Salisbury Life - Issue 242

Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property

ISSUE 242 / AUTUMN 2017 / £3

A CL A S S A BOV E A LOOK AT SALISBURY’S SCHOOLS

CO URSE YO U CA N ISSUE 242 / AUTUMN 2017 / DO THE WRITE THING

HOW TO KEEP ON LEARNING

FEAST U P ON

FESTIVE GUIDE TO DINING OUT

SALISBURY LITER ARY FESTIVAL TURNING THE PAGE WITH AUTHORS, ARTISTS AND AGENTS P E T E R LINE Y / Z OE K ING / BARN EY N ORRIS / IREN OSEN OKOJIE / FLEUR HITCHCOCK

EDITOR’S LETTER / ISSUE 242 / AUTUMN 2017

Read all about it

22

I was one of those children who gulped down my cereal, while my nose was pressed against the packet, reading every single, precious word.

And my love of words, of reading and of books has never diminished. I am currently falling in love with the novel Five Rivers Met on a Wooded Plain. It’s powerful, poignant and just happens to written by one of our own, the Salisbury author Barney Norris. Barney also happens to be a patron of the brand new, much-deserved, Salisbury Literary Festival coming to the city on 27 October (page 22).

Sometimes the joy of reading and learning can depend on teachers, lessons and schools. And looking at the reports on page 54, no wonder this region is so positively associated with good schools.

And we don’t have to stop learning new skills when the bell goes. On page 66, we explore all the different types of fun courses we can sign up for, from yoga and felting, to art and ukulele playing.

So stay bright, and look forward to seeing you next issue!

NOVEL IDEA A guide to the inaugural Salisbury Literary Festival

Sarah Moolla Editor sarah.moolla@mediaclash.co.uk Tweet us @Salisburylife

REGULARS / ISSUE 242 / AUTUMN 2017

THE ARTS 15 Arts intro Indian and Anglo dance comes to the Salisbury Arts Centre

54

M E ET T H E T EAM Editor Sarah Moolla sarah.moolla@mediaclash.co.uk

41 Food news

Managing editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Graphic design Megan Allison Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors: John Rose Advertising manager Hillary Thompson hillary.thompson@mediaclash.co.uk Commercial director Steve Hawkins steve.hawkins@mediaclash.co.uk Production and distribution manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy production manager and production designer Kirstie Howe Kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Salisbury Life, MediaClash, Circus Mews House, Circus Mews, Bath BA1 2PW 01225 475800 www.mediaclash.co.uk @The MediaClash

Gin, jazz and silver service are all being served in Salisbury

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

16 What’s on Arts, gigs, festivals and family fun – it’s time to update the events diary

FOOD 28 Christmas venues Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle, just use our handy Xmas venue guide

34 Restaurant Calling in on Culture Coffee

38 Recipes The chef at Legacy Rose & Crown shares two of his dishes

SHOPPING 44 Special shop PHOTO BY ASH MILLS

It’s a sensory awakening at the ethical Scent & Colour

46 Editor’s choice Falling for autumnal colours

HEALTH & BEAUT Y 51 Beauty salon

66 Courses

Learning to relax at Wilton’s Santé et Beauté Face and Body salon

Learn new skills with new classes

EDUCATION

BUSINESS

54 School reports

73 Business insider

We’ve been doing our homework on some of the region’s best schools

News, views and interviews from the region’s professionals

61 Talking head

75 My Desk

Godolphin’s David Hallen is put to the test

A snoop around author Tom Bromley’s work space

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

PROPERT Y 84 Property showcase New Forest green living

DEPARTMENTS 7 11 90

Spotlight Scene Salisbury lives On the cover A modern masterpiece using several portraits of the Salisbury Literary Festival participants.Turn to page 22 for the full story

Monty & Mabel’s ...after dark

Wilton’s funky new evening destination Speciality Gin and Cocktail Bar open Friday and Saturday until 11pm.

9 North St, Wilton, Salisbury SP2 0HA 01722 741444 www.montyandmabels.co.uk

Karen Scott and her team provide dog walking, doggy daycare and home boarding for Salisbury and the surrounding area.

Branches also at Melksham, Devizes, Worton & West Lavington Are you interested in joining the Happy Doggy team?

07982 687098 www.happydoggydaycare.co.uk/salisbury

An ageless look

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

“Last one to the Ox gets them in”

CLOTHING

YOU REALLY ROCK THAT LOOK Barbour, the leading heritage and British lifestyle brand, has collaborated with English Heritage on an exclusive Stonehenge collection, which will feature two jackets named after Stonehenge stones, alongside knits, shirts, accessories and bags.

Martin Smith, national account manager of Countrywear for Barbour, explains, “The jackets, which will only be available at the Stonehenge Visitor Centre, are based on two of Barbour’s iconic styles, the Ashby and the Corbridge, and named after stones originally used in the monument’s construction, the sandstone Sarsen and the distinctive blue stone, Preseli.”

Jon Bichener, English Heritage retail manager for Stonehenge adds, “We’re excited to be stocking this exclusive and tailor-made range from Barbour. We take pride in the fact that most of the items we sell here at Stonehenge are exclusive to us and we know that these jackets will be a big hit with our visitors.”

For more: www.english-heritage.org.uk

SALISBURY HALF MARATHON

IN THE RUNNING The Salisbury Half Marathon is back on course on 1 October, and as Steve Elliott, one of the event organiser’s, reveals, there are more entrants than ever before.

“With 1,100 entries anticipated, we have surpassed 2016 figures. This is great news for the city, and also for our two charity partners, Help for Heroes and Stars Appeal. They have a large number of runners taking part, many of who have received free race places from ourselves.”

He continues, “Race entries are mostly from within a 25 mile radius of Salisbury, but also as far afield as Thirsk in Yorkshire and Saltash in Cornwall.”

This is the 20th Salisbury Half Marathon, and the second year of the new city centre route. The route is two laps, which includes a run through the Cathedral grounds, with the race finishing on the Sports Field.

For more: www.salisburyhalf.com

SPOTLIGHT

POETRY

RHYME AND REASON As part of its autumn winter season, the Salisbury Playhouse is staging a day of poetry workshops and a poetry slam event at Bemerton Heath Community Centre in Salisbury.

It will be hosted by Sara Hirsch, the UK Slam Champion who is ranked the 3rd slam poet in the world. Sara says, “I love getting to know a new part of the world, and the best way to get to know somewhere is through the people. I can’t wait to spend the day creating poems and stories with this group of young people and then getting a chance to see their words come to life in the evening.”

Salisbury Playhouse associate director Jo Newman, who organised the events, adds, “We’re really excited to be working with all at Bemerton Heath Community Centre and Sara to put on this event. Sara is an incredible poet and facilitator and the young people who take part in her workshops are in for a treat.”

For more: www.salisburyplayhouse.com

Sara tries to think what rhymes with Bemerton Heath

The Swingles know how to make an entrance

MUSIC FESTIVAL

RAISE YOUR VOICE Celebrate Voice, the 10-day programme of diverse and eclectic singers which takes place around the city 20-29 October, has announced its 2017 line-up.

“We have five-time Grammy award winners The Swingles,” says Lynsey Docherty, who founded the event in 2014.

“Also West End star Graham Bickley, jazz and blues act Jacqui Dankworth and Charlie Wood, along with Fado singer Gil Do Carmo.”

There’s also some special forest-style events added to the schedule: “Following a day of guided foraging in the Wiltshire woodland with expert Anna Richardson, folk sensation Cosmo Sheldrake will

present an intimate twilight concert around a traditional campfire.”

Echoing the enchanting forest theme – Engelbert Humperdinck’s fairytale opera, Hansel and Gretel is the 2017 centerpiece festival production, with a cast of international singers including Madeleine Shaw from the English National Opera and Welsh National Opera companies.

There’s also Instachoir – the festival’s pop-up choir, and a brand-new venture, Corporate Choir, bringing together local Salisbury businesses, charities and organisation, for a high-octane, one-off performance, in Salisbury City Centre.

For more: www.celebratevoice.co.uk

Cosmo Sheldrake wonders if the rest of the band will ever show up

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

Flower workshops and Friday Flowers

Seasonal flowers workshops running throughout the year, come and learn how to arrange flowers with confidence.

Quote Salisbury Life to get a 10% workshop discount when booking

Email: sarah@podandpip.co.uk | www.podandpip.co.uk

Arundells Modern�Portrait�Photography

House, Garden & Art Collection Family portrait vouchers from £35

The former home of Sir Edward Heath Prime Minister, Sailor, Musician

Wedding, Portrait & Commercial Photographers 01722 328088 | atlasphotography.co.uk

The Cathedral Close, Salisbury SP1 2EN. Tel: 01722 326546

www.arundells.org

ine IC” Salisbury Life Magaz

“IT’S A KIND OF MAG

HELP�THEM� LOVE�EVERY� MINUTE�OF� CHILDHOOD

MENDING ● PAINTING REUPHOLSTERY IN OUR WORKSHOPS

END OF SUMMER WAREHOUSE SALE NOW ON

All of our tepees are hand made to an exacting standard and personalised for free to make the perfect gift!

17 St Clemens Way, Bishopdown Farm, Salisbury.

07908 113540 | whenlulumetweasel@gmail.com www.teepeesbyluluandweasel.co.uk

DINGHAMS Stoves & Chimneys Est. 1982

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

We have 15 fireplaces in our Winchester showroom.

Most fireplaces can be manufactured and installed to suit the customer’s requirements. We sell a wide range of stone fireplaces, woodburners, gas fires, gas stoves and electric fires.

The Salisbury 5 Series

SALISBURY

18-20 Newton Road, Churchfields Industrial Estate, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 7QA 01722 506040 / 01722 506041

Gazco’s Reflex 75T

Contura 610 Style

WINCHESTER

4 The Square, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 9ES 01962 863333

dinghamsfires@gmail.com

www.dinghams.co.uk

Adventures in party-going

Jasmin Piper

SCENE

Sarah Oak and Lisa Bradley

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

OUTSIDE FAVOURITES On 15 July, Salisbury Racecourse saw the 15th Ladies’ Evening, which is one of the most popular and well attended race meetings of the season with seven races and prizes awarded for ‘Best Dressed Ladies’. The evening finished with an outstanding performance from Coldplace, a leading Coldplay tribute band.

Photos John Rose www.johnrosephotography.com Linzi, Squirrel, Rachel, Jane, and Sharon Eve and Karen

Claire, Vicky, Rebecca, Natalie, and Catherine

Lucy, Laura, Kelly, Bonnie, Kelly, Hannah and Jodie

The largest collection of tiles in Salisbury

Opening hours

Mon: Fri 07.30 - 17.00 Sat: 09.00 - 17.00

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

01722 325306

salisburytilestore@hotmail.co.uk

SOCIETY

GARDEN PART Y Local charity Salisbury Trust for the Homeless (STFH) raised more than £1,600 for its funds at a celebration garden party marking the 30th anniversary of its foundation. The event held on 14 July at the South Canonry, the official residence of the Bishop of Salisbury, was attended by nearly 100 people.

Martin Hancock, Karen Hancock, Steve Mansfield, Gordon Pardy and Ian McLennan

Lynda Smith, Daniel Barter, the Right Reverend Nicholas Holtam and Ken Smith

Photos by Roger Elliott www.stfh.org.uk

James Robertson, Helen Holtam, Beth Robertson and Ann Underwood

Judy Anderson, Richard and Sheila Owen and Nigel Salisbury

INSPIRATIONAL The INSPIRE Foundation held their annual fundraiser and raising awareness event at Tidworth Polo Club on 8 July which raised an impressive £10,000 for the charity’s programme. More than 160 people attended the charity polo match, which was followed by a wheelchair relay race, a parachute drop and a two furlong horse race, and a three course lunch.

Photos by Karen Hitchlock www.inspire-foundation.org.uk

Rory Steevenson and Rachel Hawkins Gracie Dowling-Mardon and Sean Do Nigel and Lizzie Broderick-Barker

Sarah and Chris Cann

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Come and join us for a traditional Market Town Christmas

Romsey Christmas Events Saturday 25th November Christmas Light Switch-on and Winter Carnival Friday 8th December Lantern Parade and Late-night Shopping Monday 18th December Carols in the Market Place Sunday 24th December Christmas Hampshire Farmers Market Tuesday 26th December Classic Car Meet, Town Centre

Car Parking FREE every day after 4pm, all day Sunday and Bank Holidays a For latest news follow us @destinationroms

King-Johns-House-Heritage-Centre

www.romseytc.org.uk

@kingjohnshouse

King John’s House: history waiting to be revealed in the heart of Romsey.

Visit the delightful King John’s House and discover the mysterious architectural clues to the origins and use of this fascinating medieval building with its adjoining Tudor Cottage. See the rare animal bone floor and 14th-Century graffiti tracing the past in its medieval walls. Explore the museum’s collection, which illustrates the interesting life of this charming house and its owners.

King John’s House is set in a secluded period style garden, providing an attractive backdrop to the delightful Miss Moody’s Tudor tea room offering home-made lunches and traditional afternoon teas from locally sourced ingredients. We look forward to welcoming you to King John’s House.

Open: Monday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm Admission: Adult £4.00, Concession £3.00, Child £1.00 Guided tours and group visits by prior appointment.

King John’s House and Heritage Centre, Church Street, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 8BT | 01794 512200 | www.kingjohnshouse.org.uk For bookings and general enquiries: deputymanagerkjh@aol.com / generalmanagerkjh@gmail.com Follow us for our regular programme of talks and events. Managed by King John’s House and Tudor Cottage Trust Ltd, an independent charitable trust supported by Test Valley Borough Council. All proceeds go towards the upkeep and preservation of this important historic property

Music/theatre/film/more

INDIAN SUMMER India and the UK have a long and rich history, and 2017 has seen a celebration of this special relationship, with a major bilateral year of cultural exchange.

There’s been an incredible programme of cultural events and activities in India organised by the British Council, and a similar programme in the UK organised by the Government of India. Coming to Salisbury as part of that is a vivacious and gripping triple bill of contemporary dance that showcases and celebrates three female choreographers commissioned as part of 2Faced Dance Company’s The Bench India and UK programme, featuring Hemabharathy Palani, Ronita Mookerji from India and Emma-Jayne Park from the UK. Outlands can be seen at Salisbury Arts Centre on 30 September; www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk

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15 September – 15 October

Shane Filan, former Westlife singer, is performing at City Hall Salisbury on 14 October; Margaret Gill’s Brown Cat can be seen at Rum’s Eg as part of their Making a Mark exhibition; Visit Salisbury Arts Centre for family fun with treasure, pirates and mermaids for the fiesta day taking place on 16 September

Exhibitions U N TI L 2 4 S E P T E M BE R

FRACTURED ARCHITECTURE: CUBIST PHOTOGRAPHS See the world as German artist Thomas Kellner depicts it with seemingly dancing architectural exteriors of familiar structures.

The Fox Talbot Museum, Lacock Abbey; www.nationaltrust.org.uk U N TI L 3 0 S E P T E M BE R

EYE TO LINE 3 Following on from their two previous shows, the Lemon Timers, a group of 12 Wiltshirebased artists including Peter Ashton, are exhibiting for the third successive year. Fisherton Mill; www.fishertonmill.co.uk U N TI L 7 O C TO B E R

MAKING A MARK Red Hot Press printmakers are

collaborating with Rum’s Eg Art & Craft Gallery in Romsey to exhibit a collection of exciting new work by students of all ages, Rum’s Eg. www.hampshireartandcraft.org

sequence took a staggering ten million stitches to create.

Salisbury Cathedral; www.salisburycathedral.org.uk

70 pieces of Dorset artist David West’s most important works from a productive and impressive career. Dorset County Museum; www.dorsetcountymuseum.org

UNTIL 30 NO VEMBER U N TI L 1 N OV E MBER

BRITAIN’S LONG ROAD IN TO EUROPE Through narrative boards, photographs, news footage, cartoons, documents and artefacts, this topical exhibition tells the story of Britain’s complex relationship with the European Community. Arundells; www.arundells.org U N TI L 5 N OV E MBER

THREADS THROUGH REVELATIONS An extraordinary exhibition by artist Jacqui Parkinson featuring 14 huge textile panels that carry the viewer through a series of visions in Revelation, the last book in the Bible. The whole

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

WILTSHIRES AT GAZA 1917 This exhibition tells the story of the Third Battle of Gaza in the Middle East from the perspective of the 1st/4th Battalion of the Wiltshire Regiment. £5. The Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum; www.thewardrobe.org.uk UNTIL 6 J ANUAR Y 2018

THE CHARMED REALM Venture through the deep magical forests of this exhibition

by Paul Kidby to glimpse where the ice dragons and unicorns dwell. The Salisbury Museum; www.salisburymuseum.org.uk UNTIL 6 J ANUAR Y 2018

UNDER THE SURFACE This exhibition brings together

16 SEP TEM B ER – 13 J ANUARY 2 0 1 8

TERRY PRATCHETT: HISWORLD The Salisbury Museum, the Estate of Sir Terry Pratchett and Paul Kidby present an exclusive exhibition giving a privileged insight into the man who created some of literature’s most enduringly popular fantasy worlds and characters. £7.50. Salisbury Museum; www.salisburymuseum.org.uk 17 – 30 S EP T EM B ER

EDWARD WAITE The up and coming artist is launching a new collection of his striking and memorable 3D paintings. His bold, colour-filled

technique captures the brilliant bright lights and constant rush of urban life. Gallery 21; www.gallery21.co.uk 2 3 S E PTE M B E R – 4 NOVEMBER

IN YOUR FACE Subtitled Queer Artists’ Versions of Themselves, this exhibition explores differing approaches to portraying a sense of self and interpreting identity and sexuality. Salisbury Arts Centre; www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk 2 3 S E PTE M B E R – 2 6 NO V E M B E R

JUDY PFAFF A 70-foot long sculpture inspired

by Stonehenge, Salisbury Cathedral and the ancient forest of England made of chalk, stones, root balls and trunks of 300 year old oak and beech trees by the pioneering American installation artist. Messums Wiltshire; www.messumswiltshire.com 2 7 S E PTE M B E R – 7 OCTOBE R

STEPHEN SPICER A retrospective exhibition of the renowned Royal Academy artist who says of his oil paintings, and watercolour and ink sketches, “light creates space creating a platform for the viewer to enter and be drawn to the reality of my paintings.” McNeill Gallery; www.mcneillgallery.com 7 O C T O B E R – 4 N OV E MBE R

THE ART OF REFLECTION The artists’ collective 2D3D SOUTH, with 43 members from Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and Sussex and includes Atsuko Chandler and Jennifa Chaudhury, exhibit a range of work including textile and sculpture. Fisherton Mill; www.fishertonmill.co.uk

Theatre/ Dance /Film UNTI L 2 3 S E P T EMBE R

BETRAYAL Harold Pinter’s clever and witty portrayal of deception and desire was inspired, in part, by the writer’s affair with BBC presenter Joan Bakewell, played by Kirsty Besterman. Emma and Jerry have a seven-year affair but husband Robert has secrets of his own. £27-£11.50. Salisbury Playhouse; www.salisburyplayhouse.com

2 0 SE PTE MBER

GROWTH A comedy about growing up and manning up from critically acclaimed, Edinburgh Fringe award-winning writer and Poldark star Luke Norris. 8pm, £12. Salisbury Arts Centre; www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk 2 1 – 2 3 SE PT EMBER

GIRLS Three girls are best friends forever, (#BFF) but when they’re kidnapped from home, their world is turned upside down.

The only hashtag that matters now is survival. £13.50. The Salberg, Salisbury Playhouse; www.salisburyplayhouse.com 2 5 – 3 0 SE PT EMBER

WAIT UNTIL DARK This new tense and thrilling production stars Prime Suspect and Bad Girls Jack Ellis and Coronation Street Oliver Mellor. Suzy, a blind woman is alone in her apartment and becomes embroiled with a group of conmen hatching an elaborate scam. £27-£12.

Salisbury Playhouse; www.salisburyplayhouse.com 3 0 SE PTE MBER

OUTLANDS Three choreographers, Hemabharathy Palani, Ronita Mookerji from India and EmmaJayne Park from the UK present an evening of work to mark the deep cultural ties between India and the UK as part of UK-India Year of Culture 2017. Turn to page 15 for more. 8pm, £12.

Salisbury Arts Centre; www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk 2 – 7 OCTOBER

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS This touring production comes direct from the West End and tells the tale of mysterious and fabulously wealthy Phileas Fogg who wagers his life’s fortune that he can circumnavigate the globe in just 80 days. £27-£12. Salisbury Playhouse; www.salisburyplayhouse.com 5 OCTOBE R

HAMLET Benedict Cumberbatch takes on the title role of Shakespeare’s great tragedy in the original NT Live broadcast. Forced to avenge his father’s death,

Top to bottom: Stephen Spicer is exhibiting at the McNeill Gallery; Girls, a drama about three best friends who get kidnapped is on at the Salisbury Playhouse

Hamlet rages against the impossibility of his predicament, threatening both his sanity and the security of the state. 7pm, £16. Salisbury Arts Centre; www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk

monthly evening organ recitals.

Each recital features a big screen, allowing the audience to view the recitalist at work in the organ loft.

7.30pm, £10. Salisbury Cathedral; www.salisburycathedral.org.uk

7 O C TO BER

23 SEP T EM B ER

PRATCHETT’S HAT Come and see the first performance of brand new writings by members of Salisbury Fringe, all inspired by Sir Terry Pratchett’s Hat. After the performance, there will be the opportunity to visit the HisWorld exhibition. 2pm, free but booking required. Salisbury Museum; wwwsalisburymuseum.org.uk

Music 20 SEP TEMBER

ORGAN RECITAL Part of Salisbury Cathedral Organ Recital Series for 2017 presenting

UK PINK FLOYD EXPERIENCE UK Pink Floyd Experience recreates the sights and sounds of the legendary Pink Floyd Band on tour, with a set list that includes The Dark Side of the Moon.

7.30pm, £22. City Hall Salisbury; www.cityhallsalisbury.co.uk 26 SEP T EM B ER

RAE MORRIS This Blackpool’s artist Rae Morris signed with Atlantic Records at just 17, has collaborated with Clean Bandit and Bombay Bicycle Club and her music has been described as dark and brooding, as well as pop. 7pm, £12. w

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ARTS

W H AT ’ S O N

Salisbury Arts Centre; www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk 30 S E P T E M B E R

THE SALISBURY NORTHUMBRIAN PIPERS The pipers will be playing in the beautiful gardens of Mompesson House throughout the day. 11am4.30pm, free. Mompesson House; www.nationaltrust.org.uk 1 OCTOBER

BELINDA CARLISLE As part of her Heaven 30th Anniversary Tour the legendary singer is performing from her back catalogue of worldwide hits including Circle in the Sand and the much-loved anthem Heaven Is a Place on Earth. 7pm, £34.50. City Hall Salisbury; www.cityhallsalisbury.co.uk

1 3 OCTOBE R

FOOL’S PARADISE SHOWCASE Fool’s Paradise, the international street performance agency, is coming to Salisbury to showcase the very best of UK outdoor arts with giant puppets, roaming robots and acrobats. 1pm/3pm, free. Salisbury Arts Centre; www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk

Other U N TI L 3 0 SE PTEMBER

WINDOWS ALIVE! A unique event, which is part of the Shop Salisbury Campaign run by BID, and will see the city’s shop windows come to life.

For more turn to page 77. www.salisburybid.co.uk

13 O C T O B E R

1 5 – 1 6 SE PTE MBER

14 O C T O B E R

1 6 – 2 2 SE PTE MBER

THE ILLEGAL EAGLES This seasoned group of talented musicians and their impressive mastery of the Eagles distinctive sound has made them one of the most sought after shows of their kind in the world. 7.30pm, £24.50. City Hall Salisbury; www.cityhallsalisbury.co.uk SHANE FILAN Hot off the back of announcing his new album Love Always, the former Westlife member is conducting a major tour of the UK. 7.30pm, £52-£29.50.

City Hall Salisbury; www.cityhallsalisbury.co.uk

Family fun 16 S E P T E M B E R

FAMILY FIESTA Trapped in a lobster-net fence and guarded by a nosy Fish Wife, brave swashbucklers encounter a shipwrecked pirate and a singing mermaid. 12pm-4pm, free. Salisbury Arts Centre; www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk 19 S E P T E M B E R

CRAFT CLUB Part of a nationwide initiative for all ages to get people crafting.

Enjoy knitting, stitching and crochet in a relaxed atmosphere.

Bring along your own craft project or get involved with the planned activities. 11am, free. Salisbury Arts Centre; www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk

STEEPLE LANGFORD BEER, CIDER AND GIN FESTIVAL 30 real ales, 15 ciders, a wine bar and a gin bar plus music and a hog roast, no wonder this festival is celebrating its 18th year. £6£10. The Wirr, Steeple Langford; www.langfordbeerfestival.org.uk WILTON HISTORY FESTIVAL The first ever Wilton History Festival brings together academics and historians, to celebrate the rich history of this beautiful and ancient town. For more information on events visit www.wiltonhistoryfestival.org.uk 1 9 SE PTE MBE R

PEOPLE IN THE ARCHIVE A look at some of the many people represented in the Cathedral archive from deans and bishops, to volunteers and visitors. 2pm-3pm, free. Salisbury Cathedral; www.salisburycathedral.org.uk

Top to bottom: Rae Morris is performing her acclaimed ‘brooding pop’ on 26 September; See the sensational Belinda Carlisle at City Hall Salisbury

Salisbury with a cast-list in his stories that run from Oscar Wilde to The Queen; 7.30pm, £25. The Guildhall, Salisbury; www.arundells.org 1 O C TO BER

SALISBURY HALF MARATHON A flat, fast course with a fab atmosphere around the great landmarks of the city. Starts 12pm, costs £29 to enter. Turn to page 7. www.salisburyhalf.com

2 6 – 2 7 SE PTE MBER

THE EARLY, EARLY CHRISTMAS FAIR Over 90 stallholders who are also giving 10 per cent of every sale to The Soldiers’ Charity.

Tedworth Park, Tidworth; www.eecfair.org.uk 3 0 SE PTE MBE R

A FUNNY EVENING WITH GYLES BRANDRETH Author, broadcaster and former MP Gyles Brandreth comes to

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1 O C TO BER

SILVER SUNDAY Silver Sunday is an annual day of fun and free activities for older people across the UK such as the Cosy Club Free Teas for OAPs campaign. For more info turn to page 41. Cosy Club Salisbury; www.cosyclub.co.uk 7 O C TO BER

OH GOODY! AN AUDIENCE WITH TIM BROOKE-TAYLOR

A true master of classic comedy with a career spanning decades shares a wealth of great stories and anecdotes from his career on stage, screen and radio, including The Goodies and I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue. £16, 7.30pm. Salisbury Arts Centre; www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk 9 – 11 O C T O B ER

GODOLPHIN LITERARY FESTIVAL Godolphin School in Salisbury holds its second literary festival.

Along with author events for schoolchildren, there are three evening talks open to the public including Giles Hattersley on feature writing, and Tracy Chevalier on her latest novel, New Boy a retelling of Shakespeare’s Othello. Tickets are £5 and free to under 18s but must be booked. Blackledge Theatre, Godolphin School. www.ticketsource.co.uk/ godolphinliteraryfestival

ad v ertisi n g feature A R T S

Galerie d’usine galerie d'usine will be exhibiting a vibrant and varied mix of artistic disciplines in their new Wiltshire art space

G

alerie D’usine is an original, vibrant and exciting art gallery run by Jo Hayball and James Lockwood. With the family having over 45 years experience producing the highest quality picture frames, the beautiful 600 square feet refurbished gallery now also boasts a myriad artistic disciplines. This means whether you are an admirer of sculpture, contemporary, figurative or abstract art, you will find the perfect piece to suit your taste.

Jo and James are also on hand to help you select your original art whatever your budget.

With their guidance, you can find fantastic quality at affordable prices, which not only

looks wonderful but can also make a very special investment piece.

The gallery is open 6 days a week, and with the free parking option, you can browse at your leisure and explore everything this remarkable space has to offer.

GALERIE D’USINE, Unit 2B, The Business Centre, Netherhampton, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 8PU Tel: 01722 744844 sales@galeriedusine.co.uk

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

CHAPTER and VERSE There’s a new entry in Salisbury’s arts diary – the Salisbury Literary Festival, starting 27 October – and it’s got bestseller written all over it

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

L I T E R AT U R E

Opposite page, from top left clockwise: writer and editor Aki Schilz; festival director and author Tom Bromley; Gail Honeyman will be talking about her bestseller; author Alex Wheatle gained an MBE for his work. This page, above: books by JR Wallis and Dave Rudden. right, top to bottom: The Trouble With Goats and Sheep author Joanna Cannon; Laura Ellen Anderson is throwing a Hallowe’en party

O

nce upon a time the kingdom of Salisbury didn’t have a literature festival. And then it did. But this is not the end of the story, it is the beginning. Festival director, Tom Bromley picks up the tale, “The idea to set up the festival came from the growth and development of the Salisbury Writing Circle, a community of authors from the area which range from absolute beginners to internationally published novelists.” Here’s our A-Z of just a few of the highlights of the Salisbury Literary Festival that runs 27-29 October at venues all over the city.

ARTS

published writers in the world, whose John Milton and Beatrix Rose books, have been downloaded more than two million times.

E

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is the warm and endearing début novel of Gail Honeyman, who will be at Sarum College to discuss its phenomenal success, including being optioned for the big screen by Reece Witherspoon’s production company. w

A

Laura Ellen Anderson is throwing a special Hallowe’en party on 27 October at Waterstones to celebrate her new book Amelia Fang and the Barbaric Ball.

B

Tom Bromley, the director of the festival (turn to page 75 to see his ‘My Desk’ feature) will be giving guided walking tour of many of the literary landmarks of Salisbury referencing authors such as Thomas Hardy, Charles Dickens and Dorothy L Sayers.

THIS IS NOT THE END OF THE STORY, C IT IS THE

BEGINNING

Richard Creasey will be in Salisbury Library talking about his father John Creasey, the crime and science fiction writer who wrote more than 600 novels using 28 different pseudonyms.

D

Mark Dawson is visiting the city to share tales about his career. And what a career it is. Mark has been a DJ, a door-to-door ice cream seller, factory hand, club promoter and a lawyer.

These days he is one of the most bestselling selfwww.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 23

Left: celebrated historical novelist Philippa Gregory; above: award-winning Irenosen Okojie will be talking at Sarum College

F

K

G

L

H

M

Fairies. Book fairies, to be precise, who have been leaving books in and around the city in the run up to the festival. To allow you to find out more about their valuable work, they have their own website www.ibelieveinbookfairies.com Philippa Gregory, who is pretty-much regarded as one of the masters of period biographical fiction, will be speaking at the Cathedral about the many women of the reform she has given voice to through her writing, including Anne Boleyn, Kateryn Parr and Kathryn of Aragon.

Fleur Hitchcock, the award winning young adult author, whose books include Murder in Midwinter is holding a crime fighting adventure in Salisbury Library.

I

Imber is a Wiltshire village featured in Neil Spring’s third novel, The Lost Village, which follows on from the success of The Ghost Hunters, which was made into an ITV drama starring Rafe Spall and The Watchers, which has also been optioned for television. Neil will be at Oak Court at Salisbury Guildhall.

J

Joanna Cannon appears at The Salberg Studio, Salisbury Playhouse as she discusses her bestselling début novel The Trouble with Goats and Sheep and her forthcoming second novel, Three Things About Elsie.

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

Paul Kidby will be at Salisbury Museum on 25 October for an illustrated talk on how he became a leading fantasy artist and what it was like working with the late, great Terry Pratchett.

Turn to page 90 for our interview with Paul.

Lord of the Flies author and Nobel Prize winner William Golding lived and worked in Salisbury for a lot of his life, writing much of his earlier work in the city. Golding’s daughter Judy will be discussing her father’s writing and his special relationship with Salisbury in Salisbury Cathedral.

Melinda Salisbury (and we don’t believe she changed her name especially!) is the author of the Sin Eater’s Daughter trilogy. Melinda will be discussing her work during a questions and answer session.

N

Barney Norris, who is already well known to Salisbury audiences, is an award-winning playwright and author, as well as one of the festival’s patrons. In this The Salberg Studio interview Barney talks about his acclaimed first novel set in Salisbury, Five Rivers Met on A Wooded Plain, his relationship with the city and offers an exclusive first look at his forthcoming second novel due out next year.

O

Irenosen Okojie won a Betty Trask award with her novel Butterfly Fish, and was

Philippa Gregory, The master

of period biographical

fiction will be speaking at the Cathedral

L I T E R AT U R E

Top, clockwise: Neil Spring pictured with his The Watchers novel: Catch Sarah Winman at the Salberg Studio; book lover and vblogger Lucy Powrie; Her Husband’s Lover and Cuckoo by Julia Crouch; Salisbury author Barney Norris. Below, top to bottom: Big Brown Bear’s Cave by Yuval Zommer; Melinda Salisbury’s The Sleeping Prince

shortlisted for an Edinburgh International First Book Award. On 29 October she’ll be at Sarum College to offer her perspective on publishing as part of the packed Writer’s Day programme.

ARTS

U

Under one roof of the Cosy Club Salisbury, and to close the festival on 29 October, there are readings by the rich and varied talent of the current crop of Salisbury writers, followed by drinks at the bar.

P

Terry Pratchett, unsuprisingly given his connections to the city, features heavily in the festival and on 24 October, in partnership with Salisbury Museum and Salisbury Library, there’s a fun activities event to celebrate the world of Discworld young witch Tiffany Aching.

V

Q

W

Alex Wheatle is an award-winning novelist who has written extensively about his life growing up in Brixton and received an MBE in 2008 for services to literature. See him talk at The Boathouse, 29 October.

Questions, questions, including how does a new writer attract the interests of a literary agent? What does a literary agent actually do? As part of the Writer’s Day sessions, four leading agents including Zoe King and Ed Wilson, will give their answers.

R

The Readymaids is the name of the allfemale performance art troupe that writer, poet and novelist Aki Schilz was once a member of. She is also editorial services manager at The Literary Consultancy and will be sharing her advice during the festival.

S

Sir Charlie Stinky Socks author and illustrator Kristina Stephenson is at Salisbury Library on 28 October to reveal top secret information find out the little knight’s latest adventures.

Turn up in a fancy dress with a chance to win a prize.

T

Tin Man is the latest novel from Sarah Winman, author of bestsellers When God Was A Rabbit and A Year of Marvellous Ways, all of which she’ll be discussing The Salberg Studio.

The Very Long Sleep is by local picture book illustrator and author Polly Noakes, who will be talking about the inspiration the New Forest has provided for this, her third publication.

X

The X-factor is the key to making voices heard in a noisy market. Lucy Powrie, a teenage vblogger and social media content creator, has that elusive X-factor that makes her such a success. On 29 October, she shares the secrets that led to her being named as one of the top 10 influential book bloggers by The Guardian.

Y

Young adults, youngsters and children are a growing market. A panel of leading children’s writers including Rupert Wallis, Dave Rudden, Mark Huckerby and Nick Ostle offer the wealth of their experience.

Z

Meet Yuval Zommer at Waterstones for a storytime and craft session, featuring his brand new book Big Brown Bear’s Cave.

For more: www.salisburyliteraryfestival.co.uk

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

I N T E R I O R S A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

THE INSIDE STORY Along with a name change at in-toto kitchens to at.twenty.one. interiors, comes an enhanced and extended design service

K

ate Stacey of in-toto kitchens on Catherine Street has announced an exciting new name for the Salisbury kitchen studio.

"We are delighted to announce that we changing our name from in-toto

to at.twenty.one.interiors. And with this new name change comes a new website, www.attwentyoneinteriors.co.uk", explains director Kate .

Kate and Hania Southwell will continue to plan and design award-winning kitchens, but now have additional furniture suppliers, and are happy to include designs for your bedrooms and office spaces, as well as both contemporary and traditional style kitchens.

"One of the most exciting additions to the selection available is the shaker handleless range which is a modern twist on the traditional kitchen," continues Kate. "Painted or wood shaker doors can be combined with our luxury grip rail system. We have already had a lot of interest in this style of kitchens with customers who are after something a little different for their new kitchen."

Visit the studio on Catherine Street to discuss your new kitchen, bedroom or office with one of at.twenty.one's talented designers. SL

at.twenty.one.interiors offer both contemporary and traditional interior design for your home

Kate Stacey, director 21 Catherine Street Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 2DF 01722 238177 kate@intotosalisbury.co.uk www.intoto.co.uk

Creative Kitchens n ua ra e n G al Ja s 6th

ar

St

ts

d

ry

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.

40 displays also fitted bedrooms and office.

Tel: 01722

415417 to book apt.

Tel:Unit 01722 415417 book apt.

3, The BournetoCentre (opp Tesco) Southampton Rd Salisbury Unit 3, the Bourne CentreSp1 2ny

(opp Tesco) RdJanuary Salisbury SP1 2NY (ClosedSouthampton 23rd December to 6th for hols)

USE YOUR POOL ALL YEAR

Inspirational designed interiors for house builders, private and commercial clients. Advice on all aspects of furnishing a home.

Staging & dressing your home to increase its appeal to potential buyers.

Free initial consultation!

For more information please call Elaine on 01722 501701 or 07919124382 elaine@aboxoftricks.com | www.aboxoftricks.com

Light My Space GREAT LIGHTING DESIGN, FROM IDEA TO INSTALLATION

We offer retractable Low or High Swimming Pool Enclosures, Retractable Garden or Patio Rooms and Pergolas. Also: • Reduce Heating • Chemical costs and Maintenance • Increase Safety • Unique Exclusive Products • Hot Tub Enclosures • Mobile Swimming Pool Decking • Made to Measure and Economy Self Build • Retractable Roofs and Car Ports Established since 1991 we cover the UK and offer long guarantees, planning and building regulations when and as applicable.

Products can be viewed at www.telescopicpoolenclosures.com and www.azenco.co.uk All products are exclusive with UNIQUE FEATURES available in a variety of colours and glazing options.

01722 444590 +44 (0)7718 180511 www.lightmyspace.co.uk hello@lightmyspace.co.uk 01980 555 493 Talk to us... because there’s more to light DESIGN ADVICE • PROJECT PLANNING • ARTISAN, MAKER AND PRODUCT SOURCING • CUSTOM DESIGN, BUILD AND INSTALLATION

www.telescopicpooleclosures.com sales@telescopicpoolenclosures.com

Telescopic Pool Enclosures UK Ltd Unit 1, The Malverns, Cherry Orchard Lane, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 7JG

CHRISTMAS VENUES

ROOM at the INN Feast your mince pies on our guide to the best menus and venues to choose from this Christmas

By SA R A H MOOL L A 28 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

CHRISTMAS VENUES drinks, lunches and dinners. The food is all cooked from fresh and the style is fun and frivolous.

Let’s talk turkey: They can do dinners for up to 30, drinks for up to 70. On offer is Suffolk turkey, braised brisket of Angus beef, supreme of salmon or beetroot and squash parcels. Puddings have the trademark Old Ale humour including marshmallow lollipops. £24 for two courses and £28 for three and canapés or buffets are priced per person.

For more: Old Ale and Coffee House, 80 Crane St, Salisbury tel: 01722 410541; www.oldaleandcoffeehouse.com

LA FOSSE AT CRANBORNE

W

hether it’s the office Yuletide party, a family festive gathering, or a seasonal mash-up with your bestest pals, you need to be on it, booked and sorted soon. So we’ve turned Santa’s little helper and talk turkey, tinsel and tipples with a few of our favourite local venues

THE BELL INN, NEW FOREST

Oh come all ye faithful: The Bell Inn is a rustic 18th century inn with sofas, large open fire and range of festive spirits and tipples. It is located in a picture-postcard corner of the New Forest, and conveniently located near the motorway for those travelling further afield.

Let’s talk turkey: They are also offering a ‘Turkey Free Zone’ with a whole three-course menu without that bird in sight. Their festive party dining is from 1 - 23 December, with prices starting from £23.95 per person. Plus, there’s a special overnight bed and breakfast rate of £75 if guests want to stay.

For more: The Bell Inn, Brook, Lyndhurst. tel: 023 8081 2214; www.bellinn-newforest.co.uk

OLD ALE AND COFFEE HOUSE

Opposite: Thai, tapas and tinsel at The Giggling Squid; This page, above: find fireside cosiness at The Bell Inn; Pulling crackers and pints at the Old Ale and Coffee House

Oh come all ye faithful: La Fosse is set in the heart of the English countryside within the picturesque village of Cranborne. The frost covered thatched cottages and sprawling fields provide you with a chocolate box Christmas setting. Just 20 minutes from the New Forest and 30 mins from Bournemouth, La Fosse is also the perfect setting for brisk winter walks or even last minute Christmas shopping.

Let’s talk turkey: La Fosse’s award-winning chef proprietor Mark Hartstone has all the trimmings – think game and chestnut, Armagnac terrine or slow roast belly of pork with sage mash, spiced parsnip and apple soup, honey and thyme carrots, parsnip, lemon posset with pomegranate and passion fruit purée and ginger shortbread.

For more: La Fosse at Cranborne, London House, The Square, Cranborne, Dorset tel:01725 517604; www.la-fosse.com

THE THREE CROWNS

THINK

Oh come all ye faithful: A classic English pub, located in the rural village of Whaddon, and originally named when King John, accompanied by the Kings of France and Scotland stopped off for a pint after a hunt. The welcoming open log fires and the rustic, authentic oak beams are the w

GAME AND CHESTNUT, ARMAGNAC

TERRINE,

OR SLOW ROAST

BELLY OF PORK WITH SAGE MASH

Oh come all ye faithful: Situated in the heart of Salisbury, by the Cathedral Close and the High Street, the Old Ale and Coffee House is a warm, fun and delightful venue, perfect for Christmas www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 29

CHRISTMAS VENUES perfect backdrop to any Christmas do.

Let’s talk turkey: Christmas menu includes turkey, langoustines, beef Wellington, fresh figs and mozzarella and pork and bacon terrine with prices starting at £24.

For more: The Three Crowns, Southampton Road, Whaddon, tel: 01722 710211; www.thethreecrownswhaddon.co.uk

HOLIDAY INN SALISBURYSTONEHENGE

Oh come all ye faithful: This luxury and contemporary hotel near Stonehenge also boasts the Solstice Bar and Grill that combines classic comfort food and innovative new specialities accompanied by an extensive wine list.

Let’s talk turkey: This is like all your Christmases have come at once – along with a traditional roast, a carvery, duck breast and red snapper – there are 80s nights, 90s nights and ‘Absolute Diva’ entertainment.

For more: Holiday Inn Salisbury-Stonehenge, Mid Summer Place, Solstice Park, Amesbury, tel: 01980 677467; www.hisalisbury-stonehenge.co.uk

A WELCOMING

COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL NESTLED IN THE HEART OF AN IDYLLIC WILTSHIRE VILLAGE

GIGGLING SQUID

Oh come all ye faithful: Nestled in the heart of Salisbury on Market Square, but brings the soul of Thailand to our doorstep. The restaurant, despite its large capacity, manages to be intimate and cosy with bags of character.

Let’s talk turkey: Even the most traditional would be won over by this style of Asian dining.

Choices include chicken and finely chopped vegetables with a hint of spice in pastry, Thaistyle beef salad, king prawns in tamarind sauce

Above: Christmas card perfection and seasonal fare can be found at Howard’s House Hotel below: Warm yourself with Mark Hartstone’s cooking at La Fosse

HOWARD’S HOUSE HOTEL

A SELECTION BOX OF A FEW OTHER CRACKERS… Cafe Diwali 90 Crane Street, Salisbury; tel: 01722 329700; www.cafediwali.com Fisherton Mill 108 Fisherton Street, Salisbury; tel: 01722 500200; www.fishertonmill.co.uk George & Dragon 85 Castle St, Salisbury; tel: 01722 333122; www.georgeanddragonpub.co.uk The Green Dragon Alderbury, Salisbury; tel: 01722 710263 The Legacy Rose & Crown Harnham Road, Salisbury; tel: 01722 328615; www.legacy-hotels.co.uk Milford Hall 206 Castle St, Salisbury; tel: 01722 417411; www.milfordhallhotel.com The Ox Row Inn 10-11 Ox Row, Salisbury; tel: 01722 349033; www.theoxrowinn.co.uk

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

and prosecco and muddled berry cheesecake. The lunch menu is £20.95 and dinner is £29.95.

For more: Giggling Squid Salisbury, 32 Market Place, Salisbury, tel: 01722 341 871; www.gigglingsquid.com Oh come all ye faithful: Howard’s House is an independently owned and run welcoming country house hotel nestled in the heart of an idyllic Wiltshire village and far removed from the hustle and bustle of the madding crowds and main roads.

Let’s talk turkey: This winter the kitchen will celebrate the season’s finest ingredients, from local roe deer to the freshest south coast fish.

Throughout December, non-traditional Christmas fare is also available plus special winter-escape packages.

For more: Howard’s House Hotel, Teffont Evias.

Salisbury. 01722 716392; www.howardshousehotel.co.uk

BISHOPSTROW HOTEL & SPA

Oh come all ye faithful: Set in 27 acres of stunning grounds alongside the River Wylye, The Bishopstrow Hotel & Spa boasts a boutique spa with indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, 32 luxury bedrooms and suites, as well as a ‘Two Rosette’ restaurant offering contemporary cuisine.

Let’s talk turkey: From Wooley Park reared turkey breast, to iced milk chocolate and bailey parfait, the traditional dishes come with added festive flair.

For more: The Bishopstrow Hotel & Spa, Warminster, Wiltshire tel: 01985 212312; www.bishopstrow.co.uk

GET GIGGLING THIS CHRISTMAS! Savour the flavours of Thailand at Giggling Squid Forgo tradition and try something a little different this festive season with an exceptional Thai Christmas three course menu. Highlights include ‘Little Bags of Gold’ filled with tender chicken and finely chopped vegetables with a hint of spice, alongside slow-cooked Thai-style pork hock and to finish prosecco and muddled berry cheesecake – well ‘tis the season!

Guests can enjoy three courses, at £20.95 per person for lunch with an extended menu and a few extras, at £29.95 per person for dinner. Available for festive celebrations from 13th November (on a pre-booking basis only throughout November).

Top tip: there’s also a lovely library room which seats up to 30 and is a great space for Christmas parties.

TAKING BOOKINGS NOW 32 Market Place Salisbury, SP1 1TL 01722 341 871 | gigglingsquid.com

*Christmas menus available from 13th November. See gigglingsquid.com *Booking essential during November and for large parties over the festive period *£20.95 for lunch menu (12-5pm) and £29.95 for evening menu (from 5pm)

The Green Dragon A warm welcome awaits at our 15th Century village inn

Same Landlord for 12 years.

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

taking bookings for christmas now!

A beautiful venue for Christmas lunch, with an exciting and delicious menu!

Book early to avoid disappointment.

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

01722 710 263

Exciting mix of Indian Street Food and Craft Beer

Delicious Indian street food in relaxed surroundings Enjoy Rasheed and Bartkath’s exciting menus along with Chef Kumar’s 25 years of experience.

Ever-changing menus made with locally sourced ingredients and fine craft ales.

90 Crane Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 2QD

01722 329700

cafediwali.com

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

R E S TA U R A N T

FOOD

Culture Coffee SARAH MOOLLA visits the Fisherton Street café and finds the place amounts to a whole lot more than just a hill of beans

I

THE

t sounds like a simple enough dish; halloumi, hummus, avocado and pesto crostini. It’s lunchtime, I’m hungry and this has been highly recommended to me.

The recommenders weren’t wrong. I’m also later told this is the Fisherton Street café’s bestseller. It’s not hard to see why. The halloumi is pan-fried perfection – crisp and golden on the outside, and salty, squeaky and milky on the inside. The hummus tastes of olive oil and chickpeas (which weirdly often isn’t the case), and is silky smooth.

Another item that increasingly doesn’t taste like it should is the avocado. In these days of absolute avocado craziness, they are more reminiscent of unperfumed soaps, and either a mushy mess or an unripe inedibleness.

However these soft slices have that grass-green South American freshness.

The slightly grainy dots of pesto add a burst of basil, garlic and pinenuts – just as they should, and the crostini is both light and crunchy.

Getting to the end is a lick-yourplate moment. Except, I’m not an animal, and I use my little finger to mop up whatever is left.

My pudding consists of a chocolate brownie accompanied by a soya milk filter coffee. The brownie is a gooey, fudgy, melt-in the mouth slab of chocolatey goodness that has that straight out of the baking tray, homemade quality that a mass-produced brownie can only ever dream of. And my soya milk doesn’t feather in my deep richly roasted coffee – always sign of a ‘proper’ coffee house.

When the owner Hugh Blackbourn sits down to join me, following the buzzy and friendly lunchtime rush, you can see exactly where this devil-in-the-detail passion comes from: “My background is science, science editing, science publishing, but wherever I’ve gone, I’ve always liked to appraise places – so I’ve always had an interest

BROWNIE IS A GOOEY, FUDGY, MELT-IN THE MOUTH SLAB OF CHOCOLATEY GOODNESS

in hospitality, but as a consumer,” explains Hugh, who moved from London to Salisbury. “It was originally about the coffee – living in London, there are so many good indies – and I couldn’t bear that Salisbury didn’t have that.

So I thought, put your money where your mouth is, open a place and see if you can do it.”

And do it he did. He opened Culture Coffee in June 2016 – the vibe is welcoming, the coffee is great and the food is on the money. The food, which Hugh describes as “modern English cuisine, with lots of vegetarian and cleaneating options,” was a later by-product of the original idea.

“It was all about the coffee at first, hence the name,” admits Hugh. “The thought of an actual restaurant sounded like very hard work! I simply served the type of thing I would like to eat. People have responded so well to the food, and it is exciting how this has become a different focus of this venture.”

At the moment, the menu comprises light, cut-above daytime snacks such as cumin-roasted butternut and pomegranate salad served with ciabatta; sandwiches include line-caught tuna with sweetcorn, red onion and Moroccan chutney. The summer brunch menu has the lipsmacking option of waffles with crisp, streaky bacon, strawberries, bananas and Canadian maple syrup. The health and vitality menu lives up to its name, with granola pots, organic scrambled eggs, and maple and pecan energy balls on offer. And for afternoon treats and pick me ups, there’s the mostly locally sourced cakes and bars, including raspberry bakewell slice, lemon drizzle cake and salted caramel bubble bar, many of which just happen to be gluten, dairy, egg-free.

The food has proven to be so popular, in fact, that Hugh is considering getting a drinks’ license and expanding into the evening trade. But does that mean a name change?

“There’s a place in London that has one name by day and another by night, so we might just tweak that. What is more important than the name is the quality of the food and the service.”

And judging by the happy murmur of the contented clientele, whatever name Hugh chooses, the place will be packed.

DINING DETAILS Culture Coffee, 69 Fisherton Street, Salisbury tel: 07940 29154; www.facebook.com/culturecoffeesalisbury Opening hours Open 7 days a week.

Weekdays 8am-5pm, Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 10am-4pm Covers 40 indoors and 16 in rear garden Prices starters from £4.50; mains from £6.50; desserts from £2.80 Disability access Yes

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

The George and Dragon is a historic period public house situated alongside the river Avon, and in the heart of the City of Salisbury. Serving a traditional pub menu and variety of classic ales we promise to provide a ‘local pub’ experience to all that walk through our doors.

Christmas Menu To start Winter vegetable soup, served with crusty bread, butter & herb croutons (V) Prawn cocktail, served with brown bread & butter Baked flat mushroom served in a creamy blue cheese sauce (V) Mains Thyme roasted turkey, served with roast potatoes, homemade stuffing, fresh vegetables, homemade Yorkshire pudding with rich homemade gravy Whole roasted seabass served with garlic & herb roasted new potatoes & a spicy tomato salsa Slow braised Lamb shank served with rosemary mashed potato, selection of vegetables & minted gravy

Vegetarian cauliflower cheese grills served with roast potatoes, homemade stuffing, fresh vegetables, homemade yorkshire pudding & vegetarian gravy (V) To finish Christmas pudding served with brandy cream Sticky toffee pudding served with custard Chocolate tart served with chantilly cream Cheese plate, cheddar, brie & stilton served with crackers, chutney, celery sticks & grapes *add a surcharge of £2.00

£16.95 two courses £21.95 three courses £10 non-refundable deposit required per person and pre order is essential

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

www.georgeanddragonpub.co.uk

Forkingout Catering for all occasions

01722 328 808 www.forkingout4food.com

BOOK NOW FOR CHRISTMAS!

New Chef - New Specials.

Theme Nights coming Shortly.

Food all day Saturday.

Week- end Coffee & Cake.

Southampton Road, Whaddon, Nr Salisbury, Wiltshire SP5 3HB

Ltd

LEGACY ROSE & CROWN - RIVERS EDGE RESTAURANT John Tobin, chef at Salisbury’s 13th-century riverside coaching inn, selects two of his favourite recipes to try this autumn

POACHED EGG AND WILD MUSHROOMS ON TOASTED CIABATTA “As we are heading into the autumn season, this a great time for wild mushrooms. There are three types featured in this warming starter, with a perfectly poached egg on crispy toasted ciabatta bread.”

Ingredients 150g butter 4 slices of ciabatta 125ml white wine vinegar 3 litres water 4 eggs 2 shallots or onions, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped 80g girolles/chantrelles, trimmed, washed and sliced 40g trompette de morte, trimmed, washed and sliced 55g oyster mushrooms, trimmed, washed and sliced 2 tsp freshly chopped, parsley salt and freshly ground black pepper Method 1. Melt the butter in a pan. Add sliced brioche and colour on each side for approximately 1 minute. Remove and keep warm.

2. Add white wine vinegar to the water and boil stir water to create a whirlpool effect.

3. Crack eggs into separate cups.

Pour from the cups into the water and poach for 3 minutes. Remove using a slotted spoon.

4. Add 55g butter to a hot saucepan and sauté the shallots

or onions and garlic.

5. Now add the cleaned mushrooms and cook over a moderate heat, season and drain (mushrooms contain a lot of water).

6. Serve the mushrooms on the sliced ciabatta, top with the poached eggs and sprinkle with the chopped parsley.

RECIPES

FOOD

SAUTEED CHICKEN SUPREME, SULTANA BASMATI RICE AND CREAMY MANGO SAUCE “At Legacy Rose & Crown we offer dishes to suit to all tastes and are proud to include internationally-inspired dishes on our seasonal menu. This delicious chicken supreme dish with sultana basmati rice and creamy mango sauce is the ideal meal for autumn evenings and works well with a refreshing white wine.”

Ingredients 4 x 4oz skinned, boned chicken breast halves 1/2 tsp salt 1 tbsp vegetable oil 1 cup chopped onion 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper

2 tsp grated peeled fresh ginger 1 tsp curry powder 1/2 tsp ground coriander 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 1/4 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch 1 1/3 cups cubed peeled mango (about 1 large) 2 cups hot cooked basmati rice 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions Method 1. Sprinkle chicken with 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick

skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken; cook 3 minutes on each side or until done. Remove from pan; keep warm.

2. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in pan over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper; sauté 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt, ginger, curry, coriander, and garlic, and sauté 30 seconds. Combine with cream and mango,coat the chicken in the sauce 3. Cook the rice to required serving standard add sultanas.

For more: Rose & Crown, Harnham Road, Salisbury; www.legacy-hotels.co.uk

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

La fosse

Festive Season at La Fosse Whether you are joining us for a work Christmas Party, catching up with friends over a couple of festive cocktails in the lounge by the log fire, or a delicious family dinner, our friendly team will make you feel totally welcome and relaxed.

We’ve got Christmas cracked… have you?

There’s room for up to 25 for a Christmas lunch or dinner and up to 60 for drinks with nibbles or even a BBQ

Our festive pre-Christmas menu, made with fresh, local, seasonal ingredients, features a range of flavoursome dishes. From a traditional succulent roast turkey with all the trimmings to an indulgent “all things chocolate” and more.

Available from 1-23 and 27-29 December Dinner is not available from 24-26, 30 and 31 December

ut s abo Ask u dinavian can our S Hut for BBQ ies part

Stay in one of our comfortable guest bedrooms so you can relax and enjoy a good night’s sleep with no worries about designated drivers or waiting for the taxi.

Let’s get festive!

Book your festive meal in our restaurant for 6 or more people Monday - Thursday and enjoy a complementary glass of prosecco on arrival for every member of your party.

80 Crane St, Salisbury • 01722 410541 • @OAandCH Oldaleandcoffeehouse@buffandbear.com www.oldaleandcoffeehouse.com

CALL US TODAY 01725 517604 The Square, Cranborne BH21 5PR www.la-fosse.com

FOOD & DRINK W H AT ’ S M A K I N G T H E G O U R M E T N E W S I N S A L I S B U R Y

SILVER SERVICE Cosy Club in Salisbury is participating in a day of fun and free activities for older people on 1 October by offering free teas.

Manager Stuart Trent explains, “Silver Sunday, which is part of a nationwide campaign, is a celebration of the older generation, and value and knowledge they contribute to our communities.

“There is a large proportion of elderly

people living in Salisbury and we also want to offer them a place to come, feel comfortable, socialise and potentially meet new people or make new friends.”

The New Street café will also be donating 25p from every cake sold on this day to the Sir Simon Milton Foundation, the charity behind this fundraising idea.

For more: www.cosyclub.co.uk

Regent gets spirited

OF ALL THE GIN JOINTS There’s a new joint in town, inspired by American speakeasies and old school London lounges, but done the Salisbury way. The Liquor Club can be found in the stylish New Street menswear shop, Regent. Sommelier, Jamie Lingham, who will manage the day to day running of the Liquor Club, explains, “The Liquor Club is a new department, designed with class in mind and to expand the Regent lifestyle.

I was a sommelier for two years at Chewton Glen Hotel and Spa in Bournemouth, and most of the drinks here were chosen by me. This means we are able to advise on quality, value for money and give real insight into true quality.”

The Liquor Club will stock a collection of niche gins and whiskies, as well as organic red and white wines, and will also be holding a series of tasting events.

Stuart sees the value of cake in the community

For more: www.regenttailoring.co.uk

AND ALL THAT JAZZ

If music be the food of love…

Along with its Thai tapas style menu and innovative cocktails, Giggling Squid in Salisbury is serving a side order of superstar jazz in the form of Jonathan Fashole-Luke, the first Wednesday of every month.

“We are overjoyed to have the privilege of being able to hear a talent such as Jonathan play,” says manager Nat Sai-ubon.

“He will play two sets, from a varied repertoire from jazz right through to imaginative re-workings of popular songs in the cosy Library room.”

Jonathan has appeared at festivals all over Europe including Glastonbury, he has worked with Basement Jaxx, Sugar Hill Gang and All Saints, as well as played at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and performed live on Later With Jools Holland.

For more: www.gigglingsquid.com

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

HEAVEN SCENT Sarah Moolla finds blissful artisan soap, perfume and bath bombs at SCENT & COLOUR – a shop that also happens to have an impressive ethical ethos

O

f course there is a clue in the name, but it really is the most incredible smell that greets you when you walk in.

There are so many beautiful notes – floral, musk, citrus, vanilla and even chocolate – they’re all there and it’s like a symphony. Then there are the colours – bright, bold and also singing a rainbow.

I’m not the only who’s attracted to this cacophony of colour and aroma – during my visit, everybody from intrigued couples to purposeful lone shoppers wander in, trancelike with broad smiles on their faces and a determination to almost inhale every product in there, My favourite customers though are a gaggle of giggling schoolgirls all clutching their summer holiday spends. Drawn to the pocketmoney priced bath bombs initially, they then move slowly around the shop, enjoying the 44 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

exploration and sharing tales of their finds.

Celia García-Rubio, the Spanish-born, Canadian educated, and Salisbury-dwelling owner easily engages with them. She lets them know that every single one of her products is natural, vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. Celia knows this for absolute certain because she imports everything herself from her family’s Spanish business, which has made this style of bath products for 12 years. I think the young girls aren’t going to be massively interested in this, but they are. So much so that most leave with a little something, with one clutching a slab of artisan olive oil soap for her father, because “he’s allergic to everything!”

But what really makes Celia’s Scent & Colour shop special is the all-natural perfumes that are fixed, optic-style, on the wall and come with a refillable bottle. Tell Celia your normal favourite perfume and she can steer you towards something similar, often better, longer-lasting

R E M A R K A B L E R E TA I L

SHOPPING

I BELIEVE

THAT QUALITY PERFUME SHOULD BE WITHIN REACH OF

EVERYONE

Opposite page top to bottom: Spanish-born owner Celia García-Rubio; pocket-money priced bath bombs; Celia designed the packaging herself. This page, clockwise from top: Optics of refillable perfumes; artisan soaps; homemade bath bombs; all Celia’s products are kind to the skin and the planet

and depending on your brand choice, a good deal cheaper. Celia’s ethos is a straightforward and impressive one, “Promoting the artisan production of the best quality vegan fragrances, the end of animal testing and a fair eco-friendly trade that focuses on the scent and leaves behind unnecessary added packaging.”

And it works, it works so well, you wonder why no-one else is doing it. This is something the driven Celia would love to put right. “I am marketing Scent & Colour also as a franchise.

I believe that quality perfume should be within reach of everyone. Also in a fair and responsible manufacture and sale focused solely on the quality of the fragrances, the handmade production with natural formulas and respect for the environment and the animals.”

For more: Scent & Colour, 20B Cross Keys Arcade.

22 Queen Street Salisbury tel: 07931 828398; www.scentandcolour.com

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1

2

3

FALL FORWARD TO MARK THE AUTUMN EQUINOX ON 22 SEPTEMBER, WE’RE GOING WITH AN EARTHY, WARM AND FIERY PALETTE

5 4

1. IN SEASON

2. BRANCHING OUT

3. OAK-AGED

4. GOING TO POT

5. ON A PLATE

Cool Breeze by Chris Bourne, £1,790 Chris’s dream-like image is reminiscent of the Impressionists’ style and captures the peace of the English countryside.

From Gallery21, 21 Queen Street, Salisbury. tel: 01722 324000; www.gallery21.co.uk

Elinor Cambray pendant, from £190 From the Enchanted Forest range, handmade in Elinor’s workshop using recycled sterling silver.

From Elinor Cambray Jewellery Design, 75 New Street, Salisbury. tel: 07892 684676; www.elinorcambray.com

Annie Sloan oak leaves stencil, £14.99 This elegant stencil works beautifully on walls and can be used as a standalone design.

From No44 Homeworks 44 Fisherton Street, Salisbury. tel: 01722 324773; www. no44homeworks.co.uk

Orla Kiely enamel teapot, £55 Featuring Orla Kiely’s 70s flower pattern, the teapot has a solid wood handle which can be removed so it is dishwasher safe.

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

Pottery plate, from £15 The pottery cafe offers the chance to make your own autumnal homeware like this glazed plate to pop your cake on.

From Splash of Colour 72 Fisherton Street.

Salisbury. tel: 01722 322250; www. splashofcolourcafe.net

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

6

ED’S CHOICE

SHOPPING

7

8

9

10

6. WE’RE PINING

7. CLOCK WATCHING

8.LIGHT OF MY LIFE

9. LEAVE IT

10. CONFERENCE CALLS

Wicker log basket, £42 As well as logs or pines, the basket is fully lined with a hessian liner which makes it a fantastic laundry or toy basket.

From BRUSH24, Belmont House, Southampton Road, Salisbury. tel: 01722 711895; www.brush64.co.uk

Clock by Simon Denvers, £49 This cell clock is made with real wood veneer and sustainable materials.

From Fisherton Mill 108 Fisherton Street, Salisbury. tel: 01722 500200; www.fishertonmill.co.uk

Lamp, £34.95 This oak tripod design uses Iliv material for the striking and timeless shade design.

From Nadder & Wylye, King Street, Wilton Shopping Village, Wilton. tel: 07782 166814; www.wiltonshoppingvillage.co.uk

Appliquéed cushion, £29 This ‘Autumn Scatter’ cushion suits every room with its tweed background and appliquéed felt leaves in their fall colours.

From Pure Comfort, 14 Winchester Street, Salisbury. tel: 01722 322596; www.pure-comfort.co.uk

Tea towel, £12 100 per cent white cotton tea towel printed with dark golden pears by Thornback and Peel.

From Fisherton Mill 108 Fisherton Street, Salisbury. tel: 01722 500200; www.fishertonmill.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE II 47 www.mediaclash.co.uk I CLIFTON LIFE 69

GIFT SHOP, BOUTIQUE AND HOME A little bit of everything in the heart of Wilton

flockbynature.co.uk Luxury knitwear. Thoughtfully produced.

New Seasons Collections from Lily & Me, Brakeburn, Suzy D & Thought are now IN STOCK

17 North St, Wilton. SP2 0HA. Tel 01722 741287 www.thebaywindowgiftshop.co.uk

find us

THE TIMES THEY ARE A CHANGING NEW SEASON NOW SHOWING Just to remind you of our new opening times:

Monday: Closed Tuesday - Saturday: 10.00am - 5.00pm The shop will be closed 16th - 18th October 15 Milford Street, Salisbury SP1 2AL Telephone: 01722 410522

www.twentyonebsalisbury.co.uk

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

• Wine (Organic & Bio-Dynamic • Spirits • Cigars • Licensed Bar for Outside Events

73 New Street Salisbury SP1 2PH 01722 335151 @regent_liquorclub www.regenttailoring.co.uk

H E A LT H A N D BEAUTY

Clockwise, from left: Santé’s welcoming consultation area; Elizma has a medical background; the hi-tech Endermolift gadgets get results; the salon also offers glam beauty treatments; Elizma’s calming space can be found in Wilton

A SECOND LOOK SARAH MOOLLA faces up to the joys of a facial at Santé et Beauté Face & Body salon Photo s by JOH N ROSE

I

’ve never been one for massages, facials or all-round pampering. My beauty regime is basic, functional and to the point. For example, points to hair and thinks – must brush.

There always seems to be more productive ways to spend my time – even if it’s just writing a to-do list of all the productive things I should be doing. So when I’m asked to review a treatment at Santé et Beauté Face & Body salon, I scan the options for the quickest treatment possible.

However, Elizma Lawrence’s friendly and efficient manner puts me at my ease while her welcoming Wilton Village space instantly relaxes me. We chat and then she leaves the room while I complete a questionnaire which includes me highlighting my problem areas.

I don’t feel pressurised by embarrassing questions, and because of this, I’m honest

IT FEELS LIKE THOSE SUCKY KISSES THAT TEETHING BABIES GIVE, BUT WITHOUT THE STICKY DRIBBLE

in my answers, which means she has a good picture of me, both inside and out.

Elizma, who is originally from Cape Town, worked for years in a cosmetic surgery clinic dealing with the aftercare of patients, and then on cruise ships specialising in beauty treatments. This combination of both her medical knowledge and the beauty therapy background gives me the confidence to trust in her completely. So when she suggests the Santé facial, using Biodroga MD products (a German brand she swears by) and the Endermolift machine to do lymphatic drainage, followed by a collagen mask, I’m listening.

The Endermolift, in technical talk, is an anti-ageing technique to redensify skin in depth and erase the signs of ageing. It works by the LPG Lifts delivering micro-beats to the skin’s surface to stimulate youth cells

in-depth, restarting their natural production of collagen and elastin.

In non-technical terms it looks like a Dust-Buster and I tell Elizma it feels like those sucky kisses that teething babies give, but without the sticky dribble. She tells me that the Vogue reviewer had compared it to being nibbled by a toothless dinosaur. We are both right, and the sensation is a pleasant, rhythmically soothing one.

The indulgence of being ‘looked after’ by Elizma is so blissful, I feel like have been there hours. As I reluctantly leave, I realise the treatment has only taken just over an hour. Yet I feel restored, rejuvenated and raring to go. Time very well spent.

For more: Santé et Beauté Face & Body, 12 Wilton Shopping Village, Wilton, Salisbury.

Tel: 07718 5956541; www.santefaceandbody.com

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

P H Y S I O T H E R A P Y A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

A HELPING HAND SARUM PHYSIO tells us about physiotherapry and how it can help...

W

hether you’re suffering a sports injury, need treatment for back or neck pain, or recovering from surgery, physiotherapy can provide a helping hand.

Suitable for all ages, it involves looking at the complete body, making an assessment, and if needed, we can provide other treatments such as acupuncture and massage. In addition, at Sarum Physio Centre we offer further guidance on exercise, how to prevent injury in the first place and general health and well-being – we believe in looking after you as a whole.

Playing a vital role in the relief of pain and healing physio can get you back doing the things you love, whether that be on the sports field or playing with the grandchildren.

What conditions can physiotherapy treat?

While it focuses on the restoration and rehabilitation of the circulatory and musculoskeletal systems, it can be used to treat conditions from sports injury to respiratory

problems. It can also help with long-term issues such as arthritis, mobility and postural problems.

Did you know that almost half of all UK adults may be living with chronic pain, that is pain that lasts for more than three months? This impacts on health and wellbeing and can result in depression and obesity. Quite simply, it is debilitating and can affect everyone around you.

Back and neck pain is the most common presented at Sarum Physio and often not just because of surgery or a sports injury.

Physiotherapy can help by easing stiffness, reducing pain and encouraging blood flow to the muscles, helping to improve the condition.

If you’re worried about an injury and want to get back to training or struggling with back or neck pain, physio could be the solution.

Don’t ignore those aches and pains and don’t become a statistic when physio could be the answer. Physio can help with everyday living, working in the garden, on the sports pitch or at work. If you are looking for a better quality of life or preparing for a new challenge book in today by calling 01722 415 055.

213 Devizes Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 9LT. 01722 415055; www.sarumphysio.co.uk

Facial rejuvenation by Dr Pat Cambell Book before September 30th for your FREE facial consultation 0% finance available

01722 413513

info@thedentistsalisbury.co.uk www.thedentistsalisbury.co.uk

CHARLOTTE CHURCHILL HAIR STUDIO 165 FISHERTON STREET

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SALISBURY

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WILTSHIRE

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01722 413091 Photo: Ian Southwell

T

he studio has had a fabulous summer with our signature colour-melt being in high demand. We feel each clients hair is a canvas feeling inspired and passionate to create beautiful wearable hair, effortlessly painting the background fluidly and applying the finer details meticulously.

It’s a fine Art choosing gorgeous tones that compliment and enhance the design of your haircut perfectly. The results speak for

themselves its great to watch the seasonal tones change sundrenched summer blonde tones now going into autumn will evolve as colour-melts will take on a warmer feel think warm brunettes melting seamlessly into sublime bronze copper russet fiery tones.

Blondes will take on a cool wintry feel ‘ with ashen silvery violet tones becoming a very strong trend think icy blue silver & cotton candy violets. Exciting times ahead.

We are delighted to be introducing milkshake hair products to the salon clients have shown a real love for them particularly the divine aromas whilst at the basin ‘ having their hair washed.

They are just gorgeous products made up of amongst other ingredients natural milk yoghurt proteins and fruit extracts. This range of products will compliment our popular unite Haircare range perfectly. We continue to strive for a relaxing experience out of the Hubble and bubble feeling welcomed & cared for and in expert hands as you enjoy magazines over a freshly brewed Iatte or a summer pimms in a little haven away from it all.

REMEMBER. LET US LOOK AFTER YOU.

IT’S THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE.

w w w. c h a r l o t t e c h u r c h i l l . c o . u k Info@charlottechurchill.co.uk

In a LEAGUE of THEIR OWN SARAH MOOLLA takes a look at a few of the region’s outstanding school reports

By Sarah Mool l a

I

f we’ve learned one thing about Salisbury and its surrounds, it’s that the schools are a class act. They attract students from not just Britain, but from all over the world.

So why do they score so highly? We took a look at their school reports to find out.

NAME: Clayesmore School, Iwerne Minster, Blandford, Dorset. tel: 01747 812122; www.clayesmore.com HISTORY: It was founded by Lex Devine in 1896, an educational pioneer who firmly believed that the one-size fits all approach was not the correct model for a successful education.

MATHS: 700 students in total, across the prep and senior schools, and aged from 3-18. 260 boarders in senior school, aged 13 plus, and a further 60 in prep school, aged up to 13.

DISTINCTIONS: Awarded Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ at the last inspection, and also recipient of British Council International School Award. The Design 54 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

& Technology department recently won the award for Best Public Sector Placement from Loughborough University.

EXTRA CURRICULUM: Everything from bagpipes to photography, via climbing, the Duke of Edinburgh and lots more in between.

COMMENTS: “Clayesmore is an allencompassing, family school with the ability, facility and desire to nurture talent wherever it lies, whether a child is an academic high flier, winning cricketer, budding concert pianist or will require some assistance from our state-of-the-art and highly regarded Learning Support Centre.”

NAME: Farleigh School, Red Rice, Andover. tel: 01264 710766; www.farleighschool.com HISTORY: The school was founded as a boys’ boarding school in 1953 at Farleigh House, the seat of the Earls of Portsmouth, by the late Jocelyn Francis Trappes-Lomax, and started out with just 35 boys.

We

believe in ‘success without stress’

E D U C AT I O N

Clayesmore was awarded ‘Outstanding’ at their last Oftsed inspection

Godolphin in Milford Hill was founded in 1726

MATHS: The Catholic, co-educational prep school is for children aged from 3 to 13 years, and is situated in 70 acres of parkland and landscaped woodlands.

Boarding is available to both boys and girls aged 7 and above.

DISTINCTIONS: “Farleigh is in its heyday, and given its location – an hour from London, just off the A303 – beautiful grounds, gorgeous Georgian house... we’re not surprised it’s riding so high.” Tatler Schools Guide, 2014 EXTRA CURRICULUM: These change termly, and include play dough, yoga bugs, football, cricket, tag rugby, hockey, netball, Spanish, and art and craft.

COMMENTS: “The teaching and learning environment has a real sense of achievement and momentum provided by the broad curriculum and commitment to academic, creative, cultural and sporting excellence.”  www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 55

E D U C AT I O N

MATHS: It is an independent day school with 276 children. Leehurst Swan is the only school in Wiltshire to be ranked in the top 50 in The Times League Tables and features as 24th. 95% of pupils passing both English and maths.

DISTINCTIONS: Achieved the grade of ‘Excellent’ in every category of Educational Quality by the IS Inspection team. In March this year, the school was awarded Silver Artsmark by the Arts Council for delivering a high quality arts and cultural education.

EXTRA CURRICULUM: Recently pupils have travelled to Venice, France, Spain and Germany as well as many locations closer to home. The teachers believe in taking learning outside of the classroom and bringing it alive for pupils.

COMMENTS: “Leehurst Swan School believes in the value of a holistic education which allows for the blossoming of a wealth of talents. The school offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities together with exciting trips abroad which educate and expand horizons.”

NAME: Godolphin School, Milford Hill, Salisbury. tel: 01722 430500; www.godolphin.org HISTORY: Founded by the Hon. Charles Godolpin and his wife, Elizabeth in 1726 for the education of young orphan gentlewomen. The girls, aged 12-19, were to be taught to ‘dance, work, read, write, cost accounts and the business of housewifery’.

MATHS: Students numbers from September 2017 are in the prep school 103, senior school 274 and sixth form 103. Godolphin also offers midweek, weekly and termly boarding.

DISTINCTIONS: 2017 A-level results had the highest percentage of A* grades since 2012. Nearly 40 per cent of all girls sitting the exams gained at least one A* and over half got at least one A grade.

EXTRA CURRICULUM: Bespoke programmes have been set up for the sixth form, through the Elizabeth Godolphin Award, and Godolphin Plus for the younger pupils, along with the Duke of Edinburgh and the Combined Cadet Force.

COMMENTS: “We believe in ‘success without stress’. Godolphin encourages their girls to aim high but not at the expense of their wellbeing. Pupils are happy and fulfilled, grounded and unpretentious.”

NAME: Leehurst Swan School, 19 Campbell Road, Salisbury. tel: 01722 333094; www.leehurstswan.org.uk HISTORY: The first school on the site was Leehurst Convent School in 1914. This became La Retraite in 1953 when it was taken over by the Sisters of La Retraite. In 1996, it was then joined by the Swan School for boys and was renamed the Leehurst Swan School.

Top to bottom: the grounds at Walhampton lend themselves to outdoor pursuits; Leehurst Swan School ranks in The Times League Tables top 50

AN ALLENCOMPASSING, FAMILY SCHOOL WITH THE ABILITY, FACILITY AND DESIRE TO NURTURE TALENT

NAME: Walhampton School, Lymington, Hampshire. tel: 01590 613300; www.walhampton.com HISTORY: Walhampton Estate, which lies on the southern edge of the New Forest, itself dates back to the Domesday Book in 1086. During World War II the house was requisitioned and used as a rest home for American airmen. After the war it was bought for use as a boys’ prep school and from 1972 girls were admitted too. Titus Mills took over the headship at Walhampton in 2012.

MATHS: The independent day and boarding school is boys and girls aged 2-13. There are 370 pupils, with 40 boarders from Year 3 to Year 8.

DISTINCTIONS: Year after year, Walhampton celebrates a 100% pass rate in the Common Entrance exams and in the 2016/17 academic year, 50% of Year 8 children attained scholarships to their senior schools, including Harrow, Canford, and Marlborough.

EXTRA CURRICULUM: Over 60 activities such as sailing, riding and beekeeping, plus the grounds lend themselves to traditional and exciting outdoor pursuits like climbing trees.

COMMENTS: “Walhampton is exceptionally lovely, as are so many stately homes turned school, with glorious buildings and grounds. But something more than that: there is a feeling that all your favourite childhood fiction comes alive in this place.” Good Schools Guide NAME: St Mary’s School, Shaftesbury, Dorset tel: 1747 852416; www.stmarys.eu HISTORY: St Mary’s was founded in 1945 by the nuns of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (also known as the Sisters of Loreto). The school became a registered charity in 1995 and is managed by a board of governors, but retains its strong Catholic ethos.

MATHS: There are currently 220 girls at St Mary’s, and almost half of the girls are full boarders.  www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 57

E D U C AT I O N

they will flourish, whatever their ability and talent. Our vision is that our students have the enthusiasm to learn and the ambition to succeed.

It is important to us that they have the confidence and determination to explore their interests and that they have the opportunity to develop creatively as well as academically.”

Hampshire Collegiate School is the former home of Florence Nightingale

DISTINCTIONS: Received two outstanding inspections last year, one by the Diocese and one by the ISI. Several of the departments, including Spanish, Geography and Photography, saw girls awarded only A* or A grades at A Level this year, and all pupils were awarded places at their first choice of higher education establishments.

EXTRA CURRICULUM: The co-curricular offering covers everything from musical theatre to coding, and this term sees the launch the St Mary’s Dance Academy, in tandem with the renowned TLW Dance School in Shaftesbury.

COMMENTS: “By nurturing, instilling a culture of praise and providing ample opportunity to pursue intellectual development through academic projects and co-curricular activities, we create a stimulating environment in which girls can flourish.”

NAME: Hampshire Collegiate School, Embley Park, Romsey, Hampshire. tel: 01794 512206; www.hampshirecs.org.uk HISTORY: In 1946 Embley Park, the former family home of Florence Nightingale, became a boarding school for boys between the ages of 11 and 18. In 2006, the school underwent a merger with The Atherley School and was renamed Hampshire Collegiate School.

MATHS: The school is situated approximately two miles from Romsey in 130 acres of historic and beautiful parkland.

DISTINCTIONS: This year the Year 11s GCSE results saw 100% of girls achieving 5+ A* - C including English and maths.

EXTRA CURRICULUM: Offers everything from golf to top skiing, cricket tours of South Africa and choir.

COMMENTS: “Our aim is to focus on each individual child, creating an environment where

St Mary’s School provides an environment in which girls can flourish

NAME: Sandroyd, Rushmore, Tollard Royal, Salisbury. tel: 01725 516264; www.sandroyd.org HISTORY: Sandroyd was created in 1888 as a small coaching establishment to tutor children for entry into Eton College. The school moved from its original site in Surrey to its current site, in between Salisbury and Blandford, in 1939. More recently Sandroyd opened its doors to day boys in 1995 and welcomed girls for the first time in September 2004. That same term heralded the opening of the pre-prep school, The Walled Garden, which takes children from the age of two upwards.

MATHS: There are 200 pupils in total, 130 boarders. In 2017, 25% of the leavers were awarded scholarships to their Senior Schools.

DISTINCTIONS: The latest ISI inspection ranked the school as ‘Excellent’ in all categories.

The introduction of the new Strive curriculum is designed to identify, and then teach and monitor, and develop a raft of qualities sought by senior schools, universities and the world of work. The Strive sessions –all delivered by specialists in each area – range from touch-typing to mindfulness strategies.

EXTRA CURRICULUM: A full range of extra curricula activities, plus an award winning theatre which last year hosted six separate drama productions.

COMMENTS: “Sandroyd is a truly unique school. Our small size generates a wonderful family atmosphere and, most vitally, enables us to be absolutely focused on the individual needs of all of our pupils. A Sandroyd education is academically rich and rigorous led by inspirational teachers who thrive on getting the best out of the Sandroyd children.”

Sandroyd has The Walled Garden, a pre-prep school

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

Leehurst Swan School Salisbury’s Only Independent Co-Educational Day School for Reception to GCSE

Open Morning Thursday 5th October 2017

8.45am-9.10am Arrival and Registration 9.15am Address/Tours

“The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent” IS Inspection 2017

Senior School Entrance Examination Saturday 13th January 2018 SCHOLARSHIPS Academic Available for entry into Years 3, 7 and 9 Art | Sport | Music For entry into Years 7 and 9 For further information please contact Beverley Smith, Registrar Telephone 01722 333094 or email registrar@leehurstswan.org.uk www.leehurstswan.org.uk ab Charity Registration No. 800158

S C H O O L D AY S

What was the naughtiest thing you recall doing as a pupil?

I ordered some stationery on behalf of a teacher once at primary school, because I wanted some coloured paper and I just assumed I could put an order in.

What other jobs did you consider when you were younger?

I trained as an actor and worked in the industry professionally for around a decade. Before that I was really keen on being an architect – but the maths aspect turned out to be a bit beyond me.

How do you think your experiences at school have influenced you now as an educator?

Not having had the easiest of school journeys, I can very easily empathise with the students I teach who are lacking in some confidence or who are uncertain about their roles in the class, academically or interpersonally. I’d like to think that I create a secure and supportive environment which allows everyone to flourish, whatever hat I am wearing.

TALKING HEAD We put DAVID HALLEN, head of sixth form and drama at Godolphin School, to the test with our questions, which reveal his love of music, Devon and teaching, and his childhood dislike of PE What is your first early school-related memory?

Being given the responsibility of being pencil monitor in my primary school class – I felt very important.

Can you tell us a little about your primary and secondary education?

I was born and brought up in inner-city London, so went to very racially and culturally diverse schools. My primary school seemed huge, although it probably wasn’t, and was dominated by bells, I seem to remember. They had a bell for everything! My secondary school really was a big school of about 1,500 students, and all boys. It meant that there was enough room to hide when you needed to, but I did my best to get on and succeed.

How would your report have described your younger self?

My teachers would probably have called me serious, dedicated, focused and shy, as I think I was a bit of an enigma in such a large and noisy school.

What would you say to your younger self about how to make the most of school?

Take the time to enjoy the pleasure of learning and master the skills needed for study, without just relying on natural ability – it will only get you so far.

What was your favourite subject?

Music. I discovered a talent for it and it saw me through my school career. Although I had the chance to take German for a little while and enjoyed that very much. …and the subject you most struggled with?

PE, without a doubt. Even at school, I wasn’t made for running. Or jumping. Or throwing. In the end they made me keep the score.

Was there one teacher who really helped shape your love of learning?

My tuba teacher at the Royal College of Music was an extraordinary influence, and very quickly taught me the need to be dedicated, to challenge myself, to believe in my potential and to be ruthlessly honest about my progress.

TRAINED AS ACTOR AND WORKED IN THE INDUSTRY

I AN

PROFESSIONALLY FOR AROUND A

DECADE

What are your own preferred extra curriculum activities or hobbies?

I am a keen writer of mostly plays and poems, but I also make mosaics and spend my ‘off time’ in the middle of the Devon countryside with my children, walking our dog.

What’s the one piece of advice you would share with pupils?

Take every opportunity you are given – you are incredibly privileged to have so many extraordinary opportunities at your fingertips, and they will all be key in helping you develop your understanding of the world around you and the role you want to play in it. …and fellow educators?

Remember that we educate people for life, not for results. Although results are important, too.

If you had magic powers, what is the one thing that might improve the current education system?

I would love to be able to have a magic ball and see the world in 20 years time, and have the resources and budget to prepare students for the world they will encounter, not a reflection of the one that we educators experienced.

For more: www.godolphin.org

For more features like this, visit: www.tom-brown.com

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

XXXXXX

YOU CAN KEEP BODY AND MIND ACTIVE BY LEARNING A NEW SKILL

This page, clockwise: Go floral with Pod & Pip’s Sarah Williamson-Jones; Claire Demetri teaches glass fusing; The Karma Centre is a new Salisbury yoga venue; Zumba with Kirstie Pugh; Sally Edwards can help you focus on your photography skills. Opposite: Learning the ukulele keeps your mind active

CLASSES & COURSES

E D U C AT I O N

LIFE LESSONS As well as new skills, and a sense of feeling more connected to your community, recent research has shown that continued learning in life makes for happier, healthier and brighter people. It has even been linked to delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s. We’re in!

So where do we sign up? We’ve scoured the Salisbury area to bring you just a few of the best classes and courses, from ukulele-playing to bouquet-making

By SA R A H MOOL L A FLOWER ARRANGING

Sarah Williamson-Jones is the tutor of the seasonal flower workshops at the beautiful riverside setting of the Pod & Pip studios in Odstock, Salisbury. The classes cover everything from table decorations and centrepieces to hand tied bouquets and flower crowns. Sarah says, “Our students find it’s time out from the every day hustle and bustle of life, with some even gaining the confidence to arrange flowers for family and friends’ weddings.”

& Movement, Colourful Collage, Introduction to Modern, chalk paint workshops, along with the more familiar watercolour, pottery, life drawing and jewellery making classes. There are also one day linocut printing workshops held by Katherine Anteney.

For more: www.rumseg.co.uk

UKULELE PLAYING

Robin Walter holds group ukulele sessions for beginners, intermediates and advanced in Shaftesbury, Wimborne, Sherborne and, more recently, in Salisbury Arts Centre, with lots of his students also choosing to perform for fun at local events. Robin says, “You can keep body and mind active by learning a new skill, practicing new songs and meeting up with others to make music and make new friends.”

For more: www.podandpip.co.uk

GLASS DESIGN

Artist Claire Demetri holds glass design classes from her Fisherton Mill base, where she teaches the basic skills of glass fusing, cutting and kiln firing. She says, “I arrange the workshops on an ad hoc basis as the studio only takes three people, although I do also run sessions for larger groups and then use the gallery space at the Mill.”

For more: www.theukeshack.co.uk

ZUMBA®

Kirstie Pugh, a fully licensed Zumba® instructor based at Pemberton House, offers an array of specialities such as seated Zumba® Gold for disabled adults and the elderly, alongside the more traditional Zumba® classes. “The seated classes are perfect for beginners, people with injuries, those returning to exercise and those who prefer low impact exercise,” says Kirstie.

For more: www.clairedemetri.co.uk

FELTING

The beautifully named Mousehole Woolery specialises in professional, fun workshops, in which fibre artist Carla Taylor shares not only the basic techniques of needle felting, but also lots tips and tricks, and her passion and love for local Dorset and British wool. “Needle felting continues to grow in popularity in the crafting world,” explains Carla, “You only need a few needles, foam and some wool to get yourself started. It’s a great way of relaxing and spending quality time with crafty family and friends and exploring a new hobby.”

For more: www.themouseholewoolery.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY

Sally Edwards covers the whole range of skill levels from beginner to intermediate from her Salisbury and Stockbridge basis.

The award-winning photographer also has a regular club you can join should photography be your thing, which will also start organising trips away.

For more: www.sallyedwardsphotography.co.uk

ART CLASSES

Rum’s Eg holds an inspiring amount of different art and craft workshops for adults in their Leckford Art Studio, including Music

For more: www.kirstiepugh.co.uk

DRAMA

Kristie Grant, principal of Stagecoach Salisbury, believes in the power of starting extra curriculum activities early. “Our part-time performing arts classes mean students become more self-assured, expressive, sociable and imaginative. These are all skills that will serve them well as children and later on in life.”

For more: www.stagecoach.co.uk/salisbury

YOGA

After years of teaching throughout the Salisbury area, Anthea Aireton-Downer has created The Karma Centre, based at the junction of Endless Street and Chipper Lane. “It has always been my aim to provide yoga based practices for all ages and abilities,” Anthea explains. “Along with yoga, pilates and meditation classes, we will be providing specialist classes, such as Teen Karma yoga.”

For more: www.salisbury-yoga.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 67

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

Cosy up & get creative!

As a new school term begins take some time out to try something new!

A FUN & RELAXING CAFE STYLE ENVIRONMENT BRIMMING WITH IDEAS FOR YOU Choose your pottery, take a seat, order a coffee...and get painting!

Open: Monday - Saturday 10-5.30 & Sun 11-3 (Closed Wednesday's - except during school holidays) Book your table to avoid disappointment - call 01722 322250

72 Fisherton Street, Salisbury SP2 7RB

www.splashofcolourcafe.net

No44 Homeworks

Interiors Courses Classes

No

44 Fisherton Street, Salisbury SP2 7RB 01722 324773 info@no44homeworks.co.uk homeworks www.no44homeworks.co.uk

44

Open Now Yoga Pilates Meditation Pregnancy Yoga Children’s & Teens Yoga Chair Based Yoga Meditation 48 Chipper Lane, Salisbury, SP1 1DL Book online now at www.salisbury-yoga.co.uk

Salisbury & South Wilts Golf Club OFFERS Taster Membership: 3 months only £199 Bibury 9 holes only £10 after noon every day MEMBERSHIPS Memberships still available for 2017 • Full Membership (unlimited golf) • Lifestyle Membership (flexible, credit based) COME AND JOIN OUR HAPPY CLUB! • 27 holes of quality downland golf await you HM Armed Forces discount – please ask for details

VISITORS WELCOME

Bar and Restaurant open to the Public

18 hole par 71 Cathedral Course 9 hole par 34 Bibury Course Both courses maintained to a very high standard Free draining top quality downland golf w w w. s a l i s b u r y g o l f. c o . u k

0 1 7 2 2 74 2 6 4 5

Function Rooms available for Parties, Weddings, Conferences m a i l @ s a l i s b u r y g o l f. c o . u k

LEARN THE UKULELE AND JOIN THE BAND!

All ages & abilities welcome In s pr tru ov m id en ed ts

Salisbury Arts Centre, Bedwin St, SP1 3UT Mondays (in term-time) 2.00 - 2.45pm, Beginners (£6) 2.45 - 4.00pm, Intermediate (£7) 4.00 - 4.30pm, Advanced (£4)

Classes also available in Shaftesbury, Sherborne & Wimborne For all times and locations please see the website Contact Robin Walter M: 07824 552414 E: robinhdwalter@gmail.com www.theukeshack.co.uk

Shake-ups/launches/intel/promotions

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

QUOTE OF THE ISSUE

RETAIL

WINDOW DRESSING

“I SPENT THE BEST PART OF A YEAR LIVING IN A MUD HUT IN MALAWI WITH NO POWER OR RUNNING WATER”

The shops of Salisbury are telling a front of house story using mannequins How many stories do the shops of Salisbury have?

Quite a few thanks to an innovative collaboration between Salisbury Business Improvement District and the Hoodwink Theatre Company, who specialise in visual theatre, cross-art form and accessible performances and are in residence at Salisbury Arts Centre.

Together they have been working closely to bring ‘Windows Alive: An Autumn Love Story’ to the shop windows in Salisbury this month. Steph Shearing, events and marketing manager, explains, “The windows tell the tale of two mannequins, one male, one female, frozen are in isolation, but before our very eyes they come alive, love blossoming with every move they make.

“Salisbury BID are really excited to bring this new and exciting dimension to Salisbury’s retail shops during September. Windows Alive will give residents and visitors an unexpected visual treat and leave them with fond memories of a unique experience in the city and hopefully encourage them to return weekly for the next instalment and more frequently in the future.”

Already the project is capturing the imagination and

Which Salisbury designer once worked out of Africa? Find out on page 81

Don’t call these guys dummies!

attention of shoppers of all ages as the love story has been unfolding in four segments, each Saturday, with episodes in three different locations including East and Marks & Spencer. The locations and times are announced on the Visit Salisbury Facebook, and their Twitter pages, on the day of each performance.

For more: www.salisburybid.co.uk and www.hoodwinktheatre.co.uk

18

THE BIG NUMBER The unique and dynamic Sharp Practice comes of age after 18 years in the business, and its continued success is an indie inspiration Turn to page 77 for more

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PEOPLE

MY DESK

Back in the day, I spent a year teaching English in Japan, where I bought this jug

My working days are fuelled by coffee and satsumas

I’m a big cycling fan and Rouleur is one of my favourite magazines

All writers need a notebook: these Pantone ones are just right for jotting down ideas

TOM BROMLEY This jug is from Southwold in Suffolk, where we go on holiday each summer

Picture of the wedding to my wife Joanna, painted by the artist, Allen Painter

Desk photo by JOHN ROSE

I teach novel writing for the Faber Academy.

This is a proof copy of the new novel by one of my former students, Joanna Cannon

The final proof of the brochure for the Salisbury Literary Festival, ready to go to print

Tom Bromley is a Salisbury-born author, editor, ghostwriter and creative tutor. He has written and co-written, eight works of fiction and non-fiction, and is the internationally bestselling ghostwriter of a dozen more. He also teaches novel writing for the Faber Academy and is Director of Fiction for the Professional Writing Academy. In 2015, he founded the Salisbury Writing Circle, and together with fellow members, founded the upcoming inaugural Salisbury Literary Festival, details of which can be found on page 22.

For more: www. salisburyliteraryfestival.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 75

BUSINESS INSIDER

PHOTO BY JOHN ROSE

Matt, Becky and Jake share the same relative values

TATTOO, PIERCING AND RETAIL

THE SHARP PRACTICE Becky Faithfull along with her partner Matt Cook, is the owner of The Sharp Practice. The Catherine Street tattoo and piercing shop also specialises in laser tattoo removal, hair removal, and semi-permanent make-up, which is carried out by Becky’s eldest son Jake. Here she talks botox, family and tattooing with ashes...

Where do you hail from, and how and how did you end up in Salisbury?

I was born in Bristol, and we came to Salisbury 18 years ago as felt it was better for the children to grow up in.

How did yourself and Matt start out in this business?

Matt was originally an amazing airbrush artist, and we used to do the bike shows all over the country, selling t-shirts and jackets - all of an air brushed bespoke designs. I would do tie-dye and sold a variety of bike related stock. By the end, we had one of the biggest stalls on the circuit. This was our weekend work though – during the week we were tattooing in a small studio in Wincanton.

The tattooing took over as it got busier and bigger, as Matt got more well known.

So what is story and background to The Sharp Practice?

It is a family run business, started by just myself and Matt. I would pierce and he would tattoo, this is when we were located in Winchester Street, Salisbury. From there, we outgrew the premises and moved to our current Catherine Street address.

THE

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

My father – he was an amazing man. He ran a farm and worked extremely hard. From a young age I helped out, I would bag up manure and sell it, and assisted with the haymaking. I also sold vegetables from the orchard and I even bred rabbits and sold them.

What advice would you give to other people who are thinking about taking the plunge into starting their own business?

Firstly consider whether there is enough demand for what you are doing. Also location is key, as well as the financing aspect, working out bills and costings, rates and staff, with staff possibly being one of the utmost importance. I am so proud of my staff.

ADVANTAGES OF IT BEING A FAMILY BUSINESS ARE FAMILY. THE DISADVANTAGES? FAMILY!

How did the children get involved?

The kids, as they got older, helped in the shop and the café, then they did their apprenticeships with Matt and started tattooing in the shop.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of it being a family business?

The advantages are the family, and the disadvantages are the family!

Any exciting plans in the pipeline?

We are delighted with our latest service – the botox and dermal fillers. The consultation, and procedure shall be performed by a fully qualified medical doctor trained in aesthetics.

Have you noticed any recent trends in tattoos?

There was a time when tribal was really popular, along with stars and black bird silhouettes. Also, if someone famous has a tattoo, then we will get asked to reproduce something similar. However, more and more, I do feel people know their own mind and they have their own ideas – the internet is an endless source of inspiration.

Any memorable moments with clients?

One guy came in and had some really awful tattoos of naked ladies on his chest, which he hated. He had them lasered off and the results were not only fantastic, but their removal changed his life for the better as his confidence was so increased.

What has been your most unusual request?

We have been asked to tattoo using a loved one’s ashes, both human and of an animal.

For more: The Sharp Practice, 2/8 Catherine Street, Salisbury. tel: 01722410148; www.sharp-practice.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 77

BUSINESS INSIDER

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

LEADING LIGHTS Salisbury has seen the ..then there was light in the form of a new light for James lighting company, Light My and Ira Space. The firm was born after a lightbulb moment from two directors of a management consultancy business, husband and wife team, Ira Blake and James Humphries. Ira explains, “James started Light My Space as a hobby business, designing solutions for friends and family and fitting this in around his full-time job. He was soon getting referrals and approaches independently, researching new technologies and experimenting with custom-build lighting.”

In March 2017, the couple went on a late honeymoon in Hawaii and decided to go full-time with the company.

“We have been made incredibly welcome by the business community around Salisbury and everyone is very positive about what we offer,” continues Ira. “We are collaborating with some great local traders and brands, including high-end kitchen and bathroom design companies, interior designers, property developers, architects and building trades.”

For more: www.lightmyspace.co.uk

Activities coordinator Hayley Reeves, volunteer Caroline Wakefield, admin assistant Josie Attwood and resident Derek Bailey

Jason, fifth from left, with his colleagues

MOVERS, SHAKERS, ETC CLUB MEMBER Jason Buckmaster has celebrated 30 years service at Bramshaw Golf Club. Starting out as an apprentice Jason has progressed to the position of Head Greenkeeper.

Jason says, “The family owners have been a pleasure to work for, and with the relaunch of the Forest Course next year, my work continues to be very exciting.” www.bramshaw.co.uk

LIFE LESSONS Chilmark based charities ServeOn and Team Rubicon UK recently received a visit from Chafyn Grove’s Year Eight class, where they learnt about their life-saving work both domestically and internationally. The children met Dan Cooke whose responsibilities include leading a group of volunteer rescuers trained to respond to large-scale natural disasters. www.chafyngrove.co.uk

LOOKING GOOD The Salisbury-based expert Vita Skin Spa recently won three golds at the British Hair and Beauty Awards but as director Nikki Spicer explains, that’s not all. “For the third year in a row, we are the English Hair and Beauty Awards regional winners for Spa of The Year. We are extremely proud of our team for their hard work and our lovely clients for recommending us.” www.vitaskinspa.co.uk

HAVING A BLAST FROM THE PAST Over 150 residents from 18 homes ran by The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT), the UK’s second largest not-for-profit care home provider, recently enjoyed a 1960s themed dance held at Warminster Civic Centre.

Karen Johnson, OSJCT Wiltshire volunteer and activities manager, explains, ‘‘This year everyone really enjoyed the entertainment, which included the cabaret singer Brian Slade, as well as a magician.

“Our annual tea dance is always a great opportunity for our residents to spend quality time with each other, while meeting new people from our care homes throughout the county.”

For more: www.osjct.co.uk

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

FAMILY LAW Q&A Chartered legal executive Lin Cumberlin, is the newest member of staff to the Batt Broadbent Solicitors’ family team. Here she addresses some common divorce myths Q: I left my wife over a year ago. We are both in new relationships living with our respective partners. Because me and my wife are separated, we are not committing adultery.

A: If you are married to one person, and have a sexual relationship with a member of the opposite sex, you are committing adultery whether you are separated from your spouse or not.

Q: My wife and I separated over two years ago. We don’t need to go through the divorce process as we will automatically be divorced because we have been separated for two years.

A: In order to obtain a divorce in England and Wales one of you must instigate divorce proceedings. If you have been separated for two years or more, your divorce can be based upon two years’ separation but your spouse will need to consent to a divorce on this basis otherwise the divorce cannot proceed and you will have to rely on the fact of unreasonable behavior or adultery, if that is applicable.

If you have been separated for five years or more, consent of the other spouse is not required.

Q: My wife had an affair. Because she cheated on me, she is not entitled to anything.

A: The reason for the breakdown of the marriage has no bearing on how matrimonial assets are divided up, unless it can be proved that one spouse’s behaviour or conduct has been exceptional. Unfortunately, adultery in itself is not considered to be exceptional.

For more: www.battbroadbent.co.uk

Some supermarkets can drive you up the wall

EVERY LITTLE HELPS Salisbury City Council’s Community Development Team has been successful with two grant applications to the Tesco ‘Bags of Help’ scheme.

Claire Burden, Salisbury City Council’s business manager, explains, “‘Bags of Help’ is Tesco’s local community grant scheme where the money raised from the 5p bag charge in Tesco stores is being used to fund thousands of local community projects.

“The first bid was for £5000 to create the

Bemerton Heath Centre, which can be used by all groups; this will include a summerhouse and a shed which can be used for local projects.

“The second was for £2,000 and used to fund a climbing wall, which was used at a number of council events and open spaces this summer, including Picnic in the Park at the end of August.”

For more: www.salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 79

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Sarah with her little teepee inspirations, Charlotte and Evie

BUSINESS INSIDER

CHILDREN’S ACCESSORIES

WHEN LULU MET WEASEL Salisbury born and bred Sarah Phillips-Chirwa is the owner of When Lulu met Weasel, which specialises in handmade children’s teepees and accessories. Here she explains why teepees and how she came up with the name How did you get into teepee making?

I always loved design and textiles, and I made my first teepee when I was pregnant with my second daughter, Evie, as a gift for my firstborn. I wanted her to have a small space to play in once the new baby had come along.

So was this the beginning of When Lulu met Weasel?

I was already running a small Facebook business selling hand made bags and other items, and I posted a photo of the teepee on the Facebook page. People loved it and the business started in December 2013.

How did you choose the name?

My eldest daughter is called Charlotte; her nickname was Lulu. Weasel became the nickname of my youngest daughter Evie, which inspired the name of the company.

What were you doing before that?

I had lived in Malawi for a number of years, running a lodge and a charity project. I spent the best part of 12 months living in a mud hut with no power or running water, and did sewing on a manual foot-pedal sewing machine, reigniting my passion for fabrics. I then moved back to Salisbury when I was pregnant with Evie.

What are the highs and the lows you’ve experienced in continuing the business?

Hitting my target of selling over 500 teepees in one year was a wonderful high point. A low point was when my youngest had chickenpox but I still had to work around the clock to ensure that orders were satisfied.

What have you found to be the best tools for growth in your business?

Over 70 per cent of my sales come via my company’s Facebook page.

THEO PAPHITIS,

EX-DRAGON’S DEN, HAS

RECOGNISED WHEN LULU MET WEASEL AS A

NOTABLE

SMALL BUSINESS

What are the benefits of setting up on your own?

I can fit in work around my family commitments. I love being able to control the design and quality of the teepees and being able to choose exciting new fabrics. ...and drawbacks?

The business requires a lot of hard work and time commitments and it’s sometimes difficult when customers expect you to be available 24 hours a day to answer their queries when there’s just me running the business.

What is the When Lulu Met Weasel approach?

I try and treat every customer like a friend and make every teepee as if I were making it for my own children.

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

I think that Jamie Oliver is a good businessman; he has developed himself into a brilliant brand.

I also admire the fitness coach Joe Wicks –he has, through sheer passion, taken his brand to a new level.

Is the world of children’s teepees unaffected by trends?

Not at all! I see requests alter according to current fashions. At the moment the colour grey is a massive thing for children’s accessories – I think that the next season will include lots of Scandinavian prints and geometric prints.

Any celebrity fans of your teepees?

David Weir CBE, the Paralympic athlete is a fan; he recently bought a teepee for his daughter. And recently Theo Paphitis, ex-Dragon’s Den, has recognised When Lulu met Weasel as a notable small business.

What toys did you play with as a child?

I remember loving playing with a two-step wooden ladder at my grandmother’s house, which I continuously climbed and jumped off.

What are your plans for When Lulu met Weasel’s future?

I’d like to be in a position to employ a permanent member of staff within a year; within five years, to be established in an office or workshop and not making teepees in my conservatory, and in ten years I’d like the company to be an international business, shipping teepees worldwide.

For more: When Lulu met Weasel, tel: 07908 113540; www.teepeesbyluluandweasel.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 81

BUSINESS INSIDER

LUXE KNITWEAR

FLOCK BY NATURE

Annie is an ethically sound material girl

Where were you born and brought up?

I’m Salisbury born and bred and lived in Laverstock through my school years. I moved to Bristol for university and then up to London to start a corporate career, where I also met my husband. Wiltshire was the obvious choice to return when we looked for somewhere to bring up a family.

What was the early inspiration for Flock by nature?

The idea was born just after the arrival of our daughter Eloise. During this time, I came to truly value quality clothing made of natural fibres. Merino wool quickly became a favourite.

Why Merino wool in particular?

Its superior ability to regulate body temperature was a big factor, and also unlike many other wools, it doesn’t itch and it feels super-soft next to the skin. I spent many hours searching for the perfect Merino sweater but found nothing with the style and elegance that I wanted. This inspired me to create my own range. I wanted to capture a sense of elegance and luxury but with the honesty and simplicity of natural fibres.

When did you go into business?

Flock officially launched in July 2017 but to get to that point was two and a half years in the making. I am completely new to the fashion industry so everything from developing the brand, to sourcing yarn and selecting manufacturers, took sometime. It was very important to me to get things just right, and not rush.

Annie Colley is the founder of Flock by nature, a Wiltshire-based family business which designs and produces timeless, ethical and luxury knitwear using 100 per cent Merino wool. Here she talks us through her inspiration, and the highs and lows of starting her own company sustainability. One, we use 100 per cent natural fibres; two, we know who made our clothes (no lengthy supply chains where production may be subcontracted); three, we produce quality not quantity; four, 10 per cent of the profit from each sale goes to our Flock Fund, which donates to causes we care about. We are really proud to have recently been awarded the Butterfly Mark, powered by Positive Luxury, in recognition of the values we hold dear.

What are the advantages of setting up on your own?

The direction of the brand has changed from the initial idea two and a half years ago, and it’s great to be able to act quickly on your own instincts and not have to get a boss to agree with you. The flexibility to work the hours that you set yourself is wonderful too.

I WANT FLOCK TO BE AN EXAMPLE FOR MY DAUGHTER OF WHAT SHE CAN ACHIEVE IF SHE SETS HER MIND TO SOMETHING

….and any disadvantages?

It can be a little isolating and occasionally I miss not having colleagues to bounce ideas off.

What are your plans for Flock by nature’s future?

It’s important to me to build a sustainable and positive business. I want Flock to be an example for my daughter of what she can achieve if she sets her mind to something and keeps going. As both her and Flock grow, I hope it will be something she is proud of, too.

What is your opinion of cheap knitwear?

I’ve worn cheap knits in my time so I’m not judgemental. Personally, as I’ve got older, my appreciation of quality has grown and I’d rather invest in a few key items that will look great with everything and will really last, rather than spend half the price on something that might fall apart after the first couple of wears.

What makes Flock by nature different?

The fashion industry is a huge contributor to global pollution and environmental destruction and we don’t want to add to this wastage.

We want to leave a positive footprint and so we give a lot of thought to how Flock’s clothes are made.

Any personal favourite knits from your own collection?

My absolute favourite is our Kate Cardigan in fine 100 per cent Merino wool. The fabric feels so luxurious, the proportions are really generous and it’s the perfect size to wrap yourself up in, either on a cooler autumn day or in front of the fire on a winter evening.

So, how does that work in practice?

We are by no means perfect and we have a huge amount we want to work on but, as a minimum, we commit to four guiding principles of

For more: Flock by nature, 16 Eastcott Common, Eastcott, Devizes tel: 01380 812095; www.flockbynature.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 83

PROPERTY

SHOWCASE

MODERN MASTERPIECE On the edges of the New Forest, ELSIE CHADWICK finds a new home brimming with positive energy

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I

f you hear the words ‘modern’, ‘contemporary’ or ‘cutting-edge’ new build, often what comes to mind is ‘soulless’ ‘characterless’ and ‘overpriced box’. However, this New Forest home challenges and defies those misconceptions by combining convenient living, with countryside class and ecofriendly credentials.

The house, which whispers true style and luxe quality – there’s no need to shout when you’re as effortlessly elegant as this – was built in 2011 and has been designed with energy efficiency in mind – the heating, lights and blinds are controlled via a Control 4 system which is operated via an iPad. Not only do those incredible fullheight windows capture the architectural spirit of our age, they are also pretty green. The glass is the solar controlled and aesthetically pleasing Pilkington Activ Blue, which acts as an insulator and is self-cleaning. Yes, you heard us right. It has a self-cleaning microscopic film coating that uses daylight and rainwater to wash away dirt and grime. It even works on cloudy days and during the night. Less time up a ladder means more time to enjoy this cleverly constructed and energy efficient home, and its picture-box perfect surrounds.

The home’s structure centres around an open-plan living space, with the principal player an architecturally designed, almost artistic, floating steel staircase. It seamlessly undulates through each level to create mezzanine-style living, with floor-to-ceiling windows absorbing those panoramic New Forest views and bringing them into the heart of the home.

The travertine flooring also flows throughout each room, each of which speak of their own luxe class.

There’s the bespoke cabinetry in the kitchen/breakfast

Opposite page: This New Forest home is set in one acre of land; Above, clockwise from top left: the floating steel staircase runs centrally through the house; one of the luxe en-suites; the kitchen comes with integrated appliances; the footbridge leading to the secret garden

HOUSE NUMBERS

4

bedrooms

£4,800

how much per annum the solar panels generate

£1.5M price

1

acre of land

area with Brazilian granite surfaces, a walnut breakfast bar and Siemens integrated appliances, including pyrolytic ovens and a coffee-making machine.

One of the living areas has a Douvre woodburning stove and the other, a living flame gas fire. The master bedroom with walk-in dressing room, en-suite with a free-standing bath, separate shower, twin wash basins and recessed wall-mounted TV and its own, private, covered balcony, can be found on the first floor. There are also two further en-suite bedrooms, one of which benefits from a versatile mezzanine floor level.

The surrounds are no less impressive. Set well back from the road, a brick pillared entrance with automatic double timber gates ensures a private and secluded position from the lane. A gravel driveway provides extensive parking, along with a detached, self-heated triple garage. Set in one acre of beautiful grounds, made up principally of easy-to-care-for lawn, there’s also an extensive terrace which wraps around to the back of the house, to soak up more of those countryside views.

Pretty fairytale style paths meander through the grounds to the rear boundary, where an enchanting ‘secret garden’ has been cleverly created with a footbridge leading over an ornamental pond. There’s also an additional 2,000 square feet within a variety of outbuildings, including an adjacent workshop, cloakroom, studio, summerhouse and store, plus an open barn with enormous potential.

With so much positive energy to this breath-taking new home, it’s not hard to see the attraction.

For more: www.artofproperty.co.uk

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PROPERTY

NEWS

SAVILLS SALISBURY

LIZZIE BALL Keeping you up to date with issues that affect the local property market

THOSE THINKING OF MOVING TO BE CLOSE TO SCHOOLS MUST START THEIR SEARCH

BY MARCH

Its proximity to Broad Chalke Primary School makes this Chalke Valley cottage, on for £650,000, even more appealing

HOME ECONOMICS Lizzie Ball of Savills explains why quality and choice of schools makes Salisbury a magnet for families

P

roximity to good schools has always been an important element of the family market, with buyers drawn to Salisbury by the quality and choice of schools available. First-class schooling, both private and state, makes the area attractive for families and we are seeing an increasing number of buyers who want to buy within thecatchment area of the best schools. Buyers are particularly drawn to the renowned grammar schools, South Wilts and Bishop Wordsworth’s, and we get a lot of enquiries for properties in these catchment areas. When people are looking to move for schools, they want to get as close as possible.

While the pretty villages surrounding Salisbury are always popular, it is becoming so competitive to get into the best state schools that people are increasingly looking at moving into central Salisbury to guarantee being in catchment. Demand for properties within these areas outstrips supply, and therefore buyers need to be in a strong position to snap up the best properties.

Buyers making the move from London make up a large proportion of the schools-

driven market. It is common for one parent to commute to London for four days during the week, with the train only taking 90 minutes. With talk of a faster service into London next year and further rail improvements, we expect to see more London workers moving to the area and therefore looking for a home which is not only conveniently located for the schools, but close to the train station, too.

Savills Research has found the average value of a home close to one of the country’s top 10 per cent of state secondary schools stands at £348,000, 12 per cent above the average for their regions. Wiltshire has an average house price of £266,331 around its high performing state schools, therefore offering relative value for proximity to the best state secondary schools, when compared to London and other areas in the south.

The city’s leading independent schools include the Cathedral School, Chafyn Grove and Godolphin, with St Mary’s Shaftesbury, Sandroyd, Bryanston, Sherborne, Port Regis and Clayesmore also within easy reach. When it comes to private schools, buyers often want to live close to the school gates to cut down

on the time it takes to do the school run.

Some families who move to the area might have children going to different schools, so they want to live as close as possible, usually within a 20 minute drive. Outside of the city, the surrounding villages have a great network of primary schools, many with very strong Ofsted ratings, which helps to drive interest into these locations as well. For example many buyers with young children will look to move to the Chalke Valley to be within the catchment area of popular Broad Chalke Primary School.

Those thinking of moving to be close to schools must start their search by March at the latest to allow themselves a comfortable window of time to find and purchase a property and get settled before term starts in September. Increasingly however, we are seeing buyers looking to move years in advance, before a school place has been found, in order to secure a home in the area they want.

For more information about properties for sale in the Salisbury area, contact Savills on 01722 426800; www.savills.co.uk

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

Q&A

T

he creative collaboration between Paul Kidby and Sir Terry Pratchett developed after Paul, a freelance commercial illustrator at the time, approached Pratchett at a book signing. They worked together for more than 20 years, until the author’s death at the age of 66 in 2015. The exhibition Terry Pratchett: HisWorld, which opens at Salisbury Museum on 16 September, features over 40 original illustrations by Paul My upbringing was a traditional ‘meat and two veg’ upbringing in Ealing, with an older brother and sister, a strict Welsh mum and a dad who was a softie with a sweet tooth. We had an allotment, a dog and an Austin Morris.

I didn’t enjoy the hurly burly of school and would rather have spent my time bird watching. I would often cycle to the reservoirs in Rickmansworth to watch the kingfishers and other water birds. My best times were spent collecting fossils, star-gazing, drawing and making models from plasticene.

I initially wanted to be a paleontologist, then a geologist, then an astronomer; in my midteens I settled on becoming an artist.

I left school at 17 and worked on a Youth Opportunity Programme making false teeth.

I was paid £25 for a 37-hour week – £15 of which I gave to my mum for housekeeping.

In 1993 my sister gave me The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett for my birthday.

At once I began to visualise Discworld and its inhabitants. I sketched up some of the characters and went to a book signing in Bath with my drawings, gave them to Terry but expected to hear nothing further. However he rang and suggested I do some artwork for him.

I used to visit Terry at his home and we would enjoy discussing all manner of things – from recipes for nettle soup, to folklore and Discworld character designs. We shared a mutual enjoyment of history, nature and a Pythonesque humour. One of my favourite memories is one winter’s evening, he invited me round and we spent the night looking through his new telescope and marvelling at the rings of Saturn. Terry’s words in The Last Hero ‘So much

PAUL KIDBY The illustrator and sculptor, who has been described as Sir Terry Pratchett’s ‘artist of choice’, talks false teeth making, Cafe Diwali dosas and how the late great author changed his life universe and so little time’ are very true.

Terry would have been delighted that his last wishes to steamroller his hard drive was done in such wonderful style at the Great Dorset Steam Fair – a vintage John Fowler & Co steamroller called Lord Jericho from the village Child Okeford did the honours which seems perfectly apt and Discworldian.

I aim to continue celebrating and honouring the extraordinary legacy of Terry Pratchett’s writing with my pencils, paints and sculpting tools, with the encouragement of The Discworld Estate, managed by Rob Wilkins and the help of my trusty team: my wife Vanessa and Harry Hall at Kismet Photography & Print. Together we have lots of exciting projects planned including a larger than life-sized bronze memorial of Sir Terry, which I will be sculpting.

My other literary inspiration hero is my dad, Jim. His gentle patience and encouragement (and his bags of sweets on a Friday) showed me the kind of man I should aspire to be. I still use a piece of formica as my paint palette that he gave me from his shed thirty years ago.

I have a wonderful large family, my wife Vanessa and I have six grown-up children between us. There was a time, when they were teenagers, that the house was busy and noisy with the cupboards being constantly raided and the washing machine on continual duty. These

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days home is much quieter and we no longer have to hide the biscuits. We have a whippet and two chickens and enjoy growing vegetables and flowers in our garden.

Salisbury city retains its medieval atmosphere and has more crooked beams and stone gargoyles than you can shake a stick at.

I moved to the area in 1999, and I especially love the countryside around Salisbury – we have chalk downlands, the New Forest and the coast.

I enjoy exploring it all on foot.

Among my favourite Salisbury venues are Noble Art Supplies, Fisherton Mill and I always enjoy a rummage at Salisbury Antiques Market.

I also recently had a delicious dosa at Cafe Diwali in Crane Street.

My life motto is from The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett: “If you trust in yourself. . .and believe in your dreams. . .and follow your star. . . you’ll still get beaten by people who spent their time working hard and learning things and weren’t so lazy.”

Terry Pratchett’s Discworld Imaginarium published by Gollancz in November is a 272-page hardback volume featuring many illustrations that Paul has created over the past 25 years.

Paul will signing copies at the book launch at Salisbury Museum on 25 November.

For more information visit www.paulkidby.com and www.salisburymuseum.org.uk