The Visitor Magazine Issue 479 October 2023

I n P assin g ...

Somerset is renowned for Cheddar cheese. It is known and enjoyed in many parts of the world and has given the village of Cheddar international recognition. The techniques involved in making the cheese originated centuries ago in the Mendip Hills close to Cheddar Gorge and came to be known as cheddaring when they were adopted elsewhere, but seldom do many purporting to be cheddars bear much resemblance to Visitor land’s distinctive farmhouse cheddars, each with its own characteristics. Wyke Farms and Godminster cheddars are now available nationwide in numerous supermarkets and groceries, and others like Keen’s, Montgomery’s, Barber’s and Westcombe are widely stocked by delicatessen, specialist cheese shops and farm shops in Visitorland and beyond.

It seems that our area is also becoming famed for its soft cheeses. Somerset Brie can be found in many grocers, so too can Bath

Soft Cheese from Park Farm at Kelston and Lubborn Cheese from Manor Farm at Cricket St Thomas, amongst others. Several weeks ago, while browsing round Kimber’s farm shop between Bruton and Wincanton, I came across a cheese that was new to me. Called Rebel Nun, the packaging described it as ‘a soft blue organic cow’s cheese delicately bathed in ale’, which was enough to tempt me to buy. Having previously tasted and enjoyed the same maker’s Renegade Monk I was confident I wouldn’t be disappointed. And I wasn’t! It comes from Feltham’s Farm at Horsington Marsh, less than ten miles from Kimber’s shop, and is made with milk from Bruton Organic Dairy, less than 15 miles from the farm, so it also scores highly for minimal ‘food miles’.

Nowadays the United Kingdom produces more than 900 different kinds of cheese but many are specific to their own region and are available only in a small area around the farms at which they are made, although some of them are growing in popularity abroad. British farmhouse cheeses certainly seem to be undergoing an international renaissance.

Locally the number of producers exhibiting at the annual cheese shows at Frome and Sturminster Newton is evidence of the growing importance of cheesemaking in the local economy, and the crowds the shows attract is proof that local people love their cheese. No doubt Somerset cheeses, hard and soft, will feature prominently at the forthcoming Wells Food Festival on Sunday 8th October from10.30am till 4.30pm. The artisan market will have almost 200 local traders selling food and drinks in and around the Market Place and Town Hall, and entry is free.

Many local cheese producers were hit hard by the pandemic, especially those who sell in quantity to hotels and restaurants that had to close for many months. So it is important that people buy their locally-made products in preference to those coming from foreign factories. Buying local produce helps to support rural businesses – farmers, smallholders, producers and retailers. It boosts Visitorland’s economy at the same time as providing the pleasure that comes from eating delicious cheese.

Advertising Deadlines

November Issue Deadline: 23rd October

November Issue Published: 1st November

PO Box 5522, Castle Cary

Somerset BA9 0BP

Tel: (01963) 351256, 351998

Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk

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Editor Max Dunion

Advertising Kerry Edwards

Julie Horn

Managing Director Helen Dunion

© The Visitor Ltd. 2023

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

CONTENTS

NOTE TO ADVERTISERS

Advertisements are accepted subject to our standard terms and conditions as printed on our rate card, available upon request.

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

Cartoons by GEOFF THOMPSON

Mentioned in Dispatches

Bath & West Food & Drink Festival set to launch in 2024 PROMISING TALKS , tastings and family fun, with a big helping of cheese along the way, the Royal Bath & West Society has announced the arrival of its new Food & Drink Festival for 2024. Set to take place from 23-24 March at The Bath & West Showground, this new festival will also host the 28th edition of the prestigious British Cheese Awards

A celebration of the South West’s farmers, producers and purveyors, the Food & Drink Festival will be built around the

British Cheese Awards judging arena, giving visitors the chance to view hundreds of the country’s top cheeses and even sample some of the trophy winners. Food and drink stands will surround the judging area, bringing together the region’s best in cider, beer, jam, gelato, cheese, chocolate and much more.

between. In the bierkeller area, visitors will be invited to immerse themselves in the world of real ales and craft beer, while the Kids Zone will keep little foodies entertained with creative crafts and activities.

people thinking, but first and foremost the festival will be a place to share in the joy of outstanding food and drink.”

On the main stage, a diverse line-up of special guests will cover topics ranging from farming to feasting and everything in

Jess Chiplen, head of shows at The Royal Bath & West Society, commented: “We’re so excited to be putting food and drink centre stage at the Showground next year, with a festival created for the whole family. Set in the heart of the Somerset countryside, we’re surrounded by some of the country’s very best food and drink, so we feel ideally placed to stage a big celebration of our farmers, producers, chefs and retailers. We now have the perfect home for the British Cheese Awards too, and can’t wait to share the awe-inspiring sight of the judging arena with a new food loving crowd. We hope to fly the flag for our region and get

The Bath & West Food & Drink Festival will take place at The Bath & West Showground near Shepton Mallet, Somerset from 23-24 March 2024. Tickets will be available to purchase from www.bathandwest.com/tickets.

The British Cheese Awards 2024 judging will take place on Friday 22 March, with tastings and tours on offer throughout the Bath & West Food & Drink Festival. The British Cheese Awards are now open for entry and until 28 February.

Wells GAC concert with Glastonbury MVC

The popular Wells Good Afternoon Choir will present a charity concert at St Cuthert’s Church in Wells on Saturday evening October 7 at 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm).

The choir is led by Good Afternoon Choir founder Grenville Jones with over 60 enthusiastic members who are busy preparing their programme for the concert which will support PAPYRUS, a charity chosen by the members of the choir. Special guests for the concert are Glastonbury Male Voice Choir who sing an eclectic mix of material both sacred and secular. This year they celebrate their centenary year.

The Good Afternoon Choirs were started by Bath-based Grenville 13 years ago and there are now 23 across the South West of England with over 1,000 members ‘Singing in the Afternoon’. There are no auditions to join and members of the Wells Good Afternoon Choir come from in and around the area, they meet every Tuesday afternoon from 2pm-4pm at St Thomas’ Church. There are NO AUDITIONS and everyone is welcome to come along and meet Grenville and the members of the choir.

THE BUT TERCROSS

Dispatches

Tickets priced £10 available from gac.ticketlight.co.uk or by calling 0844 888 9991.

Grenville Jones said: “It is going to be a great night of music and we are absolutely delighted to be sharing the evening with the Glastonbury Male Voice Choir!”

Autumn boat saver to celebrate squirrel season

This autumn, to coincide with the start of a season of free red squirrel walks, the National Trust team on Brownsea Island are offering special seasonal saver crossings.

Half price boat tickets will be available for a limited time on the Sandbanks jetty service and the Seahorse wheelchair accessible craft to all day visitors to Brownsea Island.

The offer runs until 20 Oct and tickets must be booked in advance on the National Trust Brownsea Island website.

Autumn is the best time of the

year to catch a glimpse of the island’s shy red squirrels as they come down from the tree canopy to store food for the colder months ahead. The free guided walks will not only show you the best places to spot them but also tell you more about the species.

Walks run from 16 Sept to 20 Oct and are twice daily at 10.45am and 1.00pm, subject to volunteer availability. Booking is not required.

Olivia Gruitt, Visitor Operations Manager, said: “We are excited to be able to offer this autumn saver as a way of celebrating the changing seasons at Brownsea and we look forward

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Glastonbury Male Voice Choir.

Red Squirrel (sciurus vulgaris) at Brownsea Island. Shutterstock.com/Ian_Sherriffs.

Mentioned

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to welcoming lots of visitors to the island to see the charming red squirrels.”

Normal admission fees apply, National Trust members free. Brownsea Island is open every day until 29 October 2023, 10am5pm.

St Margaret's Hospice hosts Special Awards Ceremony to honour long-serving staff and volunteers

In a heartwarming event that underscored the spirit of dedication and the Somerset community, St Margaret's Hospice Care held two special awards ceremonies to recognise the exceptional contributions of its staff and volunteers. The events were a true celebration of the commitment and compassion that has kept the hospice thriving over the years.

On Thursday 24th August, Ann Lee, CEO of St Margaret’s, Joy Milliken, the hospice’s Clinical Director, and Mel Merrill, Head

of Volunteering, honoured volunteers and staff members who have selflessly devoted 20, 25, 30, and an impressive 35 years to various roles within the hospice with Long Service Awards.

The awards not only celebrated the remarkable achievements of those being honoured but also highlighted the strong bonds that form within the St Margaret's Hospice community.

St Margaret's has long been a pillar of the community, providing essential care and comfort to patients and their families during challenging times. The charity’s ability to do so is significantly indebted to the devotion of its staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly to ensure the hospice's operations run smoothly and its patients receive the highest quality of care.

As one of her last actions before her retirement, Ann Lee, CEO, was proud to present the awards and expressed her gratitude and admiration for the long-serving volunteers and staff.

The occasion served as a reminder of the hospice's essential role in the local community and the enduring spirit of compassion that drives its mission forward.

St Margaret's Volunteers and family.

Mentioned in Dispatches

The Princess Royal opens Dorothy House’s expanded ‘Firefly Woods’

On Thursday 14 September, Dorothy House Hospice Care was honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to

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celebrate the opening of their Firefly Woods as a place of reflection and remembrance for everyone across the Dorothy House community.

Her Royal Highness took a guided tour around the Winsley Gardens and Day Patient Unit to meet with Dorothy House patients and families, volunteers and staff before officially opening the newly expanded Firefly Woods and accepting a Firefly in memory of her late mother and father, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.

Nature can have powerful benefits for people encountering grief. The event also launched a new partnership between Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and Dorothy House to ensure more people have routes to connect with nature in bereavement.

In 2020, internationally renowned artist, Bruce Munro, gifted Dorothy House hundreds

of individually handmade Fireflies for installation in the woodlands at Winsley House. Each Firefly is a constellation of separate small lights, which glow from dusk to dawn.

The Firefly Woods have since become a deeply valued space for those impacted by Dorothy

House’s care to take a moment amongst the lights to pause, breathe, reflect, and remember their loved ones.

The newly expanded immersive space of reflection contains almost 20,000 individual lights which move in harmony with the leaves of the woodland surrounding them. The installation is now open to all across the community: a place where anyone can come to remember loved ones, connect with nature and explore their grief.

To mark the opening up of the Firefly Woods to the community,

The Princess Royal in the Firefly Woods.

Dispatches

Firefly number one isn't dedicated to any one individual but glows to represent everyone we have all loved and lost.

Now anyone who has experienced grief can visit the Firefly and feel part of a wider compassionate community; united in destigmatising death and in acknowledging bereavement.

To help fund the vital, compassionate care provided by the Hospice, each year Dorothy House invites people to dedicate a light on a Firefly . This is a wonderful way to create a lasting legacy for a loved one and to join a community of support in bereavement.

Annual ‘Celebration of Life’ events for all those who have dedicated a light bring the Firefly community together. The event on 14 September was an opportunity for hundreds of those who have dedicated a light this year, alongside further supporters, staff and volunteers, to celebrate together, and they were deeply honoured that Her Royal Highness joined them.

Anyone who is unable to visit their dedicated light in person can now access it via VR headset, a 24-hour webcam or visit the website for further information on the Firefly Appeal

HMS Heron Volunteer Band

HMS Heron Volunteer Band comprises serving and retired military personnel, reservists, civil servants and civilians. It welcomes players of all ages and offers opportunities to enjoy making music and improve skills. Young players are especially encouraged, ideally having attained grade 5.

Earlier this year HMS Heron played at a formal dinner in Baltonsborough Village Hall to celebrate the centenary of the Royal British Legion in the village. Gail Cornish wrote in her report of the evening that if we weren’t all professional musicians, we should be! This was a wonderful compliment. Some of the band are, or have been professional, but most are simply enthusiastic amateurs who love playing and entertaining.

They perform concerts at many local churches and village halls.

They have helped launch the Poppy Appeal in Glastonbury and at Weymouth Pavilion. and regularly parade in Yeovil, Beaminster Remembrance, and Castle Cary carnival.

They perform an annual Christmas concert under the wings of Concorde in the Fleet Air Arm Museum to the delight of many loyal fans who say their Christmas festivities start with their concert (15th December this year, tickets from the Museum!)

This all comes at a price; to keep ‘afloat’ they need sponsors. They have expenses that are beyond their means. For example, now King Charles is our Sovereign all their drums will have to be dressed in his coat of arms as opposed to those of our late Queen. Band owned instruments and equipment must be serviced and maintained and new music needs to be purchased; nobody wants the same tunes at every occasion either to play or more importantly to listen to!

The Volunteer Band Association is seeking charitable status and are seeking sponsors. Could you or your business offer support to this well-loved, high profile, local asset? To discuss in more detail please email Lt. Cdr. James Cobbett RN on: NAVYYEO-BANDSHARED @mod.gov.uk.

WIN TICKETS to The Festive Gift Fair at The NEC Birmingham Thursday 16th – Sunday 19th November 2023

Be inspired and get your festive preparations off to a flying start at the ever-popular 4-day Festive Gift Fair this November. Now in its 27th fabulous year, it remains one of the most popular

Christmas Shopping events in the UK for a good reason!

The Fair will be bursting at the seams with a colourful, eclectic mix of unusual stocking fillers and presents, festive food and drink and great Christmas decorations for your home and garden. 325+ stalls all in one hall, with clever gift ideas for all ages and tastes … and lots of Special Show Offers!

The festive atmosphere is always fantastic! While browsing the stalls, let the music get you into that Christmassy mood and

enjoy being entertained by the Grinch … up to his usual menacing antics, Father Christmas with his amazing sleigh, a whole variety of Christmas harmonies by the live musicians and jazz stilt walkers who will be legging it up the aisles!

Make sure you visit the popular Festive Food & Drink area where you’ll find tempting stalls selling everything from cheese to chutneys, spices to spirits, puddings to preserves, chocolates to champagne, beers to brownies

Mentioned in Dispatches

and hampers to hog roasts! Tickets are on sale now at www.festivegiftfair.co.uk and are great value - Advance adult tickets from just £7 (plus transaction fee).

Take advantage of the SPECIAL TICKET OFFER –‘Buy 3 and get 1 FREE’ on advance Thursday/Friday adult full day tickets.

The Festive Gift Fair is open daily 09.30 – 17.00 Thursday 16th – Sunday 19th November at NEC, Birmingham. For list of stallholders, entertainment programme and visitor information, please visit www.festivegiftfair.co.uk.

New beekeepers for Wiltshire

The Wiltshire Bee & Honey Day 2023 takes place on Saturday 7 October in the Corn Exchange, Devizes. Entry is free. Just turn up to find out more about honey, bees and beekeeping.

After last year's event, more than 71 people went on to take a beginners beekeeping course at one of the four Wiltshire Beekeepers Association branches. They learned about how bees live: their lifecycle; the many ways they communicate (including through dances and pheromones); diseases, pests and how to keep your bees fit and healthy; swarm control and collection; how to set up and manage your own apiary; and about equipment that is crucial or just nice to have.

When the weather warmed up in April and throughout the summer the new beekeepers spent time at the club apiaries practicing how to handle beeshow to find the queen amid 60,000 other bees, how to harvest honey, and how to prepare bees for winter (they do not hibernate).

This year some of them, together with old hands at the hobby, will be showing off their honey and hive products (including candles and mead) at the 2023 Wiltshire Bee & Honey Day, which is sponsored by Eden

Renewables and Buro Happold. Activities for the public include bee-related talks, candle rolling and exploring inside a virtual hive. On offer, too, is a pint of Wadworth Brewery’s delicious honey beer, brewed especially for the event. There is also mead tasting, as well as honey, candles and other bee-related gifts for sale.

Talks include ‘Thinking of

becoming a beekeeper? How to get starte’, ‘Beyond Honey Bees’ (about planting wild flowers for honey bees and wild bees), and ‘Food safety and the beekeeper’. Find out more at www. wiltshirebeekeepers.co.uk.

Templecombe Art Exhibition

Templecombe will be holding its annual Art Exhibition on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th of

New beekeepers learning how to manage bees at one of the four Wiltshire beekeeping branches. (Photo: Elaine Lewis).

Dispatches

October in Templecombe Village Hall in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association

MND attacks the nerves that control movement and progresses rapidly. Sadly, members of the local community have lost loved ones to this dreadful and indiscriminate disease and the aim of the exhibition is to provide awareness of and to help raise funds for such a worthwhile cause where every donation makes a difference to people living with MND.

The exhibition is an opportunity to admire the talent of the many local artists on display and perhaps purchase a piece of unique art, with contributions made to the charity through sales. Cakes and refreshments will be available on both days.

The team who organise the event hope people will show their support by coming along between 10am and 5pm on either day. Admission is Free.

Conservation cleaning work on Kingston Lacy’s Philae obelisk

Conservation work has been carried out on a 2000-year-old obelisk at Kingston Lacy, Dorset, cared for by the National Trust. The obelisk played an important part in the deciphering of hieroglyphics.

The obelisk, which was erected on South Lawn almost 200 years ago, has been cleaned and repointed as part of a regular programme of survey and conservation. Though generally in good condition, there has been

some lichen and moss growth due to the clean air at Kingston Lacy, and some natural deterioration in the original mortar work.

Originally erected outside a temple on the island of Philae in Aswan, southern Egypt, around 150BC, the obelisk was found in 1815 by William John Bankes, whose extensive and groundbreaking work in Egypt at the beginning of the 19th century helped lay the foundations of modern archaeology. It is effectively a documentation of taxes, with inscriptions in both Greek and

hieroglyphics. The dual inscriptions enabled William to identify the names of Ptolemy and Cleopatra, information that other scholars were able to use in the race to understand hieroglyphics.

The conservators used water and elbow grease to clean the obelisk, which is made of pink granite, and carried out repair work with traditional materials. Kingston Lacy, cared for by the National Trust, is open daily, for more information and for opening times, visit: www.nationaltrust .org.uk/visit/dorset/kingston-lacy.

Cleaning and repointing work on the 2,000-year-old obelisk at Kingston Lacy. Condition reports found the obelisk in good condition but some remedial work advised.

Photo: National Trust/Jay Williams.

Mentioned in Dispatches Rabbit – SNADS 19th - 21st October

First formed in 1930, Sturminster Newton Amateur Dramatics Society (SNADS) has been, and still is, one of Sturminster’s most energetic groups. SNADS put on their first production and locally written pantomime Dick

Whittington; thus starting a tradition which has seen most of the pantomimes penned and directed by local writers.

In 1967, SNADS moved into their then new home, the Sturminster Hall, and for the first time had a permanent stage on which to perform two plays and a pantomime on, annually. With occasional touring productions and festival entries, SNADS have even performed in Guys Marsh Prison, Shaftesbury. Now under Chairman John Skinner, SNADS has a large and enthusiastic membership, starting from 13 years and up, and aims to create

hours of entertainment for all via their professional-sized stage within The Exchange. A SNADS show is truly not to be missed!

For SNADS autumn production, award-winning director Toby Greenfield has chosen the hit West End play “Rabbit”, written by Nina Raine. The story follows 29-year-old Bella on her birthday. Friends and former lovers meet for a drink to celebrate. But as the Bloody Marys flow, the bar becomes a battlefield. In the uncivil war between the sexes, what happens when the females

have the real fire-power –stockpiles of testosterone, lethal wit and explosive attitude? And what happens when patriarchy gets personal; when it’s your own father who is tragic and terminal? When the only man you really love is dying? With its relatable, comedic characters and heartbreaking scenes, there won’t be a dry eye in the house. Be sure to buy your tickets whilst they last – Rabbit is brought to life on 19th to 21st October.

Tickets from The Exchange, Sturminster Newton website or phone 01258 475137.

SNADS rehearsal.

Mentioned in Dispatches

WIN TICKETS to The South West Homebuilding & Renovating Show 18-19

November 2023 at the Bath & West Showground

‘Anyone looking to buy a home for the long term should ignore short term market fluctuations and remember that ‘a home’ is more than just a financial asset,

and lifestyle should come first,’ says Michael Holmes, property expert for the Northern Homebuilding & Renovating Show

Whether you’re looking to move or improve, the South West Homebuilding & Renovating Show, sponsored by Internorm, is promising visitors a show packed with expert advice from specialists in a range of subjects, plus over 140 exhibitors showcasing thousands of products and services, all under one roof, to help homeowners improve, renovate and build their dream homes rather than move.

The exhibitor line-up is

extensive to help homeowners bring their projects together, ranging from architects, appliances, building materials, and lighting to garden spaces, timber structures, doors and windows and much more.

Experts in the Masterclass and Seminar Theatres will present on topics ranging from a beginner’s guide to building your own home to getting planning permission as well as the early steps of

designing a sustainable home. Energy efficiency and tackling high energy costs will be high on the agenda with visitors to the Ask the Expert Zone able to talk to specialists about their specific concerns. Eco expert David Hilton will be on hand to de-mystify heat pumps and educate homeowners on how they can make the most of the energy in their homes, save money on bills and reduce their carbon footprint. The Advice

Home improvement and self-build resources and specialist advice abound at the South West Homebuilding & Renovating Show.

Mentioned

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Centre will provide opportunities to book free one-on-one sessions with other property experts, designers, planners and builders including Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine’s specialists Michael Holmes, Allan Corfield, and Sally Tagg as well as quantity surveyor Tim Phillips, and finance expert Tim McSherry from Buildstore

One-day tickets to the South West Homebuilding & Renovating Show are £8 in advance (children under 16 go free). You can buy tickets and learn more about the show at www.somerset.homebuilding show.co.uk.

For a chance to win FREE TICKETS to the South West Homebuilding & Renovating Show 2023, simply email ‘HOME’ including your name and address to: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk or write to: The Visitor, PO Box 5522, Castle Cary, BA9 0BP.

Somerstock Music & Arts Festival dates announced

Somerstock 2024 will roll into town on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th July with live performances from a diverse range of bands. The 2023 edition was a sell-out and following the success of the extra night of music added this year, Friday Night Music will become a feature of the event going forward.

This year saw a collaboration with the School in a Bag charity to run the festival bar, raising £4500 for the local charity. Despite rising costs, Somerstock was also able to donate £250 to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance as well as supporting local youth group Archies Extra.

Somerstock is part of the annual Somerton Music and Arts Festival which brings together musicians, artists, performers and audiences from across the region for two weeks of live music, dance, creativity and visual arts. The festival, which commences 5th July, is preceded by a weeklong art and photography exhibition running from the 24th May to 1st June, providing an opportunity for local artists to exhibit and sell their work. Find out more by visiting www.somertonartsfestival.co.uk and www.somerstock.com.

October Notice Board

COMPTON DUNDON

Avalon Quilters Quilt Show, 30th Sept & 1st October 10am – 4pm. Compton Dundon Villige Hall, TA11 6PQ. £3 (12 & Under Free). Contact 01935 841402 email quiltersaq@gmail.com.

MARTOCK

The Taunton Deane Male Voice Choir on Saturday 21st October

2023 at Martock Church; TA12 6JL, 7:30pm. Tickets: £12 or £10 (U-16 free) at Guardianstickets @gmail.com /07547 213992 /Martock Gallery/Martock Newsagent (CASH ONLY). www.martockonline.co.uk/events; Tauntondeanemvc.com.

SHERBORNE

Antiques, Arts, Crafts, Food & More. Sherborne Digby Hall Monthly Market. Saturday October 7th. 10-3. Cafe, Toilets, Parking & Up to 70 sellers. Trader enquiries Tel: 07717454643.

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

By John Osborne

 Answers can be found on page 39 

1) Name the last Number One by ABBA.

2) What question were The Black Eyed Peas asking, twenty years ago this month?

3) Name the female who had the top selling album for 2021?

4) Who is the rock legend who said ‘Lay Down Sally’ in 1977?

5) ‘Norwegian Wood’ appeared first on which Beatles album?

6) ‘Roll of the Dice’ a single from 1992 – but who made it?

7) Right now, who appears to be stuck in the charts with ‘As it Was’?

8) ‘Pearl in the Shell’. Who had that hit in 1984?

9) Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds originate in which country?

10) Name the band in the ‘Voodoo Lounge’ in 1994

Bonus Question: Name the album referred to in Q3

Serious Anorak Question:

The saxophonist on Gerry Rafferty's ‘Baker Street’ is well known, but who was the guitarist behind the blistering ‘crying seagull’ riff near the end of the song?

Great Quotes in Music (150)

“Use the talents you possess, for the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except the best.” - Henry Van Dyke

Autumn dating ideas with Alison from Just Somerset Introductions

Now is an ideal time as we go into Autumn, to still get outdoors as the weather allows to get out to meet new people, make new friends and maybe that someone special. It’s a relaxed way to meet people and broaden your social circle.

We are an Introduction Agency for single people who offer one to one introductions and social

events throughout the group.

We offer a confidential, personal, professional service. We are part of the Just Introduction Group and you can meet members across the group.

All members are interviewed in their own home and ID checked. For more info and testimonials of our successes, please look at the new website and give us a call! What’s stopping you. What price happiness!

Sudoku by T. M.

Fill in the grid with the numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, each column and each 3x3 block contains all the numbers 1 to 9. Solution to September Sudoku on page 39.

The Bed Specialist

THE BED Specialist is celebrating the launch of a fantastic new website with up to 40% off selected beds and mattresses in their Autumn savings event. The website features guides and advice on many topics from choosing the right size bed, to sleep tips and help with what to choose if suffering from back pain.

The website is full of new products from trusted well-known brands such as Vispring, Hypnos, Relyon and exciting new fledgling bed brands such as Enchanted House and Luna – all NBF (National Bed Federation) approved and wonderful products. “We always strive to offer the best products at competitive prices and show something for everyone … our sleep experts have been in the bed business for years so know a thing or two about what is right for all types of sleeper”.

love helping as many people as possible to find the comfort they need from a new bed. The shop at 106 Huish is just over the footbridge from the Tesco supermarket and has over 40 beds, mattresses and bed frames on display over two floors. You can park directly outside the shop with good access and plenty of space to try the mattresses out at your leisure without any pressure selling. The Bed Specialist look forward to welcoming you to their showrooms soon and in the meantime, visit www.thebed specialist.co.uk for more information or call them on 01935 423596.

Focalflames Fireplaces

With the launch of the website, they are offering some genuine discounts and offers on many products and continue to see many five star reviews from their new and returning customers on Trustpilot. They’ve been an independent family business based in Yeovil since 1965 and

At Focalflames Fireplaces they’ve always stuck to the belief that staying small and personal and specialising in their field means a much more professional and responsive service to their customers! With over 15 years’ experience in the industry they pride themselves on providing high quality, great value services, with FREE home consultations, and even their very own showroom. With expert advice to help you make the right choice at a budget you are happy with, they will not be beaten on price! So why don't you give them a call or TEXT today for a free no obligation quote on 07931 918947.

Yeovil Tableware Hire

The second season is nearly over at Yeovil Tableware Hire and the feedback from customers so far has been overwhelming. Owner Tony Clayton says: “I’m not going

to lie, I didn’t think it would be such hard work but when I see the reviews from google, it’s all worth it. It seems many of you have been crying out for the service I offer and caterers, event venues, business, and private parties large and small are benefiting from having crockery, cutlery, glassware and tablecloths delivered table ready and having it collected without having to clean it. Big thanks to all my customers”. Find out more about Yeovil Tableware Hire at www.yeovilth.co.uk.

J2 Tiles & Bathrooms

J2 Tiles & Bathrooms is a familyrun business based in Yeovil, Somerset. With over 25 years of

industry experience, they have a wealth of experience in all aspects of tiling in both commercial and domestic settings.

They’ll take care of everything, from plumbing and electrical work to tiling and finishing. They also offer full bathroom installations.Whether you’re planning a complete bathroom renovation or just a simple kitchen tiling job, they guarantee professional service.

They are committed to providing the highest quality workmanship and top-notch customer service. If you are looking for a high-standard and recommended family-run tiling company, contact J2 Tiles & Bathrooms today.

YEOVIL Business Focus

Yeovil u3a turns 40

In October, Yeovil u3a is celebrating its 40th anniversary at a special meeting on Friday 6th October. In 1983, Yeovil was one of the first towns to set up a u3a and is now the longest continuously running u3a in the

UK. Its members come from people no longer in full-time work who come together to socialise & learn for fun. Members explore new ideas, skills and activities together.

Yeovil has 37 different groups from Art to Whist with a range

Yeovil u3a is the longest continuously running u3a in the UK and celebrates 40 years in October.

of activities both indoor and outdoor, active and passive. u3a has members who draw upon their knowledge and experience to teach and learn from each other but there are no qualifications to pass – it is just for pleasure. If you have specific interests, you can always start your own group.

If you would like to find out more, come along to Yeovil Labour Club on Friday 6th October at 10.00am. For a complete list of groups and monthly activities visit: u3asites.org.uk/yeovil/events or email yeovilu3a@gmail.com.

Back2Market

Yeovil holds a special place in the heart of Back2Market owners, Paul and Claire. Particularly with their passion for Yeovil Town Football Club. You will find them on the Terraces at Huish Park home games and they are regular away game travellers as well, alongside having sponsorship at the ground for some years now.

Claire is a Yeovil girl from birth, having only spent a limited time living away from Yeovil over the years. Paul has lived in Yeovil for coming up 9 years now, after

having met Claire. The Back2Market ‘Headquarters’ are in Yeovil, although their Depot is just across the border in Dorset. This enables them to support and work with the local community for all aspects of their Removals, Clearance, Storage and other Services, including working alongside a large number of other local businesses.

Back2Market are Which

Trusted Traders, plus members of Move Assured and Checkatrade Contact Paul on 07853 275379, 01258 440838 or 0800 2425012. For Removals, contact Claire on 07845 231488, enquiries@back2 market.com.

A&E Land Rover Services

Based in the heart of Yeovil is A&E Land Rover Services and they have just celebrated a whole year of trading.

With over 17 years experience of being in the motor trade they maintain, fix, service and repair all types of Land Rovers. Welding, aircon, and injector testing can also be done there. They are also offering shot-blasting on smaller items and parts. Open 8.30am5.30pm Mon-Fri, 8.30am-1.00pm Sat. Call to get booked in 07487 617978.

A&E Land Rover Services maintain, fix, service and repair all types of Land Rovers and are celebrating one year’s trading in the heart of Yeovil.

READ ONLINE: www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Back2Market husband & wife, Paul and Claire.

Shutterstock.com/nikkimeel.

Family Health with

OCTOBER IS UPON us already and although as I write the heavens have opened with some glorious summer rain, we'll soon be in the beautiful autumnal showers of colourful leaves. So let's look at two more of nature's mushroom allies – Reishi & Shiitake.

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidium)

– The name ganoderma means shiny skin and these mushrooms resemble varnished unfurled fans. Reishi is probably the most famous of all the medicinal mushrooms with annual sales in excess of 2 billion pounds. Known as Spirit Mushroom in China and the Mushroom of Immortality in Japan, Reishi is revered for imbuing strength, health and longevity. Let's see if it lives up to its reputation!

The fruiting bodies of Reishi are exceptionally high in beta glucans, providing great immune support. Over 130 triterpenoid compounds have been found in Reishi with known antihistamine,

anti-inflammatory antimicrobial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antihypertensive, immune modulating and central nervous system sedating properties. Phew - that's a lot of potential healing power! The triterpenes are particularly concentrated in the spores and you will find there are products on the market made from the either the fruiting body or the spores or a combination of both, depending on need. Allergic and inflammatory conditions such as hay fever and rheumatoid arthritis may benefit from Reishi. For heart health it is thought to help manage blood lipids, blood pressure, prevent plaque formation and be anti-thrombotic. Reishi has a long history of use in cancer patients. There are many routes it may help –immune modulation, anti-viral (Epstein Barr especially is associated with cancer) and as a cytotoxic (to kill cancer cells). Has been used alongside conventional cancer treatments to improve immune function and reduce their side effects. Stress and sleep are other areas Reishi may be helpful. I actually have a couple of customers who find it so potent for inducing slumber they can't take it in the daytime! Reishi may

have neuroprotective effects with possible applications for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

Reishi is one of those mushrooms that the more you learn the more you think you ought to be taking it – it will certainly be going on my rotation of general tonics and I'll keep it on hand for the next bout of insomnia! 1.5-3g a day is the general dose and caution should be used by those on anticoagulants.

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) –A native of East Asia, Shiitake is probably familiar to most of us as a culinary mushroom, often recommend as an addition to winter soups and stews as a valued immune boost. The yearly cultivation of Shiitake, around 2 million tonnes, is second only to the common button mushroom. Rich in B vitamins and Vitamin D2, Shiitake also contains a compound known as Eritadenine, that helps manage cholesterol levels. It has been touted as a useful alternative for those who cannot tolerate, or don't wish to take statins. Due to Shiitakes hepatoprotective and antiviral effects, some research has pointed to its use in treating Hepatitis B.

A mycelial extract from Shiitake known as LEM is also being used to support HIV patients, improving the T cell count. Shiitakes antimicrobial and anticandidal properties makes a useful tool for management of candida.

2-6g a day can be used with up to 9g a day of the dried fruiting body in cholesterol management – alongside my power trio of apples, oats and garlic, Shiitake can also be easily added to the diet in high cholesterol states. The raw mushroom has some cases of dermatitis associated with its consumption – stick to cooked or supplements!

© Jenna Evans 2023.

Jenna is a Holistic Health Coach and creator of bespoke beauty products. She can be found on Facebook at ‘Alchemical Beauty UK’. Jenna is also a multi-award winning Product Advisor at Ceres Natural Foods, Yeovil. To make an appointment, please pop in or call 01935 428791 for details. Always check with a health professional before making any dramatic changes to your diet and lifestyle or starting a new supplement, especially with any existing health conditions.

Jenna Evans

Sherborne & surrounding area

Sherborne Shoe Repairs

SHERBORNE SHOE Repairs

comes with a cheeky but reliable service for various and bespoke shoe repairs, including resoling, laces, insoles and everything you need to make your shoes feel more comfy on your feet. They have a range of shoe polishes in a variety of colours, sell character walking sticks and bags and luggage too. The key cutting is super quick whilst you wait. Just don’t forget to come and collect your good as new shoes!

BUSINESS FOCUS

J&M Parsons, the family butchers of Sherborne

Parsons is the longest running shop in Sherborne having been supplying quality meat since 1840 and is now the only butchers left in Sherborne.

Their delicious sausages are still made on the premises, with a Taste of the West GOLD award winning ‘Sherborne Sausage’ which is made using a traditional recipe of a 'proper butchers sausage'. All their meats are as local as they can get it. They also offer Gluten-free sausages and burgers, as well as a selection of accompaniments and local cheeses.

Pack Monday Fair is on 16th October and J&M Parsons will be open offering their famous Faggots and Mushy Peas. Christmas is just around the corner so pop and see these knowledgeable butchers at 39 Cheap Street, Sherborne. Open Mon & Sat 8am-4pm, Tue-Fri 8am-5pm.

Round Chimneys Farm

Cafe & Shop

Family run and set in the tranquil surroundings of a working farm, Round Chimneys

Sherborne Shoe Repairs.

Farm Cafe & Shop offers great coffee, homemade cakes and a menu of light lunches rich in locally sourced ingredients.

The farm produces delicious beef and lamb which can be bought from the shop, along with a small selection of the best local produce, including cheeses, preserves and snacks.

They open Thursday to Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00 all year round. They also host seasonal events such as a Summer open day and live lambing in

December. Visit www.round chimneysfarm.co.uk for more information.

Bretts (C Brett & Son), Pet & Wildlife Supplies in Sherborne

Bretts (C Brett & Son) Pet and Wildlife Supplies is situated in the Old Market Car Park in Sherborne and is a long established business.

They have a large range of wild bird food and feeders to cater for all types of birds. They have an

Bretts Pet & Wildlife supplies in Sherborne.

Fresh coffee, delicious cake & home cooked food, set in the tranquil surroundings of Round Chimneys Farm.

extensive range of dog and cat toys, plus all the usual pet foods, beds, leads and accessories, hedgehog and wildlife foods and supplies etc.

Open Mon-Fri 9am-5.15pm, Sat 9am-4.45pm. Tel 01935 812107.

Marsh’s

Marsh’s has been in Sturminster for more than 90 years and is still owned and run by the same family. Marsh’s is an Agent of Euronics , which is the largest Electrical buying group in Europe, so prices are always market competitive over a wide

range of appliances.

Marsh’s Company ethos is to give the best customer service and experience as possible as well as offering a vast range of electrical products for the home, coupled with free delivery within the local area, and have a highly experienced installation team, including built-in kitchen appliances and television brackets.

So whether you are requiring the most energy efficient washing machine to the best quality OLED Television you can be assured that the whole team is knowledgeable, friendly and waiting to find the best product for you. Marsh's were awarded ‘Best Place to Work’ at Sherborne Business Awards 2023.

The Skinsmith

Having settled nicely into the Sherborne way of life, The Skinsmith with Eminence Organic Skincare has been on Digby Road for 18 months now.

Managing Director Debbie Polden said: “We are seeing lots of repeat customers in our shop, and the feedback from both shop and online customers continues to be positive as customers see and feel the difference Eminence makes to their skin”.

“We are excited to launch 2

new products, Bakuchiol + Niacinamide Collection with a moisturiser and a mineral SPF protection fluid” Debbie adds.

The Natural Retinol Alternative from Bakuchiol along with Vitamin B3 from Niacinamide, target the visible signs of ageing, without any irritation, dryness or UV sensitivity. Visibly reducing the appearance of large pores, fine lines and wrinkles, these innovative products offer protection and luminosity for your skin.

The Skinsmith are also stocking up for the festive season and will have holiday gift sets along with their organic body, hand and skin care ranges with a gift for everyone to have great skin this Christmas.

They are always happy to help and advise on the best products for you, either when you visit the shop or over the phone.

Dave Passmore, manager of Marsh’s Sherborne with Director Sarah Palmer receiving their Best Place to Work award.

Debbie Polden, managing director of The Skinsmith on Digby Road.

Sherborne & surrounding area

The Corner House, Newsagent & General Store

Open 7 Days a week, Richard, Kim and the Team provide a friendly welcoming service.

Selling Newspapers & Magazines (including deliveries), fresh milk, bread, Dorset Honey, Sweets & Treats, Olde fashioned Jar sweets, Oodles of Asian Noodles, well priced Greeting cards (&

BUSINESS FOCUS

stamps), Warhammer products, and everyday Grocery essentials. They are a UPS Access Point for parcels/packages and have a Payzone terminal for Energy/ Phone/Bill Top-ups and not forgetting the popular Jack’s Beans Ground Fresh Coffee and Hot Chocky ‘To Go’ machine. They would also like to take this opportunity to thank their

wonderful customers and staff, without whom life would be rather dreary!

Open Monday- Friday 7.30am to 5.00pm (close 1pm Wed), Sunday 8am-12 Midday.

Telephone: 01935 815 615 or Email: the_corner_house @outlook.com.

Seasons Boutique

A gloomy July/August and the September heatwave has left many confused with their clothing. Easy tips from Seasons Boutique, Sherborne help you create a practical autumn wardrobe for the cooler, transitional weather.

Autumn can be unpredictable, with cool mornings and evenings and warmer daytime temperatures. Invest in versatile pieces you can layer, such as

cardigans, lightweight sweaters, and long-sleeve shirts. This allows you to adjust your clothing throughout the day as the temperature changes.

A good quality coat or jacket is essential for staying warm in autumn. Consider options like a classic trench, a wool coat, or a stylish leather jacket. Jeans are a versatile staple for any season, on chillier days opt for slightly heavier or darker denim to provide more warmth and pair them with your favourite autumn tops.

Autumn is a great time to introduce textured fabrics into your wardrobe. Think about adding items made of materials like corduroy, tweed, flannel, and wool all of which provide warmth and give your outfits a cosy, autumnal feel.

The Corner House, Sherborne.

Ultimately though, your autumn wardrobe should reflect your personal style. While it's important to consider seasonal trends, don't forget to incorporate pieces that make you feel confident and comfortable.

garden, and a non-smoking terrace, are found either side of the building with a children’s play area adjacent to the well-used skittle ally and function room towards the rear of the beer garden.

Voted West Dorset pub of the year 2020 and featuring in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2021, 2022 and 2023 it offers a good selection of fine local and West Country ales, a selection of wines, soft drinks, and freshly ground coffees. Locally sourced quality produce is at the core of the menu, they offer a traditional Sunday roast and can cater for many dietary requirements.

The autumn range is in store now at Seasons Boutique, 36 Cheap Street, Sherborne DT9 3PX.

The Kings Arms, Thornford

The Kings Arms is situated in the village of Thornford, West Dorset and lies between the towns of Sherborne and Yeovil, where a warm welcome awaits you in this family friendly Free House. A dog friendly bar area flows through to the dining room, showcasing local artists work. Two outside areas, the beer

The hub of the village and a destination for walkers and cyclists to stop off at, a place to meet, to drink and to dine. Attracting clientele not only from Thornford but from neighbouring villages, towns and further afield.

The Kings Arms is a truly quintessential village pub and definitely worth a visit or two.

Double Points at Balfour Beauty Centre, Swan Yard, Sherborne

In Balfour Beauty Centre salon shop you can sample and purchase Clarins make-up, both male and female skincare ranges and receive expert advice.

The Clarins For Me loyalty scheme is an exclusive to this salon as an independent Clarins Gold Salon. It rewards you with FREE Clarins products of your choice when, you buy at this salon. They keep your loyalty-

card for you and every time you spend you receive a stamp for each whole £10 spent.

The points build up and when you reach the value of an item you would like, you receive it, and then you start saving your points again.

It usually equates to you receiving 20% of your spend with Balfour Beauty back in free Clarins, but during October it’s DOUBLE POINTS which means you get double stamps and receive 40% back!

The Kings Arms, Thornford.

Balfour Beauty Centre, Swan Yard.

Sherborne & surrounding area

Pond & Pet

Pond & Pet offers you everything you need to get your pond ready for the winter and your fourlegged friend a special gift for Christmas!

The shop offers an extensive range of 100% natural treats, beds and accessories, along with toys for Cats and Dogs. Find them situated in the tranquil, dog friendly setting of the Walled Garden Restaurant, Castle Gardens, Sherborne.

Wayne PullenFamily Butcher

Wayne Pullen took over this small gem of a butcher shop 16 years ago after serving his butchery apprenticeship there as a lad. His guiding principle is simple: buy only the finest quality local produce and guarantee total

BUSINESS FOCUS

customer satisfaction. It is a philosophy that has served him well. Loyal locals adore his range of South Devon beef, local free range pork, free range chickens, ducks, and geese, Wiltshire drycured bacon (sliced on the premises to order), homemade pies, homemade sausages and home cooked meats including outstanding gammon and ham.

6 High Street, Milborne Port, Sherborne DT9 5AG; 01963 250222.

Kafé Fontana, Sherborne Situated at the bottom of Cheap Street, Kafé Fontana offers both eat-in and take-away services to their regular customers and those visiting this picturesque town. They welcome dogs and have

Kafé Fontana on Cheap Street, Sherborne.

seating inside, or outside if it’s nice. All of their cakes and scones are homemade on the premises. In the mornings they provide a good hearty breakfast, with salads, quiches and homemade soups also on the menu throughout the day.

They have a selection of hot and cold drinks, are licensed and do some healthy smoothies too. If you have any special dietary needs Kafé Fontana can still provide you with good tasty food. They also offer outside catering.

Parachute Tap Room & Bar

Parachute Tap Room & Bar is a locally owned independent brewery serving new era craft beer that is brewed on site.

They currently have 5 of their own beers on draught, plus a selection of canned beers from other local breweries. They also offer wines, ciders, spirits and even a cocktail of the week. Along with a range of soft drinks and bar snacks there is something for everyone.

Located in Old Yarn Mills, Westbury, it is aptly named Parachute as the building they are located in made parachutes in the 1940’s during World War II.

Open Wednesday to Sunday with a range of events including quiz night, live music and food trucks it is a place for everyone to enjoy themselves. Subscribe to their mailing list via their website, or follow them on social media.

Inside Pond & Pet.

Kafé Fontana is open MonSat, 8am - 5pm, Sun 9.30am4pm.

Beer brewed on the premises at Parachute Tap Room & Bar.

VINTAGE Motorcycling with Rod Hann

THIS OCTOBER issue will see us settling into autumn and still using our old vehicles for as long as we can before winter comes along. There are still events to be enjoyed although admittedly less frequent.

The Somerset Section start the month with their club night at Cossington on the 5th and this will be a guest speaker. Next they have the Autumn Leaves Run from Bishop's Sutton on the 8th. The Dorset Section has the A.G.M. for their club night at Pulham on the 11th. This is followed on the 15th with their Autumn Leaves Run from Henstridge and lastly on the 28th will be the Halloween Run from Kings Stag. The Wessex Veteran and Vintage Section just has its club meet at Silton on the 9th and this will be a film show. As usual more details can be had by ringing 01935-872528.

Both the Wells and Westland Classic Motorcycle Clubs have a busy and active month so see their websites for details.

I recently agreed to give a club night talk on my life with two wheels. Now my history is no more interesting than anyone else's but anyhow I agreed to do it. This meant a bit of research and looking back to the events and things I have done over the last sixty years, and the machines I have ridden and/or owned during that period.

Reflection is not a bad thing and this exercise has shown me just what a lucky man I have been. Around 100 machines have passed through my ownership, some good and some not so good, but all have contributed to the rich pattern of life and experience.

I have ridden in events all over England and some in Wales and over the years I have built up a large number of friends through the medium of motorcycles. I was also lucky enough to have earnt a living riding for eight hours a day with my job. Therefore my riding experience is vast and covered many hundreds of

thousands of miles. But as with everything else I am still learning and take nothing for granted.

I have been lucky enough to own many machines ranging from Ariel to Zenith's, amongst them some very desirable machines. For my picture this month I have chosen to show a photograph of an HRD/Vincent I had for around 15 years and sold on in 2022. The bike dates from 1949 and is a Rapide model which means it has a 1000cc twin cylinder engine. With girder forks and rear springing the bike rode the roads very well with a very good turn of speed. This was indeed the superbike of its day. Alas the bike became too heavy for its aged rider and with a view to safety it had to go. A shame because this bike was totally original and in good condition with only 31,000 miles on the clock from new.

You might therefore consider carrying out a similar reflection of your own motorcycling career. Remember all the bikes you have had and the places you visited and probably more important is the friends and acquaintances you have made along the way. You may come to the same conclusion that we are all very lucky.

October and November is the

usual time for club's to hold their AGM's. Hand in hand with this is the planning of events for next year. Nothing happens without the thought and work of the organisers. Is it time you stepped forward to help your club either as a run organiser or perhaps as a committee member, or even both. I have never served on a committee when a volunteer would not be welcomed, and it is nice to see a fresh face with new ideas coming forward to do their bit to help. Now is the time to act.

Most of us over the years have accumulated lots of bits and pieces which get stored in cupboards and never get used. You may even have the missing parts that someone else has been searching for to finish their bike. That same person may have that

elusive part that you have been seeking. Perhaps then it is time to take stock and look out all the stuff you no longer need. Having done that why not take a stall at the Somerset Section's autojumble on the 4th November at the Bath and West Showground. You may well help someone and make a few pounds towards your next project. It is also much more social than advertising on a website.

Having realised how lucky I have been and for being grateful that I am still able to ride and enjoy my hobby, and the toys I still have, then looking out the window and seeing bright sunshine means it's time to set the wheels rolling once more. If you see an old chap plodding along on an old bike then give him a wave, it might well be me.

HRD/Vincent Rapide 1000cc twin cylinder.

Blackmore Vale Butchery of Bowbridge near Henstridge

WHEN IT comes to superb quality meat sourced from local farms and smallholdings for whom animal welfare is a top priority, local family run Blackmore Vale Butchery on the Somerset/Dorset border is hard to beat. Since 2006 it has forged a bond with local butchers and created a trusted local supply chain which supports small family run local farms and puts locally grown and reared beef, lamb and pork on its shelves, as well as other local butchers and farm shops in the Somerset /Dorset border and Wiltshire. They were awarded the Taste of Dorset Outstanding Contribution to Local Food Development in Dorset as well as the Blackmore Vale Media Business Awards Farm Business of the Year, and has earned a fast-growing loyal retail customer base who choose to go there for meat, based on the short supply chain with full traceability, top quality products.

“Respecting the animals is a big part of good butchery - we know who raised the animal and where, what it ate, how old it was, where all the cuts of the animal come from and how best to cook them. We can say exactly where our meat comes from because we have seen the animals on the farm where they were raised” said butchery manager Gavin Keen, who along with his staff have more than 50 years experience in the meat trade.

As well as winning the Best Butcher Award in the 2017 Taste of Dorset Awards , recent accolades include Taste of the West champion Product Awards 2019 for faggots and Gold Star for pork pies, and Great British Butcher Awards 2019 Gold for their highly sought after pork and wild garlic sausages (only available in season) and pork ribeye in chilli and pepper. Most recently they have been given 2 Gold stars for their Dry Aged Tomahawk Steaks from the Great Taste Awards 2022.

A top seller at Blackmore Vale

Butchery is South African style dried sausage droewors (drywors) and hand cut biltong, cured in house.

Poultry is from Castle Mead Poultry and Creedy Carver and the Butchery cures its own bacon, offering dry cure (green), black treacle and smoked. Their sausages have won several Great British Banger Awards and their burgers are a favourite staple on barbecues across the region. Their bacon is nitrate free and there is also a wide choice of gluten free products.

Andrew Knight DO FSCCO Osteopath

Andrew Knight DO FSCCO Osteopath has been serving the local community for 35+ years. He runs a general practice and

offers advice and treatment for a wide range of mainly Musculoskeletal issues.

The Practice is run to enable low wait times and good availability for immediate needs to be met. His extensive experience and post graduate training, including and Applied Kinesiology and, recently, the achievement of a Fellowship in Cranial Osteopathy makes for a broad range of treatment styles and knowledge to be applied to each case.

The practice is located in Keinton Mandeville with adequate parking and privacy for consultation. www.andrewknight.co.uk

Moggs of Wells (Engineering) Ltd

Moggs of Wells (Engineering) Ltd is based at Beardly Batch Depot on the outskirts of Shepton Mallet providing sales, servicing and repairs for a wide range of garden machinery.

Featuring products actually made in the UK, a good selection from Ariens and Westwood machines are always available, plus the renowned Hayter range which now has several battery/cordless models to offer, sharing technology with their parent company Toro which facilitates the same batteries being interchangeable throughout both ranges.

Moggs of Wells provide sales, servicing and repairs for a wide range of garden machinery.

Andrew Knight DO FSCCO .

Order your turkey now at The Blackmore Vale Butchery.

Full support is available for engines from Briggs & Stratton and Kawasaki , with a comprehensive supply of spare parts in stock at all times. Any new machines supplied are thoroughly prepared and tested by experienced staff, who take the time to explain fully how to operate them safely.

All service and warranty work is carried out on the premises in a fully equipped workshop, and a collection and delivery service is provided for the larger machines.

Horns Electrical

Horns Electrical, is your Local Family run electrical business, covering all your electrical needs. With more than forty years’ experience within the electrical industry, Eighteenth Edition, City and Guilds qualified. Dougie is a knowledgeable, friendly, and reliable electrician, with excellent workmanship, and YES, he’ll turn up on time!

Covering south Somerset, Dorset, and Wiltshire, working professionally, efficiently and without fuss. commercial and domestic, design & installation, rewires & upgrades, mains boards, lighting, sockets, cooker installations, garden lighting, new technology, not forgetting fault finding and reactive maintenance.

Need a good electrician? Feel free to call or email - they’re happy to help with your requirements.

Call 07752 039584 or email: dougie@hornselectrical.co.uk.

Sandys Removals & Storage

Sandys Removals and Storage have been moving the country for over 50 years. They are a familyrun business with a reputation for exceptional service. Call them today on 01747 822077 or email sandysremovals@aol.com if you’d like a quotation for your move or storage needs.

Sandys also have a furniture warehouse in Lower Station Road, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4QA that is open 9am - 5pm Monday to Saturday. They offer free delivery on Saturdays within the Blackmore Vale area. Great stock of new beds and mattresses,

Don’t dabble with electricity. Call Horns Electricalyour local electrician.

plus lots more of interesting bits and bobs!

Pay them a visit - you will be surprised with the amount of preloved furniture, antiques and collectables in stock. There’s also plenty of parking available outside the shop.

Valecraft Windows, Gillingham

At Valecraft they are justifiably proud of the quality of their products and reputation for reliable service and attention to detail, going the extra mile and taking the time to get it right.

Based in Gillingham, Dorset

with their showroom within the grounds of Orchard Park Garden Centre, Valecraft are a local, long running family run company who

pride themselves in offering the latest energy rated PVCu and aluminium products which all meet or even surpass the latest regulations. All installations are covered by their comprehensive guarantee.

In a competitive market place choosing the right company to supply and install your new windows, doors or conservatory

can be extremely difficult but when making such an important decision about your home, some things should not be compromised.

The majority of their work comes through recommendations and repeat customers so with Valecraft, you can be sure that you are dealing with a company whose reputation is their most treasured possession.

Experience the perfect blend of gardening and home at Otter Garden Centre in Wincanton!

Otter are your one-stop destination for all things gardening and beyond. From home-grown plants to gardening essentials, stylish homewares, clothing, gifts, and bird-friendly products, they have it all. Plus, explore a delightful array of seasonal treasures.

Relax and recharge in their cozy coffee shop, where you can savor homemade lunches, snacks, drinks, and delectable cakes.

At Otter, they take pride in their home-grown plants. An impressive 80% of their plants are home-grown, ensuring topnotch quality for you.

Don't miss the special Christmas event on Wednesday, 1st November, where you can shop with a complimentary glass of fizz and a mince pie. Find them just 5 minutes off the A303 at Wincanton – Bruton Road, Wincanton, BA9 8HA. Find out more at www.ottergarden centres.com.

Homemaker - offering a free innovative design & planning service

The kitchen is the heart of your home, so creating an attractive and functional kitchen is paramount. Homemaker are kitchen specialists and can offer traditional English to modern German manufacturers. There are plenty of fabulous styles to choose from whether you are looking for handleless, modern, gloss or shaker style kitchensHomemaker cater to all tastes. Their ranges come in an array of colours and finishes, with clever storage features to make the most of your kitchen no matter the shape/size. They can help you create the perfect kitchen for your home, and at amazing prices!

Homemaker can also supply a wide range of appliances from leading manufacturers including Bosch, Neff, Siemens, Smeg, Fisher & Paykel and Hotpoint They offer a fast and efficient delivery service usually within 24 hours from stock. Find out more at www.myhomemaker .co.uk.

Valecraft Windows Showroom in Gillingham. Otter Garden Centre Wincanton.

Open throughout Christmas and New Year Christmas Menu

Christmas Day – Limited Space

Traditional Boxing Day – All DAY Buffet

Curry Special – Thursday 28th December (evening)

Average cost to sell a house now £5,413 IF YOU WANT to sell your home you’ll have to spend over £5,400 on the process, taking into account factors like estate agency and conveyancing fees, although this cost climbs as high as £11,500 in the capital. That is according to estate agent comparison site, GetAgent.co.uk, which utilised its 'My Property Tracker' tool to calculate the varying cost of selling a property up and down the country.

GetAgent’s ‘My Property Tracker’ monitors the cost of selling a home based on current property values, the average estate agent fee, the cost of conveyancing, disbursements (additional solicitor costs), as well

as the Energy Performance Certificate report, which outlines how efficient your property is.

The figures show that currently across Britain, the average seller will spend £5,413 in order to sell their home. Most upfront costs go on estate agency fees, accounting for 81% of the total cost, at £4,400.

Conveyancing makes up a further 14%, typically costing the seller £776, with disbursements and EPC costs accounting for the remaining 4%. While estate agent fees may seem steep, they sit below 2.00% of the house price across every region of Great Britain, averaging at 1.52%.

London the costliest place to sell: With a current average house price of £527,979, London

home sellers need to budget for the biggest outlay when selling, at £11,479. With such high stakes at work in the capital the average estate agents charge the most of all regions, with an average fee of 1.95% equating to £10,308 in the current market. Though it’s likely this high percentage is skewed by a small number of prime transactions in the capital, where specialist agents charge higher fees to service some of the wealthiest homeowners.

Conveyancers also charge more than every other region, at £994. The higher the house price = the

higher the cost of selling. It also costs more to sell in higher priced regions outside the capital, like the South East, at £7,100. The region correspondingly has the second highest house price of £391,400.

Similarly in the South West, which contains some sought-after areas of natural beauty and therefore has a typical price of £321,200, you need to budget for sellers' costs of £6,108.

It’s cheaper to sell in lower priced areas, as you only have to spend a small amount on costs like estate agents and lawyers. In the North East selling costs come to around £3,300, with the region being the cheapest, with a typical house price of £161,000. This is followed by Scotland, at £3,400 against a typical house price of £189,400, and then the North West, at £4,000 compared

to an average house price of £215,600.

Co-founder and CEO of GetAgent.co.uk, Colby Short, commented: “Despite wider economic instability the housing market has stood strong in recent months, with only a marginal decline in house prices to date. This means that as a seller you’ll hopefully end up with a healthy profit when you do come to sell, but you still need to budget for the cost required to transact which is currently over £5,000 on average.

“When dealing with such an expensive asset, it makes perfect sense to get the best professional help possible and we’ve seen how opting for a low, fixed-fee agent can backfire when it comes to price achieved and the quality of service provided.

“Similarly when exchanging contracts if you use a quality conveyancer it can be the difference between securing a pain-free sale and being stressed out for months, so it’s not something to skimp out on.”

Autumn update from Lizzie Price Shading Solutions

With the warmth of the late summer behind us, we start looking towards Autumn the colder weather. With that in mind

at LPSS we are not just about shading. Blinds and shutters will still protect from the UV rays during winter when the sun is low but they will also provide a good level of insulation cutting your heating costs.

We recommend opening your blinds and shutters during the day to make the most of the heat provided by the sun and closing them as soon as the sun goes down to keep the heat in.

We also supply and install glass roof Verandas, Carports, Awnings and Louvred roof pergolas with heaters and lighting if you want to keep enjoying your outside space during the colder months.

To guarantee pre-Christmas installation order now before the cut off dates.

Follow us on Instagram & Facebook. Tel: 07879 992000 enquiries@lizziepriceshadingsolut ions.co.uk.

75 Years of Lotus at Castle Combe September Classic

THE EVENT commemorated the 75th anniversary of Lotus Cars with various displays and presentations with one of the undoubted stars of the show being the double F1 world champion Graham Hill’s 1967 Lotus 47 (pictured right). The car proudly featured on this year’s official event artwork created by automotive artist Brian James, this Formula 1 race car broke the mould with its Cosworth DFC engine – class-leading and worldbeating innovation.

Lizzie Price.

Luca's Garden with Bridget

Sudworth

UNAVOIDABLY , holidays sometimes clash with copy date and if I am honest, it’s quite hard to get excited about October while we are in the middle of a heatwave but entirely due to the need for having copy delivered on time!

Luca and I have just had a quiet, cool stroll round the garden

at dusk, observing the setting sun disappear behind the current haze of Saharan sand, checking on courgettes and disturbing moths who are about to quit the shade. Above, swallows were careering about high in the sky, feasting off insects and calling to one another. It would be so good to know how many more there are after this season than arrived in April but sadly, no one is keeping count. There were certainly a great many up there and they sounded joyous. Very soon, they will be gone and certainly by the time this is

published. How many will return next year once they have flown past the nets and gun traps of Southern Europe? Trapping still goes on in spite of so-called legislation to prevent the killing of these tiny, precious birds. But sometimes it’s not much better at home. After selling our old farmhouse in North Herefordshire, we were very sad indeed to observe when passing that the blue tit nests in the old granary wall had been pointed up and the open fronted 4 bay

carport had been closed off with doors so the lines of swallows’ nests on a rear beam could no longer be used. People simply don’t think or maybe, they just don’t know any better or worse, even care?

The heat has perhaps advanced the decay of the spent french beans but the courgettes are loving it. Tomatoes are all finished - processed in various ways as well as being gobbled up and distributed to friends and family. Blackberries are now so

Ground cover sedum.

Home grown sedum. abundant that it's hard to pass a hedgerow without picking bags of them - Luca has developed a pathetic pose staring into space looking abjectly bored but as I have mentioned before, I’ve waited so long and so often while he checks out a blade of grass or a leaf that it’s definitely pay-back time!

The wet weeks we have enjoyed (not endured!!) has meant a fantastic amount of green growth - everything burgeons. Roses are in full bloom for second flush and the glorious Japanese anemones, mostly white, will be there for moths to explore once dusk has passed into night. Assistance from a grandson in the garden, A Levels over, school a thing of the past, the immediate future possibly sorted and eager for funds to fuel interrail costs, has meant at last that sensible weeding was done, beds composted and mulch laid down. Maybe he should be a gardener instead of an engineer?!

In the meantime, there is much to look forward to. The changing of a season is always a satisfying time. Claiming the garden spaces once more gives one a chance to take stock and make decisions about what works and what doesn’t. Old stock can be divided and new stock welcomed in. Autumn offers a time when control can rule effectively and assessment can be made that may

result in draconian decisions but which will provide new impact next Spring. Unfortunately, the weather can’t be relied upon these days. In principle, tender plants should be under review in October as some will need to be protected from possible frosts so a wary eye should be kept on forecasts and those that won’t like the cold can go inside. Having succeeded in getting 27 little agapanthus plants to grow, I will have to be certain that they are protectedmaybe even bringing them into the house as they are still very small. The seeds were planted on 14th February this year - a grand daughter’s 25th birthday and they were very slow indeed to germinate so if trying this yourself, be patient! In the meantime, division of perennials and cutting back should go on apace in the herbaceous border and there will still be fruits to harvest and process. Pity that the price of sugar is still so high, nearly triple the old price which makes jam and jelly more expensive to make.

Bulbs must go in; I say this to myself most sternly as a bowl of them has been kicking about for ages now but the weather has always seemed to be wrong for planting or else, the tubs are not yet free! Nevertheless, colour for next Spring needs thinking about so don’t delay.

On a recent visit to Killerton

House, the ground hugging sedums were a lovely sight and busy with insects as indeed were those in our garden. Among the shrubs in the woodland understory, I was totally distracted by fragrance emanating from a nearby plant hung about with clusters of creamy highly scented flowers. I have so far failed to identify it though have a sneaky suspicion that it may belong to the lime family, the leaves being particularly similar. The plant app on the phone said it was Tilia Americana but that is a tree and this was not. The fragrance however, was so like the linden tree in our nearby lane when it was in full bloom earlier in the year as Lukie and I took the early morning walk that I think it must be of that family. Further

searching will continue. It reminded me of the joy of fragrance in the garden and dusk strolls are such an evocative time to savour the scents of a garden. Maybe including some new shrubs with delicious scents would be worth adding to the list if there are not already those titillating odours in your garden? This last year we had a wall of honeysuckle, greatly enjoyed, that somehow managed to waft into so much of the evening air all around the garden - very good too at disguising the passing tractor or horse odours which really can be smelly!! Scent adds another dimension to any garden and is always memorable - and don’t overlook the scented winter flowering shrubs either - they always serve to provide enticement for early bumble bees.

Kniphofia.

AS I SIT here writing my column for the October issue of the magazine, it is 29 degrees outside, and does not feel one little bit like autumn!

Choosing my spring bulb selection is always an exciting time of year – planning all those

gorgeous combinations of tulips and daffodils to create a dazzling spring display, is one of the best things about autumn time for me.

Bulbs, and that includes tubers, corns and rhizomes can be planted in the autumn for spring flowering and in the spring for summer colour, making them a very versatile way of adding lots of plants to your garden that are relatively inexpensive to buy.

Plant spring flowering bulbs anytime from September to November, choose a time when the soil is still warm but not frozen, we tend to wait until mid

to late October to ensure our spring display lasts for a nice long time, when all that lovely colour heralds the beginnings of spring in the garden.

Bulbs can be planted in borders, containers, hanging baskets, window boxes or naturalized in lawns. Container grown bulbs allow you to grow an eye-catching display to place on a patio or deck or to brighten up a gloomy spot in the garden.

Ensure your container has drainage holes and add some grit to your peat free compost so that the bulbs are not sitting in water that will cause them to rot. Plant your bulbs 2-3 times the bulb depth with the growing point facing upwards, making sure the bulbs don’t touch each other.

One of my favourite things to do is create a bulb lasagne, but before you ask, no I am not disappearing off into the kitchen to whip up an Italian taste sensation, but more of a feast for the eyes.

Select a suitable size container and add a layer of peat free compost mixed with grit about 4 inches deep to the base. Add your

first bulbs, the biggest ones in size from your selection and cover with compost. Then add your second choice and cover as before. Don’t worry about the bulbs at the bottom of the container not being able to find their way through, they will. Finally, add your smallest bulb to the top and cover with approximately 4 inches of compost, firm down gently and water. Place in a sheltered spot and water regularly when you start to see shoots appearing.

Finally, I like to add some winter flowering pansies to the top of my bulb lasagne as a ‘garnish’, and to provide colour to enjoy until the bulbs start to peep through. Happy Planting – until next time Julie.

Time to Plan Spring Bulbs with Julie Haylock of Sandhurst Garden Design

Approved contractor to Dorset & Somerset C.C.

The Solo Diner Dilemma: the Ethics of Restaurants Charging Double

AS SOMEONE who has been dining out up to 7 times a week, in both a professional capacity, and for my own pleasure, for over 40 years, I have been disturbed by recent reports of restaurants, largely those at the upper end of the quality and price scale, shifting to a contentious position of penalising single diners by charging them as if they were a table for two.

The argument of lost revenue is a spurious one at best. In recent months I, as a single diner, have spent in the region of £5,000 eating out. On principle, this is revenue that would be lost to the places I choose to frequent if they were to invoke such a rule.

Dining out is an experience that has evolved over many centuries to cater to various preferences and lifestyles, from communal tables to private booths. This current trend raises questions about the ethics, fairness, and underlying motivations of such pricing strategies.

From a business standpoint, the practice of charging single diners double may seem rooted in basic economics. Restaurants often base their prices on a variety of factors, including food and beverage costs, labour, overheads, and desired profit margins. When a single diner occupies a table that could otherwise seat multiple customers, restaurants may feel justified in charging more to offset potential lost revenue. This concept is especially prevalent in establishments that emphasise group dining or cater to larger parties.

I would argue that this approach oversimplifies the situation. The true cost of a meal doesn't necessarily correlate directly to the number of diners at a table. Other factors, such as the type of cuisine, quality of service, and overall dining experience, play a significant role in determining the value a customer receives. For me, charging single diners double appears to be an arbitrary penalty, with the potential to alienate a valuable customer demographic and creating an unfavourable perception of the restaurant.

The proposed practice also raises ethical concerns in relation to fairness and discrimination. Restaurants are meant to be inclusive spaces where patrons can enjoy a meal without experiencing bias or prejudice. Charging one group of customers more based solely on their dining companionship could be seen as discriminatory, targeting a specific demographic without legitimate justification.

I believe that restaurants have a responsibility to create a welcoming environment for its patrons, regardless of their party size.

Modern lifestyles often lead to an increase in solo dining due to factors such as work commitments, travel, and changing family structures. As society evolves, restaurants should adapt to accommodate these changes rather than imposing penalties on those who dine alone.

There is also a cultural

consideration here. In some cultures, communal dining is a deeply ingrained tradition, whereas in others, individual dining is more common. Of course, individual establishments will want to target and appeal to what they see as their core market, but in doing so they are limiting the possibilities to appeal to a wider audience. This is particularly relevant at the moment when in a struggling economy the aim must surely be to encourage patronage, not alienation.

Promoting a culture of acceptance and appreciation for solo diners can lead to positive word-of-mouth, increased patronage, and a reputation for being a welcoming establishment. This approach not only aligns with ethical principles but also positions the restaurant as a leader in accommodating diverse dining preferences.

Rather than penalise single diners, restaurants should be

Shutterstock.com/BearFotos.

willing to explore alternative strategies to maintain their revenue while promoting inclusivity and fairness. Some establishments offer smaller portion sizes, prix fixe menus for solo diners at a reduced cost, make available bar space, or provide communal tables. By adopting creative alternatives and rethinking their pricing strategies, restaurants can balance their economic interests with the ethical imperative to treat all customers with fairness and respect.

In my own case, I would argue that the cost of me dining alone is not in fact double; less food has to be prepared for starters (forgive the pun). My gut feeling is that we should boycott such restaurants, but should I find myself in the unenviable position of dining alone at double the cost, know what I would do? Order the second meal and insist on taking it home in a doggy bag!

The Pub Pages

BEER & S KITTLE S P. A. BAXTER

IT'S ALWAYS good to report positive events on the pub front, and this month we start with the excellent news that the Alhampton Inn has opened as a community pub. Not a million miles North from the Visitor office here in Castle Cary, the pub is just off the A371 at the village of Alhampton. Circumstances have not allowed me to pay a visit just yet but I wish them all the luck in the world, and whilst I am a share-holder I don't expect to be raking in any profits just yet, or indeed, for a very long time - if at

all. Sometimes the belief of what is the right thing to do surpasses the expectation of financial gain.

Second in the good news department, The Piddle Inn at Piddletrenthide has had planning permission to turn it into residential accommodation refused, and The Friends of the Piddle Inn have already succeeded in getting it listed as an ‘asset of community value’. We featured this pub earlier in the year and again I wish them all the success they are prepared to work forand there will be a great amount to do before it becomes what the community want it to become.

Another pub now owned and run by the community is at Broadwindsor. We've given a brief mention of The White Lion in these columns before, as this 17thcentury inn was threatened with closure, but in 2022 was successfully taken over and renovated by the community on a tenancy agreement with local brewers Palmers. A fish and chip van calls on a Tuesday evening when everyone is welcome to use the pub, where plates & cutlery are provided. Similarly a pizza van calls on alternate Thursdays. What a great idea! It has also become local CAMRA branch Pub of the Year 2023, and it's yet another pub I have on the to-do

visit list. Check out the opening hours before visiting.

Still with the community side of things I was interested to see that a no-alcohol pub has opened in Weymouth. Brilliantly named ‘Dry Dock’ they sell beer, spirits and cocktails classed as ‘noalcohol’ (below 0.5% ABV). To paraphrase the description from their web-site ‘Dry Dock is for those who do not drink alcohol or are wanting an alternative to an alcohol led day/night out but still want to go into town and enjoy the atmosphere and benefits of a pub, we have a large variety of alcohol-free beers, ciders, wines, spirits as well as soft drinks and coffee and tea. We have a vintage jukebox, darts, pool, quizzes, live

music, board games, retro arcade games, art gallery, meeting room and regular community focused events. You can also just use the Dry Dock as a venue to meet with friends and have some fun. All our entertainment is free except for the pub quiz which is £1 a head. Post covid mental health issues, addiction problems, loneliness, cost of living crisis, etc, have really come to the fore and cannot be tackled without the support of the local community. So we created a community focused space that all can enjoy’. A few years ago I would probably have laughed at this but frankly, if alcohol consumption is falling, particularly among the younger generation I believe, then venues

Who and where? Can you help?

such as this may be seen more frequently. Would I use one? Quite probably, as my capacity for alcohol has plummeted over the last few years, and now I've had my three score and ten it sure ain't going to go back up! All power to them and all community pubs.

It's not all good news this month, and as I sit down to write this very day, the radio blares out that between the months of January and the end of June we have permanently lost an average of two pubs a day. This compares with 385 for the whole of 2022. Sadly, there's going to be more to come as business rates are to be jacked up by 6%, adding an average of in excess of £12,000 per annum. Yes; around £1,000 per month, £250 per week ... and that's a lot of beer and food to be sold just to cover the increases alone, and bearing in mind power costs have rocketed by 80%, as there's no cap on energy for business.

Those of you who regularly obtain a copy of The Visitor will no doubt always be captivated by the wisdom of columnist ‘NN’ whose introductory column In Passing ... on page three each month gives an accurate and succinct précis of the main events that concern us the most. The September issue covered the

taxation on alcohol, and the indepth analysis with all the facts and figures ending with what the bottom line means to us, which really brought it home. We did give a brief mention to the subject in this column, but not being one who has a head for figures I kept it at arms length. Also being a cynic when it comes to politicians and their promises doesn't help those like me, whereas ‘NN’ hit the nail on the head good and proper. Truly, us pub-goers are not gaining anything at all from their ‘tax cuts’. Furthermore, since last month I learn that tax on Champagne has been halved, so I think that I have every right to be cynical. Do remember that if you missed this, or are unable to consistently pick up a copy and wish to catch up on any previous editions of this fine magazine, back-numbers are available online.

I read that the French government are to destroy wine and actually pay off the growers to the tune of £170 million (so much being a capitalist system), European Commission data for the year to June shows that wine consumption has fallen 7% in Italy, 10% in Spain, 15% in France, 22% in Germany and 34% in Portugal. Furthermore, 38% of the French population now don't drink it at all. The reason the consumption has dropped is that ‘people’ are turning to craft beer. A sweeping generalisation which many would dispute, as another report I read declares that the ‘craft beer revolution is over’ particularly as stated earlier, the younger generation reduce their alcohol intake. Well whatever it is, I'll let you know if we can get some definitive answers.

Speaking of beer, a couple worthy of mention this month come from firstly Cheddar Ales ‘Crown and Glory’ which was created in 2012 for the Queen's jubilee, (although it must have passed us by). The combination of three hop types allow sweetness to come through and plenty of malt flavour too, which gives this bottle-conditioned premium bitter at 4.6%ABV a high rating in my book. Also, another great beer we picked from ‘Dikes’ independent supermarket in Stalbridge is ‘Old Farts’ from the Cottage Delights

brewery. This is a dark ruby ale of 4.6%ABV and is part of a series of ‘Farts’ – boring/grumpy/daft. As it's a good beer I'll be picking up some more next time we're in the area. There are gift packs available as well so perfect for the ‘Old Fart’ in your life!

Just room to give a brief mention of a pub game I came across a long while back which surfaced again recently. ‘Shin kicking’. Yes, you read that right. Two people stand face to face with one hand on the opponents shoulder. You can guess what they then do - until one submits. It's popular (really?) at country fairs in the Cotswolds, and also at one time in Northern towns where clogs were de rigueur. One was allowed to stuff ones trouser legs with straw, but frankly it still

makes my eyes water to think about it. As much as I like pub games and as much as I intend to introduce games to the pub where I have an interest, this game will definitely not be on the list –honest! Cheers!

© P.A Baxter 2023. skittlealley@hotmail.com

They Say

That Flamingos have recently been sighted, nesting in Bower Hinton.

That you can now find your way around Chiselborough easily, thanks to the refurbished signage.

That South Petherton's Anne Lewis is now the lady with the lamp.

That at Dillington House in Ilminster, sculptor instructor Jo Sadler managed to weave in a large number of song title puns to help her students create a willow deer.

That kids enjoyed the recent Wellie Wanging contest at Chiselborough's Picnic on the Common.

That Maureen Cutler of South Petherton can now see what a handsome chap her husband is … allegedly.

- full of useless facts

ANSWERS TO POP MUSIC QUIZ

on page 15

1) 'Super Trouper'

2) 'Where is the Love'

3) Adelle

4) Eric Clapton

5) 'Rubber Soul'

6) Bruce Springsteen

7) Harry Styles

8) Howard Jones

9) Australia

10) Rolling Stones

Answer to the bonus question: 30

Answer to the serious anorak question: Hugh Burns, a Scottish session musician.

Solution to September Sudoku

Charlie Ross (Antiques Road Trip) on his visit to Canterbury playing Bat and Trap.

Arthur Taylor's first book on the subject - still around so grab a copy if you find it!

This month's favourite beers.

A two-pound coin with skittles on Vinny

REMEMBER WHEN ... ... 30 YEARS AGO FROM

Making Gillingham attractive

HOW TIME FLIES! Can it really be 30 years since Gillingham’s ‘new’ library opened to the public? Those were the days when providing easy free access to books was seen as an important function of local government. The October 1993 Visitor reported the event, adding that the library opposite the Waitrose supermarket would shortly be joined by a new museum. ‘Attention is shifting towards making the town more attractive,’ it explained. ‘Concentration is focused on two areas: commercially, in an attempt to lure new industry to the area, and aesthetically, to attract visitors and shoppers into the town.’ Apparently the first common goal of the Town Council and the Chamber of Trade was to smarten up the town, and for this ‘Richard Cumming of Milton Garden Plants has been drafted in to draw up a scheme to brighten up both the centre and the relief road with flower beds and shrubs’.

An end to the walk

And can it really be 30 years since Bruton’s Riverside Walk was finally completed? The same issue of the Visitor reported that ‘although an already fading plaque by the Packhorse Bridge will tell you that the Riverside Walk was completed by the Manpower Services Commission in 1987 as part of their Community Programme, the newest part of the walk has only just been finished’. The article described this extension as running from Lower Backway to West End near the railway bridge over the A359 road from Yeovil, crossing the river en route on a wooden footbridge by King’s School.

To tempt readers to walk the new extension it told them that ‘here you will discover that most of Bruton, the part you wouldn’t have seen if you had stayed in your car, is a warren of back ways and boltholes which on a weekday in term-time must be alive with the to-ings and fro-ings and stepping stone crossings of the pupils and masters of King’s School’.

Fishy development in Somerton

Another new opening reported in the October Visitor was Pollacks Fresh Fish Restaurant. Located upstairs at the Somerton Hotel on the town’s New Street, the 30-seater restaurant was open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 7.30pm and ‘the menu is chalked up on large blackboards and changes daily according to fish in season’. According to the report ‘the restaurant also doubles as a function room and is available for private parties, meetings and buffets’, and the pub itself ‘is tastefully decorated and the wood-panelled bar has a relaxing atmosphere’. Other facilities included pool, Sky Sports TV, a skittle alley and attractive bar gardens. I fondly remember the pub as a freehouse occupying an 18th century building of great charm, but sadly it closed more than a decade ago.

When pub business boomed

Another historic Visitorland pub in an interesting 18th century building, now closed, was the Britannia in Castle Cary. At the end of 1991 the magazine reported that new tenants had undertaken extensive refurbishments, renamed it the Horsepond Inn and breathed new life into the business. By 1993 the pub was booming and its advert in the October Visitor promoting quiz nights: ‘Sunday 28th September, 9.00pm, first quiz of the season. Have your teams ready for the 93/94 season, every other Sunday until May. Teams of four people (for

participation in the league) or unlimited number for fun. Still only 50p a team.’ And publicising the official opening of its skittle alley/function room with a ‘cabaret fun evening’ featuring a ‘top comedian, female vocalist and top karaoke presenter’. And reminding readers that ‘Christmas menus now available – some dates still left (Saturdays fully booked)’. The pub trade was certainly much more vibrant in ‘the good old days’ of 30 years ago.

An early attempt at going green

The opening sentence of one article in the October 1993 Visitor sounds as familiar today as it was 30 years ago. ‘Global warming and greenhouse gases are buzz words and although the summer

ARCHIVES

remains, or so we are told, the earth is getting warmer’. It went on to explain that ‘human activity is to blame for the increase in greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere from the burning of coal, gas, oil, petrol and wood’ and ‘today’s lifestyle indicates that the problem of global warming is here to stay’. The article advocated night storage heaters and the Economy 7 electricity tariff as a green alternative to fossil-fuel boilers, adding that it’s then down to the electricity generators ‘to use naturally renewable energy sources like wind and wave power’. Which all seems a bit naïve in the light of what we know now about climate change.

Roger Richards.

Classified Ads

Send details to: The Visitor, P.O. Box 5522, Castle Cary, BA9 0BP or email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk. 30p per word (£5 minimum) pre-payment essential. Payment can be made by Cash, Cheque, Postal Order, BACS, Credit/Debit Card.

Personal

www.country-link.co.uk COUNTRY LINK SOCIAL GROUP. Fresh air, fun, food and friendship. Tel: Andy 01225 834834 or Lynda 07970 922762

DISCREET Divorced Man seeks Woman 40s looking for friendship and intimacy

07564 559165

MARTIN 65, loves parties. Would like to meet lady 55-70 that also loves parties

01258 472910

Wanted

DAVE BUYS ALL TYPES OF TOOLS, salvage, bygones and collectables. Daves Tools, Est. 1989. Tel: 01935 428975

REDUNDANT MOT OR MOWERS, rotavators, chainsaws, strimmers, cement mixers, etc. Tel: 01460 77844

DIESEL GENERATORS. Any make/model. Top prices paid. Tel: 07970 742471

Prize Crossword No. 443

Set by Frank Butler

SEND COMPLETED ENTRIES TO: The Visitor Crossword, P.O. Box 5522, Castle Cary, Somerset BA9 0BP – to arrive by Monday 23rd October.

Correct entries are placed in a hat and the winner is the first name drawn. The prize for winning the Crossword is a £15 voucher to spend with any advertiser in this issue of The Visitor Please do not forget to state your choice of advertiser and your name and address.

Services Storage

COLLECTIONS CDS and Vinyl LPs - must be excellent condition, most genres considered. Tel: 01458 834102/ 07704229979/email: tonyartony@aol.com

HOUSEHOLD & GARDEN RUBBISH CLEARED, old sheds / outbuildings demolished, etc. Tel: 01460 77844

STORAGE for furniture in locked cubicles. Lock-up garages to let. Tel: Sparkford Storage on 01963 440045 or 440526 or 440692

1950s/70s PLASTIC TOY Soldiers, knights, cowboys, loose/boxed. Britain’s Plastic Garden, Timpo Trains. Tel: 07823 443474

READ ONLINE:

www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

November Deadline: 23rd October

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Clues Across:

1. Composer ashen with awful strain [10]

6. Winners with space but no parking [4]

9. Rearrange rise about eastern instrument [10]

10. Sunday, 75% pure, goads you on [4]

12. Bail broken east of Java [4]

13. Make clear hinge lent [9]

15. Decreed in orders [8]

16. Quarters wager about evil [6]

18. Disorganised raid on article of almost 57.3° [6]

20. Doomed? Cue cards in order [8]

23. Choirs, etc., making glancing rebounds [9]

24. Weight subtracted for Bible’s weed [4]

26. Scraps chances [4]

27. Once bar her with revulsion [10]

28. Southern tree has waistband [4]

29. Late slings with hanging threads [10]

Clues Down:

1. Go a bit! [4]

2. Rope led to wild cat [7]

3. Write name if I can cope without work or meaning [12]

4. Tear broken grass delivered [8]

5. Point to shattered steel and lie close [6]

7. Head with broken tail under the lid [7]

8. Big ebb and flow before summer? [6, 4]

11. I lug rural cat around the farm [12]

14. Where they manage meals provided, and what are furnished [5-5]

17. Cis Ross’s arranged cutters [8]

19. For twenty or thirty years, perhaps, 50% of comrades follow a month short [7]

21. As grain is ground, instrument appears! [7]

22. Some lesser bias in the Balkans [6]

25. Cold composer [4]

Solution to Crossword 442

GUNS WANTED FOR CASH

SOS to all air rifles and pistols any make or model. Any condition. WE COLLECT IN ANY AREA, TOP PRICES PAID IN CASH

07970

Winner of the September Crossword is Mrs B Green of Tisbury who chose to spend the £15 Voucher at Sandy’s Furniture Warehouse, Gillingham.