West Country Life 12 December 2015

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West Country Life WCL-E01-S1

magazine Western Daily Press, December 12, 2015

Our top tree tips

‘Old-fashioned and proud’ – shoe supremo Manolo Blahnik

Carol Klein on what’s next for her garden

Meet the man who wants to revive the wool industry

Interiors and news in Property, PLUS your TV guide

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INSIDE

Columnists 2 Martin’s dog Monty Hesp puts pen to paper

Travel 16 Laura Ivill visits Frank Sinatra’s favourite holiday

People 4 One of the best-known shoe designers in the

Fashion 22 Katie Wright picks out some stylish ways to

6 WePeople meet the former punk who wants to

Books 24 Hannah Stephenson talks to bestselling author

People 7 She may be 70, but TV gardener Carol Klein is

Interiors 26 Whether you’re going for a white Christmas or

this week; while Sarah Trevelyan looks back on a level of pain she’s not known since labour

destination – Palm Springs, as today (December 12) would have been his 100th birthday

world, Manolo Blahnik, lives right here in the West. Lisa Evans finds out what inspires him

sparkle over the festive season, without resorting to the usual glitter

transform the UK’s wool industry making items such as alpaca and lambswool socks

busy making garden plans for next year for Glebe Cottage, she tells Hannah Finch

Photo essay 8 Photographer Steve Roberts is invited to artist

Bronwen Bradshaw’s studio near Glastonbury, and learns more about her work

Cecelia Ahern; while Tina Rowe picks West Country books that would make great gifts

a woodland look, Gabrielle Fagan has ideas to decorate your Christmas tree with style

12 Food

What could be more fun at this time of year than making edible baubles for your Christmas tree? Claire Spreadbury shows us how

Walks 28 Sue Gearing shares an excellent circle route in the Cotswolds; while Martin Hesp climbs a Somerset hill that inspired a famous hymn

WEST COUNTRY LIFE REGULARS GARDENING 32-35, ANTIQUES 36-38, TELEVISION GUIDE 40-53, CROSSWORD PUZZLES 54&55, HOROSCOPE 56, WHERE IN THE WEST 56

A&E time-wasters can pay up ROGER EVANS RURAL RAMBLES Do you remember me telling you that our television broke down for three days? Actually, it wasn’t the television, it was the plastic box that sits underneath. Now it’s gone wrong again. Of course, it’s my fault. Well, it’s me that’s getting the blame. I’m not admitting to it but I’m getting the blame because when we are watching a programme with adverts, I use that as an opportunity to see what’s on other channels. I thought it was a very sensible alternative, but I’ve been told by “the man” that plastic boxes don’t like channel-hopping so that’s why I’ve had the blame.

I just can’t believe that I’m the only person in the world that does it. I don’t really like adverts.

When you record something and you fast forward the adverts, it’s only then that you realise just how much time is taken up with them. Some are OK, but after you’ve seen it so many times, well, enough is enough. The one I like the most at the moment is the one where the tiny horse comes through the cat flap. But by the time you read this, that will have been on dozens of times.

So, I’m sitting there watching the adverts, sulking, and one comes on from the National Health Service. I’m only giving it a small portion of my attention but the advert’s purpose seems to be dedicated to encouraging you to live healthily this winter, so that you don’t further clog up the already clogged-up A&E departments. Then my attention is on full alert. A part of this healthy winter lifestyle is that rooms you are in are always at 65°F or 18°C. I should be so lucky!

Ours is an old house, we don’t have a loft we can

insulate because the top bedrooms go up into that roof space. We don’t have cavity wall insulation because cavity walls were not big 300 or 400 years ago. The windows are old and metal and don’t fit very well. The wind that gets through them is unbelievable. Last year I taped them all up, but by the spring the wind had started to blow the tape off. This year I’ve bought some plastic sheets that you tape over the whole window, but we’ve not had a real wind to test them yet.

If our bedrooms were at 65°F that would suit me just fine. At present, if we have a hard frost, we have frost on the inside of the windows. If I wake up in the night it’s either because my feet are cold or my little nose is like ice.

But who decided this recommended temperature? Mankind has always managed at less. On one hand we are implored to cut fuel usage because of global warming, and at the same time we are advised to turn the heating up!

When you watch the news there’s a background of staff working, and they are all in their shirtsleeves. If they turned the heating down five degrees they would have to put a pullover on, so what’s wrong with a pullover? I bet they’ve all got one. Our church, and most others, is floodlit at night. It looks very nice but it’s all more power. If you see a news item at night from a large city, there’s a light on in every room, in every tall building in the background. It’s all habit and it all costs resources.

I started all this because of reducing demand at A&E. It seems quite simple to me. You charge everyone who goes there £5, unless they are drunk. If they are drunk they should pay £50. You could easily decide if they had had too much to drink by breathalysing them. It’s a bit tough on the genuinely needy but it would weed out the time-wasters. And it would be worth the £5 be-

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If we have a hard frost, we have frost on the inside of the windows – if I wake up in the night it’s either because my feet are cold or my little nose is like ice

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cause if the time-wasters weren’t there, they’d get much better treatment.

I’m not anti-drinking. Many years ago I was at a rugby club whose base was at a pub on the upper floor of an old outbuilding. To get to the club room you had to negotiate a very steep, narrow, high staircase. Well, you know how it is. One thing leads to another. And it was a day or so before Christmas. When I went to go home, I missed a step and went headlong to the bottom! The time I took to descend those stairs is a record I still hold to this day. Looking back at the incident, I’m not sure if I got knocked out as I fell or if I just went to sleep when I got to the bottom. Whatever, I was asleep/unconscious long enough for them to call an ambulance. I was a lot more aware of what was going on by this stage and it has always been a disappointment to me that the driver who took me to hospital didn’t put the blue light on. I wasn’t in hospital long but when they discharged me they gave me a piece of paper that said: “Fell downstairs, drunk.” I’ve still got the paper somewhere, but not seen it for ages.

I’m not proud of it, neither am I ashamed. It’s just one more escapade in the passage of your life.

But there was a cost to the NHS for my escapade, and I should have paid it.

How we got from misusing the TV remote to falling downstairs, I’ve no idea.

Christmas special Don’t miss your Christmas Eve edition of West Country Life, free with the Western Daily Press on Thursday, December 24

WEST COUNTRY LIFE ONLINE westerndailypress.co.uk/wcl COVER PICTURE: Pre-lit flocked 6ft whistler tree, from House of Fraser

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SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 1

COLUMNISTS

Would you paint a stealth bomber Day-Glo yellow?

Dealing with pain in your day-to-day life is simply exhausting

MONTY HESP

SARAH TREVELYAN

It’s all been a bit strange in the family pack recently – the humans have been behaving in a way I’ve not seen before and it’s not been much fun.

They do this thing where they wrinkle up their faces and make water come out of their eyes and run down their cheeks. Even old Hesp, who regards himself as the leader of the pack, has been doing this and generally feeling sorry for himself of late.

It’s all a mystery to me. I just wish they’d get back to normal because it’s not exactly a jolly time of year anyway, and all this moping isn’t helping. For example, it gets dark early and by the time they stop mooning about it’s often pitch black for the all-important walk.

This has resulted in our alpha-female buying me the most horrendous thing I have ever set eyes on – by which I mean a Day-Glo jacket which they make me wear when we go out in the dusk or at night.

They say it’s something to do with those car contraptions. Now, I do not like those machines at all – sometimes they make me go in one, which makes me feel sick. I find it weird – you climb into a car in one place and when you get out you are somewhere completely different!

Anyway, both Him and Her are rude whenever they use the name Monty and “car” in the same breath. They say I am useless with them and that I have no understanding of the dangers involved.

I do not know what they mean. In the valley where we live there is just one tiny road where the nasty cars go up and down – and I have noticed that they seem to be scared of me. They slow down when I’m in the middle of the road and take care to go around me.

Old Hesp shouts at me on such occasions – without understanding that I am in full control of the situation. He says one day I will be hit, and then there will be even more water coming out of their eyes.

This has been going on for years and I haven’t come to grief. But because of the recent night walks, the female boss has bought me the vile yellow jacket which they make me wear. And this is the reason I am writing – I wondered if some kindly reader who understands doggy things properly could report the Hesp pack to some organisation or other.

Because it is cruel. For a start, there are female hounds around here who have always been flirty with me. Not any more they are not. I’ve seen them having a snigger – and who can blame? I look utterly ridiculous.

It gets worse. It is obvious that the most important duty there is in life is to go on rabbit duty –

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something I’ve done every day for years, with great effect I may add…

What chance have I now? There’s me weaving silently through the trees – a stealth bomber on legs, old Hesp calls me – and I have always been able to frighten the living daylights out of small grey mammals like the hated rabbit and squirrel.

Vital work. But now they see me coming a mile off. I can even hear the young ones laughing from the safety of a thicket or one of those horrible little holes they live in.

I do not know why the humans in the Hesp pack have been so miserable recently, but now they’ve got me down as well. If it goes on like this even I could be making water come out of my eyes soon.

When that happens, they may as well adopt that evil human phrase and put me down.

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There’s me weaving silently through the trees – a stealth bomber on legs, old Hesp calls me – and I have always been able to frighten the living daylights out of small grey mammals like the hated rabbit and squirrel, but now they see me coming a mile off

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Riverford competition winners West Country Life recently ran a competition for three lucky readers to win two recipe books, one for spring and summer vegetables and the other for autumn and winter vegetables, collectively known as the Riverford Companion.

To be in with a chance of winning, entrants had to answer the following question: In which year did Riverford publish its first recipe book?

The correct answer was 2008, and the three winners, picked at random are: Mrs Chivers, of Temple Cloud, Somerset; John Davies, of Huish Episcopi, Somerset; and Mrs Baker, of Bath.

Congratulations to you all! The books are in the post.

Recently I learnt that torticollis, also known as “wry neck”, not only restricts head movement to about 1cm in any direction – making it difficult to eat and yawn – but can also be so painful all you want to do is lie down in a dark room with your eyes shut tight. But you can’t lie down because the pain is so severe, despite taking a cocktail of (prescribed) diazepam, co-codamol, codeine, and ibuprofen.

I still can’t believe the level of pain I felt, it was so acute I was reminded of those excruciating hours of labour before I became a mother for the first time. Here are the lowlights of my ten days of agony brought on, apparently, by sleeping awkwardly and picking up children.

There’s the moment I was trying to keep up with my over-excited children on the way to school (not sure how long that will last, so not complaining) and fell over while pushing the buggy down a steep, slippery footpath as I couldn’t look down, causing it to tip over and sending the school bags flying. My daughter wasn’t in it at the time – had she been I may have stood a chance of staying upright. That was painful and embarrassing.

Then while dozing in my drug-induced sleepy state on the sofa, the balloon my son was playing with suddenly popped. I literally jumped off the sofa in shock. That hurt.

Then there was the time my friend found me locked in the back seat of my car unable to climb through to the front or open the child-locked back doors. I had gingerly climbed in the back seat so I could do up my three-year-old’s seatbelt when I pulled the door shut behind me so a passing car wouldn’t take it off its hinges. My neck went into spasm and that was that. I was stuck with my daughter, wondering what I was doing and who was going to drive. Then there were the usual annoyances of not being able to get out of bed unaided (pretty similar to being heavily pregnant, that one) and having to cancel all your plans. Mine included having friends to stay, playing squash, attending an AGM – (this one looked particularly bad as I failed to attend last year because my daughter had been sick) as well as the usual chores of cooking, cleaning, washing.

But during this period of pain I was cheered by the kindness of strangers – especially older ones, who seemed particularly sympathetic. I have also developed a greater respect for those people who have to deal with this level of pain on a long-term basis. It is exhausting.

I’m now on the road to recovery, my children are glad I didn’t need an “amble-iance” and can cuddle them again and their impressions of me holding my neck in pain have stopped.

WCL-E01-S2

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SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 3

‘I admire strong, confident women; they are so much better than men’ PEOPLE Iconic shoe designer Manolo Blahnik tells Lisa Evans why he’s a true feminist, what’s on his Christmas wish list, and why he chose to make his home in Bath Madonna once famously said “his shoes are as good as sex – and they last longer”; Naomi Campbell refers to him “the godfather of sole”; and Princess Diana reportedly owned at least 50 pairs of his designs. But it wasn’t until Carrie Bradshaw had her strappy sandals stolen on Sex and the City that Manolo Blahnik’s name was firmly carved into the female lexicon.

Despite being a titan of the contemporary fashion world with an instantly recognised brand name – as synonymous to footwear as Vera Wang is to bridal gowns and Chanel is to the LBD – he is still a very private man into whose life we seldom get an insight.

Since he “fell in love with Bath” while on a trip with Grace Coddington 33 years ago, Mr Blahnik (as he refers to himself) has lived there, in a grand Georgian townhouse, where tens of thousands of pairs of his “stupid shoes” are stored chronologically (“even in the bathroom I have shoes”), and says he will never tire of staying there.

“I didn’t have a choice, I had to live here as soon as I’d laid eyes on the city,” says Mr Blahnik, who was born and raised on a banana plantation in the Canary Islands. “Bath is my paradise; its beauty fascinates and charms me. I’m sure if I’d stayed where I was born I would have gone mad. Moving to England was like coming home. It always felt so familiar as my father had been such an Anglophile – he was mad about Winston Churchill.

“I’m not speaking too quickly, am I?” he adds, prompting me to take control of his enthusiastic tangents that leave him out of breath. “I can’t help it; I ramble sometimes, especially when talking about my beloved Bath.”

His character is as colourful and fanciful as his designs (and he has an uproarious laugh to rival Brian Blessed’s), but most noticeably, despite his fame and fortune, he is exceedingly humble.

His new book, the Rizzoli-published Fleeting Gestures and Obsessions, is a compilation of conversations between Mr Blahnik and everyone from a Cambridge classicist to Sofia Coppola. It’s the first comprehensive and extravagantly illustrated volume of his life and art and features never-before-seen photography and more than 250 iconic designs from his eclectic archive of over 30,000 individual shoe styles (which currently range in price from £450 to £1,000 per pair).

“In the book, I pay homage to the women who have inspired me over the years – from Anna

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Piaggi to Paloma Picasso,” says the designer, whose vivid and creative career has spanned over four decades. “They are all people who have incredible, strong personalities and who evoked in me a desire to do things. All the people mentioned in the book, I’ve grown with them. I hope people don’t find this pretentious, but these are the pages and moments that inspire what I do, the use of colours and the materials – all of them.

“I am a feminist,” adds the 72-year-old. “I admire strong, confident women; they are so much better than men. If you make shoes for men you’re very limited by what you can do – but shoedesigning for women gives you endless possibilities.”

He had never planned to become a designer, but his fascination with footwear was natural from an early age. After studying literature (“I love Dickens – his words have inspired many of my designs”) at the University of Geneva and moving to London, he found himself sketching shoes during every spare minute. In the Sixties he was introduced to Diana Vreeland, the then editor of US Vogue, who told him to “do shoes”. The rest, as they say, is history.

Whether he’s designing a crystal-encrusted ankle boot or a square-toed mule, ensuring the shoes are comfortable is essential to Mr Blahnik – he even used to try on every pair himself to test their practicality.

“Sadly I can’t do that anymore since I broke a tendon in my leg,” he says. “But my assistants and I used to walk up and down the factory in the heels to ensure the shoes didn’t rub or cause blisters; I think that it’s such a strange, prehistoric idea that you have to suffer to be beautiful.

“The heel shouldn’t be too high,” he adds. “But just high enough to give women that sexy sway when they walk. I love to see English women in my shoes – they bring a natural theatre to them.”

But surprisingly, he doesn’t judge a woman by her choice of footwear.

“It’s not a woman’s shoes I notice first, it’s the confidence of the woman standing in them that stops me in my tracks,” he says. “I don’t think you can tell much about a person from their shoes. If a woman is well-groomed and neat, that’s important too. The first thing I do is look into their eyes, and then down to the feet. If a woman has selfconfidence then she can be gorgeous. I love decisive, extravagant women. And Bath women always seem to make so much effort when it comes to fashion, I like that.”

Over the decades of living in the city, many of his iconic designs have been inspired by the beauty of Bath. He doesn’t believe in searching for stimulus, he waits for it to come to him organically.

His name is synonymous with some of the most sought-after footwear in the world and, it turns out, renowned shoe designer Manolo Blahnik is inspired by the city he has chosen to call home – Bath

“I don’t have a creative process,” he says. “And I certainly don’t sit around collecting fabric swatches and waiting to be inspired.

“I get very little sleep – five hours is a miracle – so I draw shoes. The beautiful Georgian decoration of Bath has had an impact on my designs – how could you not be inspired by this wonderful place? I twist the concept of the Royal Crescent or The Circus and find a way to translate that beauty onto a shoe.

“Don’t ask me to name which shoes I’m talking about though – my memory isn’t what it used to be.

“I have, for almost half of my life, lived here,” he adds. “As soon as I saw the Crescent I fell in love with it. I love the look of Bath, its temperament and even its faults. The independent shops are fantastic too.

“I’m extravagant in spirit, but it’s obscene to buy too much. I’m like a monk. I’ve been wearing the same clothes for 40 years.”

So, what, we wonder, is on the Christmas wish list of the man who wants for nothing?

“This year I do have one item on my list,” he WCL-E01-S2

says. “The other day I spotted six early-edition Lord Byron books at Bayntun’s [Manvers Street, Bath]. I would love to have those. I adore Bath’s book shops.

“I’m old-fashioned and proud,” he adds. “I hate emails, but the internet can be wonderful – I use it to buy rare books, and to binge-watch Netflix.”

It’s odd to think that Mr Blahnik is so normal outside of the professional spotlight; to imagine such a giant of fashion as a House of Cards junkie is bizarre. He doesn’t watch TV or read newspapers, though. No, that would be too far.

“I don’t like to concern myself with celebrity culture that’s splashed about everywhere,” he harrumphs. “It’s not the vulgarity of it – vulgarity’s OK. But really, I’m not interested in all that.”

He doesn’t have a notion of fame himself and says he abhors being thought of as a luminary.

“I have never been a public animal,” he says.

“I’m not what you call a media person or an exhibitionist; I’ve always been very quiet. That’s why I love this city – because it’s a place where I

can live a blissfully undisturbed life. I feel safe here. Bath is a place I love and revere. It’s my sanctuary, my refuge. It’s the place I wish to die.”

Our quick-fire questions to Mr Blahnik...

Is there anything you’d change about Bath if you had the power?

I was sad when I was told not long ago that there could be an awful installation in the city [the AquEye]. I hope that doesn’t happen, that will be a monstrosity. Bath is not Disneyland, it’s not a place that we should be adapting for tourists and monetary gain; its integrity and history should remain intact. I have nothing against modern designs, but this, I think, is a step too far.

Of all the women who have inspired you over the years, who stands out most for you?

Princess Diana had a glow. But she was also very normal. I don’t like to talk about her as it’s still WCL-E01-S2

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I don’t think you can tell much about a person from their shoes

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too painful – I loved her dearly. And Mary Beard [classics professor at the University of Cambridge] is my favourite woman in England. She is a national treasure. Everything I love about England, encapsulated in one divine woman.

What shoe styles can’t you stand?

Platform shoes are vile – they’re so wrong for the silhouette and make the most beautiful legs look wrong. Trainers are also a pet hate because of the flat-footed way they make women walk. I’m all for the stiletto.

You travel the world – from London and Milan to New York and Hong Kong – all in the name of fashion. Do you see yourself putting your feet up any time soon?

I’m not a baby anymore, but I haven’t done yet what I wanted to do. I want to experiment in new materials. I’m not retiring yet!

Could you share some of your life lessons with us?

Remain dignified, dress well, be good to other people and you’ll be fine.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 5

John Arbon, who was a member of the punk band Elusive Diplomats in the Eighties, now runs an artisan worsted mill in Devon, making yarns for crafters and designers and producing a range of woollen socks

Bringing punk spirit to the mill PEOPLE Former punk John Arbon invites Hannah Finch to his Devon worsted mill to talk about reviving the British wool industry Mill owner John Arbon is not afraid to go against the grain. As a self-confessed “punk oik” in his younger days, there is an anarchic sensibility that runs through the fabric of his worsted wool mill in North Devon.

After all, why else would you pit yourself in a market place dominated by the big business “pile it high, sell it cheap” mantra.

But John, 52, who spent his teenage years in punk band Elusive Diplomats, enjoys challenging the status quo.

“You could say I was rebellious, I was there in the Eighties yelling ‘Get Thatcher Out’. “It is about seeing what is just. Too many times I have seen things trampled over for the sake of profits. I am on the side of the underdog.”

And it is that anarchic spirit that has brought him to the frontline of the British wool industry, to offer up smallscale values against a flood of mass-produced, cheap imports.

John’s artisan mill on the outskirts of South Molton, North Devon, trades on its ethical credentials. Behind the unassuming doors of a double industrial unit is the clattering noise of his smallscale worsted mill – one of only a small handful operating in the UK. It makes craft yarn and is commissioned to create small-batch dyed yarns for makers and designers. It spins half-a-tonne of wool a week into yarn of every hue for a growing market of knitters in search of the real thing.

John said: “I think people are less interested in

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mass produced and will go that extra mile and will pay more for something that is spun here, custom made and unique.”

John Arbon Textiles also makes its own range of beautiful merino, alpaca and lambswool socks.

All of John’s reconditioned machines come from the mills that made up the northern wool industry before industrialists found they could tap into the cheap labour and took production overseas.

Gradually, the powerhouses of the British wool industry fell silent. Many of the old machines went for scrap, but some were salvaged by people who saw the potential. John was among them. He spent years collecting bits and pieces and when the time was right in 2000, he was able to start up his mill with £6,000 out of his own pocket before being able to find 60 per cent of £35,000 regional business funding.

John said: “I literally saved this from the sledgehammers,” he explains while he shows me some of the reconditioned pieces, some of which date back to the 1900s, that have found a new life on his mill floor.

All John’s machines are manual – a far cry from the entirely computerised mills of the modern age.

He explained: “I need to know that if something goes wrong I can fix it. I try to steer clear of anything with a computer on it, especially the stuff from the Eighties when the computer is bigger than the machine.”

A former silk screen printer, John used to run a T-shirt printing business in London’s Elephant and Castle specialising in band T-shirts.

But aged 31, the year his son was born, he decided to retrain in fashion and textiles as a mature student at De Montfort University in Leicester.

He explained: “That’s when I realised what you

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I love keeping traditional and old skills alive – it is easy for people to say, ‘We can’t make it here, why should I go to all the effort to set it up when all the infrastructure is gone?’, but I knew what was needed to keep the tradition going

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could do with fibre and yarn and I was completely taken in by knitwear so I went on to do a postgrad diploma in Nottingham.”

The mill and retail business is run by both John and his wife Juliet, who handles the retail and wholesale side of the business.

John said: “She’s the one who knows all the figures. I’m terrible with money – give me £10 and I’ll spend £20,” he said.

The couple met 14 years ago in Lynton when Juliet returned to her Devon roots after many years working in the music industry.

The former wife of DJ Steve Lamacq, Juliet had a high-profile career as head of creative at Warner Music working with the likes of All Saints, East 17 and the Sugababes.

“She was looking for an easier life in Devon,” said John, “but then she met me.”

Central to their philosophy is ethical business practice and sourcing locally. They process all the wool at the mill, except for the scouring and wash process, which has to be done in Bradford.

John explained: “It used to be done by the Buckfast Spinners in Buckfastleigh, Devon, until it went pop. Now we send it by road but we are able to share transport to reduce our environmental impact.”

He adds: “I love keeping traditional and old skills alive. It is easy for people to say ‘We can’t make it here, why should I go to all the effort to set it up when all the infrastructure is gone?’ But I knew what was needed to keep the tradition going.

“We have a good operation here and it is a viable business, we have got a good reputation and an international market.

“Our plans now are to look to the American market and start making some money.

“We have grown the business to the level we want it to be, now it is the time to reap the rewards of what we have sown.”

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Creating a ‘garden ark’ PEOPLE

you want as long as you obey the natural elements that apply to your own garden and understand what plants want to grow there,” she said.

“You can make your garden your own if you work from the bottom up, work with what you have got. It should never be a question of imposing our control – management, yes, because nobody is pretending that gardening is a natural process; we have to work with nature.

“It amazes me sometimes when I hear about people battling with their gardens. I think, how sad that is – it is many things but it should never be a battle.”

Carol admits that when she started out, she didn’t have a clue.

“You could say I have learned quite a lot in 37 years. Now that the garden is mature, there are new challenges, some things are getting old or too big so we are having to look again.”

She has employed a Kew-trained gardener, Jamie Innes, to work with her at Glebe Cottage.

She said: “It is really lovely because just as much as I think he is exactly the right person for Glebe Cottage, he seems to think it is exactly the right place for him as well.

“He loves plants, he knows what he is doing and it is very invigorating to be able to have someone around I can talk to about gardening. It is a solitary business, so to have the opportunity to exchange thoughts, ideas and ways of working is a very welcome development.

“I’m a great believer that two heads are better than one. It is not about relinquishing my control because we will be doing things together and it will change the way the garden evolves.”

Too often, when people set out to make a garden, they have an idea fixed by photographs in magazines. But the real beauty of gardening is

Hannah Finch talks to Carol Klein about the next development at Glebe Cottage I’ve got some really exciting news, said Carol Klein. The TV gardener and writer is fired up about the future of a field she has bought next to her home and garden at Glebe Cottage in North Devon. She now has her hands on six-and-a-half acres of land. Oh, the possibilities.

“It will become an extension of the garden. My husband Neil calls it ‘Carol’s Garden Ark’, because it is a place to get together new ideas and for plants that we don’t want to lose.”

Carol wants to create an orchard of local varieties, a copse, a productive garden and a meadow, saying: “They usually thrive on poor, dry soil so it will take some experimenting to see what will work on our rich, fertile, heavy wet clay.”

It is a project, she says, that will take her to the end of her days.

Carol, now “70 and a half ”, added: “I will be doing this until I die.

“I don’t understand the concept of slowing down. Of course, as you get older you can’t do so much physically but it doesn’t stop you, not really.”

Carol has launched her new book, Making A Garden: Successful Gardening By Nature’s Rules.

It is a beautifully written guide to six environments, including woodland and exposed sites, with ideas of what to grow, but more importantly, how to work in tune with the assets and limitations of your own garden.

She signed copies of the book at a talk hosted at Castle Gardens garden centre in Sherborne, Dorset last month.

“It has taken a long time to do it, it is quite a big project because I like to take care over what I’m writing, I can’t just dash it out,” she said Carol’s underlying philosophy of working with nature has been honed over almost 40 years of creating her garden at Glebe Cottage. She started her garden there from scratch and has learned about what will and won’t survive on the site.

Hers is a mix of exposed terraces and wooded sheltered areas.

“You can very successfully create a garden that

“

You can very successfully create a garden that you want as long as you obey the natural elements that apply to your own garden and understand what plants want to grow there

” TV gardener Carol Klein has just acquired acres of extra land at her North Devon home, in which she plans to create an orchard of local varieties and other features WCL-E01-S2

working with it as it changes over time and learning from experience.

“The thing about mistakes is that you will never make any unless you go for it first. You have got to be prepared to do that and to learn from the experience. I have made lots of mistakes and I still do.

“I think it is a shame when people start out making a garden and after a year or so, let it go all to fiddle.

“When you make a garden, you are also making a gardener. A garden never ends because it is an interaction with the real live world and that is why I love it so much.”

SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 7

Bronwen Bradshaw at the Print Room, The Dove Studios, Butleigh. The artist has an affinity with Venice, where her daughter Robin lives, and where she had a residence at the Scuola Internazionale Di Grafica

8 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015

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PICTURES: STEVE ROBERTS

City etched on artist’s mind PHOTO ESSAY The line, horizontal and vertical, of buildings and bridges, is jagged and refracted in the reflected image created by nature on the page of artist Bronwen Bradshaw’s sketchbook.

The line becomes clear, precise and assured as she travels on a No 51 water bus in Venice. The beloved city of the artist is again stealing the heart and enriching the life of the visitor.

Now Bronwen stands in the Print Room at Dove Studios at Butleigh, near Glastonbury, surrounded by cast iron presses which radiate an imposing purpose and industry. She tells of her time making films at night in Venice while on a residence at the Scuola Internazionale Di Grafica.

“There are a lot of reflections at night, shop keepers closing their shops, of shapes,” she says.

Bronwen is the creator of photo etchings, and artists’ books. She also teaches. Her artist’s book, Venice Nocturnes, is like a love letter, an appreciation of the city between its folds.

While looking at an etching of an electric storm over St Mark’s Square, she reflects: “Architecture is frozen music.”

She is also a pianist, drawn to the darkness.

The night is her chosen space in which to compose.

Notturni Veneziani is a work Bronwen and trained musician friends the Lonesome Doves perform. Diana Milstein plays violin, Fiona Bruce keyboard, and Miranda Bruce cello.

“We are not Mozart, dashing off all the parts, we think of ourselves as mood musicians with aspects of Venice in all work,” Bronwen says.

‘Printmaking Print & Process’ featuring work by Bronwen and other artists is at Sidcot Arts Centre, Winscombe until today.

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From top: Bronwen Bradshaw with musicians who form Lonesome Doves – from left, Fiona and Miranda Bruce, Diana Milstein and Bronwen; Bronwen’s music for Notturni Veneziani with illustrations by her artist son-in-law Nelson Kishi; a drawing from Bronwen’s sketchbook during her Venice Anti Clockwise – A Journey Round Venice With A Sketchbook On The Number 51 Waterbus project; Bronwen in her darkroom at Dove Studios where she creates photo etchings

SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 9

During a trip to Scilly, Martin Hesp borrowed a prawning net and headed off to catch some Atlantic prawns, which he enjoyed boiled, with a hunk of homemade bread, good butter and aioli mayonnaise

Catch of the day was pure delight on a plate FOOD Wading about with a push-net in search of prawns was one of summer’s most perfect moments for Martin Hesp There are times, as winter arrives blasting the region with rain and storms, when you close the door and settle down to ponder all that has been and might be – and if you are a lover of quality food and drink, like me, that can mean remembering with delight all the great culinary adventures you’ve had in the year so far. It’s at times like this when I feel sorry for those who are not interested in the fuel that sustains them through life. My argument always has been that we have to eat, so why not make it as pleasurable as possible or turn it into one great, big, fantastic adventure?

10 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015

I did exactly that one sunlit weekend this past summer when I was invited to Scilly to attend the amazing inaugural ultra-low-tide pop-up restaurant staged halfway between the islands of Tresco and Bryher.

The event was co-organised by the staff on Tresco and my friends, the Pender family of Bryher, who have set up an excellent business called Island Fish. And it was they who later took me spratting as the tide came in.

I’ve written about that adventure in these pages, but what I didn’t describe was my own little fishing quest the next day, when Amanda Pender and her brother Mark – who run the company jointly – loaned me a prawning net so I could attempt to catch a few of the bay prawns which haunt the shallows between the two islands at low tide.

If I could preserve and bottle a moment from this summer, this would be it. For a busy journal-

“

Consuming this bowl of big fat juicy prawns caught by my own hand ... if I live to be 100, it will remain in the Top 10 meals I’ve ever enjoyed

”

ist to be able to spend a couple of sunlit hours wading about with a push-net like some 12-yearold kid, is not normally an option I can dream about. My only problem was that I was staying at Tresco’s New Inn, so had no way of cooking my haul – but my pals on the island told me they would convey my catch across to the excellent Ruin Beach Cafe, where the chef would cook them whichever way I pleased.

And the way I pleased was boiled, plain and simple, then served with a hunk of homemade bread, good butter, and a pot of aioli mayonnaise.

Oh, and a bottle of chilled Chablis to help the crustaceans slip down.

I am a very lucky bloke. I get to eat amazing meals in amazing places all over the world. But consuming this bowl of big, fat, juicy prawns caught by my own hand, in one of the most beautifully situated restaurants anywhere in Great Britain, ticked every single box of delight for me. If I live to be 100, it will remain in the top ten meals I’ve ever enjoyed.

And it will join an identical supper I consumed as a boy 48 years ago. With some mates, I’d cycled over the hill to Watchet and gone prawning out along the harbour wall using a couple of old bike wheels which we’d turned into dip nets. I’d pinched a length of rope from my dad’s shed, taken the spokes out of some bicycle wheels gleaned from the dump, and sewn turnip nets around the rims to form socks beneath. Into the socks we placed stinky old bits of offal I’d begged from the village butcher.

By the time we’d lowered the second of these homemade nets into the high tide on the outer harbour wall, it was time to haul up the first – and so on – and in no time we had a bucketful of big, sweet prawns. Bigger and sweeter than the ones I WCL-E01-S2

caught this summer on Scilly, because the crustaceans in the plankton-rich, murky Bristol Channel get more to eat than the ones that live in the clear waters 28 miles out into the Atlantic. I will never forget the panful I cooked for myself that first time back at home. Those prawns were so delicious I almost wanted to cry.

This bicycle wheel method was the juvenile way of catching crustaceans. Years later, I joined the adults by wading out at low tide with a big triangular push-net. This, at places like Watchet and Blue Anchor, is a rather hazardous thing to do. But the prize is worth it even if it does mean wading out half-a-mile into thick, cold mud and immersing oneself waist deep in an even colder sea to spend an hour or two tripping over rock ledges, pushing a weighty triangular net as you go.

People have, for centuries, been doing this along the West Somerset coast to take advantage of the multi-legged morsels that feed among the great blue-lias “pavements” which stretch out into the brown and unlovely sea.

In days gone by, men went to any lengths to hide their favourite hunting grounds. I’ve been told how one West Somerset fisherman called Fred Besley would take his six foot wide shovelshaped net down to the shore “after dark in order not to divulge to others the secret ridges and gullies where he knew the prawns were thickest”.

“The Besleys were professional fishermen so they took it very seriously and would go further afield along the shore to do their prawning,” Bristol Channel historian, the late Ben Norman, told me. “When I was a boy there were far more people push-netting along this coast than there are now and it was regarded as a bit of a local

delicacy, there being no lobsters or crabs to speak of in the area.”

As I was to remember on Scilly this summer, push-netting is hard work. Around the murky Bristol Channel it is also a world full of lore and mystery – and if you don’t know the secret signs then you’ll go home without a sandwich-load for tea.

My father, writing about Exmoor coast prawners 50 years ago, observed: “They went out to the low-water mark in hobnail boots and old overcoats, armed with the push-nets and special shoulder bags with a small hole through which the prawns could be put, but through which they couldn’t escape no matter how gymnastically they leapt.

“One of them, ‘Dumper’ Eveleigh, would go out on to a far reef of rocks while the others waited for his word. Not a single one would dip their nets into the surf without his signal. At last it came when ‘Dumper’ shouted, ‘They’m on the run!’

After that the men would be pulling prawns out by the bucketful.”

Prawns by the bucketful... even the words make me drool.

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SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 11

Homemade tree decorations that are the icing on the... biscuit Want to make your house feel homely this Christmas?

Claire Spreadbury takes a masterclass in edible baubles Nothing beats the smell of Christmas – the hint of pine, the scented candles and the mulled wine...

Add the aroma of freshly baked biscuits and you have the recipe for the sweetest-smelling Yuletide ever. Why not turn those biscuits into tree decorations, for a look that’s cute, classy and delicious.

Step one: Making the biscuits...

These wonderful creations are based on the Biscuiteers’ recipe. They’re delicious, look beautiful and will last up to one month, even when left to hang on a Christmas tree.

Plain biscuit recipe Ingredients for 24 biscuits

350g plain flour; 100g self-raising flour; 125g granulated sugar; 125g salted butter, diced; 125g golden syrup; one large egg, lightly beaten

Method

Sift the flours together into a mixing bowl, add the sugar and mix well.

Add the butter. Using just the tips of your fingers, rub the ingredients together until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

When all the butter is evenly mixed in, make a well in the centre and add the syrup and the egg.

Mix well, drawing in any of the flour left at the sides of the bowl and stop as soon as a ball has formed. Place the dough onto your clean worktop.

Divide into two and squash the dough into two even-sized flat discs. Cover and chill until ready to use, or roll out immediately.

To roll the dough, place it onto a sheet of parchment, cover with a second sheet and use a rolling pin to roll it until it is 5mm thick all over.

Transfer the sheet (still sandwiched between parchment) to a baking tray and place in the fridge to chill for 20 to 30 minutes.

Cut your biscuits carefully using cutters and save the trimmings to be re-rolled.

Preheat the oven to 170°C/gas mark 4. Cut a hole at the top of each biscuit with the end of a drinking straw before baking. Evenly spread the cut biscuits on a baking tray and bake for 14 to 18 minutes. Cool the biscuits on cooling racks completely before either icing, storing or eating.

Step two: The ultimate icing...

Now this is where things get tricky, but bear with me – they will be worth it.

Start off by making a basic royal icing, then you’ll tweak it slightly in order to create the line

12 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015

icing (this is used for your outlines, creating pattern and detail) and flooding icing (the larger area of icing on top of the biscuit).

Royal icing Makes enough for 24 biscuits You’ll need about a third to make your line icing and the remaining two-thirds for the flooding icing Ingredients Four pasteurised egg whites; 900g icing sugar

Method

Add the dry ingredients to the egg whites and whisk or beat for about five minutes if using an electric beater or whisk, and longer if using a wooden spoon. Continue until the ingredients form a thick, smooth paste that is bright white in colour and has the consistency of toothpaste.

If you’re not using immediately, cover the surface of the icing with cling film and refrigerate.

Line icing Check the picture(s) to see how many colours of line icing you need and then divide up the royal icing. Spoon required amounts into little bowls.

If you’re using gel colours, use the tip of a cocktail stick to add a tiny amount of the gel to the icing. Stir the gel into the icing until it is totally mixed in and you see the resulting colour. Slowly add more gel, stirring well each time, until the colour has reached the shade that you need.

Cover the surface of the icing with cling film and chill each bowl as you make it, until you have all the colours that you need for the collection.

Flooding icing Place your royal icing in a large bowl, gradually add water, a few drops at a time, stirring constantly until you have a smooth, just pourable mixture that has roughly the same consistency as custard.

Repeat the colouring process with the flooding icing. Look at your designs and count up the number of shades of flooding icing needed. Divide up the mixture, leaving a little spare white icing, just in case you need to make any extra later.

When you have finished, cover the surface of each icing with cling film as soon as you have mixed it and chill until ready to use.

Step three: Creating your masterpieces...

Once your icing and biscuits are ready to go, it’s time to get creative.

You’ll want to pop your line icing into piping bags (two-thirds full, end snipped off, so you’re creating a line that’s around a millimetre thick)

Edible baubles now ready for their finishing touches – the biscuit recipe is based on one from the Biscuiteers, which will last for a month even when hung on the Christmas tree. A ribbon and some final patterns are all that’s needed to create decorations that look as good as they taste WCL-E01-S2

FOODIE TREATS

and your flooding icing into squeezy bottles (you can use a spoon but it will be messier).

Study the biscuit and icing you want to copy, then take the line icing and pipe on your outline.

It’s a good idea to have a few goes on parchment paper first. Make sure your piping bag is twisted and held tight and keep the pressure on throughout. The higher you lift your hand, the more control you have. And stop squeezing before you reach the very end, touching down on the biscuit at each join. This is tricky, but you’ll find yourself getting better the more you do. Be sure to go around the hole with line icing, too.

Once you’ve completed your lines, your first biscuit should be dry enough for the flooding icing. This is the easy part.

Squeeze the bottle to release the icing into the area you need it, and swirl it around, using the nozzle to fill the space. If there are tricky corners, use a cocktail stick to eke it out to the edge.

You can also try out some simple but stunning effects at this stage, such as blobbing another colour of flooding icing around a bauble biscuit, then taking a cocktail stick and drawing a line through the middle of them – it almost looks like an Orla Kiely design!

Once all the biscuits are flooded, they need to dry properly, which means popping them in a low oven for 30 to 45 minutes – 50°C or gas mark 0.5.

Once they’re dry, take them out of the oven and make the finishing touches.

Use the line icing to go over any detailing, and there you have it – amazingly professional-looking biscuits, simply requiring a thin bit of ribbon to be slotted through the hole, tied together and hung on the Christmas tree. ...PS – if you don’t have the time or energy, you can cheat and buy a Christmas Tree Decorations Biscuit Tin, which contains 16 ready-made Biscuiteer beauties, £39.50 (www.biscuiteers.com)

Biscuiteers Book Of Iced Biscuits by Harriet Hastings & Sarah Moore is published by Kyle Books, priced £12.99.

Icing classes are also available at Biscuiteers boutiques.

For more information, visit www.biscuiteers.com

The team from teapigs have produced the perfect read to enjoy with a cuppa and a slice of tea loaf Nick Kilby and Louise Cheadle know lots about tea; they have both worked in tea all their lives and travelled to pretty much every tea-growing region in the world to slurp this internationally popular drink.

With one big ambition to get the nation – and the world – drinking “real” tea, they set up the premium tea brand teapigs in 2006 and it is now sold in over 30 countries.

The Book of Tea presents teapigs’ unique insights on tea. Everything from where tea is grown – and the people behind the scenes – to what makes the best tea; from following the journey of a tea leaf (from growing to brewing your own cuppa), to exploring the many tea cultures and ways of drinking tea around the world.

As well as the history of tea and tea etiquette, right down to the custom of dunking biscuits, there are simple and unbreakable rules on how to make the perfect cup of tea.

There is also a selection of easy recipes that use tea as an ingredient or simply go with tea, from sweet and savoury dishes to tea-based cocktails.

Many nations have their own version of a classic tea loaf and this tried-and-tested version has a lovely texture and taste. It slices beautifully and is delicious spread with butter and served with hot tea.

You can use a basic black tea to soak the fruit or mix it up with aromatic varieties, such as Earl Grey or lapsang souchong.

A little patience and some practice with the two different types of icing are all that’s needed to master the art of edible biscuit baubles – above, applying the flooding icing after the line icing has dried; top, the finished products, perfect for your tree or as unique gifts

ROSA MASHITER CHRISTMAS Christmas Day is special, so why not ring the changes and look at some alternatives to turkey.

Roast goose with apricot and apple Serves eight to ten

5.5kg fresh oven-ready goose; 2tblspns olive oil; two onions; 80g ready-to-eat dried apricots; three Cox’s apples; 150g fresh white breadcrumbs; 100g rindless streaky bacon; 50g pine nuts; 2tblspns finely chopped fresh parsley; zest of a lemon; salt and freshly ground black pepper; one small egg

Method

Preheat your oven to 200°C/gas mark 6. Peel and finely chop the onion. Chop the apricots. Peel, core and chop the apples. Roughly chop the bacon.

Heat the oil in a frying pan and sauté off the onion until soft and transparent, remove from the heat and allow to cool a little, then add the fruits, breadcrumbs, bacon, pine nuts, parsley, lemon zest and freshly ground black pepper. Beat the egg and add to the mixture to bind together.

Place the goose upside down on a clean surface and loosen the neck skin away from the cavity and spoon in the sufficing, not too tightly, then turn the goose back over and smooth the skin over the stuffing and tuck it underneath.

Prick the goose all over with a fork and rub a little sea salt into the skin, place on a rack in a roasting tin, cover with foil and place in the oven and allow 20 minutes per 500g plus 20 minutes – around 2½ to 3 hours. Remove the foil for the last 30-40 minutes to crisp the skin.

Roast rib of beef Serves six to eight

2.6 kg rib of beef; 1tblspn plain flour; 1tspn dried English mustard; sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

Preheat the oven to 220°C/gas mark 7. Weigh the beef and allow 15 minutes per 500g for rare beef and 20 minutes per 500g for medium beef.

Mix the flour and dried mustard together, and season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper and rub the mixture all over the beef.

Stand the joint on a wire rack in a roasting tin and place in the preheated oven, cook for 20 minutes, then lower the heat to 190°C/gas mark 5 and start timing your joint from this point.

Serve with Yorkshire puddings, seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes and plenty of good gravy.

Tea loaf Serves eight to ten

375g (13oz) mixed dried fruit and peel; 250ml (8½fl oz) strained, cold tea (strong, no milk or sugar); butter, for greasing; 150g (5½oz) soft brown sugar or muscovado sugar (dark or light); one egg, lightly beaten; 250g (9oz) plain flour; one heaped tspn baking powder; a pinch of mixed spice, grated nutmeg or ground cloves (optional); finely grated zest of one lemon

Method

Begin the night before with soaking the fruit. Put the dried fruit and cold tea in a mixing bowl.

Spiced roast loinpork Serves nine to 10

3kg rolled and tied loin of pork; 3tblspns soy sauce; 3tblspns dry vermouth; one small onion; two cloves garlic; 1tspn ground cumin; salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

The day before you want to cook the pork, score the skin of the joint, between the string, using a very sharp knife, and place the joint in a nonmetallic shallow dish.

Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic and mix into the soy sauce and dry vermouth, add the cumin and season with a little salt but liberally with freshly ground black pepper. Paint this marinade all over the joint, cover with clingfilm and place in the bottom part of the refrigerator, repeat “the painting” at regular intervals over the next 24 hours until all the marinade is used up.

On Christmas Day preheat your oven to 220°C/gas mark 7. Place the marinated joint into a roasting tin, skin upwards, and sprinkle liberally with salt, rubbing into the slashes, and place the tin in the preheated oven and cook for 20 minutes, then turn down the heat to 190°C/gas mark 5 and continue cooking, allowing 35 minutes per 500g plus 35 minutes over.

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Tea loaf by teapigs Cover and leave to soak overnight at room temperature.

Next day, when you are ready to bake, preheat the oven to 160°C/310°F/gas mark 3, and grease and line a 22 x 11 x 7cm (8½ x 4¼ x 2¾in) loaf tin.

Add the sugar and egg to the soaked fruit and mix well with a wooden spoon or flexible spatula. Sift in the flour, baking powder and spice (if using), and mix well until thoroughly combined.

Spoon the mixture into the prepared loaf tin and level the surface with the back of the spoon.

Bake in the centre of the oven for 1-1¼ hours until a metal skewer or sharp knife inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean.

Remove from the oven, transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool before turning out of the tin.

Serve in slices with or without butter, whichever you prefer.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 13

Time to wrap up some hearty food parcels FOOD

the meat with two forks and mix well with the vegetables. Allow to cool.

Place a sheet of filo pastry with its short side nearest to you and brush a one-inch margin all the way round with melted butter. Form a sausage shape with some of the meat mixture just inside the bottom edge of the sheet, roll the pastry over to enclose it, fold the two long sides over then roll up to completely enclose the parcel. Repeat the process with the remaining meat and pastry.

Open freeze then transfer to bags or a box and store with the sauce. If using immediately, place on a baking tray, brush with melted butter, bake for 10 minutes at 200°C/gas mark 5 and serve with the warmed sauce.

While we can all go a bit over the top during the festive season, Chris Rundle wraps up a few top recipes with some stored ingredients Recycling? Nothing new. Old hat. Passé. My grandma was doing it decades ago. Though only, it has to be admitted, with Christmas wrapping paper.

But she was a truly dedicated exponent of the art of re-using it, living as she did in an environment where Christmas was celebrated not only modestly but briefly – the inevitable result of giving birth to eight children and bringing them up in a tiny cottage on not much money at all.

But since this is the season for wrapping things up, and there are still a couple of weeks to go before the Christmas frenzy, I thought we’d take a look at food parcels.

All three of these recipes use filo pastry, which a lot of people are still nervous about. All you have to remember is to handle the sheets gently and not to let them dry out while they are waiting to be used: cover the pile with a lightly dampened tea towel and that will do the trick.

Parcelled food is ideal if you are cooking ahead for entertaining and planning to stock up the freezer because there is absolutely no waste.

The ox cheek recipe owes a lot to the cookery of Burgundy where so many things are prepared in red wine. The pastilla, with its unlikely but seductive spicing, is North African in origin and is an ideal treatment for pheasant, while the spinach and feta parcels should inject a ray of bright Greek sunshine into a gloomy winter day.

Pheasant and apricot pastilla Ingredients for four

One pheasant, jointed into eight; two large onions, finely chopped; 1tspn ground cinnamon; ½tspn turmeric; 60g butter; 4tblspns runny honey; small bunch of coriander; 12 sheets of filo pastry; 10 pre-soaked dried apricots; 300ml chicken stock; 1tspn olive oil; icing sugar for dusting

Method

Heat the oil in a large pan and sweat the onions for a few minutes. Add the meat and cook for five minutes, turning to lightly brown on all sides.

Season well.

Add half the honey, the cinnamon and the turmeric, cook gently for a few minutes then add the stock, cover and simmer over a low flame for an hour and a half. Remove the pheasant, pull the meat off the bones and chop roughly.

Cut the apricots into quarters, place in the cooking liquor and reduce to about 100ml over a high heat. Replace the meat together with the chopped coriander and the rest of the honey and allow to cool.

Butter a 20cm by 15cm shallow oven-proof dish and cut the pastry sheets to fit it. Place three layers of pastry in the base, brushing each one with melted butter, spread a third of the pheasant mix on top then repeat the process twice, finishing with a layer of pastry. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes at 180°C/gas mark 4, removing the foil for the last five minutes. Dust with icing sugar and serve warm.

Wine-braised ox cheek parcels Ingredients for eight

700g trimmed ox cheek; 2tblspns finely-chopped shallot; three finely-chopped garlic cloves; 50g flour; 50g smoked lardons; 1tblspn beef dripping; three medium carrots, quartered lengthways and chopped; 30g button mushrooms, finely chopped; bouquet garni of thyme, parsley and bay leaf; dash of brandy; half bottle good red wine; 500ml beef stock; sea salt; freshly-ground black pepper; eight sheets of filo pastry; melted butter for brushing

Spinach and feta parcels Ingredients for eight

Method

Spread the flour on a baking tray and place in the centre of an oven at 190°C/gas mark 5, for 10 minutes. Remove and mix in plenty of salt and pepper.

Cut the ox cheek into small cubes and roll in the seasoned flour. In a heavy pan melt the beef dripping and add the shallot and lardons and cook over a medium flame for three to four minutes.

Add the ox check pieces a few at a time and increase the heat slightly to brown them on all sides. Add the carrot then the brandy and red wine and bubble down for a minute or so. Briefly sauté the mushrooms in butter and add together with the garlic, beef stock and bouquet garni.

Bring up to a boil then reduce the heat, cover and simmer over a very low flame or in an oven at 170°C/gas mark 3 for two-and-a-half hours. Remove the bouquet garni, tip the contents of the pan into a sieve or chinois and strain off the sauce.

Keep warm if using immediately or pour into an ice cube tray if you are cooking ahead. Shred

14 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015

500g spinach, cooked and squeezed dry; 1tblspn each fresh chopped mint and dill; two red onions, halved and very finely sliced; two beaten eggs; 200g feta, crumbled; 10 gratings nutmeg; 20 grindings black pepper; generous pinch of salt; four sheets filo pastry, halved lengthways; butter for brushing.

Method This week Chris Rundle has taken a look at wrapping up food parcels using ox cheek and pheasant with a couple of added ingredients such as feta and apricots

While the spinach is still warm combine it with all the other ingredients apart from the pastry in a large bowl and mix well.

Lay a sheet of filo pastry on the worktop with its shorter edge towards you and brush lightly with butter. Place one-eighth of the mixture in the bottom corner then fold that corner over to enclose the mix. Continue folding the pastry over until you have a neat triangle.

Place seam side down on an oiled baking sheet and repeat the process with the remaining ingredients. Brush with more melted butter and bake at 180°C/gas mark 4 for 15 minutes, reducing the heat if the parcels appear to be burning.

SAM WYLIE-HARRIS DRINK As entertaining for the festive season gets under way, it’s time to pop the cork on the best party fizz Diverse and versatile, sparkling wine loves to play a supporting role over the Christmas holidays and can be just as enjoyable and impressive as a glass of champagne. At less than £25 (thanks to some special promotions), here are some brilliant bubbles that offer freshness and drinkability to help you get the party started...

La Escapada Cava Brut NV, Spain (currently £6.95 for £8.95, www.hawkesheadwines.co.uk) This is a great value fizz that offers quality and style. Made from the traditional macabeo and parellada cava grapes with a splash of chardonnay, it has an attractive yeasty nose with light floral notes, lemon and green apple flavours.

Tanners Cava Brut, Traditional Method, Spain (£9.40, www.tanners-wines.co.uk)

If you like a flavoursome, toasty cava with good weight, this is the one for you. It is made with the traditional cava trio of macabeo, parellada and xarel.lo grapes. With an attractive, lemony richness, creamy biscuity notes and a hint of green apple and herbs, it’s poised and refreshing.

Fantinel Prosecco Cuvee No 7 Extra Dry, Italy

(£8.99 from £13.49, until December 31, www.ocado.com) More expensive than some, but streets ahead of bland bubbles, this has attractive white flower and peach aromas leading to lovely lemon and peach with satisfying depth of flavour and subtle, creamy notes on the fine finish.

The Society’s Prosecco, Italy (£9.50,

www.thewinesociety.com).

Become a member of the UK’s oldest wine club and you can start building a stellar cellar, and access keenly priced bestsellers such as this bottle of prosecco. It’s fresh and fruity with a honeysuckle, blossomy nose and displays delicious apricot, pear and peach flavours.

Klein Constantia MCC Brut 2011, South Africa

(£15.99, www.sawinesonline.co.uk) A close cousin to a blanc de blancs champagne, this is made from 100 per cent chardonnay, and barrel fermentation and 20 months of lees ageing blesses the wine with structure and richness.

With buttery, toasty aromas, fresh, citrusy fruits and a hint of green apples balanced by good acidity, the finish is long, persistent and uplifting.

Nautilus Cuvee Marlborough NV, New Zealand (£18.50, www.newzealandcellar.com)

An all-night party fizz with energy and finesse, this is a very good alternative to champagne.

Made in the traditional method and aged on its lees for three years, it’s pinot noir dominant with soft mousse and toasted brioche notes that give way to a fruity palate with subtle biscuity hints and crisp acidity on the long, lingering finish.

Jansz Brut Cuvee Vintage 2009, Tasmania, Australia (currently £62.51, case of three,

www.amazon.co.uk) Let’s face it, one bottle is never enough and this terrific trio from Jansz (one of Australia’s top sparkling wine producers) can’t help but impress.

Rich and mature, it has a distinctive brioche and truffle bouquet with enticing yeasty, buttery, lemony fruit.

Nyetimber Classic Cuvee 2010, England

(Currently £23.99 from £31.99, www.waitrosecellar.com) One of England’s finest and proof that we can produce world-class sparkling wine, this is a wonderful festive choice if you want to serve an elegant wine that scored more points than Pol Roger, Veuve Clicquot and Taittinger in a recent blind tasting.

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SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 15

Exploring Sinatra’s playground of Palm Springs in true style TRAVEL On December 12, Frank Sinatra would have celebrated his 100th birthday. Laura Ivill visits his favourite holiday haunt, Palm Springs “Come fly with me, let’s fly, let’s fly away,” sings Frank Sinatra on the speakers of my red open-top Jeep as I zip along the Californian highway to visit one of his desert homes.

It may be a century since Ol’ Blue Eyes was born on December 12, 1915, in the rough end of New Jersey, but he will always be a legend, one of the greatest singers of all time; and it was here, in his playground of Palm Springs, that he lived the life that millions around the world envied.

It’s still a playground – golf, tennis, horse riding, hiking in the mountains, cocktails and pool parties – with desert-dry, year-round sunshine. But it’s also a global hotspot for lovers of architecture (it has the biggest concentration of Modernist architecture in the world) and the golden age of Hollywood.

It once attracted the biggest names in entertainment, eager to enjoy a post-war lifestyle that had nothing to do with conflict and austerity, and everything to do with prosperity, growth, glamour and fun.

Located at the western end of the Coachella Valley, surrounded and protected on all sides by mountain ranges soaring from the desert floor to 3,300m, the city claims 350 days of sunshine a year.

Native palms spring from the aquifer, a vast natural reservoir beneath the dust, and the drive into the ultra-low-rise city feels like a journey back in time.

At the wheel of my red Desert Adventures Jeep is friendly tour guide Bob Gross, who shares anecdotes about Frank Sinatra’s life in the desert as we tour the neighbourhood where he lived,

TRAVEL NEWS Success on the slopes There is nothing I enjoy more than a winter’s day spent out in the mountains, says four-time British Winter Olympian Chemmy Alcott.

The combination of speed, scenery and exhilaration is just perfect and I know I am not alone in feeling this way, with millions of British people jetting off to ski resorts across Europe and North America each year.

The vast majority enjoy a safe and successful trip, but people can get into trouble.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) reports that 45 Britons have died while away on a winter holiday during the last three years – this number should be zero.

But I don’t want to deter people from going away this season, far from it.

Instead, I’ve teamed up with the FCO and Ski Club of Great Britain to create top tips for success

16 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015

Palm Springs is not only a playground for golf, tennis, horse riding and hiking, it’s also a global hotspot for lovers of architecture. Right is Palm Springs Indian Wells Lake, above top are the Indian Canyons and part of the Palm Springs sign below

Vista Las Palmas. Frank made the desert his home and was a generous benefactor, hence a street – Frank Sinatra Drive – has been named after him.

Twin Palms was Frank’s first desert home, and Bob drives me to the kerbside. Gardeners are reseeding the front lawn under a cloudless blue sky, 28°C in November, with soaring, rocky mountains etching the skyline and bougainvillea bursting over hedges of manicured gardens up and down the ungated street.

Twin Palms is an architectural peach. As early as the 1940s, teenage girls were going wild at Frank’s shows – he was in the movies, and success brought big bucks. The story goes that in May 1947, he showed up at new Palm Springs architecture firm Williams, Williams & Williams having made his first million. Frank wanted a house, a grand mock-Georgian pile as a badge of his arrival. The young architect, E. Stewart Williams, had a different idea, but gave Frank the choice of the Georgian estate versus his Modernist low-slung, steel-and-glass, inside-outside bungalow. Frank chose the latter and Twin Palms, with its piano-shaped pool (rent it at www.sinatrahouse.com), was ready for his wife, Nancy, and their three children to move into that Christmas.

You name it, Frank sang it – Strangers in the Night, New York, New York, I’ve Got You Under my Skin, My Way – earning him a huge number of Grammy Awards and even more nominations, spanning a career of more than seven decades, until his death, aged 82, in 1998.

His reputation as a drinker, a womaniser and a gambler, prone to violent outbursts when drunk and with connections to the mob, which he always denied, only added to his appeal. He was a hardliving “man’s man”, happiest when hanging out with his Rat Pack pals whose Vista Las Palmas homes Bob and I stop outside.

He was also extremely generous and a big

on (and off) the slopes this year.

■ Before setting off, check the details of your insurance policy.

With new figures revealing almost a third (31 per cent) of Brits are expected to be heading off on a winter sports trip without the correct insurance this year, I urge everyone to get it sorted before you hit the slopes.

■ If visiting Europe, you should also remember to pack your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card).

The fact you can access state-provided healthcare across Europe at a reduced cost, or sometimes even free, is just fantastic – everyone should have one.

■ It might sound ridiculous, but you aren’t going anywhere without a valid passport. Check yours is in date before you jet off, otherwise your holiday might be over before it’s even begun.

■ Before (and during) your winter sports holiday it’s important to check the weather. Heavy snowfall is not only difficult to ski in but can also

Four-time British Winter Olympian Chemmy Alcott WCL-E01-S2

tipper. At one of his favourite hangouts, Melvyn’s at the Ingleside Inn, the maitre d’ tells me that he liked to sit in a booth by the kitchen (he was as fussy about his food as he was about his cleanliness) and would pop back-of-house to hand out 100 dollar bills to the staff.

Melvyn’s was a favourite nightspot, and Frank held a pre-wedding dinner here before marrying his fourth wife Barbara. Proprietor of Melvyn’s, Mel Haber, 79, will happily chat about the times he hosted Frank, and every other celebrity in town.

I go for a midweek lunch and order a hilarious fresh crab and avo salad in the shape of a widemouthed frog. It’s quiet but I’m told by a Palm Springs resident – an uber-successful LA-based interior-decorator-to-the-stars – that the hip crowd love it exactly because it’s the Melvyn’s of yesteryear, and it’s heaving at the weekends.

After its mid-century heyday, Palm Springs lost ground as its stars migrated to other cities in the desert and beyond. In the past decade, however, the area has shaken off its “golf and retirees” reputation, when it was known as God’s Waiting Room.

Cool, laid-back, small-scale boutique hotels have opened, such as The Saguaro, which has given a pop new look to an old Holiday Inn, in a paintbox of colours inspired by the desert’s flowers, and recreated the Palm Springs poolparty vibe.

Historic buildings all over the city have been saved from the bulldozer and are being given a new lease of life; downtown is buzzing – there’s a funky market, Villagefest, on the main street (Palm Canyon Drive), every Thursday evening – and uptown, once deserted, is now the Uptown Design District of boutiques, specialising in vintage and modern-retro homewares, furniture, clothes and jewellery.

Take the aerial tramway or a hike up into the mountains for the views, go horse riding in the desert, visit the jaw-dropping splendour of Sunnylands Center & Gardens, and enjoy authentic Italian dishes at Johnny Costa’s, family-run by Frank’s own personal chef.

Or just hang out by the pool, as Frank did. As it says on his headstone, “The best is yet to come”, and if you haven’t been to Palm Springs yet, then that is certainly true.

Factfile ■ Laura Irvill was a guest of the Palm Springs tourist board. See www.visitpalmsprings.com.

Air New Zealand (www.airnewzealand.co.uk/ cheap-flights-to-los-angeles) flies daily from London to LA, from £404 return in economy and £961 in premium economy. Doubles at The Saguaro Palm Springs start from 89 US dollars (£59) room-only (www.thesaguaro.com). For Desert Adventures Jeep tours, visit www.redjeep.com; for Palm Springs Historical Society walking tours, visit pshistoricalsociety.org and for architecture tours, go to www.palmspringsmoderntours.com

increase the risk of an avalanche.

■ If travelling with friends or family, take time to look out for each other. Stumbling out of the bar in search of a taxi isn’t quite the same when you’re up in the mountains.

To begin with, the roads are often slippery and the temperatures are way below freezing meaning you’ll get cold, fast. It’s also easy to get lost, so don’t go wandering off alone while you’re away this winter.

■ Alcohol and altitude are a dangerous mix.

While many of us enjoy apres-ski, it’s best to keep an eye on your drinks as the lack of oxygen in the mountains means the effects of alcohol are multiplied.

■ Once on the slopes, make sure you wear a helmet. They are essential when taking part in any kind of winter sport.

■ If you plan to head off-piste, it’s essential you take the necessary precautions before entering into the unknown.

Hiring a guide is a great way to get introduced

to off-piste skiing, as they will be able to help you navigate where’s safe to go.

It’s also important to wear an avalanche transceiver; this emits an electronic signal that will help rescuers locate you beneath the snow – saving hundreds of lives each year.

Make sure you and your friends know that in an emergency, the number to call is 112 in Europe and 911 in USA. It might seem simple but it could save your life.

■ The Foreign Office’s @FCOTravel twitter feed is full of useful advice and tips for British nationals travelling and living abroad.

Youngster holidays on the rise

The Northern Lights

Proving that travel is becoming both more accessible and affordable, a new report suggests our youngsters are holidaying far more frequently than previous generations.

The average British six-year-old has been WCL-E01-S2

TRAVEL TAKE-OFF Miami Western & Oriental (www.westernoriental.com; 020 3588 6130) offers five nights at the St Regis Bal Harbour Resort (room only) from £1,305pp (two sharing) – saving 30 per cent. Includes flights from Heathrow. Valid for travel from May 1-June 30.

Sydney & Dubai Cruise Nation (www.cruisenation.com; 0800 408 0758) offers a full-board 23-night cruise on the Costa Luminosa with four free nights in Sydney and two free nights in Dubai from £1,749pp – saving £950pp. Includes two free excursions, drinks and flights from Heathrow or Gatwick departing on March 9, 2016. Book by December 14.

Fuerteventura Teletext Holidays (www.teletextholidays.co.uk; 0203 001 0628) offers seven nights at the Labranda Hotel Tahona Garden (all inclusive) from £335pp.

Includes flights from London on December 30.

Gran Canaria Thomas Cook (www.thomascook.com; 0844 412 5970) offers seven nights at the four-star IFA Dunamar (half board) from £545pp (two sharing).

Includes flights from Belfast on December 21.

Dominican Republic Travelzoo (www.travelzoo.com) offers seven nights at the five-star Royal Suites Turquesa by Palladium (all inclusive) from £999pp (two sharing). Includes transfers and flights from Manchester from January to March 2016.

Cornwall Breaks in Cornwall (www.breaksincornwall.com; 01621 787704) offers three nights at the Bay Retreat Villas (self-catering) from £199 (up to six sharing) – saving £176. Includes a free £50 dining card.

Valid for travel from January 2-February 9. Book

by December 31.

Mauritius Travelbag (www.travelbag.co.uk; 0207 001 4112) offers seven nights at the five-star Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort (B&B) from £939pp (two sharing) – saving up to £600 per couple. Includes flights from Heathrow. Valid for travel in June 2016. Book by January 31, 2016.

All offers are correct at the time of going to press, and subject to change

abroad four times, with the first trip being taken even before they reach four, and 16 per cent of tots head overseas before they reach one.

The study, commissioned by Eurocamp, suggests favourite family holiday destinations are Spain, France and America.

Time for the Aurora Festival Anyone determined to see the Northern Lights this year should consider joining the world’s first Aurora Festival, three days of talks and experiments taking place from January 15-17 in Sweden.

Tickets are free, although guests are encouraged to donate £35 to the Swedish Mountain Rescue Team.

Official travel partner Off the Map Travel can arrange flights and accommodation. Visit www.offthemaptravel.co.uk and www.ilovenorthernlights.com

SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 17

Classic Holidays 8 £749 per person

8 £829 per person

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Walking - The Guadiana River & Western Andalucia

Departing on May 12 & 19 2016 from Bristol Your holiday base is the 4*L Playamarina Hotel on Punta del Moral on Isla Canela in Spain, just over the Portuguese border. There are guided walks in the Natural Park area of the Donana, the Flecha del Rompido Nature Reserve and a walk and boat trip along the banks of the Rio Guadiana. In your free time you can relax and enjoy the surroundings of your hotel or take an optional excursion to the Rio Tinto mines.

Price includes ● Return direct flights from Bristol ● 7 nights half board accommodation in a 4*L hotel in Isla Canela ● 3 guided walks ● Services of a tour representative

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Portugal - Walking & Birdwatching Departing on Apr 7 & 21 2016 from Bristol

The wetlands of the Algarve are rich in birdlife and varied scenery. Two included walks focus on the area’s birds in the Ria Formosa natural area and in the Castro Marim marshes. Further afield you visit the great plains and grasslands of Castro Verde, in the Alentejo.

Price includes ● Return direct flights from Bristol ● 7 nights half board accommodation in Tavira ● Three fully guided walks with a birding guide ● Services of a tour representative

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£599 per person

£649 per person NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT IN APR - LIMITED AVAILABILITY

Walking on Andalucia’s Eastern Coast

Selected dates Feb - Jun 2016 from Bristol Glorious hills and mountains, pretty beaches and coves, the azure waters of the southern Mediterranean and a wonderful sub-tropical climate – what else do you need for a walking holiday in the sunshine? Andalucia’s eastern coast (known as the Costa Tropical) is all this. Great walking and a visit to magical Granada too!

Price includes ● Return direct flights from Bristol ● 7 nights 4* HB accommodation on the coast in Taramay, Almunecar ● Guided walks on the coast and in Frigiliana; included excursion to Granada and the Alhambra ● Option to extend your holiday by another week ● Services of a tour representative

Walking in Mallorca

Departing on Apr 14, 21 & May 12 2016 from Bristol A world away from the busy resorts in the south, there is a choice of escorted walks throughout the week right on your own doorstep - for your hotel is the excellent 4 star Bella Playa on the edge of Cala Ratjada and the Levante National Park and a few metres from the breathtaking beach of Calla Agulla.

Price includes ● Return direct flights from Bristol ● 7 or 14 nights HB accommodation in the 4* Bella Playa Hotel ● 7 nights holiday extension option ● Choice of fully guided walks ● Services of a tour representative

8 £639 per person

8 £699 per person

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Walking – The Sierra de Mijas

Departing on Mar 12 & Apr 16 2016 from Bristol Just a few miles inland from the bustling resorts of the Costa del Sol, the Sierra de Mijas rises to nearly 4000 feet and offers plenty of walking opportunities from the pretty white-painted village of Mijas Pueblo. Three guided walks allow you to fully enjoy the scenery and almost perfect weather of this part of Andalucia.

Price includes ● Return direct flights from Bristol ● 7 nights HB accommodation in a 4* hotel in Mijas Pueblo ● Three fully guided walks ● Services of a tour representative

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Walking in the High Pyrenees Departing on May 5 & Jun 9 2016 from Bristol

Mountain air, fertile valleys, spectacular peaks, and great hospitality! The Pyrenees are a walkers’ paradise.

After two nights on the coast in Catalonia, you travel to Andorra and the village of Soldeu, perched at over 1600 metres above sea level.

Price includes ● Return direct flights from Bristol ● 7 nights hotel accommodation (2 HB on the Spanish coast, 4 HB in Andorra, 1 B&B Barcelona) ● 3 fully guided walks ● Excursion to Montlouis, the highest fortified town in France, plus free time in Barcelona ● Services of a tour representative

Call us on 0116 279 3929 Quote WDPB www.preferredts.com/wdpb Calls cost 5ppm from a BT landline. You may also be charged a connection fee. Mobile and other providers’ charges may vary. Prices are from, per person, based on two people sharing a standard room/cabin unless stated otherwise, are applicable to selected departure dates and may have been rounded up or down to the nearest pound. Any applicable discounts have already been deducted.

These holidays and included excursions are subject to availability, book by dates may apply. Single rooms and regional departures are also subject to availability and a supplement may apply (not all holidays will offer regional departures please ask upon enquiry). Fares exclude gratuities unless stated otherwise. Some visa costs and local departure taxes may not be included. Prices and holidays are subject to availability and change, some holidays are subject to minimum passenger numbers. Terms and conditions apply. Holidays are operated by various suppliers which are ABTA and/or ATOL bonded where applicable. These suppliers are independent of Local World. When you respond, the holiday supplier and Local World may contact you with offers/services that may be of interest.

Please give your mobile or email details if you wish to receive such offers by SMS or email. We will not give your details to other companies without your permission.

18 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015

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Our price Includes: • Return flights from Bristol Airport • Flight tax & fuel supplements • 7 nights’ accommodation • Daily breakfast, lunch and evening meals • All Inclusive drinks • Luggage Allowance

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Enjoy a fantastic week at the four-star Eden Resort, a village style complex surrounded by acres of nature with three swimming pools plus dining and entertainment options and is a terrific choice for a holiday in the Algarve.

The hotel is located in Albufeira which is in the central Algarve region of Portugal and it attracts thousands of UK holidaymakers every year. There is so much to see and do, with the old town and its pretty cobbled streets lined with restaurants, bars, cafes and shops plus the fantastic marina framed by the multi coloured apartments and finally the miles and miles of lovely, sandy beaches.

Our price Includes: • Return flights from Bristol Airport • Flight tax & fuel supplements • 7 nights’ four-star accommodation • Daily breakfast, lunch and evening meals • All Inclusive drinks • Luggage Allowance

Prices from

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£379

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The three- star Hotetur Bahia Flamingo enjoys a beautiful beachfront location in the peaceful resort of Playa de la Arena and has stunning views of the sea and of La Gomera. You can soak up the sun on one of the islands beautiful natural black sand beaches or within walking distance there are a good selection of shops, bars and restaurants. The hotel has a buffet restaurant, lounge bar, TV room and a gorgeous outdoor complex with a freshwater pool, a pool/ snack bar and a sun terrace to relax on.

Our price Includes: • Return flights from Bristol Airport • Flight tax & fuel supplements • 7 nights’ accommodation • Daily breakfast, lunch and evening meals • All Inclusive drinks • Luggage Allowance

Departing

Prices from

January

£299

January

£289

February

£449

February

£319

February

£329

March

£449

March

£339

March

£359

April

£409

April

£389

April

£399

May

£379

May June

£399 £499

May June

£459 £569

June

£449

Call To Book

01244 957 841

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The three-star Soreda Hotel offers a traditional warm Maltese welcome with modern facilities and has three swimming pools including one indoor heated pool, sauna and Jacuzzi. Located in the peaceful heart of Qawra, the hotel offers guests the ideal place to kick back, relax and bask in the endless hours of island sunshine. It is only a short stroll from the popular resort of Bugibba with its shops, cafes and bars.

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A tiny island in the middle of the Mediterranean, Malta has often been called an open air museum. Visitors are able to explore numerous interesting sites and locations ranging from stunning beaches to beautiful churches and world heritage sites in a modern European destination.

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Travel Offers

Quote NORB0712 www.readertravelbreaks.com/wpd

Calls cost 5ppm from a BT landline. You may also be charged a connection fee. Mobile and other providers’ charges may vary. Online bookings do not include transfers, luggage or tours – these must be requested at the time of booking. Prices from are pp based on 2 sharing a room, subject to availability and can be withdrawn at any time. Offers do not include transfers or travel insurance. Hotel taxes are payable locally and not included. All Inclusive drinks normally consist of locally produced alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The image used is for illustration purposes only and may not reflect your actual holiday experience. Luggage allowance may vary, please check at the time of booking. The above package holidays are fulfilled by Select Travel Breaks, ATOL number 3973 (Global Travel Group Ltd), whose booking conditions apply. Hotel rating is that of the supplier and may not be the official rating. Travel restrictions, conditions and credit/debit card surcharges apply. These suppliers are independent of Local World. When you respond, the holiday supplier and Local World may contact you with offers/services that may be of interest. Please give your mobile or email details if you wish to receive such offers by SMS or email. We will not give your details to other companies without your permission. Full balance is due 14 weeks prior to departure.

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SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 19

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The Queen’s 90th Birthday

Balmoral & the Treasures of Royal Scotland

Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament & the London Eye

Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th Birthday Party at Windsor

Departing on 15 April 2016

Departing on 19 August & 16 September 2016

Departing on 13 May 2016

Staying in the beautiful Scottish Highlands, we enjoy historical, cultural and natural wonders as we visit places that are famously associated with the royal family and the kings and queens of Scotland. Step aboard Royal Yacht Britannia; explore the Queen’s summer residence; visit the coronation site of Macbeth, Robert the Bruce and Charles II, and so much more.

Join us in one of the top destinations in the world, where we step over the guarded threshold of Buckingham Palace for a glimpse inside The Queen’s official residence. We also take you on a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament and you can enjoy panoramic views with an included trip on the London Eye. This is a great opportunity to travel in comfort from your local area and see these famous sights.

• Flight on the Coca Cola London Eye

We invite you to join us for Her Majesty’s 90th Birthday Party, a celebration of The Queen’s life, her love of horses, her dedication to the Commonwealth and international affairs, and her deep involvement with the Navy, Army and Air Force. Held in the private grounds of Windsor Castle, this one-off event brings together 500 horses and more than 1,000 participants from around the world, as they take us from the excitement of a royal birth, through to World War Two, her marriage, the coronation and a reign of more than 60 years. Not only will it be the centrepiece of a series of events marking this very special occasion, it will be a birthday party fit for The Queen. RSVP and book your place today.

• Entrance & guided tour of the Houses of Parliament

Prices Includes:

• Entrance to Buckingham Palace

• Private coach travel from your local area

• Visits to Royal Windsor & Henley-on-Thames

• One night’s stay with cooked breakfast

• Free time in London

• Visits to Windsor & London

Prices Includes:

Prices Includes:

• Private coach travel from your local area • Four nights’ stay with three course evening meal & cooked breakfast • Free time in Edinburgh & entrance to the Royal Yacht Britannia • Visit to Balmoral • Visit to Lochnagar Royal Distillery with tasting • Visit to the Queen’s View Visitor Centre • Visit to the Pass of Killicrankie • Free time in Pitlochry

• Private coach travel from your local area • Three nights’ stay with three course evening meal & cooked breakfast

• Ticket to Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebration at Windsor

• Entrance to Scone Palace

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The Queen’s 90th Birthday

Windsor Castle, Tower of London & Cutty Sark

Our Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebrations

Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh & Glasgow

Departing on 6 May 2106

Departing on 9 June 2016

Departing on 15 April 2016

Enjoy the vibrancy of London and join us as we visit three major attractions.

Explore Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and the official residence of Her Majesty The Queen. Discover the renowned Tower of London and marvel at the wonders of its grand fortress and the stories behind them. Visit Royal Greenwich, home to the Cutty Sark – a living testimony to the former, celebrated days of sail and a memorial to those that lost their lives. Enter the National Maritime Museum, the world’s largest nautical museum, full of motivating tales of discovery and journeys at sea.

The second weekend in June will be filled with celebrations, as the nation marks The Queen’s 90th birthday. It’s a fantastic time to visit the city of London and our break lets you do just that, with the opportunity to see the trooping the colour ceremony and enjoy the spectacular atmosphere for yet another royal milestone in Queen Elizabeth II’s historic reign.

Discover what life was like on board The Queen’s floating royal residence; take a distillery tour followed by a taste of the late Queen Mother’s favourite tipple; enjoy scenic journeys through the Highlands including a cruise aboard the historic SS Sir Walter Scott; and explore Scotland’s largest city and its grand capital.

Prices Includes:

Prices Includes:

• Private coach travel from your local area

• Private coach travel from your local area

• Three nights’ stay with three course evening meal & cooked breakfast

• Four nights’ stay with three course evening meal & cooked breakfast

• Visit to Windsor

• Tour & tasting at the Glengoyne Distillery

• Free time in London to enjoy the atmosphere during The Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations

• Scenic visit to Queen Elizabeth Forest including Aberfoyle

Prices Includes: • Private coach travel from your local area • Three nights’ stay with three course evening meal & cooked breakfast • Entrance to Windsor Castle

• Cruise aboard the Steam Ship Sir Walter Scott on Loch Katrine • Visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia

• Free time in Windsor & London

• Cruise on Loch Lomond

• Entrance to the Tower of London

• Visits to Edinburgh & Glasgow

• Entrance to the Cutty Sark • Visit to Henley-on-Thames & Royal Greenwich

Call us on 0330 134 4022

or visit us www.bristolep.diamondhols.co.uk

Quote BS

Calls cost 5ppm from a BT landline. You may also be charged a connection fee. Mobile and other providers’ charges may vary. Prices are from, per person, based on two people sharing, are applicable to selected departure dates and may have been rounded up or down to the nearest pound. Any applicable discounts have already been deducted. These holidays and included excursions are subject to availability. Single rooms and regional departures are also subject to availability and a supplement may apply. Prices and holidays are subject to availability and change, some holidays are subject to minimum passenger numbers. Terms and conditions apply. Holidays are operated by various suppliers which are ABTA and/or ATOL bonded where applicable. These suppliers are independent of Local World. When you respond, the holiday supplier and Local World may contact you with offers/services that may be of interest. Please give your mobile or email details if you wish to receive such offers by SMS or email. We will not give your details to other companies without your permission.

20 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015

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Rail Holidays 5 £799 per person

5 £599 per person

Rail travel from your local area for £39

Rail travel from your local area for £39

days from

days from

Glacier Express Winter Magic

Nice Flower Parade & the Menton Lemon Festival

Escape to a winter wonderland as we travel through Switzerland’s alpine world at a magical time of year. The Glacier Express is the world’s slowest express train, which carves a spectacular route through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Join our five day tour for the experience of a lifetime as we travel from Chur to Brig, with views of mountain peaks, steep ravines and picturesque villages made even more enchanting when the snow has fallen, transforming the entire landscape as if by magic. With accommodation in the resort of Interlaken, you can relax amid the magnificent snowcapped peaks of the Eiger, the Jungfrau and the Mönch. Winter magic on the Glacier Express is breathtakingly beautiful and always worth the journey.

Join us on the French Riviera for a fiesta of fruit and flowers as we visit two of the region’s most vibrant events.

Nice Flower Parade is an integral part of the city’s carnival and the only one of its kind in the world. Join the crowd amid floral showers of gladioli, mimosa, gerberas, lilies, daisies, roses and carnations, as spectacular floats and extravagant characters line the promenade. Just along the coast, the elegant town of Menton hosts its unique Lemon Festival where we see the Moonlit Parade, an illuminating event which is a celebration of the sun with everyone dancing in the moonlight. Together these events attract thousands of visitors each year, so book your place today enjoy a burst of zest and colour this winter.

Prices Includes:

Prices Includes:

Departing on 12 February, 11 & 25 March 2016

Departing on 11, 15, 22 & 26 February 2016

• Return Eurostar from London to Paris

• Journey on the Glacier Express from Chur to Brig

• Return Eurostar from London to Lille

• Visit to the Nice Carnival Flower Parade

• Connecting rail journeys

• Visit to the Swiss capital of Bern

• Return TGV from Lille to Nice

• Visit to the Menton Lemon Festival Moonlit Parade

• Four nights’ bed & breakfast in Interlaken

• A cruise on Lake Thun

• Journey on the GoldenPass Line to Lucerne

• Services of our Tour Manager

• Four nights’ half board accommodation in Diano Marina, Italy

• Services of our Tour Manager

• Welcome drink

• Visits to Alt Goldau & Mount Rigi

6 £769 per person

VE SA 150 £

10 £1,149 per person days NOW from

• Free time in Diano Marina

Rail travel from your local area for £39

days from

Rail travel from your local area for £39

Highlights of Corsica

Venice Carnival

Relax and unwind on the little French island that basks in the Mediterranean sun. Known as ‘l’ile de beauté’, Corsica is home to some of the most picturesque railways in Europe. These little trains run on single tracks and pass amazing scenery as they travel across mountains and along coastline, stopping at quaint villages along the way. From the mountainous heart of Corsica to the capital city of Ajaccio on the coast, we travel aboard the little trains and stay in four popular towns so you can enjoy the highlights of the different corners of this beautiful island.

Each year the beautiful city of Venice sets the stage for a fantasy world of extravagant characters when the Carnevale di Venezia comes to town. It’s an event like no other – a magnificent display of Venetian culture, as hundreds of masked revellers cavort in the streets and squares to create the largest masquerade ball ever known.

Whether you want to don your own mask and mingle with the crowds or admire the sights amid the open air festivities, it’s a wonderful time to visit this Italian gem and enjoy the magic and mystery of one of the oldest carnivals in the world.

Prices Includes:

Prices Includes:

Departing April - October 2016

Departing on 4 February 2016

• Return Eurostar from London to Lille

• Train journey from Bastia to Calvi

• Return Eurostar from London to Paris

• TVG from Lille to Nice and Marseille to Lille

• Train journey from Calvi to Corte

• Connecting rail/coach journeys

• Return daytime ferry crossings to Corsica

• Train journey from Corte to Ajaccio

• One night’s bed & breakfast in Milan, Italy

• Seven nights’ half board accommodation on Corsica

• Free time in Bastia, Calvi, Corte and Ajaccio

• One night’s bed & breakfast in Paris, France

• One night’s bed and breakfast in Nice

• Services of our Tour Manager

• Three nights’ bed & breakfast in Venice Mestre

• One night’s bed and breakfast in Marseille

Call us on 0330 134 4290

• Return transfers to Venice St Marks Square on two days • Visit to Sirmione on Lake Garda & a guided tour of Verona

• Evening meal on Day 2

• Walking tour of Venice • Gondola ride in Venice • Services of a Tour Manager

or visit us www.diamondrailholidays.co.uk

Quote BS

Prices are from, per person, based on two people sharing, are applicable to selected departure dates and may have been rounded up or down to the nearest pound. Any applicable discounts have already been deducted. These holidays and included excursions are subject to availability. Single rooms and regional departures are also subject to availability and a supplement may apply. Prices and holidays are subject to availability and change, some holidays are subject to minimum passenger numbers. Terms and conditions apply. Holidays are operated by various suppliers which are ABTA and/or ATOL bonded where applicable. These suppliers are independent of Local World. When you respond, the holiday supplier and Local World may contact you with offers/services that may be of interest. Please give your mobile or email details if you wish to receive such offers by SMS or email. We will not give your details to other companies without your permission.

WCL-E01-S2

SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 21

The perfect sparkle-free style FASHION Glitter? Get over it! This party season, it’s all about sumptuous and seductive textures. Katie Wright guides you through your sexy but sparkle-free selection

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We all long to sparkle at our many festive soirees and shindigs, but if you really want to stand out amid the sea of sequins, it’s time to think texture, not tinsel. This season, let the fabric do the talking, as decadent velvet, opulent jacquard and flirty feathers come to the fore. Take the softlysoftly approach to party season style with these winning pieces...

Velvet revolution Velvet has made a major comeback in recent years, spurred on by the nostalgia for all things Nineties and Seventies. Go the former route with a halter-neck or strappy dress paired with ankle strap heels, or nod to the disco era with chunky platforms. Long-sleeved, skin-tight velvet strikes a good balance between sexiness and practicality, because it’ll keep you warm and well-covered.

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Try....

■ Onjenu Megan velvet Bordeaux jumpsuit, £115 (www.onjenu.com) ■ Boohoo Gracie velvet halterneck midi bodycon dress, £20 (www.boohoo.com) ■ Paisie midnight blue long-sleeve velvet dress with back slits, currently reduced to £40 from £60 (www.paisie.com) ■ Zara velvet platform sandal, £49.99 (www.zara.com)

Go for baroque Jacquard co-ords or a trouser suit are the coolest way to bring a subtle sheen from head to toe. Wear together at your most upmarket do, then restyle the separates throughout party season. A jeweltoned, slightly cropped brocade top looks great with a swishy pleated midi skirt or rouched pencil skirt, while a pair of metallic trousers works well with a Bardot top or sheer blouse.

Match the richness of the structured fabric with a pair of bejewelled earrings.

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Try....

■ W bronze tux jacket, £75; jacquard trousers, £45; suede boots, £99 (www.wallis.co.uk) ■ Yumi metallic jacquard top, reduced to £35 from £50, and tulip skirt, (3) reduced to £35 from £50 (www.yumi.co.uk) ■ Butler & Wilson crystal square drop earrings, (4) £49.50 (www.qvcuk.com)

In fine feather Now we’re not suggesting all-over plumes, but a touch of fluttery detailing on a neck or hemline makes a beautiful addition to an LBD. Mohair or feathery knits look fab with leather or other shiny textures, and as long as the fit is snug enough, they’re party-worthy too. Give an old festive frock a new spin with fluffy accessories such as a supremely soft marabou clutch bag.

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Try....

■ Fluffy leopard jumper, (1) £39; Joanna Hope foil pleated maxi skirt, £65; Joanna Hope slingback shoes extra wide fit, reduced to £12 from £30 (www.jdwilliams.co.uk) ■ Elvi Prima black feather dress, sizes 14-26, £149 (www.elvi.co.uk) ■ SimplyBe marabou feather across body bag, (5) £28 (www.simplybe.co.uk) ■ Public Desire Cadence platform heels in black faux suede, (2) £29.99 (www.publicdesire.co.uk)

22 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015

The model is wearing the fluffy leopard jumper, Joanna Hope foil pleated maxi skirt and Joanna Hope slingback shoes, all available from JD Williams WCL-E01-S2

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SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 23

New book, new beginning BOOKS

somebody has them, the anxiety of having them is quite terrifying. It’s more about being anxious about having panic attacks than actually having them.

“I’ve never had a character in my novels who’s had panic attacks, but as a result of the experience of going through them, I’ve been able to put what you go through when you have them into my characters,” she adds. “I always want to take them from somewhere dark and bring them to a lighter place.”

Today, she would rather focus on her 12th novel, The Marble Collector, about a young woman named Sabrina who happens upon a collection of marbles in her father’s possessions. She discovers that two of the most expensive collections are missing and sets out to find what happened to them, finding more out about her father and the secrets he kept in the process. It’s a wider story which explores the father-daughter relationship.

“I got the idea from that phrase, ‘I’ve lost my marbles’. It’s something I say a lot as a busy mother.”

She did extensive research into the history of marbles, and the valuations of rare types featured in the novel are real, she explains.

“I get my ideas from experience, observation and imagination. I might take something that I’ve thought about for one moment in my life and turn it into someone’s biggest moment.”

Her forthcoming young adult series may be set for the big screen, but Cecelia remains a novelist first and foremost.

“I know only two of my books have been made into films, but there have been so many in development over the years and I have done so much work on other scripts that haven’t yet made it.”

Love, Rosie – the film version of her book Where Rainbows End – proved another hit in 2014. She has also created several TV series, including Samantha Who? starring Christina Applegate.

But books remain her priority. “I have so much freedom to go where I want to go with my novels, and I know that with screenplays, there are so many drafts and collaborations, and it’s more of a compromise.”

Bestselling Irish author Cecelia Ahern tells Hannah Stephenson of her most wonderful and darkest times, and why books will always come before films

Blonde, beautiful, happily married mother-of-two and bestselling author Cecelia Ahern has had the private and public success many of us dream about.

The Dublin-born daughter of former Irish prime minister Bertie Ahern was just 21 when she penned her first novel, PS, I Love You, which became a bestseller and saw her life change in 2007 when the movie adaptation, starring Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler, became a box office hit.

Now Hollywood is knocking at her door again, as Warner Bros. have optioned the movie rights to her forthcoming young adult series, Flawed And Perfect, due out next March.

“It’s very exciting,” she enthuses. “It feels like a new beginning and a fresh start, as it’s a whole new audience. Getting the film deal was a real boost. It’s the same team that made PS, I Love You.” Cecelia, 34, has plenty to smile about. She is published in nearly 50 countries and has sold more than 25 million copies of her novels worldwide. Yet she has had dark times too, and recently spoke publicly about the panic attacks she suffered for years.

“I don’t know how many panic attacks I actually had, but I think the fear of having them is greater than the attack, because you’re afraid of having one, and so that fear is constant and it’s always there,” she told Gay Byrne on his show The Meaning Of Life this year.

“You get pins and needles, you get extremely dizzy, you might want to vomit, run to the toilet, just feeling cold, hot, it’s bizarre actually that it’s all created by yourself, it’s all in your mind.”

Today, she is more reluctant to talk about the issue. “It’s a story I don’t want to keep going on about. I was trying to explain where I was at when I wrote PS, I Love You. “People couldn’t understand how I could write a book like that at 21. At that time, I was at a vulnerable stage and very much trying to figure out who I was.

“It was something that I struggled with for a couple of years that made me very introspective and really made me think about what’s going on in other people’s minds – but everything’s fine now.

“I don’t get the panic attacks any more, but if

The Marble Collector

by Cecelia Ahern is published by HarperCollins, priced £16.99

Cecelia Ahern was just 21 when she penned her first novel, PS, I Love You, which saw her life change in 2007 when the movie adaptation became a box office hit

BOOKS REVIEWS Katherine Carlyle by Rupert Thomson is published in hardback

by Corsair, priced £14.99 (ebook £8.99)

John Crow's Devil by Marlon James is published in paperback by Oneworld, priced £8.99 (ebook £6.29)

Raymond Briggs: Notes From The Sofa is published in hardback

by Unbound, priced £14.99 (ebook £9.99)

The central theme of this novel is how we shape our identity, and ultimately our destiny. Our protagonist Katherine was conceived by IVF and kept frozen for eight years until her parents decided they wanted her.

Telling the story of two priests, Pastor Bligh and Apostle York, at war over the soul of the congregation of the small town of Gibbeah, this book questions who we choose to follow by blurring the line between good and evil and right and wrong.

Over the last four years, Raymond has turned his hand to writing regular column Notes From The Sofa for The Oldie. Now the grown-ups have a little something of Raymond to call their own, as he shares stories from his life.

24 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015

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Knightstone Harbour and Island from the book, Weston-Super-Mare in watercolours Revisited by Rosie and Howard Smith

Discovering local literary gems BOOKS Tina Rowe takes a look at some West Country books which could make ideal Christmas gifts One of Dorset’s most dramatic shipwreck disasters is the subject of Philip Browne’s book. He describes the terrible event that shocked the nation in 1786 when a huge East India Company ship was wrecked on the Purbeck coast. Thanks to the efforts of local quarrymen, a third of the crew was saved but more than 150 people lost their lives. Among the drowned was Captain Richard Peirce, his two teenage daughters and several other young women in his care. They were all bound for India.

“It surprises me that such a tragic local event is not more widely known,” says Mr Browne.

“I hope my book will put that right. I have spent four years researching the life of Captain Peirce up to that final voyage and have discovered a remarkable man with an extraordinary career.”

The Unfortunate Captain Peirce and the Wreck of the Halsewell by Philip Browne, Hobnob Press, £14.95

The husband and wife team have produced a further evocative guide to their hometown. Rosie is the watercolourist, Howard the guide with a keen eye for buildings and history, but also for what Weston offers today.

Some things have changed dramatically since they produced Weston-super-Mare in watercolours in 2001. In 2008 the grand Art Deco pier burned down, and Howard watched sadly, just as his

father had watched its predecessor, the original Edwardian structure burn in 1930. The fire and the fine new pier are among the many new images. There is so much to enjoy in the town and it is pleasant to be guided by two who know it so well.

Howard’s epilogue recalls his father’s love of cricket at Clarence Park, his own love of the place, and his pleasure in introducing his own son to its delights. The cricket festival has gone, but the memories remain.

Weston-super-Mare in watercolours Revisited by Rosie and Howard Smith, The Garret Press, (paperback) £18.99, (hardback) £14.99

A look back at part of Dorchester immortalised by Thomas Hardy. In The Mayor of Casterbridge he writes: “The lane and its surrounding thicket of thatched cottages stretched out like a spit into the moist and misty lowland. Much that was sad, much that was low, some things that were baneful, could be seen in Mixen Lane.”

Mixen Lane was Thomas’ name for Mill Street in Fordington. Since early 2014, the local community, with Mill Street Housing Society, has been recording people’s memories of old Mill Street and its remarkable history since the 1850s.

David Forrester takes the reader back to this troubled area. He describes the remarkable achievements of the Mill Street Mission and later Housing Society, which were instrumental in helping the poor living there.

Royalties from the book will be shared between two local charities – the Women’s Refuge and Mill Street Housing Society.

Mill Street, Dorchester: Thomas Hardy’s Mixen Lane by David F Forrester, Roving Press, £6.99

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With a foreword by Sir Mortimer Wheeler, this is the classic memoir of a field gunner in Flanders.

First published in 1967, it has been revised and extended by the author’s son, South Somersetbased David Gordon. This is the new paperback edition.

Born in a Perthshire Manse in 1898, Huntly Gordon never meant to be a soldier, but after school in Scotland, and Clifton College, Bristol, he joined the Royal Field Artillery.

The book is drawn from letters home, and from a narrative that he completed in November 1918.

The humanity and fortitude of the young officer shine through.

Gas attacks, mud, and the hell of shell fire are vividly conveyed, but it is the dogged determination of men, and horses, that hold his heart and mind.

The Unreturning Army Huntly Gordon, Transworld, £8.99

After more than two years’ research local author Louise Hodgson has produced a worthy successor to her first book Secret Places of West Dorset.

Illustrated with beautiful colour photographs and a selection of her artwork, the book demonstrates just how much there is to be found in this part of the county.

Louise discovers history, folklore, curiosities and legends, as well as ancient trackways, enigmatic stones and holy wells.

She says: “The drive to explore is within most us to varying degrees, and West Dorset is one of those places where exploration can easily lead to adventures beyond the usual and ordinary.”

Books will also be available in local outlets and direct from the publisher.

More Secret Places of West Dorset by Louise Hodgson, Roving Press, £11.99

SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 25

However you dress your tree this year, make it tree-mendous INTERIORS Big, small, real or fake, it would be tree-son not to create a festive focal, says Gabrielle Fagan Never mind decking the halls – it’s all about the Christmas tree, isn’t it?

Whether you favour a “can-you-believe-it’s-notreal?” artificial one or always opt for the genuine article, whose fragrant scent (and needles) will fill the house, it’s the decorations that say most about your taste and family history – from handme-down baubles to childhood creations.

“This year, people seem determined to want their tree to be the biggest they can fit in and afford, and they also have a very good idea of what colour or style theme they want to follow,” says Craig Roman, home and garden styling expert at Dobbies Garden Centres.

“They’re very specific about the look they want to achieve, and we have three key looks this year – full-on traditional, with lots of red and gold; a countryside feel, featuring creatures great and small; or the dazzling snowy white tree, embellished with silver or gold touches.”

Whichever look you choose, make it tree-mendous...

Truly traditional Red and green is the ultimate festive look, and has a timeless appeal which can be interpreted in a retro way, or given a dash of kitsch.

“This an absolute classic look with red particularly strong this year and not only in decorations – there are also red berry lights,” says Craig.

“There’s a lovely nostalgic feel to this style of decoration, which is seen in red candy cane and Santa stocking decorations.

“This season, we’re seeing much more emphasis on the texture and finishes of baubles – incor-

“

This year, people seem determined to want their tree to be the biggest they can fit in and afford

” 26 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015

porating matt with shiny; shiny with glitter; or those which are ribbed. Many have an ‘added extra’, such as a tiny charm attached to the top, or a ribbon with beading.

“People could embellish their own baubles, by simply sourcing charms, stickers or diamante glitter from craft stores, or use a glitter pen to personalise them with names or messages. Add to the red effect by pegging cards to red ribbon, which can be hung from banisters, curtain or picture rails and adding red bows to a wreath.”

Decor tip For a luxury look, dress your tree from the back to the front, hanging up to four baubles all along each branch, depending on their length.

Place darker coloured baubles at the back (nearer to the trunk) and brighter shades nearer to the branch tip, to give the illusion of depth. Add to the richness with a string of red berry lights, £24.99, and a battery operated tree topper, £9.99, Dobbies Garden Centres, which also have a selection of artificial and real trees.

Tree-mendous treats A luxuriant green 7.5ft-artificial Washington tree, £379.99; decorations from £1.79 each, and a luxury berry and pine garland, £29.99, from Wyevale Garden Centres.

Debenhams has plenty of red decorations to choose from, including a pack of four red spotty Christmas baubles (1) £12, or set of 16 red assorted Christmas baubles, £6.

Embrace a yesteryear look with Father Christmas tin decorations, £3.99 each, The Oak Room.

Similarly, John Lewis has a glass telephone box decoration, £5, and a Bombki large post box or London bus glass hanging decorations, £30 each.

A red and white wooden houses advent calendar, reduced to £20 from £40, also from John Lewis, would be a perfect finishing touch.

Woodland way Make a tree come alive with woodland creatures, for a look which will delight young and old alike.

“This is a cosy, comforting look featuring all the British wildlife characters. Owls are currently the most popular, along with squirrels, foxes, hedgehogs and stags,” says Craig.

“Woodland motifs have featured strongly in decor for a while now, and the reddish brown shades of the squirrels and foxes key into the trend for copper tones in decor, so it’s not surprising that they’re popular for the tree.

“Of course, tiny creatures will look perfectly at home on the branches and evoke a cosy, rustic feel. Stand a tree in an old barrel or a wicker tree hamper to complement that look.”

Decor tip Bring in nature by making your own simple hanging decorations. Decorate a tree branch by spray-painting and decorating with tinsel and baubles, to hang on a wall or display on

The bushy-branched natural look of the Linea 6.5ft fir tree, from House of Fraser WCL-E01-S2

a mantel. Spray pine cones or leaves with copper paint. Champagne pine cones decorations, £6.99 for a set, Dobbies. Pack presents into a hessian Christmas Santa sack and name tag, £6.99, Not On The High Street.

Tree-mendous treats A Linea 6ft emerald tree, currently reduced to £100 from £200, has an appropriately bushy-branched natural look. Alternatively, its Les Deux Alpes 6.5ft tree, £200, currently available in stores, is a stunner. A collection of Linea large glitter acorn decorations (3) reduced from £8 to £4 each, would enhance the woodland effect.

Make a tree come alive with an animal menagerie. Paperchase has six glass animal heads, including a rabbit, reindeer and fox, £12 for the set, and its Hendrick’s stag decoration (5) is £6.

John Lewis has a fox head decoration (2) £4.50 (due back in stock mid-December); while George Home has a sweet bottle brush squirrel hanging decoration (4) £3. If you want to be playful with the theme, one of John Lewis’ best-selling decorations is its glass Christmas dog bauble, £6, and its snowdrift penguin soft hanger, £4, is cute.

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White magic This look captures the atmosphere of a winter wood, where snow-laden trees sparkle and shimmer.

“This is a magical, winter wonderland effect, which – because of its neutral colour palette – works with any decor and is hugely popular,” says Craig.

“Lightly flocked artificial trees with twinkling pre-lit white lights are perfect for this, and then all you need is a collection white or silver baubles – the ‘less is more’ rule definitely applies to this style.

“If pure white is too cool for your taste, warm up the effect with a few gold baubles. This metallic finish is enjoying a revival and will feature very strongly in collections next Christmas too. For a finishing touch, make snowballs by simply rolling white or silver strands of tinsel into a ball, and pop them in between branches.”

Decor tip If you’re adding strings of lights to a tree and want to check to see if they’re evenly placed, turn them on and look at them from the other side of the room by squinting through half-closed eyes.

Neon signs are bang-on-trend this season and John Lewis’ white Noel battery-operated sign, £20, would look brilliant near a tree or on a mantel. Alternatively, the Handpicked Collection has illuminated letters spelling out ‘JOY’; joy light, £49.95.

Tree-mendous treats A 2.2m Cranmere pre-lit Christmas tree, with 400 LED lights, from £299.99, Dobbies.

House of Fraser’s Linea 6ft pre-lit flocked whistler tree is just as handsome and is currently reduced from £230 to £115. For a stylish contemporary effect, John Lewis has a 4ft pre-lit birch cluster, a chic arrangement of trees on a stand, £100 (re-stocked mid-December).

Glamour and sparkle combine in Swarovski Christmas baubles (7) £45 for set of four, and for a Narnia effect, a snowdrift acrylic glitter stag, £4, both John Lewis.

The Matrioskas ornaments, a set of three striking white and gold porcelain dolls (6) £140, Lladro, are an unusual collector’s set and would perfectly suit this theme.

Prices correct at time of going to press

Decoration destinations

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Debenhams 0844 800 8877/Debenhams.com Dobbies 0131 561 6406/dobbies.com George Home direct.asda.com/George/home The Handpicked Collection 01206 226 440/handpickedcollection.com House of Fraser 0345 602 1073/houseoffraser.co.uk John Lewis 03456 049 049/johnlewis.com Lladro 0808 234 3240/lladro.com Not On The High Street notonthehighstreet.com The Oak Room 01707 257 175/oakroomshop.co.uk Paperchase paperchase.co.uk Wyevale 0344 272 3000/wyevale gardencentres.co.uk WCL-E01-S2

SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 27

A winter warmer with gorgeous views for all WALKS Sue Gearing goes out walking in the Cotswolds and finds an excellent circle with honey-coloured cottages, which also includes a very welcome, great pub Wrap up well, put on your boots and stride out in open Cotswold country in the colder months to enjoy the Windrush river, mellow stone villages, National Trust water meadows, Sherborne Estate and Great Barrington Park.

Walking is on field footpaths, a quietish road and tracks which can get muddy and wet after rain. There are stiles but these shouldn’t bother most dogs.

There is one fairly long, steady climb but the rest is a mixture of easy ups and downs. There are good views across countryside much of the way too. There is a great pub en route on the banks of the Windrush, at Great Barrington, where you can park and start if you plan to take refreshment there afterwards. If not, park in Windrush village.

Please note the mixture of stiles on this circle.

Start Come out of The Fox and turn left on the road, which is reasonably quiet. After several minutes reach the picturesque hamlet of Little Barrington.

1. Little Barrington Fork up right on the Tarmac drive/lane in front of a line of stone cottages. At the junction, turn right along the No Through Road. At the end, bear left to old stone barns. At the barns take the marked footpath on the right between them. This leads to a stile into a field.

Keep straight on through fields following the line of the Windrush river, which is down right but out of view. There are good, open views across country.

Eventually see the church of Windrush ahead and keep on until you come out onto a lane in the village.

2. Windrush Turn left along the pavement, pass a triangle of grass below the church. The church is the optional starting point.

Continue round to the right on the road to Sherborne. At a telephone box, take the footpath on the right between cottage walls and then on along a grassy track. At the end, with a barred door in a stone shelter ahead, bear up right on the footpath. Cross an old stone stile. Go ahead over it and reach a board about the Windrush Mill path, with a pretty view down over the river. Turn left at the board and go through a wooden gate back into the field. Cross the stone stile right and down steps. Go over a track and follow the Sherborne footpath into a field. Down below is the Windrush and you can look back and see the mill.

Now maintain direction through fields, passing close to a stone barn on the way. The Windrush is not always in view. This is typical open Cotswold country, gently folding.

28 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015

3. Sherborne

6. Crossing tracks

Ahead begin to see houses in Sherborne. As you approach the village you are along the right edge of a field. Go around the corner to a metal and chain stile. You see you are on the Donnington Way – a walk between pubs owned by the Cotswolds-based Donnington Brewery.

Turn right along the concrete track a few yards on and then left through the gate signed to Water Meadows. Head across, passing to the left of a power post and on to the gate on the far side. Turn left on the track and cross a tributary of the Windrush and turn right following signs to Water Meadows. Bear diagonally across this ridged field to the top corner towards gates and a footpath marker.

At a crossroads of tracks turn right. Simply stride out now in the open, with no stiles, heading down and then a fairly long stretch uphill for about 1.75 miles.

4. Gate Go up the path still in the Water Meadows direction, going alongside woodland. Carry on, after going through a metal gate. At the end, go through another metal and chain stile and over a footbridge. Turn right on the track.

7. Road At the end, ignore a Tarmac lane/drive right and go to the principal road. Turn right following the wall of Barrington Park.

This 18th-century landscaped park and its pleasure gardens are not open to the public. They are set around the main house together with a deer park, probably dating from a century earlier.

As you reach the metal gates you can look through and probably spot some of the deer as well as the domed top of the 18th-century Ionic pigeon house. Down below you can also see the main building of Barrington Park dating from the mid-18th century. This is essentially a five-bay Palladian villa and it is privately owned.

5. Water Meadows

8. Great Barrington

Eventually reach a board on the left for Sherborne Water Meadows developed in the early 17th century and now a special reserve for wildlife.

Take the grass track ahead, to the right of the ditch. See over right the village of Windrush.

Reach a bridge to cross the Windrush. It’s woodland walking now, passing the remains of an old mill. Ignore a footpath on the left. Just keep on and come out of the wood and join a track maintaining direction and climbing very gently.

Reach a footpath marker post and go left on your stony track. Stay on this. All through this area around the Barringtons were quarries mining the renowned building stone.

Continue to a junction with memorial cross in Great Barrington.

Follow the road round right on the pavement and soon reach the main entrance to Barrington Park. Take the path on the left of the gates which leads you to the church and gives you further glimpses of the park and house.

Continue along the road which is fairly quiet, for just under a third of a mile, and come up to the Fox Inn. If you parked in Windrush continue instructions from “Start”.

The Fox Inn, Little Barrington, 01451 844385 WCL-E01-S2

The joy of Christmas past ADVERTISING FEATURE The National Trust has plenty going on to celebrate Christmas this year, especially in one particular house, just on the edge of Bristol It wouldn’t be Christmas without spending family time together, experiencing Christmas through the ages and visiting the special places the National Trust looks after.

So why not see the halls decked in traditional style, sing your favourite carols, enjoy wintry walks through the countryside or meet Father Christmas at a National Trust place near you?

Tyntesfield

PICTURE: NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES

merry moments PICTURE: NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES, STEVE HAYWOOD

The National Trust Gothic Revival house and estate Tyntesfield is the perfect setting for a Victorian Christmas, and this year visitors are being invited to step back in time and see it for themselves

There’s a festive place near you With plenty of activities for you to do Shop at Christmas markets full of handmade gifts Or meet Father Christmas to give him your list

“

It wouldn’t be Christmas without spending family time together

nationaltrust.org.uk/swchristmas

”

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©NTI/John Millar. Reg. Charity No. 205846

Celebrate a Very Victorian Christmas at Tyntesfield, and be transported to a traditional Yuletide with the Gibbs family. Experience life as they and their servants prepare for the festive period; you can help the servants decorate and prepare the house, or peek into the family’s daily lives at this wonderful time of year.

It’s not all festive fun, though, as there’s a mystery to be solved, and a certain Victorian detective from Baker Street is here to help. The Adventure of the Tyntesfield Carbuncle is a challenge for the whole family, as you follow in Holmes and Watson’s footsteps to unravel the clues around the estate and solve the mystery.

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a Christmas concert, and Tyntesfield’s chapel has hosted a range of musical delights in the past.

This season is no different, and there will be various choirs and groups performing your festive favourites.

Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield/whats-on for details of performances and to book.

There’s also the chance to see the house in a different light, and experience a calm and reflective atmosphere you might not encounter during the day.

You’ll be free to wander around the house and get a feel for what Tyntesfield would have been like as a private home (this is from December 16, and booking is required).

If being indoors isn’t your thing, why not venture into the parkland for a peaceful winter walk?

Starting from Tyntesfield’s estate yard, the onemile Sidelands trail takes you through shaded footpaths and ancient woodland to enjoy the local flora and fauna. It’s an easy, dog-friendly route that should take about 40 minutes – download the trail at bit.ly/sidelandswalk.

And after all of this, don’t forget to stop by the restaurant or café for a warming treat, and head into the shop for some retail therapy and great gift ideas.

You can find plenty more local ideas for Christmas at nationaltrust.org.uk/swchristmas.

Charges vary for admission and activities and events may be subject to change; visit national trust.org.uk/tyntesfield for full opening times and event details.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 29

Hilltop walk is heaven-sent WALKS Humming a famous hymn, Martin Hesp climbs the steep Somerset hill that inspired it What with a pile of family problems and the fact that the car which I’ve loved owning and driving for the past few years had to be written off, leaving me without transport, I was in no position to go careering across the peninsula in search of walks this week. So I managed to squeeze this one in just a few miles from home.

The writer William Hazlitt would no doubt have approved. He walked on Grabbist – the famous hill high above Dunster – in 1823, and he was able to gaze down at the medieval village and write: “Eyeing it wistfully as it lay below us, contrasted with the woody scene around, it looked as clear, as pure, as embrowned and ideal as any landscape I have seen since.”

Be warned though – the introduction to this hike is as steep as any this series of articles has ever done. Go the direct route up Grabbist from Dunster and you must negotiate a slope that is far steeper than a house roof.

To find the foot of this “mountain”, locate the footpath that leads up to the village allotments past Dunster’s primary school. This right of way soon skirts around the allotments to eventually

come up against what looks like a door in a hedge.

This magical little portal is actually the gateway to the famous hill.

Walk up the path past the graveyard annex and within 100 metres you will come to a staggered crossroads of footpaths – turn left for just two metres then immediately right, and you are on the trail that leads vertically up Grabbist. Yes, the West Somerset soil will be just inches from your nose as you climb through the woods, but the views will soon be worth it.

You do eventually come into the heavenly-viewzone. I didn’t use the word “mountain” lightly.

This is the very hill that inspired the hymn All Things Bright And Beautiful, written just over a century ago by a Mrs Cecil Frances Alexander.

She was so impressed with the “purple-headed mountain” that she sat down on Grabbist and wrote her famous hymn. Some people, by the way, will tell you the purple-headed mountain was actually Dunkery Beacon, Exmoor’s highest hill.

I reckon she meant Grabbist because the verse goes… “The purple-headed mountain, The river running by, The sunset and the morning, That brightens up the sky.”

Well, there’s no river up on distant Dunkery, which you can see in all its mighty baldness from Grabbist – but far below you can make out the River Avill running by.

Fabulous views of this vast amphitheatre unfold as we gain the top of the ridge, where we come across a strange indentation in the side of

A walk up Grabbist offers ‘heavenly’ views over Dunster, which Martin Hesp says is further proof the hill inspired All Things Bright and Beautiful

the hill. This curious bowl has recently been cleared of its trees by the National Trust.

Legend has it that a super-sized ogre once lived in this place, known locally as the Giant’s Seat.

Apparently he was a nice old giant – villagers would get him to dry their washing by wafting one of his huge hands.

But was he the giant locked up in the local dungeon? For centuries Dunster had another ancient giant legend which claimed that a truly massive man was locked up somewhere in the castle. This one turned out to be true: a huge manacled skeleton was uncovered during the last century in Dunster Castle’s gatehouse.

The path sticks to the southern edge of Alcombe Common – and therefore to the edge of the Avill abyss – and we walked westwards along it to Hopcott Common enjoying fine views of Blue Anchor Bay over our shoulder, and of Minehead to our right.

To finish the stroll we simply found a lower path to the north, which took us back through the middle of Alcombe Common, to reach the path that skirts around the northern slopes of Grabbist down towards St Leonard’s Well. The track crosses a field or two, and enters Dunster at a point just up the lane from the school where we began.

Not many hills have world-famous hymns sung about them, so I was glad to take a quick trudge around Grabbist, humming Mrs Alexander’s glorious tune as I went.

Don’t miss next week’s West Country Life

It’s your bumper 72-page festive magazine with two-week Christmas and new-year TV and radio guide 30 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015

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O T N A P PARTY PRESENTS

AT THE

0 3 £ M O R F S E G A K C A P T DRINKS +TICKE 2 3 0 3 1 7 8 4 4 8 0 L L A C N IO T A M FOR MORE INFOR WCL-E01-S2

SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 31

Gardeners can create a new chapter in their own plots and gardens if they get a few of these inspiring books in their stockings this Christmas

Planting some ideas GARDENING Bag some stocking-filler books for gardeners. Hannah Stephenson leafs through some of the best As you sit by the fire enjoying your glass of mulled wine and mince pie, now’s a good time to start planning your garden for next year – and there are plenty of ideas out there in books.

Here’s just a few of the latest books to provide inspiration.

Coffee table

One of this autumn’s most talked-about botanical books is The Cabaret Of Plants: Botany And The Imagination by Richard Mabey (Profile, £20), which draws on plants in history, art and literature. Mabey explores plants that have awoken our sense of wonder and changed our ideas about science and beauty. The self-contained chapters feature everything from weeds to water lilies, with high-quality prints and drawings.

DAVID LIFTON ALLOTMENTS I’ve been looking at the clutter in my shed for well over a year now without any decent plan to get rid of the stuff – that is, until now.

Last week I was informed that the allotment would be getting two skips, which we could use to empty our plots of waste. Being frugal, I don’t like to throw things away but the collection of materials I had stowed away in my shed was completely useless to me.

What I found, however, as I added my rubbish to the fast-growing pile of other waste, was that half of the stuff occupying the skip was very useful. I ended up bringing back a plastic table and a couple of unusual, long and thin pots.

The table will sit along with the chairs in the porch-style part of the shed. When I give the interior a good lick of paint and potentially cover the floor in old second-hand carpets, I think that

32 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015

Find out the intricacies of how flowers communicate with their pollinators in award-winning wildlife photographer Heather Angel’s dazzling tome, Pollination Power (Kew, £25). Through her stunning photography, see how plants use colour, shape and guiding lines to attract insects and birds, which gather nectar in most unusual ways.

The Private Gardens Of England, edited by Tania Compton, (Constable, £75) is a glorious celebration of the art of gardening through some of the country’s hidden horticultural jewels.

Some 35 English private gardens are vividly described in the words of their owners, who bring an astonishing sense of intimacy to their own creations, as well as their collaborations with some of the leading garden designers of today.

Grow your own

If you’re thinking of getting an allotment in the new year, or you’re wondering what to grow on your existing plot, The RHS Allotment Handbook & Planner (Octopus, £12.99) is an invaluable guide to help you choose. Experts from the Royal Horticultural Society take all abilities through the different stages, and the book includes a planner

this will create a great quiet writing and planning space. The area is tranquil – and, with the addition of colourful scented flowers next year, the shed will become even more welcoming.

Instead of buying a cold frame, I want the interior of the shed to do this job. With the weather being unpredictable at the beginning of spring, I need an area that is sheltered, but also allows the plants to become acclimatised to the conditions of the outside. One of the problems I had this past year was that I had no go-between from starting seeds to planting them into the ground – so, this is something I want to address next year.

New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to enjoy a nice glass of something delicious and alcoholic.

By infusing your favourite spirits with berries and fruit, you can create a festive drink that will be special and unique to you.

Fruity gin ■ Take a couple of handfuls of your chosen fruit – damsons, plums, figs, blackcurrants and apricots all work well – and make sure that they

setting out seasons, what should be sown and grown – and when.

Design

“

As you sit by the fire enjoying your glass of mulled wine and mince pie, now’s a good time to start planning your garden for next year

”

Infusing your favourite spirit with fruit will create a delicious and unique tipple to enjoy come New Year’s Eve

Anyone looking for inspirational design will welcome The Art Of Gardening by R William Thomas (Timber, £25), which focuses on Chanticleer, a 37acre public garden in Pennsylvania, renowned for encouraging experimentation in design and many areas including a fantasy garden, formal borders and woodland shades. Learn how to make the most of a landscape’s natural features, integrating structures and creating themes, and get tips on plants for specific purposes.

Practical

If you’ve never grown plants of any sort, edible or otherwise, bag a copy of Frances Tophill’s FirstTime Gardener: How To Plan, Plant And Enjoy Your Garden (Kyle, £16.99). Whether you’ve bought your first home, are new to renting or just feel that you should do something about the jungle outside your door, Frances will help you to create an original garden, from the initial site survey through to the design, hard and soft landscaping, building, planting and aftercare.

Quirky

If you want to dig out some fascinating facts about gardening, look no further than The Sceptical Gardener (Icon, £12.99) by The Telegraph’s columnist Ken Thompson. He asks – and answers – questions like, “How can a gardener improve the flavour of their veg?” and “What do bees do that improves strawberries?” It’s a dip-in miscellany of titbits, perfect if you want to spout unusual green-fingered facts over Christmas dinner.

are clean. Although the recipe uses gin, you can use any white spirit as a base; darker brandy and rum will also work – however, it will be harder to infuse flavours and you may find that some clash badly. Stone fruit works really well with gin, as it doesn’t smother the hints of juniper, coriander and cardamom already in the spirit. This will also take care of any autumn glut you may have.

■ Pop your chosen fruit into a Kilner jar and then follow this with the gin, or any white spirit of your choice. Seal the jar and leave the spirit to infuse for about three weeks; tasting once, or twice a week to see how the infusion is progressing.

■ Once three weeks are up, take the jar and pour it into a muslin cloth funnelled around another bottle. Don’t waste the fruit; this can be coated in chocolate and eaten as a treat.

■ Finish by sealing up the bottle and either storing it for up to a year or helping yourself to a celebratory tipple come the end of December.

Why not let me know how you get on by tweeting me @youngground WCL-E01-S2

Fine firs for your festive centrepiece ADVERTISING FEATURE Whether real or artificial, Almondsbury Garden Centre has a tree to suit all requirements, finds David Lifton And here we are again. The rush of Christmas is upon us as we search for decorations, presents, food and, of course, the centrepiece: the Christmas tree itself.

Across Bristol and the countryside surrounding it, shops are filling up their aisles with Christmas trees, both artificial and real, and just a short trip away from Cribbs Causeway, Almondsbury Garden Centre is no different.

While a trip to any DIY store might get you a standard fir, Almondsbury’s trees are healthy – and they have a good body, too.

There’s always a debate at this time of year as to whether real Christmas trees out-do the factorymade ones. It is true that real ones will cause mess due to falling needles and the initial job of getting the tree into the house can also be a challenge. But real Christmas trees have that body and beautiful, signature smell for a traditional Christmas vibe.

You can find the impressive selection of trees in the Upper Greenhouse area. Purpose-built wooden bays hold the Nordmann firs and, to make it both accessible and easier to visualise, the size-categorised trees can be lifted and viewed to make sure that you make the best choice.

The emerald Nordmanns come in several different sizes, with the 120-140 cm trees priced at £24.99, 160-200cm at £29.99 and 200-250cm at £59.99.

The more premium Fraser firs are priced from £29.99 and at £49.99 for the 200-250cm size. You can also find the smaller 7.5 litre-potted blue spruces, perfect for limited space and for planting into the ground and growing after Christmas, for £14.99.

Christmas trees are a big investment and it’s important that you find the right one for you. Browsing the displays of firs that Almonds-

bury is currently stocking, it’s evident that the garden centre has chosen some excellent specimens.

As well as holding Christmas trees, the Upper Greenhouse also has several accessories to purchase alongside them. From Christmas tree bases, from £16.99 to £24.99, to beautiful festive garlands at £12.99 – you can support your tree stylishly and dress up the surrounding room with the garlands, too.

If real Christmas trees don’t tempt you and you’re after the artificial kind, the garden centre also has a good set of options inside, located in the Winter Wonderland section. This part of the garden centre has been purposely designed to house its collection of Christmas-themed goodies.

From elegant decorations, to festive favourites – there’s a lot to choose from.

Inside, trees such as the 180cm Snow Tipped Fraser Fir are priced at £109.99, and the Emperor Pine Trees at £49.99, with many more varieties on offer. Eye-catching designs and, above all, durability mean that these trees can fulfil your festive needs for years to come.

Gardeners’ FactFile ■ A Tree of Paradise was used in old mystery plays to symbolise the Garden of Eden. Apples hung on it may be the origin of tree decorations.

■ There is currently a US-led research project

looking at creating the first Christmas tree that doesn't drop its needles.

■ The Church initially hated Christmas trees, seeing them as Pagan symbols, and it was only after the beginning of the 18th century and then the introduction of the tree to the UK by German-born Prince Albert in the 1800s that their popularity rose.

Almondsbury Garden Centre’s selection of Christmas trees includes Nordmann firs, Fraser firs and blue spruce, as well as a wide range of artificial trees and decorations to make your home sparkle

Come and be wowed by our new Christmas department

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SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 33

Pick of the crop: Gardening gifts for all gardeners and all seasons For those wanting a break from the busy shopping malls and high streets, Alan Down recommends a little retail therapy in your local garden centre or nursery As if you needed reminding, there are 13 shopping days left until Christmas Day. The streets, shopping centres and car parks are full and it’s all getting a bit manic out there. But it needn’t be that way and with great displays, a surprisingly different range of gifts and a less crowded feel; garden centres are a good place to escape to in December.

Larger garden centres have serious gift and food hall offerings but if you like the smaller, often family-owned, garden centres the shopping experience can be particularly enjoyable.

Tools are always a popular gift and, judging by Monty Don’s garden shed, you can never have too many. But joking aside, there is something about good quality tools that makes even the most menial job a pleasure. Those made with stainless steel are easier to use and clean.

A good pair of secateurs, such as those made by Felco, makes pruning a joy. There are plenty of other well-made secateurs on the market and even some cheap enough to be stocking fillers.

A good digging spade and a fork are a must but for those with well-established flower borders the smaller border size would be a better choice. Of course, hand trowels and hand forks have that knack of disappearing. In our garden, the handles get chewed by our dog as soon as you turn your back so we never get to wear them out.

The award-winning Flexi-Spray hose-end watering gadget from Hozelock is a brilliant new gizmo and one that I have become very fond of. It is just so versatile and flexible and does away with a plethora of other watering devices. And while we are on watering, the Haws range of watering cans just go on and on. Whether they are last-alifetime galvanised steel or made of strong plastic, these are made to last and even pass on to the next generation.

For wildlife lovers there is now no end of choice.

Products made by the Tetbury-based Wildlife World company seem to cover everything. Mini cameras in bird nest boxes, bat, frog, toad, hedgehog homes and every specialised nest box that you could imagine are all there.

Orchids have become the number one indoor plant so an orchid product from Taunton-based Growth Technology will help to keep them blooming. These products are now becoming more widely available. They produce many different specialised feeds for other plants too and these are great stocking fillers.

34 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015

Talking of which, seeds make first-rate stocking fillers as do plant labels and balls of string.

If you are really stumped for ideas, but know that the recipient is into gardening, then there’s an easy solution. This is of course the National Garden Gift Voucher.

A subscription to a gardening magazine might go down well and be a lasting present too. My favourite is the RHS The Garden monthly magazine. It has improved beyond all measure in recent years and is full of inspiration and informative content. If you love to just wistfully look at others’ beautiful gardens then The English Garden is for you. But if you prefer to keep it local then the Country Gardener magazine with editions for the Cotswolds, Somerset, Devon, Dorset and Hampshire is full of excellent articles and is very reasonably priced too.

I have only scratched the surface and I’m sure that a visit to your local garden centre or nursery will solve many of those last-minute gift purchases. I know that it will be a good deal less stressful than a shopping mall.

Here is my short list of memory joggers:

Wildlife Gardeners ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Bird baths and tables, bird feeders and food Wildlife World nest boxes with mini cameras Wildlife World insect shelters Bat boxes and frog houses Insect study centres

Veg and Allotment Gardeners

■ Stainless steel spades, forks, dibbers, daisy and dandelion grubbers ■ Metal Haws watering cans and garden sprayers ■ Garden gloves, secateurs pouches and knee pads ■ Cleeve Nursery gardener’s hand cream or hand wash ■ Pruning loppers and folding Felco pruning saws ■ Fruit trees and bushes, olive, bay and citrus trees ■ Hand trowel, onion hoes and forks ■ Raised bed kits, frames, tunnels, etc

Keen and Knowledgeable gardeners

■ Garden thermometers, rain gauges and soil test kits ■ Felco secateurs, Victorinox pruning knives, secateurs holsters ■ Stainless steel dandelion grubber, onion hoes, trowels, forks, spades, etc ■ Topiary-trained bay laurel, olive and box trees ■ Magnolias, daphnes, mahonias, skimmia, hollies, hamamelis, hellebores, hydrangeas, camellias, rhododendrons, pieris and masses more ■ Flexi-tie soft strong and re-useable plant tie

Armchair gardeners

■ Indoor plants like hyacinths, poinsettias, cyclamen and orchids WCL-E01-S2

■ Amaryllis bulb kits ■ Gardening books ■ Electronic water timers/computers ■ Bronze animal statues, wind chimes, rain gauges ■ Cleeve Nursery mugs ■ Subscription to a gardening magazine ■ Glazed or terracotta pots ■ Garden mirrors

We can do our best for bees by cutting out the pesticides

Stocking fillers ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Garden string and raffia Plant labels and marker pens Packets of seeds Growth Technology specialised plant feeds Orchid stem clips

Alan’s gardening tips for the weekend ■ Plant roses, fruit trees and bushes if the ground is not too wet or frozen.

■ Fork over borders and dig some goodness back into the soil. We recommend Revive composted green manure, spent mushroom compost or farmyard manure.

■ Check that greenhouse heaters are working.

■ Open the greenhouse ventilators to encourage good air movement during mild weather and always remove dead leaves and flowers regularly.

■ Check and repair fences.

■ Protect the trunks of young trees against rabbits with coiled plastic rabbit guards.

■ All cut trees should be kept outside and have the trunk stood in water to ensure that the tree remains fresh until you take it inside. It is well worth cutting a little off the bottom of the trunk before standing it in water as the cut end often becomes “sealed”. Ask for our Christmas Tree Care Tips sheet.

Ask Alan Question

I have a Meyer lemon in bloom with a quantity of green lemons. Usually I bring the pot in and look after it in the winter. Someone I know just keeps their lemons inside in the dark without watering.

What do you recommend?

From M Papier

Answer

If your lemon tree is actively growing then it will be less tolerant of very low temperatures and will need regular but reduced amounts of water. It will also benefit from some feed and you may be able to switch to a winter formulation of citrus feed that is low in nitrogen. Clearly, your plant is active since it has new flowers appearing.

A dormant plant will tolerate lower light levels but I would not recommend a dark place for any citrus tree. Incidentally, Meyers lemon is probably the easiest of all the citrus to grow.

Alan’s Plant of the Week Poinsettia

The Flexi-Spray hose end from Hozelock, above, has been a hit with Alan and it’s among his ideas for gifts for gardeners; gift packs of small gardening tools, left, are a practical present; poinsettia is Alan’s plant of the week, right

The showiest and most seasonal of all indoor plants at this time of the year should be kept warm and out of draughts. Do avoid buying poinsettias from outside shops as they hate draughts and cold.

Water when the leaves start to wilt and the compost feels dry. Give them a good soak in tepid water but never let them stand in it for long.

Feed regularly with the widely available specific poinsettia liquid feed for best results.

Lastly, don’t beat yourself up if you can’t get it to produce the beautiful coloured bracts again next year as this requires artificial control of day length and special treatment to make the plants compact, too.

Organic horticulturist Tim Foster argues the case for bees – and against the use of pesticides

As the evenings continue to draw in, it is maybe an opportunity for a little light gardening contemplation.

So have a ponder about bees. They should all be relaxing after a summer’s foraging for nectar and pollen. I say relaxing – what I really mean is dead, or most of them, anyway. This is natural for bumblebees – it is just the queen that is left to overwinter.

I’ve been perusing the very splendid books by Professor David Gulson (not as good as my own Good Earth Gardening, of course, still available at no bookshops near you). He is an entomologist – a creepy crawly man – particularly entranced by bees.

Apart from knowing terrific insect facts, he also pinpoints the challenges faced by bees and why they are so vital to us. We’re probably familiar with some of these challenges: habitat destruction, varroa mite (a parasite), selected diseases and reductions in food plants.

Perhaps we’ll struggle to help them overcome pests and diseases, though with honeybees there is progress against the mite. Hopefully, with natural selection, they’ll fight back themselves.

We can certainly plant more bee-friendly plants to compensate a small amount for those being lost from the countryside.

More of a concern, and definitely something we can act on, is the level of pesticides we use. Prof Gulson’s research, along with a number of other studies, showed that tiny amounts of chemicals called neonicotinoids are enough to disorientate bumblebees. This means they are less effective at collecting food, they are frequently lost (a lost bee is effectively a dead bee), there are fewer workers, fewer new queens, smaller nests and, as a result, a gradual reduction in the population. When I say “tiny amounts”, I mean tiny – one to 10 parts per billion ingested by bees.

Our food comes from crops that are pesticided monocultures. Our green fields are herbicided deserts. Our hedgerows are grubbed out or flailed to a few feet of wildlife-free stumps.

Still, we can fight back. So, in a nutshell, don’t buy pesticides, especially neonics (if they come back on the market), and plant those bee-friendly flowers in your garden or on the allotment.

■ For a list of bee-friendly plants, visit www.bbka.org.uk or www.rhs.org.uk

Tim Foster is a Bristol-based organic gardener and horticulture lecturer, and the author of Good Earth Gardening. To contact Tim, email timfoster@wild mail.com

Contact Alan Cleeve Nursery’s Alan Down can be contacted at the nursery on 01934 832134. If you would like to ask Alan Down a gardening question, visit www.cleevenursery.co.uk and click on the Ask Us A Question tab. Alan can only answer emailed questions.

Visit Alan’s blog at cleevenursery.co.uk/blog You can also follow Alan on Twitter: @AlanEDown WCL-E01-S2

SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 35

ANTIQUES

is a late 19th-century French bronze clock in the form of an elephant for £2,500 to £3,500, a 19thcentury Chinese vase also in the form of an elephant estimated at between £300 and £500, a Mouseman oak occasional table, carved with the signature mouse, estimated at £300 to £500, an extensive early 19th-century Minton tea and coffee service painted with the rare Bengal Tiger pattern of a higher estimate of between £1,500 and £2,000, and a collection of vintage car mascots in the form of a wasp, a Pug dog, a cat, a pig, and a seal, each estimated from £100 to £400.

Viewing for this auction is on Monday, December 14 between 10am and 5pm and Tuesday, December 15, between 10am and 6pm, or you can view all the lots on www.charterhouse-auction.com Charterhouse is now accepting entries for their forthcoming auction of pictures, books and antiques in January. They are also taking entries for their specialist auctions of motorcycles on February 7 and classic cars on February 14.

For further information contact Richard Bromell at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277 or email Richard at info@charterhouse-auction.com

Animal magic Charterhouse, Sherborne, Dorset The Charterhouse auction of collectors’ items on Wednesday, December 16 has attracted many animal-related lots offering animal lovers everywhere a chance to bid on their favourite animals.

“Animals have always featured in art and antiques, whether it is a favourite horse standing in a country house landscape or a diamond-encrusted bee brooch,” said auctioneer Richard Bromell.

“So it is no great surprise that we see so many animals in all shapes and forms and made from all sorts of materials, but for some reason, this collectors’ auction has attracted many more than usual.”

In this Charterhouse collectors’ auction , there

Giant

Toy Collectors

Fair

The quirkier the better

Sunday 13th December

Greenslade Taylor Hunt, Taunton, Somerset

The GREAT Christmas Fair

Bath & West Showground Shepton Mallet BA4 6QN

With Christmas around the corner, auctioneers Greenslade Taylor Hunt are already turning their attention to 2016 and a full programme of monthly antiques sales, specialist auctions and the biannual West Country Sporting sales.

Kicking off the year on Thursday, January 7, The Octagon Salerooms, East Reach, Taunton, will play host to the regular monthly sale which will include a section devoted to the best in 20thcentury design.

Entries are now being accepted for this sale.

Items of 1960s and 70s furniture including Ercol, G-Plan and Ladderax are in demand; along with all types of Scandinavian design. Vintage ceramics including Troika, Poole and Studio Pottery are all expected to sell well.

Examples of glassware including Swedish glass, Murano glass, Whitefriars and Dartington are also sought.

Quirky and unusual retro items are also sought. Please contact the saleroom if you have items you would like to consign to this sale. A similar section will run in the firm’s sale on July 7. Following the success of Conflict, Memories and Loss – the sale of the single owner Warner Dailey collection in November – two more dates have been set for sales devoted entirely to this collector.

They will take place on Friday, February 5, and Friday, May 6.

The much-anticipated Spring Sporting Sale will take place on Friday, April 8, while its autumn counterpart will take place on Friday, October 7.

Other highlights include collectors’ sales on Friday, March 4 and Friday, June 3. The June sale will include Great War Memorabilia.

Regular, free, no obligation, valuation mornings are held each Monday at the salerooms from 9am to 1pm. There is no need to book.

For more information contact the salerooms on (01823) 332525.

Celebrating 27 Years of Toy Collecting 1000’s of toys and models all Inside DINKY*CORGI*HORNBY*SCI-FI*TV RELATED*TRUCKS*BOATS*TRAINS & PLANES 10:30-2.30 Admission; £3.50 Early Bird from 08:30, £10.00 each

Bulldog Fairs 01373 452857 Www.bulldogfairs.com

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HENRY ALDRIDGE & SON THE DEVIZES AUCTIONEERS “The WilTshire AucTioneer WiTh The WorldWide repuTATion”

AUCTION Of CHRISTmAS PRESENTS COLLECTAbLES & ANTIqUES SATURDAY DECEmbER 19TH AT 10Am Viewing: Thursday December 17th 10am - 3.30pm Friday December 18th 12pm- 8.00pm View the Catalogue online from Tuesday 15th December at www.henry-aldridge.com

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TEL: 01380 79199 / 01380 720900 UNIT 1 | BATH ROAD BUSINESS CENTRE | BATH ROAD DEVIZES | SN10 5EF

MIXED CHRISTMAS AUCTION OF ANTIQUES & EFFECTS On Tuesday 15th DECEMBER STARTING 10.30AM ON VIEW: Monday 14th DECEMBER 9.30am – 5pm

French bronze elephant clock with an estimate of £2,500 to £3,500; early 19th-century collection of vintage car mascots are expected to fetch between £100 and £400

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To include: FURNITURE, CERAMICS, GLASS, PAINTINGS, BRASSWARE, COLLECTABLES, JEWELLERY, SILVER, SILVERPLATE, BOOKS, COSTUME JEWELLERY ETC ETC. Illustrated catalogues online at www.tamlynsprofessional.co.uk Tamlyns Auctioneers, Market Street, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 3EP Tel: 01278 445251 email: saleroom@tamlyns.com www.tamlynsprofessional.co.uk Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas

Playing the detective

36 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015

Chippenham Auction Rooms, Wiltshire Ironmongery that once adorned the walls of a much-loved store in Marshfield, Gloucestershire but was sold when it closed in the early 1980s has reappeared at Chippenham Auction Rooms.

The goods from Bodman’s Country Store, which occupied a site in Marshfield’s High Street for more than 120 years, were thought to be lost after they were auctioned by the Bodman family in 1982. But eagle-eyed auctioneer Richard Edmonds spotted the items among lots beings sold from the WCL-E01-S2

former Yesterday’s World museum in Battle, East Sussex. Following the death of the shop’s owner Christopher Bodman in 1983, it was closed and all contents sold at auction. Several lots were bought by collector Annette Buckley for her Museum of Shops housed in a 600-year-old house opposite Battle Abbey.

The museum grew and developed into Yesterday’s World, the contents of which the team at Chippenham Auction Rooms has been selling off for the past year.

Principal auctioneer Richard Edmonds said: “I was amazed to discover that some of the lots we’d brought all the way back from Sussex had actually come from nine miles away in Marshfield.

“I had no idea of the connection until I started researching the history of the museum and found an old guide to its display of ironmongery.

“That’s where I found the reference to an old shop near Bath and started digging. We put a message on Facebook asking if anyone had more information, to which someone kindly replied, telling us about Bodman’s Country Store.”

The museum guidebook contained the following reference: “The iron canisters hanging on the chain were last on display in Mr Bodmin’s [sic] shop, in a village just outside Bath. The shop had belonged to his grandfather and father before him. He had a ruling that nothing should be sold unless there was a duplicate on the shelf. Consequently, the shop was like a time capsule.”

The reference to Mr Bodmin in this text is to Christopher Bodman’s surviving son, Chris Bodman. The site once occupied by Bodman’s Country Store at 48 High Street, Marshfield is now a gift shop, but still contains the original mahogany counters and wall units from the old shop. Items believed to be from the Marshfield store include a dozen oil cans, packaging, vintage fire extinguishers and a top hat.

The store was founded by Charles Bodman in 1845. After his death, his son Christopher Bodman ran the shop until its closure in 1983 with his death at the age of 90.

The shop’s fortunes had waned after the Second World War and by the 1980s it had developed a reputation as a time capsule, hardly changed by its elderly owner. More than 1,000 people attended the auction at which the shop’s contents were sold hoping to buy a piece of history.

Some of the items from Bodman’s Country Store as well as hundreds of other lots from Yesterday’s World including jewellery, antiques, collectibles and a range of preserved shops will went under the hammer yesterday and the sale continues today at Chippenham Auction Rooms.

Yesterday’s World was a museum of British social history featuring exhibits from the 19th and 20th centuries.

For more information contact The Chippenham Auction Rooms on 01249 444544 or visit www.chippenhamauctionrooms.co.uk

He had created huge interest prior to the sale and on the day there was a competition between room bidders, online and telephone bidders – it was a telephone bidder who was eventually successful.

Gifts galore Historic Pannier Market, South Molton, Devon South Molton Antiques, Collectibles, Vintage and Nostalgia Fair is being held tomorrow Sunday, December 13, from 10am to 4pm in The Historic Pannier Market in South Molton This market is the Christmas Market so shoppers will have a plethora of interesting stalls to peruse for Christmas gifts.

Pannier Antiques held their first market in the historic pannier market in South Molton on November 30, 2014, when they raised more than £1,000 for North Devon Hospice.

Pannier Antique Markets in the Pannier Market at South Molton happens on the third Sunday in the month.

It is free entry and free parking for buyers.

If you are a trader and wish to attend any of these events then you can download a booking form at www.pannierantiques.com/traders-booking-form

Dartmoor in the frame Elford Fine Art, Tavistock, Devon Whether your preference is for oils or watercolours, the sparkling new collection in Elford Fine Art’s popular Christmas exhibition and sale at the gallery in Tavistock is a joy, with an inspiring choice of colour, style and subject matter in pictures dating from the late 18th century to the present day.

Among the landscapes are scenes of Dartmoor by father and son, William and Frederick John Widgery, including an oil by William (1826-1893) showing a fisherman on the banks of the River Lyd, close to where this celebrated artist established his home and studio.

William Widgery did much to develop the art of moorland painting during the second half of the 19th century and could justifiably be acknowledged as the father figure of an informal ‘Dartmoor School’.

It is recorded that by the time he was in his midfifties, this self-taught artist had painted more than 3,000 pictures and had sold every one of them.

William often chose to set up his easel on the

TURN TO PAGE 38

Mr Hogarth’s new home

CHARTERHOUSE Auctioneers & Valuers

Tamlyn’s, Bridgwater, Somerset A near-lifesize artist’s lay figure sold for a saletopping £7,000 at Tamlyns’ auction on November 24 in Bridgwater. The wooden figure was known affectionately as “Mr Hogarth” by the family he had been with for the best part of 100 years. Probably made on the Continent at the end of the 19th century, he was fully jointed with articulated fingers and very naturalistically carved feet; his head had painted detail – he spent his time in the saleroom seated in a leather armchair observing the goings on and spooking customers who were not sure what he was.

8th February December 16th

Sold for £6,200 February 14th

15th February December 16th

Clocks, Collectors’ Items & Interiors Auction Specialist Free Valuation Days: MondayWednesday 5th Royal Doulton, & other China 16thBeswick December Viewing info 6&th lots on www.charterhouse-auction.com Tuesday Pictures, Prints, Maps & Books th Wednesday 7 Coins, Medals, Stamps &Days Postcards Specialist Free Valuation Thursday 8thJewellery, Silver, Jewellery, Clocks &&Watches Monday 14th Silver, Gold, Clocks Watches th Tuesday Pictures, Photographs, Books & Friday 915th Furniture, Bronzes & Works ofMaps Art Thursday Port & Spirits – single bottles oror cases Further items17th mayWine, be delivered to the salerooms contact Friday 18th Coins, Stamps, & Postcards Richard Bromell forMedals a home visit

Top, ceramics like these will be celebrated in Greenslade Taylor Hunt’s specialist section devoted to 20th-century design at the January monthly sale. So 20th century – nest of tables. A 19thcentury Chinese elephant vase could make between £300 and £500 at the Charterhouse auction WCL-E01-S2

Further items may be delivered to thethsalerooms Classic Motorcycle Auction February or contact Richard Bromell for a 8home visit th CarAuction Auction 15 February ClassicClassic Motorcycle February 7th Entries Now Entries now being accepted Classic Car Auction February 14th Entries Now The Long SherborneDT9 DT9 3BS The LongStreet StreetSalerooms Salerooms Sherborne 3BS 01935 812277 01935 812277 www.charterhouse-auction.com www.charterhouse-auction.com

©LW

SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 37

ANTIQUES

pares to lower anchor offshore. Martin, who was born in London, was working in Newlyn as early as 1871, more than a decade before the arrival of the illustrious artists who created The Newlyn School.

Indeed, Martin was the only artist listed as resident in Newlyn at the time of the 1871 census.

He specialised in coastal landscapes and scenes of fishing life and spent 12 years in West Cornwall before moving to Plymouth and Saltash.

He exhibited at the leading galleries, including The Royal Academy, The Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours and The Royal Society of British Artists and also took part in The Newlyn Art Gallery opening exhibition in 1895. Martin spent his later years at Saltash, in a house beside the River Tamar.

All the pictures in the exhibition are for sale, including an exciting new selection of 21st century works.

Among these are summer beaches in oils by Duncan Palmar, colourful Dartmoor watercolours by Joe Francis Dowden, skilful floral and wildlife oils by Michelle Bennett Oates, coastal pastels from the family of Julie Brett (1939-2010) and a collection of exquisitely detailed miniature watercolours by Tracy Hall and the exceptionally talented Rosalind Pierson, the President of The Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers.

Elford Fine Art’s Christmas exhibition and sale at The Gallery, 3, Drake Road, Tavistock and is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays (11am to 4pm) until December 19. Call 07712 137272 or visit www.elfordfineart.co.uk for more details.

FROM PAGE 37

banks of Dartmoor’s rivers, and The Lyd was a particular favourite. From his home at Lydford, he could easily walk up on to the moor to record the river’s flow and rugged surroundings in all seasons.

William Widgery was an important influence on the work of many who followed in his footsteps, notably his son, whose busy life as an alderman, freeman and Mayor of Exeter is overshadowed by his fame as a painter.

Unlike his father, Frederick John (1861-1942) enjoyed a formal art training. Studies at Exeter School of Art and then in London, Antwerp and finally at the famous Bushey Academy in Hertfordshire enriched his talent with a mastery of both oils and watercolours.

Frederick shared his father’s passion for Dartmoor’s wild and stunningly beautiful scenery and the exhibition includes a colourful view of the valley of the River Teign above Fingle Bridge, with a glimpse of Prestonbury in the distance.

Another compelling Dartmoor composition is an evocative scene at sundown, painted from the slopes of Haytor, looking towards Saddle Tor. Purples, pinks and golds capture the glow of the setting sun.

The end of the day is also the mood of a beautifully executed watercolour by Henry Martin (1835-1908), this time looking across serene waters off Plymouth towards the city skyline.

Steam and sail combine in this painting, as a three-masted vessel, escorted by a tugboat, pre-

Christmas sparkle Stroud Auction Rooms, Gloucestershire

Auctioneers andValuers of FineArt and Chattels Phoenix House, Lower Bristol Road, BATH, BA2 9ES Telephone: 01225 462830 Fax: 01225 446077 Website: www.aldridgesofbath.com

TUESDAY 15th DECEMBER at 10am COLLECTOR’S SALE To include: Various Toys & Games; Cameras & Instruments; Books & Ephemera; Postcards & Trade Cards; Sporting items & Militaria; Textiles & Costume; Stamps & Coins; Bygones & Miscellaneous items, etc.

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On View: Saturday 12th December: 9am – 12 noon All Day Monday 14th December: 9am – 6pm *AND MORNING OF SALE*

Catalogues available @ £1.50 by First Class Post or view catalogue online at: www.aldridgesofbath.com

THE CIRENCESTER SALEROOMS BURFORD ROAD, CIRENCESTER, GLOS, GL7 5RH

ANTIQUE AND GENERAL FURNITURE & EFFECTS SALE

Friday, 18th December 2015 1. Doulton jardinières Commencing at 9.30am Viewing: Thursday 17th December 10.30am - 8pm and morning of the sale from 9am.

Telephone: 01285 646050 Fax: 01285 652862 Catalogue online - the week before the sale

To arrange a FREE sale valuation please call us on the number above

www.mooreallen.co.uk

©LW

38 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015

Sparkly Christmas presents were for sale at Stroud Auction Rooms’ December sale.

Top, an 18ct gold ring set with emerald flanked by two old cut diamonds had an estimate of £1,500 to £2,500. There were diamond rings and beautiful watches galore and this platinum pendant set with old cut diamonds in a foliate design that was expected to fetch between £1,800 and £2,500, above

Shoppers looking for some sparkly Christmas presents flocked to Stroud Auction Rooms’ December sale.

The first day of the big three-day auction was Wednesday, December 9 and was totally devoted to jewellery. More than 900 lots of it.

Expert Alexandra Bowkett, Stroud’s young jewellery expert who is fully DGA qualified and loves to share her knowledge of diamonds and gemstones was on hand to advise buyers.

Before the sale she said: “We have almost anything you could wish for – rings, necklaces, bracelets and brooches.

“There’s something here for everyone – whether they want to spend a modest £15 or a generous £20,000.”

Emeralds are really sought after at the moment so are causing a particular stir and a stunning 8ct emerald pendant was expected to cause some enthusiastic bidding, along with a gorgeous ring set with a 1.25ct emerald flanked by diamonds.

For those who believe diamonds are a girl’s best friend, there was plenty of covetable sparklers to choose from, including some large solitaires at very reasonable estimates.

In addition to the gemstones there were also many pieces of gold jewellery for sale including heavy gold chains and Alberts, bangles, pendants and rings – all very appealing items which will make ideal Christmas gifts.

Also in the sale were about 200 lots of watches and more than 300 lots of silver, all of which would also make lovely presents for someone special. If you or someone you love has always wanted to own a Rolex, Cartier or Omega watch the sale was the perfect opportunity to make it a Christmas to remember.

The wonderful thing about jewellery, watches and small pieces of silver is that if you are not able to give your gift in person, they are easy to post.

Stroud Auction Rooms offers an affordable and efficient post-and-pack service.

Among the many other lots in this auction was the renowned Christmas alcohol section where numerous lots of wine, spirits and champagne were for sale.

To find out more about Stroud Auction Rooms visit the website www.stroudauctions.co.uk WCL-E01-S2

Acting Luther is therapy for me TELEVISION

and a little bit smarter and wiser, this begins the birth of the next chapter.”

While he admits playing Luther is “not easy“, the father of two – who has also created an album to accompany the series – says it’s also quite “cathartic” portraying the grumpy detective, especially when it comes to unleashing emotions around his father’s death from cancer in September 2013.

“Luther is very hard to play, and hard to be in.

It’s a very dark show and it isn’t easy but it’s part of my job. I always go to Luther when I’m at my grumpiest. Because if I do it when I’m happy, it’ll drag me down,” he says.

“Actually, I use Luther as a therapy session because there’s a lot of screaming and shouting.

‘That was really good acting’, people will say, but I wasn’t acting, I was really angry. It is definitely therapy for me.”

In this series, Luther is joined by some newcomers – Theo Bloom (Darren Boyd), DS Emma Lane (Game Of Thrones’ Rose Leslie) and the mysterious Megan Cantor (Laura Haddock).

“We always try to get fresh, great actors that have energy and stuff to fit into the DNA of the show. Laura’s amazing and unstoppable, you can’t take your eyes off her. Darren’s a stellar character. Luther and DS Emma become partners and there is a camaraderie which grows as the show unfolds.”

After playing Luther for more than five years, Idris says he’s not quite ready to say goodbye to the character.

“I do want to keep playing John in some way or form, because I’m really attached to it. I won’t probably get written another character like that for me on TV. At the moment, John’s still very much alive in my heart and Neil’s heart. We just have to figure out how to keep it going.”

The US remake, which Idris would executive produce, is “in development”. There have been talks for a film adaptation too – and Idris likes the idea of a stage version as well.

“Secretly, I’ve been imagining Luther on stage.

It’s crazy but why not? It could be a very small detailed version of it on stage. I’m not sure what the end game is. I want to make his world bigger and give a slightly larger scale to the whole thing.

There are definitely different ways to dissect it.”

Luther aside, Idris – who has also been linked with possibly taking on the role of James Bond in the future – has a number of movies coming up, including The Jungle Book, in which he voices tiger Shere Khan; Star Trek Beyond and Finding Dory, the sequel to Finding Nemo.

With questions about Bond off-limits, Idris is happy to comment on his Jungle Book role: “It’s a massive honour to be asked to play that character in a classic like that. But I did it because I wanted my children to watch something that was a classic and be a part of that.”

After five years playing Luther, Idris Elba still feels the character has more to give. And, as he tells Shereen Low there are big benefits to taking on a dark role The Golden Globe-winning actor, who DJs on the side, took to the decks as the opening act for none other than Madonna at her Berlin and London shows recently, gleefully sharing a photo of them together on stage afterwards on Twitter.

“Madonna is a legend. I met a beautiful person who has been working forever and is still going.

We did an incredible show,” he admits, smiling.

Asked how he got the gig, he plays down any celebrity connections, saying: “I am a DJ for hire, and she needed someone. I just got an email asking if I’d like to do it, and I said, ‘Absolutely’.”

The normally cool Idris, who also made his debut at Glastonbury this summer, said supporting Madge was a different experience.

“I’m standing by the curtain before I went on, and made the mistake of peeking to see who’s there and saw 17,000 people looking back,” the 43year-old recalls. “I just entertained and played music. It’s such a buzz to perform.”

Aside from DJing, the actor – who was born in London’s Hackney and whose screen appearances this year include Netflix’s Beasts Of No Nation, Marvel’s Avengers: Age Of Ultron and thriller The Gunman – has also turned his hand to fashion, collaborating on a range for Superdry (he’s decked out in the brand today, of course).

“If I had the opportunity to have any influence in fashion, this is it. I’m no fashion guru, but I think I know how to dress and what a man wants to look like,” he notes.

Today though, the key agenda is promoting his return to BBC One crime thriller, Luther, in which he reprises his role as the titular genius murdersolver, DCI John Luther.

The upcoming fourth series – a two-parter, once again written by the show’s New Zealand creator Neil Cross – comes more than two years after the third series, which aired in 2013.

The opening episode sees Luther hiding out in a cottage by the sea, away from the gritty East London, before a “monstrous” cannibalistic serial killer calls him back to his job.

“We’ve got a loyal and demanding audience – and the audience, Neil and I were not satisfied with the ending of the last one,” Idris says. “It felt like there were unanswered questions and we needed to conclude some stuff, maybe close down a chapter to open a new chapter and keep the story growing. We’ve evolved, the whole show seems to have grown a bit.

“There’s some progression in Luther’s life.

That version of Luther had to go and stop – and now this version of Luther, who is slightly older

Idris Elba has a number of movies coming up including the sequel to Finding Nemo

Luther returns to BBC One on Tuesday, December 15

TELEVISION PICKS OF THE WEEK

MUSIC Coverage of a special concert performed by Jeff Lynne’s ELO at the BBC Radio Theatre (Saturday, BBC4, 11pm)

REAL LIFE Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas finds the presenter in Slovakia for her crafty show (Tuesday, Channel 4, 8pm)

ENTERTAINMENT The World According to Kenny Everett is a great tribute to a much-missed man – (Sunday ITV, 10pm)

CHARITY Phillip Schofield leads the stars supporting this year's charities in Text Santa Christmas Jumper Day (Friday, ITV, 8pm) WCL-E01-S2

SCIENCE Inside Einstein’s Mind: The Enigma of Space and Time finds David Tennant narrating (Monday, BBC4, 9pm)

FOOD A slow-cooked black treacle ham replaces the turkey in Simply Nigella: Christmas Special (Monday, BBC2, 8pm)

SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 39

Saturday Television DecemberGuide 12 television&radio Saturday’s TV PICKS

THE X FACTOR 8pm, ITV

The three finalists assemble for the first of this weekend’s live Grand Final shows, performing for the judges and the nation for what may be the last time.

BBC1 BBC1

6.00 Breakfast (S,HD). 10.00 Saturday Kitchen Live (S,HD). 11.30 Simply Nigella (R,S,HD). 12.00 BBC News; Weather (S,HD). 12.10 Football Focus (S,HD). 12.50 Saturday Sportsday (S,HD). 1.00 Lewis Hamilton: Making History – F1 2015 Review (S,HD). 2.00 Bargain Hunt (R,S,HD). 3.00 Film: Toy Story (S,HD) (1995). See Choices Above. ●●●●● 4.15 Final Score (S,HD). 5.15 Celebrity Mastermind (R,S,HD). 5.45 BBC News (S,HD). 5.55 Regional News (S,HD).

FILM RATINGS ●●●●● Excellent ●●●● Very good ●●● Good ●● Average ● Poor

TOTP2: CHRISTMAS 2015 9.45pm, BBC2

Mark Radcliffe gets the festive season under way with a selection of Christmas-themed hits from the show’s archive, including performances by Tom Jones and Adele, and yuletide favourites by Wizzard, Slade, Wham, Jona Lewie, the Pogues and Kirsty MacColl and Shakin’ Stevens.

BBC2 BBC2

6.55 Film: Anything But Christmas (2012). ●●● 8.25 Film: Ray Harryhausen: Special Effects Titan (2011). ●●●● 10.00 Animal Park 10.30 Kangaroo Dundee 11.00 Ronnie’s Animal Crackers (R,S,HD).

12.00 James Martin – Home Comforts at Christmas (R,S,HD). 2.15 Len and Ainsley’s Big Food Adventure (R,S,HD).

3.00 Terry and Mason’s Great Food Trip (R,S,HD). 3.30 Escape to the Country (R,S,HD). 4.15 Flog It! (S,HD). 5.15 Euro 2016 Draw (S,HD).

STRICTLY COME DANCING 6.50pm, BBC1

THE WORLD’S WEIRDEST WEATHER 7pm, Channel 4

Weather conditions that cause fish to be washed ashore in India and draws sharks to the coast of Brisbane. Plus, an unusually heavy snowfall in Tucson, Arizona and strange circles in the Namibian desert, as well as footage of hailstorms, lightning and thunder storms.

The five remaining couples must master two routines, Latin and Ballroom, as they compete to determine which four pairs will make it through to next weekend’s Grand Final.

ITV1 ITV

6.00 CITV. 9.25 Murder, She Wrote (R,S,HD). 10.20 The Jeremy Kyle Show (R,S,HD). 12.30 ITV News and Weather (S).

12.35 The Jeremy Kyle Show (R,S,HD).

Guests air their differences. 1.40 Judge Rinder (R,S,HD). 2.40 Film: The Polar Express (S,HD) (2004). Animated adventure, with the voices of Tom Hanks and Leslie Zemeckis. ●●● 4.30 Doc Martin (R,S). 5.35 Regional News (S). 5.45 Catchphrase Celebrity Special (S,HD).

Channel Channel 44

6.15 The King of Queens (R,S). 7.30 Anglesey Sandman Triathlon (S,HD).

Action from the event in north Wales. 8.00 Everybody Loves Raymond (R,S). 9.00 The Morning Line (S,HD). Rishi Persad presents from Cheltenham. 10.00 Frasier (R,S). 11.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD).

12.30 The Simpsons (R,S,HD). 1.30 Channel 4 Racing (S,HD). Live coverage from Cheltenham and Doncaster. 4.00 Come Dine with Me (R,S,HD).

Channel Channel 55

6.00 Milkshake!. 8.55 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (S,HD). 9.30 The Saturday Show (HD). 11.30 Film: Santa Who? (S,HD) (2000). ●● 1.20 Film: The Perfect Holiday (S) (2007). Premiere. Romantic comedy, starring Morris Chestnut. ●● 3.10 Film: The Nine Lives of Christmas (S,HD) (2014). Premiere. Romantic comedy, starring Brandon Routh. ●●● 4.55 Film: Once Upon a Christmas (S,HD) (2000). Premiere.

Family drama, starring Kathy Ireland. ●●

6.00 Pointless Celebrities (S,HD).

14/19. See Choices Above.

6.50 Strictly Come Dancing (S,HD). 13/14. See Choices Above.

6.30 The Great Pottery Throw Down (R,S,HD). 6/6. The four remaining potters compete in the final. Last in the series.

6.45 ITV News and Weather (S).

6.05 Come Dine with Me (R,S,HD).

90/140. Charlie Spiteri hosts the final festive dinner party in south-east London.

6.30 Channel 4 News (S,HD).

6.35 5 News Weekend (S,HD).

6.40 Funniest Fails, Falls & Flops (S,HD). 14/20. Comedy clip show featuring pranks gone wrong.

7.30 Japan: Earth’s Enchanted Islands (R,S,HD). 2/3. Michelle Dockery narrates an exploration of the Ryukyu Islands in south-west Japan.

7.00 The Chase: Celebrity Special (S,HD). With contestants Jimi Mistry, Gemma Atkinson, Nadia Sawalha and James Cosmo. Last in the series.

7.00 The World’s Weirdest Weather (S,HD). See Choices Above.

7.05 Police Interceptors (R,S,HD).

2/10. A speeding motorist causes chaos after crashing into a gas main.

8.30 Dad’s Army (R,S). 7/14.

Mainwaring sets up an observation post in the local lighthouse.

8.00 The X Factor (S,HD). 27/28. See Choices Above.

8.00 Grand Designs (R,S,HD). 7/10.

Kevin McCloud follows software executive Andy and garden designer Nicki, who are planning to build a “floating” house on the Thames, which would be the first of its kind in the UK.

8.00 Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away (R,S,HD). 11/13. Paul and Phil expect a routine eviction, but get more than they bargained for, while Stewart and Victor hunt down £66,000 owed by a businessman.

9.00 QI XL (S,HD). 7/16. With Jimmy Carr, Aisling Bea and Danny Bhoy.

9.45 TOTP2: Christmas 2015 (S).

See Choices Above.

9.00 Red 2 (S,HD) (2013). See Choices Above. ●●●

9.00 Football League Tonight (S,HD). See Choices Above.

▼

The Saturday Show, 9.30am

▼

12

The World’s Weirdest … 7pm

8.30 Casualty (S,HD). 15/43. Connie dismisses Jacob’s very valid concerns at work.

▼

after

The Chase: Celebrity Special, 7pm

9.20 The National Lottery Live (S,HD). The all-important numbers.

9.30 Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas Special (R,S,HD). Mrs Brown is curious about a parcel addressed to Cathy.

▼

11

QI XL, 9pm

10.00 BBC News; Weather (S,HD).

10.20 Match of the Day (S,HD). Gary Lineker presents highlights of the latest Premier League matches, including Manchester City v Swansea City and Bournemouth v Manchester United. Followed by National Lottery Update.

▼

10

Casualty, 8.30pm

11.40 The Apprentice (R,S,HD).

10/12. The candidates are tasked with creating and producing a new health food.

▼

6 7 8 9

▼

(R) repeat (S) subtitles (HD) highdefinition

12.40 Weather for the Week Ahead (S,HD). 12.45 BBC News (S,HD).

10.45 The Prestige (S,HD) (2006).

Two Victorian magicians become bitter rivals as one becomes obsessed with the secret to the other’s greatest illusion. Mystery thriller, starring Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale. ●●●●

12.50 Film: The Winslow Boy (S,HD) (1999). Edwardian drama, starring Nigel Hawthorne. ●●●● 2.30 This Is BBC Two (S,HD). Preview of upcoming programmes.

10.05 The Jonathan Ross Show (S,HD). 9/11. The host is joined

by Liverpool-born comedian John Bishop, F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, Sound of Music Live! stars Kara Tointon and Mel Giedroyc, and Irish singer Hozier.

10.25 The Definitive History of Star Wars (R,S,HD).

Documentary taking a behindthe-scenes look at how the world’s biggest, multi-billion pound movie franchise came into existence. Contributors include Gary Kurtz and Robert Watts.

11.10 ITV News and Weather (S); Weather.

11.30 Piers Morgan’s Life Stories: Burt Reynolds (R,S,HD). 6/6.

The actor talks about his career and personal life. Last in the series.

11.15 TFI Friday (R,S,HD). Guests include Martin Freeman, Idris Elba, Paul Heaton and Rita Ora.

11.25 How Star Wars Changed the World (R,S,HD). How the Star Wars universe has inspired fans all over the globe.

12.20 Jackpot247. Interactive gaming.

3.00 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA (R,S).

The host takes his successful talk show stateside. 3.45 ITV Nightscreen (HD). Textbased information service.

12.20 Adam Hills: Happyism Live (R,S,HD). 1.15 Alan Carr: Chatty Man (R,S,HD). 2.10 Fargo (R,S,HD). Dodd finds himself in unfamiliar territory. 3.20 Hollyoaks (R,S,HD). Omnibus. Nico is blamed after Jason’s accident. 5.30 River Cottage Bites (R,S,HD). 5.40 Kirstie’s Vintage Gems (R,S,HD). 5.50 1001 Things You Should Know (R,S,HD).

12.25 The Gadget Show Christmas Special (R,S,HD). The team presents a guide to the best festive gadgets. 1.15 SuperCasino. Live interactive gaming.

3.10 Crackers About Christmas (R,S,HD).

4.00 Kids’ Hospital at Christmas (R,S,HD). 4.50 Make It Big (R,S). 5.15 Make It Big (R,S). 5.45 Angels of Jarm (R,S). 5.50 Angels of Jarm (R,S).

FRIDAY 25 MARCH SATURDAY 7 MAY 2016

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40 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015

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WCL-E01-S2

POINTLESS CELEBRITIES 6pm, BBC1

Louis Theroux, Nancy Strang, Michael Underwood, Angellica Bell, Calum Best, Angie Best, Gary Lineker and Harry Lineker take part in a family-themed edition of the quiz. Alexander Armstrong presents.

ITV2 ITV2

6.25 Emmerdale 9.10 Coronation Street 11.35 The Xtra Factor (R,S,HD). 12.35 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! Coming Out (R,S). 1.40 Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas (R,S,HD). 2.40 Scorpion (R,S,HD). 3.35 You’ve Been Framed at Christmas! (R,S). 4.35 Take Me Out Celebrity Christmas Special (R,S,HD). 5.45 Film: Mr Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (S,HD) (2007). ●●

Back to the … 7.40pm

7.40 Back to the Future Part III (S,HD) (1990).

Sci-fi comedy sequel, with Michael J Fox and Christopher Lloyd. ●●●●

FOOTBALL LEAGUE TONIGHT 9pm, Channel 5

Kelly Cates and George Riley present extended highlights of the weekend’s top matches, including Hull City v Bolton Wanderers at the KC Stadium and Middlesbrough v Birmingham City at the Riverside in the Championship. Plus, all the goals from League One and League Two.

E4 E4

6.00 Rules of Engagement (R,S,HD). 8.05 How I Met Your Mother (R,S,HD). 9.00 Baby Daddy (R,S,HD). 10.00 The Goldbergs (R,S,HD). 11.00 Made in Chelsea (R,S,HD). 12.00 Couples Come Dine with Me (R,S,HD). 2.05 Melissa & Joey (R,S,HD). 3.00 The Goldbergs (R,S,HD). 4.00 Film: City of Ember (S,HD) (2008). ●●

Sky1 Sky1

6.00 Are You Smarter Than a 10 Year Old? (R,S,HD). 7.00 Ashley Banjo’s Secret Street Crew (R,S,HD). 8.00 Game Changers (R,HD). 8.30 Football Freestyler (R,S). 9.00 The Fantasy Football Club (R,HD). 10.00 Soccer AM (HD). 12.00 David Attenborough’s Flying Monsters (R,S). 1.30 Futurama (R,S,HD). 5.00 Supergirl (R,S).

TOY STORY 3pm, BBC1

RED 2 9pm, Channel 4

A jealous toy cowboy vies with a charismatic hi-tech astronaut figure for his owner’s attention. Animated adventure, with the voice of Tom Hanks.

GOLD Gold

7.00 Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? 7.45 Victoria Wood’s Midlife Christmas. 9.00 Keeping Up Appearances 9.40 Open All Hours 10.20 Porridge 11.00 Wallace & Gromit: A Close Shave 11.35 Only Fools and Horses 12.40 To the Manor Born. 1.55 Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? 2.50 Victoria Wood’s Midlife Christmas.

4.05 Keeping Up Appearances 4.50 Film: The Nutty Professor (1963).

Comedy, starring Jerry Lewis. ●●●●

Wallace & Gromit … 7pm

Paul, 9pm

Starsky & Hutch, 10pm

6.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 1/23.

6.30 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 2/23.

6.00 The Flash (R,S). 8/23.

Barry and the Green Arrow join forces to face Vandal Savage.

7.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 3/23. Penny becomes addicted to an online game.

7.30 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 4/23.

7.00 Gordonstoun: A Different Class (R,HD).

6/6. Tensions run high as students deal with the stress of their A-levels.

7.00 Wallace & Gromit: A Close Shave (S).

7.40 One Foot in the Grave (S). Christmas special from 1994.

8.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 5/23. Sheldon is forced to overcome his fear of driving.

8.30 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 14/24. Sheldon is forced to work with Kripke.

8.00 The Simpsons (R,S,HD).

3/22. The death of a friend prompts four locals to address their regrets.

8.30 Best Christmas Movies Ever (R).

8.35 Bring Me Morecambe & Wise (S). 1/5. Tribute to the comedy double act, featuring clips from some of their earliest TV performances.

9.00 Paul (S,HD) (2011). A captive alien escapes from a secret military base and seeks the help of two English comicbook geeks in getting to his spaceship. Sci-fi comedy, with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. ●●●●

Premiere. An ex-CIA agent reassembles his team of operatives to recover an advanced weapon that has gone missing. Thriller sequel, with Bruce Willis.

SkySports1 Sky Sports 1

7.00 Anthony Joshua: The Knockouts 7.30 Joshua v Whyte: Big Fight Countdown 8.00 Game Changers 8.30 Barclays Premier League Preview 9.00 The Fantasy Football Club 10.00 Soccer AM 12.00 FL72 Live 2.45 Joshua v Whyte: The Gloves Are Off 3.15 Joshua v Whyte: Collision Course 3.45 Anthony Joshua: The Knockouts 4.15 Joshua v Whyte: Big Fight Countdown 4.45 Sky Sports Boxing Gold 5.00 Live Ford Saturday Night Football

Live Football, 5pm

11.05 Celebrity Juice Christmas Special (R,S,HD). With Jay McGuiness, Louise Redknapp, Michelle Keegan and Jimmy Carr.

11.05 Gogglebox (R,S,HD).

8/12. The households’ opinions on recent TV.

12.05 Release The Hounds: Jingle Hell II (R,S,HD). 1.05 Viral Tap (R,S,HD). 1.40 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records (R,S,HD). 2.05 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records (R,S,HD). 2.30 Animal Practice (R,S,HD). 2.50 Teleshopping.

12.10 Gogglebox (R,S,HD). 1.15 The Inbetweeners (R,S). 1.50 The Inbetweeners (R,S). 2.20 The IT Crowd (R,S). 3.15 How I Met Your Mother (R,S,HD). 3.35 How I Met Your Mother (R,S,HD). 4.00 Revenge (R,S,HD). 4.45 Revenge (R,S,HD). Emily recalls the beginning of her vengeful quest.

(HD). Sarah-Jane Mee presents a full re-run of the day’s top Premier League match.

9.35 Catherine Tate’s Nan (S). The character returns in a one-off comedy special.

Radio 1 6.00am Dev. 10.00 Matt Edmondson. 1.00pm Alice Levine. 4.00 Radio 1’s Dance Anthems with Danny Howard. 7.00 MistaJam. 10.00 The Rap Show with Charlie Sloth. 1.00am DJ Target. 4.00 Diplo and Friends.

Radio 2 6.00am Anneka Rice. 8.00 Sounds of the 60s. 10.00 Graham Norton. 1.00pm Pick of the Pops. 3.00 Dermot O’Leary. 6.00 Liza Tarbuck.

8.00 Paul Gambaccini with America’s Greatest Hits. 10.00 Sounds of the 80s.

Midnight After Midnight. 3.00 Bob Harris Sunday.

Radio 3 7.00am Breakfast. 9.00 News. 9.03 CD Review. 12.15pm Music Matters. 1.00 News. 1.02 Saturday

Classics. 3.00 Sound of Cinema. 4.00 Jazz Record Requests. 5.00 Jazz Line-Up. 6.00 Opera on 3: Live from the Met. 9.30 Between the Ears: Coma Songs.

10.00 Hear and Now. Midnight Geoffrey Smith’s Jazz. 1.00 Through the Night.

Radio 4 5.30am News Briefing. 5.43 Prayer for the Day. 5.45 iPM. 6.00 News and Papers. 6.07 Open Country.

6.30 Farming Today This Week. 6.57 Weather. 7.00 Today. 8.51 (LW) Yesterday in Parliament. 9.00 Saturday Live. 10.30 Strictly Russian. 11.00 The Week in Westminster. 11.30 From Our Own Correspondent. Noon News.

12.01 (LW) Shipping Forecast. 12.04

Money Box. 12.30 The Now Show.

12.57 Weather. 1.00 News. 1.10 Any Questions? 2.00 Any Answers? 2.30 Drama: Inspector Chen – A Loyal Character Dancer. By Qiu Xiaolong.

Dramatised by John Harvey 3.30 Soul Music. 4.00 Weekend Woman’s Hour.

Highlights, with Jenni Murray 5.00 Saturday PM. 5.30 iPM. 5.54 Shipping Forecast. 5.57 Weather. 6.00 Six O’Clock News. 6.15 Loose Ends. 7.00 Profile. The personality and motivation of a person making the headlines 7.15 Saturday Review. Presented by Tom Sutcliffe 8.00 (FM) Archive on 4: When Britain Had the Right Stuff. Richard Hollingham explores the British

1.10 Catherine Tate’s Nan (S). The character returns in a one-off comedy special. 1.55 French and Saunders Easter Special (S). The comedy duo’s own version of The Lord of the Rings. 2.45 ’Allo ’Allo!

(S). 3.20 ’Allo ’Allo! (S). Von Klinkerhoffen gets hold of the painting. 4.00 Close

1.00 SNF – Match Choice (HD).

2.30 Sky Sports Boxing Gold (S,HD). 2.45 Sky Sports Boxing Gold (S,HD). 3.00 Sky Sports Boxing Gold (S,HD). 3.15 Sky Sports Boxing Gold (HD). 3.30 Sky Sports Boxing Gold (S,HD).

3.45 Sky Sports Boxing Gold (S,HD).

Government’s renewed interest in space flight 9.00 Drama: The Arabian Nights.

Part one of two. Drama inspired by the classic stories 10.00 News and Weather.

10.15 The Moral Maze. With panellists Matthew Taylor, Giles Fraser, Anne McElvoy and Claire Fox. Last in the series 11.00 Round Britain Quiz. The North of England takes on the Midlands 11.30 Postcards from the Village: An East-West Dialogue. Poets from different countries live in each other’s villages Midnight News and Weather. 12.30 Through the Wardrobe. 12.48 Shipping Forecast.

1.00 As BBC World Service. 5.20 Shipping Forecast.

Radio 5 Live 5.00am 5 Live Science.

6.00 Saturday Breakfast. 9.00 The Danny Baker Show. 11.00 Fighting Talk.

Noon 5 Live Sport. 12.45 5 Live Sport: Premier League Football 2015-16. 3.00 5 Live Sport. 5.00 Sports Report. 5.20 5 Live Sport. 6.00 6-0-6. 8.00 Kermode and Mayo’s Film Review. 9.00 Stephen Nolan. Midnight 5 Live in Short. 1.00 Up All Night.

Classic FM 6.00am More Music Breakfast. 9.00 Alan Titchmarsh. Noon Nicholas Owen. 3.00 Alexander Armstrong. 5.00 Saturday Night at the Movies. 7.00 Alex James’s Date Night.

9.00 The New Releases Show. 10.00 Smooth Classics. 1.00am Katie Breathwick.

WCL-E01-S2

7.00 Don’t Tell the Bride (R,S). A daredevil organises every detail of his wedding.

8.00 Top Gear (R,S,HD).

9.00 Live at the Apollo (R,S,HD).

Comedy sets by Adam Hills, Andi Osho and Terry Alderton.

9.30 8 Mile (S,HD) (2002). Drama, starring Eminem. ●●●● 11.15 Family Guy (R,S,HD). Death tries to show Peter what his life would be like without alcohol.

11.40 Family Guy (R,S,HD).

BBC4 BBC4

7.00 Empire of the Seas: How the Navy Forged the Modern World (R,HD).

The growth of Britain’s empire in the late 18th century.

8.00 Britain’s Outlaws: Highwaymen, Pirates and Rogues (R,HD).

Urban crime, fraud and corruption.

9.00 The Bridge (HD).

John’s new girlfriend comes up with a new lead.

10.00 The Bridge (HD).

Emil Larsson narrowly avoids becoming the killer’s latest victim.

11.00 Jeff Lynne’s ELO in Concert (HD).

12.00 Mr Blue Sky: The Story of Jeff Lynne and ELO (R,HD). 1.00 Top of the Pops: 1980 (R). 1.40 Rollermania: Britain’s Biggest Boy Band (R,HD).

2.40 TOTP2: Boy Bands (R).

Online Profle from only

11.00 French and Saunders 11.30 SNF – Match Choice Easter Special (S).

(HD). Extended 11.55 The League of highlights from the Gentlemen: Christmas Premier League.

Special (S). Festive visit to Royston Vasey.

12.00 Britcam: Emergency on Our Streets (R,S). Following police officers patrolling the streets of Northamptonshire. 1.00 Britcam: Emergency on Our Streets (R,S).

2.00 Road Wars (R,S). 3.00 Road Wars (R,S). 4.00 Stargate Atlantis (R,S,HD). 5.00 Stargate Atlantis (R,S,HD).

BBC3 BBC3

12.00 Family Guy (R,S,HD). 12.25 Family Guy (R,S,HD). 12.45 Family Guy (R,S). 1.05 Family Guy (R,S). 1.25 Family Guy (R,S). 1.50 Josh (R,S,HD). 2.20 Asian Provocateur (R,S,HD). 2.50 Great Movie Mistakes III: Not in 3D (R,S). 3.00 (R,S). 3.30 8.00 SNF – Game of the Day Together Together (R,S).

10.00 Starsky & Hutch (S,HD) 10.20 Only Fools and Horses 10.00 SNF – Match Choice (S). Christmas special (2004). Two mismatched (HD). Sarah-Jane Mee from 1982. Del-Boy finds detectives set out on the presents extended a new lady friend. trail of the drug dealer highlights from the peddling a new, Premier League, undetectable narcotic. allowing viewers to Comedy, spoofing the access the latest round of 1970s cop show, with top-flight fixtures.

Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson. ●●●

10.05 The Xtra Factor (S,HD).

31/32. Melvin Odoom and Rochelle Humes go behind the scenes at Wembley Arena on the final weekend, meeting the judges and contestants.

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SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 41

TV PICKS

Sunday 13 television&radio Sunday’s December Television Guide HORIZON: TIM PEAKE SPECIAL – HOW TO BE AN ASTRONAUT 8pm, BBC2

A video diary filmed by astronaut Tim Peake, who will board the International Space Station in December.

BBC1 BBC1

6.00 Breakfast (S,HD). 7.40 Match of the Day (R,S,HD). 9.00 The Andrew Marr Show (S,HD). 10.00 Fern Britton Meets Lord Ashdown (S,HD). 11.00 Regional Programme (S). 12.15 Bargain Hunt (R,S,HD). 1.00 BBC News (S,HD). 1.15 Saving the Forgotten Jews (S,HD). 1.45 Lifeline (S,HD). 1.55 Flog It! (R,S,HD). 2.45 Film: Toy Story 2 (S,HD) (1999). ●●●●● 4.15 Songs of Praise (S,HD). 4.50 The Hunt (R,S,HD). 5.50 BBC News (S,HD).

FILM RATINGS ●●●●● Excellent ●●●● Very good ●●● Good ●● Average ● Poor

MATCH OF THE DAY 2 10.30pm, BBC1

Mark Chapman presents action from today’s Premier League matches, which were Aston Villa v Arsenal at Villa Park, Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United at White Hart Lane and Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion at Anfield.

Arsenal, Spurs and Liverpool all went into their respective fixtures as favourites.

BBC2 BBC2

6.45 Big Dreams Small Spaces (R,S,HD).

7.45 Countryfile (R,S,HD). 8.45 An Island Parish: Falklands (R,S,HD). 9.15 Saturday Kitchen Best Bites (S,HD). 10.45 James Martin – Home Comforts at Christmas (R,S,HD). 12.15 MOTD2 Extra (S,HD). 1.00 Film: Jason and the Argonauts (S,HD) (1963). ●●● 2.45 Family Finders (R,S,HD).

3.15 Escape to the Continent (R,S,HD).

4.15 Athletics: European Cross Country Highlights (S). 5.20 Film: Nativity! (S,HD) (2009). ●●●

THE HUNT 9pm, BBC1

BRITAIN’S WILDEST WEATHER 2015 7.30pm, Channel 4

Efforts to protect endangered predators, looking at the precarious future for species on five continents, including lions, tigers, polar bears and blue whales. Last in the series.

ITV1 ITV

6.00 CITV. 9.25 Murder, She Wrote (R,S,HD). 10.25 The Jeremy Kyle Show (R,S,HD). 12.30 ITV News and Weather (S).

12.40 Film: Evil Under the Sun (S,HD) (1982). Mystery, starring Peter Ustinov, Diana Rigg and James Mason. ●●● 3.00 The X Factor (R,S,HD). The three finalists assemble for the first of this weekend’s live Grand Final shows. 5.00 Film: The Scorpion King (S,HD) (2002). See Choices Above. ●●●

Documentary featuring footage of unusual weather conditions in the past year shot by members of the public, including freak hailstorms, deadly lightning strikes and even a tornado. The programme includes interviews with those involved, including tanker pilots, weather watchers and hikers.

Channel Channel 44

6.15 The King of Queens (R,S). 6.40 Beat the Sun 2015 (S,HD). 7.35 Everybody Loves Raymond (R,S). 8.30 Frasier (R,S).

9.30 Sunday Brunch (S,HD). 12.30 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 2.00 The Simpsons (R,S,HD). 3.00 Film: Marley and Me (S,HD) (2008). Comedy drama, starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston. ●●● 5.20 Film: Aladdin (S) (1992). Disney animated adventure, with the voice of Robin Williams. ●●●●

Channel Channel 55

6.00 Milkshake!. 10.00 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (R,S,HD). 10.35 Football League Tonight (R,S,HD). 12.00 Funniest Fails, Falls & Flops (R,S,HD). 12.35 Film: The Christmas Shepherd (S,HD) (2014).

Drama, starring Teri Polo. ●●● 2.20 Film: Meet the Santas (S,HD) (2005). Fantasy comedy sequel, with Steve Guttenberg. ●● 4.05 Film: Mrs Miracle 2: Miracle in Manhattan (S) (2010). Family drama sequel, starring Doris Roberts. ●●●

(R) repeat (S) subtitles (HD) highdefinition

after

12

Homeland, 9pm

The Blind Side, 10pm

▼ ▼

7.20 Strictly Come Dancing: The Results (S,HD). 13/14. The five remaining couples face their last elimination show before the Grand Final.

7.00 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip (R,S,HD). 5/20. TV chef Ainsley Harriott and presenter Anne Diamond take on the antiqueshunting challenge.

7.00 Jekyll and Hyde (S,HD). 7/10.

See Choices Above.

▼

8.00 Antiques Roadshow (S,HD).

Fiona Bruce presents the show from Balmoral, and sees archive footage of the royal family.

Valuables featured include a collection of medals with a connection to the Titanic.

8.00 Horizon: Tim Peake Special – How to Be an Astronaut (S,HD). See Choices Above.

8.00 The X Factor (S,HD). 28/28.

Caroline Flack and Olly Murs announce this year’s winner in the climax of the singing contest from the SSE Arena, Wembley, with performances from special guests. Last in the series.

▼

6.35 Regional News (S); Weather.

6.45 ITV News and Weather (S).

6.10 Regional News (S).

6.20 Countryfile (S,HD). Ellie Harrison and Matt Baker explore the Peaks in Derbyshire.

9.00 The Hunt (S,HD). 7/7. See Choices Above.

9.00 The Secret History of the British Garden (S,HD). 4/4.

Monty Don concludes the series by exploring how gardening has developed over the past 100 years, and how horticulture has become a key part of Britain’s economy. Last in the series.

6.00 A Country Christmas Story (S,HD) (2013). Premiere.

Musical, starring Desiree Ross. ●●● 7.00 Channel 4 News (S,HD).

7.30 Britain’s Wildest Weather 2015 (S,HD). See Choices Above.

7.35 Scrooge (S,HD) (1970). Musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, starring Albert Finney and Alec Guinness. ●●●●

9.00 Homeland (S,HD). 10/12.

Allison is interrogated, and Carrie and Astrid search for Quinn. Thriller following a team of CIA agents, starring Claire Danes.

9.55 5 News Weekend (S,HD).

▼

11

The X Factor, 8pm

10.00 BBC News (S,HD).

10.20 Regional News (S).

10.30 Match of the Day 2 (S,HD).

See Choices Above.

10.00 Professor Green: Suicide and Me (S,HD). The rapper explores the circumstances surrounding his father’s suicide and investigates why suicide is the biggest killer of males under the age of 45 in Britain.

Previously shown on BBC3.

10.00 The World According to Kenny Everett (S,HD). Profile of the comedian and DJ, featuring classic clips from his TV shows, never-before-seen archive footage, and and contributions from family, friends and colleagues.

10.00 Gogglebox (R,S,HD). See Choices Above.

▼

10

The Secret History of the … 9pm

11.40 Citizen Khan (R,S,HD). 6/7. Mr Khan enters the Great Sparkhill Bake Off.

11.00 Seven Years in Tibet (S,HD) (1997). Fact-based drama, starring Brad Pitt. ●●●

11.00 ITV News and Weather (S); Weather.

11.15 The Chase (R,S,HD). Quiz show, hosted by Bradley Walsh.

11.05 Mama (S,HD) (2013). See Choices Above. ●●●

▼

6 7 8 9

Antiques Roadshow, 8pm

12.10 Weather for the Week Ahead (S,HD). 12.15 BBC News (S,HD).

1.10 Sign Zone: Countryfile (R,S,HD).

Exploring some of Scotland’s most remote scenic areas. 2.05 Sign Zone: Holby City (R,S,HD). Jesse is forced to relive tragic events from the past. 3.05 Sign Zone: James Martin – Home Comforts at Christmas (R,S,HD). 3.50 This Is BBC Two (S,HD). Preview of upcoming programmes.

12.15 Jackpot247. Interactive gaming.

3.00 Motorsport UK (S,HD). Deciding battles in the Ginetta Juniors and Renault UK Clio Cup. 3.50 ITV Nightscreen (HD).

Text-based information service. 5.05 The Jeremy Kyle Show (R,S,HD). Guests air their differences.

12.55 Grand Designs Australia (R,S,HD).

1.45 Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners (R,S,HD). A vintage-stall owner with too much clutter for her home. 2.40 Four in a Bed (R,S,HD). 3.10 Four in a Bed (R,S,HD).

3.35 Four in a Bed (R,S,HD). 4.05 Four in a Bed (R,S,HD). 4.35 Four in a Bed (R,S,HD). 5.05 Location, Location, Location (R,S,HD).

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12.30 Who Killed Santa: True Crimes (R,S). A homeless man is murdered. 1.05 SuperCasino. Live interactive gaming.

3.10 Danger: Teen Bingers (R,S,HD).

Young people who are obese. 4.00 House Doctor (R,S). 4.25 Make It Big (R,S). 4.50 Make It Big (R,S). 5.15 Make It Big (R,S).

Jess gets a warning from HQ. 5.45 Angels of Jarm (R,S). 5.50 Angels of Jarm (R,S).

FRIDAY 25 MARCH SATURDAY 7 MAY 2016

‘THE UlTIMATE FEEl-GOOD SHOW!’ COMES TO bRISTOl

42 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015

10.00 The Blind Side (S,HD) (2009).

Premiere. A couple take in a homeless teenager and help him fund his education and train to be an American football player. Fact-based drama, with Sandra Bullock and Quinton Aaron. ●●●●

atgtickets.com/bristol

WCL-E01-S2

JEKYLL AND HYDE 7pm, ITV

Part two of two. Robert tries to protect Ravi when he is taken over by the parasite, and sets a trap for Bulstrode in an attempt to rid himself of MIO once and for all. Tom Bateman and Donald Sumpter star.

ITV2 ITV2

6.10 Emmerdale (R,S,HD). 8.45 Coronation Street (R,S,HD).

11.15 The X Factor (R,S,HD). 1.20 The Xtra Factor (R,S,HD). 2.20 Merry Christmas Mr Bean (R,HD). 2.55 Film: Ella Enchanted (HD) (2004). ●●● 4.50 Catchphrase Christmas Special (R,S,HD). 5.50 Film: Peter Pan (S,HD) (2003). Fantasy adventure, with Jeremy Sumpter. ●●●

The Nutty Professor, 8pm

GOGGLEBOX 10pm, Channel 4

The nation’s favourite armchair critics share their opinions on what they have been watching during the week. The programme captures their instant reactions and lively – sometimes emotional – discussions from the comfort of their own homes.

E4 E4

6.20 How I Met Your Mother 7.00 Baby Daddy (R,S,HD). 8.00 Melissa & Joey (R,S,HD). 9.00 Made in Chelsea (R,S,HD). 10.00 Hollyoaks (R,S,HD). 12.30 Film: Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events (S,HD) (2004). ●●● 2.35 Rude(ish) Tube (R,S). 3.00 Couples Come Dine with Me (R,S,HD). 4.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD).

Sky1 Sky1

6.00 Hour of Power (R,S). 7.00 Monkey Life (R,S). 9.00 Supergirl (R,S). 10.00 The Flash (R,S). 11.00 WWE: Raw (HD). 12.00 Bring the Noise (R,S,HD). With the Wanted’s Nathan Sykes and actor Craig Roberts. 1.00 Futurama (R,S,HD).

2.30 Modern Family (R,S,HD).

5.00 The Simpsons (R). The show’s 26th Halloween special. 5.30 The Muppets (R,S,HD).

FILM PICKS

Sunday December 13 television&radio THE SCORPION KING 5pm, ITV

MAMA 11.05pm, Channel 4

A warlord resolves to rid the desert of its last remaining tribes, prompting them to seek the aid of a legendary assassin. Fantasy, with Dwayne Johnson.

Gold GOLD

7.00 Keeping Up Appearances (S). 8.00 The Vicar of Dibley (S).

10.25 Blackadder’s Christmas Carol (S). 11.30 Wallace & Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death (S). 12.05 One Foot in the Grave (S). Christmas special. Victor has a spooky encounter. 1.20 Bring Me Morecambe & Wise (S). 2.25 Keeping Up Appearances (S).

3.40 The Vicar of Dibley (S).

A couple take in two orphans left alone in the woods, unaware a supernatural force is watching over the children. Horror, with Jessica Chastain.

SkySports1 Sky Sports 1

6.00 SNF – Match Choice (HD).

9.00 The Sunday Supplement (HD). Reviewing the latest football stories. 10.30 Goals on Sunday (HD). A review of Saturday’s football action. 12.30 Live Ford Super Sunday (HD). Aston Villa v Arsenal (Kick-off 1.30pm). 3.30 Live Ford Super Sunday (HD). Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United (Kickoff 4.00pm).

Twilight, 6.30pm

Micky Flanagan’s … 9pm

Wayne’s World, 9pm

Live Super Sunday, 3.30pm

6.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 10/23.

6.30 Twilight (S,HD) (2008).

Fantasy, starring Kristen Stewart. ●●●

6.00 Modern Family (R,S).

8/24.

6.30 The Simpsons (S,HD).

6.00 Blackadder’s Christmas Carol (S).

Comic version of the classic tale, starring Rowan Atkinson.

6.30 FL72 Goals (HD). A round-up of recent matches.

7.00 The Simpsons (R,S).

15/20. Lisa becomes addicted to passive smoking.

7.30 The Simpsons (R,S,HD).

16/22.

7.00 Wallace & Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death (S). The duo open their own bakery.

7.40 Only Fools and Horses (S).

7.25 Live La Liga Football (HD). Villarreal v Real Madrid (Kick-off 7.30pm). Coverage of this evening’s Spanish top-flight game.

8.00 Arrow (R,S). 8/23. The second part of the crossover with The Flash sees Oliver and Barry pool their resources as they try to figure out how to defeat villain Vandal Savage.

8.20 The Thin Blue Line (S).

7/7. Grim tracks down criminal carol singers.

9.00 Micky Flanagan’s Detour de France (R,S,HD). 3/4. Micky and Noel continue their French journey, stopping off at a psychiatric hospital that once treated Vincent van Gogh.

9.00 Wayne’s World (1992).

Two heavy-metal fans broadcast an amateur TV show from their basement, but a slimy network executive sees a chance to exploit them.

Comedy, starring Mike Myers and Dana Carvey. ●●●●

8.00 The Nutty Professor (S,HD) (1996). Comedy remake, starring Eddie Murphy, Jada Pinkett Smith and James Coburn. Including FYI Daily. ●●●● 9.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 8/24. Sheldon, Howard and Raj try to find Sheldon a new girlfriend.

9.30 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 11/23. Sheldon becomes obsessed with gift-giving etiquette.

9.30 Football’s Greatest Players (S,HD). The career of Cristiano Ronaldo.

10.00 Stop, Search, Seize (R). 10.55 The Vicar of Dibley (S). 10.00 Ford Football Special 10.00 The Xtra Factor (S,HD). 10.00 The Big Bang Theory 2/2. The villagers 15/20. Documentary 32/32. Melvin Odoom (HD). Aston Villa v (R,S,HD). 12/23. The celebrate Geraldine’s following the work of and Rochelle Humes Arsenal and Tottenham flatmates are 40th birthday.

Ireland’s border force chat to this year’s Hotspur v Newcastle challenged to a robot officers as they fight to winner, as well as United. Highlights of the duel. stop gangs of organised catching up with the Premier League fixtures, 10.30 The Inbetweeners smugglers from bringing judges, runners-up and which took place at Villa (R,S). 1/6. The gang goes in drugs, money, guns a panel of celebrity fans.

Park and White Hart on a field trip to and cars.

Last in the series.

Lane respectively.

Swanage.

11.00 The Inbetweeners (R,S). 2/6. Will is given a work experience placement at a garage.

11.35 The IT Crowd (R,S,HD).

11.00 Road Wars (R,S). 5/6. A drug dealer tries to escape being searched.

11.40 Best of Not the Nine O’Clock News (S). 4/8.

Highlights of the comedy show, starring Rowan Atkinson and Mel Smith.

12.50 Viral Tap (R,S,HD). Topical comedy show, presented by Caroline Flack. 1.30 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records (R,S,HD). The cat with the world’s longest fur. 1.55 Animal Practice (R,S,HD). 2.20 Teleshopping. Home shopping.

5.50 ITV2 Nightscreen (HD).

12.40 First Dates (R,S,HD). A hairdresser is left waiting for her date to turn up. 1.40 Gogglebox (R,S,HD). 2.40 Rules of Engagement (R,S,HD). 3.05 Rules of Engagement (R,S,HD). 3.25 Hollyoaks (R,S,HD). Omnibus. Nico is blamed after Jason’s accident.

12.00 Road Wars (R,S). Police officers combat vehicle crime. 1.00 Live NFL (HD). Baltimore Ravens v Seattle Seahawks (Kick-off 1.30am).

4.30 Road Wars (R,S). Police officers combat vehicle crime. 5.00 Nothing to Declare (R,S). 5.30 Nothing to Declare (R,S).

12.15 Absolutely Fabulous (S).

Edina tries to lose weight. 12.55 dinnerladies (S). 1.35 The Tony Ferrino Phenomenon. Musical extravaganza with Steve Coogan’s comic character. 2.35 Best of Not the Nine O’Clock News (S). 3.00 ’Allo ’Allo! (S). 3.30 ’Allo ’Allo!

(S). 4.00 Close

RADIO

11.00 Keith Lemon: The Film (S,HD) (2012).

Comedy, starring Leigh Francis. ●

Radio 1 6.00am Dev. 10.00 Matt Edmondson. 1.00pm Alice Levine. 4.00 Cel Spellman. 7.00 Rock Show with Daniel P Carter. 10.00 Phil Taggart.

1.00am Monki. 4.00 Adele Roberts.

Radio 2 6.00am The Sunday Hour.

7.00 Good Morning Sunday with Clare Balding. 9.00 Steve Wright’s Sunday Love Songs. 11.00 Weekend Wogan.

1.00pm Elaine Paige on Sunday. 3.00 Johnnie Walker’s Sounds of the 70s.

5.00 Paul O’Grady. 7.00 Sunday Night with Michael Ball. 9.00 Clare Teal.

11.00 Don Black. Midnight After Midnight. 3.00 Sounds of the 60s.

Radio 3 7.00am Breakfast. 9.00 News. 9.03 Sunday Morning with James

Jolly. Noon Private Passions. 1.00 News.

1.02 Radio 3 Lunchtime Concert. 2.00 The Early Music Show. 3.00 Choral Evensong. 4.00 The Choir. 5.30 Words and Music. 6.45 Sunday Feature. 7.30 Radio 3 in Concert. 9.00 Drama on 3.

10.20 Early Music Late. 11.20 Modigliani Quartet. 12.30am Through the Night.

Radio 4 5.30am News Briefing. 5.43 Bells on Sunday. 5.45 Profile. 6.00 News Headlines. 6.05 Something Understood. 6.35 On Your Farm. 6.57 Weather. 7.00 News. 7.07 Sunday Papers. 7.10 Sunday. 7.55 Radio 4 Appeal. 7.57 Weather. 8.00 News.

8.07 Sunday Papers. 8.10 Sunday

Worship. 8.48 A Point of View. 8.58 Tweet of the Day. 9.00 Broadcasting House. 10.00 The Archers. 11.15 Desert Island Discs. Noon (LW) News Headlines. Noon (FM) News. 12.01 (LW) Shipping Forecast. 12.04 I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue. 12.30 The Food Programme. 12.57 Weather. 1.00 The World This Weekend. 1.30 Shoah in Jerusalem. 2.00 Gardeners’ Question Time. 2.45 The Listening Project. 3.00 The Arabian Nights. 4.00 Open Book.

4.30 The Echo Chamber. 5.00 News.

5.02 What Should We Teach Our Kids?

5.40 Profile. 5.54 Shipping Forecast.

5.57 Weather. 6.00 Six O’Clock News.

6.15 Pick of the Week. 7.00 The

Archers. 7.15 Trodd en Bratt Say “Well Done You”. Evelyn and Gertie try to be nice. Last in the series 7.45 Natural Histories: Original Short Stories. 8.00 Feedback. Listeners’ views 8.30 Last Word. Obituary series 9.00 Money Box. 9.26 Radio 4 Appeal. 9.30 In Business.

9.59 Weather. 10.00 The Westminster Hour. With Carolyn Quinn 11.00 The Film Programme. An interview with former child actor Bobby Henrey 11.30 Something Understood. Life’s big questions Midnight News and Weather. 12.15 Thinking Allowed.

12.45 Bells on Sunday. 12.48 Shipping Forecast. 1.00 As BBC World Service.

5.20 Shipping Forecast.

WCL-E01-S2

11.30 Live Test Cricket (HD).

Australia v West Indies.

Radio 5 Live 5.00am The Non League Football Show. 6.00 Sunday Breakfast.

9.00 SportsWeek. 10.00 Pienaar’s Politics. 11.00 5 Live Investigates. Noon 5 Live Sport. 12.15 MOTD2 Extra. 1.00 5 Live Sport. 4.00 5 Live Sport: Premier League Football 2015-16. 6.06 6-0-6.

7.30 The 5 Live Hit List. 10.00 Stephen Nolan. 1.00am Up All Night.

Classic FM 6.00am More Music Breakfast. 9.00 Aled Jones. Noon Alexander Armstrong. 3.00 Charlotte Green’s Culture Club. 5.00 The Classic FM Chart. 7.00 David Mellor. 9.00 Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Classical Music. 10.00 Smooth Classics. 1.00am Nick Bailey.

BBC3 BBC3

BBC4 BBC4

12.10 Family Guy (R,S).

12.30 Josh (R,S,HD). 1.00 Rent a Cop (R,S,HD). 1.30 Siblings (R,S,HD). 2.00 Siblings (R,S,HD). 2.30 Siblings (R,S,HD). 3.00 Together (R,S). 3.30 Together (R,S).

12.05 Storyville: Russia’s Toughest Prison – The Condemned (R,HD). 1.25 Treasures of the AngloSaxons (R). 2.25 The Mary Rose: A Timewatch Guide (R).

7.00 Don’t Tell the Bride (R,S,HD).

English teacher Grantt creates a storybook wedding.

8.00 Top Gear (R,S,HD).

9.00 Enemy of the State (S,HD) (1998). An encounter with an old friend derails a lawyer’s life as he ends up framed for murder and pursued by government agents. Thriller, starring Will Smith. ●●●● 11.05 Family Guy (R,S).

Double-length episode. Peter tells a story spoofing Star Wars.

11.50 American Dad! (R,S,HD).

7.00 Blood and Gold: The Making of Spain with Simon Sebag Montefiore (R,HD). Simon Sebag Montefiore explores the history of Spain.

8.00 Ballrooms and Ballerinas: Dance at the BBC. Archive footage of dance featured on the BBC. 9.00 Dance Rebels: A Story of Modern Dance.

10.30 Easy Money II (2012). Premiere.

A drug smuggler makes plans to go straight when he gets out of prison, but his past catches up with him. Thriller sequel, starring Joel Kinnaman. ●●●

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SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 43

TV PICKS

Monday 14 television&radio Monday’s December Television Guide SIMPLY NIGELLA: CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 8pm, BBC2

The food writer shares her foolproof guide to stress-free festive cooking, featuring a selection of celebratory dishes.

BBC1 BBC1

6.00 Breakfast (S,HD). 9.15 Operation Meet the Street (R,S,HD). 10.00 Homes Under the Hammer (S,HD). 11.00 Oxford Street Revealed (S,HD). 11.45 Family Finders (S,HD). 12.15 Bargain Hunt (S,HD). 1.00 BBC News at One; Weather (S,HD). 1.30 Regional News (S). 1.45 Doctors (S,HD). 2.15 The Doctor Blake Mysteries (R,S). 3.10 Escape to the Country (S,HD). 3.40 James Martin – Home Comforts at Christmas (S,HD). 4.25 Flog It! (R,S,HD). 5.15 Pointless (R,S,HD).

FILM RATINGS ●●●●● Excellent ●●●● Very good ●●● Good ●● Average ● Poor

THE TALIBAN HUNTERS – PANORAMA 8.30pm, BBC1

The Pakistan city of Karachi has become one of the most dangerous cities in the world over the past two years, as it’s seen an onslaught of kidnappings, bombings and targeted assassinations by Taliban militants. The police are now fighting back, with more than 160 officers killed in the line of duty in just 12 months.

BBC2 BBC2

6.00 Oxford Street Revealed (R,S,HD). 6.45 Family Finders (S,HD). 7.15 Flog It! Trade Secrets (R,S,HD). 8.15 Sign Zone (R,S,HD).

9.15 Victoria Derbyshire (S,HD). 11.00 BBC News (S,HD). 12.00 Daily Politics (S,HD).

1.00 Cash in the Attic (R,S). 1.45 Pressure Pad (R,S,HD). 2.30 The Great British Bake Off (R,S,HD). 3.30 The Great Antiques Map of Britain (R,S,HD). 4.00 The World’s Most Photographed (R,S). 4.30 Wogan: The Best Of (R,S). 5.15 Bargain Hunt (R,S,HD).

LAS VEGAS WITH TREVOR MCDONALD 9pm, ITV

SUPERSHOPPERS DO CHRISTMAS 8.30pm, Channel 4

Andi Osho and Anna Richardson return to present the inside scoop on Britain’s biggest brands and retailers, this time offering festive money-saving tips on everything from food and drink to decorations and gifts. They reveal the tricks of the trade and put products to the test with some surprising results.

The broadcaster meets a former New York mobster hiding out in Vegas and sits in on a poker game with one of the world’s most successful professional players.

ITV1 ITV

6.00 Good Morning Britain (S,HD). 8.30 Lorraine (S,HD). 9.25 The Jeremy Kyle Show (S). 10.30 This Morning (S,HD).

12.30 Loose Women (S,HD). With Mary Portas and Caroline Quentin. 1.30 ITV Lunchtime News (S). 1.55 Regional News (S). 2.00 Judge Rinder (S). Real-life cases in a studio courtroom. 3.00 1000 Heartbeats (S,HD). 3.59 Regional Programme (S). 4.00 Tipping Point (S,HD). 5.00 The Chase (S,HD).

Channel Channel 44

6.00 Countdown (R,S,HD). 6.45 3rd Rock from the Sun (R,S). 7.35 Everybody Loves Raymond (R,S). 9.00 Frasier (R,S). 10.00 Undercover Boss USA (R,S). 11.00 Jamie’s Cracking Christmas (R,S,HD). 12.00 Channel 4 News Summary (S,HD). 12.05 Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas (R,S,HD). 1.05 Come Dine with Me: Comedians Christmas Special (R,S,HD). 2.10 Deal or No Deal (S,HD). 3.10 Countdown (S,HD). 4.00 Posh Pawnbrokers (S,HD). 5.00 Couples Come Dine with Me (S,HD).

Channel Channel 55

6.00 Milkshake!. 9.15 Christmas with The Wright Stuff Matthew Wright and his guests debate the issues of the day. (HD).

11.45 Film: A Perfect Christmas (S,HD) (2012). Festive fantasy, starring Claire Coffee. ●●● 1.30 5 News Lunchtime (S,HD). 1.35 Neighbours (S,HD). 2.05 Film: Angels and Ornaments (S,HD) (2014). See Choices Above. ●●● 3.45 Film: The Christmas Switch (S) (2014). See Choices Above. ●●● 5.30 5 News at 5 (S,HD).

Live at the Apollo, 10pm

The Martin Lewis Money … 8pm

Supershoppers Do … 8.30pm

Neighbours, 6pm

▼

6.00 BBC News at Six; Weather (S,HD).

6.30 Regional News (S).

6.00 Regional News (S); Weather.

6.30 ITV News (S); Weather.

6.00 The Simpsons (S,HD). 14/22.

Homer and the family are forced to leave town.

6.30 Hollyoaks (S,HD).

6.00 Neighbours (R,S,HD). Josh learns Aaron is looking for the driver who ran Paul and Steph off the road.

6.30 5 News Tonight (S,HD).

▼

7.00 The One Show (S,HD). Hosted

by Alex Jones and Matt Baker.

7.30 Fake Britain (S,HD). A dog breeder producing pups with fake pedigrees. Followed by BBC News; Regional News.

6.00 Eggheads (R,S,HD). Quiz show, hosted by Jeremy Vine.

6.30 Strictly Come Dancing – It Takes Two (S,HD). 56/60. An interview with the couple eliminated last night.

7.00 Mary Berry’s Absolute Christmas Favourites (R,S,HD). 1/2. Part one of two.

7.30 Only Connect (S,HD). 22/27.

The Yorkers take on the Operational Researchers.

7.00 Emmerdale (S,HD). Harriet prepares to propose to Ashley.

7.30 Coronation Street (S,HD).

Sarah faces a tough decision.

7.00 Channel 4 News (S,HD).

7.00 Police Interceptors (R,S,HD).

Sgt Carlin arrests some van thieves and uncovers a major criminal operation in the process. Followed by 5 News Update.

▼

6 7 8 9

Have I Got a Bit More … 10.45pm

8.00 EastEnders (S,HD). Vincent receives another odd delivery.

8.30 The Taliban Hunters – Panorama (S,HD). See Choices Above.

8.00 Simply Nigella: Christmas Special (S,HD). See Choices Above.

8.00 The Martin Lewis Money Show (S,HD). 4/10. A guide on how to haggle on prices while shopping online.

8.30 Coronation Street (S,HD).

David is horrified by Sarah’s news.

8.00 How the Monarchy Can Make You Millions: Channel 4 Dispatches (S,HD). An investigation into the system that grants royal warrants.

8.30 Supershoppers Do Christmas (S,HD). See Choices Above.

8.00 Impractical Jokers (S,HD).

13/17. The pranksters take jobs at a garden centre.

8.30 Impractical Jokers (S,HD). The jokers pose as puppy salesmen.

Followed by 5 News Update.

▼

(R) repeat (S) subtitles (HD) highdefinition

9.00 Crimewatch (S). Thames Valley Police ask for help in identifying the remains of body discovered in Bracknell in July, and there is an appeal for information on the murder of Joy Hewer in 1995.

9.00 Back in Time for Christmas (S,HD). 1/2. Part one of two.

The Robshaws time-travel through six decades of festive nostalgia, beginning by experiencing what Christmas was like in the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s.

9.00 Las Vegas with Trevor McDonald (S,HD). 2/3. See Choices Above.

9.00 Our Guy in Latvia (S,HD). Guy Martin travels to the Baltics to find out about the past of his Latvian grandfather, and uncovers an extraordinary life involving PoW camps and daring escapes.

9.00 Benefits: Life on the Dole (S,HD). 5/30. The documentary focuses on people living on state welfare in Portsmouth, including a woman who is stuck between two benefit categories and has no money to live on.

12

▼

after

▼

11

10.00 Live at the Apollo (S,HD). 6/7.

Russell Kane hosts, with guests Roisin Conaty and Nick Helm.

10.30 Newsnight (S,HD).

11.30 The Graham Norton Show (R,S,HD). 11/20. With Kurt Russell, Quentin Tarantino, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.

11.10 Weather (S,HD).

11.15 Horizon: Tim Peake Special – How to Be an Astronaut (R,S,HD). A video diary filmed over two years by astronaut Tim Peake.

▼

10

10.00 BBC News at Ten (S,HD).

10.25 Regional News (S).

10.35 Crimewatch Update (S).

Responses to the earlier programme.

10.45 Have I Got a Bit More News for You (S,HD). 10/11.

Extended edition hosted by David Mitchell, with Kirsty Wark and Andy Hamilton.

12.15 Weather for the Week Ahead (S,HD). 12.20 BBC News (S,HD).

12.15 Sign Zone: The Apprentice (R,S,HD). The candidates are tasked with creating and producing a new health food.

1.15 Sign Zone: James Martin – Home Comforts at Christmas (R,S,HD). 2.00 Sign Zone: The Great Pottery Throw Down (R,S,HD). 3.00 This Is BBC Two (S,HD). Preview of upcoming programmes.

10.00 ITV News at Ten (S); Weather.

10.30 Regional News (S); Weather.

10.40 The Nation’s Favourite Beatles Number One (R,S,HD). The results of a poll to find out which of the Fab Four’s UK and US chart-toppers is the best-loved, featuring the stories behind the tracks and interviews with famous fans.

10.00 Fargo (S,HD). 9/10. Peggy and Ed agree to follow through with their plan at the Motor Motel, Lou has to deal with jurisdictional politics and Hanzee reports back to the Gerhardts.

11.05 24 Hours in A&E (R,S,HD).

A mechanic is crushed against a wall by his own car.

12.30 Jackpot247. Interactive gaming.

3.00 The Jeremy Kyle Show (R,S,HD).

Guests air their differences. 3.55 ITV Nightscreen (HD). Text-based information service. 5.05 The Jeremy Kyle Show (R,S,HD). Guests air their differences.

12.05 Ramsay’s Hotel Hell (R,S,HD).

12.55 The Undateables (R,S,HD). 1.55 Film: Anton Corbijn Inside Out (S,HD) (2012). Premiere. Profile of the photographer and film-maker. ●●● 3.20 Location, Location, Location (R,S,HD).

4.15 You Deserve This House (R,S,HD).

5.10 Deal or No Deal (R,S,HD).

0844 871 3012 Groups10+ 0844 871 3032

ClASSIC FM

© LITTLESTAR

12.50 SuperCasino. Live interactive gaming. 3.10 Meet the Psychopaths (R,S,HD). Documentary exploring the nature of psychopaths. 4.00 Wildlife SOS (R,S). 4.20 Divine Designs (R,S). Paul Binski examines the structures of Lincoln and Wells cathedrals. 4.45 House Doctor (R,S). Optimising space. 5.10 House Doctor (R,S). 5.35 House Doctor (R,S).

FRIDAY 25 MARCH SATURDAY 7 MAY 2016

‘THE UlTIMATE FEEl-GOOD SHOW!’ COMES TO bRISTOl

44 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015

10.00 The Best of Bad TV: The 70s (S,HD). See Choices Above.

atgtickets.com/bristol

WCL-E01-S2

MODERN FAMILY 8.30pm, Sky1

THE BEST OF BAD TV: THE 70S 10pm, Channel 5

Gloria rents a cabin in the mountains in which she hopes she and her family will be able to enjoy a picture-perfect white Christmas. However, when the clan arrives, unhelpful weather and a random eccentric guest conspire to ruin the festive cheer.

Comedy, starring Sofia Vergara.

A trawl through the decade’s programmes, featuring clips of car-crash interviews, terrifying children’s dramas, hoaxes, soaps and baffling game shows.

ITV2 ITV2

6.00 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records (R,S,HD). 6.25 Psych (R,S,HD). 7.10 Emmerdale (R,S,HD).

7.40 Coronation Street (R,S,HD).

8.40 The Cube (R,S,HD). 9.40 Psych (R,S,HD). 10.30 Catchphrase Celebrity Special (R,S,HD). 11.30 Best of You’ve Been Framed! (R,S).

12.30 Emmerdale (R,S,HD). 1.00 Coronation Street (R,S,HD). 2.00 Catchphrase (R,S,HD). 2.40 The Jeremy Kyle Show (R,S,HD).

E4 E4

6.00 Revenge (R,S,HD). 6.45 Charmed (R,S). 8.30 Hollyoaks (R,S,HD). 9.00 Rules of Engagement (R,S,HD). 10.00 Melissa & Joey (R,S,HD). 11.00 Charmed (R,S). 1.00 How I Met Your Mother (R,S,HD). 2.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 3.00 Melissa & Joey (R,S,HD). 4.00 Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD (R,S,HD). 5.00 How I Met Your Mother (R,S,HD).

Sky1 Sky1

6.00 The Dog Whisperer (R). 7.00 Monkey Life (R,S). 8.00 RSPCA Animal Rescue (R,S). 9.00 Inside Gatwick (R,S,HD). 10.00 Hawaii Five-0 (R,S,HD). 3.00 About a Boy (R). 4.00 Futurama (R,S,HD). 5.00 Modern Family (R,S,HD). Claire tries to track down Haley, who has gone off the grid following a row.

5.30 Futurama (R,S,HD). Bender fathers a child.

FILM PICKS

Monday December 14 television&radio ANGELS AND ORNAMENTS 2.05pm, Channel 5

A model of a carol singer hanging from a lovelorn musician’s Christmas tree comes to life in the build-up to the festive season. The living ornament decides to help his owner put a recent break-up behind her by matchmaking her with a childhood friend.

Romantic fantasy, starring Jessalyn Gilsig.

Gold GOLD

7.10 The Thin Blue Line (S). 7.40 The Two Ronnies: Old Fashioned Mystery. 8.40 Last of the Summer Wine (S). 9.20 Yes Minister (S). 10.40 The Thin Blue Line (S). 11.20 dinnerladies (S). 12.00 Goodnight Sweetheart. 1.10 Cheers (S). 1.40 The Two Ronnies: Old Fashioned Mystery. 2.40 The Thin Blue Line (S).

3.25 Last of the Summer Wine (S).

4.00 Open All Hours (S). 4.40 Porridge (S). 5.20 Only Fools and Horses (S).

SkySports1 Sky Sports 1

6.00 Live Test Cricket (HD). 7.30 Cricket’s Greatest (S,HD). 8.00 Goals on Sunday (HD). 9.00 Ford Football Special (HD). 10.30 FL72 Goals (HD).

11.30 Barclays Premier League Legends (S,HD). 12.00 Football League Gold (S,HD). 12.30 Football Gold (S). 1.00 FL72 Goals (HD). 2.00 Goals on Sunday (HD). 3.00 Ford Football Special (HD). 4.30 Fantasy Football Club – The Highlights (S,HD).

5.00 Soccer AM: The Best Bits (HD).

American Pie ... 9pm

Scream Queens, 10pm

Trollied, 9pm

The Royle Family ... 9pm

Live Football, 7pm

6.00 Judge Rinder (R). Reallife cases in a studio courtroom.

6.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 18/24.

6.30 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 19/24.

6.00 Futurama (R,S,HD).

3/13. Leela enters politics.

6.30 The Simpsons (R,S).

1/25. Part two of two.

6.30 The Best of Tommy Cooper. Comedy highlights.

6.00 FL72 Goals (HD). A round-up of recent matches.

7.00 You’ve Been Framed at Christmas! (R,S).

Festive bloopers.

7.30 You’ve Been Framed!

(R,S). 12/28. Comical clips.

7.00 Hollyoaks (S,HD). An uninvited guest arrives at Freddie’s funeral.

7.30 A to Z (S,HD). 10/13.

Zelda sets up Stu with a colleague.

7.00 The Simpsons (R,S).

21/25. A Pulp Fictionstyle trip through Springfield.

7.30 The Simpsons (R,S).

22/25.

8.00 Two and a Half Men (R,S,HD). 24/24. Charlie sleeps with an elderly man’s wife.

8.30 Two and a Half Men (R,S,HD). 1/24. Alan injures himself falling from the roof.

8.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 15/24. Howard receives shocking news.

8.30 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 16/24. Howard and Bernadette run into trouble at the airport.

8.00 The Muppets (S). 9/13.

Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl joins Animal for a drumoff.

8.30 Modern Family (S).

9/24. See Choices Above.

7.00 The Vicar of Dibley (S).

2/2. The villagers celebrate Geraldine’s 40th birthday.

7.40 My Family Christmas Special (S). Susan pretends a quiet Christmas away would be better for Ben, but her plans backfire in spectacular fashion.

Feature-length episode from 2007, starring Robert Lindsay.

7.00 Live Ford Monday Night Football (HD).

Leicester City v Chelsea (Kick-off 8.00pm).

Coverage of the Premier League encounter at the King Power Stadium, as the high-flying Foxes look to heap more misery on the champions.

9.00 American Pie: The Wedding (S,HD) (2003).

The friends reunite to celebrate Jim and Michelle’s forthcoming trip to the altar – but events spiral out of control. Comedy sequel, with Jason Biggs and Alyson Hannigan. ●●●

9.00 Made in Chelsea (S,HD). 9/12. Cracks start appearing in Binky and JP’s relationship, while Sam is left heartbroken when he finds out Tiff has arranged to go on a date with Ollie.

9.00 Trollied (S). 7/8. Heather is shocked when Ian delivers some home truths.

9.30 Trollied. 8/8. A treasure hunt is held to celebrate 50 years of Valco. Last in the series.

9.00 The Royle Family Special: The Golden Egg Cup (S). One-off festive edition from 2009. Jim and Barbara cannot decide whether to spend a cash windfall on a holiday or a satellite HD system. Sue Johnston and Ricky Tomlinson star.

1.10 Two and a Half Men (R,S,HD). Charlie sleeps with an elderly man’s wife. 1.30 Scorpion (R,S,HD). Members of the team go undercover on a movie set in Kazakhstan. 2.20 Teleshopping.

Home shopping. 5.50 ITV2 Nightscreen (HD). Text-based information service.

12.05 Gogglebox (R,S,HD). 1.10 Rude Tube (R,S,HD). 2.10 Made in Chelsea (R,S,HD). 3.05 Scream Queens (R,S,HD). 3.50 Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD (R,S,HD). 4.35 Revenge (R,S,HD). Emily’s closest friends worry she has gone too far.

12.00 Hawaii Five-0 (R,S,HD). 1.00 The Force: Manchester (R). 2.00 Road Wars (R,S). 3.00 Armed and Dangerous: Ultimate Forces (R,S). 4.00 Nothing to Declare (R,S). 4.30 Nothing to Declare (R,S). 5.00 UK Border Force (R,S,HD).

12.35 The Royle Family Special: The Golden Egg Cup (S). Jim and Barbara argue over what to do with a cash windfall. 1.55 The Office (S).

Part two of two. The Christmas party throws up a few surprises.

2.55 ’Allo ’Allo! (S). 3.25 ’Allo ’Allo! (S). Helga is given a truth drug. 4.00 Close

RADIO

12.00 Empire of the Seas: How the Navy Forged the Modern World (R,HD).

1.00 Sex and the Sitcom (R). 2.00 The Quizeum (R,HD). 2.30 Inside Einstein’s Mind: The Enigma of Space and Time (R).

BUSINESS

11.30 The Tony Ferrino 11.00 SPFL Round-Up (HD).

Phenomenon. Musical A review of the latest extravaganza with Steve round of fixtures from Coogan’s comic the Scottish top flight. character.

11.30 FL72 Goals (HD). A round-up of recent matches.

WCL-E01-S2

12.10 Family Guy (R,S).

12.30 Reggie Yates’s Extreme UK: Men at War (R,S,HD). 1.25 Siblings (R,S,HD). 1.55 Siblings (R,S,HD). 2.25 Siblings (R,S,HD). 2.55 Reggie Yates’s Extreme UK: Men at War (R,S,HD).

7.00 World News Today (HD); Weather.

7.30 The Boats That Built Britain (R).

8.00 The Boats That Built Britain (R).

8.30 The Quizeum (HD).

9.00 Inside Einstein’s Mind: The Enigma of Space and Time (HD). The story behind Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity.

10.00 Atlantis – The Evidence (R,HD).

An investigation into how a tsunami may have inspired the legend of Atlantis.

11.00 Cleopatra: A Timewatch Guide (R,HD).

Get your

11.00 Hawaii Five-0 (R,S,HD).

12/22. McGarrett helps Grover track down a friend-turned-murder suspect.

Dust. By Sarah Woods 8.00 The Philosopher’s Arms. 8.30 Crossing Continents. A report on the debate provoked by the deaths of five Malaysian children 9.00 The Singing Fish of Batticaloa. 9.30 Start the Week.

With James Crawford and Peter Randall-Page 9.59 Weather. 10.00 The World Tonight. News round-up 10.45 Book at Bedtime: Slade House. By David Mitchell 11.00 Wireless Nights. Jarvis Cocker meets clubbers in Soho. Last in the series 11.30 Today in Parliament.

Presented by Susan Hulme Midnight News and Weather. 12.30 Book of the Week: My History. 12.48 Shipping Forecast. 1.00 As BBC World Service.

BBC4 BBC4

7.00 Top Gear (R,S,HD). With guest Damian Lewis.

8.00 Don’t Tell the Bride (R,S).

Motorbike enthusiast Luke organises his wedding.

9.00 Reggie Yates’s Extreme UK: Men at War (S,HD). Young men who think feminism has gone too far.

10.00 EastEnders (R,S,HD). Vincent receives another odd delivery.

10.30 Bad Education (R,S,HD).

11.00 American Dad! (S,HD).

11.25 American Dad! (S,HD).

11.45 Family Guy (R,S).

per month

11.00 Gogglebox (R,S,HD).

10/12. Opinions on MasterChef, Antiques Roadshow and Would I Lie to You?

Earth Catalog. 11.30 The Missing Hancocks. Noon News. 12.01 (LW) Shipping Forecast. 12.04 2015 Hashtags of the Year. 12.15 You and Yours. 12.57 Weather. 1.00 The World at One. 1.45 British Liberalism: The Grand Tour. 2.00 The Archers. 2.15 Drama: The Morpeth Carol. 3.00 Round Britain Quiz. 3.30 The Food Programme. 4.00 Tales from the Stave.

4.30 Beyond Belief. 5.00 PM. With Eddie Mair 5.54 (LW) Shipping Forecast. 5.57 Weather. 6.00 Six O’Clock News. 6.30 I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue. 7.00 The Archers. Adam and Ian are getting married 7.15 Front Row. Arts programme 7.45 A Speck of

BBC3 BBC3

£30

11.00 Pitch Black (S,HD) (2000). Sci-fi horror, starring Vin Diesel and Radha Mitchell. ●●●

Radio 3 6.30am Breakfast. 9.00 Essential Classics. Noon Composer of the Week: Iceland. 1.00 News. 1.02 Radio 3 Lunchtime Concert. 2.00 Afternoon on 3. 4.30 In Tune. 6.30 Composer of the Week: Iceland. 7.30 Radio 3 in Concert. 10.00 Music Matters. 10.45 The Essay: Art in a Cold Climate. 11.00 Jazz on 3. 12.30am Through the Night.

Radio 4 5.30am News Briefing. 5.43 Prayer for the Day. 5.45 Farming Today.

5.58 Tweet of the Day. 6.00 Today.

9.00 Start the Week. 9.45 (LW) Daily Service. 9.45 (FM) Book of the Week: My History. 10.00 Woman’s Hour.

11.00 Hippy Internet – The Whole

Premiere. A hustler is asked to swap bodies with a dying man at Christmas in return for either a million dollars or having all his past sins forgiven. He chooses the money, but as he watches the other man using his body to do good deeds, he begins to reconsider.

Fantasy, starring Brian Krause.

Online Profle from only

10.20 The Office (S). 2/2. In 10.00 Scream Queens (S,HD). 10.00 Bring the Noise the second of two (R,S,HD). 8/10. Ricky 8/13. Grace learns more Christmas specials, the Wilson hosts the comedy about Chanel when they office party throws up a quiz, with David collaborate on a few surprises, not least Walliams and Melanie C researching project, the arrival of David joining Nicole Dean Munsch is Brent’s date, who turns Scherzinger, Tinie targeted by the Red out to be attractive and Tempah, Katherine Ryan Devil killer and a figure intelligent. and Joel Dommett. from the past makes a shocking return.

Radio 1 6.30am The Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Nick Grimshaw.

10.00 Clara Amfo. 12.45pm Newsbeat. 1.00 Scott Mills. 4.00 Greg James. 7.00 Annie Mac. 9.00 The Internet Takeover with Jack & Dean.

10.00 Huw Stephens. 1.00am Friction. 4.00 Adele Roberts.

Radio 2 5.00am Vanessa Feltz. 6.30 Chris Evans. 9.30 Ken Bruce. Noon Jeremy Vine. 2.00 Steve Wright in the Afternoon. 5.00 Simon Mayo. 7.00 Paul Jones. 8.00 Jo Whiley. 10.00 Frank Sinatra – The Dream Concert.

11.00 Art of Artists with Russell Davies.

Midnight After Midnight. 3.03 Johnnie Walker’s Sounds of the 70s.

THE CHRISTMAS SWITCH 3.45pm, Channel 5

online with the

12.30 SPFL Round-Up (HD). 1.00 Live NFL (HD). Miami Dolphins v New York Giants (Kick-off 1.30am).

4.00 NFL – A Football Life (S,HD).

A profile of Don Shula. 5.00 Football League Gold (S,HD). 5.15 Football League Gold (S,HD). 5.30 Football Gold (S). 5.45 Football Gold (S,HD).

5.20 Shipping Forecast.

Radio 5 Live 5.00am Morning Reports. 5.15 Wake Up to Money. 6.00 5 Live Breakfast. 10.00 5 Live Daily.

1.00pm Afternoon Edition. 4.00 5 Live Drive. 7.00 5 Live Sport: The Monday Night Club. 8.00 5 Live Sport: Premier League Football 2015-16.

10.00 5 Live Sport: 5 Live Football Social. 10.30 Phil Williams. 1.00am Up All Night.

Classic FM 6.00am More Music Breakfast. 9.00 John Suchet. 1.00pm Anne-Marie Minhall. 5.00 Classic FM Drive. 7.00 Smooth Classics at Seven.

8.00 The Full Works Concert. 10.00 Smooth Classics. 1.00am Nick Bailey.

Contact Ed Brown on

0117 9343730 to fnd out more. www.bristolpost.co.uk www.westerndailypress.co.uk www.northsomersetmercury.co.uk

©LW

SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 45

Tuesday December 15 television&radio Tuesday’s Television Guide TV PICKS

LUTHER 9pm, BBC1

Part one of two. The DCI returns to duty to investigate the crimes of a cannibal killer who is roaming London’s streets.

Drama, starring Idris Elba.

BBC1 BBC1

6.00 Breakfast (S,HD). 9.15 Operation Meet the Street (R,S,HD). 10.00 Homes Under the Hammer (R,S,HD). 10.30 Blast Off Live: A Stargazing Special (S,HD). 11.15 Oxford Street Revealed (S,HD). 12.00 Bargain Hunt (R,S,HD). 1.00 BBC News at One; Weather (S,HD). 1.30 Regional News (S). 1.45 Doctors (S,HD). 2.15 The Doctor Blake Mysteries (R,S,HD). 3.10 Escape to the Country (R,S,HD). 3.40 James Martin – Home Comforts at Christmas (S,HD). 4.25 Flog It! (R,S,HD). 5.15 Pointless (R,S,HD).

FILM RATINGS ●●●●● Excellent ●●●● Very good ●●● Good ●● Average ● Poor

BACK IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS 9pm, BBC2

Part two of two. During their trip from the 1970s to the 1990s, the Robshaws discover how the race for a Christmas number one single was born. They also meet an EastEnders star who reminisces about the soap’s tradition of festive misery, and examine Christmas gluttony in the 1990s.

BBC2 BBC2

6.00 Homes Under the Hammer (S,HD). 7.00 Oxford Street Revealed (R,S,HD). 7.45 Family Finders (R,S,HD). 8.15 Sign Zone (R,S,HD). 9.15 Victoria Derbyshire (S,HD).

11.00 BBC News (S,HD). 12.00 Daily Politics (S,HD). 1.00 The Super League Show (S). 1.45 Pressure Pad (R,S,HD). 2.30 The Great British Bake Off (R,S,HD). 3.30 The Great Antiques Map of Britain (R,S,HD). 4.00 The World’s Most Photographed (R,S). 4.30 Wogan: The Best Of (R,S). 5.15 Bargain Hunt (R,S).

SPORTS PERSONALITY – THE FINAL 12 10.35pm, BBC1

MIDSOMER MURDERS 8pm, ITV

Gabby Logan presents a closer look at the contenders for the Sports Personality of the Year award, featuring interviews with the 12 people included on the shortlist.

ITV1 ITV

6.00 Good Morning Britain (S,HD). 8.30 Lorraine (S,HD). 9.25 The Jeremy Kyle Show (S). 10.30 This Morning (S,HD).

12.30 Loose Women (S,HD). With Pointless co-presenter Richard Osman. 1.30 ITV Lunchtime News (S). 1.55 Regional News (S). 2.00 Judge Rinder (S). Real-life cases in a studio courtroom. 3.00 1000 Heartbeats (S,HD). 3.59 Regional Programme (S). 4.00 Tipping Point (S,HD). 5.00 The Chase (S,HD).

When dairy worker Debbie Moffett (played

by Martine McCutcheon) is crushed to death by a giant round of cheese at the home of the world-famous Midsomer Blue, Barnaby and Jones are soon on the case. It emerges Debbie died just hours after an argument at a parents’ council meeting.

Channel Channel 44

6.00 Countdown (R,S,HD). 6.45 3rd Rock from the Sun (R,S). 7.35 Everybody Loves Raymond (R,S). 9.00 Frasier (R,S). 10.00 Undercover Boss USA (R,S). 11.00 Jamie’s Festive Feast (R,S,HD). 12.00 Channel 4 News Summary (S,HD). 12.05 Kirstie’s Crafty Christmas (R,S,HD). 1.05 Celebrity Come Dine with Me: Footballers Special (R,S,HD). 2.10 Deal or No Deal (S,HD). 3.10 Countdown (S,HD). 4.00 Posh Pawnbrokers (S,HD). 5.00 Couples Come Dine with Me (S,HD).

Channel Channel 55

6.00 Milkshake!. 9.15 Christmas with The Wright Stuff (HD). 11.45 Film: Holiday Help (S,HD) (2014). Festive romantic drama, starring Alicia Witt. ●●● 1.30 5 News Lunchtime (S,HD). 1.35 Neighbours (S,HD). 2.05 Film: Mr Miracle (S,HD) (2014). See Choices Above. ●●● 3.50 Film: A Grandpa for Christmas (S,HD) (2007). Family comedy, starring Ernest Borgnine. ●● 5.30 5 News at 5 (S,HD).

Back in Time for Christmas, 9pm

Midsomer Murders, 8pm

Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas, 8pm

Meet the Psychopaths, 9pm

▼

6.00 BBC News at Six; Weather (S,HD).

6.30 Regional News (S).

6.00 Regional News (S); Weather.

6.30 ITV News (S); Weather.

6.00 The Simpsons (S,HD). 15/22.

Bart’s graffiti impresses a group of professional artists.

6.30 Hollyoaks (S,HD). An uninvited guest arrives at the funeral.

6.00 Neighbours (R,S,HD). Doug claims he was driving the car in the accident.

6.30 5 News Tonight (S,HD).

▼

7.00 The One Show (S,HD). Live chat and topical reports.

7.30 EastEnders (S,HD). Linda tries to find Cora somewhere to live.

Followed by Regional News.

6.00 Eggheads (R,S,HD). Quiz show, hosted by Jeremy Vine.

6.30 Strictly Come Dancing – It Takes Two (S,HD). 57/60. Zoe Ball chats to the couple who secured the last final spot.

7.00 Stargazing Live: Brit in Space (S,HD). Dara O Briain and Professor Brian Cox present coverage of British astronaut Tim Peake’s arrival at the International Space Station.

7.00 Emmerdale (S,HD). Laurel admits she is still in love with Ashley.

7.30 Countrywise (S,HD). 7/8. Ben Fogle visits Dartmoor and Paul Heiney heads for Dorset.

7.00 Channel 4 News (S,HD).

7.00 Britain’s Craziest Christmas Lights (R,S). See Choices Above.

Followed by 5 News Update.

▼

8.00 Holby City (S,HD). 10/52. Fran escalates her campaign against Jac, with disastrous consequences, and the AAU team lack festive cheer but Serena finds a way to restore some Christmas goodwill.

8.00 MasterChef: The Professionals (S,HD). 16/21.

The first two semi-finalists battle it out for a place in finals week and cook the most important two courses of their careers for Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti.

8.00 Midsomer Murders (R,S,HD).

6/6. When a dairy worker is crushed to death by a giant round of cheese at the home of the world-famous Midsomer Blue, Barnaby and Jones are soon on the case.

8.00 Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas (S,HD). 3/3. Kirstie Allsopp visits Slovakia to find out how a new wave of crafters are turning old traditions into fast and funky gifts and decorations. Last in the series.

8.00 The Dog Rescuers at Christmas with Alan Davies (S,HD). Part one of two. Lauren Bailey investigates a dogsled organisation in Lapland which is blazing a trail for working huskies. Followed by 5 News Update.

▼

9.00 Luther (S,HD). 1/2. See Choices Above.

9.00 Back in Time for Christmas (S,HD). 2/2. See Choices Above.

9.00 The World’s Most Expensive Christmas (S,HD). See Choices Above.

9.00 Meet the Psychopaths (S,HD).

2/3. Professor Tony Maden looks into the personalities of Jimmy Savile, Adolf Hitler and Robert Maxwell, and reveals how individuals with power can ruin the lives of millions.

▼

10.00 BBC News at Ten (S,HD).

10.25 Regional News (S). Followed

by Regional Programme.

10.35 Sports Personality – The Final 12 (S,HD). See Choices Above.

10.00 Mock the Week (R,S,HD).

10/13. With Ellie Taylor, Josh Widdicombe, Rob Beckett and James Acaster.

10.30 Newsnight (S,HD).

10.00 ITV News at Ten (S); Weather.

10.30 Regional News (S); Weather.

10.40 The Jonathan Ross Show (R,S,HD). 9/11. The host is joined

by Liverpool-born comedian John Bishop, F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, Sound of Music Live! stars Kara Tointon and Mel Giedroyc, and Irish singer Hozier.

10.00 That’s So Last Century (S,HD). 2/3. Jimmy Carr, James Corden, Dom Joly, Will Mellor and Vic Reeves rediscover late 20th century toys like Magic Eye books, Domino Rally, Crossfire, Subbuteo, and the Game Boy.

10.00 CSI: Cyber (S,HD). 12/13. Ryan and Krumitz are taken hostage during an operation.

10.55 CSI: Cyber (S,HD). 13/13. Ryan’s fingerprints are found at the scene of a murder. Last in the series.

▼

6 7 8 9

Holby City, 8pm

11.35 Live at the Apollo (R,S,HD).

6/7. Russell Kane hosts, with guests Roisin Conaty and Nick Helm.

11.10 Weather (S,HD).

11.15 Race to Super Bowl 50 (S,HD). Action from the week 14 fixtures.

11.45 Freeze Out (R,S,HD). Quiz show, hosted by Mark DurdenSmith.

11.00 Tattoo Fixers (R,S,HD). 7/9. A rocker has to get the face of a fellow cricketer tattooed on his leg.

11.50 Benefits: Life on the Dole (R,S,HD). 5/30. People living on state welfare in Portsmouth.

▼

(R) repeat (S) subtitles (HD) highdefinition

12.05 Weather for the Week Ahead (S,HD). 12.10 BBC News (S,HD).

12.05 Sign Zone: The Hunt (R,S,HD).

Predators living in deserts and grasslands.

1.05 Sign Zone: James Martin – Home Comforts at Christmas (R,S,HD). 1.50 Sign Zone: The Naked Choir with Gareth Malone (R,S,HD). Four new groups perform in front of the jury. 2.50 This Is BBC Two (S,HD). Preview of upcoming programmes.

12.35 Jackpot247. Interactive gaming.

3.00 Loose Women (R,HD). With Pointless co-presenter Richard Osman. 3.45 ITV Nightscreen (HD). Text-based information service. 5.05 The Jeremy Kyle Show (R,S,HD). Guests air their differences.

12.00 Poker (S,HD). 1.00 KOTV Boxing Weekly (S,HD). 1.25 Gillette World Sport (S,HD). 1.55 Anglesey Sandman Triathlon (R,S,HD). 2.20 Beat the Sun 2015 (R,S,HD). 3.15 Benchmark (S,HD).

4.05 Location, Location, Location (R,S,HD). 5.05 Kirstie’s Vintage Gems (R,S,HD). 5.10 Deal or No Deal (R,S,HD).

12.45 SuperCasino. Live interactive gaming. 3.10 GPs: Behind Closed Doors (R,S,HD). The work of doctors at a medical practice. 4.00 Wildlife SOS (R,S). 4.20 Divine Designs (R,S). Wall paintings in Oxford and Norfolk. 4.45 House Doctor (R,S). A bungalow in Clapham, West Sussex.

5.10 House Doctor (R,S). 5.35 House Doctor (R,S).

10 11 after

12

FRIDAY 25 MARCH SATURDAY 7 MAY 2016

‘THE UlTIMATE FEEl-GOOD SHOW!’ COMES TO bRISTOl

0844 871 3012 Groups10+ 0844 871 3032

© LITTLESTAR

ClASSIC FM

46 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015

atgtickets.com/bristol

WCL-E01-S2

BRITAIN’S CRAZIEST CHRISTMAS LIGHTS 7pm, Channel 5

THE WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE CHRISTMAS 9pm, Channel 4

Documentary following suppliers who provide a bespoke service to the superrich, including Frances Hallworth-Noble’s London Concierge Company.

ITV2 ITV2

6.00 The Hot Desk: Ed Sheeran (R,S,HD). 6.10 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records (R,S,HD).

6.30 Psych (R,S,HD). 7.10 Emmerdale (R,S,HD). 7.40 Coronation Street (R,S,HD). 8.40 The Cube (R,S,HD). 9.40 Psych (R,S,HD). 10.35 Film: Secret Santa (S) (2003). ●● 12.30 Emmerdale (R,S,HD). 1.00 Coronation Street (R,S,HD). 2.00 Catchphrase (R,S,HD). 2.40 The Jeremy Kyle Show (R,S,HD).

Former Slade frontman Noddy Holder narrates a documentary following four households as they turn their homes into electric winter wonderlands with extensive displays of festive illuminations. For these Christmas obsessives putting up the lights involves a head for heights and DIY wiring skills.

E4 E4

6.00 Revenge (R,S,HD). 6.45 Charmed (R,S). 8.30 Hollyoaks (R,S,HD). 9.00 Rules of Engagement (R,S,HD). 10.00 Melissa & Joey (R,S,HD). 11.00 Charmed (R,S). 1.00 How I Met Your Mother (R,S,HD). 2.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 3.00 Melissa & Joey (R,S,HD). 4.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,S). 5.00 How I Met Your Mother (R,S,HD).

Sky1 Sky1

6.00 The Dog Whisperer (R).

7.00 Monkey Life (R,S). 8.00 RSPCA Animal Rescue (R,S). 9.00 Inside Gatwick (R,S,HD). 10.00 Hawaii Five-0 (R,S,HD). 3.00 Monkey Life (R,S). Trudy falls victim to a mysterious condition.

3.30 About a Boy (R). 4.00 Futurama (R,S,HD). 5.00 Modern Family (R,S,HD). 5.30 Futurama (R,S,HD).

FILM PICKS

Tuesday December 15 television&radio MR MIRACLE 2.05pm, Channel 5

A trainee guardian angel is sent to Earth to help people, but quickly finds he has a lot to learn about human behaviour.

Undaunted, he chooses as his first assignment a woman whose father has recently died, making a bumbling attempt to boost her confidence so she can make a fresh start.

Fantasy comedy based on Debbie Macomber’s novel, starring Rob Morrow and Britt Irvin.

GOLD Gold

7.00 dinnerladies (S). 7.30 The Two Ronnies (S). 8.15 Last of the Summer Wine (S). 8.55 Open All Hours (S). 9.35 Porridge (S). 10.15 The Thin Blue Line (S). 10.55 dinnerladies (S). 11.35 Only Fools and Horses (S). 12.45 Cheers (S).

1.15 The Two Ronnies (S). 2.05 My Family Christmas Special (S). 3.25 Last of the Summer Wine (S). 4.00 Open All Hours (S). 4.40 Porridge (S). 5.20 Only Fools and Horses (S).

SkySports1 Sky Sports 1

7.00 WWE: Smackdown (HD). 8.00 Soccer AM: The Best Bits (HD). 9.00 Fantasy Football Club – The Highlights (S,HD). 9.30 Ford Monday Night Football (HD). 12.00 Football Gold (S,HD). 12.30 SPFL Round-Up (HD). 1.00 Ford Monday Night Football (HD). 3.30 Fantasy Football Club – The Highlights (S,HD). 4.00 Barclays Premier League Review (HD). 5.00 Fantasy Football Club – The Highlights (S,HD). 5.30 SPFL Round-Up (HD).

The Holiday, 9pm

Tripped, 10pm

The Flash, 8pm

Best of Not the ...11.35pm

FL72 Live, 7.30pm

6.00 Judge Rinder (R). Reallife cases in a studio courtroom.

6.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 20/24.

6.30 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 21/24.

6.00 Futurama (R,S,HD).

5/13. Leela’s parents break up.

6.30 The Simpsons (R,S).

2/25.

6.30 The Best of Tommy Cooper. Comedy highlights.

6.00 Fantasy Football Club – The Highlights (S,HD).

6.30 Barclays Premier League Review (HD).

7.00 You’ve Been Framed at Christmas! (R,S).

Harry Hill presents some festive funnies.

7.30 You’ve Been Framed!

(R,S). 13/28.

7.00 Hollyoaks (S,HD). Tony promises to help Ste. 7.30 A to Z (S,HD). 11/13.

“Big Bird” recruits Lora to help her find a way to get Dane to notice her.

7.00 The Simpsons (R,S).

23/25. Apu is threatened with deportation.

7.30 The Simpsons (R,S).

24/25. Homer takes Bart and Lisa to a festival.

7.00 My Family Christmas Special (S). Scrooge-like Ben feigns a mystery illness to avoid the annual festivities.

7.30 FL72 Live (HD). Queens Park Rangers v Brighton & Hove Albion (Kick-off 7.45pm). Coverage of the Championship match at Loftus Road.

8.00 Two and a Half Men (R,S,HD). 2/24. Jake gets into trouble at school.

8.30 Two and a Half Men (R,S,HD). 3/24. Charlie discovers Alan has been seeing his former wife.

8.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 18/24. Leonard is upset when a magazine fails to mention him in an article.

8.30 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 8/24.

8.00 The Flash (S). 9/23. Barry must fight for the city when the Weather Wizard tries to break Captain Cold and the Trickster out of Iron Heights at Christmas.

8.05 Bring Me Morecambe & Wise (S). 2/5. The series paying tribute to the double act continues with a look at some of the most memorable guest stars to appear on their shows.

9.00 The Holiday (S,HD) (2006). Two single women from opposite sides of the Atlantic find love after they swap houses over Christmas.

Romantic comedy, with Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet, Jack Black and Jude Law. ●●

9.00 Star Wars: The Force 9.00 Troy: Cyber Hijack Awakens Special (S).

(S,HD). Magician Troy A look at the latest reveals what can go instalment of the epic sciwrong on social media fi saga. and online, including an innocent temp who gets 9.30 The Simpsons (R,S,HD). more than she bargained 7/22. Principal Skinner for when she unwittingly introduces an incentive downloads a virus. to make pupils behave.

9.05 The Catherine Tate Christmas Show (S).

With guest stars George Michael, Kathy Burke and Philip Glenister.

9.55 Miranda (S). 6/6. The joke-shop owner dreams of the perfect Christmas.

12.15 Two and a Half Men (R,S,HD). 12.45 The Vampire Diaries (R,S,HD). Lily reveals a dark secret. 1.45 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records (R,S,HD). 1.55 Animal Practice (R,S,HD). 2.15 Teleshopping.

Home shopping. 5.45 ITV2 Nightscreen (HD).

12.00 One2Eleven: Joe Cole and Jason Manford (S,HD). 12.15 One2Eleven: AP McCoy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (S,HD). 12.30 One2Eleven: Joe Cole and Jason Manford (S,HD). 12.45 One2Eleven: Gary Neville (S,HD). 1.00 One2Eleven: Gary Neville (S,HD).

1.15 Football League Gold (S,HD).

RADIO

11.15 La Liga World (HD).

A round-up of recent action.

11.45 Football Gold (S).

Manchester United v Liverpool from October 1995.

Radio 1 6.30am The Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Nick Grimshaw.

10.00 Clara Amfo. 12.45pm Newsbeat. 1.00 Scott Mills. 4.00 Greg James. 7.00 Annie Mac. 9.00 BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra’s Stories – The Secret Of Star Wars. 10.00 Huw Stephens.

1.00am Annie Nightingale. 4.00 Adele Roberts.

Radio 2 5.00am Vanessa Feltz. 6.30 Chris Evans. 9.30 Ken Bruce. Noon Jeremy Vine. 2.00 Steve Wright in the Afternoon. 5.00 Simon Mayo. 7.00 Jamie Cullum. 8.00 Jo Whiley. 10.00 Frank Sinatra – The Dream Concert.

11.00 Sounds of the 20th Century.

Midnight After Midnight. 3.00

Sounds of the 80s.

Radio 3 6.30am Breakfast. 9.00 Essential Classics. Noon Composer of the Week: Iceland. 1.00 News. 1.02 Radio 3 Lunchtime Concert. 2.00 Afternoon on 3. 4.30 In Tune. 6.30 Composer of the Week: Iceland. 7.30 Radio 3 in Concert. 10.00 Free Thinking. 10.45 The Essay: Art in a Cold Climate. 11.00 Late Junction.

12.30am Through the Night.

Radio 4 5.30am News Briefing. 5.43 Prayer for the Day. 5.45 Farming Today.

5.58 Tweet of the Day. 6.00 Today.

8.31 (LW) Yesterday in Parliament.

9.00 An Infinite Monkey’s Guide to General Relativity. 9.30 The Misogyny

Book Club. 9.45 (LW) Daily Service.

9.45 (FM) Book of the Week: My History. 10.00 Woman’s Hour. 11.00 Putting Science to Work. 11.30 Soul Music. Noon News. 12.01 (LW) Shipping Forecast. 12.04 2015 Hashtags of the Year. 12.15 Call You and Yours. 12.57 Weather. 1.00 The World at One. 1.45 British Liberalism: The Grand Tour. 2.00 The Archers.

2.15 McLevy. 3.00 The Educators.

3.30 The Shared Experience. 4.00 The Human Zoo. 4.30 Great Lives. 5.00 PM. 5.54 (LW) Shipping Forecast. 5.57 Weather. 6.00 Six O’Clock News. 6.30 Gloomsbury. 7.00 The Archers. 7.15 Front Row. Arts programme 7.45 A

12.10 dinnerladies (S). 12.50 Yes, Prime Minister (S). 1.30 The Catherine Tate Christmas Show (S). With guest stars George Michael, Kathy Burke and Philip Glenister. 2.20 Absolutely Fabulous (S). 3.05 ’Allo ’Allo! (S).

3.35 Best of Not the Nine O’Clock News (S). 4.00 Close Speck of Dust. 8.00 Volunteer Nation.

Bank of England Chief Economist Andy Haldane discusses Britain’s volunteers 8.40 In Touch. 9.00 All in the Mind.

Psychologist Claudia Hammond reveals the latest scientific findings. Last in the series 9.30 An Infinite Monkey’s Guide to General Relativity. 9.59 Weather.

10.00 The World Tonight. News roundup 10.45 Book at Bedtime: Slade House. 11.00 The Show What You Wrote. The sketch series written by the public takes an innovative approach to teaching 11.30 Today in Parliament.

Political round-up Midnight News and Weather. 12.30 Book of the Week: My History. 12.48 Shipping Forecast.

WCL-E01-S2

12.00 Family Guy (R,S). 12.25 Family Guy (R,S). 12.45 Don’t Tell the Bride (R,S,HD). 1.45 Reggie Yates’s Extreme UK: Men at War (R,S,HD). 2.45 Great Movie Mistakes V: Revenge of the Fifth (R,S).

3.00 Don’t Tell the Bride (R,S).

12.00 Swarm: Nature’s Incredible Invasions (R,HD).

1.00 The Fisherman’s Apprentice with Monty Halls (R,HD). 2.00 Horizon: Dinosaurs – The Hunt for Life (R,HD). 3.00 Blood and Gold: The Making of Spain with Simon Sebag Montefiore (R).

7.00 World News Today (HD); Weather.

7.30 The Boats That Built Britain (R).

8.00 Swarm: Nature’s Incredible Invasions (R,HD).

Part one of two.

The awe-inspiring world of animal swarms.

9.00 Blood and Gold: The Making of Spain with Simon Sebag Montefiore (HD).

10.00 Ian Hislop Goes Off the Rails (R).

The impact of the 1963 Beeching Report.

11.00 Life of a Mountain: A Year on Scafell Pike (R,HD).

£30

11.25 The Big Bang Theory 11.00 Hawaii Five-0 (R,S,HD). 11.35 Best of Not the Nine 11.40 Two and a Half Men O’Clock News (S). 5/8.

(R,S,HD). 14/23. Sheldon 14/22. McGarrett and (R,S,HD). 2/24. Jake gets Highlights of the sketch lends Penny money.

Danny are kidnapped by into trouble at school. show. an escaped convict.

11.50 Gogglebox (R,S,HD).

12/12. Opinions on The Stranger on the Bridge and Game of Thrones.

12.00 Hawaii Five-0 (R,S,HD). 1.00 The Force: Manchester (R). 2.00 Road Wars (R,S). 3.00 Armed and Dangerous: Ultimate Forces (R,S). 4.00 Nothing to Declare (R,S). 4.30 Nothing to Declare (R,S). 5.00 UK Border Force (R,S,HD).

BBC4 BBC4

7.00 Top Gear (R,S,HD). Three front-engined supercars are taken on a road trip.

8.00 Don’t Tell the Bride (R,S,HD).

Groom Ian uses the £12,000 budget for an exotic stag do in Thailand.

9.00 Don’t Tell the Bride (S,HD).

Fashionista James plans a cuttingedge, cat-walk fashion show wedding.

10.00 EastEnders (R,S,HD). Linda tries to find Cora somewhere to live.

10.30 Russell Howard’s Good News Extra (R,S,HD).

11.15 Family Guy (R,S).

Online Profle from only

10.35 Absolutely Fabulous 10.00 Micky Flanagan’s 10.15 Barclays Premier 10.00 Tripped (S,HD). 2/4.

(S). Festive special of the Detour de France League Review (HD).

Danny and Milo land in comedy from 2004.

(R,S,HD).

4/4.

Micky and A look back at recent a world where people Edina decides her Noel taste the world’s fixtures in the English keep taking pictures of kitchen needs most expensive soup in Premier League, as the Milo. redecorating – but ends Marseille, visit a season continued with 10.50 The Big Bang Theory up seeking regressional Bordeaux beret museum matches affecting both (R,S,HD). 13/23. Sheldon therapy. and end their tour in ends of the table. develops a scientific Paris on the romantic procedure for making Love Lock bridge. friends.

12.55 Rude Tube (R,S,HD). 2.00 How I Met Your Mother (R,S,HD).

2.20 How I Met Your Mother (R,S,HD). 2.45 Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD (R,S,HD). 3.30 Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD (R,S,HD). 4.15 Revenge (R,S,HD). Emily fights to uncover the truth.

BBC3 BBC3

1.00 As BBC World Service. 5.20 Shipping Forecast.

Radio 5 Live 5.00am Morning Reports. 5.15 Wake Up to Money. 6.00 5 Live Breakfast. 10.00 5 Live Daily.

1.00pm Afternoon Edition. 4.00 5 Live Drive. 7.00 5 Live Sport. 7.45 5 Live Sport: Championship Football 201516. 10.00 5 Live Sport: 5 Live Football Social. 10.30 Phil Williams. 1.00am Up All Night.

Classic FM 6.00am More Music Breakfast. 9.00 John Suchet. 1.00pm Anne-Marie Minhall. 5.00 Classic FM Drive. 7.00 Smooth Classics at Seven.

8.00 The Full Works Concert. 10.00 Smooth Classics. 1.00am Nick Bailey.

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SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 47

Wednesday DecemberGuide 16 television&radio Wednesday’s Television TV PICKS

PEEP SHOW 10pm, Channel 4

As Jeremy turns 40 and struggles with the pace of his romance, Mark aims to make him realise his age, while his own job and love life hang in the balance.

BBC1 BBC1

6.00 Breakfast 9.15 Operation Meet the Street (R,S,HD). 10.00 Homes Under the Hammer (R,S,HD). 11.00 Oxford Street Revealed (S,HD). 11.45 Family Finders (S,HD). 12.15 Bargain Hunt (R,S,HD). 1.00 BBC News at One; Weather (S,HD). 1.30 Regional News (S). 1.45 Doctors (S,HD).

2.15 The Doctor Blake Mysteries (R,S,HD). 3.10 Escape to the Country (R,S,HD). 3.40 James Martin – Home Comforts at Christmas (S,HD). 4.25 Flog It! (R,S,HD). 5.15 Pointless (R,S,HD).

FILM RATINGS ●●●●● Excellent ●●●● Very good ●●● Good ●● Average ● Poor

THE APPRENTICE 9pm, BBC1

As the battle for the £250,000 investment reaches its end, the five remaining candidates must face the interview process with four of Lord Sugar’s trusted advisors. Armed with CVs and business plans, Claude Littner, Claudine Collins, Mike Soutar and Linda Plant show no mercy as they question the entrepreneurs.

BBC2 BBC2

7.00 Oxford Street Revealed 7.45 Flog It! Trade Secrets 8.15 Sign Zone: Simply Nigella 8.45 Sign Zone: Terry and Mason’s Great Food Trip 9.15 Victoria Derbyshire 11.00 BBC News 11.30 Daily Politics 1.00 Lifeline 1.10 Coast 1.15 Britain’s First Photo Album 1.45 Pressure Pad 2.30 The Great British Bake Off (R,S,HD). 3.30 The Great Antiques Map of Britain (R,S,HD). 4.00 The World’s Most Photographed (R,S). 4.30 Wogan: The Best Of (R,S). 5.15 Bargain Hunt (R,S).

JOURNEY DOWN THE YUKON – A SOLDIER’S CHALLENGE 7pm, BBC2

GPS: BEHIND CLOSED DOORS 8pm, Channel 5

This edition sees stomach complaints keep the Balham Park GPs on their toes. Dr Chris Pearce’s patient has suffered stomach pains for years, but tests are proving to be inconclusive. However, the doctor suspects the man’s penchant for chicken nuggets may be the cause - he often eats 30 in one sitting.

Ben Parkinson takes on a mission to canoe down one of the world’s most remote river systems, Canada’s Yukon River.

ITV1 ITV

6.00 Good Morning Britain (S,HD). 8.30 Lorraine (S,HD). 9.25 The Jeremy Kyle Show (S). 10.30 This Morning (S,HD).

12.30 Loose Women (S,HD). Featuring a Text Santa special. 1.30 ITV Lunchtime News (S). 1.55 Regional News (S). 2.00 Judge Rinder (S). Real-life cases in a studio courtroom. 3.00 1000 Heartbeats (S,HD).

3.59 Regional Programme (S). 4.00 Tipping Point (S,HD). 5.00 The Chase (S,HD).

Channel Channel 44

6.00 Countdown (R,S,HD). 6.45 3rd Rock from the Sun (R,S). 7.35 Everybody Loves Raymond (R,S). 9.00 Frasier (R,S).

10.00 Undercover Boss USA (R,S). 11.00 Jamie’s Christmas with Bells On (R,S,HD).

12.00 Channel 4 News Summary (S,HD).

12.05 Kirstie’s Homemade Christmas (R,S,HD). 1.05 Come Dine with Me Christmas Special (R,S,HD). 2.10 Deal or No Deal (S,HD). 3.10 Countdown (S,HD).

4.00 Posh Pawnbrokers (S,HD). 5.00 Couples Come Dine with Me (S,HD).

Channel Channel 55

6.00 Milkshake!. 9.15 Christmas with The Wright Stuff (HD). 11.45 Film: The Nine Lives of Christmas (S,HD) (2014).

Romantic comedy, starring Brandon Routh and Kimberly Sustad. ●●● 1.30 5 News Lunchtime (S,HD). 1.35 Neighbours (S,HD). 2.05 Film: Once Upon a Christmas (S,HD) (2000). See Choices Above. ●● 3.45 Film: A Star for Christmas (S,HD) (2012).

Festive drama, starring Briana Evigan. ●●● 5.30 5 News at 5 (S,HD).

MasterChef: The Professionals, 8pm

You Saw Them Here First, 8pm

24 Hours in A&E, 9pm

Suspects, 10pm

▼

6.00 BBC News at Six; Weather (S,HD).

6.30 Regional News (S).

6.00 Regional News (S); Weather.

6.30 ITV News (S); Weather.

6.00 The Simpsons (S,HD). 16/22.

Homer suffers a bout of incontinence.

6.30 Hollyoaks (S,HD). Tony promises to help Ste get clean.

6.00 Neighbours (R,S,HD). Josh starts to see the benefits of Amber’s proposed move to Brisbane.

6.30 5 News Tonight (S,HD).

▼

7.00 The One Show (S,HD). Matt Baker and Alex Jones present the live magazine show featuring topical reports from around the UK. Followed by Regional News.

6.00 Eggheads (R,S,HD). Quiz show, hosted by Jeremy Vine.

6.30 Strictly Come Dancing – It Takes Two (S,HD). 58/60. Ian Waite analyses the couples’ training.

7.00 Journey Down the Yukon – A Soldier’s Challenge (S,HD).

See Choices Above.

7.00 Emmerdale (S,HD). Zak and Joanie grow closer on a shopping trip.

7.30 Coronation Street (S,HD).

Bethany is shocked to discover Sarah’s secret.

7.00 Channel 4 News (S,HD).

7.00 My Crazy Christmas Obsession (R,S,HD). First of a two-part documentary about people obsessed with the festive period. Followed by 5 News Update.

▼

8.00 Cuffs (S,HD). 8/8. An ex-soldier suffering from PTSD loses his grip on reality, placing the team in danger. Meanwhile, Robert deals with the consequences of his marital betrayal. Last in the series.

8.00 MasterChef: The Professionals (S,HD). 17/21.

Three more chefs battle for a place in the final, spending two days working under Scottish chef Tom Kitchin at his restaurant and cooking two dishes for Monica and Marcus.

8.00 You Saw Them Here First (S,HD). Famous faces including Jane Danson, Chris Chittell, Jake Wood, Maureen Lipman and Jane Horrocks relive their earliest appearances in the public eye.

8.00 The Supervet (S,HD). 4/5.

Professor Noel Fitzpatrick treats an Alsatian puppy that needs surgery on his hips and front leg using groundbreaking cell treatment.

8.00 GPs: Behind Closed Doors (S,HD). See Choices Above.

Followed by 5 News Update.

▼

9.00 The Apprentice (S,HD). 11/12.

See Choices Above.

9.00 Love You to Death: A Year of Domestic Violence (S,HD).

Vanessa Engle’s landmark documentary explores the untold human stories behind domestic violence towards women by the men who knew them intimately.

9.00 Prey (S,HD). 2/3. See Choices Above.

9.00 24 Hours in A&E (S,HD). A 22-year-old motorcyclist is brought into A&E after crashing into a car and being thrown 30 metres, while doctors worry a 78-year-old former nurse has had a stroke.

9.00 Can’t Pay? Benefits Special (S,HD). 12/13. The agents grapple with emotional evictions and moral dilemmas, including an acrimonious divorce, in this seasonal edition of the documentary.

▼

10.00 BBC News at Ten (S,HD).

10.25 Regional News (S). Followed

by Regional Programme.

10.35 The Apprentice: Why I Fired Them (S,HD). /12. Ahead of the final, Lord Sugar looks back on the tasks from this year’s series and assesses the candidates’ performances.

10.00 The Apprentice: You’re Fired (S,HD). 11/11. The panel meets the candidates that failed to make it past the interviews.

10.30 Newsnight (S,HD).

10.00 ITV News at Ten (S); Weather.

10.30 Regional News (S); Weather.

10.40 Being Kevin Pietersen (S,HD).

Documentary about the South Africa-born former England batsman, following his life in the aftermath of his exclusion from the England cricket team in 2014. Previously Shown on ITV4.

10.00 Peep Show (S,HD). 6/6. See Choices Above.

10.30 Toast of London (S,HD). 5/6.

Steven has to deal with his nemesis’s “even worse” twin brother.

10.00 Suspects (S,HD). 4/4. The detectives are met with a wall of silence when they try to find out who was responsible for the brutal attack of an elderly widow in her home. Last in the series.

▼

6 7 8 9

Cuffs, 8pm

11.35 Film 2015 (S,HD). Review of the new Star Wars film, The Force Awakens.

11.10 Weather (S,HD).

11.15 The Secret History of the British Garden (R,S,HD). 4/4.

Gardening over the past 100 years. Last in the series.

11.40 Tipping Point (R,S,HD). Game show, hosted by Ben Shephard.

11.05 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown (R,S,HD). 17/17.

With Greg Davies, Holly Walsh and Vic Reeves. Last in the series.

11.00 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (S,HD). 22/23. A kidnap victim’s leg is discovered in a canal.

11.55 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (S,HD). 23/23.

▼

(R) repeat (S) subtitles (HD) highdefinition

12.05 Weather for the Week Ahead (S,HD). 12.10 BBC News (S,HD).

12.15 Sign Zone: James Martin – Home Comforts at Christmas (R,S,HD). The chef demonstrates festive recipes inspired by his childhood. 1.00 Sign Zone: World’s Weirdest Events (R,S,HD). Documentary exploring the unexplained, unexpected and unidentifiable. 2.00 This Is BBC Two (S,HD). Preview of upcoming programmes.

12.40 Jackpot247. Interactive gaming.

3.00 Ejector Seat (R,S,HD). Quiz show, hosted by Andi Peters. 3.50 ITV Nightscreen (HD). Text-based information service. 5.05 The Jeremy Kyle Show (R,S,HD). Guests air their differences.

12.05 4Music: Best Before: Music on 4 (S,HD). 12.30 Film: Jennifer’s Body (S,HD) (2009). See Choices Above. ●●● 2.20 Film: Robin and Marian (S,HD) (1976). Medieval adventure, starring Sean Connery and Audrey Hepburn. ●●●● 4.10 Location, Location, Location (R,S,HD). 5.05 Kirstie’s Vintage Gems (R,S,HD). 5.10 Deal or No Deal (R,S,HD).

12.45 SuperCasino. Live interactive gaming. 3.10 Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild UK (R,S,HD). A man who runs a guest house on Fair Isle off the coast of Scotland. 4.00 Wildlife SOS (R,S). 4.20 Divine Designs (R,S). Medieval religious architecture. 4.45 House Doctor (R,S).

5.10 House Doctor (R,S). 5.35 House Doctor (R,S).

10 11 after

12

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SUPERNATURAL 10.05pm, E4

PREY 9pm, ITV

A revelation leaves Murdoch and Jules unsure of who is holding Lucy. The hunt takes them to Blackpool, Jules’s hometown, but Reinhardt is one step ahead. Starring Philip Glenister.

ITV2 ITV2

6.00 You’ve Been Framed! (R,S).

6.25 Psych (R,S,HD). 7.10 Emmerdale (R,S,HD). 7.40 Funniest Ever You’ve Been Framed! (R,S). 8.40 The Cube (R,S,HD). 9.40 Psych (R,S,HD).

10.35 Film: Merry In-Laws (S,HD) (2012). ●●● 12.30 Emmerdale (R,S,HD). 1.00 You’ve Been Framed at Christmas! (R,S). 2.00 Catchphrase (R,S,HD). 2.40 The Jeremy Kyle Show (R,S,HD).

After the massacre at the ranch, Dean, Sam and Castiel double their efforts to find a cure for the Mark of Cain. However, when there is nothing in the lore that can help them, Castiel comes up with a desperate idea.

Meanwhile, Rowena continues to scheme against Crowley.

E4 E4

6.00 Revenge (R,S,HD). 6.45 Charmed (R,S). 8.30 Hollyoaks (R,S,HD). 9.00 Rules of Engagement (R,S,HD). 10.00 Melissa & Joey (R,S,HD). 11.00 Charmed (R,S). 1.00 How I Met Your Mother (R,S,HD). 2.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 3.00 Melissa & Joey (R,S,HD). 4.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 5.00 How I Met Your Mother (R,S,HD).

Sky1 Sky1

6.00 The Dog Whisperer (R,S).

7.00 Monkey Life (R,S). 8.00 RSPCA Animal Rescue (R,S). 9.00 Inside Gatwick (R,S,HD). 10.00 Hawaii Five-0 (R,S,HD). 3.00 Monkey Life (R,S). Two capuchin monkeys try to make new friends.

3.30 About a Boy (R). 4.00 Futurama (R,S,HD). 5.00 Modern Family (R,S,HD). 5.30 Futurama (R,S,HD).

FILM PICKS

Wednesday December 16 television&radio JENNIFER’S BODY 12.30am, Channel 4

ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS 2.05pm, Channel 5

A cheerleader is possessed by a fdemon and systematically seduces and devours the male population of her high school. Comedy horror, with Megan Fox.

GOLD Gold

7.05 dinnerladies 7.35 The Thin Blue Line 8.15 Last of the Summer Wine 9.00 Open All Hours 9.40 Porridge 10.20 The Thin Blue Line 11.00 dinnerladies 11.40 Only Fools and Horses 12.50 Cheers 1.20 Christmas Night with the Two Ronnies. 2.25 My Family Christmas Special 3.30 Last of the Summer Wine 4.15 Open All Hours 4.55 Porridge 5.30 The Green Green Grass (S).

The children of a disillusioned Father Christmas decide to prove the seasonal spirit is alive and well. Drama, starring Kathy Ireland.

SkySports1 Sky Sports 1

9.30 Fantasy Football Club – The Highlights 10.00 Football League Gold 10.15 Football Gold 11.00 Premier League 100 Club 11.30 Barclays Premier League Legends 12.00 La Liga World 12.30 Fantasy Football Club – The Highlights 1.00 Premier League 100 Club 1.30 Barclays Premier League Legends 2.00 Football League Gold 2.15 Football Gold 3.00 Premier League 100 Club 3.30 La Liga World 4.00 Premier League 100 Club 4.30 Barclays Premier League Legends 5.00 Soccer AM: The Best Bits

Love Actually, 9pm

Supernatural, 10pm

Arrow, 8pm

Only Fools and … 8.40pm

FL72 Live, 7.30pm

6.00 Judge Rinder (R). Reallife cases in a studio courtroom.

6.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 22/24.

6.30 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 23/24.

6.00 Futurama (R,S,HD).

7/13. Hermes signs on for a bionic upgrade.

6.30 The Simpsons (R,S).

4/25.

6.30 Police Squad! (S). 4/6.

Drebin discovers an ominous love triangle.

6.00 Premier League 100 Club (S,HD).

6.30 Barclays Premier League Legends (S,HD).

7.00 You’ve Been Framed!

(R,S). 9/28. Humorous footage, including an out-of-control rally car.

7.30 You’ve Been Framed!

(R,S). 10/28.

7.00 Hollyoaks (S,HD).

7.30 The Twilight Saga: New Moon (S,HD) (2009). Romantic fantasy sequel, starring Kristen Stewart. ●●●

7.00 The Simpsons (R,S).

25/25. Lisa changes her image.

7.30 The Simpsons (R,S).

1/20. With the voice of Lionel Richie.

7.00 Steptoe and Son (S).

Christmas special from 1973.

7.00 Football League Gold (S,HD).

7.15 Football Gold (S).

7.30 FL72 Live (HD). Hull City v Reading (Kick-off 7.45pm).

8.00 Two and a Half Men (R,S,HD). 4/24. Berta causes tension between Charlie and Alan.

8.30 Two and a Half Men (R,S,HD). 5/24. Jake seeks advice about a girl at school.

8.00 Arrow (S). 9/23. Oliver makes a daring move after the city comes under attack again, Malcolm gives Thea a warning while Damien Darhk retaliates in a terrible way.

8.00 Miranda (S). 6/6. The joke-shop owner dreams of the perfect Christmas.

8.40 Only Fools and Horses (S). 3/3. The Trotters finally strike gold.

9.00 Love Actually (S,HD) (2003). Interlinked tales of several people in search of love. Richard Curtis’s romantic comedy, with Hugh Grant, Martine McCutcheon, Emma Thompson and Colin Firth. ●●●

9.00 Star Wars: The Force Awakens Premiere (S).

9.30 Star Wars: The Force Awakens Special (R,S).

A look at the latest instalment of the epic scifi saga.

10.05 Supernatural (S,HD).

10/23. See Choices Above.

10.00 Prison: First and Last 24 Hours (S). 8/8.

Documentary following convicted criminals in four Scottish prisons on the two most important days of their sentences – their arrival and their release. Last in the series.

10.00 Legends of Stand-Up 10.15 Soccer AM: The Best Christmas Special (S).

Bits (HD). A look back at 6/6. A festive night at some of the highlights of the fantasy comedy club Saturday’s show. is brought to life by compere Bernard Righton (John Thomson). Last in the series.

11.00 The Vicar of Dibley (S). 11.15 One2Eleven: Jack 1/2. Part one of two. A Rodwell and Kyle handsome newcomer Walker (S,HD). wins the vicar’s heart.

11.30 Barclays Premier League Legends (S,HD).

12.40 Two and a Half Men (R,S,HD). 1.05 Two and a Half Men (R,S,HD). 1.30 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records (R,S,HD). The heaviest mantle of bees. 2.00 Animal Practice (R,S,HD). 2.20 Teleshopping. Home shopping.

5.50 ITV2 Nightscreen (HD).

12.00 Gogglebox (R,S,HD). 1.05 Rude Tube: Extreme Rides (R,S,HD). 2.10 Supernatural (R,S,HD). 2.55 Gogglebox (R,S,HD). 3.50 Rules of Engagement (R,S,HD). 4.15 Revenge (R,S,HD). Emily is forced to admit her guilt.

12.00 Hawaii Five-0 (R,S,HD). 1.00 The Force: Manchester (R). 2.00 Road Wars (R,S). 3.00 Armed and Dangerous: Ultimate Forces (R,S). 4.00 Nothing to Declare (R,S). 4.30 Nothing to Declare (R,S). 5.00 UK Border Force (R,S,HD).

12.15 Best of Not the Nine O’Clock News (S). 12.50 Absolutely Fabulous (S). 1.30 Outnumbered (S). 2.10 ’Allo ’Allo! (S). 2.40 ’Allo ’Allo! (S).

3.10 ’Allo ’Allo! (S). Von Klinkerhoffen orders Rene and Edith to dress up as Hitler and Goering. 4.00 Close

RADIO

11.00 Hawaii Five-0 (R,S,HD).

16/22. Conspiracy theorist Jerry Ortega helps the team investigate a triple homicide.

Online Shopping, Indian Style. 11.30 The Stanley Baxter Playhouse. Noon News. 12.01 (LW) Shipping Forecast.

12.04 2015 Hashtags of the Year.

12.15 You and Yours. 12.57 Weather.

1.00 The World at One. 1.45 British Liberalism: The Grand Tour. 2.00 The Archers. 2.15 Drama: Tumanbay. 3.00 Money Box Live. 3.30 All in the Mind.

4.00 Thinking Allowed. 4.30 The Media Show. 5.00 PM. With Eddie Mair 5.54 (LW) Shipping Forecast. 6.00 Six O’Clock News. 6.30 Tom Wrigglesworth’s Hang-Ups. 7.00 The Archers. Rob has an idea about Christmas 7.15 Front Row. Arts programme 7.45 A Speck of Dust. By

12.05 Family Guy (R,S).

12.30 Josh (R,S,HD). 1.00 Russell Howard’s Good News (R,S,HD). 1.30 Don’t Tell the Bride (R,S,HD).

2.25 Cuckoo (R,S,HD). 2.55 Cuckoo (R,S,HD). 3.25 Josh (R,S).

1.15 Horizon Special: Beyond the Moon (R,HD).

2.15 Botany: A Blooming History (R).

7.00 World News Today (HD) 7.30 The Boats That Built Britain (R).

8.00 Timeshift: How Britain Won the Space Race – The Story of Bernard Lovell and Jodrell Bank (R,HD). The story of how one man turned a field into a key site in the Space Race.

9.00 Horizon Special: Beyond the Moon (HD).

Looking at space exploration and exploitation.

10.00 Horizon: Secrets of the Solar System (R,HD).

New theories about the origins of the solar system.

11.00 2001: A Space Odyssey (HD) (1968). Sci-fi epic, starring Keir Dullea. ●●●●●

£30 per month

Get your

BUSINESS

11.05 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 15/23.

Leonard’s mother visits.

Guest starring Christine Baranski.

11.35 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 16/23.

Essential Classics. Noon Composer of the Week: Iceland. 1.00 News. 1.02 Radio 3 Lunchtime Concert. 2.00 Afternoon on 3. 3.30 Choral Evensong.

4.30 In Tune. 6.30 Composer of the Week: Iceland. 7.30 Radio 3 in Concert.

10.00 Free Thinking. 10.45 The Essay: Art in a Cold Climate. 11.00 Late Junction. 12.30am Through the Night.

Radio 4 5.30am News Briefing. 5.43 Prayer for the Day. 5.45 Farming Today.

5.58 Tweet of the Day. 6.00 Today.

8.31 (LW) Yesterday in Parliament. 9.00 Midweek. 9.45 (LW) Daily Service. 9.45 (FM) Book of the Week: My History.

10.00 Woman’s Hour. 10.56 The Listening Project: Lebanon. 11.00

BBC4 BBC4

7.00 Top Gear (R,S,HD).

8.00 Don’t Tell the Bride (R,S,HD).

James plans a cutting-edge, catwalk fashion show wedding.

9.00 Cocaine Capital of the World: Stacey Dooley Investigates (R,S,HD). The presenter meets people involved in the global drugs trade.

10.00 Russell Howard’s Good News (R,S,HD).

10.30 Josh (S,HD). Kate and Owen organise a fancy dress party for Josh’s birthday.

Last in the series.

11.00 Family Guy (R,S,HD).

11.45 American Dad! (R,S,HD).

Online Profle from only

11.45 The Vampire Diaries (S,HD). Stefan and Damon plan to eliminate a new threat posed by Julian.

Radio 1 6.30am The Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Nick Grimshaw. 10.00 Clara Amfo. 12.45pm Newsbeat. 1.00 Scott Mills. 4.00 Greg James. 7.00 Annie Mac. 9.00 The Surgery with Gemma & Dr Radha. 10.00 Huw Stephens.

1.00am Benji B. 4.00 Adele Roberts.

Radio 2 5.00am Vanessa Feltz. 6.30 Chris Evans. 9.30 Ken Bruce. Noon Jeremy Vine. 2.00 Steve Wright in the Afternoon. 5.00 Simon Mayo. 7.00 The Folk Show with Mark Radcliffe. 8.00 Jo Whiley. 10.00 Ardent Records Story.

11.00 Trevor Nelson’s Soul Show.

Midnight After Midnight. 3.00 Pick of the Pops.

Radio 3 6.30am Breakfast. 9.00

BBC3 BBC3

Sarah Woods 8.00 What Is IS? The ideological threads that make up the so-called Islamic State 9.00 Would You Eat an Alien? Exploring the problem of eating aliens 9.30 Midweek. Presented

by Libby Purves 9.59 Weather. 10.00 The World Tonight. With Ritula Shah 10.45 Book at Bedtime: Slade House.

By David Mitchell 11.00 Little Lifetimes

by Jenny Eclair. A dressmaker alters a dress for a young woman who is about to get married 11.15 Before They Were Famous. Spoof documentary looking at the surprising early careers of celebrated authors 11.30 Today in Parliament.

Presented by Susan Hulme Midnight News and Weather. 12.31 Book of the

WCL-E01-S2

online with the

12.00 One2Eleven (S,HD). 12.45 Football League Gold (S,HD). 1.00 Barclays Premier League Legends (S,HD). 1.30 Football Gold (S). 1.45 Football Gold (S,HD). 2.00 Football Gold (S). 2.15 Football League Gold (S,HD). 2.30 Premier League 100 Club (S,HD).

Week: My History. 12.48 Shipping Forecast. 1.00 As BBC World Service.

5.20 Shipping Forecast.

Radio 5 Live 5.00am Morning Reports. 5.15 Wake Up to Money. 6.00 5 Live Breakfast. 10.00 5 Live Daily.

1.00pm Afternoon Edition. 4.00 5 Live Drive. 7.00 5 Live Sport. 7.30 5 Live Sport: Wednesday Night Club. 9.00 5 Live Sport: Euro Football. 10.30 Phil Williams. 1.00am Up All Night.

Classic FM 6.00am More Music Breakfast. 9.00 John Suchet. 1.00pm Anne-Marie Minhall. 5.00 Classic FM Drive. 7.00 Smooth Classics at Seven.

8.00 The Full Works Concert. 10.00 Smooth Classics. 1.00am Nick Bailey.

Contact Ed Brown on

0117 9343730 to fnd out more. www.bristolpost.co.uk www.westerndailypress.co.uk www.northsomersetmercury.co.uk

©LW

SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 49

TV PICKS

Thursday December 17 television&radio Thursday’s Television Guide THE NATION’S FAVOURITE BOND SONG 9pm, ITV

Documentary telling the stories behind 20 songs from the 007 movies, with contributions from Duran Duran.

MasterChef judge Gregg Wallace and greengrocer Chris Bavin don their Santa hats to help the Goff family save money and time this Christmas. This is the one time of year that people go all out, but is it possible to put on the perfect party without breaking the bank?

Maitre d’ Fred hosts a festive party in which he welcomes back some of the couples who found love in the restaurant, as well as three daters returning for a second chance.

ITV1 ITV

The children from the original Secret Life of 4 Year Olds reunite to put on their own nativity play, along with some of the five and six-yearolds from the more recent series. Homeschooled Cuba struggles to work with the others, while Elvin lands the role of narrator.

Channel Channel 44

Channel Channel 55

6.00 Oxford Street Revealed (R,S,HD). 6.45 Family Finders (S,HD). 7.15 Flog It! Trade Secrets (R,S,HD). 8.15 Sign Zone: MasterChef: The Professionals (R,S,HD).

9.15 Victoria Derbyshire (S,HD). 11.00 BBC News (S,HD). 12.00 Daily Politics (S,HD). 1.00 Cash in the Attic (R,S). 1.45 Pressure Pad (R,S,HD). 2.30 The Great British Bake Off (R,S,HD). 3.30 The Great Antiques Map of Britain (R,S,HD). 4.00 The World’s Most Photographed (R,S). 4.30 Wogan: The Best Of (R,S). 5.15 Bargain Hunt (R,S,HD).

Eat Well for Less at Christmas? 8pm

Russell Howard’s Good News, 10pm

Coronation Street, 8.30pm

The Secret Life of Children … 8pm

Ben Fogle: New Lives in the … 9pm

▼

6.00 Countdown (R,S,HD). 6.45 3rd Rock from the Sun (R,S). 7.35 Everybody Loves Raymond (R,S). 9.00 Frasier (R,S). 10.00 Undercover Boss USA (R,S). 11.00 Jamie’s Christmas with Bells On (R,S,HD). 12.00 Channel 4 News Summary (S,HD). 12.05 Kirstie’s Homemade Christmas (R,S,HD). 1.05 Come Dine with Me: Celebrity Christmas Special (R,S,HD). 2.10 Deal or No Deal (S,HD). 3.10 Countdown (S,HD). 4.00 Posh Pawnbrokers (S,HD). 5.00 Couples Come Dine with Me (S,HD).

6.00 Breakfast (S,HD). 9.15 Operation Meet the Street (R,S,HD). 10.00 Homes Under the Hammer (S,HD). 11.00 Oxford Street Revealed (S,HD). 11.45 Family Finders (S,HD). 12.15 Bargain Hunt (R,S,HD). 1.00 BBC News at One; Weather (S,HD). 1.30 Regional News (S). 1.45 Doctors (S,HD).

2.15 The Doctor Blake Mysteries (R,S,HD).

3.10 Escape to the Country (S,HD). 3.40 James Martin – Home Comforts at Christmas (S,HD). 4.25 Flog It! (R,S,HD). 5.15 Pointless (R,S,HD).

6.00 BBC News at Six; Weather (S,HD).

6.30 Regional News (S).

6.00 The Simpsons (S,HD). 17/22.

6.30 Hollyoaks (S,HD). Celine finds a bracelet and gets the wrong idea.

6.00 Neighbours (R,S,HD). Belinda accuses Toadie of reporting her relationship with Steph to the hospital.

6.30 5 News Tonight (S,HD).

7.00 The One Show (S,HD). Topical stories from around the UK. 7.30 EastEnders (S,HD). Jean arrives and tells Stacey the secret of her key. Followed by Regional News.

6.00 Eggheads (R,S,HD). Quiz show, hosted by Jeremy Vine.

6.30 Strictly Come Dancing – It Takes Two (S,HD). 59/60. Zoe Ball is joined by the finalists’ friends and family.

7.00 Ronnie Barker: The Many Faces Of (R,S,HD). 1/4. A profile of the comedy actor and writer, who found national fame in The Two Ronnies and Porridge.

6.00 Regional News (S); Weather.

6.30 ITV News (S); Weather.

▼

6.00 Good Morning Britain (S,HD). 8.30 Lorraine (S,HD). 9.25 The Jeremy Kyle Show (S). 10.30 This Morning (S,HD).

12.30 Loose Women (S,HD). With comedian and actor Jack Dee. 1.30 ITV Lunchtime News (S). 1.55 Regional News (S). 2.00 Judge Rinder (S). Real-life cases in a studio courtroom. 3.00 1000 Heartbeats (S,HD). 3.59 Regional Programme (S). 4.00 Tipping Point (S,HD). 5.00 The Chase (S,HD).

THE SECRET LIFE OF CHILDREN AT CHRISTMAS 8pm, Channel 4

7.00 Emmerdale (S,HD). Emma wants to have access to Moses.

7.30 Taxi Wars: Tonight (S,HD).

British cabbies’ battle against Californian app-driven taxi service Uber.

7.00 Channel 4 News (S,HD).

7.00 Crazy Christmas Compulsives (R,S,HD). Part two of two. Another selection of people who take festive revelry to the extreme.

Followed by 5 News Update.

▼

BBC2 BBC2

FIRST DATES: THE PROPOSAL 9pm, Channel 4

8.00 Eat Well for Less at Christmas? (S,HD). See Choices Above.

8.00 MasterChef: The Professionals (S,HD). 18/21.

The last semi-final sees the remaining hopefuls work a busy service at the Northcote restaurant in Lancashire, and recreating one of head chef Lisa Allen’s signature dishes.

8.00 Emmerdale (S,HD). Moses’ life hangs in the balance.

8.30 Coronation Street (S,HD).

Rob sees through Tracy’s lies when she visits him in prison and vows his revenge.

Meanwhile, Michael is publicly accused.

8.00 The Secret Life of Children at Christmas (S,HD). See Choices Above..

8.00 Alex Polizzi’s Italian Islands (S,HD). Alex explores southern Sicily, visiting a subterranean cathedral, dropping in on a family friend and enjoying a fiesta in the fishing village of San Vito. Last in the series.

Followed by 5 News Update.

▼

BBC1 BBC1

EAT WELL FOR LESS AT CHRISTMAS? 8pm, BBC1

9.00 DIY SOS: The Big Build (S,HD).

The team are joined by tradespeople in Holmfirth to transform the family home of Richard Ford, who is confined to a wheelchair after a brainstem stroke in 2012.

9.00 The Great British Bake Off Christmas Masterclass (S,HD). See Choices Above.

9.00 The Nation’s Favourite Bond Song (S,HD). See Choices Above.

9.00 First Dates: The Proposal (S,HD). See Choices Above.

9.00 Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Snow (R,S,HD). 4/4. See Choices Above.

FILM RATINGS ●●●●● Excellent ●●●● Very good ●●● Good ●● Average ● Poor

6.00 Milkshake!. 9.15 Christmas with The Wright Stuff (HD). 11.45 Film: Twelve Trees of Christmas (S,HD) (2013).

Drama, starring Lindy Booth. ●●● 1.30 5 News Lunchtime (S,HD). 1.35 Neighbours (S,HD). 2.05 Film: Christmas Wishes (S,HD) (2012). Christmas family drama, starring Jason Gedrick. ●●● 3.45 Film: I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus (S,HD) (2002). See Choices Above. ● 5.30 5 News at 5 (S,HD).

(R) repeat (S) subtitles (HD) highdefinition

6 7 8 9

12

▼

after

10.30 ITV News (S); Weather.

10.00 Very British Problems Christmas Special (S,HD). A one-off return for the show in which famous faces including David Tennant, James Corden, Romesh Ranganathan, Catherine Tate and Danny Dyer grumble about the festive season.

10.00 Christmas on the Poverty Line (S,HD). 3/4. People facing Christmas with little money, including a Lancashire couple who scour social media for free gifts and a Blackpool woman facing her first festive holiday on benefits.

▼

11

10.00 Russell Howard’s Good News (S,HD). 9/9. Highlights and out-takes from the show.

Last in the series.

10.30 Newsnight (S,HD).

11.35 This Week (S,HD). The past seven days in politics.

11.10 Weather (S,HD).

11.15 Journey Down the Yukon – A Soldier’s Challenge (R,S,HD). Ben Parkinson takes on a mission to canoe down Canada’s Yukon River.

11.00 Regional News (S); Weather.

11.15 The World According to Kenny Everett (R,S,HD).

Profile of the comedian and DJ.

11.05 Gogglebox (R,S,HD). The households’ opinions on recent TV.

11.00 Can’t Pay? Benefits Special (R,S,HD). 12/13. Seasonal edition of the documentary.

Last in the series.

▼

10

10.00 BBC News at Ten (S,HD).

10.25 Regional News (S).

10.35 Question Time (S,HD). 14/36.

Topical debate from Slough, Berkshire, chaired by David Dimbleby.

12.20 Weather for the Week Ahead (S,HD). 12.25 BBC News (S,HD).

12.15 Sign Zone: Can You Stop My Multiple Sclerosis? Panorama (R,S).

12.45 Sign Zone: James Martin – Home Comforts at Christmas (R,S,HD). With guest Charlie Dimmock. 1.30 Sign Zone: David Gilmour: Wider Horizons (R,S,HD).

A portrait of the former Pink Floyd guitarist. 2.40 This Is BBC Two (S,HD).

Preview of upcoming programmes.

12.15 Jackpot247. Interactive gaming.

3.00 Taxi Wars: Tonight (R,S,HD). British cabbies’ battle against Californian appdriven taxi service Uber. 3.25 ITV Nightscreen (HD). Text-based information service. 5.05 The Jeremy Kyle Show (R,S,HD). Guests air their differences.

12.10 24 Hours in A&E (R,S,HD). 1.05 Liberty of London (R,S,HD). 2.00 Embarrassing Bodies (R,S). 2.55 Unreported World (R,S,HD). 3.20 How the Monarchy Can Make You Millions: Channel 4 Dispatches (R,S,HD). 3.50 Location, Location, Location (R,S,HD).

4.45 Deal or No Deal (R,S,HD). 5.35 1001 Things You Should Know (R,S,HD).

12.00 SuperCasino. Live interactive gaming. 3.10 UK’s Strongest Man 2015 (R,S,HD). The World’s Ultimate Strongest Team event. 4.00 Wildlife SOS (R,S). 4.20 Divine Designs (R,S). St Mary Abchurch.

4.45 House Doctor (R,S). How to make small rooms appear bigger. 5.10 House Doctor (R,S). A Manchester loft apartment.

5.35 House Doctor (R,S).

FRIDAY 25 MARCH SATURDAY 7 MAY 2016

‘THE UlTIMATE FEEl-GOOD SHOW!’ COMES TO bRISTOl

0844 871 3012 Groups10+ 0844 871 3032

©LITTLESTAR

ClASSIC FM

50 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015

atgtickets.com/bristol

WCL-E01-S2

BEN FOGLE: NEW LIVES IN THE SNOW 9pm, Channel 5

THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF CHRISTMAS MASTERCLASS 9pm, BBC2

Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry make a selection of festive recipes, including pavlova wreath, Rosace a L’Orange and turkey and ham pie.

ITV2 ITV2

6.00 You’ve Been Framed! (R,S). 6.25 Psych (R,S,HD). 7.10 Emmerdale (R,S,HD). 7.40 Coronation Street (R,S,HD). 8.10 You’ve Been Framed!

(R,S). 8.40 The Cube (R,S,HD). 9.40 Psych (R,S,HD). 10.35 Film: Holiday Engagement (S,HD) (2011). See Choices Above.. ●● 12.30 Emmerdale (R,S,HD). 1.00 Coronation Street (R,S,HD). 1.30 You’ve Been Framed!

(R,S). 2.00 Catchphrase (R,S,HD). 2.40 The Jeremy Kyle Show (R,S,HD).

Ben meets a 40-year-old British woman who gave up her old life as a communications manager to train huskies inside the Arctic Circle in northern Sweden. He joins Gaynor Leeper and her new husband Milos in their hand-built cabin, which has neither electricity nor running water.

E4 E4

6.00 Rude(ish) Tube (R,S). 6.45 Charmed (R,S). 8.30 Hollyoaks (R,S,HD). 9.00 Rules of Engagement (R,S,HD). 10.00 Melissa & Joey (R,S,HD). 11.00 Charmed (R,S). 1.00 How I Met Your Mother (R,S,HD). 2.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 3.00 Melissa & Joey (R,S,HD). 4.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 5.00 How I Met Your Mother (R,S,HD).

Sky1 Sky1

6.00 The Dog Whisperer (R,S).

7.00 Monkey Life (R,S). 8.00 RSPCA Animal Rescue (R,S). 9.00 Inside Gatwick (R,S,HD). 10.00 Hawaii Five-0 (R,S,HD). 3.00 Monkey Life (R,S). Goldencheeked gibbon Peanut presents her newborn. 3.30 About a Boy (R). 4.00 Futurama (R,S,HD). 5.00 Modern Family (R,S,HD). 5.30 Futurama (R,S,HD).

FILM PICKS

Thursday December 17 television&radio HOLIDAY ENGAGEMENT 10.35am, ITV2

I SAW MOMMY KISSING SANTA CLAUS 3.45pm, Channel 5

A woman who has lived her life under A boy is shocked to catch his mother in the constant pressure from her mother to find a arms of Father Christmas – unaware that it is man gets engaged, only for her fiance to his dad in costume. Determined to make sure leave her. Rather than face parental Santa does not ruin his parents’ marriage, the disapproval, she hires an actor to pose as youngster resolves to be as naughty as her future husband. Comedy, with Bonnie possible to stop him paying their household a Somerville, Shelley Long and Haylie Duff. visit. Family comedy, starring Connie Sellecca.

GOLD Gold

7.00 dinnerladies (S). 7.30 The Thin Blue Line (S). 8.00 Christmas Night with the Two Ronnies. 9.00 Last of the Summer Wine (S). 9.40 Open All Hours (S). 10.20 Porridge (S). 11.00 dinnerladies (S). 11.30 The Green Green Grass (S). 12.30 Cheers (S).

1.00 Steptoe and Son (S). 2.00 Only Fools and Horses (S). 3.25 Last of the Summer Wine (S). 4.00 Open All Hours (S). 4.40 Porridge (S). 5.20 Only Fools and Horses (S).

SkySports1 Sky Sports 1

8.30 Live Big Bash Cricket (HD). Sydney Thunder v Sydney Sixers. 12.00 Shane Warne – Living the Dream (HD). 1.30 Cricket’s Greatest (S,HD). 2.00 Football League Gold (S,HD). 2.15 Football Gold (S). 3.00 Premier League 100 Club (S,HD).

3.30 Fantasy Football Club – The Highlights (S,HD). 4.00 Premier League 100 Club (S,HD). 4.30 Barclays Premier League Legends (HD). 5.00 Football Gold (S,HD). 5.30 Barclays Premier League World (S,HD).

Celebrity Juice: ...10pm

The Big Bang Theory, 8pm

Supergirl, 8pm

Outnumbered, 9.30pm

FL72 Live, 7.30pm

6.00 Judge Rinder (R). Reallife cases in a studio courtroom.

6.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 24/24.

6.30 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 1/24.

6.00 Futurama (R,S,HD).

10/13.

6.30 The Simpsons (R,S).

3/25.

6.30 Police Squad! (S). 5/6.

Drebin helps a dance teacher.

6.00 Barclays Premier League Legends (HD).

6.30 Fantasy Football Club – The Highlights (S,HD).

7.00 You’ve Been Framed!

(R,S). Harry Hill serves up a crop of festive bloopers recorded by viewers on camcorders and mobile phones.

7.00 Hollyoaks (S,HD). Tony and Tegan plan a Christmas surprise.

7.30 A to Z (S,HD). 12/13.

7.00 The Simpsons (R,S).

2/20. Homer discovers a talent for opera.

7.30 The Simpsons (R,S).

3/20. Homer becomes a tow-truck driver.

7.00 My Family Christmas Special (S). The Harpers celebrate Christmas 2039, with an 80-yearold Ben as grumpy as ever.

8.00 Two and a Half Men (R,S,HD). 6/24. Charlie dates a Satan worshipper.

8.30 Two and a Half Men (R,S,HD). 7/24. Charlie spends the night with Rose.

8.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 8/24. Sheldon, Howard and Raj try to find Sheldon a new girlfriend.

8.30 The Big Bang Theory (S,HD). 9/24.

8.00 Supergirl (S). 8/13.

Comic-book adventure about the 24-year-old cousin of Superman who must embrace her Kryptonian powers after previously hiding them.

Melissa Benoist stars.

8.15 The Vicar of Dibley (S).

1/2. Part one of two. The vicar is swept off her feet by a handsome new arrival to the village.

Christmas special from 2006, guest starring Richard Armitage.

7.00 Barclays Premier League World (S,HD).

A round-up of the latest news.

7.30 FL72 Live (HD).

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Leeds United (Kick-off 7.45pm).

Coverage of the Championship clash at Molineux, featuring two sides who have struggled for consistency this term.

9.00 Starsky & Hutch (S,HD) (2004). Two mismatched detectives set out on the trail of the drug dealer peddling a new, undetectable narcotic.

Comedy, spoofing the 1970s cop show, with Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson. ●●●

9.30 Outnumbered (S).

Christmas special from 2012. The Brockmans throw a party.

9.00 Scorpion (S,HD). A virus 9.00 Paul (S,HD) (2011). is uploaded to Walter’s A captive alien escapes computer, turning Team from a secret military Scorpion’s new “smart” base and seeks the help building project into a of two English comicburning death trap – book geeks in getting to with people locked his spaceship. Sci-fi inside. Thriller, with Elyes comedy, with Simon Gabriel.

Pegg and Nick Frost. ●●●●

10.25 Bottom (S). 5/6. Richie and Eddie celebrate Christmas.

10.00 Celebrity Juice: Bestest Bits 2015 Part 1 (S,HD). Keith Lemon, Holly Willoughby and Fearne Cotton end up stranded on a desert island, where they reminisce about series 13 and 14 of the nearthe-knuckle game show.

BBC4 BBC4

12.10 Family Guy (R,S).

12.30 Rent a Cop (R,S,HD). 1.00 Josh (R,S,HD). 1.30 Reggie Yates’s Extreme UK: Men at War (R,S,HD). 2.30 Cuckoo (R,S,HD). 3.00 Cuckoo (R,S,HD). 3.30 Rent a Cop (R,S,HD).

12.30 The Secret Life of Rockpools (R,HD). 1.30 Ballrooms and Ballerinas: Dance at the BBC (R). 2.30 What a Performance! Pioneers of Popular Entertainment (R).

7.00 Top Gear (R,S,HD). Richard Hammond drives the Mastretta MXT. 8.00 Don’t Tell the Bride (R,S,HD). A rock star-turnedzookeeper plans a jungle-themed wedding.

9.00 Live at the Apollo (R,S,HD).

With Dara O Briain, Nina Conti and Danny Bhoy.

9.30 Live at the Apollo (R,S,HD).

10.00 EastEnders (R,S,HD).

10.30 Rent a Cop (S,HD).

11.00 Family Guy (R,S,HD).

11.25 Family Guy (R,S,HD).

11.45 American Dad! (R,S,HD).

7.00 World News Today (HD); Weather.

7.30 Reel History of Britain (R).

8.00 The Secret Life of Rockpools (R,HD). The species that live within the seaside water formations.

9.00 What a Performance!

Pioneers of Popular Entertainment (HD).

10.00 Best Possible Taste: The Kenny Everett Story (R,HD).

Drama about the DJ and comedian’s life and work, starring Oliver Lansley.

11.30 Jeff Lynne’s ELO in Concert (R,HD).

Online Profle from only

10.15 Barclays Premier League World (S,HD).

A round-up of the latest news.

10.45 Football Gold (S).

Manchester United v Arsenal from February 2001.

£30 per month

Get your

BUSINESS

11.00 Keith Lemon: The Film (S,HD) (2012).

Comedy, starring Leigh Francis. ●

11.05 Legends of Stand-Up 11.05 The Big Bang Theory 11.00 Trollied (R,S). 7/8.

Christmas Special (S).

(R,S,HD). 17/23.

Heather is shocked when 6/6. Festive routines of Ian delivers some home 11.35 The Big Bang Theory stand-up comedy. truths.

(R,S,HD). 18/23. Sheldon takes charge of Penny’s 11.30 Trollied (R). 8/8. Last in hair accessories business. the series.

11.00 Live NFL Pre-Game Show (HD). The build-up to St Louis Rams v Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

12.50 Two and a Half Men (R,S,HD). Charlie spends the night with Rose. 1.15 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records (R,S,HD). 1.40 Crazy Beaches (R,S,HD). 2.05 Animal Practice (R,S,HD). 2.25 Teleshopping.

Home shopping. 5.55 ITV2 Nightscreen (HD).

12.00 Rude Tube (R,S,HD). 1.00 Troy: Cyber Hijack (R,S,HD). 2.05 Bodyshockers: Nips, Tucks and Tattoos (R,S,HD). 3.00 Drifters (R,S,HD). 3.25 Drifters (R,S,HD).

3.50 Rules of Engagement (R,S,HD). 4.15 Rude(ish) Tube (R,S). 4.35 Rude(ish) Tube (R,S).

1.25 Live NFL (HD). St Louis Rams v Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Kick-off 1.25am). 4.30 Barclays Premier League Legends (S,HD). A profile of former Chelsea forward Gianfranco Zola. 5.00 Football Gold (S). 5.15 Football Gold (S,HD). 5.30 Football Gold (S). 5.45 Football League Gold (S,HD).

RADIO

BBC3 BBC3

Radio 1 6.30am The Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Nick Grimshaw.

10.00 Clara Amfo. 12.45pm Newsbeat. 1.00 Scott Mills. 4.00 Greg James. 7.00 Annie Mac. 9.00 Phil Taggart’s Mixtape. 10.00 The Residency: George FitzGerald.

Midnight The Residency: SBTRKT. 1.00 Toddla T. 4.00 Adele Roberts.

Radio 2 5.00am Vanessa Feltz. 6.30 Chris Evans. 9.30 Ken Bruce. Noon Jeremy Vine. 2.00 Steve Wright in the Afternoon. 5.00 Simon Mayo. 7.00 Bob Harris Country. 8.00 Jo Whiley.

10.00 Levi Roots. 11.00 Nigel Ogden: The Organist Entertains. 11.30 Listen to the Band. Midnight After

12.00 Hawaii Five-0 (R,S,HD). 1.00 The Force: Manchester (R,HD).

2.00 Road Wars (R,S). 3.00 Armed and Dangerous: Ultimate Forces (R,S). 4.00 Nothing to Declare (R,S). 4.30 Nothing to Declare (R,S). 5.00 UK Border Force (R,S,HD).

Midnight. 3.00 Paul Gambaccini with America’s Greatest Hits.

Radio 3 6.30am Breakfast. 9.00 Essential Classics. Noon Composer of the Week: Iceland. 1.00 News. 1.02 Radio 3 Lunchtime Concert. 2.00 Afternoon on 3. 4.30 In Tune. 6.30 Composer of the Week: Iceland. 7.30 Radio 3 in Concert. 10.00 Free Thinking. 10.45 The Essay: Art in a Cold Climate. 11.00 Late Junction.

12.30am Through the Night.

Radio 4 5.30am News Briefing. 5.43 Prayer for the Day. 5.45 Farming Today.

5.58 Tweet of the Day. 6.00 Today.

8.31 (LW) Yesterday in Parliament.

9.00 In Our Time. 9.45 (LW) Daily

12.05 Best of Not the Nine O’Clock News (S). 12.40 Absolutely Fabulous (S). Edina hits 40. 1.20 Bottom (S). Richie and Eddie celebrate Christmas. 2.00 Yes, Prime Minister (S). 2.35 Best of Not the Nine O’Clock News (S). 3.00 ’Allo ’Allo! (S). 3.30 ’Allo ’Allo! (S). 4.00 Close

Service. 9.45 (FM) Book of the Week: My History. 10.00 Woman’s Hour.

11.00 Crossing Continents. 11.30 Singing Piaf with No Regrets. Noon News. 12.01 (LW) Shipping Forecast.

12.04 2015 Hashtags of the Year.

12.15 You and Yours. 12.57 Weather.

1.00 The World at One. 1.45 British Liberalism: The Grand Tour. 2.00 The Archers. 2.15 Drama: Community Service. 3.00 Open Country. 3.27 Radio 4 Appeal. 3.30 Open Book. 4.00 The Film Programme. 4.30 BBC Inside Science. 5.00 PM. With Eddie Mair 5.54 (LW) Shipping Forecast. 5.57 Weather. 6.00 Six O’Clock News. 6.30 Tina C: Her Story. 7.00 The Archers. Has

Lynda bitten off more than she can chew? 7.15 Front Row. Arts programme 7.45 A Speck of Dust. By Sarah Woods 8.00 The Report. Current affairs 8.30 In Business. 9.00 BBC Inside Science. Presented by Adam Rutherford 9.30 In Our Time. Melvyn Bragg discusses the body clock 10.00 The World Tonight. News round-up 10.45 Book at Bedtime: Slade House.

By David Mitchell 11.00 Tim Samuels’ Sleepover: Paris. Documentary-maker Tim Samuels spends a weekend living in a “banlieue” 11.30 Today in Parliament. Political round-up Midnight News and Weather. 12.30 Book of the Week: My History. 12.48

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Shipping Forecast. 1.00 As BBC World Service. 5.20 Shipping Forecast.

Radio 5 Live 5.00am Morning Reports. 5.15 Wake Up to Money. 6.00 5 Live Breakfast. 10.00 5 Live Daily.

1.00pm Afternoon Edition. 4.00 5 Live Drive. 7.00 5 Live Sport. 8.00 Root and Broad: How We Won the Ashes.

9.30 5 Live Sport. 10.00 Question Time Extra Time. 1.00am Up All Night.

Classic FM 6.00am More Music Breakfast. 9.00 John Suchet. 1.00pm Anne-Marie Minhall. 5.00 Classic FM Drive. 7.00 Smooth Classics at Seven.

8.00 The Full Works Concert. 10.00 Smooth Classics. 1.00am Katie Breathwick.

online with the

Contact Ed Brown on

0117 9343730 to fnd out more. www.bristolpost.co.uk www.westerndailypress.co.uk www.northsomersetmercury.co.uk

©LW

SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 51

TV PICKS

Friday 18 television&radio Friday’s December Television Guide TEXT SANTA CHRISTMAS JUMPER DAY 8pm, ITV

Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby lead a host of stars rallying support for this year’s charities.

BBC1 BBC1

6.00 Breakfast (S,HD). 9.15 Operation Meet the Street (R,S,HD). 10.00 Homes Under the Hammer (R,S,HD). 11.00 Oxford Street Revealed (S,HD). 11.45 Family Finders (S,HD). 12.15 Bargain Hunt (S,HD). 1.00 BBC News at One; Weather (S,HD). 1.30 Regional News (S).

1.45 Doctors (S,HD). 2.15 The Doctor Blake Mysteries (R,S,HD). 3.10 Escape to the Country (S,HD). 3.40 James Martin – Home Comforts at Christmas (S,HD). 4.25 Flog It! (R,S,HD). 5.15 Pointless (R,S,HD).

FILM RATINGS ●●●●● Excellent ●●●● Very good ●●● Good ●● Average ● Poor

ICE ROAD TRUCKERS 8pm, Channel 5

Hugh Rowland carries a huge car crusher to St Theresa Point. One of the heaviest of the season, the load scrapes a trail all the way to the remote outpost, riding just 10 inches above the ground. Tired of waiting for Polar Industries to provide him with loads, Darrell decides to take matters into his own hands.

BBC2 BBC2

7.00 Oxford Street Revealed 7.45 Family Finders 8.15 Sign Zone: An Island Parish: Falklands 8.45 Sign Zone: Great British Menu 9.15 Victoria Derbyshire 11.00 BBC News 12.00 Daily Politics 1.00 Britain’s First Photo Album (R,S,HD). 1.30 The Great British Bake Off (R,S,HD). 2.30 The Great British Bake Off: The Final (R,S,HD). 3.30 The Great Antiques Map of Britain (R,S,HD). 4.00 The World’s Most Photographed (R,S). 4.30 Wogan: The Best Of (R,S). 5.15 Bargain Hunt (R,S,HD).

CITIZEN KHAN 8.30pm, BBC1

CHRISTMAS CRIMS: CAUGHT ON CAMERA 11.15pm, Channel 5

Shazia and Amjad learn their house is to be sold, so Naani gives them a cash deposit to buy it. However, she makes the mistake of entrusting it to Mr Khan.

Last in the series.

ITV1 ITV

6.00 Good Morning Britain (S,HD). 8.30 Lorraine (S,HD). 9.25 The Jeremy Kyle Show for Text Santa (S). 10.30 This Morning (S,HD). 12.30 Loose Women (S,HD). 1.30 ITV Lunchtime News (S). 1.55 Regional News (S). 2.00 Judge Rinder for Text Santa (S). 3.00 1000 Heartbeats for Text Santa (S,HD). 3.59 Regional Programme (S). 4.00 Tipping Point for Text Santa (S,HD). 5.00 The Chase for Text Santa (S,HD).

Documentary revealing how CCTV and bodycams help police. It may be the season of peace and goodwill, but crime does not take a holiday as Nick Wallis reveals how the police are cracking Christmas crimes and keeping chaos under wraps.

Channel Channel 44

6.00 Countdown (R,S,HD). 6.45 3rd Rock from the Sun (R,S). 7.35 Everybody Loves Raymond (R,S). 9.00 Frasier (R,S).

10.00 Undercover Boss USA (R,S). 11.00 Jamie’s Best Ever Christmas (R,S,HD).

12.00 Channel 4 News Summary (S,HD).

12.05 Kirstie’s Homemade Christmas (R,S,HD). 1.05 Celebrity Come Dine with Me: Christmas Special (R,S,HD). 2.10 Deal or No Deal (S,HD). 3.10 Countdown (S,HD). 4.00 Posh Pawnbrokers (S,HD).

5.00 Couples Come Dine with Me (S,HD).

Channel Channel 55

6.00 Milkshake!. 9.15 Christmas with The Wright Stuff (HD). 11.40 Film: The Perfect Holiday (S) (2007). Romantic comedy, starring Morris Chestnut. ●● 1.30 5 News Lunchtime (S,HD). 1.35 Neighbours (S,HD). 2.05 Film: Mrs Miracle 2: Miracle in Manhattan (S) (2010). ●●● 3.50 Film: Help for Christmas (S,HD) (2012). Fantasy, starring Summer Glau. ●●● 5.30 5 News at 5 (S,HD).

The Clare Balding Sports … 10pm

Emmerdale, 7pm

TFI Friday Christmas … 7.30pm

Ultimate Strongman … 7pm

▼

6.00 BBC News at Six; Weather (S,HD).

6.30 Regional News (S).

6.00 Strictly Come Dancing – It Takes Two (S,HD). 60/60. Zoe Ball presents the last show ahead of the final. Last in the series.

6.00 Regional News (S); Weather.

6.30 ITV News (S); Weather.

6.00 The Simpsons (S,HD). 18/22.

Bart falls for the wrong girl.

6.30 Hollyoaks (S,HD). See Choices Above.

6.00 Neighbours (R,S,HD). Paul is taken into custody by police.

6.30 5 News Tonight (S,HD).

▼

7.00 The One Show (S,HD). Hosted

by Matt Baker and Alex Jones.

7.30 A Question of Sport (R,S,HD).

Followed by Regional News.

7.00 Tom Kerridge Cooks Christmas (R,S,HD).

7.30 Mary Berry’s Absolute Christmas Favourites (R,S,HD). 2/2.

7.00 Emmerdale (S,HD). Debbie and Emma try to settle their feud.

7.30 Coronation Street (S,HD). Rob confides his dastardly plans to his cellmate.

7.00 Channel 4 News (S,HD).

7.30 TFI Friday Christmas Special (S,HD). Tom Jones, Lee Mack, Lianne La Havas, Bryan Adams and Elle King are on the guest list of Chris Evans’ lively

7.00 Ultimate Strongman Masters World Championship (S). Veteran strongmen battle it out for the Marshalls Trophy. Followed by 5 News Update.

▼

6 7 8 9

Josh, 11.20pm

8.00 EastEnders (S,HD). Stacey struggles to come to terms with her discovery.

8.30 Citizen Khan (S,HD). 7/7. See Choices Above.

8.00 Mastermind (S,HD). 19/31.

Specialist subjects include The West Wing and Billy Bragg.

8.30 An Island Parish: Falklands (S,HD). 6/6. The Rev Richard Hines nears the end of his seven-year posting. Last in the series.

8.00 Text Santa Christmas Jumper Day (S,HD). See Choices Above.

▼

(R) repeat (S) subtitles (HD) highdefinition

9.00 Have I Got News for You (S,HD). 11/11. Compilation of the satirical quiz, looking back at the big news events of 2015.

Last in the series.

9.30 Peter Kay’s Car Share (R,S,HD). 4/6. Kayleigh has exciting news about the previous night’s events.

9.00 Alex Polizzi: Hire Our Heroes (S,HD). 2/2. See Choices Above.

12

▼

after

10.00 BBC News at Ten (S,HD).

10.25 Regional News (S). Followed

by Regional Programme.

10.35 The Graham Norton Show (S,HD). 12/20. With Kylie Minogue and Carrie Fisher.

10.00 The Clare Balding Sports Show (S,HD). Interviews with sports stars.

10.30 Newsnight (S,HD).

11.20 Josh (S,HD). 6/6.

11.50 Reasonable Doubt (S,HD) (2014). Premiere. Crime thriller, starring Dominic Cooper and Samuel L Jackson. ●●

11.00 Weather (S,HD).

11.05 AI: Artificial Intelligence (S,HD) (2001). See Choices Above. ●●●●

11.05 ITV News (S); Weather.

11.45 Regional News (S); Weather.

11.55 Text Santa 2015: The Best Bits (S,HD). Highlights from this year’s appeal.

11.05 First Dates: The Proposal (R,S,HD). Maitre d’ Fred welcomes back some of the couples who found love in the restaurant.

11.15 Christmas Crims: Caught on Camera (S,HD). See Choices Above.

1.10 Weather for the Week Ahead (S,HD). 1.15 BBC News (S,HD).

1.20 Sign Zone: Question Time (R,S,HD).

Topical debate from Slough. 2.20 Sign Zone: This Is Tottenham (R,S,HD). Behind the scenes at a Tottenham MP’s advice surgery. 3.20 This Is BBC Two (S,HD).

Preview of upcoming programmes.

1.10 Jackpot247. Interactive gaming. 3.00 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA (R,S). The host takes his successful talk show stateside.

3.40 ITV Nightscreen (HD). Text-based information service.

12.05 Rude Tube (S,HD). 1.00 That’s So Last Century (R,S,HD). 1.55 Film: You’re Next (S,HD) (2011). Horror, starring Sharni Vinson. ●●●● 3.30 You Deserve This House (R,S,HD). 4.25 River Cottage Bites (R,S,HD). 4.35 Benchmark (S,HD). 5.05 Kirstie’s Vintage Gems (R,S,HD). 5.25 Deal or No Deal (R,S,HD).

12.15 SuperCasino. Live interactive gaming. 3.10 The Dog Rescuers at Christmas with Alan Davies (R,S,HD).

Part one of two. Lauren Bailey investigates a dogsled organisation in Lapland. 4.00 Christmas on the Poverty Line (R,S,HD).

People with little or no cash at Christmas.

4.45 House Doctor (R,S). 5.10 House Doctor (R,S). 5.35 House Doctor (R,S).

10.00 Alan Carr: Chatty Man (S,HD). 15/16. Comedian Kevin Bridges chats about his latest live stand-up DVD, while actress, comedian, writer, and producer Tina Fey reflects on her upcoming movie, Sisters.

FRIDAY 25 MARCH SATURDAY 7 MAY 2016

‘THE UlTIMATE FEEl-GOOD SHOW!’ COMES TO bRISTOl

0844 871 3012 Groups10+ 0844 871 3032

ClASSIC FM

© LITTLESTAR

9.00 Con Air (S,HD) (1997). See Choices Above. ●●●●

▼

11

9.00 Gogglebox (S,HD). Capturing the households’ instant reactions to what they are watching on TV from the comfort of their own sofas.

8.00 Ice Road Truckers (S,HD). See Choices Above. Followed by 5 News Update.

▼

10

entertainment show mixing music and chat with stunts and skits.

52 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015

atgtickets.com/bristol

WCL-E01-S2

ALEX POLIZZI: HIRE OUR HEROES 9pm, BBC2

HOLLYOAKS 6.30pm, Channel 4

Part two of two. The presenter seeks to a pilot a scheme that if successful could be rolled out across the UK to help unemployed working-age veterans find a new career.

ITV2 ITV2

6.00 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 6.25 Psych 7.10 Emmerdale 8.10 Coronation Street (R,S,HD). 8.40 The Cube (R,S,HD). 9.40 Psych (R,S,HD).

10.35 Catchphrase (R,S,HD). 11.15 Take Me Out Celebrity Christmas Special (R,S,HD). 12.30 Emmerdale (R,S,HD). 1.30 Coronation Street (R,S,HD). 2.00 Catchphrase (R,S,HD). 2.40 The Jeremy Kyle Show (R,S,HD).

Cameron gives Celine a ticket to her Christmas adventure, but when she follows the clues to a grotto, he is nowhere to be seen and she is left feeling fed up of being at the bottom of his list of priorities.

Meanwhile, Tony and Tegan plan a Christmas surprise for Ste.

E4 E4

6.00 Rude(ish) Tube (R,S). 6.45 Charmed (R,S). 8.30 Hollyoaks (R,S,HD). 9.00 Rules of Engagement (R,S,HD). 10.00 Melissa & Joey (R,S,HD). 11.00 Charmed (R,S). 1.00 How I Met Your Mother (R,S,HD). 2.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 3.00 Melissa & Joey (R,S,HD). 4.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 5.00 How I Met Your Mother (R,S,HD).

Sky1 Sky1

6.00 The Dog Whisperer (R). 7.00 Monkey Life (R,S). 8.00 RSPCA Animal Rescue (R,S). 9.00 Inside Gatwick (R,S,HD). 10.00 Hawaii Five-0 (R,S,HD). 3.00 Monkey Life (R,S). 3.30 About a Boy (R).

Comedy based on the film and novel of the same name. 4.00 Futurama (R,S,HD). 5.00 Modern Family (R,S). 5.30 Futurama (R,S,HD).

FILM PICKS

Friday December 18 television&radio CON AIR 9pm, Channel 5

AI: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 11.05pm, BBC2

A parolee on his flight home intervenes when America’s deadliest criminals hijack the plane. Action thriller, starring Nicolas Cage and John Cusack.

GOLD Gold

7.00 dinnerladies (S). 7.30 ’Allo ’Allo! (S). 8.25 The Brittas Empire (S). 9.05 Open All Hours (S). 9.45 Porridge (S). 10.25 dinnerladies (S). 11.00 Only Fools and Horses (S). 12.05 ’Allo ’Allo! (S). 1.10 Outnumbered (S). 2.00 My Family Christmas Special (S).

3.20 The Brittas Empire (S). 4.00 Open All Hours (S). 4.40 Porridge 5.20 Only Fools and Horses (S).

A robot boy programmed to see his owner as a parent tries to become human. Sci-fi drama, starring Haley Joel Osment.

SkySports1 Sky Sports 1

8.00 Barclays Premier League World 8.30 Premier League 100 Club 9.00 Barclays Premier League Legends 9.30 Barclays Premier League World 10.00 Football League Gold 10.15 Football Gold 11.00 Premier League 100 Club 11.30 Barclays Premier League Legends 12.00 La Liga Show (HD). 12.30 Football League Gold (S,HD). 12.45 Football Gold (S). 1.00 Live World Darts Championship (HD). 5.00 La Liga Show (HD). 5.30 Game Changers (HD).

The Bourne Identity, 9pm

Taken, 9pm

A League of Their … 8pm

My Family Christmas … 8pm

FL72 Live, 7pm

6.00 Judge Rinder (R). Reallife cases in a studio courtroom.

6.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 2/24.

6.30 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 3/24.

6.00 Futurama (R,S,HD).

3/13.

6.30 The Simpsons (R,S).

5/25.

6.30 Police Squad! (S). 6/6.

Drebin poses as a nightclub entertainer.

6.00 The Fantasy Football Club (HD). A discussion on key fantasy football issues.

7.00 You’ve Been Framed at Christmas! (R,S).

Festive selection of camcorder calamities.

7.30 You’ve Been Framed at Christmas! (R,S).

7.00 Hollyoaks (S,HD). Ste is rushed to hospital.

7.30 A to Z (S,HD). 13/13.

7.00 The Simpsons (R,S).

4/20. Marge is stalked by an escaped convict.

7.30 The Simpsons (R,S).

5/20.

7.00 Legends of Stand-Up Christmas Special (S).

6/6.

7.00 FL72 Live (HD).

Birmingham City v Cardiff City (Kick-off 7.45pm). Coverage of the Championship fixture at St Andrew’s.

8.00 Two and a Half Men (R,S,HD). 11/24. Charlie unexpectedly hosts a party.

8.30 Two and a Half Men (R,S,HD). 11/22. Jake cheats on his girlfriend.

8.00 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 11/23. Sheldon becomes obsessed with gift-giving etiquette.

8.30 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 15/24. Amy suggests moving in with Sheldon.

8.00 A League of Their Own (R,S,HD). 7/10.

Sports-based comedy quiz, hosted by James Corden, with David Walliams, Richard Ayoade and Nicola Adams.

8.00 My Family Christmas Special (S). Festive special from 2008. Ben crosses swords with a jeweller when he tries to return a necklace, and the Harpers get trapped in a department store.

9.00 The Bourne Identity (S,HD) (2002). An amnesiac man pulled from the sea by the crew of a fishing boat is targeted by assassins as he tries to discover who he is. Thriller, starring Matt Damon and Franka Potente. ●●●●

9.00 Taken (S,HD) (2008). A 9.00 Best Christmas Movies former CIA agent puts Ever (R,S,HD). A his old skills to use in countdown of the 26 rescuing his daughter greatest festive films, from a gang of European featuring contributions sex traffickers. Thriller, from celebrity fans starring Liam Neeson, including Jim Carrey, Famke Janssen and Ashley Jensen, Jonathan Maggie Grace. ●●● Ross and Warwick Davis.

10.50 The Big Bang Theory (R,S,HD). 19/23. Penny feels threatened by a sexy woman.

10.30 A League of Their Own (R,S,HD). 11/12.

Out-takes from series nine of the sports-based comedy quiz, hosted by James Corden.

9.20 Bring Me Morecambe & Wise (S). 3/5. A compilation of the comedy duo’s finest sketches based in the home, and an explanation of how they came to share a bed.

10.20 Victoria Wood with 10.15 The Fantasy Football All the Trimmings. The Club (HD). A discussion comedienne sends up on key fantasy football Christmas TV in a festive issues, as well as the special from 2000, with weekend’s Premier guest stars Julie Walters, League matches, with Alan Rickman, Pete guests from the worlds Postlethwaite, Delia of sport and showbiz.

Smith and Richard E Grant.

11.35 Shooting Stars (S). 8/7. 11.15 Barclays Premier With Melvyn Hayes and League Preview (HD).

Louise Redknapp.

The weekend’s fixtures.

11.45 One2Eleven: Jonas Gutierrez and Jack Wilshere (S,HD).

1.20 The Vampire Diaries (R,S,HD). Stefan and Damon plan to eliminate a new threat posed by Julian. 2.10 Teleshopping. Home shopping. 5.40 ITV2 Nightscreen (HD). Text-based information service.

12.50 Drifters (R,S,HD). 1.25 Drifters (R,S,HD). 1.55 First Dates (R,S,HD). 2.50 Tripped (R,S,HD).

3.35 How to Survive the End of the World (R,S,HD). 4.00 The New Normal (R,S,HD). 4.20 Rude(ish) Tube (R,S). 4.45 Rude(ish) Tube (R,S).

12.15 Absolutely Fabulous (S).

Patsy figures in a sex scandal. 12.55 Victoria Wood with All the Trimmings. A festive special from 2000. 2.05 Shooting Stars (S).

2.40 ’Allo ’Allo! (S). 3.10 ’Allo ’Allo! (S). Rene is imprisoned by communist leader Louise. 4.00 Close

RADIO

11.20 The Big Bang Theory 11.00 Hawaii Five-0 (R,S,HD).

(R,S,HD). 20/23. Penny 19/22. McGarrett and begins dating comicDanny are trapped book shopkeeper Stuart. under rubble after getting caught up in an 11.50 Bodyshockers: Nips, explosion.

Tucks and Tattoos (R,S,HD). 6/6.

Radio 1 6.30am The Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Nick Grimshaw. 10.00 Clara Amfo. 12.45pm Newsbeat. 1.00 Scott Mills. 4.00 The Official Chart Show with Dev. 6.00 Radio 1’s Dance Anthems with Dev. 7.00 Annie Mac’s Friday Night. 10.00 Pete Tong. 1.00am B.Traits. 4.00 Radio 1’s Essential Mix. Radio 2 5.00am Vanessa Feltz. 6.30 Chris Evans. 9.30 Ken Bruce. Noon Jeremy Vine. 2.00 Steve Wright in the Afternoon. 5.00 Simon Mayo. 7.00 Desmond Carrington: The Music Goes Round. 8.00 Friday Night Is Music Night.

10.00 The Radio 2 Arts Show with Claudia Winkleman. Midnight After Midnight. 3.00 Huey Morgan.

Radio 3 6.30am Breakfast. 9.00 Essential Classics. Noon Composer of the Week: Iceland. 1.00 News. 1.02 Radio 3 Lunchtime Concert. 2.00 Afternoon on 3. 4.30 In Tune. 6.30 Composer of the Week: Iceland. 7.30 Radio 3 in Concert. 10.00 The Verb.

10.45 The Essay: Art in a Cold Climate.

11.00 World on 3. 1.00am Through the Night.

Radio 4 5.30am News Briefing. 5.43 Prayer for the Day. 5.45 Farming Today.

5.58 Tweet of the Day. 6.00 Today.

8.31 (LW) Yesterday in Parliament. 9.00 Desert Island Discs. 9.45 (LW) Act of Worship. 9.45 (FM) Book of the Week: Mr History. 10.00 Woman’s Hour.

11.00 Ancient Ways with Bettany Hughes. 11.30 Michael Frayn’s Matchbox Theatre. Noon News. 12.01 (LW) Shipping Forecast. 12.04 2015 Hashtags of the Year. 12.15 You and Yours. 12.57 Weather. 1.00 The World at One. 1.45 British Liberalism: The Grand Tour. 2.00 The Archers. 2.15 Drama: A Greek Drama. 3.00 Gardeners’ Question Time. 3.45 Shorts: New Irish Writing. 4.00 Last Word. 4.30 Feedback. 4.55 The Listening Project: Lebanon. 5.00 PM. 5.54 (LW) Shipping Forecast. 5.57 Weather. 6.00 Six O’Clock News. 6.30 The Now Show.

7.00 The Archers. David gets some news 7.15 Front Row. Arts programme 7.45

A Speck of Dust. 8.00 Any Questions?

With Peter Hennessy, Rachel Johnson, Bernard Jenkin and Kerry McCarthy 8.50 A Point of View. 9.00 British Liberalism: The Grand Tour. Parts 6-10.

Anne McElvoy traces liberalism’s development since the Suffragists 9.59 Weather. 10.00 The World Tonight.

News round-up 10.45 Book at Bedtime: Slade House. 11.00 Great Lives.

Matthew Parris invites fashion designer Roger Saul to nominate a great life 11.30 Today in Parliament. Mark D’Arcy reports from Westminster 11.55 The Listening Project: Lebanon. Midnight News and Weather. 12.30 Book of the Week: Mr History. 12.48 Shipping

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BBC4 BBC4

12.00 Family Guy (R,S).

12.25 Family Guy (R,S).

12.45 Rent a Cop (R,S,HD).

1.15 Josh (R,S,HD). 1.45 Russell Howard’s Good News Extra (R,S,HD). 2.30 World’s Craziest Fools (R,S). 2.55 Cuckoo (R,S,HD). 3.25 Cuckoo (R,S,HD).

12.45 Queen: From Rags to Rhapsody (R,HD). 1.45 Queen: The Legendary 1975 Concert (R). 2.35 Great Guitar Riffs at the BBC (R).

7.00 World’s Craziest Fools (R,S).

7.30 Don’t Tell the Bride (R,S,HD). A sea-faring groom plans a wedding on Lundy Island.

8.30 Sherlock (R,S,HD). The sleuth takes on a master blackmailer.

10.00 EastEnders (R,S,HD). Stacey struggles to come to terms with her discovery.

10.30 Russell Howard’s Good News Extra (R,S,HD).

Extended edition of the comedian’s topical show.

11.15 American Dad! (R,S,HD).

11.40 American Dad! (R,S,HD).

7.00 World News Today (HD); Weather.

7.30 Andrea Chenier from the Royal Opera House (HD). The Royal Opera’s production of Umberto Giordano’s passionate drama.

9.35 Sounds of the Eighties (R).

Performances include the Pogues and Aztec Camera.

10.00 Queen: From Rags to Rhapsody (HD).

Documentary following the band’s early years.

11.00 Queen: The Legendary 1975 Concert (R).

11.45 Great Guitar Riffs at the BBC (R).

Online Profle from only

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Forecast. 1.00 As BBC World Service.

5.20 Shipping Forecast.

Radio 5 Live 5.00am Morning Reports. 5.15 Wake Up to Money. 6.00 5 Live Breakfast. 10.00 5 Live Daily.

1.00pm The Friday Sports Panel. 2.00 Kermode and Mayo’s Film Review. 4.00 5 Live Drive. 7.00 5 Live Sport. 9.00 5 Live Sport: Sports Night. 10.00 Stephen Nolan. 1.00am Up All Night.

Classic FM 6.00am More Music Breakfast. 9.00 John Suchet. 1.00pm Anne-Marie Minhall. 5.00 Classic FM Drive. 7.00 Smooth Classics at Seven.

8.00 The Full Works Concert. 10.00 Smooth Classics. 1.00am Katie Breathwick.

Contact Ed Brown on

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©LW

SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015 WEST COUNTRY LIFE 53

Cryptic Crossword

WEST CROSSWORD 5

6 9

wx 729 i

4

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 11 16

Captivate someone fond of feminine embellishments (4, It indicates that you will give generousl (6) Discover he is reno vating the interior when it s complete (8) Ask what determin how many you man facture (6) Position that is, wit out doubt, nice to work in (8) A ruse used by pol cians to divert us?

(5,5) The remainder, sire may be expected t follow (7) And very bothered his bad language ( Please provide info mation about onetime star Alan (7) It s admitted I do g involved with the tw (6) Don t take, though having permission (5) Plus fifty per cent o 4 (3) Hears he left on, starting a fire (5) Anyhow, what s th point? you bind (6 Where the book is that nobody s prop ing to read? (2,3,5) Making the fish rise in general (3) The setback, pass right over (7) If it s indecipherabl won t your letters b delivered? (4,4) Gave up and when bed (6,2) Homes with pens f a tot to play in (8) It s funny the joint claim should be quashed (7) Time to get the gan ways for the vesse (6) In that a foolish nu ber will join (6) For once, the star mixing with the nobodies (6)

19

20

22 23

25 26 27

Last week’s position was ended by 1.RxP+! with the threat of 2.Ne6+ forking king & queen.

30 31

LAST WEEK’S CHESS

33 35

36 37

WEST CROSSWORD

QUIZ

32

Across 1 Kenton, 4 Garras, 9 Erred, 10 Ugandan, 11 IOU, 12 Eddystone, 13 Newton Abbot, 18 Allerford, 21 Ego, 22 Trade In, 23 Alamo, 24 Realms, 25 Hewood.

Down 1 Keevil, 2 Nurture, 3 Oddment, 5 Arabs, 6 Radio, 7 Singer, 8 Cudden Point, 14 Budlake, 15 Oregano, 16 Caster, 17 Bowood, 19 Llama, 20 Rheum.

3

1 Tim Peake 2 Idris Elba 3 Vicky Pattison 4 Louisa Johnson, Che Chesterman and Reggie N Bollie

2

DOWN

7 If not, love, the wires are crossed (9) 8 10 No doubt, if I have the nerve to voice it (1,4,3) 9 10 12 From which the cowman can forecast bad weather? (4) 13 Did such ships travel 11 12 at a good pace? (6) 14 Hearing about, I figure it s of little importance (7) 13 14 15 15 Finished brilliantly (9) 17 All there having suffered no 16 17damage whatsoever (9) 18 Got better after all, I 18 19 20 21 had been in the red (7) 20 Being myself, inter alia, a female (6) 22 23 21 Get on, having travelling money (4) 24 Lenten 21 ? (4,4) 26 Feel an affinity with intelligent people?

24 25 Me, too! (8) 28 Heavens! Has left the flat! (4) 29 A piece of wire is the DOWN ACROSS ACROSS by Ash from Edmondsham – he's got three of the (6) 1 After my old nan left Kent, she 1 I had a vile weekend, having main constituent unfortunately fourth item is 1 After my old nan left moved to our moved to Kent, ourshevillage near set now, leftbutExeter to gothe and stay in 31 I can t swimaround it. still missing (7) place near Trowbridge village near Starcross(6) (6) Starcross terrible enormous (7) East have 4 My4daughter, a head teacher Gastard, My daughter, a from head teacher 5 A group (6) of men from the MiddleIt s 34 She writes of a been seen in the centre of Wincanton, hanging owns a second property, about a mile from from Gastard, owns a second 2 I want my four sons to all get ramallof theSt bars (5) Mawganproperty, (6) about a mile from around out Merryn, go to the hut two shackle with ram6 After my best friend left Bodfari, retrained– I 9 My first husband, (6) a leading novelist from Mawgan top universities andhe travel (9) and found employment in adevelopment branch bling of theroses mediaof (5) Herner, had anfirst affair with three ladies I made 9 My husband, a – leading encourage the 36 A mere inaccuracy, 7 You'll find this band's front man at this a big mistake (5) novelist from Herner, had an my children (7) address in Gerrans (6) 10 Dan, a doctorwith from Durgan, is moving with agentofholds, affair three ladies – in I made 3 This item, that is justtheone a in 8 I lived with a doctor, briefly, by in Nupend, before someoneafrom East African bigan mistake (5) country (7) set, was bought Ash from the contract (9) moving to a small town on coast nearthree 11 When I left Otterhampton, three of my chumsis 10 Dan, a doctor from Durgan, Edmondsham – the he's got 38 About to criticise (6,5) wrote me a note saying how indebted they were moving in with someone from Prussia of Covethe set now, but one s mum for being 14 I took my American friend to the large pond to me (3)an East African country (7) unfortunately the fourth item is just outside Beare (7) (7) 12 This Rame Otterhampton, Head needs the 11 lighthouse When Inearleft foreign (7) still missing two roses and three rhododendrons in left side three of its door right away – last of replacing my chums wrote me a 155I'veAgot group of men from the Middle 39I've Won t it acknowledge my front garden in Arne, and just replanted night it note was really stormyhow (9) indebted they saying East have been seen in the hails of other vesa plant related to (7) thehanging 13 This babe a town werelives toinme (3)not dissimilar to the centre ofmarjoram Wincanton, 16 The two factories on the outskirts of one12 thatThis lies a mile south of Kingsteignton (6,5) sels? St (6) lighthouse near Rame around all the bars (5) Clether were built by a leading retailer – that, they 18 You'llHead find some terribly old and rare stuff needs the left side of its 6 After my best40 friend left Mount backing, a type ofhe sugar (6) right in door the middle of this village replacing rightnear away – last produce Bodfari, retrained and found you put your 17 Myemployment first boyfriend, Oscar, lived next of to athebet on Bossington (9) it was really stormy (9) night inofaCalne branch small forest just outside (6) 21 This clergyman from Geevor exudes a (4) 13 This babe lives in(3)a town not 19 Whilst media (5)through Upton Lovell, a driving horribledissimilar sense of selfimportance 41 Shocked, paled agito the one that lies a 7 You'll find this band's front man massive woolly animal jumped out in front of 22 I wentmile to the garage right in Kingsteignton the centre of south of at this address in Gerrans (6) tatedly when the me! (5) Purton and tried to persuade them to accept my (6,5) 8 I lived with a doctor, briefly, cameinin (8) 20 Please come and visit me in thefriend hospital old car as part-payment for a new one (5,2) 18 You'll find some terribly old and Nupend, before moving to a right in the centre of Truro –42 I'm being treated 23 In Morval, a monument stands to mark the Why so many rare stuff right in the middle of small town on the coast near there for a watery discharge from my eyes (5) site of a famous siege and massacre (5) offences were comthis village near Bossington (9) Prussia Cove (6,5) 24 Going for meals in East Stour is becoming 21 This clergyman from Geevor 14 I took my American friend to beach? mitted on the extortionate – I need to find other areas of exudes a horrible sense of selfthe large pond just outside interest (6) (5,4) importance (3) Beare (7) 25 Two of my co-workers got wed last month – 22 I went to the garage right in the 15 I've got two roses and three they fell madly in love and now live in a small centre of Purton and tried to rhododendrons in my village near Holditch (6) On December 15, BBC Two will follow front a persuade them to accept my 1) garden in Arne, and I've just reBritish man as he’s launched into space to join DOWNold car as part-payment for a the ISS. planted plant related to What’s hisaname? one (5,2) marjoram (7) 2) Luther is back for another series on Channel 1 I had anew vile weekend, having left Exeter to go a monument stands 16 Theactor two on the 4. Which plays factories him? and23 stayIn in aMorval, terrible place near Trowbridge (6) ofof aSt famous 3) I’moutskirts of MeStOutClether A Celebrity, Get Of Here! haswere just 2 I wantto my mark four sonsthe to allsite get out and (5)and travel built by aonleading retailer – crowned the winner ITV. Who won the Merryn,siege go to the two massacre top universities Going meals in East Stour they produce a type of sugar series?

– I 24 encourage thefor development of my children (7) is becoming extortionate I need 4) The(6) X Factor is slowly drawing to a close on 3 This item, that is just one of a set, was–bought to find other areas of interest 17 My are first ITV. Who theboyfriend, three finalists?Oscar, lived (6)RIGHT next to a small forest just SOLUTIONS 25 Two of my co-workers got wed outside of Calne (6) last month – they fell madly in 19 Whilst driving through Upton love and now live in a small Lovell, a massive woolly animal WCL-E01-S2 54 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015 village near Holditch (6) jumped out in front of me! (5) 20 Please come and visit me in the hospital right in the centre of Truro – I'm being treated there for a watery discharge from my

Many of the world’s top players have been gathering in the capital this week for the London Chess Classic, the strongest tournament ever held in the UK, which started yesterday at Olympia and will run until next Sunday.

The 10 players forming the top section, with their nationality and world rankings, are Magnus Carlsen (Norway – World Champion); Veselin Topolov (Bulgaria – no. 2); Vishy Anand (India – no. 3); Hikaru Nakamura (USA – no. 5); Fabio Caruana (USA – no. 6); Lev Aronian (Armenia – no. 7); Anish Giri (Holland – no. 9); Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (France – no. 12); Alexander Grischuk (Russia – no. 14) & Michael Adams (no. 18).

Today’s Rd. 2 pairings are: 1. Giri vs Adams. 2.

Aronian vs Anand. 3. Carlsen vs Caruana. 4.

Nakamura vs Vachier-Lagrave & 5.Topalov vs Grischuk. The games may be watched live on the event website. Interestingly, the football league system of awarding 3 points for a win and 1 for a draw is used, to reduce the risk of short, dull, grandmaster draws, and increase the likelihood of spirited fighting chess.

Among the many other sections available to players of more modest talents is a new knockout tournament involving 8 of Britain’s top players, in which England’s 2nd, 3rd, 4th, & 6th grades, David Howell, Luke McShane, Nigel Short and Gawain Jones are joined by the two most promising juniors, Yang-Fan Zhou and Daniel Fernandez, plus Scottish No. 1 Jonathan Rowson.

Visitors will also be able to play them as several, including Nunn, Speelman and McShane, will be taking on 20 at a time – simultaneously.

This game came from the London Classic Knock-Out two years ago.

White: Michael Adams (2754). Black: Peter Svidler (2758) Sicilian Defence – Sveshnikov Variation. [B90] 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Be3 e5. The signature move of the Sveshnikov, in which Black accepts a weakening of his d-pawn and a weak d5 square, in return for buying time to develop his pieces. 7.Nf3 Qc7 8.a4 Be6 9.Be2 h6 10.0–0 Nbd7 11.h3 Be7 12.Nh2 0–0 13.Ng4 Qc6 14.Qd3 Rfc8 15.Rfd1 Rab8 16.a5 Nc5. The power of the check comes into play. 17.Nxf6+ Bxf6 allowing his already weakened d-pawn to fall. If 17...gxf6 18.Bxc5 Qxc5.

18.Qxd6 Qxd6 19.Rxd6 Be7 20.Rd2 Bg5 21.Bxg5 hxg5 22.Bg4 b5 23.axb6 Rxb6 24.Nd5.

Threatening Ne7+ winning a rook. 24...Rb7 25.f3 Rcb8 26.b4 1–0 After 26...Bxd5 27.Rxd5 Ne6 28.Bxe6 fxe6 and Black’s doubled pawns can be picked off at leisure.

Last year’s winner of the London Chess Classic was former World Champion, Vishy Anand. This position from a game in 1987, however, was not one of his finest moments. White to play and administer a knock-out blow.

1

ACROSS

QUIZ ANSWERS

CHESS BOB JONES

rd

meone ne ts (4,4) at you ously

renorior pleted

rmines u manu-

1

2

3

4

9

5

6

r, sire, ted to

ered by age (6) e inforone(7) do get he twits

Below are two identical grids; it’s up to you which grid you use for which set of clues.

8

QUICK CROSSWORD

10

ACROSS

11 13

12

17

16

15

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18

9 Weaken insidiously (9) 10 Competition decider (3-5) 12 Final (4) 13 Impecunious, commonly (4,2) 14 Unlawful (7) 15 Riddle (9) 17 Infancy (9) 18 Planet (7) 20 In intrepid fashion (6) 21 Prayer ending (4) 24 Forbid (8) 26 Marsupial (8) 28 Male singer (4) 29 Accident (6) 31 Refuse (7) 34 Deluge (9) 36 Form of speleology (9) 38 Bloom (7) 39 Basket-making fibre (6) 40 Defect (4) 41 Cures (8) 42 Romantic tale (4,5)

14

20

21

s, withe to

y politius?

7

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23 24

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DOWN

28

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31

1 Licensee (8) 2 US inventor (6) 3 Fall out (8) 4 Rarely (6) 5 Unrepresentative (8) 6 Antibiotic (10) 7 Musical introduction (7) 8 Pampas cowboy (6) 11 Pupil (7) 16 Zero (6) 19 French capital (5) 20 Wager (3) 22 New Zealand native (5) 23 Treelike grass (6) 25 Wedding attendant (10) 26 Sleep, commonly (3) 27 Soaks up (7) 30 Comic writer (8) 31 Get back (8) 32 Roads (8) 33 Tornado (7) 35 Worn away (6) 36 Nonsense, commonly (6) 37 Eskimo dwellings (6)

32

33 35

34

36

37

39

38

40

ough sion to

ent of

42

41

on, (5) t s the nd (6) SOLUTIONS ON PAGE 56 ok is proposACROSS 2,3,5) h rise, 9 Weaken insidiously (9) 10 Competition decider (3-5) pass ACROSS 9 If12 not,Final love, (4) the wires are crossed (9) 13 Impecunious, commonly 10 No doubt, if I have the nerve to(4,2) voice it (1,4,3) erable, (7)cowman can forecast bad 1214 FromUnlawful which the ers be weather?

(4) (9) 15 Riddle 4) 1317 Did such ships Infancy (9)travel at a good pace? (6) Hearing about, when to 1418 Planet (7) I figure it’s of little importance (7) 20 In intrepid fashion (6) 15 Finished brilliantly (9) Prayer ending (4) no damage ens for 1721 All there having suffered 24 Forbid (8) whatsoever (9) (8) Marsupial (8)all, I had been in the red (7) 1826 Got better – after oint singer (4)alia, a female (6) 2028 BeingMale myself, inter be 2129 Get on, having(6) travelling money (4) Accident 2431 Lenten “21”? (7) (4,4) Refuse Feel an affinity(9) with intelligent people? Me, too! (8) e gang- 2634 Deluge 28 Heavens! Has left the flat! (4) Form of speleology (9) essels 2936 A piece of wire is the main constituent (6) Bloom 3138 I can’t swim(7) round it. It’s enormous (7) Basket-making fibre (6)hut with She writes of a ramshackle h num- 3439 40 Defect rambling roses(4) (9) ) 3641 A mere inaccuracy, the agent holds, in the Cures (8) star is contract (9) 42 Romantic tale (4,5) 38 About to criticise one’s mum for being e

Quick Crossword

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

foreign (7) 39 Won’t it acknowledge the hails of other vessels? (6) 40 Mount that, backing, you put your bet on (4) 41 Shocked, paled agitatedly when the friend

came in (8) 42 Why so many offences were committed on the beach? (5,4)

1

DOWN

9

Cryptic Crossword

DOWNACROSS

DOWN

1 Captivate someone ofthe feminine 1 Captivate someone Iffond not, love, wires 1 9 Licensee (8) fond of feminine embellishments (4,4) are crossed (9) 2 USwill inventor embellishments (4,4) doubt, if I have (6) 2 It indicates that10youNo give generously (6) 2 It indicates that you the nerve to(8) voice it Fall out 3 Discover he 3 is renovating the interior when will give generously (1,4,3) (6)the cow(6) From which it’s completed4(8) 12 Rarely 3(8)Discover he is renoman how can forecast bad you 5 Unrepresentative 4 Ask what determines many vating the interior weather? (4) manufacture (6) 6 13 Antibiotic when it s completed Did such ships(10) travel (8) at a good pace?

(6) 5 Position that7is, without doubt, nice to work in (8) Musical introduction (7)what determines 14 Hearing about, 6 A ruse used 8 by politicians toI figdivert4(6) us?Ask(5,5) Pampas cowboy how many you manuure it s of little impor7 The remainder, sire,tance may(7)be expected to facture follow (6) (7) 11 15 Pupil (7)bad language 5 Position Finished (9) 8 And very bothered by hisbrilliantly (6) that is, with16 17information Zero (6)having sufout doubt, nice to All there 11 Please provide about onetime work in (8) fered no damage 19 French capital (5) star Alan (7) 6 A ruse used by politiwhatsoever (9) 20I do 16 It’s admitted get with thecians twits (6)us? to divert 18 Wager Got involved better(3) after all, I had been in the red native (5,5) New Zealand (5) 19 Don’t take, 22 though having permission to (5) 7 The remainder, sire, (7) 20 Plus fifty per of “4” (3) 23cent grass may be expected to 20Treelike Being myself, inter (6) 22 Hears he left starting follow (7) alia, a femaleaattendant (6)fire (5) (10) 25on, Wedding 8 And very bothered by Get on, having travel23 “Anyhow, what’s the point?” you bind 26 21 Sleep, commonly (3)his(6) bad language (6) ling money (4) 25 Where the book24isLenten that 21 ? nobody’s proposing to infor11 Please provide (4,4) 27 Soaks up (7) read? (2,3,5) mation about one26 Feel an affinity with Comic intelligent people? (8)(3) time star Alan (7) 26 Making the30 fish rise, in writer general admitted I do get Me, too!

(8) (8) 31passGet back 27 The setback, right over (7) 16 It s involved with the twits Heavens! Has left the 32 28Roads (8) 30 If it’s indecipherable, won’t your letters (6) be flat! (4) A piece of wire delivered? (4,4) 33 29Tornado (7)is the 19 Don t take, though having permission to main (6) 31 Gave up and to constituent bed (6,2) 35when away (5) 31 Worn I can t swim round(6) it.

32 Homes with36 pensNonsense, for a tot to play in 20 (8) Plus(6) fifty per cent of It s enormous (7)commonly 4 (3) 34 She writes should of a ram- be quashed 33 It’s funny the claim (7) 37joint Eskimo dwellings (6) 22 Hears (6) he left on, shackle hut with 35 Time to get the gangways forramthe vessels starting a fire (5) bling roses (9) 36 In that a foolish will join 23 (6) Anyhow, what s the 36number A mere inaccuracy, holds, in 37 For once, the star the is agent mixing with the point? you bind (6) 25 Where the book is the contract (9) nobodies (6) that nobody s propos38 About to criticise ing to read? (2,3,5) one s mum for being 26 Making the fish rise, foreign (7) in general (3) 39 Won t it acknowledge WCL-E01-S2 27 The setback, pass the hails of other vesright over (7) sels? (6) 30 If it s indecipherable, 40 Mount that, backing, won t your letters be you put your bet on delivered? (4,4) (4) 31 Gave up and when to 41 Shocked, paled agi-

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Quick Crossword ACROSS 9 10 12 13 14 15 17 18

Weaken insidiously (9) Competition decider (3-5) Final (4) Impecunious, commonly (4,2) Unlawful (7) Riddle (9) Infancy (9) Planet (7)

HOROSCOPE ON PAGE 56 DOWN

1 Licensee (8) WEST COUNTRY LIFE 55 SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

US inventor (6) Fall out (8) Rarely (6) Unrepresentative (8) Antibiotic (10) Musical introduction (7) Pampas cowboy (6)

WHERE IN THE WEST Can you name and locate these historic West Country buildings? Solutions below.

STARS CLAIRE PETULENGRO You have worked so hard for all you have and yet it seems that others have taken things away from you with ease. Answers are yours if you can find the courage to ask those all important questions. Ring now to hear why it’s worth giving in to loved ones.

1

I can see that you’ve been the victim of lies and that you seem unsure of what your next move in life should be. A break up in your inner circle brings shock and surprise but should also give you courage to do what you want with your life at last.

There is a really exciting feel to your life at the moment which should give you reason to act on your impulses and to do what feels right instead of just what looks right. A decision you make this week shapes the rest of your year not just this month.

I can see how much you’ve had to cope with in recent days and weeks, but try to give yourself a break Cancer as there is much you want to achieve that can and will become a reality if you believe in yourself a little more. Talks with an ex help you gain closure.

Lies you told will come back on you, so beware of telling untruths. News from far away gives you reason to plan an exciting journey. You’ve done a lot of growing up recently so use your new found knowledge to move forward, not back.

I know you’ve found it hard to tell fact from fiction, but I also know that you’ve done a very good job of finding out what makes certain close ones tick recently. Fellow Virgos hold the key to a better understanding of where your career should go.

2

3

4

I can see from your chart that you haven’t felt quite yourself recently, but what you need to know and remember Libra is that your priority is to be true to you and your feelings. News of someone who can enhance your career gives you reason to get excited.

Social aspects are strong and you start to do what feels right instead of what looks right. I can see from your stars that family have not been much use to you recently. However, from this week you start to see what needs to be done to get back on track.

This weekend, the Moon shows you with clarity who was lying and you may well be surprised when you find out what has really been going on. Time spent with older family members gives closure to something that’s been playing on your mind for months.

Work and play cross paths and many of you may well find that you connect with those you haven’t even noticed previously. A touch of fame beckons in your career as you’re asked to do something which brings you both popularity and notoriety.

WHERE IN THE WEST SOLUTIONS 1 Bath Abbey2 Bristol’s Wills Building 3 Cloisters, in Gloucester Cathedral, by Martyn K Williams 4 Blue skies over Taunton Castle, in Somerset

Crossword solutions CRYPTIC Across 9, O-therwise 10, I dare say 12, Lows 13, Pi-rate 14, Tr-I-V-ial 15, Varnished 17, Un-touched 18, R-all-I-ed 20, A-me-lia 21, Fare 24, Fast food 26, Like-wise 28, (h)E(a)ven(s) 29, Staple 31, T-it-anic 34, A-uth-oress 36, Ag-reem-ent 38, S-pan-I’s-h 39, Cutter 40, Etna (rev) 41, Appal-led 42, Crime wave Down 1, Bow-l-over 2, Shower 3, Fin-ishe-d 4, Demand 5, S-inec-ure 6, Party trick 7, Resi-due 8, Dan-ish 11, G-Ladd-en 16, I-dio-t’s 19, Leave 20, (dem)And 22, (he)Ars-on 23, Swath-E 25, On the shelf 26, Lee (rev) 27, R-elapse 30, Post code 31, Turned in 32, C-ott-ages 33, Co-mical 35, T-ramps 36, Atta-C-h 37, Ex-tras QUICK Across 9, Undermine 10, Tie-break 12, Last 13, Hard up 14, Illicit 15, Conundrum 17, Childhood 18, Neptune 20, Boldly 21, Amen 24, Prohibit 26, Kangaroo 28, Bass 29, Mishap 31, Rubbish 34, Overwhelm 36, Potholing 38, Blossom 39, Raffia 40, Flaw 41, Remedies 42, Love story Down 1, Publican 2, Edison 3, Disagree 4, Seldom 5, Atypical 6, Penicillin 7, Prelude 8, Gaucho 11, Student 16, Nought 19, Paris 20, Bet 22, Maori 23, Bamboo 25, Bridesmaid 26, Kip 27, Absorbs 30, Humorist 31, Retrieve 32, Highways 33, Twister 35, Eroded 36, Piffle 37, Igloos

56 WEST COUNTRY LIFE SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 2015

WCL-E01-S2

This week you are finally able to tell fact from fiction.

You also start to think more about how you feel than how you look. Those who have been acting distantly from you start to come back around due to your new attitude. Keep manners to the fore in business.

You take a step up the career ladder, as those with the power finally notice how talented you are and how hard you’ve been working. News from far away gives you reason to get excited about your future again. That air of despondency begins to lift.

3

WCL-E01-S1

4

01275 839 839 • www.petercarol.co.uk

WCL-E01-S1

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Tues 24 May Cardiff (Standing Tickets) Price: £89.95 (Coach & Ticket)

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CHRISTMAS THEATRE MATINEES THE SMASH HIT MUSICAL Free Time in London, Matinee Show Stalls / Dress Circle Seat Tues 29 Dec Wed 30 Dec, Sat 2 Jan Adult £119.95 60Plus £117.95 Child £114.95 - Excellent tickets!!

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18.30 PERFORMANCE Adult £86.95 60Plus £85.95 Child £79.95

TAKE THAT

Adult £74.95 60Plus £72.95

Mon 20 June 2016 Motorpoint Arena Cardiff Adult £132.95 60Plus £129.95

Sat 19 & Sun 20 December

LIVE TOUR Wed 2 March

Why not add a TOP PRICE Tattoo ticket £60.00 per person.

Motorpoint Arena Cardiff Adult £79.95 60Plus £77.95

HARRY POTTER Dec: Mon 28 / Wed 30 Adult £64.95, 60Plus £62.95, Child £54.95 Jan: Sun 3 / Sun 31 Adult £67.95, 60Plus £65.95,, Child £54.95

3 DAY SHORT BREAK

Peter Carol Ltd Bamfield House, Whitchurch Bristol BS14 OXD

IL DIVO

COACH TRAVEL E ONLY AVAILABL Y £29.95 PER DA

Adult £97.95 60Plus £95.95 Child £92.95

AFTERNOON TEAS Thurs 14 Jan,

Plus £87.95

Wed 17 Feb Plus £89.95

Tues 10th May Motorpoint Arena Cardiff

Adult £132.95 60Plus £129.95

CHELTENHAM RACES

London International Horse Show

£439.95 Based on two sharing single supplement of £45 applies)

Central Bruges 4* hotel.

Excursion to Brussels included.

Fri 22 – Mon 25 Jan Adult £249.95 60Plus £239.95

BARRY MANILOW

Mon 18 - Thurs 21 April • 2 nights en-suite cabin accommodation • 1 night B&B 4* Den Haag Hotel • Tours of The Hague & Royal Delft Factory • Keukenhof Gardens included Adult £399.95, 60Plus £394.95 (Single Supp. £60)

THE WORLD FAMOUS LIPIZZANER HORSES Best seats (Birmingham)

Sat 19 Nov 2016

Adult £119.95, 60Plus £116.95 Child £114.95

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM Sun 24 Jan, Wed 17 Feb Thurs 10 March Adult £25.95, 60Plus £24.95 Child £19.95

TRAFFORD MANCHESTER SHOPS Sun 7 Feb Adult £34.95, 60Plus £33.95

LIVERPOOL SHOPPING Sun 4 June Adult £34.95, 60Plus £33.95

BEATLES TOUR Sun 4 June Adult £51.95, 60Plus £49.95, Child £46.95

Inclusive of: 3 course meal at a central London 4* Hotel Afternoon free time in Knightsbridge Stalls/Dress Circle theatre ticket (evening show) All London coach transfers Adult £145.95 60Plus £142.95 Mousetrap Adult £122.95 60Plus £119.95 Excellent Tickets Saturday Evening 2016: 9 January, 5 March, 19 March, 14 May

Billy Elliot

Mamma Mia

On these Wicked / Guys & Dolls / Lion King / Beautiful are also available.

For other shows please enquire to check dates etc

Sat 13 Feb 2016 Bournmouth International Centre

• Executive air-conditioned coach travel • 3 nights at Cairndale Hotel & Leisure Club • Visits to Tatton Park & Threave Garden & Estate • Full day in Edinburgh • Boat cruise on Lake Windermere • 4 course dinner with tea/coffee on Sunday & Tuesday • Bed and full Scottish breakfast • Hotel entertainment

BRUGES BARGAIN WEEKEND (4 DAYS)

(Priority Standing Tickets) Price: £149.95 (Coach & Ticket)

4 Day Break - Sun 7 - Wed 10 August 2016

March 4th - 6th (Fri - Sun) Dinard, Dinan, St. Malo & Hypermarket Prices from: Adult £109.95 - 60Plus £104.95 95

DYNAMO

London Hyde Park Sat 9 July

SCOTLAND / TATTOO

BRITTANY MINI-CRUISE

Wed 6 Jan Adult £41.95 60Plus £39.95 Greenwich day trip Adult £31.95 60Plus £29.95

PAINTING THE MODERN GARDEN MONET TO MATISSE

Beautiful

13 March From: Adult £54.95 60Plus £52.95

• 4 night B&B and Dinner (4* Hotel) • Sightseeing visits included • Snaefell Mountain Railway Trip • Free time in Douglas.

Adult £574.95, 60Plus £549.95 (Single Supp. £100)

GREENWICH & EMIRATES AIR LINE

At Gloucester Kingsholm Stadium Sun 26 June - Coach & Seat Adult £119.95, 60Plus £118.95

DUTCH BULBFIELDS MINI-CRUISE

SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL OF VIENNA

Coach only service (Birmingham) Tues 29 / Wed 30 March - £32.95

ARSENAL

The Lion King

Also on the above dates: Charlie & The Chocolate Factory The Lion King, Jersey Boys plus all London shows (subject to availabilty Adult £114.95, 60Plus £112.95, Child £109.95

Mon 16 Fri 20 Ma y 2016

Thurs 25 Feb

Adult £49.95 60Plus £47.95 Child £32.95

Adult £25.95, 60Plus £24.95

CHILD £45.95 WITH ENCLOSURE TICKETS

Midweek £41.95 Weekend £44.95 Wed 23, Sat 26, Thurs 31 March Sun 3 April

ST. PAULS CATHEDRAL

Tues 29, Wed 30 Dec / Sat 2 Jan

ONLY £59.95

ISLE OF MAN - 5 DAY TOUR

Feb 13/14 - £127.95 pp

HARRODS SALE

Westfield Covent Garden Knightsbridge

THUR 31 DEC 2015 SEE THE NEW YEAR IN WITH A BANG! Coach only: Adult £45.95, 60Plus £43.95, Child £31.95

BUSTED

IDEAL HOME SHOW

• Executive Air-Conditioned Coach Travel Transfers • Central London 4* Hotel (One night, bed & English breakfast) • Ideal for shopping / sightseeing

Thurs 28 Jan Adult £48.95 60Plus £46.95

LONDON EYE

Sun 14 Feb / Sun 20 March Adult £54.95, 60Plus £52.95 Child £36.95

LONDON WEEKENDS

CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS

Fortnum & Mason 2016: Sun 10 Jan Adult £83.95 60Plus £81.95 The Savoy 2016: Sun 28 Feb, Wed 27 April Adult £99.95 60Plus £97.95

petercarolcoaches petercarolcoach

The Festival March 2016 Tattersalls Tues 15 (Champion Day) - £67.95 Wed 16 (Ladies Day) - £67.95 TThurs 17 (St.Patrick’s Day) - £67.95 Fri 18 (GOLD CUP) - £91.95 60Plus £2.00 off

JINGLE BELL CHRISTMAS Sun 20 Dec - Arena Matinee Ticket Only Adult £78.95 – 60Plus £76.95 6 Seats left

At The Royal Albert Hall

CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW Thurs 26 / Fri 27 / Sat 28 May 2016 Coach & flower show admission Adult £97.95 60Plus £95.95

LONDON SHOPPING, VISITS OR LONDON HYDE PARK Dec: Thurs 17 / Sat 19 / Sun 20 Tues 29 Wed 30, Jan: Sat 2 Adult £25.95 - 60Plus £24.95 Child (15 & under) £19.95 Thur 31 Dec (New Year Very Late!!) - £20 extra

Bonded Coach Holiday Member