Marlborough TOWN & COUNTRY
People Local News Ian Davies Farrier
Rolo's new book Raspberry Jam at library
Features Hypnotherapy Qashquai Road test
PEOPLE | FEATURES | NEWS | WHAT’S ON | COMMUNITY INFORMATION
FREE Issue 113 . September 2017
Edit or’s Letter
Happy new (academic) year! I often think that September is like a new year, without all the attendant celebrations. This mostly applies to those of us who are either in education, or have children that are. For parents, there is often a sigh of relief that the kids are off back to school (go on, admit it!), and for the children themselves moving up a year marks a new beginning. Often, there is a move to a new school or university marking a big change. Resolutions are not a thing in September, but I think many people see it as an opportunity to try something new, take up a new hobby, start a new business. It’s interesting that so many things are started as the year is heading towards its end, with the seasons changing and the nights starting to draw in. So good luck if you are making a new start – by the time the actual new year arrives you should have it sorted! Lots to read as usual – our interviewee this month is Ian Davies who has travelled as far as Japan following his career as a farrier, there’s an interesting article on hypnotherapy, and all the usual regulars. Enjoy!
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 September17 issue is due by 7 September 2017.
Contents 3 6 8 13 14 16 18 20 28 30 32
Intro Ian Davies Local News Council News Fiona’s Column Hypnotherapy What’s On Community Information Motoring Vet Legal Please mention Marlborough Town & Country when responding to advertisements
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People
Ian Davies Ian Davies is an experienced farrier who has recently returned to the UK after a long stint working in world class equine establishments in Japan and the Middle East. He lives in Marlborough with his wife Selam, and his two daughters, Kate, 15, and Laura, 13. Where are you from originally? I was born in Wales, and my family moved to the Shropshire border area. Although I’m from Wales, I don’t speak Welsh, and people often mistake my accent for Irish, or even South African! My father bred horses, and I grew up with a passion for them. What appealed about farriery? I wanted a career with horses; I would have loved to have been a trainer, but that’s incredibly difficult to get into unless you have significant investment behind you. Farriery was a job where I could be around horses all day, and make a decent salary. I did a 4-year apprenticeship learning my trade. You’ve spent a lot of time abroad, how did that happen? It was a happy accident really. I was selfemployed as a farrier, and also bred eventers. One year I went to the three counties show to sell the horses, and they were bought by the guys from the Sultan of Oman’s yard. They seemed to like me, and asked if I would go out there to work for the Sultan. I’d never dreamt of leaving the country, and at first I refused – I had a good business here. They came back to me on three occasions over time, and the third time they made me an offer I couldn’t refuse! It must have been a complete change of lifestyle? It certainly was – in every way. Weather, culture, food, work – everything. I got on the plane it was 2 degrees, when I got off it was in the 40s with 90% humidity. It took some getting used to. Work wise it was a big change too – the Sultan has more than 2000 horses – from thoroughbred racehorses to eventers, tiny falabellas to Hanoverians. As chief farrier, I delegated all the shoeing work to the team of farriers, and I dealt with all the corrective farriery. There was a team of vets and the best diagnostic equipment in the
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I love the countryside around Marlborough. When you have lived in a desert landscape you learn to appreciate all the different shades of green!
world there – it was often challenging work, and I learned a lot, it was very satisfying to make a difference. The Sultan, Qaboos bin Said is a real anglophile – he was educated in the UK and served in a Scottish regiment. In Oman, he has the only bagpipe band in the world mounted on camels! You left there to work in Japan, why? Although I enjoyed working in Oman, I was based in Salalah, which is basically miles from anywhere. There was nothing there really, apart from work. I guess you could say I got bored. I came back to the UK for a few months, working for John Gosden in Manton, specialising in working with his 2-year-olds. He decided to move to Newmarket, but I didn’t want to go with him. The job working for Katsumi Yoshida in Japan came up, and it seemed like a good opportunity so I took it. In the time between coming back from Oman, and leaving for Japan, I met and married Selam. She came with me and both our girls were born abroad.
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People What was Japan like? Again, it was a huge operation. Based in the North of Japan, in Hokkaido, the weather was very different. Winters were very cold with deep snow, while Summers were hot. To suit the racing calendar, foals were generally bred to be born in December/January when it was very cold. The work ethic in Japan is completely different to Oman, you could end up working 7 days a week sometimes. There were around 350 – 400 foals born per year. Out of that many you are bound to get some with problems, and you have a short window of time to rectify the issues to give the horse the best chance at a racing career. Very satisfying work. As well as foals, there were breeding stallions and mares, as well as racehorses. I was there for six years, after which I was tempted back to Oman, where there was a more relaxed lifestyle. Why did you decide to move back to the UK? There is no secondary school provision for expats near where we were, and so Selam came back to the UK with the girls when Kate started secondary school. I stayed in Oman and we saw each other in the holidays. I’ve been planning to come back to this country for several years, and it’s finally come to fruition. I’m keen now to establish my own business, rather than working as an employee. How’s it going? It’s going well. I have my mobile workshop that can travel all over. This area is absolutely made for horses,
the chalk downs provide the perfect landscape for exercising horses, and the trainers here are lucky to have their own gallops. There are many top class equine athletes in the area, and my ambition is to work with their trainers/owners to maximise their performance. The expertise I have built up over the past twenty-five years means I am able to give a top-class service. I already have my first contract with a local trainer and he has seen a difference in the performance of his horses. I’ve been asked to write for several horse magazines including The Ridgeway Rider and The Barefoot Rider (Barefoot riding is a whole movement promoting riding without shoes) Ambition for the future? My vision is to build up a practice of like-minded individuals working together to provide an unrivalled service to the equine industry in this area. What do you enjoy most about your job? I just love being around horses, and am happy to offer basic farriery services. However, I get most satisfaction out of correcting a problem with a horse using farriery. The right mechanics can show an immediate improvement in a horse, but the real joy is fixing the problem so that the horse is mended even without the mechanics. It’s very rewarding. Anything you are not so keen on? Not really – It’s a while since I’ve had to deal with a British winter, not looking forward to that so much!
What do you enjoy in your spare time? I like to ride when I can. As a family, we enjoy horse related events such as Barbury and Gatcombe, plus agricultural shows. I love the countryside around Marlborough. When you have lived in a desert landscape you learn to appreciate all the different shades of green! I think this area particularly has a remarkable landscape there’s nothing boring about it. We walk and cycle the area as well as ride. My favourite area is probably around Lockeridge. We also enjoy getting out with friends when we can. Where do you like to eat out? We’re spoilt for choice in Marlborough – we’ve recently been to Dan’s Restaurant and Rick Stein’s which we’ve enjoyed. I hear there’s a new Mexican that we’d like to try. Nothing better than a meal out with friends. Do you enjoy reading? Yes, I’m reading Paul Coelho’s The Alchemist at the moment. My favourite author is Thomas Hardy – I love his descriptions of the countryside of Wessex. I feel like I’m living in his landscape. What about music? I like all sorts – often end up listening to what my daughters choose these days. I like jazz and classical, but am no expert. Kate plays the piano and Laura the flute – I enjoy listening to them, they both play beautifully. Ian can be contacted on 01672 515247 or 07786 503849. His website is www.farriery.co
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Local News
£7,000 grant to Alzheimer’s Support The Friends of Savernake Hospital and the Community have provided a £7,000 grant to Alzheimer’s Support to support its activities in the Marlborough and Pewsey areas.
Alzheimer’s Support recently won the contract with Wiltshire Council and the NHS to provide their holistic dementia services across Wiltshire which enable people living with dementia to live well in their own homes and stay connected in their communities. The grant from the Friends will be used in part to meet the travel costs of the Alzheimer’s Support dementia home support team workers. The team of home support staff regularly visit over 65 people in the Marlborough and Pewsey community areas, delivering around 300 hours of home support every month. The Alzheimer’s Support workers provide a range of support including: • companionship and conversation at home • support to continue with a favourite hobby or pastime • social trips out – eg to a garden centre, health facility, the library, walks, coffee in town
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• practical help, accompanying shopping trips or hairdressing appointments • help collecting pension or paying bills. As well as providing financial support for the support workers’ travel costs to reach those living with dementia in the Marlborough and Pewsey areas, some of the grant money will be used for the Alzheimer’s Support memory cafe in East Grafton, and also to provide a much-needed new laptop for the Alzheimer’s Support Care Coordinator for this area. Alzheimer’s Support CEO, Babs Harris, said, “I would like to thank the Friends of Savernake Hospital so much for their generous contribution to our services. It is wonderful to receive support for travel costs in the area in particular. Our support workers provide a lifeline to people who cannot get out and about under their own volition, and in the East of Wiltshire especially, our travel costs are high. This will make a real difference.”
Jamming in Marlborough Are you interested in technology and computers? Have you heard of digital making? Do you want to be an inventor of the future? Are you aged 8 to 88? Actually, alive and interested is enough! Have you heard of Raspberry Pi Computers? Would you like to see what they can do? Well you can! On the 16th and 23rd Sept between 9:30 to 12:30 at Marlborough Library, in partnership with Wiltshire Library Service, Marlborough Area Development Trust invite you to an “introductory Raspberry Jam” to see Robots and Raspberry Pi Computers
in action. They’ll be on hand to explain how YOU can get making with Pi’s and how local schools are getting involved to develop tomorrow’s bright sparks to fuel invention for the digital world of their future. More info at www.makerspace. marlborougharea.org
Rolo’s Adventures Continue Children in the area will be thrilled to hear that local author Debi Evans will be launching the fourth book in her Secret Adventures of Rolo series ‘Jewel Dog and the Dragons’ on Saturday 16 September in Mistral, High Street Marlborough from 11-2pm and also Saturday 30 September in St Peter’s church coffee shop 11-2pm. Themes include the Bronze Age, Christmas Truce of 1914, King Alfred’s Saxon Wessex as well as Greek Mythology and Aesop’s fables. Silbury Hill features, and by popular demand, more dragons and other mythical creatures. Rolo the time travelling Jack Russell with a love of history and nature has some interesting encounters in this fourth book in the series loved by 7-11 year olds and adults too. Why not pop along and meet Debi, and of course Rolo?
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The Greyhound
The Big Picnic
Marlborough’s Mill Wheels Turn a Corner
Everyone can enjoy Marlborough’s very own Big Picnic on Saturday, 9 September from 1pm onwards at Stonebridge Meadow. The event is being organised by Action for the River Kennet with support from the Town Council which together owns the meadow. This will be a chance to come along and learn more about what this wonderful area of the town offers.
Award winning natural history author Peter Marren will be leading a wildlife walk and telling us about flora and fauna, there’ll be mini bug hotel making, fly casting and river and pond dipping too. It’s an event for the whole family, bring along a blanket and picnic and we’ll supply free soft drinks. It’s easy to find, just head along Stonebridge Lane. For more information, contact ARK Project Officer, Anna Forbes on 07780 381709 or at anna@riverkennet.org.uk
Marlborough’s former mill wheels have been taken to a new temporary home at The Old Ropeworks. This is all thanks to a small group of local volunteers, headed up by Ron and Angie Dickens, Val Compton, Adrian and Tom Burton, Malcolm Lampard and Mike Fernley, who has agreed to store them for safekeeping. This will certainly resurrect many memories of the Town Mill which ceased to be a working mill in 1922 and was demolished in the 1980s to make way for a housing development of the same name.
Over two days the volunteers helped move the equipment together with transport company, R.J Lampard & Co. Ltd, from the Salisbury Road Recreation Ground to Kennet Place. A short journey but not an easy one – this equipment weighs around 4 tons! The machinery had been stored for many years alongside the Town Council’s workshop, not ideal and using up much needed space which can now be used for equipment for the increasing workload being taken on by the council’s Grounds Team. To take the initiative forward, a Project Group is being constituted and the community kept involved through a Facebook campaign - The Watermill, Marlborough, Wiltshire. The Project Group is keen to hear from anyone interested in working towards the refurbishment – engineering
enthusiasts are particularly welcome. If you would like to see the mill wheels, call in at The Old Ropeworks at Kennet Place during opening hours. We are all looking forward to the time when the mill wheels will again sit proudly in Marlborough to remind us all of the town’s magnificent and varied history.
Marlborough Community & Youth Centre
Works at the Community Centre have started and we are hoping that it will be re-opened in the autumn. Any group interested in making a booking should contact Sue Fry, Office Manager at the Town Council Offices. External grants are being applied for various works and a funding raising campaign for fixtures and fittings is being launched soon. There will be a special fundraising event at the Salisbury Road Recreation Ground on Sunday, 24th September – watch out for details nearer the time.
Grants
Do you know of a local community or voluntary group working for the benefit of Marlborough? If so, it may well qualify for funding under the Town Council’s Small Grant Scheme. More details are available at www.marlborough-tc.gov.uk
Comments and enquiries to the council are always welcome, you can contact us on:Tel: 01672 512487 Email: enquiries@marlborough-tc.gov.uk Web: www.marlborough-tc.gov.uk Official news from Marlborough Town Council
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Lifestyle
Lest we forget.. part two Last month I pondered over the simple pleasures that we forget or lose as life moves on. This month, my mind has turned to bigger matters. This year, we spent our summer holiday in Guernsey and on one typically British “summer” day we went to the cinema to see the film, “Dunkirk”. It was a spectacular and poignant film and left me feeling guilty as to my lack of knowledge of the Second World War. As well as the scale and events of the war generally, I had a lack of knowledge of family history. My husband’s family on the maternal side hail from Guernsey, part of the UK and a beautiful place to visit at any time of year. Not many know that the Channel Islands were occupied by the Germans in the war. I stayed at my sister-in-law’s house. As I lay in bed each night I’d face a pencil sketch of an elderly lady. It transpires that the picture was of my husband’s great grandmother, Elise Langmead, (nee Mahy). She was married to a retired police constable when the islands were occupied - an occupation deemed by the Nazis as a threat, and he was to be deported. So, at the age of 72, Elise told the Nazis that if they were taking her husband, then they would have to take her too. In all, they took 2,830 from the island, men, women and children. 22 are known to have died in the camps.
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The pencil sketch of Elise
Elise and her Husband were taken to a prison camp at Biberac on the French/Swiss border and detained there until liberation. The picture of Elise on the bedroom wall was drawn at the prisoner of war camp. Life in the camps was hard although the inmates made the most of their time, setting up schools and recording in any way they could what was happening to them. Elise returned from Biberac on liberation having made a “Biberac doll” out of scraps of cloth for my motherin-law, the, by then, five-yearold granddaughter that she had never met. The doll is a significant record of life at the camp as well as something tangible for us to understand. Life on the island was far from easy. Parents were faced with the terrible decision of having their children deported or remaining on the island. Food was limited and families had to be creative. I visited the Occupation Museum on the island, a little known yet wonderful archive. The recipes and photographs show just
how hard life was and how brave the civilians were and the stories were both heroic and humbling. My daughter pointed out one particular poem written for the museum by a Guernsey resident which brought it home to me that even though we often have the dramatic high budget war films as our point of reference, there are so many other stories of forgotten heroes that we need to capture and show our children so that the mistakes of the past are never repeated. The stories that our grandparents tell are often the last record of the unheard of events detailing our long-forgotten heroes. Let’s try to honour their memory and remember them for our future generations. 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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Health
Does hypnotherapy work? I have always been curious about hypnotherapy, so was keen when offered a chance to give it a try so I could write about it for the magazine. Pat Harper works out of the Wellbeing Clinic in Marlborough, and sessions take place in a very pleasant treatment room on the ground floor. Hypnotherapy can be used to help many problems and concerns, from annoying habits such as smoking, biting your nails or trying to lose weight to issues such as phobias, stress and anxiety, pain management and sleep disorders. Pat had experienced the benefits of hypnotherapy herself, dealing with two different issues – seasickness and low self-esteem. She had first-hand experience of how it can make a difference, and decided that she would like to be able to help people to feel better too. It’s important with any kind of therapy to find a practitioner that is suitably qualified, this is especially important with hypnotherapy as basically anyone can set themselves up as a hypnotherapist. Reputable practitioners like Pat will hold a qualification and be a member of The National Hypnotherapy Society, which is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority and has strict ethical guidelines. It is also important that you get on with your therapist and feel comfortable with them. “I think it is very important that people feel happy and comfortable talking to me, which is why I offer a free initial consultation to explore the issue that help is needed with and for the person to decide if they would like to continue working with me. All sessions are completely confidential.” explained Pat. Obviously, to know whether hypnotherapy works there has to be an issue that needs dealing with. Mine was the urge to raid
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the snack cupboard late at night, thus kaiboshing my attempts to eat more healthily and lose weight. (Hypnotherapy can help with weight loss more generally, but as this was a one-off session we needed a specific behaviour that could be helped quickly) Before any sort of hypnosis, Pat will discuss the issue with you, getting a clear idea of exactly what the problem is and what you want to achieve. In my case she asked me to describe the scenario in great detail – when it happened, what I was usually doing, how I felt at the time, what it was that I wanted to eat, and what I would like to change that behaviour to. (Basically, resisting the urge to scoff chocolate or crisps!) In my case Pat used a technique from Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), which is often used in hypnotherapy to help change habits and behaviours. It involved imagining the scenario as I would like it to be, and turning it into a picture that I sent behind me into the distance and then when told, allowing it to snap back into place. It was a repetitive process, involving opening and closing my eyes at various points and making the picture come and go. At no point did I feel that I was in a trance, and although I followed the instructions, was quite
sceptical that it would work. It has now been a couple of weeks since the session, and to my surprise I have not once raided the cupboard at night. The thought has occasionally crossed my mind, but it has been easy to push it away again, whereas before once the thought occurred it would niggle and niggle until it had to be acted upon. I don’t know why it seems to have worked – a cynic could say it is some sort of placebo effect - but I don’t really care as it has helped me stop a behaviour that is not good for my health. I would definitely consider using hypnotherapy again, perhaps to help further with efforts to lose weight. I would also consider it if suffering from an issue such as anxiety or depression, as it seems logical that deep relaxation could help with those. (I should say that Pat would ask that before you seek hypnotherapy for any kind of medical condition that you should consult your GP for advice).
If you are interested in finding out more about how hypnotherapy could help you, give Pat a call on 07533 982887 or email at pat@patharperhypnotherapy.co.uk
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Do you have a habit or behaviour you’d like to change? Tuesday 9am - 1pm, Wellbeing Clinic, London Road, Marlborough SN8 1PH.
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What’s On
What’s On September 2017 Giffords Circus
La La Land
Dates: 24 August – 4 September, times vary Venue: Marlborough Common The circus rolls into town. “Any Port in a Storm” is themed around the Spanish Court in the 17th Century. A thrilling, candle-lit, international gymnastic show with dancing horses, a live band and of course the king of mis-rule Tweedy the clown. A Giffords storm is brewing. Tickets from £14 child, £24 adult Call 0845 459 7469
Aldbourne Band Carnival Service and Pond Concert Date: Sunday 3 September, 4pm Venue: The Green, Aldbourne
The perfect way to while away a Summer Sunday. Attendance free, with a collection for the band.
Annie Monk Acrylics
Date: 5 September to 1 October Venue: The White Horse Gallery, White Horse Bookshop, Marlborough Artist Annie Monk exhibits a selection of her work.
Marlborough Onscreen Events Viceroy’s House (12A)
Date: Thursday 7th September 7.30pm (doors 7.00pm) Venue: Marlborough Town Hall The story of the partition of India and Pakistan through the eyes of the Mountbatten household. Tickets £5 in advance from Sound Knowledge and The White Horse Bookshop, Marlborough. Licensed bar.
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Ramsbury Roxy La La Land (12A)
Date: Friday 8 September Venue: Ramsbury Memorial Hall A dazzling movie experience, a modern take on the Hollywood musical from Damien Chazelle, the Academy Award-nominated writer and director. Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) and Mia (Emma Stone) are drawn together by their common desire to do what they love. Tickets £4 from Ramsbury Post Office until 1pm on film night or £4.50 on the door Contact us at roxy@ramsbury.org
The Big Picnic
Date: Saturday 9 September, 1pm onwards Venue: Stonebridge Wild River Reserve, off Stonebridge Lane, Marlborough Bring a picnic to enjoy by the river, and discover the Wild River Reserve. River and Pond dipping, Bug hotel making, fly casting and optional wildlife walk led by natural history writer Peter Marren
ARK Moth Night
close and learn more about them. Wrap up warm, wellies and torch recommended. FREE to take part. Time confirmed nearer the date see River Kennet Facebook page for updates. More info 01672 511028 or email anna@riverkennet.org
Crofton Beam Engines
Dates: September 7-10 Heritage Open Days, 23-24 Annual Steam Fair Venue: Crofton Pumping Station, Marlborough, SN8 3DW Come and visit the oldest working steam engines in the world still performing the job they were built to do! More info www.croftonbeamengines.org
Heritage Open Day
Date: Sunday 10 September, 11-4 Venue: Merchant’s House, Marlborough FREE tours of the Merchant’s House as part of the Heritage Open Days initiative.
Merchant’s House Lecture
Date: Saturday 9 September Venue: Stonebridge Meadow, Marlborough
Date: Friday 15 September at 7 for 7.30pm Venue: St Peter’s Church Marlborough
A chance to see moths up
“Cipher to Cyber” - a tale
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What’s On of codes and conspiracies by cyber strategist, William Egerton. Tickets from the Merchants’ House or on the door £15 (£12 for MH members).
Jamming in Marlborough Date: 16 and 23 September, 9.30 -12.30 Venue: Marlborough Library, High St, Marlborough
Come along and find out about “digital making”. An introductory “Raspberry Jam” to see Robots and Raspberry Pi Computers in action. We’ll be on hand to explain how YOU can get making with Pi’s and how local schools are getting involved to develop tomorrow’s bright sparks to fuel invention for the digital world of their future.
Classical Guitar Concert Date: Saturday 16 September at 7pm. Venue: St Peter’s Church Marlborough
Local guitarist Alan Brinley Shaw plays music by Villa Lobos, Piazzola, Dyans, Albeniz and York. Tickets on the door £10 (£8 concessions).
Meet Debi and Rolo
Date: 16 Sept and 30 September Venue: Mistral (16th) and St Peter’s Church (30th), 11-2 Local Author Debi Evans will be celebrating the launch of the fourth book in her Secret Adventures of Rolo series aimed at 7-11 year olds www.debievans.com
Marlborough College Concert Series Stephen Hough (Piano) Date: Sunday 17 September, 6.30 pm Venue: Ellis Theatre, Marlborough College Programme to include Debussy, Schumann and
Beethoven. Tickets £20 (£10 students)
www.marlboroughconcertseries.org
Marlborough Onscreen Events - The Magic Flute (LIVE screening)
Date: Wednesday 20 September, 7.15pm (doors 6.45pm) Julia Jones conducts The Royal Opera’s spell-binding production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute with a wonderful cast including Roderick Williams as Papageno.Tickets £15 in advance available from Sound Knowledge and The White Horse Bookshop, Marlborough. £17.50 on door.
Marlborough History Society
Date: Thursday 21 September at 7.30pm Venue: St Peter’s Church Marlborough John Byrom talks about the Wiltshire countryside 200 years ago. Non-member tickets available on the door at £4.
Ramsbury Roxy - Lion
Date: Friday 22 September, 7.15 for 8pm Venue: Ramsbury Memorial Hall A five-year old Indian boy gets lost on the streets of Calcutta, thousands of kilometres from home. He survives many challenges before being adopted by a couple in Australia. 25 years later, he sets out to find his lost family. Tickets £4 from Ramsbury Post Office until 1pm on film night or £4.50 on the door Contact roxy@ramsbury.org
Preshute Primary and Manton Village Jumble Sale Date: Saturday 23 September 2-4pm Venue: Preshute Primary School, Manton, Marlborough
raffle and refreshments. 50p entrance fee, children free. Donations of jumble gratefully received from Friday 22nd September 5pm.
Marlborough Litfest
Date: Friday 29 Sept – Sunday 1 October, times vary Venues: Various The annual literature festival returns. See www.marlboroughlitfest.org for full details of the programme.
Marlborough Folk-Roots Edgelarks (Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin)
Date: Thursday 5 October, 8pm Veue: Marlborough Town Hall, Wiltshire SN8 1JE The winners of Best Duo in the 2014 BBC Folk Awards return to Marlborough with a new name. ‘Edgelarks’ is also the title of their fourth studio album, which talks about places and people of transition and change. Tickets £14 from 01672 512465, Sound Knowledge at Hughenden Yard, Marlborough, or online at www.marlboroughfolk-roots.co.uk
Further Afield Prospect Hospice Annual Garden Fete Date: Saturday 9 September, 12noon-4pm Venue: Prospect Hospice, Moormead Road, SN4 9BY
Come along and support our annual garden fete held in the beautiful gardens of the hospice, With independent and local corporate stall holders, garden games, live music, refreshments and the drawing of our summer raffle, where the lucky winner will win £3,000! There will be a free Park and Ride bus service from Nationwide House on Pipers Way in Swindon.
Lots of fantastic bargains,
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Community Information
Community Information These pages detail useful local numbers and community groups. If you have a group or society you would like featured here please telephone 01793 791104 or email aj@marlboroughtandc.co.uk
Local Societies and Groups Air Cadets (2293 Marlborough Squadron) Marlborough Air cadets welcome all young people aged 13-18 who are interested in Aviation and Adventure: Parade nights Tues and Fri 1900-2130 Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ 2293MarlboroughAirCadets Email 2293@aircadets.org 01672 516811 Dance Classes in Marlborough Ballroom and Latin American dance classes, and for those with no partner Dancersize sessions. Please contact Amanda on 07882-882030 or email learntodance@mac.com for more info Depression Alliance The Marlborough and District SELF-HELP GROUP meets the first Tuesday of every month. If you’ve got depression, or know someone who might benefit from being part of our group, please get in touch. Call 0845 123 23 20 for location details. Stained Glass Lessons. Wed.& Thurs morning 9.30-11.30. Mon.Tues.& Wed evening 7-9. Suitable for all, learn stained glass or kiln-formed glass. Held at; Ogbourne St. George. Contact jeannette 07977 053363 or jet@jeannettetherrien.com Girl Guides Meet Tuesdays during term times at Manton Village Hall 1st Marlborough Rainbows, 4.45-5.45pm, Contact fryrachel@yahoo.co.uk 1st Marlborough Guides, 5.45-7.15pm Contact sianybubbles@hotmail.com Jubilee Centre Day Centre (Mon, Tues and Fri) and Drop-in Centre (Wed and Thurs - Lunch served 12.30pm £5.00) for over sixties. For more information phone Carole Walkeron 01672 513087 Kennet Accordion Orchestra Meets on Monday night from 7.30pm, in Froxfield and has a wide playing base of players from Swindon through Marlborough to Newbury and encourage accordion players of all standards to join and enjoy a varied selection of music from pop through to classics. The current Southern Area Champions and established throughout the region for its diverse repertoire. Contact Nigel Pasby A.B.C.A.(t.d.) L.B.C.A. on 07894032757 or email nigelpasby@gmail.com For more information go to www.kennetaccordionorchestra.com
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Kennet Badminton Club We are a friendly club fielding six teams in the Swindon and District Badminton League. We have accredited coaches, a competitive player base and a friendly social aspect. Club nights are held on Mondays from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm throughout the winter at St. John’s Academy, Marlborough. New members are welcome. For more information please visit www.kennetbc.co.uk or contact Kennet Badminton Club Secretary on 01672 515526 Kennet Community Transport KTC runs a minibus with tail lift for people for whom normal transport is impractical. Contact the driver on 07850 356572 or Alexander Kirk Wilson on 01672 513861 Kennet Valley Driving Group RDA carriage driving for adults (16+) with physical disabilities. New volunteers and participants welcome. Sessions on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at Rockley. For more info call the Secretary, Maggie Lewis, on 0846 241 5396 or email kennetvalleydrivinggroup@gmail.com Kennet Valley National Trust Association Monthly meetings with speakers on a variety of subjects, summer outings to interesting places and social events. For more information please call Ann King (Chair) on 01380 727130 or Rhona Wilkinson (Membership Secretary) 01380 726433 Learn To Play Bridge Lessons for Absolute Beginners & Improvers Friendly club sessions also available Marlborough Area, No Partner needed Friendly relaxed atmosphere Please contact Andy Hill for further details and availability 01380 724725 Line dancing Meet every Tuesday (except August) at St John’s School, Marlborough Class runs 7-10 pm and covers beginners through to advanced Contact 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
To advertise please call 01793 791104 or email: aj@marlboroughtandc.co.uk
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 Please mention Marlborough Town & Country when responding to advertisements
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Community Information Marlborough Choral Society Rehearses on Monday 7.45 to 9.30pm in Christchurch, New Rd, Marlborough. New members welcome, for more information Tel 01793 812175. Marlborough Concert Orchestra Rehearsals take place on Tuesday evening at Christ Church, New Road, Marlborough, 7.30 pm Anyone wishing to join is invited to make contact with the orchestra through the website www.mco.org.uk Marlborough Gardening Association Welcomes anyone with an interest in gardening. Meetings or visits most months throughout the year. For more information call Tricia Hayllar on 01672 512435, www.marlbga.org.uk. Marlborough & District Farming Club Meets every third Thursday of the month, September through to June, with a Ploughman’s Supper and a varied programme of interest to members. Meetings in Oare Village Hall 7.30 pm and four times in the winter at All Cannings. Open to anyone interested in country life Secretary Diane Strong 01672 563371 email dianemstrong@aol.com. Marlborough and District Concert Club Marlborough and District Concert Club was founded in 1980 in order to take advantage of some of the many first-class professional musical events available within coach distance of Marlborough. We arrange visits to concerts in Basingstoke, Bristol, Bath, Cheltenham, Southampton and Reading and occasionally London and Birmingham. We normally go to 11 concerts each year: orchestral, chamber music, recitals and opera. For more information call Tom Massey, 01672 516610. Marlborough and District Dyslexia Association The MDDA is a small, independent charity which has for the last 22 years supported local schools, hundreds of dyslexics and their families. Helpline 07729452143, website www.marlboroughdistrictdyslexia.org Marlborough and District Rotary Club Rotary is an International Organisation of professional and business people who meet every week for fellowship and service. Meetings every Monday evening at Marlborough Golf Club. For more information visit www.marlboroughrotary.org.uk Marlborough 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
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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. Marlborough Police Station Enquiry Office is now only open Tues 0900 - 1700 (closed 1245 - 1315), Weds 0900 - 1230 and Thurs 0900 - 1700 (closed 1245 - 1315). Please call in to check if your lost property has been handed in, as well as report crime, traffic collisions, produce driving documents, and much more. Marlborough Tennis Club Based at Preshute Tennis Courts.New members welcome for social and league play. Coaching for children and adults. Contact Barbara Jones 516635 Marlborough WI Meetings take place on the 1st Wednesday of every month at Wesley Hall, Oxford St from 7.30-9.30. New members very welcome. For further details call 01672 514177 Mildenhall Gardening Club - New, very informal and friendly group, currently meeting at the Horsehoe in Mildenhall on the 3rd Wednesday every month at 7.30pm. For more information contact Milly on 07876 230 540 or millycarmichael@hotmail.com
To advertise please call 01793 791104 or email: aj@marlboroughtandc.co.uk
Community Information Pewsey Tennis Club A friendly club with first class facilities and coaching groups for all ages and abilities. Private coaching available. For more info please see our website pewseytennisclub.net or contact Martin Wright Head Coach 07855 887 568 Phoenix Brass Band Rehearsals twice weekly in Froxfield. Training Band on Saturday mornings. New and experienced players of all ages welcome. Contact Musical Director David Watson 01672 515176 Pilates classes Pilates classes for all levels around the Marlborough area. Please contact Caroline McCord on 01672 511360 or 07817503546 or caroline@backinbalancepilates.com Angie Sanders - Classes are held in Aldbourne. 1:1 tuition available, angiesanders2@icloud.com or 01672 540176 Pottery Lessons Adults:Mon.7-9pm, or Thurs.7-9pm Children’s: Wed. 3.45-5.15. Beginners and more experienced welcome. At Wagon Yard Artists, off London Rd, Marlb. Contact Jacqui 07773 271572 or jacqui.melhuish@btinternet.com Sarsen Songmen A small male voice choir rehearsing in Aldbourne (1st, 3rd and 5th Thursdays 7.30 pm), wide repertoire including Barbershop, occasional performances in the local area. New members welcome: contact MichaelReynolds on 01672-511199. Savernake Badminton Club Savernake Badminton Club is a small friendly club that is long established and affiliated to Badminton England. We meet on Tuesday evenings between 7.00 and 9.00pm at the Sports Hall at St John’s School, Granham Hill, Marlborough. For further details telephone Roy Turner on 01672 810208 or Barbara Jones on 01672 516635 School of Tae Kwon Do (P.U.M.A.) Classes are held at Marlborough Leisure Centre on Tuesday evening (7 - 8 pm), and Friday evening (6 -7 pm), and are suitable for all ages from 7 years upward. Please phone John or Carol on 01793 850410 / 07799 566805 for further information. Scottish Country Dancing Manton Village Hall - Wednesday evenings Beginner session followed by more experienced dancers.Contact Jennifer Parker 01672 515151 St Peter’s Church Marlborough A redundant church now managed by a Trust, featuring a Coffee Shop and a Craft Shop. The church is open daily 10 am - 5 pm, except Saturdays when it opens at 9 am, and on Sundays from March to December 11 am - 4pm The church is available for hire for exhibitions, meetings, lectures and concerts. For bookings please contact David Du Croz on 01672511725 or email at du.croz@btinternet.com T’ai Chi at Burbage Tai Chi is an excellent exercise designed to strengthen the back and improve general well-being. Open to
men and women. New members and beginners are most welcome. Sessions every Thursday, 10-11am and 11.30-12.30 in Burbage Village Hall More details contact Anne on 01249 814071 or email chi@shadesoft.net The Friends of Savernake Hospital and the Community – A local charity helping people with health-related issues both at Savernake Hospital and in the Marlborough Community Area by providing grants of up to GBP10,000. For information on applying for a grant or on becoming a volunteer at the Friends’ Shop at Savernake Hospital, visit the Friends’ website at www.friendsofsavernake.org or contact the Friends’ Chairman, Janet Louth, on 01672 513868. The Merchant’s House This historic 17th century silk-merchant’s house at 132 High Street is being refurbished by a charitable trust. Regular lectures and concerts are held and there are opportunities for local people to work as volunteers or house guides. The House and garden are open to visitors from 1st of April to the end of October on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays 10.30am-3pm and by appointment at other times. Become a ‘Friend’ and enjoy enhanced membership benefits. For more information contact Sophie Costard 01672 511491 Web site: www.themerchantshouse.co.uk Transition Marlborough aims to inspire and motivate people to work together, and support each other, in reducing their reliance on fossil fuels, building a stronger sense of community and so increasing our communities’ resilience. This will strengthen the local economy to create livelihoods for local people and provide a greater level of wellbeing for all. Our Hub group meets on the second Thursday of the month, usually at the Green Dragon, at 7:30pm. Do join us. For more information, contact Alexandra on 07771 347 379 email secretary@transitionmarlborough.org, www.transitionmarlborough.org University of the Third Age U3A provides learning and leisure opportunities in the Marlborough Area for those who are retired or semi-retired. For information on interest groups and membership please visit www.u3ainkennet.org.uk or email membershipsec@u3ainkennet.org.uk or call the Membership Secretary, Nick Swan, on 01672 519331. Watercolour Painting Classes Classes on Wednesdays 10.30am – 12.30pm and Tuesdays 7.30pm – 9.30pm With professional artist Colin Palmer at his studio in central Marlborough. Suitable for beginners and the more experienced. Call Colin on 07835 039 812 or colin@colinpalmer-illustration.co.uk for more details. Yoga classes for all abilities. Enjoyable Yoga classes in and around the Marlborough area. Please contact Lizzy Hawnt on 01672 841553, 07821 396 430 or e-mail hawnted.house@btinternet.com Yoga for Men Tuesday evenings 7.30pm -9.15pm for all abilities including beginners at Minal Village Hall,
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Community Information Mildenhall Please contact Jonathan Heath on 01672 513738 e.mail: jonathan@samtosha.co.uk
call 07855 026083. Alternatively do look at our website at www.littledragons.org.
Aldbourne Village Green A voluntary organisation managing a community orchard and running a twice yearly market for local bakers, makers and growers on the Green. New volunteers and traders welcome. For details contact Lesley on 01672 540180
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.
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
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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
To advertise please call 01793 791104 or email: aj@marlboroughtandc.co.uk
The Avenue Day Nurseries 3 Months - 5 Years 58 Places 08:00 - 18:00 Ofsted Registered Holiday Club Breakfast Club After-School Club
Marlborough - Town Centre
Savernake
2 - 5 Years 16 Places 08:00 - 18:00 Ofsted Registered
www.avenue-nursery.co.uk
Savernake 01672 870790 Marlborough 01672 519009
Develop Your Dog Balanced Training in Action
Behaviour consultations From aggression to separation anxiety; behaviour modification at home can help to change your dog’s behaviour and your relationship with him; remember owning a dog should be a joy...
Puppy training Give your puppy the best start in life; train it to be a well-mannered member of society
Gundog training classes Harness your dog’s natural abilities and channel its energy into useful behaviours, experiencing the pleasure of having a happy and well-trained dog along the way.
Jill Thorpe MGoDT 07901 651 663 www.DevelopYourDog.co.uk
Award Winning Pet Food & Accessories Shop Open: Mon to Sat 9am - 5pm 5 London Rd, Marlborough
01672 513 830 www.marlboroughpetshop.co.uk
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To advertise please call 01793 791104 or email: aj@marlboroughtandc.co.uk
Just ÂŁ49 : *
Limited time offer - usually ÂŁ99
Lifetime vaccination protection for your pet* Protection for your dog, cat or rabbit
One payment for lifetime protection Includes booster vaccinations and 2 annual health checks
Vets4Pets Marlborough Marlborough Business Park, Salisbury Road, Marlborough, SN8 4AW
Call us: 01672 529 020 or visit: vets4pets.com/marlborough *Terms and conditions and exclusions apply. Pet must have been vaccinated within the last 30 days. Initial vaccination course is payable separately. Promoted by Pets at Home Vet Group Limited, Epsom Avenue, Handforth, SK9 3RN. Please ask in practice for further details or visit vets4pets.com/vac4life. Prices correct as of July 2017.
Road Test
Nissan Qashqai
The list of top ten best selling cars in the UK has traditionally been dominated by common or garden hatchbacks and saloons. However, for the last 10 years a regular entry has been the strangely named Nissan Qashqai, a so-called crossover – somewhere between a midsize hatchback and a compact SUV. Initially, even Nissan were surprised by its success but they made the most of it, launching an all new model in 2013 and now this facelifted version which they’re plugging heavily at the moment. So, what’s new?
The Qashqai has always been a visually appealing car, like a perky hatchback with jacked up suspension. The front end of this version is all new and looks a bit sharper than before but, other than some new tail lights and redesigned alloy wheels, it isn’t a whole lot different from before. Climb inside and there are even less changes – a chunky flat bottomed steering wheel and higher quality plastics is about the extent of it. That being said, the inside of a Qashqai has always been a good place to be with a decent amount of space, comfortable seats and plenty of storage. The boot also has a clever shelving system that will keep most dads entertained for hours. The number of gizmos you get depends on which trim level you opt for; I drove one in N-Connecta spec which has pretty much everything you need including satnav and a clever camera system. The engine line up remains the same as before with a choice of 1.2 or 1.6 petrol and 1.5 or 1.6 diesels. The 1.2 petrol doesn’t have enough power for a car this size while the 1.6 is very refined but somewhat thirsty. The 1.5 litre is the pick of the diesels and is very good with lots of torque, good refinement and up to 73mpg. I drove the 1.6 diesel which kicks out a respectable 130bhp; there’s plenty of power there but it is noisy around town and the economy isn’t as good as the 1.5. Despite the SUV styling, the majority of Qashqais are sold with 2-wheel drive; in fact, 4WD is only available with the 1.6 diesel, although the one I drove didn’t have it. The 6-speed manual gearbox is a
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little rubbery but okay and I can’t imagine that the CVT automatic transmission is worth the £1400 it puts on the purchase price. The Quashqai is not in any way sporty but the handling is pretty good, although it lacks grip and isn’t particularly composed in the corners. By comparison, the ride is excellent for this class of car, soaking up everything the bumpy British roads can throw at it. It has a grownup feel about it too, feeling more like a larger saloon than a crossover. The Qashqai started the crossover craze and has sold a remarkable 2.3m units over the last decade; it’s currently the third bestselling car in the UK. However, other manufacturers have had ten years to catch up and rivals such as the Seat Ateca and Mazda CX5 are superior in many ways. It isn’t cheap either; although you can get a poverty spec 1.2 for under £20k, the 1.6 diesel in the highest trim level will set you back over £32,500. The Qashqai is a good allrounder but if you have really set your heart on a crossover you might want to look at some of its rivals or wait for a couple of years for the all new model to come out. Alternatively, why not consider a midsized hatch such as the Astra or Mazda 3. You get nearly the same level of practicality, a much better driving experience and will save yourself a sack full of cash. The only thing you don’t get is the commanding driving position. Worth thinking about. Kit Johnson Car as tested Nissan Qashqai N-Connecta 1.6 dCi £26,805 RRP
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Vet’s Column
The secret language of dogs Dogs have been closely allied to humankind for many thousands of years, and yet we still have difficulty in understanding their communication systems and social structures, which can lead to conflict between a dog and their owner. By becoming more in tune with what our dogs are trying to tell us, I believe that we could significantly decrease the number of behaviour problems that many pet dog owners encounter, especially aggression. By reading the subtle signals that dogs use, both to others of their species as well as ourselves, we can better prevent or predict behaviour problems occurring. Our social and communication systems are very different from dogs and yet they have become incredibly effective at learning our ways – did you know that pups are born knowing what a human smile means? If a member of their own species showed their teeth, this would likely be a threat behaviour, and yet they understand that this is the opposite for us! Pretty amazing, don’t you think? Some studies have shown that dogs are capable of understanding body posturing unique to humans that even the ape family have trouble understanding – what a testament to how in tune our dogs are with us. Wouldn’t it be great if we could return that favour? Instead, we have a tendency to assume that dogs experience emotions in the same way that we do, and are as obsessed with status as we are. I think that this limits the potential of our relationship with our dogs.
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Dogs communicate in many ways, but among the strongest are scent and visual signals. Dogs use their whole body in a wide range of delicate cues (and sometimes not so delicate!) to express their feelings, communicate what level of threat they might represent, diffuse tense situations, play, bond and work, among others. Their sense of smell is incredibly acute – far more so than ours – to the point where they can communicate amongst themselves while perhaps never actually meeting! Let me set you a challenge: For a week or so, keep a diary of how your dog uses their whole body to communicate with you. Look at each body part, from a raise of an eyebrow to a whole body wag of joy. Even better, video it! I promise you, the more you look, the more you will see. If you have any worries or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact your local vet. Donna McDonnell - Dog Behaviourist at Drove Veterinary Hospital Tel 07974 724463 or email behaviour@drovevets.co.uk
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Drove, Your Very Local Vet
Trusted care for your pet here in Marlborough
Meet the ! Team Why Choose Us?
Local care in Marlborough with back up from 24/7 Drove Hospital in Swindon Full hospital care for more detailed investigations Pet Health Club scheme that rewards your loyalty and spreads the cost Lab and surgical facilities on site
Marlborough Veterinary Surgery 51 London Road | Marlborough | Wiltshire | SN8 2AJ Tel: 01672 512043 Fax: 01672 514746 Email: marlborough@drovevets.co.uk
www.drovevets.co.uk
Legal
The end of employment tribunal fees.. For Now It will surprise no one that lawyers are interested in people being able to have access to our justice system. What will surprise the cynical among you is just how committed many lawyers are to that principle, not because it is our livelihood, but because we support all of us being able to both avail ourselves and to be equal before the law - a fundamental for society. So, having established that lawyers aren’t all bad, I can announce with delight (and for the right reasons) that two weeks ago the Supreme Court ruled that employment tribunal fees are unlawful and have ordered the Ministry of Justice to repay the unlawfully charged fees. The Government raised a number of arguments, I will not go into all of them, bar three and how the court responded. To put this matter into context, since the introduction there has been a 70% to 80% drop in employment claims being brought. One, the Government argued that fees don’t deter access to justice due to affordability as people can just sacrifice non-essential expenditure. The Supreme Court’s response: Where households on low to middle incomes can only afford fees by sacrificing the ordinary and reasonable expenditure required to maintain what would generally be regarded as an acceptable standard of living, the fees cannot be regarded as affordable. Second, the Government argued that higher fees created a more effective tribunals system. Unsurprisingly, the Supreme Court felt that this was a weak point: Furthermore, it is not only where fees are unaffordable that they can prevent access to justice. They can equally have that effect if they render it futile or irrational to bring a claim. As explained earlier, many claims which can be
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brought in ETs do not seek any financial award: for example, claims to enforce the right to regular work breaks or to written particulars of employment. Many claims which do seek a financial award are for modest amounts, as explained earlier. If, for example, fees of £390 have to be paid in order to pursue a claim worth £500 … no sensible person will pursue the claim unless he can be virtually certain that he will succeed in his claim, that the award will include the reimbursement of the fees, and that the award will be satisfied in full. If those conditions are not met, the fee will in reality prevent the claim from being pursued, whether or not it can be afforded. In practice, however, success can rarely be guaranteed. In addition, on the evidence before the court, only half of the claimants who succeed in obtaining an award receive payment in full, and around a third of them receive nothing at all.
the massive fall in employment claims was due to the introduction in fees. A, frankly, ridiculous argument given that “conclusively” measuring a set of people who cannot be identified as they have not come forward would require something akin to a national census, and one the court did not miss, holding: The fall in the number of claims has in any event been so sharp, so substantial, and so sustained as to warrant the conclusion that a significant number of people who would otherwise have brought claims have found the fees to be unaffordable. Concluding that fees were a bar on our access to justice, the court held that the Fees Order that created the fees was ultra vires and in breach of EU Law. Interestingly, the court went on to hold that the charging of greater fees for discrimination cases was in itself discriminatory.
The Supreme Court further held that: However, it is elementary economics, and plain common sense, that the revenue derived from the supply of services is not maximised by maximising the price. In order to obtain the maximum revenue, it is necessary to identify the optimal price, which depends on the price elasticity of demand.
Now, I have little doubt that the Government will in the near future introduce fees that take into account “elementary economics”. That said, there can be little doubt that this decision has highlighted how, through the courts, our constitutional law safeguards our fundamental rights and that the Magna Carter’s 802 years old principle of the rule of law remains as important as ever.
Third, the Government attempted to say that there had been no conclusive proof that
Alex Atkins DGR Law | 01672 511797 Alex@dgrlaw.co.uk
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