The Visitor Magazine Issue 427 June 2019

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Issue 427 June 2019

HELP OUR PUFFINS! Join the Puffarazzi

RSPB’s innovative citizen science photography project returns.

To get involved visit: www.rspb.org.uk/projectpuffinUK Photo: Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)

FREE copy Your

9 – 11 Princes Street, YEOVIL, BA20 1EN Tel: 01935 428791

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In Passing ...

T

ourism is one of Visitorland’s most important industries, bringing vast amounts of cash into the local economy and supporting around 10% of jobs. It’s big business for the countless small businesses that are the industry’s backbone. Our corner of the west country has all the ingredients to appeal to people who want to explore beautiful countryside, attractive old towns and historic houses and gardens; who want to walk, ride horses or catch fish; who enjoy museums, exhibitions and performances.

Admittedly not much for the bucket-andspade trade, but the coast is within easy reach.

Tantalising rural images must surely catch the eye of passengers in cars speeding along the tarmac ribbon of the A303 or thundering through on an express train to the seaside resorts of Devon and Cornwall.

Our local businesses will be hoping to tempt some of them to divert off the A303 or alight from the train at Castle Cary, Sherborne or Yeovil Junction and discover Visitorland’s rich mix of attractions to visit, countryside to explore, places to stay, things to do, events to enjoy, town and village shops, pubs and restaurants to use. Hoping, too, that Visitorland residents will spend part of their holidays enjoying their home territory.

For Visitorland is rural England at its very best. Cradled in the gentle hills and vales south of the Mendips it’s an intimate tapestry of fields, orchards and woods that has evolved slowly down the centuries.

Within it, buildings of local stone sit naturally in the landscape from which they were hewn and small towns full of historical interest still retain a village atmosphere.

Here the rivers Yeo, Ile, Parrett and Brue meander seaward across lush lowlands to the Somerset Levels and the Stour winds its way down the verdant Blackmore Vale to the south coast. This is countryside that has evolved not for the visitor but for its own sustainment, where vibrant communities support countless business and social activities, where farming folk

work and care for the landscapes. Here the many benefits of the present embrace the enduring qualities of the past.

And Visitorland is perfect walking country with many hundreds of miles of footpaths, so there is no shortage of opportunities to escape the noise and bustle of modern life and enjoy our great outdoors.

And judging by the number of walkers I’ve seen already, they’re not just locals out for a breath of fresh air and exercise or simply walking their dogs. Many are visitors exploring our diverse landscapes or tackling long-distance routes like the Macmillan Way and the Parrett Trail – and spending their money here on food and overnight accommodation. With summer fast approaching it’s a good time to slow down, switch off the mobile phone and join them in enjoying the sights, sounds and scents of our local countryside.

NN.

Advertising Deadlines July Issue published Thursday 27th June - Deadline Friday 14th June

PO Box 1, Castle Cary Somerset BA7 7BG

Tel: (01963) 351256, 351998 Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk Website: www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk facebook.com/thevisitormagazine twitter.com/thevisitormag

Editor Max Dunion Advertising Julie Crowe

Managing Director Helen Dunion

© The Visitor Ltd. 2019

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

CONTENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLASSIFIED - 34 ANTIQUES - 27

CASTLE CARY - 12 CROSSWORD - 34 GARDENING - 30

GOLDEN YEARS - Care of the elderly 20 HOUSE & HOME - 16 LEISURE - 10

LOOKING GOOD - 11

MENTIONED in DISPATCHES - 4 MOTORING - 26 NOTE TO ADVERTISERS Advertisements are accepted subject to our standard terms and conditions as printed on our rate card, available upon request. We cannot guarantee any specific page or position, but will always do our best to comply with clients’ wishes.

ARTWORK Artwork & design by our production department and photographs taken by our photographers are the copyright of The Visitor Ltd.

Clients or agencies supplying artwork or images should send uncompressed TIFs, JPEGs or PDFs, 300 dpi minimum if actual size, or at a higher resolution if smaller than size required, along with a hard copy print-out.

For advertisement sizes see our Rate Card.

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

MUSIC for the MONTH - 28 NOTICE BOARD - 10 PAPERCHASE - 32

PHONE-A-FIRM - 32

PRODUCT REVIEW - 19 PUBS - 28

SITUATIONS VACANT - 26 SUDOKU - 10

SUMMER WEDDINGS - 24 THEY SAY - 28

Drawings by GEOFF THOMPSON

THE VISITOR June 2019 3

Mentioned in

Dispatches

A Stitch ‘Back’ In Time

Shrouds of the Somme is a unique new publication that chronicles the extraordinary work of Somerset artist Rob Heard, from a serious road accident near his home, to displaying his work at the state-of-the-art Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, home to the iconic London 2012 Games. Rob has received phenomenal worldwide media interest, for what is a truly amazing feat.

Rob’s initial installation, made entirely by himself, comprised six inch shrouded effigies that represented the losses on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, 1st July 1916. He developed this idea to represent the total unfound casualties of the entire battle which totaled 72,396. Their names are inscribed on the Thiepval Memorial in Northern France.

The book contains a foreword

by Princess Anne, who visited the installation in London last

4 THE VISITOR June 2019

November. Written by Rob’s wife Karina and Giles Adams, it chronicles the development of this remarkable and poignant project that is still continuing by way of The Pillar, which is a presentation containing up to 600 shrouds in a display case that is ideal for museums and other interior sites of interest.

‘The most moving and graphic depiction of the senseless death in the First World War that you can imagine’ Downton Abbey actor Jim Carter OBE, Patron Shrouds of the Somme.

‘The most remarkable First World War commemoration you will ever see’ BBC Presenter Dan Snow.

SSAFA Somerset is delighted to present, in association with the Shrouds of the Somme Project and Bath & West Enterprises Ltd, an evening with Rob Heard in the new Wessex Pavilion, Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet on Thursday 20th June.

This will be a unique opportunity to hear about Rob’s journey and inspiration behind Shrouds of the Somme.

Approximately 3,000 of the shrouds will be on display in the Main Ring to accompany this outstanding event. This is the first time that the shrouds will be displayed in Somerset, the

county of their creation.

Tickets are now available online at www.bathandwest. com/tickets priced at £29.95 to include two course evening meal.

Doors open at 6.30pm for 7.15pm talk start, followed by an interesting Q&A with Rob and supper. Rob will also be signing copies of the new book, Shrouds of the Somme, priced at £15.

(Very limited tickets available for just talk only £12.50).

Shrouds of the Somme, An evening with Rob Heard, Thursday 20th June at the Bath & West Showground.

Somerset Open Gardens 2019

Each year St Margaret’s Hospice organises the opening of private gardens across Somerset to raise funds for the Hospice.

This year over 50 gardens are taking part with the majority within The Visitor area of circulation. Full details can be found on their web site www.somerset-hospice. org.uk/glorious-somerset-gardens.

In the small hamlet of Coat there are three gardens open on the same day, Sunday June 23rd, as a group. For just one £5 ticket you can visit all three whilst walking through the pretty hamstone hamlet. Tea and cakes will be available at one of the gardens. The three gardens are quite different but all very interesting.

Ilminster Midsummer Experience 6th - 9th June

exstablished as a major tourist attraction, drawing people from f a r a nd wi d e t o I lm inst e r’ s historic town. There are many events covering the arts, music, exhibitions, markets and a family dog show and much much more.

The Classic Vehicle Show on Sunday attracts over 200 vehicles.

Many visitors come to see the famous Ilminster Flag Festival that runs for 4 weeks from the end of May with over 100 flags throughout the town celebrating many of the towns businesses and organisations, including stunning banners designed by local internationally renowned stained glass designers, Patrick and his son John Reytiens. Many free events. See the website for further details: www.ilminster experience.co.uk.

The Vintage Bazaar at The Cheese and Grain, Frome, Saturday June 22nd

The Vintage Bazaar is back in Frome at The Cheese and Grain on Saturday June 22nd for their much anticipated summer event.

This is a firm favourite with interior and fashion designers, makers, stylish enthusiasts and lovers of all things vintage. Make sure it’s firmly on the calendar as it doesn’t return to Frome until October 26th.

As well as lots of new stock fresh from the brocantes in France you can expect to find wonderful antique fashion/textiles, decorative antiques and handmade delights.

This is a wonderful opportunity to purchase from some of the very best vintage dealers and collectors as well as carefully chosen handmade designers too so don’t

The Ilminster Midsummer Experience has been running since 2008 and is firmly

THE VISITOR June 2019 5

Mentioned in

Dispatches miss out. Doors open at 9am. For more information visit the dedicated blog www.the vintagebazaar.blogspot.com or the FB/Instagram/Twitter pages.

Win tickets to The Royal Navy International Air Day 2019 on Saturday 13 July

Enter the draw to win a pair of adult tickets by answering the following question: Q. Where is Air Day held?

Send answers to: The Visitor

Airday Competition, PO Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BG or email info@thevisitor magazine.co.uk. Entries to be received by 14th June.

The Red Arrows will perform one of their last UK displays of the year at Air Day 2019 before they depart on their tour of North America. Photo: Peter R March.

Curry Rivel Open Gardens Sunday 9th June 2016 11.00am to 5.00pm

Curry Rivel has a wide variety of gardens on view, from five acres to handkerchief size. Two wild

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meadows will also be open, along with the allotments, the award winning War Memorial and Granny’s Garden that are part of Curry Rivel in Bloom. School children are making recycled plastic people which will be on display in the school garden for visitors to judge.

Curry Rivel entered South West in Bloom for the first time in 2017 when they won a silver medal and the City of Bath Trophy for the best landscaping for the redesigned war memorial. In 2018 they won Gold and the Cox Cup for best large village in the South West. They also won the cup for best community involvement and another for the best improvement!

This year they are in the National finals of Britain in Bloom!

The Big Breakfast runs from 8.30am to 12.30pm in the village

hall and cream teas are available from 2.00pm until 5.00pm.

Proceeds will go to village projects. Plant sales in several gardens. ÂŁ6.00 per adult, children under 16 free.

Tickets / programmes are available from the Curry Rivel BP Garage three weeks before the event and from the Village Hall from 9.30am on the day. Phone: 01458 762296. Curry Rivel, Somerset. Sat Nav postcode: TA10 0EL.

Families for Children Somerset Adoption Information Session Tuesday 18th June

Families for Children Trust is a Specialist Adoption Agency and charitable trust based in the South West.

They place vulnerable children from all over the UK with new adoptive families in Devon, Dorset, Cornwall, Somerset and the Isles of Scilly.

There is currently a real shortage of adopters coming forward and a growing number of children waiting for adoptive families.

Families for Children hold Adoption Information Sessions every month - the sessions help people to learn about becoming an adopter and how Families for

Mentioned in

Dispatches Children can support you for life.

The June session in Somerset is on: Tuesday 18th June, 10.00am to 12.00noon at Foot Anstey, 2000 Blackbrook Park Avenue, Taunton, TA1 2PX. To book please contact Families for Children on 01271 612004 or email devon@families forchildren.org.uk. For more information visit the website: www.familiesforchildren.org.uk.

John Leach Gallery at Muchelney Pottery 11th May -6th August: Angie Rooke & Chris Kampf

John Leach Gallery at Muchelney Pottery are delighted to welcome Angie and Chris back to the

8 THE VISITOR June 2019

gallery for a brand new exhibition.

Angie Rooke - Landscape Paintings 'The countryside of the South West is the main element of my paintings. Such is the beauty and mystery of this atmospheric landscape that I struggle to put my feelings for it into words and so I try to depict it with paint.

I sit at home throughout the year watching the same woods, hills and fields through my windows. The rolling by of the seasons, the coming and going of birds, the unfurling of new leaves, intense sunlight illuminating the trees against a steely sky- all these things are to be had for free.

I walk out into these landscapes and gaze back at home. To tread these familiar paths, to try to learn my surroundings is an everyday joy. To wander into neighbouring territories and different terrains inspires me further and my attempts to portray these wonderful places gives me an incalculable

John Leach Gallery at Muchelney Pottery welcome back Angie Rooke, Landscape Paintings and Chris Kampf, Metal Garden Sculptures 11th May - 6th August.

appreciation for our beloved West Country.'

Chris Kampf - Metal Garden Sculptures 'I set up a brand new studio in 2016 at my home providing some much needed space. My work grew in size often leading to alfresco welding! I take nature's beautiful designs and simplify them to create eye catching architectural structures that suit both the traditional and modern garden. My inspiration

predominantly comes from the Somerset countryside - roadside verges packed with grasses, cow parsleys and teasels. The stylised ferns and plant stems are unusual and their size gives them presence. The majority of my creations move in the breeze pleasingly.'

Gallery open Tuesday Saturday, 10-1, 2-4. Muchelney Pottery, Muchelney, Nr. Langport TA10 0DW www.john leachpottery.co.uk.

Left: Reflections - A Fresh Look.

New work by Moish Sokal at The Malthouse Gallery, East Lambrook Manor Gardens.

4th June - 21st July.

THE VISITOR June 2019 9

the interval. Tickets £12 from North Cadbury Shop, on the door or tel 01963 440642.

YEOVIL

June Notice Board BARTON ST DAVID

BARTON ST DAVID Carnival and Evening Entertainment (TA11 6BS) Sat 20, July 2019.

1.00pm - 11.30pm. Free entry.

Family Fun, Live Music, Bars, Food, Dog Show.

BRUTON

AURIN GIRLS' CHOIR from the Kodaly Music School, Hungary.

Concert on Wednesday 26 June, 7.30pm, St Mary's Church, Bruton. Tickets £7 in advance, £10 on the door, children free. Tel 01749 813161.

EAST LAMBROOK

FLOWER FESTIVAL, St James’s Church, East Lambrook, 8th, 9th 10th June, 2019. 10am – 5pm.

The Coming of the Holy Ghost.

MARSTON MAGNA

MIDSUMMER FAIR. A popular family event on Saturday 15th June in the Moat Field. Activities begin with a Duck Race at 2pm followed by the Stoke SubHamdon Brass Band, BBQ, licensed bar and the ever popular Dog Show at 3pm. Tea, crafts and much more! Tickets £1 for adults, under 16 free. For more information visit www. marstonmagnaparish.co.uk.

MARTOCK

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE - Martock Church 29th June. The Bath Gilbert & Sullivan Society present one of their liveliest and timeless comic operettas, The Pirates of Penzance. This operetta, set in Cornwall, has some of the most recognisable of all Gilbert and Sullivan’s songs. Guaranteed to be an inspiring and exciting evening. Time: 19:30 hrs, Admission: £12.00 or £10.00 at 01935 829576, www.martock online.co.uk/events, www. facebook.com/bathgands.

MILBORNE PORT

CRAFT & PAMPER FAYRE, Sunday 16th June, 10am - 4pm, Milborne Port Village Hall in aid

of local Cancer Support Group (SCARS).

MISTERTON

MISTERTON VILLAGE FETE, Saturday 22nd June, 12-6pm at the Recreation Ground. Postcode TA18 8NY. A traditional midsummer country fete for adults and children. Stalls, children's area and games, Punch and Judy, fancy dress, bouncy castle, country dancing, grand raffle, bingo, live exhibitions and music. BBQ, hog roast, snacks, drinks of all sorts and much more. The last 2 hours will focus on live music with food and drinks. Free Entry.

NORTH CADBURY

WEDNESDAY 19th JUNE, the Friends of St. Michael’s Church North Cadbury welcome back the Yeovilton Military Wives Choir.

7.30pm with wine and canapés in

Sudoku

50/50 SEQUENCE/Ballroom Dance with Mike Thackrell.

7.30pm - 10.30pm, Sunday 16th June at Milford Hall, Yeovil, BA21 4QD. Entry £5. Bring and share.

Tel 01935 424164. Funded by the Big Lottery Fund via a grant from Awards for All (England).

TUITION CLASSES, EASY SEQUENCE ballroom/latin & new sequence, Ballroom & latin for absolute beginners on now started on Wednesday mornings at 9.30am. Milford Hall, Yeovil, BA21 4QD. Entry £2. Tel 01935 424164. Funded by the Big Lottery Fund via a grant from Awards for All (England).

Advertise your July event here from just £5 for 20 words! (30p per additional word). Send details by 15th June to: The Visitor Notice Board, PO Box 1, Castle Cary, BA7 7BP or email: info@ thevisitormagazine.co.uk.

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.

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

1) 2) 3) 4) 5)

By John Osborne ★ Answers can be found on page 32

Who, with his band, sang all about 'Silly Love Songs'?

Name the boy band whose recent release is entitled 'Better Man' The 'Four Tops' once sang about 'Yesterday's … ' what?

Which bands debut single was 'All the Young Dudes'?

Who is the uncredited vocalist on the 'Python Lee Jackson' classic 'In a Broken Dream'?

6) Lyrics - 'The Mississippi Delta was shining like a National guitar'?

(Clue – it's the first line) 7) 'Child is Father to the Man' a 1968 debut album for which band?

8) 'Going Underground / Dreams of Children' was a 1980 Double A side by which band?

9) Name the Scot who says he has 'A Pencil Full of Lead'.

10) Which member of the vocal group 'The Mama's and Papa's' said 'It's Getting Better'?

Bonus question What band name as inspired by a character in the cult film 'Barbarella'?

Question impossible The 'Bay City Rollers' had a 1975 hit with 'Bye, Bye Baby' in 1975, but who took it into the American charts ten years earlier?

Great Quotes in Music (113) 'A song is anything that can walk by itself' – Bob Dylan

10 THE VISITOR June 2019

Family Health with

Jenna Evans Family Health Q&A

THIS MONTH we’ll tackle a question that has been coming my way a lot recently – the uses of flower essences.

Flower essences are considered a form of ‘vibrational medicine’ made from plants. The most well known of these essences were created by Dr Edward Bach in the 1930’s. Dr Bach was a Harley Street physician who became dissatisfied with the way medicine treated disease without any thought for the sufferer. He believed in treating the person not just the disease and also understood how our emotional and mental states can affect our physical well being. Inspired by Homeopathic principles he set out to form remedies from plant material that

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he considered purer than homeopathic remedies – homeopathy uses plant and animal tissue as well as diseases to form medicines from the principle of ‘like cures like’. Lets take a quick tour of the remedies.

Agrimony – For those who hide their troubles behind a cheerful exterior. Will go to great lengths to avoid disharmony.

Aspen – For fear of the unknown. Anxiety for no known reason.

Beech – For perfectionists who are easily critical and intolerant of others.

Centaury – For those who find it hard to say “no” and are easily influenced.

Cerato – For those who doubt their own abilities and often seek out advice and approval from others.

Cherry Plum – For fear of losing control of the body or mind.

Chestnut Bud – For those who fail to learn from their experiences and continually make the same mistakes.

Chicory – For over concern for the welfare of others to the point of being demanding and possessive.

Clematis – For daydreamers who have trouble living in the now.

Indifference.

Crab Apple – For those who suffer from feelings of self disgust, shame or low self esteem. The ‘detox’ remedy for body and mind.

Elm – Feeling overburdened which leads to depression and despondency.

Gentian – When small setbacks cause one to feel discouraged and self doubting. Those prone to despondency and a pessimistic outlook.

Gorse – Hopelessness and

despair. For those who feel no more can be done for them.

Heather – For those who like to tell others about their difficulties whenever they can. Will become unhappy if left alone for any length of time.

Holly – For those who become consumed with feelings of hatred, envy, jealousy or suspicion.

Honeysuckle – Living in the past, nostalgia, homesickness. Not expecting to experience the happiness they have had before.

Hornbeam – Feeling world weary. “Monday Morning” feeling.

Need strengthening mentally or physically to cope with the burdens in life.

Impatiens – Irritability and impatience. For those who act and think quickly and so expect everyone else to be the same.

Larch – Lack of confidence.

Expectation of failure even though they are capable people.

Mimulus – For fear of known origins such as darkness, illness or fear of others leading to shyness.

Mustard – Black depression or gloom that descends for no apparent reason and makes it impossible to feel happy.

Oak – Despair but unceasing effort. For those who never give up whatever the setback. The opposite of Gorse types they stay hopeful “struggling on”.

Olive – Complete mental and physical exhaustion. Life seems hard and without joy.

Pine – Self-blame and guilt.

Even when successful these people feel that they could have done better.

Red Chestnut – Excessive fear for the well being of others. If someone was late home they would immediately think the worst.

Rock Rose – For terror and panic. A good emergency remedy for fright.

Rock Water – Martyrdom. Selfrepression. These people may shun pleasurable things in life and drive themselves excessively hard.

Scleranthus – For hesitancy and indecision.

Star of Bethlehem – After effects of shock both mental and physical.

Sweet Chestnut – Extreme mental anguish. For those who have reached the limits of their endurance and are overcome with despair.

Vervain – Strong willed people who often push themselves beyond their limits. They may live on their

nerves. Stress and strain.

Vine – Dominating, inflexible people who may ride roughshod over others and are always confident they are right.

Walnut – For periods of transition – new house, job, relationship etc. Helps to break links from the past and protect from outside influences.

Water Violet – Quiet people who may appear proud and aloof.

They often like to be alone.

White Chestnut – Persistent unwanted thoughts, mental chatter. A helpful remedy if you’re kept awake by your mind going around in circles.

Wild Oat – Dissatisfaction with life but unable to work out what to do or which path to follow.

Wild Rose – Resignation, apathy. These people tend not to complain but do not put much effort into changing their circumstances either.

Willow – Bitterness. For those who are resentful and blame everyone and everything except themselves. The ‘Why me?’ attitude.

I’m sure we all recognise ourselves – and others – in the above! Remember you can mix a few different remedies together if there is more than one issue you would like to target. For more in depth information on how to use these floral friends, pop into Ceres or consult with a flower essence therapist.

Jenna Evans © 2019.

● Jenna is an 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.

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THE VISITOR June 2019 11

CASTlE CAry was certainly looking inviting when I visited on a mild morning in early May. And the excellent shops were certainly bustling. Traditional trades still thrive in the busy shopping streets, and the multiplicity of independent retailers selling high-quality goods and offering friendly personal service appeared to be attracting

visitors from far and wide as well as catering for local needs.

Attractive old shopfronts add period charm to the town centre, and seldom does a shop here remain vacant for long. No sooner does a business close down than another moves in to fill the space, almost always a small specialist business aiming to fill a niche in the market.

Every Tuesday the cobbled forecourt and undercroft of the Market House revert to their original role.

Talking of markets, my visit coincided with Market Day. Every Tuesday the cobbled forecourt and undercroft of the Market House revert to their original role – and attract a goodly number of stallholders and customers. Usually these include a fishmonger, a traditional baker, a greengrocer and stalls selling local meat, cheeses and chutneys, wool and haberdashery, soaps and smellies, clothing and more.

Next to the Market House, at the bottom of The Pitchings, a very tempting delicatessen and wine store currently occupies the former Angel pub which closed around 60 years ago. But opposite the Market

House is one of Cary’s current sadnesses. The closure of a business that had been part of the townscape for more than a century is indeed sad, and it shows in the sorry sight of the empty premises of the longestablished grocery next to the George Hotel.

Martin’s, the ‘purveyors of fine food and wine’, was undoubtedly established in 1875 as stated on the shop fascia – but not there. It started life in South Cary and in 1890 opened a branch in the little shop next door to its final site. In that year Kelly’s Directory lists Cornelius Martin, grocer, Market Place and South Cary. The business didn’t move into the present shop

Castle Cary Post Office

Offices at: Castle Cary, Shepton Mallet and Cheddar The Old Exchange, Church Street, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7EJ Tel: 01963 350888 • Fax: 01963 351107 castlecary@bgw-solicitors.co.uk www.bgw-solicitors.co.uk

12 THE VISITOr June 2019

Cards ★ Stationery ★ Soft Toys Medici ★ Ling ★ Caspari ★ Woodmansterne Noel Tatt ★ Lamy Pens Euros & Dollars on Site: all other currency next day ★ Passport Checking ★ Top-Ups ★ Travel Insurance ★ International Driving Permit Bill Payment – Car Tax – Post Office Homephone – etc.

Bailey Hill, Castle Cary. Tel: (01963) 350237

The grey stone of the former bank building contrasts but doesn’t conflict with the honey-coloured stone of the adjacent restaurant.

until 1917, and there have been many owners since then, still trading under the banner Martin’s.

In 2003 it was acquired by Terry and Melanie Philpott who, in 2005, received the first ever Independent Community Retailer of the Year Award in that year’s prestigious national Retail Industry Awards, the industry’s Oscars. And in 2011 they reached the finals of that year’s Taste of Somerset Awards in the ‘best independent food shop’ section. They consistently maintained the shop’s original reputation for high quality and choice and placed particular emphasis on stocking local produce.

Their shop will be much missed,

but I doubt whether the premises will be empty for long.

Those of the NatWest Bank that closed a couple of years ago have been snapped up and put to a new use as a gallery of contemporary art. The building dates from the mid-1850s when a branch of Stuckeys Bank opened on the site.

This langport-based banking business thrived and the Castle Cary branch was enlarged and given its elegant baroque-style frontage in 1891, on which the Stuckeys Bank name has recently been carved above the entrance in place of the NatWest branding. The grey ashlar stonework of the frontage contrasts with the honey-

coloured local stone of the adjacent Bakehouse restaurant and coffee shop but doesn’t spoil the street scene. The hope must now be that someone will find a new use for the more recently-closed Barclays Bank building on the prominent Fore Street/Market Place junction.

It’s not just the shops that were bustling when I visited – the town was bustling, too, in the sense of being busy with plenty going on. A quick glance at the noticeboard by the post office showed it to be overflowing with posters promoting a wide range of activities, events and organisations – a sure sign of a vibrant community. So I was

surprised to see that the Horsepond Inn has now closed again. This pub on the Triangle at the bottom of Fore Street had long been a popular ‘local’ noted for its range of pub games, its pub grub and its overnight accommodation, but it closed early last year. After extensive refurbishment it reopened in the late summer, but now it has closed again and the freehold is for sale.

It’s a pub with a long history so its closure is another of Cary’s current sadnesses. The premises were built and opened in the mid1760s and named The Britannia in the 1790s. Before the coming of

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THE VISITOr June 2019 13

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the railways it served as a coaching inn, and after the railway reached the town it became a posting house for goods and passengers to the station. The name was changed to the Horsepond Inn in 1992. It would indeed be sad to see its permanent closure after having traded for more than 250 years.

Fortunately the town still has three

fine pubs to cater for the needs of drinkers – The George on the Market Place, the White Hart on Fore Street and the Bay Tree on South Street in South Cary. And it is well-provided with characterful cafés and restaurants offering a wide choice of fare for those wanting coffee or lunch.

The face of almost every

Castle Cary has a multiplicity of independent retailers selling highquality goods.

shopping centre has changed down the years, partly in response to people’s changing shopping habits, partly to counter the competition from out-of-town retail parks, mail order and internet shopping, and partly to tap into an affluence undreamt of until the 1960s. Castle Cary is no exception, but despite the changes it has been successful in retaining the charm and bustle of a thriving old market town. It will surely survive the recent closure of two of its oldest businesses.

Roger Richards.

Castle Cary Choir Concerts Event Information

Friday 7th June, 7.30pm - All Saints Church, Kingweston with acclaimed local organist Malcolm Gregory.

Tickets £10, including refreshments, from lowerfarm@btconnect.com or (01458) 223237. Fundraising for the joint parish Churches of Kingweston and Keinton Mandeville. Friday 28th June, 7.30pm - Holy Trinity Church Street, Parish Church. Tickets £6, available from Crispin Community Centre, Street and on the door.

To find out more about fundraising, future events and to join the choir, please call John roberts on 07970 039007 or check out their website at www. castlecarychoir.org.

Why not treat your health condition the natural way?

Heal and Sole Holistics located in Castle Cary, specialise in reflexology, reiki, EFT Tapping and Indian Head Massage.

These complementary therapies are holistic and non-intrusive. They are deeply relaxing, reduce stress and tension and can bring relief to a wide range of acute and chronic conditions.

For centuries holistic therapies have been used as powerful forms of natural healing and today many people use them for help with specific symptoms or conditions including: Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Depression, Addictions, PTSD, Bereavement, Asthma, Eczema, Headaches, Sciatica, Back Pain, Joint Pain, Muscle Pain, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Poor Circulation, lymphoedema, IBS, Digestive Disorders, Fertility, Pregnancy, PMT, Menopausal Symptoms, Fears and Phobias, the effects of Trauma and Abuse, Sports Injuries, Post-Operative recovery, Cancer Support and many other chronic diagnosed health conditions.

For more information about Heal and Sole Holistics, their range of therapies and how they can benefit you, please give them a ring on 01963 350639 or visit their website www.healandsole.co.uk.

Manor Lodge Health & Beauty Clinic

Manor lodge Health & Beauty Clinic has been in the current location near the Horse Pond since 2001 and established in Castle Cary for thirty years.

Diana, Mary and their team of fully qualified therapists offer the opportunity to escape the pressures of daily life in a relaxing and friendly environment. From everyday essential treatments to

MAX FOOTE Associates Ltd

Chartered Certified Accountants and Registered Auditors 26 Lower Woodcock Street Castle Cary BA7 7BH Tel: 01963 351052

Business and limited company accounts, self assessment tax returns, VAT, Payroll, Book-keeping and Training Personal and professional service

14 THE VISITOr June 2019

luxury facial and body sessions the team aim to give the very best experience.

Their twice monthly cosmetic surgery clinics have become very popular with treatments ranging from Botox to Dermaroller and carried out by a visiting doctor.

Appointments can be booked online from the website, Facebook or by downloading the app.

Delaware Vets

The whole team at Delaware Veterinary Group have been busy behind the scenes planning and organising their Open Day which will be held on Sunday 14th July at the Castle Cary practice between 11am and 4pm.

They are celebrating being at Fulford House for 20 years this July, although many of you know Delaware Veterinary Group has been around for over 100 years!

They have an amazing Open Day committee made up of members of staff from all different areas within the practice who will be making

14th July 2019 a day to remember.

Just as a sneak peek they have Cary Alpacas, Brookbarn Canine rehabilitation, Shampooch Grooming and Canine Companion Fly Ball attending plus many more.

There will be lots of competitions and prizes to be won on the day, not to mention the tours of the practice and talks from special guests throughout the day. There will be something for all age groups, so keep an eye out on their Facebook page for more updates!

Galhampton Country Store has a range of Westland lawn care products as well as garden and landscaping supplies.

THE VISITOr June 2019 15

Unhealthy Homes: 1 in 5 Tenants Believe They’ve Fallen Ill Due To Issues With Their Property

A brand-new study has revealed that as many as one fifth of renters in the UK have developed an

illness due to issues related to their properties, with damp, mould and lack of heating the most likely causes of sickness.

The survey, from in-home specialists at www.hillarys.co.uk, asked 2,092 UK renters if they’d

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16 THE VISITOr June 2019

ever developed an illness or medical condition that they believe occurred as a result of a problem within a rented home, such as faulty pipes, mould, damp or lack of adequate heating devices.

Almost one fifth (19%) of respondents disclosed that they had suffered with a medical complaint related to their home.

The issues most likely to have

afflicted tenants emerged to be colds/the flu (29%), asthma attacks (22%), allergic reactions (18%), chest infections (14%) and eczema flare-ups (12%).

Of this 19%, the majority (47%) had needed to visit their GP or pharmacist for treatment, whilst 38% confessed they ignored the problem until it went away. The remaining 15% shared with

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researchers that their complaint was so severe it required a trip to A&E or hospitalisation.

When asked to disclose what they believed caused their illness, the most common answers were revealed as follows: lack of central heating in bedrooms – 15%, Mould in bathrooms – 9%, Damp in living rooms – 7%, leaks from windows - 5%, Mould in kitchens – 4%.

Of those who’d developed an illness, the vast majority (81%) had spoken to their landlords highlighting the problem that they believed had caused the issue, with just a quarter of these tenants (26%) stating that anything had been done to fix the underlying issue. A further 1 in 10 (11%) stated that they decided to pay to fix the problem, despite it not being their financial responsibility.

Of the 74% who disclosed that their landlords refused to fix the illness-causing problems, two thirds stated that they no longer lived in the home that had caused their medical issue.

Tara Hall, spokesperson for www.hillarys.co.uk, said the following: ‘Mould and damp are proven to cause negative health effects in a lot of people, so living

with these for a prolonged period certainly wouldn’t be recommended. However, when you’re in a rented home it can be trickier getting these issues dealt

with as quickly as you’d like. These results are particularly worrying as it seems like a majority of tenants are struggling to get these issues fixed at all’.

THE VISITOr June 2019 17

SJH Carpets, Wincanton

J2 Tiles of Yeovil don’t just sell beautiful tiles and bathrooms; they also have a great range of waterproof shower boards in a wide range of finishes. As shown in this wetroom, they offer a versatile material for making useful alcoves and creating a streamlined look with no grout joints to maintain. A fantastic option for low-maintenance bathrooms, they’re an ideal option to incorporate into one of J2’s VAT-free disabled access bathrooms. Visit their two-floor showroom or call them today for expert advice and to book a free survey and consultation.

18 THE VISITOr June 2019

SJH Carpets have a wonderful selection of carpets and flooring including naturals, vinyls, woods, laminates, tiles and luxury vinyl tiles (including Karndean, Moduleo and Harvey Maria).

They offer a free measuring and fitting service on bespoke curtains, shutters and blinds, and work with Luxaflex and Tropical Blinds to provide the latest designs, technology and safest window coverings available.

The fabric department in Wincanton has an extensive fabric library stocking Prestigious Textiles and Chatsworth Fabrics. They supply and fit Roger Oates runners, Crucial Trading floorcoverings, rubber flooring and all traditional carpets.

Their knowledgeable staff can assist you through the difficult selection process and help you choose the right product that best suits your needs. They deliver and install at a price that

competes with all the national chains.

Customer satisfaction means everything to SJH, and they offer their full attention from selection through to end of installation care. They have local, employed fitters and 20 years plus industry experience. For a new look in 2019 call SJH Carpets today and get your free estimate for your upcoming project.

www.myhomemaker.shop.

Contact 01747 851476 for the Shaftesbury branch or 01985 219200 for the Warminster store.

The Visitor

CAN BE READ ONLINE

www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Appliance Sale at Homemaker of Shaftesbury and Warminster

With kitchen showrooms in both Shaftesbury and Warminster Homemaker’s designers will work with you to produce the kitchen of your dreams. They can advise you until you are totally happy with your selection and design, as they want you to be sure of your choice. Their experienced kitchen designers are there for you and will go that extra mile to make your dream kitchen a reality. Their kitchen designers will reflect in your design their experience with ergonomics and the optimum utilization of your space. They also help you with up to date trends in design or how to use the latest appliances. Their kitchen designers are creative and flexible. The possibilities really are unlimited.

Trust the experts for a huge range of household appliances including freestanding and built in from washing machines and fridge freezers to kettles and toasters from leading manufacturers. Many items in the clearance sale including the on display range cookers.

Check out their new website to view all the latest deals and H products available in-store at

Product Review

By Tech Expert B Hansson

Optimise Your Workspace with Bakker Elkhuizen’s Premium Office Arm

Our WINCANTON FABRIC & WALLPAPER DEPARTMENT offers ...

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Bespoke Curtain & Blind Service Shutters Poles and Tracks Wallpaper Chatsworth Fabrics Professional Prestigious Textiles & Helpful Advice Design Forum Fabrics

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■ Woods ■ Vinyls ■ LVTs: Karndean, Moduleo, Harvey Maria + many other manufacturers

ROLL STOCK Vinyls, Carpets now available!

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High Street, Tisbury, SP3 6LD  01747 871178 The Old Post Office, 38 North Street, Langport, TA10 9RH 10:25 Page 1 01458 887301

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An exciting expansion in Bakker Elkhuizen’s existing product range, the Premium Office Arm enables users to optimise their working environment by freeing up valuable desk space.

Easily adjustable and flexible positioning makes the Premium Office Arm a must-have for the busy desk worker.

With it’s gas spring, it can handle monitors up to 12kg in weight features a clamp able to fit on up to 80mm thick surfaces.

It has a depth range of 520mm and a height range of 450mm making it impossible for you not to find the perfect monitor position.

Using a monitor positioned too low can strain the neck, while placing it too high can also cause you problems.

More importantly, the adjustablity of depth allows optimal viewing distance at all times - reducing eye strain.

Being comfortable in your working position improves productivity and general wellbeing.

The monitor arm can turn 180 degrees on any of the joints, meaning you can swivel to show a colleague what you are working on without disrupting everything else on your desk.

Particularly handy is the builtin smart cable management system that keeps all cables together, tidy, and able to move with the monitor without getting tangled.

For more information on the Premium Office Single Monitor Arm which costs £183.95, or the Premium Office Dual Monitor Arm which costs £330.95, please visit the Bakker Elkhiuizen website at www.bakker elkhuizen.co.uk.

THE VISITOr June 2019 19

Age UK Somerset to train volunteers to teach Shibashi Tai Chi, as part of their ongoing Falls Prevention Programme for older people

The facts about falls are readily available, as considerable research has been done into both their causes and prevention. A recent article by Age UK (Falls Prevention Exercise – following the evidence) documents this evidence in detail. The statistics are alarming. For example, falls in people over 65 years account for 4 million bed days each year in England alone and injurious falls, including 70,000 hip fractures annually, are the leading cause of accident-related mortality in older people. Falls can also destroy confidence, increase isolation and reduce independence, with around 1 in 10 older people who fall becoming afraid to leave their homes in case they fall again.

Crucially, evidence also shows that a tailored exercise programme can reduce falls by as much as 54%. Effective programmes must

20 THE VISITOr June 2019

Evidence shows that a tailored exercise programme can reduce falls by as much as 54%.

challenge balance, improve strength, be progressive and carried out by appropriately trained instructors.

In Somerset, Age UK Somerset is actively involved in running Falls Prevention classes, working with Somerset Public Health to implement the Otago programme – called Stay Strong Stay Steady.

This is an evidence based exercise programme, developed at the University of Otago Medical School in New Zealand. Age UK Somerset provides these classes across the county, including in yeovil, Chard, Bruton and Glastonbury. These

specially developed classes are run by qualified instructors and are accessed by referral only.

Many participants successfully progress from Stay Strong Stay Steady classes to other sessions, in particular those that continue to challenge their balance. The charity has recognised that it is vitally important to ensure that appropriate “follow on” classes are available in all areas where existing falls prevention classes are held. It has recently successfully bid for funding from the National lottery Awards and is now recruiting volunteers for an

extensive training programme across Somerset.

Volunteers will take part in a free training programme – the first will start in July - which will enable them to lead a Shibashi Tai Chi Qi Gong class in their community. This specialised Shibashi form means ‘18 moves’ in Chinese. It is easy to learn and its effects are proven, helping to improve the balance, co-ordination and strength of participants. The improvement in physical ability, and correlating increase in selfconfidence, can significantly reduce the risk of a having a fall. Age UK Somerset’s programme is unique and independent. Successful candidates will be fully trained and then supported to run classes in their community on behalf of the charity.

For more information about any of Age UK Somerset’s existing classes or to find out more about the Volunteer training, please contact them directly on 01823 345626. www.ageuksomerset. org.uk.

Bramley Care - Complete Care Solutions

Bramley Care specialises in providing bespoke, flexible care solutions that allow you to choose how you wish to be cared for, whether in the comfort of your own home, through Bramley Home Care, or in one of their luxury residential care homes, The Old rectory in Stalbridge or Bramley House in Mere.

Bramley Home Care, with offices in Shaftesbury and Sherborne, provides made-tomeasure personal care in your home, enabling you to stay independent for as long as possible. Bramley House and The Old rectory are there for when staying at home is no longer possible, providing compassionate residential and dementia care of the highest quality. For more details, telephone 01747 855844 or visit www.bramleycare.com.

Mendip Mobility, Street & Trowbridge

Mendip Mobility ltd aim to provide excellent service and quality value for money products to their customer base across Somerset and Wiltshire. With two local retail outlets containing their extensive range of quality branded mobility products,

customers are able to see the equipment first hand and receive professional help from knowledgeable staff.

Mendip Mobility ltd are keen to spend time with everyone who comes through their doors. They will discuss your options and needs and provide demonstrations both in store and at home to make sure the products you purchase suit your individual requirements. Please see their advert for further details.

collect and administer medication, they will gladly do so.

They want residents to maintain their way of life, whilst knowing that help is available whenever they need it. Above all,

treat Beechwood House as your home. Please call Sandra Barclay, Manager, on 01935 472793 for more details or if you would like to visit. you would be most welcome.

Beechwood House, Yeovil

Set in large gardens, Beechwood House Care Home in yeovil, provides a very high standard of residential care for 28 elderly people, all having ground level, en-suite rooms. Established for over 20 years, their aim is to provide a caring and comfortable home for people who feel unable or do not wish to live on their own any longer.

Two sitting rooms and conservatories allow residents to enjoy either personal time, to meet visitors or to participate in the activities on offer. The cooks prepare excellent home-cooked meals and special dietary requirements are catered for.

Should you require them to order,

The beautiful gardens at Beechwood House.

Care Home, Yeovil • 24hr personal care • Own ensuite basin & toilet • Large accessible gardens • Medication managed if required • Full social activities programme

Call SANDRA BARCLAY, Manager on 01935 472793 for an informal chat 60 West Coker Road, Yeovil BA20 2JA email: info@beechwoodcarehome.co.uk • www.beechwoodcarehome.co.uk

THE VISITOr June 2019 21

Hart Mobility, Yeovil

Hart Mobility is a family run business based in yeovil, Somerset and it’s hard to believe they have owned the shop for 10 years. Most of their business is by word of mouth and recommendation. They stock Mobility scooters, new and pre owned, wheelchairs, rise and recline chairs, stairlifts, daily aids and so much more. Servicing and repairs available too. Free parking is available and good old fashioned great customer service.

Drop in for a free demonstration

or a browse. They look forward to welcoming you.

Suttons Stairlifts

Suttons Stairlifts is a family-run business dedicated to providing a fair and ethical service with a nopressure selling policy. They offer a range of new or refurbished Handicare stairlifts, either straight or curved throughout the West Country.

All prices include full installation plus a comprehensive guarantee. They also offer a rental option for straight stairlifts as well

as servicing and safety checks, repairs and removals.

Handicare stairlifts offer features such as a powered swivel seat and powered folding footplate allowing you to operate these functions at the touch of a button.

All Handicare stairlifts have safety sensors on the power pack and footplate which are designed to stop the lift if it meets any obstruction.

They will visit you to survey the staircase and conduct a user assessment leaving you the leaflets and prices so you can make the decision in your own time.

With their inclusive and comprehensive 12 or 24 month warranty and 365 day coverage you can be assured of a first-class and personal service.

Highfield House, Castle Cary

HartMobility Yeovil Disability & Mobility Products

We offer the best service and the lowest prices in the

South West

★ New Scooter £595

★ Road Legal Scooter £1,495 ★ Reclining Chairs from £595

Daily Living Aids Bath Lifts Walking Aids Wheelchairs Power Chairs Stair Lifts

01935 421111

E FRE NCE A R l INSU d lega oa for r sers u

Pre-owned mobility scooters and wheelchairs also available

1 Camborne Grove (Lyde Road) YEOVIL BA21 5DG www.hartmobility.co.uk

Scooter Servicing from £35 • FREE parking • FREE battery testing

22 THE VISITOr June 2019

HIGHFIELD HOUSE

Outstanding & Award Winning Residential Care Home We are a passionate about providing EXCELLENT care and support in a homely environment.

Situated in the centre of Castle Cary we benefit from all the delights that Castle Cary has to offer within a short walk. Our calibre of staff is second to none and we are here to cater for each and every individual person.

Please feel free to contact us for any further information.

Telephone: 01963 350697 Email: manager@highfieldhouse.net www.highfieldhousecastlecary.com

★ NEXT DAY DELIVERY ● ● ● ● ● ●

Highfield House is completely dedicated to involving the people who live there in excellent care and support received by listening to, and acting upon people’s feed back. At the heart of Highfield House are their concerns for each person’s happiness, health, safety,

Get out this summer: Could an outdoor stairlift installed by Suttons Stairlifts help you?

well-being and dignity. This is reflected by the Outstanding rating they have from CQC in the areas of Caring and Well-led.

Their vision is to be a leader in providing a responsive care service where the standard of care and calibre of staff are second to none.

The mission is to provide a safe, warm and friendly environment where excellent person-centred care is offered and where staff appreciate the unique qualities of each individual living at Highfield House.

St Johns’ House, Sherborne

An architectural gem St Johns’ House has, for many centuries, stood at the centre of the historic abbey town of Sherborne, a wellloved town with a warm community spirit.

The House is a Grade I listed Building set within its own courtyard and gardens which stands at the entrance to Sherborne Abbey Close. It offers one of the most historically interesting and comfortable residential homes in the area.

Their residents live in a beautiful building close to shops and local amenities and above all, have the chance to enjoy the

St. JOHNS’ HOUSE Residential Home, Sherborne, Dorset St Johns’ is a beautiful house in the centre of an historical town, for persons above pension age to live.

All of our rooms are ensuite and unfurnished.

A monthly contribution is payable to include all meals, housekeeping and laundry. We are not a care or nursing home, but promote independent living for all residents who are in good health with good mobility. Residents from all areas accepted.

You are welcome to visit to have a look around or to have a short stay in our Guest Room, just give us a call.

● Please contact: 01935 813245 or email: assistantmanagers@hotmail.co.uk We currently have two rooms available

company of others and make new friendships in a safe, warm and homely environment.

Ross at Bluebird Care is a Dementia Friends Champion

ross Perkins, Director of Bluebird Care is currently celebrating reaching 500 Dementia Friends. ross commented: ‘I decided to become a Dementia Friends Champion shortly after taking up my role as Director of Bluebird Care.

‘I felt that my own knowledge of the subject was lacking and I wanted to know more about a subject that has such an impact on so many people.

‘I started off delivering the sessions to Bluebird Care staff, then went on to deliver sessions to many different partner agencies e.g. GP’s and Nurses at Health Centres, Community Matrons, Housing staff, Pharmacy staff, Business owners and many more.

I still deliver the way I was initially trained as it is effective in every way!

‘The most impactful part of my information sessions is the bookcase analogy. It can be hard to get across, but when it does people are really affected by it. The sessions have been very thoughtfully designed to explain

the subject of Dementia to a wide range of audiences. My favourite part of being a Champion is knowing that I am making a difference, getting the message out to people about the illness and reducing the stigma surrounding it. ‘recently I delivered 2 sessions to Social Care students at Weymouth college, which actually proved to be quite challenging. The

audiences in both sessions were very engaged and we had some great contributions and participation.

‘I am proud to say we made nearly 50 new Dementia Friends in one day. I wish I could do that every day!

‘I am currently celebrating reaching 500 dementia friends and am looking forward to the next 500!’

Ross Perkins, Director at Bluebird Care is celebrating reaching 500 Dementia Friends.

THE VISITOr June 2019 23

Shirley Allum Fashions and Lingerie, Shaftesbury

Shirley Allum Fashions and lingerie of Shaftesbury stock wedding and cruise wear, with stunning hats and fascinators in a rainbow of colours. Michaela Louisa occasion wear is one of their best selling collections for mothers of the bride, wedding guests and race goers. Not forgetting Frank Walder and Doris Streich (available in sizes 16-28) who also offer superb collections this season and are in stock now.

There are over 2500 pairs of trousers sizes 8-28 in stock with brands including NYDJ, Robell, Laurie, and many more.

For easy casual wear this season, Sahara has a wide choice of ethical clothing to suit all shapes, skin tones, ages and personal styles. Mat de Misaine from France gets more popular every year with that easy to wear style.

The shoe department is expanding with new brands Wolky for those tired feet, still

in stock Fitflop, Birkenstock, Fly, Ugg and Riva.

Don’t forget the lingerie department, with free fully qualified bra fitters, 7 out of 10 woman are in the wrong size bra, are you one of them?

Come and visit Shirley and her friendly staff who are there to help, you will be amazed at the choice this season.

An extensive selection of hats available for hire at Hooper’s Hat Hire of Yeovil.

Hooper’s Hat Hire of Yeovil

One of the many hats in stock at Shirley Allum Fashions & Lingerie, Shaftesbury.

For hats, hatinators or fascinators visit Hooper’s Hats in yeovil.

Sally has an extensive collection exclusive to her and if you cannot find what you are looking for, Sally can make you something to complement your outfit to purchase.

With lots of helpful advice on offer you will find Hooper’s a pleasurable experience. Clutch bags can also be hired to match.

Sally is currently updating her website (www.hoopershats.co.uk), this is why it has been offline pop back soon and browse through her Gallery for a small sample of what is on offer, or telephone to make an appointment, on 01935 706555.

Bellissimo Occasion Wear & Dress Agency

When your son or daughter is getting married it can be a stressful time for mums to find something

comfortable to wear on such an important day.

Caroline at Bellissimo Occasion wear (formerly from Ilminster) can help you with all kinds of designer outfits for any special occasion.

Specialising in weddings and Mother of the Bride/Groom.

In a relaxed shopping experience, Caroline can ease you out of your comfort zone and help you to feel elegant and special so when you look in the mirror you are proud to be mum!

Bellissimo also stocks hats, fascinators, shoes and bags, all at an affordable price. Based at 38 Market Street, Bridgwater, just off of Angel Place car park.

Appointments are advised as it can get very busy but appointment times can be flexible to suit you.

Open: Thursday 11am-4pm Fridays and Saturdays 10am-4pm.

All other times throughout the week by appointment only.

Friendly relaxed atmosphere. To

Bellissimo Boutique Somerset

Mother of the Bride/Groom Wedding Guest Outfits Day to Evening Wear Race Day, Summer Dresses Hats, Fascinators, Shoes

Tel Caroline: 07783138736 caz.bellissimo@gmail.com

Hooper’s Hat Hire YEOVIL

24 THE VISITOr June 2019

01935 706555 • www.hoopershats.co.uk

book your appointment ring Caroline on 07783138736 message text or email caz.bellissimo @gmail.com. Bellissimo look forward to hearing from you.

Join the facebook page and keep up to date with any offers and events.

Preview, Wincanton

Whether you’re dressing for a wedding, ladies Day at the races, a royal garden party, or indeed any event, Preview of Wincanton have stunning hats, bags and shoes to complement your outfit.

They hold Failsworth and Jane Anne Designs hats, and can order

styles and colours in for you if they don’t have what you’re looking for in stock. royal Ascot’s Style Guide advises that hats should be worn, but that a headpiece which has a solid base of 4 inches or more in diameter is acceptable as an alternative to a hat. Preview holds beautiful fascinators on bands in a rainbow of colours. Fascinators from just £19, hats from £49.

When it comes to matching shoes and bags, Preview have a gorgeous collection, offering comfort and style in a wide range of sizes and colours, with lunar shoes starting from £59.

Preview offers a warm, friendly and professional welcome in a relaxed environment for you to browse and try on their extensive range. Open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm.

Fashion Boutique Market Place • Wincanton  01963 31676

www.previewwincanton.co.uk Caroline at Bellissimo Occasion Wear in Bridgwater can help you with all kinds of designer outfits for any special occasion.

Specialising in weddings and Mother of the Bride/Groom.

Failsworth Hats Spring/Summer 2019 collection now available at Preview, Wincanton.

Race Days Royal Garden Parties Mother of the Bride & Groom

Ward & Sibley Jewellers of Yeovil, offer a comprehensive range of engagement and wedding rings.

Chill-Out Somerset

For all your refrigerated trailer requirements, outside events, etc.

CONTACT : Martyn Jones 07973 433586

EMAIL : chilloutsomerset @yahoo.com

Exclusive to Wincanton.

Discover a unique customer service in relaxed surroundings with carefully chosen collections to suit ladies from size 10 to 18. Fabulous hats & Fascinators and comfortable shoes with bags to match.

A warm & friendly welcome awaits you.

WARD & SIBLEY The Jewellers of Yeovil

Where quality and personal service count

Extensive Range of Wedding Rings Special Orders Undertaken Wide Range of Bridesmaid, Page Boy & Best Man Gifts Jewellery Cleaning – ensuring your engagement ring sparkles on your big day All types of Jewellery Repairs Undertaken — Established for over 70 Years —

THE CASKET, 103 MIDDLE STREET, YEOVIL Tel: 01935 474065 Car Park at Rear for customers while visiting the shop

THE VISITOr June 2019 25

MOTOR VINTAGE Motorcycling

JUNE ALREADY and nearly half the year gone. The start of summer is here and let us hope it lives up to the name of 'Flaming June'. Lots of events to tempt us so more on these later.

I start this month with my picture, which is a little different from my norm. You must decide either that this is a very big motorcycle or a very small man.

The answer is that both statements are true. The motorcycle is a Triumph Rocket Three, now no longer in production. These machines had a three cylinder

Triumph Rocket Three with it’s three cylinder engine of 2.1 litres.

engine of 2.1 litres (larger than most car engines these days). They were physically very big machines designed for long distance touring, for which they were very capable, and could take two people in comfort. They were still very capable as an everyday machine for scratching around and doing the daily commute. The man who posed for this picture is diminutive in stature but obviously not to the extent that the picture would have you believe. He is a dedicated motorcyclists but does not ride such a big heavy beast as the Triumph.

GLIDEROL GARAGE DOORS

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

G.H. SALES. Tel: 01935 891414

Yeovil Auto Tuning ★ ★

CLASSIC CAR REPAIRS Repairs and Servicing Specialists Established OVER MOT Testing – Classes IV, V and VII also Motorhomes 30 YEARS Engine Tuning ● Brakes, Clutches, Gearboxes Competitive Rates ● Professional, Reliable, Friendly Service Specialising in VW T4 + T5 Vans Revo Engine Re-Mapping (VW and Audi Group) Caravan Storage ★ COLLECTION & DELIVERY SERVICE ★

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

9 Oxford Road, Pen Mill Trading Estate, YEOVIL ★

Tel: 01935 426515 / 01935 411946

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26 THE VISITOR June 2019

The picture is good for a giggle though.

June will be busy for all motorcycle enthusiasts. The Somerset Section of the VMCC start the month with their club night at Cossington on the 6th with the Ride a Bike Night. On the 9th they have a Girder Fork and Rigid Frame Run which starts at Sweets of Wedmore. Next on the 20th will be an Evening Meeting at the Lamb Inn at Spaxton. Our Wessex Veteran and Vintage Section have their Mercian Excursion on the 9th and this starts at the Pear Tree Inn at Whitley. Club night at East Stour on the 10th will be a Boules Night, and on the 30th they have the Beaded Edge Run which is based on the Olde Ox Inn at Shillingstone.

The Dorset Section kick off with a new run on the 2nd. It is the Old and New Run and will start at The Trading Post, Warden Hill at Evershot. Their Lunch Meet at Henstridge will be on the 5th. Next they have their club night on the 12th which will be the Pie and Pint Evening Run. The 19th will see a Mid Week Run again starting at The Trading Post, Warden Hill, a 2pm start for this one. On the 23rd there will be The Long Run which starts at The Top of Town Car Park at Dorchester and lastly they return to Henstridge for the Breakfast Meet on the 29th. As usual more details of these events can be had by ringing 01935-872528.

The events continue with the Wells Classic Motorcycle Club holding its Tortoise and Hare Run on the 2nd. Assembly is at the Wells Market Place to move off at 10am.

Two routes for the differing machines capabilities. See their web-site for more details. On the 8th June will be the annual Gillingham in Gear Day where you can display your machines all day.

On the 23rd the Westlands Classic Motorcycle Club will hold its annual Coast to Coast Run which starts at Lyme Regis and ends at Burnham On Sea, again more details can be found on their website. All these events are held to raise money for charities and therefore well worth supporting.

My favourite event of the year takes place in June, on the 16th to be precise. This is the Banbury Run held at Gaydon in Warwickshire and is the world's premier event

for those enthusiasts of the older machines. Nowhere else will you see 500 machines, all built prior to 1931, running around the lanes of Warwickshire and Oxfordshire.

Along the entire route spectators will encamp on the verges having picnics to watch the bikes parade past them. The most populated part of the route will be Sunrising Hill where many hundreds of people will assemble to watch these old bikes struggle up the long hill, many people will assist to push the weaker machines which have been defeated by the gradient. This hill was used as a test hill by many manufacturers making bikes in the Birmingham and Coventry areas.

I just hope I do not need their assistance.

I have been lent a motorcycling magazine dating from 1914. The English language used is fascinating and very correct. The advertisements are also of interest and one subject which caught my eye was the number of adverts for tyres. We are familiar with the names of John Bull, Dunlop, Palmer and Avon but when I counted there were 15 different manufacturers of tyres in this country alone. Who for example has heard of tyres made by Beldham, Kempshall, Stelastic, Palatine and Skew. If the answer is 'Yes' then your knowledge is certainly greater than mine.

I have often remarked that all clubs seem to be struggling to retain membership and to encourage younger people to join. Although not a club as such I am also a member of the British Motorcycle Charitable Trust and I see from their latest magazine that 182 new members were signed up in the last three months. This august body collects subscriptions from members and then buys and restores machines of particular interest or importance and upon completion they lend the machine to a museum for display to educate and inform the public at large. In return the museums allow BMCT members to visit their museums for free. The list of participating museums is growing all the time and there are now 16 giving this service spread throughout the country. This is a very worthwhile venture and one you may like to consider yourself.

Rod Hann.

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The Antiques Tourist

BROWSING for antiques, vintage and collectables has become a very popular pastime for many, many people. The activity is attractive to most age groups, and encourages visitors to towns, villages and out-of-the-way places.

Many people are collectors – whether it be football memorabilia, glass, toys, coins, mid-century furniture, clocks, pop-art – the list is endless. So it is quite natural that these collectors want to find as many places to visit as possible.

Add to this the number of visitors and tourists to our delightful South West region, and HEY-PRESTO! The Antiques Tourist is born!

Now it its 5th year, The Antiques Tourist publication covers Dorset, Devon and Somerset, and has become a firm favourite with advertisers and browsers alike. In handy A5 format, with colourful photos and adverts, and an interesting editorial introduction, this is a must-have for anyone with even the smallest interest in antiques, vintage, retro and reclamation.

Copies are free, and available from every advertiser, plus Tourist Information Centres, Visitor Centres, hotels and guest houses across Dorset, Devon and Somerset.

From west to east, places of interest stretch from South Molton, Okehampton, and Kingsbridge all in Devon, across to Christchurch and Shaftesbury in Dorset. And from south to north, treasures may be sought from Abbotsbury on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, to Shepton Mallet on Somerset’s Mendip Hills, and across to the edge of Exmoor at Minehead.

At the front of the publication, an informative editorial describes an ‘antiques road-trip’ from Porlock Weir in West Somerset, through the Vale of Taunton Deane, into South Somerset, finally arriving at the Willows and Wetlands Centre near Taunton.

To assist the intrepid ‘tourists’ on their way, the centre-spread features a fully indexed map of the 3 counties, with every advertiser identified Alternatively download a mobile-friendly version of The Antiques Tourist from the website www.theantiquestourist.com.

This year there are over 90 businesses featured in this ‘bumper’ (52 page) 2019 edition of The Antiques Tourist, giving dealers, visitors, and browsers a fantastic insight into what is available across Dorset, Devon and Somerset.

Suffragette Medal for hunger strike and valour bought for £27,250

With the recent centenary and increase in public awareness, there is more interest than ever in the heroic and selfless actions of the women who were prepared to be arrested and suffer the pain and indignity of hunger strikes and force feeding to make the government of the day acknowledge their right to a vote.

The medal awarded to Suffragette Anna Lewis, was marked with the words ‘Hunger Strike’ and ‘For Valour’ with a date of 10th February 1914.

The medal was offered for sale

Antiques Fairs

•

Chasty Cottage Antiques

on May 16th and, from the moment the sale was announced, the auctioneers were inundated with enquiries from around the world. Two determined bidders competed to secure the lot. The final premium inclusive figure of £27,250 was very pleasing for the vendor and auctioneers as this made it one of the highest prices ever achieved for such a medal.

On 16th May, a Suffragette Medal sold for £27,250 during a Coins, Militaria and Collectors auction at Lawrences Auctioneers in Crewkerne.

•

Saturday 15th & 29th June Digby Hall, Hound Street, Next to Library SHERBORNE • DT9 3AA 9.30am – 4pm • Trade 8.30am • Admission £1

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THE VISITOR June 2019 27

AROUND THE

H O U S E S

28 THE VISITOR June 2019

IN YEOVIL ... lunch is served between 11am and 2.30pm at The Quicksilver Mail ... they’re open 7 days a week at The Green Room ... you’ll find 35 gins to choose from at The Union Street Brasserie ... food served all day, every day at The Half Moon Inn, Mudford ... Singha 5% ABV premium lager goes well with any of the tasty dishes served at The Royal Thai Orchid in Sherborne ... The Marston Inn, Marston Magna is under new management ... relax on comfortable sofas whilst enjoying a pre-dinner drink at The Walnut Tree, West Camel ... bookings are being taken for Father’s Day 16th June at The Queens Arms, Corton Denham ... and there is a large function room suitable for wedding receptions at The Sparkford Inn, Sparkford.

Pounding on to Prestleigh where you can enjoy the panoramic views from the garden at The Prestleigh Inn ... steaks are always a popular choice at The Natterjack Inn, Evercreech Junction ... Somerset ciders from local independent breweries served at The Montague Inn, Shepton Montague ... facilities for up to 22 caravans at The Brook House Inn and Touring Park, Castle Cary ... ales change regularly at The George Hotel ... the skittle alley is available for hire at The White Hart ... bookings for Sunday Lunch are advised at The Bay Tree, South Cary ... and Quorn fillets for vegetarians are available for Sunday Lunch at The Orchard Inn, Galhampton.

Inching our way to Ilminster we find that The Barrington Boar has recently launched its Light Bites Lunch Menu which includes tasty salads, Ploughmans and a variety of sandwiches ... 5, 17 and 35 pint ale boxes (perfect for parties and barbecues) are available from The Volunteer Inn, Seavington St. Michael ... daily changing specials accompany the main menu at The Royal Oak, Over Stratton ... congratulations go to The Muddled Man, West Chinnock where the recent Chinnock Chase raised over 20k ... function rooms for hire for all occasions at The Crown and Victoria Inn, Tintinhull ... and finally, stunning views and plenty of outdoor space to relax in at The Prince of Wales, Ham Hill.

They Say That best wishes for a speedy recovery go to Frank Butler of Crewkerne, Crossword compiler extraordinaire.

That a novel way to clean one’s spectacles in Portugal is to put them in the washing machine with the case and the weekly wash, according to Mrs Sandra Hawkins, formerly of Weymouth.

That after a gap of more than 20 years, a Cary farmer enjoyed his return to hunting (and his second childhood) but he certainly felt it over the next few days.

That when asking for directions, it’s best not to ask a certain Ansford pharmacist.

That congratualtions go to Adam and Kate Rendall who celebrated their 14th May nuptials in Barbados ... and then in East Coker and Haselbury Plucknett.

That sprouts fried in vinegar may be a speciality of South Carolina but they’re not to the taste of Godfrey Hall in Castle Cary.

That 'three nights of outdoor cinema' is coming to Street in August.

That due to the unseasonably hot weather over the Easter weekend, ice-cream was in short supply at Barrington Court near Ilminster.

That being hi-jacked for a photograph whilst picking up an Indian take-away in Wincanton, is just one of the drawbacks of being a super-star for Sean Bean.

That Ilminster Literary Festival has some interesting speakers this year including Kate Adie and parenting lifestyle blogger Slummy Single Mummy, who is certain to appeal to a young audience.

JUNE..

Friday 7th RURAL MUSIC NETWORK The Cross Keys, Lydford-on-Fosse, 7pm Friday 7th MR D’ARCY Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil, 9pm

Wed 12th ACOUSTIC JAMMING SESSION The Cross Keys, Lydford-on-Fosse, 8pm Sun 23rd TIM PITMAN, BARRY WALSH BAND The Natterjack Inn, Evercreech Junction, from 4pm

AN ADVERT IN THE PUB PAGES ENSURES A FREE MENTION HERE!

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

168 Hendford Hill YEOVIL

And bad mistakes I've made a few I've had my share of sand kicked in my face but I've come through

THE FIRST PERSON to tell me the name of the song gets a free drink.

Last month it was Tony John who was the first to guess that it was Personal Jesus by Depeche Mode ☺ Greetings Pop Pickers (you have to be of a certain age to remember that one).

Lots going on at the top of the hill and a couple of changes to tell you about.

We have welcomed back Katrina Compton to the Quicksilver, many of you will know Kat from the Old Barn. She has now taken up the reins here at The Quick and we are very pleased to have her here as part of the team, she is making a really good job of telling me what to do (for my own good I might add) and it’s really great to have her back. ☺ Going in the other direction, Chef Tony is moving on to pastures new.

I would like to thank Tony for all of his hard work and wish him well for the future. Good luck Mate!!

Last month I told you about Danni and her super Desserts that she was creating (remember Cadburys Crème Egg Cheesecake?) well this month she has surpassed even that one with a Jammy Dodger Cheesecake, I have had to put a padlock on the fridge to stop the staff eating them!! ☺ So Ladies or Gentlemen if you like your Desserts you have to come and try em!!

On Saturday 1st of June in the evening we will be showing The Champions League Final when Spurs take on Liverpool, all drinks will be £3. Come along and support your team and your local pub.

On the first Friday of next month 7th June we have Mr D’arcy live in the bar. They are always good fun, the music will start just after 9pm.

And finally my doctor said I should lose some weight, I said ‘how?’ He said: ‘don’t eat anything Fatty’.

I said: ‘what like Chips and Pies?’

He said: ‘No, don’t eat anything, fatty.’ Toot Toot!!! ☺

BOOKINGS

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Pub The

Pages

B EER & S KI TT L ES P. A. BAXTER

HAVE YOU LOST YOUR TINY MIND? No; trust me, although I did finish the May edition with the statement 'Shock, Horror - 'Ten pin skittle alleys - they exist'!' they do indeed, truly exist. To any student of the pub game, whatever it may be, this should not come as a surprise, for one can so easily make a statement told as truth, then something pops up, bites you where it is likely to smart in the morning, and leaves you wondering why you didn't know all about it before. This happened to your scribe just once

before (that I will admit, anyway) when I discovered that a skittle league exists in Warwickshire, in what appears to be splendid isolation from any other league. By this I mean it has no adjacent league where it overlaps with others. This latest shock horror came from correspondent Rob Ashford of Ottery St Mary who sent me links to the Colyton and District League which have – you've guessed – both 9 and 10-pin alleys in use. The one Rob is familiar with is the Gerrard Arms in Colyton itself, which has indeed got itself a 10-pin alley. However the link that truly fascinated me featured BBC archive film footage from 1964 of that wonderful reporter, Fyfe Robertson, who participated in a game on the (10-pin) alley at the Kings Arms, Stockland (Devon).

(I'll post a link at the end) Sadly this pub closed, but the good news is that it's in the process of being turned into a community owned and operated establishment and I'm sure, like me you wish them good fortune. Please do visit their website and subscribe for their newsletters as they also have appeals that can help without paying out oneself – a recent one was to elect funds from a gas company for kitchen work. To see skittles set out in a triangle as in

10 pin bowling is quite a shock; no super-smooth lanes of exactly 60 feet here, but all the elements that give the beloved game the vagaries we expect – and no mechanical 'pin setter' either! How many alleys there are in the aforementioned league I know not at this stage, but with my curiosity aroused I need to find out more. It has been interesting to see reaction from my fellow pub game enthusiast friends around the world when they have viewed that old footage. Whilst all were amazed, the response varied from 'Wow' to 'Pay a visit, steal one pin and lead them back from the dark side'! Somewhat amusingly I learn that some controversy has been stimulated by letters in the

local press on the subject of the differing layout of alleys. To my mind this matters not, but hey; we're not the ones that play in this league!

I make no apologies for again mentioning fellow enthusiast Mark Shirley, erudite author of the excellent blog 'Shove it, Chuck it, Toss it' all about his adventures to our wonderful licensed establishments. Whilst by the title one can see he focuses on games that thankfully still exist, he also reports on the pubs themselves, how things have changed over the times of his visits, and inevitably the beers served. Sadly too he sees premises that are no longer part of the trade, being converted to

THE VISITOR June 2019 29

Pub The

Pages

private houses or even demolished.

Living fairly central in the country gives him a good chance of being able to get around, generally favouring public transport unless his partner Karen kindly acts as chauffeur! A recent visit to a pub in Herefordshire somewhat sadly reports the demise of the local quoits league, and whilst they are not the style one might be familiar with – the heavy steel version lobbed onto beds of clay, but an indoor version with rubber rings and an elevated board within the pub itself. It appears the league has been around for some 70 years which makes it even more of a pity.

Scanning through the pages of Mark's blog I find myself viewing various pages of 'Long alley'. In short this is the Midlands version of the game with which we are familiar, although with added violence(!) Some pubs now install CCTV so those in the bar can see proceedings. Not a bad idea thinks I, perhaps your local would like to do the same, it may even stimulate interest amongst non-players to get involved and make up a team, thus increasing trade for the pub. One can only hope!

'A rose by any other name would smell as sweet', a quote by William Shakespeare from Romeo and Juliet of course. Pinching this from an unknown author on the web, I find: The quotation is actually a very profound one. It suggests that a name is simply a label to distinguish something from another. It does not create worth nor does it create true meaning.

What is important is the worth of the individual or thing. A rose, if called something entirely different, would still smell as sweetly as it does with the name ‘rose’. So how does this fit in with the licensed trade? Well it cannot have gone unnoticed that some of the old familiar names have been replaced.

Marston's 'Best Bitter' now becomes 'Razor Back' for example. What was just 'Bitter' becomes 'Amber ale'.

Bombadier, Pedigree, Spitfire, London Pride and Wadworths 6x are all now 'Amber ales'. You get the gist I'm sure. Why? Apparently to appeal to the next generation of 30 THE VISITOR June 2019

drinkers, even if the beer is the same stuff. As beer writer Pete Brown says 'What restaurateur or manufacturer in their right mind would ever describe a product as 'bitter?' But is that beer exactly the same stuff? Well there are some that would disagree, and having tasted Pedigree recently I'm sure that amber is a better title than bitter. If this renaming does appeal to the young drinker as all us traditionalist 'Bitter' drinkers head off to the Great Brewery in the Sky then not even the most clever of marketing men will be able to predict the outcome with certainty.

The title of this column is well known by many people but not so many know of its origin, I'd wager.

However, 'Life's not all Beer and Skittles' is a line from Tom Browns schooldays, meaning of course, we can't spend all our days doing exactly what we want to do. It's also a phrase I've heard used in a satirical way – even as black humour during war time 'Well it wasn't all beer and skittles over Germany tonight'. It's also the title of a book of which sits on my bookshelf, and comes out to be read every now and again. Thanks to the local CAMRA group this very tome gets a mention in their latest 'Giant Dongle' magazine, as does the author, Richard Boston.

Wikipedia gives him the following description: Richard Boston (29 December 1938 – 22 December 2006) was an English journalist and author, a rigorous dissenter and a belligerent pacifist. An anarchist, toper, raconteur, marathon runner and practical joker, he described his pastimes as ‘soothsaying, shelling peas and embroidery’ and argued that Adam and Eve were the first anarchists: ‘God gave then only one order and they promptly broke it’. He sounds like the type of person one would genuinely like to meet in a pub, and I regret I was never able to an opportunity to spend a few hours propping up a bar with him! (So if you ever come across that book – buy it!)

Cheers! https://scpl.org.uk/the-day-fyferobertson-played-skittles-at-the-kin gs-arms © P.A. Baxter 2019. skittlealley@hotmail.com

Vinny doesn’t know when he’s had enough

Webb Ride-On Lawnmowers available at Ben Johnson Garden Machinery, Shaftesbury

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These are just two of the machines that are available to view at Ben Johnson Garden Machinery, Shaftesbury. For more information check out the website www.benjohnsonmowers.com or call 01747 851021.

Trade body’s gardening tips for Invasive Species

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appeal to gardeners and householders to play their part in stemming non-native weeds.

Dr Peter Fitzsimons, technical manager at the Property Care Association (PCA) Invasive Weed Control Group, has produced five top tips to get the message across about the range of non-native plants in the UK and offering ways to help tackle their spread.

The advice tied-in with Invasive Species Week, held between the 13 -17 May. Invasive Species Week is a joint initiative, led by the GB non-native species secretariat (NNSS), working with a variety of organisations to raise awareness of invasive nonnative species and their impacts on us all.

Dr Fitzsimons said: ‘Plants, including Japanese rose and Montbretia, might be a common sight in gardens across the country, but they are among a number of non-native species, including Japanese knotweed, that ‘escape’ from gardens up and down the UK. ‘They have thrived in the wild and many such plants threaten our ecosystems and give cause for concern.

‘The Association’s Invasive Weed Control Group (IWCG) is at the front line in combating invasive weeds in the UK and Ireland and its members recognise that prevention is a whole lot better than the large-scale effort needed to keep non-native plants under control.

‘Management is key to controlling their spread and householders, gardeners and other horticulturists can make a valuable contribution towards this.’

Know your plants. Many plants available in garden centres and nurseries are listed as ‘Invasive Species’ under Schedule 9 of The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

This doesn’t make it illegal to have them in your garden but it does mean you should prevent them spreading to ‘the wild’. It includes commonly found plants like Monbretia and Japanese Rose.

Plant wisely. Many of today’s invasive species, including some bamboos and Giant Rhubarb, are garden ornamentals ‘gone wild’ so, a bit of research before choosing what to plant and where to plant it is a good idea. For example, a ‘running’ bamboo species ought only be planted well away from a neighbouring property and, preferably, in raised beds with a robust root barrier or large containers on a hard standing to stop it going where it’s not wanted.

Manage what you plant. Some popular plants spread rapidly via underground rhizomes or bulbils so once they are planted you’ll need

to keep them in check to stop them ‘taking over’ plus you need to make sure they don’t spread to your neighbour’s garden. In the case of Japanese knotweed there is separate legislation relating to the potential nuisance which may be caused by ‘escaping’ plants and this has resulted in prosecutions.

The PCA offers a wide-range of information to help illustrate these tips and offer more insight on the issue at www.propertycare.org/homeowners/invasive-weed -control/

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THE VISITOR June 2019 31

the en d bi t . . .

PAPERCHASE

I WAS DELIGHTED to learn that older adults who regularly do word and number puzzles have sharper brains. According to a report in the 16th May issue of the Western Daily Press, a study carried out by university academics found that ‘the more regularly adults aged 50 and over attempted puzzles such as crosswords and sudoku ... the better they performed on tasks assessing attention, reasoning and memory’. Staying in central Wales in mid-May I felt the need to feed my crossword addiction, and the fix the newsagent recommended was the Daily Post. Containing two crosswords, two sudokus and a codeword puzzle it certainly kept my mind active over lunch and persuaded me to buy a copy again the following morning.

The Daily Post felt comfortingly familiar, a Welsh version of the Western Daily Press, for it carried some of the syndicated features that appear in our regional daily including Diarmuid Gavin’s ‘Your Garden’ pages, the ‘Fashion Focus’ and the ‘Men’s Room’ pages. Same text, same photos, same layouts, which is hardly surprising since both papers are part of the Reach plc group, although I noted that the Daily Post’s publisher is still listed as Trinity Mirror North Wales. Noted, too, that it’s 5p cheaper than the Western Daily Press.

In one of the issues I bought, three of the news pages were written entirely in Welsh with no English translation (I’m told that this is a weekly feature) and in both issues some of the funeral notices were in Welsh too. It’s heartening to see it in everyday use, although the language must present a problem for headline writers if they need to mention the name of a place, institution or organisation.

A photostory of a group of children who ‘were successful in both local Eisteddfodau and will represent the school at the Urdd Eisteddfod in Cardiff’ appeared under a heading that included ‘Ysgol Gymraeg Bodhyfryd’, apparently the name of their school, but fortunately it extended across three columns so the typesize wasn’t too small.

Back in Visitorland the ‘Shop Food’ page in the 1st May issue of the Western Daily Press was largely devoted to yogurts which were described variously as ‘lovely and creamy’, ‘delicious’, a ‘treat that hits

32 THE VISITOR June 2019

the spot’, ‘our current non-guilty pleasure’ and ‘so indulgent’. All very subjective but it helped to pad out the paper. But I was disappointed to see the self-same page reprinted two days later in the 3rd May issue, presumably ‘due to a production error’ – the paper’s much-used excuse.

You might recall that in last month’s column I commented on the Audit Bureau of Circulation figures for 2018 which showed that the average number of copies of each issue of the Western Gazette purchased during the year had continued its decline to a low of 10,531, adding that I thought it was selling around 45,000 of each issue 20 years ago. A little delving into the archives has revealed that it was boasting a circulation of nearly 55,000 in 1988 and this had dropped to 45,000 in 1993, more than a quarter of a century ago. I feel it’s sad to see our provincial Western Gazette in such sorry decline but admit to no longer buying a copy every week, not even for the crosswords and sudokus.

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Bryan G. Paulley Ltd

Domestic / Commercial Installations / Replacements

Plastic / Metal tanks • temporary tanks leaking tanks • tank Cleaning / Moving / disposal above or Below Ground tanks • 24 hour Call-Out

Tel: 01963 363870 • Mob: 07836 502683 office@bgp-oiltanks.co.uk • www.bgp-oiltanks.co.uk

Transport & Storage

07921 074602 • 01749 677440 • Solidfuel3@aol.com

Framing

SCENES

Artist Materials & Gallery

★ Picture Framing ★ Restoration ★ Large Selection of Prints and Paintings ★ Greeting Card Blanks High St. Gillingham Tel: 01747 824050 www.scenes-online.co.uk

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

Logs

Building

Dave Hoddinott FUlly QUaliFied BUilder estaBlished 1973

• Renovations & Extensions • Roofing + Carpentry • Plumbing & Heating • Ceramic Wall & Floor Tiling • Painting & Decorating • Electrical Contracting

Competitive Prices No Job Too Big or Too Small FRIENDLY & RELIABLE SERVICE

Tel: (01963) 440256

Roofing

For all your roofing requirements

Flat Roofing • Tiling Slating • GRP Roofing

All New Work Fully Guaranteed

For further information & estimates contact allan Carey

01963 33528 / 07885 723915 Email: allancarey541@hotmail.com

Roofing

Bourton Roofing Co. Slate ✱ Tiling ✱ Flat Roofing.

UPVC Fascias ✱ Guttering FREE ES T I M AT ES

01747 840064

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

Logs

SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS

Small and Large Loads tel: 07973 871708 evenings: 01935 825506

THE VISITOR June 2019 33

Classified Ads

Details to: The Visitor, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BP 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.org.uk COUntry linK sOCial GrOUP. Fresh air, fun, food and friendship. tel: andy 01225 834834 or Val 01749 342918 JUst sOMerset intrOdUCtiOns. Bringing people together. Call alison tel: 07584 250285, www.justintro ductionsgroup.co.uk

Services

hOUsehOld & Garden rUBBish Cleared, old sheds / outbuildings demolished, etc. tel: 01460 77844 irOninG. let me do your ironing. Can collect and deliver. Phone:- 01747 861254

To Let

ParKinG Bay tO let in central yeovil, £50 per month. tel 01935 706381

For Sale

FOrd Fiesta ZeteC 1.4 2003, Burnt Orange, 10 months MOt. 61000 miles, good runner and condition with service history. ideal first car. £850. tel: 07931 574849

Storage

stOraGe for furniture in locked cubicles. lock-up garages to let. tel: sparkford storage on 01963 440045 or 440526 or 440692

Wanted

Prize Crossword No. 392 Set by Frank Butler

19

SEND COMPLETED ENTRIES TO: The Visitor Crossword, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7BP – to arrive by Friday 14th June.

Correct entries are placed in a hat and the winner is the first name drawn. The prize is a £10 voucher to spend with any one advertiser in this issue of The Visitor.

Please do not forget to state your choice of advertiser and your name and address.

daVe BUys all tyPes OF tOOls, salvage, bygones and collectables. daves tools, est. 1989. tel: 01935 428975 r e d U n d a n t M O t O r M O W e r s , rotavators, chainsaws, strimmers, cement mixers, etc. tel: 01460 77844 ClassiCal and JaZZ lP records. tel: 01458 834102 / 07704229979 email: tonyartony@aol.com

aUtOMOBilia, aUtOJUMBle, woodworking and engineering tools. tel: 01747 850474

GUns Wanted FOr Cash, any size, any condition, make or model. We collect in any area. registered Firearms dealer. tel: 07970 742471

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

all sPOrts PrOGraMMes and books, memorabilia and ephemera – especially football. large collections welcome. Cash paid. tel: Clive 01749 675456

Across:

7. Scale him before time as old time scientist. [9] 8. Chapter rewritten without monarch will repair. [5] 10. Drawback to support reverse. [8] 11. Jo, you say, is partly happy. [6] 12. At one time, cone was sorted. [4] 13. Careful about angry fuss guarantee. [8] 16. Number found in feminine group.

[4] 18. Too torn, arranged in Canadian city. [7] 20. Akin with treadle work. [7] 22. Paced out. [4] 24. Nash with a van sees African plain. [7] 26. Hideous, smugly in part. [4] 29. Di and Joan living closely. [6] 30. Dig one as doctor must do! [8] 31. Bitter, as Dirac might find! [5] 32. Arm our ten for part of a fraction.

[9]

17. Not much. [4] 19. I roar too! But with many voices!

[8] 21. Coin in rising river is bought up.

[8] 23. I hum rod to find a metal. [7] 25. Figure found in the Pennines. [4] 27. A dual ‘n’ is found in a carriage.

[6] 28. Tosca at the races! [5]

Solution to Crossword 391

Down:

1. Pedal about to beseech. [5] 2. Fish in tin is agitated. [6] 3. Mean mint may occur soon! [8] 4. Won dash for Paddy! [7] 5. Pacy arab finds a large rodent! [8] 6. Not found guilty. [9] 9. Open a pot. [4] 14. Prefix in flight. [4] 15. Company fight toss-up, wanting not to fight. [9]

34 THE VISITOR June 2019

The Winner of our May Crossword is Peter Forrester of Gillingham who chose to spend the £10 voucher at Andrew Barclay, Wincanton.