Marlborough Town and Country August 2018 by Marlborough Town and Country

TOWN & COUNTRY

People

Annabel Dallas NGS

Local News Ark River Walk Rugby Sponsors

Features

Picnic joy Tech Organisation ISA planning

PEOPLE | FEATURES | NEWS | WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ON | COMMUNITY INFORMATION

FREE Issue 124 . August 2018

DON’T MISS THIS YEAR’S WANBOROUGH VILLAGE & COUNTRY SHOW

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FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY

Saturday 18th August

Tickets on the day only Adults £5 | Children & Seniors £2.50 On-site Parking £3 Free parking for blue badge holders @wanbshow @Wanborough_show

MAIN ATTRACTIONS

Church Meadow, Upper Wanborough Main events start from midday Galloping Acrobatics Display Team GameGoer Gun Dog & Hawk Display Ferret Racing Petting Zoo Chippenham Morris Men Children’s Fun & Games Fun Fair “For Community & Local Heritage”

www.wanboroughshow.org

Edit or’s Letter There’s an outdoors flavour to this month’s issue. Our interviewee is Annabel Dallas, the County Organiser for the National Garden Scheme, who tells us all about her stunning garden; Marlborough Council’s news this month is all about the judging for South West in Bloom; and Fiona’s column is all about the delights of the picnic. The amazing weather we have been experiencing has meant more opportunity for outdoor activities, almost like being in the Mediterranean. I’m taking bets on whether the glorious sunshine will be replaced by the traditional British drizzle as soon as the school holidays start. Let’s hope not! Enjoy the magazine this month,

Editor Cover Photo: A lovely view of Annabel Dallas’ garden. All copy for September 18 issue is due by 6th August 2018.

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People

Annabel Dallas Annabel Dallas has recently taken over as County Organiser for the National Garden Scheme, which runs the largest Open Garden programme in the country. She lives in a beautiful old mill in Ramsbury, with her husband James, a lawyer, and their dog Flopsy. They have three grown up children - Edward, 33, an accountant in London, Katie, 32, who lives in New York, and works for an NGO, and Tilly, 29, a professional gardener also in London. Tell us about your background as a gardener. I’ve always loved gardening, even when I didn’t have a very big garden. My university degree had a large element of botany. James and I lived in London before moving to Ramsbury, and moved around quite a lot, so never had chance to really establish a garden. We moved to The Old Mill 22 years ago and it was a real change – we went from having a small garden to having around 20 acres with a river running through it! It was a daunting prospect – although the majority of the garden is mown fields, seven acres is garden. I’ve learnt as I have gone along, and did a course in garden design which taught me basic skills for putting the garden together. I do have help as it is too much for one person to manage, I have two great part time gardeners, Bob, who works four days a week, and Denise, who does one day. What is your garden like? It has evolved over the years – when we first came there wasn’t so much garden, and the rest had been let go, not having been properly gardened for quite a few years. I wouldn’t describe my garden as perfect, it has a wild air about it. In the NGS brochure it is described as a “…whimsical garden of pollarded limes and naturalistic planting.” The river is a prominent feature and we have paths that wander by streams, and over bridges. I have two areas that are fenced in because of the deer and rabbits – my vegetable garden and my flower garden. I like to create vistas that draw the eye from the garden to the downs beyond. The garden is a fantastic outlet for my creativity – it’s like painting with plants. I love colour – and

I know how lucky I am to have such a wonderful space, so it is good to raise money for fantastic charities, whilst showing it off. have no snobbery about it at all. I love to have a riot of colour, and have a particular fondness for oranges which stems from my childhood, but I try not put all colours in the same place. I do have colour themed borders and for example there is a separate yellow and white border. I put strong colours together. I also think gardening is very uplifting – I find it very rewarding just getting out and doing menial tasks such as weeding – it’s surprising how just tidying up an area can change your mood. I suppose it gives you a sense of achievement, and the reward of doing something useful. Gardening is proven to help with both physical and mental health, and the NGS is involved with some interesting programmes in this area. Dahlias are a speciality of mine, there are hundreds of varieties with an amazing variety of shapes and colour. They are easy to grow, but require quite a lot of attention. I sometimes sell them to friends and I enter them in the annual village show (I don’t always win!).

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People How long have you been opening your garden for the NGS? Around 20 years. After we had done so much work on it, it was nice to share it with others. I know how lucky I am to have such a wonderful space, so it is good to raise money for fantastic charities, whilst showing it off. Do you get a lot of visitors? We open the garden twice a year, in June and August. Attendance is dependent on the weather, but I would say the average is around 170. Our peak was around 300, which was hard work because we ran out of refreshments and had to get some more; we’ve had as few as 30, on a day when it was pouring with rain and everyone had to come inside for tea and cake! (We usually serve it in the garden). Is there a lot of preparation for an Open Garden? It does take some extra effort, yes. There’s tidying up the usual garden paraphernalia, and ensuring everything is neatly swept and clear. We take extra care with edges, and probably do more deadheading than usual. I just like it to look at its best for the visitors. I love chatting to them, some are very knowledgeable, and I always learn something. On the day there are refreshments to prepare, visitors look forward to tea and cake, it’s an integral part of the Open Garden experience. Is there a typical visitor? Not really, as well as those who know a lot about gardening, there are many that just enjoy visiting a garden to enjoy the beauty of it. Some people will just visit one or two local gardens, while others will travel some distance and spend the

summer visiting a good number. What does your role as County Organiser involve? I’m fairly new to it, so still getting to grips with it. The main responsibility is to encourage new people to join the scheme, or sometimes to bring back old exhibitors. The charity is very well run, and Head Office handle anything too complicated! Wiltshire is a fairly large county so there can be a fair amount of distances to be done to visit the current gardens, and meet their owners. What sort of garden would qualify for the scheme? There are no hard and fast rules, though typically gardens are fairly large as they need to provide a lot of interest. It’s best if you can’t see all of it at the same time, allowing people to explore. Probably most important is weed control, visitor feedback tells us too many weeds in a border or bed are very off-putting! If someone is considering joining the scheme, they should visit the NGS website where there are details of how to go about it, and contact numbers for local volunteers who can advise. It’s a great way to open a garden, as the NGS have an excellent structure in place which provides all the publicity, so your main job is to concentrate on the garden itself. Do you have a favourite part of your garden? Not really – it changes with the garden. The lovely thing about having the garden for such a long time is that it has allowed us to see the gardens mature and change over time. One of my favourite spots currently is sitting on the new patio area that we made ourselves, and looking out over the view.

What do you enjoy when not gardening? I enjoy playing bridge and tennis. We are fairly sociable and enjoy having friends round. I like cooking, but it’s a bit similar to my gardening, I don’t follow a recipe and sometimes have great success, and occasionally something of a disaster! We grow our own vegetables and fruit, and it is lovely to use them in my cooking. James spends a lot of his time working in London, and we have a flat there, so I often spend part of my week there. We enjoy going out to the theatre, but don’t tend to eat out much. I don’t go so much in the Summer because of the garden, there’s so much to do. Do you like to eat out? Not too often, but when we do I like The Bell, and slightly further away, The Wheatsheaf in Chilton Foliat, which is very good now. Are you a reader? Yes, I love novels. I am reading The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock by Imogen Hermes Gowar (actually, when I say reading, I mean listening, as I enjoy audio books). I’m also a member of a book club, and we recently read Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, which I thoroughly enjoyed. What about music? My taste in music runs to cheerful pop music from the sixties and seventies – I’m fond of The Beatles and Abba. I also like musicals, such as The Sound of Music and My Fair Lady. Nothing too highbrow! The National Garden Scheme raises money for several charities including Macmillan Nursing, Marie Curie, and the MS Society. Last year a record £3m was raised. Annabel’s Garden is open to visitors on 19 August, see the What’s On pages for more info.

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Local News

Exclusive river access Local charity and Rivers Trust for the Kennet catchment Action for the River Kennet (ARK) are again holding their annual Summer River Walk, this year the date for your diaries is 1 September.

For the first time the walk will be held along the private stretches of riverbank on the beautiful Avington Estate, near Hungerford. The walk is for members only, a special event for those who support ARK. If you are not a member you can join on the day. ARK offer individual (£20) and family membership (£30), your money supports ARK’s work, and ensures you receive news and updates on ARK’s activities, along with invitations to events such as this one. The day promises to be well worth doing, with both a full walk approximately 4.5 miles long and a shorter route choice too. Walkers can start anytime between 2-3pm. The walk will be arrowed and a map will be provided.

Congratulations to Ramsbury Surgery At their recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission, Ramsbury Surgery was rated Outstanding for the second time. Only around 5% of all GP practices inspected are rated outstanding, so this is an achievement to be proud of. The surgery serves 9000 patients, with around 2500 of these using the branch surgery in Wanborough. If you’d like to read the report visit the surgery website www.ramsburyandwanboroughsurgery.com

Vets4Pets Sponsor Rugby Marlborough Vets4Pets, locally owned veterinary practice located on Marlborough Business Park, have committed to a three year sponsorship arrangement with Marlborough Rugby Club, which will include new kit for the Junior Team. Joint Owners Karien White, Veterinary Surgeon and Head Veterinary Nurse Chloe Chapple, said “Marlborough Rugby Club is an extremely important part of the community here in Marlborough and we are proud and excited to be supporting the Junior Team for the next 3 years. We are really looking forward to meeting the pets of the rugby club and their supporters.”

Tea and home-made cakes will be being served all afternoon from the splendid fishing hut within the estate and can be enjoyed by the river. All proceeds will help support ARK’s projects caring for the Kennet and its tributaries.

Marlborough Vets4Pets will be working with the club to enhance their pet friendly status by providing water bowels, doggy towels for use after wetter walks, doggy treats and door mats to wipe muddy paws on. They will be holding events at the rugby club throughout the year and attending key fixture dates and social events.

The closest postcode is RG17 0UR. ARK flags will be on the Hungerford Road indicating where to turn off. Please car share where possible. This is an opportunity to see some glorious stretches of the Kennet and perhaps see some of the rich diversity of wildlife that is thriving here. www.riverkennet.org/membership-funding/ membership

Clive Robins (youth Chairman) and Paul Carver from Marlborough Rugby club said “We are delighted to be working with Vets4Pets as one of the new kit sponsors for the Juniors age group. The common is the main dog walking area for Marlborough residents, and we welcome the partnership with Vets4Pets that will also enhance the pet friendly atmosphere at the Rugby club for players, walkers, spectators and social members.”

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The Greyhound

South West in Bloom Marlborough did its best for the South West on 10 July when RHS judges, Martin Abrahams and Su Maddocks, were in town for this year’s competition. They were met on the steps of the Town Hall by our Mayor, Lisa Farrell, the In Bloom Chairman, Steve Pascall and other key local players.

Churchyards, Marlborough College, Wye Gardens and more. All the time they soaked up the impact of floral displays provided by your council, shops, restaurants, pubs and businesses. MiB chose ‘Birds’ as its theme for the year and the judges were impressed by how retailers had really taken this on board producing some imaginative window displays. Preshute School pupils must be congratulated on their splendid artwork on display at the former Lighting of Distinction shop.

This year the judges were followed by a film crew to highlight some of our community entries in the It’s Your Neighbourhood scheme for a programme which will be aired on BBC2 next February – we’ll keep you posted. It was a hot day and the judges spent the whole morning touring the town centre with Steve and our Grounds Manager, Nigel Weatherly, marking Marlborough against a set of criteria based on Horticultural Achievement, Environmental Achievement and Community Participation. They stopped off at Priory Gardens, Alma Place, Coopers Meadow, the Waterfront Garden at Kennet Place, St Mary’s and St Peter’s

Later (and the following day), the judges went on to visit more IYN projects worked on by volunteers – Stonebridge Meadow, the Merchant’s House Garden, the Old Victorian Cemetery, and Preshute School where they saw a rainwater collection project. Also the Marlborough Community Orchard’s Jubilee Plantation on The Common, The Mead and the Plume of Feathers Garden.

able to meet the judges and enjoy some tea and cake and hear who had been awarded prizes in the local MiB Gardening Competition sponsored by Jonathan Conning at Henry George Estate Agents.

So, this was a great day when Marlborough, was seen at its best, showcasing its horticulture, heritage, environmental credentials, businesses, local council and most of all, its community.

It was all rounded off by a celebratory event in the Town Hall where MiB volunteers were

Special thanks to the White Horse Bookshop, Waitrose, the Polly Tea Rooms, Libanus Press and Tesco. Our best wishes go to Steve Pascall and his fellow Bloomers at MiB for the award ceremony at Yeovil in the autumn when the results will be announced. Fingers crossed for another gold award – Marlborough certainly deserves it.

Comments and enquiries to the council are always welcome, you can contact us on:Tel: 01672 512487 Email: enquiries@marlborough-tc.gov.uk Web: www.marlborough-tc.gov.uk Official news from Marlborough Town Council

1313

RUTH KOLISH, Travel Counsellor

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Organisation

Top tips for organising your technology “There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home.” Ken Olsen infamously said in 1977. In 2018 he might be correct! Who wants a computer when you can have a smart phone, a smart watch, a smart meter or even a smart home? Look at the average number of gadgets a household has and the feeling of overwhelm starts to rise. Even if you use your gadgets to keep in touch with or receive photographs from family and friends through email, Facetime or social media, the role it plays in our lives is quickly becoming critical rather than a choice. With that change comes a need to have secure systems to protect our identity - and that means having a good technology management system in place. So how do you tame the techno beast? Many clients use our technology inventory service to identify what they have, what needs urgent attention (frequently security and back up) and a suggested plan of improvement. These are my favourite tips: • Be security sassy. It isn’t just Facebook settings you need to worry about. You need a proper strategy to manage your PINs, passwords and know what security settings you have set up on your devices. • Organise your files. Create a system for naming your document, spreadsheet or image files so you can always find things. • Back up! Use the cloud to store and

automatically back up all your documents and synchronise across all your devices. Use a second back up option for critical data (including photos). • Label cables. As you get your new purchase out of its box, mark the plug and the cable immediately. That way you never end up with cable chaos! Store spare cables in marked zip lock bags. Cables are very easy to replace so there’s no need to hold onto all those unidentified ones! • Create a tech zone. Keep all your technology and gadgets organised in one place. That way you can keep control of what you have. Consider setting up a ‘power bar’ there as well so you can keep everything charged up and ready to go when needed. • Speed is everything! Get the fastest broadband available which you can afford. The demands on watching things on-line, like Netflix, are only going to increase. Technology can be as fabulous as it is frustrating. But with proper management and organisation you can really start to reap the benefits.

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Lifestyle

The art of the Picnic If a picnic tea was a metaphor for life we would be wondering if it was fulfilling and memorable, or something that did its job, performed its function and was long forgotten. My preference would be the first. The picnic tea, however, is not like any other meal as the challenge is to not only fulfil the purpose of feeding people, but to wrap, cool and transport the provisions in the best way. The type of food that you take is therefore of utmost importance. In the looks vs substance stakes, an ornate jelly on a platter may look magnificent, but it is probably the least successful picnic food. Practical food is key, therefore. If a lump of cheese wrapped in tin foil doesn’t do it for you, then you need to have the best tools available to carry the food to it’s destination. Looks vs substance come into play again here. Whilst a wicker picnic basket is a thing of beauty (and I have a beautiful one which my husband bought me), it’s not practical unless you propose to eat by your car. I reference this with two images in mind, the people with the beautiful posh cars at the races who sit with their beautiful picnics in baskets stowed nonchalantly at the back of the car – “look at me, aren’t I beautiful?” to the people who stop to eat in the lay by next to the road with not a care in the world that only ten feet behind them is a beautiful forest/hill/beach. Whilst I may mock them, being an “at the site of beauty picnic-er”, they have the last laugh at they watch my family, laden down like pack horses carrying everything but the kitchen sink to our desired resting post. Picnics take planning. There’s no point in planning an impromptu picnic if you haven’t planned! After all, can you really persuade the children that they wanted a tin of sardines and some raisins from the back of the cupboard. Oh no, you must plan or shop with “mission picnic” in mind. This is fatal for me as I will over provide to the extent that the rest of the beach could join us for lunch with plenty left for tea as well. Why also do I think that my family will suddenly get a pang for hummus and a macrobiotic salad when actually a sausage roll

and pork pie will do thank you very much? Packing for the picnic is one of the most common causes of family dissent. As well as the “did you freeze the ice blocks” saga, you then face the danger of the untidiest kitchen cupboard. The “Tupperware” cupboard, which is full of plastic boxes of all shapes and sizes, some with their fancy compartments and little clips for plastic cutlery, the sort of thing that you buy in the supermarket in the winter thinking “that will come in handy for a summer picnic”, then completely forget about. Living alongside the boxes are the plastic bottles but, just like the laundry and the missing sock dilemma, can you match the box or bottle to the right lid? The fancy pants box ends up being left at home, lidless whilst, instead, the old faithful Chinese takeaway box steps up to the plate, lid in tow. The perils continue at the picnic venue. Again, you need specialist one handed food here. The other hand free for batting away flies/wasps and brushing off sand which will inevitably stick to your food when the edge of the picnic blanket takes flight. If you can master all of this, however, then you have mastered life and the art of the memorable meal. Yes, there might be sand in your egg mayo roll and you may have put your back out getting there, but the life and memories of the smug picnic-er are second to none. Happy holidays. Fiona Kellow Fiona Kellow is a working mum of two. When she isn’t running around after her family she is a Partner at Thrings Solicitors, specialising in family law.

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What’s On

What’s On August 2018 Marlborough Open Studios Date: 28/29 July Venue: Various

Last chance to visit artists in their studios to see how they work and view their art. Over 50 artists participating in Marlborough and surrounding area.

www.marlboroughopenstudios.co.uk

Avebury Rocks

Date: 27-29 July Venue: Warren Farm, Liddington, SN4 0EB Keeping the name but changing the venue – Avebury Rocks has three days of great music. All proceeds go to support Prospect Hospice. Tickets and info aveburyrocksfestival.net

An evening with Lord Robert Winston Date: Tuesday 31 July, 8-10 pm Venue: Memorial Hall, Marlborough College

An evening with the well known scientist and Labour Peer. Tickets on sale at www.summerschool.co.uk, the Summer School office, Sound Knowledge, or on the door (subject to availability).

The Merchant’s House Cake Sale

Date: 1 August, 11am-3pm Venue: The Merchant’s House, High St, Marlborough Cakes, Brownies, Cupcakes, Gingerbread, Sausage Rolls, mini and regular Quiches, Cookies, Cheese Puffs, Fudge and much more. All homemade and delicious. All money raised is to help restore and maintain The Merchant’s House.

Galloping Acrobatics at Wanborough Show

Killer Queen

Date: Friday 3 August, 8pm Venue: Memorial Hall, Marlborough College Queen’s music is loved the world over. Their songs have inspired generations. Recreating the songs on a world stage takes a great deal of skill and Killer Queen’s musicianship is nothing short of outstanding. Killer Queen have sold out venues across Europe and the USA. Today, they are universally recognised as the premier tribute to Queen. Tickets, £20 on sale at www.summerschool.co.uk, the Summer School office, Sound Knowledge, or on the door (subject to availability).

Aldbourne Band Proms on the Green Date: Sunday 5 August, 4pm Venue: The Green, Aldbourne

The perfect way to while away a Summer Sunday. Attendance

free, with a collection for the band. Next date 2 September.

Wolfhall Open Day

Date: Saturday 11 August, 11am – 5pm Venue: Wolfhall Manor, Wolfhall Road, Nr Burbage, SN8 3DP A chance for the public to visit this wonderfully fascinating and deeply historic location. View the gardens and also the archaeology trenches (weather permitting) to see for yourself what lies beneath! Included in the ticket price is a cream tea for you to enjoy with our great friend and supporter Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen - bring along a picnic rug if it’s a nice day. At 2:30pm you’ll be seated in our marquee to receive a talk by best-selling author ALISON WEIR about her fabulous new book ‘Jane Seymour - The Haunted Queen’ the majority of which is set at Wolfhall (Wulfhall). Also, as part of the ticket price you will receive this

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What’s On beautiful hardback book (RRP £18.99) on arrival at Wolfhall and following the talk you will get to meet Alison and she will sign your book for you! Free on-site parking is included in our paddock. (Please note there will be no access inside the manor). Ticket info www.realwolfhall.com/events

Wanborough Summer Show

Date: Saturday 19 August, from 12pm Venue: Church Meadow, Upper Wanborough, SN4 0BZ Children’s Show, stalls and games, Pig Roast, Horse and Dog Show, Flower and Produce Show, Beer Tent and Bar, Arena Events including the Galloping Acrobatics Display team. www.wanboroughshow.org

NGS Open Garden

Date: Sunday 19 August, 2-6pm Venue: The Old Mill, Ramsbury, SN8 2PN Visit Annabel Dallas’ stunning garden, at the beautiful Old Mill in Ramsbury. Paths meander by streams and over small bridges. Vistas give dramatic views of downs beyond. Potager style kitchen garden and separate cutting garden provide a more formal contrast to the relaxed style elsewhere. Read about Annabel and her garden on pages 6/7. Entry £5, children free. Home made teas in aid of local charities. www.ngs.org.uk

Giffords Circus, the nation’s most glamorous troupe, are throwing a summer-long party. Directed by Cal McCrystal and featuring mischief-maker Tweedy the clown, the good times are going to roll at Giffords Circus. Gershwin, Cole Porter, Henry Hall, Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed provide the soundtrack to sultry nights under the canvas and the addictive fun of a circus company in full swing. Tickets from £14 child, £24 adult Call 012420691181

Crofton Beam Engines Dates: August 25 - 27 Venue: Crofton Pumping Station, Marlborough, SN8 3DW

Come and visit the oldest working steam engines in the world still performing the job they were built to do! 200 years of history on your doorstep, situated in unspoiled countryside between Great Bedwyn and Marlborough. The Engines are next ‘in steam’ on the dates above and, with the ‘Engineman’s Rest Café, will be open from 10.30 to 4.30 each day. Please see our web site for opening times during non-steaming periods. www.croftonbeamengines.org

Charity Car Boot Sale

Date: Monday 27 August, 10am – 2pm, open for setting up at 9am Venue: Easton Royal Recreation Ground (off the Pewsey-Burbage road at SN9 5LY) Pitches: Cars £8 Vans £10 Entry for adult buyers - 50p Dogs and children free Delicious gourmet burgers and refreshments. Bar open from 12 noon - toilets available in Village Hall - wheelchair access. All proceeds to Prospect Hospice and Easton Royal Heritage Group. For more information contact Liz Johnson on 01672 810289

ARK River Walk

Date: Saturday 1 September, start between 2-3pm Venue: Avington Estate, near Hungerford, RG17 0UT Walk the private riverbanks of the Avington Estate. A special event for members of Action for the River Kennet. If you are not a member you can join on the day. Full details www.riverkennet.org (or see ad on page 12)

Giffords Circus

Dates: 24 August – 4 September, times vary Venue: Marlborough Common The year 2018 is the 250th anniversary of the birth of circus. To celebrate this particularly English invention,

The Old Mill, Ramsbury

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Community Information

Community Information These pages detail useful local numbers and community groups. If you have a group or society you would like featured here please telephone 01793 791104 or email aj@marlboroughtandc.co.uk

Local Societies and Groups Air Cadets (2293 Marlborough Squadron) Marlborough Air cadets welcome all young people aged 13-18 who are interested in Aviation and Adventure: Parade nights Tues and Fri 1900-2130 Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ 2293MarlboroughAirCadets Email 2293@aircadets.org 01672 516811 Dance Classes in Marlborough Ballroom and Latin American dance classes, and for those with no partner Dancersize sessions. Please contact Amanda on 07882-882030 or email learntodance@mac.com for more info Depression Alliance The Marlborough and District SELF-HELP GROUP meets the first Tuesday of every month. If you’ve got depression, or know someone who might benefit from being part of our group, please get in touch. Call 0845 123 23 20 for location details. Stained Glass Lessons. Wed.& Thurs morning 9.30-11.30. Mon.Tues.& Wed evening 7-9. Suitable for all, learn stained glass or kiln-formed glass. Held at; Ogbourne St. George. Contact jeannette 07977 053363 or jet@jeannettetherrien.com Girl Guides Meet Tuesdays during term times at Manton Village Hall 1st Marlborough Rainbows, 4.45-5.45pm, Contact fryrachel@yahoo.co.uk 1st Marlborough Guides, 5.45-7.15pm Contact sianybubbles@hotmail.com Jubilee Centre Day Centre (Mon, Tues and Fri) and Drop-in Centre (Wed and Thurs - Lunch served 12.30pm £5.00) for over sixties. For more information phone Carole Walkeron 01672 513087 Kennet Accordion Orchestra Meets on Monday night from 7.30pm, in Froxfield and has a wide playing base of players from Swindon through Marlborough to Newbury and encourage accordion players of all standards to join and enjoy a varied selection of music from pop through to classics. The current Southern Area Champions and established throughout the region for its diverse repertoire. Contact Nigel Pasby A.B.C.A.(t.d.) L.B.C.A. on 07894032757 or email nigelpasby@gmail.com For more information go to www.kennetaccordionorchestra.com

Kennet Badminton Club We are a friendly club fielding six teams in the Swindon and District Badminton League. We have accredited coaches, a competitive player base and a friendly social aspect. Club nights are held on Mondays from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm throughout the winter at St. John’s Academy, Marlborough. New members are welcome. For more information please visit www.kennetbc.co.uk or contact Kennet Badminton Club Secretary on 01672 515526 Kennet Community Transport KTC runs a minibus with tail lift for people for whom normal transport is impractical. Contact the driver on 07850 356572 or Alexander Kirk Wilson on 01672 513861 Kennet Valley Driving Group RDA carriage driving for adults (16+) with physical disabilities. New volunteers and participants welcome. Sessions on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at Rockley. For more info call the Secretary, Maggie Lewis, on 0846 241 5396 or email kennetvalleydrivinggroup@gmail.com Kennet Valley National Trust Association Monthly meetings with speakers on a variety of subjects, summer outings to interesting places and social events. For more information please call Ann King (Chair) on 01380 727130 or Rhona Wilkinson (Membership Secretary) 01380 726433 Learn To Play Bridge Lessons for Absolute Beginners & Improvers Friendly club sessions also available Marlborough Area, No Partner needed Friendly relaxed atmosphere Please contact Andy Hill for further details and availability 01380 724725 Line dancing Meet every Tuesday (except August) at St John’s School, Marlborough Class runs 7-10 pm and covers beginners through to advanced Contact Natasha on 07917 806019 or natasha67@hotmail.couk Marlborough Accordion Orchestra Rehearsals on Monday in Wesley Hall Marlborough. Training Orchestra 6.30p.m. / Main Orchestra 7.30 p.m. New and experienced players of all ages welcome. M.D. David Watson. Contact 01672 512634 Marlborough and District Link Scheme Marlborough Link is a charity dedicated to assisting the disadvantaged members of our community, whether because of age, physical or mental disability, poverty or absence of public transport.If you need us, or if you would like to help please telephone 01672 288007. Marlborough Brandt Group MBG is best known for its 30 year link with and support for the Muslim community of Gunjur in The Gambia, West Africa. If you are interested in becoming a friend, volunteering or visiting Gunjur for an extraordinary experience please contact us 01672861116, or info@mbg.org or visit www.mbg.org

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Community Information Marlborough Choral Society Rehearses on Monday 7.45 to 9.30pm in Christchurch, New Rd, Marlborough. New members welcome, for more information Tel 01793 812175. Marlborough Concert Orchestra Rehearsals take place on Tuesday evening at Christ Church, New Road, Marlborough, 7.30 pm Anyone wishing to join is invited to make contact with the orchestra through the website www.mco.org.uk Marlborough Gardening Association Welcomes anyone with an interest in gardening. Meetings or visits most months throughout the year. For more information call Tricia Hayllar on 01672 512435, www.marlbga.org.uk. Marlborough & District Farming Club Meets every third Thursday of the month, September through to June, with a Ploughman’s Supper and a varied programme of interest to members. Meetings in Oare Village Hall 7.30 pm and four times in the winter at All Cannings. Open to anyone interested in country life Secretary Diane Strong 01672 563371 email dianemstrong@aol.com. Marlborough and District Concert Club Marlborough and District Concert Club was founded in 1980 in order to take advantage of some of the many first-class professional musical events available within coach distance of Marlborough. We arrange visits to concerts in Basingstoke, Bristol, Bath, Cheltenham, Southampton and Reading and occasionally London and Birmingham. We normally go to 11 concerts each year: orchestral, chamber music, recitals and opera. For more information call Tom Massey, 01672 516610. Marlborough and District Dyslexia Association The MDDA is a small, independent charity which has for the last 22 years supported local schools, hundreds of dyslexics and their families. Helpline 07729452143, website www.marlboroughdistrictdyslexia.org Marlborough and District Rotary Club Rotary is an International Organisation of professional and business people who meet every week for fellowship and service. Meetings every Monday evening at Marlborough Golf Club. For more information visit www.marlboroughrotary.org.uk Marlborough Big Band Rehearsals on Fridays 7pm to 9pm at Mildenhall Village Hall. We play a wide range of popular, swing and jazz music and have members aged 16 to 80+. New members of all ages welcome. For more information contact David on 07500 635870 or email: david@baker30.co.uk Marlborough Bowls Club Tel: 07747 833436 Secretary Mrs A. Watts 01672 511335 Outdoor season April - October. New members always welcome, coaching and advice available Monthly networking breakfasts, see www.chambernews.biz for more info.

Marlborough & District Lions Lions serve the local community by organising events to raise funds for local and national deserving causes. If you would like to join or need support please ring John Edmunds 01672 512650 or Karen Hilditch 01672 513282 Marlborough Floral Club. Please come and join us....we meet at 2pm the first Thursday of each month at Mildenhall Village Hall. Guest demonstrators, and the arrangements are raffled at the end of the meeting. For more info please call Mary Throup - 01672 861279. Marlborough Freemasons Meet once a month in the Masonic Hall in Oxford Street. Far from the myth of being a “secret” organisation, members are openly proud of their membership, and of the work that the Lodge does to support local organisations and charities. More details from Secretary Steve Aubertin on 01672 513316 or e-mail him 1533@pglwilts.org.uk Marlborough History Society Founded in 2001 the Society celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2011. Meetings are held at St. Peter’s at 7.30pm on the third Thursday of most months. New members are always welcome. For more information call 01672 519338. Web site: www.marlboroughhistorysociety.co.uk Marlborough Penguins Amateur Swimming Club. Swimming teaching/training for ages 5years to Masters. Tues/Thurs/Sun at Marlborough Leisure Centre. Please contact Alan Crook 01672 512757 for details. Marlborough Police Station Enquiry Office is now only open Tues 0900 - 1700 (closed 1245 - 1315), Weds 0900 - 1230 and Thurs 0900 - 1700 (closed 1245 - 1315). Please call in to check if your lost property has been handed in, as well as report crime, traffic collisions, produce driving documents, and much more. Marlborough Tennis Club Based at Preshute Tennis Courts.New members welcome for social and league play. Coaching for children and adults. Contact Barbara Jones 516635 Marlborough WI Meetings take place on the 1st Wednesday of every month at Wesley Hall, Oxford St from 7.30-9.30. New members very welcome. For further details call 01672 514177 Mildenhall Gardening Club - New, very informal and friendly group, currently meeting at the Horsehoe in Mildenhall on the 3rd Wednesday every month at 7.30pm. For more information contact Milly on 07876 230 540 or millycarmichael@hotmail.com

To advertise please call 01793 791104 or email: aj@marlboroughtandc.co.uk

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Vets4Pets Marlborough Marlborough Business Park Salisbury Road Marlborough SN8 4AW Tel: 01672 529 020

Community Information Pewsey Tennis Club A friendly club with first class facilities and coaching groups for all ages and abilities. Private coaching available. For more info please see our website pewseytennisclub.net or contact Martin Wright Head Coach 07855 887 568 Phoenix Brass Band Rehearsals twice weekly in Froxfield. Training Band on Saturday mornings. New and experienced players of all ages welcome. Contact Musical Director David Watson 01672 515176 Pilates classes Pilates classes for all levels around the Marlborough area. Please contact Caroline McCord on 01672 511360 or 07817503546 or caroline@backinbalancepilates.com Angie Sanders - Classes are held in Aldbourne. 1:1 tuition available, angiesanders2@icloud.com or 01672 540176 Pottery Lessons Adults:Mon.7-9pm, or Thurs.7-9pm Children’s: Wed. 3.45-5.15. Beginners and more experienced welcome. At Wagon Yard Artists, off London Rd, Marlb. Contact Jacqui 07773 271572 or jacqui.melhuish@btinternet.com Sarsen Songmen A small male voice choir rehearsing in Aldbourne (1st, 3rd and 5th Thursdays 7.30 pm), wide repertoire including Barbershop, occasional performances in the local area. New members welcome: contact MichaelReynolds on 01672-511199. Savernake Badminton Club Savernake Badminton Club is a small friendly club that is long established and affiliated to Badminton England. We meet on Tuesday evenings between 7.00 and 9.00pm at the Sports Hall at St John’s School, Granham Hill, Marlborough. For further details telephone Roy Turner on 01672 810208 or Barbara Jones on 01672 516635 School of Tae Kwon Do (P.U.M.A.) Classes are held at Marlborough Leisure Centre on Tuesday evening (7 - 8 pm), and Friday evening (6 -7 pm), and are suitable for all ages from 7 years upward. Please phone John or Carol on 01793 850410 / 07799 566805 for further information. Scottish Country Dancing Manton Village Hall - Wednesday evenings Beginner session followed by more experienced dancers.Contact Jennifer Parker 01672 515151 St Peter’s Church Marlborough A redundant church now managed by a Trust, featuring a Coffee Shop and a Craft Shop. The church is open daily 10 am - 5 pm, except Saturdays when it opens at 9 am, and on Sundays from March to December 11 am - 4pm The church is available for hire for exhibitions, meetings, lectures and concerts. For bookings please contact David Du Croz on 01672511725 or email at du.croz@btinternet.com T’ai Chi at Burbage Tai Chi is an excellent exercise designed to strengthen the back and improve general well-being. Open to

men and women. New members and beginners are most welcome. Sessions every Thursday, 10-11am and 11.30-12.30 in Burbage Village Hall More details contact Louise on 01672 810421 or email taicburbage@gmail.com. The Friends of Savernake Hospital and the Community – A local charity helping people with health-related issues both at Savernake Hospital and in the Marlborough Community Area by providing grants of up to GBP10,000. For information on applying for a grant or on becoming a volunteer at the Friends’ Shop at Savernake Hospital, visit the Friends’ website at www.friendsofsavernake.org or contact the Friends’ Chairman, Janet Louth, on 01672 513868. The Merchant’s House This historic 17th century silk-merchant’s house at 132 High Street is being refurbished by a charitable trust. Regular lectures and concerts are held and there are opportunities for local people to work as volunteers or house guides. The House and garden are open to visitors from 1st of April to the end of October on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays 10.30am-3pm and by appointment at other times. Become a ‘Friend’ and enjoy enhanced membership benefits. For more information contact Sophie Costard 01672 511491 Web site: www.themerchantshouse.co.uk Transition Marlborough aims to inspire and motivate people to work together, and support each other, in reducing their reliance on fossil fuels, building a stronger sense of community and so increasing our communities’ resilience. This will strengthen the local economy to create livelihoods for local people and provide a greater level of wellbeing for all. Our Hub group meets on the second Thursday of the month, usually at the Green Dragon, at 7:30pm. Do join us. For more information, contact Alexandra on 07771 347 379 email secretary@transitionmarlborough.org, www.transitionmarlborough.org University of the Third Age U3A provides learning and leisure opportunities in the Marlborough Area for those who are retired or semi-retired. For information on interest groups and membership please visit www.u3ainkennet.org.uk or email membershipsec@u3ainkennet.org.uk or call the Membership Secretary, Nick Swan, on 01672 519331. Watercolour Painting Classes Classes on Wednesdays 10.30am – 12.30pm and Tuesdays 7.30pm – 9.30pm With professional artist Colin Palmer at his studio in central Marlborough. Suitable for beginners and the more experienced. Call Colin on 07835 039 812 or colin@colinpalmer-illustration.co.uk for more details. Yoga classes for all abilities. Enjoyable Yoga classes in and around the Marlborough area. Please contact Lizzy Hawnt on 01672 841553, 07821 396 430 or e-mail hawnted.house@btinternet.com Yoga for Men Tuesday evenings 7.30pm -9.15pm for all abilities including beginners at Minal Village Hall,

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Community Information Mildenhall Please contact Jonathan Heath on 01672 513738 e.mail: jonathan@samtosha.co.uk Aldbourne Village Green A voluntary organisation managing a community orchard and running a twice yearly market for local bakers, makers and growers on the Green. New volunteers and traders welcome. For details contact Lesley on 01672 540180

Parents & Toddlers

Chilton Chicks Toddler Group Join us for a variety of crafts, toys, snacks, a cuppa and a chat. New faces are always welcome. Mondays 9.30-11.30am in the Chilton Foliat Village Hall (Next to the Wheatsheaf pub). Adults £1, Toddlers £1 & under 6 months are free. Call Liz on 01488 684526 for further details. Creepy Crawlers meet Fridays 10 – 11.30am at the Scout Hut, Marlborough Tel: 01672 811495 The Corner House Children’s Centre offering information, support, advice and activity sessions to families with children 0-5 in Marlborough and the community area. George Lane Car Park Tel 01672 513010 Great Bedwyn Playgroup Ofsted Outstanding Playgroup for 2 to five year olds, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday during term-time. Toddler group for 0 - 5 years olds, every Wednesday during term-time. Sessions include crafts, snack, story and music time, and outside play area. Great Bedwyn Village Hall, Frog Lane, Great Bedwyn, near Marlborough SN8 3PB Tel. 01672 870 179 or visit www.greatbedwynplaygroup.org.uk

Manton Preschool. Based in the heart of the beautiful village of Manton our well-established friendly Preschool provides exemplary education for 2-5 year olds. We are a “Good” Ofsted setting providing Rising Fives sessions as well as healthy snacks, crafts, singing, story time, French, outdoor play and much more. For more details, please ring 01672 516675. Marlborough and District NCT We have an active group in Marlborough, with courses, events and ‘Bumps and Babes’ cafes. The cafes are an opportunity to meet other parents, grandparents and parents-to-be for a coffee and a chat. For more information contact nctmarlborough@yahoo.co.uk or go to www.nct.org.uk/branches/marlborough. Ramsbury Parent and Toddlers meets Wednesdays 10 – 12 in the Memorial Hall Tel: 01672 520961 Sunflowers at Grafton is a Nursery & Pre school for children aged 0-5 situated in beautiful East Grafton. Open from 8am-6pm, 51 weeks each year, morning & afternoon sessions are available. Sunflowers is community run on a not-for-profit basis. For more information see www.sunflowers-grafton.co.uk or call 01672 810478

Doctors

Ramsbury Surgery Tel:01672 520366 The Marlborough Surgery Tel: 01672 512187 Wiltshire Out of Hours Service Tel: 0300 111 5717

Leisure

Home-Start Calling all volunteer parents....Could you help make a difference for young families? Many parents need help, friendship, advice or support during those early years when children are young. Your experience as a parent can help others. For more details contact Home-Start Kennet 01672 569457

Local Government

Junipers Creative and sensory play for babies to preschoolers. 01672 890829, wwwjuniperscreativeplay.com

Schools

Little Dabchicks Parent and Under 4’s group, meets Thursday mornings 9.30 - 11.30 Term time.In the Aldbourne Methodist Hall, Lottage Road Zoe - 01672 540439 Little Dragons Pre School Ogbourne St George Village Hall All children aged 2 - 5 years welcome at our well established pre-school held in a quiet village setting in Ogbourne St George. It is a warm, friendly environment where we are open Monday to Friday for mornings 9.05am to 12.05pm or 1.05pm (if staying for lunch) and all day Wednesdays until 3.05pm. For

more information email linda@littledragons.org or call 07855 026083. Alternatively do look at our website at www.littledragons.org.

Herongate Leisure 01488 682000 Marlborough Leisure Centre 01672 513161 Marlborough Town Council 01672 512487. See www.marlboroughtowncouncil.gov.uk for full details of council meetings Wiltshire Council 0300 456 0100 Marlborough St Mary’s Tel: 01672 513101 Ogbourne St. George & St. Andrew C of E Controlled Primary School Tel: 01672 841318 St Michael’s CE Aided School, Back Lane, Tel: 01672 540434 Ramsbury Primary School Back Lane, Tel: 01672 520244 Preshute Primary School Tel: 01672 512754 St John’s School and Community College Tel: 01672 516156 Stepping Stones Pre-Prep School Tel: 01488 681 067

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The Avenue Day Nursery Our new Nurseries in Aldbourne and Mildenhall The Avenue Day Nursery are excited to announce the opening of our new Nurseries in Aldbourne and Mildenhall. Set in beautiful barn conversions with large outdoor spaces, offering the FULL 30hrs funded sessions. Get In Touch.... - From 0 to 4 years of age - Open 51 weeks of the year - Large Outdoor play area - Two year old funding available

Aldbourne 01672 541730 Mildenhall 01672 515763 amber@avenue-nursery.co.uk www.avenue-nursery.co.uk

Full 30hr funded sessions available The Avenue Day Nursery www.avenue-nursery.co.uk

Finance

Making the most of ISAs Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) were created in 1999 when they replaced Personal Equity Plan’s (PEPs) and Tax Exempt Special Savings Account (TESSAs) enabling tax efficient savings through cash deposits or through investing in stocks and shares, or a mixture of the two. Since they were created the restrictions over transferring between cash and stocks and shares have been removed and you can now hold cash and stocks and shares together within one ISA account. There have also been a number of new ISAs created to encourage savings for particular life events or to encourage savings in new areas. To encourage families to save for their children, Junior ISAs were created in 2011 to replace Child Trust Funds. Once a child turns 16 they are able to take control of the account but cannot draw monies from it. Once a child reaches 18 the Junior ISA converts to an adult ISA and they can then access the funds when they require. ISAs have recently also been designed to encourage saving a deposit for a property purchase, originally through a Help to Buy ISAs which enable savers to save up to £2,400 each year (£3,400 in the first year) whilst qualifying for a Government bonus of 25% providing an incentive to save. This has been replaced in 2016 with the Lifetime ISA which enables savings of up to £4,000 with a Government Bonus of 25% created to incentivise saving for a property purchase or retirement with a Government bonus to incentivise savings. There are also some more critical differences between the two with Lifetime ISA allow savings through cash or stocks and shares whilst the Help to Buy ISA was cash only. If you wish to draw your monies from your Help to Buy ISA before purchasing a property you would forsake the potential, for a Lifetime ISA not only would you forsake the bonus, but a penalty could be applied when means you could receive less than originally invested back.

Since 2016 Innovative Finance ISA have enabled investors who wish to invest in certain types of peer-to-peer lending to do so through an ISA wrapper with a peer-topeer lending firm. These enable investors to lend through peer-to-peer lending to other individuals and business with the aim to achieve a greater return than through a bank or building society. Each adult can invest up to £20,000 into ISAs for the current tax year, of which up to £4,000 can go into a Lifetime ISA. The annual contribution limit into Junior ISAs is £4,128 per child. ISAs are virtually free from income and capital gains but may be subject to inheritance tax on death. Since April 2018 a spouse or civil partner has been able to claim an inherited ISA allowance based on the value of the ISA funds they held at date of death. The inherited ISA allowance is available for up to 3 years after the spouse of civil partner died. By Alex Corbett Alex Corbett is a Financial Adviser with local firm Chilvester Financial. For more information on ISAs and how to make the most of the allowances, please contact Chilvester on 01672 500600.

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Vet’s Column

Taking your cat to the Vet Often the worst part of visiting the vet for yourself and your cat is the initial part of actually getting the cat in the carrier. There are plenty of humorous sketches and jokes about trying to get your cat to take a pill, but often I feel getting your cat in the carrier provides an equally rich source for humour. Often we receive a phone call cancelling an appointment:- “The cat saw the carrier and escaped out the door….!” To try and make the experience as stress free as possible, here are some hints and tips: • Try to avoid the link between the carrier and the dreaded visit to a cattery or vet. Start by having the carrier around somewhere in your house, and try to encourage its use as a bed, or somewhere treats can be found. If it is part of the furniture, hopefully your cat will be less stressed about being placed in the carrier. • Choice of carrier can be very important; the size should be big enough for your cat to turn around in. Some cats prefer enclosed almost solid sides; others prefer to be able to view around them. Another consideration is how cleanable it is. • A soft blanket, hopefully one that’s familiar in smells, will help your cat feel secure, and will also absorb any sickness or voiding. A spare blanket that smells of home is useful in case of an accident soiling the first blanket. • A top-opening carrier can be very useful, and far less stressful to extract a reluctant patient from. Carriers that can be dismantled so the cat can remain in the bottom half whilst being examined are also very good. Top opening carriers may make it easier to place a cat into, (unless you’ve got the spread-eagled stiff legged paws at four corners type of cat).

• Place the carrier in the car so that it is secure, level, and cannot rock around. Placing the seatbelt around the carrier , or placing the carrier in a foot well can be helpful. • Never be in a rush, cats pick up on our emotions, so the more stressed we are, the more stressed they are. • If you bring a cover or towel to place over the cage, for the journey, in the waiting room, and if desired on the consult table, it can ease your cat’s comfort. If you do have a particularly nervous cat, discussing with your vet’s reception team times that are quieter, with less chance of dogs being present, and any other tips can again make things a lot less stressful. Some cats like to explore, I like to let them have a wander around the consult room whilst I ask initial questions. It gives your cat time to settle, explore, and reassure itself in the new environment. So do ask your vet if this is possible. Other cats hide in the carrier, and these I find it useful to examine in the bottom half of the carrier where they feel safe. Some vets offer cat friendly clinics or appointment times where only cats are seen with the aim of reducing stress. Contact your vet for more information. Drove Vets

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Useful Telephone Numbers BT Fault Line Citizen’s Advice Bureau Electricity Emergencies Environment Agency Pollution Hotline Gas Emergencies Marlborough College Marlborough Leisure Centre Marlborough Town Council Marlborough & District HA National Rail Enquiries NHS Helpline Parentline Quitline Samaritans Water (Thames)

0800 800151 03444 111 444 105

Water (Wessex) Wiltshire Council Wiltshire Police

0800 80 70 60 0800 111999 01672 892200 01672 513161 01672 512487 07887 924539 08457 484950 111 0808 800 2222 0800 002200 116 123 0800 980 8800

Disclaimer Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material in this publication, the editor can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors in either editorial or advertising content. Errors and omissions excepted.

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