Salisbury Life – issue 232 by MediaClash

Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property ISSUE 232 / MARCH 2017 / £3

ISSUE 232 / MARCH 2017 / TOP 5 WALKS

TA L K THE WA L K HEY, TEACHER!

BACK IN THE CLASSROOM WITH SALISBURY’S HEADS HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR SCHOOL

SCHMUCK FOR A NIGHT

OMID DJALILI’S IN TOWN

TOP 5 S E L B M A R

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EDITOR’S LETTER / ISSUE 232 / MARCH 2017

SCHOOL SPECIAL

A look at education in Salisbury

Let’s romp! Around this time of year I always start to feel the need for a trot out into the countryside. It’s a precursor, I suppose, to a spring clean: brushing away mental cobwebs before the new season starts. Luckily for us, Salisbury has some of the best walks in the UK so in celebration of our county’s bucolic charms, we have six great walks for you to enjoy over the next few weeks. Go for the long haul and tackle the Avon Valley Path and enjoy its natural wonders as the trail takes you all the way from the city to sea – starting in Salisbury and ending in Christchurch. Or, take the family for an easy amble around haunted Grovely Wood on a Sunday morning. Wherever you go, you’ll enjoy our wonderful and varied landscape. As a parent to two children I know how overwhelming choosing a school can be. In this education special, we look at some of the criteria you need to consider before making that choice. We take a look at some of our best schools and what they can offer while Salisbury headteachers go back to the classroom to reveal what they loved (and hated) about their school days. You’ll be surprised just how many of them got detention too! Katie Nicholls Editor katie.nicholls@mediaclash.co.uk Tweet me @SalisburyLife

REGULARS / ISSUE 232 / MARCH 2017

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 Intro image John Rose Contributors: Tallulah Speed, Petra Whiteley, Johanna Nancy 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

LET’S GO WALKING

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

10 Country walks A look at six great walks in and around Salisbury

THE ARTS

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

17 Arts intro There’s a party goin’ on

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

18 What’s on Shows, exhibitions and music

23 Chuckle brother

Belly laughs with Omid Djalili

26 Do I Know You? A moving film installation taking place in the Cathedral Cloisters

SHOPPING

PROPERT Y

49 Shopping intro

64 Property showcase

FOOD

Time for a spring clean

30 Recipe

50 Editor’s choice

Two delights from Riverford

It’s all about the birds and the bees this issue

32 Restaurant We’ve been wowed by Stockbridge’s Greyhound on the Test

EDUCATION 34 Schools What you need to know before you choose a school for your child

53 Special shops Salisbury’s best-kept secret: Cross Keys Arcade

Chilmark’s delightful country manor, The Dial House

DEPARTMENTS 6 54 66

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

Spotlight Society Salisbury lives

BUSINESS 57 Business insider Awards, prizes and winners

On the cover Sarum Way; www. VisitWiltshire. co.uk

WHAT’S MAKING THE NEWS IN SALISBURY

MUSIC

BOYS IN THE USA Salisbury Cathedral Choir is preparing for a tour to the West Coast of America between 15-23 March. The 32-strong choir will be singing at Stanford University, Grace Cathedral and venues and churches in the San Francisco Bay area. Travelling with the choir will be David Halls, director of music at Salisbury Cathedral and two organists, Ian Wicks, acting assistant director of music and director of music at Salisbury Cathedral School, and the Cathedral’s organ scholar, Claudia Grinnell. Before the boys board the plane, however, they will perform at the Choral

Foundation concert, which is traditionally held to showcase the music that will be sung during the tour. The Concert will take place at 3pm on 26 February in the Cathedral. It features some of the most popular music in the choral repertoire. For full details of what they’ll be performing on the night, turn to our What’s On section on page 18. No tickets are required but there will be a retiring collection, proceeds of which will go to the Choral Foundation, which supports music in the Cathedral. For more: www.salisburycathedral.org.uk

The Cathedral Choir on a pre-trip photo shoot

Cheesy offering from the French market

FOOD

OH, LA LA Great news for lovers of French cuisine as the France at Home market rolls back into Salisbury on 31 March, setting up for the day in Market Place from 10am-4pm. The traders, who come across the channel every week from France to host the market in various towns and cities across the UK, bring with them a vibrant mix of stalls and produce, including sausages, olives, Provencal soaps, vintage music, basketware, scarves and hats – as well as (of course) croissants and Alps speciality dish, tartiflette. Who doesn’t love a bit of French fancy? For more: www.franceathome.com

FESTIVAL

TEEN FEST

A stall holder at the Teenage Festival

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

In a bid to keep Salisbury’s teenage population busy and proactive during the Easter holidays, the community development team at Salisbury City Council, along with various partners across the city, are working to deliver a festival that celebrates all the activities that are available to young people locally. The festival, Whassup?, will be held over four days during the Easter holidays, from 18-21 April. The aim is

for as many activities as possible to be available for young people to try, including sports, arts, media, cookery and music. There will be a live gig too, held as a finale to the festival on 21 April at Salisbury Arts Centre. The festival will be launched at the Salisbury Teenage Market on 15 April, where there will be the opportunity to find out what’s on and sign up to the workshops. For more: www.salisburycouncil.gov.uk

SPOTLIGHT

ARTS

A LOOK BACK IN TIME

Evan: Longleat’s newest giraffe

ANIMALS

EVAN THE GREAT A recently-born baby giraffe has ventured outside for the first time at Longleat. The male Rothschild’s giraffe, who has been named Evan in honour of a long-time keeper, was delivered inside the giraffery at the Wiltshire safari park in December. Evan, who is sticking close to mum Gertie, is believed to be the 122nd baby giraffe born at Longleat, and it’s an important development as Rothschild’s are considered to be among the most endangered giraffe subspecies with only an estimated 1,500 remaining in the wild. The Wiltshire safari park has one of the most

successful captive breeding programmes for this type of giraffe in Europe. “At this time of year we tend to keep the calves inside a little longer, particularly if the weather is poor, as it gives them more time to grow stronger and master their co-ordination,” says Longleat keeper Dan Gray. “As the weather improves we start to let them out more often and into the smaller paddock that adjoins the giraffery, before they are eventually allowed into the main East African Reserve, where they will get to meet the public.” For more: www.longleat.co.uk

Salisbury Playhouse celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2016 and in honour of this milestone, archivist Arthur Millie has publishing a book entitled Moving House. Produced with the help of Peter Brown – the Playhouse’s official photographer for 30 years – the book traces the move of the old Playhouse from Fisherton Street to its current position in Malthouse Lane in 1976. As well as being peppered with interesting titbits (“You could get a seat at the new Playhouse in 1976 for 50p and parking was 20p all day”), Moving House also features some wonderful archive images of the theatre, the story of its transition from old to the new and its present status as a vibrant, forward-thinking venue. The book is also a tribute to the Salisbury public who largely raised the money for the new building between 1974 and 1976. The book can be purchased at a suggested donation price of £8 from the Playhouse, with all profits going to the theatre. For more: www.salisburyplayhouse.com

Actors saying goodbye to the old Playhouse

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C O U N T RY WA L K S

LET’S GO WALKING Shake off the cobwebs, kick off the slippers and slip on your wellies – it’s time to get out and sample some of Salisbury’s best walks

ALL IMAGES SUPPLIED BY VISITWHILTSHIRE

By PE T R A W H I T E L E Y

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

C O U N T RY WA L K S

iltshire is much loved for its bucolic charms and the county is also home to some of the world’s most famous landmarks: Salisbury Cathedral and Stonehenge among them. In celebration of Wiltshire and Hampshire’s beautiful landscapes we have chosen six walks that will take you along rivers, through meadows and over hills. So dust down your walking shoes and breathe in the fresh air with a life-affirming walk on one of our chosen walks… Oh, and don’t forget to stop for a pint and lunch at one of the many lovely country pubs you pass. 

THE COUNTY IS HOME TO SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS LANDMARKS:

SALISBURY CATHEDRAL AND STONEHENGE AMONG THEM

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C O U N T RY WA L K S AVON VALLEY PATH

Covering 34 miles, three counties and tracing a route from the city to the sea, the Avon Valley Path is a walk that is usually tackled via one of its five sections. Named after the winding river that it follows, this walk features a variety of views from watery meadows to high-chalk downland and meandering woodland paths. This trail is of particular national importance for birds, so look out for white-fronted geese, cormorants and, of course, ducks. Wild flowers such as meadowsweet and tormentil decorate the water’s edge and 24 species of fish have been recorded along the trail, including barbel and salmon. Starting at the north porch of Salisbury Cathedral the first section of the Avon Valley Path will take you eight miles along the river and grace you with a variety of views, including the downland of Hornington Down along the river meadows and into Downton. If you’re ready to tackle another seven miles with the second stage, head out of Downton via the Moot and up to the top of the ridge. The descent leads into woodland and Hampshire, across the suspension bridge at Burgate Manor Farm and down into Fordingbridge town. The path then passes through Fordingbridge into stage three and along the west bank of the river before switching east towards Ibsley and its 14th century thatched restaurant, Old Beams. Onwards through Rockford, the path brings you to Kingfisher Lake and into Ringwood. Continue south to Kingston North Common, winding down a track and into woodland then open meadow to re-join the stream past Tyrrell Ford and Sopley, where in 1100 King Rufus was killed by an arrow while hunting. Stage five passes through Burton after which the path returns to the tranquillity of the meadows. Continue a further three miles past a weir, under a railway line and into the historic town of Christchurch to its magnificent harbour and the walk’s end. Full walk details from: www3.hants.gov.uk/longdistance/ avon-valley-path.htm Places to stop (from stage 1 to 5): Rose & Crown Hotel (www.legacy-hotels.co.uk/hotels/rose-and-crown-hotelsalisbury) The Compasses Inn, Fordingbridge (www. compassesinndamerham.co.uk) The Bell Inn, Bramshaw (www.bellinn-newforest.co.uk); The Old Beams, Ringwood; (www.theoldbeamsinn.co.uk); The Ship Inn Christchurch (www.theship-christchurch.co.uk)

THE CLARENDON WAY

Stretching from Salisbury to Winchester (or visa versa), nature lovers will revel in the varied countryside this walk offers including modern and ancient woodland, water meadows and open farmland. History buffs will also delight in this outing as it’s peppered with famous historical landmarks. Starting at Clarendon Palace – once a royal hunting lodge and expanded by the Plantagenets into a large country house – this trail takes walkers past Roman walls, ancient graffiti and up onto Oliver’s Battery – from where the Roundheads attacked Winchester. At 24 miles long, The Clarendon Way is most often walked in sections. Starting from Salisbury via Milford St, the path leaves the city through Rangers Farm and up to King Manor Hill entering the woods close to the remains of Clarendon Palace. From here, stage two is an eight-mile long trek that crosses fields, emerging in Pitton and on in the direction of West Winterslow and along the Roman road to Broughton. At nine and half miles, stage three is the longest section and brings walkers from the edge of Broughton onto a track leading to Houghton and a footpath crossing the River Test via a footbridge. Once walkers have passed through King’s Somborne, turn south east to Parnholt Woods to arrive in Farley Mount Country Park. Climbing Oliver’s Battery, walkers can soak up its historical importance as the point from which Oliver Cromwell began his siege of Winchester in 1645. Descend the hill towards Winchester and past the network of streams in the Itchen valley and the scant remains of the Roman wall that enclosed Winchester in the 3rd century as well as St Cross where choirboys carved their names in the walls 400 years ago. Full walk details: www3.hants.gov.uk/longdistance/ clarendon-way.htm Places to stop: Greyhound on the Test Stockbridge (thegreyhoundonthetest.co.uk)

WILD FLOWERS SUCH AS MEADOWSWEET AND TORMENTIL DECORATE THE WATER’S EDGE AND 24 SPECIES OF FISH HAVE BEEN RECORDED ALONG THE TRAIL, INCLUDING BARBEL AND

SALMON

Salisbury’s magnificent Cathedral spire 12 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

C O U N T RY WA L K S

St Ann’s Gate in Salisbury

GROVELY WOOD

Grovely Wood in spring

This ancient woodland offers a magical escape from the city, particularly in spring when a wave of violet emerges as bluebells make their brief appearance. Grovely is the largest wood in south Wiltshire. It straddles the Wylye and Nadder valleys and is home to a variety of trees from conifers to ancient yew, beech and oak – as well, if you’re lucky to spot it, the Purple Emperor butterfly. Owned by the Wilton Estate, the woods offers a gentle meander on a Sunday afternoon that is suitable for most ages; while walkers won’t be faced with any great physical challenges here, the ancient spirit of the woods is powerful. These trees hold dark secrets. There are numerous supernatural tales associated with Grovely, including the story of the four Handsel sisters. After the Danish siblings arrived in Wilton in 1737 an outbreak of smallpox spread through the villages. The locals, believing the sisters to be witches, murdered them in the woods. Eerily, four gnarled beech trees have grown on top of each of the unmarked graves. Tell this tale while you meander through the darkened paths and we challenge you not to feel a shiver up your spine. There are various routes through the woods, but let’s start at Great Wishford for a five-mile trot. Passing the Royal Oak, pass under the railway bridge and right onto the bridle path. Crossing the field, bear right and head for the gate and into woodland. Turn immediately left along the woodland track, left at the first T junction and then right at the second. At the next junction turn left onto a gravel track to join a beech-lined avenue and the Roman road (which once led from Wessex to the lead mines in the Mendips). After a mile, turn left sticking to the main track, eventually exiting the woods and back towards Great Wishford. Full walk details: www.theaa.com/walks/grovely-wood-fromgreat-wishford-421201 Places to stop: The Royal Oak, Great Wishford (www. royaloakgreatwishford.com); The Beckford Arms, Tisbury; (www.beckfordarms.com). www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 13

Sunday 26 March 12pm to 9pm Enjoy a delicious three-course menu, complete with panoramic views of the River Avon and Salisbury Cathedral, and all mums dining with us will enjoy a glass of bubbles on the house. £22.95 per adult or £12.50 per child

To book please call 01722 328615 or email res-roseandcrown@legacy-hotels.co.uk

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Enjoy a 2-course lunchtime and early-bird set menu for just £13 per person FIXED PRICE LUNCH MENU

2 courses – £12.95 • 3 courses – £16.95 Monday to Saturday, 12 until 2pm.

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For more details call 01980 677466 or visit www.hisalisbury-stonehenge.co.uk Holiday Inn Salisbury-Stonehenge, Solstice Park, Amesbury SP4 7SQ

C O U N T RY WA L K S SALISBURY HISTORIC TRAIL

One of the true pleasures of living in Salisbury is that you get all the convenience of city life with the rural beauty of south Wiltshire within touching distance. It’s easy to leave the city walls to explore the countryside and you don’t have to be a serious walker to stroll out to Old Sarum. Salisbury is also blessed with a rich history and this is where we turn our focus for an urban stroll; a good option if you’ve got visitors coming to stay and you want to show off the best of the city. Starting at the Maltings shopping centre, stick to the Avon tributary stream to St Thomas Square before bearing right onto the junction of Silver Street and the High Street. A short distance down Silver Street will take you past the Haunch of Venison pub. Owners say that the Haunch is “probably” the oldest pub in Salisbury and is “certainly the most haunted”. The first record goes back to 1320 and the giant beams and wonky walls are testament to its heritage. Once you’ve downed your pint, continue along Butcher Row and past the 18th-century Guildhall – often covered in confetti as Salisbury’s number 1 wedding venue. Turn right along Queen St and right again down New Canal will take you back to Milford St before winding your way down Trinity St following the road right to St Ann St and the Joiners Hall: a 17th-century, Grade-I building. St Ann St is one of Salisbury’s finest. Soak up the Georgian ambience and keep going through St Ann’s Gate into Cathedral Close and Salisbury’s famous cathedral: a magnificent, Gothic delight that can claim Britain’s tallest spire. Further impress your guests as you meander past Salisbury Museum and Mompesson House. Out onto the High St and a left turn will take you across the Avon through Queen Elizabeth gardens and across the water meadows to Harnham and another drink at The Bell Inn or the Rose & Crown perhaps? Retrace your steps along the Town Path, over the river and back to Bridge St and you’re on the home straight back to the Maltings. Full walk details: www.theaa.com/walks/ salisburys-historic-trail-421199 Places to stop: The Ox Row Inn, Salisbury (www.theoxrowinn.co.uk); The Old Mill; (oldmillhotelsalisbury.co.uk); Rose & Crown; (www.legacy-hotels.co.uk/hotels/rose-andcrown-hotel-salisbury)

TAKE A PEW AND SOAK UP THE ANCIENT GLORY OF THIS NATIONAL MONUMENT

DURRINGTON WALLS TO STONEHENGE

We couldn’t do a walks feature without mentioning Stonehenge. This magnificent ‘there and back’ four-mile walk on National Trust property takes you from one historic monument to another across gently rolling hills. Starting at the Woodhenge car park head down towards Durrington Walls – the biggest henge in the country and once the home of hundreds of Neolithic houses. Take a left up the hill and head through the gate, pass the sarsen stone and to the end of the field on your right. Following the track, take a left and down the bridleway until the King Barrow Ridge sign, continue down the footpath and past the woods. Head through the gate and down the valley and back up to meet the path and the final approach to Stonehenge. Take a pew and soak up the ancient glory of this national monument before heading home. When you’re ready to head homeward, continue across the field to the gate at the bottom left hand corner. Pass through the farm gates, keep the fence on your left to the end of the field, through the gate with the woods on your right and then retrace your steps back to Durrington Walls. An alternative day out is a trip to the Solstice Park to enjoy their sculpture trail and art from Salisbury’s International Arts Festival. Stay at the Holiday Inn and you can enjoy both walks over the weekend. Full walk details: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stonehengelandscape/trails/circular-route-from-durrington-walls-tostonehenge; www.solsticepark.com Places to stop: Holiday Inn Salisbury-Stonehenge, Amesbury (hisalisbury-stonehenge.co.uk)

OLD SARUM WAY

Covering 35 miles this circular route loops around Salisbury linking the Clarendon Way, Monarch’s Way and the Avon Valley Path. Starting in Salisbury at Ranger’s Lodge Farm, the path meanders through river valleys, woodland and downland with impressive views. Passing Alderbury, Burcombe, Downton and Charlton, amongst many other quintessential villages and hamlets, walkers can dip in and out of this walk stopping off at one of the many lovely country pubs to refuel. Full walk details: www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/ RoutesLinksWalks/old-sarum-way-walking-route#

BEFORE HEADING HOME

Stonehenge in serene light

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Music/theatre/film/more

PARTY POOPER

There are plenty of reasons to look forward to spring – and here’s another one. Rodney Ackland’s stage adaptation of W Somerset Maugham’s short story, Before the Party, will run at The Playhouse from 4-27 May. Before the Party casts a comedic eye over an upper middle class family trying to adapt to life after the Second World War. Despite their attempts to return to normality they keep being thwarted by pesky annoyances, like government rationing and a widowed daughter who returns from Africa accompanied by a man (“What will people think if the widow’s dressed in pink?”). As the family plan a party, the house descends into a whirl of fashion frivolities, below-stairs skirmishes and a shocking secret.

Salisbury Playhouse: Malthouse Lane, Salisbury; 01722 320333

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 17

17 February – 10 March 2017

Salisbury’s choristers perform a pre-tour warm up gig; Fest West returns to the stage; adrenaline-fuelled cinema with BANFF Mountain Film Festival

Theatre 17 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 17 FEBRUARY – 25 FEBRUARY

THEATRE FEST WEST Now in its sixth year, Theatre Fest West celebrates 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

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

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

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 17-25 FEBRUARY

MEMORIES This group show explores how different artists respond to the idea of memory, memories and memory loss through the work of artists such as Jenni Dutton and Mirka Golden-Hann. Jenni has documented her mother through her Dementia Darnings

portraits to create a visual representation of dementia. Free entry. 10am – 3pm; 01722 321744; www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk 17-25 FEBRUARY

LINE OF SIGHT A vibrant collection of work that celebrates contemporary landscape painting, by artists Lindsay Keir, Layla Khani, Jan Phethean and Sarah RossThompson. Fisherton Mill; 01722 500200; www.fishertonmill.co.uk 25 FEBRUARY – 12 MARCH

THE ENGLISH The Beaumont Gallery in Mere is starting its eclectic 2017 exhibitions programme with a rare opportunity for visitors to see a selection of black and white photographs by world-renowned

W H AT ’ S O N

ARTS

Magnum photographer Ian Berry from his long-term project The English. The images will show alongside photographs of life at Salisbury Cathedral by Ash Mills and exquisite sculpture by Rose Eva. The gallery is open from Wednesday to Sunday 10am – 4pm or by appointment at any other time; 07771 510811; info@beaumontgallery.co.uk

Film 22 FEBRUARY

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

Music

Ian Berry captures the quintessential English character in his exhibition; a celebration of the countryside at Fisherton Mill

25 FEBRUARY

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

POLICE DOG HOGAN High-energy seven-piece combining fiddle, banjo, mandolin, bass, drums and guitars in a mix of country, pop, folk and rocking urban bluegrass. £15 on the door; 01722 434434; www.cityhallsalisbury.co.uk

17 MARCH

footstomping celebration. 8pm. Tickets: £12/£10; 01722 321744 www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk 26 FEBRUARY

CHORAL FOUNDATION A pre-tour warm up from the Cathedral choristers, showcasing some of the music that they will perform on their tour of the West Coast

of America, including JS Bach’s Ich Lasse Dich Nicht, Mozart’s Ave Verum Corpus, Purcell’s Hear My Prayer and Gregorio’s Allegri Miserere, as well as two organ solos performed by Claudia Grinnell. Free; 3pm; Salisbury Cathedral; 01722 555105; www. salisburycathedral.org.uk

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

Tel: 01980 611083

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COMEDY

ARTS

CHUCKLE BROTHER If you were planning on a quiet month in March, we’ve got news for you: the big man is coming to town and he’ll be bringing with him a rambunctious show By K AT I E N IC HOL LS

t’s unlikely that the larger-than-life Anglo-Iranian comic, Omid Djalili, has escaped your notice during his two-decade long career. For those who have never experienced the Djalili effect, here’s what you can expect from his show at City Hall on 4 March: an all-dancing, all-singing, loveable character with a cheeky way of slipping in contentious comedy that’s engulfed in charm. “I look like a short, fat kebab shop owner’s son but inside me there’s a tall, thin, high cheekboned English ponce screaming to get out,” is how he best describes himself. Omid is bringing his new set of gags to Salisbury City Hall as part of a 108-date tour that started in October 2016. The Salisbury date comes six months and 98 shows in from his first gig, so fingers crossed that Djalili isn’t suffering from tour ennui when he arrives at City Hall. It’s unlikely: Omid’s ebullient personality is exactly the characteristic that defines his comedic style, and audiences can rest assured that his material will be finely-honed by the time he delivers them to the Salisbury crowd. The title of this tour, Schmuck for a Night, is a play on a line taken from Martin Scorsese’s film King of Comedy, when Robert De Niro’s character, Rupert Pupkin, says: “Better to be king for a night than a schmuck for a lifetime.” Omid says he just likes the word “schmuck” and, frankly, it’s funny when he says it. The material for Schmuck… is largely satirical. “I’m just trying to make sense of everything,” he says, and because the current political landscape is so mercurial, he’s having to constantly re-write his gags. Trump, Theresa May, cancer and his blind Jewish manager, Nigel Klafeld, all come under scrutiny. And if the joke doesn’t go down well with the audience? Omid says he’ll just start moving around to get the laughs because, “there’s nothing quite like a fat man doing physical endeavour”.

www.cityhallsalisbury.co.uk Omid always takes his tea from a china cup

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

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ARTS

I N S TA L L AT I O N

DO I KNOW

YOU? A new film installation in the Cathedral Cloisters aims to give the homeless a voice

By TA L LU L A H SPE E D

n recent years Salisbury Cathedral has challenged audiences with their art exhibitions, not least Bruce Munro’s dramatic light installation in the nave of the church in 2010. In fact, it’s fair to say that Cathedral curator and visual arts advisor Jacquiline Creswell has been pioneering in the number of highprofile and thought-provoking shows that have been shown in recent years. The latest art installation to whet our appetite is the screening of a new film by local artist Susan Francis that will take place between 2-8 March. Entitled Do I Know You? the film forms part of the Cathedral’s 2017 Memory and Identity season as well as a wider, multi-venue project called Word on the Streets – an art-based project to promote the issue of homeless people in the Salisbury area. The campaign will see events taking place at both the Cathedral and the Arts Centre. Do I know You? is one of a series of films and the culmination of eight years of conversations and creative sessions with local homeless people. The aim of the project, says Susan, is to take the stories she has gathered and play them back onto the streets where they came from. “I wanted to share what I had learnt from spending time with people who live on the street or are without a permanent home and who feel, as a result, that they have no real identity,” says Susan. “On the street they are hidden in plain sight, either ignored or hurried past. When you have no address you lose your identity and place in society. This is not a choice people make, it is what happened to them.” Do I Know You? focuses on a single individual – a man who tells the story of how he came to live on the streets and the events that have occurred since he became homeless. It’s an emotional journey that takes the viewer into the heart of the experiences of rough sleepers – a very personal

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

tale, despite the fact that you never see the protagonist’s face. “I deliberately used his voice and not his image,” Susan explains, “because I felt my story would be far more powerful if you only heard the subject’s words and didn’t form any preconceptions about him. In my film his words play over images of people listening and responding to his story – doing the opposite to television or photo journalism. Another striking thing that my conversations with him brought home to me was that, out on the street, the only time he felt he had a true identity was when someone spoke to him… and not many people do that.” The music to Do I Know You? has been composed by Howard Moody, a former Cathedral chorister, and artistic director of the music charity La Folia. The soundtrack was written alongside local musician Tim Byford as well as individuals living in shelters and on the streets in Salisbury. The combination of this soundtrack, the story that’s told and the reactions of the listeners makes this film a powerful proposition that forces the viewer to face hard truths around how the homeless are perceived and treated by the rest of society. “I was very drawn to Susan’s work,” says Jacquiline Creswell. “She has interrogated our privileged world, drawing focus toward the homeless men and women hidden from society’s gaze by artfully turning her lens away from them. The film works very powerfully but subtly, focusing on the listeners’ facial responses and reactions as they hear the harrowing words of the central character describing his life on the streets – his loss of identity, destitution and absence of self-worth – and causing the viewer to reflect powerfully on their own everyday interactions with the homeless.” The film fits neatly into the Cathedral’s year-long focus on memory and identity. This outreach programme will explore questions around the subject matter with individuals and groups via events such as lectures, art exhibitions, music and film nights.

I FELT MY STORY WOULD BE FAR MORE POWERFUL IF YOU ONLY HEARD THE SUBJECT’S WORDS AND DIDN’T FORM ANY PRECONCEPTIONS ABOUT HIM

www.salisburycathedral.co.uk

I N S TA L L AT I O N

ARTS

A series of stills taken from the film, Do I Know You?

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FOOD

RECIPES

Miso-glazed aubergines (Serves 2 ) The rich, meaty texture of aubergine and salty miso make perfect partners in this wholesome recipe from Riverford

iso is a salty, fermented paste made from soy beans and wheat or rice with a unique and slightly addictive flavour, although as with Marmite; you love or hate its saltiness. Miso can be used as a marinade, or added to liquid to make a broth. It is readily available in large supermarkets and Asian grocers and there are different types â&#x20AC;&#x201C; white miso being the sweetest. The paste often comes in packets or pots; it keeps for a while but if you find it coming to the end of its fridge shelf life, before youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve used it all, freeze in ice cubes trays or small tubs. Serve this dish with sticky rice, a simple salad or coleslaw with an Asian dressing, or with wilted bok choy or summer greens.

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

Ingredients 2 tbsp miso (brown or white) 4 tbsp mirin 2 aubergines, split and roasted in halves 1 tbsp sesame seeds, lightly toasted Method 1. Mix the miso, mirin and 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl or mug. 2. Put the roasted aubergine halves flesh side up on a baking sheet and smear with the miso mixture. 3. Grill under a medium grill until the miso is golden. Scatter with the toasted sesame seeds. www.riverford.co.uk/recipes

RECIPES

FOOD

Ingredients 600g new potatoes, scrubbed & cut in half, or in quarters if larger Sunflower or vegetable oil, for frying and roasting 250g asparagus, trimmed Splash of sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar 1/2 tsp smoked paprika 1 red onion, finely-diced 2 cooking chorizo sausages (200–250g), skinned & meat crumbled Handful of finely-chopped parsley Splash of white wine vinegar or cider vinegar, if poaching your eggs 2 eggs Salt and black pepper

New potato and chorizo hash with asparagus & egg (Serves 2) Cook yourself up a plate of cosy goodness with this indulgent recipe from Riverford, who say you can either fry or poach your eggs depending on how naughty you feel

Method 1. Heat the oven to 210˚C/Gas 7 or heat a cast-iron griddle pan over a high heat. 2. Put the potatoes in a pan of salted water, bring to a boil; cook for 12–15 mins. 3. Drain and lightly crush with a potato masher or fork. While the potatoes are cooking, if you want to poach your eggs, put another pan of water on to heat to a bare simmer (no bubbles). 4. Toss the asparagus in 1 tablespoon of oil in a baking dish. Add a splash of sherry or red wine vinegar, the smoked paprika and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 8–12 minutes (depending on thickness), until tender. 5. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a frying pan. Add the onion and cook slowly for 10 minutes to soften without colouring. If it starts to catch, add a splash of water and reduce the heat. Add the chorizo, increase the heat slightly and fry for 4–5 minutes, to cook the chorizo through. 6. Stir in the potatoes and warm. Stir in the parsley and season to taste. 7. If poaching your eggs, add a good splash of vinegar to the simmering pan of water. Crack the eggs into individual ramekins or small bowls. Use a spoon to swirl the water so it looks like a whirlpool. Gently drop the eggs into the water, one at a time, and poach for 3 minutes. Alternatively, fry the eggs in a little oil to your liking. 8. Sprinkle the eggs with a little extra salt before serving on the potatoes and the asparagus. www.riverford.co.uk/recipes

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

R E S TA U R A N T

FOOD

The Greyhound on the Test Stockbridge might be famous for its trout fishing but it’s also home to an award-winning hotel By K AT I E N IC HOL LS

ositioned at the edge of what looks like a spaghetti junction-style network of channels leading off the River Test, it’s easy to see why Stockbridge is famous for fishing. The Houghton Fishing Club is the oldest in the country and I’m reliably informed by The Telegraph that it’s very exclusive. Wealthy American anglers apparently pay thousands for a single day’s license to fish in these rich waters. Natural wonders aside, you can also see why its English charms draw in foreign visitors. Stockbridge’s wide high street is flanked with tasteful, independent shops, while the occasional thatched roof and the town’s gentle pace are, I’m sure, very reassuring to visitors that England remains the picturepostcard idyll they want it to be. In recent years, Stockbridge has become renowned not just for trout fishing but for the Greyhound on the Test – a restaurant and hotel that has grown in reputation, winning the Michelin Pub of the Year in 2014 and Sunday Times Pub of the Year in 2015. Its owner Lucy Townsend is the dynamic tour de force behind this business, as well as a catering company called Wilds, and a bakery, Hoxton Bakehouse. After training under Marco Pierre White and the Hotel de Vin group and spending some time with Merivale in Sydney, Lucy settled in Stockbridge endeared by the strong local community and the position of the Greyhound both at the heart of the high street and close to the river. On a very average, grey Tuesday in January, the Greyhound’s cosy décor feels like a good antidote to the winter blues. To the cynical eye, beamed ceilings, heritage colours, exposed brick walls and a roaring open fire might look a little contrived – well, it might if the place wasn’t

THE SUBTLE FLAVOUR OF TROUT IS WELL KNOWN AS A GOOD FOIL FOR STRONGER TASTES AND, BOY, DOES THIS CHEF LIKE HIS UMAMI

literally heaving with locals looking like they’re very much at home in the relaxed ambience and thoroughly enjoying the food... anyway, we’re not cynical. Lucy tells me that chef, Chris Heather, has a passion for Asian flavours and he balances this with traditional British fare. The starters menu backs this up with dishes such as ginger and white soy cured halibut and cucumber apple; and roasted plum tomato, ginger, chilli and lemongrass soup. Tempting, yes, but the more European-influenced beckoning of the buffalo Carpaccio, tomato, celeriac remoulade and pine nuts wins the day. It’s a good choice as it turns out to be the Greyhound’s longest-running and most popular dish. Chris tells me that they tried to take it off the menu once but the ladies of Stockbridge “kicked off” so it remains a stalwart. The Carpaccio is a dream. Its creamy texture is offset by crunchy pine nuts and salty capers and tempered by clean, fresh tomatoes. It was particularly nice, I found, with a glass of Pinot Grigio. You can’t visit Stockbridge without trying trout, can you? Well, I couldn’t, and the pan-fried ocean trout, crab, bok choy, enoki and bacon sashi looked like a good way to sample the local fare, as well as Chris’s Japanese leanings. Arriving ramen-style, the fish – pink and flaky – is peppered with sesame seeds. The subtle flavour of trout is well known as a good foil for stronger tastes and, boy, does this chef like his umami. The bacon dashi is meaty and punchy, while the silky, sweet enoki and bright tones of the bok choy keep the stronger flavours in check. This is feel-good food; elegance with the fuss – and I’m starting to understand exactly why the Greyhound is packed to the rafters on a nondescript day in the heart of winter. My waitress, Claire, tempts me to try a dessert and the quince and pear crumble looks like as good a way as any to finish off lunch. It’s hard to mess up crumble, but the combination of nutty topping, winter spices and sweet pear is one great big culinary cwtch and the homely loveliness this crumble conjures is matched by the warmth and laughter in the Greyhound. I leave the Greyhound with a full belly and a warming reassurance that community spirit is alive and well, and if you need some, you can find it Stockbridge.

DINING DETAILS Greyhound on the Test, 31 High St, Stockbridge SO20 6EY; 01264 810833; thegreyhoundonthetest.co.uk Prices lunch mains range from £14 to £29.25 Vegetarian choice good options but limited in number Atmosphere warm, inviting, friendly

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

XXXXXXX XXXXX A pupil at St Swithunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s takes a closer look

CHOOSING A SCHOOL We speak to Salisbury schools to ask them what makes them stand out from the crowd By K AT I E N IC HOL LS

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

E D U C AT I O N SPECIAL

MEET THE HEAD We send Salisbury’s head teachers back to the classroom, starting with Mark Hartley of Forres Sandle Manor Can you tell us about where you spent your education? I was at several primary schools as my father was serving in the Royal Navy and we were constantly on the move. To give me some stability I was a boarder at Colston’s School in Bristol from the age of 13 until 18. What did you most enjoy about your schools days? The camaraderie and diverse opportunities. The chance to solve problems in lessons. I loved boarding, much to the annoyance of my mother! If you were writing a school report about yourself, how would you describe your standout qualities? Organised but with a little too much of a laid-back approach in the classroom. He enjoys a challenge; a kinaesthetic learner. An effective leader and responsible (I was head boy in my final year at Colston’s); curious about the world around him. What was your favourite subject… Biology, thanks to an inspirational teacher who brought the subject to life. …and the subject you most struggled with? English – my brain is wired to be more logical. I am a mathematician! Did you ever get detention? Yes – which left an indelible mark on my mind as it was given for being 20 seconds late to a maths lesson! How do you think your experiences at school have influenced the way you are now as an educator? Recognising that everyone is different and then being able to identify strengths and areas for improvement early on. The benefits that a holistic education brings rather than a pressurised hot-house approach that focuses solely on exam success. Ensuring that children have breadth and an opportunity to shine. What would you say to your younger self about how to make the most of being at school? Work hard, take risks and get involved. Find your passion and take it to the next level. Love what you are learning and be ambitious. Learn the skills of life, as well as the knowledge and understanding of individual subjects.

Chafyn Grove students enjoying communal reading time

electing a school signals a significant signpost in the life of your child. Whether you’re looking for a nursery place, prep or secondary it’s a milestone in their development and the step to the next stage. As a parent, choosing a school is one of the most important decisions you can make and there are many factors to consider – from league tables to sports facilities to pastoral care. The admissions department at Hanford school suggest narrowing down your initial shortlist by asking yourself a set of questions. “Do you have your heart set on a specific public/senior school? If their entry is highly competitive, it is worth starting by asking them for a list of their feeder schools,” says Hanford. “How far are you prepared to travel? Day schools need to be a manageable distance from home, whereas boarding options can be more remote so the proximity of friends or family will be important. Be aware that as your child gets older, new activities may require later or earlier pick-ups due to early morning choir rehearsals or late-night plays and events. Do you want all your children to be together, or will siblings be better served by being separated allowing space to develop independently? Has your child been identified as requiring learning support or do they have a specific educational need? Some schools will be better equipped to cater for them. Do you have strong opinions on single-sex education? Is there a

particular extra curricular activity that your child enjoys and how well does the school deliver?” Once you’ve found the schools that meet this basic criteria the next stage is to visit the schools on your shortlist. Here’s our guide to some of Salisbury, Wiltshire and Hampshire’s finest schools and what they can offer your child.

CHAFYN GROVE

Positioned near the centre of Salisbury city centre, Chafyn Grove offers day and boarding education for boys and girls aged three to 13. Simon Head, the appropriately-named leader of the school, says if he had to describe the school in three words they would be: “Breadth, depth and balance. We enjoy giving our children a generous diet of variety and challenge,” he continues. “Our activities are integrated within our timetable so that everyone regularly encounters areas of enjoyment and strength. The confidence generated here translates across the curriculum. It also lets us keep the children busy – academic lessons jostle comfortably alongside the arts and outdoors. We’re known for our results, but it’s always the travelling rather than the arriving that supplies the best experiences. Every day is different, but all of them are fun. www.chafyngrove.co.uk

FORRES SANDLE MANOR

“The moment I set foot in FSM I knew it had a very special atmosphere,” says Mark Hartley, FSM headmaster. “The school thrives on the positive values that I firmly believe in. FSM is full of happy and purposeful children who are clearly inspired by a dedicated team of staff sharing a  www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 35

E D U C AT I O N SPECIAL

MEET THE HEAD Simon Head from Chafyn Grove looks back in fondness at his school days… Can you tell us about where you spent your education ? I went to Cranmore in Surrey, then Stonyhurst in Lancashire. What did you most enjoy about your schools days? I loved the learning. I had two English teachers who gave me a map and compass for exploration and discovery for which I’m ever grateful. My Latin and Greek teachers guided me through languages and supplied an endless stream of engaging anecdotes and acts on the way. Being with friends all the time at boarding school created so many memories and undoubtedly much of who I am today.

Headmaster Mark Hartley reading a bedtime story the students at Forres Sandle Manor

If you were writing a school report about yourself, how would you describe your standout qualities? Once you’ve unravelled what he is writing, it can be interesting. He brings his best efforts to a wide range of pursuits and is genuinely curious about exploring all aspects of learning. Tidiness is not a natural strength.

wonderful sense of community. We welcome day children from ages three to 13 and boarders from the age of eight. Our beautiful grounds on the edge of the New Forest provide us with many opportunities to enhance our academic curriculum. An FSM education is unique and all of us encourage each child to aspire to achieve their best within the school’s broad curriculum.”

What was your favourite subject… English.

www.fsmschool.com

GODOLPHIN PREP SCHOOL

…and the subject you most struggled with? Art. Did you ever get detention? Of course. How do you think your experiences at school have influenced you now as an educator? Individual teachers made a strong case for the value of characterfulness in the classroom. The importance of not allowing learning to become hidebound by the syllabus or assessment was vigorously and impressively championed. Both of these positive experiences keep me mindful of the value of allowing teachers to teach to their strengths. What would you say to your younger self about how to make the most of being at school? Happily, I genuinely feel that I made the most of school. I might encourage myself to have kept up a diary – the fragments I have are tantalising. I’d share a few simple secrets about sport, which took me years to discover, perhaps the best simply being the power of decisiveness.

Playtime at Hanford school

This is the only all-girls prep school in Wiltshire and is positioned next to the Godolphin Senior school (also girls only). “Ours is a school where academic excellence is balanced by a comprehensive co-curricular programme,” says Godolphin. “All girls are encouraged to pursue their interests in clubs as diverse as Lego robots, kickboxing, yoga and découpage. Naturally, the Prep school benefits from sharing the campus with the Senior school, with access to unparalleled art, DT, music and sporting facilities, as well as our stunning grounds that include the swimming pool and fitness suite. The Nursery, which takes girls from just before their third birthday is registered with Wiltshire Council for the Nursery Education grant and this currently provides an entitlement of 15 hours free per week. GO Toddle, Godolphin’s Toddler Group, takes place every Wednesday morning at the Prep School between 9.30am and 11am; and from February, Godolphin will be hosting a weekly coffee morning for mothers with reading time for young children.” Book to see the school at their next open days on 24 February and 5 May. www.godolphin.org  www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 37

Wednesday 1st March, 9am-11.30am Tuesday 14th March, 9am-12pm Or call for an individual appointment

E D U C AT I O N SPECIAL HANFORD

MEET THE HEAD Mr Leake from Leehurst Swan says he’s seen great improvement with his crosscountry running Can you tell us about where you spent your education? I went to Colston’s Primary School and then Cotham Grammar School in Bristol but, after two years, I transferred to Lenzie Academy, near Glasgow. The change was a massive shock. What did you most enjoy about your school days? I enjoyed the freedom to study a wide range of subjects. I also swam in a club and was I competitive in cross-country running. I took part in debating and won a number of competitions. This diversity of activities appealed to me. If you were writing a school report about yourself, how would you describe your standout qualities? At his best when running more than five miles. Very earnest and successdriven, with more ability in science and mathematics than writing!

Hanford is a day and boarding school for girls between 7 and 13. The school has a strong “family” feel with around 100 girls living in an outstanding Jacobean manor house. The school says they “believe that children should be children for as long as possible, climbing trees, building dens, riding ponies and playing in the garden. Giving girls free time is something Hanford has always believed in as it encourages girls to become lost in their own imagination and develop creatively,” say the school. “Hanford recently took the decision to switch off all ‘smart devices’ (iPhones, tablets) during term time. Unplugging the girls from social media, games and communications was not done to protect them but to encourage them to make their own fun, they will have plenty of time to use social media but a relatively short time in which to be silly, fun-loving children.” Hanford’s next open morning is on 4 March. www.hanford.dorset.sch.uk

KING EDWARD VI

This co-educational independent day school for children aged between 11-18 has a strong academic record with 85% of students passing their A levels with grades at A*, A or B. “King Edward also prides itself on the broad range of co-curricular activities and trips on offer,” says

the school. “In 2016, summer excursions included charity work in South Africa, biology field trips to the Galapagos Islands and Indonesia and a cricket tour to Sri Lanka. Students are actively encouraged to take part in some of the 150 clubs and societies that are available outside of lesson time and an active involvement in community and charity work is also an important part of school life. Many pupils compete and perform at national and international levels with numerous opportunities to represent the school in sporting, musical and dramatical events. Academic and arts scholarships are available and a new sports award is to be introduced from September.”

LEEHURST SWAN

This independent co-educational school caters for children aged between 6 weeks to 16 years old and can claim over 100 years of experience educating children. “Life at Leehurst Swan is about community and continuity in an educational climate full of uncertainty and change,” says the school. “This is not to say we are stuck in our ways: life is an adventure, and so at Leehurst we prepare for it, embrace it, and take up the challenge to enjoy the ride. We offer a familyfriendly environment based on Christian values and a varied education, which both stimulates and challenges. We seek to encourage a true 

What was your favourite subject… Biology. …and the subject you most struggled with? French – although I got an A grade. Did you ever get detention? Yes – I was not always polite to my teachers. I have tried to improve since! How do you think your experiences at school have influenced you now as an educator? The move to Glasgow was difficult. I was bullied for being English and I could not understand the dialect of the teachers. I was the fish out of water. This experience has helped me understand those pupils who do not find school life easy, and it is why I am passionately in favour of fostering a welcoming community that nurtures and cares for its pupils. A good education is about much more than getting good exam grades – it is experiences, memories, values and standards. However, good exam results bring the freedom to choose pathways and open doors to even better experiences in the future. It is important to get that balance right. What would you say to your younger self about how to make the most of being at school? Don’t worry what others say. Do what is right, develop your skills and talents.

King Edward VI: a school of academic excellence

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

Boarding and day school for girls ages 9 to 18

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A warm and caring environment where girls can achieve and be themselves.â&#x20AC;?

The Good Schools Guide Come and find out more at our Open Morning on Friday 10th March 2017 www.stmarys.eu | 01747 852416 | enquiries@stmarys.eu

E D U C AT I O N SPECIAL

MEET THE HEAD Jane Gandee of St Swithun’s reveals the best and worst moments at school Where did you spent your education? My primary school was in Hertford. In the days before the invention of health and safety we used to play Bulldog and dare each other to stand on top of the climbing frame without holding on. My secondary school was a girls’ state school called Presdales in Ware. What did you most enjoy about your school days? I loved sport, even in the days of shapeless Airtex and oddly-shaped athletics knickers. If you were writing a school report about yourself, how would you describe your standout qualities? ‘She doesn’t faff and she doesn’t give up’. I managed to play large amounts of sport and complete all my homework by getting down to work straight away. What I lacked in instinctive understanding I tried to make up for by persevering. What was your favourite subject… English. …and the subject you most struggled with? Drama – I was too shy as a child to lose my inhibitions. Did you ever get detention? I remember the whole class shutting the music teacher in her cupboard. I don’t think that went down well. How do you think your experiences at school have influenced the way you are now as an educator? My favourite teachers were those who were honest and caring, who taught with energy and enthusiasm. I have tried to mirror that in the classroom and throughout St Swithun’s. I had to work hard to get to university – I believe that young people derive most satisfaction from having to work hard to achieve success. Some of my teachers were very inept – one chemistry teacher spent more time in the fume cupboard than teaching us, and not because we had locked him in there. What would you say to your younger self about how to make the most of being at school? Be brave and take every opportunity. Don’t be embarrassed about singing in assembly or on the coach to matches and trips – it doesn’t matter if you don’t have perfect pitch.

Girls at St Mary’s enjoying free time

enthusiasm for learning, and to help pupils grow in knowledge, wisdom and understanding, while preparing them for their future beyond school. We have been educating children on this site for over 100 years and our academic record is very strong. However, we also firmly believe learning should be imaginative and fun and we place learning and laughter at the heart of all that we do. Parents and pupils are invited to come and see us at our open morning on 7 March.” www.leehurstswan.org.uk

SANDROYD

Situated near the Wiltshire/Dorset border Sandroyd is an independent co-educational prep school for both day and boarders aged between three to 13. “Our wonderfully unique family atmosphere means that we can properly focus on the individual needs of each child at every stage of their education,” says the team. “We ‘prepare’ children in the very broadest sense. Alongside our academically rich and rigorous education, we also develop children’s social and emotional intelligence. It is these soft skills, best taught through a myriad of extra curricular activities and challenges that ensure children develop the habits and qualities that will allow them to thrive beyond their school days.” www.sandroyd.org

ST MARY’S

St Mary’s Shaftesbury is currently riding high as it celebrates its recent inspection that awarded it ‘Outstanding in All Areas’. “It is significant that the report underlines the fact that St Mary’s puts the individual at the heart of all that it

does,” says the team. “Everyone is ‘individually known and individually nurtured’. Each girl’s voice matters, and each is given the opportunity to develop her unique talents. Academic rigour is balanced by pastoral care, and co-curricular opportunities, which enrich and deepen the girls’ school experience. In addition to the fantastic recent inspection report, St Mary’s has placed in the top 25 girls boarding schools in the UK for its A Level results last year. We are also delighted to announce that we have instated two new Mary Ward Scholarships for girls with all-round talents at 13+ for September 2017. Come to our open morning on 10 March.” www.stmarys.eu.

ST SWITHUN’S

This junior and senior school in Winchester offers day and boarding for boys (3-7) and girls (3-18). “St Swithun’s School is unashamedly academic but not academic to the exclusion of all else,” St Swithun’s tell us. “We strongly believe in the concept of ‘appropriately academic’, which means working hard in class, hard on homework, but then shutting your books and doing something else. There is no point in being young if you spend all your time at your desk. Our prevailing ethos is one of every girl striving to break her own personal best rather than competing with her classmates. We want our girls to understand that their ability is not fixed but will change over time when they receive good teaching and when they respond to feedback. They will not do everything perfectly straight away and will make mistakes, but that is often when the best learning takes place.” www.stswithuns.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 41

Successful, well-established English language school in the centre of Salisbury requires

HOMESTAY HOSTS to host overseas students aged 12-17 on a short-term basis (usually 1-4 weeks). Both single and twin-room accommodation is needed. For further details, including payment rates, please contact our Accommodation Manager: James Udell, KIE Salisbury, St Martin’s Annexe, St Martin’s Church St, Salisbury, SP1 2HY Direct line: +44 (0) 1722 346083; Email: james.udell@kaplan.com

Splash of Colour The

Pottery Painting Cafe

Never to young to pick up a brush...! Pottery painting for everyone

Open Mon-Sat 10-5.30 (closed Wednesdays except in school holidays) Sun 11-3

Call 01722 322250 to book a table 72 Fisherton Street, Salisbury SP2 7RB

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PC/Laptop Repairs 01722 330112 07827 928384 www.itechsupport.co..uk enquiries@itechsupport.co.uk 167 Fisherton Street Salisbury - Wiltshire - SP2 7RP Open 6 days a week - free parking available Laptops • PC's & Tablets • Sales Upgrades & Repairs • IT Support iPhone & iPad Repairs PROUD TO BE A SALISBURY INDEPENDENT BUSINESS

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Carpet Centre

Amtico, Karndean, Sisals, Jute, Seagrass, Vinyl Flooring, Wood Floors, Laminates All at special prices, see in store for details

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147-151 Fisherton Street, Salisbury. Off St Pauls roundabout

Quality roll ends now in stock Wool twists 6x5 was £750 NOW £399 Wool Twists from £8.95sqm was £17.95 Special prices on all Kardean products

Typical 3 bedroom house Lounge, hallways and bedrooms was £2700 NOW £1350

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Creative kitchens free design and home visit free to showroom with 40 displays also fittedto showroom with Creative kitchensparking free design and home visit free parking bedrooms and office.

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Fashion/gifts/stores/more

ORGANIC BLOOM

Forget spring cleaning, we believe that the next few months should be spent on treating ourselves and getting ready for warmer days when we can cast aside heavy winter coats. In our ongoing search for good-quality products that will enrich our precious skin, not damage the environment or cost the earth, we stumbled across Nathalie Bond Organics â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an all-natural skin care range that has banished synthetic chemicals and uses only 100% organic ingredients. Bath salts, body oil, lip balm, soap block and candles, Nathalie Bond has a wide range of products that contain a variety of tempting ingredients, such as the Lavender & Bergamot Bath Salts, Rose Geranium & Patchouli Soy Candle and Sweet Orange Lip Salve. Sounds like the sort of spring-time pep me up that we could all do with once winter merges into a new season. Nathalie Bond Organics are stocked at: Cranborne Garden Centre; 01725 517248; www.cranbornegardencentre.co.uk

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BIRDS & BEES IS THAT THE FLUTTER OF TINY WINGS WE CAN HEAR...?

1. BUSY BEE

2. WHO’S A PRETTY BIRD?

3. KEEP IT CLEAN

4. BUZZ, BUZZ

5. LITTLE WREN

White rose, £13.50 Bees just adore open, single-petal roses, so make your garden a haven for pollinating insects with one of 400 varieties From Cranborne Garden Centre, Wimborne; 01725 517248; www.cranbornegardencetntre.co.uk

Scatter cushion, £29 This embroidered ‘Birdgarden’ cushion from Pure Comfort makes a statement with its pretty pink and blue hues and delicate details. From Pure Comfort, 14 Winchester Street, Salisbury; www.pure-comfort.co.uk

Soap dish and dispenser, £12 and £18 respectively Scrub up an ordinary bathroom with this exotic pair of cockatoo-themed accessories. From Orchid Furniture, 71 Parchment Street, Winchester; 01962 841222; www. orchidfurniture.co.uk

Sterling silver bumble bee cufflinks, £285 Vibrant black and yellow enamel and cabochon sapphire eyes make these bumblebee cufflinks the accessory to create a buzz. From H R Tribbeck & Son; 12 Bridge St, Salisbury; 01722 324395; tribbecks.com

Gold wren brooch, £950 If you feel the need to add a little bling to your outfit, this beautiful brooch is handmade from 9ct gold and comes sporting a sapphire eye with plenty of twinkle. From H R Tribbeck & Son; 12 Bridge St, Salisbury; 01722 324395; tribbecks.com

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

ED’S CHOICE

SHOPPING

5 6

6. SO GULLIBLE

7. HELLO, DICKIE

8. WHAT A HOOT!

9. LITTLE CHICK

Bird trays, £various Got any twitcher buddies who might like these trays? They’d make a perfect present for anyone with a penchant for our feathered friends. Choose from a variety of species and become a bird collector of a different kind. From Casa Fina; 62 High St, Salisbury; 01722 326428; casafinasalisbury.co.uk

Dickie Bird, £8 This beady-eyed bird might be small in stature but he’ll look magnificent sitting on a mantelpiece or resting in an alcove – or use him as a paperweight on your desk. From Casa Fina; 62 High St, Salisbury SP1 2PF; 01722 326428; casafinasalisbury.co.uk

Owl shopping bag, £4.99 With their saucer-sized eyes, owls have become a favourite choice of bird to adorn women’s accessories, and this little fella looks ever so jolly on this bright and breezy shopping bag. From Goodfayre; Cross Keys Arcade, Queen Street, Salisbury, SP1 1EL; goodfayre.co.uk

Sussex Hens, £110 A unique mixed-media artwork by contemporary textile artist Gillian Bates, combining painting on canvas and free-hand machine and hand embroidery. Proof that not everyone likes their chicken served up on the Sunday dinner table! From Fisherton Mill; 108 Fisherton St, Salisbury; 01722 500200; fishertonmill.co.uk

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15% OFF IN FEB 2017 WITH CODE ‘HATSTYLING’

Wedding and race day hats available to hire or buy from the Vivien Sheriff Studio, Downton, Salisbury For opening hours call 01725 512983 www.VIXENHATS.CO.UK

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

Y –B

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

SPECIAL SHOP

SHOPPING

KEY TO THE CITY Something special is happening inside Salisbury’s Cross Keys Arcade Photo s by JOH N ROSE

ucked discreetly away in the middle of Queen Street is the rather unassuming entrance to Cross Keys Arcade. If it wasn’t for the gold-sprayed sign protruding above the shop front that announces its presence on the street, you could easily pass by unaware of the lovely collection of shops inside. Promoter of the Arcade, Robert Brown, agrees that the centre could do with a bit of a freshen up. But he also tells us that there is a “major refurbishment planned, which we hope to unveil in 2017”. This is great news for what is the only covered shopping area in Salisbury and, despite its 1980s exterior, the Arcade has a rather lovely Jacobean staircase inside. Well, this is Salisbury after all – so you’re never far away from an important piece of history. The Cross Keys is a fast-growing centre for independent shops in Salisbury. Gallery 21, ethical food store Goodfayre and organic specialists Well Natural all trade from the Arcade, as do Vinyl Collectors & Sellers and the newest kid on the block Feel Good Skate Co, “whose success since opening proves that Cross Keys is the perfect place for destination retailers who service a clear niche market” says Robert. The 3.5%

increase in footfall recorded late last year is also a pretty good indicator that Salisbury shoppers approve of Cross Keys’ warm, inviting atmosphere and indie retailers. As bricks and mortar shops continue the fight against the threat of online shopping, Robert says that it’s places like Cross Keys that remind customers of why it’s worth making the trip into the city. Robert is continually looking for ways to raise Cross Keys’ profile and give visitors a unique

Cross Keys promoter Robert Brown

experience. Evening entertainment by local musicians is attracting a new crowd; Cross Keys’ sponsorship of Salisbury FC has, says Robert, “dovetailed what is at the heart of Salisbury: a strong and proud community”. And if you fancy a spot of falconry there are rescue birds on display in the Arcade every first Saturday of the month. “Cross Keys” says Robert, “is not a normal shopping space by its very nature, and this attracts eclectic and varied operators. Independent retailers bring a special atmosphere and we wholeheartedly embrace that. It’s important that we give Salisbury what it wants,” he continues, “and we have worked hard to attract a wide and varied range of independents. Salisbury has responded by supporting our tenants to grow their businesses – Cool, Goodfayre and Vinyl Collectors & Sellers all started out as pop-up shops in Cross Keys and have grown so popular that they now have long-term leases.” With new tenants attracted to this corner of indie shopping, a lively restaurant and events scheduled for 2017, Cross Keys Arcade is buzzing with activity.

Cross Keys; 22 Queen St, Salisbury SP1 1EY; 01722 325726; www.crosskeysshopping.co.uk

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

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

FLOWER POWER Salisbury florist Paloma Lily hosted a glamorous celebration on the evening of 9 February with a night entitled, Fashion & Florals. Attendees were treated to a fabulous catwalk with models showing off beautiful wedding gown designs. Paloma Lily owner Pauline Church had decorated the shop with walls of ivy and beautiful blooms. Wine was sipped and canapes were enjoyed by everyone at a night that gave a cold night in February a warm glow of gorgeous glamour. Photos by John Rose

Catherine and Cindy Dunning

Judith Rhind-Tutt, Pauline Church and Judy Poole

Melanie Davies and Lena Rose

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

BIG BUSINESS Business owners from across Salisbury city got together on 9 February at restaurant Charter 1227 for the launch of the Salisbury Big Business event. Mayor Derek Brown opened the evening with a speech that celebrated the Salisbury business community but kept everyone tantalisingly waiting for the names of the speakers who will be appearing at the big event in April.

Bill Brown, Christina Nielsen, Mayor of Salisbury and Clly Derek Brown OBE Hillary Thompson, Danny Bozic and Katie Nicholls

Anoushka Twining and Amanda Foster

Photos by John Rose

COLOUR ROOMS Salisbury hairdressers the Colour Rooms celebrated their seventh birthday in February. Debbie Davidson and her glamorous team welcomed guests to the salon on Winchester Street to enjoy wine, nibbles and good conversation to mark their presence as part of Salisburyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business community. Photos by John Rose Leon Antone, Jo Davies, Laura and Andy Francis Jane Potter, Debbie Davidson, Katie the Vegan and Abi Davis

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

Luxury & local

The most sophisticated audience is just a call away Hillary Thompson 01225 475800

Shake-ups/launches/intel/promotions

S A L IS B U RY G E T S S ER I O US The team at Fawcetts are in the family way

QUOTE OF THE ISSUE

“IT’S GOOD TO KNOW THAT YOU’VE MADE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE WAY SOMEONE FEELS”

SPONSORSHIP

KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY Salisbury firm Fawcetts sponsor the family programme of the 2017 Ageas Salisbury International Arts Festival For the fifth year running, Salisbury-based chartered accountants and business advisors have stepped up as sponsors of Salisbury’s hugely-popular family programme that runs as part of the Ageas International Arts Festival, between 26 May and 10 June. The team at Fawcetts are thrilled to be involved with the family programme (if you were wondering why they are holding bears…). Fawcetts’ partner, James Hayes said: “We are delighted to sponsor the family programme again this year. The Ageas Salisbury International Arts Festival continues to do the most wonderful work, promoting Salisbury internationally as a destination for art and music; all in our small but beautiful city. The family programme provides laughter, smiles and a sprinkling of magic to every generation. It really is a genuine pleasure to contribute.”

Festival organisers are equally pleased about the collaboration. Director Toby Smith said: “We are thrilled to be working with the team at Fawcetts again who continue their major support of the family programme. With outdoor theatre, the family playday, puppetry, musical storytelling and even a pub quiz for kids, as ever there is something for everybody. The Festival’s family programme reaches thousands of people, offering inspiration and fun for families and younger audiences and is a great profile for Fawcetts.” This year, the Festival’s family programme includes a production by Illyria in the Wardrobe Museum Gardens. For full details of the family events visit salisburyfestival.co.uk from 7 March. www.fawcetts.co.uk

Turn to page 59 for more

30k THE BIG NUMBER

The Playhouse win a grant from the Andrew LloydWebber foundation Find out more on page 63

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

Childrens Chance – Question Time Reg charity 1069104 – Funding activities for children and young people in and around Salisbury You are invited to come and join in the debate about child poverty and lack of opportunity – causes, consequences and solutions

Thursday 11th May 2017 at 7.30pm The Guildhall, Market Square, Salisbury (doors open 6.30pm, bar from 6.45pm)

Chair – Childrens Chance President Andrew Harvey with panellists The Rt Revd Nicholas Holtam, The Rt Hon Frank Field MP, John Glen MP and Jill Kirby Tickets and further information from

www.childrenschance.co.uk Generously supported by

BUSINESS INSIDER

MILLINER

HATS OFF! Local milliner with royal connections, Vivien Sheriff, talks about running her business from a converted barn in Downton Vivien Sheriff launched her business nearly 12 years ago at her kitchen table. “I was experimenting with different shapes and fabrics with the aim of creating beautiful and perfectly-balanced headwear,” she tells us. “The local ladies liked my one-off designs and it wasn’t long before I employed a helper at my first tiny studio not far from where we are located now in Downton.” Vivien went on to design a handful of prototype hats, with Selfridges quickly snapping up the lot! “It’s been a steep learning curve building a business and luxury brand from grassroots to compete globally with the world’s leading milliners,” she says. “I now have the most amazing team (including my son) and it would not be possible to stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the world’s top accessory brands without all the hard work that the Vivien Sheriff team has put in over the years.”

special moment, not only for myself but also for my teenage daughter who was with me helping with the display of the red, white and blue hats that we created that particular year. However, I think I am still most proud when I see a mother of the bride/groom truly transformed and thoroughly delighted after a Vivien Sheriff hat styling session. It’s very satisfying to know that you have made a positive impact on the way somebody feels about themselves.

You’ve worked with some pretty prestigious clients, including the Duchess of Cambridge Yes, we’ve been lucky enough to have some great breaks in our 10-year journey. The world of Vivien Sheriff has been rocked since the morning I woke up and saw Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (then Kate Middleton) on the cover of every national newspaper wearing a perfectly-fitting, but unassuming, Vivien Sheriff beret. We had to learn to be media savvy pretty quickly with the world press and TV broadcasters knocking on our door for the inside story. We are honoured that the Duchess has worn other Vivien Sheriff pieces since becoming part of the royal family. Her decision to team our feathered disc with the polka dot wedding outfit during the mid-term of her pregnancy was both fun and memorable. Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, knows how to style accessories to perfection!

Are you inspired by the beautiful Wiltshire countryside? The surroundings on my doorstep at home and at my studio in Downton are so inspiring. My creative team love working from converted farm buildings and customers that visit the studio showroom always comment on the idyllic setting. We often have clients travelling to us from London to get a very different city shopping experience. On a summer’s day, it’s lovely that we are able to invite customers to sit and take tea on our sunny terrace where they can enjoy the rolling Wiltshire countryside.

What would you say to your younger self if you were just starting your business today? I would say dream big and don’t limit yourself by your environment or peer pressure. Decide on your goal, then look at what you need to do to get there and set your priorities depending on what’s important to you.

DREAM BIG, DECIDE ON YOUR GOAL AND LOOK AT WHAT YOU NEED TO GET THERE

As a creative person, are you comfortable running the business side of Vivien Sheriff? These days I am very comfortable running the business side. Creativity is a constant thread that runs through successful businesses. We’re competing on a world stage so we continually have to think outside the box to stay ahead of the curve. How the brand is visually represented is hugely important. I artistically direct our shoots, post on our social media channels, source new materials and research trends, as well as overseeing and directing the design team who create the multiple collections that we produce each season. Business and creativity are so closely intertwined. It can be frustrating when 80% of my day is taken up with figures and logistics but I have coping strategies to clear my head, like taking my beloved Springer spaniel on a hilltop walk around the studio and, occasionally (when my son isn’t looking), I tuck into a good slice of cake – usually courtesy of my local WI! What’s been your proudest professional moment? It’s difficult to hone it down to just one moment. Being introduced to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth during her Diamond Jubilee tour was a

What’s an average day like for Vivien Sheriff? We’re currently sending out all the Spring/Summer 2017 pieces to our wholesale accounts while putting the finishing touches to our new designs and collections for Autumn/Winter 2017. It’s been part of our plan to launch a ready-to-wear day wear hat line and I am pleased to announce that we’ve managed to create an accessible day wear collection, which we’ll be launching in Paris during fashion week in March 2017. We’ve also recently had an unprecedented number of mothers visiting the studio for wedding hats. When time permits, I like to help the mums with personal hat styling – it’s still a favourite part of my ever-varied job. What do you have coming up in 2017? Vivien Sheriff has the honour of being part of the 2017 Ascot Millinery Collective, which showcases the UK’s leading milliners. We will have a big presence around Royal Ascot with our pieces going on several famous heads, which we still get very excited about! We’ve also got some exceptional events coming up where we’ve partnered with world-leading luxury brands within jewellery, fashion and hospitality. It’s too soon to reveal any more information at this stage as places will be limited, but we’ll be releasing further information about these special events and other happenings through our online channels. We also have a seasonal newsletter, which visitors can subscribe to through our website. www.viviensheriff.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 59

DARREN

MACDONALD

FUNERAL DIRECTORS LIMITED

YOUR LOCAL FUNERAL DIRECTORS OFFICE AND CHAPEL OF REST Personal & friendly 24 hour service

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BUSINESS INSIDER

Sue and David with their dog Tilly

now managing director, so he is the overall manager and also runs the game and wildlife side. Do either of you have any business training, or have you learned on the job? When we started in business it was just the two of us – David selling to farmers and me, having worked in Barclays for several years, doing the accounts. I did, however, have to learn how to use a computer and run the Sage accounts programme. Everything was achieved with a little help from friends in the computerised accounting business. David has worked in selling all his life, having attended Sparsholt Agricultural College where, incidentally, my father had been a student. Our son is also a former student and now our grandson is there – so agriculture runs in the family. It was mainly the dairy industry we worked with, selling dairy feed, grass and maize; this has now become one of the largest parts of our business, alongside wild bird mixtures for the environment. What have been the highlights of setting up and running Bright Seeds? One of the highlights was winning the Prince Philip Award in the Dairy Industry Awards and visiting Buckingham Palace. In fact, we went twice as we were runners up one year and winners the next! It’s pleasing to know that we have achieved what we set out to do – run a successful family-owned business incorporating both daughter and son. Our daughter Anna worked with us when she left college until she married, then our son Christopher joined us after college and a tour of Australia.

AGRICULTURE

SOWING SEEDS Husband and wife team, David and Sue Bright reveal how the first shoots of their business, Bright Seeds, grew nearly 30 years ago David and Sue Bright have been running their specialist seed company for 30 years; first from a converted garage and now from offices in Burcombe village. We caught up with the Hampshire-born couple to find out all about their business. How and when was Bright Seeds born? Bright Seeds came about in 1988 when David turned 40 and decided that he would rather like to have his own business, rather than work for someone else. We set about raising a loan to start us off. We had a very good friend who offered us a loan wanting nothing in return but repayment when we were able. Bright Seeds was originally known as David Bright Limited, hence the small initials in our logo. We were working out of our converted garage then. What roles do you and David play in the company? I head up our accounts team and David looks after the forage side of our business. Our son, Christopher, is

IT’S PLEASING TO KNOW THAT WE RUN A FAMILYOWNED BUSINESS WITH BOTH DAUGHTER AND SON

What are your plans for 2017 and how do you want to develop the company over the next few years? We hope to develop much more into our wildflower business, growing and harvesting our own native seed – but this will be Christopher’s work as we start to enjoy semi-retirement! We now have 15 members of staff and we moved out of the converted garage to some lovely offices in Burcombe village, where we also have our warehouse. How do you and David enjoy time away from the business? Friday night meeting friends at the Royal Oak Swallowcliffe (our local). And we have a small holiday home in Polruan, Cornwall where we go when we want to relax without phone signals and Wi-Fi. What are your greatest strengths? Enthusiasm and the ability to help customers find solutions for their businesses. And your biggest weaknesses… Spending more time in the office than at home! www.brightseeds.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 61

BUSINESS INSIDER

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

NEW GRANTS FOR SALISBURY

Two new grants aimed at benefitting Salisbury residents

A HEALTHY ADDITION Salisbury sports specialists Evolved Health has grown its reputation as a local leader in personal fitness, as well as in injury rehabilitation. Evolved Health is delighted to announce that Charlie Blake (BSc) has joined the team as an injury rehabilitation specialist. Matt said: “Charlie has a fantastic skill set that allows people to understand why their pain or injury occurs, he can then go about dealing with the issue and teach you how to stop it happening again. Be it a posture issue or sports injury, Charlie will be able to help.” www.evolvedhealth.co.uk 62 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Salisbury City Council has announced the introduction of two new types of grant funding totalling £27,000 per year for projects that will benefit the residents of Salisbury City. The new funding streams are designed to enable a wider variety of organisations and groups a chance to apply under two different schemes, which are: a General Grant that is designed for short projects that will usually be completed in one year, and require a modest amount of funding. The maximum amount available under the General

Grant Scheme will be £500. Closing dates for General Grant applications will be 1 April, 1 August and 1 December each year. The second stream is the Guaranteed Grant and is for organisations looking to carry out longer-term projects. Under this scheme groups may apply for a grant from £500 up to £3,000 for up to three consecutive years. The closing date for the scheme will be 30 April each year. Details of both grant schemes are available at www.salisburycitycouncil. gov.uk

HAMPSHIRE WINNERS East Dorset’s Moors Valley Country Park and Forest was awarded Bronze in two categories (Sustainability, and Access and Inclusivity) at the prestigious South West Tourism Excellence Awards on 2 February. The awards, which took place at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol, is the biggest scheme of its kind in the country bringing together winners from the Dorset, Bristol, Bath & Somerset, Cornwall and Devon Tourism Awards, as well as direct entries from Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. Winning the award is an official endorsement of Moors Valley Country Park’s ongoing commitment to put accessibility and sustainability right at the heart of its business. www.moors-valley.co.uk

The happy team from Moors Valley Country Park and Forest

PURE GOLD

LEGAL Q&A Batt Broadbent’s Jo Clements sheds light on what it means to have Lasting Power of Attorney A Lasting Power of Attorney is a document in which you can appoint one or more people to help you with your finances. Your attorneys can sign cheques for you, talk to banks and sell property if it is ever required. Here are some frequently-asked questions about the document.

Salisbury lettings agent Bassets Lettings has been awarded with the Gold Award for Best Lettings Agent for the second year running at the national Guild of Property Professionals Awards. In a ceremony hosted by The Guild of Property Professionals, in association with The Telegraph, the annual awards was held on 27 January at The Vox Conference Centre in Birmingham. Luke Skinner (Bassets Senior Lettings Manager) and Matthew Boatwright (Bassets Tisbury Director) were presented with their trophy by Marcus Whewell, CEO of The Guild Quentin Thatcher, Head of Bassets Lettings, said: “To win the Gold Award for Best Lettings Agent for the second consecutive year is an outstanding achievement for all of us at Bassets. We

Bassetts: going for gold for the second year running

are honoured to be recognised for our hard work and dedication at a national level. I’d personally like to thank my team for always striving to go above and beyond what is expected to enable us to provide our clients with exceptional, personable and professional service.” www.bassets.co.uk/

ARTS IN THE COMMUNITY

Can my spouse talk to banks about my accounts without a Lasting Power of Attorney? No. If you have an account in your sole name a bank is unable to talk to anyone about that account except the account holder and this includes a spouse. Can I appoint more than one attorney in the same document? Yes. You may wish to only appoint one attorney but you are able to appoint several attorneys within the same document. It can be advisable to appoint more than one attorney as, if you only appoint one attorney and they become unable to act for you, you will be left with no one to assist you. Do my attorneys continue to act for me after I have died? No. A Lasting Power of Attorney is only valid while someone is alive. After someone has died the attorneys are no longer able to act, and the executors who are appointed under the terms of the will take over dealing with someone’s accounts and assets as they are now part of someone’s estate. Can my attorneys be the same people as my executors and beneficiaries in a will? Yes. Clients will often want to appoint the same family members to assist with finances and have the same relatives as beneficiaries. If you would like more information about Lasting Powers of Attorney please do not hesitate to contact Jo Clements at Batt Broadbent on 01722 411141. www.battbroadbent.co.uk

The Playhouse will be developing their outreach work

Salisbury Playhouse has been awarded £30,000 from The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation to go towards a three-year project developing the theatre’s work with military communities on Salisbury Plain. The grant will enable Salisbury Playhouse to expand its Stage 65 Youth Theatre to reach areas that are isolated and have limited opportunities to engage with the arts. Working with secondary schools across the area, the project will offer weekly workshops culminating in theatre performances both in the local community and at Salisbury Playhouse and it is hoped that more than 1,500 young people and their families could benefit from it. As the military presence in Wiltshire increases, the project will assist in tackling rural isolation and bring young people from both military and civilian backgrounds together through creative activities. Dave Orme, youth theatre director, says: “This is a very exciting development in our relationships with these secondary schools and will enable us to provide an ambitious provision for a group of young people who might otherwise struggle to work with us on a regular basis.” The grant forms part of the foundation’s active grant programme and supports arts and culture projects that make a real and ongoing difference to people’s lives. www.salisburyplayhouse.com

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PROPERTY

SHOWCASE

THE DIAL HOUSE A very special 18th-century country house thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s held on to its historic charms By JOH A N NA NA NC Y

The Dial House: built with beautiful Chilmark stone xxx LIFEI www.mediaclash.co.uk I www.mediaclash.co.uk 112 II SALISBURY CLIFTON LIFE

SHOWCASE

arge country houses are two a penny in Wiltshire, right? Well, yes, this county can certainly claim to have many beautiful rural homes, but even amid such strong competition The Dial House stands apart as being rather special. Savills describe it as ‘handsome’ and it’s a good adjective: the house is too substantial to be ‘pretty’; too compact to be ‘grand’ – so, yes, ‘handsome’ fits the bill very nicely. The main house dates back to the early 18th century and is largely built from local Chilmark stone. Listed as Grade II, the red tile roof, mullion windows and climbing ivy are pure fairy tale – as is the locale. The Dial House is situated in a wide, sweeping valley on the edge of Chilmark, a tiny village with a primary school, church and the charming Black Dog pub with its inglenook fireplace. Tisbury is just a few miles away for a local fish shop, groceries, florist, the dainty Beaton’s Tea Rooms and Messums, the recently-opened art gallery. There have been additions to the original build but the heart of this house remains very firmly in the 18th

Clockwise: The Dial House’s recently modernised kitchen; its fairy tale front; a dining room with parquet flooring; terraced lawn

HOUSE NUMBERS

bedrooms

YOU CAN SOAK UP 300 YEARS OF HISTORY IN THE DIAL HOUSE AND ENJOY THE LUXURY OF ITS MODERNISATIONS

swimming pool

£1.65M guide price

orchard

PROPERTY

century. Exposed beams, open fireplaces and wooden panelling provide plenty of character – as does the sweep of parquet flooring on the ground floor. Yes, you can soak up 300 years of history in The Dial House but this does not come at the cost of comfort and, if you like luxury living, the modernisations are impressive. The kitchen/breakfast room is the large hub of the house and has been recently redesigned with bespoke cupboards with granite work surfaces, Everhot Range cooker and double Belfast sink. Once you’ve peeled yourself away from this familysized room with its beautiful stone fireplace, exploring the ground floor reveals a sitting room and study, dining room and drawing room. On the first floor there is a generous-sized master bedroom with dressing room and bathroom. This is just one of six bedrooms on the upper level that also has another two bathrooms as well as an office/playroom. While the interiors are a graceful balance of old and new, the exterior is like stepping into a fantasy country garden. Terraced lawns are divided into separate areas by mature privet, yew and beech hedging. Beyond is an outdoor swimming pool and small paddock and to the north of the garden is a beech woodland and orchard – perfect for a morning trot with the dogs. The Dial House is a step back in time; a bona fide rural escape. And if you tire of living like the lord of the manor and fancy a trip back into the mayhem of 21st century living, Salisbury is just 12 miles away. Savills; 60 Milford St, Salisbury, SP1 2BP; 01722 426880; cstone@savills.com

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

Q&A

hen Heather took over Gullicks Florists in Fisherton Street she was stepping into a part of Salisbury history as the shop has been there for over 70 years. Heather has since grown the reputation of this much-loved business, which is as popular than ever. When we stepped in for a cup of tea, she put down her ribbon and scissors to have a quick chat with us about her life growing up in Portsmouth and what she loves best about her adopted city. Tell me about your family and how you came to live in Salisbury I was born in Swindon but I grew up in Portsmouth with my family; it was lovely to be right by the seaside. Then I went to university in Winchester and from there I moved to Wiltshire. I have lived in the Salisbury area for eight years now and I just love the stunning countryside and all the old historic buildings. Have you always been a creative person? Yes I have. I’ve always loved painting, drawing and other crafts but becoming a florist was a dream come true for me as I just love seeing and working with beautiful flowers. How did you get into floristry? I went to college in Guildford where I qualified to be a florist. I worked in a couple of different flower shops and then bought Gullicks in 2014, which was a massive leap for me. I was so lucky to have such a supportive family and all the staff at Gullicks are amazing, which makes it such a lovely place to be. As it’s in Salisbury I really feel part of a loyal community, both with local customers and other independent businesses. Are you a romantic at heart? I would say so! Isn’t any girl? People ask me if, because I’m a florist, would I like to receive flowers as I work with them every day? But the answer is definitely, ‘Yes’. There’s no better feeling then receiving a gorgeous bouquet of flowers, especially in the spring as the colours and scents are so uplifting and create a beautiful aroma to fill your home.

HEATHER JACKSON The Salisbury florist who loves nothing more than strolling around the Cathedral grounds, a game of table tennis and a rollicking good psychological thriller Tell us a few things that are currently on your bucket list? I would love to go up in a hot air balloon, I imagine it would be so peaceful and beautiful to just float across the sky and forget about everything else, just for a while! I would also love to travel to Thailand and trek through the jungle and emerge on a stunning white sand beach with crystal clear seas. Not to mention the food. I love Thai cuisine!

some delicious food and a quick game of table tennis. Then on to The Ox Row to sit next to their cosy fireplace with a glass of wine and some good company.

What makes you laugh… My friends and family. Being surrounded with the people you love and who love you back is just awesome.

Surprise us with something that not many people know about you I go jive dancing once a week with my mum and sister, it’s such a fun evening and you can just let your hair down and dance the night away!

…and cry Music is always a tear jerker for me! I can hear a song that reminds me of a happy or sad time and it can automatically transport me back to that moment. Also, as a florist you experience all sorts of different emotions with our customers from the happiest of times to the saddest of times, so we are there to support them through that. How would you spend your ideal Saturday night in Salisbury? I work on a Saturday so to kick back and relax in the evening I love to go to Danny’s Craft Bar for

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And your perfect Sunday morning? When I have time off I like to take advantage of the local eateries – particularly Bill’s for a late breakfast and then a stroll around the beautiful Cathedral grounds.

What was the last book you read and did you enjoy it? I read horror and psychological thrillers, which have lots of twists and turns. The last book was called Blood and Ice (by Robert Masello). I like the intrigue and suspense that comes with it! In another life I would have liked to have had a career in forensic science or criminology.

www.gullicksflorists.co.uk

DELIVER FR EE

WINTER Sale ENDS SOON

Regent 3 seater Sofa RRP £1298 Sale Price £999

Winchester 3 seater Sofa RRP £1429 Sale Price £1099

Sloane 2 seater Sofabed RRP £1168 Sale Price £869

Peru Solid Oak 135cm Bedstead RRP £898 Sale price £449

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

Free size upgrade or 2 Free drawers on all Millbrook Divans

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