Issue 83 . March 2015 People Nick and Jane Gastro Nicks
Features News Ducks and Marlborough Bread Town Council Sow a seed….
What’s On In and around Marlborough
Information Community groups Local Businesses
Editor’s Letter Don’t forget mum!
Mother’s Day falls on Sunday 15 March this year (it is always the fourth Sunday in Lent) and as usual will see card sales in excess of £50m. Despite the fact that the occasion can be viewed, like Valentine’s and Father’s Day, as an event manufactured by greeting card suppliers, florists and chocolatiers to maximise their profits, Mother’s Day does give us the opportunity to show our appreciation for our mothers, or be appreciated ourselves. This doesn’t mean we don’t value what they do for us every day of the year, rather it prompts us to let them know how much. If you like to give gifts to your mum on Mother’s Day, why not try something different to flowers and chocolates? Maybe send her on a course or a cookery demonstration, buy her a hamper of food and wine from a local delicatessen, a relaxing treatment at a beauty salon, or a gift from a local craft fair or artist. Or you could treat her to tickets to a show or an exhibition, as well as take her for a meal out. As you flick through the magazine this month, you’ll see many advertisers who offer something a bit different for Mother’s Day. (Sorry, had to get the plug in…) This month we speak to Nick Spaven and Jane Kempsey who run Gastro Nicks, and we talk about the reasons not to feed the ducks by the river. We have details of an interesting exhibition in Swindon and all our usual regulars. Hope you enjoy….
Editor Contact us: Andrea Jerome Tel: 01793 791104, Mob: 07836 580699 Ivydene, High St, Wanborough, SN4 0AD Email: aj@marlboroughtandc.co.uk All copy for April issue is due by 7 March 2015
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Contents 3 6 10 13 14
Intro Gastro Nicks Ducks Greyhound Present Tense Exhibition
22 24 32 34
What’s On Community Info Wills and LPAs Gardening
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People
Nick Spaven and Jane Kempsey Nick Spaven and Jane Kempsey are the team behind Gastro Nicks, the popular delicatessen tucked away in Collingbourne Ducis. As well as running the deli, Nick and Jane visit around 80 shows all over the country every year showcasing their products to a wider audience. They live in Great Bedwyn. Nick, you’re a Lancastrian, and Jane, you’re from Shropshire – how did you two meet? Jane: Our families knew each other when we were younger, they met on holiday in Wales. I hadn’t seen Nick since my 21st, until we happened to meet at the House and Garden Fair in 2004. Nick was on a stand and I went to try a sample of the Cornish Blue cheese that he was helping to promote at the time. The rest is ‘history’. How did you end up in Wiltshire? Jane: I had been living and working in London for a long time (strangely, as I am a country girl at heart), but my sister lived in Wiltshire. After our parents died, she persuaded me to buy a cottage near her, in Great Bedwyn, which initially I visited at weekends. After I decided to join Nick in the business in 2010 we had to base ourselves strategically for work and it made sense to choose Wiltshire as we already had the cottage. Nick: The business then
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was focused on travelling around the country exhibiting at shows, so we could have based ourselves anywhere, we made the right decision in Wiltshire. How did Gastro Nicks as it is now come about? Nick: My background has always been in food, initially in the family fish business, followed by a spell running my own fish business in Cornwall. After that I started working with deli type produce in London, and started going to shows helping out a friend of mine who owns The Cornish Cheese Company. Gradually I started going to more and more shows, and Gastro Nicks was born. Over time as my range of products grew we had stock and equipment stashed all over the place. We initially took on the unit in Collingbourne Ducis as storage/office space. Jane: We started thinking about opening a shop, and our landlord suggested the front area of our unit. Now we have a nice little shop at the front and another area with refrigerated counters selling fresh fish, charcuterie, cheeses
and other more unusual products. We’ve recently started doing lunchtime food – soup, pies, paninis and bakery products. In addition we have a selection of fine wines and sparkling wines which we source directly from artisan producers, mainly from Italy and Sicily. Nick: There are three main strands to the business – the deli, online, and shows around the country. We are also trying to develop a wholesale arm. What makes Gastro Nicks special? Nick: There are two things we are passionate about – the quality and provenance of our products and ‘old fashioned’ customer service. All our products are sourced direct from the producers – handpicked items that you won’t find on any supermarket shelf. In most cases we have visited the suppliers at their premises, heard about their history and tradition and seen how the food is produced. We have fabulous Extra Virgin Single Estate, Cold Pressed Olive Oils from Italy, Sicily and Spain. Also a range of infused oils, genuine
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People Modena aged Balsamic Vinegars, Charcuterie, Cheese, Soup de Poisson, Terrines, Chutneys and other accompaniments. We will happily make up a dinner party cheese board. Many of our goods are from Sicily, but we have added produce from other parts of Italy, France, Spain and the UK Jane: As we know our suppliers, we also have a growing knowledge of our produce. We are delighted to offer help and advice on using our products. Ideas for cooking, what wines will go with which food, how to prepare and use various items. One example is our Balsamic Jelly which as well as being eaten with cheese or pate, or served with lamb, can be used as a glaze on gammon. Bespoke hampers and Gifts have been a real hit, and we are happy to make suggestions to help create a really personal gift. Nick: Another speciality is that we bring fresh fish in twice a month from Brixham market. The catch is mainly from day boats. Having had over 30 years’ experience working in an established family fish business, training in Grimsby and latterly 12 years in Cornwall, and as there are no traditional fishmongers near to us, it made sense for us to offer this service. People generally can be intimidated by fish. With the right advice and preparation, anyone can cook really delicious fish. I’m always happy to advise on suitable fish and how to cook it. We can also take special orders. What do you enjoy most about the business? Jane: I love sharing the knowledge I’ve built up in the business. Chatting to someone for half an hour
maybe, and sending them away with new knowledge and new ideas to try. I also enjoy sourcing products that customers have requested or are finding difficult to locate. Nick: I enjoy meeting our suppliers at the place of production. In Sicily, seeing the sheep farmer with a production line of 300 sheep that were milked twice a day by hand to produce the most fantastic Pecorino and Provolone cheeses, or the butcher whose charcuterie production line is built into the basement of a historic farmhouse – scrupulously clean with state of the art equipment. What do you enjoy the least? Nick: Paperwork! Jane: Setting up and breaking down shows is very hard work – although the shows themselves are great – meeting and talking to customers, and the camaraderie with other stallholders, among whom we’ve made some great friends. Ambitions for the future? We are toying with the idea of another retail shop and we want to set up a local delivery service. What do you like to do in your spare time? Jane: When I get chance I enjoy the garden and gardening, and I love to ride when I get the opportunity Nick: I enjoy walking, and also fly fishing – in Scotland when possible, but also at Manningford Trout Fisheries on the other side of Pewsey. What do you like about the Marlborough area? Nick: I love its rural nature – I have a wonderful drive into work every day. The Fair Mile has the most fabulous views that constantly change.
Jane: I’ve grown to love Wiltshire. I started life on a farm, spent 33 years in London and admit I was nervous about returning to the countryside. Anything you’d change? Nick: I’d like to see more local independent shops. There’s a lot of old fashioned knowledge out there that is in danger of dying out. Jane: Yes, it would be lovely if we could get people to shop with real enthusiasm for produce and as a family, as they do in Mediterranean countries. Where do you like to eat out locally? We don’t eat out locally very often as we are away at shows. When we do it is The Shears in Collingbourne Ducis, The Three Tuns in Great Bedwyn or Pino’s in Marlborough. What do you enjoy reading? Nick: I don’t read a lot, but if anything I enjoy Wilbur Smith – a good old fashioned adventure story every time! Jane: Like Nick, I now don’t get much time to read but I enjoy historical novels or just relaxing with a magazine! How about music? We both enjoy jazz and blues – and have previously had a stand at the Marlborough Jazz Festival. Jane sings with Bedwyn Choir when she can, they do all sorts of music from classical through to contemporary pieces, which are fun. Gastro Nicks is at Unit 4, Garlands Estate, Cadley Rd, Collingbourne Ducis, SN8 3EB O1264 852701 Check the website for opening times www.gastronicks.co.uk
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Local News
Why it’s not good to feed bread to the ducks For many of us, one of our fondest childhood memories is feeding bread to the ducks or swans. I have vivid memories of feeding the ducks and swans on the shores of Lake Windemere in the Lake District, including a swan stealing the ice cream out of my brother’s hands at the same visit. So what’s wrong with feeding them bread? They seem to like it… Bread and similar products such as cake and popcorn are a great source of carbohydrates but they offer little other nutritional value for ducks, waterfowl and other birds. In fact, bread is the equivalent to junk food for the birds, and too much bread can lead to excessive weight and malnutrition as well as many other problems. Problem is, especially in the Summer, there are lots of people feeding bread to the ducks and other birds – and it’s not just the odd slice of bread either, people regularly bring half a loaf or more, or even buy a loaf specifically for the purpose. (I must confess to having done this myself before realising it’s not a good thing. In fact when feeding the ducks near Coopers Meadow, I was doing the fish a disservice to, as I’d often see them pop up to grab the bread from the ducks) Eating nutritionally poor bread stops the ducks from eating the abundant natural food that is available to them in or by the Kennet. Unfortunately, ducks are naturally greedy, and will
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eat bread long past the point of fullness. Bird experts point to several problems caused by bread – ducklings will not get adequate nutrition to grow, and if bread easily available will not learn to forage, fighting for food encourages unnatural behaviour, overcrowding can be caused by birds congregating where they know food is easily available and cause bank erosion and an unnatural build-up of duck faeces, uneaten bread can cause pollution, and encourage diseases. A problem that is obvious around the Kennet in Marlborough is that discarded bread attracts pests – particularly rats. Many is the time I’ve seen an ugly brown rat strolling along the bank bold as brass, only scarpering when you get really close
An event I heard about recently really brought home how bad bread can be – a Muscovy duck arrived at the Kennet in Marlborough,
attracting a lot of attention because it is such an unusual and large duck. Unfortunately, not long after its arrival it was seen in distress, spewing bread, and had to be taken to the vet. The vet diagnosed acute sour crop, causing aspiration pneumonia and sadly nothing could be done, and the bird had to be put down. The vet said that it was caused by eating bread, which had fermented in the crop (part of the throat) causing froth to enter the trachea. It seems a shame that something that brings us pleasure has the potential to cause so many problems. The advice many experts give is not to feed the ducks at all, others say if you must feed then give healthier alternatives and in moderation. These include grapes cut in half, barley, oats or birdseed, defrosted frozen peas or even duck feed pellets. (Remember though, most of this food will appeal to rats.) Personally, I’ve decided not to feed the ducks at all, as I think a great alternative is to feed the wild garden birds at home. Hanging bird feeders near a window and feeding sunflower hearts, niger seed and fat balls brings a massive variety of little birds who need the food on offer and provides lots of pleasure for me and my children.
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The New Greyhound
Neighbourhood Planning
Marlborough’s Tree Warden
Over the coming months the Town Council will continue its work around scoping out a Neighbourhood Plan for Marlborough. Neighbourhood planning provides a statutory right for local people to influence development and growth in their area. Within parameters, they are able to choose where they want new homes, shops and offices to be built, have their say on what those new buildings should look like and what infrastructure should be provided. This process is a long one involving plenty of consultation but once a plan is published, it becomes part of the planning system for helping to determine planning applications.
The Tree Warden Scheme is a national initiative to enable local people to play an active role as volunteers in conserving and improving their local trees and woodland. The scheme was founded by the Tree Council and is co-ordinated by Wiltshire Council with the support of National Grid and Department Communities and Local Government. There are now 65 Tree Wardens across the county.
In early February, Town Councillors met with representatives from the Malmesbury Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group who have worked through the process and have a Plan in place - the first in Wiltshire. This was a really useful meeting and has helped provide a template to take our own Plan forward. The next step will be to draw together representatives to join a Steering Group. If you would like to be part of this group, please contact the Town Clerk at the Town Council Offices.
Our Tree Warden is Councillor Bryan Castle. His many activities include surveying trees and gathering information about them, providing early warning of threats, diseases, decay or vandalism and working with local groups and getting involved in planning matters. He also works closely with our Grounds Team who look after around 1,200 trees through the town. More information about the scheme is available from Wiltshire Council’s Rights of Way & Countryside Team at
Cooper’s Meadow At Wiltshire Council’s Area Board meeting on Tuesday, 27 January, Unitary Councillors voted through their agreement that the Town Council takes over the freehold of Cooper’s Meadow. This has been possible because of the Community Asset Transfer scheme run by Wiltshire Council. This will enable the Town Council to work more closely with local community groups free from restrictions set out under its previous lease. It has already been agreed that grazing, clearly popular with many local people, can go ahead in the spring. Let us know if you would like to become involved.
www.wiltshiretreewardens.co.uk Comments and enquiries to the council are always welcome, you can contact us on:Tel: 01672 512487 Email: enquiries@marlboroughtowncouncil.gov.uk Web: www.marlboroughtowncouncil.gov.uk
Official news from Marlborough Town Council
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Local News
Prepare To Be Surprised At New Exhibition An exhibition which aims to disprove the idea that modern, contemporary art is hard to understand has just opened at Swindon’s Museum and Art Gallery in Bath Road in the town. ‘Present Tense’ showcases paintings and photography from the outstanding Swindon collection of modern 21st Century British art, and includes a work by Maggi Hambling, whose work is currently being featured in an exhibition at the National Gallery in London.
Other works among the 35 on show are a series of works by Steven Pippin, which were nominated for a Turner Prize, and six small and elaboratelyframed paintings by Robert Priseman entitled ‘Home’, which show houses where notorious crimes have taken place and are on show for the first time in the gallery. There are also three works recently presented to Swindon by the Contemporary Art Society,
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Magnus Quaife’s ‘1968 and Other Myths’. The exhibition runs until Saturday 18 April, and entry is free. It has works dating from the 1980s onwards and examines how everyday life, place, memory and repetition
influence contemporary British art, and how artists continue to react to the world around them. Sophie Cummings, Curator at the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery says “There is something for everyone in this exhibition, which aims to break down the stereotypical view of contemporary art, which is often wrongly dismissed as being elitist and impossible to understand.
“We often find at exhibitions that people like works of art they wouldn’t normally think would appeal to them, and I’m sure there are many pictures on show that will fall into that category. Not everyone will like everything, but it will definitely provoke thought and opinion.” An artist whose work is in the exhibition will be giving a talk at the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery while it is taking place. John Greenwood – a contemporary of Damien Hirst and Rachel Whiteread - will give a talk on Thursday 19th March. As well as two lunch time talks from our Curator, Sophie, on Thursday 5 March and Thursday 2 April. Both take place at 12.30pm and are free to attend. Entry to the exhibition is free, and it is open Wednesday to Saturday from 11am to 3pm, and from 10am during school holidays. Book for the John Greenwood talk at the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery during opening hours or call 01793 466556 to reserve tickets.
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Preparing Your Child For Life
Open Morning Friday 6 March 10:00 – 12:00 Community Bursaries available – up to 100% St Francis School, Marlborough Road, Pewsey, Wiltshire, SN9 5NT T: 01672 563228 E: admissions@st-francis.wilts.sch.uk www.st-francis.wilts.sch.uk
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Present Tense
Contemporary Painting and Photography from the Swindon Collection
Wednesday 14 January to Saturday 18 April 2015
Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday `11am - 3pm (from 10am during school holidays and at other times by appointment)
Free Entry Swindon Museum and Art Gallery Bath Road, Old Town, Swindon SN1 4BA t: 01793 466556 e: sm&ag@swindon.gov.uk www.swindon.gov.uk/museumandartgallery Please mention Marlborough Town & Country when responding to advertisements
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Local News
Community Bursary Awards for St Francis School St Francis Community Bursaries are available for parents of external candidates who may have thought independent education was an unrealistic possibility. Community Bursaries are aimed at encouraging boys and girls with genuine ability to join us in September 2015 from Reception, after free entitlement, through to Year 8. In addition to the child’s assessment, parents will be means tested by the school’s
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Bursar. These bursaries have a maximum value of 100% of the annual fees. The deadline for applications is 9 March 2015, for further information or an application form, please contact St Francis School, bursar@st-francis.wilts.sch.uk, telephone 01672 563228 or visit www.st-francis.wilts.sch.uk Headmaster, David Sibson said “These Community
Bursary Awards provide a tremendous opportunity for children with ability, to join St Francis and take advantage of the wealth of opportunities on offer to all our pupils”. To find out more, parents are invited to visit St Francis School Open Morning on Friday 6 March 2015, between 10:00 and 12:00noon.
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What’s On
What’s On March 2015 Marlborough Downs Live screenings presents Love’s Labour’s Won live from the RSC Date: Wednesday 4 March 7pm Venue: Marlborough Town Hall Shakespeare’s comic romance plays out amidst the brittle high-spirits of a post-war house party, as youthful passions run riot, lovers are deceived and happiness is threatened - before peace ultimately wins the day. (Better known as Much Ado About Nothing) Tickets £15 in advance, £17.50 on the door box office www.kvat.co.uk or available from White Horse Bookshop or Sound Knowledge
The Merchant’s House Spring Study Course
Date: Weds Mar 4, Weds Mar 18 and Thurs April 2, 10am – 12.30pm Venue: The Merchant’s House, 132 High St, Marlborough, SN8 1HN Three study days on the life & times of Mr Bayly and friends in the 17th century. Weds 4 March – Architecture; Weds 18 March – Art and Thurs 2 April – politics. Tickets £15 (£12 MH Friends) 10% discount if book all three. Please call into The Merchant’s House shop or call 01672 511491 for more information
Marlborough Brandt Group Lent Lecture The Pain and the Passion - the privilege of making a difference Date: Thursday 5 March, 8pm Venue: Memorial Hall, Marlborough College, SN8 1PA The 33rd Marlborough Brandt Lent Lecture is being given by Baroness Cox, founder of HART (Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust) which works with people in conflict or post-conflict regions who are largely off the radar screen of international media and major aid organisations suffering oppression and persecution whatever their faith tradition. Admission free with retiring collection for the Marlborough Brandt Group
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Lucy
Marlborough Downs movies Lucy (15)
Date: Thursday 5 March 7.30pm Venue: Marlborough Town Hall A woman accidentally caught in a dark deal, turns the tables on her captors and transforms into a merciless warrior evolved beyond human logic.Directed and written by Luc Besson. Starring Scarlett Johansson and Morgan Freeman. Tickets: £5 in advance, £6 on door Box office www.kvat.co.uk or available from White Horse Bookshop or Sound Knowledge
Author Event Vanessa Lafaye
Date: Saturday 7 March, 7pm Venue: St John’s School Vanessa will be discussing her debut novel Summertime, book clubs and individuals are welcome to attend. Tickets are available from White Horse Bookshop, and entry is free. Once you’ve read the book you can email any questions/discussion topics to whitehorsebookshop@btconnect. com, to inform the conversation on the night. Usually £12.99, the book is available from the shop at £9.99 for those attending the discussion evening.
Jumble Sale
Date: Saturday 7 March, 10am – 12noon Venue: Ogbourne Primary School Come and grab yourself a bargain clothes, shoes, accessories, toys, books, homeware, bric-a-brac, refreshments. Admission 50p Raising funds for Ogbourne
School and the churches of St George and St Andrew
Crofton Winter Work Open Day
Date: Saturday 7 March, 10.30am - 3.30pm Venue: Crofton Pumping Station, Crofton, Marlborough, SN8 3DN Come and see behind the scenes at the Historic Crofton Pumping Station this winter, when our teams of dedicated volunteers cosset and maintain the two historic beam engines. This winter we are giving visitors a rare chance to see maintenance works in progress, when we dismantle parts of the engines normally hidden from view. It’s cold inside the Pumping Station during the winter as the boiler is not in steam and drained down but tea, coffee and biscuits will be available for a small charge. Entry free. Contact: www.croftonbeamengines.org or Crofton Pumping Station, Marlborough, SN8 3DW. Tel: 01672 870300
Marlborough Downs Livescreen presents La Traviata, Live from the ENO Date: Wednesday 11 March 7.30pm (No interval) Venue: Marlborough Town Hall Verdi’s masterpiece comes to the big screen from English National Opera, with Elizabeth Zharoff and Ben Johnson. Tickets: £13 in advance, £15 on door box office www.kvat.co.uk or available from White Horse Bookshop or Sound Knowledge
To advertise please call 01793 791104 or email: aj@marlboroughtandc.co.uk
What’s On Ramsbury Roxy Jersey Boys (15)
Date: Friday 13 March, 7.30pm Venue: Ramsbury Memorial Hall The big-screen version of the Tony Award-winning musical. The story of four young men from New Jersey who form the iconic 1960s rock group The Four Seasons. The story is accompanied by the songs that influenced a generation, including Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like a Man, Dawn, Rag Doll, Bye Bye Baby, Who Loves You, and many more. Doors and Bar open 7.30pm, film starts at 8pm. Tickets £4 from Ramsbury post office until 1pm on the day or at the door
Ramsbury Spring Fayre
Date: Saturday 14 March, 11-2pm Venue: Ramsbury Memorial Hall, 26 High Street Ramsbury SN8 2PB Craft stalls, local food and fun activities for all ages. A great place for Mother’s day preparations.
Marlborough Downs Livescreen presents Swan Lake, Live from the ROH Date: Tuesday 17 March, 7.15pm Anthony Dowell’s production of the greatest romantic ballet draws upon the opulence of 1890s Russia.With Natalia Osipova as Odette/Odile and Matthew Golding as Prince Siegfried. Tickets: £15 in advance, £17.50 on door. Box office www.kvat.co.uk or available from White Horse Bookshop or Sound Knowledge
St Peter’s Trust AGM
Saturday 21 Mar, 11am: Climate Science from a Climate Scientist. Tickets Adults £3.50, Concessions: £2.50 (Climate Science free, but must be booked in advance) Details at www.stjohns.wilts.sch.uk/ html/theatre.html, or call Sally Bere on 01672 519558
Chris Beardshaw
Gardening Talk by Chris Beardshaw
Date: Wednesday 18 March, 7 for 7.30pm Venue: Woodborough Garden Centre
Chris Beardshaw is an internationally renowned, award-winning British gardener,having won Chelsea Gold, appearing on GQT on Radio 4 and has recently been on the TV series ‘The Beechgrove Garden’. Chris’ talk is called ‘Painting with Plants’. Drinks and refreshments will be available. Tickets £18 available in store or from woodboroughgardencentre.co.uk
The Marlborough History Society
Date: Thursday 19 March, 7.30pm St Peter’s Church Marlborough An illustrated lecture by Nick Snashall entitled “Avebury Between the Monuments”
Marlborough Science Fair
Date: Tuesday 17 March, 6.30pm Venue: St Peter’s Church Marlborough The Annual General Meeting of the St Peter’s and St Paul’s Marlborough Trust Ltd open to all members of the Trust which is the charity that maintains and operates the church.
Date: Saturday 21 March, 10am – 2pm Venue: Theatre on the Hill, St John’s School, Marlborough This popular event returns with lots of fascinating science exhibits and shows including Planetarium, Lego NXT Robots, Science Shows and Glass Engraving. For full details visit www.stjohns.wilts.sch.uk/html/ theatre.html
British Science Week Community Lectures
Marlborough Concert Orchestra
Venue: Theatre on the Hill, St John’s School Tuesday 17 Mar, 6.30pm: The International Rosetta Mission to Land on a Comet. Weds 18 Mar, 6.30pm: The Magic of Oxygen. Thursday 19 Mar, 6.30 pm: Animals Behaving Badly.
Date: Saturday 21 March,7.30pm Venue: St Mary’s Church Marlborough The orchestra will be showcasing its new conductor, Italian Roselise Gentile and the programme is: Beethoven - Symphony no 8. Brahms - Academic Festival
Overture, Dvorak - Slavonic dances and Grieg - Peer Gynt Suite Tickets. Tickets £8 adults, £1.50 students, available from Sound Knowledge, Hughenden Yard or on the door. Licensed bar and raffle. www.mco.org.uk
Wiltshire Artists’ Annual Exhibition
Date: Saturday 21 - Saturday 28 March daily (except Sunday) 10am-4.30pm Venue: St Peter’s Church Marlborough Some 50 artists will be showing around 150 recent works, including oils, acrylics, pastels and watercolours in a lively and rewarding show. Entry is free, and further information is available from David Auld on 01249814439 or at auldart@hotmail.com
The Marlborough Players present Alan Ayckbourn’s Absent Friends Date: Wednesday 25 March to Saturday 28 March, 7 for 7.30pm Venue: Marlborough Town Hall Acerbic and painfully funny, “Absent Friends” explores friendship, marriage and what it ultimately means to be happy. Tickets £8 from the White Horse Bookshop, Marlborough High Street, Call: 07470 362723, Online: www.wegottickets.com/ MarlboroughPlayers. More info www.marlboroughplayers.co.uk
Ramsbury Roxy PRIDE (15)
Date: Friday 27 March, 7.30pm Based on a true story. This critically acclaimed hit features the story of UK gay activists who decide to support the families of miners during the lengthy strike of the National Union of Mineworkers in the summer of 1984. Starring Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton and Dominic West. Doors and Bar open 7.30pm, film starts at 8pm. Tickets £4 from Ramsbury post office until 1pm on the day or at the door
Further Afield Present Tense
Date: Wednesday 14 January – Saturday 18 April Venue: Swindon Museum and Art Gallery Contemporary Painting and Photography from the Swindon Collection
Please mention Marlborough Town & Country when responding to advertisements
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Community
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 Inner Wheel Club of Marlborough and District Evening meetings on 4th Monday of every month at the Crown Hotel, The Parade Marlborough. Secretary Nita Martin 01380 730974 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 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
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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 Tessa on 01672 520336 or tessahicks@btinternet.com 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 Marlborough Choral Society Rehearses every Monday 7.45 to 9.30pm in Christchurch, New Rd, Marlborough. New members welcome, for more information Tel 01672 870765 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
To advertise please call 01793 791104 or email: aj@marlboroughtandc.co.uk
A
in aid of
Saturday 28 March 2015 10am – 4pm - Entry: £5
Marlborough College Marlborough SN8 1PA 60 trade stands with great products: gorgeous clothing, superb shoes, unusual jewellery, colourful Kenyan baskets, conservatory accessories and lovely gifts for the home, delicious food & drink, gifts and children’s wear and much more Every penny raised goes to CR UK For details: www.marlboroughcancerresearch.org
T: 07887 924539
All proceeds to Cancer Research UK (Reg. No.: 1089464)
Community in Oare Village Hall 7.30 pm and four times in the winter at All Cannings. Open to anyone interested in country life Secretary Richard 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 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 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 Macular Support Group Meet on the last Thursday of every month from 1.30 to 3.30 pm in the Wesley Hall, Oxford Street, Marlborough, SN8 1AP The meetings are open to anyone with impaired vision. Carers are welcome too. For further details please contact Linda Chapman 01672 512471 Marlborough Penguins Amateur Swimming Club. Swimming teaching/training for ages 5years to
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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 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 01672511199. 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 7.30 and 9.30pm 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 / 07799566805 for further information.
To advertise please call 01793 791104 or email: aj@marlboroughtandc.co.uk
Community Scottish Country Dancing Manton Village Hall, 7.45 – 10pm. Tuesdays beginners, Wednesdays 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 the general well-being of the practitioner. In particular it is of great benefit to older people. Open to men and women aged 55 and over. New members and beginners are most welcome. Sessions every Thursday, 10-11 am in Burbage Village Hall More details 01672 811711. 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 call Sarah Foxall on 01264 850316 or visit u3ainkennet.org.uk 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. Wheelie Fit - Outdoor Post Natal Workout. Bring along your baby in their buggy and get back into shape. Slim down, tone up, feel great.
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All fitness levels welcome. Mon and Thurs 10am, College Fields, Marlborough. Contact Nicki 07988991165. www.wheeliefit.com 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, Mildenhall Please contact Jonathan Heath on 01672 513738 e.mail: jonathan@samtosha.co.uk
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 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 Junipers Creative and sensory play for babies to preschoolers. 01672 890829, wwwjuniperscreativeplay.com 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.
To advertise please call 01793 791104 or email: aj@marlboroughtandc.co.uk
Marlborough Town & Country 133mm x97mm Sixpenny ad May 2014:Layout 1 13/05/2014 14:50 Page 1
Discover why we’re the number one local choice in childcare Flexible, year round childcare – with hours tailored to suit.
Nurseries in Aldbourne, Marlborough, Devizes and Hungerford
Beautiful converted farm buildings in accessible rural settings with real home-from-home atmosphere.
Ages 8 weeks to 5 years, Monday to Friday, 7.45am – 6pm. Open all year round. Flexible school day and term times available.
Happy, healthy, children growing and learning in a beautiful, safe, stimulating environment. Our large secure gardens with under cover play areas to enjoy the great outdoors in all weathers. Extensive parking with no traffic wardens or yellow lines to worry about. Offering excellent, Ofsted approved childcare.
Ring us today on: Marlborough 01672 515 763 Aldbourne 01672 541 730 Devizes 01380 730 438 Hungerford 01488 681 067 Come and see for yourself, meet the team, our children and pets! We’re looking forward to meeting you and giving your child the best possible care.
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Fren dancin ch, g, Zum b ballet and sp a, orts all incl uded in our nu rsery week.
Carrie Melbourne Children’s Piano Teacher ABRSM Registered, Central Marlborough. Prep Test to Grade 5. Children learn on a lovely piano, growing in confidence & enjoyment. For more information and rates: Tel: 07780 438819 Email: carrie.melbourne@gmail.com
Please mention Marlborough Town & Country when responding to advertisements
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Community
Community Information 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 Telephone 0300 111 5717
Leisure
Herongate Leisure 01488 682000
House Proud
Domestic & Office Cleaning Services A mature, very reliable & trustworthy lady offers a thorough clean of your home & offices. 10 yrs exp. Exc refs. Trusted Country Estate key holder, property checks. Exp with horses & dogs. All equipment & materials supplied.
Tel: 07525 169922
PARKER.YOUNG Painting and Decorating Decorative restoration Painting - all types ● Paint effects Wallpaper hanging Free estimates Written Guarantee Fully Insured
T: 01672 520605
M:07967 769403
info@parkeryoung.co.uk
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Marlborough Leisure Centre 01672 513161
Local Government
Marlborough Town Council 01672 512487 See www.marlboroughtowncouncil.gov.uk for full details of council meetings Wiltshire Council 0300 456 0100
Schools
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 St Mary’s Infant School Tel: 01672 513101 St Peter’s Junior School Tel: 01672 513158 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
Ian Barnes Electrical Services & Testing
Electrician Mob: 07747 414493 Tel: 01672 520147 Sockets and Lighting Extensions and Rewires Fuseboard replacement Inspection, Testing and Certification Lighting design
Marlborough Hungerford Ramsbury Aldbourne
To advertise please call 01793 791104 or email: aj@marlboroughtandc.co.uk
£10 OFF your first podiatry treatment
Before
After
Look after your feet with a professional treatment
• a cleansing foot bath • a thorough foot assessment • a vascular and sensory test • your toenails cut and filed • verrucas, corns, callouses or nail issues treated • an indulgent and nourishing foot massage
01672 516580 Call by 31 March and get your first appointment for £27
J.Turner Tree and Garden Services Felling Surgery Topping Pruning Hedge cutting Fruit trees Fencing Landscaping Grass management Planting Seeding Turfing Mowing Garden stonework Rubbish removed Logs/kindling & Chippings supplied
Simply the Best!
For Free Estimates & Advice Please Ring: Tel: 01672 521 445 or 07873 459 016
Marlborough Osteopathy Marlborough Osteopathy is an osteopathic clinic run by Vikki Markham, Registered Osteopath with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) Treatment is offered for many types of muscular-skeletal problems. Vikki Markham is registered with all major medical insurers.
NO JOB TOO SMALL NPTC Certified Family Business – Established since 1979
Registered Waste Carrier & Fully Insured.
www.jturnertreeandgarden.me.uk
Call 01672 512187 to make an appointment Maurice Suite The Marlborough Medical Practice George Lane, Marlborough Wiltshire SN8 4BY
Please mention Marlborough Town & Country when responding to advertisements
31
Legal
Planning For Old Age And Beyond When it comes to planning for the future, with regards to old age and beyond we, as a nation, are very poor. A study from 2011 revealed that about two thirds of Britons had made no will, the study also revealed the more shocking statistics that nearly half of those aged 55 to 64 had not made wills and as worryingly over three quarters of parents with children under 5 had not made wills. This failure exists across all aspects of planning for old age, Wills, along with Lasting Powers of Attorney and Advanced Decisions are important parts of this planning for the inevitable and should not be overlooked. Failing to make a will can lead to some devastating consequences for the deceased’s family. Where a will has not been made the deceased’s estate is distributed amongst the deceased’s family strictly according to the Rules of Intestacy and the ultimate beneficiary may be the Crown. Such distributions are very unlikely to reflect the actual wishes of the deceased and those family members who the deceased would have wished to have helped out are usually those who will receive nothing, gifts to children and grandchildren to aid them with deposits for their
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first property being obvious casualties. Making a will is important, it allows us to help loved ones after we die in a way that can better represent their needs and our wishes than any set of rules, but this should not preclude us from thinking about how we protect ourselves as we enter old age. One of the most useful ways to do this is through a Lasting Power of Attorney (“LPA”). LPAs allow the donor to appoint a person or persons to make decisions on their behalf, normally made with the caveat that you have lost the ability to carry out the act specified. There are two types of LPAs; first is a Property and Financial LPA, this allows the attorney to deal with paying bills and selling property. With this form of LPA the attorney can still act while the donor has mental capacity (although the appropriate safeguards on the attorney’s actions should be put in place). This makes the Property and Financial LPA a very useful tool for those who have suffered health issues, such as a stroke, that may prevent them from carrying out everyday functions, for example writing cheques. The second type of LPA is for Health and Welfare, this allows an attorney to make decisions about the donor’s medical treatment, daily routine and moving to a care home. A Health and Welfare LPA allows the attorney to make decisions about the donor’s medical treatment including life sustaining treatment, this can cause the Donor angst as to whether any values and wishes they hold as to medical treatment, and quality of life issues, will be respected should they lose mental capacity. Due to
this it is worth considering Advanced Decisions (Living Wills). These are general statements of your wishes and views, they allow you to state what medical treatments you are unwilling to have and whether you wish to receive life sustaining treatment in certain circumstances. These documents do not allow assisted suicides and are split into expressions of preferences and legally binding aspects specifying treatments that you do not want to receive. Wills, LPAs and Advanced Directives are all important tools in ensuring our future wishes and wants are fulfilled, when combined they can cover our care and welfare should we lose our capacity or lack the physical ability to look after ourselves in old age, allow us to preserve our dignity regarding medical treatments and pass as we would wish our estates to those we care about. For further information or advice contact Alex Atkins at DGR Law on 01672 511797
To advertise please call 01793 791104 or email: aj@marlboroughtandc.co.uk
Wills and Probate
With you every step of the way
Clinical Negligence Dispute Resolution Family and Children Matters Employment Matters Conveyancing Personal Injury Litigation
Angel House 7 High Street (Behind Seasalt) Open every Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm Free Initial Consultation Call in, Phone or Email
expert legal services Marlborough 01672 511797 dgrlaw@dgrlaw.co.uk
Gardening
Sow a seed…. On the subject of seeds and their germination or lack of it: do not hit yourself around the head if you get poor results. It may be that the seeds were given less than ideal conditions or it may be that the actual viability of the seeds was less than it should have been. Seeds need to be stored in perfectly managed conditions – the right temperature and lack of humidity – and the seed merchants have made this into a science. Therefore, if you bought seed from a reputable company you should not have too many problems. It’s the brown envelope scrawled with something barely legible that you need to be wary of. The other thing to do is check to see if there is a ‘use by’ date on the packet as well. I daresay you will get some germination even if seed is out of date, but it will be patchy. Also consider what you will sow seed into – both in terms of compost and containers. With regard to compost, use a seed and cutting compost which is generally lump-free and lovely to handle. The thing to remember is that a seed/cutting compost contains very little or no food so you will have to
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shift your seedlings on to the next stage when they are large enough to handle. Always use fresh compost – any half-used open bags left over from last year should be spread on to the borders or added to the compost bin. Next is watering your seed trays. If you have been sowing large individual seeds which have been covered in compost, then it will be all right to use a watering can with a fine rose on it. If you have sown very small seed which is usually not covered, the drops from even a fine rose will dislodge them so in this instance, watering from the bottom is advisable. Make sure that all pots and containers are allowed to drain through thoroughly before you put them wherever to germinate. Out in the garden, if you have fruit trees or bushes then give them a good
sprinkling with Sulphate of Potash, water it in and then mulch around the base of the tree. Don’t let the mulch touch the bark, however, as it can lead to rot. If peaches and nectarines are your thing, you will need to set up some sort of plastic hood over them to protect any emerging blossom buds from damage by rain. Don’t engulf the whole thing in plastic as that way there will be no circulating air and no pollinators will be able to get in, for whilst many are self-fertile, they still benefit from extra insect help. Article written by gardening expert, Zena Robson, Woodborough Garden Centre. 01672 851249 Woodborough Garden Centre currently has J.Arthur Bowers Seed and Cutting compost on offer for just £2.99 for 35 litres. (subject to availability).
To advertise please call 01793 791104 or email: aj@marlboroughtandc.co.uk
WOODBOROUGH G A R DE N CE N T R E • FA R M S H OP • CA F É
More than just a Garden Centre…
Gardening Club for Children
Farm Shop • Home and Gift • Child Friendly Farm Cafe • Play Park • Animals • Pick Your Own
Woodborough Garden Centre, Nursery Farm, Pewsey, Wiltshire, SN9 5PF
T. 01672 851249 E. info@woodboroughgardencentre.co.uk www.woodboroughgardencentre.co.uk
• All types of fencing - From garden fences to equestrian post and rail and stock fencing - Bespoke wooden gates - Supply and erect garden sheds
• Paddock Maintenance • General Estate Management
- Mowing, Hedge Cutting, Hedge Planting - Erection and maintenance of Stables and Field Shelters All work fully insured and carried out to the highest standard
Tel: 01672 540534 Mob: 07801 239763
BAYDON MOWERS
Garden Machinery Specialist • All makes of new machines • Trade-ins taken • Collection and Delivery • Spare Parts • Servicing & Repairs Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm; Saturday 9am-1pm Easy to find us, Large car park, workshop and showroom
Farncombe Farm, Baydon Road, Lambourn RG17 7BN. 01488 71333 www.baydonmowers.co.uk
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Fire wood • Quality
hardwood logs • Cut from local renewable sources • Small
or large loads, phone for our best prices
T: 01672 841133 M: 07880 710386
To advertise please call 01793 791104 or email: aj@marlboroughtandc.co.uk
AUTO CENTRE
HUNGERFORD CHARNHAM LANE BATH ROAD HUNGERFORD BERKS RG17 0EY 01488 683557
MARLBOROUGH ST MARGARETS GARAGE LONDON ROAD MARLBOROUGH WILTS SN8 2AN 01672 513997
*FREE LOCAL COLLECTION AND DELIVERY • SERVICING AND REPAIRS – ALL MAKES OF VEHICLES • MOT’S – CLASS IV CAR AND LIGHT COMMERCIAL • TYRES – CAR, VAN, TRUCK AND AGRICULTURAL • EXHAUSTS AND BATTERIES • COURTESY CAR AVAILABLE
VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.kennettyres.co.uk
OUR CUSTOMERS COME FIRST!
4-5-7
ND SERVICES established 20 years Servicing the local community with 24-hour breakdown recovery across the UK. At ND we pride ourselves on a warm and friendly welcome with an assurance of first class service by our team.
Phone: 01488 72118
Unit F, Aeriel Business Park, Lambourn Woodlands, Membury, Hungerford RG17 7RZ
Please mention Marlborough Town & Country when responding to advertisements
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Useful Telephone Numbers BT Fault Line 0800 800151 Citizen’s Advice Bureau 0844 375 2775 Electricity Emergencies 0800 072 7282 Environment Agency Pollution Hotline 0800 80 70 60 Gas Emergencies 0800 111999 Marlborough College 01672 892200 Marlborough Leisure Centre 01672 513161 Marlborough Parking Office 01672 511818 Marlborough Town Hall 01672 512487 Marlborough & District HA 01672 512163 National Rail Enquiries 08457 484950 NHS Direct 0845 46 47 Parentline 0808 800 2222 Quitline 0800 002200 Samaritans 08457 90 90 90 Water (Thames) 0845 920 0800 Water (Wessex) 0845 600 4600 Wiltshire Police 101
MARLBOROUGH PETS
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. Copyright All text, images and design are subject to copyright. Any unauthorised duplication is strictly prohibited.
Pet Foods and Accessories
James Wellbeloved Complete Dog Food 15kg only £45.99 (rrp £52.49) Now stocking Raw Food diet Open Mon-Sat 9am - 5pm 5 London Rd, Marlborough T: 01672 513830 M: 07989 195975
www.marlboroughpetshop.co.uk
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To advertise please call 01793 791104 or email: aj@marlboroughtandc.co.uk
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