The Visitor Magazine Issue 360 November 2013

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Your local independent monthly journal  01963 351256 · www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Issue 360 November 2013

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In Passing ...

T

hE AnnuAL autumn influx of unsolicited mail is in full spate.

Most of it is catalogues tempting me to buy Christmas gifts, winter clothing, hampers of festive fare, expensive toys for children and gadgets for grownups, and all manner of furnishings and fittings without which, I’m told, I cannot consider my house to be a home. The rest is heart-tugging appeals from charities hoping to cash in on the season of goodwill and enticing me with tiny flat ballpoint pens containing just enough ink to write a cheque. The market in mailing lists must be phenomenal, because the volume of this sort of post seems to increase by the year.

Sometimes – but not often – I open and read it! So must a lot of other people, otherwise companies and charities wouldn’t continue bombarding us with mailshots. They must receive an acceptable, which in their terms means profitable, number of responses from an exercise that doesn’t come cheap. Take a look at the list of people making their money before the mail reaches you – the designers, copywriters and printers; the paper merchants and envelope suppliers; the companies that compile and flog the mailing lists; and the postal staff who sort and deliver it. So I have no objections in principle to junk mail – it provides employment for a lot of people, including those who work in the paper recycling industry. And in these days of the internet, e.mail and text messaging, junk mail helps to keep the postal service afloat in rural areas.

The worry is that money spent by mail order is money not finding its way into the local economy. Our local shops deserve our support, and they provide a lot of employment too. Choice and value for money are not hard to find in Visitorland, and as Christmas approaches many of our local traders are giving a lot of thought to the range of goods they offer – lovely local produce to eat and drink; decorative art and craft work, much of it created by

skilled local craftspeople; truly useful gadgets, tools and utensils to use around the home; attractive furniture and furnishings; high-quality clothing to wear; a surprisingly large selection of books to suit all tastes; ‘smellies’ galore to keep both sexes fragrantly happy. Gifts worth giving and receiving.

And already the next unsolicited influx has just started – catalogues promoting next year’s holidays, mainly coach trips and river cruises in mainland Europe seemingly designed for ageing couples who just want to see the sights. Perhaps it has dawned on the travel companies that younger couples and families are more likely to use the internet to look for the best deals. Yet there is no shortage of travel agents on Visitorland’s high streets, offering personal advice and assistance to find the right holiday for each customer, at the right price. Support them!

NN.

Advertising Deadlines December edition published Thursday 28th November Deadline Monday 18th November Wells Frome • Shepton Mallet Glastonbury Bruton Street Castle Mere Cary Somerton Wincanton Gillingham langport ilchester Shaftesbury Martock Marnhull Sherborne Stalbridge • ilminster Stur. Newton Yeovil Crewkerne

Note to Advertisers Advertisements are accepted subject to our standard terms and conditions as printed on our rate card, available upon request. We cannot guarantee any specific page or position, but will always do our best to comply with clients’ wishes.

ArtWorK Artwork & design by our production department and photographs taken by our photographers are the copyright of The Visitor Ltd. Clients or agencies supplying artwork or images should send uncompressed TIFs, JPEGs or PDFs, 300 dpi minimum if actual size, or at a higher resolution if smaller than size required, along with a hard copy print-out.

For advertisement sizes see our Rate Card.

The views expressed in articles & letters contributed to this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher.

Ltd.

PO Box 1, Castle Cary Somerset BA7 7BG Tel: (01963) 351256, 351998 Fax: (01963) 350552 Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk Website: www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk facebook.com/thevisitormagazine twitter.com/thevisitormag Proprietor, Accounts & Subscriptions Helen Dunion Production Manager Jeff Farrow Advertisement Manager & Features Editor Michelle Trulock Printed by The Blackmore Press © The Visitor Ltd. 2013

(Items marked ©gt are the copyright of geoff thompson)

CONTENTS Our FRONT COVER is almost entirely due to three decades ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLASSIFIED - 64 ANTIQUES & COLLECTING - 24 ARTS - 10 BUSINESS - 10 CASTLE CARY - 11 CAT HEAD INN, Chiselborough - 37 CHRISTMAS GIFTS - 29 CROSSWORD - 66 CYCLE BABBLE - 26 FESTIVE VENUES & MENUS - 41 GARDENING - 59 GLASTONBURY - 28 HOUSE & HOME - 51 LEISURE & TRAVEL - 24 LETTERS - 7 LOOKING GOOD & FEELING FINE - 17 MARTOCK - 33 MENTIONED in DISPATCHES - 9 MERE - 22 MOTORING - 6 MUSIC for the MONTH - 25 NOTICE BOARD - 22 PAPERCHASE - 63 PHONE-A-FIRM - 64 PUBS - 36 SHEPTON MALLET - 48 SOUTH PETHERTON - 50 STREET - 26 THEY SAY - 40 WE HEAR - 9 WINE & DINE - 32 Drawings by GEOFF THOMPSON

ThE VISITOR november 2013 3

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MOTOr VINTAGE Motor Cycling I START ThIS MOnTh with the picture. An event in the Isle of Wight which covers four riding days is called ‘The Scurry’ and nothing has been more inappropriately named. Four days of relaxed riding around this delightful island visiting places of interest at a calm and tranquil pace. Never does one scurry about. Anyway, part of the occasion was to celebrate the 100th birthday of a 1913 Alldays and Onion motorcycle. Bought new in 1913 the bike has remained in the ownership of one family from new and today is ridden by the great grandson of the purchaser. The bike remains in fairly original and unrestored condition but delightfully still roadworthy. Obviously by arrangement there on the same event were another two Alldays and Onion motorcycles (1911 and 1912 versions) and an Alldays and Onion car from 1907. Any vehicles from this manufacturer are now rare but to see four lined up in one place was quite something. The machine bearing the ribbon is the one celebrating its birthday, and we were all daft enough to stand around and sing happy Birthday to it. But a good time was had by all and anyone fancying a short break in the Isle of Wight might bear this event in mind.

Events during november are less frequent but there is still

plenty going on. The Somerset Section have their Guy Fawkes Run on the 3rd from the Banwell Garden Centre and this is followed on the 7th by club night at Cossington. Dorset has a guest speaker at their club night on the 13th and on the 17th they have a Winter Run from Orchard Park Garden Centre in Gillingham.

Dorset also has its lunch time meet at West Stour on the 6th and the Breakfast Meet at the same venue on the 30th. The Wessex Veteran and Vintage Section have no more riding events until the spring but they do have a guest speaker for their club night on the 11th. As usual ring 01935-872528 for further details of any of these happenings.

Anyone interested in old vehicles, either by way of ownership or interest, is of course playing the nostalgia game.

During the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s the once strong British motorcycle

gliderol garage doors All garage doors are different, so as a roller door specialist, (I don’t replace windows, etc.) I can survey, quote and install to your requirements and make the most of your garage opening, as generally no frame is necessary. With the option of automated operation with remote control, a top quality garage door need only be a phone call away.

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industry was crushed by the invasion of Japanese made machines. These were more sophisticated and refined than our products and offered a different kind of motorcycling to the modern person on two wheels.

The big four Japanese have dominated ever since, only challenged by the relatively small Italian Ducati machines and those of harley Davidson in America, plus a few minor players. Around 1990 the once great Triumph empire was bought by John Bloor, a property developer, who has turned Triumph’s fortunes around and made it once more a world leading brand whose machines are equal to any other. More recently norton has come under new ownership and from small beginnings the brand is once more on the up, producing modern machines with the promise of more futuristic models to come.

This trend has continued in recent weeks with the possible revival of other once well-known marques. Indian in America are once again making motorcycles with the promise of better things to come. now Brough Superior, Matchless and others are trying to follow suit. It takes many millions of pounds to develop and produce new models in new

factories with all new machine tooling and all the other facilities needed to do so. I wish all these new enterprises the very best of luck and look forward to the day when prospective purchasers will have a choice of British products to choose from and once again the home grown industries can hold their heads up in world markets and be equal or even better.

We’ve enjoyed the best summer for years in terms of sunshine and good weather for our riding events. Much planning is now going on to organise dates for next years events. Also at this time of year many clubs are having their Annual General Meetings during the coming months. Virtually all AGM’s struggle to find enough willing people to fill the roles needed to keep clubs functioning. Everyone wants the enjoyment of taking part, but most clubs rely on a few people organising the events.

Give it some thought to see what you could do to help. Remember the adage that the more effort and involvement you put in is equal to the increased enjoyment you get from this participation.

Work in the hann garage is still progressing slowly. The Rover now has a complete and working gearbox and clutch fitted and new chains installed. The exhaust system has been refurbished and ready for fitment after a bit more painting. After that I shall be down to all the small bolt on bits and pieces such as levers, footboards, gear linkages and the carburettor to sort out. My small shed and open air working space has in the last few days been rather cold and all tools are wet and clammy due to condensation. not ideal conditions. With a long winter ahead things will not be improving, nevertheless restoration must continue, and maintenance on my working bikes must not be neglected.

Rod Hann.

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Letters to the Editor From A Loyal reader

Sir, Congratulations to everybody on achieving your next issue 360 (30 years)!

As you know I’ve been a reader and subscriber most of that time, and I like to think we’ve become friends.

I first met Patrick (Dunion) in the Old Inn at holton, some time round about 1985 when I was investigating my family tree and Pat gave me quite a bit of guidance and suggested contacts.

So began my fairly regular ‘Letters to the Editor’ and ‘They Say/We hear’. ‘Some Say’ they are a bit fed up with them, but who cares? I just enjoy my own copy of your mag every month and hope I will continue to do so.

Sadly, I’m getting a bit too old to get over your way, to see friends and relatives, but they’re mostly ‘dear departed’ now anyway.

Keep up your good work, but don’t work too hard, and do look forward to eventual retirement it’s not bad! But you’ve earned it already, after 30 years! norman Leeks Cambridge

Dualling of A303

Sir, I propose what seems to me to be an obvious interim solution pending major road changes around the henge, i.e. build a masking fence suitably placed to convince the henge visitors that the landscape is continuous, and at the same time masking the stones from passing traffic, who, with nothing to see, would not slow down and cause the tailbacks that have become ridiculous.

This should give at least another 4 or 5 years to the decision makers.

I think this solution could be described as a ‘ha ha’. how appropriate!

M. Whistler Orchard Park West Camel

Wildlife - No joke

Sir, We regularly find The Visitor both interesting and informative.

As longtime supporters of the Somerset Wildlife Trust, this week we were very alarmed to see the content of the cartoon by Geoff Thompson on page 56 (issue

359), making a joke out of the Badger cull in such a graphically unpleasant way. not nice!

Especially if noted by children and requiring an explanation.

Supporter of the Badger cull or not, we feel that this should not be expressed or published in the form of a visual joke.

We now regard The Visitor in a different light. normally keen readers.

John and Ruth Rawlings Email

Shocking

Sir, Can you justify the disgusting images you show on the bottom left of page 56 in the Visitor magazine ???? What part of it do you find funny ???????? I think who ever passed the printing of this should be sacked. Every animal lover who sees this I think will be equally shocked. What were you thinking of ???

Mr G house Email

In Passing - October

Sir, I read with great interest your editorial of the October 'Visitor' regarding the trail-way on the old Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway. I am also a longtime volunteer at the Gartell Light Railway which runs on a part of the S&DJR. There is a

train (sic) of thinking that says the entire S&DJR should be rebuilt. Indeed; there is an organisation (the 'new S&D') that have this as a stated aim.

Looking at other parts of the S&DJR, the Shillingstone project is worthy of mention as you say, and at Midsomer norton the Somerset and Dorset Railway heritage Trust has seen growth of late - some of which is now double-tracked. Several parts of the railway are now trail-way as you also mention, which will at least preserve the track-bed intact - possibly until the rails return, dare I say? It is worth noting that the partial rebuilding of the Waverley route which ran from Edinburgh to Carlisle is well advanced, and has resulted in the compulsory purchase of property and the demolition at least of 70 houses that were built on the track-bed. It only takes the desire and will to make big changes, or perhaps a Government that decides it has to be done!

Meanwhile yet more 'hidden facts' have recently been revealed about hS2; the money for which, in my opinion, would be much better spent on projects like reopening the S&DJR, the Great Central, the Waverley Route, the route to Plymouth via Okehampton etc - and still get

speCialisT serViCes

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● Leather and Suede – cleaning & repairs also replacement zips ● Wax Garments – cleaning & rewaxing ● Wedding Dresses – cleaning & finishing also boxes available for long term storage ● Repairs & Alterations to most garments ● Large Agency Network – contact us to find your nearest agent

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tel: 01935 421238 ThE VISITOR november 2013 7

Letters to the Editor change out of the untold £Billions that is the latest guesstimate for hS2!

John Penny Dorset Email

We Made It!

Sir, Well, we made it to Castle Cary Carnival, though we had a puncture on the generator as George Davis was pulling it out of the shed, using the magnificent Fendt tractor, which

is kindly loaned by Contractor Martin haskitt of Wincanton.

This brute of a machine (I mean the tractor not George!) takes the Genny to all the Carnivals. hugh Davey drove the cart to Cary; thank goodness for his expert skills as he guided the driver of the night Martin Kerswell around the circuit especially at the Wagon & horses hill and the Fish and chip shop corner.

Before we went to the ‘line up’

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they did a detour to Cary Crown Pet Foods who allowed us to use their Weighbridge, we appreciate their support to the club and not forgetting the gentlemen that were on duty, who helped us.

So many thanks to our three drivers and to all the ground crew - sorry too many to name, but you know who you are.

Thankfully the local Somerton ‘chippie’ is just down the road from our cart site, so the lads (especially Toby Edwards and Damon Stone) never go hungry – Jenny, that’s why they didn’t fit into their costumes!

Music - a complete new system and speaker cabinets made by Lee Barber and Toby Edwards, well done lads.

It has been an uphill struggle with lack of ‘Man’ power and funding and the numerous reams of paperwork to comply with health & Safety Regulations - it certainly has not been easy. But with the never ending guidance and encouragement from Chairman Gerald (Giggy) Burch (he’s been involved in carnival since the 70’s and joined the Britannia in 1984). The ‘vision’ of cart designer David Graffham, and the instructions from Tina Smith on how to use a roller brush so you get a smoother finish with no paint runs/drips.

So many people have been involved in various roles, but special thanks must go to the Burch siblings - Ross for his carpentry, Shelley for her paintwork and wiring and Paul now what was it you did, other than talk - Ah yes, you learnt how to saw wood, test light bulbs and use that mobile screwdriver thing (aka drill). not forgetting the expertise of electrician Steve Musgrave and lastly, but not

Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm, Saturday 9am – 12.30pm, or by appointment

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least our wonderful performers / dancers.

We would like and need more builders, electrician’s, carpenters, painters, dancers, fundraisers, tractor drivers, ground crew, sponsors and so on and so forth.

If you did enjoy watching the carnival, take the next step and try it for yourself, give us a call, or pop down to the site. But anyway, we will see you all next year.

PS - Britannia Carnival club was formed over 35 years ago, one evening over a pint or two at the Britannia Inn (now the horsepond). The first carts were made in the pub’s car park but as they grew larger we moved to Dimmer Dump in 1986 on George Watsons land and in 2005 to our present site Somerton Scrap yard, under cover, away from the wind and rain. The site has been improved over the years, even mains electric, but still no loo!!

Christine Stone Britannia Carnival Club Castle Cary

red Cross Fundraising

Sir, Langport & District Red Cross Fundraising theatre trips are pleased to report good bookings for all our planned trips. Two new trips just announced are to Blood Brothers (in my top three favourite musicals) on Thursday 17 April at £37 and to Robin Cousins’ Ice Show on Wednesday 30 April at £35.

Shrek the Musical in August (Thursday 21st evening & Thursday 28th matinee) is booking up fast, with both coaches already half full.

Payment is not due until April, but early reservation is advised.

There is no cancellation charge until the tickets are bought.

December sees the last chance to book for the Pantomime Cinderella (Sun 5 Jan Matinee), Barry humphries aka Dame Edna (19 Feb); Dance till Dawn with Vincent Simone & Flavia Carace (27 Feb); and Dirty Dancing (17 Mar).

Full details and booking at www.theatretrips.webeden.co.uk or by telephoning 01458 273085.

Chris Cox 2 Camden Road Somerton TA11 6Rn

the visitor can now be read online:

www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Mentioned

We hear

in

That a band of pirates were seen in norton Sub hamdon lost and looking for treasure - off standing - off steding.

Dispatches

That two gentlemen, one from north Cadbury and the other from Chiselborough, enjoyed the ‘out-takes’ from last month’s cover and will be pleased to offer their services again.

Make sure you register to vote!

Voter registration forms have been dropping through letterboxes across Mendip and South Somerset and residents are being urged to confirm their details to ensure they can voice their opinion in future elections.

If the details on the form are correct confirm your registration on-line or by phone by following the instructions on the form.

If any of the information has changed, all you have to do is update the form with the details of everyone in your household who is eligible to vote and return it as soon as possible.

On your electoral registration form you can opt to have your details excluded from the edited register. This will mean your details cannot be bought by individuals and commercial organisations.

Forms should be completed and returned as soon as possible and the register will be published on 17th February 2014. If you don’t receive your form you can contact Electoral Services on 01749 341590 (for Mendip) or 01935 462462 (for South Somerset) or visit www.aboutmyvote.co.uk

Allum & Sidaway Director, Abigail Stradling recognised by a leading jewellery publication in their HOT 100 for 2013

The Professional Jeweller, in association with The Company of Master Jewellers, honoured stars of the uK jewellery industry in a spectacular event in London recently.

Abi works full time as Manager and Director in the Allum & Sidaway Salisbury store but she has created a brand in her own right and been recognised for her imagination and originality in bringing a new dimension into glass jewellery.

The magazine said of the hot 100 ‘they are innovators in their field; the ones who don’t just go an extra step but a further 10’ but of Abi they added her ‘creativity is unlimited ... and has been feted by many retailers.’

Abi says of her award ‘It is without doubt a career highlight.

To be selected amongst other designers and retail giants feels incredible. I am so grateful to my

Mendip CAB has appointed a new Chief Officer. Stuart Chadbourne has taken over the position following the retirement of Sonia Pike.

Stuart brings over 20 years of senior management experience in the voluntary sector in both England and Wales . Aside from CAB, he has worked in the disability field with organisations such as Arthritis Care and the Alzheimer’s Society and also worked with ex-offenders and people with mental ill-health. Stuart is pictured with Malcolm Williams, Chair of Mendip CAB’s Board of Trustees.

retailers for their support and especially to Allum & Sidaway for their encouragement.’

For Allum & Sidaway this is another incredible year on the back of two uK Jewellery Awards. MD Jason Allum said ‘Abi has undoubtedly got exceptional talent and flair and we are immensely proud and fortunate to have her in the company.’

C-C-Cary Carnival

The rain held off for Castle Cary’s Illuminated Carnival on Saturday evening 12th October, and the first appearance this season of both of the town’s carnival clubs, Cary Comedians and Britannia CC. It also saw a new Cary carnival prize for entrants: the Nigel Strickland Cup, awarded for the Best Juvenile Lighting, On A Float Or Group Of Masqueraders.

The Cup was donated by the Britannia CC in memory of nigel Strickland, an active carnivalite and Britannia CC member for over 30 years.

But this year’s Cary carnival took more effort than ever: the carnival organisers had to meet police recommendations for more road closures, barriers and marshalling. Cary’s Carnival Society President Gordon Stockman said, ‘It took a lot more coordination and people to make this year’s carnival work. So I am very grateful to all the marshals - the returning and especially new folk - who volunteered to help us on Saturday.’

Spectator numbers were down this year but Committee Member Paul hansford said: ‘It’s good to know that everyone who came to our carnival gave as generously as ever. We have over £2000

towards maintaining next year’s carnivals, and to support local deserving causes.’

The carnival itself was a great night, with better-than-ever floats and masqueraders. As well as the town’s local clubs, the procession featured floats from across the south west, including Magnum CC, (Blandford Forum), hot Rock CC (Gillingham) and Allsorts CC (Sturminster newton).

Championship awards went to Cary Comedians CC for their Pirates of Curried Beans (Best Local Float), hot Rock for Who You Gonna Call? (Best Visiting Float) and the title of best entry overall went to Enspired CC for their animated Festival Of The Dragon entry. See www.castle cary-carnival.org.uk for more information.

Healthwatch Dorset

healthwatch Dorset is the new consumer champion for health & Social Care Services in Dorset, one of a network of 152 healthwatch’s throughout England.

Since April 2013 healthwatch Dorset has been gathering feedback on people’s experiences of the health & Social Care Services throughout Dorset and recruiting volunteer Champions – who help to promote healthwatch Dorset and encourage people to contact them with their experiences. If you would like more information about healthwatch Dorset or to register as a volunteer, please contact the Volunteer Officer – Chris Wakefield on 0300 111 0102 or email: enquiries@healthwatch dorset.co.uk or write to him (free) at: healthwatch Dorset, Freepost Bh1902, 896 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth Bh7 6BR.

That the government is dualling the remaining single carriageway parts of the A303, mainly for their well-connected, well-heeled friends, that live in the south east, so that they can get to their Cornwall holiday homes without having to suffer anymore summer traffic jams, allegedly.

That no. 1 son Chas Leeks got a buzz motorcycling - a wasp inside his crash-helmet!

That the latest Scandinavian flatpack is your very own Viking Longship.

That John ‘Mick’ hamblin of Yeovil was recently a man of many tongues.

That the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen have just celebrated their 80th anniversary.

That Lady Amelie Drewdun, née helen Stockman - formerly of Castle Cary, has emulated her brother Robert by successfully achieving a Doctorate in Particle Physics at Cardiff university.

That when it comes to gardening, Ron and Audrey hunt of Ansford now have to space it.

That Wincanton FC have reached the big time with a recent game against Yeovil Football Club rumour has it that the promise of a curry clinched the fixture.

That birthday boy Simon Beard of Godden and Curtis, Sherborne is now under extended warranty!!

That socialite Sally Meecham of Yeovil and Crewkerne is thinking of inventing - high heeled slippers!

That when it comes to garage doors it was an open and shut case for June Perry of Chiselborough she was automatically locked out by husband Tony - good job he only shops locally.

That unfortunately, Ian (Barnes) Best of Kingsbury Episcopi spent the first three days of his holiday to Tenerife confined to his hotel room with his feet in a bucket of water. his colleagues at The Sunday Club all felt sympathy for him (Yeah right!)

That real ale, scrumpy and a homemade pie can now be had at the newly opened pub Windy Miller’s, at haselbury Mill open Fridays only.

ThE VISITOR november 2013 9

ARTS Kimber’s Men

Performing at The David hall South Petherton on Friday 8th november, 8pm, are a group of singers specialising in maritime material. Kimber’s Men - Joe Stead (Ship's Doctor), Dave Buckley (Ship's Captain), neil Kimber (Ship's Bosun), Gareth Scott (Powder Monkey) and John Bromley (Ship's Cook) sing with absolute gusto and some beautiful harmonies.

It would be unfair to call them simply a 'shanty group', although shanties are the bulk of their repertoire because they range through nautical ballads and broadsides to modern songs such as Bob Watson's Mollymauk and Gordon Lightfoot's Ballad of Big Blue. Telephone 01460 240340 for tickets at £14 (£13 Concessions).

County’s Creative Community Continues Celebrating

With the outstanding success of the recent Somerset Arts Weeks (SAW) being felt across the region, Somerset’s creative community shines on with the 80th birthday of the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen (SGC).

Established in 1933, the SGC is the oldest craft guild in the country.

The guild is a professional organisation that promotes excellence in design and craftsmanship. Only the very best of skilled and dedicated makers are accepted through their stringent selection process and to become an exhibiting member is a sign of quality and prestige.

A local Diary

New Winners Podium for Wincanton racecourse Boasting a County wide membership of over 160 members, the SGC’s stunning Courthouse Gallery in Somerton showcases a diverse range of members’ work to admire and purchase. Offering a mixture of traditional and contemporary techniques and skills with a variety of materials such as, pottery, ceramics, glass, metalwork, leather, wood and textiles, each piece provides the knowledge that it has been beautifully and individually crafted by a local maker. John Candler, the guild’s master said ‘We are so proud of all our craftsmen and women and the high standard of skills and creativity displayed in their work.

To mark this historical occasion the guild has recently undergone the creative process of a rebrand. From the Somerset Dragon motif, the new logo has been developed to now reflect the quality, refinement and history of the SGC by using the concept of silver and gold hallmarks.

Somerset’s creative sector is the largest and fastest growing industry and the SGC is one of our areas little gems, contributing to the £400 million generated every year by this sector and the thousands of visitors that come. The Gallery is open 10am – 5pm, Monday – Saturday, admission free. For further information please contact: The Somerset Guild of Craftsmen, The Courthouse Gallery, Market Place, Somerton TA11 7LX, Tel: 01458 274653, www.somersetguild.co.uk

Just a sample of the crafts on display at the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen in Somerton.

The Visitor can now be read online … www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk 10 ThE VISITOR november 2013

Business

Wincanton Racecourse were recently presented with a new Winner’s Podium by Sparkford Sawmills of Sparkford. Pictured in the new Podium is local trainer Paul Nicholls. Sparkford Sawmills make a wide range of bespoke timber buildings including stabling, garden rooms and pool houses. For more information telephone 01963 440414.

robert Stone & Co, chartered accountants and tax advisers in Ilminster answers questions from small businesses in Somerset Q1. There is an offer in my area to lease an electric car for two years, to help test the electric charging infrastructure installed by the council. Can my company take advantage of the tax breaks if I lease the car? robert Stone replies:

no. If the lease for the car is in your personal name your company cannot claim the 100% capital allowances which are available for electric and lowemissions vehicles. If the car will be used for your business we can help you crunch the numbers to see if it would be worthwhile for your company to purchase or lease the car and claim the allowances. however, from 6 April 2015 there will be a tax charge for your personal use of the electric car.

Q2. My daughter is now studying at University, but she worked full-time after leaving school in June and had tax deducted from all of her wages. Can she claim that tax back now, or does she have to wait until the end of the tax year? robert Stone replies:

She can claim the tax back now, and doesn't have to wait until

the end of the tax year on 5 April 2014 to receive her tax refund. She needs to complete form P50 and send to hMRC. however, if she expects to work again in the Christmas holidays, she may want to wait until she has completed that stint of work to reclaim all of the tax deducted in one go.

Q3. I'm going to represent my company on an official UK trade mission to Australia, organised by my trade body. It will involve meetings with Australian potential clients over four days in two cities. My wife will accompany me on the trip, but she will not take part in the meetings. We will stay on in Australia to enjoy a short holiday. How should I split the costs between business and personal? robert Stone replies:

Your wife's share of the costs, such as air-fares and hotel bills, are not a business expense, so you need to personally reimburse your company for those costs. Any expenses relating to the holiday part of the trip (e.g. hotel and car hire expenses) should also be borne by you personally, not by your company.

If you have an urgent query, do not hesitate to contact Robert Stone on 01460 55661 or email y o u r q u e s t i o n s t o : info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk

CASTLE CARY DESPITE threatening clouds towards the end of a sunny afternoon, the rain held off for Castle Cary’s carnival on the evening of 12th October. With more and better entries than ever, the illuminated procession was an awesome sight as it wound its way through the town, despite being delayed by a car

causing an obstruction at the bottom of Fore Street. The police had started to clear the roads of parked cars during the afternoon, but clearly some selfish driver assumed that the ‘no parking’ cones didn’t apply to them. Sadly the procession attracted a smaller crowd and raised less cash than usual, probably due to the closure

Castle Cary’s pepper-pot lock-up attracts the interest of mother and young son.

Castle Cary’s war memorial dominates Fore Street as the police begin to clear the roads for the evening’s carnival procession.

DAVE MARSH HARDWARE LTD The really useful shop!

Full Range of Garden, D.I.Y. and Plumbing Requisites

★ Key Cutting ★ Dulux Paint Mixing Services ★ Fireworks ★ Christmas gift ideas Suppliers and Fireside accessories

The Place Market Place, Castle Cary Tel: 01963 351985 Chocolatier • Coffee ShoP • Patisserie

Fore Street, Castle Cary •  01963 350316 Also Incorporating

KiTCheN eSSeNTiALS

Everything for the Cook and Kitchen ... ★ Stellar ★ Brabantia ★ Judge

 01963 359494

Open: 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday

Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea

centre garage, castle carY • 01963 350243

SpEcialiStS in ...  tyres

 Batteries

 Wheels

 exhausts

We hear ...

That The Visitor is celebrating!

 laser Wheel alignments  Computerised Wheel Balance  Petrol & Diesel available

oPening times Mon - Fri 8.30am - 5.30pm Sat 8.30am - 2.00pm

Emergency 24 hour call-out available Mobile 07966 221834

ThE VISITOR november 2013 11

CASTLE CARY

ie

hill l

and the Mendips, which must have had an impact on the carnival attendance. Certainly many of Cary’s shopkeepers have been adversely affected by a significant drop in the number of customers since July. Despite rumours of the closure being extended, network Rail is still assuring people that the bridge will reopen as planned on 15th november for light-controlled single file traffic for a fortnight until complete reopening at the

d ite im

cha rl

since early July of a short stretch of the A371 road while network Rail upgrades the bridge over the main line west of Castle Cary Station.

Communities north of the railway – Sutton, Alhampton, Ditcheat, Lamyatt – have faced horrendously long diversions to reach the town, as have visitors from Evercreech, Shepton Mallet

The Grey Door Gallery

quality butcher & Pie maker

Round House Farm Shop Bailey Hill, Castle Cary

01963 350260 Open Monday - Saturday We wish all our customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy new Year

orders Welcomed

appliances, flowers, footwear, gifts, home furnishings, ladieswear, pharmaceuticals, wines and goodness knows what else. And they’re all within easy walking distance, between the pond at The Triangle where Retail Therapy, the ladieswear shop formerly on high Street, has recently relocated, up to Pithers Yard on the high Street, and on Woodcock Street and Bailey hill.

Alongside the Market house is a steep path linking the Market Place and Bailey hill. It’s named The Pitching, which my dictionary defines as ‘foundation stone for a road surface’ and

... by InDIvIDual arTIsTs mainly West Country open: tuesday – saturday 10am – 5pm other times by appointment

Woodcock street Castle Cary • Ba7 7BJ 01963 351354

email: jill@thegreydoorgallery.co.uk www.thegreydoorgallery.co.uk

g i Ft VOUCheRS

Home-made speciality pies and sausages, Wiltshire cure hams, quality meat, poultry and game.

Ceramics Paintings & Jewellery

end of the month.

My visit on carnival day provided a good opportunity to browse round the shops. With Christmas fast approaching I thought it would be a good idea to seek out some gift ideas, and Castle Cary has certainly developed into a mecca for anyone seeking elegant, unusual, high quality gifts. The centre is packed with a remarkable variety of specialist traders – remarkable considering the combined population of Castle Cary and neighbouring Ansford is barely 3,500 – including dealers in art, antiques, books, clocks, electrical

Cary Acupuncture Practice The Market Place, Castle Cary, BA7 7AL 07531 952606 / 01963 359649

Annie Morley mbacc appointments available evenings and weekends www.caryacupuncturepractice.co.uk Looking up The Pitching, the steep path from the Market Place to Bailey Hill, is named after the pitching stones with which it is paved.

Martins of Castle Cary Offices at: Castle Cary, Shepton Mallet, Glastonbury and Cheddar

Market Place, Castle Cary Tel: 01963 350208 Delicatessen • Grocer • off Licence

Old Bank House, High Street, Castle Cary, Somerset Ba7 7aW tel: 01963 350888 • Fax: 01963 351107 email: robin@bgw-solicitors.co.uk • www.bgw.uk.com

Thank you to all our customers for their support during the bridge closure

qualitY Fencing Panels and timber CLANVILLE SAWMILLS LTD Clanville • Castle Cary (on the B3153) Monday to Thursday - 8am to 5pm Friday - 8am to 4pm

castle cary (01963) 350881 12 ThE VISITOR november 2013

Open: 8.15am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday

COCK & SON BUILDING CONTRACTORS Established Since1957

 Specialists in renovation and restoration of older properties  Extensions and alterations undertaken  Specialists in barn conversions  Purpose built joinery, doors, windows, etc.

All Work Guaranteed

Tel: nORTH CADBURY (01963) 440931 Yard Office adj. Orchard Leigh, Long Street Galhampton, Yeovil, Somerset

CASTLE CARY ‘cobblestone surface of a road’. In bygone days it was common for the stones on steep slopes to be laid in a special way so that they stayed firmly in place and were not too hazardous for people, animals and carts to travel over.

In this quaint corner of Castle Cary the pitching stones survive on the ground and in the name.

And on Bailey hill the town’s

pepper-pot lock-up survives to attract the interest of visitors.

Erected in 1779, the little grey stone building contains a single cell just seven feet in diameter and ten feet high and is roofed with a distinctive large stone dome and topped with a circular ball. Two iron grilles beneath the eaves provide ventilation. Two other attractions on Bailey hill

are Castle Cary’s creeper-clad Post Office, and Charlie hill’s home-made pies shop.

The Market house is still shrouded in builders’ hoardings but I’m told that renovation is nearing completion and the town council hopes it will be available for use at the ‘Castle Cary’s Big Christmas’ event on Thursday 12th December. honey-coloured local stone predominates in the buildings on high Street, and photos of this Grade II* listed building have graced many a Somerset picture book and tourism leaflet, for it is the stone that gives Cary its golden charm.

The Market house dates from 1855 and has always been a major local meeting place and focus for community events. nowadays it is home to the town council, tourist information point and a fascinating museum, but

Max Foote associates Ltd Chartered Certified Accountants and Registered Auditors Looking down The Pitching.

The

CloCK shop

the pitching, Market place Castle Cary, somerset BA7 7Al

01963 359100 www.castlecaryclockshop.co.uk Antique Clocks Bought ~ Sold ~ Restored

26 Lower Woodcock Street Castle Cary Ba7 7BH tel: 01963 351052 business and limited company accounts, self assessment tax returns, vat, Payroll, book-keeping and training Personal and professional service

the renovation will make the building suitable for a wide range of additional uses.

The shambles area at the back will have a glazed roof, underfloor heating, small kitchen area, wheelchair access and seating for up to 50 people, and the opensided undercroft and the cobbled area at the front will become an overspill area for functions,

gold & Silver Jewellery Wanted Best prices paid for wedding rings, pendants, chains, bracelets, and broken items, etc.

Phone Jenny Martin Castle Cary

01963 350733

HigH QuAliTy PiCTure FrAming & gAllery  Over 35 years experience  Dry mounting & laminating  Glass cut  Conservation framing  Watches & batteries  Tapestries stretched  Mirrors  Picture restoration Studio 13, The Triangle Castle Cary, BA7 7BD  01963 359050 studio13-online.co.uk

OPEnInG hOuRS Tuesday - Saturday 10.00am - 5.30pm Closed Wednesday

They Say ...

That it’s their 30th year in business

ThE VISITOR november 2013 13

CASTLE CARY market stalls and suchlike. The town council envisages that the shambles could be used for exhibitions, film shows, consultations on local issues, small scale arts events including drama, music and poetry,

meetings of local groups and the inevitable coffee mornings. It will also be available for private and commercial lets for social or business events.

The council plans to expand the general street market on Tuesday

mornings and is keen for local organisations or individuals to run occasional large one-off thematic markets in the town, usually at weekends and sometimes in conjunction with other large town events, provided that they enhance

rather than compete with what the town’s shops already offer. The intention is to start letting the new facilities in the new Year and to stage an official opening on Saturday 1st March. To make a provisional booking, pending

Fore Street, Castle Cary  Private sight tests  nhs sight tests   Full range of dry eye Products   daylight lamps  magnifiers  Fantastic array of Frames from budget to designer vogue – d & G – versace – maggie Rouff – Ray-Ban Givenchy – cK – lacoste excellent choice of quality sunspecs calvin Klein – maui Jim – Ray-Ban – Ocean Blue – dakota – dirty dog variety of superior brands of lightweight titanium Frames including Lindberg also ... retro Frames, Flexible Frames (flexon) Younger Fashion (pineapple) and ...

Frames with magnetic clip-ons (Convertibles) complete Prescription specs (frame & lenses) from £59

Tel: 01963 351948 email: cary@frithsopticians.co.uk

Until the 12th century the town’s castle stood on the hillside above what are now The Triangle and Fore Street.

Welcome to

The George hotel knight’s restaurant & bar

Castle Cary 01963 350761

cashback from bosch on selected home appliances

Piggyback on our success. to celebrate winning the Which? best home appliance brand award 3 years in a row, we’re giving away up to £100 cashback on selected models* *Offer of up to £100 applies to selected models only: 01.10.13. – 09.12.13. telephone / online claims only (with copy purchase receipts) to be received by 20.12.13.

Full t & Cs available on bosch-home.co.uk/cashback Cashback will be sent out as a cheque.

The George welcomes our New Head Chef Michael Wright MIChael has transformed the George’s Menu into a stunning modern appreciation of fine food whilst retaining some of the old classics. on our lunch Menu you will find dishes such as oxtail pie with creamed potatoes, and king prawn and raspberry salad, whilst in the evening our Dinner Menu has a touch of fine dining with a marinated lamb rump with a pea puree, braised baby gem and garlic milk foam, sea trout on rainbow chard with razor clams with a feve puree and samphire. and to finish cinnamon teacake ice cream on warm banana bread with a spiced syrup.

Book NoW for CHrisTMas 2013 1 course - £9.95 ★ 2 course - £14.00 3 course - £18.50 ★ Christmas Day £59.50 ★ Lunch, Dinner, Party Nights, Company Lunch or Dinners

★ new Year’s eve Dinner Disco - £25.00 ★

The Triangle, Castle Cary Tel: 01963 351110 14 ThE VISITOR november 2013

eMaIl or call for a copy of our ChrIsTMas Menus

castlecarygeorge@aol.com 01963 350761

CASTLE CARY completion of the renovation, telephone 01963 359631 or email: castlecary.town@btconnect.com.

After a difficult five months for the little town, the future is looking positive. As town council

chairman Terry Philpott puts it, the Market house project should ‘help Castle Cary develop its full potential as a vibrant and busy market town’.

Roger Richards.

castle cary Post office Cards, Stationery, Diaries, Calendars, Soft Toys Medici, Ling, Caspari, Woodmansterne, Gibson and many more Christmas Cards & Boxes H Lamy Pens H Euros & Dollars on Site: all other currency next day H Passport Checking H Top-Ups H Bill Payment - Car Tax - Post Office Homephone - etc.

bailey hill, castle cary. tel: (01963) 350237

Osteopath andrew Knight manor lodge

d.o.

Castle Cary ba7 7ba somerton ta11 6QH

trundle cottage

01963 351477 osteopath@btconnect.com

Red brick buildings on Woodcock Street contrast with the thatch and stone of the George Hotel on the Market Place.

RE-UPHOLSTERY

Wide range of materials For all your re-upholstery requirements contact

festive flowers!

We hand make wreaths & floral arrangements

to your personal requirements ...  ChRiSTMAS ARRANgEMENTS  LOCALLY gROWN SEASONAL POT PLANTS  ChRiSTMAS ACCESSORiES AND giFTS

Heather’s Flowers

francis house, fore street, CasTle Cary ba7 7bQ  01963 350525  heathers.flowers@live.com

DAViD J. DiMEnT UPHOLSTERERS CASTLE CARY (01963) 351194 Units 1 & 2 torbay Road industrial estate Castle Cary, Somerset Ba7 7DW

seWing machine service centre Repairs & Servicing To All Makes - Domestic & industrial Collection and Delivery Available

Embroidery Engineering Services Suppliers of Computerised embroidery Machines A family-run business

Servicing & Repairs to all makes Tyres - Exhausts - M.O.T.s number Plates supplied and fitted unit 3, torbay trading estate castle cary, somerset ba7 7dt tel: 01963 351540

ALL MAJOR CREDiT CARDS ACCEPTED

Soft Furnishings Curtains and Cushions and Clothes Alterations

Telephone: 01963 350068 • Mobile: 07947 725315 Email: robert_churches@hotmail.com UniT 8, TorbAy inDUsTriAl EsTATE CAsTlE CAry bA7 7DW

Don’t Forget ...

To enter the competitions on pages 16 and 58

Ann Hoskins 01963 350011

annie62621@hotmail.co.uk A friendly bespoke service

ThE VISITOR november 2013 15

CASTLE CARY Business Update PART OF Castle Cary’s charm is the wide choice of independent shops and businesses within the town and the Wine Wizzard is

proud to be one of them.

Proprietor Peter Law is celebrating 50 years in the Wine Trade having started his career as a young lad in London with City wine merchant Feuerheerd Wearne. After an interesting and varied career, which included a move to France, he eventually settled here in Somerset opening in Castle Cary 15 years ago.

K. WATSON Contractors

Haulage – Tar Surfacing – Concreting Sand & Stone Supplies also Digger & Lorry Hire 9 Millbrook Gardens, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7EF

Telephone: 01963 350691 Mobile (Wally): 07989 580872

autumn tile sale

Clearance of surplus stock

Floor & wall tiles, large or small quantities great savings to be made at ...

carY tiles

Unit 6, torbay industrial estate torbay Road, Castle Cary tel: 01963 359388

lucy Jones MA (oxon) Msc dBth MUrhp is a Registered Medical herbalist and opened her Myrobalan Clinic in Fore Street on Saturday 28th September offering health promoting teas and food supplements. Lucy specialises in using locally wild crafted and home-grown herbs in her prescriptions, harvested at exactly the right time to ensure that each small batch is treated carefully to preserve maximum levels of active ingredients.

Consultations by appointment.

Chiropodist/Podiatrist Mary Knight has been established for fifteen years and is celebrating 10 years at her Ashcot Chiropody in Woodcock Street. Mary is

Myrobalan Clinic ancient wisdom for modern lives

Lucy Jones MA MSc DBTh MURHP

Registered Medical Herbalist Consultations by appointment Drop in advice sessions (Fri & Sat) Wild harvested / home grown herbal products for sale.

Let me help you live life to the full!

Tel: 01963 359108 www.myrobalanclinic.com

pleased to welcome clients both old and new to her premises and also makes regular visits to clients in the community.

The latest business to open is the proper pet Co. in Station Road. It was officially opened on Saturday 19th October by Maureen higgins, former owner of Castle Cary’s Pet Shop in Fore Street. You will find all manner of products for your pet at The Proper Pet Co. and if it’s not in stock they will order it for you.

Open daily from 9.30am - 5pm Monday to Friday and Saturday until 1pm. Follow them on Facebook.

From the very latest business to open to the well-established for over 100 years! delaware veterinary Group is a large mixed veterinary practice dedicated to excellence in animal care. They have an enthusiastic and friendly Companion Animal team with appointments available throughout the day. home visits can be arranged if required and a 24-hour emergency service is provided by their own staff. Over 1,000 clients now enjoy the benefits of their Healthy Pet Scheme for dogs, cats and rabbits which provides annual vaccination, worming and

Open: Monday 9am - 2pm, Tuesday & Wednesday 9am - 5pm, Thursday 10am - 2pm Saturday 9am - 1pm (Closed Friday & Sunday) • Part of GWM Tiling

R. Smith & Sons AGRICULTURAL CONTRACTORS For all Agricultural Work including: grass, Maize & Whole Crop Silaging Hedge trimming • Ploughing • Ditching Mini Excavators for: landscaping, Fencing, Drainage Work etc.

Oxford Mill of

Castle Cary clothing & gifts for Women and men

PereGrIne – MaDe In enGlanD

Tel: 01963 351203 or 01749 812510

The Market Place, Castle Cary, BA7 7AG Tel: 01963 350230 16 ThE VISITOR november 2013

dedicated to animal care for over 100 years Small Animal, Farm & Equine ★ 24 Hour emergency service provided by our own staff ★ and Healthy Pet and equine Zone schemes available CASTLE CArY  01963 350307 YEOVIL & STOKE SUB HAMDON  01935 474690 info@delawarevets.co.uk • www.delawarevets.co.uk

COMPeTITIOn vOuChers TOTallInG £50 TO Be WOn in this celebratory issue of The Visitor – just answer the 3 questions below ... (all answers can be found within the magazine).

1. Who is celebrating a 10th anniversary in Castle Cary?

2. name the Managing Director of red Berry recruitment.

3. Who is promoting the Clean 9 programme? entries by email to info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk or by post to The Visitor Magazine Competition P.o.Box 1, Castle Cary, somerset, Ba7 7BG to arrive by thursday 14th november.

1st Prize £25 ★ 2nd Prize £15 ★ 3rd Prize £10 vouchers to be spent with any one advertiser in this issue of The Visitor.

Please include your name and address, and your choice of advertiser on your entry.

flea treatments all at discounted prices and paid for monthly by direct debit. Being a member of the scheme also gives entitlement to further substantial discounts.

Contact them for all your farm, equine and companion animal veterinary needs.

And yes, ... The Visitor is proud to be celebrating its 30th anniversary this month. What started out as a humorous A4 pamphlet written on behalf of badgers ... (when news of the damage being caused by them in the town made the national news)

CASTLE CARY ... gradually evolved into the magazine you read today.

But why, I hear you ask, is it called The Visitor when it’s for local folk and not aimed at visitors?

A monthly magazine called the Castle Cary Visitor was printed from 1896 to 1915. Published by William Macmillan it featured local news, historical articles and a column called They Say. William died of cancer in 1911 and the magazine continued to be published by his son Douglas.

It was Douglas who founded the Macmillan Fund for Cancer Relief in memory of his late father. A charity close to our heart.

The Visitor would like to take this opportunity to thank all our advertisers (past and present) for their support over the last 30 years (John and Jenny Martin have been in every issue, can you believe that? And they are such nice people to do business with).

Big, big thanks go to all our advertisers who get their copy in on time (Michelle is eternally grateful) and who pay their invoices without the need for numerous phone-calls (from Max), or having to revert to the services of a debt collector!

Another big thank you goes to all our contributors without you there wouldn’t be a magazine. To the Blackmore Press for their continued service; the delivery lads and lasses out in all weathers; to the newsagents ... and to anyone that we’ve forgotten to mention!

And finally ... regular readers of this magazine

MARY KNIGHT Chiropodist /Podiatrist BSc(Hons) • Pod M • MChS • HCPC Registered Established 1998

is celebrating the 10 th anniversary at her clinic and would like to thank all her clients for their continued support. ✻ New ClIeNTS welCoMe ✻ MARY KNIGHT, Ashcot Chiropody 1 woodcock Street, CASTle CARY, BA7 7BJ For an appointment tel: 01963 350971

will remember the late John Brookes whose monthly poems were expertly illustrated by Pam

Pope. Pam is currently in hospital and we send all our love and good wishes for her recovery.

kevan davis plumbing & Heating ltd Reg. No. 177361

4 Fairview terrace, castle cary telephone: 07976 741029

Affordable wines you can be proud to put on your table

CHEERS!

Peter Law celebrates 50 years in the wine trade and 15 years of trading in Castle Cary

“For expert advice and excellent wines” THE WINE WIZZARD, West Country House Woodcock Street, Castle Cary, BA7 7BL Tel: 01963 351919 • info@winewizzard.com www.winewizzard.com ThE VISITOR november 2013 17

FREE spaRE paiR with any frame from our £75 range or above

EyEs Right Opticians St. Audries Station Road, Gillingham Tel: 01747 831010

3 Market Place Sturminster Newton

Tel: 01258 473992 LOw pRicEs and QuaLity sERvicE *30% OFF spectacles applies when choosing any frame from our £75 range or above. Excludes “free spare pair / prescription sunglasses” offer.

Pick up a leaflet or ask our staff for full offer details.

18 THE VISIToR november 2013

LOOKING GOOD

T o t ty u o p e a o e B T

Family Health with

Jenna Evans Cayenne

THIS monTH we’ll be taking a look at one of my favourite natural medicines - cayenne. This pepper is native to America and as well as being a popular culinary ingredient it has a rich history of use as a medicine.

Cayenne contains a compound known as capsaicin, a powerfully hot molecule, thought to give cayenne many of its beneficial effects. Known to improve the circulation in general, cayenne is considered to have particularly good effects on the peripheral circulation, thoroughly warming the hands and feet and aiding conditions such as chilblains and raynauds. An old folk remedy actually involves sprinkling cayenne powder in the shoes or socks to totally warm the tootsies!

When topically used on the skin, cayenne can act as a local analgesic, desensitising the local nerve endings. This, coupled with the warming effect which draws circulation to the area - carrying in nutrients and encouraging drainage - can have remarkable pain killing and tissue healing effects. Arthritis, sprains, strains, lumbago, sports injuries, muscle soreness and shingles could all benefit from the application of a cayenne balm. moreover its really easy to make your own balm and I’ve included a recipe at the end of this article.

Cayenne is also thought to possess thermogenic effects, increasing metabolism. This makes it a popular ingredient in herbal slimming aids and is also used in one particular cleansing ‘detox’ drink popularised by many a celebrity - although I’m sure the personal trainers and chefs help too!

As a blood thinning agent, cayenne has long been associated with a reduced risk of clotting disorders such as stroke. It may even help manage cholesterol levels and is used as an antidiabetic remedy - in fact some

say it should be avoided by those with low blood sugar for this reason.

In the digestive system cayenne can increase gastric secretions, helping relieve colic, improve digestion and ward off pathogenic bacteria in the gut. It could even be helpful for healing ulcers, due to increasing mucosal activity in the alimentary tract - but I would advise caution before ingesting cayenne if you have any kind of digestive problem.

Cayenne can be bought in supplement form but there are several really easy ways to use the powder at home. Try your local health food shop for cayenne powder - you’ll find them cheaper than the supermarkets and great quality too! Here are some suggestions:*For sore throats make a gargle of cayenne from a pinch of the powder in some warm water. You can also add other traditional sore throat busters to this such as lemon, salt or a little honey. *Some headaches can be relieved by the application of cayenne to the nostrils. Again add a pinch of cayenne to warm water

Just one of the eye-catching outfits modelled at the recent Anna Perra Fashion Show.

Anna Perra fashions can be found at 45a High Street, Shepton Mallet.

T

T o y t t u o e Bea op

and mix well. Then using a cotton bud, swab the inside of each nostril with the mix. massage the outside of the nostrils so the mix is well distributed. *Cayenne has traditionally been used as a great restorative so if you’re feeling low, shaky or like you have a cold coming on whip yourself up some cayenne tea. Start with only a pinch per mug of hot water but you can work up to half a teaspoon more if you’re feeling brave! *Cayenne balm recipe - Infuse 2 heaped teaspoons of cayenne powder in 150ml sunflower oil in a double boiler. To do this you will need to turn on the heat until the mix is warmed through. Turn off the heat and let the mix sit for 20 minutes. Turn the heat back on and warm through again then turn off for another 20 mintutes - keep doing this for at least 2 hours. If you overheat the mix the cayenne will burn - it will make your kitchen smell bad and won’t be a whole lot of use to your painful bits either! once this tedious part is over, strain the liquid through some muslin. melt half an ounce of beeswax in a pan, pour in the strained oil mix and stir thoroughly. now it’s ready to pour and cool. You can experiment with the ratio of oil to beeswax for a firmer or softer consistency. If you get really adventurous you could even add a couple of drops of essential oil or another infused oil such as comfrey or St. Johns Wort. Use this balm 2-3 times a day on your painful areas.

A word of caution! Cayenne is hot stuff and won’t suit everybody. If you’re taking it internally always start small and work up in strength. on the skin, always patch test. Bear in mind that the cream will most likely cause a warming, tingling

sensation and at worst feel very hot. This usually wears off quickly and most people are used to it by the fourth or fifth application. Cayenne balm should not be applied to broken skin or sensitive areas such as the eyes or mouth. Keep it away from children and always wash your hands thoroughly after handling the balm or any other cayenne product. I hope you come to love this powerfully healing spice as much as I do.

Jenna Evans ©2013.

Ceres natural Foods in Yeovil have a great range of culinary and medicinal herbs. Jenna is available instore at Ceres to advise by appointment, please pop in or call 01935 428791 for details. Always check with a health professional before making any dramatic changes to your diet and lifestyle or starting a new supplement, especially with any existing health conditions.

elegance Beauty therapy Clinic

face and according to one popular magazine is like having a face lift!

Facials start from £30 and are an hour of pampering and luxury which just happens to deep cleanse and rehydrate your skin.

A Back massage with Aromatherapy oils £17.50 - well say no more! There's too many more to mention but ending with the Toes a Pedicure £25 with that lovely Foot massage. Enjoy!

waxing and threading to remove hair. If you would like to know more about any of these treatments call margaret Balfour on 01935 816177 to arrange a complimentary and confidential consultation with a trained beauty therapist.

Margaret Balfour Beauty Centre

Is unwanted hair a problem for you?

The margaret Balfour Beauty Centre in Sherborne offers a number of ways to help you deal with unwanted hair to create a smoother, more youthful-looking skin. The recommended treatment is IPL, often referred to as laser. It is clinically proven safe and effective for the permanent reduction of dark hair anywhere on the face or body, and is suitable for men and women.

How does it work? Dark hair contains pigment (melanin); this absorbs the IPL light and converts it into heat. The heat goes into the hair follicle and destroys it, so the hair follicle is unable to produce a new hair. A course of 6-8 treatments is recommended at approximate 4 week intervals, so now is the perfect time to start your treatment and be free of unwanted hair in time for the beach next summer!

The salon also offers electrolysis,

The Dress Circle Dress Agency

Quality fashion items wanted to sell on a commission basis Wedding hats, wedding outfits, cruise wear and good quality casual wear and accessories, accepted every day ...

10am - 4pm Monday - Friday 10am - 2pm Saturday For large quantities collections can be arranged

4 Brunel Shopping Centre Somerton TA11 7PY  01458 273485

Sandie Barrett of Elegance Beauty Therapy Clinic trained at Top To Toe College of Beauty so she's just the right person to go to for your Top To Toe Treatments!

From the top, Eyebrow Shaping and Tinting both £6 give definition and help to shape your

1983 ...

... 2013 Established 30 years

Élégance

Beauty tHerapy CliniC Sandie Barrett M.B.A.B.Th.C. C.I.D.E.S.C.O.

For Top to Toe Beauty!

Full Range of Beauty Treatments Sonya (Aloe Vera) Mineral Make-Up available soon To book please telephone 01963 34115 or call in at

8b Church Street • Wincanton

THE VISIToR november 2013 19

T

T o y t t u o e Bea op

the Corn House Clinic

Good health starts from within and Colon Hydrotherapy ... the ultimate cleanse, could help you if you suffer from: - Constipation; IBS; Diarrhoea; Acne; Bloating; Fatigue; Headaches; Eczema; Psoriasis and Bad breath.

The benefits of Colon Hydrotherapy are numerous, as well as hydrating and cleansing the bowel, the aesthetic benefits include a natural skin boost, increased vitality and a reduction in cellulite. As metabolic efficiency improves it can also help with weight loss ... a healthy — The —

Corn House CliniC Aesthetics & Complimentary Therapies Dermal Fillers Juvederm TM SkinCeutical Skin Peels & Skin Care Products Dr Schrammek Green Peel & Skin Care Products Colon Hydro Therapy All treatments are with a Registered Nurse / Colon Hydro Therapist Treatments & Skin Consultations by appointment only

Tel: 01935 842000 Mobile: 07939 095222 www.thecornhouseclinic.co.uk

colon is essential to a healthy body!

All treatments are with a registered nurse and colon hydrotherapist. For more details please visit our website www.thecornhouseclinic.co.uk

Calling all Men!

Steve marsh of Wincanton lost two and a half stone by following the aloe vera based Clean 9 programme, and now 16 months down the line he has maintained that weight loss and feels healthy and fit.

Because Steve was so impressed with the results he has now started up his own business promoting the programme – noticing that there was a gap in the market focusing on weight loss for gentlemen. If you would like to lose weight in a healthy way, call Steve on 07967 230244.

Calling All Men! Want to lose weight for Christmas?

Feel Good ... on the inside!

Look Good ... on the outside!

WeiGht MANAGeMeNt PRoGRAMMe Full SuPPoRt For further details call Steve on

07967 230244

LOOking gOOd & FEELing FinE The latest fashion, beauty treatments and health topics feature each month in the visitor

tO advERtisE hERE tEL:

01963 351256 dEcEmbER issuE Print: Thursday 28th November Deadline: Monday 18th November chRistmas / JanuaRy issuE Print: Thursday 19th December Deadline: Monday 9th December 20 THE VISIToR november 2013

Ladies don’t despair! Should you wish to do the same, contact Steve’s wife Sandie at Elegance Beauty Therapy Clinic.

perfect touch

The Perfect Touch Yeovil offers Semi Permanent make-up for Eyebrow Reconstruction, Eyeliner, Lip line, Lip blush and Full lip colour. It operates at new Image in Yeovil by Pamela Rastall the owner. Pam trained at the prestigious Finishing Touches Academy obtaining a Diploma of Excellence in micro pigmentation procedures.

She completed her master class in cosmetic and medical tattoo and has attended advanced training for eyebrows, eyeliner and lip colour.

Imagine waking up with eyebrows! Eyeliner and lipline that does not wash off, it simply

stays pretty and fresh.

Cosmetic micro pigmentation (tattoo) benefits any woman who requires greater definition for their eyebrows, eyes or lips. Using precise techniques Pam can create or improve the shape, colour and balance of your eyebrows using powdered or hairstroke techniques; enhance the shape and definition of your eyes with the eyeliner of your choice; improve the colour and contour of your lips. Pam likes to create a subtle, pretty and natural look!

After a full consultation to ensure you are suitable for this procedure, you will be assisted in choosing the shape, colour and style you require. once you are happy only then will the treatment commence. Allow approximately 2 hours to complete a session including

T

T o y t t u o e Bea op

design and consultation.

2/3 treatments are normally required with a minimum of 4 weeks between visits before the look is deemed complete. It is a very safe treatment; topical numbing creams are applied to ensure it is a reasonably comfortable experience.

The results last for months, even years slowly fading with time. An annual colour boost is advised to keep the look fresh and realistic.

Tattoo Removal. Do you hate your tattoo? more recently Pam has qualified in tattoo removal using a new method which is almost pain free! medical Tattooing – the finishing touch to surgery.

Specialised techniques are used to implant colour to camouflage and minimise scarring. An aerola/nipple after breast reconstruction can be recreated by adding colour, this looks so natural and really is the finishing touch after surgery! This same technique applies to anywhere on

the face or body where colour is missing.

Results can be achieved with multiple sessions. Self-esteem and confidence enhanced with cosmetic micropigmentation.

Slimming World

Slimming World Consultant Shelley Lawrence and 40 of her Slimming World members, along with their family and friends, took part in a 3.5 mile trek around Abbotts Hill Farm, Pendomer, to help raise money for Cancer Research UK. Cancer Research is a charity close to Shelley's heart, as her mum has secondary breast cancer and is currently undergoing treatment.

Shelley's groups raised £1,721 from sponsorship and donations through justgving.co.uk for Cancer Research UK and a further £316 from a raffle, which is being donated to St margaret's Hospice, where Shelley's mum has been cared for recently. national and local statistics show that by losing ten per cent

of their starting weight, a person can reduce the risk of some cancers, heart disease, strokes, diabetes, cholesterol and high blood pressure. Anyone wishing to find out more about Yeovil Slimming World groups please contact Shelley on 01935 413221 or visit www.slimmingworld.com to find your nearest local group.

Cedar lodge

If you want to look your best – then a visit to the newly opened Cedar Lodge at Shepton mallet is well worth a visit! As the name would suggest the ‘cedar lodge’ building is conveniently situated on the new Townsend Retail Park (nr Tesco). Together, therapists Sarah Thick, Helen Allcock, Linda Taylor-Kay and Faye Jackson offer a diverse range of treatments from facials and nail art through to holistic therapies such as hot stone massages and reflexology.

Cedar Lodge use Botanical products and offer Senna Spray

Tanning. Teeth whitening is from just £79.

Pamper Packages and Gift tokens are available – ideal for Christmas. Cedar Lodge also has a professional hair salon run by stylist Leanne Lintern. Late night opening until 7pm on Thursdays and Fridays – why not treat yourself?

There’s 15% off your first treatment when you cut out the advert in The Visitor or mention it when booking an appointment with receptionist Wendy.

n e W LY O P e n e D

Health & Beauty treatment Centre sHePtOn maLLet Our friendly professional team are pleased to offer: Nails & Nail Extensions • Foot Health Eye Treatments, Waxing, Threading • Massage Hot Stone Massage • Holistic Therapies • Pregnancy Massage Spray Tanning • Ear Piercing • Reflexology • Reiki • Body Wraps Bridal Make-Up & Hair by Leanne (in our Hair Salon) Bridal Packages • Hen Party Packages Pure Relaxation Packages Shelley Lawrence and her Slimming World Group.

yeovil Groups tuesday: 5.30pm and 7.30pm Huish Primary School, Carisbrooke Gardens wednesday: 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm St. James Church Hall, Preston Road thursdays: 7.30pm Westland Leisure Complex, Westbourne Close

call shelley for more info: 01935 413221 or 07786 011728 or visit: www.slimmingworld.com/slimwithshelleylawrence

OFF First treatment with this advert ✳ Valid until 30/11/2013

“For a truly memorable experience”

Cedar Lodge, townsend retail Park (nr. Aldi) sHePtOn maLLet, Ba4 5sB  01749 340800 www.cedarlodgebeauty.co.uk email: enquiries@cedarlodge.co.uk

THE VISIToR november 2013 21

Focus on MERE Free community party to launch £10,000 fundraising for Mere

A free family party on Sunday 24th november in mere will launch the new Community Support Card scheme by the Southern Co-operative’s mere store, to donate £10,000 to the village’s girl guiding and scout groups.

The free party, which runs from 2-5pm in the Lecture Hall, will include children’s activities and campfire songs with mere’s brownies, rainbows, beavers,

November Notice Board CriCKet St. tHOMaS

Childrens Hospice Fund Raising 3-course Christmas Lunch & Pantomime, Warners Hotel, Cricket St. Thomas, near Chard, Sunday 1st December. Tickets £22.50 each and more information from Carol on 01935 881510 or email: c.rogers67@ btinternet.com

GillinGHaM

Gillingham Car Link is a community car service. We need drivers and co-ordinators in SP8.

Contact Robert Wellan on 01747 836330.

ilCHeSter

Christmas Craft Fair, Ilchester Town Hall on Saturday 30th november, 10am - 2pm. Hot soup / bacon butties; Tombola / Raffle; Hospice Choir singing carols. In aid of St. margaret’s, Yeovil.

MartOCK

‘Behind the Scenes at the Antiques Roadshow’, a highly amusing Talk by Paul Atterbury (he of the stripey blazers) at martock Church 16th november, 7.30pm. Paul will later appraise small items brought by the audience, one item per ticket on the door for £7, or with more information £6 from 01935 822706.

MOntaCute

Montacute Firework & Bonfire Night, Saturday 2nd 22 THE VISIToR november 2013

which make ideal gifts such as hairdryers, blenders etc. They are also stockist of Roberts Radios.

They endeavour to offer useful sundry items such as vacuum bags, hand tools and cleaning

products and stock Calor gas (this can also be delivered).

They have an on-the-premises workshop to undertake a wide range of electrical repairs and will, if possible, upgrade or

cubs, scouts and guides, plus bingo (with prizes supplied by the Southern Co-operative), a raffle, tombola, and refreshments. The party will be opened by Wiltshire Councillor George Jeans.

Jeans electrical

Jeans of mere is well known for their excellent choice of white and brown goods at competitive prices and their customer service is excellent.

With Christmas on the way remember that they stock a wide range of small electrical goods november, 6pm at montacute Recreation Ground. Hot food and drinks available. Parking in montacute House. Free Entry donation in aid of Village Hall.

nOrtH CaDBury

north Cadbury Village Hall will be hosting an Open Evening on monday 11th november from 7pm - 9.30pm, for the public to come and test their skills at Indoor Bowling, and try a few informal games with regular Club members. Free coaching. Light refreshments and bowls provided.

Festive candles - and candles for any occasion in the Charles Farris Factory Shop at Mere.

nOrtOn SuB HaMDOn

Jumble Sale, Saturday 2nd november at the Village Hall.

Doors open at 11am. Bargains galore, admission 30p. Contact Jennie Harris 01935 881718.

WeSt COMptOn

Christmas Open Days at Harriet Sandys, The Barn, manor House, West Compton BA4 4PB. December 7th & 8th, 14th & 15th and 21st, 2pm - 5pm. Christmas gifts from around the world.

yeOVil

An Evening of Clairvoyance at the Quicksilver mail, Yeovil, november 19th starting at 7pm.

Doors open 6.30pm. Tickets £10, phone 01963 251477 or 07855 175357, or from the Pub.

aDVertiSe yOur DeCeMBer eVent Here!

A listing under our Notice Board costs just £5 - send details of What? When? Where? to The Visitor, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BG. All entries to be pre-paid, maximum 20 words.

Extra words 30p each. Deadline for December issue, monday 18th november.

Candles for Christmas ...  Christmas Lines Now In  All Candles at Factory Prices  Superb Choice of Candles & Accessories Open Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm

OPEN SATURDAY MORNINGS 30th November, 7th, 14th & 21st December, 9.30am - 1pm Please note NOT OPEN on Tuesday 24th December CHRISTMAS EVE

Church Candles ✴ Dinner Candles ✴ Tea Lights ✴ Night Lights Jars ✴ Pillars ✴ Tins ✴ Garden Flares ✴ Candle Accessories DIRECT LINE FOR SHOP ONLY

01747 861856 Charles Farris Limited Quarry Fields, Mere, Wiltshire BA12 6LA www.charlesfarris.co.uk

— The —

Focus on MERE refurbish your old table lamp.

They have a large stock of traditional lamps and are happy to order lamps for customers if they are still obtainable. This includes candle, golf ball and old fashioned light bulbs in 10 to 100 watt. They do have in stock 60w, 100w, 150w, and 200w lamps which have already ceased manufacture, plus energy saving lamps (dimmable).

Jeans are now able to supply and fit Solar Panels – using their own qualified technicians.

For further details call in or telephone.

Walnut tree inn

is served all day until 9pm. Why not take advantage of the 4 for the price of 3 Sunday carvery offer after 6pm - to be eligible just mention the Visitor magazine when you go (offer ends 1st Dec).

Families shoul take advantage of the Early Birds kids special buy one kids meal get one kids meal free with every adult meal purchased. monday to Friday 3pm until 6pm.

Gluten free and vegetarian options always available.

the Walnut tree

Mere First Brownies make decorations for St. Michael’s Church Harvest Festival.

JeANS eleCtRiCAl Established 1916

looking for Pv panels?

We are now MCS registered for supply and installation of solar panels by our oWN technicians (subject to survey)

Aerial, Freesat & Sky installation Repairs ★ New installations Upgrades ★ Realignment DAB Installations ★ Retunes Magic Eyes ★ FM Radio Aerials ★ Sky & Sky HD Freeview ★ Freesat and Freesat HD Same day delivery available on domestic appliances on stock items from our Chapel Showroom All leading manufacturers stocked

Wiring, new and repairs, installations, sockets, lights and more Elecsa Part P ★ All work given full certification Also full certification on existing wiring Fully qualified electricians

01747 860215 For businesses in the Mere area, why not try www.comparethemere.com salisbury street, mere, wiltshire, ba12 6hb sales@jeanselectrical.co.uk • www.jeanselectrical.co.uk Also: chapel showroom, boar street, ba12 6dd

Beko • hooveR / CANdy • huMAx • CooleCtRiC ltd (lieBheRR) • SAMSuNG • iNdeSit

Beko • hooveR / CANdy • huMAx • CooleCtRiC ltd (lieBheRR) • SAMSuNG • iNdeSit

The Sunday Carvery at the Walnut Tree is infamous! A culinary delight with a choice of four slow roasted meats and at least eight different vegetables all served up with a delicious giant Yorkshire pudding - and it

meRe

“Good food - good wines - good times”

Christmas Carvery Festive Feast Menu Available Monday 25th November - Saturday 4th January Served Wednesday - Sunday evenings from 6pm

StARteRS Chef’s pate with toasted baguette and chutney Homemade spiced parsnip and vegetable soup with crusty bread Warm baked brie with port and cranberry jam Prawn cocktail with seafood sauce and brown bread Creamy Stilton and mushroom melt

CARVeRy mAiN CoURSeS Slices of roasted turkey and glazed gammon, with festive accompaniments and a host of freshly prepared seasonal vegetable and potato choices Roasted rump of Somerset lamb with port and redcurrant jus (£5 supp) Baked cod with fresh herb and parmesan crust Mature rib-eye steak served with triple cooked chips, roasted tomato and rocket salad (£5 supp) Grilled pork loin steaks with a cider and caramelised apple sauce Beef bourgignon with dauphinoise potato and green vegetables Mediterranean vegetable Wellington

deSSeRtS Profiteroles with a duo of warm chocolate and butterscotch sauces Traditional Christmas pudding with brandy sauce White chocolate, Malibu and coconut mousse Sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce and ice cream Brandy snap basket with lemon sorbet and Winter berries Bailey's Irish cream cheesecake Cheese and biscuits • Coffee and mints

2 Courses, freshly ground coffee & mints £15 3 Courses, freshly ground coffee & mints £20

Festive Lighter menu

Menu Available Monday 25th November - Saturday 4th January Served monday - Friday Lunchtimes from 12noon - 3pm and monday & tuesday evenings from 6pm

StARteRS Chef’s Winter vegetable soup • Breaded whitebait with tartare sauce Prawn cocktail, seafood sauce & brown bread • Pate with toast & chutney

mAiN CoURSeS Roast Turkey with all the trimmings • Baked cod with a herb & citrus butter Pork loin with cider apple and brandy sauce Braised beef in red wine and shallot sauce • Vegetable Wellington

deSSeRtS Profiteroles with a duo of warm chocolate and butterscotch sauces Traditional Christmas pudding with brandy sauce Sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce and ice cream Bailey's Irish cream cheesecake • Coffee and mints

2 Courses, freshly ground coffee & mints £12 3 Courses, freshly ground coffee & mints £15

Comedy Night Saturday 30th November Four Stand-Up Comics and dinner £20 ... book now!

Shaftesbury Road, meRe, Wiltshire BA12 6Bh 01747 861220 • www.walnut-tree-inn.co.uk



THE VISIToR november 2013 23

Leisure Discover the experience of yeovil’s Christmas Markets

A visit to a Christmas market is a great way to get in the festive spirit and find some great gifts as well. Yeovil hosts 5 Sunday markets from 24th november, 10am - 4pm and daily Christmas markets are held from 20th

BUTTERCROSS VINTAGE CHRISTMAS MARKET Parish Rooms

SoMERTon

Saturday 30th november 10am – 4pm — Admission £1 — ✳ Christmas Goodies ✳ ✳ Vintage Fabrics ✳ Gifts ✳ ✳ Handmade Furniture ✳ ✳ Fashions and Accessories ✳

December through to 24th, 9am – 3pm. These are located in Lower middle Street, Yeovil.

Everything you will need for the perfect Christmas celebration can be bought at the market including your turkey, meat, fresh fruit and vegetables, festive plants and flowers, decorations and gifts,

Somerset Scribblers We would like to invite you to join our group of “wannabe”writers!

We meet on alternate Friday mornings in Somerton, to listen to each other, to constructively criticise and to praise each other’s offerings.

We are led by a published author, who is our guide and mentor.

We are very friendly, relaxed and would love some new members to come and join us. If you feel you may be interested, please telephone Andrew on 01823 324552 or email andrewpuckett@onetel.com

Yeovil Christmas Markets

Yeovilton Military Wives Choir celebrated its first birthday with the Commanding Officer of RNAS Yeovilton, Commodore Jock Alexander.

The choir, which now has over 50 members, has had a busy year, including recording for BBC TV’s antiques programme ‘Flog It’, to be aired later this year. The ladies meet weekly for rehearsals and look forward to an exciting year ahead with bookings already being taken for 2014.

along with hot food and drink for those chilly shopping days.

Yeovil markets welcome new traders. All lines considered and competitive rates. For information contact the market

supervisor on 07973 725913 or 01935 462987 or email: areasouth@southsomerset.gov.uk

Craft Fair

The David Hall, South Petherton is the setting for a Craft Fair on Saturday 9th november from 9.30am until 12.30pm.

Sunday Markets

24 th November • 1st December • 8 th December 15 th December • 22 nd December 10am – 4pm, Lower Middle Street nOw in

Christmas Week Markets

20 th December • 21st December 22 nd December • 23 rd December • 24 th December 9am – 3pm, Lower Middle Street

★ NEW TRADERS WELCOME ★ For info’ contact the Market Supervisor on 07973 725913 or 01935 462987 or ... areasouth@southsomerset.gov.uk www.southsomerset.gov.uk/markets

Antiques -&Collecting

Beaminster Antiques, Vintage & Collectables Fair

Now ReFURBiShed Patchwork Quilts Needlework Felting & More

Saturday 2nd november, 10am – 4pm

Make Christmas Decorations

Free family drop-in sessions brought to you by Sherborne Artlinks TakepArt Project Help us decorate our Christmas tree ... for the Cheap Street Church Christmas Tree Festival

1 Cheap Street, Sherborne Dorset Dt9 3pt 01935 815361

always something interesting at ...

Crewkerne antIQUeS Centre

9.30am – 4.00pm

with 50 Dealers and 30 Display Cabinets Jewellery, Silver, Glass, rocking Horses, China and an extensive range of Furniture ✿ FOr tHe GarDen ✿ Statues – Patio Sets – Benches – and More! antIQUeS BOUGHt & SOlD Open: Monday – Saturday 9.30am - 4.30pm

Best prices paid for wedding rings, pendants, chains, bracelets, and broken items, etc.

✱ nExt FaiR ✱ saturday 14 th december

16 Market Street • Crewkerne tel: 01460 77111

Phone Jenny Martin Castle Cary

Bookings & Enquiries Meadow Fairs 01297 24446

paStiMeS of Sherborne

Gold & Silver Jewellery Wanted

01963 350733

saturday 16 th november Public Hall BeAMiNSTeR Dorset

we pay top prices for old toys - any condition trains • Cars • lorries • Soldiers • etc.

Britains * Dinky * Corgi * Hornby Meccano * Tri-ang * Etc. Shop Open Mornings 9.30am - 1.00pm Monday to Saturday

tel: 01935 816072 Mob: 07527 074343 HOME VISITS By ARRANGEMENT

3 Westbury, Sherborne, Dorset Dt9 3eH 24 THE VISIToR november 2013

Leisure & Tra vel Here you can enjoy a relaxing morning wandering around the delights of local craft producers.

Find ‘one of a kind’ art work, great for that first Christmas gift, or a treat for yourself.

If you would like to book a table (£12 per table), call the Box office on 01460 240340. All booked

tables must be paid for by Wednesday 6th november.

Free entry.

1st november Quicksilver Mail, yeovil

Si

C

FoR the

M

oN

th

November 2nd WiSe intentiOnS - Rose & Crown, Bradford Abbas 2nd Mat rOBertS - Dolphin, Wincanton 8th Mutter Slater and tHe 3 DaFt MOnKeyS - Quicksilver Mail, yeovil 9th HOBO JOneS and tHe JunKyarD DOGS - Rose & Crown, Bradford Abbas 9th WenDy BaSSett (9pm) - Marston Inn, Marston Magna 15th nOBODy’S HerO - Quicksilver Mail, yeovil 15th Guy JOHnSOn - Natterjack, Evercreech 16th SKiMMity HitCHeS - Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon 16th JOn raMOn - Rose & Crown, Bradford Abbas An Advert 16th Guy JOHnSOn - Dolphin, Wincanton in the 23rd paul SMitH - Rose & Crown, Bradford Abbas pub pAGeS 24th paul Da VinCi - Marston Inn, Marston Magna enSureS 29th Barry paul as elViS - Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon A Free 29th MarK VenuS - Quicksilver Mail, yeovil MentiOn 30th SaraH yeO - Dolphin, Wincanton here 30th BlaCK MaGiC WOMan - Rose & Crown, Bradford Abbas

Janice O’Brien, proprietor of the newly opened Forever Fashion Vintage Clothes Shop, Church Street, Wincanton where the Forever Vintage and Craft Fair is being held.

Forever Vintage & Craft Fair at ...

E FRE Y R T EN

Forever Fashion, Church Street, Wincanton Sunday 17th November, 10am – 3pm Indoor Market selling the best local crafts and vintage goods!

Hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and cakes available in the cafe!

Kids play area and face painting!

81 B30

reet h St Hig

Mill Street 81 B30

ch ur et ChStre B3081

Mu

FREE PARKING Church Street Car Park

STAllS AVAIlAblE If you are interested in trading at this exciting new market in Wincanton then please call Janice on

01963 34308

So, you think you know your pop music, do you?

By John osborne • Answers can be found on page 63 1. In 1978 ‘Exile’ said they wanted to ‘Kiss you … ‘ What?

2. Who was the young lady with the distinctive voice who made her chart debut in 1999 with ‘I Try’?

3. Which Dutch port did ‘The Beautiful South’ declare they visited in 1996?

4. Which band had an ‘Hourglass’ and were also ‘Up the Junction’?

5. Mungo Jerry had a No. 1 in which year with ‘Baby Jump’?

6. In the prog-rock trio ‘Emerson Lake and Palmer’ what instrument did Greg Lake play?

7. How do we best know Mike Rosenberg?

8. ‘Christie’ sang about a ‘yellow …?’ in 1970 9. Name the vocal group who declared ‘Now Those Days Are Gone’ in 1982?

10. Released in 1998 ‘White Ladder’ became a hit album for whom?

THE VISIToR november 2013 25

Leisure Cycle-Babble IT HAS BEEn well documented over the past few years that cycling in Britain is enjoying something of a boom-time. Unprecedented success, at first on the track and latterly on the road, have prompted thousands to haul themselves into Lycra and out onto the roads of our nation. This summer it was reported that British Cycling was attracting nearly 3,000 new members every month, taking its membership to over 75,000 for the first time in its history.

But in march this year British Cycling revealed it had a more specific aim: to get one million women out and riding bikes by the year 2020.

That announcement came with a host of endorsements, from Culture Secretary maria miller to elite cyclists Becky James and Jess Varnish, who stated their hope that their success in international competition could act as a spur to encourage more women to cycle.

British Cycling (BC) are attacking the objective using a multitude of tools, including: increasing participation in multirider events such as the Sky Ride and Breeze (BC's female led rides); campaigning for safer roads (they report that 30% of women cite safety worries as the main barrier to cycling); establishing 'get into cycle sport' coaching sessions; encouraging race organisers to run women's events alongside men's races; and recruiting more female coaches.

The effect of BC's chosen methods is beginning to be felt.

An example: in August, SweetSpot, organisers of the Tour of Britain, which has gone from strength to strength since they took over the race in 2004, announced that in 2014 they would be running a women's version of our national Tour. The five-day race, which will start in northamptonshire on 7th may, was awarded 2.1 status by the UCI in october, meaning it will be amongst the highest ranked races on the women's international racing calendar.

The race will also offer the same prize money as the men's version, bringing an all-too-rare parity to both events.

But is it working to increasing participation? Well BC clearly 26 THE VISIToR november 2013

think so. In the first of its sixmonth updates on the initiative, it issued a positive statement concluding that around ‘106,000 women have participated in the sport governing body’s programmes so far this year.’

Ian Drake, British Cycling’s Chief Executive, commented that they were on course to meeting their stated aim: ‘In the six months since we launched our strategy we’ve made some great progress and our plan to get one million more women cycling over the next seven years is firmly on track,’ he said. ‘The figures show that there are thousands of women who want to ride recreationally ... there is also a real appetite for women to get into racing or to try personal challenge rides. 24,000 women have taken part in British Cycling sportives so far this year and our female member base has increased by 19% since we launched our strategy.

‘The introduction of the Women’s Tour from next year can only build momentum further. We know that British Cycling has a long journey ahead to change the culture of our sport but we are heading in the right direction.’

Shanaze Reade, Britain's three-time BmX World Champion, was similarly buoyed by the news, saying: ‘The more women that cycle, the more their friends, sisters and mums will be inspired to give it a try – we’re starting to close that gender gap and I look forward to seeing even more women enjoy all that cycling has to offer.’

Sports bodies generally are trying to address the gender split in sport participation. Sport England Chief Executive Jennie Price points to an improving picture, but one that still needs a lot of work and one that cycling is well positioned to influence. ‘The profile of cycling means they are well placed to make a real difference,’ she said.

BC is monitoring its progress using its own research and Sky's Annual Cycling Survey. The first full set of results are expected by the end of the year, when further good news will be expected.

Giles Belbin.

STREET mEnTIon THAT you’re visiting Street and people automatically think you’re going to the Clarks Village Shopping outlet with its range of big names and not-to-bemissed bargains. And whilst this is can be an enjoyable place

to browse don’t forget that the High Street and roads leading off have an interesting mix of independent shops and businesses happy to offer their customers a personal service and something - just that little bit different.

Street Pharmacy has a wide range of perfumes at competitive prices plus a host of toiletries - perfect for Christmas Gifts.

Find them on the High Street.

All stocked here at your independent chemist

Street pHarMaCy 82 High Street, Street • 01458 442448

STREET – a business focus Fashion Show in aid of Breast Cancer awareness

oomph and Lift of Street will be holding a Fashion Show in aid of Breast Cancer Awareness on the

Betty - by Tutti Rouge, just one of the many attractive designs of lingerie from Oomph and Lift, situated in Vestry Road.

23rd november at The Victoria Club, Leigh Road, Street.

Tickets cost £7.50 to include a drink and raffle. Ladies only.

Tickets available from the shop or at the door on the night.

Flower Power - elegant and simple sterling silver jewellery an ideal gift. Just one of the many unusual designer ranges of jewellery available from Ayerst & Graces, on the High Street.

Street Cellular

Street Cellular are one of few independent mobile phone specialists. Established for over 23 years you can be sure that they have expert knowledge and experience.

In addition to selling a wide range of mobile phones, both new and used, they also repair them together with iPhones and iPads - normally with a same day turn around - whatever the problem, from unlocking to liquid damage.

There is an excellent choice of tablets. Proving popular is the iPad mini from Prestigio available in 7, 8 and 10 inch. It has a metal frame, free case and is guaranteed for 2 years - all for under £100. They stock a full range of accessories including car phones, car chargers and shock resistant cases. Whether you want a phone for personal use, a business package or a home telephone system (land-line) pay Street Cellular a visit.

Floorcraft of Street have a good choice of traditional and contemporary rugs, there is even a football pitch rug - ideal for a childs bedroom.

Floorcraft supply all types of flooring and stock is constantly changing do call in - free parking outside the door, at the Bayliss Centre.

Exciting new ranges, simply stunning!

rUGs - rUGs - rUGs ★ Fashion or Fun ★ ★ Runners or Fireside ★ Big or Small ★ ★ Traditional or Contemporary ★ Plus excellent choice of ... Carpets, Vinyls, Laminates and Natural Flooring

“Where jewellery meets design”

Featuring British led jewellery with the emphasis on innovative design Bespoke design service ♦ Repairs on the premises ♦ Re-stringing

4 Bayliss Centre, High Street, Street PARKING telephone: 01458 447950 FREE outside the door

54 High Street, Street, Somerset, BA16 0EQ

“For all your flooring needs”

Tel: 01458 898242 • Web: www.ayerstandgraces.com

MObiLe phOne SpeCiALiStS

cELEbRating OuR 2nd biRthday

Beautiful Lingerie ...

and

Lingerie Professional Fitting Service Hosiery * Swimwear

STOCKIST OF

Panache: 28 – 46, D – K New In ‘Sculptresse’ Range: 36 – 46, D – K ... also Sports Bras Charnos: 30 – 38, A – H Lepel: 30 – 38, A – G Tutti R uge Now In Royce Non-wired Bras * Girls First Bras Mastectomy Bras * Nursing Bras Miraclesuits: 10lbs lighter in 10 seconds

Vestry Court, Vestry Road, STREET

 01458 898952 • Turn by William Hill - opposite Living Homes

 Unlocking

 Unlocked Handsets

 iPad Repairs

 3G Tablets

 Phone & PC Repairs  Accessories  Data Recovery

 Bluetooth Hands Free

pay monthly, pay as you go and Sim only

5 The Bayliss Centre, Street • 01458 841741 website: www.streetcellular.com email: sales@streetcellular.com

THE VISIToR november 2013 27

A glimpse of Glastonbury edward Howells associates limited - Chartered Certified accountants

Edward Howells Associates are based in Glastonbury but deal with clients in the surrounding areas of Street, Wells and further afield.

They deal with a wide range of business types, from small tax repayment claims to the preparation and audit of accounts for groups of companies. Their core business is dealing with family businesses, whether they operate as a sole trader, partnership or limited company.

They deal with basic compliance work of account preparations, tax, VAT returns and payroll, plus general business and tax planning matters. Do give them a call if you would like an informal, no obligation chat.

Glastonbury post Office

Glastonbury Post office is run by Gerald Cross together with one of his two sons and five other members of staff. Having run this busy Post office for over twelve years Gerald and his staff are well known to their customers and offer a friendly and helpful

service. If you are planning a winter break don’t forget you can get your travel insurance, travellers cheques and currency from the Post office.

Christmas is looming so remember to send your overseas parcels and cards off in plenty of time.

Darch Oils

Darch is a name that has been synonymous with the supply of

fuel for over 40 years. Delivering throughout the south west from Salisbury to Exeter and from Weymouth to Bristol.

They also supply coal and solid fuel which can be delivered or collected from their Glastonbury Depot. Don’t wait until the really cold weather arrives, order your fuel from Darch today! A company you can rely on.

Remember you can also order online.

glaSTonBury poST oFFiCe and ClaSS CardS 35 High Street Glastonbury BA6 9HG

Telephone 01458 831536

greeTingS CardS • Holiday inSuranCe • Foreign CurrenCy • penSion payMenTS

MoneygraMS • BudgeT CardS

STaTionery • aCCounTS • STaMpS

TelepHone • gaS • eleCTriCiTy • WaTer • giro TranSaCTionS

Ermam Zhou, proprietor of the newly opened Growing Tree, childrens clothes shop. Here you will find clothing for new borns through to 11 years of age. From reversible tops and fleeces through to fairy skirts and wings! Stockist of Frugi organic clothing. Do call in, the stock changes regularly. Conveniently situated near the main car park in The Gauntlet walk through, Glastonbury.

NOW OPEN

domestic, Agricultural, industrial, Automotive Fuels & lubricants Plus Premium Paraffin

Mini Tanker size for those difficult access areas

Storage Tanks supplied and fitted also Boiler Service Department

orders: 01935 473302 orders: 01458 833733 Accounts: 01935 421731 Fax: 01935 411527

Bridg wate r yeov il From e 13a Pen Mill Trading Estate Glastonb ur y Yeovil, Somerset, BA21 5HA

Order online: www.darchoil.co.uk

28 THE VISIToR november 2013

Quality Children’s Clothing & Accessories Ages: newborn to 11 years

Colourful Fleeces and Hoodies Knitwear Dresses & Tops Raincoats – Wellies – Brollies Fun Gloves and Hats, Animals & Puppets ... and much more OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 10am – 5.30pm

13 The Gauntlet, 11 High Street GlASTONburY, bA6 9DP (near car park) Tel: 01458 898010

edward Howells associates limited CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS Registered Auditors * Preparation of Accounts Personal & Corporate Taxation * VAT & Payroll Business & Limited Company Set-Ups Business Planning & Advice registered Office: 20a High Street, Glastonbury Somerset Ba6 9Du tel: 01458 831700 * Fax: 01458 831189 Email: accounts@edwardhowells.co.uk

Father Christmas is coming to the toy Barn

Children can meet Father Christmas in his north Pole grotto at The Toy Barn from Thursday 12th to Sunday 15th December.

The Toy Barn is one of Dorset’s best toy shops, with a great range of climbing frames, doll houses, ride on toys, baby toys and stocking fillers.

If you’re looking for something different, try their Cacoon hanging tents and hammocks. or take a look at their croquet and other outdoor game sets and indoor activities, including pool and table tennis tables.

The Toy Barn is open mondaySaturday from 10am to 5pm.

They will also be open on Sundays 10am-4pm throughout December. Father Christmas grotto tickets are £5 per child, which includes a present. Adult entry is free. Book your tickets online at www.toy-barn.co.uk or call 01935 815040 for more details.

Mid-West Office Supplies

not sure what gifts to buy for Christmas? Then a visit to midWest the stationers of Sherborne is a must.

They stock a wide range of pens to cater for every budget,

plus beautiful note books and writing paper to go with them. or choose from a variety of technological novelty-inspired stocking fillers. Art materials include easels, canvas, sketch books, scrapbooking, paints, pastels, brushes etc.

There’s a large selection of Christmas cards available, all at

Mid-West The Stationers Stationery, Cards and Gift Wrap Office Equipment and Furniture Printer Inks & Toners Competitive Prices FREE Local Delivery

artist materials A Christmas Gift Idea

Stockists of Lamy, Waterman, Sheaffer & Parker Pens Filofax & Collins Organisers Call at our shop ...

21 Cheap Street, Sherborne Tel: 01935 814225 or visit our website ...

www.midwest-office.co.uk

Baby ‘India’ at play. Photographer Graham Cox can capture your special moments either at home or in his studio an ideal gift for Christmas.

The ideal Christmas gift ... portraits, families, new arrivals, family pets, etc.  attractive studio setting (no studio fee)  sittings anytime to suit – day / evening  Gift tokens for a studio sitting

Now taking bookings for 2014 weddings Graham Cox

LMPA

PhotoGRAPheR AvAilAble 7 DAys / evenings A Week by Appointment

the Studio, high Street keinton Mandeville Somerset, tA11 6ed Opposite The Quarry Inn

 01458 223769 (24 Hours) THE VISIToR november 2013 29

reasonable prices, as times are tight, and wrapping paper and packaging to help get your gifts there in one piece.

Last but not least, a wide selection of stationery items you

have come to expect from a local independent stationer, who aims to ‘keep business local’.

acorn Music

music Store stocking thousands of CDs, everything from rock, pop and jazz to classical folk and blues.

For musicians there is a range of guitars, ukuleles and recorders plus a wide selection of accessories including drum sticks, strings, straps, picks, leads, tuners, gig bags stands and music books.

If you have outgrown your own CD collection and are looking to make some space at home, Acorn music purchase good quality CD collections and will arrange for collection.

For further information telephone 01935 425503.

papertrees

Books make a very acceptable gift for all ages. At Papertrees there is something for eveyone - gardening and cooking, biographies and fiction plus much more. There is a good choice of Childrens books too. If you can’t decide or perhaps you have to post your gift a book token is perfect.

Acorn music is an Independent

ACoRN MuSiC

yeovil’s independent MUsic store Music Books - Guitar Accessories ukuleles - Recorders drumsticks Still stocking the Widest range of Cds & records for miles around Classical - Jazz - Folk - Blues - Rock and lots more  Acorn Tokens make Ideal Gifts  Cd Collections in good condition bought for CaSH – collection arranged Beautiful arrangements from Reed & Russell, Wincanton, can be sent by Interflora - locally, nationally and internationally.

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/acornmusic

3 Glovers Walk, yeovil

 01935 425503

Beautiful gift ideas for your home Beautiful gifts for you and your home in the Shabby Chic department within Gillingham Suite and Bed Centre - candles, vases, photo-frames and more.

Trinkets from just £1.

Bespoke • Corporate • Events Parties • Weddings • Sympathy Local & Nationwide Deliveries

01963 32367 11 Church Street, Wincanton, BA9 9AA

Open Thursday and Friday Each Week We stock locally produced artisan gifts for all the family

• • • • • •

Elegant Occasional Furniture Stylish Table Lamps Photo Frames and Mirrors Vases and Ornaments Candles – 100% Organic Wax Gifts from just £1 ... visit our Shabby Chic Department today the stock is constantly changing

come and see our range of jewellery designer bags, pottery, wood turning, toiletries crafted animals and handmade cards so much in a small space, in the hidden part of gillingham!

the old town lock up, south street, GillinGham, dorset

Christmas Gift Guide

December Issue ★ PRINT: Thursday 28th November ★ DEADLINE: Monday 18th November

Last Minute Gift Guide

Gillingham Suite & Bed Centre

Christmas / January Issue ★ PRINT: Thursday 19th December ★ DEADLINE: Monday 9th December

5 Riverbridge Parade, Gillingham, SP8 4BP  01747 822724

The Visitor: 01963 351256 Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk

30 THE VISIToR november 2013

this chilly season, with the most exquisite knitwear and snuggly accessories for all occasions. So when in Cary, pop into needful

Things and you're in for a very special winter-wonderland experience! (See inside cover for advert).

AnimAl PortrAits

A pastel drawing of your pet - a timeless gift Contact C. A. Adlington

01749 813524 pasteldogportraits.co.uk

Have a picture of your beloved dog or horse captured in a portrait an ideal Christmas gift.

Contact Carole-Anne Adlington.

the viSitoR can now be read online:

www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

EN OP AyS 7 D EEk AW

Looking for a gift to treasure - take a look in the windows of Ward & Sibley, the Jewellers of Yeovil - you are sure to be tempted.

Papertrees have all you need to package up your Christmas parcels from padded bags and Sellotape through to labels and marker pens.

Stocking filler toys are on sale plus an assortment of calendars and diaries for the coming year.

Papertrees offer a wide range of newspapers and magazines - if you would like your newspaper or magazine delivered please let them know. open 7 days a week.

needful things

The Winter Season has really begun in style at needful Things of Castle Cary.

Their wonderful Santas,

Christmas decorations, garlands and trees are beginning to fill the shop to bursting point! An Austrian Section; English Section and various fantasy coloured themes nestle beautifully in amongst their burgeoning array of ideal gifts. Look out for the country animal theme and the gorgeous mint and white section ... absolutely fabulous! And of course, their amazing mechanical toys and excellent stocking fillers are already proving very popular this year. next door, in their Ladies clothing shop, needful Things are ready to warm you up

For all your Home and Office Stationery Books, Newspapers & Magazines

Books for Christmas!

books for all ages ... SAVE UP TO 50% ★ NeW BRoChuRe AvAilABle ★ BArgAin BOOkS — UP TO 50% Off Stocking Filler Toys • 2014 Diaries & Calendars national Book Tokens now sold & accepted Order your Magazines & newspapers HERE

33 high Street • Wincanton

Tel: 01963 32356 • www.papertrees.co.uk

Make a statement ...

Rodney Holman Costume Jewellery

Ward & SiBley The Jewellers of Yeovil

the CASket, 103 Middle StReet, yeovil • tel: 01935 474065 Free customer parking at rear THE VISIToR november 2013 31

wine & Dine British Sausage Week 4th – 10th november

Source: Kantar Usage and Kantar Worldpanel, July 2013.

The following recipe for these tasty Sausage Parcels would be great for Bonfire night.

the Facts:

Ingredients 4 pork and apple sausages 3 tablespoons of cider or apple juice 1 eating apple, peeled cored and thinly sliced Black pepper 1 fresh sage sprig, roughly chopped, or a pinch of dried 700g packet of puff pastry 1 egg, beaten, to glaze

An annual celebration of the taste, quality and diversity of the traditional pork sausage.

The DKS30 sewing machine from Janome is currently on promotion for just £449, saving £50. It has a host of easy-to-use features including 30 direct select stitch keys, automatic needle threader, variable stitch length and width and easy to thread bobbin. Just one of a large range of machines available at Hanson’s Fabrics & Crafts of Sturminster Newton. Visit today whilst special promotional prices last.

Scenes

Scenes of Gillingham have an extensive range of artists materials to suit the amateur and the professional artist. There are plenty of gift ideas for Christmas too including painting sets, books and prints. Scenes offer an expert

on-the- premises framing service with an extensive range of mouldings and mounts to choose from. Craft items are always in stock, including balsa wood. Why not make your own Christmas cards this year - Scenes stock all your card making requirements.

An ideAl ChristmAs Gift Full range of ARTIST MATeRIAlS including ... starter sets & tuition books and gift tokens

Helpful advice on hand Everything for the student high street, Gillingham and professional artist

tel / fax 01747 824050

email: scenesol@aol.com • www.scenes-online.co.uk

32 THE VISIToR november 2013

1. During the year to July 2013, the nation consumed 188,270 tonnes of sausages at home and spent £737.3 million.

2. 87% of British households buy sausages - 45% at least every four weeks.

3. Each household spends an average of £32.25 per year on sausages.

4. Every day, 3.7 million meals containing sausages are eaten at home.

5. A staggering 1.4 billion meals containing sausage are eaten in the home each year.

6. more pork sausages are eaten as part of an evening or teatime meal at home (66%); compared to 18% at breakfast, 14% at lunch and 2% as a snack.

7. 31% of the sausage market (by volume) is classified as premium, 58% as standard, 3% as low fat and 8% as economy.

8. 90% of sausages are made from pork.

9. Sausage sales (by volume) are more than double the sales of burgers and grills.

10. Increasingly, menus are referencing sausages made using pork from named butchers and farms.

Method 1. Preheat oven the oven to required temperature on pastry packaging.

2. Slit the sausage skins, remove the sausage meat and place in a large bowl. Add the cider, apple, pepper and sage and mix well together to combine.

3. Roll out the pastry thinly and cut into square or round shapes, about 12.5 cm (5”). Re-roll the pastry to make more if possible.

4. Place a spoonful of the mixture in one half the pastry squares or rounds. Brush the edges of the pastry with the egg glaze and fold over to make a rectangle or triangle shape, crimp the edges to seal.

5. Place the parcels on baking parchment or a non-stick tray, brush with the egg mix and cook for 30 minutes until golden brown.

local Produce

MARTOCK – a business focus The White Hart

The delicious French / English cuisine offered at the White Hart Hotel reflects their care and imagination in cooking fresh local ingredients. From light snacks, to the £6.95 Bistro board and the candlelit dinners, the food is superb and the atmosphere always welcoming. Their popular Beaujolais Nouveau Night is on Thursday 21st November ... so French and fun, also raising money for Children in Need. Definitely a place recommended for food lovers and those who like to enjoy a friendly village pub. The White Hart is in the Good Beer Guide and the hotel accommodation is rated 4 diamond. Christmas menus available by post or on-line.

Bower Hinton Farm Shop

Bower Hinton Farm has been owned and run by the Palmer family for over 160 years. The Farm Shop was opened by Duncan and Sally Palmer in April 2006.

Duncan specialises in growing outdoor vegetables and salads plus indoor strawberries. Produce is harvested daily to maintain freshness and as he harvests it all

himself, quality is maintained.

The shop also offers a full range of local meats, dairy products, preserves, Lyme Bays wines, Perrys and Ham Hill cider, Yeovil ales, Lovingtons ice cream, frozen pastries, fruit and ready meals, Somerset milk, Martock bread and much more. A recent addition is a high quality range of smoked fish and meats from the Chesil Smokery in Bridport.

A small coffee shop in the premises serves coffee roasted by Reads Coffee of Sherborne, tea and JJ’s cakes from Bower Hinton.

Through Spring and Summer, a good range of home grown bedding and perennial plants are available. Currently, there is a selection of Spring bulbs for sale.

So call in and have a look at the range of products available, Bower Hinton Farm Shop is a proper farm shop on a real working farm.

Yandles Free Art Competition

As the cold weather draws in and indoor hobbies surge, Yandles Hobby Shop are offering their

Renowned for High Quality Fresh Food and Inventive Cuisine Peter and Isabelle Halkyard welcome you to the

White hart hotel FREEHOUSE

East Street, Martock • 01935 822005 WHat a CraCkEr ... for every party of 12 or more one Christmas Cracker will hold a £10 Meal Voucher ... a good way to start the party!

CHriStMaS Party MEnu 2 courses £17.95 ~ 3 courses £21.95

French onion soup with garlic croutons and grated Gruyere Game terrine wrapped in Applewood Pancetta with a pear, date and apple chutney with Melba toasts Crab and crayfish cocktail in a lemon, lime and coriander yoghurt with crostini, on a bed of dressed leaves Grilled goat’s cheese topped with pesto and spiced plums, served with Balsamic dressed seasonal leaves ************ Traditional Christmas turkey, piggy-back sausages, chestnut stuffing, cranberry sauce Slow braised beef in red wine and shallot sauce with herb dumplings Confit duck leg with an Iberian cassoulet Seabass pan seared with a prawn buttered lemon sauce Golden beetroot, butternut squash, sage and Tallegio cheese tart All main courses are served with fresh seasonal vegetables ************ Christmas pudding with Brandy custard Dark chocolate torte with Chantilly and raspberry coulis Limoncello panna cotta, sweetened basil jelly and shortbread Fine Stilton and Cheddar with Martock apple and pear chutney and biscuits ************

CHriStMaS Party LunCH MEnu £13.50 Beaujolais nouveau night: Thursday 21st November Bistro Lunches £6.95 V a La Carte & Specials Menus

www.whiteharthotelmartock.co.uk

first student arts and craft competition. The free competition is aimed at boosting the participation of young people in arts and crafts across Somerset.

Children and young people will explore the theme of ‘winter’ to create expressive pieces celebrating the joy of such a dramatic season. Deadline for entries 25th November, and welcomed from: Under 10s - create a card using any materials.

10 - 14 and 15 - 18 year olds will be judged separately on; Haberdashery/Knitting – a textile piece such as a decorated tshirt, cushion, wall hangings,

stitching or knitting.

Papercraft - papercraft, stamping, punches, beading and collage.

Painting and drawing – oil, watercolour, acrylics and more (maximum size A3).

There will be one winner and 2 finalists for each age group / sub category. Winners will receive a £20 gift voucher, and a chance to receive a £50 personal shop for Best in Show with one of our craft experts.

Every entry will go on display in the store from Saturday 30th November for all to see. There will be guest demonstrators and areas within store on the day of

Bower Hinton Farm Shop - Martock Delicious Home Grown VeGetables • A full range of red meat, poultry, bacon, sausages etc. • Fruit & veg.

• Dairy produce • Preserves and pickles • Bread and biscuits • Draught and bottled cider and wine • A fantastic range of frozen fruit & pastries ORDERS • Ice cream, homemade cakes & coffee shop TAKEN fOR ChRiSTmAS Open: Monday - Saturday TuRKEyS 10.00am - 5.00pm Just off the B3165 at the top of Bower Hinton

Tel: 01935 827743

hObbiES & CRAfTS ShOP SALE friday 29th & Saturday 30th NOvEmbER

15% Off all STOCK WE HAVE an extensive range of Hobby and Craft Materials over 2 Floors inc. Papercrafts - Card Making Artist Materials - Haberdashery - Wools Cross Stitch - Beads and more!

Also Record Power Demonstration Days on Friday 29th & Saturday 30th November with SPECiAL DEALS on ...

Woodworking Machinery and 20% oFF Timber from the Woodworking Centre

★ NEw ChRiSTmAS ExhibiTiON in the 303 Gallery

Yandle & Sons Ltd fREE PARKiNG

Hurst Works, Martock Somerset, TA12 6JU

COffEE ShOP

Tel: 01935 822207 • Email: online-info@yandles.co.uk www.yandles.co.uk

Like us on Facebook: Martock White Hart

THE VISITOR November 2013 33

MARTOCK – a business focus judging, where children and young people can come and see crafts being done by those working in the industry. They will also be encouraged to ‘have a go’. And with a 15% off for everyone, who wouldn’t be interested to try something new?

A new Student Discount card is also available giving all school or college students the chance to receive 10% off of everything in store on non-discount days.

Coming soon to Yandles are new ‘how to’ days which will teach you

about different products each month. Yandles also have a two day show twice a year, in April and September where there are many craft demonstrations.

nags Head

Visit the Nags Head where you will find delicious tasty homemade specials and delicious puddings.

Pop in for lunch or Early Bird supper between 6pm and 7pm and enjoy the Special at just £6.50, available Monday to Friday. A traditional Sunday Roast is good

value from £7.25, with a choice of 4 meats. It’s Hallowe’en Party Weekend 2nd November and fancy dress is welcome. Turkey dinners will be served throughout December at £7.95. The PreChristmas Party Menu will be available, 3 course lunches from £15.95, and 3 course dinners from £19.95 - bookings only.

Richard p. Kemp, B.A. Solicitor

The firm of Richard P. Kemp, B.A., Solicitor has been established in the pleasant

The Nags Head

East Street • Martock • Tel: 01935 823432 “Martock’s hidden geM”

Find us just down the road from the Post Office — opposite Bearly House Delicious Home Cooked Food - Lunchtimes and Evenings ✴ TraDiTioNaL SuNDay roaST LuNCH from £7.25 ✴ Choice of Four Meats ✴ opEN aLL Day Friday, Saturday & Sunday ✴ O

Christmas Dinners available throughout December

O

JoiN a TEaM: Skittles, Darts, Pool, Crib and Rugby Bookings Advised • Small Buffets • Guest Ales

ATTRACTive New FAbRiC RANges

This rollator is just one of a wide range of mobility aids available from A2B Mobility.

sit back and relax ... single Motor Chairs from just £450 and Dual Motor Chairs from £550 Call in and see our extensive range of Cosi chairs including our single and dual motor recliners.

We also have a full range of mobility scooters and everything else you need, from walking sticks to bath lifts.

Monday – Friday 9.30am – 5.00pm Saturday 9.30am – 12.30pm Closed Bank Holidays • Other times by appointment

Units 1 & 2 great western Road, Martock

0800 731 7078

sALes • seRviCe • RePAiRs

RICHARD P. KEMP

B.A.

Solicitor Quality assured legal advice and services for private and corporate clients.

Open Saturday Mornings

Tel: 01935 822572 31 North Street, Martock, Somerset TA12 6DH 34 THE VISITOR November 2013

country town of Martock since 1986. It is the successor to a continuous line of legal practitioners in the town for more than 160 years and it has been at its present premises for upwards of fifty years. It strives to deliver a high quality, efficient and friendly legal service to everyone at a reasonable price. All types of legal work, are undertaken no problem is too small or too large. The loyal and helpful staff are always pleased to help clients, both old and new.

Drapes Direct

It’s all go at Drapes Direct at the moment! We are celebrating 6 years at Parrett Works (on the Martock to South Petherton road) this Autumn, but we just couldn’t manage in our little factory unit any longer!

We’ve moved all our manufacturing over to Unit 2 already and are currently working on a bigger showroom which we hope will be open within the next few weeks. Don’t fret though, we are still open at Unit 3 (9-3pm Monday-Thursday, 9-1.30pm Fridays and 9-12 on Saturdays) until then!

So whether you are looking to get a room spruced up for Christmas, or you want to get your conservatory better insulated before Winter, give us a call or pop in and see us!

PetWood

PET FOOD SUPPLIES FOR ...

Dogs, Cats, Small Animals, Fish, Aviary, Wild Birds & Poultry too!

Toys, Hutches & Accessories We also cater for Exotic Pets All at Competitive Prices Ample FREE Parking Outside Delivery Available

 01935 825868

www.petwood-martock.co.uk Unit 5, North Street Great Western Road, Martock Find us on Facebook

MARTOCK – a business focus Do have a look at our websites to get a better idea of what we do, or you can see what we are up to by visiting our drapes direct facebook page.

petWood

PetWood is an independent retail outlet with access to around

25,000 pet products. They regularly search their 'virtual' warehouse for new and exciting products as well as competitive prices.

Relatively new to Martock they aim to provide a service to pets and their owners and will make every effort to meet their

customers' needs. They place regular orders for customers, constantly adding to their wide range of stock.

Easy free parking outside, heavy items loaded for you, free local delivery available. Save fuel, why go further afield when you can find good friendly service and products you need locally?

Hurst Manor - Martock

Hurst Manor Nursing & Residential Home is situated in Hurst on the outskirts of Martock and is part of the Aurora Group.

The key to the success of Aurora homes is ensuring the most important person is the resident, who, at all times, is treated as an individual and with respect.

There are no set visiting hours as this is home-from-home for residents. Friends and relatives visit when they wish and are welcome to stay and enjoy a meal.

The food is nutritious and varied and of restaurant standard, with choices at every meal and special diets catered for.

As well as promoting healthy eating for a healthy body regular stimuli for the mind plays a strong part in daily life. There are always at least two activities a day to partake in - these may be one-to-one sessions such as aromatherapy, or group activities such as quizzes or games. Regular entertainment is provided by visiting musicians and entertainers.

‘Tanya’ Bronze Hare £39 Roald Dahl ‘Everyone Ready?’ Limited edition by Quentin Blake copyright RDNL/Quentin Blake 2013 edition size 595. Framed price £125, others available at Martock Gallery.

PrINtS ★ PAINtINgS ★ BroNzeS ★ MIrrorS ★ FrAMINg PASSPort PHotogrAPHS ★ PrINtS to CANvAS Martock Gallery open: Monday - Friday 9.00 - 5.00, Saturday 9.30 - 4.30

Water Street • Martock • Tel: (01935) 823254 • www.martockgallery.com

Private Nursing Care from £700.00 per week the Aurora Care group offers private nursing care in our Somerset nursing homes at prices from £700.00 per week

www.hendfordcarehome.co.uk 166 Hendford Hill, Yeovil, BA20 2RG 01935 470400 info@auroracare.co.uk

our homes are spread across south Somerset and variously offer: ● 24 hour nursing care in purpose built accommodation ● Large single en suite rooms with ensuite wet rooms ● Comprehensive social programmes with several activities a day, designed to stimulate physically, intellectually and socially ● restaurant standard dining in own rooms or dining rooms ● Frequent trips out in our own minibus ● Beautiful landscaped gardens with breathtaking views over the Somerset countryside

www.hurstmanor.co.uk Hurst, Martock, TA12 6JU 01935 823467 info@hurstmanor.co.uk

www.elliscombehouse.co.uk Higher Holton, nr. Wincanton, BA9 8EA 01963 33370 info@elliscombehouse.co.uk THE VISITOR November 2013 35

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

The

Pub Pages

South Cadbury

BEER & SKITTLES P. A. BAXTER

Food available from Lunchtime 2nd November Coffee and Pastries available from 9.15am Monday to Friday from 4th November onwards

2 Courses - £15.95 or 3 Courses - £19.95 StArterS Duck Liver pate with a Winter Fruit Chutney & toasted Baguette Butternut Squash & Sweet potato Soup Atlantic prawns, Crevette & Apple Cocktail with a Lime & Coriander Dressing Baked Camembert served with Cranberry Jelly and toasted Crusty Bread MAINS Roast Breast of British Turkey with Bacon Wrapped Sausages, Stuffing & Cranberry Jelly Braised Blade of Beef in Red Wine Sauce with Shallots, Bacon Lardons and Mushrooms poached Smoked Haddock on a Chive Mash & Creamed Spinach & Leeks Button Mushroom, Spinach & Brie filo parcel with roasted Chestnuts & Shallots

SO THE CLOCKS go back and another season of winter league skittles is well underway. Hence our visits to different pubs on a Friday night continue, and I still wonder why the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) stoically refuses to promote the vast range of pub games to encourage us to visit our wonderful hostelries. As a bit of a pub game anorak I often note just how many of us make what is tantamount to ‘compulsory’ visits to different pubs every two weeks. Indeed, even our fortnightly visits to the

home pub could be classed as compulsory, as we still go if there is a scheduled skittle, darts, pool or shove ha’penny match, whereas a casual visit might be put off due to bad weather or something on the telly? Bearing in mind that some 800+ blokes go out on a Friday night for the Yeovil Sports League alone, that’s a lot of pints that will be sunk.

I’m still amazed that there are some people who believe that skittles is in ‘sharp decline’, as I saw quoted recently. Whilst we all know that pubs continue to close at an unfortunate rate, and the loss of a local can mean the loss of a few skittle teams, I still hear of pubs upgrading their alleys or even having a function room built with an alley. Yeovil Snooker Club recently opened alley number three and I believe number four is on the cards.

Games wax and wane; that’s life - and snooker is now on the decline. Overhearing a conversation between two players recently it was said that they believed their particular league would not be extant in three or four year’s time. Meanwhile it would appear that Pool is still thriving.

Some pubs might not need games – Sherborne’s Digby Tap may well be a case in point, but

Under new ManageMent

HOTEL West Street • SOMERTON • TA11 7PR

Delicious food served ...

12noon – 2pm and 6pm – 9pm Monday - Friday Lunchtimes: Senior Citizen Menu 1 Course £ 5.95

All main courses are served with a selection of winter vegetables & roasted potatoes

Thursday: Curry & A Pint £9.95

DeSSertS

Friday: Fish Night prices start from £9.95

Christmas pudding with Brandy Sauce White Chocolate Cheesecake served with Winter Berries Homemade Mince pie and Brandy Butter Selection of West Country Cheeses with Fig Jelly & Crackers

Daily Specials Board & Bar Snacks also served Breakfast for eat in or take away from 7.30am

CHrIStMAS BookINgS NoW BeINg tAkeN

2 Courses £14.95 ✶ 3 Courses £17.95

Portion sizes and prices for children are halved Menu available from 2nd December

The Camelot, Chapel Road, South Cadbury Somerset, BA22 7EX For bookings please call: 01963 441685 or email: jrpubltd@gmail.com www.camelotpub.co.uk 36 THE VISITOR November 2013

CHRiSTMAS MENU served 1st – 24th December

We are open and taking bookings for CHRiSTMAS DAy 6 Courses £65 please phone or see website For menus and booking forms please visit our website

www.unicorn-somerton.co.uk SkiTTlE AllEy and FUNCTiON ROOM Accommodation from £50 per night B&B The Unicorn Hotel

Tel: 01458 272101

The

Pub Pages

with beer somewhat cheaper than other outlets in the town and a reputation for real ale at those lower prices, this may be the reason. Also in this ancient and attractive town I note that The Crown, on the A30, is under the new ownership of Ian and Marilyn. And I wish them all the best.

We visited The Bull at Ilchester recently for a skittle match, a pub that appears to be thriving, as noted on previous visits. The clientele seems to be generally in the younger bracket, although their choice in music on the wellused juke-box seems quite mature for their ages – well 70’s rock does take a bit of beating! The pool table was well used, and whilst the large television was belting out non-stop football (tellys in pubs other than for special occasions are a pet hate of your scribe) surprisingly it didn’t seem to command much attention. The restaurant area was also very busy for a party. Sadly for me I didn’t get to try the beer on this occasion as I was the designated driver although I noted that Shepherd Neame ‘Spitfire’ and a beer from the ‘Piddle’ Brewery in Dorset were on offer.

A correspondent noted that I have not sounded off recently about short measure pints.

CAMRA reckon drinkers are sold fresh air to the point of being ripped off to the tune of over £1 million every day. This is no surprise to some of us. If we were short-measured at a garage for petrol or diesel there would soon be hell to play, but too many people seem to happily accept a short measure at a pub. Petrol may cost about seven quid a gallon, but beer works out at £35+ per gallon! Gah! The industry code of practice states that if asked, the bar staff should top up your pint ‘with good grace’ but first of all you have to complain, something us Brits are apparently not very good at. Time to make a change everyone. Do you think that your pint is a short measure? Allow me to make a suggestion. Doubtless we all have a pint glass in the cupboard. Next

time you have ale at home try this. Pour all the beer into the glass and see how far from the top of the glass the beer comes, having first noted the amount in the bottle of course. Chances are the bottle holds 500cl or 550cl.

Has your pub-served pint reached this level and no further? Now; as there are 568cl in a pint, that means your pub-served pint could be somewhat short. Let’s say your pint costs four quid. Now a round figure of 10% short could mean you are being sold 40 pence worth of fresh air! Like I say; time to make a change folks!

Last month I promised we would take a look at a few more pubs that have made it into the 2014 Good Beer Guide from CAMRA. This is not to be confused with any other guides, some for which I am led to believe one can write your own entry even though the entry has to be paid for. Not so the GBG. Entries

are now made by CAMRA members continually checking the beers throughout the year and now submitting them to the local branch via the recently launched web-site ‘What Pub? Quality is noted over the 12 months and information will be

The

then used to select the entries.

Unfortunately some will slip through the net as there is a limit to the number of pubs that can be entered in the guide, and each area has a specific allocated number. Nevertheless, the guide is a useful tool to keep in the car

CAT HEAD iNN — CHiSELBoRoUGH —

NESTLING in the pretty village of Chiselborough is the Cat Head Inn. This attractive inn re-opened in May after a complete refurbishment and is under the new ownership (freehold) of husband and wife team Michael and Caroline Parffrey.

Michael and Caroline have a background in the hotel and catering industry and also own and run an outside catering company - so when it comes to producing good food they have plenty of experience.

Food is available lunchtime and evening (closed Tuesday and Sunday evening). Wherever possible the ingredients are locally sourced and the menus change fortnightly to ensure a varied choice and seasonal foods.

Lunchtime there is a wide choice - from Club Sandwiches and Ploughmans through to more hearty dishes such as Lambs Liver in Bacon with red wine gravy £9.75 and delicious home- made Fish Pie with seasonal vegetables £9.50.

A senior citizens 2-course lunch is available on Wednesdays for £7.50.

On Sundays the inn is open from 12noon until 4.30pm and a popular Sunday roast is available for £12.50, 2-courses £14.50, 3-courses £17.50. Booking is advised.

Diners may eat where they wish in this character inn which has seating for around 42.

There is a wood burner to keep customers warm and to add to the welcoming ambience.

The dinner menu has many interesting dishes including (at the time of writing ) to start: Ham Hock Terrine with a pear and fig chutney, with

toasted ciabatta £5.95 or perhaps Cheese & Herb Fritters with sweet pepper marmalade £5.75. Main dishes include Breast of Chicken with a stilton and pancetta cream sauce, lyonnaise potatoes and seasonal vegetables £13.95, plus a varied choice of fresh pasta dishes, fish dish of the day, steaks and daily specials.

Homemade desserts can be chosen from the blackboard so make sure you leave room!

There is a simple but well chosen wine list to complement your meal.

With Christmas approaching the festive menu is now available priced at £15.50 for 2-courses and £18.50 for 3-courses. In addition to the muchloved traditional turkey dinner there is a choice of Local Pheasant with an apple, chestnut and brandy sauce, Panfried Hake with a cabbage and bacon rosti, and tarragon cream sauce and a vegetarian alternative. The full menu is available on request.

For those planning a Christmas party - why not have a friendly game of skittles after your meal, or a buffet, if you prefer.

The Cat Head has skittles on a Wednesday with a regular team but new teams are always welcome. Now a freehouse there is a choice of ales including Butcombe and Otter plus a guest ale.

Draught ciders and lagers also available.

Michael and Caroline have introduced regular themed evenings which have proved popular and they are resurrecting an old village tradition of a Badger Supper on the 16th November - with a black and white theme - and a MOCK badger supper!

The Cat Head Inn is ideally situated for walkers as there are many footpaths nearby and in fine weather the large gardens are a great place to relax. ● For good food served in charming surroundings – visit The Cat Head Inn, Cat Street, Chiselborough (approximately 4 miles Crewkerne and 7 miles Yeovil).

FoR BookiNGS TELEPHoNE: 01935 881231 • www.cat-head-inn.co.uk THE VISITOR November 2013 37

The

Pub Pages

for reference when out on that trek to any part of the country.

It’s not just a guide on ale quality though; there are details of festivals, how beers are brewed, how to appreciate good beer, information on the plethora of small brewers and their beers and much more. Like we said last month – a great Christmas present, and indeed one that will last longer than just until Boxing Day. News reached me a few weeks ago that a GBG entry – The Trooper at Stourton Caundle, has been elected as the Wessex Pub of the Year. It’s been so long since I went here I can’t recall what it is like. They have their own micro-

brewery and for cider fans, real farmhouse stuff. Our congratulations to all involved at this pub which I must now put on our itinerary. Not a million miles away at North Wootton is the Three Elms, winner of the CAMRA Rural Pub of the Year.

Soon after the village Post Office and shop closed the pub became both – the first pub with a Post Office counter in the country.

This is another I have not visited recently, possibly because our last visit was far from positive. I’m very pleased that things have changed for the better since being taken over by John and Sue Barker. Now you can buy a pint, a loaf of bread and a stamp - at 11pm.

Moving on to Somerset, The George in Castle Cary – home of this fine magazine makes another appearance, and at Wincanton there is no surprise that the Nog Inn makes it into the guide again.

Bath looks as though it is overrepresented, but knowing several people who have lived there, this I am assured is because of the quality of the pubs and the ale.

There are even ‘pub walks’ which involve a trek around the finest of

them to explain the history, and undoubtedly take in a few halves.

So; does YOUR local always serve a full pint? If not, maybe it’s time to change ... and not just your gas and electricity supplier!

AROUND THE

H O U S E S In Mere ... hurry, bookings are now being taken for the Comedy Night at The Walnut Tree - four stand up comics and dinner for

A warm welcome awaits ... with accommodation

Relax and enjoy good food in the warmth of our newly installed Log Burner Monday 11th November: Quiz night Friday 15th November: guy Johnson Singer / Songwriter

The Natterjack Inn Nr. Evercreech Junction Evercreech Somerset BA4 6NA Email: natterjack@btconnect.com Website: thenatterjackinn.co.uk

ChRistmas PaRty mEnu now available Full for Christmas Day Luncheon

★ good choice of REaL aLEs 5 EnsuitE LEtting Rooms

Fiona, Duncan and Avril are now at the

Market Bar & Bistro Market Place, Somerton

Remember ... Scrumpy Duck ... Braised Ox Tail Tapas ... and more … ?

Open daily for lunch & dinner (closed Sunday evening) Monday to Friday 2 course lunch £8.95 Traditional Sunday Roast plus menu choice ChRiSTMAS MenuS now available

Tel: 01458 272468 38 THE VISITOR November 2013

PUBS

just £20 ... enjoy a good pint of real ale at The Ship Inn, West Stour ... there’s a new manager at The White Lion, Bourton ... if you’re stuck for a birthday or Christmas gift Truffles Bistro & Restaurant in Bruton have Gift Vouchers for lunch or dinner, a jolly good idea ... Sunday Carvery currently 2 for £10 at The Dolphin Hotel Wincanton ... and Wincanton Race-goers can enjoy a Racing Day Brunch at The Montague Inn, Shepton Montague now the new season is underway.

Scooting on to South Cadbury we find the recently re-opened Camelot Inn is under new management and we welcome Jason Cole and Richard Flood to these pages ... don’t miss the firework extravaganza at The Marston Inn, Marston Magna on the 9th November, all welcome free entry ... food now available at The Horsepond Inn, Castle Cary ... a welcoming real fire at The George Hotel ... and at The Natterjack Inn, Evercreech Junction they are already fully booked for Christmas Day. Cruising along to Corton Denham where The Moors Revival Party will be held on the 2nd November from 2pm at The Queens Arms, celebrating Moors Ales - drink Moor Beer! ... Ian & Marilyn are the new owners of The Crown, Sherborne ... well done Kevin & Zena at The Trooper Inn, Stourton Caundle

Planning your Festive Advertising?

Our Festive print dates are ★ December Print: Thursday 28th November Deadline: Monday 18th November

★ Christmas / New Year (January) ...

Print: Thursday 19th December Deadline: Monday 9th December

earLY BOOKinG advised

Tel: 01963 351256 • Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk The Visitor can now be read online … www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

which has been awarded CAMRA Wessex Regional Pub of the Year 2013.

Blustering on to Bradford Abbas where The Rose & Crown has been awarded with the Best Kept Guinness in the

Area accolade by Guinness - Mary would also like to remind everyone that afternoon tea can be enjoyed in the Village Hall on Thursday 2-4 in aid of Yeovil Heartbeat ... homemade fudge a nice touch at The Kings Arms in

Vinny visits the recently re-opened Market Bar & Bistro in Somerton

The Rose & Crown

Bradford Abbas • Tel: 01935 474506 November SaturdayS Live muSic ...

2nd Wise intentions • 9 th Hobo Jones and the Junkyard dogs th 16 John ramon • 23rd Paul Smith • 30 th black magic Woman Sunday 24th November: Quiz Night in aid of Yeovil Heartbeat backgammon: First Tuesday of Each Month  ChrISTMAS PArTy MENu available   ChrISTMAS DAy LuNCh £49.95 early booking advised – limited space  Tuesdays: FrEE BOTTLE of WINE with every TWO MAIN MEALS ... from Evening Menu

b&b

Thursdays: STEAk or GAMMON, Chips, Peas, Tomatoes and Salad Garnish ... TWO MEALS for £19.95

Dean & Lou welcome you to the

Marston Inn Marston Magna nr. yeovil

Join us for a delicious Sunday Carvery using quality local Somerset meats Main £7.50 • Two Courses £10 ★ Lunchtime Special Two Meals for £12 Monday – Saturday ★ Saturday 9th November: “Bonfire Night”

Firework Spectacular

BBQ from 6pm • Fireworks at 7.30pm Free entry all welcome • WeNdy BaSSett at 9pm Sunday 24th November: Paul da ViNci from 4pm – 7pm Formerly of ‘the Rubettes’

Christmas Party Menus available • Open for Christmas Day Lunch

 01935 850020

Dalmore Whisky Night Sunday 10th November, 2013, 7.30pm

the dalmore distillery, located on the Northern shores of the Firth of Cromarty, deep in the Scottish Highlands, has been producing exceptional single malt whisky since 1839.

Meet one of their key people – ian Robinson, who will host a fantastic whisky evening.

Enjoy a four course dinner, with whiskies especially chosen to match the food. Listen to the history, the wonderful distillery stories and relax, unwind and drink some of the finest single malt whiskies. Especially chosen cigars also available for those wishing to participate in a cigar and Whisky Match.

Whiskies being tasted on the evening include – 15yr Dalmore, 18yr Dalmore, King Alexander III and Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Rare Old Highland Malt Whisky. Tickets limited in number to this one off special evening – £32.50 per person, four course meal, coffee and tasting whiskies included in this price.

Book now to avoid disappointment, tickets must be purchased in advance.

The Queens Arms

Corton Denham, Sherborne, Somerset, DT9 4LR Email: relax@thequeensarms.com www.thequeensarms.com Tel: 01963 220317

The

Christmas Party Bookings Now Taken

Wyndham Arms

kINgSBury ePISCoPI nr. MArtoCk SoMerSet tA12 6At

Delicious homecooked food served every lunchtime and evening ... try our tasty new winter menu  Choice of Sunday Roasts  newly refurbished skittle alley and brand new Pool taBle in smoking shelter (over 18s only)

O christMas MenUs O Lunchtime Christmas Menu 2013

2 Course - £12.95  3 Course - £15.95  4 Course - £16.95

Dinner Christmas Menu 2013

2 Course - £15.95  3 Course - £18.95  4 Course - £19.95

caMra good Beer gUide 2014

Tel: 01935 823239 Please visit us on our website: www.wyndhamarms.com to see full menu details

Say you saw it in the visitor THE VISITOR November 2013 39

They Say That Carole Gaye of Norton Sub Hamdon Post Office, has delivered a first class service for many years, and has recently retired from her post she is sent all good wishes from her colleagues and customers from whom she always had the stamp of approval.

That due to the delicious cakes produced by Living Pretty’s Kate Macey in Curry Rivel, she has received a Best Tea Rooms accolade.

That number rings a bell! Just like the local football team Chiselborough bell ringers are to have numbered shirts - so they will be pitch perfect!

That when Sylvie Hamblin of Yeovil took her car to the garage to investigate a faulty horn, little did she know she was in for a ‘mice’ suprise.

That when dining, well travelled David Mounsteven of Hurst is now very much appreciative of the date stamp and Lion on his eggs.

That in a puff Roger Hardisty of Norton Sub Hamdon has been converted to electric.

That varnish and polish on the floor takes on a whole new meaning in Chiselborough particularly when the floor is a carpet.

That Crewkerne will now have a market every Wednesday morning.

That congratulations go to James Metcalf of Bradford Abbas who was awarded the Best PartTime Student accolade from Yeovil College, and who is a valued member of staff at his local, the Rose & Crown Inn. That in Queen Camel dogs have been known to ride in their own bicycle-powered rickshaw.

That it will soon be end of term time for young Ann Lewis of South Petherton.

That since retiring, Adrian Smith of Holton could be a contender for writing the Good Pub Food guide.

That on her recent trip to a local toy museum, Mrs Lin Penn of Shepton Mallet was really disappointed not to find Sindy, Paul or Tressy - ah! those were the days!

That entrepreneur Roger Bastable of Haselbury Plucknett will be gigging at Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club.

That its well done to the Glovers who are going in the right direction.

40 THE VISITOR November 2013

Pete Lambden & Staff welcome you to .....

168 Hendford Hill YEOVIL “Good times, bad times, happy or sad being in love is better than being out i might have had my doubts but nothing to write home about” FIrSt PerSoN to tell me the above song gets a free pint. Last month nobody realized it was ‘Way Down’ by elvis presley  .

Well after a glorious few weeks in the summer we now have non stop rain. goodness it’s been wet!

Well, had a great party up here to celebrate John Trott’s 40th birthday. A great bunch of people, a bit of music, nice bit of grub, and a few beers made for a super evening.

Well done John! our Curry nights on Wednesday are proving really popular – with a choice of 8 different dishes to choose from. Come on in and check it out . very pleased to announce that there are tWo PuBS FroM yeovIL in next year’s Good Beer Guide: The Butchers Arms is one, and well ... you know what the name of the other one is  . got to say congratulations to a dear friend Mark Haddigan who has recently reached the BIG 5OH!!! Apart from belonging to The Quicksilver Golf Society, Mark and his much younger wife Mel run the northover Manor in Ilchester. I recently had dinner there and it was absolutely fabulous. So well done Mark. you are nearly catching me up  .

Next month on the 1st we have Karaoke, so come on down all you budding Frank Sinatras and show us how its done. on the 8th we have a double header. Live in the bar we have the fabulous Mutter Slater Band, and in the function room we have The 3 Daft Monkeys.

We ReALLY ARe THe BeST MuSIC venue In TOWn! on the 15th, making a welcome return, we have nobodys Hero’s, and on the last Friday of the month we have Mark venus live in the bar.

All the plum dates around Christmas have gone now for the big parties, but we still have a few dates left for the restaurant, so pick up the phone and book!

And Christmas Day still has a few spaces for a nice relaxed Christmas lunch. the menus are on our website www.quicksilvermail.com And finally I have just come back from having a medical, and the doctor said “Don’t eat anything Fatty”. I said “Like burgers and bacon?”... “No Fatty don’t eat anything!”  TOOT TOOT!!!

BOOKINgS

 01935 424721

The

Pub Pages

Montacute ... don’t forget The Quicksilver Mail in Yeovil offers excellent accommodation ... quick, get your tickets TODAy for the Hamdon Ha Ha Comedy Night at The Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon ... in Chiselborough there’s a (mock) ‘Badger Supper’ themed evening at The Cat

Head this month ... and the local football team are doing well according to Garry at The Muddled Man, West Chinnock.

Travelling on to Tintinhull where you can enjoy a very tasty Beef Wellington at The Crown & Victoria ... a warm welcome awaits at The Rose & Crown East Lambrook, where the ice cream and Baileys is served with a straw - yummy ... celebrate the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau at The White Hart in Martock ... the darker evenings enable you to enjoy the views of the flood-lit gardens at The Orangery Brasserie at Ash Country House, Ash ... and finally ... if you are shopping in Ilminster why not pop in for a refreshing cafetiere and biscuits at The George.

home-Made Food Served 7 Days a Week

Real Ales - Garden Skittle Alley

TRADITIONAL COUNTRY PUB Serving Sensibly Priced Food And Drink Dinnington, Nr Hinton St. George • Tel 01460 52397

Nell and Jason welcome you to the ...

CataSh INN

North Cadbury • tel: 01963 441531 Delicious New Menu Wednesday Evening: Curry + a Pint - £9 Thursday Evening: Steak Night Two Steaks + Two Drinks only - £15

Sunday: Carvery - £7.95

Regular Friday Night Karaoke ChrIStmaS meNu avaIlable Bed & Breakfast – Skittles – Pool – Beer Gardens

SITUATION VACANT

Part Time Bar Person Required Tuesdays & Wednesdays

11 hours @ £7.50 per hour including holiday pay Specific hours to be arranged ...

Would suit someone local

Contact Rob: 01935 823239 The

Wyndham Arms

kINgSBury ePISCoPI nr. MArtoCk SoMerSet tA12 6At

The

Stag’s Head Inn Yarlington, nr. Wincanton Somerset, BA9 8DG tel: 01963 440393 SomerSet’S Hidden Gem ...

in a truly picture postcard setting you will find this charming 1850 traditional inn with its log fires, friendly atmosphere and good service.

The Visitor Guide to your local ...

All meals are prepared by our Award Winning Chef Paul Tapping.

Proprietors Paul & Dawn invite customers old & new to the warmest of welcomes.

Christmas Menu 2013 STARTERS (v) Goats cheese, quince and pear crostini served on a bed of rocket in house hickory smoked duck salad with winter berry coulis Shell on king prawns in a garlic, lime, tabasco and sun-blushed tomato butter (v) Roasted pepper and tomato soup garnished with a swirl of fresh cream and croutons Smoked salmon and horseradish timbale accompanied by wholemeal toast and salad *******************

MAiNS Venison burger with a hint of juniper served on toasted ciabatta with homemade festive ketchup Sea bass topped with special caramelized onion butter on a bed of samphire Five spiced cooked belly pork on a crispy sage and onion potato cake with red onion gravy

The

Rectory Lane Norton Sub Hamdon

Braised lamb shank in a rosemary and redcurrant jus Roast breast of turkey served with cranberry stuffing and pig in blanket 8oz sirloin served with tomato, mushroom and peas (£2 surcharge) (v) Gourmet nut roast with a mushroom and red wine gravy Main courses are served with vegetables and roast potatoes, unless stated otherwise *******************

DESSERTS Mulled wine fruit terrine with clotted cream Belgian chocolate cheesecake (v) Ginger shortbread blackberry stack layered with Chantilly cream White chocolate panacotta marbled with blackcurrant (v) Christmas pudding served with brandy cream (v) Cheeseboard with crackers and grapes — Complementary coffee and mints to follow —

Two courses £15.95 ✴ Three courses £22.95 *******************

BookinGS now BeinG taken for new Year’S eve!

Lord Nelson

Mark, Helen and staff welcome you to ‘The Nelson’

GOOD fOOD - GOOD bEER - GREAT ATmOSPhERE £22

3 Courses

Christmas Menu

£17

2 Courses

STARTERS Pulled pork terrine with roasted red peppers, spiced pears and rosemary focaccia Sweet potato and roast garlic soup with Parmesan shavings and mini soda bread loaf Cajun spiced crab cakes served with citrus salad with a lime and ginger dressing Roast fennel filled with goats cheese garlic & sorrel with pomegranate syrup

MAINS Roast turkey served with roast potatoes sausage wrapped in bacon, chestnut and sage stuffing gravy and cranberry sauce Cod loin wrapped in parma ham with a mussel and caper broth served with salad and new potatoes Spinach blue cheese and mushroom filo parcel served with sweetened apricot and almond purée served with salad and new potatoes Chicken supreme with olive and sundried tomato tapenade with roasted red pepper sauce with vegetables and dauphinoise potatoes Venison pie - venison braised in juniper, red wine and smoked bacon served with vegetables and dauphinoise potatoes

DESSERTS

All AvAilAble gluten Free

Christmas pudding with brandy sauce Rich chocolate torte with warm spiced oranges and vanilla ice cream Trio of brûlée - lemon curd brûlée vanilla brûlée and Baileys brûlée with cinnamon biscuit Poached pear with gorgonzola cheese water biscuits and a glass of port

Saturday 2nd November: Hamdon Ha Ha Comedy Night Tickets from Pub Sunday 3rd November: Quiz Night with Gordon McBride Poppy Appeal Tuesday 12th November: Film Night – Summer in February Saturday 16th November: ‘ Skimmity Hitchers’ West Country Band Friday 29th November: ‘Elvis’ – Barry Paul Saturday 30th November: Christmas Menu Starts!

COuRTyARD H bEER GARDEN AT REAR AmPLE PARKiNG OPEN ALL DAy fRiDAy, SATuRDAy & SuNDAy

Tel: 01935 881473 www.thelordnelson.biz

THE VISITOR November 2013 41

The Visitor Guide to your local ...

Festive Dining decemBer iSSue Print: thursday 28th November Deadline: Monday 18th November cHriStmaS / new Year iSSue Print: thursday 19th December Deadline: Monday 9th December The Visitor: 01963 351256 Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk your hosts, Mick, Jean and garry welcome you to

The MUDDLED

MAN

Lower Street, West Chinnock Tel: 01935 881235

Pre-Christmas Dinners Group Dinner Bookings 2 Courses + Coffee – £16 * 3 Courses + Coffee – £18

Game Casserole: Sunday 22nd December Christmas Day Dinner

Drink on arrival, 7 Course Meal, ½ Bottle of Wine – £60 Bookings Essential

Boxing Day Buffet – £15 Curry Buffet: Saturday 28th December 12noon – 2.30pm and 6pm – 9.30pm

Book early for Christmas Day & Boxing Day and RECEiVE A DiSCoUNT Function room available for your corporate presentations / business meetings - call to book DAILy SPeCIALS • reAL ALeS • SkIttLe ALLey • Beer gArDeNS • ACCoMMoDAtIoN

www.themuddledman.co.uk

good with knives? dreading carving the tUrkey?

Then come to the ...

Half Moon Inn Horsington ... to get some practice in!

available from 3rd december to 23rd december (excluding Sundays & Mondays) a carve yourself locally sourced Christmas roast and a whole homemade flaming Christmas Pudding! groups of up to six – a choice of turkey or Beef.

Larger bookings can choose turkey, Beef, or both.

Still worried about carving? then the landlord only charges a pint to do it for you!

Adults £12.95 ★ Children £6.95

01963 370140 halfmoon@horsington.co.uk 42 THE VISITOR November 2013

Chris & Jill welcome you to the ...

ROYAL OAK

Over Stratton SOuTH peTHeRTOn A Charming Country Inn ... where dining out won’t break the bank

O

CHRISTMAS FAYRe

O

Sweet potato & Red pepper Soup finished with herb croutons Crispy Bacon and wild mushroom salad Chicken Liver, Red Wine & Garlic pate served with Melba toast Deep Fried Brie & Cranberry Sauce served with water biscuits * * * * * * * * * Traditional Roast Turkey served with bacon, chipolata & stuffing Herb Crusted Roast Salmon finished with a tomato and sweet pepper sauce venison, Juniper and Cranberry Casserole Roasted Winter vegetable en Croute olive mash, mushroom gravy

The Visitor Guide to your local ...

All served with seasonal vegetables and potatoes

* * * * * * * * * Christmas pudding and brandy sauce Apple and Mincemeat Crumble served with custard vanilla & nutmeg Crème Brûlée Mint Chocolate Cheesecake served with cream * * * * * * * * * 2 Courses £14.50 • 3 Courses £17.95 • Filter Coffee £1.60 Available Tuesday 3rd December – Saturday 21st December

For enquiries please phone 01460 240906

TRUFFLES

95 HigH STREET, BRUTon, BA10 0AR Truffles’ ChrisTmas parTy menu (a) 1st – 24th December £24 p.p. (£12 age 12 and under) This menu is for pre-booked parties only and cannot be used in conjunction with any other menu seasonal canapés ~~~~~~~~ Trois Coquillages Baked oyster Bienville, giant shrimp with aioli, scallop with sauce verte. soupe Black truffle & forest mushroom soup, cider braised onion turnovers. foie gras Duck foie gras roasted on a Bayford farm fig tatin, port glaze.

Cuisses de grenouilles du provençale Frogs legs, deep fried with garlic on a winter salad.

Chèvres fromage à raclette Goat’s cheese baked with honey roast chestnuts. ~~~~~~~~ Ballotine de Dinde Breast of west country bronze turkey, stuffed with sage, chestnuts and sausage; butter basted, wrapped in bacon and roasted. Served with fondant potato, glazed sprouts, root vegetable terrine, turkey gravy & cranberry relish. filet de Boeuf rossini Medium rare, medallions of Dexter beef fillet on a pâté de foie gras crouton, finished with a black truffle and marsala sauce. Served with dauphinoise potato & creamed spinach. paupiette de sole et cresson, sauce nantua Fillets of sole stuffed with watercress then baked in a crayfish sauce.

Served with fresh herb croquette potatoes and a buttered cabbage and chestnut parcel.

Clafoutis Roast artichoke heart and pine nuts baked in a rich saffron batter.

Served with béarnaise sauce, braised baby onions, steamed kale and roast parsnips. ~~~~~~~~ Toffee apple pavlova with spiced mead syrup • Bouche de noel • fresh fruit salad Christmas pudding with brandy butter • artisan french cheese slate Coffee and petit fours

Truffles’ ChrisTmas parTy menu (B) 1st – 24th December £16 p.p. (£8 age 12 and under) This menu is for pre-booked parties only and cannot be used in conjunction with any other menu pâté maison Served with chutney and toast. soupe Winter vegetable soup, crusty bread. saumon fumé Blinis with smoked salmon, creme fraiche and dill. ~~~~~~~~ Dinde rôtie West Country Bronze Turkey with Pigs in Blankets, Chestnut Stuffing and Turkey Gravy Boeuf bourguignon Dexter beef slow cooked for six hours in red wine with baby onions, wild mushrooms and smoked pork.

Chèvres fromage Goats cheese, spinach and chestnut in a pastry case, mustard sauce. filets de sole gratinée Sole fillets in mornay sauce with a herb and parmesan crust.

All served with Roast Potatoes, Buttered Baby Brussels Sprouts and Roast Seasonal Root Vegetables ~~~~~~~~ Christmas pudding with brandy butter lemon ginger crunch • Bouche de noel fresh fruit salad • Cheese selection

rESErVATIONS call 01749 812180 or at www.trufflesbistro.co.uk THE VISITOR November 2013 43

The Visitor Guide to your local ...

Christmas Lunches 2nd december ‘til 20th december Holbrook House is a wonderful festive setting for a sumptuous traditional Christmas luncheon. Whether it be a family gathering or a staff treat, Holbrook is perfect for a wonderful merry occasion, with crackling log fires and lots of Christmas cheer!

Two Courses £18.50 ✶ Three Courses £22.50 includes Tea, Coffee and Mince Pies Please book your table in advance

01963 824466 www.holbrookhouse.co.uk HOlBrOOk HOuSE, WiNCaNTON, SOMErSET, Ba9 8BS

richard & Jayne welcome you to ...

bayford Hill, bayford, wiNCANTON ✶ Tel: 01963 34941 GOOd BEEr GuidE 2013

pre Christmas Menu

Christmas day Menu

3 Course Menu: £14.99 per person ~ STARTER ~

❄

❅

❄

❆

Homemade Winter Vegetable Soup with Crusty Roll & Butter Homemade King Prawn Cocktail with Garnish & Brown Bread & Butter Homemade Wild Salmon Terrine with Savoury Biscuit

Glass of Champagne on Arrival

❄

~ STARTER ~ Traditional Prawn Cocktail.

Festive Duck & Orange Pate with Toast & Chutney.

Slow Roast Topside of Beef served with Horseradish Sauce, Seasonal Vegetables, Roast potatoes, Yorkie Pud and Rich Gravy

❅

Available lunchtime and evenings.

Vegetarian Nut Roast served with Seasonal Vegetables, Roast Potatoes with Veggie Gravy.

Provencale Tomato Mascarpone Tart served with Seasonal Vegetables.

~ DESSERTS ~

Traditional Christmas Pudding with Clotted Cream

~ MAIN ~ Trio of Meats: Roast Topside of Beef & Roast Gammon with Roast Turkey served with Cranberry Sauce, Bacon Wrapped Chipolata, Sage & Onion Stuffing Ball, Yorkshire Pudding, Roast Potatoes, Roast Parsnips, Seasonal Vegetables, with Rich Gravy.

❄

Vegetarian Nut Roast with Seasonal Veggies and Veggie Gravy

Meringue Nest with Fruits of the Forest served with Blackcurrant Sorbet

~ DESSERTS ~

❅ ❆ ❅

Unicorn Christmas Pudding with Clotted Cream.

White Christmas Chocolate & Blackcurrant Florette with Blackcurrant Sorbet.

❆

Christmas Chocolate Selection Box with a Swirl of Cream.

Pub open for drinks only 12noon – 4pm Christmas Lunch served between 12noon – 2pm

BookinGs and pre-orderinG essenTial ✴ deposiTs required 44 THE VISITOR November 2013

❅

Fresh Smoked Salmon with King Prawn on a Bed of Lettuce with a Drizzle of Marie Rose, Bread Roll & Butter.

❅

Traditional Turkey Breast served with Stuffing Ball, Piggie wrapped in Blanket, Cranberry Sauce, Seasonal Vegetables, Roast Potatoes, Roast Parsnip, Yorkie Pud and Rich Gravy.

❄

❄

Soup of the Day Parsnip & Stilton.

~ MAIN ~

Homemade Irish Bailey’s Cheesecake with Cream

❆

4 Course Menu: £40.00 per person

❄

The Visitor Guide to your local ...

West Stour • Nr Gillingham • Dorset • SP8 5RP The versatile menu at The Ship Inn caters both for those who want a hearty sandwich and a pint, to those who want to enjoy a full three-course meal with a decent bottle of wine.

Our dishes are a blend of the traditional and the not so familiar, with a specials board and fresh fish board that offer further daily choices. We pride ourselves on using local and seasonal ingredients as much as possible and all dishes are freshly prepared and cooked to order. ______________________

Christmas Menu 2013 3 courses £24.95 / 2 courses £18.95 (coffee & mince pies included) BOOKInGS AnD pRe-ORDeRS OnLY Available Lunch or Evening from 1st December to 24th December 2013

Starters Cream of mushroom, garlic & tarragon soup freshly baked homemade bread Duck liver & orange pate, festive chutney, toasted homemade bread and dressed leaves Tian of smoked fish topped with fresh prawns, citrus, caper & dill mayo

The Halfway House Inn

Country Lodge

CHILTHORne DOMeR nr. YeOvIL

Tel: 01935 840350 • Fax: 01935 849006 • www.halfwayhotelyeovil.com

Christmas party Menu 2 Course £14.95 • 3 Course £19.95  Bookings taken for Christmas Day Lunch 

Sunday Carvery £7.95 Lakes & Gardens: FREE fishing for residents

Twice baked Gruyere cheese souffle spicy tomato concassé

Why not stay over? In one of our 20 ensuite Rooms

Mains

reAL ALeS • FuNCtIoN rooM • LAke & gArDeN • Proprietor: Paul t. rowsell FBII

Roast breast of turkey, cranberry stuffing, pigs in blankets, bread sauce, roast potatoes, fresh seasonal vegetables & pan gravy pheasant, bacon & leek stroganoff, garlic & rosemary Parmetier potatoes, fresh seasonal vegetables Beetroot, goat’s cheese & caramelized balsamic onion tarte tatin parsnip dauphinoise, fresh seasonal vegetables pan-fried fillet of hake, fennel & lemon risotto, crayfish cream sauce Blade of beef, red wine, mushroom, bacon & thyme sauce, saffron & chive croquettes, fresh seasonal vegetables

Desserts Traditional Christmas pudding with warm brandy custard and vanilla ice cream Chocolate, chestnut & brandy roulade, Chantilly cream Mocha cream pots Iced clementine parfait

Tel: 01747 838 640 • Fax: 01747 838 640 Email: mail@shipinn-dorset.com Website: http://www.shipinn-dorset.com

ThIS ChrISTMAS why not join us for your festive party in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere?

We have 5 rooms available to book ... all with roaring log fires!

We have a range of Christmas Menus from only £15 per head, and our full Bar and Specials Menus are available as well.

Packages with a Glass of Prosecco and Wine and FrEE use of our Juke Box ... from £21.95 Meet with friends or colleagues and enjoy a festive feast this Christmas at the Coppleridge.

Open Christmas Day £60 per head: bookings only The Coppleridge Inn, Motcombe, Dorset, SP7 9hW • 01747 851980 thecoppleridgeinn@btinternet.com • www.coppleridge.com THE VISITOR November 2013 45

The

The Visitor Guide to your local ...

ORANGeRy BRASSeRIe at Ash House Hotel 41 Main Street, Ash, Martock, TA12 6PB

Delicious food served in a relaxed atmosphere overlooking our mature gardens ...

Open daily for lunch and dinner Christmas group menus now available Parties of up to 70 catered for For further details & bookings telephone - 01935 822036 or visit - theorangerybrasserie.co.uk

Christmas Day Menu

Why not treat the family to a fabulous Christmas dinner here at The Dolphin hoTel this year!

All food is freshly prepared on site and we are proud to use local produce to ensure you receive the very best quality.

Bookings available between 12 — 2.30pm with limited space so early bookings essential.

5 Course Meal

Adults £55 per head / O.A.P £45 per head Children under twelve £35 per head (under fives eat free)

Starters ...

• Thick vegetable soup served with rustic bread • Pork, duck liver & port pate served with toast • Smoked salmon & crab parcel served on a bed of mixed salad • Chargrilled vegetable empanada served with salsa

Mains...

• Turkey, Beef or Gammon served with a choice of 4 seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, stuffing & baby sausages wrapped in bacon.

• Salmon En Croute with oyster mushrooms & asparagus • Stuffed mushroom lattice • Nut roast

Desserts ...

• Christmas pudding with brandy sauce • Eaton’ s duo chocolate truffle • Eaton’ s lemon & raspberry posset • Profiteroles with chocolate sauce

Followed by ...

• Tea, Coffee & a selection of mince pies, mini millionaires tarts, mini lemon tarts & chocolate salted caramel bites

46 THE VISITOR November 2013

Christmas Party Menu Starters ...

• Thick vegetable soup served with rustic bread • Pork, duck liver & port pate served with toast • Smoked salmon & crab parcel served on a bed of mixed salad • Chargrilled vegetable empanada served with salsa

Mains ...

• Turkey, Beef or Gammon served with a choice of 4 seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, stuffing & baby sausages wrapped in bacon.

• Salmon En Croute with oyster mushrooms & asparagus • Stuffed mushroom lattice • Nut roast

Desserts ...

• Christmas pudding with brandy sauce • Eaton’ s duo chocolate truffle • Eaton’ s lemon & raspberry posset • Profiteroles with chocolate sauce Bookings of 20 or over will have their dinner served from the carvery in the Stables restaurant.

Smaller bookings will be served plated from the kitchen.

Lunchtimes: Tuesday — Saturday

2 Course Meal £13.45 • 3 Course Meal £15.45 (Minimum booking 4 people)

Evenings: Tuesday — Saturday

2 Course Meal £14.95 • 3 Course Meal £16.95 (Minimum booking 4 people)

mark & isabel welcome you to the ...

Sean & Suzy welcome you to the ...

Crown & Victoria

Montague Inn

Farm Street TinTinhull nr. Yeovil BA22 8PZ O

ChriSTmAS DAY menu 2013

Shepton Montague nr. Bruton Tel: 01749 813213

O

£ 75 per person ★ £ 37.50 for children under 12 years old This menu is only available to parties who have pre-booked and pre-ordered STArTerS Butternut squash and red pepper soup with parmesan croutons and a crusty bread roll Pan fried scallops with caper, raisin and olive vinaigrette Coarse chicken liver pate with spicy gooseberry chutney and sour dough toast Smoked duck breast salad with pomegranate vinaigrette ***** Champagne sorbet ***** mAinS roast turkey with sage and onion stuffing, sausage wrapped in bacon, roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables and turkey gravy Pan roasted Creedy Carver duck breast with ham and leek potato cake, mulled wine and cranberry sauce and seasonal vegetables roasted fore rib of beef with red wine sauce, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables roasted turbot viennoise with grain mustard sabayon and celeriac gratin dauphinoise potatoes served with seasonal vegetables Caramelised shallot and tomato tart tatin with walnut pesto and pomme puree served with seasonal vegetables SweeTS homemade Christmas pudding with dark rum sauce and brandy butter Caramelised pears baked in a thin brioche crust with pistachio ice cream Passion fruit parfait with mango Sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream A selection of local cheeses with “Fudges of Stalbridge” biscuits and quince jelly ***** Coffee and mince pies *****

O

ChriSTmAS PArTY menu 2013

O

£ 22.95 per person for 3 courses ★ £ 19.95 per person for 2 courses This menu is only available to parties who have pre-booked and pre-ordered STArTerS Cream of cauliflower soup with truffle oil and croutons Chicken liver pate with toasted sour dough bread and spicy tomato chutney Baked Camembert with cranberry and cinnamon bread and caramelised onion marmalade Smoked salmon with avocado and horseradish mousse salad mAinS roast Golden breasted turkey with lemon and thyme stuffing, sausage wrapped in bacon, roast potatoes, gravy, port and cranberry sauce and fresh vegetables honey glazed ham with parsley sauce, buttered new potatoes and creamed cabbage with thyme Pan fried line caught sea bass with celeriac and potato gratin, lemongrass veloute, kumquat marmalade and fresh vegetables roasted winter squash and red pepper risotto with walnut pesto SweeTS homemade Christmas pudding with dark rum sauce and brandy butter Sticky toffee and ginger pudding with toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream roasted nectarines with amaretti cream and pine nut brittle A selection of Somerset cheeses with “Fudges of Stalbridge” biscuits and pear and saffron chutney ( £ 2.50 surcharge)

The Visitor Guide Halloween Quiz & Supper to your local ... Night Thursday 31st October

Charity Fireworks Night Tuesday 5th November Entry ‒ £5, under 16s ‒ £3 Winter Fare available ...

Stews, Burgers, Hot Dogs, etc. ✴ Bookings now being taken for Christmas ✴

Charity Black Tie Dinner Friday 8th November In aid of the Poppy Appeal and the Royal British Legion Guest Speaker – Justice Sir DaviD STEEl (not the politician) High Court Judge and Outstanding Speaker “Kill all the Lawyers, why not?” (catchy title)

3 Course Menu including Wines ‒ £ 58

O Christmas Party Menu O Starters Potted Wild Mushroom Fricassee with a Keen’s Cheddar & Herb Crumb Free Range Duck liver Parfait, Crisp Bread & Spiced Onion Jam Home Made Hot & Sour Crab Rolls, Shredded Iceberg Lettuce & Lime Dressing local Wild Game Terrine, Mulled Pear Chutney & Crusty Bread

Mains Ballotine of our own Turkeys with a Thyme & Cranberry Stuffing Served with all the trimmings individual lamb & Rosemary Suet Pudding Sautéed Brussel Sprouts, Potatoes & Chestnuts Salmon, Spinach & Cream Cheese Plait Creamed Saffron Potatoes & Parsley Sauce local Winter vegetable Cobbler, Mini Roast Potatoes

Desserts Our Own Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce Three Tier Chocolate Mousse, Cointreau Sauce & Orange Biscuit Steamed Treacle & Ginger Pudding, Lemon Infused Custard Cheese Plate of local Cheeses

3 Courses ‒ £22.50 As our dishes are freshly prepared we are able within reason to cater for most food intolerances, however, we cannot guarantee that our food is totally nut free.

Please bring any dietary requirements or allergies to the attention of our staff who will be happy to discuss the menu with you. We are not aware that any of our ingredients contain GM foods. All prices are inclusive of 20% VAT.

***** Coffee and mince pies *****

O CHRiSTMaS Day O

Where possible our food is locally sourced and free range / organic. It is freshly prepared and made here at the Crown and Victoria Inn. If you have any specific dietary needs please let us know.

www.themontagueinn.co.uk

aa rosette award For Culinary Excellence 2009 / 2010

reAl loG Fire • BeAuTiFul GArDenS • reAl AleS AmPle PArkinG • enSuiTe ACCommoDATion

Bookings Tel: 01935 823341 Fax: 01935 825786 • email: info@thecrownandvictoria.co.uk www.thecrownandvictoria.co.uk

Full details on website

O NEW yEaR’S EvE O

Four Course Menu Evening includes: Glass of Bubbly, Fireworks at Midnight live Entertainment, Taxi Home within 10 miles radius!

Only ‒ £70 THE VISITOR November 2013 47

Red Berry Recruitment

On Wednesday 16th October 2013 at The Wessex Hotel in Street.

Red Berry Recruitment hosted a Quiz Night for Somerset Community Foundation. SCF are a part of a national network of community foundation charities dedicated to strengthening local communities, creating opportunities and tackling issues of disadvantage and poverty in Somerset. It was a very successful night raising over £300 in total.

Mary Hancock, Deputy Chief Executive at SCF said ‘We’re extremely grateful to Helen and the team at Red Berry recruitment. The quiz was a creative and entertaining way to raise the foundation’s profile’.

A ViSiT To SHEPToN MALLET

Moggs

If you are looking for a new mower or garden machinery look no further than Moggs. They offer genuine impartial advice on the best garden machinery to suit your needs. They stock what they consider to be the best quality machines that will give you years of faithful service.

All new machines are assembled by their professional engineers and are thoroughly tested before they leave the workshop. They can deliver your

Left to right: Mary Hancock of SCF; the winning team of the Quiz Night ‘The Scrambled Eggheads; Emma Haskins PA to MD and Helen Lacey (far right), MD of Red Berry Recruitment, who would like to thank everyone who supported the quiz night, the quiz teams and to their lovely client’s who donated prizes for the raffle!

chosen machine and will give you a full explanation of the controls and how to get the best from your machine. Proving popular this time of year and extremely useful are chainsaws and logsplitters ideal for getting ready for winter with you own supply of logs.

Tidy up the garden! ★ Chainsaws ★ blowers ★ shredders ★ vacuums Excellent choice, sensible prices ...

SalES • SErViCE • rEPairS

unit 2, Beardly Batch Depot, Cannards Grave ShEPTON MALLET, BA4 4NB Tel: 01749 343881

Vacuums will also keep the garden tidy.

Their fully equipped workshop offers a complete service and repair facility.

Moggs of Wells Engineering Ltd., can be found on the outskirts of Shepton Mallet at 2

Beardly Batch Depot, Cannards Grave.

The Centre School of Dance

The Centre School of Dance is based in the Chapel Dance Studio, Paul Street, Shepton Mallet. Weekly classes are held for girls and boys from 3 years to adults in ballet, tap and jazz style dancing. The school has had another busy year with many pupils passing their BBO dance examinations.

‘Starlight Express’ was this years theme for their annual display at the Collett Park Festival, Doulting Village Fete and St. Peter's Hospital Fete.

Now the dancers are learning new routines for their Christmas Show at Whitstone School in December. New pupils are always welcome. For details please contact Di Tothill (01749) 343739 or Emma Hill (01749) 880109.

Repxotics

Repxotics of Shepton Mallet is one of very few shops in the area to specialize in the sale and care of exotic reptiles and invertebrates. Owned and run by Demetri Benfield, the shop stocks reptiles such as Bearded Dragons, Corn Snakes, and the more unusual Frilled Dragons, all of

REGISTERED OSTEOPATH

TRevenen pASCOe

BSc. (Hons.) Ost. Med. ND. BuPA & PPP recognised Cranial & Structural Osteopathy

42 High Street SHEPTON MALLET Somerset BA4 5AS  01749 342594

Ellen Johnson, Emily Stokes and Meg Dallimore (Primary Tap) at the Centre School of Dance.

The CenTre SChool of DanCIng

Diana Tothill & emma hill (BBO Registered Teachers)

Classes for all age groups held in The Old School Rooms, Paul Street ShepTon MalleT  Ballet & Tap Junior / Major Examinations  Jazz for fun  adult Tap Class Beginners or Experienced Come and dance for fun!

Tel: (01749) 343739 or (01749) 880109 48 THE VISITOR November 2013

which have been captive bred.

Repxotics can supply all you require to keep an exotic reptile including heated tanks, lighting and ‘sets’, plus live and frozen food. Tortoises, spiders, stick insects, Spurthighs and locally bred baby Hermanns are also on sale. Tropical fish are a recent addition to the shop with over 70 varieties - buy 3 and get one free with The Visitor advert.

To find out more why not call in? Open Monday to Saturday from 10.30am until 5pm.

The unusual pork pie & Meat pie Co.

A family run business, The Unusual Pork Pie & Meat Pie Company situated on the Anglo Trading Estate, Shepton Mallet offers quality products at affordable prices.

They source all their ingredients close to home and use exclusively British meat and vegetables in

A ViSiT To SHEPToN MALLET

This locally bred baby Hermann (tortoise) fits easily into the palm of the hand. Available from Repxotics of Shepton Mallet.

their products. They have won numerous awards for their quality products. Lines include Chunky Steak and Stilton, Chicken Ham and Cranberry, Traditional Pork Pies and Pork Pies with Cheddar and chutney to name but a few.

Quiches include Mixed Vegetable and Cheddar and Luxury Fish quiche.

They are now pleased to offer an outside catering service providing both buffets and hog roasts which are ideal for any occasion, from parties through to weddings. Menus can be tailored to suit your requirements. Give them a call today.

The Chiropractic approach to health

The recent fashion show held by Anna Perra Ladies Fashions.

The new winter collections are now in together with lots of Christmas gift ideas.

if required and a warranty. Part exchange is welcome, finance is available if required and credit cards are also taken. Should you be looking for a particular make/model of car they will be happy to try and source it for you.

Visit www.ridgeway-garage.com or give them a call. Stock changes regularly.

Poor health or pain means you may be unable to participate, or sleep, fear time off, or feel down.

Chiropractic approaches health by targeting your nervous system and the cause of a problem. This helps your body achieve a natural, self-healing state. What is alternative about that?

Consider this: e.g. How many head-aches are due to a lack of medicine compared to those caused by the effects of lifestyle on muscles and nerves related to the head and neck? An experienced Chiropractor will diagnose, explain and resolve health issues with advice,

Exquisite Winter Collection

enabling you to thrive. Don’t just mask the symptom. And yes, we also treat related leg pain and wear and tear!

Call Dr Ben Gait DC to discuss your wellbeing on 01749 988046, at Mendip Chiropractic Health, Shepton Mallet.

Unusual Pork Pie Company ...

Scott on the left ... Trish in the middle and Clive on the right ... surname Rayner.

outside Catering wedding? anniversary? christmas Party?

Ridgeway Garage

If you are looking for a reliable secondhand car then pop along to Ridgeway Garage, situated on the Ridgeway Estate to the south of the town near Mendip District Council, in Kingsland Road. A family run business established for over 40 years you can be sure of helpful and professional service.

All cars come with a new MOT, a Service, Cam Belt replacement

● traditional Hog roasts (choice of meats) ● Buffets to suit all inc. delicious homemade pies, quiches & vegetarian dishes ● outside bars To discuss your requirements call ...

01749 343334 ... we will tailor a menu to suit you!

The Unusual Pork Pie & Meat Pie Co. Unit Ab 8D Bottom Yard Anglo Trading Estate SHEPToN MALLET BA4 5BY

RIDGEwAy GARAGE Family run business - established over 40 Years

For quality used cars at affordable prices - PART ExCHANGE wELCoME ClEaN CarS BOuGHT FOr CaSH - liCENSEd CrEdiT BrOkEr

Kingsland Road, SHEPToN MALLET • Tel: 01749 342938 www.ridgeway-garage.com

“i’ve invested in 53 hours of additional training so far this year”

to be a better all-round Chiropractor * bETTER fOR yOu ... bETTER hiPS, KNEES & ShOuLDERS + SPiNES I see better results + research found good practical care significantly reduces the need for surgery for arthritic hips Make me your 1st choice, call 01749 988046 Dr. Ben Gait DC @ Mendip Chiropractic health ShEPTON MALLET ● read testimonials at: www.mendiphealth.com *in addition to a 5 year full time course and years in practice

at

annaperra FASHION www.annaperra.com

Personally sourced fashion from ...

UK ★ SPAIN ★ ITALY ★ DENMARK

Stylish knitwear, party outfits, separates and accessories

45A High Street Shepton Mallet BA4 5AQ 01749 343945 | anna@annaperra.com

Somerset’s leading retailer of reptiles & amphibians

Tortoises - snakes - Lizards Frogs - spiders - invertebrates trOpiCaL FisH: Buy 3 Get 1 Free!!! ... when mentioning ‘the visitor’

✴ Full range of accessories and feed ✴

repxotics, 17 Town Street ShEPTON MALLET BA4 5BE

Telephone 01749 938082

THE VISITOR November 2013 49

In and around sOUTH PeTHeRTON Regal Solutions

Regal Solutions are bathroom designers and installers specialising in disabled walk-in showers in South Somerset and the surrounding areas.

They know how difficult it can make your life if you are unable to get in and out of the bath and they are pleased to help make your life easier. Having a walk-in shower room can increase the quality of your life, creating independence in the home to make everyday tasks easier for you. They also fit standard bathrooms and undertake any plumbing or carpentry jobs.

Regal Solutions is an established company and have over 20 years experience in wet room and bathroom installations.

From Quote to Finish you will find a fast and friendly service that others can't match. They also offer other services designed to make your life easier, these include but are not limited to: Installing low-level threshold PVC main entrance doors (front and back); Widening of Internal Doors; Wheelchair Ramps; Handrails.

Please contact them for a free quote. (See advert inside cover).

repair serviCe ★ all makes of TV repaired ★ On the premises workshop

★ loan TV whilst being repaired

★ Estimates ★ Bench or field service FuLL ranGe OF panasOniC tvs in stOCK FOr saLe ... dO CaLL in

H.R. Hodge

Open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm • Saturday 9am - 1pm

38 st. James street south Petherton TA13 5bw  01460 240645

H. R. Hodge of South Petherton have a wide range of televisions to choose from. They offer an installation and repair service (see advert inside cover).

Beehive Self Storage – Lopen

Since the runaway success of Lopen Self Storage, Lopen, Nr South Petherton, local business man Richard Stone has built further storage facilities - North Dorset Storage and Taunton Storage.

These businesses have been rebranded and the group now operate under the umbrella of Beehive Self Storage.

The purpose built storage facilities at Priorswood Road, Taunton has only recently opened and can offer extensive storage space plus serviced office spaces to rent. The office interiors can be tailored to suit the client’s needs.

The storage units are available in a wide range of sizes and are suitable for both domestic and

Confidential and secure, we provide cost effective storage Domestic & commercial NORTH DORSET Gold Hill Business Park Child Okeford, Blandford Forum Dorset DT11 8HF Tel: 01258 861100 Email: dorset@beehiveselfstorage.co.uk

LOPEN SOMERSET Lopen Business Park, Mill Lane Lopen, South Petherton Somerset TA13 5JS Tel: 01460 243100 Email: lopen@beehiveselfstorage.co.uk

TAUNTON SOMERSET 150 Priorswood Road Taunton Somerset TA2 8DU Tel: 01823 323575 Email: taunton@beehiveselfstorage.co.uk

www.beehiveselfstorage.co.uk 50 THE VISITOR November 2013

commercial purposes. They offer confidential and secure storage for both long and short term use at competitive prices.

To find out more on any of the sites - visit: wwwbeehiveself storage.co.uk

One World

One World - such an interesting shop, with 6 showrooms over 2 floors stocked with beautiful and unique gifts from around the

world - many fair trade. Stunning silver jewellery, hand made glass vases, ceramic pots, wooden figures, childrens traditional and soft toys, gifts for babies, rugs, stationery, cards and diaries.

New in is a selection of fair trade baskets and handbags plus ‘bags for life’ - so useful for shopping.

Clothing includes long sleeved hemp shirts, alpaca knitwear and extra soft bamboo socks!

The David Hall

South Petherton’s David Hall in Roundwell Street, is a popular venue for all kinds of events from music (including folk, roots, acoustic, jazz and blues) to dance, theatre and film. Coffee mornings are held regularly - a good place to meet and join in the ‘buzz’ of the village.

You can help the Hall is these difficult times by becoming a ‘Friend of P.A.T.’ (the Petherton Arts Trust), by taking up annual membership. Telephone 01460 240340 for details.

17 St James Street South Petherton Somerset TA13 5BS 01460 241166

House & Home If you own your own home (or are paying a mortgage on it) it makes sense to protect what is probably the biggest investment you are ever likely to make in your lifetime.

Here are some tips to keep your house warm and damp free.

Set your heating to come on just before you get up and switch off after you've gone to bed. If it's very cold, set your heating to

come on earlier and turn off later rather than turning up the thermostat.

If you can't heat all the rooms you use, heat the living room throughout the day and your bedroom just before you go to bed.

Remember to close curtains and shut doors to keep heat in the rooms you use most.

In severe weather, or if severe weather is forecast, you should leave your heating on day and night at your usual temperature setting.

Check the loft insulation. Make sure that it has at least 10-11 inches (270 mm) of insulation.

Any home with 4 inches (100 mm) or less should have it topped up.

Make sure that you know where your stop tap is (before the

Bryan G. Paully Ltd

Domestic / Commercial Installations / Replacements Plastic / Metal Tanks • Temporary Tanks Leaking Tanks • Tank Cleaning / Moving / Disposal Above or Below Ground Tanks

Tel: 01963 363870 • Mob: 07836 502683 office@halletsfarm.fsnet.co.uk • www.bgp-oiltanks.co.uk

temperature drops below freezing), and that it works so that you can turn off the water supply if necessary.

Fit draught proofing to seal any gaps around windows and doors.

If you have wall cavities, make sure that they are insulated too.

Insulate your hot water cylinder and pipes.

Draw your curtains at dusk to help keep the heat generated inside your rooms.

Make sure that your radiators are not obstructed by curtains or furniture.

WOODBURNERS Get your stove serviced for the autumn / winter Glass - Rope - Safety Check Power Sweeping: specialised cleaning for stoves with liners Chimney Sweeping: traditional rods and brush system for open fires All work carried out by a Qualified HETAS Engineer New & Reconditioned Woodburners on Sale + Accessories We can Refurbish your Woodburner ...

Reconditioning, Reglazing, etc.

CONTACT

 01747 851021

GARDEN MACHINERY & STOVES

www.benjohnsonmowers.com

17d Wincombe Business Park, SHAFTESBURY, SP7 9QJ

THE VISITOR November 2013 51

House & Home How a low cost energy monitor could cut your energy bill by 15%

Homeowners who are desperate to get their huge utility bills down may not realise that a simple low cost energy monitor could help them cut their electricity bill

down by as much as 15% - it could pay for itself in as a little as 3 months.

Cold, damp winter weather is approaching and that means ‘cranking up’ the household heating. Many homeowners and tenants will dread the thought

With over 200 appliances on display at Sandpits Heating Centre in Curry Rivel, you’ll be spoilt for choice if looking for a stove or woodburner!

Home is where the hearth is

that just keeping the home warm means big utility bills, with the average ‘dual fuel’ bill now a whopping £1,300 a year. With 84% of domestic energy consumption used for heating and hot water, and 60% alone used just on heating, taking steps to reduce this sizeable expenditure is now the major priority for most households.

One of the simple low cost steps you can take to get energy bills down is by using an electricity monitor – many of the popular models such as the best selling OWL Micro+ cost less than £30.

Karen Nye of 2 Save Energy Ltd, manufacturer of the OWL range of wireless energy monitors, comments, ‘Perhaps homeowners don’t realise just how useful a low cost electricity monitor can be. With it you can: • Find out how much electricity you are using at any one time and then adjust usage to match your real needs and lifestyle.

• Find out which appliances are the real energy guzzlers in your home – that old fridge in the garage could be proving very expensive to run.

• Look out for ‘spikes’ in usage at a glance – has an appliance been left to run unnecessarily with the cost mounting?

• Keep track of how much electricity you’re using and how much it’s costing you.

‘In simple terms an electricity monitor helps you change your habits and reduce your energy usage to save you money – cutting your bills down to size.

You could save as much as 15% off the average electricity bill and the monitor could pay for itself in as little as 3 months. Many of the leading makes of energy monitors are ‘stand alone’ and wireless; they are therefore really quick and east to fit – no special skills or expertise is needed.”

For more information about the OWL range of energy monitors, visit http://www.theowl.com.

Hider Heating

Hider Heating, established since 1973, is an expert in the plumbing and heating sector, working with estate agents, letting agents and the general public in the Somerset area.

They offer their customers all aspects of plumbing and heating including: full central heating installation; boiler repairs and servicing; bathrooms; landlord gas safety certificates and general plumbing.

Their Gas Safe registration number is 700 so you can see that they have been in the business a long time, giving you confidence that only the highest standard of workmanship is offered as standard - they also have great testimonials

HIDER HEATING

Specialists in Installation & Service

OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK

Curl up this winter in front of a Woodburner Over 300 fires & stoves on display – including working models Contemporary and traditional styles Full installation service AGA & RAYBURN stockists • A warm welcome awaits

SANDPITS

All Types of plumbing Central Heating Systems, Boiler Replacement Landlord Safety Checks and Servicing Gas and Oil established over 40 years Rely on us for all Plumbing & Heating Needs Specialist in Bathroom Designs including all Tiling & Electrics

Reg. No. 700

www.hiderheating.co.uk Tel: 01935 426209 • Mobile: 07836 773152 11 Hillgrove Avenue, Yeovil, Somerset

3a Church Street, Wincanton Professionally Made To Measure Curtains, Blinds etc.

Supply your own Fabric or choose from a ...

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Curtain Poles & Tracks - Haberdashery Ribbons, Threads, Cushions, Remnants, Linings etc.

High Street, Curry Rivel, Langport Tel: 01458 251476 www.sandpitsheatingcentre.co.uk

OPEN: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9.30am - 4.00pm Thursday - Closed Friday 9.30am - 3.00pm Saturday 9.30am - 12.30pm

52 THE VISITOR November 2013

Melody 07883 089 333

House & Home Congratulations to Harts of Stur

It was two out of two for Harts of Stur at the prestigious National Excellence in Housewares Awards 2013 which took place at the Lancaster Hotel in London recently. Winning for the second year in a row and picking up two awards on the night. Their buyer David Conduit won Retail Employee of the Year and their website won the Excellence in Direct Retailing award for the second time, beating off stiff competition from the likes of Amazon and Lakeland.

The awards ceremony recognises and applauds retailers that are being proactive, inventive, daring and who continue to raise the bar in customer service, and confirms Harts of Stur as a national leader in their field.

Managing Director Philip Hart commented: ‘I am absolutely delighted to win for the second year running, and it was a very proud moment to collect the award on behalf of the whole of the Harts of Stur team, who have worked so hard to make this achievement possible.’

New guides to keep communities warm this winter

Two free, practical guides to help rural communities keep warm and cut bills this winter are now available from Dorset Community Action.

The Energy Efficiency and Affordable Warmth community guides have been produced by Dorset Community Action’s national body, Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE), in partnership with Calor Gas. The Energy Efficiency guide explains how families can make simple changes at home – such as insulation, draught-proofing, and low energy lightbulbs – to reduce bills.

It shows how volunteer ‘energy champions’ can help people in their neighbourhoods by passing on tips and pointing householders towards sources of professional advice.

And it explains how eligible households may be able to get help with improvements to their homes, such as boilers or loft insulation, through Government initiatives such as Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation.

The Affordable Warmth guide focuses on how communities can help households to stay warm and avoid falling into fuel poverty. It explains how the most vulnerable households can get help from the Government towards their heating bills.

It includes case studies of work

carried out by members of the ACRE’s national Network of rural community councils, such as bulk oil buying schemes.

Alex Picot, Chief Executive of Dorset Community Action said: ‘With winter fast approaching, many families will be thinking about how they can cut their energy bills. These guides are a good place to start, with plenty of advice and ideas.

‘Evidence shows that rural households are twice as likely as their urban counterparts to struggle to afford to heat their homes, due to lower than average incomes and houses that are less energy efficient.

‘Lack of access to cheaper fuel supplies is also a problem – 36 per cent of homes in rural areas

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David Conduit, buyer at Harts of Stur, with his Retail Employee of the Year award.

“This installation is the best we have ever had. You did what it said on the tin.

Your men started on time, your team of two (Jason and Alec) were courteous ... nothing was too much trouble ... took great care and left the house clean and tidy.

We employ an assortment of tradesmen and there are only two or three that we would endorse. Welcome to the club.” – david & Pam Watts (February 2013)

Call 01458 272555

THE VISITOR November 2013 53

House & Home Chameleon

Over 20 displays on view in our showrooms ...

Bedrooms Kitchens Home Office ❑ FREE design service ensuring best use of space ❑ Extensive choice ❑ Excellent quality – sensible pricing ❑ Traditional and modern styling ❑ A family-run business “Transform your home” with ...

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54 THE VISITOR November 2013

are off the gas grid, so many households rely on fuels such as oil, electric heating, LPG or coal.

‘Tackling fuel poverty is important because the impact of cold homes on people’s health and well-being is significant. Many households are faced with a ‘heat or eat’ crisis where they are forced to choose between putting the heating on to get warm or buying food.

‘Dorset Community Action is experienced at working with communities to help them stay warm and use energy more efficiently. We ran various events last year in partnership with the Citizens Advice Bureau, Dorset Energy Advice Centre and The Co-operative, to help residents in

Dorset struggling with rising fuel costs. This year we will do the same and will soon advertise these upcoming events to be held throughout Dorset between November and January. Details will be on our website.’

The guides are available for free download at www.dorset communityaction.org.uk

Decorating the Hall?

What’s your Stair Style?

It’s official … Hall appeal is the new kerb appeal! But what’s your stair style?

Have you ‘mood-boarded’ until the early hours and fine-tuned the look and feel of your hall to the tiniest detail, but there is still a problem? Yes, you have

House & Home an unmovable structural obstacle in the way of your dream hallway ... the staircase. It’s too time consuming, would reek havoc for the whole household, and even if you wanted to change it, it’s going to be almost impossible to find a style that lives up to the mental picture you’ve created.

Well, according to the style experts at Richard Burbidge, specialists in stairparts, you would be wrong on all accounts.

Not only is it easy and half the investment you would expect, but the choice of style has dramatically improved over the last few years.

So, all you have to decide on now is what your stair style is.

Are you Shabby chic? Modern industrial? Contemporary classic?

You decide!

Shabby Chic

If you love clean lines, religiously follow architecture and design blogs and get heart palpitations every time Habitat has a sale, then metal finishes and glass-panel stairparts are for you. You probably dream of converting an old warehouse into an open-plan, high-ceiling, exposedbrick wonderland, where you wine and dine your photographer and gallery owner friends to the early hours of the morn. Failing that, the Immix range from Burbidge creates light and space and can create a real contemporary feel to any type of home.

Thinking of buying a new kitchen before Christmas? Save yourself £££’s when you order a kitchen from Sherborne Kitchens before 19th December.

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It’s a trend we can’t and will not shake off. It’s everything pretty, vintage and sweet. We all have those fleeting dreams of that country cottage with a white picket fence, climbing roses and the Aga that pumps out Mary Berry’s cakes and bread every Sunday morning. Taper fits perfectly into that idyllic lifestyle you imagine. The range is romantically simple in white oak, which will grow old gracefully with you. Perfect for sitting on the steps, reading a classic novel, as you imagine yourself as a wistful Jane Austin heroin …

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when placing your order before christmas for January / February supply and fit *Orders and deposits must be paid by 19th December 2013 Superb Choice • Free Planning & Design • Visit Our Showroom

Sherborne KitchenS & conStruction The old Bakery, Half Moon Street SHerBorne, DT9 3Ln

(Through the archway next to the Half Moon Hotel)

Tel: 01935 817111 email: sales@sherbornekitchens.com www.sherbornekitchens.com THE VISITOR November 2013 55

House & Home Modern Classic

The Georgian property you fell in love with and raised your family in is beautiful, and that dark-wood staircase is striking

but slightly severe, out-dating your modern-antique style.

The dramatic feature makes an ideal naughty step, but you’d rather it reflect your modern

family. The Elements range, with its grainy oak and twisted black iron spindles perfectly aligns the classic with the modern.

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We can REPAIR most makes and models in our ON-THE-PREMISES WORKSHOP And if it can’t be repaired ...

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Our fully stocked showroom offers the Very latest TVs & Audio from Panasonic Free local delivery, installation, and disposal of old appliance

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South-West Homebuilding & Renovating Show

Greenhill, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 4EW  01935 813451

“Where the customer comes first”

✔ Recomendations - The vast majority of our customers  come from recommendation by happy customers

✔ Quality - All our kitchens are of the highest quality  ✔ Choice - We have over 400 Kitchens to choose from. 

A dedicated Granite Room & Replacement door department.

✔ Value - All our Kitchens are competitively priced  ✔ Design - We design your kitchen the way you want it  based upon your individual requirements

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01935 472100

Higher Preston Farm, Preston Road YEoVIl, BA20 2ET (Just down from ASDA) www.kitchen-updates.co.uk

56 THE VISITOR November 2013

Town Centre Mudford

Kitchens & Updates Zoe’s Hair

ASDA

Town Centre Houndstone

Preston Road Ilchester

Best of all, each of these stair styles is affordable and achievable. Richard Burbidge can even help you design your stairparts from scratch using its handy online Stairplanner tool.

For more information, visit www.stairproject.co.uk

Retail Park

The South-West Homebuilding and Renovating Show, proudly sponsored by Anglian Home Improvements, will return to The Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, on 16th & 17th November. The exhibition will provide visitors with the latest information on new homebuilding technologies, open plan extensions and how to undertake your renovations stylishly and efficiently. Head along to discover modern products to suit your needs, tastes and lifestyle and seek expert advice from property professionals such as Michael Holmes (Editor-in-chief of Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine), at the free daily seminars and masterclasses and one-to-one consultations.

Kingspan Potton, a company that specialises in assisting timber frame self builders, will be attending the show to offer recommendations on how to create

House & Home a beautifully tailored new property.

No matter how ambitious your plans, Potton’s designers will provide you with bespoke ideas and guide you through your build process.

Chris Reeves, a chartered builder and qualified solicitor, will be hosting specialist masterclasses about finding a reliable builder, avoiding rogue traders and obtaining detailed quotes from contractors. Chris will bring to the show his experience in project management, building trade and the law to update visitors on the latest legal and technical issues and offer tips on how to solve building disputes.

For those in need of inspiration, a stop by the free daily seminars and masterclasses will supply visitors with recommendations and suggestions on how to create their dream house. Property experts

Curtains and cushions by Ann Hoskins of Castle Cary. For all your soft furnishing requirements, as well as clothing alterations, give Ann a call on 01963 350011.

from Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine will cover topics such as budgeting, planning, design, layout and energy efficiency to ensure that self-build enthusiasts understand what decisions to

make and how to avoid risks when undertaking their building or restoration project.

Attend a free Planning Clinic by Sally Tagg from Foxley Tagg if you’re currently in the process of

applying for planning permission or have previously had one refused.

Find out the latest permitted planning rules and regulations and benefit from impartial advice from those in the know.

01747 826714 / 826721

ACF WindoWs AnDY FElTHAM UPVC REPLACEMENT WiNDOWS, DOORS, CONSERVATORiES, WOODEN FRAMED WiNDOWS, FASCiA BOARDS, CLADDiNG, GUTTERiNG, ALUMiNiUM WiNDOWS & DOORS ETC.

The Old Well House Shepherds Hill, Buckhorn Weston GillinGHam, Dorset SP8 5HX Tel / Fax: 01963 371715 Mobile: 07802 393344 THE VISITOR November 2013 57

Give your home a new look ...

NEW IN Stair Runners by Roger Oates

Stylish flat weave, carefully designed, beautifully woven and finished to a high standard

House & Home The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), a professional association specialising in selfbuild, renovation, conversion and extension projects, will be offering free consultations at the Ask the Architects stand. Find out how to make the most of your home, your plans and your budget from the certified members of RIBA. Book your free individual appointments with the specialists from Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine at the Ask the Experts area to discuss your building plans and specific enquiries. The experts this year include Michael Holmes (Editor-in-Chief and home improvement expert); Chris Reeves (Chartered builder and lawyer); Jason Orme (Editor and home improvement expert); David Snell (Self-build and plotfinding expert); Barry Sutcliffe (one of UK’s leading

self-build experts) and Tim Pullen (Eco expert).

For more information and tickets, visit www.homebuilding show.co.uk/southwest or call the ticket hotline on 0844 545 0084.

Tickets are £8 in advance or £12 on the door (children under 16 go free).

A mirror can add interest to any wall. Gillingham Suite & Bed Centre has a wide range in stock.

FIVE PAIRS OF TICKETS TO BE WON

Win ticketS to the south-West Homebuilding & Renovating show at the Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, on 16th & 17th November.

Just answer the following question: name the eco expert who will be found in the ‘Ask the experts’ area at the Show?

NEW Wood Showroom

Wood and Laminates

◆ Luxury Vinyl tiles – Amtico – Karndean – Moduleo ◆ natural Flooring – Sisal – Coir ◆ tiles – Ceramic Wall & Floor Tile Showroom

Entries by email to: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk or by post to House & Home Competition, P.O.Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BG. Remember to include your address. entries to be received by Friday 8th november.

Celebrating 40 Years 1973 – 2013

Dave Hoddinott Fully Qualified Builder • Renovations & Extensions

FRIENDLY & • Roofing + Carpentry RELIABLE • Plumbing & Heating SERVICE

• Ceramic Wall & Floor Tiling • Painting & Decorating • Electrical Contracting

Competitive Prices ✳ No VAT ✳ No job too big or too small

 01963 440256 / 07974 844682 24 hour emergency call out • email: hoddaz@hotmail.com

BLINDS

Spoilt for choice!

Blinds

■ Suites - traditional and contemporary

Roman – Roller – Venetian – Wood ★ Free estimate ★ Free Measuring ★ Professional Fitting by our own expert Fitters ★ Friendly and Personal Service ★ competitive Prices “Just nice people to do business with”

■ Beds - by Silentnight and Moonraker ... mattresses sold separately ■ Bedroom Furniture - many designs and finishes inc. high gloss

SJH CARPETS

Tythings Commercial Centre, Wincanton  01963 824418 Open Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm Saturday 9am – 1pm

Wincanton

58 THE VISITOR November 2013

Also at: High Street, Tisbury  01747 871178 (closed Wednesday)

ImmEDIATE DELIVERY FROm STOCK PRE-CHRISTmAS DELIVERY ASSuRED

■ Carpets

Gillingham Suite & Bed Centre

5 Riverbridge Parade, High Street, Gillingham Tel: 01747 822724 • www.suitesandbeds.co.uk

GARDENING GARDENING MONTHlY

by Richard Cumming Orchard Park Will it be a Hard Winter?

AS I WRITE, the rain is bucketing down but that, as Tom Jones once said, is not unusual (I mean the singer rather than Henry Fieldings's literary creation). Our climate is governed by the position of our island, the latitude and the ocean currents that rush past us. Weather forecasters here must envy those in say, the mid-western states or Central Europe, where it is more predictable! And the long range forecast? It has been a bumper year for fruit and seeds although it was late in coming. The signs are there that we should expect a hard winter, but will the old weather patterns repeat themselves?

Certainly in recent years we have had harder frosts in the month of November than any time during the winter. But if spring was late in arriving this year, will winter be late as well?

I will leave these thoughts with you. Main point is preparation before bad weather comes with plants and spots that might need a bit of protection or moving to more sheltered spots. As an awful lot of us live with heavy clay soils, the rain is an important factor in how we garden, traditionally, rough dug clay if left in clumps over winter gets broken down by the winter frosts to produce a nice crumbly tilth for the spring. Late digging wet clay soils needs care to avoid compacting and ruining the natural drainage. Working from

a plank spreads your weight and does less damage.

The grass is still growing here and will need to be cut again. I do mow up fallen leaves which

makes great compost: the combination of shredded leaves and soft grass is a good mix that rots surprisingly quickly. By next spring you should have a coarse compost that works really well as a mulch on shrub and perennial beds. The worms finish the job by digesting your mulching and dragging it into the soil; it's a win-win-win! Worms are happy, plants are happy and you're happy!

Plant of the Month - Trees

The plant kingdom is huge and varied ranging from the smallest pond plant to the tallest tree. Our gardens provide a place for so many different things but always in proportion to the space we have available. Trees add structure to the landscape and garden. There are all types, shapes and sizes. From flowering cherries and crab apples to evergreen yews, there are trees to

Short on space? How about a Half Tree? A new idea in Christmas trees! Made to fit into corners or flat against a wall. A 2-metre high tree is £82.99, available from Wheathill Garden Centre, Milborne Port.

WHEATHIll GARDEN CENTRE Seasonal

Garden

Tea Rooms

Superb choice of ...

Bird Food, Bird Feeders & Nesting Boxes Christmas Gifts

Winter Bedding Spring Bulbs Trees & Shrubs Hanging Baskets & Planted Pots

Open daily for: Specials, light Snacks and ... Homemade Cakes Homemade Soup & Roll £3.95

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Log Baskets & Fireside Accessories Christmas Decoration Department

SuNDAY ROAST 2 Course ... only £8.95 Main + Sweet Bookings Advised

Wheathill lane • Milborne Port • DT9 5Ey Tel / Fax: 01963 251500 Open: 9am – 5pm Monday – Saturday and ... 10am – 4pm Sunday

THE VISITOR November 2013 59

GARDENING suit every taste and position imaginable. Trees offer different leaf size, shape and colour and many have attractive flowers, fruits and seeds. There are those that flower magnificently in spring to those whose leaves offer brilliant autumn colour just before leaf fall Trees can be selected for all soil types including very wet and dry land. They can tolerate acidic, chalky, sandy and clay soils. They even make up soils in new gardens or landscapes.

Some trees make excellent hedges and screens whilst others make ideal specimens set in the middle of a lawn. The choice is yours. By planting trees you can reduce or improve your carbon footprint and generally enhance the environment.

All trees require some support

and protection such as stakes, tree ties and tree guards.

Fertiliser can be added to the planting hole and mulch can be added after planting to preserve moisture and keep down weeds.

Trees are best planted in the autumn, especially bare rooted varieties. Container grown trees can be planted at any time of the year providing the soil / ground is not frozen or water logged.

Malus and Prunus, Betula and Sorbus are good choices for the average gardener who has a little space in their garden.

Top 10 Jobs this Month

Top of the list comes clearing leaves especially from lawns, ponds and flower beds. If it is just a shrub bed then I don't worry quite so much as nature will generally take its course but if

for all your Tool Hire Requirements including mini Digger Hire and Garden machinery Higher Farm, Sutton, Ditcheat Tel: 01749 860199 • Mob: 0777 163 2221

Ben Johnson demonstrating the new self-propelled Litter and Lawn Vacuum from Billy Goat. Will clean up both lawn and hard surfaces such as patios and driveways. Has a large 151 litre collection bag (zip free) and comes with a hose for reaching those places that are hard to access, such as under decking and flower beds. Currently on special offer for just £1,200 to include hose kit. For full details contact Ben Johnson Garden Machinery of Shaftesbury.

Robust & practical BRUSHCUTTER

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60 THE VISITOR November 2013

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17d Wincombe Business Park, SHAFTESBURY, SP7 9QJ

GARDENING the leaves form a blanket they will exclude light from plants that need it and that will be that.

Leaves can make great compost (as mentioned) and even if bagged and left to rot, they will still be of use.

Next, bulb planting: a fabulous spring display is guaranteed if the bulbs go in now. Most garden centres and nurseries still have a good choice of tulips and daffodils to make a show from January onwards. Couple this with winter and spring bedding such as

wallflowers, Brompton stocks, forget-me-nots and of course the ever-reliable winter pansies.

Vulnerable plants need protection. Pots should be raised off the ground just enough to allow them to drain freely. A flat stone or proper pot-feet are ideal.

Pots that are saturated by winter rains are more easily damaged by frost, and plant roots will be killed. Really precious plants need to be moved into a cool greenhouse or at least into a sheltered spot. If needs be, wrap

the pot with bubble wrap and finish with fleece. There are some really effective fleece jackets and cloches that are more easily fixed down and well worth the investment.

Wind-rock describes the damage from winds moving tall plants in wet soils and breaking the roots. Trees should be staked and secured with proper flexible tree ties. Roses can be pruned back part way then given a 'proper' pruning next spring. Wall shrubs and climbers need securing to wires or trellis, and

tall shrubs firmed in and possibly lightly pruned depending on their flowering season.

In the veg garden, mostly clearing, rough digging and protecting winter brassicas from marauding pigeons. Netting is

Suppliers of quality lawn turf Full ground preparation and laying service available Telephone Somerton 01458 272091 Mobile 07850 310998

Christmas Trees

TREE SuRGERY SPECIALISTS Crown Thinning and Reduction Dead and Dangerous Trees Removed New Trees Supplied and Planted Tree Stumps Removed Approved Contractor to Somerset County Council and Local Councils Phone B. P. MONTGOMERY for a FREE Estimate Tel: 01963 240532 Mobile: 07970 397248 Email: brutontreecare@hotmail.com

FoR sALe Nordsman & Norway Spruce Red Dawn Bridgefoot West lydford nr. Somerton TA11 7DP

Tel: 01963 240532 Mob: 07970 397248

Independent Garden Machinery Specialist Bernard Montgomery of Bruton Tree Care in his Norwegian Spruce Tree plantation - go along today and select your own tree for Christmas!

Podimore Recycling Ltd Suppliers of Quality Recycled Aggregates

TOP SOIl / SUB SOIl Crushed Concrete All types of Stone • Sand • Tarmac Road Plannings and Screened Top Soil Small Tip for Clean Building Rubble & Bricks Small & Large Quantities Collected or Delivered Site Clearance Specialist • Tipping Facilities Tipper Lorries • 180° - 360° Excavators Fully Mobile Crusher and Screener Hire Barns Down • Farm Yard Demolition Yards Crushed • Stone Supplied DIGGER AND CRUSHER HIRE AVAIlABlE Tel / Fax: 01935 849250 Mobile: 07973 844145

RECYCLiNG FOR THE ENViRONMENT

THE VISITOR November 2013 61

Christmas Trees Wreaths Holly & Logs Promote your Christmas Trees etc. in our Festive Issues DECEMBER PRINT Thursday 28th november DEADLINE Monday 18th november CHRISTMAS/JANUARY PRINT Thursday 19th December DEADLINE Monday 9th December

GARDENING the most effective means.

Fruits trees will be due for pruning next month when they are fully dormant but grease bands used now will deal with some of the winter moth problems. Compost what you can

Approved contractor to Dorset & Somerset C.C.

but the Autumn bonfire is part of the gardeners life! It deals with the stuff you can't or shouldn't try to compost such as really woody or diseased material.

Lastly, don't forget the birds.

It really makes a difference to

your garden as a whole if you have plenty of wildlife visiting.

Birds eat pests as well as the odd plant! The pleasure they bring is beyond price. Strategically placed feeders and water will make the difference.

QUAlIFIED ARBoRIST

All ASPECTS oF TREE CARE AnD DAnGERoUS TREE REMoVAl

TREE PlAnTInG Tel: 01963 351256

Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Say you saw it in The Visitor

PHONE: NORTH CADBURY 440660

Utilise the generous grants now available to restock neglected woodland or areas of wasteground

All types of Fencing • Gates • Trellis • Fence Panels • Tool Sheds • Summer Houses • Garages • Workhouses • Greenhouses • Field Shelters

Alan Dodge BSc

62 THE VISITOR November 2013

All Buildings are hand-made at Bourton using Scandinavian Redwood Shiplap Timber.

Bourton, Gillingham on the old A303 Nr. Zeals For Free Survey/Estimate/Brochure

Telephone 01747 840752

the end bit...

PAPERCHASE

IN LAST JUNE’S paperchase I took the Western Gazette to task for publishing in its property supplement a four-page feature entitled ‘Living in Castle Cary and Bruton’ which was full of articles and photos of Castle Cary with just four short sentences about Bruton tucked away at the end of one of the articles. I wrote then that ‘if I were one of the Bruton businesses that had been persuaded to advertise in this feature I would be demanding my money back and resolving never again to be conned by the Gazette’s advertising reps’. The paper resurrected the feature in late September and what a misnomer it again turned out to be – this time it contained not even a single word about Bruton, just two adverts from Bruton businesses that are seemingly easily conned.

Among the Castle Cary advertisements in this feature was one for a restaurant whose proprietors clearly didn’t proofread it before it appeared in print. Or perhaps they did and what follows is correct: ‘Our dinner menu has a touch of fine dinning with a marinated lamb rump with a pee puree, braised baby gem and garlic milk foam.’

Tempted? Me neither!

For further temptation, splashed prominently in capital letters across the ‘Reader Offers’ page of the Western Gazette was the enticement to ‘get ready for your Cutest Pet supplement – out 3rd September’. Not hot news, however, as this splash appeared in the 26th September issue.

I reported in last month’s column that the price of the weekday issues of the Western Daily Press had risen without advance warning to 60p from Monday 16th September, an increase of just over 9%.

According to editor Tim Dixon, for the extra money readers will get more pages, more supplements and ‘while adding hugely to the value of the Western Daily Press we’ve redoubled our efforts to improve the quality of the content we offer readers, with the emphasis placed squarely on

accuracy’. My copy deadline for this column was 18th September, so I didn’t know that the price of the Saturday issue was going up too. But it did, on 21st September, by a whopping 20%, so it now costs £1.20.

It’s the Saturday issue’s second price increase in less than 12 months. On 1st December last year the price rose from 80p to £1 with immediate effect, in other words a massive 25% increase.

In that issue Mr Dixon claimed that the ‘20p’s worth of added value’ would be that the West Country Life supplement would be ‘printed on high quality paper, stapled and tucked inside the Daily Press’. Justifying the latest rise, Mr Dixon points out that ‘this Saturday package is a massive 160 pages. The West Country Life magazine is bigger – with more puzzles and new features – and has a glossy cover.’

How many readers will see this as a further ‘20p’s worth of added value’, I wonder.

A reader’s letter published in the 19th October issue stated that ‘I had hoped that some of the startling increase in price might go towards paying for stronger editorial control and proper proofreading’. The editorial response was that ‘the days of dedicated proof-readers that so often saved a newspaper from making a fool of itself are but faded memories in all but the largest of organisations. With the economics of today’s newspaper world journalists have to be ‘a jack of all trades’. And we know how that quotation ends.’ The reader was

Remote control freak!

complaining about a photo caption revealing that a brave soldier had been given the Queen’s Gallantry Medal for ‘removing a bomb from the underside of a bride’ (it should have been bridge) in Afghanistan.

Facts, too, seem to elude some of the Western Daily Press reporters. The 3rd October issue carried a story about the Conservative candidate selected to contest the Somerton and Frome constituency at the next general election. Reporter Janet Hughes informed readers that ‘the man chosen to to try to defeat one of the biggest majorities in the West Country left school with three O levels and was told not to come back’. She should know that David Heath’s majority in Somerset and Frome is far from being one of the biggest. It is one of the smallest in the West Country – less than two thousand – despite it being his personal highest in the four general elections he has won.

The 17th October issue carried a story about a spate of vegetable thefts from allotments at Weston Town Playing Fields, in which

Sudoku

by

T. M.

Fill in the grid with the numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, each column and each 3x3 block contains all the numbers 1 to 9.

‘Dave Roberts of Evercreech Allotment Society in Westonsuper-Mare says thieves have stolen hundreds of pounds worth of produce’. The fact that the reporter missed is that Weston Town Playing Fields are in Evercreech and Evercreech is a few miles south-east of Shepton Mallet, more than 30 miles away from Weston-super-Mare.

And here’s another one, from the 19th October issue, reporting that ‘Two more big parades light up the streets of Somerset and Dorset tonight. Taunton and Trowbridge carnival parades will set off at 7.00pm.’ I would have expected everyone in the newsroom of the Western Daily Press to know that Trowbridge is not just a town in Wiltshire, it’s the administrative county town of Wiltshire that is the source of much of the paper’s local government news. So much for the editor’s claim that the emphasis will be placed squarely on accuracy.

Chronicler.

AnSWeRS TO pOp muSiC quiz on page 25

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

‘… All Over’ Macy Gray Rotterdam ‘Squeeze’ 1971 Guitar ‘Passenger’ – there was a band, now a solo act.

8. ‘…River’ 9. ‘Buck’s Fizz’ 10. David Gray

Solution to October

Sudoku

THE VISITOR November 2013 63

Send Details to: The Visitor, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7BG 30p per word (£5 minimum) - pre-payment essential If you require a receipt a s.a.e. must be enclosed with payment



Classified Ads

PHONE - a - FIRm Fires/Chimneys

SANDPITS

HEATING & HOME STORE Multifuel Stoves ... over 200 on display Chimneys Relined ★ Full Installation Service HETAS • OFTEC • GAS SAFE

✴ Chimney Sweeping Service ✴ Showrooms Open: Monday to Friday 8am – 5.30pm and Saturday 8am – 4.30pm Email: enquiries@sandpitsheatingcentre.co.uk www.sandpitsheatingcentre.co.uk

High Street, Curry Rivel, Langport  01458 251476 NAME ........................................................................................................................................................................

ADDRESS .................................................................................................................................................................

Tel: ............................................................................. Cheque Enclosed for £ .................... Minimum £3

mobile Homes

MOBILE HOMES

From £1000 • Large choice of sizes

Wanted REDUNDANT MOTOR MOWERS, rotavators, chainsaws, strimmers, cement mixers, etc. Tel: 01460 77844.

COiNS & COiN COLLECTiONS, books, maps, prints, paintings. Home visits. Cash paid. Tel: 01225 793575 or 07754 058850.

DElIVERY ARRAnGED Big Sales Site Open 7 Days • 2 miles west of Shaftesbury

DAVE BUYS ALL TYPES OF TOOLS, bygones and collectables. Daves Tools Tel: 01935 428975.

www.bmvcaravans.co.uk

GunS WAnteD

Blackmore Vale Leisure Tel: 01747 851497

Storage STORAGE for furniture in locked cubicles.

Lock-up garages to let. Tel: Sparkford Storage on 01963 440045 or 440526 or 440692.

T.V. Rental T.V. RENTAL - long or short term, domestic & commercial, up to 50inch plasma. H. R. Hodge. Tel: 01460 240645.

Dog Holidays HOLiDAY FOR YOUR DOG. Let your dog stay with us when you are away. 24-hour attention and long walks. Fully licensed and insured. Vet approved. References available. Tel: 01963 240650.

Services

By Registered Firearms Dealer Rifles • Shotguns Air Rifles • Air Pistols Any Condition We Collect in Any Area

tel: 07970 742471

All Terrain Trader Co. UK. We buy all machinery and supply small / large machinery tyres and tubes allterraintrader@yahoo.co.uk

tel: 01963 363512 Mobile: 07912 346037

Passport Photographs PASSPORTS - PASSPORTS PASSPORTS and i.D. Any legislative size. Any time to suit you. Easy parking.

Tel: Graham Cox, Photographer, 01458 223769.

07921 074602 • 01749 677440 • Solidfuel3@aol.com

Domestic Appliances

Pe

PREMIER ElECTRICS Est. 34 yrs

COVERiNG THE SOuTH LOCALLy Kitchen Appliance Sales & Repairs Ø Repairs to all leading brands of Kitchen appliances Ø 12 months guarantee on all repairs Ø Diagnostic work charged unless work undertaken Ø 24 hour service Ø OAP discounts

TElEPHONE: 01935 609300 / 01747 470212 / 01460 220660 / 01458 298212 For your nearest technician

Taylors Domestic

Appliances Ltd. Sales & Repairs for Dishwashers, Washing Machines, Cookers, Tumble Driers etc.

Ridge View, Penmore Road Sandford orcas DT9 4SE Professional repairs by qualified engineer on most makes of appliances.

HOUSEHOLD & GARDEN RUBBiSH CLEARED, old sheds / oubuildings demolished, etc. Tel: 01460 77844.

mobile Bars / Catering

01963 220366

For Sale

HARRY’S MOBiLE BARS, all occasions, weddings, parties, etc. Tel: 01747 825553 harry@bars4u.plus.com www.harrysmobilebars.co.uk

Covering the areas between Wincanton Castle Cary, Sparkford, Sherborne and Yeovil

QUiCKSiLVER MAiL outside bar facilities for any occasion. Call Pete on 07779 306751.

Clock Repairs

HORSE MANURE - well rotted, 100% organic. Full of worms. Sold by sack or trailer load. Come and collect. Tel: 01749 890582.

REACHING OVER 60,000 READERS Shouldn’t you be ADVERTISING HERE? Tel: 01963 351256 64 THE VISITOR November 2013

Email: info@tda.uk.com

CloCk REPAIRS Antique and Modern Clock Repairs.

Free pick up and delivery 40 years experience

Tel (01935) 477582

Framing SCENES

Artist Materials & Gallery

« Picture framing « Restoration « Large selection of prints & paintings « Greeting Card Blanks High St. Gillingham Tel 01747 824050 www.scenes-online.co.uk

TV & Radio Aerials DAVE PARMITER AERIAlS TV AERiAL SERViCE SATELLiTE / ViDEO SYSTEMS CCTV SYSTEMS - PERSONAL SERViCE

Tel: YEoVIl (01935) 422088 or mobile 07850 405433 NO CALL-OUT CHARGE

DECEMBER DEADlINE

Monday 18th November  01963 351256

PHONE - a - FIRm

Electrical Contractors

Transport & Storage The key to all your storage needs!

Fully insured Storage at Highly Competitive Rates Call us today for a quote!

01963 440045 www.sparkfordstorage.com

• Open 7 Days a Week • 20 Years Established Family Business • Modern Burglar-Alarmed Warehouses • Professional & Reliable Service • Removals To and From Storage • Self Store with Easy Access • Cubicle and Crate Storage • Friendly, Helpful Staff High Street, Sparkford, nr. Yeovil, Somerset Ba22 7QJ Tel: 01963 440045 / 440526 / 440692

Roofing

PARKS

ROOFING LTD.

SLATiNG & TiLiNG SpeCiALiSTS

Specialists in period and listed properties

Leadwork Chimneys Fascias Gutters Flat Roofs

Security

26 Stembridge, nr. Kingsbury, Martock TA12 6BN Telephone: 01460 240229 • Mobile: 07917 411961

For all your roofing requirements

Flat Roofing • Tiling • Slating GRP Roofing All New Work Fully Guaranteed

For further information & estimates contact Allan Carey

01963 33528 / 07885 723915 Email: allancarey541@hotmail.com

Plastering

Bourton Roofing Co. Slate  Tiling  Flat Roofing. uPVC Fascias  Guttering FREE ESt imAt ES

 01747 840064

... or 07866 296453 Email: info@bourtonroofing.co.uk

Services East Lydford 01963 240185 or Mobile 07811 211586

Say you saw it in The Visitor

GooD PoTAToES

Takeaway Bags of Coal • Calor Gas Car & Van Rental Competitive Prices

Anchor Hill Service Station WiNCANTON 01963 32609

Denture Repairs

Are you a denture wearer?

De to m nture smi ake y s o le a gain u !

Denture repairs while you wait ...

TERRY NEW DENTAl

01458 210039

Home visits a speciality

Communications

DENTuRE REPAIRS While You Wait Collection & Delivery Denture Advice Mr. C. Dunn

Registered Dental Technician

01749 812585 www.dunndental.co.uk

WESTlINE COMMuNICATIONS Business Telecom Specialist For all your telecom needs For free, friendly and professional advice call ...

John Penny on 07976 967349 www.westlinecoms.co.uk

THE VISITOR November 2013 65

PHONE - a - FIRm Your Guide to Local Services Oven Cleaning

Maintenance and Repairs U CAN’T I CAN PAul CHEDZOY Property & Garden maintenance

• • • • •

Decorating, gardening, Building and general D.i.Y.

 01935 472669 ... or

• • • •

07884 345511

email: ucantican07@aol.com

Trading for over 6 years CUSTOMER REFEREnCES AvAilABlE

Builders SomerSet Cleaning ServiCeS Established 2004

● Domestic Cleaning ● Commercial Cleaning ● Holiday Let Change-overs Regular Cleans and One-offs Professional and Efficient Service

Independent Oven Cleaning Specialist Ovens - Hobs - Agas etc

Monday 18th November  01963 351256

• Ceramic Wall & Floor Tiling • Painting & Decorating • Electrical Contracting

The Visitor can now be read online:

DECEMBER DEADlINE

Competitive Prices ✳ No VAT ✳ No job too big or too small

Set by Frank Butler

Correct entries are placed in a hat and the winner is the first name drawn. The prize is a £10 voucher to spend with any one advertiser in this issue of the Visitor - please do not forget to state your choice of advertiser and your name and address.

3

4

5

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24 hour emergency call out • email: hoddaz@hotmail.com

Across 1.

4.

SEND COMPLETED ENTriES TO: The Visitor Crossword, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7BG to arrive by Monday 18th November.

2

 01963 440256 / 07974 844682

www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Prize Crossword No. 325

1

• Renovations & Extensions FRIENDLY & • Roofing + Carpentry RELIABLE • Plumbing & Heating SERVICE

www.misteroven.co.uk

 01458 201100

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Decorative top if nail is adjusted.

[6] What to wear if setter is in a shower before time? [7] Confused dissenter showing weariness. [9] Abandoned dyestuff hides a donkey. [5] i etch shift to rule of behaviour.

[5] Outside broadcast with page has eyes open. [9] Sing about excellent first lover in a yacht. [7] Thousandth of metre wearing suit at the top. [6] Change of direction with company navy queen. [6] Pretty jewel, e.g. mince mixed.

[4,3] Shame the dish on our sideboard hides. [9] Arranging game, i find a picture.

[5] To supply, Eu returns after completion. [5] Humbling a cellar? [9] Omnibus that is, with street most crowded. [7] Generator has many returning in party. [6]

6.

7.

8.

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Arousing affection with conclusion about ear. [9] Agrees to meet and attempt time aboard ship. [6] First great noble arranged to have a place at home. [6] Press edges to rival the Roundheads. [9] Gear finds Mary about ravine.

[9] Site of next Olympics needs tact for law. [4-3] usual perpendicular. [6] Musician (most are upset!). [7] Braved resort to describe action.

[6] Fat hidden by robe's end. [5] An era looked back on in sporting venue. [5]

Solution to Crossword 324

Down 23

24

25

1.

2.

26

Contact JAMES CADE on 01963 34272 or 07967 307179

FULLY QUALiFiED BUiLDER - ESTABLiSHED 1973

Tel: 01935 475065 Mob: 07752 695264

email: somersetcleaning@hotmail.co.uk www.somersetcleaningservices.com

Exterior and interior decorating Gutters cleared and cleaned High level painting and cleaning Conservatories washed down Removal of disused sky dishes and cabling Repointing of stone and brickwork Patios cleaned Many other jobs undertaken no v.A.T. competitive rates for seniors

Dave Hoddinott

Mister Oven

Cleaning

SERVICES

3.

27

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66 THE VISITOR November 2013

29

5.

Parents, 23 down belonging to a lady. [7] Eleven or thirteen shows where the arctic is. [5] Notice speech-quality showing over-dependence. [9] Puts up a fight, converting sisters. [7] Tavern with hesitation, next to The Bull. [5]

THE WiNNER of our October Crossword 324 was Mr. T. Grey of yeovil, who chose to spend the £10 voucher at the Bower Hinton Farm Shop, at Martock.

of Castle Cary Gifts ✴ Interiors ✴ Women’s Fashion

Christmas at Needful Things ... something quite magical

❆

❆

❆

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❆

❆

❆

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❆

www.needfulthings.uk.com 7 High Street (& opposite), Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7AN Tel: 01963 351352 • Opening Hours: 9.00 to 5.30 Mon to Sat

BRitiSH mADE

Quality Timber Buildings designed to suit your needs!

are pleased to be associated with WiNCANtON RACE COURSE and are proud to have presented them with a new WiNNERS pODiUm

Oak Framed Winners Podium

SPARKFORD SAWMILLS Ltd, Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7LH

tel: 01963 440414 • www.sparkford.com Visit our website to see our extensive range ... or call in to discuss your requirements