough and catch myself on a rock as I fall? I knew I had to commit. So I made the decision and launched myself forward off one foot only to doubt myself almost before I had taken off. Then tried to pull back my momentum and slipped down a level to a small cleft a couple of feet below. I very nearly seriously injured myself and certainly embarrassed myself! I hadn’t wholeheartedly committed myself.

I was looking subconsciously for a way out. That’s the most dangerous position of all - to launch half heartedly!

If you’re going forward then you need to go forward with gusto! Without it, without that commitment you have sealed your own failure before you have started. But once you make a quality decision and commit to it, no set-back or obstacle can undo it. Anyone who has launched into self employment knows what it feels like just before you do.

Every successful venture has been preceded by doubt and fear, it’s just that somewhere along the way someone made a decision to look that fear in the face and commit. Unlike me on that rock!

They knew what they’re aiming for. They decided: it wasn’t a hope or a wish or a whim - it was a commitment. “This is what I’m doing. End of story.” The brave or the dead. I was very nearly the dead!

Peter Radford is a motivational speaker and trainer enabling businesses and organisations to break new ground and make a game-changing impact.

www.beyondthis.co.uk 14

07884 946219

By Mark Salter, Financial Planner As we begin the New Year, many of us start thinking about the year ahead and setting goals for the future.

Regardless of what age you are, you are likely to have some short and long term personal financial goals. Setting tangible and realistic goals, following them, and tracking your progress is the key to being successful and achieving those goals.

Determining what your short-term, medium-term, and long-term personal financial goals is the first step. Some common financial goals are a dream holiday, a new home, saving for children’s education or building up retirement savings for your future.

Once you have established your goals, the next step is to determine a good estimate for how much money you’ll need for each of them. Figuring out an accurate amount involves discussion about the financial goals—for example, if you are saving for university for your children, what percentage do you want to pay? Also, do you want to pay for a state school or a private school? Retirement savings needs depend greatly on the lifestyle you plan to lead once you are retired, as well as when you plan to retire. How long do you want to continue working for?

Prioritise each of your personal goals in order of importance, and then determine how long you have to save for each of them.

Retirement could be many years away, but your short-term goals could be in a year or two. Next, estimate how much interest or capital gains you’ll expect to see in the accounts where you are saving your money. While capital gains are never guaranteed, you can use an estimated average to help build your plan.

Finally, figure out how much you’ll need to save per month to achieve your financial goals.

There are some useful tools online that can help you do this. Don’t be discouraged if the amount is overwhelming. The important thing is to have a set of tangible financial goals to work towards.

On a half yearly or annual basis, you should review your progress, and continue to refine your plan.

If you aren’t meeting your goals, revisit the budget you set yourself to see if there are any areas where you can cut expenses in order to free up money for savings.

Savings can often be made on household expenses such as weekly food shop, gas, electricity and insurance but many of us can also look at reducing some items of discretionary expenditure.

Alternatively there may be ways of increasing your income or generating additional income.

Financial planning is about enabling you to look back and say “I’m glad I did . . .” rather than “I wish I had . . .” Understanding your short, medium and long term goals is essential to that process.

If you need some help creating your own plan then you can visit www.financialplanning.org.uk/ wayfinder for some helpful tips.

Alternatively you may require professional advice and if you are interested in finding out more, please contact Fort Financial Planning on 01935 813322.

COMPUTING

IT’S ALL ON THE DISK

By Jimmy Flynn, Milborne Port Computers Here we are then … Happy New Year!

A hard disk (as opposed to a floppy disk now, obsolete) is a disk of magnetic media that spins at a high speed and has an arm that reads the data stored on its surface or writes data to it. If you like, it’s the same as an old record player with a bit more technology. They can store unimaginable amounts of data: On a 1 terabyte hard disk you could fit 728 million of the old 1.44mb floppy disk … You can now get a 10-terabyte disk and my brain just can’t cope.

The floppy disk has gone, the IDE hard disk (IBM compatible) has gone, ESDI has gone, PATA disks are rare and we are left with SATA that now has versions I, II & III. What’s next? SATA Express!

All of these new terms actually relate to the connection between the disk and the computer and the improvements are all about the speed of data transfer between the two of them. Up to now, the weakest link has been the speed with which the disk can collect its data from the spinning disk. The faster the disk spins the faster the transfer rate but, the more unstable it becomes. 7,200rpm is really the fastest you can physically spin a disk before it vibrates so much it can’t actually be read.

Most consumer laptops and PCs have a hard disk of about 500gb to 1,000gb (1tb), and this is loads of storage for the average user doing email, Internet, a few videos and some pictures. When

we are asked to transfer date from and old PC to a new one, most users are surprised how little of their storage they have used, typically 50-100gb. Think on then that interned speeds have gone ballistic recently with the introduction of fibre and online data storage has become so cheap that everybody can afford it. What we need now is a super fast disk that’s not really about storage but more about making the laptop or PC super fast.

Enter the SSD! That stands for Solid State Disk. A completely electronic device that has no moving parts, no spinning disk, no little arm, no noise, nothing.

It uses a fraction of the power that a traditional disk uses giving hours more battery life to laptops. They’ve been around for a several years but expensive, however the prices have plummeted in the last 12 months and they are now affordable as fitted in new computers as well as an upgrade option. Typically, a 3 to 5year old laptop with a traditional hard disk starts up in about 2-3 minutes: With a replacement SSD it starts up within 30 seconds. The future is here, now!

All you have to do is copy your existing disk to a new SSD …

Job done! As always, if you need help, you know where to come!

Coming Up Next Month …

Repair, Upgrade or Renew.

LEGAL

ADULTERY IS A CLEAR GROUND FOR A DIVORCE – RIGHT?

By Louise Gidley, Battens Solicitors

There is only one ground for a divorce and that is that the “marriage has broken down irretrievably”.

To all non-lawyers out there this seems to be pretty clear and quite simple. Once the marriage has broken down, a divorce is going to be easy.

If only that was the case! To show that the marriage has irretrievably broken down the person asking the Court for a divorce must rely on one or more of the following five facts: • Adultery; • You cannot reasonably be expected to live with the other party; • Desertion for at least two years; • Two years separation and both consent;

• You cannot rely on your own adultery. The adultery has to be by the other party.

• The other party is asked to admit their adultery.

• You cannot rely on adultery if you lived together as a couple for 6 months after you found out about it unless the adultery is continuing.

• If you are in a same sex civil-partnership and you discover infidelity you cannot rely on it as samesex adultery doesn’t exist in the eyes of the law.

• Five years separation (consent not necessary).

Relying on adultery can be problematic. Taking legal advice early once infidelity is discovered is a good idea.

In real life, the last three facts are less often relied upon because once the decision has been made to divorce most people want to draw a line under it as quickly as possible and move on with their lives.

Unreasonable behaviour is the most commonly cited fact in divorce petitions in England and Wales, adultery is also often used.

Divorce and negotiating the law can be tricky. Battens’ Family Team is highly respected in bringing specialist expertise and a compassionate approach to this delicate area of law. Battens offers advice on a fixed fee basis with no obligation if you wish to explore this area further and we offer competitive rates on an ongoing basis.

Here’s the rub. If you want to rely on adultery as the fact for your divorce, you need to make sure that you don’t fall into one of the traps that lie in wait for the unwary:

For advice please contact Louise Gidley on 01935 846058 or louise.gidley@battens.co.uk or visit our website for more information www.battens.co.uk

01935 846000

www.battens.co.uk

OFFICES IN YEOVIL, SHERBORNE, CASTLE CARY, DORCHESTER, WAREHAM, BATH and LONDON

15

Care CARE

COMPANIONSHIP AND SUPPORT

By Jade Cleal, the Carlauren Group Companionship plays a significant role in our lives from those first steps into the school playground to enjoying the company of co-workers at your job. It is often why we join clubs, meet friends and enjoy the hustle and bustle of family life, and companionship becomes increasingly significant as we get older.

Older people often suffer from loneliness for a variety of reasons – they may have lost their life partner, they could live alone, their family may be far away or they might have mobility issues, stopping them from getting out and about.

At Carlauren we recognise loneliness in old age is a huge problem. A recent poll shows almost three quarters of older people in the UK feel lonely.

Retirement, bereavement and feelings of social exclusion can all be risk factors of loneliness.

Sometimes poor health or disability can also add to feelings of isolation.

When John, a resident at Carlauren Care’s luxurious Yeovil care home, Tyndale House, lost his wife Phyllis a year ago, he made the decision to move into the home that had cared so compassionately for his late wife. He says, ““She had received such amazing care that I decided I wouldn’t

16

want to be anywhere else.”

He continues, “If there is one thing I am sure about, it’s very important to have people around you as you get older.” Companionship can really make a difference and help to combat loneliness. Having somebody to interact with is the best way to feel connected to society.

John says at Tyndale House there is always something going on around you whether it is pursuing hobbies, going on organised trips or taking part in community initiatives like the recent poppy making in November.

Stacey, who is deaf herself, says, “If you have someone who has experienced being deaf and knows what others are going through, then I find any residents or visitors who are hard of hearing tend to associate with you more often and are more comfortable with you.”

Carlauren Care provides those essential skills that all go towards the feeling of companionship or fellowship that residents experience as they walk through our doors. We asked our two interviewees what companionship means to them. Stacey comments,

Something else that’s so important is being understood and Carlauren Care has staff like Stacey XXX who is well versed in British Sign Language (BSL) which means that residents who are hard of hearing as well as visitors with a hearing disability can easily converse and make their needs known.

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“Companionship is a basic human need, when those needs are not fulfilled it can cause emotional and physical problems.”

John sums it up, “Everybody needs someone to talk to on a daily basis, but this isn’t possible for many old people. That’s why I love it here at Tyndale because it has given me a real sense of belonging – and surely that is what companionship is all about.”

For more details please contact us on:

T: 0800 0226001 E: info@carlaurencare.com www.carlaurencare.com

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PET HEALTH

WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM YOUR VETS? PART 2

By Peter Luscombe BVSc MRCVS, Newton Clarke Partnership Following on from my last article, I thought I would now ponder on what clients should consider when choosing a veterinary practice, drawing on my own experiences over many years.

staff, is this acceptable or would you prefer a practice where you develop more of a relationship with the staff and know who you are speaking to on the phone?

Does your practice have a professional approach? Are the premises kept clean and tidy? Do you feel you and your pet are treated fairly and with respect? All veterinary surgeons should adhere to a code of professional conduct. The standards of the practice as a whole will reflect the standards of the individuals within it.

Do the members of staff communicate well? It is important that you understand the details of the problems your pet has, as well as what the best treatments are and what to expect from those treatments.

It is important that you feel able to ask as many questions as you need to keep you in control of any decisions regarding your pet’s treatment.

What facilities do they have? Do they have good hospitalisation facilities and equipment to help diagnose and treat our pets?

What level of expertise do you expect? Most practices run as first opinion practices – your general practitioner if you like.

Veterinary specialists normally only accept appropriate referrals from a first opinion practice.

However within a practice there are often individuals who take a special interest in certain problems such as skin diseases or certain species.

Do your vets have the experience to help you make difficult decisions? Are they free to make clinical decisions in your pet’s interests without the confines of business protocols?

Are the staff approachable and welcoming? A visit to the vet can be potentially intimidating; you are worried about your pet, and in strange surroundings.

Is it important to you to be in a friendly environment with familiar faces? Some practices have a high staff turnover, so you are likely to see different

www.newtonclarkevet.com

Do you feel the practice cares about you and your pet? Do they have a commitment to animal welfare? This might seem an obvious thing to ask, but cannot always be taken for granted.

When are they open? Is it easy to make an appointment? Can the practice offer appointments at convenient times through the day? Does the practice have late evening or weekend surgeries if needed? This might be important to you.

What happens if the surgery is closed? All practices are obliged to offer some form of out of hours cover. This might be shared with another practice, or undertaken by another provider which could involve travelling a long way to an unfamiliar practice.

My own opinion is that a good veterinary practice is built on a good team, working together with the same aims, aspirations and professionalism, a team who will always be there for their clients and their pets, especially when things are getting sad and difficult.

HISTORY

AT THE SIGN OF THE BLACK BOY

By Barry Brock

How many people realise that Lloyds Bank in Cheap Street stands on the site of the Black Boy inn? In 1954, the branch manager, Mr F H Brooks, wrote to his general manager to say that he had examined the deeds and these had revealed that part of the Sherborne branch was ‘in the eighteenth century, the Black Boy alehouse’.

Unfortunately, the deeds can no longer be found in the Lloyds Bank archives, but if you can’t take the word of your local bank manager on the subject, then whose word can you believe?

In August 1760, Onesipherous Warry, a Yeovil gentleman, married Mary Wright in London.

Earlier that year, Onesipherous had agreed with the Sherborne Overseers of the Poor that he would maintain the ‘bastard child’ of Betty Dimond, who was then ‘residing at the sign of the Black Boy in Sherborne and goeth with child’ - the first reference I have found to the Black Boy. Betty baptised her son ‘John Warry Dimond’ in the Abbey in May 1760, with the clear intent that everyone should know who the father was.

The Black Boy appears in the Sherborne Alehouse Recognizances of 1764, 1767 and 1769, when John Rawlins was the landlord - but these are the last references I have found to the inn. John Rawlins’ name crops up in an earlier advertisement in 1766, placed in the Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, and which advises: that there is a neat PostCoach, with four able Horses, and two careful Drivers, sets out every Monday Morning, at Five o’Clock, from Bath, to go for Sherborne, Dorchester, and Weymouth. - Breakfast at the Crown Inn in Frome; stops at the White-Hart, Bruton; dines at the Bear Inn in Wincanton; and lies at the Black-Boy Inn in Sherborne; where there is good Entertainment and civil Usage.

The advert goes on: Gentlemen, Ladies, and others, may depend on being carefully drove and civilly used.

Perform’d (if God permit) by John Timbury, of Bath and John Rawlins, of Sherborne.

The emphasis on ‘civil usage’ makes one wonder what usually went on in the coach and at the inn.

Innkeepers have always had a fancy to place fabulous foreigners on inn-signs, although the Black Boy was probably a name used more by tobacconists. Another theory is that the name refers to Charles II, whose mother gave him the nickname of the black boy due to the darkness of his skin and eyes. However, as the earliest likely reference to a Black Boy inn dates back to 1562 in London, and Charles wasn’t born until 1630, the former reason may be more likely.

Now no longer an inn, the Black Boy has been replaced by the sign of the Black Horse.

This is the first in a series on Sherborne’s inns and breweries.

It follows the column written so successfully by George Tatham and before him, by John Firmin. I would like to thank them both, especially my dear friend George, who has so often provided help and guidance.

17

LIFESTYLE

INSPIRATIONS FOR THE CURIOUS SHOPPER

By Dawn Woodward, The Emporium, Yeovil

Welcome to our first column of 2019 and let me start by wishing all of our readers a very Happy New Year.

2018 was an outstanding year for us at The Emporium in Yeovil, our mix of traders and the commitment they show to running their own businesses makes our job so rewarding!

We enjoyed some incredible events during the last weeks of 2018; our SShhh...Secret Acoustic Folk Supper was amazing, packed to the rafters, amazing music and food, enjoyed by everyone! We’re pleased to announce that we have 6 more dates planned in conjunction with Bearcat Collective for Secret Suppers in 2019, these are:-31st January, 14th March, 23rd May, 4th July, 19th September and 14th November.

We love to promote shopping locally, such a refreshing and vital way to shop and I’ve decided to commit to this as one of my New Years resolutions for 2019. If you’re thinking along the same lines, please be sure to visit us and our 75 local, independent businesses housed in The 18

Emporium. Our Winter Sale runs throughout January, come and take a peek!

If you’d like to join us as a trader, the new year is a great time to start a new venture.

Talk to us about the retail units we have available and how we can help you launch or grow your own business in 2019. We’d love to meet you and hear about your business plans! Contact us to discuss available options on 01935 411378 and let’s get you trading in the heart of the town centre in Yeovil.

Perhaps you’re hoping to make some changes in 2019?

If eating a healthier diet is one of your priorities, how about joining us for our Vegan Tasting Evening in our cafe on Thursday 17th January, from 7pm? We’re celebrating Veganuary with this great event and our Chef is planning a whole host of dishes for all to try. Vegan starters, delicious main courses and desserts,

try them ALL for just £12.95/ head. Phone 01935 411378 or contact us via our website to book. Our cafe is a great place to meet, eat and relax, come and see us soon!

If you’re hoping for a more holistic and healing 2019, we’re pleased to announce that The Temple has opened its doors in The Emporium and is offering a great range of healing treatments and wellbeing sessions. Please call in, or contact The Temple via our office telephone number 01935 411378.

Lastly, a quick flashback to one of our most enjoyable evenings in December- our Canine Fashion Show was just brilliant!

Thank you to all of our canine models and their owners who braved the elements and modelled our fabulous range of dog coats and accessories and to the Mayor and Mayoress of Yeovil for joining us at The Emporium. How do we follow an act like that?

Until next time, Dawn.

Fashion THE PINK STONE

By Anthony (Tony) White FGA, PSJ Jewellers

FASHION

A NEW YEAR A NEW WARDROBE!

By Thelma Drabik, Melbury Gallery With the festive season coming to a close here at Melbury Gallery we still have a reason to party!

MORGANITE is a pink gemstone that’s suddenly breaking news in the popular media, possibly because of its recent use by Megan Markle’s favourite jewellery designer in Australia.

However, it wouldn’t surprise me if you had never heard of this gem, although you will certainly know of at least two of its siblings, namely Emerald and Aquamarine, whilst another little known member of this family is golden yellow Heliodor. These different coloured gems all belong to the Beryl family -- so popular in Victorian times that it became a given name for many girls including the famous ballet dancer Beryl de Zoete of that period.

Today’s popular press said that Morganite “is replacing diamonds in engagement rings”. This may be misleading. As a gemmologist who loves coloured gems of all types and hues I find the blush pink of this natural gem very alluring, particularly when complemented by a rose gold mount. Beautiful though it is however, Morganite is not best suited for wear as an engagement ring although ideal as earrings, necklace or dress ring.

Diamond & Morganite ring £440 to the stone losing its brilliance and appeal… not what you want to happen as a symbol of an engagement that you hope will endure a lifetime!

Of course this does not mean you can’t wear these gems on the finger, it is just that a Morganite ring requires special care to avoid accidental knocks or abrasion. It is best reserved to be worn as a dress ring and definitely not for gardening or horse-riding!

The granite Mountains of Mourne in Northern Ireland have in the past yielded some Beryl gems, but today most come from the granitic or metamorphic rocks in Columbia, Brazil and the Urals in Russia.

Jewellers

The hardness of all the Beryl family: Morganite, Aquamarine and Emerald and Heliodor is in the range Mohs’ scale 7.5 to 8.0 (ruby and sapphire are 9.0). This means that worn on a daily basis a Morganite-set engagement ring will soon begin to suffer tiny chips on the facet edges, leading

Now open in Sherborne and looking forward to welcoming customers

Footnote: the origin of the name?

It relates to legendary American banker J P Morgan, also an avid gem collector, who perhaps hoped to immortalise himself through the sensuous pink variety of beryl he named Morganite?

Family Jewellers since 1937 42 Cheap Street Sherborne DT9 3PX Jewellers Tel: 01935 815333 Now openStreet, in 42 Cheap Sherborne Sherborne and looking forward Tel. 01935 815333 to welcoming customers

www.psjyeovil.co.uk Family Jewellers since 1937 42 Cheap Street Sherborne DT9 3PX Tel: 01935 815333

Our fantastic sale of winter clothing starts on the 27 December and will feature great reductions on selected clothing from our top brands and also a fabulous bargain rail of up to 70% off!!

We have felt that this year’s Winter collections have been some of the strongest yet offering spectacular colours, sumptuous fabrics, easy to wear shapes, eye-catching designs and glamorous styles.

So you see there is still plenty of time to grab yourself a New Year’s Eve outfit to continue the festivities. And at such a wonderful price there’s even more reason to celebrate!! There will be gorgeous outfits galore to choose from with such brilliant brands including OSKA, SAHARA, MASAI, ADINI, NOMADS, THOUGHT, TWO DANES, GRIZAS and many more! Come by the shop and snap up some bargains before they’re all gone!

You know what they say, ‘out with the old and in with the new!’ Here at Melbury we are already thinking ahead and waiting in utter excitement for all our new Spring 2019 collections! These will start making their way onto our rails at the end of January and we cannot wait! As usual there will be a myriad of colour and lots of gorgeous prints in flattering styles. We don’t want to give too much away but wait and see!

Melbury Gallery would like to thank our lovely customers who have supported us throughout this year. We really appreciate every single one of you! All our team send you the best wishes for a fabulous 2019 and look forward to seeing you in the New Year!

MELBURY GALLERY

SHERBORNE Half Moon Street DORCHESTER 10-11 Tudor Arcade, South Street www.melburygallery.co.uk 19

VISUAL ART

On now to Monday 24 December from 10.00am to 5.00pm ACE Arts Somerton next exhibition is called ‘Dig My Earth’. Renowned potters working with wood-firing techniques produce diverse pieces including bottles, jugs and tea bowls, decorated with wood ash and glazed surfaces.

On Wednesday 2 to Saturday 19 January from 9.30am to 4.30pm at the Ilminster Arts Centre the prizewinning artists of last year’s Ilminster Open returns to showcase their latest work. An eclectic exhibition featuring a wide range of styles and media - paintings, prints, drawings and sculpture.

On Monday 21 January to Saturday 9 February from 9.30am to 4.30pm at the Ilminster Arts Centre have their next exhibition called ‘Inspired By Nature’. The beauty of the natural world is the cue for this group of local artists who work in a variety of different media. Flora, fauna and landscape provide a rich seam of inspiration for the paintings, drawings, sculpture, textiles, photographs and scanograms on display.

MUSIC

On Saturday 29 December from 7.30pm at the Exchange in Sturminster Newton see ‘One Night of Ska’. This is a two hour homage to the music, bands and artistes that influenced two generations of teenagers. Taking the best of the original 1960s Jamaican scene as well as the 2 Tone English Revival of the late 1970s this is crammed full of songs made famous by names such as Prince Buster, Desmond Dekker, Madness and Tony Tribe. Expect such fabulous hits as ‘The Israelites’, ‘One Step Beyond’, ‘Ghost Town’, ‘Watermelon Man’, ‘Red Red Wine’, ‘Too Much Too Young’, ‘Enjoy Yourself’, and ‘Al Capone’ and more. Starring the hugely talented Gerry Slattery on guitar and vocals and

20

featuring the wonderful Chris Kane (original Bad Manners) on saxophone.

Tickets £17.50.

On Friday 11 January from 8.00pm at the Ilminster Arts Centre see Roger Marks and his Cornish Armada Jazz Band. They have been together for more than twenty five 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 musician ship 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 £15.

On Saturday 12 at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil from 8.00pm see ‘Cliff Bennett and The Rebel Rousers’. They were the first London band to be signed by The Beatles’ manager, Brian Epstein. Their innovative brass sound introduced a British audience to soul music. They will be supported by ‘The Nashville Teens’. The Nashville Teens are an English rock band, formed in Surrey in 1962.

They are best known for their 1964 hit single Tobacco Road, a top 10 UK hit and a top 20 hit in the United States. Ray Phillips is a surviving founder member of The Nashville Teens. Tickets £26.

On Saturday 12 from 8.00pm at the David Hall in South Petherton see ‘Ninebarrow’.

They are a multi-award-winning Folk duo who are impressing audiences across the country with their innovative and captivating take on the Folk tradition. Ninebarrow combine breath-taking vocal harmonies and melodies, delivering songs that are inspired by and rooted in the landscape and history of the British Isles. Tickets £14.

On Thursday 17 at 8.00pm at the David Hall in South Petherton see Paul Jones and Dave Kelly. Founder members of The Blues Band, Paul Jones and Dave Kelly’s tangled and colourful roots go way back into the true

By Rachel Mowbray

ARTS ARTS

undergrowth of the Blues tradition. As past presenter of his BBC Radio 2 R&B show, as a thrilling singer and a harmonica maestro, what Paul Jones does not know about the Blues can be written on a pinhead. The same can be said about Europe’s leading Bluesman, Dave Kelly. He’s played with them all, including legends such as Howlin’ Wolf, Buddy Guy and Son House. A live acoustic set by this dynamic duo is an occasion you will remember. If you are a true blues fan, everything you need is here! Tickets £24.

On Saturday 19 from 7.30pm at the Exchange in Sturminster Newton see the Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band ‘Fleetwood Bac’. Endorsed by Mick Fleetwood himself, they are the only Mac tribute to authentically replicate the classic ‘Rumours’ line-up. Over the last few years they have received rave reviews from ‘The Stage’ newspaper, the U.K.s leading Fleetwood Mac fan sites, the official Stevie Nicks website; and from ecstatic audiences wherever the band played, wowing audiences as far afield as Dubai, St. Tropez, the Cayman Islands and Monte Carlo, and recently selling out the world-famous Minack Theatre in Cornwall. The Fleetwood Bac show focuses on the ‘Rumours’ era of the band (still the 5th biggest-selling album of all time). It also features several songs from the Peter Green days, plus some of Stevie’s biggest solo hits. Tickets £16.

On Friday 19 from 8.00pm at the Ilminster Arts Centre see the Craig Milverton Trio with three of the best-known award-winning names, Enrico Tomasso, Alex Garnett and Nigel Price, in British jazz. They will play a set of superlative mainstream/modern jazz. Tickets £20.

On Thursday 24 from 7.30pm at Sherborne School see Jason Rebello and Dave Newton.

They will play a fantastic evening of jazz in tribute to the late, great Oscar Peterson.

Also includes Jeremy Brow on bass and Matt Skelton on drums. Tickets £10 from 01935 812249 or tickets@sherborne.org

ARTS

www.sherborneartslink.org.uk

Art for All

Book now for Spring 2019 New: Interior Design course Art History talks & lectures Life Painting course Free weekly groups for people with:

Parkinson’s, memory loss or challenged parents

01935 815899

Your link to art and culture Charity no.1007680 Company no.24714382 Funded by WDDC and Big Lottery

On Friday 25 from 8.00pm at the Ilminster Arts Centre there is another ‘Flying Folk’ night. This evening enjoy performances

by Luke Daniels and Jemima.

Tickets £10.

On Saturday 26 at 8.00pm at the David Hall in South Petherton see ‘Steve Knightley: Roadworks’. As a long-serving troubadour of the folk and acoustic music scene, master songwriter and storyteller Steve Knightley has spent much of his life on the road, collecting songs, stories, anecdotes and observations – with the odd disaster along the way. Steve once again takes to England’s highways and byways to present Roadworks – a show which builds on the success of his sell out 2018 solo tour. This is a stripped back, one man show that is infused with wit, warmth and alchemy, beautifully illustrated by his trenchant songs of history, love and conscience. Tickets £19.

On Wednesday 30 from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil Nicholas Daniel will be performing oboe works by Boccherini, and Mozart. Tickets £25.

On Thursday 31 from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil see ‘The Roy Orbison Story’. He is the man with the sunglasses

and the black suit who delivered some of the world’s darkest and most emotional ballads, yet Texas-born Roy Orbison remains one of the most distinctive voices in popular culture. Tickets £23.50.

PERFORMANCE

From now to Sunday 6 January at various times the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil presents their family pantomime ‘Aladdin’. Aladdin promises to be spectacular, top-quality entertainment with the emphasis on strong casting, high production values and a genuinely funny script. Tickets £20.50.

On Tuesday 15 from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre see ‘Spirit of the Dance’. Irish in origin and bursting with raw energy, this explosive and powerful show combines heart pounding Irish Dance with the sensual Latino rhythms of Flamenco and red-hot Salsa in a thrilling production of strength and passion. This award winning spectacular has brilliant lighting, dazzling costumes and breath-taking choreography.

Tickets £25.

From Thursday 17 to Saturday 19 January at 7.30pm at Charlton Horethorne Village Hall

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 5.00 pm – 10.00 pm Tuesday CLOSED Friday – Saturday 5.00 pm – 10.30 pm Sunday 5.30 pm – 10.00 pm

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

Follow us online: www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

the Amateur Pantomime Society presents ‘Ali Baba and the Seven Thieves’. For more information phone on 01963 220595.

From Tuesday 22 to Saturday 26 from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre the Yeovil Amateur Pantomime Society present their latest fun filled family pantomime ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’. Tickets £13.

On Thursday 24 and Friday 25 at 7.30pm at the Exchange in Sturminster Newton see ‘The Count of Cornwall’ with his unique style of comedy. Jethro will probably be remembered for years to come with so many people loving this hilarious country style. He is considered by many as the greatest comedy story teller that ever lived.

Having produced 20 DVD’s over the years there are some old favourites and many new tales told in a way only a count could.

Tickets £20.

On Sunday 27 from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil see The Circus of Horrors new show ‘Psycho Asylum’ which includes an amazing amalgamation of acts, driven by a rock ‘n’ roll. Tickets £22.

CHILDREN

On Saturday 5 January from 2.00pm at the David Hall in South Petherton see the ‘MakeShift Ensemble: The Children in the Moon’. Join the MakeShift Ensemble’s two fantastic storytellers as they take you on a magical journey with their amazing puppets and songs.

The Makeshift Ensemble tells the story of Zack and Lil using beautifully hand-crafted puppets and a larger than life travelling tea machine which brews fabulous stories and doubles as a stage on which the characters can explore, play and bring their tales to life. It is theatrical fun for all the family! Tickets £9, under 12’s £8.

/TheConduitMag

OTHER

On Monday 31 December from 8.15pm at the David Hall in South Petherton there is a New Years Eve Celebration Ceilidh with Jigs for Gigs.

On Wednesday 2 January from 8.00pm Westlands Entertainment Venue in Yeovil are encouraging talented locals to go and join them for a brand new monthly Open Mic Night on the first Wednesday every month.

Whether you are a singer, actor, comedian, musician or something else altogether they want to give you the chance to share your talents! Free entry.

Register at westlandsyeovil@ southsomerset.gov.uk On Saturday 19 from 7.30pm at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil see ‘Digging into Britain’s Past’. Anthropologist, author and broadcaster Professor Alice Roberts has been delving into Britain’s past, and making archaeology programmes, for nearly twenty years. Tickets £23.50.

On Sunday 27 from 7.30pm at the David Hall in South Petherton there is an Acoustic Night. All styles and forms of performance, not just music. If you wish to perform email folk@chriswatts.org

@conduitmag

21

MOVIES

MOVIES ANDRE RIEU NEW YEARS CONCERT (PG)

The King of Waltz André Rieu will bring to millions of fans across the world, his New Year’s concert recorded live in Sydney, Australia. The first full production from leading Event Cinema distributor Piece of Magic Entertainment, André Rieu will present a festive concert like never before, recorded live in Sydney’s iconic Town Hall.

With show tunes, classical music and plenty of festive fun it promises to be a great way to start the new year! Enjoy backstage access, interviews with André and his special guests, musical favourites and more, exclusive to cinema.

SHOWING AT Yeovil on Saturday 5 from 7.00pm and Sunday 6 January from 3.00pm, Westlands Entertainment Venue. Tickets £14.

COLD WAR (12)

A passionate love story between two people of different backgrounds and temperaments, who are fatefully mismatched and yet condemned to each other.

Set against the background of the Cold War in the 1950s in Poland, Berlin, Yugoslavia and Paris, the film depicts an impossible love story in impossible times.

SHOWING AT Castle Cary on Tuesday 15 January, Caryford Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £5 from Market House or £6 on the door.

DISOBEDIENCE (12)

From a screenplay by Sebastián Lelio and Rebecca Lenkiewicz, the film follows a woman as she returns to her Orthodox Jewish community that shunned her decades

22

AROUND THE TOWNS AND VILLAGES

earlier for an attraction to a female childhood friend. Once back, their passions reignite as they explore the boundaries of faith and sexuality. Based on Naomi Alderman’s book.

Starring Rachel Weisz, Rachel McAdams and Alessandro Nivola Starring Rachel McAdams, Rachel Weisz and Alessandro Nivola. May contain strong language and sexual references.

SHOWING AT Yeovil on Sunday 6 at 6.30pm, Thursday 10 at 3.00pm and 6.30pm, Tuesday 15 January from 3.00pm and 6.30pm, Westlands Entertainment Venue. Sofa tickets £10, Children £6. Tiered seating tickets £6.50, Children £5.

FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD (12)

The second instalment of the Fantastic Beasts series set in J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World. In an effort to thwart Grindelwald’s plans of raising pure-blood wizards to rule over all non-magical beings, Albus Dumbledore enlists his former student Newt Scamander, who agrees to help, though he’s unaware of the dangers that lie ahead.

Lines are drawn as love and loyalty are tested, even among the truest friends and family, in an increasingly divided wizarding world.

SHOWING AT Yeovil on Thursday 3 at 3.00pm, Friday 4 at 3.00pm and 6.30pm and Saturday 5 January at 3.00pm, Westlands Entertainment Venue. Sofa tickets £10, Children £6. Tiered seating tickets £6.50, Children £5.

FRANTZ (12) Set in Germany and France in the aftermath of WW1, Frantz recalls the mourning period that follows great national tragedies as seen through the eyes of the war’s ‘lost generation’; a bereft young German woman whose fiance, Frantz, was killed.

SHOWING AT Ilminster on Saturday 19 January, Warehouse Theatre, 7.45pm. Guests donation.

ISLE OF DOGS (12) The latest from Wes Anderson – a quirky, stop animation film set in Japan. An outbreak of dog flu has spread through the city of Megasaki, Japan, and Mayor Kobayashi has demanded all dogs to be sent to Trash Island. On the island, a young boy named Atari sets out to find his lost dog, Spots, with the help of five other dogs…with many obstacles along the way.

SHOWING AT Yeovil on Wednesday 23 January, Swan Theatre, Guests £5, 01935 421905.

LADY BIRD (15)

Christine ‘Lady Bird’ MacPherson is a high school senior from the wrong side of the tracks. She longs for adventure, sophistication, and opportunity, but finds none of that in her Sacramento Catholic high school. This follows the title character’s senior year in high school, including her first romance, her participation in the school play, and most importantly, her applying for college.

Starring Saoirse Ronan.

SHOWING AT Ilminster on Saturday 5 January, Warehouse Theatre, 7.45pm. Guests donation.

MAMMA MIA: HERE WE GO AGAIN (PG)

Set five years after the events of Mamma Mia! past and present intertwine as a pregnant Sophie is busy re-launching her mother’s taverna while husband Sky is away in New York. Flashbacks transport us back in time to learn how the Dynamos came into being and how Young Donna met Sophie’s three putative fathers. Starring Amanda Seyfried, Dominic Cooper and Lily James.

SHOWING AT Odcombe on Monday 14 January, Village Hall, 8.00pm. Tickets £5 from 07934 737104 or £6 on the door.

Ditcheat on Thursday 17 January, Memorial Village Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £5 from Maryland Farm Shop or 01749 860444.

Milborne Port on Friday 18 January, Village Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £5 from Wayne the Butcher from Monday 7 January or £5.50 on the door.

SWIMMING WITH MEN

(12A) This film is based on a true story. The real Swedish team, that won the Men’s Synchronised Swimming World Championships in 2007, reprised their roles for this film. A man who is suffering a mid-life crisis finds new meaning in his life as part of an all-male, middleaged, amateur synchronised swimming team. Starring Rob Brydon.

SHOWING AT East Coker on Wednesday 30 January, Village Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £6 on door.

01935 862447.

THE BIG SICK (15) Written by the star Kumail Najiani and his wife Emily V Gordon, based on their own courtship.

When Emily (grad student) contracts a mysterious illness, Kumail (a Pakistani born cab driver and stand-up comic) finds himself forced to face her feisty parents, his family’s expectations, and his true feelings.

SHOWING AT Crewkerne on Friday 11 January, Wadham School, 7.00pm. Visitors £6.

Music Gigs

MUSIC GIGS

All Music Gigs are FREE entry unless mentioned.

DECEMBER

22 ‘Bad Edukation’, Classic Rock, The Westminster, Yeovil, 9.00pm

‘Jackdaw’, Classic Rock, The Bell Inn, Yeovil, 9.00pm

‘Loose Connections’, Various Covers, Half Moon Inn, Stoke Sub Hamdon, 9.00pm

As her marriage to Jack flounders, eminent High Court judge Fiona Maye has a life-changing decision to make at work - should she force a teenage boy, Adam, to have the blood transfusion that will save his life? Her unorthodox visit to his hospital bedside has a profound impact on them both, stirring strong new emotions in the boy and long-buried feelings in her.

SHOWING AT Sherborne on Wednesday 9 January, Digby Church Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £6 from Sherborne TIC or on the door.

Castle Cary on Tuesday 22 January, Caryford Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £5 from Market House or £6 on the door.

‘Soft Option’, 60’s-90’s Covers, South Petherton Sports and Social Club, 9.00pm

Chris Banderas, Classic Rock, The King William Inn, Crewkerne, 9.00pm

WIDOW (15)

THE CHILDREN ACT (12)

Set in modern day Chicago, this follows four women who are forced to confront the criminal underworld head on, after their husbands all wind up dead following a failed heist.

This is the story of four women with nothing in common except a debt left behind by their dead husbands’ criminal activities. Set in contemporary Chicago, amid a time of turmoil, tensions build when Veronica, Alice, Linda and Belle take their fate into their own hands and conspire to forge a future on their own terms.

SHOWING AT Yeovil on Monday 7 and Thursday 17 January, Westlands Entertainment Venue, 3.00pm and 6.30pm. Sofa tickets £10. Tiered seating tickets £6.50.

WONDERSTRUCK (PG) Tells the tale of two children separated by fifty years. In 1927, Rose searches for the actress whose life she chronicles in her scrapbook; in 1977, Ben runs away from home to find his father.

SHOWING AT Yeovil on Wednesday 2 January, Swan Theatre, 7.30pm. Guests £5. 01935 421905.

THE CHILDREN ACT Wednesday 9 January 7.30pm 12a Digby Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne

Tickets £6 in advance from Sherborne Tourist Information Centre 01935 815341 or on the door if available

www.sherborneartslink.org.uk

23 Ross Kirk, Rock Covers, Yeovil Labour Club, 4.00pm 24 ‘Les Spear’, Yeovil Labour Club, 8.30pm

29 John De Barra, Covers 60’s-present, The King William Inn, Crewkerne, 9.00pm 31 ‘Rexes Hollow’, Rock/Pop Covers, The Westminster, Yeovil, 3.00pm

‘Daytona’, Rock/Pop, The Bell Inn, Yeovil, 9.00pm

‘Rexes Hollow’, Rock/Pop Covers, The Old Barn Club, Yeovil, 9.00pm

‘The Diamonds’, 60’s-70’s Covers, Yeovil Labour Club, 9.30pm

‘Project 17’, Pop/Rock, Coronation Club, Gillingham, 9.30pm

‘Powercut’, Acoustic/Electric/Pop/Rock, Stoke Sub Hamdon Working Mens Club, 9.30pm

JANUARY

12 ‘The Axxeman Greg Winters’, Yeovil Labour Club, 8.30pm

‘Daytona’, Rock/Pop, Stoke Sub Hamdon Working Mens Club, 9.30pm

19 ‘Usual Suspect Band’, Yeovil Labour Club, 8.30pm

‘Karma Alarm’, Covers, The Great Lyde, Yeovil, 9.00pm

‘Bowie Fashion’ Tribute Band, The Bell Inn, Yeovil, 9.00pm

‘K’fuffle’, Rock/Pop, The Westminster, Yeovil, 9.30pm

25 ‘Ollie Back and Sam on the Fiddle’, Pop/Folk, The Old Pound Inn, Langport, 8.30pm 26 Don Alan, Yeovil Labour Club, 8.30pm

James Hollingsworth, Acoustic Blues/Folk/Rock, The Phoenix, Gillingham, 9.00pm

‘The Disciples’, Pop/Rock, The Bell Inn, Yeovil, 9.00pm

‘Powercut’, Acoustic/Electric Rock/Pop, The Old Barn Club, Yeovil, 9.00pm

‘Rexes Hollow’, Rock/Pop, Stoke Sub Hamdon Working Mens Club, 9.30pm

27 ‘Chill’, 60’s-90’s covers, The White Hart, Yetminster, 9.00pm

Charity no 1007680 Company no 2471382

23

ANTIQUES

Antiques & Collectables

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 AND SALES On 24 January, Dukes in Dorchester will be holding its Winter Fine Art auction which features the magnificent George III silvergilt Richmond Race Cup made in London in 1802 by Paul Storr and retailed by Makepeace. In 1757 Robert Adam was commissioned

by Thomas Dundas to design a new trophy for the Richmond ‘Gold Cup’ horse race. In the 18th century, the course in North Yorkshire became one of the biggest and most celebrated attractions in the racing calendar with a prize of 100 guineas or more. This large ‘double gilt’ cup was – by tradition – paid for by general subscription and the worthy gentleman of the town with the silversmith being ordered to ‘make the best cup he can for 100 guineas’. The cup would generally weigh one hundred ounces or more. Subsequent cups were based on Adam’s original design and in the hands of the most eminent silversmiths, they evolved over the decades.

Lawrence’s Auction house in Crewkerne has General Sales on Wednesdays 19 December and 9 January. All sales start at 9.30am and viewing is from the Tuesday before the sale from 9am to 7pm. For more information call 01460 73041. In January there are several specialist sales held on consecutive days at Lawrence’s. Starting at 10am on 15 January there is a Silver and Vertu sale; on 16 January, starting at 9.30am is a Decorative Antiques and General sale; on 17 January there’s Jewellery,

19th/20th Century Design & Ceramics at a slightly later time of 10am and again at the same time on 18 January you will find Pictures, Furniture, Clocks & Rugs.

Meanwhile in West Dorset, Sherborne-based Charterhouse has a two day auction on 17 and 18 January offering Pictures, Books, Beswick & Automobilia. Charterhouse is now accepting entries into this specialist auction. They are also taking entries for their auctions of classic cars and classic motorcycles, both in February

TOP PRICES PAID FOR OLD TOYS

The

Conduit

Magazine 01935 424724 info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk

FEBRUARY DEADLINES News and Articles: FRIDAY, 11 January Advertisements: MONDAY, 14 January 24

- any condition

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

01935 816828

enquiries@henrywillis.co.uk

www.henrywillis.co.uk

Trains, cars and lorries, soldiers, etc Britains, Dinky, Corgi, Hornby, Meccano, Tri-ang, etc

01935 816072 (07527 074343) Pastimes of Sherborne, 3 Westbury (in front of the Abbey)

CLOCK REPAIRS ANTIQUE AND MODERN CLOCK REPAIRS

Long Case Clocks a speciality Free pick up and delivery 40 years experience

01935 477582

BOOKS

BOOK REVIEW

By Wayne, Winstones

Speechless

Price £6.99

By Kate Darbishire – Cover Design by Peter Haillay Stocked at Winstone’s Also available on Amazon

Do you ever feel awkward when you meet people with disabilities?

In her debut novel, Speechless, Kate Darbishire shows that people with disabilities are people FIRST.

When circumstances at home suddenly change, her reluctant Grandmother is the only one available to care for her. But Gloria has far more important things to worry about than looking after Harriet, like whether her nail polish matches her outfit.

Kate Darbishire lives in Sherborne, Dorset.

She has worked in Special Schools for nine years and has a twenty-year-old daughter with Cerebral Palsy. Before her daughter was born, like many of us, she didn’t know how to act around people with special needs.

Can Harriet overcome her problems at school? Will Gloria rise above her preconceived ideas and misconceptions?

And, when she is in real danger, is Harriet capable of showing true courage?

In Speechless, eleven-year-old Harriet has Cerebral Palsy. She doesn’t walk and only her immediate family understand her speech. Away from home, she chooses not to use her voice, even though she has so much to say. At her new secondary school, a classmate tries to make friends with Harriet, but how do you talk to someone who won’t talk back?

Speechless is a book for children aged ten years and above, yet it is full of humour and insight that will captivate and engage readers of all ages.

CONTACT DETAILS: Email: kate@katedarbishire.com Website: http://katedarbishire.com Tel: 07749797926

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

The Green Roasting Tin:

Vegan and Vegetarian One Dish Dinners (Hardback) Rukmini Iyer £16.99 I am not Vegan but I do adore vegetables and after Christmas I always think I should ditch the heavy protein and tuck into something lighter and better for me.

you don’t have the time or energy to spend hours cooped up in the kitchen, simply assemble the ingredients in your trusty roasting tin and let the magic happen while you enjoy your evening.

And if I can do it with one vessel and save on the washing up…

`This book will earn a place in kitchens up and down the country’. Seventy-five one-tin recipes: half vegan, half vegetarian, all delicious. With all seventy-five recipes in this book, you simply pop your ingredients in a tin and let the oven do the work. From flexitarians to families, this book is for anyone who wants to eat easy veg-based meals that fit around their busy lives. Nigella Lawson

Forget tasteless and unimaginative vegan and vegetarian dishes. With Rukmini’s recipes you won’t miss meat or dairy, thanks to plenty of seasonal vegetables, hearty grains and flavourful dressings. Perfect for busy midweek evenings when

25

EDITORIAL

FUNDING AWARDED FOR DISCOVERING SHERBORNE INITIATIVE Sherborne Area Tourism Forum has been awarded £78,000 for its Discovering Sherborne project following a successful bid for Northern Dorset Leader funding which is part funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. The project is a Heritage Wayfinding and a promotional shop window project to increase pedestrian flow to heritage and cultural sites across the town, to link up heritage and cultural offers and increase heritage tourism.

Sherborne has recently seen challenging times for tourism employment with, amongst other things, the closure of the Sherborne Hotel and the reduction of staying visitors in the town. Since the hotel closure, the Tourism Forum has focused on day visitors as being vital to the continued health of the sector and this project fully supports this, with the intended benefits of growth of tourism and consequent creation of tourism jobs in the town.

The project has four parts to it: •

A linked series of wayfinding signs across the town from the town car parks, the railway station and principal bus stops in addition to the town centre

•

A number of wall mounted graphic information boards to complement wayfinding signs - on major thoroughfares through the town

•

Mobile information in the form of vinyls or boards that may be used in empty shops, at cultural and tourism evets e.g.

Sherborne Abbey Festival and by local companies and organisations e.g. the Tourism Forum to drive cultural & heritage visitors to and around Sherborne

•

A Sherborne Town App

‘We are delighted to have successfully bid for Leader Funding from Northern Dorset Local Action Group ‘says Janet Schofield from

Sherborne TIC and chairman of Sherborne Tourism Forum. ‘We would like to thank Sarah, Jess and her team at the LAG who have provided enormous encouragement and guidance during the lengthy application process and the team at West Dorset District Council and Sherborne Town Council who have supplied additional finance for the project.

Whilst this project has been spearheaded by the Tourism Forum we have been grateful for the support we have received from both Sherborne Chamber of Trade and Sherborne Indies. We very much look forward to providing Sherborne with a wayfinding scheme that helps it in its mission to be a top quality heritage destination.’

Cllr Mary Penfold, West Dorset District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Enabling, said: “We are delighted to support this project with £4,000 from our Tourism fund and £14,754 from local development planning obligations [section 106]. Encouraging tourism to West Dorset is a key part of our agenda as a council. Sherborne’s offer as a tourist destination is fascinating; the charm of its high street, the mix of independent shops and the wonderful heritage and historical offer make for a great day out.”

Janet Schofield from Sherborne TIC and Chair of Sherborne Tourism Forum and Nicky King, member of the Sherborne Tourism Forum, owner of The Three Wishes Café and Restaurant, Sherborne and responsible for putting much of the bid together.

MERGER OF TWO SHERBORNE GENERAL PRACTICES Two established general practices are merging in Sherborne. Bute House and Newland Surgeries in Wootton Grove in Sherborne will form a single practice on the 1 July 2019. The new practice will be called “The Grove Medical Centre”.

All the currently employed clinical and support staff will be retained by the practice. The new practice will serve a population of over 12000 patients living in Sherborne and surrounding areas.

Both practices have invited questions about the merger, from their respective Patient Participation Groups. These frequently asked questions will cover the main areas of interest and concern about the merger and will be available on line and in each surgery.

Dr Rob Childs who will be the senior partner of The Grove Medical Centre commented, “We have been very fortunate in and around Sherborne, with the help and expertise of our excellent staff, to provide what is some of the most highly rated primary care, not only in Dorset but in all of England. However, we need to plan for the future and ensure we meet the growing challenges of an aging population and also meet the considerable difficulties in recruiting and retaining healthcare staff. The benefits of merger will allow us to adapt, deliver and respond to the challenges ahead. The Grove Medical Centre will become a more attractive place to work and ensure we are resilient and self-sustaining and can continue to provide excellent healthcare to our patients.”

Dr Christine Foster of Newland Surgery added: “I am very excited about the merger and think it will deliver first class care for our patients in a new and dynamic surgery. “It is essential that we retain a robust and vibrant General Practice for years to come in Sherborne and its surrounding area.

“We have a growing and aging population. People are living longer with more chronic conditions and illnesses that place different demands on the resources that we have. There will be new ideas and different staff to help the new surgery deliver this care. I feel reassured about the future of both surgeries, for our patients and staff. I would ask all our patients to please support this merger and help us to make it a great practice for your care. “ The newly merged practice will be located in its existing premises in Wootton Grove Sherborne. Technical matters, such as phone numbers and online services will be updated to incorporate both surgeries.

26

The Mitre Inn

Sandford Orcas

Nr Sherborne, DT9 4RU

01963 220271 FREEHOUSE

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

Wed to Fri - Senior Citizens 2 course lunch £11.00 Sunday Roast - £9.95 Adult, £8.95 OAP and £6.50 children 2 En-suite double rooms now available Tuesday - Saturday 11.30 - 2.30, 7.00 - 11.00 Sunday 12.00 - 3.00, 7.00 - 10.30 (Monday drinks only 7.00 - 11.00)

www.MitreInn.co.uk

Food & Drink

FOOD & DRINK

A NEW YEAR, A NEW YOU

By Matt Street, Executive Chef, Seasons Restaurant at The Eastbury Hotel, Sherborne

The team at Seasons Restaurant at the newly fully refurbished AA 4 star Eastbury Hotel hope you had a fantastic Christmas with family and friends. Those of you who attended our festive party nights certainly seemed to enjoy the festive period.

After the Festive feasting, January is when many of us start thinking of a less indulgent approach to our diet. At Seasons, we will be offering dishes to help guests start the New Year in a more restrained way. These dishes are just as tasty, but with fewer calories.

To help you return to normal after the indulgences over the Christmas period, I have created a wonderfully light and enjoyable Super Food salad.

This filling salad is ideal on its own or as an accompaniment to a hot bowl of soup.

The recipe for this dieter’s delight is as follows:

SUPER FOOD SALAD

I hope you enjoy this tasty recipe and it becomes a keeper in your household. I look forward to providing more flavoursome early season dishes for you soon.

INGREDIENTS 1 courgette 1 cucumber 1 carrot

FOR DRESSING

grated zest and juice from 1 lime grated zest and juice from 1 orange 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon honey 150 g quinoa, boiled salt pepper 50 g raisins 50 g walnuts 2 spring onions 1 chili pepper 1 tablespoon basil 1 tablespoon mint 10 cherry tomatoes

TO SERVE

mint basil 1 tablespoon olive oil

METHOD

• Use the peeler to slice the cucumber and courgette all the way around with a vegetable peeler. You don’t want to use the part with the seeds. Do the same to the whole carrot.

• Fill a large bowl with ice and place the vegetable slices over it. Fill with water, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 6 hours.

This will make the vegetable slices fresh and crunchy.

• When ready, remove from refrigerator and spread the vegetables over a clean kitchen towels and allow to dry.

• In a bowl, add the lime zest, lemon zest, orange zest, orange juice, olive oil, mustard and honey. Mix very lightly. You don’t want the mixture to thicken.

• Add the quinoa, season with salt and pepper.

Mix. • Add the raisins, walnuts crushed with your hands, the green part of the spring onions finely chopped, chili pepper, finely chopped basil and mint.

• Add the vegetable slices and the cherry tomatoes cut in half. Mix. • Serve with some basil, mint and extra virgin olive oil.

27

FOOD & DRINK

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF WINE DRINKING

By Camilla Wood, Owner /MD The Somerset Wine Company

If December is the glittering month of joyful excess, then January is the bleak month of joyless deprivation - or so the media would have us believe.

Dry January has become a fixture in the calendar and a topic of conversation so much so that not subscribing can make you feel like a social outcast. My job this month is to make you feel much better about continuing moderate wine imbibing and not feeling guilty for failing to jump on the wagon - or that bandwagon. Dry January is just that - a bandwagon forced upon us by newspaper/magazine and television editors who have decided January journalism must be all about promoting abstinence, detoxing and exercise routines to counter the excesses of the festive season.

Surely striking a healthy balance in all things is the best way forward, and that includes wine drinking.

If an apple a day keeps the doctor away then the same can be said for a glass of wine - white or red. From decreased mortality rate to aiding digestion and attacking cancer cells, a moderate consumption of good wine can have very positive health benefits.

I must strongly emphasise here that the benefits of wine are only relevant when low to moderate drinking is undertaken, that means roughly one 175ml glass a day for women and two for men. Clearly the intake of alcohol comes with its own risks and when drunk to excess is dangerous and will thus negate any health benefits. Other factors such as genes/lifestyle/mental health and your environment should be considered when assessing the healthy aspects of wine drinking and I would in no way wish to trivialise those who abstain due to addiction issues. However, there is convincing evidence that in small quantities, ideally accompanied by a meal, wine can play an important role in a healthy balanced diet.

Why? Well, our best friends here are anti-oxidants, more specifically polyphenols, particularly one called resveratrol. Polyphenols are defined as organic compounds which can protect us against some common health problems and possibly certain effects of ageing.

They protect cells and body 28

chemicals against damage caused by free radicals - reactive atoms that contribute to tissue damage in the body.

Wine is full of goodies, antioxidants which attack the free radical badies in the body - those devils which promote cancer.

Interestingly, it was always assumed that red wine has higher levels of polyphenols due to increased skin to juice contact to enhance the colour, concentration and tannin structure in red wine. However a recent study by the University of Barcelona has found that phenols in white white had equal if not higher anti-oxidants than those in red wine.

Anti-oxidants in wine can boost the immune system, thus warding off infections and high levels of silicon in red wine increase bone density, lowering the risk of osteoporosis. Resveratrol - our champion polyphenol - acts as a blood thinner, thus improves the flow of blood which in turn increases heart health, it also reduces cholesterol. Furthermore, tannins in red wine contain pyrocyanidins, phenols which neutralise the free radicals and can help prevent cardio-vascular disease. Resveratrol has also been found to improve sensibility to insulin, and moderate wine drinking has been linked to a 30% reduced risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, if consumed along with a healthy balanced diet.

Red wine also provides a rich source of digestive probiotics: polyphenols stimulate the release of gastric acid and in particular nitric oxide, a chemical which relaxes the stomach wall, helping to optimise digestion. It is no coincidence that red wine and red meat pair so well because protein softens the wine’s tannins, and red wine also helps emulsify harmful substances - oxidized fats called malonaldehydes, or MDA — released when meat is digested.

The Bible said for good reason “Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake” (1 Timothy 5:23).

Finally, my two favourite positive benefits of good wine drinking (and by that I mean wine crafted by smaller producers, not made in mass volume and blanketed in chemicals) are that it improves cognitive function and longevity.

The Mediterranean lifestyle and diet, which includes moderate wine drinking, has long been linked to greater happiness and longevity as evidenced by those lucky inhabitants of Ikaria, a small Greek island with the highest nonagenarian population. Those

wonder polyphenols in red wine are also thought to play a part in slowing brain decline by preventing neurons from dying off and may protect against diseases such as dementia and Parkinson’s.

Well, if nothing else is true, a nice glass of wine relaxes one, raises the spirits and opens the mind - as Lord Thomas Dewar said “Minds are like parachutes they function only when open” - and in the bleakness of January I’ll be raising a guilt-free glass to that.

Start your New Year right!

With special joining offers all throughout January Why not see what The Club at Holbrook and our new state of the art functional weights room can do for you and your fitness goals?

Come along and try the gym and pool for free on one of our open days in January!

Saturday 5th 9-5pm Thursday 10th 4-9:30pm Thursday 24th 4-9:30pm Saturday 26th January 9-5pm Join up throughout January to make the most of our special Membership Joining offers.

FOOD & DRINK

HOW TO ENJOY HEALTHY EATING!

By The Stag’s Head Inn

It’s that wonderful time of the year... when much food and drink over-indulgence takes place - at works parties, family get-togethers, Christmas Drinks parties, with endless consumption of sausage rolls, mince pies, pigs in blankets.... and all of this well before the main celebrations of Christmas and New Year themselves!

At the beginning of the New Year there is a tendency for us all to come back down to earth with a bump, full of resolutions ~ to lose the weight, embark on that exercise regime, generally live a healthier life.....and we vow to be healthier than we have been, to start the New Year afresh.

I recently met up with an old friend of mine who is a psychologist by profession, but who also has a specific interest in food and the effects that consuming certain foodstuffs have on us.

She also has a (completely non-scientific) theory that turns all those restrictive resolutions upside down, and presents us all with an interestingly different approach to the challenge of revitalising ourselves in the New Year.

The premise is completely straightforward: instead of telling yourself what you mustn’t eat, must avoid, do

without, and generally restrict yourself - so embracing all the negatives, she suggests that one should actually approach it from the other angle, and list all foods that are healthy, that you love, and then build your meals around those foods. Simple!

(And, no, she doesn’t just mean salads and mineral water!).

So, I took each meal of the day and listed all healthy food options that I love. - Admittedly, not too difficult for me, as I love almost all foodstuffs!

Immediately, I had listed options of porridge with honey and blueberries for breakfast, with a follow-up satsuma; whilst lunch developed into a mug of soup together with a wholemeal roll filled with ham and houmous, with watercress and sweet cherry tomatoes on the side.

Dinner options started off with pan-roasted salmon with ratatouille, or hot salade nicoise, with grilled tuna steak, roasted peppers, warm green beans, black olives and new potatoes all tossed in mustard vinaigrette. Yum!

low-calorie, low-satisfaction snack bar, you can eagerly look forward to your next meal as it will invariably contain some of your favourite foods!

With all this is mind, I’ve taken a look at our current menu here at the Stag’s Head Inn, and can identify many of our dishes that will fit the bill. Deliciously spicy and creamy parsnip and apple soup; colourful and refreshing

beetroot tart with Yarlington Blue mousse and braised beetroots; pan fried trout with samphire, seasonal greens and a green pea velouté..... and what better pudding to finish off a meal than an unctuous dark chocolate tart...

Here’s wishing you all a Happy New Year, together with some very enjoyable eating!

Pudding options of baked apples with vanilla ice cream, slices of banana with dark chocolate, baked figs with honey and crème fraiche...

So, instead of feeling constantly hungry and reaching for the

29

SPORT

MAKING CHANGES THAT ARE HERE TO STAY By Gary Shackle, Sherborne Sports Centre January brings a new year full of fresh ideas, renewed motivation and often a craving for change and detox after an indulgent and full on December!

The ‘New year – New me’ outlook is a great start to making positive changes to our health and wellbeing but how do we make sure these changes are here to stay when motivation and that fresh feeling starts to dwindle a couple of months into the year?

Here are a few tips to make sure the new you is here for good…

Avoid all or nothing

Breaking certain mood & mindset habits can be key to making lasting changes. Just because you’ve skipped one workout or had one indulgent meal it doesn’t mean you need to punish yourself and throw in the towel for the rest of the week! Try to instead look at it as extra motivation – total restriction is never healthy and moderation is key.

The same can be said for trying to change too much at once as you’ll likely end up getting overwhelmed and giving up.

Sticking to realistic and attainable goals that

will work around your lifestyle is the way forward.

Track your progress

Have a plan!! Take each week at a time and schedule a moment to pencil in when and how you can fit in your workouts and healthy changes for the week ahead. Knowing what you’re doing will help you stick to your goals, maximise your workouts and avoid other things getting in the way.

In the gym we can provide you with a programme personalised to your goals to keep a record of your workouts and ensure you are continuing to challenge yourself.

Not all changes are instantly recognisable in a mirror so keeping track in this way is a great way to see your results and avoid getting discouraged on a bad day.

Do it together

Team up with a friend and have fun working together to reach goals and try some new things together. What better way to stick to your goals than by motivating and encouraging each other along the way.

Maybe even sign up to something as a team for that extra push! Here at the sports

Centre we have a 10k, Sprint Triathlon and our Charity Chase in 2019 welcome to all abilities and great aims to work towards.

The little things

Not all changes have to seem like huge overhauls. Try to take one goal at a time and incorporate changes into your daily lifestyle such as taking the stairs or walking to work, these small changes can add up to big differences.

There are many apps that track calories, distance, steps and sleep which can be great to help you keep an eye on how well you’re looking after yourself and log your achievements.

Don’t forget to record your progress, celebrate your victories and be proud of yourself for making these positive changes…

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ALL OF US AT SHERBORNE SPORTS CENTRE!

Sports Centre

ANYTIME FITNESS

Join Anytime Fitness in Yeovil and discover what makes us different.

We pride ourselves on being a community based club, where we regularly organise social events and aim to keep our members motivated and supportive through our friendly and supportive team.

Come and try us for yourself with this free three consecutive day trial pass. Call us on 01935350247 to find out more.

Anytime Fitness Yeovil Quedam Shopping Centre, 4-6 Frederick Place, Yeovil, BA20 1EX *Terms & Conditions apply: Maximum 3 days free per person to be taken consecutively during staffed hours. Not valid for under 18s, previous trialists and current members. Valid at participating club only. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

For full details ask a team member in club.

30

CUT ME OUT AND HAND ME TO A MEMBER OF STAFF

TO CLAIM YOUR FREE TRIAL CALL 01935 350247 OR VISIT ANYTIMEFITNESS.CO.UK

Health

& Wellbeing

TRANSFORM CHALLENGES INTO OPPORTUNITIES IN 2019

By Niki Cassar

We all know that New Year’s resolutions don’t work, because they are promises we make to ourselves and to others that are about changes we either don’t really want to make or we suspect are going to be difficult to sustain. Despite our secret fears, we challenge ourselves nevertheless. Typical resolutions are losing weight (going on a diet, joining a gym, fasting and.... oh dear, being deprived of all your favourite foods); cutting out alcohol (soft drinks, tea, sparkling water…. boring, boring); spending less money (no retail therapy, no quick fix pleasure) or taking more exercise to get fit (jogging, swimming, cycling…. sounds exhausting, and not much fun in bad weather). They’re all good ideas but why is it so hard to sustain them after just a few weeks? Why do so many of us give up and go back to those old, familiar habits?

Imagine that there’s a part of your mind (the subconscious) that believes maintaining your habits is actually doing you good, and therefore continues to encourage you to do so.

It’s a very powerful part, and can easily over-ride the much smaller conscious mind that is saying ‘I want to stop eating too much or drinking too much or shopping too much, and I want to do it NOW!’ So when you embark on your new regime, the conscious mind is encouraging you and acting as your cheerleader, whereas the subconscious is constantly reminding you how good it feels to continue with the old habits, and how uncomfortable you’re feeling on the new deprivation regime.

The David and Goliath battle that ensues in the background is one that has a different ending to the parable many of us are familiar with, in as much as the subconscious mind (Goliath) almost always wins, and the conscious mind (David) eventually retires, defeated.

How can hypnotherapy help, you may be thinking? In hypnosis, we are using all levels of the mind at once. The conscious mind listens but doesn’t interfere, allowing access to the amazing, infinite subconscious where all the out-of-date information is stored. Once the subconscious is convinced that you, the Self, will actually benefit from the changes, it will encourage you to see the new behaviours as exciting opportunities instead of uncomfortable or painful challenges. It doesn’t matter whether you’re wanting to change your habits; release fears or anxiety; clear blocks that are keeping you stuck; increase your confidence and self-esteem or any other emotional issue that is causing you problems – the process of changing the information in your subconscious is very similar, and these changes can occur within a matter of a few weeks. Unlike diets, the changes are permanent!

If you’d like to start the New Year by facing your challenges and transforming them into opportunities, then please do give me a call on 01963 371 695 for a free, confidential chat with absolutely no sales pressure. I’ll be happy to explain why I believe that hypnotherapy can help you to ‘change your mind’.

Quote The Conduit and I’ll give you a £15 discount on your first session with me.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Come and join in the fun NO JOINING FEE

for January on our new Junior Junior Memberships Memberships 01935 818270 www.oxleysc.com Bradford Road, Sherborne DT9 3DA

KEEPING TODAY’S YOUNGER GENERATION ACTIVE AND HEALTHY

by Gemma Hesketh – Oxley Sports Centre

Today’s generation of children are the least active and most sedentary ever and could potentially face health risks in the future unless we try and do something about it now.

So what exactly is making them sedentary and less active? The vast technological advances since perhaps you and I were children have a large part to play in the sedentary lifestyle our children are now becoming accustomed to. Whereas as young children ourselves we were used to going outside to play, run through the streets, playing in the local recreation ground and on the playground, these simple pleasures are now becoming a distant past for some children as more and more parents have less time to take their children out and more parents are concerned about the safely of their children out on their own.

A recent survey (2000 parents) carried out showed over half were concerned about the lack of exercise their child was doing due to sitting down on their tablets or watching the TV. Another recent article from the BBC shows that one fifth of children were entering primary school overweight or obese. This then rose to one in four pupils entering secondary schools.

So how can children engage in more activity? We as the adults perhaps need to spend more time with them from walking to school, cycling as a family , swimming or playing in the playground, taking them to the local park or out for a nice walk in the fresh air. This also means we get to keep active with them! When children are doing something fun and something they enjoy, it doesn’t even feel like exercise for them and this is what we want to try and achieve. It has been proven that at least 60 minutes of physical exercise a day will help general health, build stronger bones and muscles and can help build higher self esteem.

The NHS guidelines for physical activity in children and young people between the ages of 5 and 18 years old are that they should be doing least 60 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. The recommendation is that all children should avoid a sedentary lifestyle or sitting for long periods of time. You can find more information about this by visiting the NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/ fitness/Pages/physical-activity-guidelines-for-young-people.aspx and it’s well worth a read.

The aim of the government is to get children and younger people into a routine and change of lifestyle to try new health related fun activities and promote an active and healthy lifestyle from a younger age. Organising junior specific exercise classes making them as fun and enjoyable as possible where anyone can take part.

It doesn’t have to be competitive, the idea is to endeavour to make all children feel comfortable and included whatever their level of fitness.

Here at Oxley Sports Centre we are trying to tackle the inactivity in children through our new Junior Memberships which were launched in September 2018. We have three different types of Junior Memberships, which include: Kids Zumba, Kids Boogie Bounce, Swimming, Badminton, Squash and Junior Gym (dependent on age).

For more information on our Junior Memberships please visit our website www.oxleysc.com or contact reception on 01935 818270.

31

COMMUNITY

YEOVIL SAMARITANS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH YEOVIL DISTRICT HOSPITAL

By Yeovil Samaritans

Though the core work of Samaritans is about being there 24/7 at the end of a phone for people who need help, did you know that the Yeovil Branch also has teams of volunteers who perform face to face outreach work in the community?

In fact, a team of 10 volunteers offer a weekly service at Yeovil District Hospital, offering incoming visitors to Accident & Emergency emotional support.

The team work in pairs, every Monday evening – the busiest day in A & E at YDH of the week.

The partnership with YDH, originally led by Samaritans volunteer Hilary Tolhurst started back in April 2011. ‘Our branch met with the head matron of YDH at a suicide prevention forum run by Somerset Public Health. Truro Samaritans had been partnering with their local hospital with extremely positive results. I had always felt very strongly about the importance of complementing our work with face to face outreach in our community and partnering with YDH offered an ideal opportunity.’

‘While we will support anyone coming into the department and, on occasion, we have been asked to sit with people who are dying, we tend to gravitate, with our skills, to those who are in obvious crisis’ said Hilary. ‘A little while ago, for example, I spoke to two young men who were both at the end of their tethers. One was a carer

for his sick father and a recovering addict who had taken an overdose; the other, homeless, estranged from his parents, unemployed and suffering from OCD. He had simply collapsed in town. Both were just desperate for time and a listening ear. As Samaritans, we have been trained to provide just that. Both were reassured that Samaritans were not just there that night, but are available to offer support round the clock, whenever they needed it.’

Yeovil District Hospital, which admits 40,000 visitors to its A & E Department annually, recognises the need for this type of support.

Fiona Jones, Interim Director of Urgent Care at Yeovil Hospital, said: “The emotional support which the Samaritans offer to some of our most vulnerable patients is absolutely invaluable. We’re so grateful to have them as part of our extended Emergency Department family.”

Margaret Grundy, who now runs the Yeovil Samaritans A & E Team says: ‘Hospitals, by their very nature, can be distressing for many reasons’.Margaret continues, ‘As volunteers,

our aim is to try and make the process as comfortable and welcoming as possible. A cup of tea and a biscuit is a great ice breaker and a great way to get people talking! ‘ Could you volunteer with the Samaritans? Why not join us at our information evenings which take place on the first Wednesday of every month at 7pm at 25 The Park, Yeovil, BA20 1DG. To find out more, call our information line on 01935 414015, email recruitment@ yeovilsamaritans.org.uk or visit our website at https://www.samaritans.org/branches/ samaritans-yeovil-sherborne-and-district .

VOLUNTEER WITH US Find out about joining us

Sherborne

volunteering@samaritans.org samaritans.org/yeovil

booking not required

AND YEOVIL, SHERBORNE

DISTRICT

For more information call 07791 308 773

Chair Yoga

Tuesday

13:30 - 14:30 West End Hall, Littlefield, Sherborne, DT9 6AU

£5

Sit & Strengthen

Wednesday

14:15 - 15:00 West End Hall, Littlefield, Sherborne, DT9 6AU

£4

Stand & Strengthen

Wednesday

15.15 - 16:00 West End Hall, Littlefield, Sherborne, DT9 6AU

£4

Don’t lose it, move it!

Wednesday

16:15 - 17:00 West End Hall, Littlefield, Sherborne, DT9 6AU

£4

Sit & Strengthen

Thursday

14:30 - 15:30 Digby Memorial Church Hall, Sherborne, DT9 3NL

£5

Sit & Strengthen

Friday

12:30 - 13:15 Youth and Community Centre, Tinneys Lane, DT9 3DY

£4

Stand & Strengthen

Friday

13:30 - 14:15 Youth and Community Centre, Tinneys Lane, DT9 3DY

£4

Don’t lose it, move it!

Friday

14:30 - 15:15 Youth and Community Centre, Tinneys Lane, DT9 3DY

£4

Yetminster

Sit & Strengthen

Monday

11:00 - 12:00 Jubilee Hall Yetminster, Church St, Yetminster, DT9 6LQ

£5

Yeovil

Sit & Strengthen

Tuesday

12:15 - 13:15

£5

East Coker

Sit & Strengthen

Thursday

12:30 - 13:30 East Coker Village Hall, Halves Lane, East Coker, BA22 9JJ

Abbey Manor Community Centre, The Forum, Abbey Manor Park, Yeovil, BA21 3TL

£5

Your Home Personal Training

By Appointment Only

45 minute session to suit your needs

£35

Your Home Sports Massage

By Appointment Only

45 minute session to suit your needs

£35

communifit 32

01935 414 015*

*Local call charges apply. A registered charity.

Class timetable strengthening the local community

Hilary Tolhurst

communi_fit

@communifit

communifit.co.uk

info@communifit.co.uk

BEAUTY

NEW YEAR NEW YOU!

By Samantha Mullett, So Pampered A brand new year is upon us! Christmas is just a distant memory and we’re all looking forward to what lies ahead for 2019.

However the effects of over-indulging over the festive season may still be felt! The gyms will be busy but how long for?! Getting fit and healthy is a whole lifestyle change, not one of those ‘good ideas’ that last only a few weeks.

So let’s find a way of keeping fit and active that you enjoy, you can stick at and most importantly WORKS! Remember take it easy on your muscles to start with if you are not used to a high intensity of exercise. Massage is a fantastic treatment to run alongside your new fitness regime. Massage can relax muscle tissue, boosting the circulatory and lymphatic systems, enhancing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients into the muscle cells helping remove toxins and waste products from the body.

The perfect way to detox!

Other detoxifying treatments available in the salon are body wraps, just like the Montecelli Mud Wrap from Comfort Zone. Enjoy a full body brush and exfoliation – to remove dead skin cells and boost circulation. Then we apply warm and creamy mud, enriched with mineral salts with detoxing, and draining properties to leave you feeling totally renewed, inside and out.

With our attention on our bodies please don’t forget about your face! We are fully into the winter months now so it is especially vital that we protect and pack our skin with nutrients. Ensure that you are moisturising every morning with SPF to protect you from winter sun -yes those horrid ageing rays are still out there! Another great way to look after your skin is to invest into a nourishing antioxidant night cream. Overnight is when the skin repairs itself, which is exactly why getting enough hours of sleep each night (we recommend 7-8 hours) is essential.

Facials • Massage • Manicures Pedicures • Gel Nails Eyelash Extensions • Make Up Hot Stones • Lava Shells Waxing • Body Reatments Spa Packages • Wedding Packages

So Pampered Beauty Salon Relax • Unwind • Rejuvenate

01935 434679 07772 822324 Email: info@sopampered.co.uk

www.sopampered.co.uk

Facials • Massage • Manicures Pedicures • Gel Nails Eyelash Extensions • Make Up Hot Stones • Lava Shells Waxing • Body Reatments Spa Packages • Wedding Packages

Spa Therapy at Lanes Relax • Unwind • Rejuvenate

01935 488145 07765 393774 Email: info@spatherapyatlanes.com

www.spatherapyatlanes.com

JAN & FEB OFFER ‘3 treatments for £49’ Choose from: Manicure • Pedicure

Back, Neck and Shoulders Massage Mini Facial Eyelash & Eyebrow Tint and Shape

Saving up to £27!

Call the salon for more details

So whether it’s a massage, body treatment or facial – keep in mind how a trip to So Pampered can help with your New Year’s resolution goals, of feeling fit and healthy – a brand new you!

33

WIN £10 Bargain IN OUR

WORDSEARCH

PUZZLE

Christmas is over and it’s time to think about booking a short break. Our UK cities are pretty awesome, so to give you some inspiration, this month’s Wordsearch lists a bunch of British cities, counties and towns (and a few made up ones!). Just find the hidden words in the grid below, ring each word until you have found all of them and when you have completed the puzzle send it to: The Conduit Magazine, Wyvern Buildings, North St, Sherborne DT9 5EP. The lucky winner receives a £10 cheque. The closing date is: Monday 21 January.

GOOD LUCK

LONDON NORWICH NOTTINGHAM BIRDBROOKE CAMBRIDGE MILDENHALL TOPPESFIELD

STAFFORDSHIRE WARWICK SHEFFIELD IPSWICH STOWE LANCASTER

Hunters

Corner

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

GUNS WANTED FOR CASH Any size, any condition, make or model We collect in any area

By Registered Firearms Dealer

07970 742471 Clear glass top table with black margin with black glass shelf.

4ft by 2ft 6 inches. Four black pvc chairs. All chrome legs. Good condition £40.00 Cane rocking chair, good condition (need the room) £80.00 ono Tel: 01458 252003 Light grey 3ft single divan bed with two drawers, mattress and headboard. Recently bought, only slept in a few times by grandchildren. Excellent condition £75.00 ono Tel: 07891 344214 Harrods Bear 2006 Alexander. Harrods Bear 2007 Benjamin £15.00 each Tel: 01963 33723 Unused skoda spare wheel fitted with new 195/55 R15H tyre complete with skoda jack and wheel brace kit £50.00 Four 195/55 R15 winter tyres with 7mm tread all round (new tyres have 8mm) £60.00 Two satin nickel four bar spotlights complete with lamps £7.00 each Tel: 07989 342850 Black velvet cloak with hood and antique clasp £45.00 Ben de Lisi black velvet dress size 12 £35.00 Electric wall hung fire £35.00 George Foreman Grill £35.00 Tel: 01935 429515 Hill Billy Electric Golf Trolley. Battery nearly new £50.00 cash Hand Pull Golf Trolley. Winter wheels £20.00 cash Carry Golf Bag with Tripod £20.00 cash Tel: 01749 813099 Children’s handknitted cardigans and jumpers. Various styles and colours. Sizes 17”-22” £5.00 each 3 children’s handknitted hoodies £7.50 each 3 Pram blankets £7.50 each Tel: 01935 429322

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

2 white Upvc Sunbeds with full length cushions. £50.00.

Tel: 01935 414700 Maxicosi child’s car seat. New. £60 o.n.o. Was £274.

Tel: 01935 413517.

WANTED

Dry Stone Walling and Paving

Dave buys all types of tools.

All types of stone walling undertaken www.yenstonewalling.co.uk

Tel: 01935 428975

Patrick Houchen - DSWA member

01963 371123 Professional & reliable service

“The unique CELSIUS solid roofing system provides all year use of your conservatory”

Cool for me ... and Warm for me

Windows Doors Conservatories Fascias Extend the life of your existing conservatory and use it all year round. Our Celsius solid roof is different. Unlike other systems on the market it does not need any aluminium framework so cold spots are avoided.

Give your new or existing conservatory all year round life for you and your family to enjoy.

And don’t forget, we manufacture in-house, UPVC and Aluminium doors and windows using the latest innovative technology.

15 year guarantee on all installations. Please call West Country Windows for a free no obligation quotation.

www.westcountrywindows.com

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Glass and Glazing Federation

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Made in the West Country

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Supporting St Margaret’s Hospice throughout 2018.

Details on our website

T: 0800 378 371

4 Vale Road, Yeovil, Somerset, BA21 5HL T: 01935382440 e: yeovil@plumbase.com

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ALL OUR DISPLAYS WITH 20% DISCOUNT 35