Salisbury Life - Issue 262 by MediaClash

Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property ISSUE 262 / NOVEMBER 2018 / Â£3

PARTY ON PEOPLE

CELEBRATING THE BEST IN SALISBURY & WILTSHIRE

DAME & FORTUNE RICHARD EDE SHARES HIS PANTO SECRETS

HOW TO HOST A BRILLIANT BASH

CAKE SHOP ISSUE 262 / NOVEMBER 2018 / MARKET FORCES

TASTY BAKING ACCESSORIES

FROM HOUSE OF LORDS TO HOUSE OF CARDS

TALKING POLITICS WITH MICHAEL DOBBS

SALISBURY CHRISTMAS MARKET IS BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER

SUPER MARKET!

ALSO DEAR MR POP STAR / ROLY'S FUDGE PANTRY / GALLERY21

EDITOR’S LETTER

ABOVE: Salisbury Christmas

Market returns; RBELOW: Robert Blaister ceramics available from Fisherton Mill

inally, after a lot of festive gaffes that have included a voucher for a shop that then went bust, and a star chart where I got the date of birth wrong, I am mastering the art of Christmas shopping and it namely involves making a list (checking it twice) and then going to a beautiful, atmospheric Christmas market. And Salisbury Christmas Market (page 10) is probably my favourite. Located in front of the Guildhall, it’s easy to navigate, bewitching to look at, and the genuinely friendly stallholders trade in everything unique and artisnal right across all the budgets. I’m also a huge fan of panto (oh yes I...you know how it goes) and cannot wait to see this year’s Salisbury Playhouse production of Beauty and the Beast, especially Richard Ede who we interview on page 20 about being the dame for the third year running. There’s also top advice on how to plan a party at home on page 30. My favourite piece of wisdom? Don’t bother cleaning too much before, sand get a cleaner for the day after – I’m down with that...

SARAH MOOLLA

COVER Salisbury Christmas Market by John Rose

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Issue 262 / November 2018

cover feature

10 Christmas Markets The prettiest way to

festive shop, starting with Salisbury Christmas Market

the arts

15 INTRO Abigail’s Party has come to Salisbury 16 WHAT’S ON Arts, gigs, festivals and family fun, it’s

time to update your diary

20 one to one An interview with Salisbury

Playhouse’s panto dame Richard Ede (Oh yes it is)

25 MY DESK The workspace of Gallery21’s

Rose Currens

lifestyle

30 house parties Expert advice on how to plan

your party at home

food

42 RESTAURANT Our reviewer dines out at the Rivers

Edge Waterfront Restaurant

45 Food news Christmas the Thai way, and food

done Howard’s way

shopping

34 ed’s choice Tasty baking accessories 38 marvellous makers The deliciously

irresistible Roly’s Fudge Pantry Salisbury

Business

55 business insider News, views and interviews

from the region’s professional scene

Property

61 property Focus When is the right time to buy

and sell your home?

62 showcase A fairytale setting for this Teffont

Magna country cottage

Regulars

06 Spotlight Letters to Mr Popstar, a new town crier,

a cat exhibition and fundraising bikers

27 COLUMN Martin Starke talks brave 48 scene Celebrate Voice, Lift Off ! and the End of

The Road festival

66 salisbury lives House of Cards author, Lord

Michael Dobbs

Editor Sarah Moolla sarah.moolla@mediaclash.co.uk Managing Editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior Art Editor Andrew Richmond Graphic Design Megan Allison Cover Design Trevor Gilham Editor’s photo Chris Daw Contributors John Mather, Elsie Chadwicke, Martin Starke and Clare Macnaughton Advertising Manager Hillary Thompson hillary.thompson@mediaclash.co.uk Production/Distribution Manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy Production Manager Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Production Designer Gemma Scrine gemma.scrine@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 © All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of 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). 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

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SPOTLIGHT

Dave with the new book

Books

FANFARES For 10 years Salisbury residents Dave Philpott and his dad Derek Philpott, have been writing to popstars, and recently published 100 of the letters in the book, Dear Mr Popstar. However this isn’t a collection of fawning flattery, but instead a hilarious catalogue of correspondence about the artists’ often perplexing lyrics. Dave explains, “We have been writing old-fashioned letters to pop and rock stars, picking up on genuine ambiguities within their lyrics or often deliberately misunderstanding them for comedic effect.” For example, an excerpt from their letter to the singer Hazell Dean about her 1984 hit Searchin’ reads: “Dear Hazell Dean, I found your song on the internet whilst looking for how to get to friends in Hazeldene, Chieveley. In these celebrity and appearance-obsessed times it is admirable that you are searchin’ (looking for love) for a man who needn’t be handsome, or have fortune or fame. I fear however that you may be setting your sights a bit low, Ms Dean… I implore you to be cautious in your quest and not to explore ‘every place you can’’’. The singer responded with: “Dear Mr Philpott, Think not of Searchin’ as a light-hearted missive, extolling the virtues of promiscuity. No! This work should be considered a seminal piece – a late 20th century celebration of the seeking of love above all else…” Other contributors, who were in on the jokey nature of the letters, include Judas Priest, Starship, Tears For Fears, The Eurythmics, The Wurzels, and Suzi Quatro. Dave says, “Nearly all of the responses were procured through the back door of the industry, via roadies, mutual fans, cousins of bass players, and even other famous participants.” This is not the first time the Philipotts have had such work published. Their Dear Mr. Kershaw: A Pensioner Writes was published two years ago and included letters from Noddy Holder, Billy Bragg, Kim Wilde and Nik Kershaw. For more: www.unbound.com

FROM LEFT: With the previous publication are Tom

Robinson; All About Eve’s Julianne Regan; and Chesney Hawkes

BELOW LEFT: Oyez, oyez, oyez says Jef; BELOW RIGHT: The crowd at Salisbury Carnival

Town crier

FOR CRYING OUT LOUD

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Salisbury’s very first town crier made his debut appearance at the Salisbury Carnival on 19 October when he joined the illuminated procession. Jef Hutchby, who is also a Wiltshire police officer and is the event director for Salisbury’s Park Run, and has been selected by the public for the role, says, “I had a fantastic time at Salisbury Carnival. It was a pleasure to make my first appearance as town crier and I look forward to making lots of public announcements in the future.” For more: www.salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk

Exhibiton

SUPER FURRY ANIMALS The Salisbury-based charity International Cat Care and the Society of Feline Artists, are jointly running an exhibition, The Complete Cat, at the Rook Lane Gallery in Frome from 24 November – 8 December. Shelley Gregory-Jones, the charity’s development director, explains, “The collection will feature over 120 artworks including paintings, drawings and threedimensional pieces. We hope the art on offer will leave all preconceptions of the traditional cat exhibition far behind, instead offering a unique, quirky and memorable art experience. “All artworks are for sale and a quarter of the proceeds will be donated to helping International Cat Care.” For more: www.rooklane.org.uk; www.icatcare.org

Artworks by artists such as Marian Foster (above) and Denise Laurent (right) will be available to buy and help raise funds for ICC

Fundraising

RIDE HERE, RIDE NOW Easy riders

Salisbury bike enthusiasts took part in the world’s largest charitable motorcycle event on 30 September. The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, which this year took place in more than 650 cities across the globe, aims to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer and men’s mental health on behalf of their charity partner the Movember Foundation. One of the participants was Jason Regent of the eponymously named tailoring shop on New Street, who says, “Regent was proud to be riding out to bring a high-fashion parade of superb bikes and dapper gentlemen roaring through the city, not only as an act of defiance, but also to raise money and awareness for such a critical cause.” For more: www.gentlemansride.com

Photos © spencer mulholland photography

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Romsey arket Historic Hampshire M Town on the River Test.

Discover a Slice of Romsey’s Hidden History @kingjohnshouse

Open: Monday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm Admission: Adult £4, Concession £3, Child £1, Family £9/£5 Discounts on booked group visits and guided tours

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, which traces the past in the medieval walls. Explore the Museum collections, illustrating the interesting life of this charming house and its owners. King John’s House is set in a secluded period-style garden, creating an attractive backdrop to the delightful Miss Moody’s Tudor tea room serving homemade lunches and traditional afternoon teas. Arriving this Autumn and Winter; a commemoration of the end of the Great War and the House dresses up for a medieval Christmas. See our website and follow us on Twitter for updates on our programme of events.

King John’s House, Church Street, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 8BT | 01794 512200 | www.kingjohnshouse.org.uk 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.

SHOPPING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND

Salisbury Christmas Market has an extended run this year

Elsie Chadwick explores a few of the best local Christmas markets

Winchesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market is in the shadow of the Cathedral

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Buy charming handmade decorations at the Christmas Brocanteat Larmer Tree

CHRISTMAS MARKETS

hristmas markets are the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit – there’s the sparkly wooden chalets, the heady spicy aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon in the air, carols being sung, and stalls laden with gorgeous locally crafted gifts and traditional treats. Everybody is full of Christmas cheer and it has to be one of the most magical ways to shop. We bring you the what, where, when and why you should visit for some of the best markets in the west, starting of course with our very own Salisbury Christmas Market…

SALISBURY CHRISTMAS MARKET 29 November – 6 January Last year the market played host to over one million visitors, with 75 chalets in the Guildhall Square, and is hoping to topple that number in 2018 with the nearby installation of a real-ice skating rink. This seventh year will see many award-winning exhibitors and products in the prettily adorned chalets, with choices ranging from intricate jewellery to beautiful handmade furniture, delicious mince pies and luxurious liqueurs. Plus there’s an exciting extended calendar of festive events throughout the city starting on the launch night of 29 November with performances from Starcast, Limelyte and The Deloreons. For more: www.salisburychristmasmarket.co.uk

BATH CHRISTMAS MARKET

22 November – 9 December With over 160 wooden chalets lining the cobbled streets of the Bath city centre, if you’re looking for an original gift for a loved one this Christmas – you’re certain to ﬁnd it in Bath’s Christmas market. In one of the oldest cities in the country, you can even transport yourself back in time by riding a Victorian carousel or visiting the Roman Baths next to the stunning Abbey.

“It has to be one of the most magical ways to shop” The market has had an eco-friendly update for 2018, so you can expect to see decorations made using recycled plastic bags and bottles around the city. For more: www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk

WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL CHRISTMAS MARKET

17 November – 20 December Winchester has become a must-visit destination for all those in search of an authentic Christmas experience with more than 400,000 visitors enjoying the bustling festive atmosphere last year. You’ll ﬁnd the majestic Winchester

Cathedral at the heart of the festivities. Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market, which has been inspired by traditional German Christmas markets, is one of the best in Europe, with over 100 chalets and an impressive ice rink spectacularly situated in the shadow of Winchester Cathedral. For more: www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk

A VERY VINTAGE CHRISTMAS

25 November This kitsch and eclectic one-day shopping opportunity at The Guildhall, which is now in its fourth year, hosts over 20 traders from across the South West oﬀering their unique collection of vintage, retro, up-cycled, antique, and bric-a-brac stalls and attracts up to 4,000 shoppers. Sandy Ince will be providing beautiful carols sung in her distinctive Sticky Toﬀee Jazz style. For more: www.salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk

THE DORSET BROCANTE AT CHRISTMAS

30 November & 1 December The Christmas Brocante is taking place over two days at The Larmer Tree Gardens with 40 hand selected vintage, artisan, and decorative interior exhibitors. There’s seasonal workshops, and chances of a bite to eat at delicious foodie stalls and the Larmer Tree Café. Admission is £5 per adult but this also allows full access to the stunning gardens, plus parking on site. For more: www.vintagebrocante.co.uk

Stop for a mid-shop selfie in Bath

Markets are packed with gorgeous gift ideas

See Sticky Toffee Jazz at A Very Vintage Christmas

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eardleyart CREATIVE CONTEMPORARY COLLECTIONS

Splash of Colour The

Pottery Painting Cafe

Cosy up & get creative! 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!

UNIQUE ORIGINAL ARTWORK & BESPOKE COMMISSIONS

Open Monday to Saturday 10 - 5.30 & Sunday 11 - 3 Closed Tuesday & Wednesday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; except during school holidays Call 01722 322250 to book a table

Courtyard Studio 3, Wilton Shopping Village, SP2 0RS

72 Fisherton Street, Salisbury SP2 7RB

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the arts s n a p s h o t s o f SA L I S B U R Y ’ s c ult ur a l li f e

PARTY ON

A new production of the Mike Leigh’s classic Abigail’s Party, currently at Salisbury Playhouse, has received four nominations, including Best Female Performance, in the prestigious Off West End Theatre Awards (The Offies). Co-produced by Wiltshire Creative, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, Derby Theatre and Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg, the dark comedy, now 41 years old, about the hellish suburban 70s drinks party, has been receiving rave reviews across the board. “Heading an energetic cast, Melanie Gutteridge is horribly convincing as painfully shallow Beverly, resolutely refusing to see the hollowness at the heart of her aspirational lifestyle.” said The Stage. While the Guardian remarked, “Melanie Gutteridge plays Bev with such pitch perfection that the character feels, finally, freed from Alison Steadman’s formidable legacy.” Abigail’s Party is at Salisbury Playhouse until 17 November. www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

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What’s on 10 November – 7 December

Decorative artist and gilder Tuesday Riddell talks about her work on 1 December

exhibitions Until 24 November

COLIN CARRUTHERS, DAVID HOWELL AND KEVIN HUGHES Whilst all of these contemporary artists' styles clearly vary there is a unity in the quality of their work. The Wykeham Gallery; www.wykehamgallery.co.uk

Until 30 November

ROB HAMES’S AVIATION EXHIBITION Collected works of the Wiltshire based artist, painter and sketcher, who is a member of the prestigious Guild of Aviation Artists since 2002. Antelope Café Gallery; www.robhames.com

Until 30 November

1918: WAR AND PEACE A powerfully moving exhibition tracing the events of the last year

of World War I from the perspective of both Wiltshire and Berkshire regimental soldiers, and the loved ones waiting at home. Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum; www.thewardrobe.org.uk

Until 2 December

NEW PERSPECTIVES New Perspectives is a reappraisal of classical and scholarly painting techniques and how they are interpreted by modern artists, including Daphne Todd. Messums Wiltshire; www.messumswiltshire.com

Until 2 December

Brian Taylor The first major retrospective of Brian Taylor's work, the eminent sculptor who died in 2013, was an extraordinarily gifted artist, fascinated by both human and animal forms. Messums Wiltshire; www.messumswiltshire.com

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Until 5 January 2019

HOARDS: A HIDDEN HISTORY OF ANCIENT BRITAIN The exhibition traces the story of hoarding from Bronze Age weapons discovered in the River Thames and the first Iron Age coin hoards, through to the coin treasures buried following the collapse of Roman rule in Britain. The Salisbury Museum; www.salisburymuseum.org.uk

Until 16 February 2019

ANELLO FLOW: AN EXHIBITION BY ALMUTH TEBBENHOFF This exhibition expands on the origins of Anello Flow, currently on display on the Wessex Plinth, and other work in this series, reflecting on Almuth’s fascination with the patterns made by water, and how this has informed her work. The Salisbury Museum; www.salisburymuseum.org.uk

10 November – 29 December

TERRAIN AND CONFLICT Arabella Dorman has recently returned from Syria where she bore witness to widespread cultural and social damage. In response, her work Suspended is a powerful and heartbreaking installation of refugee clothes. More artists will be featured including former UK serviceman Steve Pratt, now an artist, and a psychotherapist. Young Gallery; www.younggallerysalisbury.co.uk

10 November – 5 January

CHRISTMAS EXHIBITION: MISTLETOE AND MERRIMENT A specially picked selection of artworks for the festive season including Robin MacFarlan, Johanna Kennedy Wall and Zac Newham. Fisherton Mill; www.fishertonmill.co.uk

what’s on 14 November – 5 January

A WINTER CRAFT EXHIBITION Heart, Head and Hand is a contemporary craft exhibition showcasing work by members of Hampshire and Berkshire Guild of Craftsmen. Salisbury Arts Centre; www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

17– 20 November

above: David Howell's work can be seen at Wykeham Gallery left: RocknRoll by Robin McFarlan is exhibiting at Fisherton Mill below: Arabella Dorman's Suspended is displayed at The Young Gallery

1918 YMCA As part of a programme of events commemorating the end of the Great War, King John’s House in Romsey transforms into an authentic 1918 YMCA plus the 600 terracotta horses that were made in 2011 by local schools, organisations and individuals help remember the horses and men that were trained at the Romsey Remount Camp during the Great War, will be auctioned off. King John’s House; www.kingjohnshouse.org.uk

30 November – 3 February

From Darkness to Light: Advent at the Cathedral Glowing tree forms, a gigantic light filled globe and a wave of singing lights, Salisbury Cathedral and Close will be transformed this Advent and Christmas, with illuminated art installations on the Cathedral lawns and inside the Cathedral itself. The four art works collectively titled From Darkness to Light were commissioned on behalf of Salisbury Cathedral by Jacquiline Creswell, Salisbury Cathedral’s visual arts adviser, to support the city and extend the message of optimism. Salisbury Cathedral; www.salisburycathedral.org.uk

Theatre/ Dance /Film Until 17 November

Abigail’s Party This delicious 1970s dark comedy pays homage to cheesypineapple, Demis Roussos and social awkwardness in a suburban nightmare. Melanie Gutteridge breathes smoky life into the horrifying hostess Beverly, a role made famous by Alison Steadman. £25-£13. Salisbury Playhouse; www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

13 – 17 November

SILENCE Nicola Werenowska’s funny and fascinating new play hurtles between Warsaw and London over two decades and three generations of

a Polish/British family. 7.45pm, £13.50. The Salberg; www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

22 – 24 November

MY DEAREST GIRLS – THE LETTER BOOK Francesca Millican-Slater creates a brand new piece based on the real letters sent between a group of six Shropshire women between 1917and1920. Against a background of war the women tell each other stories of their everyday life; as farmers, office workers, factory hands, nurses and teachers. There is gossip and a hint of scandal, reprimands and reprisals, tales of dancing for royalty, fiancés on the frontline and how to feed 100 chickens while on rations. £13.50. The Salberg. www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

1 December – 13 January

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST The team behind last year’s record-breaking Jack and the Beanstalk return with an extended run of Beauty and the Beast with comedy, song, dance, beautiful sets and costumes and plenty of audience participation. Turn to page 20 to read our interview with returning panto dame Richard Ede. £28- £12. Salisbury Playhouse; www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

Music / Comedy 13 November

DR JOHN COOPER CLARKE The people’s poet is as relevant and vibrant as ever, and his influence just as visible on today’s pop culture, and his poetry included on national curriculum syllabus, 8pm, £29.50£21.50. City Hall Salisbury; www.cityhallsalisbury.co.uk

23 November

THE RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS The most famous bagpipe band in the world ever, bring their their ground-breaking fusion of traditional Scottish music and rock and pop anthems which they proudly call ‘Bagrock’ to the city. 8pm, £27. City Hall Salisbury; www.cityhallsalisbury.co.uk

7 December

LUNCHTIME CONCERT: CHRISTOPHER GUILD Christopher Guild on the piano plays music inspired by native cultures across the globe including

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What’s on Debussy and Percy Grainger. Lunchtime concerts are held in the college’s Butterfield chapel and are followed by a light buffet lunch (included in the ticket price). Each concert lasts approximately 45 minutes. 12.45pm, £12. Sarum College; www.sarum.ac.uk

Family FUN

10 November - 6 January

ThE FESTIVAL OF LIGHT The stunning Chinese lanterns will light up Longleat with a fantastic voyage through time and space with explorers, Harry and Bea, and their fearless terrier companion, Monty. From the exotic to the glacial, filled with astonishing creatures, magnificent scenery, stunning structures and sensational modes of transportation. Price included with general admission. www.longleat.co.uk

13 – 17 November

PRIVATE PEACEFUL A touching production of Michael Morpurgo’s classic tale of Private Tommo Peaceful, the soldier awaiting the firing squad at dawn who reflects on his short life.£19£15. Theatre Royal Winchester; www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk

15 November

XMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON Father Christmas, fireworks and live music herald the festive switch on at the Market Place. 6pm-8pm. www.salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk

21 November

CINDERELLA Ballet Cymru prides itself on being different and their production of Cinderella is no exception with this collaboration with award winning composer Jack White and Circus Company Citrus Arts to conjure a surprising world of wonder and magic. 7.30pm, £18. Salisbury Arts Centre; www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

22 November

A CHILD’S CHRISTMAS, POEMS AND TIGER EGGS BY DYLAN THOMAS This brand new ballet by awardwinning Welsh Dance Company Ballet Cymru is narrated by Cerys Matthews and tells the timeless story of the Dylan Thomas classic A Child’s Christmas In Wales with music by Mason Neely. 7.30pm, £18. Salisbury Arts Centre; www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

4 – 9 December

St Thomas’s Christmas Tree Festival Last year over 15,000 visitors to the decorated tree festival, with more than 100 trees on display, contributed over £15,000 to charity. This year Wessex Cancer Trust and Safe Haven are the featured local causes. Other activities include choirs, bands and workshops. www.stthomassalisbury.co.uk

OTHER

23 November

Michael Dobbs: Life, Liquor and Lust – How House of Cards Wrote Itself Organised by Arundells, Michael Dobbs, the best-selling author, Wiltshire resident and former politician, talks Winston Churchill, finding creative success, and the TV dramatisation of his work. Turn to page 66 for more. 7.30pm, £22. Guildhall, Salisbury; www.arundells.org

above: Maria Louis stars in Silence starting 13 Nov left: Brian Taylor's work is currently at Messums below: See Ballet Cymru's production of Cinderella at Salisbury Arts Centre

24 November – 23 December

THE CHRISTMAS HOUSE Explore the ground floor rooms and experience Christmas through the ages at Salisbury’s Mompesson House. There’s also mulled wine, mince pies and the chance to Christmas shop. 11am-3.30pm. For details of admission cost visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

29 November – 23 December

SALISBURY CHRISTMAS MARKET Salisbury Christmas Market transforms the heart of our beautiful medieval city into a winterwonderland For more turn to page 10. www.salisburychristmasmarket.co.uk

1 December

CHRISTMAS OPEN STUDIO Ceramic artist Victoria Armstrong, whose work celebrates four-legged friends, is opening up her studios for a special seasonal sale of her work along with the art of Justine Osborne and the Ropey Dogs of Dominic Gubb. 10am- 4pm. Unit 2, 9 Scots Lane, Salisbury. www.victoriaarmstrong.co.uk

1 December

TUESDAY RIDDELL Decorative artist and gilder Tuesday Riddell, whose work will be exhibited in the Pod from 28 November to

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22 December, talks about ensuring that endangered skills such as gilding, japanning, chinoiserie and marbling are kept alive and vibrant in contemporary practice. 11am, free. Messums Wiltshire; www.messumswiltshire.com

1 December

WHICHCRAFT WhichCraft are a group of local professional, semi-professional artisans and craftspeople, who have come together for the first time to display their eclectic work which includes silver, woodturning and floral displays. Stockbridge Town Hall; www.stockbridgetownhall.co.uk

ONE TO ONE

THERE IS NOTHIN’ LIKE A DAME Last minute heels, make-up like Lucille Ball, and learning not to bulldoze the show – Richard Ede reveals the secrets a panto dame

By Sarah Moolla

ichard Ede is returning to Salisbury Playhouse for his third successive year playing a panto dame. He was Aladdin’s Widow Twanky in 2016, Dorothy Trott in Jack and The Beanstalk last year, and is now the dame in Beauty and the Beast. Richard, who has been an actor for 23 years, has toured worldwide with a Shakespeare theatre company performing in more than 30 countries. He has also played Lord Lucan on ITV1, appeared as a White Walker in Game of Thrones, starred as the lead in a theatre production of The Mask, and his ‘in between’ jobs have included dressing up as an emoji, being a butler, and handing out Pot Noodles. His one proper job was in a call centre, which he tried to get fired from, but was promoted instead. Here Richard talks all things dame… Can you remember the first panto you ever went to see as a child? It was Mother Goose in Poole Arts Centre, now called The Lighthouse, which had Tony Blackburn in it. I loved it. When did your own appearance in panto first happen…? My very first proper panto was Wizard of Oz in 1999 and I was the Tin Man. We played Epsom Playhouse, then the producer tried to book us another week in the Rhyl Coliseum, which was pulled down shortly after. There was no heating so it was freezing cold, and the stage had holes in it. I developed an ear infection and burst my eardrum – not exactly a glamorous start.

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What it was like that first time seeing the transformation, from Richard Ede to panto dame? Terrifying. I’m not a particularly tough guy in real life but ironically, wearing high heels makes me walk like a rugby player. I don’t quite know where to put my weight so I just stomp around the place. People react very strangely when they see you backstage. I’m pretty tall, so when I also wear high heels, padding and a big wig, it’s a fairly intimidating image.

Richard as he appears bare-faced

When was the first time you played a dame? I had played a fairy many years before, but my first official panto dame role was in Aladdin at Salisbury Playhouse three years ago. I had actually auditioned for the role of Abanazar, but the director Ryan [McBryde] asked if I wanted to have a go at reading for the dame. Stupidly I agreed, and as a result have spent the last three festive periods in a pair of tights.

Talk us through the physical process of that change… Well, it begins with the make-up and when that’s finished, you put your microphone pack on. You can’t forget that, otherwise you’ll be taking EVERYTHING off again. Then it is into the first of my many costumes. The opening costume is often the most elaborate: underskirts, padding, hoops, hats and of course, those heels. Our costume department is brilliant – James [Button] has some incredible ideas. We have an official half-hour call, but I usually allow 45 minutes. Any particular difficulties? Tights for men are deeply, deeply uncomfortable. I feel sorry for Superman. There are also numerous costumes changes – a good six or seven costumes, and some of those changes are ridiculously fast. What tricks have you learned? To put the shoes on at the very last possible minute. I genuinely don’t know how women who wear heels cope.

“Tights for men are deeply, deeply uncomfortable”

Richard in 2017 as Jack and The Beanstalk’s Dorothy Trott

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Is there a mental shift as well? I’m not going to claim that I undertake some Daniel Day-Lewis style method-acting transformation, but yes, there is definitely a mental shift – the costume and physicality certainly helps to put you into the right frame of mind. Who does your make-up? I do the make-up myself, and I based the look on the US comedian Lucille Ball. She had such an expressive face and her look is perfect for what I try to achieve. Some of the make-up is water-based face-paint and whilst the base is theatrical foundation, and the rest is simply everyday make-up you’d find in the shops. Do you stay in make-up between performances? Yes, but I change into my comfortable clothes, so I look even more ridiculous. Taking all the make-up off twice a day plays havoc with your skin so instead I stay in the green room, in my full stage make-up. How did you prepare for the role? I try to learn the script and songs beforehand so I can be more free in the rehearsal room. So much of the fun stuff in panto develops organically, and it’s a lot easier to do that when you don’t have a script in your hand.

What makes a good dame? I’ve worked with some fantastic dames in the past, but no two were alike. Everyone’s dame is different. For my part, I wanted to create a dame who was warm and flirtatious without being too overt or seedy, but my favourite parts of the show are when traditionally stereotypical ‘masculine’ traits such as physical strength, aggression or vulgarity, accidentally ruin my feminine façade.

“I like to think that my dames are positive representations of women” Any famous dames you admire? I admire any man who dares to don a frock and stand in front of a crowd, but I need to tip my hat to the first dame I ever saw back in Poole Arts Centre. He was Tudor Davies who had been in The Russ Abbot Show. I had the pleasure of meeting him some years later when he came in to give a movement class for a show I was in.

What about the films Mrs Doubtfire and Tootsie – would you consider those to be ‘dame’ performances? Both great films in their own right, and tough acts to follow, but compared to our American cousins, it’s interesting how the British traditional panto dame really is a creature in its own right. We’re a bit more grotesque and self-aware, it’s probably rooted in commedia dell’arte [Italian improvised comedy popular in the 16th–18th centuries], and bastardised into what we see today. Some actors might take the route of being a monstrous version of a woman, but you actually make a very beautiful dame... Why thank you - the cheque is in the post! The aesthetic of the whole play is a joy. Hopefully audiences will enjoy the visual spectacle as a whole. I think it’s the dame’s job to enhance all aspects of the show, and not bulldoze it. What has drawn you back to playing the dame at Salisbury Playhouse? With the team at Salisbury, you know that the quality of the production is going to be fantastic, and that has real appeal. Also, to be honest, they are a lovely team to work with and that is hugely important, when you are working on a show as long and as intense as panto.

As Widow Twanky in Aladdin

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

ONE TO ONE

left: Alongside Fred Broom in last year’s panto at Salisbury Playhouse below: Look out for Richard in the TV Thatcher cider adverts

And what do you particularly love, as an actor, about the dame role? I enjoy playing the fool and being funny, because there’s something rather wonderful about making a whole room of people smile. People tend to think that we make most of it up as we go along, but it’s very tightly scripted. There are the rare moments when things derail and, of course, that is the thing we all look forward to most! There’s a lot of pressure and attention to getting the dame right. Do you think the role has changed over the years? I think in the modern era we do have to be a little more careful in what we can say. Jokes that were acceptable in the Seventies don’t go down so well today, but the heart of it remains. A man in a dress doing an unconvincing impersonation of a woman, is thankfully still more amusing than it is inappropriate. Do you think a women could, or should, ever play a dame? There’s no reason that a woman couldn’t play the dame perfectly well, but for me the role would lose its essential charm. Perhaps I’m being old fashioned, but I think they’d be at a disadvantage because the central comic conceit would be lost. Of course there’s a strong tradition of women playing men in panto too, which can be brilliant. Do you think more progressive social attitudes have changed the more modern dame?

Definitely – theatre is a fantastic art form because it can change with the times. I like to think that my dames are positive representations of women, they might be a bit daft, but they also have a strong sense of decency and a sense of right. Any memorable off-script moments during performances? During Aladdin the pipe that was supposed to cover the Emperor in gunge became blocked then exploded, covering the entire stage in foam. Myself and the actor playing Aladdin had to spend the rest of scene cleaning it up! And funniest panto moment? Children are hilarious, and when you fill them with sugary sweets, put several hundred of them in a room, and then start a panto, you can expect utter chaos. They never fail to make me laugh. Do you have a favourite panto dame you like to play? Widow Twanky was a joy, and I had a blast with Dotty in last year’s Jack and the Beanstalk, but let’s just say that this year is going to be the best! For the audience, the most important thing is that the production is good, and the dame isn’t too self-indulgent. Do you approach your ‘straight’ acting roles and the panto jobs differently? Panto is physical theatre, and therefore you do need to be very fit, and we take the warm-up process very seriously to avoid injuries. In

order for the madcap antics to look convincing but be safe, it takes a lot of rehearsals. Everybody loves a dame, but is there a snobbery within the profession? I don’t believe I’ve personally faced snobbery about having played a dame, but I feel as though I’m just an actor who just happens to be playing that role. We all suffer from typecasting, but hopefully being a dame won’t impact on my career in a negative way. How will you spend the post Christmas Day and New Year period? Sleeping. What other jobs are in store for 2019? I’ve just filmed another commercial for Thatcher’s cider, which will air in spring. Then in summer, you’ll be able to see me opposite Andie MacDowell in the first episode of the new season of Cuckoo on Netflix. Neither of these roles will be in a frock. Beauty and the Beast starts 1 December at Salisbury Playhouse and runs until 13 January. This famous fairytale follows the story of Amorette who is taken prisoner by a prince who has been turned into a Beast. Eventually she grows to love the Beast, thus lifting a curse and turning him back into a prince. The production reunites the creative team – writer Andrew Pollard, director Ryan McBryde and designer James Button, who helped last year’s production of Jack and the Beanstalk win Best Pantomime at the GB Panto Awards. www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

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

PEOPLE

This is by Jonathan Stewardson, whose stunning cityscapes transport the viewer to a romanticised London and beyond

MY DESK

Exhibiting next we have Ed Waite and Leanne Christie, and in December it will be Harry Bunce The gnomes were a gift from a client who found out about my two low key obsessions – garden gnomes and Kinder eggs

We always have a bottle of bubbly chilled for any client who fancies a glass

ROSE CURRENS My children, Arthur and Ariadne – I’m lucky enough to have a career and a beautiful family thanks to my wonderful stay at home husband Gareth

Desk photo by JOHN ROSE

R The Cougar Skull on Plinth sculpture is my favourite bronze in the gallery and is by Simon Gudgeon

ose Currens is the gallery manager of Salisbury’s Gallery21, which opened ﬁve years ago and is now one of the largest commercial galleries in the country. Rose, who has also worked in the ﬁlm industry, says, “It’s been incredible to be part of a growing and developing gallery, constantly introducing talent from local artists to international names.” ■

For more: Gallery21, 21 Queen Street, Salisbury SP1 1EY. tel: 01722 324000; www.gallery21.co.uk

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

LOCAL HERO AWARDS Martin Starke

Brave new world

Listen up your local DJ and hear what he’s got to say about being brave

hat’s the bravest thing you’ve ever done? The news is full of stories each week about people going ‘above and beyond’; putting themselves in danger to help others; stepping out of their comfort zone and being fearless and making snap decisions that have lasting, positive consequences. But you don’t have to rescue a cat from a burning building to be brave. It might be that the bravest thing you’ve done this week was at work; that presentation to hundreds of people, that sales pitch to a difficult client, or that awkward conversation with your boss you’ve been putting off for weeks. For others, merely leaving

the house each morning takes courage. A close friend has just quit his dream job to go travelling for a year with his new wife. My first thought was, ‘What a brave thing to do!’ Every year in January we get together at The Stones Hotel in Amesbury to host the Spire FM Local Hero Awards and recognise the true heroes from all walks of life who make Salisbury such a wonderful place to live and work. I’ve been lucky enough to co-host the awards for the last three years and it really is one of the highlights of my year, as I never fail to be impressed and humbled by the tales of courage, in all their various guises. There are parents, teachers,

“I never fail to be impressed and humbled by the tales of courage” volunteers and even the occasional life-saver, all coming together for a celebration of community spirit – together for one evening of food, drink, music and sharing inspirational stories. Some of those stories stick with you forever. There was Austin, Lawrence, Heidi and Natasha Crapper from Everleigh who set up their own company to help children deal with stress and anxiety. The children launched the scheme after having a tough

Martin with co-host Henrietta Creasey

time when their parents divorced. At the 2018 ceremony, I met Valerie from Amesbury who had been nominated for a Local Hero Award by her daughter-in-law Sharon. Valerie was fighting cancer for the third time and like so many ‘brave’ people, couldn’t understand what all the fuss was about. For Sharon, it was a chance to acknowledge publicly what someone else had been through, “I just wanted her to know what she means to us as sometimes life is too busy and we are not good at words, so hopefully this will help.” This to me sums up the beauty of the Local Hero Awards – it’s a chance to recognise and celebrate those acts, be they big or small, that inspire and teach us about the powers of inner-strength, selfless acts, and thinking positively. Make your Local Hero Awards nominations by visiting the Spire FM website before the closing date of 2 December. Categories include Child of Achievement, Carer of the Year, Volunteer Award, Lifetime Achievement and Bravery Award. The gala dinner ceremony, hosted by Spire FM’s Martin and Henrietta Creasey, will be held at The Stones Hotel on 18 January 2019. www.spirefm.co.uk

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

EMPORIUM & WORKSHOPS

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HOUSE PARTIES RULE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; OK! A step-by-step guide to ensure your party-at-home wins a vote of confidence By John Mather

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

party at home

DING DONG!

Susi Mason from the gift and homeware accessory store Casa Fina gives her ten top tips for decorating a festive party 1. A beautiful wreath on the door will look welcoming and festive. Lanterns, and outdoor fairy lights also look really special. 2. Most people have to move furniture and everyday objects to accommodate guests, food and glasses so think carefully about where people will gather. 3 . Don’t go mad with candles in areas where people will be standing, you don’t want any disasters. 4. Are you obsessively Orderly with your Christmas Decorations (OCD)? Be true to your type, careful matching and themeing looks good but so does a more casual and disordered approach. 5. Place your tree where everyone can admire it. You’ll spend the most time and money on your tree decorations so enjoy it. Experiment, there are so many different ways to decorate a tree. 6. How about putting a festive touch in the bathroom that guests will use such as a scented candle or a gorgeous pot of cyclamen. 7. You can’t beat cut glass and candlelight as a combination. Use a candelabra to add height. If you’re having a meal, make placecards using a gold pen, adorn with holly, ivy leaves and ribbon.

arrie Fisher once said the saddest two words in the English language are, ‘What party?’ But along with #FOMO (fear of missing out), has to be the terror of deciding to host a party and it being awful. Yet if you get it right, the rewards are high. No rushing in the rain; no arriving hungry to discover there’s no food; no being trapped in a corner with a tiresome stranger; no waiting for cabs that refuse to arrive. Home entertaining is the way forward and let’s make sure that #HLP (hosted lame party hashtag) doesn’t get invented on our watch with this party planning checklist.

FOUR WEEKS BEFORE

Consider why you want an event before anything else, and then break it down. What’s the actual event – even just a gathering to celebrate family and friendship is a do worth doing; who do you want to come; and when’s a good time for the party? This framework gives you a blueprint to start plotting, planning and organising your party. Do you want music, dancing, entertainment or fireworks? Little nibble food or hearty buffets? Would you prefer champagne, seasonal cocktails, or locally produced wines? Remember this is your party – and there is no right or wrong answer. It has to be about you relaxing and enjoying yourself. If the host is happy, then so are the guests. If you’re strapped for time, or finding it all a little overwhelming at first, there’s always expert advice to hand such as that provided by Emily Westlake and Julie Lane, directors of Bespoke

Ceremonies for Every Occasion. Emily says, “We can offer as much or as little help as is required to make your event special and unique. And because we have heaps of local knowledge, we can source individual suppliers or be on hand to help with the finishing touches on the day. It’s a personable, affordable, stress-free way to plan your party.”

THREE WEEKS BEFORE

Invites need to be out by now, and these help set the tone for the type of event you’re hosting, You can of course email, text or even What’s App your invite, and get the word out digitally, however there is something beautifully traditional about an old-fashioned handwritten invitation – you can’t prop a text up on the mantelpiece. Salisbury-based designer and illustrator Francesca Maclean says, “I love to collaborate beautifully handwritten calligraphy with my illustration. Modern calligraphy adds a unique, handwritten touch to stationary such as wedding invitations, greetings cards and gift tags. Personalising an invite to an event makes it really special.”

“Home entertaining is the way forward”

TWO WEEKS BEFORE

If you want to offer your guests food then this is where the experts can really help. As Mike Clarke, director of the Salisbury catering firm Forking Out, explains, “We can take the anxiety out of this vital but essential aspect of your party. We are happy to cater for smaller events such as lunches, anniversaries or birthday parties, and have also catered for photo shoots, sporting

below: A showstopper cake provides a talking point; right: Hire champagne flutes to make life easier

8. Pine, spruce and juniper will smell wonderful and pine cones, holly and ivy are instantly Christmassy. Fill glass bowls with nuts and fruit . 9. Deck your bannisters with ready-made garlands, coloured ribbons, or huge swathes of ivy. 10. Baubles look great in vases, suspended from beams, tied on ribbons in a window or mantelpiece and hanging from a wall light or chandelier. www.casafinasalisbury.co.uk

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

party at home

clockwise: Getting in caterers will serve you and your guests well; look for unusual ways to welcome guests; dot flowers from Gullicks around the home as décor and also to give away as favours when your visitors leave

events, seminars and boardroom lunches. Our bespoke service means we can design and price menus to suit your event, and using specialist equipment we can offer a hot or cold service in any location. You can choose whether you want help with staff or delivery only, and we can even supply table linen, crockery, cutlery, glassware, and cake stands where needed.” Adding a simple touch like linen can elevate your party from the mundane to the marvellous, and another small way to make a big impact can be to choose a colour scheme for your home décor. Chantal from 365 Linen Hire says, “If you have a colour theme you would like to match for your special occasion, we have a huge colour palette to choose from. Our table linen has been the blank canvas for weddings, civil ceremonies, birthdays, school leaver balls and many more special occasions to help create a memory for all attending. If you would like a stylist to decorate for you, we are happy to put you in touch with some very special people who have their own business and charge accordingly, along with other companies who provide china, glassware and cutlery, florists and marquee companies who have been in the business of supplying to happy customers for over 20 years.” Whatever the event, cake is a must. It can act as a showstopper, a centrepiece, and a pudding. Sarah Cunningham of The Shrewton Cake Company says, “Cakes can tell the story of the

event and you want it told well. Using a cake baker and decorator takes the stress and pressure out of having to create a cake yourself when you are busy trying to organise a party.”

ONE WEEK BEFORE

Incorporating fresh flowers and greenery into your décor adds a wonderfully welcoming and thoughtful vibe. Position a huge bouquet on a sideboard next to an inviting tray of bubbly. You can even use the flowers after the event to gift to people as favours, as they leave. Use the hues to complement your colour scheme and ask your local florists like Gullicks for the longer lasting seasonal flowers they might recommend.

“Use the flowers after the event to gift to people as they leave”

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

ON THE DAY

Get your bathrooms sparkling clean and wipe down the surfaces that people will see and use, like tabletops but don’t worry about cleaning the rest of the house too much. Everything else can be camouflaged by dimming the lights and utilising all nonoverhead lighting such as table and floor lamps, string lights, and don’t forget to dot a few aromatic eco-friendly beeswax candles in dark atmospheric corners. Now you can concentrate on getting yourself ready, perfecting your streaming playlist and gearing up to host the #BPE – Best Party Ever! Have taxi numbers to hand, book a house cleaner for the next day, and you’ll want to party on every year!

PARTY PEOPLE

From cleaning to catering, these local firms can help with your party planning 365 Caterers Linen, www.365catererslinen.co.uk Abi Clean, tel: 01722 343989; www.abicare.co.uk Bespoke Ceremonies for Every Occasion, tel: 0788 4065557; www.bceo.uk The Cake Forge, tel: 01722 239249; www.thecakeforge.co.uk Cambridge Wine Merchants, tel: 01722 324486; www.cambridgewine.com Forking Out, tel: 01722 328 808; www.forkingout4food.com Francesca Maclean; www.francescamaclean.com Grace Decorative, tel:01985 213208 Gullicks Florist, tel: 01722 336575; www.gullicksflorists.co.uk The Sausage and Mash Company, www.thesausageandmashcompany.com The Shrewton Cake Company, tel 0745 0408386; SarahCunningham491@hotmail.com Thomas Cleaning, tel: 01722 512049; www.thomascleaning.co.uk

Forkingout

BESPOKE CHRISTMAS ARRANGEMENTS, DOOR WREATHS & UNIQUE GIFTS Ltd

CATERING FOR ALL OCCASIONS

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SPRINKLETTI, £3.95 Even if the cake’s a ﬂop, with these edible Raspberry Fizz sprinkles, you’re guaranteed to be a star baker From The Cake Forge, 2 The Maltings, Salisbury. tel: 01722 239249; www.thecakeforge.com

NOTEBOOK, £9.99 Get creative and, just like the show, draw a picture of a fancy cake, to remind you how it should’ve looked From The Bay Window Gift Shop, 17 North Street. Wilton. tel: 01722 741287; www.thebaywindowgiftshop.co.uk

BAKE OFF

It may have just ﬁnished on TV, but Great British baking can continue at home with these kitchen beauties WOODEN SPOON, £1.65 Practical, durable and versatile and made from FSC certiﬁed beech, which helps ensure our forests are alive for generations to come From Dinghams Cookshop, 28 Market Place, Salisbury. tel: 01722 506045; www.dinghams.co.uk

MIXING BOWLS, FROM £35 The Salisbury potter Jennie Gilbert mixes up functionality with beauty for the perfect combo From Jennie Gilbert; www.jenniegilbert.com

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

EDIBLE FLOWER BAKING AND GROWING KIT, £16.95 Decorate your baking with these pretty blooms, with dried rose petals and ﬂoweretti From Fisherton Mill, 108 Fisherton Street, Salisbury. tel: 01722 500200; www.ﬁshertonmill.co.uk

ED’S CHOICE IF YOU CARE PARCHMENT BAKING PAPER, £4.49 Environmentally friendly baking paper that's chlorine free From Well Natural 15 Queen Street, Salisbury tel: 01722 335965; www.wellnatural.co.uk

THE HUMMINGBIRD BAKERY COOKBOOK BY TAREK MALOUF, £17.99 Look for nice iced inspiration with this number one bestseller From Waterstones Salisbury, 7-9 High Street, Salisbury, tel: 01722 415596; www.waterstones.com KITCHEN TEA TOWEL, £12 This gorgeous patterned tea towel from a Salisbury designer makes a perfect addition to any kitchen From Elena Illustration; www.elenaillustration.co.uk

LARGE JUG WITH WHISK, £32.50 Whip up a storm with this hand made, hand glazed jug and whisk gift set from Bristol designer Rupert Blamire. Available in Fisherton Mill From Rupert Blamire; www.rupertblamire.com

SET OF 3 ROUND CAKE TINS, £38 Keep your many bakes looking and tasting good with these Emma Bridgwater designs From Casa Fina, 62 High Street, Salisbury. tel: 01722 326428; www. casaﬁnasalisbury.co.uk

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

advertising feature

Eat Exeter, drink Exeter Foodies visiting the Exeter and Greater Exeter area can now embark on a journey of culinary discovery as an exciting new trail has officially launched.

et to place Exeter on the map as a major new foodie destination, the Exeter Food and Drink Trail has brought together the area’s finest food and drink producers, retailers and restaurateurs. At the centre of the self-guided Exeter Food and Drink Trail is a beautiful map, which pinpoints the locations of over 40 local food and drink producers, foodie experiences and eateries. The trail promises followers the opportunity to sample fabulous produce and exceptional experiences that celebrate Exeter’s rich larder of food and drink. Explorers can take a tour of the rooftop gardens of Princesshay, home to a variety of fruit trees and bee friendly flowering plants, supporting around 300,000 honey bees in five hives. Honey that is harvested from Princesshay’s city bee project is sold in Chandos Deli, located in Roman Walk with all proceeds donated to charity. There is also a scented herb garden, providing herbs for some of Princesshay’s restaurants and bars. Tour goers will learn all about the busy world of bees and get the opportunity to see a working hive in action. For the wine connoisseur, Pebblebed Vineyard tours and tastings will offer an educational experience. Visitors are welcome from May to September to take part in guided tours and expert wine tastings. If ale is more your thing, Exeter Brewery also offers tours. Go behind the scenes of one of Exeter’s most celebrated breweries, all topped off with pie and mash in

Exeter Cookery School

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

the Tap Room bar. Other delectable experiences on the map include a tour around the award-winning Quickes Cheese; hone your culinary skills beside the beautiful quay at Exeter Cookery School, and taste Exeter Gin at the Exeter Street Food Market where you will get to meet creator Karen Skerratt. In addition to exclusive experiences, the trail will bring followers exciting competitions and special events.

Trail ambassador Mitch Tonks, who’s new Exeter Rockfish restaurant is set to open this autumn, commented: “Devon is a serious food destination, there’s no doubt about that and to have a trail like this in and around Exeter is great. The trail showcases what we in Devon already know – Exeter’s absolute best, the hidden gems, the independent and artisan producers and growers, the fantastic group operations who provide quality and consistency and who generate great loyalty and fans in their customers.” n

For more information on the Exeter Food and Drink Trail and to download a copy of the map, visit: www.exeterfoodanddrinktrail.co.uk

main image: Sarah makes

the fudge on site;

below: Christmas pudding

fudge is a seasonal special

SUGAR, ENTICE, AND ALL THINGS NICE

Sarah Moolla savours time spent in the delicious and delightful ROLY’S FUDGE PANTRY SALISBURY

t’s the aroma that gets you before anything else. It’s a luscious, deep, vanilla-y, candyfloss, buttery brown sugar of a scent that seems to waft and coil its tendrils into the air, softly drawing you to the High Street pantry. Inside, the irresistible charm and allure continues – the store is bursting with colour, boxes, gifts, and huge rocky piles of crumbly fat fudge everywhere you look. The flavours are both imaginatively and traditionally inspired – from clotted cream and rum raisin, alongside celebratory seasonal specials such as toffee apple and black treacle, with the Christmas pudding fudge currently being perfected in time for the festive period. The store also offers gift cards, a wedding favours service, tailored corporate packages and fudgepouring workshops.

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

Sarah Orton, who runs the franchised Roly’s Fudge Pantry Salisbury with her husband Steve, is stirring a huge vat of bubbling butterscotch fudge when I call in. (In the interests of full disclosure, I’m always calling in to this store, as my Roly’s Fudge loyalty card testifies). As Sarah effortlessly mixes, pours and aerates the creamy batter-like fusion, she talks me through the brand’s background. “Roly’s Fudge Pantry was first established in 1987. The combination of the delicious secret recipe fudge and the spectacle of it being handmade in the pantry was a big hit, and there are now 38 stores across the UK.” And sure enough, as I stand slack-jawed and mouth-drooling, watching Sarah prepare the fudge, I’m joined by a small crowd who have drifted in – there’s Chinese tourists, Dutch visitors, day trippers and shopping locals – all

remarkable retail clockwise from left: Roly’s is situated on the High Street; the aroma is delicious; the much photographed Fudgehenge; fudge makes the perfect gift; a taste of autumn with toffee apple fudge, and the wintery ginger fudge

“Fudgehenge even has its own Instagram hashtag” united by the allure of Roly’s Fudge, and fascinated by the artistry in making it. “Fudgehenge is also an absolute draw,’ she says referring to the fudge replica of Stonehenge that sits in the window. “It makes people stop, smile, and take pictures. It even has its own Instagram hashtag.” With a background in food journalism, as well as running a PR agency with clients who included celebrity chefs Gary Rhodes, Gordon Ramsay, Nigella Lawson and Raymond Blanc, Sarah’s skills were always going to make an impact on any enterprise she turned her hand to. The store is enveloped in a humour, warmth and a unique creative energy that celebrates Salisbury and surrounds, including selling little gift slabs of Salisbury embossed fudge. Being situated right by the Cathedral, and with the constant stream of visitors filing past, Sarah, Steve and the team also act as ambassadors to the city and dispense welcoming chat and tourist advice. Along with contributing to community projects and local charities, Sarah is passionate about reducing the amount of plastic the shop generates. “We are going to start filling customers’ own containers and eliminate our cellophane bags, for more recyclable and ecofriendly materials.” Sarah and the staff obviously never rest on their laurels and are always working hard to

deliver new recipes, “Our bestsellers are the vanilla clotted cream, and the salted maple and pecan. But for new flavours, we draw on the different seasons in the calendar and recently developed a continental taste for Easter called Spekulatius, which is a German spiced shortcrust biscuit flavour. We’ve also found some combinations work well, for example chocolate and ginger are both popular and we developed a lovely mix of the two, which has proven very popular over Christmas. “I also think a very exciting breakthrough for Roly’s has been the development of a new dairy-free and vegan range using organic soya milk, cashew nut butter, and coconut oil.” It’s hard to believe that the Ortons have

run this store for just three years such is its positivity and success, and they are about to take on a second shop in Wells. “We hope to open by Christmas,” says Sarah. Isn’t she worried about spreading herself too thin and therefore diluting the verve and vigour they are able to put in the Salisbury pantry? “We’ve got a wonderful Wells team together, and we are much more confident than when we first started. It will be hard work, but this is a whole new chapter, and we are relishing the adventure.” n For more: Roly’s Fudge Pantry Salisbury, 62a High Street, Salisbury. tel: 07939 114788; www.rolysfudge.co.uk

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

The largest collection of tiles in Salisbury

Opening hours: Monday - Friday: 07.30 - 17.00 | Saturday: 09.00 - 17.00

01722 325306 | info@salisburytilestore.net | 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

Chenille Interiors

by Gosia

UPHOLSTERY • SOFT FURNISHING • LOOSE COVERS CURTAIN MAKING • INTERIOR DESIGN 60A Winchester Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 1HL 01722 331099 | chenilleinteriors@gmail.com www.chenilleinteriors.co.uk

EL FR IV EE ER Y D

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RRP

Cotton 1000 Spring 135cm Divan RRP £939 Sale Price £719

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

Ex Display Ranges Available for Immediate Delivery

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

RIVERS EDGE WATERFRONT RESTAURANT

Deborah Morgan enjoys a welcoming vibe, a beautiful riverside setting, and delightful dishes at this scenic Salisbury dining spot

short walk from the buzz of the Cathedral city finds the peace and quiet of the Legacy Rose and Crown in a picturesque riverside location. Originally a 13th century coaching inn it welcomes weddings, parties, visitors to the city and local diners into its historic surroundings and its newer rooms. The Rivers Edge Waterfront Restaurant has a modern feel; large windows overlook a wide terrace for alfresco dining on hot days but inside an air of elegance mixes with a traditional atmosphere and friendly, efficient service plus there’s the advantage of parking, an asset never to be overlooked. After choosing ham hock terrine and button mushrooms on toasted ciabatta, we relax and enjoy the view and our drinks, a rhubarb gin with tonic, and a cool pint of Boddingtons. Caroline, who delivers our starters has been part of the Rose and Crown team for many

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

years and is cheery and professional. The pink of the ham hock terrine is flecked with yellow mustard seeds adding tiny specks of crunch to the soft shredding meat in every forkful. It is accompanied by a richly, fruited spiced chutney which has a mature sherry vinegar background with sweet onion dominating. Served with a tender leaf garden salad and crunchy toasted ciabatta slices, it offers a variety of tantalising textures in a colourful plateful. The mushrooms are enrobed in a thick, creamy stilton sauce, which smothers a thin toasted slice of ciabatta giving just enough bite to each mouthful. The sauce is tangy with the sharp cheese melted in, and pea shoots add a pop of colour and lightness. From the main courses it’s pork belly in a Jack Daniel’s sauce, and classic steamed mussels, although the mixed bean and sweet potato chilli is tempting. The mussels arrive in their large cauldron style pot and as the lid is lifted, out floats a steamy cloud of heavenly garlic and white wine aromas. There’s an abundance of mussels

restaurant

crammed into the pot, chopped parsley adds beautiful contrast to the dark shells and pale cream sauce, and the evocative ting of empty mussels dropping onto a plate stirs up treasured memories of a wonderful holiday enjoyed on the French Riviera. The pork belly has a caramelised edge sticky in pork flavour and is topped with crunching, bubbled crackling. A sauceboat contains glossy sauce, smoky with Jack Daniels. Accompanying are a medley of sweet carrot batons, broccoli and cauliflower florets, plus a pile of seasalted chunky golden chips. More diners arrive and quiet conversation ripples around the room – the bar has a variety of bottled and draught beers including Summer Lightening, plus an impressive range of on-trend flavoured gins. Both champagne and prosecco are available by the glass or a local sparkling wine from Hampshire by the bottle, if you fancy adding a little local fizz to your evening. Jazz music adds to the quiet elegance of the mid-week evening as the restaurant plays host to a number of couples alongside business customers. We add to our enjoyment with a glass of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc from Ara Single Estate at £6 glass. It slips down smoothly being a clean dry white wine before the desserts arrive. A pretty glass presents a selection of ice cream and sorbet scoops including a sherbetty zingy orange sorbet and an intensely creamy and indulgently sweet vanilla ice cream. A gloriously rich chocolate sauce glazes the plate to catch the buttery biscuit base of the delicate, soft set Baileys cheesecake with a decadent swirl of punchy whisky cream. Rivers Edge is a place that manages to both invite cosy nights full of chatter, warmth and hearty food, but is also a welcoming space for larger-scale entertainment, such as wedding parties and celebratory meals. And for those who want to hang around for a little longer, the four-star Legacy Rose and Crown Hotel offers exposed wood beams suites, family and executives rooms with garden access via private patios, and free-standing baths and four poster beds, with contemporary luxe touches such as free wi-fi, state-of-the-art flat-screen TVs, and Nespresso machines. n

“As the lid is lifted, out floats a steamy cloud of heavenly garlic and white wine” Dining details Rivers Edge Waterfront Restaurant, Harnham Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 8JQ. tel: 08444 119046; www.legacy-hotels.co.uk Opening hours Breakfast: 7am-9.30pm every day Sunday lunch: 12.30pm-3pm General manager Derek McNeill Type of food British and internationallyinspired dishes from the head chef, John Tobin Covers 80 indoor Outdoor space waterfront terrace with seating for 40 Prices Starters: £5.55 - £7.95 Mains: £12.95 - £14.95 Desserts: £5.25 - £8.95 Drinks choice A wide variety of beers and spirit, gin section and extensive wine list Disability access Yes, ramps are provided as access to the hotel and the restaurant is located on the ground floor

www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 43

! . . t s a e f n a i l o t a n a

To book please call

01722 327628

90 Fisherton Street, Salisbury, SP2 7QY • info@baroushka.com • baroushka.com

Sit down, relax, and enjoy an Indian cuisine experience. The mood is set... what time will you be arriving? Call us today to book a table: 01264 772 356 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK INCLUDING ALL BANK HOLIDAYS Mon to Sat: 12:00 noon – 2:30pm // 6:00pm – 11:00pm

Sun: 12:00 noon – 10:30pm

food & drink news Join Combat Stress for cake and coffee

RAISIN AWARENESS

St Thomas’s Church is hosting a tea party with a difference, that can help make a difference, on 15 November. Sarah Sneddon of the veteran’s mental health charity Combat Stress, explains, “We are inviting people to join us for a slice of cake, a hot drink and to listen to talks about our work helping veterans with their mental health and the role the public can play by supporting us. “This a community event designed as drop ins for anybody and questions are welcomed. We have a veteran attending who has come through our specialised treatment programme, as well as a clinician, and the Lord Mayor of Salisbury will be coming along.” For more: www.combatstress.org.uk

Ho ho yum yum!

CHRISTMAS THAI Fancy doing something untraditional this Christmas Day, with no washing-up required? For the first time ever, Giggling Squid in Salisbury is opening on Christmas Day. Founder Pranee Giggling Squid founder Laurillard explains, “Guests can expect a stunning Pranee Laurillard Thai feast with sharing dishes chosen by myself for such a special occasion. I have selected a few of my favourite dishes which includes giant prawn satay with exotic thai rainbow salad; chive and black pepper squid; 12-hour slow cooked beef rib and red snapper with kang som curry. There’s also a traditional spiced tom yum shot and a zingy fresh papaya salad palate cleaner. “And because just one dessert is never enough this time of year, the Giggling Squid’s Christmas Day menu showcases a trio, including a coconut and pineapple finger; salted caramel soufflé and the rich decadent chocolate melt.” For more: www.gigglingsquid.com

left: Lyme Bay scallops;

HOWARD’S WAY

The charity’s Sarah Sneddon

above: Award-winning

chef Andy Britton

Howard’s House Hotel is celebrating food week, which runs 19 – 25 November, with a specially prepared menu devised by award-winning head chef Andy Britton. Andy, who has garnered an excellent reputation with diners thanks to his ‘field-to-fork’ philosophy, explains, “We are going for autumn’s choicest and locally-sourced flavours including pan-seared Lyme Bay scallops with Laverstock Park black pudding and cauliflower purée; Creedy Carver duck breast and confit leg with braised red cabbage and orange jus.” For more: www.howardshousehotel.co.uk

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

Roly’s FUDGE

Create the ultimate bespoke Christmas gift box With your choice of festive fudge ﬂavours & gift wrap. We can mail order anywhere in the UK too.

Roly’s Fudge Pantry, 62a High Street, Salisbury SP1 2EL 0 salisbury@rolysfudge.co.uk 1 07984 886712/ 07939 114788

THE MAYFLY

Delicious Indian street food in relaxed surroundings

Enjoy Rasheed and Dipender’s exciting menus along with Chef Kumar’s 25 years of experience. Ever-changing menus made with locally sourced ingredients and fine craft ales.

CELEBRATE EARLY & SAVE 20% We’re experts in making your Christmas, so why not celebrate early with us? Book for the 3rd, 4th, 10th or 11th December to enjoy a 20% discount. Simply make your choices from our Christmas menus on our website, then make your booking online, call or email. The Mayfly, F ul l erton, Stock bri dge SO 2 0 6 A X 01264 860283 | m a yf l yf ul l erton. co . u k Only 4 miles from Stockbridge

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

FA N TA ST I C E A R LY E V E N I N G M E N U ! 5:30pm - 7pm

2 courses with wine

£15

WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON THE BASIC PHILOSOPHY OF PROVENANCE To us this means authenticity, assurance and rigorous attention to obtain the finest quality ingredients at source. This dedication ensures that every time you visit us, you experience the true essence of Italian life. It’s food, it’s wine, it’s culture and most importantly the passion of our team. AUTHENTIC ITALIAN CUISINE OUTSIDE CATERING

To make a reservation call us on

01722 324 350

La fosse

The Greyhound Inn at Wilton

Festive December Menu From 30th November to 22nd December If you are vegan or gluten free, please let us know at booking stage Smoked leek and potatoe soup, croutons, micro cress, smoked rapeseed oil Pigeon, chicken and black pudding terrine, toasted hazelnuts, sourdough, tarragon mayonnaise, chutney Scallop and crab gratin in the shell, pomegranate and watercress salad (£1 sup.) Celeriac risotto with Dorset Blue Vinney, apple and candied walnuts Pan fried hake, sage butter, potato and buttnernut squash gratin, thyme green beans Roast turkey, chipolatas, stufﬁng and with all the trimmings, cranberry sauce Roasted venison, braised red cabbage, spiced blackberries, roasted root vegetables Garlic roasted butternut squash with pearl couscous, honey roasted root vegetables, Germolata, sauce Vierge Spekulatius crème Brule with warm cherries infused in Gluehwein, ﬁg & honey ice cream (Spekulatius = German Christmas cookies) Triple chocolate brownie, warm salted caramel sauce, candied orange, choc. orange ice cream Traditional Christmas pudding with brandy butter & sauce Award winning Dorset’s best cheese board, nibbles, crackers (£4.50 sup) or as a fourth course to share (£9)

Relaxed atmosphere • Cask ales • Fine wines

Two courses £25 ë Three courses £29.95

Accommodation • Bed & Breakfast

Six course tasting menu £48 (entire table and dishes from above menu with sorbet and cheese board to share. Matching wine ﬂight £20) We please ask for a £5 non refundable deposit for parties of 6 guests or more. Pre-orders are required for parties of 8 guests or more.

For accommodation and food reservations please call

Wonderful food • Local produce

01722 744050 4, Market Place, Wilton, Salisbury SP2 0HT info@greyhoundinnwilton • greyhoundinnwilton.com

SCENE AC ROSS SA L ISBU RY, O N E SH I N D I G AT A T I M E Liz Lester and Tina Pearson

Valerie and Terry Osborne

In fine voice

lare and Jason Ingram, with Dawn and Nilesh Patel

SOUND WAVES

Celebrate Voice Festival Friends’ Launch Party was held at Whitewall Gallery on 6 September. Along with a speech from Lynsey Docherty, the festival’s founder and artistic director, the 40 guests were treated to musical entertainment including a Grease medley from the Riverside Singers. Photos by John Rose www.johnrosephotography.com

Leslie Wastie and Ed Williamson Ruth Barlow and Liz Aylett

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

Jan and Alex Grant with Daphne Ince Mo Atkinson and Sandra Tinham

The Boots on the Ground interactive production

Push opera with community choir

Salisbury Arts Centre exhibition

Belly of the Whale

Market Square performance by Dedicated To Illustration workshop

ON THE UP

The Deloreons

Wiltshire Creative’s Lift Off! over the August Bank Holiday weekend celebrated the arts in Salisbury with live music, a fireworks display, exhibitions, and free performances. The event, which marked the start of the first season of programming, attracted more than 13,000 residents and visitors. Photos by Adrian Harris www.adrianharrisphotography.co.uk

Modern Warrior

The Bewonderment Machine

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

St Vincent

Feist

Omar Souleyman

STREETS AHEAD

Larmer Tree Gardens was the beautiful backdrop for End of The Road, the esoteric, energetic and ecletic September festival. The sell-out familyfriendly event included the musical headliners St Vincent, Shame, Vampire Weekend and Gwenno, alongside arts, food, and sunshine. www.endoftheroadfestival.com

Vampire Weekend

Shame’s Charlie Steen

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

John Dwyer of the Oh Sees

Tirzah

John Cale and Ezra Furman

Joe Talbot of the Idles

SOCIETY

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businessinsider salisbury gets serious

Quote of the issue

“It was a privilege to be invited into the X-Factor house”

Which Salisbury business helped ease the tensions of the nation's singing hopefuls? Turn to page 59 to find out

The Big Number VisitWiltshire’s David Andrews is helping portray Salisbury in a new light

BRAND AWARENESS

£70k

The amount raised for charity by which Shaftesbury fashion store? Turn to page 58 to find out

Remarketing Salisbury following the Novichok events

team of consultants has been brought in to try and look into ways of changing people’s negative perceptions of Salisbury following the Novichok poisonings. Footfall is down almost 14 per cent on 2017 and attractions including the Cathedral, Salisbury Museum and Salisbury Playhouse are all reporting declines in visitor numbers, and the ‘rebranding’ move

is to hopefully help realign the global perception of the city which needs to change. Pauline Church, Wiltshire council’s cabinet member for economic development and Salisbury recovery, says, “Salisbury is world-renowned, but right now, not for the reasons we would want it to be. I think what we need to do is almost rebrand. We are going through exactly that. We have employed consultants who are doing

some work to get under the skin of Salisbury.” David Andrews, the CEO of VisitWiltshire, says, “This competitive brand positioning work is about the city looking to the future. Salisbury is one of England’s premier heritage cities but there is work to be done to maximise its potential – encouraging people to stay longer and spend more in our hotels, shops and restaurants; making the most of our heritage,

cultural and natural assets; developing the city’s retail offer and underpinning plans for investment and regeneration for the benefit of residents, businesses, interest groups and visitors alike.” Make sure you present your own views on Salisbury and help with the process by visiting the link below to complete a five minute, fullyconfidential survey. For more: www.salisburybrandpositioning.co.uk

mediaclash.co.uk 115

BUSINESS INSIDER

pioneered new housing designs and inexpensive support services. My mission is not just to meet a proven need, but to make luxury retirement living aﬀordable and accessible to everyone. What is the Platinum Skies background? Platinum Skies is part of the Quantum Group, which has over 20 years’ experience investing funds directly into property development, care and social infrastructures.

DAVID HINES

David Hines is the chairman of Platinum Skies, a company that designs, builds and manages new homes for people aged 55 and above. Here he explains his mission to make luxury retirement living accessible to everyone… Tell us a little about where you are from… I am based locally in the New Forest. The South has been my home for a long time now and for over 30 years, I have been involved in property. Where did you study? I gained a business degree from Aston University and served from 2008 –2016 as a governor of Bournemouth University, where I was recently presented with the honorary award of Doctor of Education. What other jobs have you had? I joined Savills PLC in 2000 where

I became national head of residential development, responsible for 20 business units throughout the UK. From 1983 to 2000 I progressed through Andrews & Partners, a major charity-owned southernbased property services company, ultimately as the business development director. How did the move to setting up Platinum Skies come about? Throughout my career I have had considerable private and public sector experience with a profound and speciﬁc interest in the retirement and care sectors. With a deep passion for understanding and meeting the needs of the elderly, I have

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

When was it established? Platinum Skies was established in 2016, as the specialist retirement living provider arm to the group. As a private retirement provider with Registered Social Landlord status, ours is a unique proposition; we can offer retirees a solution to access more capital in their retirement, through part-buying and partrenting a Platinum Skies property. Purchasers can have a whole property for half the price plus a modest top up rental fee, releasing ample funds to support future care needs or to fund the lifestyle they have always yearned for, now. What makes your company stand out? Platinum Skies is the UK’s only forprofit Registered Social Landlord offering a flexible Older People’s Shared Ownership scheme (OPSO) in the private sector. How would you define the ethos of Platinum Skies? Enabling the elderly to make the right move, with ease at the right time in their lives, and this lies at the heart of the Platinum Skies’ vision. How might you describe your key clientele? We have appealed so far to quite a wide audience, from people interested in the social aspect of living in a retirement property, those concerned with failing health and needing something more manageable, to those who thought they would never be able to afford a property like ours but with the part-buy, part-rent scheme this is now possible. You’ve just launched Chapters in Salisbury – can you tell us a bit about that?

Location is key to us. Chapters is set within private gardens in the heart of Salisbury, and is home to the village’s wide range of communal facilities. From meeting friends over lunch in the bistro, taking part in an exercise class in the activity room, enjoying a well-being treatment or watching a good movie together in the lounge, we have created everything you need to be free to be yourself, in a community that welcomes you.

“PURCHASERS CAN HAVE A WHOLE PROPERTY FOR HALF THE PRICE PLUS A MODEST TOP UP RENTAL FEE” Any immediate plans for Platinum Skies? With a pipeline approaching 1,000 dwellings, in good quality urban locations across Southern England, our vision is for Platinum Skies to become the leading retirement community provider of choice. What will your customers find in a typical Platinum Skies home? Each property is unique, exuding character whilst harmonising with the heritage and community of the locations in which they are built. Our high quality architect-designed apartments, houses and cottages are located in pleasant residential areas across the South, sought by this deservedly demanding market sector. Our designers have considered every detail, from the spacious rooms, to the generous windows that ﬂood them with light, to the ample storage space. Everything is set up to be comfortable to use, whether you’re 55 or 95. For more: Platinum Skies, Quantum House, 170 Charminster Road, Bournemouth Platinum Skies. tel: 01202 531635; www.platinumskies.co.uk

MEDIACLASH.CO.UK 117

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V.P. MOTORCYCLES

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BUSINESS INSIDER

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

MOVERS AND SHAKERS ETC

Enjoy late night shopping at Casa Fina

STAY CLOSE

Model behaviour

THE CLOTHES SHOW The team at Shirley Allum Fashions & Lingerie recently took to the catwalk to help raise money for charity. Heather Best of the High Street Shaftesbury store explains, “We held two fun fashion shows at the Shaftesbury Art Centre on 19 September in aid of Brain Tumour Research and the art centre’s Raise The Roof appeal.

Mark prepares to climb a certain mountain

“We demonstrated a mix casual and formal wear, swimwear, and lingerie with an addition of two young male dancers. The sale of tickets and raﬄe draws raised £4,000.” Over the last 21 years, Shirley Allum has raised £70,0000 for various charities and good causes. For more: www.shirleyallumfashions.co.uk

STAR TREK

Mark Jackson aims to raise over £2,000 for the Salisbury Hospice in an eﬀort support their work after they helped care for some of his family members. Mark, director of Salisbury based digital marketing company Blue Bee Solutions, plans to climb Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, in February 2019 and has already undertaken some hefty treks as part of his training for the event, including a 100k walk along the Jurassic Coast with Action Challenge, the Up The Downs run and the recent Great South Run along the coast of Portsmouth. Mark says, “My planned trek will take eight days on the mountain. I’m self-funding my trip so all the money raised will go to Salisbury hospice. I have decided on Salisbury hospice, as they looked after my wife’s granddad and my own nan really well in their ﬁnal days and I thought this would be a good way to give back to them.” For more: www.bluebeesolutions.co.uk

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

The Close Gate Independents are having a Christmas shopping evening with oﬀers, freebies and tastings on 14 December. The 10 businesses staying open until 9pm are Regent Tailoring, Casa Fina, Number Fiftysix High Street, The India Shop, Anokhi, Hardy’s, Roly’s Fudge, Raﬃnee and Number 75 New Street. www.visitwiltshire.co.uk

HOWDY PARTNERS!

Salisbury-based ﬁrm Whitehead Vizard that has served Salisbury and surrounds since the 1840s, has announced the promotion of solicitors, Jessica Johnston and Claire Speed to partners. Senior partner, Andrew Hodder says, “They have shown that they are both fully committed to providing the high-quality service Whiteheads oﬀers and we look forward to continuing to work with them in their new roles.” www.whitehead-vizard.co.uk

CARE GIVERS

Following the launch of the Kimberly West Care Centre in May 2017, Wessex Care are now due to open part two of the project, Kimberly East, on the same site later this year. This will provide another 27 beds for customers requiring intermediary rehabilitation care. Director Matthew Airey says, “These state of the art facilities supported by the NHS and Wiltshire Council are for adults and older people of our community in South Wiltshire.” www.wessexcare.net

Take it to the top

LEGAL Q&A Lawyer Lin Cumberlin of Batt Broadbent Solicitors answers more questions about the role of the courts in the event of family break-ups

PEAK TIME A 40-strong team from Linden Homes and Galliford Try Partnerships has completed the mammoth Housebuilders Mountain Marathon Challenge. The team covered a gruelling 26 miles across the rugged terrain of Snowdonia in North Wales, raising over £30,000 for the Youth Adventure Trust, which gives vulnerable children the chance to take part in residential adventure camps Gina Wiltshire, sales executive from the Western region says, “Raising such a large amount of money for such a worthwhile cause has really made two days trekking across Snowdonia in the blustering wind and rain worth it.” For more: www.lindenhomes.co.uk

Do we go straight to the courts if we can’t agree on child access? Any parent wishing to make an application for a Child Arrangements Order (CAO) must show that they have attended a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) with a mediator unless they can demonstrate that they are exempt from doing so.

MAX FACTOR

Do we just attend court the once for the decision to be made? If agreement simply cannot be reached and a referral to court becomes necessary this could result in you having to attend several court hearings before a final decision is made. If the matter proceeds to a final hearing, the court will consider all the evidence, including oral evidence, and make a decision on the issues that are in dispute. What if I don’t like the decision? Both parties will be bound by the court’s decision which is likely to result in one parent being aggrieved at having to adhere to the terms of an order that they would not readily have agreed to. If you require legal advice concerning child arrangements or any other type of family related matter, Lin Cumberlin offers a free initial consultation. Contact Lin on 01722 411141; www.battbroadbent.co.uk

Vita Skin Spa team with The X-Factor contestants

Salisbury’s Vita Skin Spa has lent ITV1’s The X Factor a helping hand. The St Ann Street beauty and spa experts visited the contestants’ London home to help provide a little rest and relaxation in time for their live shows on 14 October. The team lead by owner Nikki Spicer treated the hopeful singers, including members of the LMA Choir and the boys from Vibe5 both in The Groups category; Molly from the Girls Category; Armstrong, Brendan and Anthony all from the boys category; and Danny from The Overs, to Lava Shell Massages. Nikki explains, “The treatment is used to gently relax people and smooth away knots and tension, which was perfect for these nervous and under-pressure performers. “It was a privilege to be invited into the X-Factor house and we all had an amazing day.” For more: www.vitaskinspa.co.uk

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

PROPERTY FOCUS

Happy home or happy holidays? MALCOLM WHITE of Ewe Move asks should our new home dreams hibernate until spring, or is there no time like the Christmas present?

ou may have heard that the weeks around Christmas and New Year are not a great time to buy or sell property. Some folks will advise you to wait until the middle of January when the market typically goes into full swing again. Equally, you might hear that it’s a great time of year to grab a bargain. So which view is right? When is it a good or bad time to buy sell or rent? The truth is that there are pros and cons to the holiday period and it depends on a number of factors, as well as lady luck. So what are the upsides and the downsides of buying, selling or renting a home over the holidays? Let’s look at the positives ﬁrst. Depending exactly when you are looking, the kids are back at school and people are looking to move forwards with their house buying plans. Fewer

“Fewer properties on the market means less competition”

properties on the market means less competition from other sellers and increased competition among buyers for what stock there is. With the closure that the end of year brings, this is the last good opportunity to buy, sell or rent before Christmas. This could mean a swift sale and completion. Any house sellers who sold earlier in the year could now be holding cash and ready to buy. You’ll probably have less competition compared to those who place their home on the market in the spring rush. By listing before or during the holidays, you might be able to reach these buyers ﬁrst. January is generally a good time to put properties on the market. While it sounds very ‘bah humbug’, after the stress of Christmas there can be relationship breakdowns, or simply the realisation that the old house is just not big enough. The property website Rightmove reports a massive shift in page views from 11.7million on 25 December to 41.9million by 29 January. So what are the downsides of buying, selling or renting over the holidays? By now the clocks have gone back shorter days and dark dreary nights. As the leaves fall and the ﬂowers die, gardens lose their ‘wow’ factor and it is hard to imagine what the outdoor space will look like in the summer. Grey, dull skies do not present properties

in the best light. The reducing daylight starts to limit the options for evening viewings so consider installing garden lighting as it really helps at this time of year. Clearly some people just do not want to get involved in planning a move or in making a move just before or after the holiday period. Cold weather, ice and snow can create the perception that a home is cold if it’s not well heated throughout. You will also need to be careful with any Christmas decorations. This includes religious items, or over the top festive decorations. The professionals – including many estate and letting agents, mortgage brokers and solicitors – are on holiday too. The timing for viewings which might work for the buyers or tenants because they are on holiday, may not be practical for the team that they need to support them. As you can see there are many reasons why you should buy, sell or rent at this time of year and an equal number of reasons not to, so it is a personal preference. That’s why I’ll always recommend to a client that they should choose a time that’s right for them and not to time things to suit the housing market. ■ For more: EweMove Sales & Lettings Salisbury, Old Fire Station, Salt Lane, Salisbury. tel: 01722 444706; www.ewemove.com

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property

BETTER BY A COUNTRY MILE Elsie Chadwick explores a Teffont Magna home that offers a happy ever after whatever your story

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s there anything cosier than settling into a plump, plush sofa in front of a roaring fire in a charming country cottage nestled in the Wiltshire countryside? Farleigh Cottage in the village of Teffont Magna is our idea of a perfect fairytale setting – it’s magical, whimsical, and full of welcome and cheer. But unlike a period home, there’s no hidden potential nightmares like asbestos, lead paint, ageing electrics or dilapidated plumbing as this immaculate four-bed residence was built in just 1997, and has been occupied by the same owners since the beginning. Yet despite its youthful years, there’s charm, character and a gravitas to this pretty cottage. The individual, architecturally-designed accommodation has five reception rooms comprised two sitting rooms (one with a log burner), kitchen, family room, and two breath-taking oak framed extensions, which bring the garden into the house. The master bedroom has a dressing area and an en suite with bath and shower. There is a second en suite bedroom and

two further bedrooms served by a family bathroom. The superb south easterly rear garden and paddock offer wonderful, elevated views of the village and countryside beyond. The glorious garden has been beautifully designed and is predominantly tiered with planting, offering a huge array of colour and interest over all four seasons . There are two private outdoor seating areas accessed via the garden room, perfect for sitting out on late summer evenings and entertaining and alfresco dining. Beyond this is a fenced paddock of ancient grassland, which is carpeted with wild flowers in the spring. The grounds amount to just over half an acre, with a thatched barn providing additional space in the form of a garage carport and workshop. The garden is well protected by mature hedges and there is a separate paddock. And if you want history, it’s sat on your Nadder Valley doorstep. The area dates from 846 AD encompassing the Ice Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Saxons, Normans, Romans and up to the 19th century. At the time of the Norman

Conquest the village was divided into two being Teffont Magna and Teffont Evias. The chalk downs rise up between the valleys the Wylye and Nadder, and at the bottom of this the chalk stream runs through the village. There’s a 13th century church, a host of traditional village houses, and the award-winning independently owned and run 16th century country Howard’s House Hotel. There’s also the convenience of modern living with nearby Tisbury being the largest village in Wiltshire’s Nadder Valley. It boasts its own train station, supermarket, doctors, dentists, library, post office, indie shops and fullyequipped gym, and was voted in the top five villages to live in outside of London according to the Sunday Times in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. And of course there’s 20-minute drive proximity to Salisbury with an 85-minute train link to London Waterloo. The perfect home to downsize, upsize, start family life, consider retirement or simply relocate – just bring your own happy ever after. n

House numbers Bedrooms 4 Log burner 1 En suites 2 Guide price £925,000 Workshop 1 For more: Bassets Property Services. tel: 01747 859359; www.bassets.co.uk

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Lives

“I was either involved with, witnessed, or perpetrated a lot of the wickedness” I was a Chief of Staff when The Guardian dubbed me the ‘baby-faced killer of Westminster.’ It was a job where

you had to find the bodies, or be the body. Otherwise you’d be put up against the wall and shot. I’m the world’s worst employee. I find it difficult to

accept being told what to do, and I’m quite stubborn.

Lord Michael Dobbs The House of Cards author fell out with Margaret Thatcher, has discussed his book with the president of China and written poetry about a cornflake Lord Dobbs of Wylye, who lives in Wylye, Wiltshire, is the author of House of Cards, which he wrote nearly 30 years ago. Based around the devious Tory whip Francis Urquhart, the novel became a successful BBC television series starring Ian Richardson. In 2013 it was adapted again into a multi Emmy award-winning American political thriller set in Washington with Kevin Spacey playing congressman Frank Underwood. The show is now its final series with Robin Wright as the new lead following the Spacey allegations. Michael, who was previously deputy chairman of the Conservative party and now sits in the House of Lords, has also written the Harry Jones thrillers, and novels based on the life of Winston Churchill.

The first thing I wrote that I

remember being very proud of, was a poem about a cornflake published in my school newspaper. I worked on the Boston Globe

I’ve worked with Margaret Thatcher, John Major and David Cameron, all of them are

entirely different, and all of them ended up being kicked out. I had a falling out with Maggie Thatcher in 1987. I was her

Chief of Staff at the time, and this time I was the body. It was a painful parting, but it ended up being the making of me.

I didn’t know I wanted to write fiction. I was on holiday in

Gozo, Malta in 1987 and as I had nothing better to do, I thought I’d see if I could write a book.

I was either involved with, witnessed, or perpetrated a lot of the wickedness of the

as a features writer but I went into journalism as a means to an end. It was a way to get me through grad school, and while I enjoyed it, really the job was about my love for current affairs.

type you see in House of Cards during my time in Westminster. This provided a lot of inspiration.

I did think I would stay in the United States after I studied there

politics or as a writer. That’s part of the terror of what I do.

for my MA and PhD. Even when I returned to England in the 1970s, I thought about when I would go ‘back home’ to the States.

I was with Margaret Thatcher in the Finchley constituency the night she was elected. I was the

first person to be able to say to her, ‘Congratulations, you’ve won. You are now the prime minister.’ It was a special moment.

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I’ve never started a day knowing how it is going to end – whether that was a day in

Francis Urquhart’s name came about because of his initials first, F.U. He is an amalgamation

of many people and is not based on just one person.

The process of giving your work over for TV adaptation is like selling a house, you don’t

own it any more and you have to let go. However I was very

fortunate about being invited back in to help redecorate and restructure it – it is like being like an honoured guest. I’ve worked with Maggie Thatcher so I don’t get star struck. I attend some of the glitzy

LA awards but these people are just human beings who play a game in front of the cameras. Jayne Atkinson and her husband Michael Gill who both star in House of Cards have become very good friends.

Since last year, a lot of series six has been rewritten and there

were shots that had to be scrapped. However the finale is a satisfying and triumphant end to the series. House of Cards’ success has been phenomenal – I never fail

to be staggered by its worldwide appeal. I have even discussed the show with the Chinese president, Xi Jinping.

I appear in the new series, Hitchcock-style, in a cameo role as a conspirator. I was going

to have lines but I’d have to have been a member of the Screen Actor’s Guild and if I’d spoken, everybody else would’ve had to come out on strike. You can see me in episode five of the eight.

We’ve been in and around Salisbury now for 20 years. All

the boys have gone to Chaffyn Grove school in Salisbury.

There’s so much in this country I’ve yet to discover. Me and the

wife have decided in future, we are going to linger and learn whenever we visit somewhere. n

Arundells is hosting an evening with Michael at Guildhall, Salisbury on 23 November entitled Life, Liquor and Lust: How House of Cards Wrote Itself. Tickets cost £22 and for more info visit www.arundells.org