Issue 94 . February 2016 People Mike and Amanda Milton Milton Architects
Features Hard water and your home St Peter’s Press Club It’s a dog’s Life!
News Marlborough Town Council
What’s On In and around Marlborough
Information Community groups Local Businesses
Editor’s Letter Do you love February?
February is most famous for Valentine’s Day, when we are all encouraged to show our appreciation for our beloved. Unfortunately, my husband thinks Valentine’s day is a cynical ploy dreamed up by the big greetings cards companies and florists to get us to spend our money, so I count myself lucky to get a card and a bunch of flowers. He does have a point though – why should we need a specific day to tell people about our feelings? I understand the argument that if you’re only telling someone you love them because you’re pressured into it by it being made an “event”, then it doesn’t mean as much as a spontaneous display at any other time of year. Personally, I don’t mind either way – flowers welcome any time! I hope you enjoy reading the magazine this month – as usual we have a variety of features, including an interview with Mike and Amanda Milton of Milton Architects, a piece by St Peter’s Press Club and advice on dealing with Hard Water in the home. Hope you have a lovely February,
Editor Contact us: Andrea Jerome Address: Ivydene, High St, Wanborough, SN4 0AD Tel: 01793 791104, Mob: 07836 580699 Email: aj@marlboroughtandc.co.uk All copy for March 16 issue is due by 7 February 2016.
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People
Mike and Amanda Milton Mike and Amanda Milton run Milton Architects in Marlborough. They live in the town and have three sons Alex, 22, Josh, 20, and Harry, 16. How long have you been in Marlborough? A: Nearly 20 years, we moved from Twickenham when we outgrew our home there. It was too expensive in London for a house big enough for our family. Mike got a job in Newbury and we preferred to live in Marlborough. M: Later I got a job in Winchester, and commuted rather than move again. How did you meet? A: We met at work in an architectural practice in London, Mike already worked there, and I joined for a placement. The rest is history. How did you come to start your own practice? A: I was ill with breast cancer in 2004, and something like that makes you review what life is all about. Commuting to Winchester didn’t make sense anymore, so Mike decided to set up on his own. I joined him a while later when it made more sense to do that than carry on freelancing. M: I started with a project whilst still working in Winchester. A friend asked if I would be interested in working on a school extension in Devon. Then someone else with a house in Muswell Hill asked for some help remodelling. I started working from a bedroom at home and now we have an office with a total of 7 members of staff (including us).
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Why did you want to become architects? M: I always wanted to be an architect, my father was an architect and my mother was artistic, so it was in the blood. The wide variety of skills needed, and the variety of the work really appealed. A: My dad was a structural engineer, and he suggested architecture to me because I really enjoyed maths and art at school, and both are really useful for architecture. What type of work do you do now? We have established a strong reputation for quality residential work, although we are equally happy to undertake commercial work. We designed The Woodspeen Restaurant in Newbury, have worked on a Sports Pavilion and as already mentioned, designed a major extension to a primary school in Devon (which was particularly rewarding). We have experience working with listed buildings, and are happy to do traditional style design, as well as very modern style. Our house is a 1960s build, which we improved by adding a fairly large open plan modern extension, since which we
have done two similar projects for other home owners on the same road. We enjoy remodelling and adding to existing homes as much as creating designs for new builds. What is your favourite type of project? We enjoy them all, but the best are probably those that offer a real design opportunity with a client that has strong design ambition for the project and who is open to suggestions. These sort of projects offer a fantastic creative challenge – its immensely satisfying to take a brief from a client describing what they are looking for in terms of style and use of space, budget etc and then deliver a project that often exceeds their expectations. What do you enjoy most about your job? We both enjoy working with clients who really appreciate what we do. We are lucky that we have had great relationships with all our clients. The majority of them have never used an architect before, so it’s vital to have great communication throughout a project. They rely on us for our expertise in
To advertise please call 01793 791104 or email: aj@marlboroughtandc.co.uk
People dealing with all the different parties involved, ensuring they understand what’s going on, and getting the right advice to enable them to make the best decisions about their project. The sheer variety of the work, from initial briefings, through design and planning, right through to the build means that it is always interesting. No two jobs are the same. An architect is effectively the conductor of the orchestra – bringing all the consultants/ trades and client together to make beautiful music! Also very rewarding is the fact that your work becomes part of the fabric of the community – to think that buildings we have designed will be around for many years is extremely satisfying. Is there anything you dislike? Not as such. There are challenges, such as ensuring that we juggle our work/ life balance effectively. Also managing the workload to make sure we don’t take too much on – projects can be subjected to unexpected delays, for example planning issues are reasonably common, which can cause workload to increase/ decrease unexpectedly. It can make life interesting sometimes! Does being husband and wife work well? M: Yes, ever since starting to work together after Amanda joined me in the practice we have always worked really well as a team. Whoever takes the lead on a project it is always useful to have the other person to consult and bounce ideas off. We don’t have defined roles as such, we see the whole practice as a sort of family – everyone pulls together. A: We do take our work home with us, but as we both live and breathe our jobs it’s never been a problem. It’s quite
common in our profession for both partners in a relationship to be in the industry. It means they understand what’s involved, even if they don’t work together. It’s our 25th Wedding Anniversary this year, so we must be doing something right! What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? A: I enjoy playing golf, and I’m a very keen walker – I’m taking part in Race to the King this summer, a 52-mile walk between Arundel and Winchester. We’re a sporty family and enjoy skiing every year, as well as cycling. I love cooking and entertaining – we both really enjoy having people round – and when we put the extension on our house it was designed with that in mind, so we have a great space for parties! I also go to a book club with some good friends, which I thoroughly enjoy – and contrary to popular opinion, we do actually talk about the books we read. M: I also enjoy golf, but cycling is probably my real passion – always done mountain biking, but I am getting into road cycling as well now. We’ve spent time over the years following the boys’ sporting activities too. I’m also a member of an acapella singing group – The Sarsen Songmen. I sing the second bass part, which means I rarely have to learn any words, as we tend to add the “boom boom” sounds that give a tune depth. What do you enjoy most about living in Marlborough? We love the fact that everything is concentrated and within easy reach. We live in the town centre in easy walking distance of work and most things the town has to offer. Also, we have the best of both worlds, with the fantastic Wiltshire countryside
on our doorstep. We’ve made fantastic friendships in the town, and like to take part in its cultural life – Jazz Festival, Open Studios, Literature Festival and so on. We’re so lucky to have such a rich variety to choose from considering the town is relatively small. Anything you’d change? M: With my architect’s hat on it would be nice to tidy up the clutter on the High St – there is such a mish-mash of paving, street furniture and signage, I’d love to see it streamlined. Where do you like to shop? M: Bertie Maffoons is popular with me, and for a few years Marlborough Building Supplies was high on my list too, when the house was being renovated. A: I like Mistral for clothes, and Waitrose – for great shopping, and for keeping the kids employed as they grew up! Favourite places to eat? We enjoy Pino’s and Godot’s. Often meet up with friends at The Wellington, and The Lamb is our office lunch spot. What are you reading at the moment? M: Elvis Costello’s autobiography A: I’ve just read Us by David Nicholls, which was good – I enjoy books about relationships and people, so that fitted the bill nicely. What music do you like to listen to? We both have very wide ranging taste – we used to go to Glastonbury pretty regularly, which should give you an idea of the type of thing we enjoy. For more information on Milton Architects visit www.miltonarchitects.co.uk, or call 01672 514354
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St Peter’s Press Club
Raising money… We don’t live in castles or palaces. We don’t come to school in the morning in big, shiny cars driven by chauffeurs in smart uniforms. But we don’t need those things. We know that compared to thousands of children in the world, we are very lucky. Many children don’t have homes. Their houses have been smashed to rubble by bombs, or destroyed by floods or fires. Many others have no family at all to look after them. Because we know how lucky we are to be looked after and to have food, warmth and education, we work to raise money to help other children in the world. Our headteacher Mrs Spindlow says that she is proud of what we do. “Our children are incredibly thoughtful and generous. I am regularly asked by different pupils if they can organise an activity to support different charities or respond to world events. It is very heartening to see this in our younger generation. “They are very creative in the way they give support and raise money, from baking cakes to sell in the playgound to letting me know about the Christmas Jumper Day I do have to be selective about which events we support otherwise we would always be dressing up or asking parents and carers for money. Nevertheless there is always some fundraising event coming up in the diary. I am very proud of them.” Of course we couldn’t do all this fundraising like baking
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cakes and biscuits to sell for Pudsey without lots of help from our teachers, parents, carers, grandparents and friends. They help us make things to sell, and of course it is their money that we donate. It isn’t only children that we raise money for, although they are the ones we feel most concern for. We have also raised money for the Prospect Hospice and for our own school. With the help of the Friends of St.Peter’s (FoSPs) we have raised lots to help the school. This year, for example, thanks to the help of FoSPs, we have new, more interesting Maths books to help us learn better. Each year the FoSPS organise a sponsored swim at the Leisure Centre. We get sponsorship from family and friends for swimming lengths or widths, whichever we are able to do. We always swim much further than anyone expects, so many of our sponsors prefer to give a fixed amount. There can be nasty surprises when they come to count up how much our many, many, surprising lengths could cost them. The FoSPs also organise other events which all help raise money for us, like the Summer Fete which we share
with St Mary’s school, and the Christmas Fair. Often before those fairs we have a non-uniform day. We pay for the privilege of not wearing school uniform by bringing in a bottle for the bottle stall. Of course this does not have to be a bottle of wine, just a bottle of anything nice which someone might buy a ticket for a chance to win. Shampoo, bubble bath, fizzy drinks, cordial or squash are just some of the bottles we bring. Whether we are fundraising with evening school discos, or book fairs, for a charity or for the school, we are glad of all the support we get from teachers, family, carers and friends and from all the people who come to these events. We appreciate too all the shops and businesses who donate gifts for raffles and auctions which all add to the money raised. Aren’t we all lucky? We have homes, food and warmth; teachers, family and friends who care for us and a generous community which supports us in all we do. No wonder we try to be kind to others who have none of these things. Emma, Adam, Caitlin, Ella, Ellen, Elise, Jenna, Lily, Max, Meenashi and Oscar.
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Bus Consultation
services. Or just call 0300 456 0100 to have one posted out. It all runs until 4 April.
Neighbourhood Planning Wiltshire Council is inviting everyone to have their say on its review of subsidised bus services across the county. This is being carried out as part of wider plans to help save millions of pounds over the next three years. Half of the bus mileage in the county is subsidised with £5.1 million per year from Wiltshire Council – it wouldn’t be commercially viable otherwise. The rest of the services are operated on a commercial basis by various companies. Philip Whitehead, Cabinet Member for Transport said: “We know how important bus services are for rural communities - especially to help people maintain their independence, however due to the pressures on local authority spending we are under severe pressure to reduce the amount of budget that we spend on subsidising public transport at the level we currently do. We are committed to minimising any impact changes might have, especially on vulnerable people including those who are elderly, disabled and young. We really do want to hear from people who could be affected by any changes to the current services, and we will be doing everything we can to act on those comments.” The consultation, which looks at various options, can be found at the consultation portal http://www.wiltshire.gov. uk/subsidised-bus-servicesconsultation Paper copies can be picked up in the Town Council offices, libraries and on buses operating these
The Town Council has submitted an application to include Marlborough (with Manton), Mildenhall, Preshute and Savernake as our Neighbourhood Area. The Steering Group is made up of volunteers from the community and representatives from various organisations who have been working hard towards this first stage in the process of producing a Neighbourhood Plan which will have real influence on planning issues in the years to come. To comment on the application just log on to Wiltshire Council’s consultation portal at http:// consult.wiltshire.gov.uk/portal This runs to 24 February.
Could you be Marlborough’s new Town Crier? The Town Council is looking for a replacement for Alfie Johnson who served as our splendid Town Crier for 21 years and retired in 2015. The role is likely to be combined with that of Beadle as John Yates also stepped down at the end of last year. We shall certainly miss John’s magnificent voice at our civic occasions. We will be holding an event on Saturday, 27 February at the Town Hall when we hope to fill this important role, one which is steeped in tradition
and history. The successful candidate will join our Mace Bearers and be expected to accompany the Town Mayor at civic occasions as well as taking on requests for ‘shouts’ to promote events and activities throughout the town. If you would like to find out more, please contact the Town Council offices.
Wales & West works in the High Street - Business as Usual Works to replace old metal gas pipes on the north side of the High Street (Lloyds Bank side) started at the beginning of January. This is part of a nationwide investment programme to update existing pipes with new, long-lasting, plastic ones helping to ensure a safe and reliable gas supply. Prior to starting, representatives from Wales & West visited businesses, shops and residents to discuss the project and answer questions. The High Street won’t be closed and it’ll be business as usual. The project will last for up to 15 weeks. More information and contact details at http://www.wwutilities.co.uk/ and any questions can also be dealt with by the company’s Customer Services Team on free phone 0800 912 2999 or 02921 678 455.
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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People
It’s a dog’s life… When Jill Thorpe took her dog Poppy along to training classes in 2008, she had no idea that it would lead her to a new career. Fast forward to today and Jill is a fully fledged dog behaviourist and trainer, with many grateful clients and happy well trained dogs to her credit. “My first dog Fern was a natural, and almost trained herself”, says Jill “It wasn’t until I got Poppy, that I realised that, like children, all dogs are different! I needed some help with training so enrolled in Lez Graham’s gundog training classes. I enjoyed the training so much, working through the different levels with Poppy, that I realised that it was something that I would like to do as a job. Lez is a nationally renowned trainer, so I approached her to see if she would be interested in taking on an “apprentice”. My timing was good, as she was snowed under with work, and needed someone to help her”. Jill worked with Lez for two years, shadowing on behaviour consultations and assisting at training classes. At the same time she studied for a Diploma in Advanced Canine Behaviour and Psychology. Jill has built up her own successful practice, and now that Lez is moving to Scotland is expanding to cover the Marlborough area. Jill’s work consists of one to one consultations to address particular behavioural issues, and various training classes (she will be starting a new gundog training class in Marlborough after Easter).
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“Behaviour consultations are to deal with particular issues such as separation anxiety, pulling on the lead, aggression towards other dogs and so on. Typically, if the owner is committed to getting the problem sorted, a single consultation is all that is required. Prior to the visit I ask owners to fill out a questionnaire to get an understanding of the issue, and the dog’s environment. The consultation lasts for up to three hours and involves discussion with the owner as much as working with the dog. Afterwards I write up a report with details of the programme that we’ve agreed, and as long as they are consistent, the problem can be solved. It’s rare that I have to go back” One of Jill’s clients, Kathleen Roper says “My vet recommended Jill to help with our one-year-old cockapoo puppy. After a couple of hours’ visit from Jill we implemented the small changes that she advised and immediately saw such huge improvements in his behaviour. People who come to the house cannot believe how well behaved he is now. We can now enjoy our lovely puppy and he now realises we are his boss!” Gundog training classes are different in that dogs are trained over time, with several levels of assessment to be worked towards, using the programme developed by
the Pet and Working Gundog Organisation. “To work through the whole programme takes around 18 months, taking the dog through all the training needed to be capable of working at a shoot. Many people take the classes even if they don’t intend to work their dog. Gundogs are usually highly intelligent and energetic dogs, and gundog training ensures all their talents are channelled in the right direction.” Classes have a maximum of six participants. “It’s a very friendly hobby too, members get to know each other well over the course of the training, and usually enjoy it on a social as well as educational level. There’s great camaraderie, and everyone helps each other” Jill currently has two dogs, Indy, who is now 8, and a young dog Robyn, who is 20 months old. She says, “Every dog is different and I have learnt so much from each of my dogs through training them.” Jill is starting Gundog Training Classes at Marlborough Cricket Club after Easter, and will also be running a couple of courses at Marlborough Summer School. If you are interested in training classes or need help with a behavioural issue, give Jill a call on 07901 651663, or visit her website at www.developyourdog.co.uk
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Family
Purpose It’s February, but it might be strange, if not a little predictable, for me, as a Family Lawyer dealing in divorce and relationship issues, to talk about love and Valentines day. However, it got me thinking about not only what happens with many of my clients but also with many of these internationally recognised days or events. They have something in common, and that is that everything has got so much bigger and more time consuming. Everything has been super-sized. The pressure on us to give the most extravagant gift or host the most impressive party is huge. Valentine’s used to be about the odd card and maybe a bunch of flowers or even a meal for a special treat. Now, post Bridget Jones, we can’t get enough of the “Mini Break” or the all-inclusive spa package for two. There is of course the other extreme, naming no names at all but you know who you are, where the “guilty party” let’s say, forgets a card or flowers and brushes it aside with a quick “I love you every day darling not just one day a year and I don’t need to give you a card to show it” leaving the “innocent party” feeling deflated and unloved. But why? We have so much on our minds these days that who could blame “guilty” for probably forgetting? Another super-sized example - take the stag or hen party
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which used to be a night down the pub or again, if you were lucky, a meal out and then to the pub. Over the years, this has developed into meal, pub, club, hotel, weekend in “any European destination” and time off afterwards to recover let alone the small mortgage to go away in the first place, setting a little aside for the wedding present, hotel stay and new outfit as well as the time off work. What if we were to strip it all back again? Would we love each other any less if our token of love was a carefully chosen card or, better still, something home-made with the personal touch? Would we have any less fun if we pared down the trimmings on our event or even tried something completely different? No, I’m sure not. Life is about experiences and time is so precious, maybe these are what we need to give. It’s also about doing something different and challenging the norm. So, for those budding Romeos and Juliets out there, my thoughts for a happy and
enduring relationship – strip away the conventions and focus on you. Take time, be in the moment or “be present” as the Gurus would say. If you don’t want to cook, then don’t – go to “Cook” and buy a delicious meal or go somewhere different. We have so many lovely pubs scattered around the local countryside, let’s give them a try. Perhaps even walk instead of drive and spend the time chatting and taking in your surrounds. Whatever you do and whenever with your nearest and dearest, if you are clear on the purpose of what you are doing and you communicate that with each other, then you are on the right path to achieving it. 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 February 2016 Marlborough Onscreen Events Les Liaisons Dangereuses : LIVE
Date: Thursday, 28 January, 7pm Venue: Marlborough Town Hall
Former lovers, the Marquise de Merteuil and Vicomte de Valmont now compete in games of seduction and revenge. Merteuil incites Valmont to corrupt the innocent Cecile de Volanges before her wedding night but Valmont has targeted the peerlessly virtuous and beautiful Madame de Tourvel. While these merciless aristocrats toy with others’ hearts and reputations, their own may prove more fragile than they supposed. Broadcast Live from The Donmar Warehouse. Running time: 3 hrs. 30 mins. Tickets £15 in advance or £17.50 on door, box office www.kvat.co.uk or available from White Horse Bookshop or Sound Knowledge telephone 07771704253
A Most Wanted Man (15) Date: Friday 29 January, 7.30 for 8pm Venue: Ramsbury Memorial Hall
Based on John le Carré’s celebrated spy thriller. A Chechen Muslim illegally immigrates to Hamburg, where he gets caught in the international war on terror. Tickets £4 from Ramsbury Post Office until 1pm on film day or £4.50 on the door. Bar and doors open at 7.30pm, film starts at 8pm
Marlborough Folk-Roots presents Megson in concert
Date:Saturday 30th January, 8.00pm Venue: St Mary’s Church Hall, Silverless Street, Marlborough SN8 1JQ Three times nominated in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and double winners of the
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Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Spiral Earth Awards, Megson draw heavily on their Teesside heritage to create a truly unique brand of folk music. The husband and wife duo are Debs Hanna (Vocals, Whistle, Piano Accordion) and Stu Hanna (Guitar, Mandola, Banjo) and have gained fame on the British folk scenefor their songwriting, exquisite musicianship and northern humour. Tickets £14 from 01672 512465, Sound Knowledge at Hughenden Yard, Marlborough, or online at www.marlboroughfolk-roots.co.uk
Amnesty International Barn Dance
Date: Saturday 6 February, 7.30pm Venue: Marlborough Town Hall Live Music. Bring your own food and drink. For tickets contact Jo on 01672 513950
Marlborough College Concert Series
Date: Sunday 7 February, 3pm Venue: Memorial Hall, Marlborough College The finale of the 2015/16 season of world class music in Marlborough sees the welcome return of the Southbank Sinfonia. The programme includes Brahms, Dvorak Sixth symphony and the Bruch
Concerto for Clarinet and Viola with Sasha Rattle and Philip Dukes. Tickets are available from the Box Office on 01672 892566 or on-line at tickets@ marlboroughconcertseries.org
Marlborough Onscreen Events Magic in the Moonlight (12A)
Date: Thursday 11 February, 7 for 7.30pm Venue: Marlborough Town Hall Stanley is a magician who has dedicated his life to revealing fraudulent spiritualists. He plans to quickly uncover the truth behind celebrated spiritualist Sophie and her scheming mother. tickets: £5 in advance, £6 on door Tickets available from
www.marlboroughonscreen.events
White Horse Bookshop, Sound Knowledge or call 07771704253
The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (PG) Date: Friday 12 February, 7.30 for 8pm Venue: Ramsbury Memorial Hall As the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel has only a single remaining vacancy - posing a rooming predicament for
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What’s On two fresh arrivals - Sonny pursues his expansionist dream of opening a second hotel. Enjoyable sequel starring Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Richard Gere, Tamsin Grieg, Celia Imrie. Tickets £4 from Ramsbury Post Office until 1pm on film day or £4.50 on the door. Bar and doors open at 7.30pm, film starts at 8pm
Marlborough History Society
Date: Thursday 18 February at 7.30pm. Venue: St Peter’s Church Marlborough
A lecture by local clergyman and historian Alan Deboo on “The impact on society of the advent of the railways”.
Crofton Winter Work Open Days
Date: Saturday 20 February, 11am – 3pm Venue: Crofton Pumping Station, Crofton, Marlborough, SN8 3DW
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 repeating our successful out-of-season openings by 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 so please bring warm clothing. Entrance is FREE
Marlborough Onscreen Events As You Like It (NT Live)
Brilliant Young Musicians
Shakespeare’s glorious comedy of love and change comes to the National Theatre for the first time in over 30 years. Tickets £15 in advance, £17.50 on the door, available from
Date: Sunday 21 February at 7.30pm Venue: St Peter’s Church Marlborough
Karim Said (piano) and Chris Graves (cello) play music by Brahms, Schumann and Beethoven - tickets £10 (£8 for St Peter’s and MBG members) from the White Horse Bookshop and Sound Knowledge or on the door.
St John’s Marlborough presents Schools Will Rock You Date: Weds 23 to Sun 27 February Venue: St John’s School, Marlborough
Schools Will Rock You is the official schools’ version of the West End hit We Will Rock You. A spoof of the classic quest tale with some moments of clever dialogue, it exists predominately as a framework allowing a vocally talented cast to perform covers of Queen’s greatest hits. Songs favourites such as “Another One Bites the Dust,” “Hammer to Fall,” “A Kind of Magic,” and more.
Date: Thursday 25 February, 6.30 for 7pm Venue: Marlborough Town Hall
www.marlboroughonscreen.events
White Horse Bookshop, Sound Knowledge or call 07771704253
A Royal Night Out (12A) Date: Friday 26 February, 7.30 for 8pm Venue: Ramsbury Memorial hall
Based on true events... It’s V-E Day, 1945, people are celebrating the end of the war. London overflows with celebration and excess. Two teenage princesses Margaret and Elizabeth, the future Queen of England, are allowed out that night to join the party. For the first time they are able to mingle with the teeming crowds, incognito....Starring Rupert Everett, Bel Powley, Tickets £4 from Ramsbury Post Office until 1pm on film day or £4.50 on the door
Further afield Prospect Hospice 10k Run
Date: Sunday 21 February 2016 Venue: Nationwide Pavilion, Swindon
Join Prospect Hospice for the first fundraising event of the year, the muddy and challenging Prospect 10k run, supported by Nationwide. Starting and finishing at Nationwide’s Pavilion on Pipers Way, Swindon, our 10k run takes you across fields, footpaths and some very muddy stretches for what promises to be a challenging winter run. To register to take part in the event, please visit www.prospect-hospice.net/10k Registration £15, Suggested sponsorship: £100 As You Like It
Please mention Marlborough Town & Country when responding to advertisements
21
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 welcome. Sessions on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at Rockley. For more info call the Secretary, Maggie Lewis, on 0846 241 5396
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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 Big Band Rehearsals every Friday evening at the Bear Hotel, Marlborough 6:30 – 8:30pm New players always welcome the only qualification needed is to be able to read music and play your instrument. We are a group of like-minded musicians aged 15 to 75+ who enjoy playing swing and jazz music from 1930’s up to the present day. For more information please Tel: 07973 213271 or 07580 237398 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 in Oare Village Hall 7.30 pm and four times in the winter at All Cannings. Open to anyone interested in country life
To advertise please call 01793 791104 or email: aj@marlboroughtandc.co.uk
Community 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 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 Wendy Jordan on 01672 520129. 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 Masters. Tues/Thurs/Sun at Marlborough Leisure Centre. Please contact Alan Crook 01672 512757 for details.
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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 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
To advertise please call 01793 791104 or email: aj@marlboroughtandc.co.uk
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Community 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. 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
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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. 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.
To advertise please call 01793 791104 or email: aj@marlboroughtandc.co.uk
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 Tel: 0300 111 5717
Leisure Herongate Leisure 01488 682000 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
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Phone: 01488 72118
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27
Home
Hard Water And Your Home Hard water affects every household in Wiltshire and the surrounding counties, due to the geology of the area. Water is made hard by naturally occurring calcium and magnesium, which naturally soft rain water picks up as it passes through the limestone rock and chalk that Wiltshire and the surrounding counties are based on. The hardness of water is measured precisely by the concentration of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), and in Wiltshire water can contain more than 300 milligrams of calcium carbonate per litre, classifying it as ‘Very Hard’. Hard water can have long lasting damaging effects on household appliances, water systems, clothes and skin. It causes scaling in boilers, hot water cylinders, washing machines, shower heads, kettles and irons and it produces less lather from washing powders, soaps and detergents. It makes washing and cleaning more difficult and leaves marks on basins, taps, shower screens and sinks. It can also leave clothes looking dull and skin feeling dry. Household energy costs are also affected, due to heating systems having to burn more fuel to heat water through thick layers of insulating scale. Life with soft water is so much nicer, and cost savings can be made in all sorts of ways. However in order to get soft water, the calcium and magnesium need to be removed which is what a domestic water softener is
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The effect of hard water on a hot water cylinder removed from a house in Marlborough in 2015. The cylinder was approximately 10 years old and choked up with limescale.
installed to do. At the heart of every salt based water softener is its ion exchange resin, which consists of microscopic beads. As the hard water comes into the house and passes through the resin the beads trap the magnesium and calcium, thus removing the hardness and producing totally soft water, which is distributed around the whole house. For drinking water purposes a separate hard water feed is still recommended, which can be discussed and arranged by a fully trained engineer. The salt, which most people associate with a water softener, is needed to make a brine solution for cleaning the resin beads once they have become fully saturated with hardness minerals. This phase is called a ‘regeneration’ and is timed accordingly so that there is no unnecessary waste of water or salt, making both the Harvey and Ecowater softeners highly efficient and cost effective. A domestic water softener is usually fitted under a kitchen sink, but it can be fitted anywhere that’s convenient to you. Common locations include: garage, utility room, loft, outside wall, conservatory downstairs cloakroom and even bathroom. Installation is a simple process carried out by our fully qualified plumbing and heating engineers that usually takes no more than half a day. It is much simpler and cheaper than having a new boiler fitted, and from as little as £500 you could be feeling the benefits of having soft water in your own home.
The effect of hard water on a piece of copper pipe in a hard water area. Limescale 7mm thick, reducing the diameter of the pipe significantly.
In brief, a water softener from Soft Options Water Softeners Ltd will soften all the ‘working water’ as it enters your home, keeping your home flowing and free from calcium and magnesium. It will protect all water using appliances from scaling up, and will gradually de-scale existing limescale that has built up over a period of time. Kitchens and bathrooms will be easier to clean and will stay fresh and sparkling for longer. Softened water reduces spots and streaking leaving glass, tiles, shower screens, taps and dishes shiny and free from dull chalky deposits. Soft water can also help soothe dry and flaky skin conditions such as eczema and will generate cost savings in energy, cleaning products and detergents. The most common response from all our new customers is ‘Why didn’t I have a water softener fitted before now’? If you would like any further help or advice on any of the above Soft Options Water Softeners Ltd, would be very happy to help. As a small family run business based in Burbage with over 40 years combined experience we pride ourselves heavily on excellent customer care. We are here to advise and assist both before and after purchasing a water softener and/or drinking water system. We have a 24/7 call out facility, and we are always here to offer help and advice at the end of a telephone. Tel: 01672 521123, Web: www.soft-options.net, E-mail: hello@soft-options.net
To advertise please call 01793 791104 or email: aj@marlboroughtandc.co.uk
Do you live in a hard water area? you could benefit from a water softener. for a free home survey or quote please call 01672 521 123 or visit www.soft-options.net
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29
Gardening
February In The Garden It may still be cold and wet outside but cheer up, winter’s shortest day is behind us and gradually the days are getting longer, bringing enough daylight for the first signs of spring to emerge in the garden. Snowdrops began to emerge in late January and Crocus are now giving a welcome carpet of colour in many gardens helping to lift our spirits. Hellebore flowers stand above shiny dark green foliage and spring flowering shrubs like Chaenomeles (quince) begin to blossom. Take a close look and many shrubs will have budded ready to burst into leaf, and early summer flowering perennials will soon be starting to push through the soil. A sunny day in late February or early March can tempt us into the garden to start preparing for warmer days but be cautious as sudden drops in temperature at this time of year can be treacherous, causing lasting damage to new plantings. While the weather is still changeable it may be better to concentrate on the other chores that need attention at this time of year. All garden plants benefit from a feed in the spring as many nutrients in the soil can be washed away over winter. So lightly fork some well rotted manure or other soil conditioner into borders to help boost plants taking care not to damage emerging bulbs
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or perennials. Prune winter flowering jasmine once it has finished flowering and trim winter flowering heathers as soon as the flowers start to fade. Late summer flowering shrubs such as Buddleja and Caryopteris can be cut back hard now and keep deadheading winter bedding plants like pansies to help prolong flowering. For extra colour in the garden you could plant up some pots of colour using spring bedding such as Primroses and Pansies, a bit of colour on the patio can help brighten up a winter day. This is also a good time to identify problem areas of the garden and decide how best to deal with them. All of us have an area of the garden where plants don’t do well and this can just be a matter of finding the right plant for the right place. No matter what the problem of the site there is usually a plant that can survive. After all many of the plants we see in the garden centres come from all over the world and all sorts of
difficult situations. Your problem spot could just be waiting for the ideal plant. For dry shady areas try Cotoneaster, Euonymous, Mahonia, Hellebores, Japanese Anenome, Astrantia’s and Vinca Major. For moist, shady areas try Ferns, Hosta’s, Astilbe, Geraniums, Heuchera, Iris Foetdissima and Hydrangea. In hot, sunny sites try the wonderful Hibiscus Bluebird, Phormium’s, Lavender, Rosemary and the beautiful Bearded Iris. In heavy clay soil Lilies do well as do Pyracantha, Primula and Bergenia. While you’re thinking of plants for the garden now is the time to place orders for summer bedding through the post and if seeds arrive in the post keep them in a cool, dry place until it is time to sow them. I’ll be back in March with more to do in the garden as the busiest time of the gardeners year begins. Jill Blackwood 07951 014119, 01793 340063
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Legal
Changes to Family Law Court fees raised
The Department of Justice have drafted a document which advises that Court fees in the matter of Divorce should be increased. Currently, the fee for a Divorce petition is £410 but the document recommends an increase to £550. Other applications are to increase from £155 to £255. This includes applications to change child maintenance payments which have been agreed in court. The document has been released and no doubt the legal community will have the opportunity to have a response in due course. DGR Law are, for the record, totally opposed to any further increases in fees due to the unnecessary extra financial hardship this may cause to our existing and future Clients.
DIY Divorce can prove costly
One of my previous articles discussed the pitfalls of the DIY divorce which is, unfortunately, on the increase. A recent discovery on the Court Service website highlights
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the possible serious consequences with this DIY practice. Since April 2014 the Court Service’s online Form E, which is simply a financial statement, has been defective. Many people use this form to write down what finances and money they have when trying to work out who should have what in the divorce. Unfortunately, some of the areas which are filled in did not add up the figures correctly. This may have led to unrealistically high payments to divorcing spouses. There were 20,000 copies of the form printed since April 2014. We are hopeful that noone in the Marlborough area used that form.
Administration changes
Lastly the administration of divorces in the Swindon and Salisbury Courts has now moved to the Southampton Divorce Centre and continues to give Family Lawyers their fair share of headaches and frustrations. Not content with losing paperwork on several occasions, delays for simple functions such as stamping a Divorce Petition when received has increased to 30 days. In the good old days we could send the paperwork and receive confirmation within 2 days that it had
been sent to the other party. We’ll keep you updated.
New law comes into force On a much better note to end, the new offence of controlling or coercive behaviour under section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015 came into force on 29 December 2015. Anyone found guilty of this offence may be subject to a maximum of 5 years in prison. This is good news for any victims of Mental Domestic Abuse and we expect to see a gradual increase in the number of victims, both men and women coming forward in 2016. Karen Salmon DGR Law 01672 511797
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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.
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issue 71 . march 2014
People Debi Evans Children’s Author
Features
Look after your feet! Marlborough Science Walking as a soloist Fair
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