Salisbury Life - issue 222

Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property ISSUE 222 / SUMMER 2016 / £3

CELEBRATING THE BEST IN SALISBURY AND WILTSHIRE

ISSUE 222 / SUMMER 2016 / HIDDEN GEMS / WE LOVE PETS / MALMESBURY HOUSE

Weighty business FAT-REDUCING THERAPY

Hidden Gems SPECIAL SPOTS OF SALISBURY

Arty pants LOCAL ARTISTS ON SHOW

RARE SALISBURY MANSION FOR SALE

AND

C H O C O L AT E BY M I S S W I T T / G E O R G E & D R AG O N / OSOBOUTIQUE

This time it’s purr-sonal!

EXPERT CARE FOR CATS AND DOGS (AND HENS)

‘Hair free is…

Care free’

Pain Free Laser Hair Removal • 01722 346324 • www.vitaskinspa.co.uk

EDITOR’S LETTER / ISSUE 222 / SUMMER 2016

62

SOCIAL CLIMBING

It’s hosted monarchs and musicians, now Malmesbury House is up for sale

... and the livin’ is easy Here we are, smack bang in the middle of summer and oh my goodness there’s so much great stuff to do in Salisbury at this time of year! So many busy garden bars to hang out in, pavement cafés to see and be seen at, picnics to be had beneath shady trees on emerald green lawns, al fresco dining, festivals, village fairs... all to be enjoyed with people – and pets – you love.

Which brings me to our pet feature on page 18. If you need people to look after or pamper your pet this season, take a read; you may be surprised to know you can even get acupuncture for your pet now.

Is it just me, or does Salisbury have a real buzz at the moment?

There seems to be lots of businesses opening and existing businesses that are getting a makeover; we look at a few of these in our Hidden Gems story on page 8. Apart from that, we tell you all about a liposuction treatment without the nasty knives (pg 45); a rare opportunity to buy a mansion in Cathedral Close (you just need to find a spare £3.5 million), and Salisbury’s own Jon Tribbeck is attempting to swim the English Channel (pg 66). Go Jon, go!

Tamara Pitelen Editor tamara.pitelen@mediaclash.co.uk Tweet me @SalisburyLife

REGULARS / ISSUE 222 / SUMMER 2016

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8

M EET T H E T EAM Editor Tamara Pitelen tamara.pitelen@mediaclash.co.uk Managing editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Graphic design Megan Allison Cover design Trevor Gilham Intro image John Rose Contributors: Julia Queenswood Advertising manager Hillary Thompson hillary.thompson@mediaclash.co.uk Commercial director Steve Hawkins steve.hawkins@mediaclash.co.uk Head of customer publishing Gary Tipp gary.tipp@mediaclash.co.uk

THE ARTS 8 Hidden Gems

Production and distribution manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy production manager and production designer Christina West christina.west@mediaclash.co.uk

Revealed! Salisbury’s special spots

18 We heart pets Salisbury’s expert care for your cats and dogs (and hens)

Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk

27 Arts intro A pause for reflection

28 What’s on Salisbury Life, MediaClash, Circus Mews House, Circus Mews, Bath BA1 2PW 01225 475800 www.mediaclash.co.uk @The MediaClash

Your ‘must-dos’ this month

32 Show us your arts Salisbury’s artists and creatives show us what they’ve got

© All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash.

FOOD 36 Restaurant

48 Editor’s choice

PROPERT Y

The George & Dragon is bringing back the traditional pub experience

Animal magnetism - take a walk on the wild side

62 Property showcase

41 Recipes

50 Special shops

A fine dining take on surf and turf

They seek them here...

OSOboutique are dedicated followers of fashion

HEALTH & BEAUT Y 45 No sweat slimming Can sound waves be used to melt away that stubborn fat?

SHOPPING 47 Shopping intro Chilean handicrafts at Kuy-Kuy

BUSINESS 55 Business insider Winning chocolates, errant chompers and floral wonders along with our pick of the best local business news

On the open market for the first time in 600 years, historic Malmesbury House in Cathdral Close

About MediaClash We’re a Bath-based publisher, creative agency and event organiser Magazines Our portfolio of regional magazines celebrates the best of local living: Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter and Salisbury.

We also publish foodie mag Crumbs. (www.crumbsmag.com, @CrumbsMag) and wedding title Vow (@VowMag).

Agency From the design and build of websites to digital marketing and creating company magazines, we can help.

Events We create, market, promote and operate a wide variety of events both for MediaClash and our clients Contact: info@mediaclash.co.uk

DEPARTMENTS 7 52 66

Spotlight Society Salisbury lives

On the cover A classic Queen Anne mansion, the spectacular Malmesbury House in Salisbury’s Cathedral Close is up for grabs... you just need to find £3.5 million (check under the sofa cushions and in all your trouser pockets)

S A L I S B U R Y: I T S L I F E A N D T I M E S

The bronze apple by sculptor Simon Gudgeon

CHARITY

APPLE ART One of Britain’s leading contemporary sculptors, Simon Gudgeon, has donated one of his bronze apple sculptures to Horatio’s Garden in Salisbury.

Simon is currently exhibiting six pieces at Horatio’s Garden at the Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment at Salisbury Hospital.

Horatio’s Garden is a charity that creates gardens in NHS spinal injury centres as sanctuaries for patients, their family and friends. The gardens become an integral part of their lives while spending many months in hospital.

The charity is named after Horatio Chapple, a schoolboy who wanted to be a doctor and volunteered at the spinal centre in Salisbury. It was Horatio’s idea to create a garden but his life was cut short at 17 when his camp was attacked by a polar bear while on expedition in Svalbard in 2011.

Simon Gudgeon said: “I understand how much pleasure people derive from art in the great outdoors. When I found out that Horatio loved apples, I decided to donate a bronze apple sculpture to Horatio’s Garden in Salisbury.” www.horatiosgarden.org.uk

Revd Jane Williams is one of 22 new clergy recently ordained to serve Wiltshire and Dorset

CENTENARY

HEATH AT 100 Former Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath was born 100 years ago on 9 July and the Sir Edward Heath Charitable Foundation is planning a 12-month programme of events to mark his life and achievements.

The programme will include lectures

by Dr Henry Kissinger, US Secretary of State under Presidents Nixon and Ford, and Michael Heseltine, a minister under Edward Heath, Defence Secretary under Margaret Thatcher and John Major’s Deputy Prime Minister.

Other highlights of the centennial year include music recitals, sailing and art-themed events, and a major cartoon exhibition. All will be hosted at Arundells,

which is Sir Edward’s former home in the Salisbury Cathedral Close and is open to the public. Chairman of the Foundation Lord Hunt of Wirral said: “Ted Heath was both a patriot and an internationalist and a great public servant. His determination to lead Britain into the European Community laid the foundations for our prosperity and anchored our foreign policy.”

The calendar of centenary events includes a cartoon exhibition launching in mid August called Heath at 100: A Political Life in Cartoons, which shows work by leading cartoonists of the 20th century. For a full calendar of centenary events, go to www.arundells.org

RELIGION

HOLY ORDERS Ten new priests were ordained and twelve new deacons were made at Salisbury Cathedral recently to serve in parishes across Wiltshire and Dorset. They are among more than 900 new clergy being ordained across the Church of England this summer.

One of the new reverends is Jane Williams, who has switched careers from being a nurse and will serve in Wareham.

“I was at the height of a long career in the

NHS and I loved being a nurse,” Jane says.

“Even though I resisted for a while, here I am ordained and it feels like the most natural thing.”

Ordinations of priests and deacons are annual events marking the culmination of years of training. They are highly significant events for the ordinands; their family and friends, and the parishes they serve. www.churchofengland.org

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 7

Built in 1623 and set in the Nadder Valley, the elegant Howard’s House Hotel is nestled between Salisbury and Stonehenge

Hidden

GEMS Revealed! Some of the most exciting new gems in Salisbury as well as a few oldies that have been given a new twist‌

8 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

HIDDEN GEMS

A

s much as some things in Salisbury don’t change for hundreds of years, other parts of this vibrant and growing city are evolving all the time. We thought it was time to reveal some of the seriously exciting new offerings we have in town…

LOCAL RETREATS KING JOHN’S HOUSE AT LARMER TREE ESTATE

An historic Grade-II house on the Rushmore Estate, King John’s House is now available for holiday rentals.

Steeped in history, the house was built in 1240 and retains many wonderful period features. It offers exceptionally comfortable accommodation for up to 15 guests in eight

bedrooms with seven bathrooms. The extensive grounds contain a wonderful contrast of formal gardens, tree lined pathways, and an exotic Japanese pavilion, which overlooks a series of ornamental ponds; 01725 516 225. www.rushmore-estate.co.uk

HOWARD’S HOUSE HOTEL

This award-winning country house hotel in the beautiful Wiltshire village of Teffont Evias has just unveiled the restoration of its original Coach House. And it was no mean feat. It took the work of 20 dedicated craftsmen to resurrect the formerly disused Coach House, restoring it to its former glory and restyling it with elegant seating, a cosy log burner, and classic décor including striking artwork and a magnificent 19th-century mirror. The Coach House is now an ideal luxury space for private parties and functions, conferences, celebrations, afternoon tea, buffets and drinks receptions. www.howardshousehotel.co.uk  www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 9

HIDDEN GEMS GARDEN HIDEAWAYS THE SECRET GARDEN

A community, wildlife-friendly garden in Salisbury’s St. Clements churchyard, The Secret Garden came about when a beautiful old and unused graveyard was sensitively tended to create a fabulous space for all to learn about wildlife and connected subjects.

The brainchild of organic gardener Becky Twigg, The Secret Garden project aims to bring the magic and restorative power of nature into the lives of old and young. From planting for bees to apple trees, the old churchyard is a perfect spot for combining wildlife, arts and education.

“The Secret Garden focus is on being a gateway to nature, delivered via art, literature, talks and workshops, and of course practical gardening.

There should be no-one in the extended community that cannot bring, or take something from this wildlife garden project,” Becky says. www.secretgardensalisbury.uk

ARUNDELLS Yes, it’s no secret that this was the home of former UK Prime minister Sir Edward Heath, but have you been in the garden? Extending to around two acres of lawns, mature trees, shrubbery and borders, there are plenty of hidden spaces to explore; lots of nooks and crannies to get lost in.

Look out for the Victorian bronze figure of a girl holding a bowl by the sculptor G E Wade and the bow of Morning Cloud III, one of Sir Edward’s racing yachts. This is located within a quiet wooded dell and serves as a memorial to the two crew members who drowned when the yacht sunk in a severe gale in September 1974. www.arundells.org

Communing with nature in The Secret Garden



THERE ARE

PLENTY OF HIDDEN SPACES TO EXPLORE; LOTS OF NOOKS AND CRANNIES TO GET LOST IN The lawns at Arundells

10 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

AN HISTORIC GRADE-II HOUSE ON THE RUSHMORE ESTATE, KING JOHN’S HOUSE IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR HOLIDAY RENTALS

Al fresco dining at King John’s House on The Larmer Tree estate

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 11

HIDDEN GEMS BLUESTONE VINEYARDS Planning a wedding for anytime late 2017 or 2018? Eight acres of vineyards have just been planted on Cholderton Charlie’s Farm, which will be available from September next year as a unique wedding venue. Located on 40 acres of stunning Wiltshire countryside, Bluestone Vineyards plans to make the finest English sparkling wine. www.bluestonevineyards.co.uk

WELLBEING

THE HIDEAWAY AT AQUA SANA LONGLEAT FOREST Nestled in a spectacular valley in the beautiful Longleat Estate in Wiltshire, The Hideaway has a private relaxation and dining area space for groups of up to 10 people to book whilst using the spa. Recent new features include a barrel sauna and a natural outdoor seating area. www.aquasana.co.uk 

FOR PRIVATE RELAXATION, NEW FEATURES INCLUDE A BARREL SAUNA AND A NATURAL OUTDOOR SEATING AREA The Hideaway’s new barrel sauna at Aqua Sana in Longleat Forest

12 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Regent

73 New Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 2PH Tel: 01722 335151 Email: suits@regenttailoring.co.uk Web: www.regenttailoring.co.uk

Arundells

Located in The Cathedral Close, Salisbury The former home of Sir Edward Heath, Prime Minister

Open until the 9th November The House, Garden & Art Collection SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS & MONDAYS Open for general admission Explore and enjoy Arundells at your leisure

TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS Open for our famous pre booked guided tours led by one of our expert guides.

01722 326546 • www.arundells.org

HIDDEN GEMS

HOWARD’S HOUSE HOTEL HAS JUST UNVEILED THE RESTORATION OF ITS ORIGINAL COACH HOUSE

MIMOSA MASSAGE THERAPY Slipped disc? Shoulder pain? A stiff neck? Just opened across from St Thomas’ Church, Mimosa Massage Therapy is run by Trinh Nguyen, a Vietnamese massage therapist with many years experience. From deep tissue to pain relief massage, let Trinh’s healing hands gently release your pain and tension.

The old Coach House has been restored and turned into a luxury space for group gatherings at Howard’s House Hotel

4 St Thomas’s Square (above Jordans); 07469 210 392; mimosatherapy@outlook.com

VITA SKIN SPA We know Vita Skin Spa is hardly a secret but its relaxation room is definitely a hidden gem. An inner city sanctuary of serenity, you can hide away there for as long as you like before or after a treatment and enjoy all the relaxation mod cons, from headphones playing waterfall music to all manner of vibrating gadgets for your back, neck and shoulders. They’ll give you herbal tea, too. www.vitaskinspa.co.uk

CRANIOSACRAL BIODYNAMICS A mind-body therapy, craniosacral biodynamic therapists use light touch to ‘listen’ to your body and harness its own ability for healing. Now available in Salisbury at the recently opened clinic in St Thomas’ Square, it’s a therapy that can help with physical issues such as headaches and bad backs to emotional traumas and anxiety. www.craniosacralinsalisbury.co.uk

SHOPPING

OSOBOUTIQUE Tucked up the alley behind St Thomas’s church, this fashion and jewellery boutique is definitely a gem amongst the most fashion forward women of Salisbury. See page 50 for full details. www.osoboutique.co.uk

WHAT YOU SAID… When we put the call out on Twitter to find out your favourite Salisbury spots, this is what you told us… @NikkiHaine My fav spots - picnic in Lizzie Gardens, The Old Mill beer garden, Fisherton Mill for browsing and lunch, Salisbury Farm for kids. @EcoBoxHeating Harnham Mill and River Nadder near Salisbury - great place to have an ice cream. @SteveMilton63 Friday evening in the Wyndham Arms, a Sunday walk over Broken Bridges and tea at National Trust’s Mompesson House. @Casafinasusi I love to sit by the fire in The New Inn in winter (and come to think of it, some summers!) My favourite place to have ice cream is during the interval at Salisbury Playhouse. @SingleMAhoy My four-year-old is obsessed with Cross Keys Salisbury; we go there all the time to visit her friends and have a treat!

ELINOR CAMBRAY Got some old gold jewellery that you never wear anymore? Or want something unique made for your engagement ring or anniversary? Local jewellery designer and maker Elinor Cambray can remake your old gold and precious stones into something new, or she can design and create a completely new piece of exclusive and exceptional jewellery. Using traditional techniques that mean no two items are the same, Elinor hand-makes all her pieces in her studio workshop at 75 New Street, Salisbury. All gemstones are responsibly sourced and conflictfree and Elinor recycles everything she can – from gold dust and gold filings to cardboard. www.elinorcambray.com

CAFES

CULTURE COFFEE Controversy alert! We are about to say something inflammatory and divisive. Culture Coffee has, in our opinion, the best coffee in town. Also the hippest new joint in town, this cool indie caff is great for just hanging out over a superbly good coffee – the secret is the beans, which they get from New Zealand artisan coffee roasters, Ozone.

Head to 69 Fisherton Street, grab one of the sofas towards the back and settle in with the Sunday papers or a deliciously thick novel. Waffles are a recent addition to the breakfast menu and are also well worth the calorific indulgence. www.culturecoffeesalisbury.com

NEWS FLASH! New caff in town… as we write this, owners of a new indie coffee shop called Coffee Lab UK are busy at 35 Blue Boar Row, laying the floors of their new home in Salisbury. By the time you read this, they’ll be open. www.facebook.com/coffeelabuk www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 15

The Little Flower Shop

The Little Flower Shop Florist 32 High Street Amesbury SP4 7DL thelittleflowershopamesbury@gmail.com 01980 625458

www.thelittleflowershop.website

Patricia in Art PET PORTRAITS

All work is professionally mounted, framed and ready to hang on the wall.

E patriciainart@aol.com T 01980 621556 / 07847 101649

www.patriciadavies.co.uk

 Contract and one off Lawn Cutting  Lawn Cuts From £15

B E S PO K E CO MMISS IO NED FI NE ART PH OTO G RAPH Y S PE CI ALI SI NG IN ANIMAL PO RT RAI TUR E T: 07866 767258 E: andrewyatesphotography@gmail.com

www.andrewyatesphotography.co.uk www.andrewyates.zenfolio.com

PETS

PAWS FOR THOUGHT

From pampering to therapy, staycations, daycare and behaviour training, we find the city’s experts who can keep your cats and dogs (and hens) happy and healthy...

P

ets. We love them. Whether feline or canine, these little furry beasties are an important part of our families so you want to make sure they’re well looked after. Here in Salisbury and Wiltshire, there’s a range of animal expertise – some of which you might never have known is on offer. For example, did you know you can get acupuncture for your cat? Or hydrotherapy for your dog? We reveal some of the best in cat and dog care in Salisbury and surrounds.

PET STAYCATIONS

When you’re going away but your pet can’t come…

The Fovant Cattery

What they do: Look after your cat when you’re away. A purpose-built boarding cattery, Fovant is light, bright and airy. Many catteries are converted outbuildings often attached to dog kennels, which is not ideal for cats who get anxious at the noise of barking. So Fovant only keeps cats. Run by Debbie and James Monteith and a small team of cat mad ladies, the cattery overlooks a big garden that runs onto fields. So it’s peaceful, which helps the cats relax quicker.

Top cat tip: “We’ve found there really does seem to be a link between the colour and sex of the cat and its character. It’s not a 100 per cent rule but we’ve noticed the following trends: Tortoiseshell girls tend to be feisty (‘naughty Tortie’); ginger boys seem to be the most affectionate; grey or blue girls can be a bit of a challenge, but the boys are more affectionate; black-and-white boys are almost always lovely, but the girls tend to vary in temperament, and black cats are pretty much always gentle whatever their sex. If anyone had told me this before I ran a cattery for a living, I would have said they were talking rubbish; not now though,” says Debbie.

Prices: Start from £12.50 per day for one cat.

18 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

By TA M A R A PI T E L E N Contact: The Orchard, Church Lane, Fovant, Salisbury; 01722 714232; www.thefovantcattery. co.uk

Happy Doggy Daycare

What they do: Provide loving care, exercise and socialising for your dog when you’re at work. A family-run business, Happy Doggy Daycare has two branches: Salisbury and Melksham. Karen Scott runs Salisbury and her sister Lyndsay Moon runs Melksham. The sisters and their teams pick up and drop off the dog from your home in a dog-appropriate vehicle and walk it with a group of well-socialised dogs. “It’s a fun outing for them,” Karen says. “They’re meeting other dogs, and getting excited about meeting them. It’s like a party and it’s a great way to break up their long day alone.” Photos are posted every day on Facebook so owners can see what their dogs are doing on the walks.

Top dog tip: “Dogs shouldn’t be left alone for more than four hours. If you need to leave your dog alone for long periods, give them a very big walk first so they can more easily mentally and physically relax but ideally get someone to pop in on them,” Karen says.

Prices: Start from £9 for a 30-minute walk including pick up and drop off. The price increases for longer travel.

Contact: Call or text Karen on 0798 268 7098 or Lyndsay on 07966 239005; www. happydoggydaycare.co.uk

IT’S A FUN

OUTING FOR THEM; IT’S LIKE A

PARTY AND IT’S A GREAT WAY TO BREAK UP THEIR LONG DAY ALONE

Riverside Cat Hotel

What they do: With 25 years of cat guardianship behind them (does anyone ever own a cat?), Pam Land decided it was time to set up her own cattery. Set in picturesque gardens, Riverside is an exclusive boarding establishment for cat lovers looking for a smaller cat hotel that provides extra special attention.

Top cat tip: At home: “Provide high resting places like large cat climbers, so kitty can view his domain from a safe vantage point. Cardboard boxes make excellent hiding places and with a 

Opposite: Waggy tales: A day out with Happy Doggy Daycare

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 19

PETS

few toys inside, provide endless fun for kittens and cats,” Pam says.

Checking into a cat hotel: “Take kitty’s own blanket or bed to help him settle in and a few of his or her favourite toys. Nervous cats can benefit from a spray of Feliway into their cat carrier about 30 minutes before their journey.

Spend time at the boarding cattery helping your kitty to settle in and feel relaxed.”

Prices: Prices start from £11.40 per day for one cat occupying a suite or £79.80 per week.

Discounted rates for retirees.

Contact: Riverside Cat Hotel, Policeman’s Corner, Winterbourne Gunner, Salisbury; 01980 611083; riversidecathotel@dsl.pipex.com; www. riversidecathotel.co.uk

PET PAMPERING

For pets needing to put their best paw forwards...

Grooming Marvellous

What they do: From general grooming to ear-cleaning and nail-clipping, Grooming Marvellous is a fully equipped grooming parlour, catering for all breeds and temperaments of dog. There’s a large, fully enclosed garden for the dogs to roam, creating a relaxed, happy atmosphere for all dogs, including those who may be nervous or challenging.

Top pet tip: “If you’re walking your dog on a wet and muddy day, make sure you rinse its legs and paws afterwards and brush its fur to avoid matting of the coat. After any walk, check 20 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

between the toes of the paws for grass seeds, which if left, can cause infection. Also check for ticks on your dog and yourself,” Laura says.

Prices: Starts £8 for nail trimming. Full grooming for a small dog starts from £30 while a large dog such as a Newfoundland is £50.

Contact: Grooming Marvellous, | 1 Kingsland Road, Salisbury; 07814 104453; lauracashmore12@yahoo.co.uk; www.grooming-marvellous.com

PET PORTRAITS

For capturing their spirit in a piece of art…

Andrew Yates Photography

What they do: Andrew shoots (in a good way) your precious pets and turns their image into a piece of bespoke fine art photography. “To me a photograph should capture, in a split second, the strength and personality of the animal,” Andrew says. “It’s something I have worked at for years, so that the finished image is a true representation of the subject and shows them in an intriguing but truly recognisable light.”

Top photo tip: “A relaxed animal photographs best; for example, you don’t want your dog or horse to have their ears back in the photo, it’s an obvious sign they’re ill at ease. To relax an animal for a photo, patience is the key, take your time, talk to them softly, play with them.

Don’t be in a hurry. If you get stressed or impatient they will immediately pick up on it,” Andrew says.

Prices: A half day for one or two animals

Ollie having his water therapy treatment at Pet Waves

AFTER ANY WALK,

CHECK BETWEEN THE TOES OF THE PAWS FOR GRASS SEEDS, WHICH IF LEFT, CAN CAUSE

INFECTION

PETS

within 30 mile radius of Salisbury starts at £195-£250, including one mounted (not framed) print. Framing, larger prints and multiple prints also available.

Contacts: Andrew Yates Photography, Unit J, Stanley Court, Glenmore Business Park, Salisbury; 07866767258, andrewyatesphotography@gmail.com; www.andrewyatesphotography.co.uk or www.andrewyates.zenfolio.com

Patricia Davies Pet Portraits

What they do: Artist Patricia Davies can paint your pet in a variety of mediums including watercolour, oils and acrylics. For pet portraits though, she usually use pastels because she says they are particularly good for portraying soft fur and texture in an animal’s coat. Patricia visits a client’s home to meet the pet and take photographs. If the animal has passed away, she can work from photographs.

Top pet tip: “My aim is to capture the character of the animal and not just create an image of a breed, so the painting is very much about the character and soul of the individual animal, making the eyes being an extremely important feature,” Patricia says.

Prices: The pieces are professionally mounted and framed ready to hang on the wall. Sizes 15”x18”, 16”x22” priced at £160 to £180 respectively.

Contact: patriciainart@aol.com www.patriciadavies.co.uk

PET THERAPY

For when your pet is in need of healing…

Pet Waves Canine Therapy Centre

What they do: Canine hydrotherapy for the purpose of rehabilitation, for fun, fitness or maintenance of your dog’s condition and also as an introduction to water for puppies. Set up by Joanna and Matt Cubbin in the village of Dinton, just eight miles west of Salisbury, hydrotherapy treatment is particularly good to help your pet recover from injury or surgery. Each swim session is tailored to your dog’s needs and Joanna will swim with the dogs to help them relax and feel comfortable in the Pet Waves surroundings.

Joanna is a qualified veterinary nurse with more than 10 years experience. She is fully trained and registered in Canine Hydrotherapy and the centre is a member of the National Association of Registered Canine Hydrotherapists (NARCH).

Top dog tip: “Stiffness in pets standing up after sitting/sleeping can show early signs of osteoarthritis. Regular health checks at your vets can identify problems early and swimming can help to maintain mobility and lessen the effects of arthritis.”

Prices: £30 per session, per dog. Discounts offered for multiple dogs of the same family.

Contact: Visits by appointment only to Pet Waves Canine Hydrotherapy, The Gatehouse, Dinton Business Park, Catherine Ford Lane, Salisbury; 01722 717 413; www.petwaves.co.uk Chairman Miaow: Does anyone ever ‘own’ a cat?

Animal photography

by Andrew Yates

Animal Love Grooming & Wellbeing

What they do: Acupuncture for all animals large and small, as well as many other services including grooming, spa treatments and pet first aid. Owner and senior vet Sophie Bell says acupuncture can help your pet with many conditions including arthritis, post-operative pain, hip dysplasia, muscle/alignment sprains and spasms, paralysis and paresis. It also helps with chronic skin problems, unresolved diarrhoea and constipation, along with functional bladder problems.

This alternative therapy can reduce stress, increase well-being, boost immunity and relieve pain. Sophie will advise on whether your pet is likely to benefit from the effects of acupuncture.

Top pet tip: “If we focus on our pets preventative and wellbeing needs they become happier, and less likely to need medical attention,” says Sophie.

Prices: For acupuncture, £35 first consultation and treatment and £30 per session for follow up treatments.

Contact: Hopper Cottage, Wylye Rd, Hanging Langford, Salisbury; 01722 790 941; www.animallovecare.co.uk

PET BEHAVIOUR

For when your pet (or you) needs gentle guidance and training…

International Cat Care – Tisbury

What they do: International Cat Care  www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 21

The Fovant Cattery “Designed for cats and their discerning owners”

VISITORS WELCOME

An exceptional boarding cattery, built and run to International Cat Care standards, offering bespoke care for your cats.

Please contact us to arrange a time.

Relax while you are away, knowing your pet is being professionally looked after by people who care.

Our guests enjoy our light and airy environment, a warm, comfortable chalet and wonderful views of the garden and wildlife.

15 minutes from both Salisbury and Shaftesbury.

Contact Debbie, Babs, Lucy or James on 01722 714232 • info@thefovantcattery.co.uk

www.thefovantcattery.co.uk

Tel: 01980 611083

Riverside House, Winterbourne Gunner, Salisbury SP4 6JG

Where nothing is overlooked, except the scenery…

Exclusive luxury boarding for cats as well as for small pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs and tortoise’s.

The perfect place for your cat to relax and enjoy their holiday, allowing you to do the same!

www.riversidecathotel.com

PETS

(ICC) in Tisbury is a charity for the care of all cats. Pet cats, stressed cats, ill cats, homeless cats, free-living cats, old and young cats all have different needs that require different approaches. And this is where the ICC comes in. As part of their work, the ICC has launched two new behaviour courses, one aimed at cat owners and those working with cats in non-veterinary professions, and the other specifically for the veterinary profession.

The aim of the courses is to provide a comprehensive understanding of what a cat is, eg, its free-ranging behaviour, development, learning capacity, emotional complexity, communicative abilities, relationships with people, etc, in order to fully understand the behavioural needs of the species, and develop the practical skills to improve its wellbeing.

Top cat tip: Learn how to think cat. The iCatCare Certificate in Feline Behaviour costs £750 and the ISFM Advanced Certificate in Feline Behaviour costs £950. Both are online courses and take about two years to complete – seven and nine modules respectively spaced out at about one module every two months.

Contact: International Cat Care, High Street, Tisbury, Wilts; 01747 871 872; www.icatcare.org

Best Behaviour – pet behaviour therapy

What do they do: Companion animal behaviourist Natashya Sheppard offers pet behaviour therapy and dog training. A service to help restore harmony for you and your pet, Natasha offers professional behaviour therapy home consultations for dogs, one to

one dog training and new puppy consults.

Top cat tip: “Consistent and positive reinforcement is key to having a content, well-mannered dog, and happy owners,” Natashya says.

Prices: Start from £35 per hour of one to one dog training instruction (plus mileage charge).

Contact: Best Behaviour covers Wiltshire and Somerset; 07734 951737 or 01225 767138 (Mon to Sat between 9am to 7pm); natashya@bestbehaviour.org; www.bestbehaviour.org Read this feature and realised your life’s got a big pet-shaped hole in it? To give a home to an animal in need, go to www.dogstrust.org.uk for dogs, www.bhwt.org.uk for hens and www.salisbury.cats.org.uk for cats.

etc. About 65 per cent of UK caged eggs are used by food manufacturers. This makes it all the more important to support British farmers, particularly local Salisbury and Wiltshire farmers. If you buy a processed food product manufactured from outside the EU you could inadvertently be eating eggs laid by batterycaged hens kept in tiny cages.

To find out more about rehoming hens, go to the British Hen Welfare Trust website at www. bhwt.org.uk or see the information below about local chicken experts, Flyte So Fancy…

FLYTE SO FANCY

RE-HOMING HENS So you want to rescue some caged chickens? Good for you! Known to be very affectionate, hens can be a constant source of enjoyment and as much a member of the family as any other pet.

On 1 January 2012, the very worst battery cages were banned throughout the European Union but there’s still about 16 million UK hens living in cramped cages. At about a year old, the egg-laying slows down and they face slaughter but for some of these hens, it’s the chance of a new life.

The British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT) is a charity that rescues ex-caged hens and rehomes thousands of them every year. Each bird that’s re-homed is amazingly fortunate

but that does not make the transition from cage to back garden any less bewildering for them. When you first get your girls back home with you, they’ve never been outside and have spent their lives in cages under 18 hours of artificial light a day. They’ll be missing most of their feathers and be physically weak if not sick.

With love and care though, they quickly heal and their individual personalities come forth.

Very affectionate, hens make great pets.

The aim of the BHWT is to reduce consumer demand for factory farmed eggs whilst promoting British farmers who are using welfare-friendly systems. This also includes educating consumers on the foods in which factory-farmed eggs are used that are not quite as obvious. For example: cakes and biscuits, pasta, noodles, ready made meals,

What they do: Whether you are just starting with chickens or you have been keeping chickens for some time, FSF can supply everything you need (except the chickens).

The team design and hand-craft a range of poultry houses including chicken runs, chicken houses, chicken coops, traditional hen houses, chicken arks, goose and duck houses. All of which are in made Dorset by chicken lovers.

As well, there’s a range of poultry supplies and equipment, including electric fencing kits for horses, rabbits, badgers, poultry, pets, ponds, deer and for general farm use.

Top Hen Tip: “The hen house should be considered an investment that will protect your birds and make your life easy. Convention says you should allow one sq ft of floor area per bird in a house, we usually allow a little more in Flyte So Fancy houses. It should have a large access door for you to be able to clean it,” Anne says.

Prices: Chicken coops and houses start from about £300 and go up to several thousand pounds.

Contact: 01300 345229; anne@flytesofancy. co.uk; www.flytesofancy.co.uk and www. framebow.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 23

THE LARGEST COLLECTION OF TILES IN SALISBURY

OPENING HOURS Mon - Fri 07.30-17.00 Sat 09.00–17.00

www.salisburytilestore.net Salisbury Tile Store, Unit 2 Faraday Centre, Faraday Road, Salisbury SP2 7NR Also at: Unit 5, The Enterprise Centre, William Road, Nursteed, Devizes SN10 3EW

01722 325306

salisburytilestore@hotmail.co.uk

T: 01725 514514 | E: info@ohjbathrooms.co.uk

www.ohjbathrooms.co.uk The Old Mansion House, 3 The High Street, Downton, Wilts, SP5 3PG

EL FR IV EE ER Y D

SUMMER SALE NOW ON

Regent 3 seater Sofa RRP £1298 Sale Price £999

Emsworth 3 seater Sofa RRP £909 Sale Price £699

Stratford 3 seater Italian Leather Sofa RRP £1819 Sale Price £1299

Splendour 3000 Spring 150cm Divan RRP £2659 Sale Price £1899

Please visit our spacious showroom to see a huge choice of British fabric upholstery and Italian leather upholstery, dining furniture, bedroom furniture and a large range of British pocket sprung beds. We offer a personal and friendly service to help you in your selections.

Opening hours Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 5.00pm 14 Winchester Street, Salisbury, SP1 1HB • 01722 322596 www.pure-comfort.co.uk

PHOTO BY DAVID BIRD

Music/theatre/film/more

THROUGH A GLASS, DARKLY

This sculpture puts you in mind of the wings of a swan, doesn’t it? There’s a reason for that.

The piece is called Launch and its creator, Rebecca Newnham, describes it as a “a tall, arched sculpture with a glass mosaic skin”.

“The glass is applied so as to flow like plumage,” Rebecca says. “Like a magnificent bird, showing the immense energy required to take off from a stationary position and elevate like a swan taking flight from a calm lake.”

Launch is one of the pieces on show at an exhibition of glass sculptures entitled Reflection running at Salisbury Cathedral

from August to November. The graceful sculpture will stand on the west lawn of the Cathedral’s grounds. The exhibition shows the work of nine international artist. It explores the theme of ‘reflection’ both as a visual response to the Cathedral’s beautiful medieval building as well as a stimulus for meditative reflection.

Salisbury Cathedral has a long tradition of glass art, with some of its stained glass dating back to the 13th century and more modern windows like the Gabriel Loire Prisoners of Conscience, installed in 1980.

Reflection, Salisbury Cathedral from August to November. 6 The Close, Salisbury; 01722 555120 (01722 555156 weekends); visitors@salcath.co.uk; www.salisburycathedral.org.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 27

22 July – 25 August

He’s a bride-stealing poet, cheat and a fraud; please give a warm welcome to Peer Gynt; Japanese Anemones by Loraine Sherlock on show at Salisbury Library; Roni Size is one of the hundreds of acts rocking the Boomtown Fair near Winchester.

Exhibitions UNTIL 30 JULY

PLAIN ARTS SUMMER EXHIBITION 2016 More than 50 local artists exhibit 170 pieces of art ranging from painting through to photography and sculpture at Gallery 4 at Salisbury Library. See page 32. www. plainartssalisbury.co.uk UNTIL MID AUGUST

WORLD LEADERS OF THE 1970S: A DECADE OF TURMOIL An exhibition telling the personal stories of nine leaders who held the world in their hands – their highs and lows.

Four died in office, three resigned in disgrace, two won

Nobel prizes and one was killed.

Arundells, 59 The Close, £10 admission and guided tour; www.arundells.org

workshops also held. Rum’s Eg gallery and cafe, Romsey; www. hampshireartandcraft.org

UNTIL 27 AUGUST

REFLECTION: GLASS Inspired by Salisbury’s iconic Cathedral, artists were invited to create glass sculptures and installations. See page 27.

Salisbury Cathedral; www. salisburycathedral.org.uk

1 AUGUST TO 6 NOVEMBER

MATERIAL WORLD: CRAFT AND DESIGN From spell-binding to book binding, an exhibition by nine artists and designer-makers working in a variety of materials from the natural world.

Fisherton Mill, 108 Fisherton Street, Salisbury; www. fishertonmill.co.uk UNTIL 3 SEPTEMBER

SUMMER OPEN EXHIBITION Artists who live within 70 miles of Romsey showcase their work in the Summer Open at Rum’s Eg Gallery. Arts and crafts

28 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

5-27 AUGUST

SALISBURY ARTISTS The Salisbury Group of Artists is showing a range of work at the Summer Exhibition at Gallery Four, Salisbury Library; www. salisburygroupofartists.co.uk 18 AUGUST TO 24 SEPTEMBER

STEP IN STONE Fourteen artist with connections

to South West England have created a series of art in response to the nature of quarries and their place in the heritage of the region.

Salisbury Art Centre; www. salisburyartscentre.co.uk

Plays/Shows 23-25 AUGUST

PEER GYNT A poet, cheat, fraud and waste-of-space extraordinaire, Peer Gynt steals the bride from a wedding then leaves his hometown for the easy way to fame and fortune. Henrik Ibsen’s classic text is given an explosive new adaptation. www.salisburyplayhouse.com

W H AT ’ S O N

Music

Festivals

26 JULY

30 JULY

THE ELO EXPERIENCE – TRIBUTE TO THE ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA The ELO Experience celebrate their 10th year of bringing the music of Jeff Lynne and The Electric Light Orchestra to the live stage. Tickets from www. cityhallsalisbury.co.uk or 01722 434434.

Family 25 JULY- 31 AUGUST

HANDS ON HISTORY: OLD SARUM Join the Hands on History crew for family fun with an archaeology twist at Old Sarum.

11am to 5pm daily. Tickets £11.70 for a family (free for English Heritage members), available on the day or call 01722 335 398; www.englishheritage.org.uk 2 AUGUST

ANCIENT EGYPT IN MUSIC AND DANCE Music and dance were important for priests, slaves and ordinary folk in Ancient Egypt. Dancer Bridget Poulter gives a short talk on how and why Ancient Egyptians danced followed by the chance to try it. No booking required, sessions run through the day from 10am-4pm; www. salisburymuseum.org.uk 4-26 AUGUST

FAMILY ART AND PRINTMAKING Mompesson house invites families to join them for art activities every Thursday of August. Mompesson House, Salisbury; www.nationaltrust. org.uk 13 AUGUST

WILD ABOUT HERBS CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP A workshop for children aged six to 12 that gets them outdoors to connect with nature and learning about the herbs growing around them in a fun and creative way. 10.30am to 12pm; booking essential; call 07968 169064 or email heathcoteherbs@gmail.com; www.knollgardens.co.uk/events

ARTS

SALISBURY PRIDE Salisbury’s first ever Pride parade.

A celebration of sexual and gender diversity, equality, and community. A parade through the city starts in front of The Playhouse and finishes in Castle Street via Market Square. Come colourful; www.salisburypride. lgbtplus.org 7 AUGUST

TROUT ‘N ABOUT: STOCKBRIDGE FOOD & CRAFT FEST Stockbridge’s local annual food festival, Trout ‘n About showcases the best of local food, local produce and local crafts in a family friendly, outdoor market environment right on the High Street. 10am to 4pm; www. tnastockbridge.co.uk 7 AUGUST

WESSEX COUNTRY FAIR Dressage camels, birds of prey, a dog show… it’s all on at this year’s Wessex Country Fair. With food, drink, vintage cars, blues, country and folk music, and live entertainment, it’s a great day out; 10am to 5pm; tickets £5 on the door (under fives free); www. wessexcountryfair.co.uk 11-14 AUGUST

BOOMTOWN FAIR One of the UK’s wildest independent festivals, Boomtown celebrates all musical genres and hosts hundreds of acts on 24 main stages, this year: Leftfield, Asian Dub Foundation, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Damian Marley, Roni Size, Ms Dynamite… Matterley Estate near Winchester; www. boomtownfair.co.uk 25-29 AUGUST

GREAT DORSET STEAM FAIR Experience life for a soldier in the trenches of WWI; ride on the 120ft high Giant Wheel, watch the Can Can dancers… the leading heritage show in the world, this fair reveals how people lived in bygone years.

As well as attractions, there’s a music festival across six stages, a fairground, live entertainment, vintage vehicles, stunt displays, and steam engines; Tarrant Hinton, near Blandford Forum; www.gdsf.co.uk

Tasty treats aplenty at Wessex Country Fair; Sir Edward Heath greets China’s Chairman Mao; get your hands on history at Old Sarum (photo English Heritage)

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 29

ARTS

EXHIBITION

A SHOW OF ARTS Put on your arty pants and get on down to the Salisbury Library this month to view the work of more than 50 local artists showing in the Plain Arts Summer Exhibition, including the four we feature here…

F

ollowing the resounding success of the inaugural exhibition in 2015, the second Plain Arts Summer exhibition takes place this month at Gallery 4 in Salisbury Library until 30 July with plans to make it

an annual event.

Plain Arts is the leading arts organisation for local artists in and around Salisbury and the opportunity to exhibit in Salisbury Library has attracted more than 50 members with more than 170 pieces of art ranging from painting through to photography and sculpture.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for local artists to exhibit in a terrific venue right in the centre of Salisbury,” says Plain Arts co-ordinator David Walker. “I do hope that as many people as possible come along and see how lucky we are to have such a wealth of talent in the local community.”

Four of the artists on show at this year’s exhibition are Louise Luton, Vicky Slater, Sally Edwards and Simon Howden…

32 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Onion by Simon Howden

Simon Howden is a painter, illustrator, printmaker, photographer and graphic designer. He has worked in the graphic design industry for the past 35 years, having initially trained as a fine artist.

“Although I generally work in oils and watercolours, I have always had an illustrative approach so linocut printing seemed a natural medium for me to explore,” Simon says. “I recently produced a series of limitededition lino prints based on homegrown produce – as I’m also a keen gardener!”

Onion is a limited edition linocut print 5/10; framed size 11x13”; £65 www.simonhowdenartist.co.uk

EXHIBITION

ARTS

Springtime at the Stones

by Louise Luton

Galloping Mares by Sally Edwards

Sally photographed the famous Camargue white horses during a photography trip to the Camargue region of southern France. Considered one of the oldest breeds of horses in the world, the Camargue are indigenous to the region and famous for their stamina, hardiness and agility.

Sally works full-time teaching photography to all ages. “I enjoy helping people expand their knowledge and understanding of photography whilst making that all important move away from ‘autofocus’ on their camera. I offer a variety of photograph trips and run a photography club for my clients.”

Galloping Mares is a 16x8” print, £160. It is sold mounted and framed. www.sallyedwardsphotography.co.uk

Louise says her work is a reflection of nature and how we sit in the world in we exist. “I live and work in Salisbury, my studio has magnificent views across the valley over to Old Sarum. I love where I live and am inspired by the countryside and animals I see in my surroundings. I am inspired by the changing colour and light in nature. Light impacts on everything I paint; it can create a calm retreat or inject energy and tension into a piece. I adore using colours in surprising ways to add depth and personality to a piece.”

Louise will also be exhibiting at the New Forest Show from 25-27 July and will be demonstrating oil painting techniques live on BBC’s Countryfile 4-7 August.

Through August, her work will be on show in Salisbury’s Boston Tea Party.

Springtime at the Stones is oil on canvas, 60cm square. It is framed and on sale for £695. www.louiselutonart.com

Grey Cow by Vicky Slater

A member of Salisbury’s Plain Arts steering committee, Vicky’s work has been published in several books and magazines, been chosen for book covers and been exhibited and sold worldwide.

Along with Grey Cow, her work Red Cow will also be part of the Plain Arts Summer exhibition.

Vicky says the cow images are part of an ongoing landscape series. “I grew up in the countryside and cows were as much a part of the landscape as the fields. I use varying focus and collage techniques in film photography to signify both the passing of time and also the permanence of the English landscape,” Vicky says.

“Both of the cow pictures in this exhibition are framed as diptychs, which breaks them up even more. It’s a little like seeing them through your kitchen window.”

Grey Cow was taken on a film camera and printed on fine art paper; price £85 www.vickyslater.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 33

MIELE COOKERY EVENING THURSDAY 11TH AUGUST

in-toto Salisbury invites you to join them for an evening of

In-toto Kitchens Salisbury 21 Catherine St, Salisbury, SP1 2DF

delicious canapés, personally prepared for you by Miele Executive Chef and MasterChef: The Professionals finalist Sven-Hanson Britt.

01722 238177

Enjoy the exclusive event by booking your place on 01722 238177, and discover the

T: E: salisbury@intoto.co.uk

features and benefits of Miele products in an enjoyable and relaxed atmosphere.

Join us on Facebook facebook.com/IntotoSalisbury

Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/IntotoSalisbury

SALISBURY SHOWROOM 01722 338789 GILLINGHAM SHOWROOM 01747 833789

OPENING HOURS: Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm, Saturday 9am - 1pm Solstice Kitchens, 50 Fisherton Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 7RB Solstice Kitchens, Unit 21, Kingsmead Business Park, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 5JG

WWW.SOLSTICEKITCHENS.CO.UK

www.cathedralhotelsalisbury.co.uk 7-9 Milford Street, Salisbury 01722 343700

Summer time specials!

• New season Sea Trout • BBQ ideas including Fish kebabs made to order • Picnic inspiration We can meet your requirements for both prepared fish & catering needs!

Why not come and try our traditional Sunday Roast?

Home cooked roast with a choice of beef, chicken or pork, served with roast potatoes, vegetables, home made Yorkshire puddings and gravy, for just £9.95 We also offer a vegetarian option for £8.95

Feeling hungry?

Tisbury High Street

t: 01747 871011 e: info@thefishmongers.co.uk the fishmongers @ashthefish

www.thefishmongers.co.uk

Then why not go for the large one and have all 3 meats.

Only £14.95

Served every Sunday from 12 ‘til it’s gone!

(So booking is advisable)

85 Castle Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 3SP • Tel: 01722 333122 Email: info@georgeanddragonpub.co.uk

www.georgeanddragonpub.co.uk

36 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

R E S TA U R A N T

FOOD

George & Dragon Having been a drinking hole since the 15th century, the George & Dragon is a stalwart champion of the traditional, old-fashioned pub experience, which means lashings of good, honest pub grub

By TA M A R A PI T E L E N

I

f you’re the type who prefers their food served on a slate tile or wooden board alongside several artfully placed spots of sauce, the George & Dragon on Salisbury’s Castle Street may not be the place for you.

If, though, you’re after a good, old-fashioned pub, where you can bring your dog and settle in for a chat while sampling a range of ales all made within a few miles, then you might just feel at home here.

In November 2015, management of the George & Dragon was taken over by two brothers, Nick and Nathan Lamb, as well as Nick’s partner Lisa Cox. Nick’s the chef, Nathan runs the bar with help from sister Holly, and Lisa looks after the finances and paperwork. Since they took the reins, the George & Dragon has been given a breath of fresh air, a lick of paint and its latest new lease of life in a history that dates back to the 15th century.

Along with the décor, the pub’s menu has also been given an overhaul. Be assured though, it’s still got all the old pub favourites you might expect, featuring dishes like pan-fried liver and bacon served with creamy mash, onions and gravy; beer battered fish and chips with mushy peas; sausage and mash, and homemade beef burgers. It’s comfort food in generous portions: simple but satisfying and delicious.

On the afternoon that Salisbury Life paid a visit, we were

IT LATER BECAME A HOSTELRY CALLED THE SILENT LADY – A GRUESOME MONIKER THAT, RUMOUR HAS IT, WAS INSPIRED

BY A HAPLESS WOMAN WHO WAS RELIEVED OF HER TONGUE

in the mood for seafood. We saved that for the main course though and chose to kick things off with the satisfying and tasty starter of sautéed mushrooms with a balsamic glaze on a toasted ciabatta. After that, we tucked into the moules marinière – a huge bowl of mussels with plenty of wonderfully big chunks of soft ciabatta on the side to mop up the leftover sauce. Use your fingers and lick them afterwards, it’s all part of the fun.

If the weather had been more obliging, we would have whiled away the afternoon in the beautiful garden bar that stretches all the way to the riverside. Instead we sat by the window, warm and dry, admiring the flowerbed of colourful pansies waving at us through the glass and wondered what these ancient walls would tell if they could speak.

Having stood there by the river for about 600 years, the George & Dragon has taken on many guises, many of which have left their mark. In fact, the existing wooden beams are thought to have come from a 16th century ship.

As far as the new owners can tell, the George & Dragon has always been a drinking hole of one sort or another but the building’s very first incarnation was possibly slightly insalubrious; an establishment for pleasures of the flesh, let’s say, which may be connected to the name it took when it later became a hostelry called The Silent Lady – a gruesome moniker that, rumour has it, was inspired by a hapless woman who was relieved of her tongue. Piecing together tidbits like this about the building’s history is one of Lisa’s interests.

Moving forward to the present day, the determined trio is on a mission to offer a traditional pub experience complete with good honest pub grub, the best of local ales, and a warm and homely ambience. As supporters of the #WeWantPlates campaign, Lisa, Nick and Nathan are not ones for airs and graces – or slate tiles used as dishes.

When people walk into their pub, they want them to feel relaxed and at home. So whether you’re a big group having a catch-up or you’re on your own and needing to retreat from the world, the George & Dragon provides nourishment and refuge - just like it has for centuries.

DINING DETAILS George & Dragon, 85 Castle Street, Salisbury; 01722 333122; info@georgeanddragonpub.co.uk; www.georgeanddragonpub.co.uk Opening hours Sun-Wed 12pm to 11pm and Thurs-Sat 12pm to 1am Prices starters from £3.95 each; light bites from £3.95 and mains from £8.50; desserts from £2.50 and Sunday roasts from £9.95 and yes, there’s a children’s menu Vegetarian choice Brothers Nick and Nathan are vegetarian themselves so the menu has a number of meat-free options. There’s even a vegetarian Sunday roast Dog-friendly Very! Bring pooch Drinks Local ale all the way is the passion in these parts from breweries such as Stonehenge, Downton, Red Cat, Hop Back Atmosphere Easy-going and comfortable Service friendly and helpful

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 37

The All New OX ROW Book now: www.TheOxRowInn.co.uk

THE OX ROW INN 10-11 OX ROW, SALISBURY, WILTSHIRE SP1 1EU 01722 349033 OxRowInn.Salisbury@fullers.co.uk www.theoxrowinn.co.uk /TheOxRowInn

@TheOxRowInn

@TheOxRowInn

RECIPE

FOOD

SURF and TURF When you’ve got the time and inclination to make an effort, these gourmet recipes from The Chapter House bring the very best fine dining experience into your home

Baked Cornish sardines rubbed with pesto, served on aubergine caviar and chive oil (Serves 4)

N

ot only are sardines back in fashion, they are sustainable, delicious and good for you, says head chef at The Chapter House Catalin Prodan.

“Fish with pesto is a natural taste combination,” says Catalin. “By adding the aubergine caviar, this gives the dish an explosion of tastes that will impress your friends. Enjoy as a starter or a light lunch with a mixed leaf salad.”

Ask your local fishmonger to fillet and butterfly your sardines.

Ingredients: 8 butterflied sardines Pesto: 2 cups fresh basil leaves

2 cloves of garlic 1/4 cup of pine nuts, flash roasted 2/3 cup olive oil Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 1/2 cup freshly grated Grana Padano or Parmesan cheese Aubergine caviar: 1 large aubergine 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp lemon juice 2 shallots, finely chopped 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped pepper Method: For the aubergine: 1. Pre-heat the oven to 170°/ 325°F/ gas mark 3.

2. Bake the whole aubergine for an hour.

3. Remove from oven, cut in half and scoop out the flesh into a bowl. Mash with a fork and add the remaining ingredients. Mix well and chill.

For the pesto: 1. Combine the basil, garlic, roasted pine nuts and olive oil in a food processor.

2. Stir in the parmesan.

For the sardines: 1. Pre-heat the oven to 180°C. 2. Rub the sardines with the pesto and bake on a baking sheet in the oven for 5-7 minutes.

3. Serve on a small bed of aubergine caviar.

4. Drizzle with pesto. 

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 41

FOOD

RECIPE

Slow-cooked featherblade of beef, with creamy mash, sautéed kale and a rich gravy (Serves 4-6)

F

6 garlic cloves, crushed 1 sprig rosemary, 2 bay leaves, fresh thyme 250ml red wine 700ml beef/chicken stock 100g kale 2 tbsp olive oil 2 cloves garlic finely sliced 1/2 cup of veg stock or water

Ingredients: 1-1.5 kg whole featherblade(s) trimmed 2 cups seasoned flour 2 tbsp butter 2 tbsp olive oil 2 onions roughly diced 1 swede roughly chopped 2 celery sticks, chopped 1 carrot, sliced

Method: For the featherblade: 1. Pre heat the oven to 140°C /275°F/Gas mark 1. Dust the beef with the seasoned flour.

2. Heat the butter and oil in a large frying pan. Brown the meat well on all sides and remove from the pan.

3. Add the veg to the pan and brown for five minutes over a medium heat. Stir in garlic and herbs and cook for a minute. Deglaze the pan (scrape the bits off the bottom) with the red wine and stock. Bring to the boil.

4. Transfer the meat to an oven-proof casserole dish, tip in the hot stock and vegetables

or those who enjoy a challenge in the kitchen, this slowcooked cut melts in the mouth.

Featherblade is the cut of beef from the shoulder of the animal. “I love working with this cut as it is full of beautiful flavour, texture and marbled fat,” says head chef of The Chapter House Catalin Prodan. “This recipe takes some time, but the results are well worth the effort, enjoy with a full bodied glass of red wine.”

Ask your butcher to carefully trim and remove the tough sinewy bits in the middle.

42 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

and season well. Cover with a lid and place in oven for three hours or until beef is tender. The length of time will depend on the thickness of the beef.

5. Once cooked, removed the meat from the stock, and allow it to rest. Strain the stock into a saucepan, pushing the softer vegetables through to thicken the sauce. Put aside to reheat when needed for serving.

For the kale: 1. Sautee the garlic in the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook until soft but not coloured.

2. Add the stock. Increase the heat and add the kale. Toss to combine. Cover and cook for five minutes.

3. Remove the lid and continue to cook until the liquid has evaporated. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Heat the gravy. Slice the beef.

Serve on a bed of creamy mash. www.thechapterhouseuk.com

A Portuguese restaurant in a traditional English Pub

The

AVON BREWERY INN 75 Castle Street, Salisbury

Avon Brewery

01722 416184

Indian born chefs Rasheed and Bartkath are bringing a whole new dining experience to the city launching their exciting menu of Indian Street Food and Craft Beer at Cafe Diwali.

AVON PORTUGUESE STEAK DEAL £25 – including a carafe of wine 2 8oz rump steaks topped with ham and a fried egg, and served in our secret Trinchado sauce. Served with chips and a salad.

Visit Facebook or our website for more info

www.avonbrewery.com

90 Crane Street, Salisbury SP1 2QD 01722 329700 cafediwali.com

The Green Dragon A warm welcome awaits at our 14th Century village inn

Deals at the Dragon...

Thursday Nights

Meal for 2 3 courses per person £19.95 + FREE bottle of house wine.

Friday Nights

Fish ’n’ chips + FREE drink £9.95.

Saturday Nights

Ribeye steak with all the trimmings £10.95.

Take over our picturesque garden for an evening of petanque and BBQ. Most probably the best beer garden around Salisbury.

New Roof, New Chef, New Menu.

Same Landlord for 11 years.

Come and see what’s happening at the Green Dragon.

The Green Dragon, Old Road, Alderbury, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP5 3AR Tel:

01722 710 263

Mimosa

Therapy centre

NEW WELLNESS CENTRE IN SALISBURY Would you like a greater sense of wellness in your life?

Mimosa Therapy Centre, in St Thomas’ Square is a new venture between massage therapist Trinh Nguyen and craniosacral therapist Cheryl Dunford, and offers a range of wellness therapies.

With many years of experience, Trinh offers pain relief massage, pressure point healing massage, Thai massage, deep tissue massage, healing therapy, and relaxing massage.

Introdu ctory offer

£5 DISC OUNT o n all the ra during A pies ugust.

Cranio sacral therapists sense tensions within the body and help release these in a supportive and comfortable way. This helps you connect with your own inner stillness and calm. In addition, Cheryl is an established mindfulness teacher and provides courses as well as individual meditation instruction.

Trinh and Cheryl aim to help you release the stresses and strains of everyday life and rediscover the peace within.

Cheryl will be running a six-week MINDFULNESS-BASED STRESS REDUCTION COURSE from 14 September - 19 November, from 7pm-9.30 pm

Mimosa Therapy Centre | 4 St Thomas’ Square | Salisbury | SP1 1BA Monday to Saturday 10.00 – 20.00 Tel: 07469210392 Email: mimosatherapy@outlook.com

for further details please call Cheryl on 07530 931 655 or visit

www.mindfulnessinsalisbury.co.uk www.craniosacralinsalisbury.co.uk

H E A LT H A N D BEAUTY

Julia Queenswood gets an ultrasound cavitation treatment with Dr Joanna Lovatt

ALSO CALLED ULTRASOUND LIPOSUCTION, IT’S A NON-SURGICAL FAT REMOVAL PROCEDURE THAT USES SOUND WAVES TO DESTROY FAT CELLS

SOUND WAVES SLIMMING Can you break down body fat with sound waves? That’s the theory behind a non-surgical fat reducing therapy. JULIA QUEENSWOOD tries it out and tells us everything

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or women like myself who are, ‘of a certain age’, the effect of diet and exercise just isn’t the same as it was a few decades ago. I’m in my 50s now and had four children in my 20s and 30s. Of course, this changes a woman’s body but I got my figure back after having children and I’ve always been slim. It wasn’t until my 40s that things started going awry.

A medical condition meant I had to start taking a regular course of medication and it came with some horrible side effects, one of which was that I gained a lot of weight around my waist. Because the rest of me is still relatively slim, I felt like I was walking around looking six months pregnant. To my frustration, exercise and diet weren’t making any difference. I was at the Southern Independent Medical Practice when I heard about ultrasound cavitation with Dr Joanna Lovatt. I booked a consultation and,

after a chat with Jo, I decided to go ahead with the therapy. I had my first treatment a few weeks ago and since then I’ve had four sessions on my stomach and waist. I’ve another four sessions left as I write this. So far, I’m really happy with the results.

So what is ultrasonic cavitation? Also called ultrasound liposuction, it’s a nonsurgical fat removal procedure that uses low frequency sound waves to destroy fat cells.

I think it of it as ‘jiggling’ the fat molecules and heating them up till they melt away but the official explanation on the website is, “ultrasonic therapy forces a powerful sound wave to the fat cell membranes. The fat cell membrane succumbs to the pressure, is reduced to liquid and is expelled through

the body’s normal metabolic method.”

The first part of the treatment is quite noisy – it makes a buzzing noise in your head. It’s not unpleasant though and I don’t really notice it now. None of it is painful and Jo and I actually have a giggle. Each session is a bit longer than an hour. The final part of each session is skin tightening.

At the first session, when Jo measured me before and after, I lost almost four centimetres around my waist. I’ve noticed a more gradual reduction since then. I haven’t lost any weight though; it’s about body contouring, not weight-loss. Other people are noticing a difference now, which is great.

I haven’t noticed any side effects apart from being very thirsty afterwards. You cannot have caffeine for a couple of hours either side of the treatment, and I have found that it’s best to drink water. I haven’t had any bruising or soreness, and I go straight back to work afterwards. Sometimes I feel a bit tired, and have had a headache afterwards, but not every time. I can’t wait to see the end result. I look slimmer already.

Ultrasound cavitation with radio frequency and dermology is available at the Dr Joanna Lovatt Clinic for £180 per session or £900 for a six session package; fat freezing also available; 5 Wyndham Road, Salisbury; 01722 632633 or 07493 520517; www.drjoannalovatt.co.uk

HOLD YOUR HORSES… Before you go rushing off to have your ultrasound cavitation, bear in mind that it’s not for everyone. There are some conditions that preclude a person for suitability, these include pregnancy, breast feeding, heart conditions, anyone on anticoagulant medication, cancer, metal prosthesis or implants, diabetes, epilepsy, auto immune conditions, liver or kidney problems. Possible side effects include redness, bruising, and skin sensitivity. www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 45

Dr Joanna Lovatt BM is a fully qualified GP with years of experience and has also trained in the treatment of thread veins and the internationally acclaimed body contouring treatment 3D-Lipo. She has set up a new clinic offering these services in the centre of Salisbury.

3D-LIPO, THE REVOLUTIONARY FAT BUSTING TREATMENT, NOW AVAILABLE IN SALISBURY 3D-Lipo – a new dimension in non-surgical fat removal, cellulite reduction and skin tightening.

• • • •

• Great results Safe • No downtime Affordable • Inch loss Non-invasive Effective on most parts of the body

THREAD VEIN TREATMENT Thread veins, also called spider veins, are tiny, harmless, prominent veins just below the skin surface. They can occur anywhere on the body but most often on the legs and face. As well as being unsightly leg thread veins can also cause discomfort. Microsclerotherapy, which must be performed by a medical practitioner, is the gold standard way of treating them.

Commended for Treatment of the Year in the prestigious Aesthetic Awards 2015.

For more information or to book an appointment please call on 01722 632633 or 07493 520517 or email info@drjoannalovatt.co.uk

www.drjoannalovatt.co.uk

3 Counties Counselling & Autism Assessment We are excited to announce the opening of our new office located at The Hall, 4 New Street, Salisbury City Centre.

At 3CCAA, we are able to provide a high-level, caring counselling service for adolescents and adults, either individually, as couples or family groups.

Assessors who are professionally qualified in both Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) and Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI-R) provide our Autism Assessments. We will take self-referrals for children from as young as 3 years of age for this assessment process.

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION

Sarum College, Salisbury Close • 5 October - 30 November (9 Monday evenings 7pm - 9pm) • cost £210

A structured course in Mindfulness practice, as formulated by Jon Kabat-Zinn, with highly experienced tutor Hilary Armstrong.

A life-changing training in dealing with stress, difficulty or change, and restoring balance and fulfilment in one’s life. “brilliant teaching” “your classes have been a life-enhancing experience for me”

Information/bookings: wvwellbeing@gmail.com www.wylyevalleywellbeing.com

Luxury & local

Our speciality that sets us apart from many other mental health services is our focus on Complex Mental Heath problems and Clinic Diagnosis of Autism.

Beth Jacobs BS Ed, MA Ed

The most sophisticated audience is just a call away

Dr Sarah Taylor MBBCh, MRCPsch

For further details of our service, please call 01725 513 832 or visit www.3ccaa.co.uk

Hillary Thompson 01225 475800

Fashion/gifts/stores/more

Brooches of butterflies and hats made from horse hair and tree roots

HAIR OF THE HORSE

There’s a new kid in town. Fisherton Mill is now home to Kuy-Kuy, a studio and shop showcasing and selling the best of Chilean handcrafts along with the work of modern Chilean designers whose art aims to sustain ancestral traditions and culture.

Some of the more unusual pieces include beautiful little butterfly brooches made with horse hair and tree roots.

Alongside the butterfly brooches, Kuy-Kuy, which means ‘bridge’ in native Mapuche Language, stocks an exotic range of colourful bags, stylish blankets and cushions, clothing, ornaments, pictures and more.

As well as creating her own artwork, Kuy-Kuy owner Carolina Valeria makes regular trips to Chile to visit designers and bring back a range of fascinating handmade items.

Kuy-Kuy, 1st floor, Fisherton Mill, 108 Fisherton Street, Salisbury; opening hours Tuesdays 11am to 4pm; Wed-Sat 10.30am to 5pm. Closed Sundays and Mondays; 01722 500200; www.fishertonmill.co.uk

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ANIMAL MAGIC

WILD THING, I THINK YOU MOVE ME, BUT I WANNA KNOW FOR SURE...

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1. SITTING PRETTY

2. PENDING APPEAL

3. OFF THE CUFF

4. A CUSHY JOB

5. BOOK KEEPING

Bulldog puppy, £23 We love this adorable little bulldog puppy... and it won’t chew your shoes From Joshua’s Harvest Store, 18 The Maltings, Salisbury; 01722 326 858; www.joshuaharveststore. co.uk

Dragonfly pendant, £22.50 You’re sure to create a buzz with this strikingly beautiful dragonfly pendant by Envy From Conker Women’s Fashion, 11 The Maltings; 01722 328 442; www.conkerclothing.net

Doggie cufflinks Man’s best friend can now take pride of place on his shirt sleeves From Casa Fina, 62 High Street, Salisbury; 01722 326428; www.casafinasalisbury.co.uk

Fine art cushions Original animal images on natural linen, hand-finished in Salisbury, leather back From Andrew Yates Photography, to buy call 07866 767258 or email andrewyatesphotography@gmail.com; www. andrewyatesphotography. co.uk

Hare bookends, £51.95 Your bookshelf will look a whole lot classier with this charming bronze duo keeping things upstanding From Casa Fina, 62 High Street, Salisbury; 01722 326428; www.casafinasalisbury.co.uk

48 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

ED’S CHOICE

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SHOPPING 8

6

10

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6. LIGHT UP

7. CAT NAP

8.FELINE GROOVY

9. WHAT A HOOT

10. ON THE NOSE

Elephant candle holder, £960 This 19th-century Tibetan brass elephant candle holder is one of a pair From Indigo Antiques, Dairy Barn, Manningford Bruce, Wiltshire; 01672 564722; www.indigo-uk. com

Alfie the cat cushion, £21 This cosy kitten would look lovely on a comfortable armchair.

From Pure Comfort, 3 Winchester St, Salisbury; 01722 322596; www.purecomfort.co.uk

Navy feline tee, £30

Barn Owl, £395 An embroidered painting by artist Gillian Bates, currently on show in the Material World Exhibition at Fisherton Mill From Fisherton Mill, 108 Fisherton Street, Salisbury; 01722 415121; www.fishertonmill.co.uk

Pig’s Nose Whisky, £23

Part profit goes to animal charities so these t-shirts and sweatshirts look good and do good From Animal Love in Salisbury, buy online at www.animalloveshop.com

The smoothness of Pig’s Nose comes from oakaged Speyside, Islay and Lowland malts combined with Invergordon gentle grain whiskies From Regent Tailoring 73 New St, 01722 335151; www.regenttailoring.co.uk

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OSOboutique A ‘must touch’ treasure trove of gorgeous fashion and beautiful jewellery awaits Salisbury’s women of style at OSOboutique Photo s by Joh n Rose Pho t ogr a ph y

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estled in central Salisbury on the walkway between Cote Brasserie and Dinghams, the window of OSOboutique is to women what a sweet shop is to children. Enticing and inviting, eyes light up and excitement builds at the sight of all those beautiful, shiny, lovely things and the promise of more within. The stylish ladies of Salisbury will of course stop short of pressing their noses against the window. But such restraint is an effort.

Once inside, OSOboutique is a ‘must touch’ treasure trove of gorgeous fashion, beautiful jewellery and eye-catching accessories. A display cabinet along the back wall is chock-full of shining silver and gold; jewels inlaid with onyx, pearls, amber, or sparkling semi-precious stones. Styles range from the fine and delicate to bold and dramatic. The fashion is colourful, comfortable, versatile and stylish without slavishly following the latest five-minute fashion fad. Popular clothing brands stocked at OSO include A Postcard from Brighton, Yest, Mama b, Simclan, and Nu. 50 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

WEARABLE STYLE

The ethos behind the fashion at OSOboutique is ‘wearable style’. This is the stance of the mother and daughter co-owners, Jan and Natalie Ashton.

When buying for the next season. Nat and Jan endeavour to try on as many samples as possible.

“If anything’s a peculiar fit, shape or fabric, we ditch it,” Jan says.

Clothes have got to look good, feel good, and last more than a season.

“There are a lot of fashionable ladies in Salisbury; they know what suits them and they look fabulous,” Nat says. “They’re not interested in mindlessly following the latest trend. Our customers have their own style and they’re looking for something a bit different. It’s a relaxed marriage of wearable but quirky.”

WINNING TEAM

Both originally from Shrewsbury, it was Nat who first moved south. She lived in Bournemouth for six years before finding the premises in Salisbury’s St Thomas’ Square that is now home to OSOboutique. Prior to becoming a haven for all things gorgeous, it was a solicitor’s office.

Above left: Mother and daughter style team, Jan and Natalie Ashton. Above right: Accessories are key to creating a ‘look’ Xxxxxxxxxx

Top fashion tips Jan and Nat reveal their top tips...

Forget fads: Having style is not about following the whims of ‘fast fashion’. Style means knowing what suits you, your body and your lifestyle.

Get the look: It’s all about accessories. A new top or skirt is great but team it with earrings, a scarf and necklace and now you have a ‘look’.

Pair loose with tight: Few mortals can pull off the head to toe baggy, or indeed head to toe tight!

So team your billowing pieces with something body conscious… this is what leggings were made for!

Keep it fresh: Pack away your winter items in the summer and vice versa. This way you’ll never get overwhelmed with ‘nothing to wear’.

If you haven’t worn something in the past year, consider donating it.

Ask for help: Everyone at OSOboutique loves helping customers find a look they’d never have thought to try that looks great.

SPECIAL SHOPS

SHOPPING

THERE ARE A LOT OF FASHIONABLE LADIES IN SALISBURY; THEY’RE NOT INTERESTED IN MINDLESSLY FOLLOWING THE LATEST TREND

Clockwise from top: What’s hot right now? A long statement pendant; OSOboutique is tucked away in St Thomas’ Square; What else is hot right now? Big, bold rings, lots of them; Where the magic happens - the fitting rooms within OSOboutique; From delicate to dramatic, there’s jewellery to suit every style and mood

For that first year, Nat ran the business by herself although Jan was a regular visitor, providing cover when her daughter had to be away. But the business grew so quickly and Jan enjoyed helping out so much that she decided to move to Salisbury herself and become fully involved.

“We work really well together,” Jan says.

“We’re both very calm and we know each other’s strengths. It’s actually really nice, I love working with Nat. First, there’s total reliability and none of the bickering over things like who’s had more time off. I want her to have as lovely a life as possible so it works really well.”

Before OSO, Jan spent 13 years teaching German and French to business people.

“But I’d always wanted to do something more creative so OSO is like heaven, dealing with beautiful fashion and jewellery. And we have some lovely customers who make it a joy to work here, in fact we both say it doesn’t feel like work at all.” www.osoboutique.co.uk

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Adventures in party-going

SNAPPED! AC ROS S S A L IS B U RY, O N E S H I N D I G AT A T I M E

(In front) Anne Heather with Amesbury deputy mayor cllr Andy Williams, Shirley Hollis, and Amesbury mayor cllr Paddy Allen

COUNTDOWN TO LAUNCH It was an ‘all welcome’ celebration on one Friday afternoon in June at 4 Salisbury Street in Amesbury when the ribbon was cut to mark the opening of new independent accountancy firm, Shirley Hollis and Co. www.shirley-hollis.co.uk Photos by John Rose Photography

Beverley Winning and Tess Orchard

Kevin Daley, Philip Haskell and Amanda Daley

Gill Vokins and Diana Didcock Jan Sargent and Matthew Johnson

52 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Shirley Hollis and Carmel Carter

Julie Bingham and Stevie-Louise Boxall

SOCIETY

MEANWHILE, DOWN ON THE FARM

Matt and Katie Fry, Beth and Amy Andrews

Members of the South Wilts and Mere National Farmers Union gathered for a summer barbecue at Barford Park recently to help senior group secretary Steven Bartlett celebrate 25 years in the role. We’re told that Brexit was a hot topic for the evening – so it wasn’t just the wine and beer causing sore heads.

NFU deputy president Minette Batters and Wilts NFU president Alastair Fitzgerald

Photos by John Rose Photography

Max and Vicki Sealey and Mel Squires Joanne Bartlett, Jeremy and Sue Bailey and Steven Bartlett

GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS One of the biggest events on the Salisbury calendar, this year’s South West Business of the Year Awards was a night of glamour and excitement as various local businesses were recognised for excellence. Highlight of the night? The surprise performance by 80s musical legends ABC led by inimitable frontman Martin Fry. Sing it with me now: “When your world is full of strange arrangements…” www.swboyawards.co.uk Photos by Simon Ward Photography

‘Pick me!’ ABC frontman Martin Fry obviously knows the answer with guitarist Matt Backer

Squeeze in: All the winners in the 2016 South West Business of the Year Awards take to the stage for a group photo

Shake-ups/launches/intel/promotions

S A L IS B U RY G E T S S ER I O US

Chocolate by Miss Witt: Kerry Witt with some of her sweet treats

QUOTE OF THE ISSUE

“IT’S BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE I HAD MY HEART BROKEN, BUT BACK THEN THE CURE WAS A BOTTLE OF VODKA AND A BEST FRIEND”

WINNING CHOCOLATES

SWEET VICTORY A one-woman chocolatier from the New Forest took home silver and bronze at the Academy of Chocolate Awards held recently in London

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nder her brand name Chocolate by Miss Witt, New Forest chocolatier Kerry Witt won a silver and bronze place at the world-renowned Academy of Chocolate Awards recently.

The silver was awarded for ‘The Laird’ chocolate, created with 85 per cent dark chocolate from Ecuador, orange marmalade made by Naked Jam and Glenfiddich whisky.

The bronze went to her ‘Dark Smokey Apricot’ chocolate, made with Hildon mineral water ganache together with Lapsang Souchong tea and apricots.

“Winning for these two chocolates is particularly special to me,” Kerry says. “Both chocolates are made using Montecristi chocolate from a farming

cooperative in Manabi, Ecuador. In April this year this region was severely hit by an earthquake that destroyed many cocoa farmers’ homes. The cocoa farmers are an integral part of the awards as without their hard work we would not have the amazing flavour profiles of the Montecristi chocolate, which is at the heart of my work.

“On a personal note, I created ‘The Laird’ chocolate as a mark of respect for the late Mr Kyd, a well known Lymington gentleman. He had been a very special customer. Now his spirit lives on as part of Chocolate by Miss Witt.” www.chocolatebymisswitt.com

Whose heart has been looked after by booze and besties?

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THE BIG NUMBER Who’s the swotty pants that has this many letters after his name?

Find out more on page 56

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BUSINESS INSIDER

DENTISTS

REALITY BITES Crooked teeth everywhere quake at the mention of his name. Specialist orthodontist Matthew Clover of MidWessex Orthodontics and Salisbury Orthodontics is the go-to guy for bringing your errant chompers back into line

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f you give him his full title, specialist orthodontist Matthew Clover has 41 letters after his name, which means he’s spent a lot of time reading books about teeth. The good doctor, who grew up on a farm in Wiltshire, is also the owner of Mid-Wessex Orthodontics and specialist orthodontist at Salisbury Orthodontics.

When he’s not peering into oral caverns Matthew likes spending time in Lycra and once starred on Songs of Praise. (FYI, those 41 letters are DDS BDS MFGDP (UK) MFDS RCS Eng MOrth RCS Ed FDS RCS Ed.) How long have you been a dentist?

I qualified as a dentist in 1998 from Guy’s Hospital in London. I was a dentist in the British Army for seven years during which time I served in Germany, Kenya, Ascension Island, Bosnia, Oman and Afghanistan. I also spent a year working in the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth as a senior house officer in maxillofacial surgery. I dealt with plenty of patients with facial lacerations and fractures following accidents and fights – I am pretty good at sewing now! I spent three years carrying out my specialist training in orthodontics at Bristol University, which I completed in 2008.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Seeing the smiles on our patients’ faces when their braces are removed at the end of treatment. We have patients of all ages coming for treatment, and all for different reasons. They might be children being bullied at school; someone who wants that perfect smile for their wedding, or people keen to improve their appearance and their confidence. After eyes, teeth are the second most remembered facial feature on meeting someone for the first time. First impressions do really count when it comes to teeth.

If you weren’t a dentist, what else would you have done with your life?

I would have probably taken over the family farm.

And if you could have any other career? (Being realistic is not required.)

A professional cyclist. As it is, I have to make do with being a MAMIL! [Ed’s note: Middle Aged Man In Lycra.]

What are the trends in teeth?

Sadly I’ve noticed more children having decayed teeth removed because of too much sugar in their diet. On a positive side people are becoming more aware of their teeth and the number of adults undergoing orthodontic 56 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Specialist orthodontist Dr Matthew Clover of Mid-Wessex Orthodontics and Salisbury Orthodontics

I DEALT WITH PLENTY OF PATIENTS AFTER ACCIDENTS AND FIGHTS - I AM PRETTY GOOD AT SEWING NOW!

treatment is increasing year on year.

In orthodontics, technology is moving at a cracking pace. Invisalign, which is a treatment using clear removable aligners, is becoming more popular and is now able to treat really complicated malocclusions [ed’s note: that means crooked teeth]. It is so discreet and hardly noticeable. I was so impressed that I straightened my own teeth with Invisalign a few years ago.

Tooth-coloured brackets (instead of metal ones) are much smaller than they used to be and are made out of a material similar to glass, so they are almost see-through when they are on the teeth. And you can also have braces placed behind the teeth so people can’t see them. All of these are proving very popular with our adult patients.

Where do you see the business in a year, five or 10 years?

I am always on the lookout for improvements to our service. New technology is providing us with new methods of straightening teeth, as well as diagnosing and planning treatment. I would love to move to a new, modern building and have got my eyes peeled for the perfect location...

Any tips for others starting out in business?

Make sure you write down your goals – if you don’t know what they are then there is no way you are going to achieve them!

Do you switch off email evenings and weekends?

It is really hard – I definitely look at them less. Usually once a day at the weekend, I will check them and reply to any that are not urgent. It is very rare, however, that there is anything that won’t wait until Monday morning.

What area do you live in and what do you like about living there?

The Chalke Valley – it’s beautiful, there are lots of challenging hills to cycle up and it has an award-winning village shop in Broad Chalke as well as a market every Saturday in Bowerchalke. The people are lovely and our children have lots of friends within walking distance.

Something about you that would surprise people?

I was head chorister at school and was on TV show Songs of Praise. My children find it very embarrassing when I sing now. Don’t worry though, I don’t sing along to the music in the practice. www.midwessexortho.co.uk and www.salisbury-orthodontics.co.uk

BUSINESS INSIDER

what we could afford; the shop is tiny! Hence where the name came from but it’s very cosy.

PHOTO BY JOHN ROSE

Is there someone in business that you admire and try learn from?

VF: I respect Richard Branson. What a guy. It goes to show that you don’t need to pass exams to get anywhere in life.

Any regrets? What would you have done differently?

VF: No regrets from me. Let’s face it. Everything is a learning curve. Good and bad.

FLORISTS

HELLO PETAL

Jackie Fox and Victoria Macdonald of The Little Flower Shop in Amesbury

Any tips for others starting out?

VF: Plan everything inside and out. And budget. We never took any loans out to start up. So we don’t have the added stress of finding the money for that every month.

Meet the owners of the cutest florist shop in Amesbury aptly named The Little Flower Shop

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Are you someone that switches off the emails evenings and weekends?

VF: I never ever turn the emails off. I like to be on the ball at all times. You just never know when something really important will come through.

aving been friends for more than a decade, the joint owners of The Little Flower Shop in Amesbury, Jackie Fox and Victoria Macdonald, conceived their bold plan of opening a florist shop one morning over a bacon bap. The idea became reality and, in June this year, the pair celebrated their venture’s first birthday. To mark the occasion, they left bouquets of flowers all over town, in public spaces such as bus stops, with ‘please take me home’ notes pinned to them.

What did you plan to be on growing up?

JF: I’m still growing up.

VF: I wanted (still want) to be a pilot but my lovely careers officer told me I wasn’t clever enough.

Your most memorable flower delivery request?

VM: Along with flowers, I was once asked to deliver ‘adult’ magazines to a gentleman in hospital.

How did The Little Flower Shop come about?

JF: We’ve been friends for around 10 years after meeting through our children. We both had our own businesses; I had a cake business while Victoria had a floral shop but with rising rents and other factors, we were both finding the work/family life a struggle so over a breakfast bacon bap we decided to join together to lighten the load. Victoria is the trained florist; she did a three-year national diploma in floristry and has been working in flowers for about 20 years now.

Are you Salisbury born and bred?

JF: I originated in Beverley, Yorkshire but have lived in the south most of my life. I moved to Amesbury about 13 years ago.

VM: I was born in Iwerne Minster in Dorset, I called it home until my early 20s. I’ve now been in Amesbury about 20 years.

Best business advice you’ve been given?

JF: Take a leap of faith. It’s better to regret the things you have done than regret not having done something through fear.

Your biggest business challenge?

JF: Finding suitable premises at affordable costs. If you visit us in The Little Flower Shop you will see

Where do you see the business in a year, five or 10 years?

VF: In five to 10 years. I see us having another shop, a van and being able to employ a couple of other people.

Best place to eat in Amesbury?

JF: La Lupa, it’s quality Italian food within walking distance of home.

VM: I have two teenager daughters and an eightyear-old son so I don’t eat out. I like bakeries though, Reeve the Baker is my secret pleasure.

I NEVER EVER TURN THE EMAILS OFF. I LIKE TO BE ON THE BALL AT ALL TIMES

What are the main reasons people have for buying flowers?

JF: Outside of Valentine’s Day, there is no specific main reason for why people buy flowers. People buy them for their own personal reasons, whether it be birthdays, funerals, to cheer themselves up, to say ‘thank you’ or ‘I love you’ or just because.

Best remedy for a broken heart?

VM: It’s been a long time since I had my heart broken but back then the cure was a bottle of vodka and a best friend.

Your best work-stress busting technique?

VM: Hoovering. It’s a little sad I know and some days I do feel sorry for my carpet. www.thelittleflowershop.website

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BUSINESS INSIDER

NEWS STORIES Our pick of the most exciting, intriguing or important local business stories happening right now

AUTISM SPECIALISTS MOVE TO SALISBURY After two years working out of the Basepoint Business Centre in Romsey, mental health therapist Beth Jacobs has moved to Salisbury with her business, 3 Counties Counselling and Autism Assessment (3CCAA).

The move also sees Beth join forces with psychiatrist Sarah Taylor. Both women specialise in autism assessment and referral and are now operating out of The Hall at 4 New Street.

As well as autism assessment and referral, 3CCAA offers counselling for people with autism as well as for those who care for and support them.

“We wanted a more central location,” says Beth. “There is no one else within 30 miles of Salisbury that specialises in autism assessment. Our clients come from as far as Andover, Poole, and Sherborne so we wanted to offer people easier access. Salisbury is perfect because of the public transport links.”

Autism rates are on the rise in the UK with one in 60 Brits now having some form of autism. There is no known cause for this rise, says Beth who assesses people from the ages of three to adulthood. The oldest person Beth has seen for assessment was age 52. www.3ccaa.co.uk Five-year-old Tyler Ward was diagnosed with autism by 3 Counties Counselling and Autism Assessment

Salisbury BID and Grist Environmental have partnered to launch a new city Waste Charter

BID LAUNCHES SALISBURY CITY WASTE CHARTER Salisbury BID is launching a cost-effective and environmentally friendly waste and recycling scheme to help businesses in the city save money and receive better service.

To date, there has been no uniformity nor a collective approach to collecting waste in the city. Consequently, bags are often left scattered around, bins are everywhere and sometimes waste is left for days on end, making the city look dirty and unsightly.

BID has chosen Grist Environmental as its preferred supplier and has used its collective buying power to negotiate an exclusive tariff for Salisbury BID members.

The scheme officially launches later this month and indications from early adopters of the scheme show that hundreds of pounds could be saved by businesses on the new tariffs on an annual basis.

Steve Godwin, Business Manager for Salisbury BID, said: “Improving the look of the city, helping our levy payers to reduce their costs and access better service and being environmentally friendly is important for businesses and the city. We have negotiated an exclusive tariff from Grist, which will make significant savings for a number of businesses and organisations in Salisbury.” www.salisburybid.co.uk

THE BARON PAYS A VISIT The entrance to Fisherton Mill is currently presided over by the last of the 25 individually painted Barons who were auctioned during last year’s Magna Carta celebrations, raising over £228,000 for the Trussell Trust.

Designed by Bath-based artist Laura Fearn, the cheerily painted Baron brings a splash of sunshine to the Mill Courtyard. If you haven’t seen him already, pop into the Mill, check out the noble chap, have a cup of coffee and perhaps make a donation to the Trussell Trust.

With the aim of ending hunger and poverty in the UK, last year the Trust’s network of foodbanks gave more than 1,109,000 three-day emergency food supplies to people in crisis in the UK. www.fishertonmill.co.uk 58 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

BUSINESS INSIDER

WILTON CARPETS BUY £1.5M LOOM

Salisbury’s Andrew Cornwell is greeted after the 100km cycle ride by wife Julie and daughter Bethany

QUILTER CHEVIOT SPONSORS RIDE

The first of its kind in the UK, a state-of-the-art Van De Wiele Axminster loom costing £1.5 million is now in place at its new home at Wilton Carpets Commercial at Minster Street, Wilton.

The investment in the loom comes alongside record profits for the company, which now employs more than 200 people across carpet manufacturing, Wilton Shopping Village and three Wilton Carpet retail outlets.

To celebrate the arrival of new loom, Wilton Carpets held a celebration day at its historic Wilton manufacturing site on 19 July. The Mayor of Wilton, Cllr Trevor Batchelder, unveiled a commemorative plaque marking the company’s latest machinery acquisition.

Wilton Carpets CEO James Sprint said: “Giving much needed capacity, the purchase of this new Axminster loom represents another milestone in our growth and demonstrates that with the right approach, manufacturing in the UK is still a profitable and worthwhile undertaking.”

With a 300-year history of manufacturing carpet in the town, Wilton Carpets specialises in carpet manufacture for the hospitality industry. www.wiltoncarpets.com The new £1.5 million Axminster loom bought by Wilton Carpets

Members of the Quilter Cheviot Salisbury office joined more than 150 people to take part in the first Julia’s House Hospice to Hospice Cycle Ride from Dorset to Devizes on Sunday 12 June.

Sponsored by Quilter Cheviot, the 100km cycle ride raised more than £60,000 and will be an annual event for Julia’s House. About 100 people have already enquired about entry next year.

Entrants cycled from the Julia’s House Hospice in Corfe Mullen to the site of its new children’s hospice for Wiltshire in Devizes.

Members of Quilter Cheviot Salisbury who cycled the route were business development manager Mark Jarvis, investment manager Andrew Cornwell, and investment administrator Beth Barclay. www.quiltercheviot.com/office/salisbury

GRANTS FOR LOCAL GROUPS Applications are now being invited for Salisbury City Council’s Community Development Grant Fund.

The fund invites local community groups to apply for grants available up to a maximum of £3,000. The Community Development Grant Fund, which has a total of £27,000, is awarded in three phases over the financial year.

To be considered for funding, applicants should show that their project will improve the quality of life for Salisbury residents and represent value for money.

The closing date for the next phase of grants is 1 August 2016. To apply or find out more, contact Salisbury City Council’s Community Development Team, call 01722 417100, email bhc@salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk or go to www. salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk to download the application form.

ARUNDELLS NEEDS YOU!

A volunteer paints a gate at Arundells

Would you like to volunteer at Arundells?

One of the finest houses in Cathedral Close and the former home of British Prime minister Sir Edward Heath, Arundells brings together six distinct architectural styles. The house was originally a medieval canonry, the first recorded occupant being Henry of Blunston, Archdeacon of Dorset, who lived here from 1291 until his death in 1316.

Arundells needs new team members to help manage this historic home. Volunteer positions available include room stewards, visitor welcome hosts, reception, event helpers, gardeners, small repair and maintenance tasks. To enquire, call 01722 331440 or email info@arundells.org. www.arundells.org

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BUSINESS INSIDER

THE BEAST, UNLEASHED Hamptworth Golf and Country Club’s famous par six golf hole measuring a scary 666 yards has been officially opened after a £250,000 investment.

As the only par six at 666 yards in the world, those who ‘Beat the Beast’ by making a birdie (completing the hole in one shot under par) receive an ‘I Beat the Beast’ certificate.

The championship course, between Southampton and Salisbury in the north of the New Forest, attracts golfers from far and wide who want to take on the famous 16th hole. The 18-hole course can play up to 6,500 yards long and weaves through the trees on the sprawling Hamptworth estate.

Club owner Carl Faulds said: “Golfers love a challenge, so we extended the 16th hole last year to make it a par six and now we’ve elevated the new tee box and launched it

Club members Malcolm Cox and Tony Loizou, with Hamptworth owner Carl Faulds teeing off at The Beast

officially. It is a fair hole, not just relying on brute strength; the first shot is on to a quite generous fairway, allowing golfers to try and get as much distance as possible.

“But then they need to use their brain as well as brawn to zig-zag their way to the green through some trees before they get to the

NEW SHOP FOR DIGGER AND MOJO Digger and Mojo, the eclectic antiques and interiors emporium in Pewsey, now has a new home in Woodborough.

Officially opened on 12 July, the ribbon cutting on the new Digger and Mojo shop was carried out by Marc Allum of BBC’s Antiques Roadshow. The new shop is at the Woodborough Garden Centre, Woodborough Yard, behind the Sticks and Stones café. It is open seven days a week from 11am to 5pm. The original outlet in Salisbury Road Business Park is open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm where restorations, painting and reupholstering will continue. www.diggerandmojo.com

Digger the Jack Russell does all the chaise longue inspections at Digger and Mojo

green set in an amphitheatre, avoiding the greenside bunker.

“The green also slopes, making it a tricky finish, but an incredibly satisfying one if you make a birdie.” www.hamptworthgolf.co.uk

LEGAL Q&A Batt Broadbent’s Head of Employment Law Patricia Russell is here to help What does Brexit mean for employers?

Most areas of employment law in the UK have been heavily influenced by the EU, particularly in the areas of discrimination and other workers’ rights. A post-Brexit government will no longer be bound by EU law and in theory could make significant changes affecting the workplace.

Given that the Brexit process is likely to take at least two years, we do not expect to see any changes at all in the short term. Longer term, however, the extent of change will depend largely on the nature of the specific exit arrangements negotiated. A bespoke trade arrangement, rather than joining the EEA, will allow the greatest freedom for legislative change, however it is unlikely that trading partners in any negotiations will be amenable to radical change affecting workers and international business. In particular the issue of ‘freedom of movement’ is likely to be a sticking point, and data protection, privacy law and health and safety must be deemed adequate if UK businesses still want to operate in the EU. The policies of our government in power will of course be an important influence. Arguably it is most likely that laws unpopular with employers due to compliance costs such as those relating to working time, collective redundancy consultation and agency workers will be the first to see amendment. However, the fact that many fundamental protections for workers are so firmly entrenched in our society will act as a restriction on wholesale change. www.battbroadbent.com

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PROPERTY

SHOWCASE

It’s played host to monarchs and musicians but now, for the first time in 600 years, this beautiful Grade-I family home in the very heart of Salisbury’s Cathedral Close is on the open market. All yours for £3.5 million 62 LIFE I I www.mediaclash.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk 112I I SALISBURY CLIFTON LIFE

SHOWCASE

PROPERTY

WITH ORIGINS DATING BACK TO 1416, KING CHARLES II LIVED HERE IN 1665 AFTER FLEEING LONDON TO ESCAPE THE PLAGUE

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PROPERTY

SHOWCASE

P

roperties don’t come much more special than Malmesbury House in Salisbury’s prestigious Cathedral Close. With origins dating back to 1416, King Charles II lived here in 1665 to escape London’s plague. He would address his subjects from the projecting oriel window that still overlooks St. John Street and bears his coat of arms.

A few decades later, in the mid-1700s, the composer George Frideric Handel gave his first English performance here. Handel was a friend of the owners, the Harris family, who took over the house in 1660 and had the most influence on how it looks today. That’s some of the history for you, now let’s look at the exceptional location.

With neighbours that include the 13th-century Salisbury Cathedral itself, Salisbury’s Cathedral Close is a protected heritage site. The historic buildings within encircle a swathe of green lawn to form one of the UK’s most elegant city centres. Access to Cathedral Close is via the four original gates that are still locked every night between 10pm and 7am. Of course, residents and guests have a key.

ENGLISH BAROQUE

But let’s talk about the property itself, the pièce de résistance. A classic Queen Anne mansion, it reflects the English Baroque architectural style that was popular around the time of the reign of Queen Anne (1702 to 1714).

Set over three storeys, the home features nine bedrooms, six bathrooms, a reception hall, study and library, music room, dining room and drawing room. It is decorated throughout in a style that drips with regal grandeur.

Push open the wide front door to enter a spacious and lavish reception hall with parquet flooring and cantilevered staircase. The wide oak staircase dates from c.1700 and climbs to the galleried landing on the first floor with the master bedroom suite to the left, library to the right and wonderful views of the Cathedral. We’ll move onto the spectacular library in a moment but first please pause for 64 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

A classic Queen Anne mansion, the fine stucco decoration on walls and ceilings dates from the 1700s

a moment to admire the walls of the stairwell and ceilings, which are adorned with elaborate stucco decoration dating from the mid 1700s.

Still on the ground floor, to the north is a drawing room with painted panelled walls and high ceilings, featuring detailed plasterwork and a Rococco bay window offering views to the gardens and orangery. The grand fireplace features a beautiful cameo and marble surround. Across the hall, the dining room leads through to the kitchen. This is custom-made in oak by London designer Clive Christian. It features a central island and flagstone floor leading to a selfcontained one-bedroom annexe in the original, medieval part of the house, which has three-feet-thick stone walls.

GOTHIC REVIVAL

HOUSE NUMBERS

9

bedrooms

£3.5M price

6

bathrooms

1

library

1

orangery

Moving up the staircase and onto the first floor, here we have four en suite bedrooms, in one of which King Charles II took up residence. The master bedroom has views to the Cathedral spire and an original 18th-century frescoed ceiling depicts cherubs. The real architectural showpiece on this floor though is the magnificent library with ornate stuccoed ceiling and a decorative plasterwork canopy over the bay window that is both intricate and very rare. Designed in the 18th century, in the style of early Gothic revival, elaborately carved gilt-and-white-painted bookcases line the walls, above which sit bust of Greek academics. It’s the kind of room you can imagine all sorts of negotiations being hammered out over crystal tumblers full of whisky through a fog of cigar smoke.

Carry on upstairs to the second floor where there are five more bedrooms and views of the garden and Cathedral.

The glass-fronted orangery is the focal point of the garden.

Perfect for summer garden parties, it dates from 1629 and has a secret upper room. Who doesn’t love a secret room?

Agent, Savills, Rolfes House, 60 Milford Street, Salisbury; 01722 426 820; CStone@savills.com

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MACDONALD

FUNERAL DIRECTORS LIMITED

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S A L I S B U RY L I V E S

Q&A

B

y day, he’s the marketing manager for HR Tribbeck and Son, one of the leading independent jewellers in the south of England, but at the end of this month, Jon Tribbeck plans to spend about 15 or so hours battling jellyfish and icy waters to swim from Dover to Calais. He’s doing it to raise money for Julia’s House children’s hospices.

And to see if he can...

Tell us a little about yourself…

I’m an allotment-dwelling swimmer and keeper of small people. Will talk about compost, goggles, or swimming to France to anyone who’ll listen.

Married to Cold Wet Wife and father to Cold Wet Girl and Cold Wet Boy. Why swim the English Channel?

I’d entered a few endurance races and swam regularly at beaches in Poole Bay. I was better able to compete over longer distances and was drawn to pushing the boundaries of time and distance further. I’m very lucky to have a friend who is a veteran of five successful Channel swims. He thought I could do it, so my curiosity, coupled with a bit of encouragement, turned into a cunning plan.

How much money do you want to raise for Julia’s House children’s hospices?

I want to raise loads! Julia’s House receive just five per cent of their total annual income from the government, the remaining 95 per cent of the money needed to run the service comes from public fundraising. The work that Julia’s House do with children and their families is transformational.

Have you done anything like this before?

No, this is a world first for me.

How long have you been training, and what does it involve?

It’s a hard question to answer, but anyone who is comfortable swimming in 3km+ events should consider a three-year time frame.

First you need to learn how to swim properly; each stroke needs to be as efficient as possible, because it’ll take at least 40,000 strokes to get across the Channel. I had coaching with video analysis with Salisbury’s Steve Bailey Coaching, which was invaluable.

I swam five or six sessions per week covering 20-25km throughout the winter season. I completed my first six-hour training swim at the end of May with a water temperature of 12ºC.

JON TRIBBECK What kind of man swims the English Channel? A man like Jon Tribbeck – aka Cold Wet Bloke The mental side of a Channel swim is just as important, maybe even more so, than the physical aspect. You need to know you’ll carry on after 12 hours of cold water and jellyfish stings.

As a boy, what were you going to be when you grew up?

A marine biologist. Succeeded at the marine bit of it but didn’t try hard enough in biology lessons.

Are you Salisbury born and bred?

I was born in Salisbury. I travelled around and lived in other places before returning here when it was time to get all sensible. I live in Harnham; it’s the closest bit of Salisbury to the road to the beach.

The reason for the last time you cried?

I’m a man so never cry.

What’s your most prized possession?

There’s nothing I couldn’t live without, but I do usually find myself travelling with a pair of budgie smugglers and a pot of Vaseline to protect against chaffing on long swims.

Do you have any hidden interests or passions?

Nothing that you’ll print.

Your favourite place to eat in the area?

When I’ve swum the Channel, I’ll take a short break from training and go to one of Salisbury’s independent restaurants… Anokaa, Grillado or the Rai D’or are on my list.

What are you usually doing at about 11am on a Sunday?

I’m always either in the sea or eating my second breakfast, having just got out of the sea.

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And the last time you felt your heart lift?

When my kids smile and look proud due to some kind of success in their lives. This can also make me cry (oops, sorry, I must have lied in my previous answer).

Your indulgence of choice?

Fresh asparagus wrapped in bacon and grilled on the BBQ with aioli, Stilton and port. A good whiskey and an open fire.

Have you ever had a paranormal experience?

No, I don’t believe in that kind of thing.

What issue gets you on your soapbox?

The environment.

What’s your most regrettable habit?

My wife probably thinks I talk about swimming too much.

To sponsor Jon’s English Channel swim on 28 July go to www.justgiving.com/ColdWetBloke or www.coldwetbloke.com