Salisbury Life – issue 231

ARTS

+ CULTURE SPECIAL

EASY

ISSUE 231/FEBRUARY ISSUE 2017/£3

ISSUE 231/FEBRUARY 2017/LOVE, ART & CULTURE

10 TOP VALENTINE’S VALENTINE S IDEAS

VISIT WILTSHIRE’S ARTISTIC HOTSPOTS ROLL UP, ROLL UP! A REAL-LIFE DOLL’S HOUSE MEET THE CITY’S ETHICAL CHAMPION FACE TO FACE WITH SALISBURY’S CREATIVE MOGULS

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EDITOR’S LETTER / ISSUE 231 / FEBRUARY 2017

28

LOVE HEARTS We explore the romantic side of Salisbury

Art attack As an editor, there have been many times when I’ve been accused of having a cushy job. On this occasion, I have to admit, I agree. It really was terribly tough visiting all the cultural hotspots of Salisbury and Wiltshire and meeting artists, directors and writers to talk about what the region has to offer local and visiting culture vultures. Yes, you can send all your sympathy my way! In celebration of the city as a hotbed of creativity we have scoured the area for some of the most interesting events, festivals, people and venues. Turn to page 10 to find out more.

If you can smell love in the air it might just be Reeves the Baker cooking up their heart-shaped biscuits (left). There are plenty of other ways to celebrate V-day in the city and beyond.

From flowers, to romantic breaks to jewellery and sweet treats, this is the month to let your loved ones know you care. Find all you need on page 28.

Salisbury has some wonderful architecture. We’ve unearthed one of its finest Georgian homes – the Doll’s House – and it’s for sale, so if you’ve got a spare £1.5M, turn to page 56 to take a look at your new home. We’ve got more affordable treats too, from gifts to gourmet meals. Enjoy!

Katie Nicholls Editor katie.nicholls@mediaclash.co.uk Tweet me @SalisburyLife

REGULARS / ISSUE 231 / FEBRUARY 2017

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38

M EET T H E T EAM Editor Katie Nicholls katie.nicholls@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 Contributors: Neville Marten, Petra Whiteley, John Rose 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

MAIN FEATURES 10 City of Culture

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

A look at Salisbury’s creative profile, from those who make it happen to where and when it all takes place

28 Valentine’s Day All you need is... love. But a nice meal, a gift or a bunch of flowers can go a long way too

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

THE ARTS

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

21 Arts intro There are plenty of treasures in Salisbury. We’ve found one of its smallest and it’s on loan from Poole Museum

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

Deformation/Transformation exhibition at Messums art gallery in Tisbury

22 What’s on From Martha Wainwright to Mendelssohn and BANFF to Bach

SHOPPING

BUSINESS

25 The Grahams

41 Shopping intro

49 Business insider

Whipped dreams come in the form of these rather deliciouslooking bath-time treats

The latest from the business world

PROPERT Y

42 Editor’s choice

55 Property overview

Brrrr, it’s cold outside! We’ve warmed things up a little with a shopping list for all that’s red

56 Property showcase

The Americana duo roll into town with a barrell of foot-stomping, good-time tunes

FOOD 36 Recipes Two from the Ox Row Inn to pull at the heart strings

38 Restaurant A foggy visit to the Bell Inn proves to be a real winter warmer

45 Special shops Meet Salisbury’s ethical pioneer as Goodfayre’s owner lives out her dream of bringing you tasty and guilt-free products

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

Tips on finding a letting agent Welcome to the Doll’s House

DEPARTMENTS 9 46 58

On the cover Wiltshire’s most romantic village, Lover, and its famous road sign

Spotlight Society Salisbury lives

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

CHILDREN

KIDS! GET ACTIVE! Great news for busy Salisbury parents as from Monday 13 to 17 February the popular Salisbury City Council Camp Active holiday club will run in Harnham. Aimed at children aged 5-11 years, Camp Active offers a wide range of sporting activities to keep the children entertained and happy during the February half term. Was that a sigh of relief we hear?

Salisbury City Council’s sports coaches, Chris and Kirsten, are looking forward to the busy year ahead. The coaches run the Camp Active session as well as a range of activity sessions to a variety of schools, colleges, youth groups and nursing homes.

The cost of Camp Active is £10 for a whole day (9.00am – 4.30pm) or £5 for a half AM/ PM session. Every day is jam-packed with different activities for children to try and indoor activities are available in case of poor weather. Camp Active will be held at Harnham Community Sports and Social Club, Parsonage Green, Harnham, SP2 8LA. To book a place or for more information please visit campactive.eventbrite.co.uk or call Salisbury City Council’s Community Development Team on 01722 417100.

To the mountains! The Dauntsey team in Bhutan

CULTURE

THE POWER OF THREE Three of Salisbury’s leading arts organisations have agreed to move forward with plans to join together to secure more funding and increase the arts offer. The trustees of Salisbury Playhouse, Ageas Salisbury International Arts Festival and Salisbury Arts Centre have been in discussions about future ways of working following an independent report that was commissioned earlier this year. The talks have concluded that a combined organisation would “bring huge benefits to the area” — helping to draw in audiences from across the county and further afield and the creation of new work.

The first major step of the process will be a joint application to Arts Council England (ACE) to secure National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) funding for a four-year period from April 2018. This

could result in securing £1.27m each year for Salisbury and Wiltshire.

Tim Crarer, the chairman of the trustees of Salisbury Playhouse, said: “After looking carefully at the options laid out in the independent report earlier this year the three organisations are excited by the recommendation that a combined operation would allow more of our public funding to go towards an expanded programme of artistic and community work as well as make substantial savings.

“As a group of arts organisations that already collaborate and contribute to the city’s economy and profile, we have high hopes for the new opportunities which lie ahead.”

Keep an eye on Spotlight and @salisburylife as we will report on developments regarding the merger as we receive it.

SCHOOLS

THE LAND OF SNOW AND DRAGONS A group of 18 pupils and three staff from Dauntsey’s School in West Lavington recently returned from the remote Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. This is the school’s fourth visit to the country. In 2005, they were the first school to visit the kingdom, which tightly controls the number of visitors permitted entry.

The group spent two weeks exploring the country’s cultural heritage, meeting local people and trekking in the Bhutanese mountains. Highlights included a visit to the Punakha Dzong, a fortress turned temple and

a trip to Huensal to see the biggest ‘sitting Buddha’ statue in the world.

Sam Moore, Head of Adventure Education, Dauntsey’s said: “This truly was a trip of a lifetime for our pupils. We not only learnt about the culture of this fascinating country but also a lot about ourselves. Trekking at altitudes of 4,000 metres across challenging terrain and sleeping under canvas in temperatures as low as minus 10, certainly makes you realise what you can achieve” www.dauntseys.org

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

SPOTLIGHT

Eric Ravilious: The Wilmington Giant

Too cute!

Arabian rock hyrax

WILDLIFE

LET’S ROCK! Longleat keepers are celebrating after their Arabian rock hyrax unexpectedly gave birth to triplets last month.

It’s the first time the species, which is also known as the stone badger or dassie, has bred at the Wiltshire wildlife attraction and the new arrivals came as a big surprise to staff who were unaware the female was pregnant.

Resembling large guinea pigs, rock hyraxes are found throughout Africa and in parts of Asia. Longleat’s pair are part of a rarer Arabian subspecies, which makes the births even more welcome.

“To be honest we were not anticipating they’d give birth and so to come in last month and discover three tiny babies was fantastic,” said keeper Rebecca Earner. “The parents have been here for more than four years and this is the first time they have reproduced.

Although we can’t tell what sex they are yet, all three babies are doing extremely well and becoming more active and independent with every passing day,” she added.

Despite their rodent-like appearance, their nearest living relatives are actually elephants, with whom they share a common ancestor.

Like elephants they have tusk-like incisors, which are larger and sharper in the males than the females. It has been estimated that, on average, rock hyraxes spend up to 95% of their day either resting or sunbathing. Sounds like a great life to us! www.longleat.co.uk

Local writer: Ron Perry

ART

MAJOR EXHIBITION ANNOUNCED FOR SPRING Salisbury Museum have a busy year planned for 2017 with an exciting roster of exhibitions already confirmed, including a major new event, British Art: Ancient Landscapes, which will open on 8 April.

Curated by Professor Sam Smiles, professor of Art History at the University of Plymouth the exhibition will undoubtedly prove to be a huge draw to the city as it will feature some of the greatest names in British

art from the last 250 years including Constable, Turner and Blake, as well more contemporary, less traditional names including Richard Long and Jeremy Deller.

Adrian Green, Director of Salisbury Museum said: “The museum is famous for its great archaeological finds from Stonehenge and the surrounding area, but what is less well-known is our extensive art collection.

Within our collection we

have many works depicting Stonehenge and the wider archaeological landscape.

British Art: Ancient Landscapes will for the first time display some of these pictures alongside loans from local and national museum collections.

What will be particularly powerful is the opportunity to see these works and then explore some of the monuments in the local landscape.” www.salisburymuseum.org.uk

THEATRE

A PLACE FOR LOVERS Local playwright and resident of Lover, Ron Perry, has completed a new play entitled Thrush Green, to be premiered in May 2017 at Manor Farm Meadow in Hamptworth. The play is an adaptation of a novel of the same name written by another local writer, Miss Read (Dora Saint). Miss Read is, of course, a well-loved author who wrote many books about the English countryside from the 1950s through to the 1990s. “Miss Read has been part of my life for 50-odd years,” says Ron who has lived in the Salisbury area all his life. “I got inspired to bring her characters to life because they are so acutely and accurately observed,

although based on imaginary people, the residents of Thrush Green and their stories are totally authentic. I have tried hard to remain true to the original spirit and essence of the novel in my play.

I am grateful to Miss Read’s daughter and her editor for their encouragement and guidance.”

The play will premiere in May 2017 as part of the renowned Redlynch Players’ 60th anniversary production. It will be performed at Manor Farm Meadow, Hamptworth, and, as a member of Redlynch Players, Ron will also direct the play.

For more information about Redlynch Players and the performance visit www.redlynchplayers.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 9

City of Culture Salisbury is not only buzzing with a rich mix of art and culture but it’s a city that can boast a reputation as a fertile hotbed for emerging talent

By K at i e N ic hol ls

S

alisbury may be a small city but it has become a vital and vibrant hub on the artistic map of the south west. Every May Salisbury’s medieval walkways are flooded with performers as the Salisbury International Festival brings its wonderful circus to town – a time when local artists can mix with those from across the world. In February, Theatre Fest West has become a platform for young talent from the Wiltshire area, while Salisbury’s City Hall’s reputation as a venue that celebrates music of all genres keeps bringing back big-name artists that could fill venues twice the size.

Salisbury’s residents are also blessed with galleries, writers groups, plays and courses. Beyond into the rural communities, the artistic endeavours continue with art trails, festivals and performances.

Whether you’re a young playwright, musician or a visual artist, Salisbury has a growing reputation as a city that doesn’t just welcome artists from around the world but is become very adept at growing its own. There’s not enough space in these pages to feature all the wonderful events taking place throughout the region, so here’s a selection of some of the movers and shakers, galleries and venues and essential dates for your calendar…

ARTS & C U LT U R E TOP THREE

Jo Newman, Associate Director at Salisbury Playhouse says: “This festival is all about celebrating and championing the brilliant work that is being made across the south west. We’re really excited by this year’s programme; there’s something different every night and it’s a chance to experience the best new theatre being made right here in the region.”

A trio of events to whet your artistic appetite...

The Ageas International Festival

The arrival of summer is celebrated in Salisbury with an explosion of colour and music as the Ageas International Arts Festival floods the city with talent – both local and from around the world. “By filling every corner of Salisbury with art of every kind, the Festival is the perfect excuse to celebrate our city together,” says Festival Director Toby Smith.

“Whether you encounter the free street theatre that springs to life across the city, or the finest music in the Cathedral, or contemporary dance atop a multistorey car park, the programme is sure to surprise, challenge and inspire. And alongside our international artists there are many opportunities to take part yourself as well. It’s the perfect opportunity to bring the world to Salisbury and to show off our beautiful city to the world.” This year, the festival will take place between 26 May – 10 June.

www.salisburyplayhouse.com

Wylye Valley Arts Trail

Theatre Fest West

Joining forces with the Arts Centre, The Salisbury Playhouse’s annual showcase of talent from around the south west will take place between 10 February and 25 February.

In the mix this year are performances from Cornwall’s Pipeline Theatre (Spillikin – A Love Story, 24 February), shows for younger audiences (Bristol’s Kid Carpet’s Super Mega Rockin’ Rock Show – 15 February) and comedy from cabaret duo House of Blackewell with Thor & Loki (17 February), amongst many other events.

IT’S THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO BRING THE WORLD TO SALISBURY AND TO SHOW OFF OUR BEAUTIFUL CITY

Catherine Beale (top) and K Portman (bottom)– two artists showing their work at this year’s Wylye Valley Arts Trail

www.wvat.co.uk PHOTO BY ADRIAN HARRIS PHOTOGRAPHY

www.salisburyfestival.co.uk

Lovers of visual art are in for an absolute treat between 27 May and 4 June as the Wylye Valley Art Trail, the largest and most diverse open studios event in Wiltshire takes place in some of the region’s gorgeous countryside. There are 75 venues in locations from tiny rural outposts to bustling market towns all within a 10-mile radius of the centre of the Wylye Valley in south Wiltshire. Some artists are exhibiting in their own studios, others have grouped together to show in larger spaces, such as village halls and galleries. There are award-winning artists with an international clientele exhibiting close by others who are only just starting out along their creative path.

“Artists are, in the main, a fairly reclusive bunch, working as they often do in splendid isolation,” says Laura Rich, coordinator at the Wylye Valley Art Trail, “this offers both the visitor the chance to meet the artist and discuss their creative world and the artist the chance to get direct and hugely helpful feedback on their work. Many artists will be demonstrating their working techniques, and may even be encouraging visitors to have a go themselves in open sessions.” 

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

ARTS & C U LT U R E THE FAB FOUR

Let’s meet four of Salisbury’s creative moguls

The writer

Author, editor, ghost writer and lecturer Tom Bromley is a Salisbury resident who also sits in the driving seat of the Salisbury Writing Circle. He has penned four novels (plus short stories), numerous non-fiction books and ghost-written many titles for leading figures in sport and music. We grabbed half an hour with Tom to find out about what Salisbury can offer budding writers.

Why did you set up the Writing Circle?

I taught in Salisbury for a few years at the Arts Centre and Wiltshire college, so I knew there were a pool of people who didn’t want to do another course but wanted to carry on writing. There’s an established poetry group called Poetica and there’s script-writing at the Arts Centre but there wasn’t anyone doing anything more fiction based.

Local playwright Barney Norris; (below) Author Tom Bromley

Is there a large pool of writers in the city?

There’s a great community of talent in Salisbury.

Social media has been really helpful in them finding each other. Sometimes people need guidance with writing but sometimes they just need that little boost of confidence that they can do it. To find a group of writers in the same boat and to share work is really rewarding and helpful for their own writing.

What can people expect at the Writing Circle?

I keep the sessions free because I want it to be a resource for anyone who wants to try writing to come along. We do a workshop – looking at a particular theme – then we have a guest author along to speak, after which we all go to a nearby pub. There are authors in there who are published internationally, a few people who’ve gone down the self-publishing route as well as beginners.

What the plans for 2017?

We’ve got various writers booked in and we want to expand and grow. We also want to try and do some kind of writing project for the second half of the year but that’s yet to be decided. On 8 February we have Clare Fuller coming in to talk, on 8 March it’s Barney Norris and on 5 April Louise Voss is our guest.

Salisbury Writing Circle: Sarum College, 19 The Close, Salisbury; www.salisburywritingcircle.com

The Playwright

Thirty-year-old Barney Norris has enjoyed a spectacular trajectory in his short career – from serving drinks at the Playhouse to writing a play that’s being performed on the main stage (Echo’s End). After moving to Salisbury at the age of 10, Barney’s interest in theatre was developed into a fullblown obsession by the Playhouse’s Youth Theatre.

His first play, Visitors, won the Critics Circle Award for the Most Promising Playwright. His novel Five Rivers Met On A Wooded Plain is set on Salisbury Plain and his new play is also inspired by Wiltshire. Barney stepped out of rehearsals for Echo’s End to share his 12 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

thoughts on why his work is set in Wiltshire and the role of the theatre in the community.

What were your first experiences in the theatre?

I was in the youth theatre in the Playhouse, then I worked in the bar. I was an extra in shows. I did all the jobs. I worked on everything I could and then I came back a couple of years ago to write a play to tour local schools called Every You Every Me.

WILTSHIRE

FEELS TO ME LIKE VERY

EMBLEMATIC SHORTHAND FOR WHAT MANY

PEOPLE’S

LIVES ARE LIKE...

How does Salisbury inspire you creatively?

It is more to do with my own relationship with memory and the memories are set in Salisbury. I found my purpose as a writer when it became clear that the theatre’s drive to be an intelligent critique of contemporary mores means that they do sod all for people who live in our part of the world because we are experiencing un-glamorous troubles. Wiltshire feels to me like very emblematic shorthand for what many people’s lives are like and we’re not profoundly represented in the theatre.

Tell us about Echo’s End? It started as a story about what happened to Wiltshire in the First World War. It became about telling a story of a moment in history when working people, who had been largely underrepresented, were finding a voice. The Labour party was coming into being and the concept of social mobility emerges along with the First World War. That was an important beginning but also the tumultuous ending of a semi-feudal system of living on the land and being born into one particular life. From a Wiltshire perspective, it’s an amazing piece of territory to occupy because Wiltshire is the story of the army.

How does it feel to have a play on the main stage on the Playhouse?

It’s a huge sense of achievement. The first thing I did in 2001 was on that stage so to return there is very important to me. Hopefully, people will feel articulated by the play.

ARTS & C U LT U R E The Art Director

Nestled on the edge of Tisbury sits a rather impressive Grade-I tithe barn. There are claims that it’s the oldest in the country and its cathedral-like interior certainly confirms its status in its history as a very important hub for the community. Since autumn 2016, the barn has adopted a different, but still vital role, as an arts centre. The year ahead is packed with a schedule of thought-provoking exhibitions, installations and performances. Leading the charge is Johnny Messum – a man with a vision.

How did you become involved in art?

I wanted to be an artist when I was young. I went into Edinburgh to study history of art. When I left, I joined Christie’s and then the family business, Messums. It seemed like we’ve travelled quite far in terms of how we set art into white walls and it’s very London-centric. It seemed to me that a lot of creativity happened outside of London and that the process of making was probably easier to engage with in a building that wasn’t stripped bare to white. Being able to experience it in spaces that are unexpected is good from an audience point of view.

That’s my interest: finding those creative moments.

When we are looking for experiences, we want unique ones and when we’re looking for works of art, we want works of art that are elevated.

I’VE BEEN

VERY EXCITED BY THE WORK THAT WE’VE DONE FOR

YOUNGER

AUDIENCES

The Playhouse has a reputation as a theatre for more traditional performances?

Like any place there are a huge number of different voices. I’ve been very excited by the work that we’ve done for younger audiences, which has become a major strand of our work but also about just how bold are audiences are and how far they’ve been prepared to go with some of the choices that we’ve made. When I first arrived, the idea of even swearing on stage felt a little bit risky, but not at all! In terms of form and content, we’ve challenged our audiences much more than I thought we been able to.

What kind of work do you do with young people and emerging writers?

The key is making sure there are different points of access for young people at various stages. We do a huge amount of work with schools, such as free workshops in pre-school nurseries. We run a project called Beginner’s Please! for primary schools.

We have a massive youth theatre – around 300 people aged from 5 through to 18 and beyond. A big privilege of this job is to see the number of ex Stage ’65 (youth theatre) members who are now working in the industry. Echo’s End is a great example of that.

What role would you like Messums to play?

To develop the concept of the handmade and the making process – and that includes all art: fine art, music or ceramics. We hoped to build a place for artists to explore their ideas and see what germinates and for audiences to recognise that they’re coming to see something that is absolutely incredible that was created here. There is a strong educational side here too. If you’re bringing in cutting-edge events, that’s much more interesting to the young.

How does art work in this usual space?

It’s a really important place so the shows tend to respect the building. From a practical point of view, you have to be aware the history of the building.

There are certain things we won’t do, can’t do… wouldn’t do!

classic English comedy drama – what the Playhouse didn’t have was a strand of new work. We have a responsibility to give a voice to the city and the county so that’s been the big drive. Introducing new work in the studio but also on the main stage. Putting the south west voice literally on stage.

The Playhouse’s Gareth Machin; (below) Johnny Messum

What the plan for the next five years?

We’ve only just begun in terms of creating the kind of work that I’m talking about. There’s an awful lot more for us to do. The big development over the coming years will be the way that the various arts organisations in the city start working together more closely. It will create all sorts of new opportunities because the possibility for cross-art collaboration will be easier to achieve. 

www.messumswiltshire.com

The Theatre Director

Gareth Machin arrived at the Playhouse in 2011 after working as Associate Director at the National Theatre Studio. He brought with him a passion for regional theatre where, he says, “you have the opportunity to build a relationship with an audience over a long period time”. Gareth has played a key role in building on the Playhouse’s long-standing reputation for high-quality revivals whilst developing new work such as Chris Chibnall’s play Worst Wedding Ever and Barney Norris’ Echo’s End. Was it quite a change coming to the Playhouse after the National Theatre?

I took over a very thriving theatre with a fantastic reputation for producing high-quality revivals and www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 13

ARTS & C U LT U R E THE PLACE TO GO

Looking for artistic enrichment? Here are some of the area’s brightest creative hotspots and organisations

Salisbury Arts Centre

Art, theatre, music, film… Is there anything the Arts Centre doesn’t do? “We love the arts and we love people; we exist to bring them together,” they say.

“Our mission is to surprise, challenge and include people in thought-provoking creative experiences, because communities thrive when imaginations fly.” www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk

Salisbury Museum

Snuggled in the heart of the Cathedral Close, Salisbury Museum is known for its archeological collections from the Salisbury area but is also a hub that hosts touring exhibitions that celebrate the British countryside and way of life. “Together, we create inspiring experiences that enable our audiences to appreciate what is so special and significant about this landscape, and the people who have shaped it,” they say.

Sarum Studio

This independent school of fine art is headed by principal Nicholas Beer, who had previously been senior instructor at the Charles Cecil Studios in Florence. He offers training in the traditional methods of drawing and painting. www.sarumstudio.com

www.salisburymuseum.org.uk

Young Gallery

Salisbury Cathedral

The Gallery recently celebrated their centenary with a grant from the Arts Council England South West for a project called preSENSE, which aims to develop audiences and raise awareness for the gallery through a programme of new exhibitions and innovative participatory arts programmes.

The archeological jewel in Salisbury’s historical crown, the Cathedral plays an important role in the religious lives of the locals and runs an active art programme that has seen such luminaries as Bruce Monro bring his awe-inspiring Light Shower and Water-Towers light installations to the Cathedral.

www.younggallerysalisbury.co.uk

www.salisburycathedral.org.uk

Plain Arts

The leading visual arts network for Salisbury and the surrounding area offering member artists and arts organisations support and networking opportunities.

An artist-led organisation that attracts a diverse membership of over 200 artists living in Salisbury.

Hampshire Art and Craft (Rum’s Eg) Salisbury Plain Arts (top) and Fisherton Mill’s ever-popular cafe

This community-interest company is dedicated to supporting artists, promoting and conserving the rich pickings of art and craft in the region. Spread over three floors, visitors can expect a wide array of art on display, plus a great cafe and cake! www.hampshireartandcraft.org/

www.plainartssalisbury.co.uk

Minster Gallery

Located in the heart of Winchester, the Gallery shows figurative and abstract paintings and sculpture by contemporary British and international artists.

The Gallery also organises periodic one-man shows and group exhibitions. www.minstergallery.com

Fisherton Mill

A well-loved local artistic hotspot, this community of artist’s studios, café and a gift shop is also a welcome delight to visitors of Salisbury as they meander from the station into town. Local art and crafts, great cake and a warm welcome: what’s not to love! www.fishertonmill.co.uk

Wiltshire Museum

The wonderful Wiltshire Museum

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

Home to outstanding collections that trace the history of the area and its people over the last 6,000 years. Displays include spectacular treasures dating to the time of Stonehenge, plus Roman treasures and a Saxon Gallery exploring the orgins of the kingdom of Wessex. www.wiltshiremuseum.org.uk

Salisbury’s independent retailer for quality art supplies We stock Daler Rowney, Winsor & Newton, Derwent & Unison and lots more.

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Figurative and Abstract Paintings and Sculptures

by Contemporary British and International Artists

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WINTER WONDERS

Banish those winter bad hair days and save your hair in just one hour

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e can experience bad hair days at any time of the year but winter months have a particularly damaging effect on our locks. Cold dry air can lift the cuticle of the hair root, meaning loss of moisture. Add to this a windy day pulling your hair this way and that and your hair will suffer not only in appearance!

Foggy and damp days cause frizz. Add to this the constant change in temperature and our hair, just like our skin suffers and you can start to understand just why every day can become a bad hair day!

Ever suffered a day of static – where it looks like you have rubbed a balloon on your head? This is another side affect of winter hair, I’m afraid. You can help to address these issues at home but over conditioning can have the opposite effect and add to your problem.

The good news is there is a solution and you can save your hair in one hour with the new BOND Ultim8 now available at Nicky Wyatt Hair.

BOND Ultim8 is a complete bond protecting system that has fantastic benefits to your hair all year round, but especially winter. It provides a

deeply nourishing treatment, helps preserve hair fibres and prevent breakages.

Did you know that 91% of women do things that can cause hair damage every day? To combat this and the winter hair problems you are most likely experiencing BOND Ultim 8 is the solution. You can enjoy the in-Salon treatment with blow dry and take home treatment for just £45. It takes just one hour to enjoy this stand alone treatment, or can be used during and following a professional hair colour or lightening service (colour not included in price quoted).

Top tips for healthier hair this winter 1. Wear a hat or scarf on cold and windy days – even though you will suffer from bad hat hair!

2. A home deep conditioning treatment is a good way of keeping on top of winter hair, however, remember not all your hair may need this treatment.

3. Rinse off your conditioner with cooler water to help lock in moisture.

Better still, why not treat yourself this winter, relax in the calming new salon and let Nicky work her magic to banish your bad hair days!

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A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E H E A LT H & B E A U T Y

THIS IS ENGLAND SMITH ENGLAND – one of Salisbury’s leading hair salons

P

hil Smith is an award-winning hairdresser with over 30 years experience in the industry. Renowned as one of the most successful businessmen in hairdressing, it’s no surprise he decided to open Smith England. The salon has become a thriving business, and one of Salisbury’s leading hair salons. Set in a beautiful 15th Century building featuring antique furniture and period detailing, the space was designed to offer clients a firstclass home-from-home experience.

With a team of talented stylists and colourists, you'll feel confident their expertise and passion will guide you through your style choices and options. The latest addition to the team is Colour Technician, Louise Donnachie. With over ten years industry experience, she carries a wealth of experience and knowledge, and is on hand to update your colour in an instant.

“ONE OF THE VERY FEW HIGH STREET HAIRCARE BRANDS TO BE PART OF CRUELTY FREE INTERNATIONAL. THIS ORGANISATION IS DEDICATED TO ENDING ANIMAL TESTING” Whether it's a freshen up or complete change, Louise or the rest of the team are here to help.

In 2007, the Phil Smith BE GORGEOUS haircare ranged launched exclusively to Sainsbury’s stores nationwide. The awardwinning range offers over 35 salon-quality products at an affordable price. The brand is one of the very few high street haircare brands to be part of Cruelty Free International. This organisation is dedicated to ending animal testing for personal care and other consumer products worldwide. (Cruelty Free International also certifies companies under the international

Leaping Bunny programme, giving consumers piece of mind that products associated with this logo comply with the most rigorous international cruety-free standards).

To book an appointment or for a consultation with any of the team, please contact: 01722 324999; Smith England, 51 High Street, Salisbury, SP1 2PB

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

Dinghams Stoves & Chimneys Est. 1982

There are over 70 fireplaces, woodburning stoves and multi-fuel stoves on display in our main showroom in Salisbury.

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Music/theatre/film/more

SMALL TREASURES

We like the idea of sharing – whether that’s cake, a bit of gossip or, as it is in this case, some of the region’s ceramic treasures. Over the next 12 months, five leading museums of the Wessex Museums Partnership: Dorset County Museum, Poole Museum, Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, The Salisbury Museum and Wiltshire Museum will be sharing the story of Wessex in the wider world by showcasing an artefact from their own outstanding collections at the other partner museums.

As part of this collaborative endeavour, the Salisbury Museum is pleased to announce that until 15 February the object on display will be a ceramic dish from Poole Museum.

The Poole Pottery circular dish, decorated with a design of a Flying Boat in harbour scene is inscribed Port of Poole Empire Airways 1940. The dish was made and painted at Poole Pottery after a design by illustrator Arthur Bradbury.

Exhibitions Officer at Salisbury Museum, Joyce Paesen said: “This spotlight tour is the first result of our newly-founded partnership. I hope by looking at these wonderful objects and exploring their history, visitors will be encouraged to visit the other museums and discover their collections.”

Salisbury Museum: The King’s House, 65 The Close, Salisbury, SP1 2EN; 01722 332151; www.salisburymuseum.org.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 21

26 January – 17 February 2017

Amadeus screen lived from the National Theatre: a moving exhibition entitled Memories; wild times at the Banff Mountain Film Festival

Theatre 2 FEBRUARY – 25 FEBRUARY

WORST WEDDING EVER Hilarity abounds at the Salisbury Playhouse during February as the theatre’s original hit comedy, written by Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall, returns to the stage. With hopes of a dream wedding receding, Rachel’s mother hatches a brilliant plan… what could go wrong? 7.30pm.

Tickets: £9.50 - £25; 01722 320333 www.salisburyplayhouse.com 10 FEBRUARY – 25 FEBRUARY

THEATRE FEST WEST Now in its sixth year, Theatre Fest West will celebrate theatre from across the south west

region. Performances will take place across Wiltshire at Salisbury Playhouse, Salisbury Arts Centre, The Pound Arts Centre Corsham and Trowbridge Arts. Companies taking part this year include Theatre Alibi, Pipeline Theatre and, for family audiences, Stuff and Nonsense. Tickets: various; 01722 320333; www. salisburyplayhouse.com 6 FEBRUARY – 11 FEBRUARY

COMMUNICATING DOORS Time travel has never been as funny as in Alan Ayckbourn’s dizzying comedy of rotating doors, murdered wives and a dominatrix on the run. The women must pull together to try and change the course of history before they all come to a

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

grisly end. Tim Greathead, who directed last year’s hard-hitting Female Transport is again in charge with a strong cast and crew. Tickets: £10; 01722 342860 studiotheatre.org.uk

Comedy 17 FEBRUARY

THOR & LOKI Norse poetry may not be the obvious source for chuckles but award-winning comedy cabaret duo House of Blakewell can sprinkle their humour over everything and anything. They’ll be heading to Salisbury to craft a musical out of the Norse Edda and then they invite you to share their work, premiering new songs, scenes, jokes and

dancing. 6pm in The Playhouse Rehearsal Room. Tickets: Free in advance; 01722 320333 www.salisburyplayhouse.com

Exhibitions 27 JANUARY – 25 FEBRUARY

MEMORIES This moving group show will explore how different artists respond to the idea of memory, memories and memory loss through the work of artists such as Jenni Dutton and Mirka GoldenHann. Jenni has documented her mother through her Dementia Darnings portraits to create emotionally-resonant visual representation of dementia. Free entry. 10am – 3pm; 01722 321744; www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk

W H AT ’ S O N

ARTS

Film 2 FEBRUARY

AMADEUS Music. Power. Jealousy. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a rowdy young prodigy arrives in Vienna, the music capital of the world – and he’s determined to make a splash.

Broadcast live from the National Theatre with live orchestral accompaniment by Southbank Sinfonia. 7pm; Tickets: £16/£14; 01722 321744; www. salisburyartscentre.co.uk 22 FEBRUARY

BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL Packed with high-adrenaline movies and talks from some of the world’s bravest explorers, this promises to be an inspiring evening. The festival will return on 31 March. Tickets: £13/£11.50 concessions; 01722 434434; www.cityhallsalisbury.co.uk

Music 4 FEBRUARY

SMALL FIRE OF WINTER STARS Nicholas Woods and Gill Bolton perform a warming concert of solos and duets (Bach, Schubert

Allan Yn Y Fan bring their foot-stomping show to the Arts Centre; Martha Wainwright – a performance not to be missed

and Mendelssoh) – a perfect musical accompaniment for a winter’s afternoon. 4.30pm; Tickets: £9/£6; St Martins Church, Salisbury; 01722 33328; www.musicinsalisbury.co.uk 17 MARCH

ALLAN YN Y FAN A Welsh band playing for a

Twmpath in England on St Patrick’s Day? Why not?! The Twmpath (ceilidh) version of the band is making its first visit to Salisbury Arts Centre and are intent on putting some good old Welsh ‘hwyl’ into the St Patrick’s Day ceilidh. It promises to be a footstomping celebration. 8pm.

Tickets: £12/£10; 01722 321744 www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk

1 FEBRUARY

MARTHA WAINWRIGHT Sister to Rufus Wainwright and a renowned artist in her own right, Martha brings her arsenal of beautiful and powerful country-tinged songs to Salisbury. 8pm.

Tickets: £29.50, £24.50 and £21.50; 01722 434434; www. cityhallsalisbury.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 23

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MUSIC

ARTS

HAVE A GOOD TIME. ENJOY THE MUSIC AND LISTEN TO THE

ECHOES...

ALYSSA GRAHAM

The Grahams checking out the US rail network

RAILROAD TROUBADOURS

Husband-and-wife team The Grahams bring their evocative brand of Americana to middle England

R

olling into Salisbury this March is Americana duo, The Grahams, bringing with them the ambience of the wide-open prairie and the chugging rhythms of the American railroad all with a tip of the hat to forbearers Woody Guthrie, Lead Belly and Bob Dylan.

Alyssa and Doug Graham have spent most of their lives together – friends from the age of seven, then a couple as teenagers and now man and wife – as well as being a tour de force in the Americana scene. Their 2013 debut album Riverman’s Daughter documentated the couple’s journey as they travelled the Mississippi’s Great River Road. On this outing the pair will be airing their latest album, Glory Bound.

Released in 2015, Glory Bound can boast Grammy-nominated producer Wes Sharon at its helm and it traces the long-standing relationship between the railroad and American roots music.

“After we recorded Riverman’s Daughter, we were listening to a lot of Woody Guthrie,” Alyssa explains. “The song Farmer Labor Train kept sticking in our minds, so we wanted to write a song about trains. We wrote Glory Bound, then decided that we really wanted

to ride the trains in honor of Guthrie, Lead Belly and other old folk legends who used the train system to bring voices together.”

Supporting this theme, The Grahams will also be screening their musical documntary Rattle The Hocks, which follows the troubadours as they go on their musical journey of discovery.

“The river was the original way that people got around and moved through the country, and moved music around the country,” says Doug. “The rivers are the veins. And now, here we are on trains, the next means of motion, the arteries of America that brought people and music and cultures together. So that had to be the next progression for us.”

Onstage, The Grahams’ foot-stomping performance is as much about their synchronicity as musicians, friends and lovers as it is about playing for the moment and just seeing what happens.

“Our songs are pretty simple,” says Alyssa. “Just feel something.

Have a good time. Enjoy the music and listen to the echoes.”

The Grahams perform at Salisbury Arts Centre at 8pm (doors and bar open 7.15pm) on March 3 2017. Tickets are £12 and £10 for concessions, available from Salisbury Arts Centre box office on 01722 321744 or online at www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 25

F EX ATX UR X XE X XI N T E R I O R S

SPECIAL

SONG of the

HUMAN Exploring themes of tribalism and the universality of the human experience, Pete M Wyer débuts his new choral composition in a rather special Wiltshire barn

By K AT I E N IC HOL LS

26 LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk 42 II SALISBURY CLIFTON LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

MUSIC

All-visual realisation of Song of the Human’s ‘iForest’.

All make sense now?

I WAS

STRUCK

BY THE VERY SIMPLE EMOTIONS OF LOVE AND FEAR AND HOPE

THAT ARE COMMON TO ALL PEOPLE. THIS PIECE IS A REMINDER OF

THAT

T

he twitter of birdsong, children babbling, the rustle of the wind in branches and the spine-tingling rise of a chorus: these are the sounds visitors to the immersive sonic installation, Song of the Human, will experience when they visit Messums art gallery in Tisbury between February 11 and March 5. What they won’t hear, though, is the sound of the spoken word. The motivation of composer Pete M Wyer was to strip away language from this choral piece and drill down to a more atavistic level to reveal what he calls the ‘song of the human’.

“The idea came about when I was on a train journey from Sydenham to London Bridge and a couple got on next to me,” says Pete who’s sitting in his small studio dwarfed by 20 large speakers while he finishes the mixes for the installation.

“It was clear that they were having an argument.

I have no idea what language they were speaking but during the conversation there were all sorts of things that were clearly were going on between them. Everything I learnt about what was happening was from what I call the music of his and her voice.”

This train of thought developed further when Pete started to notice a correlation between this human ‘song’ and birdsong. The theory already had some substantial weight. Charles Darwin believed that birdsong was the closest thing in nature to human language. Then Pete learned about Professor Shigeru Miyagawa of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who has developed the theory that the expressive layer of human speech is evolved from birdsong.

Building on the scientific thought, in Song of the Human Pete explores the emotional resonance that’s revealed when you take away language.

“One of the main motivators for me – since I’ve called it Song of the Human – was that once you strip away words, you are left with something that is common to all people. I found that very encouraging. I was writing the piece in 2016, which most people would agree – whatever their politics – was a very divisive year. At that same time I was looking at everything with this project

ARTS

and I was struck by the very simple emotions of love and fear and hope that are common to all people. This piece is a strong reminder of that.”

The topical nature of Song of the Human digs further still as it explores the tribal tendencies of human beings. How we are prone to separate ourselves into camps of ‘us and them’. “It’s another thing that we’ve inherited over millions of years and it’s extremely destructive,” says Pete.

“We tend to group people – not by the fact that they have a common humanity – but through some cultural difference.”

The compositional structure of Song of the Human is complex. Messums describes the piece as ‘a choral work within an immersive soundscape’. As visitors enter Messums they are walking into an ‘iForest’ that features 16 independent speakers that create an experience taking the listener through seven movements that feature the sounds of, amongst other things, the dawn chorus, a folk song from an imaginary tribe (the Yurps) and solos depicting grief.

“I wanted to draw on those common emotions in the choral score and so a lot of that led me down into creating something of an emotional journey as well as philosophical one. There are quite complex aspects to the score because it’s not for a choir standing on a stage – although it was done that way in New York – it’s for an immersive soundscape.”

Pete made some early trips out to the woods to make field recordings of natural sounds. “I went out in April to Cornwall, London and Suffolk with nine stereo devices, so 18 lines of audio. I went with physical maps of space that myself and my assistant would mark out. We would stake out woodland areas and measure out these spaces and then record the locations. So, I’d have all nine devices in nine different places but all in one vicinity and I’d have them recording simultaneously so that when you play them back with the multiple speakers you get a pretty authentic experience of what it’s like to stand in woodland with the dawn chorus. It’s probably my favourite part of the project. I was sort of dreading it because I’m not a morning person and I’ve got to get up at three in the morning with a load of kit, but it was actually lovely.”

Aside from a choral-only version performed at the Winter Gardens in New York, this installation is a world premiere and another example of some of the many exciting projects coming up at Messums. It’s free to enter and on Friday 10 February between 6-8pm, Pete will be part of a Q&A session with Nick Hough, Global Managing Director of Christies when visitors can also enjoy an excerpt from the installation.

Messums Wiltshire, Place Farm, Court St, Tisbury, Salisbury, Wiltshire. SP3 6LW; 01747 445042; messumswiltshire.com

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

It Must Be Love Oh, swoon! As Valentine’s Day rolls around again, here at Salisbury Life, we’ve been searching out the best ways to treat the most special person in your life on the most romantic day of the year

By Pe t r a W h i t e l e y

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

VA L E N T I N E ’ S D AY

S

pring is stirring in Wiltshire. The snowdrops are beginning to peek above the earth, the song thrush can be heard in the morning chorus and, yes, we do believe that sweet scent in the air is love. More than just a day for the romantically-minded to bask in the warm glow of love, we believe that Valentine’s Day is an opportunity for everyone to mark the first thaw of winter with an expression of affection.

The origins of Valentine’s Day stretch back much further than Hallmark cards. Since the Middle Ages, February 14 has become the day to indulge your nearest and dearest with all they desire.

Of course, there are many ways to express your appreciation for the ones you love. A bunch of beautiful blooms, a box of the sweetest treats or a night at one of this county’s many magical hotels.

Looking for inspiration? Feeling the love? Read on!

BLOOMIN’ MARVELLOUS

WE BELIEVE THAT VALENTINE’S DAY IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EVERYONE TO MARK THE FIRST THAW OF WINTER WITH AN EXPRESSION OF AFFECTION

Giving flowers on Valentine’s Day is as traditional as eating turkey at Christmas – and with good reason. A beautiful bunch of blooms can stir both the emotions and the senses, so it’s a win win gift for those hoping to get the heart strings a-fluttering. It’s an opportunity to get creative too, say florists Paloma Lily who warn that opting for a safe dozen red roses won’t get temperatures rising. “On canvassing a broad cross section of friends and family (married couple, gay couple, single man and first-love teenager),” says Pauline, “it was agreed that red roses lacked imagination and were generally a ‘cop-out’! This little survey is consistent with Valentine’s Day at Paloma Lily over the last couple of years.” Before you relegate the red rose to the bin, however, there are options to keep this stalwart bloom in the mix. “It is definitely worth investing in the beautiful Red Naomi rose; ruby hued and velvet in texture with an open and voluptuous appearance. This is Paloma Lily’s best-selling red bloom but mixed with red anemones, burgundy tulips, lime green viburnum and lots of foliage steps away from a traditional look and screams red-rose revival.”

Ted Martin in Tisbury agrees that adding a creative element to your bouquet will earn Brownie points. “Ever since opening back in 2002 I have tried to encourage men to be a bit original and not just go for the dozen red roses that so many people associate with Valentine’s Day,” says Ted. “Often they would be reluctant, thinking alternative colours might not say the right thing, but the feedback we have had over the years has just confirmed what I have always thought: that us girls love pretty, feminine things.” It works both ways too, says Ted, who recognizes that men also like receiving flowers on Valentine’s Day. “For the last few years I have

Ted Martin of Tisbury offer hand-picked bouquets, beautifully presented and tied up with a bow

been trying to encourage women to send their partners flowers, it’s definitely a growing trend.”

A word to the wise: if you’re going to give flowers, keep driving past the ESSO garage and head straight for a local florist where the service is personal and creativity is paramount: “We believe that flowers should be prepared with passion and skill designed by our in house florist and delivered to your loved one by hand with care by our own delivery driver,” says Shirley Snells who offer bespoke hand wrapped and arranged bouquets for Valentine’s Day. Shirley Snells: www.shirleysnellsflorist.co.uk 01722 323996, Milford Street, Salisbury; Ted Martin: www. tedmartinflowers.co.uk, www.tedmartinflowers. co.uk, High Street, Tisbury; Gullicks: www. gullicksflorists.co.uk, 01722 336575, Fisherton St, Salisbury; Paloma Lily: www.palomalily.com, 01722 411557, Butcher Row, Salisbury

TAKE ME AWAY

Wiltshire is blessed with a wonderful landscape that is peppered with some truly unique hotels – from the grandiose to the boutique. Anyone itching to make a big romantic gesture should consider this as the ultimate Valentine’s Day experience: luxurious rooms, delicious V-day menus and an intimate atmosphere – a sure fire way to tick all the romantic boxes 

Say it with flowers: a romantic heart wreath by Paloma Lily

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

Let’s make a weekend of it Valentine’s Weekend Menu

Saturday 11th – Tuesday 14th February From 6pm

Four Courses & a glass of prosecco £27.95 per person

Live Music From 7pm

Saturday 11th & Tuesday 14th

VALENTINE’S WEEKEND MENU

Available Saturday 11th – Tuesday 14th February £27.95 per person • Booking essential Glass of Prosecco on Arrival

AMUSE BOUCHE Leek & potato soup, truffle popcorn STARTER Cornish Orchards steamed mussels, rosemary focaccia A sharer for two Crayfish cocktail, Marie Rose sauce, tomato jelly, avocado puree Ham hock terrine, piccalilli, Bertinet bread Balsamic roasted figs, goat’s cheese, honey, chicory MAIN COURSE Roasted sea bream, tomato, butterbean & chorizo cassoulet Corn fed chicken supreme, wild mushroom, pearl barley risotto, spinach Wild mushroom & spinach gnocchi, parmesan, sage 10oz Hampshire rib eye steak, hand cut chips, bone marrow butter, watercress & shallot salad (£5 supplement) DESSERT Pear & almond tart, Fuller’s buffalo milk vanilla ice cream Seville orange & chocolate cheesecake, Fuller’s orange choc chip ice cream Vanilla panna cotta, plum compote, shortbread

VA L E N T I N E ’ S D AY on 14 February. Each hostelry boasts its own unique personality and atmosphere as well as, of course, a delicious Valentine menu.

If you want to explore the romantic city of Salisbury and soak up its historical legacy, The Chapter House can boast an 800-year long heritage as the stone for Salisbury Cathedral was cut in what is now the hotel’s restaurant. Pretty impressive! They also offer en-suite rooms with original panelling and fireplaces and plenty of contemporary comfort. Oh, and add to that a healthy dose of warm, friendly staff and a great menu of traditional fare.

Just outside the city, lovers will find a romantic haven in Howard’s House hotel in Teffont – a picture postcard village populated with thatched cottages and surrounded by idyllic English countryside.

Between 10-15 February, Howard’s House is offering a Valentine’s experience of champagne, canapes and a six-course tasting menu, or take advantage of the two night Romance Package (£550 for two), which includes dinner each night and breakfast each morning plus the six-course Valentine’s tasting menu and a half bottle of champagne in your room upon arrival.

A little further from Salisbury is the quaint village of Tisbury. Sitting on the outskirts of this much-loved village is the Beckford Arms – restaurant, pub, hotel and now a fixture on many a list of ‘best places to eat and stay in Wiltshire’. Its warm, cosy and carefully considered interior is equally stylish and relaxed.

Such is the customer service here that if you come and stay more than once the staff will remember your name. Great food and comfortable rooms make it a lovely place to spend a romantic night or two.

For those seeking a big hotel experience complete

with spa, therapies and grandiose surrounds to peruse, then Bishopstrow has all this and much more. With a large spa, 27 acres of landscape to explore and an award-winning restaurant, couples are fully catered for at the hotel, which is just a sniff away from Longleat Safari Park (if you want to sprinkle a frisson of wild adventure into your weekend). This year, Bishopstrow are offering a Valentine’s package on the 14th with a four-course meal and a night’s stay for £139.50 per person. On 10-11 February, Bishopstrow is also offering an exclusive two-night stay with dinner included for just £249.50 per person. Both offers include access to their luxury spa facilities and a delicious full English breakfast.

LUXURIOUS

ROOMS, DELICIOUS MENU AND

AN INTIMATE ATMOSPHERE: ALL THE V-DAY

The Chapter House: thechapterhouseuk.com, 01722 341277, St John’s St, Salisbury; Howard’s House: www. howardshousehotel.co.uk, 01722 716392, Teffont Evais; Beckford Arms: www.beckfordarms.com, 01747 870385, Fonthill Gifford; Bishopstrow: www.bishopstrow.co.uk, 01985 878903, Warminster

OH, YUMMY…

“All you need is love,” said Peanuts creator Charles M Schulz, “But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” True – but it’s even better if you have both, which is why Valentine’s Day and chocolate go hand in hand like the perfect couple. True love doesn’t always require grand gestures and a sweet gift can melt your lover’s heart and be kind on the pocket. Is there anything more precious than a box of handcrafted sweet treats – especially when they’ve been made a local artisan? Salisbury-based bakery Reeves is a well-known fixture for all you lovers of speciality bread but did you know they whip up 

BOXES TICKED!

The romantic Howard’s House in Teffont makes for an ideal V-Day experience just outside the city

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 31

Beach Lingerie Silk High Street, Stockbridge SO20 6HF 01264 810888 www.undercoverintimates.co.uk

H

RD

I

NG

R

H YT

E EV

High Street, Stockbridge, Hampshire SO20 6HF Telephone: (01264) 810366 www.gaynorstockbridge.com

TO

GO

Y –B

3

M

C AR

VA L E N T I N E ’ S D AY

BLING, BLING Say it with silver, go for gold and give your lover a little bit of extra sparkle with a gift of jewellery…

1

3 2

La Patisserie Macarons package up their colourful treats in beautifully stylish gift boxes. One way to earn some extra Valentine points

a mighty fine treat for Valentine’s too? Pop into their Salisbury or Warminster bakeries for a selection of jammy, gooey, yummy pastries and biscuits for a V-Day indulgence.

Wiltshire chocolate-makers Lick The Spoon are currently riding high with their award as Supreme Champion at the Taste of the West awards – the first time a Wiltshire maker has been a recipient of the award. They’ve got a lovely selection of choccy treats – from a box for serious lovers, to a cheeky range of Valentine’s themed chocolate lollipops if you fancy giving a gift with plenty of cute factor. Salisbury-based chocolatier Robert Lewis also has a range of melt-in-the-mouth Valentine’s delights from his shop based in the Britford Farm Shop.

If you’re looking for a treat with a difference, New Forest macaroon makers, La Patisserie Macarons is a delightful, colourful idea that taste swoon-worthy and look pretty amazing too.

“Handcrafted Parisian Macarons are a luxurious treat,” says maker Sophie, “a perfect alternative to traditional Valentine’s chocolates, available in an array of colours and exquisite flavours.”

Reeves: www.reevethebaker.co.uk, Silver St, Salisbury and Market Place, Warminster; Lick The Spoon: www.lickthespoon.co.uk, 01225 811125; Robert Lewis: www.britfordfarmshop.co.uk, 01722 413400, Lower Rd, Britford; La Patisserie Macarons: www.lapatisseriemacaron.co.uk, 07717 763557

1. Pearl drop, £31 Helen Burgess bird and pink pearl necklace From Fisherton Mill 2. Love heart, £150 Silver and diamond by Links of London From Allum & Sidaway 3. In bloom, £67 Small rose earrings in sterling silver. Also available as studs.

From Elinor Cambray

4

5

4. Sweet rose, £1,250 18ct rose gold morganite and diamond earrings From Allum & Sidaway 5. Entwine solitaire ring, £290 Entwine solitaire ring in 9ct yellow gold and garnet From Elinor Cambray www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 33

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.

NEW DINNER MENU

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

AUTHENTIC WOOD FIRED PIZZA WEDDINGS • CORPORATE • FESTIVALS • PIZZA PARTY ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! SO FULL OF FLAVOUR

SERIOUSLY THE BEST PIZZA I’VE EVER HAD





4 - 9PM EVERY FRIDAY IN SALISBURY FOOTBALL CLUB’S CAR PARK FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 01722 330508 OR 07760197647

a d v e r t i s i n g f e at u r e F o o d & d r i n k

Meet the Chef Planning on taking your lover out for a meal on Valentine’s night? Take a tip from some of Salisbury’s best chefs on how to raise the temperature!

Nick Lamb

Dave Basher

What’s on the menu for Valentine’s night?

We have an enticing three-course set menu for only £24.95 each which includes a free bottle of Champagne per couple. It’s certainly a tempting offer for a feast of love!

What’s on the menu for Valentine’s night?

Self-indulgence! Everything from oysters, chateaubriand, a chocolate platter to share and pink Champagne jelly. Our threecourse Valentine’s food fest offers fantastic value!

Which culinary tricks will you be using to get the temperature rising?

We’ll be focusing on setting an intimate atmosphere in the restaurant with the right kind of music, candles and, of course, the bubbles. Everything to make the evening something special.

Which culinary tricks will you be using to get the temperature rising?

On the biggest date night of the year, the key ingredient is ambiance. The Bell Inn is perfect for being cosy and intimate with the roaring log fire.

What’s your favourite food to make for lovers?

Dishes that couples can share and take their time over. There’s food that allegedly gets you into the romantic spirit and the French certainly know how to do it, so I often take influence from them.

So probably something boozy with dark chocolate – simple, yet decadent.

George & Dragon, Castle Street SP1 3SP; 01722 333122; www.georgeanddragonpub.co.uk

What’s your favourite food to make for lovers?

I’ve tried to include some sexy food into the menu choices and for the steak lovers, it’ll be cooked just the way they like it.

Anything you wouldn’t make for a Valentine’s meal?

Escargot! Or anything with too much garlic!

Oysters or chocolate: which is the better aphrodisiac?

It just has to be chocolate; you can have lots of fun with it!

Ooh la la!

The Bell Inn, Bramshaw, New Forest SO43 7HE, 02380 812214; www.bellinn-newforest.co.uk

Anything you wouldn’t make for a Valentine’s meal?

I’d probably avoid making anything with garlic!

Oysters or chocolate: which is the better aphrodisiac?

It’s impossible to choose as both are a fabulous treat!

Kate Jarvis

Ewe Tree Café & Bar, Beacon House, Amesbury Road SP4 0EW; 01980 629 438; www.ewetreecafe.com

What’s on the menu for Valentine’s night?

We are really focusing on sourcing all of our ingredients from local independent businesses, ensuring high quality food is served.

Which culinary tricks will you be using to get the temperature rising?

Flambé! Always looks impressive, gets the temperature rising and creates the perfect taste to a steak sauce! And, of course, cooking with lots of love.

What’s your favourite food to make for lovers?

Passion fruit, just the name says it all! And everything else we have on our menu of course!

Anything you wouldn’t make for a Valentine’s meal?

Something with too much emphasis on garlic. Or maybe something sticky and fiddly, like BBQ ribs or something, not the most attractive look, BBQ sauce stuck in your teeth!

Oysters or chocolate: which is the better aphrodisiac?

Oysters, definitely! Chocolate is more of a common treat, oysters really make an occasion feel special and unique!

Michele Mirabile

The Compasses Inn, Damerham, Hampshire SP6 3HQ; 01725 518231; www.compasses inndamerham.co.uk What’s on the menu for Valentine’s night?

Michele will be serving some romantic delights on our Valentine’s menu, such as rack of lamb and sea bass or chateaubriand and seafood mixed grill on our special sharing menu.

Which culinary tricks will you be using to get the temperature rising?

We have spiced up the bisque on the sea bass and added some strawberry chilli vinegrette to the oysters, which are of course the perfect aphrodisiac.

What’s your favourite food to make for lovers?

It would definitely be something that you don’t, or can’t eat every day, such as the chateaubriand, the scallops or the rack of lamb, all cooked with complete Italian passion and love.

Oysters or chocolate: which is the better aphrodisiac?

This would definitely depend on who you were dining with.

Maybe a spicy or chilli chocolate, something that you could feed to your date.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 35

FOOD

RECIPES

TASTE OF THE SEA Go with your lover, mum or friend – Valentine’s Day is for everyone! Head chef at The Ox Row Inn, Chris Castle’s sea bream with cassoulet dish will make your heart melt FOR THE CASSOULET Ingredients 250g chorizo 400g dried butter beans 1 large onion 1 clove of garlic 2 carrots 3 sticks of celery 1 bay leaf 30g flat parsley 10g thyme 1/2 cinnamon stick 1 star anise 20ml white cooking wine 1 small tin of chopped tomatoes 1/2 vegetable stock cube 250ml water Pinch of salt Pinch of ground white pepper

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

Method 1, In a hot pan, fry the chorizo to extract the oil, once done, remove from the pan and put to one side.

2. In the oil, fry the diced onion, garlic, celery & carrot.

3. Once softened, add the white wine, herbs, vegetable stock, tomato: bring to the boil.

4. Add the white beans and return the chorizo, place on a tray and bake in the oven with foil on top for about 40 minutes at 180ºC. 5. Once cooked, remove from the oven, taste, rectify seasoning SEA BREAM Ingredients Tablespoon of vegetable oil Pinch of cooking salt Pinch of white pepper 2 black bream: filleted scaled and pin boned

15g salted butter 1/4 lemon

Method 1. Check for and remove any remaining bones.

2. Place the oil into a cold non-stick pan and turn the heat to medium.

3. Season the fish fillet and place skin side down into the pan.

4. Slowly increase heat and cook for 2 minutes.

5. Add the butter and a squeeze of lemon juice, turn over and finish either in the pan on a low heat, taking care to not overcook the fish.

RECIPES

FOOD

A LITTLE LOVE

Valentine’s Day is a time to get sweet. Share the passion with Chris Castle’s creamy and divine panna cotta recipe VANILLA PANNA COTTA Ingredients 300ml double cream 100ml semi-skimmed milk 1 vanilla pod 50g caster sugar 1 gelatine leaf Method 1. Place the cream, milk, vanilla pod and sugar in a pan and bring to the boil. Soften the gelatine in cold water, squeeze out and then add to the hot mixture and whisk.

2. Strain the mix and pour into a bowl.

Allow to nearly set then stir the mix to disperse the vanilla seeds, then pour into the moulds or kilner jars to serve.

3. Allow to set in a fridge

PLUM COMPOTE Ingredients 250g plums 75g caster sugar 25g butter Method 1. Caramelise the butter and the sugar. Add the plums then stew for 20 minutes 2. Cool and store ready for serving.

SHORTBREAD Ingredients 200g unsalted butter 1ml natural extract of vanilla 100g caster sugar 300g plain flour

Recipes thanks to Ox Row Inn, Salisbury; 10-11 Ox Row, Salisbury; 01722 349033; theoxrowinn.co.uk

Method 1. Soften the butter to room temperature and cream together with the sugar and vanilla. Sift in the flour gently until it binds together. Flour your hands and gently knead until just smooth (do not over-work).

2. To make the dough easier to roll – and if you have time – wrap in cling film and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

3. On a floured board, roll out the dough to 5–6mm thick and cut into your chosen shapes. If the shortbread is to be frozen, lay the biscuits between sheets of baking parchment in a freezer container. They need to be defrosted for 1 hour before baking.

4. Heat the oven to 170ºC. 5. Place the shortbreads on two baking sheets lined with baking parchment and cook for 5-10 minutes. Remove and sprinkle with a little more sugar. Leave to cool before storing in an airtight container. www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 37

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

R E S TA U R A N T

FOOD

The Bell Inn A trip deep into the New Forest on a freezing January night was rewarded with a meal that warmed the cockles

By N E V I L L E M A RT E N

T

he first glimpse of an establishment can lift the heart or dampen the spirit. But on the cold and foggy January evening when I visited the Bell Inn with work colleague David, its immaculate red brick frontage with cream sash windows looked so welcoming that we couldn’t wait to get in and sample its delights.

Although not obvious from this charming Georgian exterior, the Bell is actually a 28-room hotel as well as a local country pub and restaurant. In the Crosthwaite-Eyre family for over 230 years it lies in the village of Brook, towards the northern edge of the New Forest within easy striking distance of Salisbury (20 minutes on the A36). With close historical ties to the forest the majority of the produce served is sourced locally.

The Oak Room where we were to dine was at the end of the entrance corridor, on the left. But walking past the main bar on the right we couldn’t resist a peek. With logs simmering away in a big inglenook fireplace the early evening drinkers were settling in. But our table was ready and Russell, one of three pleasant staff we met, ushered us to our seats.

Surveying the scene from our corner position we noticed how the chic décor complemented the traditional features: terracotta walls, oak beams, French grey and cream tables with scrubbed oak tops and another huge fireplace all gave the impression that we’d stumbled on something rather nice.

Our drinks arrived – delicious Malbec and Merlot – and this time waiter Jack took our food order. Chef Dave Basher has created an uncomplicated but tempting menu with starters such as Bell Inn scotch egg, tempura prawns, beef carpaccio, and Hampshire pork and black pudding fritters; main courses including wild boar schnitzel, Warren’s Estate pheasant breast, or roasted root vegetable and spinach lasagna. There’s a selection of pub favourites too such as beef burger, fish and chips, rump steak, venison pasty and classic fish pie.

David decided on duck parfait with orange chutney to start while I opted for wild mushrooms with garlic butter

THE THREE-CHEESE PLATTER OF ROSARY GOAT, ISLE OF WIGHT BLUE AND SOMERSET BRIE WITH QUINCE JELLY, WALNUTS AND GRAPES WENT DOWN A TREAT

and duck yolk on the same toasted country loaf. I plumped for turbot on creamy mash as my main, while David chose Swallowfields beef medallions with mash, greens and forest mushrooms. We noted that it was just 7pm and already half the tables were occupied – a heartening sign.

I can still taste those delicious mushrooms and perfectly cooked duck yolk – an ideal foil for the rich garlic butter and savoury toast. The textures worked really well too, as did the addition of an edible garnish of green pea shoots.

David’s duck liver parfait arrived on a rustic wooden platter. He loved how the paté’s richness was offset by the chutney’s sweet but tangy flavour. We washed down our final mouthfuls with a swig of red, waitress Caitlin collected our empty plates and we expectantly awaited the main event. David had ordered red meat but I wanted fish, not only because I adore the stuff but also because it offered another side to the restaurant’s repertoire. I’d fancied the local Lymington soul but waiter Russell suggested the turbot might be more robust after those tasty mushrooms. He was right. Its meaty texture and delicate but flavoursome flesh blended just right with the creamy mash and eggy Hollandaise. Crispy green beans completed the flavour-fest with a refreshing crunch.

David prefers his steak on the rare side of medium and that’s exactly how it came. It looked melt-in-the-mouth delicious in its rich, dark gravy with greens and mushrooms on the side. He relished each mouthful, intermittently cleansing his palate with Merlot before tucking back in. We both agreed it had been a great main course and debated whether there was room for dessert.

Neither of us needed more but a selection of local cheeses duly arrived for David and lemon tart with churned vanilla ice cream for me. I would have preferred crunchier pastry, but there was no denying the taste – I have to confess though, it beat me by a forkful. David’s three-cheese platter of Rosary goat, Isle of Wight blue and Somerset brie with quince jelly, walnuts and grapes went down a treat. Not a crumb left!

We said our ‘thank-yous’ and on the way out Russell showed us the bar’s array of fine ales, ciders, lagers and whiskies. If you’re a gin lover, he added, the place has something of a reputation for this particular spirit.

The forest was still foggy as we left. “I’m so full,” I motioned, passing a lone pony on the road. “So am I,” David replied – “but in a nice way.” Yes, I’ll go with that!

Since our visit the Oak Room has been refurbished and a new menu installed with dishes such as duck egg crumpet (starter), liver and bacon bubble and squeak, and chicken and smoked bacon Kiev. I’ll be back to try it out – and soon!

DINING DETAILS The Bell Inn, Brook, Lyndhurst, Hampshire, SO43 7HE; 023 8081 2214; www.bellinn-newforest.co.uk/ Prices Dinner prices for a starter begin at £6, mains at £12 and pudding at £6 Vegetarian choice Veggie options are good but limited in number Disabled access Ramp into the pub, eight ground floor rooms, one with disabled walk-in shower Service/atmosphere charming, relaxed

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 39

Kate Stacey at in-toto kitchens is very excited to present the new in-toto products for 2017. in-toto is ahead of the 2017 kitchen trends with its latest product developments and fresh design features. Grained wood-effects in a spectrum of shades from stylish Stone Oak-effect, to crisp and refreshing Katthult Pine-effect (pictured), and high-gloss doors in bright ‘pops’ of red, perfectly capture the interiors trend for using mixed materials.

Available in our high-street studio on Catherine Street, new doors in stylish muted blue and grey tones in a matt lacquer finish are evocative of Dulux’s ‘Colour of the Year’ – Denim Drift, and subtle cashmere and beige colours provide a sophisticated canvas for adding contrasting accent features.

Visit in-toto kitchens design studio on Catherine Street, Salisbury to meet designers Hania and Kate and discover more about the new ranges.

Call 01722 238177 or visit www.intoto.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN ROSE

Fashion/gifts/stores/more

WHIPPED DREAMS

What a mouth-watering array of goodies. While they look good enough to eat, these delights are, in fact, bathtime treats made by The Wild Olive company and you can find them in Salisbury’s ethical emporium, Goodfayre. The Wild Olive company is committed to making all its products without chemicals – so they smell great and are kind to your skin. And as a small, family-run company they make each swirl by hand, so each one is full of love, care and attention. Find all the flavours and much more from The Wild Olive company (www.wild-olive.co.uk). To find out everything you ever wanted to know about Goodfayre, turn to page 45.

Wild Olive products are stocked in Goodfayre, Crosskeys Shopping Centre Queen Street; 17 Queen St, Salisbury SP1 1EL; 01722 324235; www.goodfayre.co.uk

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

1

2

3

RED HOT!

WHILE COLD WINTER WINDS BLOW WE THOUGHT WE’D HEAT THINGS UP A LITTLE WITH OUR FAVOURITE RED THINGS. FEELING WARMER YET?

4

1. FLOWER POWER

2. PAINT THE TOWN RED

3. HOT CHOCS

4. GLORIOUS GARNET

5. FEELING PLUM

Red rose, £various Go retro and say it with flowers – it is the month of romance, after all, and what could be more soppy than a single red rose?

From Cranborne Garden Centre, Wimborne St, Cranborne, Wimborne; 01725 517248; www.cranbornegardencentre.co.uk

Annie Sloan paint, £18.95 Give your favourite room a refresh with an early spring makeover – or use the paint to upcycle an old piece of furniture and give it a whole new lease of life.

From No44 Homeworks, 44 Fisherton St, Salisbury; 01722 324773; www. no44homeworks.co.uk

Valentine’s chocolates, £various Local chocolate producer Lick The Spoon has got Valentine’s all wrapped up with their range of delicious chocs that come in red boxes tied with a bow.

From Lick The Spoon; 01225 811125; www.lickthespoon.co.uk

Eternity ring, £300 Treat someone you love this month with a really special gift. Crafted from silver and decorated with delicious red garnet, this ring is one to keep forever!

From Elinor Cambray, 75 New St, Salisbury; 07892 684676; www.elinorcambray.com

Leather journal, £16.95 Perfect for taking down notes or jotting sketches on the go, this leather journal is made with recycled cotton paper.

From Fisherton Mill, 108 Fisherton Street, Salisbury; 01722 500200; fisherton-mill.myshopify. com

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

5

ED’S CHOICE

SHOPPING

6

9

7

8

6. SO FOXY

7. TAKING CARE

8. RUBY RED

9. LIGHT ME UP

Emma Bridgewater mug, £12.95 Know anyone who fits this description? Well, lucky you!

Give it as a Valentine’s gift. If you don’t, then simply buy one for yourself and keep it as your favourite mug.

From Dinghams, 28 Market Place, Salisbury; 01722 506045; www.dinghams.co.uk

Pomegranate hand cream, £11.99 While cold winds may be wreaking havoc on your sensitive skin, this nourishing, indulgent hand cream will keep your mitts feeling supple and soft.

From Well Natural, 15-16 Queen St, Salisbury; 01722 335965; www.wellnatural.co.uk

Persimmon Lipstick Sick of grey skies? Brighten up a dull day with this look-at-me lipstick that is 12% natural mineral colour blended with 81% organic ingredients – and is guaranteed to moisturise, nourish and protect.

From Neal’s Yard, 27 Market Walk, Salisbury; 01722 340736; 27 Market Walk, Salisbury

Shearer candles Okay, so we know this pair aren’t quite the colour red, but orange and pink are close, right? And we couldn’t resist telling you about these gorgeously-scented candles.

From Fisherton Mill, 108 Fisherton Street, Salisbury; 01722 500200; fisherton-mill.myshopify.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE II 43 www.mediaclash.co.uk I CLIFTON LIFE 69

SPECIAL SHOPS

SHOPPING

ALL THE GOOD STUFF If you’ve stumbled into 2017 full of virtuous intentions to eat well, feel better and take more care of your shopping, make Goodfayre a ‘must-visit’ destination this month

Photo s by JOH N ROSE

T

he ethically-minded folk of Salisbury were blessed in 2016 when a brand new shop opened its doors to sell a wide range of everyday goods, from cheese to grains and drinks to bathtime treats. “We sell food, gifts, household, toiletries,” says Dana Burton, owner and the brainchild behind Goodfayre.

“The main drive is that it’s everyday ethical alternatives: so it’s what you need. We’ve got a deli range, chutneys, standard groceries, pasta, rice, drinks and gifts. We’ve got a lot of make-your-own type things, like make your own cheese kits. And everything’s got a story behind it.

Dana opened Goodfayre in September 2016 and it’s the realisation of a longheld dream to leave London and set up an ethically-driven shop in a smaller city with her family. After a visit to Salisbury’s Christmas market, Dana fell in love with Salisbury’s “strong community feel. That was one of the main things I wanted to create,” she explains. “I wanted a community space where people can come and learn about products, so it’s not just about shopping.

The other reason I wanted to set up the shop was to reconnect consumers with products. There are so many amazing artisans and they can’t get on the

supermarket shelves because there are a lot of barriers to get there.” After testing the waters with a pop-up shop, Dana quickly realised that Salisbury is very supportive of the independent retailer and it’s also an increasingly aware market with more and more consumers showing interest in vegetarian, vegan and fairly-traded products.

“Everything is cruelty-free and fairly traded,” says Dana. “It might not always have the Fairtrade mark but because we work so closely with our suppliers I can ask the right questions. The Fairtrade mark is Dana Burton: Salisbury’s ethical champion

quite expensive and not everyone can afford to get it. I work directly with each of my suppliers and I get them to fill out a form to say that they’re not involved in factory farming or the slave trade in any point of the supply chain.”

Dana is keen to develop the community aspect of Goodfayre in 2017. Many will have noticed the current competition for local children to decorate the window with their Valentine’s posters. Soon, Dana will be hosting a monthly ethical coffee morning where “like-minded people can meet and chat”. She’s also running the Ethical Challenge via the shop’s website: “The idea is to change one thing each month: like avoiding plastic, buying local, reducing your carbon footprint – there’s loads of ideas on my website and I’ll be blogging about that.” It can feel quite daunting but it’s about taking small steps and Dana wants to support any positive changes that her customers want to make.

Everyone is welcome at Goodfayre and Dana is always happy to stop and chat and tell the story behind some of her products or introduce you to some delicious-tasting new food. Time for a change?

Goodfayre, Cross Keys Arcade, Queen Street, Salisbury, SP1 1EL; 01722 324235; www.goodfayre.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 45

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

SPORTING PROWESS City of Salisbury Athletics and Running Club held their 2016 awards and dinner/dance night at The Guildhall on 7 January 2017.

Looking lean and fit, attendees took off the lycra and trainers to dress up for this glitzy black tie affair. Up to 150 club members attended the annual event and this year they were privileged to have the three times British Olympian sprinter Christian Malcolm presenting the awards.

Photos by John Rose Reece and Charlotte Ingram, Nick Hudson and Rithy Hy Philippa and Mark Glanville, Andy Budgell and Claire Longbottom

Michaela and Aaron Wilson

Alex Darbost, Ella-May Mards, Jaime Domoney, Lucy Smith and Owen Brown

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

SOCIETY

KEEP ON GIGGLING Salisbury’s Thai tapas restaurant, Giggling Squid, hosted an evening to celebrate their new menu on 11 January. It was a relaxed affair with a welcoming atmosphere where guests could enjoy plenty of free food and drink. Attendees were welcomed into the Library to enjoy a selection of new dishes, such as Tom Tom Chicken and Beef Jungle Curry, as well as chat to Giggling Squid owner Pranee Laurillard.

Odele Sinclair, Pranee Laurillard and Sallie Lloyd

Mark and Rhiain Curtis

Sam Haddock and Johanna Schwarting

Photos by John Rose

Nikki Vosper and Emma Briggs

HAPPY 25TH On 22 December, Toni & Guy in Salisbury welcomed guests to join them in raising a glass to celebrate 25 years in the city. The salon was the first to be opened by Phil Smith who has gone on to sit at the helm of many more as well as launching his own haircare range. The evening was, as expected, a glamorous affair with some of Salisbury’s finest-coiffured residents attending to enjoy the Champagne and canapes in a preChristmas bash.

Photos by John Rose

Steph Horrill, Sophie Coombs and Koren Witham

Kelly Cash-Johns, Linda Strickland, Sue Ford, Gemma Carter and Louise Smith

Shake-ups/launches/intel/promotions

S A L IS B U RY G E T S S ER I O US There are many reasons to visit Salisbury and VisitWiltshire are spreading the word

QUOTE OF THE ISSUE

“THE 2003 WORLD CUP WINNER CAME THROUGH ITS RANKS”

AD CAMPAIGN

JEWEL IN THE CROWN VisitWiltshire announce the launch of a new campaign to attract tourists and revenue to Salisbury during 2017 As we creep ever closer to spring, the thoughts of the business community in Salisbury and surrounding areas undoubtedly turn to the forthcoming high season for tourists. Salisbury is a rich jewel in Wiltshire’s tourist crown and the summer is buzzing with visitors from across the world attracted by its wealth of history. In a timely manner, VisitWiltshire have announced the launch of their new Time for Wiltshire – Visit Salisbury campaign, the aim of which is to generate additional tourist visits and revenue to the city.

As part of the campaign, VisitWiltshire have launched

a new website (www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/salisbury/ ideas-and-inspiration/2017). This will be supported by a themed e-newsletter and blog, the distribution of 20k plus campaign leaflets, six sheet ads at key railway stations in surrounding areas as well as digital banner ads, Facebook campaign and Instagram competition.

The Time for Wiltshire – Visit Salisbury campaign will promote the city as a centre of excellence for city breaks, history, culture, food and short holidays.

Fiona Errington, Marketing Manager at VisitWiltshire, says: “We are delighted to be working with a cross-section of our Salisbury partners on this campaign with the aim of generating over £525k in additional spend for the city.”

VisitWiltshire: www.visitwiltshire.co.uk; 01722 323036

Turn to page 51 for more

200 THE BIG NUMBER

Years since W Carter & Son opened their doors Find out more on page 50

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 49

BUSINESS INSIDER

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

HAPPY 200TH BIRTHDAY

Congratulations to the team at W Carter & Son

SUPPORT FOR SPORT Salisbury RFC recently received some welcome support from property consultants Myddelton & Major who are sponsoring the Project All Change campaign.

Project All Change is aiming to raise £600,000 for new changing room facilities in Castle Road. The club has secured grants from the Rugby Football Union and Sport England but are still looking at a £350,000 shortfall. Myddelton & Major Senior Partner Philip Holford said: “Both organisations have been around in Salisbury for more than 100 years so we felt it only right to do our bit. The club is instrumental in helping Salisbury maintain a high profile, which in turn gives a great boost to the local economy. That 2003 World Cup winner Richard A Hill and other England stars Richard J Hill, Mike Brown and Dave Egerton have all come through the ranks at Salisbury RFC show the club’s continuing importance.” Chairman Richard Larcombe said: “We are grateful for the support shown to us by Myddelton & Major. Their association with Salisbury RFC goes back many years and we are grateful to Philip Holford, senior partner, for this generous sponsorship.” salisburyrfc.org; www.myddeltonmajor.co.uk 50 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

On March 10, Salisbury jewellers W Carter & Son will celebrate 200 years of trading in Salisbury making it the oldest family business in Wiltshire to have traded from the same premises (Minster Street). To mark this milestone in its history, the jewellers are publishing a brochure that documents the heritage of the business, complete with some fantastic photography. There will also be a celebration at the Guildhall on Saturday 11 March.

The brochure, commissioned by one of Carter’s current directors Sebastian Salt, has been researched, written and designed by Elliott Tunnard who have

Salisbury Rugby boasts a stellar heritage

turned up some poignant facts about the business, including that a total of three William Carters have lived and worked at 3 and 5 Minster Street since 1817. During that time the medieval ‘canals’ or open drainage channels have been cleared, the railway and electric light has come to Salisbury, two world wars have been fought and seven monarchs have reigned. If more proof were needed that this business is very much part of the commercial and civic fabric of Salisbury, W Carter & Son also have the honour of looking after the City of Salisbury silverware. wcarterandson.co.uk

BUSINESS INSIDER

CIVIC SOCIETY ANNOUNCE CONSERVATION WINNERS

ART MEANS BUSINESS

As proven by this issue’s feature on arts and culture in Salisbury and Wiltshire, this region is blessed with a thriving community of working artists, galleries, theatres, venues and arts centres.

To add to this growing roster of creative industries in the area, we are pleased to welcome two new art-related businesses. Noble Arts is one of the latest additions to Salisbury’s ever-burgeoning independent retailers and art suppliers. Stocking Winsor and Newton, Unison pastels and many more essential materials, Noble Arts also offer help and advice on a wide range of art-related products.

Also new to Salisbury is Galerie D’Usine. Based in Netherhampton, Galerie D’Usine is an exciting development that is promising to showcase work from a wide range of artists. The gallery is currently in the process of laying wooden floors, painting walls and preparing for an opening later in spring 2017. Watch this white space!

Over 120 people attended the Salisbury Civic Society Conservations Awards party at the Guildhall on 12 January.

The judging panel chaired

by Salisbury Museum director Adrian Green – and including Georgina Wright, Dieter Scholz and Melanie Latham – considered 11 nominations. Three were within Salisbury and eight were outside the city in South Wiltshire.

After considerable discussion and site visits to short-listed candidates, the judges gave awards to six of the nominations and gave its commendation to

one site. The winners are (in no particular order) Salisbury Market Place, The Three Crowns, Harnham, The Royal Oak Inn, Swallowcliffe, Wilton House (Holbein Porch and Triumphal Arch), 38 Stoke Farthing, Park House and West Hatch, Tisbury.

Commendation went to 51 High Street, Salisbury. The evening was a great success, enjoyed by all. To have a look at the images from the event, visit: www.flickr. com/photos/adrianharris/albums/ with/72157675330203524. www.salisburycivicsociety.org.uk

Over 100 attended the awards ceremony in Salisbury Guildhall

HELP FOR A LOCAL CHARITY

Smiles all around from Gul

Lloyds bank have stepped in to help Salisbury-based charity, God Unlimited (Gul), with a loan of £34,000 to expand Gul’s site on Salisbury Plain. The outdoor centre provides therapy and accommodation to help those who are homeless, have mental health problems or who are suffering from post-traumatic stress to live independently again.

This is great news for the charity who provide a range of services from pain-management and cognitive behavioural therapy programmes to outdoor activities, such as horseback riding for residents and visitors.

Gul has used the bank’s funding to refurbish the building, a 17th-century former coaching inn (The Bustard).

It has introduced two new rooms that can be used by individuals looking to complete residential programmes or ‘back-to-work’ schemes.

Sharon Hillier, relationship manager at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Services like the ones provided by Gul are vital to people in and around Salisbury and the recent funding will help the charity provide care for even more people as it continues to grow.

“We’re committed to supporting small to medium-sized businesses like God Unlimited by offering our sector-expertise and tailored funding packages to allow firms to reach their growth ambitions.” www.god-unlimited.org

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 51

Describe an average day for you…

My job is in two halves. On clinical days I try to get in a bit early and have a quick catch up with Jan who manages reception. Then I start on my patient list. Each treatment session is 40 minutes, and it tends to be flat out until lunchtime. That’s when I can catch up with emails and phone calls and it is an opportunity to discuss cases, or life in general, with the other physios. I do most of the practice PR and admin from home, which gives me the chance of sneaking in the odd cheeky game of tennis.

What do you enjoy about running the centre?

The people make it all worthwhile, both staff and patients. Issy has been with us for 22 years and Georgie, Sue and Gaby for around 15 so we have all become friends, and always have a good laugh, which really helps. Lots of our patients and their families have been coming on and off for years so there is a lovely friendly atmosphere. I think helping people get fitter, stronger, in less pain, more able or just maintaining an active lifestyle is hugely rewarding.

Jenny Mears

FITNESS

SMOOTH RUNNING If you’ve overdone it with your New Year resolution to get fit for 2017, Jenny Mears at Sarum Physiotherapy could be just the woman you’re looking for…

Do you come from Salisbury?

No, although I did go to Leaden Hall School for two years in the late 1960s. My father was in the army, so I have a few places I like to call home. I moved to the Salisbury area in 1990 and, like so many people, love it and here I am today!

Do you have any business training?

I had absolutely no business training, and I definitely learnt on the job.

I have made loads of mistakes, some that did cost financially, and I have had to toughen up a bit. I have learnt so much and in areas that I didn’t realise I would enjoy so much, like PR. I know now that what you are not good at is really important, and there are always people who will help and give advice.

Who has been your biggest inspiration?

Back in the 1980s I worked in Newcastle and was involved in a new sports injury initiative with three very dynamic physios. One of them, Neil Black, was inspirational, he challenged my clinical reasoning and treatment, and I learnt so much from him. He specialised in running injuries and foot mechanics and had a very motivational approach to patient care. Needless to say, he has gone on to really great things and is Mo Farah’s physio.

What’s been your greatest achievement?

I think my personal greatest achievement was to cycle with a girlfriend down to the Pyrenees in 2015. Two 55-year-old ladies, two bikes, eight panniers, many maps and a tiny tent. We had no route planned, no back-up, but had a fantastic time, occasionally drifting off piste, but I learnt so much about myself: how to take time out, that I am not indispensable and that laughter is the only way forwards!

HELPING PEOPLE GET FITTER OR MAINTAIN AN ACTIVE LIFE IS REWARDING

How did Sarum Physiotherapy come about?

It was quite a funny story: my business partner Juliet Rogers had also moved to Salisbury around the same time as me and we had met a couple of times playing squash at Moonrakers. I was working at Newhall hospital and Juliet was looking for work in elderly and stroke care, which complemented my sports injury and orthopedic background. Apparently, I phoned her at 10pm one night after a couple of glasses and said, ‘We must do this’! We had such different interests, skills and personalities, but both like a challenge and jumped at the chance to set something up together.

After a few walks round Stourhead getting our vision and business plan together, we spent a couple of months searching for the right premises and location. And then we opened on February 14 1994. Juliet is a sleeping partner now, but we still go round Stourhead for a good catch up and I get some sound advice.

What kind of services do you offer?

We have eight physios, offering a sports injury clinic, back and neck pain treatment, running and gait analysis, and advice and treatment for all types of musculoskeletal problems. We also offer chiropody, podiatry, deep tissue massage, manual lymphatic drainage and oneto-one pilates. I love working with a team as no-one has the full set of skills to treat everything, or everyone that comes in, and we can bounce ideas off each other, which keeps us fresh and up to date.

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

And your biggest disappointment?

Oh, that is difficult as I don’t do disappointment!

Perhaps a blow from a business point of view was when two years ago we had the centre revamped, a fantastic job by some local builders. The team worked solidly over a long weekend trying to minimise our business disruption. Everything looked amazing, so I could not believe it when, literally the following weekend, a huge damp patch appeared followed by an enormous leak from the roof due to the terrible rain storms we had!

What are your plans for Sarum Physio in 2017?

We are offering more flexible appointments with some Saturdays.

Susan Alexander a Cranio-sacral therapist is joining the team. In the background I am trying to keep myself up to date with all things internet-related, which if anyone knows me is tricky!

Sarum Physiotherapy, 213 Devizes Rd, Salisbury SP2 9LT; 01722 415055; www.sarumphysio.co.uk/

BUSINESS INSIDER

Graham Renshaw

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

MEET THE BANKER Say hello to Graham Renshaw, a manager with a commitment to giving banking a friendly face Do you hail from these parts?

Having moved from Cambridge to Weymouth due to my father’s job, I spent my late teens there until joining a high street bank and later moved to Bournemouth where I worked for five years. I was then fortunate enough to be promoted to a lending role in Salisbury where I have been ever since. That was 23 years ago!

How did you get into the banking industry?

I was always interested in business and customer service, so there was a natural fit with banking. A two-week work experience at a high street bank helped to open the door for a full-time position and I have never looked back.

What is your role at Handelsbanken?

I am the branch manager of Handelsbanken Salisbury, having been offered the opportunity to open the branch five years ago. At Handelsbanken each branch is run like a small business, which means all the decisions that matter, including lending for loans and mortgages, are made at the branch by experienced individuals who know their customers well and have an in-depth understanding of the local market. Our philosophy is that ‘the branch is the bank’ and we believe in building strong relationships with our customers, getting to know them individually, identifying their needs and how we can help them.

Which qualities do you think are key to success for a career in banking?

You need to listen to the customer and understand what is important to them before you can really help. Take time to learn from others’ experiences, both within the bank and also from the wealth of professional knowledge within the business community. Thereafter, be approachable and never stop developing yourself.

If you could go back to when you were starting out in your career, what advice would you give to yourself?

Make the most of every opportunity. Believe in yourself and do what interests you. Be prepared to challenge yourself and don’t go with the easy option.

IT’S GREAT TO TELL PEOPLE THAT IT’S POSSIBLE TO FIND A BANK WHERE THE BRANCH MANAGER KNOWS YOUR NAME

What do you enjoy about working for Handelsbanken?

At Handelsbanken, the prime focus is on the customer.

Here at Handelsbanken Salisbury we have a dedicated team who all share the same principle of putting the customer firmly at the heart of all that we do. We do not have staff targets, bonuses or incentives to sell products or services, instead each decision is based purely on what is right for the customer, and this is what I enjoy most – building long term personal relationships. It’s great to be able to tell people that it’s still possible to find a bank where the branch manager knows your name and where you can ask for – and receive – local, personal advice.

Describe an average day?

No two days are the same at Handelsbanken. It is quite common for me to be agreeing mortgages for our personal customers, providing funding to our corporate customers and discussing new opportunities for community events with the team all in the same day. Our customers value local, personal relationships, so I meet with them at every opportunity. I still find time to squeeze in a lunchtime gym session when I can, in between hosting prospective new customers over coffee when they visit the branch to see what we are all about, as well as connecting regularly with many other professionals within the local community. The overall responsibility for the branch sits squarely with me, so I need to be continually flexible to respond to the needs of my team and our customers.

What are your plans and ambitions for 2017?

Firstly, to maintain the high customer service levels that our customers expect from us, and to deliver the ‘Handelsbanken way’ to more corporate and personal customers in the Salisbury area. Most of our customers come to us from referrals and recommendations, as we don’t undertake mass marketing campaigns. Our main aim remains to always provide the best possible service we can. On a personal level, I would like to make more use of our VW Camper and see more of Europe, with maybe a bit of luxury by way of a hotel or two along the way!

What’s your proudest business triumph?

Opening up a new bank in Salisbury five years ago without a single customer and seeing that business develop to what it is today. At a time when financial strength and stability remain crucial to customers, Handelsbanken has recently been named the world’s fourth safest commercial bank by Global Finance magazine (World’s Safest Banks, November 2016). This reflects our long term focus and prudent, consistent approach to banking throughout all economic conditions, and the team and I are proud to be able to be here for customers come what may.

How do you de-stress after a day of work?

Well that’s easy, a good walk with Daisy the retriever or being asked to play with my three-year-old son as I walk back through the door – building Lego towers does tend to take my mind off work. Failing that, planning our next road trip in the campervan over a glass of wine.

Handelsbanken Salisbury; 2, London Road Office Park, London Rd, Salisbury SP1 3HP; 01722 411316 www.handelsbanken.co.uk/salisbury

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 53

DARREN

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FUNERAL DIRECTORS LIMITED

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

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PROPERTY

NEWS

LUKE SKINNER Keepi ng you up to date w it h issues t hat a f fect t he loca l proper t y ma rket There are plenty of new properties to let, like this three-storey house in Old Sarum

CHOOSING A LETTING AGENT If you’re taking your first steps into the world of letting a property, then read on for some essential pointers on how to choose the right agent to work with

F

inding the right letting agent to look after your property is a very important decision and something that needs to be considered very carefully.

Senior Lettings Manager of Bassets, Luke Skinner, kindly shares his top tips for choosing a letting agent to suit you.

Find a reputable agent At the very least, your chosen agent should be members of the following: • ARLA (Association of Residential Letting Agents) • The Property Ombudsman (in case you have a complaint) • An ‘approved’ Tenancy Deposit Bond

Scheme (if not, you may be unable to serve notice on your tenants) • Client Money Protection (which provides compensation to landlords, tenants and other clients should an agent misappropriate their rent, deposit bond or other client funds).

Do they have qualified staff?

You need to be certain that you are dealing with competent people who have excellent knowledge and are professionally trained in the industry.

Best practice You should be confident that your letting agent has integrity, a commitment to customer service and a focus to act in your best interest.

Choose a market leader Make sure you carry out your research about the agent. Does the agent have a proven track record? Have they recently let other properties similar to yours? If a letting agent hasn’t published key performance indicators, such as the average length of time it takes to find a suitable tenant or the average asking rent they achieve, don’t be afraid to ask them.

City centre living is still popular like this one bedroom apartment in Salisbury

Cottage-style, two bedroom property in Fordingbridge

Are they independent?

Consider where the staff of a letting agent are situated. Are you comfortable with the fact that your property might be managed by people that are located a long way from your property?

Read the small print Make sure you know exactly what you will be paying for your lettings service. When it comes to fees, many agents charge extra for routine services such as inventories, registering a tenant’s deposit bond, conducting regular management inspections and producing a check out report. So when making this difficult choice, check the small print before you decide!

For further information about letting your property with Salisbury’s leading letting agent, contact Luke Skinner at Bassets on 01722 820580 or email luke.skinner@bassets.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 55

PROPERTY

THE DOLL’S HOUSE SHOWCASE

Don’t be misled by the name, this example of elegant, Georgian grandeur in the heart of Salisbury is one for the grown ups

By JA N E T OL L N E R 112 I CLIFTON LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

SHOWCASE

S

itting as pretty as a picture in Salisbury’s highly-desirable St Ann Street, the Doll’s House is a wonderful example of 18thcentury architecture.

St Ann Street is one of the city’s most sought-after areas. Boasting some of Salisbury’s finest houses, St Ann Street forms part of the medieval chequer system of Salisbury and is just a stone’s throw away from St Ann’s Gate, which, of course, leads through to the world famous Cathedral and its beautiful surrounding Close.

Appropriately named the Doll’s House, this delicately fronted property certainly has something of a fantastical, playful quality about it: with its picture-perfect rows of windows and green ivy creeping across its façade. The exterior is certainly impressive, but take a step inside and you’ll instantly fall in love with this seven-bedroom, four-reception space. Listed as a Grade-II property, the Doll’s House has recently undergone a careful restoration project to create a luxurious home and the project has been careful to restore or replicate period details including joinery, cornicing, architraves, shutters and fireplaces. It’s like stepping back in time, but with all the luxury of modern living.

The Doll’s House is one of Salisbury’s prettiest residences

HOUSE NUMBERS

7

bedrooms

4

reception rooms

£1.55M price

1

elegant garden

3

floors

PROPERTY

The generous sense of space is a predominant feature of the Doll’s House – it’s a flexible living space too.

Spread out over three floors, a family could easily live on two with plenty of space for guests. Light is also in abundance, particularly at the south-facing rear where the rooms (including the breakfast and reading rooms) are flooded with sunshine on a bright day.

An orangery-style extension with stepped lead roof and glass cupolas has been added to the property. Step into this bright and airy space and then out into the formal garden, which is mainly laid to lawn and edged with pleached hornbeam and espaliered lime trees. A wonderful and private space to relax, host parties or let the children run and play. The house can also be accessed to the rear via electric wooden gates where a double carport and parking on the gravel drive awaits.

If you like space, light and luxury but you also want to be near everything the city has to offer – this is the ideal property as it’s just a pleasant, 10-minute stroll into the centre of Salisbury.

Myddelton & Major, 49 High Street, Salisbury, SP1 2PD; 01722 337575; residential@myddeltonmajor.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 57

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

Q&A

K

eggie Carew took a sidestep from being a visual artist to pen her first book when she realised that she had lived a story that just had to be told.

Dadland tells the tale of her father: maverick, war hero and a member of the secret Operation Jedburgh in France and later a guerrilla in Burma.

His acts of bravery earned him the accolade of being the youngest officer ever to be honoured with a Distinguished Service Order. Keggie began researching her father’s past as he began his descent into dementia. Since winning the Costa award, Keggie has been busy touring the country giving talks and lectures but she says she spent a year writing the book in isolation from her small but idyllic cottage in Wiltshire – a home that can boast a rather famous former owner.

How did you make the move from visual artist to writer?

I’d worked as an artist for quite some time but realised I had the most extraordinary story because I had a tale far stranger than fiction in my own life. I knuckled down and started researching as my dad was losing his memory.

I found out an awful lot of pretty jaw-dropping stuff and I started to weave it together with my personal experiences of growing up with this lawbreaking and challenging man.

What kind of surprises did you unearth whilst doing your research for Dadland?

I knew he’d done some extraordinary stuff and he was very good at telling the colourful anecdotes but I didn’t know he knew Mountbatten and that he was one of most important guerrilla agents in Burma. There was other stuff about him too, such as being really good friends with Patricia Highsmith when she was writing Mr Ripley. It was hard too because to go through your parents stuff can be painful, but I’d got on the train and I couldn’t get off.

Was it difficult for you to write this book?

It was a parallel journey of me retrieving my life and him losing his, so we were going in opposite directions and the book is structured like that. It’s a building up of fragments and woven into that are my own personal anecdotes and other voices, like my grandfather’s diary. It’s a document of an extraordinary life that goes through the 20th century but it also relates in a universal way because it deals with the things that we have in our lives such as love, grief, jealously and anger.

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

KEGGIE CAREW

Fresh from winning the 2016 Costa Award for Best Biography for her debut book Dadland, writer Keggie Carew took time out to talk about her extraordinary journey into her father’s past and why she loves living in Wiltshire Do you come from the Salisbury area?

No, I was born in Gibraltar and then we moved to England and I grew up in Hampshire. Then I lived in Ireland, New Zealand and the States and I only came back to England in the last 20 years.

What attracted you to the Chalke Valley?

We found a small cottage that we could just about afford. It’s in a beautiful spot – it used to belong to Clarissa Eden (née Spencer-Churchill), Winston Churchill’s niece. It’s very tiny but it has a large garden and it’s a wonderful spot in the Chalke Valley so that’s what attracted us here!

It’s very small; just a two up, two down.

Are you involved in the Salisbury literary scene at all?

I’m not involved in anything like that. I think writing this book has turned me into a hermit and I’ve only just come out blinking in the last year since I finished the book. I’ve been doing lots of talks so I’ve been out and about for a bit. We live about eight miles from Salisbury, so it’s not where I go out in the evening although I’m going there tonight to see a film; but I don’t go often.

What’s your favourite place to visit in Salisbury/Wiltshire?

The new arts centre, Messums, in the wonderful tithe barn in Tisbury. I did a talk there before Christmas – it’s the most wonderful space and it was fantastic. They’re really supportive. Also, the Old Wardour castle; The Horseshoe pub in Ebbesbourne Wake where Tony the landlord can give as good as he gets; Chiselbury ring in

spring; full of skylarks and cycling the old Roman road through Grovely wood.

How did it feel to win the Costa prize?

It was fantastic and it’s been incredibly helpful because it’s got the book out there, so you get more readers – then the touch paper lights. It’s a real word-of-mouth book because it’s so hard to describe. It’s an unconventional book so it’s easy to get the wrong idea about it. It’s one that men and women of all ages can identify with. It’s aimed at everybody.

What’s been your proudest moment?

I think Dadland is the piece of work of which I’m most proud. I don’t feel like I could have done a better job – obviously one always can – but I did my best on this piece of work and I’m the most proud of it. It’s the book for me. Even though I’m going to carry on writing, there isn’t a subject that I can imagine would be so huge for me.

What are your plans for 2017?

There are two more weeks until the Costa promotion is over. I’ve got a few talks and then I’m doing the Hay Festival and after that a talk with Philippe Sands who won Baillie Gifford at the Chalke Valley History Festival.

So I’ve got lots of nice things planned and it’s rather lovely not to be working on my own.

www.penguin.co.uk/authors/ keggie-carew

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