The Visitor Issue 374 January 2015

Page 1

SANDPITS

HEATING & HOME STORE

Add style and warmth to your home with a WOODBURNER

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

Issue 374 January 2015

FREE copy Your

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Also: LIVING PRETTY Tea Rooms & Interiors

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High Street, Curry Rivel, Langport  01458 251476 • www.sandpitsheatingcentre.co.uk


Stunning new bedroom ranges Choose from a wide range of colours and designs ... including ‘painted’ and gloss wood finishes

STYLISH AND SPACE SAVING

Full planning, design and installation

Visit our Showrooms and discuss your personal requirements Contact Ashley Helyar at: Simply Bathrooms & Bedrooms The Old Bakery Half Moon Street SHERBORNE, DT9 3LN (Through the Archway by Half Moon Inn)

Tel: 01935 817111

www.SimplyBathAndBed.co.uk info@SimplyBathAndBed.co.uk

Dodge Interiors’ Starts Monday 29th December

25% off all furniture Discounts on selected carpets and flooring

28 Cheap Street, Sherborne, DT9 3QD

01935 818150


In Passing ...

P

HEASANT-SHOOTING time is upon us again. If you live in or pass through wooded parts of Visitorland you can’t fail to notice the many dozy birds wandering aimlessly on the roads, seemingly as oblivious to the traffic as to their potential demise from gunshot. Organised shoots are growing into quite big businesses, catering for sportsmen from far and wide, generating additional income for local landowners and providing employment for gamekeepers and beaters. And there are economic spin-offs – for the suppliers of feed that nurtures the young birds, for the gunsmiths who sell the weapons and ammunition, for the hotels and b&bs that accommodate shooters coming from distant parts, for the pubs that provide breakfasts and dinners for the shoots, for the poulterers, butchers and caterers who buy the surplus birds at the end of the day’s shoot. Shooting doesn’t come cheap, but those who can afford it are pumping a significant amount of money into our local economy. Some readers will, I am sure, object because the shoot is an activity indulged in by relatively well-off outsiders who may have little concern for the countryside and rural life. They should pause to reflect that game birds with their distinctive flavour used to be regarded as a luxury reserved for the favoured few, but nowadays freshly-shot pheasants are relatively cheap and easily obtainable. Others will be strongly opposed to the organised shooting of wildlife, although it is hard to see how this differs from the organised slaughter of farmed poultry, something to ponder as they tuck into their Christmas turkey or goose, duck or chicken. Why not Christmas pheasant, not from the supermarket deep-freeze but from a local supplier of fresh birds. A pheasant will feed two people, three at a pinch. It needs to be hung for a day or two at most, then plucked and drawn

– something the supplier will probably do. A young, plump pheasant will roast well if it is kept well-basted, but casseroling is the best method of cooking. Back in the 1970s a friend came across a recipe for pheasant in red wine and it has been her seasonal speciality ever since. She stuffs the bird with its own liver and finely-chopped shallots, trusses it and gently browns it in a mixture of butter and olive oil for 15 minutes. Then she bakes it in a casserole dish with red wine, button mushrooms, caramelised small pickling onions and a dash of lemon juice until the bird is very tender. Finally she transfers it to a heated dish, untrusses it, discards the stuffing, surrounds it with the mushrooms and onions and spoons the sauce over it. It looks good, it smells divine, and I’m told that it tastes delicious. I wouldn’t know. I’m a vegetarian. NN.

Advertising Deadlines

February Issue published Thursday 29th January Deadline Friday 16th January

PO Box 1, Castle Cary Somerset BA7 7BG

Ltd.

Tel: (01963) 351256, 351998 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 © The Visitor Ltd. 2015

(Items marked ©GT are the copyright of Geoff Thompson)

CONTENTS

Our FRONT COVER is almost entirely due to In Passing

ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLASSIFIED - 48 ANTIQUES & COLLECTING - 18 BUSINESS - 16

CROSSWORD - 50 EDUCATION - 14

GARDENING - 44

HOUSE & HOME - 32

LAST MINUTE GIFT GUIDE - 7 LEISURE & TRAVEL - 30 LETTERS - 5 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.

LOOKING GOOD & FEELING FINE Health & Beauty for the New Year - 29 MENTIONED in DISPATCHES - 6 MOTORING - 28

MUSIC for the MONTH - 31 NOTICE BOARD - 32 PAPERCHASE - 47

PHONE-A-FIRM - 48 PUBS - 38

SEASON’S GREETINGS - 11 SHAFTESBURY - 19 THEY SAY - 42

VALE of BLACKMORE - 23

WINE & DINE - Festive Fizz - 43

Drawings by GEOFF THOMPSON

THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015 3


•A

Y

B A W R E CL R D A N

45 High Street, Wincanton, Somerset BA9 9JU  Tel: 01963 34880

Andrew – meat prepared to your requirements

Friendly and experienced staff

Naturally reared, locally sourced meats

Delicious pies and savouries

ORDER NOW FOR NEW YEAR We would like to thank all of our customers for their support during the year and to wish them a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

4 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015


Letters to the Editor

It Was Christmas Day in the Trenches ...

We could hear the Jerries singing and shouting across to us over ‘no-mans land’ on Christmas morning in 1914, and there was a lull in the firing. As dawn came up, we could see them jumping up at the parapets of their trenches. And one actually came ‘over-the-top’, made a rude gesture, before hurriedly retreating back down. Then, to our complete surprise, a challenge was shouted over to us, to have a game of football but of course, none of us had a ball. Nevertheless, accepting what appeared to be some sort of truce, we ourselves clambered over-thetop and met up with our foes beyond the wire entanglements, shaking hands and swapping sweets and cigarettes. We showed each other photos of family and friends back home, and shared a tot or two. It all ended in treachery however, when a sniper pickedoff one of our pals and severely

wounded him. I can’t remember now, if he survived. We retreated to our trenches and shouted abuse at the Germans for their treachery.

Firing picked up on both sides and continued spasmodically for the rest of the day. We had to enjoy Christmas Day as best we could, as our promised special Christmas rations were delayed somewhere behind the lines. But we did each receive a little golden tin box of sweets and/or tobacco - a present from the then Princess Mary, daughter of the King and Queen. I still

treasure the tin box, as a reminder of that fateful day Christmas 1914. Dramatised from a story told to me by my Dad, who was ‘in the trenches’ and later ‘mentioned in dispatches’, stretchering wounded men and bodies back from ‘nomans land’. Norman Leeks Priams Way Cambridge

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

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

● Frequent trips out in our own minibus ● Beautiful landscaped gardens with breathtaking views over the Somerset countryside

THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015 5


Mentioned in

Dispatches

Centaur Services 50 Years in Castle Cary

In 1964 a group of West of England Veterinary Surgeons

formed a company called The West of England Veterinary Wholesale Supply Co. Ltd, which later became Centaur Services Ltd. The Company started operating from The Old Milk Factory at Castle Cary Station and when it outgrew these premises moved to The Old Cheese Store, South Cary. In 1981 Centaur moved to a custom built warehouse on the Torbay Road Industrial Estate in Castle Cary, from where it still operates today.

Former employees thought the fact that Centaur had successfully traded for 50 years in Castle Cary should be celebrated and as a result, it was decided to arrange a reunion to recognise the part played by staff past and present. An advert was placed in a local magazine inviting former and present day employees to a reunion. As a result the Centaur 50th Anniversary Reunion Party took place in 'The Shambles',

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MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY 2015

Market House, Castle Cary on Saturday 15th November attended by around 70 people who had contributed to Centaur’s success over the past 50 years including former veterinary surgeon Directors. It is estimated that those present represented a total of over 800 years service with the company. Donations were received to cover the cost of the venue and refreshments and additional cash contributions were given on the night with excess monies being divided between the Somerset and Dorset Air Ambulance and Castle Cary Museum. The excellent food provided by the 'Centaur Ladies' helped to ensure a successful reunion enjoyed by all.

Allum & Sidaway Success in the 20th Annual Dorset Business Awards

Allum & Sidaway were finalists in the two categories entered for the 2014 Dorset Business Awards: the Princecroft Willis Family Business Award and Retail Experience, sponsored by the Dolphin Shopping Centre. The Awards are organised and run by the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry in association with the Daily Echo, the Dorset Echo and Wave 105 and are a golden opportunity to showcase hard

Tel: 01963 33370 | Higher Holton, nr Wincanton BA9 8EA info@elliscombehouse.co.uk | www.elliscombehouse.co.uk

6 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015


work, commitment and achievements within the region. Allum & Sidaway were elated to be amongst the county’s finest businesses and were honoured to be awarded the trophy for Retail Experience. Managing Director, Jason Allum said, ‘We had a fantastic evening and we couldn’t be more thrilled to be Finalists and a Winner of Retail Experience. I am so proud of everyone in the entire Allum & S i d a w a y c o m p a n y . W e w i ll continue to offer our customers a true retail experience of celebrated world-wide brands and diverse and inspirational collections, as our

sole aim is to provide an enjoyable and memorable experience. We have seven fantastic teams, including our two Pandora franchises and a further Pandora franchise in the pipeline, and today they are all winners. My thanks go to the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry for establishing this premier business event in the county as a platform to demonstrate our business goals and achievements.’ Allum & Sidaway have stores in Dorchester, Shaftesbury, Ringwood, Gillingham and Salisbury and Pandora franchises in Weymouth and Andover.

A. J. WAKELY & SONS LTD Independent Family Funeral Directors • Golden Charter Pre Paid Funeral Plans • 24 Hour Service

• Private Chapel of Rest

Golden Charter Brochure available on request Clive Wakely Dip F.D. M.B.I.E.

O

Heavy Horses Experience Days

Purchase a gift voucher for a friend or family member so that they have the chance to experience the thrill of working a gentle giant. Swainsford Heavy Horses Experience Days are designed to give participants a taste of handling, harnessing and working with a heavy horse. Participants will learn how to harness a horse to pull an implement and to have the pleasure of driving a heavy horse in a cart. Swainsford Heavy Horses - 10 horses which are Percherons and

Coloured Draft ranging in age from 2 years to 22 years. The courses are held on the farm at Broadwater Farm, Mere, Wiltshire close to the Dorset border. The days are suitable for anybody over the age of 13 and cost £100.00, this includes lunch and refreshments. Discounts are available for two or more people booking together or for additional days. For further information on their courses or to book or purchase a gift voucher visit www.workinghorses.co.uk, email richard@workinghorses.co.uk or contact Richard Branscombe on 01747 860879.

The Old Police Station, Carrington Way WINCANTON BA9 9JS Tel: 01963 31310

Watching the birds in the garden can give hours of pleasure - why not give a bird feeder and nuts as a gift this year? For all your pet requirements visit Crossroads Pet Supplies of Yeovil.

Dog tired of high prices?

CROSSROADS PET SUPPLIES VISIT

SUPPLIERS OF

• Pet Foods • Bird & Pigeon Seeds • Full range of Toys, Hutches, Accessories

... all at competitive prices Ample FREE PARKING outside the Door Find us at Forward Garage on the main A30 between Sherborne & Yeovil

Tel: 01935 411859 .

Email: richard@workinghorses.co.uk • Website: www.workinghorses.co.uk

THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015 7


O

Careline - a lifeline for vulnerable people

South Somerset District Council’s Careline service continues to serve as a lifeline to over 2,000 people across South Somerset, enabling people to stay in their own homes and provide peace of mind to families that their loved ones are

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

01963 32367

11 Church Street, Wincanton, BA9 9AA

safe. The Careline service provides an emergency alarm button and pendant that can be worn at all times, which links to a control centre where emergency staff are on hand to answer calls 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Pressing the alarm button puts the customer straight into contact with staff who call a family member, neighbour or doctor if the resident was feeling unwell, or an ambulance if needed. They will also call the police if the person felt intimidated or in danger. SSDC has been running the service for 32 years and it continues to prove to be invaluable to residents, particularly those people living alone. The service has built up a strong local reputation with its team of dedicated and experienced staff. The service offers a range of other ‘telecare’ devices which can help

people live independently, such as smoke detectors, fall detectors and key safes. Careline is able to provide this through partnership working with other agencies like the Fire Service and Social Services. Alice Knight, Welfare & Careline Manager at SSDC has been spending time out and about raising awareness of Careline, providing talks to lunch clubs, carer’s forums, voluntary groups and team meetings for local agencies. If you would like to know more about Careline either for yourself,

a friend or relative, or you would like us to come and talk to your group about the services we can provide, please contact us on 01935 479815, email careline@southsomerset.gov.uk or visit www.southsomerset. gov.uk/careline Careline also takes referrals from GPs, social workers, carers, the fire service and a whole range of other support agencies so people are encouraged to speak to people who help them if they think Careline could be an option for them.

Keep your independence at home with

Make someone’s Christmas this year by setting them up with Careline in 2015

An arrangement or a bouquet can be sent anywhere by Interflora, contact Reed & Russell Flowers of Wincanton.

Careline gives that little extra support to people who want to remain living at home independently for as long as possible while bringing peace of mind to their family and friends. Do you …  Live alone or sometimes feel at risk?  Have elderly, frail or infirm dependents?  Worry about their safety in an emergency?  Want to help them maintain their independence?

If yes, Careline can provide help at the touch of button 24-hours a day 365 days a year! Through Careline, you can enjoy the independence of living in your own home, secure in the knowledge that emergency help or advice is available at your fingertips.

For all new installations booked before 31st January 2015 through this advertisement, we will offer one month free of charge! Please quote this advert when you contact us.

We offer a free demonstration and if you are happy with it, our staff can fit the unit for you immediately. Contact us on 01935 479815 careline@southsomerset.gov.uk www.southsomerset.gov.uk/careline Initial connection / setup fee £32.70* Hire and monitoring £3.81 per week *waived if on certain benefits

8 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015

This colour shot is the frontage of Scenes in Gillingham where you will find a host of prints on all topics - ideal gifts.

“Mercedes Maestro”

By Ray Goldsbrough 2014 Spanish Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton Racing to Victory — LI M I T E D E D I T I O N —  Superb range of prints on all topics stocked 

High Street, Gillingham Tel / Fax: 01747 824050 email: scenesol@aol.com • www.scenes-online.co.uk


Bower Hinton Farm Shop - Martock

Festive Fayre

Own Reared Pork, Joints, Sausages, Chipolatas & Sausage Meat Own Grown Sprouts, Kale, Cabbage, Cauliflower Local Parsnips and Carrots Potatoes – 25kg and 12.5kg Sacks BEERS • WINES • CIDERS • DAIRY PRODUCE OPEN: Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm • Open Sunday 21st December • Christmas Eve 9am – 1pm

Jewellery is always an acceptable gift especially at Christmas. At Ward & Sibley, the jewellers of Yeovil, you will also find attractive gifts for the home, such as clocks and barometers, glassware and figurines.

Just off the B3165 at the top of Bower Hinton Tel: 01935 827743 • www.bowerhintonfarmshop.co.uk

TO MER ALL RY OU CHRI R C ST US MA TO S ME RS

Books - the perfect Christmas gift for all the family ... New Christmas stock now in

HALF PRICE BOOKS  NATIONAL BOOK TOKENS 

Stocking Filler Toys & Games • Full Range of Stationery for Home and Office

‘The Flower Farmer’s Year’ (how to grow flowers for pleasure and profit) by Georgie Newbery recently featured in the national press, and ‘Kids Stuff and Nonsense’, a collection of nostalgic childrens poems by Elaine & Lynn Wainwright. Both written by local authors and are just two of the many books available from Papertrees of Wincanton. O

Bower Hinton Farm Shop

Why not give some festive cheer this Christmas. Locally brewed Perrys Cider, Norcotts fruit ciders and Lyme Bay Wines can all be found at Bower Hinton Farm Shop together with local cheeses and a delicious array of preserves and pickles. Why not make up a hamper? A tasty range of home grown vegetables and fresh fruit are always available. Bower Hinton Farm’s own reared pork is available as joints, sausages, chipolatas and sausagemeat - the ideal accompaniment to your festive Christmas Dinner.

The Visitor

can be read online: www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

GREETINGS CARDS • GIFT WRAP • £1 WALL PARTY POPPERS • FESTIVE HATS & MORE

33 High Street • Wincanton

Open: Monday – Friday 7am – 5pm, Saturday 7am – 2pm, Sunday 7am – 12noon

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

Add a sparkle this Christmas ...

WARD & SIBLEY

Established Over 65 Years

The Jewellers of Yeovil

For inspirational last minute gifts and good old fashioned service We would like to thank our customers and wish them a Merry Christmas and a Peaceful and Happy New Year

THE CASKET, 103 MIDDLE STREET, YEOVIL T Tel: 01935 474065 T Car park at rear of shop for customers visiting the shop T

THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015 9


O

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 wonderful selection of puzzles to suit all ages, from the popular ‘twisted nails’ puzzles through to

3D puzzles. Scented candles beautifully presented in pots and tins; scarves galore - from warm and woolly to pretty silks and manmade scarves in a variety of patterns and colours ... just a few ideas for the Christmas Stocking. Pictured right: Unique Christmas gifts at Pylle Emporium on the Stockwood Business Park, Pylle. Porcelain, glassware, silver, plus art, antique furniture and mirrors in their five large showrooms.

17 St James Street South Petherton Somerset TA13 5BS 01460 241166

O

Season’s Greetings to customers old & new

O

ANTIQUES & ART PYLLE EMPORIUM

Mayflowers

Flowers are guaranteed to bring a smile from the recipient - call or telephone - Interflora agents, Mayflowers of Gillingham.

Whether you are looking for lovely furniture for your home or exciting CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS come pay us a visit

Web: www.pylleemporium.co.uk Email: antiques@pylleemporium.co.uk

Pylle Emporium, Stockwood Business Park PYLLE, BA4 6TA (on the A37 south of Shepton Mallet) Tel: 01749 838783

Open All Week • Monday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm • Sunday by Appointment Closed Christmas Eve • Re-Open Saturday 3rd January

10 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015

Your local Interflora Florist

For a super selection of fresh cut flowers & plants visit us at ...

2a High Street, GILLINGHAM

... or why not order by phone or website?

Tel: 01747 824424

www.mayflowersofgillingham.co.uk

All major credit cards accepted


TONY’S FISH & CHIPS Dawn & Staff wish all their clients a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year ...

HAIR SALON

OPEN: Tuesday to Saturday Inclusive 12noon – 2pm • 5pm – 9.30pm

CHrISTmaS OPeNINg

OPEN: Christmas Eve Wednesday 24th December until 8.30pm CLOSED: Thursday 25th and Friday 26th December

RE-OPEN: Saturday 27th December

CLOSED: Tuesday 30th December Wednesday 31st December & New Year’s Day Thursday 1st January RE-OPEN: Friday 2nd January until 8.30pm

Wishing all of our Customers a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year

45a High Street WINCANTON  01963 34321

Tel: 01458 272532 The Triangle, Pye Corner Somerton, Somerset

SPECIALISTS IN.

★ Tyres ★ Batteries ★ Wheels ★ Exhausts ★ Laser Wheel Alignments ★ Computerised Wheel Balance

PETROL & DIESEL AVAILABLE

Wishing all our customers compliments of the season and looking foward to seeing you in 2015

The Centre Garage CASTLE CARY Tel: 01963 350243

Famed for fine food, real ale and excellent accommodation A big thank you to all our loyal customers, both old and new, and to our many friends for their continuing support A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS from Tom, Anne & Staff

Fabrics & Crafts

Thank you for your custom We wish you a Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year Open as usual until Tuesday 23rd December

Closed from Wednesday 24th December ‘til Thursday 1st January inclusive

Open as usual from Friday 2nd January 2015 Open Monday – Saturday 9am – 5pm

Station Road, Sturminster Newton Dorset DT10 1BD Tel: 01258 472698 • Fax: 01258 473813 www.hansonsfabrics.co.uk

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

THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015 11


ESSING HAIRDR mfort of in the co home n your ow

Wishin Residen g all our ts, Frie Colleag nds and ues a Merry C hris a Happy tmas and New Ye ar

Sandra White MOBILE HAIRDRESSER

Would like to thank her clients for their support during the year. NEW CLIENTS WELCOME For an Appointment

Tel: 01963 351740 Mob: 07870 230135

n’s Seaso s to ng Greeti tients all Pa

Andrew M. Knight D.O. Osteopath Has moved to ...

Coombedene, Combe Hill Keinton Mandeville Somerton, TA11 6DY  01458 223300

... or text

07889 857289

Email: osteopath@andrew-knight.co.uk Web: www.andrew-knight.co.uk 12 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015

Compliments of the season to all advertisers, newsagents, delivery people, readers and contributors, and best wishes for a healthy and prosperous New Year!

Golden Plaice FISH & CHIPS

OPENING HOURS Tuesday - Saturday 12.00noon - 1.45pm and 5.00pm - 9.00pm

2 Station Road Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7BU Tel: 01963 350566

Fred & Kim would like to wish all of their customers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

BEECHWOOD HOUSE Care Home

60 West Coker Road Yeovil, Somerset ... a quality rated home Manager: Mrs. Sandra Barclay

 01935 472793

ll of ing a Wish lients our C nts of the lime n Comp tive Seaso Fes

RICHARD P. KEMP B.A.

Solicitor

Quality assured legal advice and services for private & corporate clients. Open Saturday mornings

Tel: (01935) 822572 31 North Street MARTOCK Somerset TA12 6DH


NORRIS BODY REPAIRS LTD ■ Insurance Claims ■ Private Jobs ■ Restorations ■ Resprays ■ Welding Work

Season’s Greetings to customers old & new

South Street • YEOVIL • BA20 1QQ Tel: 01935 411095

Email: norrisbodyrepairs@gmail.com • Fax: 01935 473119

ry Mer tmas s i Chr ll our a o t ents cli

Tel: 01747 826505 The Farmhouse Kingsmead Business Park Gillingham, Dorset SP8 5FB

COCK & SON BUILDING CONTRACTORS

• Specialists in renovation and restoration of older properties • Extensions & alterations undertaken. • Specialists in barn conversions • Purpose built joinery, doors, windows, etc. EST SINCE 1957

ALL WORK GUARANTEED

Thanking all our friends and customers for their support over the years and wishing them all a Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Prosperous New Year

TEL: NORTH CADBURY 01963 440931 Yard Office adj. Orchard Leigh, Long Street Galhampton, Yeovil, Somerset

THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015 13


Education Matters

Strode College judged ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted

Strode College in Street was judged ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in October 2014, making it the only ‘Outstanding’ sixth form in Mendip and South Somerset, and the only sixth form in Somerset to receive this rating since Ofsted introduced new tougher inspection criteria in 2010. The college was judged ‘Outstanding’ in all four key inspection areas: overall effectiveness; quality of teaching, learning and assessment; outcomes for students; and effectiveness of leadership and management. Among the many areas of Strode College’s work that were praised by Ofsted for outstanding quality and effectiveness were: teaching, support and student progress; high student expectations and achievements; the wide range of courses and opportunities; and the high proportion of students who successfully progress to higher education and employment. ‘Students benefit significantly

from outstanding teaching, learning and assessment which are reflected in outstanding outcomes. The high quality of teaching, alongside exceptionally strong pastoral and academic support, enables the vast majority of students to make excellent progress. Teachers and assessors have very high and realistic expectations for all students, which lead to the high level of students’ achievements across the college.’ (Ofsted, October 2014). You can find out more about the fantastic opportunities at Strode College by visiting the college Open Evening on Tuesday 13 January, 6-8pm. Pre-register online at: www.strode-college.ac.uk, or turn up on the night.

Aylward, who steps down at the end of the academic year after nine years in post. Mrs Reynolds was educated at St Mary’s Ascot, Wellington College and at Bristol University where she studied Law from 1986 to 1989. She passed her Law Society Finals in 1990 and practised as a solicitor until 1994. In 1994 she obtained a PGCE from Bath Spa University in English and subsequently worked at Gillingham School, Sherborne School and, of course, Leweston, where she is currently Head of EAL. In 2012 she undertook a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Buckingham University. Mrs Reynolds, aged 47, has four

children and her husband, Giles, is also a teacher. Chair of the Governors Mary Head commented ‘We are delighted that we have been able to appoint Mrs Reynolds who has the vision, skills and qualities to take Leweston forward in the years ahead. Mrs Reynolds has known the Leweston community for some nine years and has a commitment to, understanding of and passion for the exceptional education the School provides. She will also be carrying forward the core values of Leweston, both within the School and in the wider community, based on the Catholic ethos of the School. I look forward to seeing Leweston continue to

New Head for Leweston School from September 2015

The Governors of Leweston School near Sherborne, are delighted to announce that Mrs Kate Reynolds has been appointed as Head of Leweston from September 2015. Mrs Reynolds takes over from Adrian

Mrs Kate Reynolds will be the New Head at Leweston School, near Sherborne, from September 2015.

EDUCATION MATTERS Do you have a forthcoming Open Day? ... PROMOTE IT HERE!  February Issue Print: Thursday 29th January  Deadline: Friday 16th January

Tel: 01963 351256 14 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015

Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk


Education Matters

flourish under her leadership.’ Mrs Reynolds commented ‘I am honoured to be taking on the headship at Leweston. The School is a very special community and I look forward to building on its reputation for educational excellence.’

Girls’ Schools Association select Bruton’s Head teacher for National Award

Students eager to learn at Perrott Hill School.

The education spotlight was focused on the South West recently when the Girls’ Schools Association announced that the winner of its ‘Sheila Cooper Award’ was local Headmistress, Nicola Botterill from Bruton School for Girls. Speaking from the Association’s annual conference, President of the GSA, Alice Phillips, explained that each year this national award is presented in recognition of outstanding and significant contribution to the Association by a recently appointed Head. Alice said: ‘We wished to recognise Nicky’s work on the Professional Development Committee and her role as national GSA representative to IStip, (the Independent Schools Teacher Induction Panel) which is responsible for accrediting teachers through their first year of teaching. It is a prestigious scheme which supports newly qualified teachers starting their careers in the independent sector.’ Nicola added that she was genuinely taken aback and was delighted to receive the accolade: ‘I firmly believe that offering teachers support and opportunities to develop professionally are key to ensuring the quality of our profession’s workforce, and thus to impact

most positively on pupils’ learning. But my work for the GSA would not be possible without the full support of all of the staff within school, and as such, is an award for everyone at Bruton School for Girls.’ The GSA has more than 200 members across the UK and promotes the values and benefits of an all-girls educational environment.

Saturday 24th January 2014. Perrott Hill Scholarship Day Friday 6th February 2014. Academic, Sports, Art, Music, Drama and All Rounder Scholarships available.

To request a scholarship information pack, arrange a visit or to find out more information about Perrott Hill please contact the school on 01460 72051 or admissions@perrotthill.com

Perrott Hill Open Mornings & Scholarship Day 2015

Against a background of traditional values, Perrott Hill has the time and space to ensure that every child achieves their very best. Class sizes are small and all children will be given the individual attention necessary to ensure that they flourish. Perrott Hill’s Independent Schools Inspectorate Report was outstanding, with the top mark of ‘Excellent’ awarded in each and every category. We encourage you to read the Tatler Schools Guide 2015 and the Good Schools Guide reports which capture our values and ethos. Academic success at Perrott Hill is measured by 100% Common Entrance results and record numbers of scholarships awarded to senior schools over the last few years. Sport plays a large part in school life taking place 5 days per week; all children will perform on stage every year and the majority will also play one or more musical instrument. Perrott Hill Spring Term Open Mornings Friday 23rd and

Perrott Hill’s Independent Schools Inspectorate Report is outstanding, with the top mark of ‘Excellent’ awarded in every category. We encourage you to read the Tatler Schools Guide 2015 and the Good Schools Guide which capture the values and ethos of this flourishing co-educational boarding school.

Perrott Hill, North Perrott, Crewkerne, Somerset, TA18 7SL 01460 72051 • www.perrotthill.com • headmaster@perrotthill.com THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015 15


BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL

Robert Stone & Co., Chartered Accountants and tax advisers in Ilminster answers questions from small businesses in Somerset

Q1. Last year I bought a rundown pub and converted it into a restaurant. I registered for VAT after the work was done, but before the restaurant opened. Can I reclaim any of the VAT paid on the costs of converting and fitting out the restaurant? Robert Stone replies:

It is easy to see with hindsight, but you should have registered for VAT at the point you started the conversion work. You can claim back VAT charged on services incurred in the six month period that ends with the date you registered for VAT, which might not cover all of the conversion costs. There is more flexibility for the assets you purchased to use in your restaurant business, such as tables and kitchen equipment. We need to look at each asset purchase individually, but if you still held the assets at the date your VAT registration took effect, the VAT on those purchases should be reclaimable.

Q2. HMRC has sent me a tax calculation for 2013/14 which says I owe over £5,000. I don't understand how this much can be due as all my

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James Briggs, the new proprietor of Puffin Cleaners in Bond Street, Yeovil and manageress Maria, with the latest innovation in shirt pressing.

tax is dealt with under PAYE and I don't have any other significant income. What should I do? Robert Stone replies:

You will have received a form P800 showing the tax deducted from your pay under PAYE, and the amount of tax due based on your total income for the year. HMRC has admitted that a large number of the P800 forms sent out in recent weeks are incorrect. In many cases part of the taxpayer's income has been

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16 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015

double counted, but the tax deducted has not, leading to an apparent underpayment of tax. Your first step should be to compare the P800 calculation with the P60 form given to you by your employer in May 2014. Where the total income shown on the P60 is less than your employment income shown on the form P800, there may be a problem. Also check if any of the figures on the P800 are estimated, such as rents or interest received. If the HMRC figures appear to be wrong, we can help you get the tax calculation corrected.

Q3. My personal service company stopped trading on

31 August 2014, after a good run of 10 years. There is about £22,000 available to distribute to me as the only director/ shareholder. Can I claim entrepreneurs' relief on that pay-out and do I need to show it on the tax return? Robert Stone replies:

Distributions from an informal winding-up of a company of no more than £25,000 are treated as capital gains, so you should be within that total with a final distribution of £22,000. If the total distribution from the company made in anticipation of the winding-up exceeds £25,000, then the whole distribution is taxed as income, unless the

Regular advertising in the Visitor pays dividends Plan your advertising for 2015 now! Reach 60,000 potential customers

February Issue Print: Thursday 29th January Deadline: Friday 16th January

Should you require any assistance / advice re: designing and the placement of your advert please do not hesitate to contact ... Michelle Trulock Advertisement Manager Tel: 01963 351256 Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk


BUSINESS

company is formally liquidated by a liquidator. As the company has been trading for more than a year and you have held at least 5% of the shares for that time, as well as working for the company, entrepreneurs' relief should apply. This reduces the tax rate payable on the gain to 10% after deducting your annual exemption of £11,000 (for 2014/15), it doesn't eliminate the gain. You need to claim entrepreneurs' relief on your tax return and include a computation of the gain. We can help you with that. If you have an urgent query contact Robert Stone on 01460 55661.

———— • ————

Puffin Cleaners

James Briggs took over Puffin Cleaners of Yeovil earlier this year - an electronic engineer by trade he has brought the business bang up to date. Puffin Cleaners are leading the way when it comes to the pressing of shirts. They have just

taken delivery of a Japanese Sankosha Shirt Press, one of only a handful in the country. The shirt pressing is done in two stages, the collar and cuffs and then the body. The process enables 45-60 shirts to be pressed in an hour - straight from the wash without tumble drying. With excellent results. Puffin use this shirt pressing service for both commercial purposes such as school contracts and for domestic customers. There is currently a promotion offering 5 shirts laundered and finished for just £6. Puffin Cleaners offer a full range of services such as repairs and alterations, replacement zips, trouser shortening and of course an excellent dry cleaning service for both clothes and household items such as duvets and curtains. Conveniently situated in the middle of Yeovil in Bond Street (opposite Boots the chemist) there is ample customer parking to the rear of the premises. Puffin also have many individual agents throughout the Visitor area for your convenience.

Sally Manning, Judy Hayter, and Naomi Dyer.

Resolve your legal matters in 2015

WITH THE NEW YEAR fast approaching many people are thinking about their New Year’s resolutions. Unfortunately, we cannot help with your new diet, exercise regime or keep you on top of your housework but we can help you organise your legal matters. One of your resolutions may be to write or update your Will, or a move may be on the cards, or you may be considering how best to manage your affairs in the future. Whatever your intention, you may want some expert legal guidance. The good news is that Battens Solicitors have made this easier for you. From January we are offering face-to-face consultations at no-obligation ‘drop-in’ legal clinics. These are being held at The Shambles in Castle Cary and The Balsam Centre in Wincanton on alternate Tuesday mornings. They are an expansion of the ongoing services we provide at our permanent offices in Sherborne, Yeovil, Weymouth, Dorchester and London.

So why is it important to have legal advice? For one thing, the law doesn’t always work the way you think it’s going to. In the last couple of months alone we have seen changes to Intestacy Rules and Stamp Duty, which can directly affect you. All too often we hear that making a Will is something people have been meaning to get around to but just ‘haven’t had the time’. Others may have a Will, but know it is out of date. Whatever your circumstances, we’ll listen to your instructions about what you want to include or change and we’ll turn what you thought was an onerous task into a simple one. Another scenario we see is people putting off appointing someone to act for them on their financial and health affairs which may mean they lose mental capacity to do so. You can prepare for this now by appointing someone you trust – known as an Attorney – to look after your future financial affairs on your behalf and make decisions about your health and welfare. This is easily done by making something called a Lasting Power of Attorney. We can help by completing and registering the necessary forms for you. When it comes to decisions about selling or buying property, you may be thinking that this is the year that you would like to move closer to your relatives or further from that main road. However, you may be worried about the costs and have heard stories about the process being too stressful to be worth it. Once again, the clinics give you a great chance to talk to us about your concerns. Attending the clinics are Naomi Dyer and Sally Manning from Battens’ Wills, Probate and Trust Department along with Judy Hayter from the Residential Property department. All three either live or have lived in Castle Cary or Wincanton and look forward to helping you. They can also point you to specialist solicitors working in all of our departments including Family, Employment, Tax and Trusts, Planning, Agricultural and Commercial Property. We aim to help you to get your legal matters dealt with in a timely manner, without the need to travel too far to get the best advice. DATES: LEGAL CLINICS

Tuesday 13th January The Shambles, Castle Cary

 01963 834477

Tuesday 20th January The Balsam Centre, Wincanton

www.battens.co.uk

Tuesday 3rd February The Balsam Centre, Wincanton

Follow us on twitter @BattensSol

Tuesday 27th January The Shambles, Castle Cary

THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015 17


Antiques, Vintage & Collecting

Fine Medals at Auction tell tales of Great Bravery in WW1

Lawrences held a large auction on November 20-21st comprising an important selection of medals. In the year of the centenary of

Beaminster Antiques, Vintage & Collectables Fair Now including ... Vintage Clothes, Fabric and Accessories, 50s / 60s Era

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the Great War, there was plenty of material for collectors including military badges and sweetheart badges. A group of six medals awarded to an Australian officer, Lt Col A H K Jopp, included a ‘Pip, Squeak and Wilfred’ set (the trio of Great War campaign medals) and medals for service in South Africa in the Second World War. Jopp was a native of Sydney and served in Egypt and at Gallipoli before joining a fledgling Flying Corps. Twice mentioned in despatches, described as a ‘gallant and brave officer’ and with notable connections in Australia government, the group included photographs and even schoolday sports medals awarded to Jopp. An Australian bidder on the telephone secured the lot for £13,140.

Another group of five medals included an Albert medal and Royal Humane Society Lifesaving medal (a success) awarded to Commodore L. A. De Sausmarez who, as a young Naval officer, leapt into shark and crocodile infested waters to save an Able Seaman who was in distress. The lot included a sketch of the rescue by the ship’s doctor, a presentation clock, a portrait, a family tree and other items and was bought against keen competition for £14,930.

A Distinguished Service Order group to a Brigadier in the Coldstream Guards included a Military Cross and bar and other items such as photographs, a diary and certificates. This made £6,690. The recipient also received Coronation medals for 1911, 1937 and 1953 as well as a 1935 Jubilee medal.

Other highlights included a Hong Kong Police medal awarded in 1905 (£2,210); a Great War Military medal with an accompanying trio (£830); a Boer War group awarded to a surgeon

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18 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015

For the gardener who has all the gardening tools he needs - a statue would make an interesting gift this Christmas. See the wide selection at Tinhouse Home & Garden Antiques, Somerton.

Tinhouse Home & Garden Antiques Furniture • Vintage • Retro • Gardenalia • Pots Birdbaths • Sundials • Statues • Sculptures ITEMS BOUGHT & SOLD – CASH PAID – CAN COLLECT Open 10.30am ‘til 4.30pm, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday Other times by appointment

Tel: 01458 241298 • Mobile: 07971 244441 Sutton Road, South Hill, SOMERTON, TA11 7JG Approx. 11⁄3 miles from Somerton Town Centre heading South on B3165


Antiques

in the 4th Somerset Light Infantry (£860); a World War II Military Cross group (£1,730); and a Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry officer’s crossbelt and pouch made £1,250. The young man died of Spanish flu in 1918 after surviving the horrors of war. After the 1100 lots had been offered on the first day of the sale, auctioneer Jeff Day

commented “how strange it is to remember that young men were joining up in 1914 in haste, afraid that they would miss a war that many of them believed would be over within a few months. These medals tell us something about the bravery, heroism and determination of those men who fought for four long years.”

Shaftesbury

The Wincombe Centre on the business park provides accommodation and facilities for a substantial number of small businesses and organisations in buildings almost entirely roofed with solar panels.

Need a larger table to seat all your guests this Christmas? Visit Pylle Emporium on the Stockwood Business Park, Pylle, near Shepton Mallet.

WHEN I NOSE round a Visitorland town to prepare 1,000 words for you to read I’m a tourist in all but name. I’m inquisitive, wanting to see the attractions, to spend some cash in the local shops, and to eavesdrop the conversations of local residents in cafés and pubs. An animated discussion I overheard on a sunny Saturday lunchtime in early December concerned the allocation of land for more than 1,100 new homes to be built

around Shaftesbury in the years up to 2026. Apparently hundreds of homes have already been approved but not yet built, and a planning application for 196 homes off Wincombe Lane has recently been submitted to North Dorset District Council, generating a tide of opposition. Earlier in the day I had driven out to Wincombe Business Park to look at The Wincombe Centre which provides accommodation and facilities for a substantial

Oil painting on Canvas ‘Grey Hunter Colonist 11 - Sir Winston Churchill's Horse’. Just one from a selection of equine paintings at Quillon House Antiques in Bruton.

Quillon House Antiques 16 HIGH STREET, BRUTON  01749 812269

 17 th / 18 th C. Oak and Country Furniture  Arms & Armoury  Equestrian Paintings  Valuations Undertaken  Antiques Purchased

Quality mint condition, early 1902 Winchester .44-40 Rifle (de-activated).

Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 10.00am — 5.30pm

THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015 19


Shaftesbury Town

number of small businesses and organisations. Very impressive it is too, with the buildings almost entirely roofed with solar panels. There is, I’m told a waiting list for space in the Centre. Browsing round the business park I saw a wide variety of traders, among them a showroom full of stone products including fireplaces and worktops, and another packed with horticultural machinery and, would you believe it, go-karts. The business park is clearly home to many thriving concerns. I also nosed round Longmead Industrial Estate off the Ivy Cross

roundabout where I came across, amongst others, a kitchen and domestic appliance specialist and a carpet and furniture showroom as well as the premises of Blackmore Ltd, printers. Take a drive round Wincombe and Longmead – I suspect that you, like me, will be agreeably surprised by what there is to see. I suspect, too, that you will be surprised how far Wincombe is from the town centre. And that’s one of the worries about the development plans. Much of old Shaftesbury has changed little down the years.

Topography has dictated that most of the town’s expansion has left its ancient hilltop core and its subsidiary settlement of St James’ at the foot of Gold Hill largely unspoilt. But on land to the east of what is nowadays the busy A350 there are now acres of

late 20th century housing, businesses, schools and the other trappings of a thriving modern town. Land allocated for the 21st century housing is again off the A350 but will extend the northern fringe of the town beyond the business park towards Semley.

THE BARBER SHOP Parsons Pool, Shaftesbury Colin & Sandra would like to wish customers old and new a very happy Christmas!

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20 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015


Shaftesbury Town

The townsfolk I eavesdropped are clearly worried that such a large and distant development will not integrate comfortably with the rest of the town, that health and education provision will be insufficient to meet the demand, and that there will not be sufficient jobs in the town for so

many new residents – the same concerns that I heard in Gillingham and Castle Cary earlier in the autumn. A gammy leg curtailed my intended browse round the shops in the town centre, but from what little I saw they were clearly busy with shoppers searching for

elusive gifts and stocking up with festive fare. And no doubt when Christmas is done and dusted the New Year sales will fill them with bargain-hunters. With its abundance of independent

retailers – high-quality specialist traders too numerous to mention by name – Shaftesbury retains the charm of a traditional market town, and it’s easy to see why it has acquired such a high

Shaftesbury’s Town Hall, built in 1827, stands alongside the town’s sole surviving medieval church, St. Peter’s.

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THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015 21


Shaftesbury Town

reputation as a shopping centre. And there’s much of historic and architectural interest to see in the centre including the town’s sole surviving medieval church,

St Peter’s, which stands alongside the 19th century Town Hall, the King Alfred’s Kitchen tearoom housed in one of Shaftesbury’s few surviving timber-framed

Wincombe Business park is home to Ben Johnson’s garden machinery business and many other thriving concerns.

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22 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015

houses, the handsome old Grosvenor Hotel that was formerly a coaching inn, and of course Park Walk with its panoramic views down the Vale. I made the effort to hobble along Bell Street as far as Shaftesbury Arts Centre, which provides the town with a varied programme of performances, films and art exhibitions, so that I can report that January’s pantomime is a departure from the usual panto fare – it’s ‘The Owl and the Pussycat Went to See’ and it runs from 18th to 31st January. For details ring the box office on 01747 854321. Then I drove gingerly down the steep and narrow Tout Hill, formerly the main route to Sherborne and the west country, to visit Enmore Green. Tucked away at the foot of the northern side of Shaftesbury’s Castle Hill, its topography and landscape have spared the village any major expansion, so it remains a pleasant spot with extensive views across the valley towards Sherborne and Gillingham. And it retains its village pub, the Fountain Inn. The building

dates from 1703 but how long ago it became a beerhouse I don’t know – probably more than 150 years. Friends now in their late-30s recall that in their teens it was just the sort of disreputable establishment that they loved to visit unbeknown to their parents. Before it closed in 2010 it had certainly acquired a bad reputation, and whilst closed it fell into a sad state of disrepair. However, new owners have succeeded in transforming it over the last three years into an attractive freehouse that is very much a community hub hosting lots of events, fundraisers and meetings of local groups. They have created a small dining area and offer an imaginative menu that will appeal especially to vegetarians. And recently the Fountain was voted Best Pub in the 2014 Taste of Dorset Awards. It shows what can be done in a short time by imaginative, resourceful pub landlords who understand their local community. Sadly I couldn’t pop in for a pint as I was driving! Roger Richards.


 Vale of Blackmore 

A poular spot on cold days - the Swan Inn, Sturminster Newton.

Hanson’s Fabrics & Crafts

If you have ever wanted to learn how to sew or to improve your technique, Hanson’s Fabrics & Crafts have a host of workshops to choose from in 2015. All materials are provided, as is lunch. New classes introduced for 2015: Embroidered Knot Garden Needlebook, Pentagonal Casket, Batik Strips and Squares Lap Quilt and Broderie Anglaise Thimble Pip. Other favourites include Roman Blinds, Jewellery Making, Fun with Crochet and Make Your Own Cushions. Pick up a copy of Sew Whats New for the complete list. Early Booking is advised. At Hanson's you will find a superb choice of materials, knitting yarns and crafts. There are free patterns for many of the crafts on display - currently various festive decorations. Do call in

Harts of Stur sponsor the New Year's Day Vintage and Classic Vehicle Run

Organised by members of the Weymouth Vehicle Preservation Society and sponsored by Harts of Stur, the 2015 New Year’s Day Vintage and Classic Vehicle Run is once again in aid of The Dorset

ORCHARD CARS Local, Long Distance Airports, Parcels Merry Christmas to all our customers

STURMINSTER NEWTON

01258 472395

         

Paul & Rachel welcome you to ...

Market Place STURMINSTER NEWTON DT10 1AR Tel: 01258 472208

www.swaninnsturminsternewton.co.uk

Relax in the cosy ambience of this 18th century character inn, enjoy British pub cooking with a twist, together with award winning real ales, excellent wines & single malt whiskies Delicious Home Cooked Food Served 7 Days a Week

With something to suit all tastes from a light lunch to a three course meal ... (no food Sunday evening)

Lights Lunches – Panini – Doorstep Sandwiches – Jacket Potatoes Pub Classics – Pan-fried Gammon in Local Cider Homemade Lasagne and Cottage Pie Beer Battered Cod & Chips ... plus many more favourites

Grills – Vegetarian Option – Gluten Free Dishes – Gourmet Burgers

Traditional Sunday Lunches with a Choice of Meats (booking advised)

Families are most welcome • Children’s menu available All ingredients are locally sourced whenever possible and freshly prepared

H H H DECEMBER PROMOTION H H H When dining during December (2 main meals) you will receive a book of MONEY SAVING VOUCHERS to use in January and February

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THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015 23


FREE SPARE PAIR with any frame from our £75 range or above

 Blackmore  Vale of

If your eyes need testing - pop in and see the friendly team at Eyes Right Opticians in Sturminster Newton. Pictured are proprietor Hayley Clarke (right) and Donna Jeans.

and Somerset Air Ambulance. This will be the 20th run of this popular event and is dedicated to the memory of co-organiser Len Melling who sadly passed-away earlier this year. Meeting at 10am in the Sturminster Newton Town Car Park, the run starts at 11am and will follow a 35 mile (ish) route finishing at the Green Man in Kings Stag. Should the weather on the day be unkind and you don’t want to bring your cherished car, you are more than welcome to go along in your modern car! Entry forms available from Harts Of Stur or call Ray Long on 01747 812188 for further details.

Enzo’s Hair and Beauty

There are plenty of gift ideas at Enzo’s from pick and mix stocking filler items such as Jessica nail

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.

24 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015

products through to the range of ghd styling products. There are attractively packaged hair care presentation boxes from O'Right and Paul Mitchell, plus hair brushes, make-up from Jane Iredale and of course gift vouchers which can be redeemed against products or treatments. Sue, Sarah and staff would like to wish all their customers every good wish for Christmas and thank them for their support during 2014.

Bridge Street Barber Shop

Bridge Street Barber Shop is located on the first floor at Retsel House, Bridge Street, Sturminster Newton. Lee Rigby, an experienced, traditional barber has been trading there for eleven years and has a good regular clientele. Lee’s opening hours

Bridge Street Barber Shop Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8.30am – 5pm Wednesday Appointments Only Friday 8.30am – 7pm • Saturday 8.30am – 12.30pm

8 Retsel House, Bridge Street, STURMINSTER NEWTON Tel: 01258 472615 • Mobile: 07782 222590

ghd

Curves and Straighteners

Hair & Beauty Salon

Market Cross STURMINSTER NEWTON Tel: 01258 473123

Q Sue, Sarah and Staff would like to wish clients Q

N

N

past and present, a very happy Christmas ... and to thank them for their support and kindness during Sue’s recent operation Q and look forward to seeing them all in 2015. Q


 Vale of Blackmore  Pictured left: Pop in and see mother and daughter team Emily and Wendy at Forge Fabrics in Stalbridge where they will be pleased to help you with your requirements for new curtains.

means there is a time to suit everyone. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8.30am until 5pm, Wednesdays appointments only, Friday 8.30am until 7pm and Saturday 8.30am until 12.30pm. Consession for OAPs. A range of shavers can also be found on sale.

         

E. B. Marsh

Whatever electrical appliance you require for your home it is well worth a visit to E.B. Marsh of Sturminster Newton and Sherborne. An independent family business they offer a professional and friendly service. As part of the Euronics Buying Group they are able to offer excellent competitive prices, as well as an excellent range of top brands. Whether you are looking for a wide screen TV for your Christmas viewing or a new oven to cook the turkey, do call in. For

Forge Fabrics

 Curtains & Blinds  Soft Furnishing Fabric  Dress Fabric  Haberdashery  Knitting Supplies and much more ...

The Forge, Ring Street, Stalbridge Dorset, DT10 2LZ emilykjeans@gmail.com

www.forgefabrics.co.uk www.facebook.com/forgefabrics

Emily & Wendy  01963 548138

Starts Saturday 27th December

www.ebmarsh.com

THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015 25


 Vale of Blackmore  Pictured left: Helen puts the finishing touches to the festive decorations at Williams Florist, of Stalbridge. Here you will find a range of Christmas gift ideas in addition to a wonderful choice of flowers.

those looking for an even bigger bargain their genuine Winter sale starts after Christmas!!

Mama's Kitchen

Stavros and Claire have recently opened Mama's Kitchen in the centre of Sturminster Newton. Both Stavros and Claire are experienced in the catering industry. Mama's Kitchen is a cafe /diner by day and an authentic Greek restaurant by night (Thurs. Fri & Sat). Now

Stavros & Claire at Mama’s Kitchen.

refurbished, the restaurant offers a pleasant welcoming place to dine whether it is a homemade piece of cake and a Barrista style coffee or a traditional Greek meal such as dolmades and souviaki. A home delivery service is available as well as an outside catering service. Proving popular is the Full Breakfast served on a Sunday from 10am.

Station Road, Stalbridge Tel: 01963 362355

Visit us for a wonderful choice of fresh flowers and pot plants

Gift Items now stocked inc. Photo Frames, Lanterns & Vases Christmas Trees H Holly H Wreaths H Posies Merry eflorist Floral Deliveries Christmas National Garden Gift Vouchers to all our

NOW OPEN

LARGE FREE CAR PARK OPPOSITE • www.williams-florist.co.uk

By Day: Cafe / Diner

Open 7 Days a Week for ... Breakfasts  Luncheon  Afternoon Teas Why not try our delicious Barrista Coffees with a slice of Homemade Cake?

By Night: Authentic Greek Restaurant

Thursday, Friday & Saturday Evenings Why not try the Meze? (a bit of everything) BOOKING RECOMMENDED Home Delivery Available  Outside Catering

OPEN: Monday – Wednesday 9am – 6pm. Thursday – Saturday 9am – Late. Sunday Breakfast 10am – 2pm.

Market Cross Sturminster Newton Tel: 01258 471639

26 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015

customers

Grace Haine Dispensing Opticians of Stalbridge offer a comprehesive service including Dry Eye tests. All ages are catered for. The friendly team look forward to meeting you - Grace is pictured centre.

Grace Haine Eye Care Telephone: 01963 362775

Eye Care for the whole family

Our team is dedicated to ensuring you get the best possible care for your eyes ...  NHS & Private Examination  Complete Price Sunglasses  Dry Eye Clinic  Contact Lenses  Spectacles Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 9.00am – 5.30pm Saturday 9.00am – 1.00pm

1 Skye House, Ring Street STALBRIDGE, Dorset, DT10 2LZ


 Vale of Blackmore 

Pictured right: DCM Tyres have recently opened a new branch on the Butts Pond Industrial Estate, Sturminster Newton. They also have branches in Blandford and Shaftesbury.

Christmas 2014 and Sturminster is looking festive.

Sturminster Tea Rooms

If you are looking for gift ideas the Sturminster Tea Rooms have gift vouchers redeemable against meals and products. They have a range of antique jam pots and honey jars which make very acceptable gifts plus of course hampers, filled with such things as homemade Christmas puds and freshly ground coffee beans. They are still taking bookings for Christmas meals up until Christmas Eve evening and bookings are welcome for the New Year’s Eve 6-course black tie dinner. A curry night is planned for the 17th January - 3 courses for just £12. See website for full details www.sturminsterhousetearooms.co.uk

Sturminster House Tea Rooms & Restaurant New Year’s Eve

DINNER 6 Courses

£40

Market Place STURMINSTER NEWTON Tel: 01258 471808

THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015 27


VINTAGE Motor Cycling I TRUST YOU WILL be reading these words just before Christmas, therefore this being the opportune moment to wish every reader the very best for the forthcoming festive season and may Santa be heavily laden when he climbs down your chimney. May I also wish you a Happy New Year in the hope that 2015 will be kind to all of us. I was recently fortunate enough to attend the Westland Classic Motorcycle Club’s evening at The Manor Hotel at Yeovil. The guest speaker for the evening was David Hailwood, son of the legendary motorcycle racer Mike Hailwood MBE, GM. Mike was a true character and his son is obviously a chip off the old block. David came with pictures, film, books and memorabilia from his fathers career. People often talk of who was the greatest racer of all, and everyone will have their own opinion, but I would say with complete certainty that Mike Hailwood would be within the top four riders on everyones list. The evening was very informative and with great humour and was enjoyed by all present, and not least of all was the fact that all proceeds taken were going to the Somerset and Dorset Air

MOTOR

Ambulance. At this assembly two classic Honda racing machines were put on display and my picture this month depicts one of them. It is a replica of a 250cc four cylinder Honda RC166 of a type used by Hailwood in the 1960’s, and very pretty it looked too. It seems impossible that another year draws to an end. Where does the time go? 2014 has been a good year for me with lots of favourable weather for us to enjoy our bikes. Also our new house has been completed and my new workshop should be fully functional by the time you read this. The next few months will be busy catching up on all those maintenance jobs I have been putting off. But this time of year is a time I need to look forward to next years riding season. The annual calendar of events is published and so a few evenings planning where and when to ride must be done. Also the major events publish entry forms which must be completed early to ensure your entry is accepted. Do not get caught out by delaying your planning. Although riding events are less frequent at this time of year it is still a great joy to get out on two wheels. No-one likes going out and getting freezing cold or thoroughly soaked, or both, and remember that we are doing this for fun rather than necessity. But during the winter there is often some thoroughly decent days when we can get the bike out and blow the cobwebs away both for

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.

G.H. SALES. Tel: 01935 891414

BREWERS GARAGE LTD AIR CONDITIONING • DIAGNOSTICS TYRES • MOT SERVICING • REPAIRS Telephone

01935 812720

Season’s Greetings to all our customers

Western Ways Yard Bristol Road, SHERBORNE, Dorset DT9 4HR

28 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015

ourselves and for the bike. All bikes keep better if they get regular exercise during the winter months. You may have seen recently that there are some changes coming along soon in respect to our Driving Licences. (It seems that everything must be changed these days, and on a regular basis). Now the authorities will only be issuing the plastic card part of the licence. Anyone who has one of the old paper only licences will not be affected, nor will those possessing a paper licence accompanied by the plastic card, that is until they have to change address or marital status or something similar when all licences will now be issued in the new plastic card format. New licence holders will only get the plastic card part of the licence and any further details required will be obtainable via the DVLA website. These new rules were scheduled to start on the 1st January but is likely to be delayed. Talking of Licences and other documents, it is still possible that a police officer could demand production at a police station within seven days. If this happens to you be very careful where you choose to go. Many police stations, even quite large ones, are now closed to public access or have very restrictive opening times and some folk have been caught out having difficulties finding a station open for that purpose. My attention was recently drawn to my family’s involvement in motorcycling. My brother rides on the road but is better known for off road competitive Trials riding and earlier in life he was a good scrambler (now called Moto Cross). Our father was a keen motorcyclist just before World War Two and just after hostilities, he was a Rudge fan. Father later joined the VMCC and rode with me for many years.

● ● ● ● ● ●

His father, my grandfather, was also a motorcyclist, probably from necessity rather than choice. Born in 1899 he lied about his age and joined the navy in 1914 and was posted to Devonport. Living near Sherborne he needed some transport to commute back and forth. His first mount was a Clyno, a single speed with no clutch job, which he bought during the first World War. When shore based he used that machine to travel home on a Friday and return on Sunday afternoon and evening. A commute of about 110 miles each way and in those conditions must have been really hard going, with life in the navy it was certainly enough to toughen up every soul. Perhaps this all made the man the character he undoubtably was. Perhaps we have it too soft these days. Club life continues throughout January as always. The Somerset Section of the VMCC has a Meet on the 1st at Huntworth, they have their club night at Cossington on the 8th and on the 11th they have the Frostbite Run from Wells. The Wessex Veteran and Vintage Section has its AGM and a quiz for its club night on the 12th at East Stour. The Dorset Section will have its New Years Day Run on the 1st and have its Lunch Meet on the 7th, on the 14th they will have their club night at Pulham. On the 18th will be a Winter run starting at Stalbridge and lastly on the 31st will be the Breakfast Meet at West Stour. Lots to look forward too. Ring 01935-872528 for more details. Make it your New Years resolution to make more use of your old vehicles, and then work hard to make it happen. Another resolution might be to join a club, whether or not you own an old vehicle, and get involved and make many new friends. I can assure you that much pleasure will be the result. Good motoring in 2015. Rod Hann.

Say you saw it in The Visitor

Yeovil Auto Tuning ESTABLISHED OVER 30 YEARS

Merry C Repairs and Servicing Specialists hri MOT Testing – Classes IV and VII all our cliestmas nts Engine Tuning ● Brakes, Clutches, Gearboxes Competitive Rates ● Professional, Reliable, Friendly Service Specialising in VW T4 + T5 Vans Revo Engine Re-Mapping (VW and Audi Group) EXTENSIVE NEW PREMISES NOW AT ...

to

9 Oxford Road, Pen Mill Trading Estate, YEOVIL Tel: 01935 426515 / 01935 411946


Looking Good - Health & Beauty for the New Year Manor Lodge Health & Beauty Clinic

Manor Lodge Health & Beauty Clinic is celebrating 25 years of business in Castle Cary. We welcome two new therapists to our team; both have several years experience working

in the beauty industry and offer specialised treatments including reflexology and hot stones massage. With the festive season approaching now is the time to organise appointments for gel nails, eyelash extensions, spray tanning or even a pamper package to relax and unwind between the busy Christmas preparations. A warm welcome in a relaxing and friendly environment offers the opportunity to escape the pressures of daily life. From our regular essential

treatments to luxury facials and body sessions for men and women we aim to give the very best experience.

Shirley Allum Fashions

Shirley Allum Fashions & Lingerie have your last minute Christmas shopping all wrapped up! £10 off onesies for that Christmas party, or just for lounging around on Christmas day. Prices start from £9.95 (selected styles only). For those last minute stocking fillers their half price gifts are just what Santa ordered.

WEDDING FAYRE with ... FASHION SHOWS (12noon & 2.30pm)

If you’re looking for that ‘little black dress’ to wear over the party season, designs from Joseph Ribkoff can be found at Shirley Allum Fashions in Shaftesbury and are sure to fit the bill.

Sunday 11th January, 11am – 3.30pm New Digby Hall, Sherborne Over 30 Stands H Entry £1 H Free Raffle

✴ WEDDING DRESS SALE RAIL ✴ NOW AT 

ABC Wedding Dresses The Loft, Old Kelways, Somerton Road LANGPORT, TA10 9SJ Tel: 01935 425331

Further details ...

Shirley and the Team would like to wish all their customers a happy Christmas.

The Dress Circle

Attending lots of parties this Christmas? If you want to look good but find the cost of designer wear out of your budget, you need to make your way to The Dress Circle Dress Agency in Somerton. Here you will find quality

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

THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015 29


Looking Good fashions to see you through the festive season and beyond, items and accessories at reasonable prices.

Bow Dental Centre

The Bow Dental Centre Langport, is situated in the heart of the Somerset Levels between Yeovil, Bridgwater and Taunton. The Bow Dental Centre can cater for all your dental and denture needs, providing an excellent level of care for all the family in a friendly and safe environment. We pride ourselves on our professional and dedicated team providing patients with cost effective solutions that meet their needs both practical and cosmetic. The centre has a dedicated dental laboratory on the same site, providing professionally created dentures, crowns, bridges and implant products. This enables us to give our patients fewer appointments and faster

Don’t have a dentist?

turnaround. Our Laboratory is the holder of the British bite mark only given to laboratories meeting UK standards with its products.

Wincanton Smile Centre

At The Wincanton Smile Centre we offer all aspects of dental care in a warm friendly environment. Our dentists have been picked because of their caring nature and their dedication to providing dentistry of the highest standards. At the practice we have Dentists who are able to provide Orthodontic treatment (Braces), Cosmetic treatments and General Dentistry. So, if you have a smile that you have to hide because of a tooth or teeth that don't look their best or you just haven't been in a long while, pick up the phone and call us now! We are happy to see new patients and to help them smile more confidently. Find us at 28 High Street, Wincanton, Tel: 01963 34398.

Why not come to the ...

Wincanton Smile Centre in the centre of Wincanton

We are currently taking on NHS patients CHILDREN & PREGNANT MOTHERS ARE SEEN FREE! To join give us a call on 01963 34398 or pop in and see us at ... 28 High Street, Wincanton, Somerset, BA9 9JF We look forward to meeting you!

Leisure

New Year, New Musical Director for Spectra Musica

Spectra Musica is looking forward to welcoming their new, extremely talented Musical Director in January. Peter Leech has over 25 years’ experience as a choral and

orchestral conductor, composer and musicologist. He will be maintaining the group’s eclectic programmes which have brought so much pleasure to audiences. On 28th February he will lead a ‘Come and Sing Day’ in the

BALLROOM DANCING • Private Lessons • Modern Ballroom • Latin American • Party Dances

Langport Dance Centre JOHN BIRTLES Professional Dancing Teacher

P.T.D. Members Latin & Ballroom

Telephone: Langport (01458) 250322

Members Latin & Ballroom

So, you think you know your pop music, do you? By John Osborne • Answers can be found on page 47

1. Paul McCartney is singing about 'Hope for ...' what; at the moment?

2. Name the 60's band behind 'Eleanor', 'Happy Together' and 'She'd Rather be with Me' 3. What was the first album where all the songs come from the pens of Lennon / McCartney? 4. 'Rock Around the Clock' was used in what film?

5. 'The Look of Love' - ABC. What year was this first a hit?

6. Will Champion is best known as drummer which band? 7. Did Elvis Presley start his recording career with a) RCA, b) Sun, c) Atlantic?

8. 'Yellow' was the first top ten single from what band?

9. ‘When a Man Loves a Woman' was the biggest hit by whom? 10. Who were the band who sang about a 'Centerfold'?

Bonus Question From which album did the track in question 8 come from? Question Impossible 'Earl Vince and the Valiants' are one of the most famous bands in the world. Explain!

Great Quotes in Music (74) "It's nothing like the imminence of death to make you realise you're alive" - Wilco Johnson, speaking on Radio 2 after getting the 'all-clear' from cancer.

Are you missing out? IF YOU WOULD LIKE to receive a regular drop of Visitor Magazines to your business, shop, garage, or pub each month, please call ...

30 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015

 01963 351256


& Travel

Cheap Street Methodist Church, Sherborne which will include Lotti’s Requiem and Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. Concert pianist Anita D’Attellis will be performing and accompanying once again. Peter’s first concert with the group will be 21st March at the Wincanton Catholic Church. For more details tel: 01749 860457.

Jack and the Beanstalk in British Sign Language

Jack and the Beanstalk, at The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, is to have

a performance interpreted in British Sign Language for the Deaf on Friday 2 January at 2.00pm. The service is being sponsored by South Somerset District Council on a trial basis. SSDC owns and runs The Octagon Theatre. BSL interpretation is being supplied by Definite Interpreters who have been working with the cast and theatre for several months to achieve an effective BSL script. A block of seats has been allocated close to where the BSL interpreter will stand.

Tickets for the performance are on sale at the Box Office in person or by phone: 01935 422884. Customers needing the support of a carer to enable them to attend the theatre, will be able to have a free ticket for the carer, with a paid ticket.

Bath Travel - Crewkerne

Bath Travel are part of the UK's largest independent travel agent offering worldwide holidays, flights, coach breaks, cruises, luxury holidays, city breaks, ski, faraway tours, tailor made itineraries and last minute

bargains in the sun, not forgetting impartial advice and excellent value for money. At Bath Travel we have access to more suppliers than any other agent, and our staff will always strive to find the perfect holiday just for you, wherever you want to go and whatever your budget is. There is also a Foreign Exchange bureau in the branch where our best rate on your holiday money is guaranteed. We stock a vast range of currency for many destinations. Think Holiday Money, think Bath Travel.

See in 2015 with the exciting new range of ‘Absolute’ and ‘Brother’ Fireworks from £20 to £200 at The Mad Hatter in Yeovil.

MU IC M NTH O R S O F THE

December 20th 20th 26th 27th 31st 31st 31st 31st

FLATLAND BOOGIE BAND - Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon OCEAN DRIVE - Rose & Crown, Bradford Abbas RAY JONES BAND - Wyndham Arms, Kingsbury Episcopi JOHNNY CASH TRIBUTE - Rose & Crown, Bradford Abbas KAYLEIGH - Natterjack, Evercreech Junction KEVIN BUTT - Wyndham Arms, Kingsbury Episcopi DINOSAUR CAFE - Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil MORGAN & KNAPP - King’s Arms, Thornford

January

9th PETE CHRISTIE - Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil AN ADVERT IN 10th WHIP IT UP - Rose & Crown, Bradford Abbas THE PUB PAGES ENSURES A FREE 11th FOLK SESSION (3pm) - Swan, Sturminster Newton MENTION HERE! 17th THE BOWIE EXPERIENCE - Swan, Sturminster Newton 17th THE VAN GRAHAMS - Rose & Crown, Bradford Abbas 23rd GEORGIE BROAD - Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil 31st BARRY BARNES (Tribute to Rory Gallagher) Swan, Sturminster Newton 31st NO FIXED ABODE - Rose & Crown, Bradford Abbas THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015 31


House & Home 15% discount

OFF FIREVIEW STOVES Offer ends 31st January

Supply and Installation of Wood Burning & Multifuel Stoves  Own Professional Fitters  HETAS REGISTERED

R. A. WICKS Ltd. See our Showrooms

Clapper Hay, Church Street, MERRIOTT, nr. CREWKERNE, TA16 5PR  01460 74612 visit our website www.wicksheating.co.uk

WARM HOMES

Reduction in pollution combined with greater efficiency creates a really environmentally friendly stove from Woodwarm

Woodwarm Stoves have been handcrafted in the Devon countryside for over 30 years. Their passion for quality, design and the environment has helped them produce a range of wood burning and multifuel stoves that combine state of the

art efficiency with reduced pollution to create environmentally friendly stoves. Woodwarm Stoves are constructed with steel and cast iron and have stainless steel fittings. each one individually built by craftsmen and rigorously tested to ensure consistent quality.

AP Kitchen Solutions NEW YEAR – NEW KITCHEN

Pictured is the 6kW Phoenix Fireblaze from Woodwarm Stoves. A stunning, clean-looking multifuel stove, the large door giving an unhindered view of the fire. All stoves are available with an integral log store style base. Local stockist R. A. Wicks of Merriott.

 Kitchens replaced for a fresh new look at a reasonable price  Complete new kitchens designed to suit you

 Replacement doors – “don’t replace it, reface it”

 Huge choice of granite and quartz worksurfaces  Full range of accessories and appliances

 Full project management & qualified local installers  We offer an expert and friendly service

 01935 849559

To discuss your personal requirements contact Adam or call at our showroom

Northover, ILCHESTER, BA22 8LD www.apkitchens.co.uk

Compliments of the season to all our advertisers

32 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015

January Notice Board HENSTRIDGE

Blackmore Vale U3A talk A Funny Way to Make a Living training animals, finding locations and props for TV productions. Tuesday 6th January, 2.30pm, Henstridge Village Hall. Members £1.50, visitors £2.50.

Advertise Your February Event Here!

A listing under our Notice Board costs just £5 for 20 words - send details of What? When? Where? to The Visitor, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BG. All entries to be pre-paid. Extra words 30p each. Deadline for our February issue, Friday 16th January.


They are also passionate about design and detail and have created a range of innovative, contemporary and traditional stoves that will provide the focal point of any home. All Woodwarm Stoves feature the unique clean burn air wash system. After circulating the stove, pre-heated air flushes down the double glazed door, keeping the glass perfectly clean at all times - even at low temperatures. Superior clean burn efficiency means that not only is more heat achieved on less fuel, but combustion products in the flue are also reduced, causing fewer flue problems.

House & Home

Cullingford Carpets Wincanton

Pick up a bargain in the January Sale at Cullingford Carpets in Wincanton. With savings to be made in all departments why not treat yourself to some new curtains? Cullingford Carpets are delighted to offer you even more choice in their expanded two storey curtain and soft furnishing department. Beautiful handmade curtains and soft furnishings in your choice of fabric from leading brands. They also stock readymade curtains and blinds in many different sizes and styles.

SEWING MACHINE SERVICE CENTRE Repairs & Servicing To All Makes - Domestic & Industrial Collection and Delivery Available

Perhaps you want a new rug for the bedroom or living room? Rugs are a versatile product that can be picked up and moved from room to room to create a cosy, contemporary or traditional look. Cullingford Carpets have a large choice of styles, sizes and colours in stock, both oriental

and machine rugs. So whether you require a large or small rug, door mat or runner you won’t be disappointed by their stock of over 2000 rugs. And if you’re thinking of decorating, Cullingford’s have a choice of wallpaper to order from leading brands. They can also supply Farrow & Ball paint.

Bryan G. Paulley 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

Embroidery Engineering Services

Suppliers of Computerised Embroidery Machines

Telephone: 01963 350068 • Mobile: 07947 725315 Email: robert_churches@hotmail.com UniT 8, Torbay indUsTrial EsTaTE CasTlE Cary ba7 7dW

Worth waiting for ...

JANUARY SALE Starts Saturday 3rd January ... ‘til Saturday 31st January SAVINGS IN ALL DEPARTMENTS

01963 33574 E: info@cullingfordcarpets.co.uk Wessex Way, Wincanton Business Park Wincanton BA9 9PR www.cullingfordcarpets.co.uk

CARPETS VINYLS RUGS WOOD

KARNDEAN CURTAINS BLINDS RE-UPHOLSTERY

THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015 33


House & Home

KEVAN DAVIS Plumbing & Heating Ltd

Reg. No. 177361

4 Fairview Terrace, Castle Cary Telephone: 07976 741029

The Bed Specialist - Yeovil

During the festive holiday, many of you will be spending extra time in bed. If you find that you wake up with an aching back, or that your mattress is beginning to feel lumpy and uncomfortable, perhaps now is the time to treat yourself

to a new bed. The Bed Specialist is a family-run business that is celebrating its 50th anniversary so you can be sure of friendly, knowledgeable advice when it comes to choosing a new bed. Their aim has always been to provide the best quality beds available at all prices. On average people change their bed every 5-10 years and technology, manufacturing processes and materials are improving all the time, so when you start the search for a new bed you will realise just how much things have changed since buying the last time. Now’s the time to buy with the winter sale now on up to 50% off selected styles.

Unit 11, Brickfields Business Park, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4JX

Tel: 01747 826714 / 826721 www.townandcountryaerials.co.uk

Ask about our amazing Sky package deals! Sky+HD WiFi with 7 day Catch Up

CATCH UP TV SERVICES REQUIRE A BROADBAND CONNECTION

★ FREE Box ★ FREE Dish ★ FREE Installation (free installation is subject to survey) TV Packages from £ 21.50 per month • £10 Sky booking fee applies at time of order

MULTI-SCREEN Domestic Set-Up Sky in more than one room

We are a local independent firm with our own expert installers.

WE CAN HELP WITH ... ✔ No Unsightly Cables ✔ Listed Buildings ✔ Conservation Areas ✔ We cover your area ... Yeovil, Sherborne, Wincanton, Gillingham etc. 34 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015

Your local Sky expert


House & Home

Open Days at Harriet Sandys - West Compton

If you’re looking for a lamp to brighten a dark corner, a bedspread for the guest room,

cushions for the sofa, or a tablecloth to add a bit of colour to your festive table, don’t miss the Harriet Sandys Open Days. Harriet Sandys Barn at the Manor House, West Compton, Shepton Mallet, BA4 4PB, will be open on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st December from 2pm until 5pm each day.

Within SJH Carpets

The Tythings Commercial Centre Southgate Road, WINCANTON

Professionally Made To Measure Curtains, Blinds etc. Exciting New Fabric Ranges now available. Clarke & Clarke - Porter & Stone - Yorke Interiors ILIV - Art of the Loom - Prestigious Textiles Fibre Naturelle - and more! Curtain Poles and Tracks, Haberdashery Ribbons, Threads, Cushions, Remnants, Linings etc.

Melody 07883 089 333

This attractive sofa and chair are best sellers at Fit & Furnish in Yeovil. They come in a superb range of colours and designs. Call in and see the complete range of furniture for yourself - the stock is constantly changing. Most items are available for immediate delivery.

OPEN: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9.00am - 4.00pm (Thursday - Closed) Friday 9.00am - 3.00pm Saturday 9.00am - 12.30pm

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

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

February Deadline Friday 16th January

THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015 35


Spoilt for choice!

Berry Nice

Visit our new showroom to see our extensive range of flooring

■ Carpets ■ Vinyls ■ Naturals ■ Woods Wincanton ■ Laminates ■ Tiles ■ Blinds ■ Roll Stock ... vinyls & carpets now available

Merry Christmas to all our customers

Also at: High Street, Tisbury  01747 871178

Fire Station

Lidl

Morrisons

Southgate Road .T ow n

SJH CARPETS, Southgate Road, Wincanton  01963 824418

Wi nc

Stair Runners by Roger Oates

★ Free Estimate ★ Free Measuring ★ Professional Fitting by our own Expert Fitters ★ Friendly and Personal Service ★ Competitive Prices

At this festive time of year what better way to liven up a lacklustre interior than with a rich berry palette? Berry colours are so exuberant and versatile and a perfect way to add drama and warmth to our homes. Generally thought of as autumn hues, berry shades don’t have to be restricted to the cooler seasons and what is so appealing about this trend is the huge variety of colours you can use, from luscious raspberry to dark burgundy and everything in between! For a modern twist and an eclectic look, combine rich claret with punchy lime.

Tythings Centre

NEW SJH

OLD SJH

Need a new conservatory? Replacement windows or doors? contact

TURNER WINDOWS SOMERTON LTD – of –

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

FULL RANGE OF Replacement Windows Replacement Doors Conservatories Fascia / Soffitt / Guttering Secondary Glazing

SERVICES ... ■ Window Repairs ■ Handles / Hinges ■ Misted Up Units ■ Garage Doors ■ Blinds / Fly Screens

QUALITY PRODUCTS All products adhere to as endorsed by celebrity world snooker champion Steve Davis

PERSONAL SERVICE no faceless sales team: Craig Turner (proprietor) will be happy to discuss your requirements, or alternatively call in to the showrooms

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

PVC-U Aluminium

FENSA Registered Company sales@turnerwindows.co.uk www.turnerwindows.co.uk

“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) Just one of many testimonials from satisfied customers ★ See online for further personal recommendations

Turner Windows of Somerton Ltd

Call 01458 272555

Unit 3 Bancombe Trading Estate, Somerton, TA11 6SB Today for a FREE no obligation quote

Rich claret with punchy lime makes for an eclectic look. Pictured is the Treviso Plum Roman Blind from Hillary Blinds. For more information call them on 0800 916 6516.

The Visitor can be read online: www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

36 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015


Bespoke Kitchens

Visit our new workshop ... showroom coming soon Now at ...The Old Yard Logge Farm, West Street South Petherton TA13 5DJ

Kitchens & Furniture handcraFted in somerset

House & Home Continuing the Progress of the New Build at Ditcheat by Country Build SW Ltd

Month 5 - Saw the Zinc roofing being added to the Sunroom.

 01460 241261

email: info@eternalkitchens.co.uk www.eternalkitchens.co.uk

ESTABLISHED OVER 20 YEARS

Saturday 27th December 2014 ... Monday 12th January 2015

SAVE up to

£500 on selected

Panasonic TVs

FREE local delivery FREE installation FREE disposal of old set  Helpful & friendly advice  On-the-premises workshop for repairs

A Very Happy Christmas To All Our Customers

Greenhill, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 4EW  01935 813451 SALES • SERVICE • REPAIRS

(01935) 823346

THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015 37


The

Pub Pages

BEER & SKITTLES P. A. BAXTER

AS 2015 LOOMS large in our minds have you made any New Year resolutions? Well me neither, and anyway I am pure

in mind, body and spirit. Thinking about it; I'm not even one of those three, so moving swiftly on, I do resolve to carry on supporting as many local breweries as man y p u b s a s possible to consume their products. We do, of course, have a bit of a dilemma here, because if we support a brewery by having their bottled products at home, do we then help put another nail in the coffin of our local pub? Something we need to get a balance of I would think, as doing nothing but sitting in front of a television and drinking tins of fizzy near-beer made in a far off place does nothing to keep any local pub viable. Speaking of this, a recent vote in the House of Commons saw a bill passed, which will hopefully give the landlords of pubco-owned

hostelries more autonomy insofar as they would be able to chose where they get their beer. The bill would, allegedly, also give them the option when signing up to a lease, whether they would go for the 'market-rate' rent on their pub. Being more than a bit of a cynic who has spent much time hanging around the flag-pole in the industry, I look forward to a

positive outcome of this bill, although apparently many of the larger breweries saw their share price take a dive. Meanwhile, I strongly suspect the owners of the small breweries were rubbing their hands together with glee. One thing is certain; any happenings in Parliament would not put a stop to the march of the biggest players in the game, nor

Renowned for their delicious desserts - Vinny makes a pig of himself at The Walnut Tree, West Camel

NATTERJACK INN Adrian & Kate invite you to the

Freehouse with Accommodation

Nr. Evercreech Junction, Evercreech, Somerset, BA4 6NA

 01749 860253 • Email: natterjack@btconnect.com • Web: thenatterjackinn.co.uk

New Year’s Eve: The War Years Fancy Dress Party We will take you on a nostalgic journey through World War II with MUSIC by KAYLEIGH & FIREWORKS at Midnight Bottle of Champagne for Best Dressed • Rations from 6.30pm – 8.30pm The menu below is only available on the 31st December 2014 Please book your table in advance

S TA RT E R S Bubble & Squeak Soup £6.00 Chicken Liver & French Bean Salad in a Shallot & White Wine Reduction £6.00 Gin Cured Salmon with Buttermilk Pancakes £6.00 St. George’s Mushrooms, Garlic & Parsley on Sourdough Toast £6.00 Crab Fritters with Lime & Garlic Aioli £6.00 A PROSPEROUS

MAIN COURSE Pan Fried Sea Bream, Roasted Winter Vegetables, Pea Puree & Balsamic Glaze £13.00 Braised Blade of Beef in Red Wine, Suet Dumplings & Glazed Carrots £16.00 Slow Roasted Pork Belly, Fillet of Pork filled with Black Pudding, Apple Mash, Buttered Green Beans & Creamy Cider Sauce £13.00 Roast Duck Breast, Cherry Compote Dressing, Fondant Potato, Buttered Greens £15.00 Beetroot & Ricotta Ravioli, Sage Butter & Rocket, Pinenut & Sun Blush Tomato Salad with Herb Croutons £12.00

AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS

PUDDINGS White Chocolate & Pear Trifle £6.00 Salted Caramel Cheesecake with Homemade Lime Syrup Icecream £6.00 Panettone & Chocolate Bread Pudding £6.00 Homemade Toffee Apple Icecream with a shot of Burrow Hill Cider Brandy £6.00 Selection Of Local Cheeses, Biscuits, Homemade Damson Chutney £8.00

The

Wyndham Arms

Kingsbury episcopi nr. martocK somerset ta12 6at

Rob, Lin & Staff wish all their customers a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year

Saturday 14th February

Boxing Night – 9pm Start THE RAY JONES BAND New Year’s Eve KEVIN BUTT – Guitar/Vocalist

❤ Printed: Thursday 29th January ❤ Deadline: Friday 16th January

not bad: 363 days out of 365 open for food!

CLOSED: Christmas Day Evening, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day Evening

Valentine’s Day FEBRUARY ISSUE To book your advert in ...

Tel: 01963 351256  Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk 38 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015

no entry fee to get into your local pub!

 Apologies, kitchen closed Christmas Day 

Tel: 01935 823239

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


The

Pub Pages

would it stop the continual evolution of the business and its products. Please feel free to drop me a line on anything beer and pub related at: skittlealley@ hotmail.com

I make no apology for the amount of space we give up in this column to beers from across the pond, particularly having gone on a pilgrimage to sample as many as was humanly possible in two weeks. A recent article in the Independent is more than enough to get people jumping on a plane to head off to Philadelphia where it would appear the beer scene is thriving on a seriously big scale. There are Belgian, German and British pubs (complete with cask ale and scotch eggs) as well as 'typical' American bars selling craft beer. I feel that CAMRA are being narrow-minded over the rise of craft ales, which do not conform

Signs to make you smile 

to their definition of real ale by virtue of the fact it is not caskconditioned, i.e. still 'live' in the cask. However, the craft ales use quality ingredients and no adjuncts (added ingredients such as rice which do nothing for the final product) and whilst they may be essentially kegged and hence served under pressure, they do have flavour and body. Taking a short hop over the channel to Belgium and the sampling of a 'Kwak' should soon convert any cask-orientated person (and yes we have done just this on more than one occasion). Word has reached me that the

sales of the fizzy stuff in the States like Coors and Bud are suffering whilst the sales of craft ales continue to grow - and can you blame them? There is little taste in either of the aforementioned and it just proves to me what a huge advertising budget can do. Oh, and before you ask - there are direct flights to Philly from Heathrow. Book me a ticket please! The craft ale/real ale scene continues to thrive in Blighty as well, and never a week goes by without a new brewery springing up somewhere. Indeed, we are now blessed with more breweries

The MUDDLED

MAN

your hosts, mick, Jean and garry welcome you to ...

Lower Street, West Chinnock • Tel: 01935 881235

 Two Rump Steak Dinners only £16.50  Game Casserole: Sunday 21st December Christmas Day open for Drinks 11am – 1.30pm Christmas Day Dinner

drink on arrival, 7 course meal, half bottle of Wine – £ 60 • 10% OFF for groups of 10 or more children under 12 half price • Bookings Essential • Limited spaces available

Boxing Day Buffet - £15 Curry Buffet: Saturday 27th December 12noon – 2.30pm and 6pm – 9.30pm

BOOK EARLY for Christmas Day & Boxing Day and RECEIVE A DISCOUNT  Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all our Customers 

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

ROSE & CROWN Bradford Abbas

U HAVE YO D ... ERE DISCOV

Bed & Breakfast

Christmas & New Year Opening Hours

Kings Arms  Thornford 01935 872294

 CHRISTMAS EVE Wednesday 24th December  Lunch: 12noon – 2.30pm • Food as normal evening: 6pm – 11pm • selection of sharing platters & steak night (no other menu)

 CHRISTMAS DAY Thursday 25th December  Lunch: 12noon – 1.30pm • bar only • evening: closed

 BOXING DAY Friday 26th December  Lunch: 12noon – 2.30pm • evening: 6pm – 11pm selection of hot pots & crusty bread will be served Lunchtime & evening (no other menu)

Saturday 27th – Tuesday 30th December opening times & Food as normal

 NEW YEAR’S EVE Wednesday 31st December  Lunch: 12noon – 2.30pm • Food 12noon – 2pm evening: 6pm – Late • Live music & buffet with morgan & Knapp (no other food)  NEW YEAR’S DAY Thursday 1st January  Lunch: 12noon – 2.30pm • selection of brunches (no other food) evening: 6pm – 11pm • hot & spicy menu (no other food)

Leigh & Terri wish all their customers & friends a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

~ The ~

DT9 6RF Tel: 01935 474506

2 miles Yeovil • 4 miles Sherborne

A COUNTRY INN serving delicious home-cooked food

 CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH £49.95 early booking advised – limited space  SUNDAY CARVERY £8.95 booking advised

Thursdays: TWO 8oz RUMP & BOTTLE OF WINE £25

January/February Promotion

FREE PUDDING with Main Meal FREE Childs Drink when Dining ... on production of this advert! — Cut out and Keep —

Skittle for a Turkey

saturday 20 th December: 8pm start in aid of Bradford Abbas Pre-school + Live Music with Ocean Drive saturday 27 th December: Johnny Cash Tribute sunday 28 th December: Quiz Night and Christmas Draw saturday 10 th January: Whip It Up saturday 17 th January: The Van Grahams saturday 31st January: No Fixed Abode

THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015 39


The

Pub Pages

than one could shake a hop pole at; more now than were around even back in the 1930's. This is all part of the fun - finding them out and trying their beers. Some, I have to be honest, do produce some beers that we have found less than palatable, and as a company will live or die by what it makes, then each year the CAMRA Good Beer Guide will list new breweries and those which have become defunct. One opened

as recently as 2012 but only just discovered by the Baxter crew is but a short hop from the offices of this fine tome. Situated at Evercreech, north of Castle Cary and just south of Shepton Mallet, the 'Wild Beer Co' have a fascinating range of beers, although we have only purchased a few and only sampled one so far. How did we discover these? I was in Sherborne and was paying a visit to 'Vineyards' the

multiple award-winning wine shop in Digby Road, where the friendly and knowledgeable owners Hannah Wilkins and Shelley Norton have a huge range of wines - and a carefully selected range of quality beers. Whilst even I didn't decide to take one of every beer type on offer, it came about that I left their shop with a quantity from different sources - along with a serious air of expectancy. Do pay them a visit, I'm sure you won't be disappointed. Having now spoken to Richard at the Wild Beer Co, I was surprised to learn that they had been brewing for more than two years and that the beers are available in pubs

CHRISTMAS Opening Times

Christmas Eve: 8am – 12midnight; Food 8am – 10am, 12noon – 3pm and 6pm – 10pm. Christmas Day: 10am – 8pm; Food 12noon – 3pm (sorry, our tables are fully booked for lunch)

Boxing Day: 9am – 11pm, Food 9am – 10am, 12noon – 3pm and 6pm – 10pm New Year’s Eve: 8am – 6pm; Food 12noon – 3pm Evening Tickets only event: 7.30pm – 2am; Food 7.30pm – 10pm (bookings only) New Year’s Day: 9am – 6pm; Food 12noon – 3pm All other days are normal opening hours* with breakfast, lunch and dinner served throughout.

NEW YEAR’S EVE Hooray for Hollywood, 7.30pm – 2am Join us for a four-course dinner and dance the night away! Fancy Dress desirable ... £65.00 per person – 2 tables remaining

BURNS NIGHT Sunday 25th January 2014, 7.00pm

Join us for our annual Burns Supper, four-course meal, wee whisky dram and entertainment with ... Bob Walker our resident piper. Tickets on sale £29.50 per person, limited to 30 people.

Season’s Greetings to all our Customers

* NORMAL OPENING HOURS: 8am – 12 Midnight Food is Served: Breakfast 8am – 10am; Lunch 12noon – 3pm; Dinner 6pm – 10pm

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

Come and try this award winning inn! Taste of Somerset Best Pub 2013 • Best National Freehouse 2012 2 AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence

40 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015

Traditional Country Pub

Serving Sensibly Priced Food & Drink

Christmas Menu

Just A Few Dates Left

Starters Celery & Stilton Soup Game Terrine with Toast & Fig Chutney Gravadlax with Dill Sauce Garlic Field Mushroom on Pesto Toast Mains Roast Turkey with all the Trimmings Beef Bourguignon Pork Tenderloin with Apricot & Apple Scrumpy Sauce and Dauphinoise Potatoes Salmon with White Wine & Pink Peppercorn Sauce Feta, Chickpea & Olive Wellington with Chestnut Sauce Sweets Traditional Christmas Pudding Tia Maria Chocolate Mousse Cake Cinnamon Ice Cream Winter Berry Pavlova Steamed Treacle Sponge Tiramisu Coffee & Truffles 2 courses £14.50 - 3 courses £18.50

New Years Eve

“School Dinners” £15.00 per head Free Soft Drinks for Drivers

Dinnington Nr Hinton St George • Tel 01460 52397 email hilary@dinningtondocks.co.uk


The

Pub Pages

around the area - clearly a 'search and enjoy mission' must be made. However, our first sampled (and last one of the evenings session) was their 'Wildebeest' at a healthy 11%abv. The legend on the label describes it as 'dessert in a glass' as well as waxing lyrical over the other qualities. It certainly had me thinking that someone had been reading the labels from the 'Victory' Brewing company of Pennsylvania, or the 'Ommegang' brewery in New York. If you make a good beer and you know it, then why not let people know how proud you are of it! Despite not being a cider drinker, I look forward to sampling their 'Somerset Wild' which uses a cider yeast, and a visit to the web-site will no doubt have you thinking of the soured beers of Belgium. Go on; take a look. So then, as we head into the New Year, and having waded though this piece of literary

The

genius-ness, has it inspired you to try some new beers? I hope it has! Meanwhile, from all the Baxter crew we wish you all you would wish yourself for 2015. Cheers!

AROUND THE

H O U S E S

IN BRADFORD ABBAS, cut out and keep the voucher for FREE puddings during January and February at The Rose & Crown ... Wednesday night is Steak Night at The Kings Arms in Thornford ... belated happy birthday to Pete, 21 plus VAT, at The Quicksilver Mail in Yeovil who is looking forward to pulling a few crackers so he can renew his jokes for 2015 ... lamb shank a firm favourite at The Carpenters Arms, Chilthorne Domer ... and Di and Russell are celebrating 9 years at The Lamb & Lark Limington where you will receive a free bacon buttie

Lord Nelson Rectory Lane

Norton Sub Hamdon

Merry Christmas Everyone

and a mug of coffee if you enter the charity skittles on Boxing Day. On to Over Stratton where there are some very tasty homemade spring rolls on the menu at The Royal Oak and on Sunday 21st December at 6.30pm you can enjoy Music and Carols from the Stoke Brass Band ... get out your old school tie and bobby socks for school time at

Dinnington Docks, Dinnington on New Year’s Eve ... live music at The Wyndham Arms Kingsbury Episcopi on Boxing Day ... the football team are doing well according to Garry at The Muddled Man West Chinnock ... at Norton Sub Hamdon Will-iham the stoneman is beautifully lit and wearing his santa hat at The Lord Nelson ... and at The Haselbury Mill, Haselbury

HELYAR ARMS

East Coker • Yeovil • Somerset • BA22 9JR

Christmas Parties from £ 19.95 per person

Live music by Wendy

Allen on Friday 19th December

Enjoy the warmth of a Log Fire, Real Ales, or a good old game of Skittles over the Christmas!

New Year’s Eve playing live ... Toast Nine and The Seashells A La Carte Menu available ( bookings for tables advised) no admission charge ~ OPENING HOURS ~

Monday to Saturday 12noon – 3pm and 6pm – 11pm, Sunday 12noon – 4pm Open ALL DAY Boxing Day & New Year’s Day Brunch • Closed Christmas Day Night ✴ Food is Served Every Day from 12noon – 2.30pm and 6.30pm – 9.30pm

 Burns Night Saturday 24th January 

info@helyar-arms.co.uk  01935 862332

THE DEVONSHIRE ARMS BAR • RESTAURANT • ACCOMMODATION

GOOD FOOD - GOOD BEER - GREAT ATMOSPHERE

Mark, Helen and Staff ...

Would like to sincerely thank all their customers for their unwavering support throughout the year and for all their hard work in the many charity fund raising events.

Wishing you all the very happiest of Christmases and a happy and healthy New Year! BOOKINGS

Tel: 01935 881473

BAR & RESTAURANT OpEN DAIly

Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day  Open New Year’s Day long Sutton, langport, Somerset, TA10 9lp • Tel: 01458 241271 info@thedevonshirearms.com • www.thedevonshirearms.com THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015 41


They Say

That it’s not only jewellery that can be cleaned at Ward & Sibley’s in Yeovil.

That a contestant on TV thought that Cardinal Wolsey built Hammersmith Palais.

That Simon Beard of Podymore will be sporting a yellow jersey this festive season - as he is definitely out in front with his recent cycling achievements. That Sylvie Hamblin of Yeovil is shortly to hold a Teddy Bears Picnic, now Yogi has been joined by various friends.

That the Christmas bells at The White Hart, Martock have great appeal.

That when visiting Sherborne's Festive Sunday event, the jingling of bells did not necessarily herald the arrival of the reindeer - just some enthusiastic Morris Dancers. That its well done to South Petherton this year on their very attractive Christmas lights - look out Oxford Street!

That the mention of Cards can be a little de-pressing for Adrian of Papertrees in Wincanton.

That the "hot off the press" news is that the lovely ladies of Puffin Cleaners in Yeovil could find themselves a shadow of their former selves.

That congratulations go to Kate Macey of Living Pretty Tea Rooms in Curry Rivel on her recent TV appearance and succcess on Grand Interiors.

That Mo Culter of South Petherton could end up a little "shaken" this New Year, when she discovers husband Terry with a Rusty Nail in his hand, a Brown Cow in the lounge and Mike Lewis with a Black Russian in the conservatory. That whilst Katherine Jenkins eventually arrived at The Yeovil Jewellers - she could not hang around.

That bubbly Phillip Robson of Scenes in Gillingham wears such jolly shirts no one noticed when he put his elbow in the ink.

That park ranger John Hamblin of Yeovil is on the look out - for one glass-eye.

That the Emperor’s new clothes can be viewed ‘on-line’ in Bruton.

That the recent Yeovil streaker, dressed only in a motorcycle helmet and boots, brought a smile to many a Christmas shopper - Tally Ho!

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

168 Hendford Hill YEOVIL

“Maybe there’s a God above But all I’ve ever learned from love Was how to shoot at someone who outdrew you”

First person to tell me the above song gets a free drink! Last month Karen Anderson of Bower Hinton was first to guess it was ‘Personal Jesus’ by (amongst others) Depeche Mode . some sad news to report this month. a young lady by the name of Ellie Harper used The Quicksilver on occasions with family and friends and was often seen at the gigs that we put on. ellie had recently had some hurdles to climb. sadly the latest was too big even for this beautiful brave girl and she passed away. ellie was 32. the staff at The Quicksilver and myself will miss this fabulous lady. As some of you know it was recently my birthday. We could not have a cake with candles due to health and safety regulations, but one of the few customers who is actually older than me (Mike Matthews) decided to take me out to dinner and what a fantastic surprise was in store for me. We went to The Haselbury Mill and what a great time we had. The food we had was first class, the room is amazing and the staff were nearly as good as the ones at The Quicksilver . it really is a great venue and i am not surprised that it is booked up 18 months in advance for weddings and parties: well worth a visit! New Year’s Eve tickets are now on sale we have a great band by the name of Dinosaur Café who will be entertaining us in the function room. the doors open at 9pm and we will be serving a buffet. Get your tickets now!!! . Looking ahead to January ... on the 9th we have Pete Christie live in the bar, and on the 23rd we have a young lady by the name of Georgie Broad ... not to be missed! Finally, I would like to say a big thank you to all my customers and staff that have supported me through what has been another difficult year for the pub industry. public houses are still closing in this country at the rate of 27 per week! We h a v e l o s t a c o u p l e o f b i g traditional houses in Yeovil recently and the irony is that what was once a hub of local activity with darts, pool and skittles is now a Tesco and soon to be a Co–op on the site of The Fleur on Mudford Road. the pub co.’s have got a lot to answer for. I wish you all a peaceful Christmas and a prosperous new year.  TOOT TOOT!!!

BOOKINGS

 01935 424721

42 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015

The

Pub Pages

Plucknett, the Windy Miller Bar is now open from 6pm on a Saturday. Edging on to Evercreech Junction where Dads Army will be on parade at the New Year’s Eve Fancy dress at The Natterjack Inn, ‘don't tell them your name Pike’... looking for a job in the hospitality trade? Take a look at the advert for The Montague Inn, Shepton Montague ... the haggis will be

piped in at The Queens Arms, Corton Denham on New Year’s Eve ... and at The Marston Inn at Marston Magna, a soup and roll is just £2. Sailing off to Sturminster Newton where the secret of a really tasty cottage pie is to marinate the mince in Guinness, just one of the tasty dishes at The Swan Inn ... you’ll find a cheery real fire at The Fountain Inn, Shaftesbury ... The Dolphin, Wincanton has a new marquee in their secret garden with plenty of children's activities ... and finally, a big thank you to all our regular pub advertisers for their custom throughout the year and we wish them a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year ... don't forget to send in any humorous photos you may have for publication in Pub People and of course - all your humorous goings on for our We Hear / They Say columns.

Lamb & Lark Russell & Diane welcome you to the

Limington nr. Ilchester • BA22 8EG Tel: 01935 840368

Sunday 21st December: QUIZ 8.30pm start in aid of st margaret’s hospice • also christmas raffle 1st prize gallon of grouse Whisky, 2nd prize a golf day for 4 come along and enjoy a mince pie! Christmas Day: OPEN FOR DRINKS 11.30am – 2pm (closed evening)

Boxing Day: SKITTLES COMPETITION in aid of st margaret’s hospice £2 Free bacon sandwich and a coffee for all entrants Full english breakfast £5.95 (boxing day evening closed)

Sunday 28th December: SUNDAY LUNCH CARVERY choice of meats served with Fresh Veg £8.95 • under 10s £5.95 NEW YEARS EVE Bring the whole family along for an evening of fun! 7pm Children’s Disco • 8pm Karaoke 9pm Elvis Tribute + Disco • Fireworks to see in the new year ——— JANUARY ———

New Year’s Day: OPEN 12noon – 3pm (closed evening)

Tuesdays: WINTER SUPPER EVENING 1 course £5.95 Fridays: FISH & CHIP FRIDAY £5.95

Thursday 15th January: CURRY NIGHT ... help yourself to a variety of curries plus the trimmings £10.95 Russ, Di & Alex would like to thank their Customers for their continued Support over the past nine years and wish them a very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year! Visit our website for full details: www.lambandlark.co.uk

FUNCTION ROOM * OUTSIDE BARS & HOG ROASTS * WEDDINGS & PRIVATE PARTIES WELCOME

FAMILIES WELCOME • ENCLOSED BEER GARDEN


Montague Inn

Sean & Suzy welcome you to the ...

Shepton Montague nr. Bruton Tel: 01749 813213

Join us this festive season for good food and a warm welcome! ChrisTMas ParTy MEnU

Some dates in December still available Or why not come in January?

✴ oPEn ✴

Christmas Day Lunchtime Boxing Day Lunchtime ▪ Boxing Day Evening New Year's Eve Evening New Year's Day Lunchtime

nEW yEar's EvE ... filling fast!

3 Course Dinner ▪ Live Entertainment Champagne & Fireworks at Midnight Taxi home within 10 mile radius ... only £75

simple supper nights ‒ Tuesdays steak nights ‒ Mondays

likE raCing? Check out the Package for

j

WiNCaNToN RaCeS at The Monty ... brunch at The Monty Premier Enclosure Ticket followed by Early supper back at The Montague inn Booking is essential: 48 hours notice

Next Race Day Saturday 3rd January - £ 45

 bUrns nighT 

Saturday 24th January 3 Course Menu - £30 Haggis, Neeps & Tatties ... with Jocks in Frocks, Daggers in their Socks, plus a Nip with your Haggis and a Piper!

CAREERS

Front of house, Full & Part-Time soUs ChEF and CoMMis ChEF positions becoming available

Sean, Suzy & staff would like to wish all their customers the compliments of the season! PlEasE ring for full details and bookings or email: info@themontagueinn.co.uk

Festive Fizz

I’VE ALWAYS BEEN a Christmas kind of person, throwing myself into full festive decoration mode, if for no other reason than to cheer up the dark, cold wintry nights. For many of us, New Year’s Eve, following quickly on the heels of all the merriment, can be the least favourite event in the celebration calendar; heralding the post-present giving doom and gloom, and the pending arrival of unpaid bills. The glitz and glamour can ring false, with forced gaiety signalling the end of a well earned break from work, as well as the morning after the night before ... enough said! Unusually for me, I shall be entering this new year in a more buoyant mood, having reached the ripe old age of 60 relatively unscathed whilst managing to remain solvent through the recession so far. All the more reason to celebrate then with my favourite tipple, champagne; not least because in the run up to Christmas many supermarkets are offering worthwhile discounts on 6 or more bottles of wine. The pricier your selections the bigger the savings to be made. Aside from its festive associations, champagne readily conjures up a feeling of sophistication and elegance that can brighten even the dullest of winter days. Whilst renowned Michelin three-starred chef Fernand Point is reputed to have downed a full magnum of champagne before breakfast every day, this is not necessarily something I’d

recommend as the optimum way to fend off a potential hangover on New Year’s Day. Rather, in getting the year off to the best possible start, I often gather with friends for lunch, and a champagne cocktail or two; hair of the dog and all that. Purists would say it would be a sacrilege to use the likes of Krug or Cristal, but I’m of the opinion, that any recipe is only as good as the ingredients you use. So here are a few of my favourite cocktails made from my favourite tipple; mouthwatering creations worth trying, some with a novel twist, to keep your guests guessing; and which may even inspire a party game or two. To begin with, the ultimate classic Champagne Cocktail, made by soaking a sugar cube in Angostura bitters, adding 20ml of cognac, and topping it up with your favourite champagne, adding a twist of orange or lemon peel if the fancy takes you. My personal favourite is the Bellini. Just one sip transports me immediately back to Venice, which would be my number one choice for a romantic start to the year.

Truffles BRASSERIE

95 High Street, Bruton, BA10 0AR

New Year’s Eve FRENCH BUFFET PARTY – £24.95 Fancy Dress  Prize for Best Costume Complimentary Glass of Champagne at Midnight  Roulette for Prizes OPEN ALL DAY Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & saturday from 9am Afternoon Tea and Patisserie served daily (not Monday) “MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ALL AT TRUFFLES”

Bookings call: 01749 812180 or email: trufflesbruton@gmail.com www.trufflesbrasserie.com

THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015 43


The Bellini was an inspired invention first served at Harry’s Bar, in the 1930s or 40s, depending on who you choose to believe. Easy on the budget, it should be made with two parts dry Prosecco (real champagne itself can be too harsh), to one part fresh white peach purée (or juice, obtainable from good stores). To emulate the original recipe add just a tiny dash of framboise to give a cheerful, rosy pink glow to both the glass, and your cheeks. Don’t be put off by the rather violent blue/green shade of the next cocktail on my list. Ritz Fizz is a concoction made with the unlikely combination of a dash each of amaretto, blue curaçao and lemon juice, topped up with champagne, and a jolly sprig of mint on top to chase away the cobwebs. Still feeling under the weather, and your guests not knowing ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’? Then cure your ills with ‘Death in the Afternoon’, by adding 20ml of absinthe to your glass of champagne, and if suitably into Hemingway, then follow the advice given in his book of the same name and ‘drink three to five of these slowly’. Were it not for the possibility of legal action, I’d be recommending a spot of ‘sabring’ as a suitable sporting activity. The first time I tried this rather dangerous practice of lopping off the top of a champagne bottle with the edge of a sword, was earlier this year at a charity wine tasting event I hosted. Very impressive, but if it didn’t go according to plan it could bring your New Year to a rather premature end. It’s at this point I feel it would be prudent to add my own disclaimer – don’t blame me if you get more than you bargained for, but do have the best possible start to 2015, in every way. May your glass always be half full to toast those celebratory moments and remember that for it to be any more than half full is not quite the done thing. Research shows that sparkling drinks carry the alcohol faster into your blood stream, so go careful on the quantities. LP-V.

GARDENING

GARDENING MONTHLY by Richard Cumming

Festive Feelings!

Orchard Park

ALL THE PLEASURE and none of the pain! The dark months are not my favourite but there are so many good things now that definitely bring some light and glitter into our simple gardening lives. First, we are past the winter solstice which is always a big deal for me. I can look forward to lengthening days as the sun eventually returns. Second all the

44 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015

seasonal plants that brighten up your home are now available in glorious profusion, but what to choose and how do you care for them? Then Christmas is such a wonderful time to bring the garden into the house. The season is loaded with connections to the native plants of the woodland and hedgerow; berries and foliage of all sorts, not just the holly and the ivy! The creative folk have produced elegant garlands and

door hangings with all sorts of materials. Past customs demand that evergreens were not taken into the home until Christmas Eve, holly represented the crown of thorns, with its berries for the blood, and was thought to protect the home from evil spirits, warlocks and witches. Ivy should not be used alone or be the main part of a decoration as it is an unlucky plant acting as a bad omen. Then mistletoe, cultivated by the druids as a special plant dedicated to the goddess of love, is known to have magical powers! Seasonal house plants are full of colour now with Poinsettia’s leading the list. There are a number of colours available now from the firm favourite of bright red, through burgundy and pink to cream and variegated. The colours are borne on the bracts which lie beneath the small yellow flowers. The leaves are below the bracts and are invariably green. After the Poinsettias come Cyclamen and Azaleas, followed by Amaryllis and Orchids. Of all these, Poinsettias are the most susceptible to changes in the air. If you buy one in a warm protected shop, make sure it is covered or wrapped in a sleeve before you go out into cold air and really avoid cold draughts which will harm the leaves or even worse, cause them to fall off. Once home, they do best in a light position but not in strong direct sunlight. Water them sparingly, waiting for the surface of the pot to dry before dunking them in a bowl of water at room temperature. Misting the leaves helps keep them in good condition. Cyclamen and Azaleas both enjoy cooler conditions, a north

Suppliers of quality lawn turf Full ground preparation and laying service available

Telephone Somerton 01458 272091 Mobile 07850 310998

Approved contractor to Dorset & Somerset C.C.

QUALIFIED ARBORIST

ALL ASPECTS OF TREE CARE AND DANGEROUS TREE REMOVAL

TREE PLANTING

PHONE: NORTH CADBURY 440660

Utilise the generous grants now available to restock neglected woodland or areas of wasteground


GARDENING

Pictured left: Garage and carport, a very useful building designed and built by Sparkford Timber Buildings & Gates of Sparkford (formerly Sparkford Sawmills). Made from oak posts and beams, building clad with feathered edged boarding. See cover for advertisement.

facing window sill is ideal, and water from below [give them a soaking in a bowl of water every now a nd a g a in]. C hrist m a s Cactus [Schlumbergera] grow best when they are ignored, Amaryllis {hippeastrum species] with their bright trumpet shaped flowers will grow in good light in most parts of the house, whilst

WARM WISHES FOR CHRISTMAS

PRE-PACKED COAL AVAILABLE

SAND & GRAVEL

large and small loads

Alan Dodge BSc

TRADE ENQUIRIES WELCOME

THE DORSET & SOMERSET FENCING & GATE COMPANY All types of fencing supplied and erected No VAT • FREE Survey & Quotation Pressure Treated Material 10 Year Guarantee Fencing the counties for 30 years

Tel: 01935 330095

PODIMORE RECYCLING LTD R. W. PRINCE LTD

Suppliers of Quality Recycled Aggregates Top Soil – Crushed Concrete – Road Planings All Types of Limestone Aggregates Sand and Gravel – Decorative Aggregates Asphalt Plant / Asphalt Products – Hot Box Hire Grab Lorries – Tipper Hire – Muckaway

New Asphalt Plant Installed

20mm Base • 10mm Top Coats • 6mm Top Coats Lime Stone or Hard

Small Loads Collected or Delivered 7am – 4pm Daily • Monday – Friday ✴ Road Sweeper Hire ✴

Please call to enquire if we can help you with anything

PODIMORE RECYCLING LTD. Podimore,Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 8JG Tel: 01935 849250 • Fax: 01935 849099 Mobile: 07973 844145

We can deliver to your area inc. Castle Cary, Bruton, Sherborne, Wincanton etc. For advice or information ring Tim or Heidi or call in and see us

★ QUALITY★ CHOICE ★ ★ VALUE ★ Garden Machinery

Stockist of

Ride-On Mowers from ... £1,299 Pedestrian Mowers from ... £219

Garden Tools

5 Year Domestic Warranty

On most makes and models ... be prepared for spring

Unit 2, Beardly Batch Depot, Cannards Grave SHEPTON MALLET, BA4 4NB Tel: 01749 343881 • www.moggsofwells.co.uk SALES – SERVICE – REPAIR THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015 45


Phalaenopsis and Cymbidium orchids prefer reasonable humidity and a steady temperature to allow flowers to open evenly and last as long as possible.

GARDENING

Plant of the month

It might be the dark days but that’s when some sensational plants can catch your eye. Helleborus niger, Mahonia x media ‘Winter Sun’, and the

Christmas box Sarcocca hookeriana var. digyna, and Viburnum x bodnantense ‘Dawn’ are all classic winter flowering plants. No garden should be without

them, they are hardy and all will grow on local soils. They are the plants that you pass by but suddenly call you back with their sweet scent or show of flowers.

Cedar-clad cricket pavilion, completed recently at The Longford Estate, Salisbury, by Sparkford Timber Buildings & Gates of Sparkford. See cover for advertisement.

for all your Tool Hire Requirements including Mini Digger Hire and Garden Machinery Higher Farm, sutton, Ditcheat Tel: 01749 860199 • Mob: 0777 163 2221

All types of Fencing

• Gates • Trellis • Fence Panels • Tool Sheds • Summer Houses • Garages • Workhouses • Greenhouses • Field Shelters

Syngenta Helleborus.

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

Lee Holmes

Independent Garden Machinery Specialist Sales | Service | Repairs

STIHL MS170 12" Chainsaw £169

Sandri Garden 12" Pruning Chainsaw £149  WINTER SERVICING  Season’s greetings to all our customers 15 Cary Court, Bancombe Road, Trading Estate, Somerton

46 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015

QUALITY FENCING PANELS AND TIMBER C L ANV I LL E SA WM IL L S LT D Clanville • Castle Car y (on the B3153)

Monday to Thursday - 8am to 5pm Friday - 8am to 4pm

Castle Cary (01963) 350881


GARDEN

Jobs for the month

There are usually a few days over the Christmas and New Year holiday that allow a bit of a work out in the garden. Apart from digging parsnips and picking Brussels sprouts for Christmas lunch, essential tasks centre around clearing, tidying and pruning. Add planning to that and you have enough to take you through to the first spring heated sowing in January with tomatoes and early salads. By the way, did you see recently a report on Brussels sprout breeding that is aimed at producing sweeter sprouts without the bitterness gene that puts some of us off? Even more interesting was the point that as individuals we all carry genes that might either enhance the bitterness, tolerate or enjoy it, so one man’s sprout is another’s disappointment! Clearing veg and ornamental gardens is straightforward. The things to leave are attractive seed heads, grassy plumes and colourful stems of plants such as dogwoods that you will cut back in late March. Prune dormant trees and bushes that are not going to flower in early spring. Fruit trees, bushes, canes and vines all need care and attention according to their type. This is where the garden books come out for appropriate instruction! There are also so many really good ‘howto’ videos on YouTube that will guide you through the process. Clear away diseased debris, and apply a winter wash on fruit trees to control overwintering bugs and early aphid attacks. Planning is the big project; deciding cropping areas, selecting seeds and plants for another great gardening year! Happy Christmas, enjoy the sprouts, see you in the New Year!

the end bit...

PAPERCHASE

I SELDOM SEE the Yeovil edition of the Western Gazette; in my part of Visitorland we get the Wincanton, Bruton, Castle Cary and Gillingham edition. So I am grateful to the Yeovil reader who sent me two cuttings from the 20th November issue. The first was a banner from the front page screaming ‘Free pack of four teacakes at Tesco Extra’ and ‘Full details page 32’. The second was the entire page 32 containing no mention of teacakes, free or otherwise. Instead there was a large blank rectangle 10cm wide by 15cm deep which was presumably meant for the ‘full details’. In his covering letter my informant wrote ‘please let me know if you find the details’, and

I’m pleased to do just that, culled from page 32 of the Wincanton edition. Cut out the token on page 32, take it to Tesco Extra in Yeovil any time between 10.00am and 4.00pm from 20th to 22nd November, give it to the Gazette’s promotional staff at the front of the store and receive a free pack of four teacakes. The Wincanton edition didn’t carry the front-page puff for the offer, unsurprisingly since few Wincanton readers would be likely to waste petrol on driving all the way to Yeovil for four free cakes. A reader from Martock wrote recently that ‘I am upset frequently and often amused by the lack of attention to syntax’ in the Western Gazette. Of the example he enclosed from the 6th November issue he wondered whether it was ‘a little too sensitive to use in the Paperchase column’ as it relates to funeral arrangements, but I think not. The report gave the date, time and place of the funeral and added that ‘it will be followed by a private burial ceremony for Katie’s immediate relatives’. Why, I wonder, are they going to bury the relatives who are presumably still alive. I’m grateful to both readers for

their letters and remind you that your contributions to this column are always welcome. Simply send the details or a press cutting from any of our local or regional newspapers or magazines, quoting the publication name, issue date and page number, to me at The Visitor, PO Box 1, Castle Cary BA7 7BG. I look forward to hearing from you. Let me end the year on a positive note. The 8th December issue of the Western Daily Press carried a 40-page supplement celebrating the 150th anniversary of the opening of Clifton Suspension Bridge, Brunel’s iconic structure across the Avon Gorge. Well illustrated with archive and modern material, including a lot of excellent photos submitted by readers, it is packed with information about the bridge and events that have been celebrated on it, together with recollections from people who have used it. The supplement is a keepsake that many readers will treasure in the years ahead and shows what the Western Daily can do so well when it tries. Chronicler.

ANSWERS TO POP MUSIC QUIZ on page 30

1. ‘... the Future’

2. ‘the turtles’

3. ‘a hard day's night’

4. ‘the blackboard Jungle’ 5. 1981

Sudoku

by

T.M.

6. ‘coldplay’ 7. ‘sun’

8. ‘coldplay’

9. percy sledge

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.

10. ‘J. geils band’

Bonus Question ‘parachutes’

Question Impossible the band is actually ‘Fleetwood mac’ recording on the b-side of the ‘man of the World’ single. charmingly entitled ‘somebody’s gonna get their head Kicked in tonite’ it’s credited to this fictitious band.

Solution to December TREE SURGERY SPECIALISTS

Sudoku

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

THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015 47


Classified Ads

Fires / Chimneys / Stoves

Send Details to: The Visitor, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BG. 30p per word (£5 minimum) pre-payment essential. For a Box Number please add £2. Payment can be made by Cash, Cheque, Postal Order, BACS, Credit / Debit Card. ✽ If you require a receipt a s.a.e. must be enclosed with payment, or your email address.

PHONE - a - FIRM 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 £5

Passport Photographs

PAssPORTs - passports - passports - also studio sittings and weddings. Any time to suit you. Easy parking. Tel: Graham Cox, Photographer, 01458 223769.

Storage

sTORAGE for furniture in locked cubicles. Lock-up garages to let. Tel: sparkford storage on 01963 440045 or 440526 or 440692.

Meditation

WELLs ZEn GROUP: Zazen Meditation followed by discussion on Buddhism, 7.30pm every Monday, Town Hall, Wells. Contact Paul Crummay: 01749 670193.

T.V. Rental

T.V. REnTAL - long or short term, domestic & commercial, up to 50-inch plasma. H. R. Hodge. Tel: 01460 240645.

Mobile Bars / Catering

HARRY’s MOBiLE BARs, all occasions, weddings, parties, etc. Tel: 01747 825553 harry@bars4u.plus.com www.harrysmobilebars.co.uk

FOR SALE Brother Phone / Fax Machine 1020E

£10

Good working order Phone: 01963 351256

Wanted

DAVE BUYs ALL TYPEs OF TOOLs, salvage, bygones and collectables. Daves Tools - Tel: 01935 428975

POsTCARDs, pop memorabilia, coins, badges, old toys, games, and anything military. Tel: Clive 01749 675456.

ALL sPORTs PROGRAMMEs and books, memorabilia and ephemera – especially football. Large collections welcome. Cash paid. Tel: Clive 01749 675456.

GUns WAnTED for cash. Any size, any condition, make or model. By registered firearms dealer. Tel: 07970 742471.

LAMBRETTA to restore; any scootering memorabilia, i.e. photos, magazines etc. (genuine enthusiast). Tel: 07790 700251.

R E D U n D A n T  M O T O R  M O W E R s , rotavators, chainsaws, strimmers, cement mixers, etc. Tel: 01460 77844.

Services

HOUsEHOLD & GARDEn RUBBisH CLEARED, old sheds / oubuildings demolished, etc. Tel: 01460 77844.

Dog Holidays

HOLiDAY FOR YOUR DOG. Let your dog stay with us when you are away. 24-hour attention and long walks. F u l l y l i c e n s e d a n d i n s u r e d . Ve t approved. References available. Tel: 01963 240650.

FOR SALE

Epson Dot Matrix Printer LX-300

£10

Good working order

Phone: 01963 351256

48 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015

07921 074602 • 01749 677440 • Solidfuel3@aol.com

Denture Repairs

DENTURE REPAIRS

While You Wait Collection & Delivery Denture Advice

Communications

WESTLINE COMMUNICATIONS

business telecom specialist

mr. c. dunn

For all your telecom needs For free, friendly and professional advice call ...

www.dunndental.co.uk

www.westlinecoms.co.uk

registered dental technician

01749 812585

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 Denture Clinic

01458 210039

home visits a speciality

John Penny on

07976 967349

TV 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

Your Ad’ Here

THIS 4 cms x 1 column SPACE COSTS £23.04 per month inclusive of VAT

SHOULDN’T YOU BE ADVERTISING HERE?

Tel: 01963 351256

Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Say you saw it in The Visitor


PHONE - a - FIRM • PHONE - a - FIRM

Transport & Storage

The key to all your storage needs!

Electrical Contractors

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

Plumbing & Heating

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

26 Stembridge, nr. Kingsbury, Martock TA12 6BN Telephone: 01460 240229 • Mobile: 07917 411961

Tel: 01747 861479 Mob: 07561 120828 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

Bourton Roofing Co. slate  tiling  Flat roofing. upVc Fascias  guttering FREE ESTIMATES

 01747 840064

... or 07866 296453 email: info@bourtonroofing.co.uk

Services

GOOD POTATOES

Takeaway Bags of Coal • Calor Gas Car & Van Rental Competitive Prices

Anchor Hill Service Station WinCAnTOn 01963 32609

Clock Repairs

CLOCK REPAIRS Antique and Modern Clock Repairs. Free pick up and delivery 40 years experience

Tel (01935) 477582

34 White Road, MERE, Nr. Warminster Wiltshire, BA12 6EX

Email: mead208@btinternet.com

Maintenance & Repairs

U CAN’T I CAN PAUL CHEDZOY Property & Garden Maintenance

Decorating, Gardening, Building and General D.I.Y.

 01935 472669

... or

Framing

07884 345511

email: ucantican07@aol.com

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

Your advert HERE can reach a potential readership of 60,000 per month

Trading for over 7 years CUSTOMER REFERENCES AVAILABLE

• • • • • • • • •

SERVICES

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

Contact JAMES CADE on 01963 34272 or 07967 307179



February Deadline – Friday 16th January

THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015 49


PHONE - a - FIRM

Prize Crossword No. 339 Set by Frank Butler

Building

Dave Hoddinott FULLY QUALiFiED BUiLDER - EsTABLisHED 1973

• Renovations & Extensions • Roofing + Carpentry • Plumbing & Heating • Ceramic Wall & Floor Tiling • Painting & Decorating FRIENDLY and RELIABLE SERVICE • 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

SEND COMPLETED ENTRIES TO: The Visitor Crossword, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7BG to arrive by Friday 16th January.

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. 1

2

3

4

5

9

10

11

12

6

7

8

19

20

21

13 14 15

16

17

18

22

23

24

25

26

27

Domestic - Commercial - Venetian - Roman - Pleated

PERFECT FIT BLINDS

100s of Fabrics & Designs - Verticals from £49 (Max 6' x 6')

FREE QUOTE  FREE FITTING

 01935 584384 • www.outlookblinds.co.uk

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.

01963 220366 Email: info@tda.uk.com

Covering the areas between Wincanton Castle Cary, Sparkford, Sherborne and Yeovil

Oven Cleaning Mister Oven

Independent Oven Cleaning Specialist Ovens - Hobs - Agas etc

Tel: 01935 475065 Mob: 07752 695264 www.misteroven.co.uk

Clean Ovens Domestic Ltd Independent Oven Cleaners AGAS • RANGES • OVENS HOBS • EXTRACTORS Tel: 0800 7076629 Mobile: 07563 693145

www.cleanovendomestics.co.uk

50 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2015

Across

8.

5.

15.

1.

9. 10. 11.

12.

14. 18.

22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27.

a little calcium before wasp dangers with foundry productions. [8] horse colour, queer aromatic drink. [3,3] dissolving the answer. [8] some sombre tone for Frenchman. [6] currency swallowed by a cat: unpredictable! [2,6] chants arranged for a quick take-away. [6] confused poems with disco: Fluster! [10] Faction 4 with a hill digs the garden. [10] cidery form of co2. [3,3] one, a gaul, upset with early tV broadcasting method. [8] spoil drink at the side. [6] came to pass: daphne arranged about p.e [8] cleaner, say, in reverse electrical quantity. [6] bear a short road flying overhead. [8]

13. 16. 17. 19. 20.

21.

multi-coloured, due a hymn arrangement. [4-4] bill, number-worker, keeps financial records. [10] acid came, organized and scholarly. [8] a layer pa arranged for the children. [4-4] hurling soft irritation. [8] boy, swallowing backchat, finds clothing easy to don. [42] schedule where age comes first, and gets muddled. [6] captioned, with notice put between explosive and journalist. [6]

Solution to Crossword 338

Down 1. 2. 3. 4. 6.

7.

informal arrangement of a. Lucas. [6] some from Llandyssul try to be hot and humid. [6] camping purpose. [6] half of george, record in charge with aluminium? rather rocky! [10] Words (radar, laser, etc.) formed from many orcs. [8] turning to ration. [8]

THE WINNER of our December Crossword was heather shave of West camel, who chose to spend the £10 voucher at podimore recycling.


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 ...

bedrooms • kitchens • home office

5 & 6 Bancombe Court, Bancombe Road Trading Estate, Somerton, TA11 6SB

Tel: 01458 272699

steve@chameleonbk.co.uk • www.chameleonbk.co.uk AMPLE FREE PARKING

CLEARVIEW STOVES

The leading manufacturers of clean burning wood stoves J

BRITISH MADE and a unanimous hit with our many customers. Over 300 Stoves, Cookers and Fireplaces on display with many working models • Full Installation Service

J

SHOWROOMS OPEN SIX DAYS A WEEK

SANDPITS HEATING & HOME STORE

J

LARGE CAR PARK AT REAR OF PREMISES

HIGH STREET, CURRY RIVEL, LANGPORT J Tel: 01458 251476 • www.sandpitsheatingcentre.co.uk Warm wishes to all our customers this Christmas – and a happy 2015



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