The Visitor Magazine Issue 484 March 2024

It’s March, the month when the dreaded council tax bills drop through our letterboxes. It’s no secret that Somerset Council faced a huge deficit when drawing up its budget for 2024/25, largely a result of its historically-low level of council tax compared with other unitary authorities and the huge rise in inflation in recent years which has increased the cost of providing almost all council services.

Between 2009 and 2016 the Conservativerun administration of Somerset County Council voted to freeze council tax, popular at the time but with unintended consequences, whereas an increase of just 1.9% would have brought in an additional £114 million. By 2018 an official audit was chastising the council for its overspending and its failure to deliver sufficient savings over the previous 12 months, warning that the council could run out of money in the next two or three years unless urgent action was taken to curb spending.

The Liberal Democrat-run unitary Somerset Council has inherited the situation, but it seems perverse and environmentally-unfriendly that it is seriously considering the permanent closure of five of its 16 recycling centres including the one at Dimmer, near Castle Cary. More than 800 people signed a petition against the Dimmer proposal on the day it was launched because the closure would mean residents of the area would have to drive a lot further to a centre that remains open. And because it seems likely to lead to an increase in flytipping in this thinly-populated rural area.

A year ago the Government released figures showing that the number of reported flytipping incidents in the South West Region had dropped to 49,883 in 2021/22, with just 478 of these being in the former South Somerset District Council area. I commented in this column at the time that I’d not noticed a reduction in my corner of Visitor land, and the recentlyreleased 2022/23 figures reveal that this was not simply a figment of my

imagination. The number of incidents reported in South Somerset had risen to 801, a staggering 67.5% increase. All these figures are misleading as incidents of flytipping on private land go unrecorded on a massive scale, and it’s not just a Somerset problem – in Dorset reported incidents rose by 5.3% over the last year.

With 16 household waste recycling centres in Somerset there can be no excuse for not using them to dispose of unwanted rubbish. To deter people from simply dumping it at the roadside or in field gateways, woods and suchlike the Government has increased the maximum penalty for flytipping from £400 to £1,000 – but this doesn’t deal with the difficulty and cost of identifying and convicting the culprits. A fine, no matter how high, is no deterrent if the likelihood of being caught is negligible. The closure of recycling centres is the wrong way to help balance the books. It seems likely that the costs of clearing the rubbish and catching the culprits will eat substantially into the anticipated savings and will undoubtedly damage the council’s environmental credentials.

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

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Helen Dunion

© The Visitor Ltd. 2024

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

Mentioned in Dispatches

‘Green’ energy at what cost? Hinkley Point C could cost us the Severn HINKLEY POINT C nuclear power station (HPC) has been promoted as green and renewable because of the need to move away from fossil fuels. However, the huge cost to our precious natural



world has been hidden behind the low carbon story.

Europe’s largest construction project on the edge of the Severn Estuary will have significant impact on marine and migratory fish including already vulnerable Atlantic salmon, twaite shad and European eel over its lifetime.

The impacts of this will be felt widely, affecting Welsh rivers, River Severn, the Bristol Avon, Somerset Levels and across the Celtic Sea. Life in the whole of the Severn Estuary and Bristol Channel could be dramatically affected over the next few decades according to a group of

Showrooms open six days a week

High Street, Curry Rivel, Langport TA10 0ES

environmental organisations (eNGO’s).

England has legally binding targets for nature set out in the UK Environment Act and UK Environmental Improvement Plan. Wales has a commitment to maintain and restore resilient ecosystems, such as the Severn Estuary, in the Well-Being of Future Generations (Wales) Act. Somerset has ambitious plans for the environment set out in the Natural Environment section of the Climate Strategy, and emerging Local Nature Recovery Strategy. Huge investment has already been made improving the environment of the Bristol Avon, and the Bristol Avon Catchment Partnership has recently published its Fish Recovery Strategy.

HPC is key to the UK Government’s energy strategy for the UK but, due to changes to the design, will undermine achievement of those targets

When operational HPC will suck in an olympic sized swimming pool of water every 12 seconds for the next 70 years from the Severn Estuary in an area inhabited by fish. The Dillington Vision agreed between EDF, Somerset County Council and the UK Government, set out the vision for HPC which

included the commitment to “recognise the value of the natural environment”. The original design of HPC included three measures to protect the marine environment, specifically fish populations, from the impacts of the power station.

This all relates to EDF’s consultation about removing the Acoustic Fish Deterrent (AFD), one of three ways to reduce fish killed at the new power station.

The proposed three methods were designed to work together:

•Low velocity side entry at the tunnel heads designed to allow fish to swim away and not be sucked into the cooling tunnels

•Fish recovery and return system

•Acoustic Fish Deterrent (AFD) using sound that deter fish from swimming too close to the intake pipes in the first place.

In 2019, EDF proposed to remove the Acoustic Fish Deterrent as being difficult to install and maintain. This went to public inquiry with eNGOs collectively giving evidence to support the Environment Agency (EA) in questioning EDF’s proposal.

In 2021, the UK Secretary of State for the Environment found in favour of the EA that the AFD should remain. EDF is now

Mentioned in

Dispatches

proposing not to implement the AFD and is instead proposing a package of measures claimed to compensate for the loss of fish in the estuary.

Whilst the eNGO group accept that habitat restoration of saltmarsh, oysterbeds, kelp forest and river work could make an important and positive impact on the estuary, there is not enough evidence that it will address the huge losses of fish life that the cooling intakes will cause.

We are calling for:

More evidence of the potential impact of the AFD removal to determine the amount of compensation needed, including more consultation with independent groups of experts.

Agreement on comprehensive long term monitoring of the impact of the water intakes and the compensatory habitat as it develops throughout the lifetime of the power station.

A commitment to respond to

the results of the evidence gathering and monitoring with additional compensatory habitat, the fitting of fish deterrents on the intakes and/or reduction in intake water volumes as supplementary cooling techniques are more affordable or legislated.

Georgia Dent, CEO of Somerset Wildlife Trust, says:

“As an environmental charity, we owe it to future generations to protect the precious Severn Estuary as best we can. We think the evidence is lacking that the current compensation package to offer from EDF equates to the loss of marine life from the removal of this AFD and we urge a rethink.”

Are there any current or ex brass players out there?

Burtle Silver Band currently especially needs front-line cornet players, but if you play or have ever played an instrument of any kind and would like to join them, apply by the website or just come along to Burtle Village Hall (TA7 8NB) on a Thursday evening between 7.30 and 9.30 (extension for coffee etc. on the first Thursday of each month). If necessary, they can supply instruments on loan.

Burtle Silver Band is a friendly

and family orientated, noncontesting brass band where players of any age, background and experience join together to enjoy playing music, supporting charities and bringing entertainment to the community. Having no financial sponsors, they raise money from concerts, playing music that audiences can hum along to or that gets their toes tapping, so Burtle Silver Band could be the band for you!

Burtle Silver Band perform Christmas 2023 in Burtle Hall.

Mentioned in Dispatches

Somerset Rotary Club raises funds to support lifesaving missions for children’s charity

Somerset’s Weston Bay Rotary Club have been raising funds to support the lifesaving missions of the Children’s Air Ambulance (TCAA).

Weston Bay Rotary Club formed in August 2023 and for their very first fundraiser they chose to support the lifesaving Children’s Air Ambulance.

The club’s fundraising event took place at South Sands Hotel in Kewstoke and consisted of a wonderful three course meal, raffle, and a special guest speaker, John Volanthen – who

was one of the cave divers who found and rescued the Thai football team and their coach from a flooded cave.

In total the event raised a fantastic £396.00 to support the children’s charity and their lifesaving missions.

“We were delighted to raise vital funds to support TCAA and make a difference to the lives of critically ill babies and children across the UK,” said Linda Matthews, Weston Bay Rotary Club Treasurer.

“This was our very first fundraiser and the first of many, and we feel privileged to be able to say that our funds will go

towards saving more little lives,” she added.

The Children’s Air Ambulance is changing the face of paediatric and neonatal care through the high-speed transfer of critically ill babies and children – flying them from local hospitals to specialist paediatric and neonatal treatment centres via the clinically designed helicopters which provide a flying intensive care unit for babies and children.

The charity works alongside 11 NHS Clinical Partner Teams across the UK, including the Southwest Neonatal Advice and Retrieval (SoNAR), based at the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trusts Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St Michael’s Hospital in Southwell Street and a second hub at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth. The team provide clinical advice and transport services for Neonatal Units and Special Care Baby Units within the South West.

Fiona Franklin, Community Fundraising Executive for the charity, said:

“We would like to thank everyone involved with the Weston Bay Rotary Club for choosing to support our lifesaving charity and for helping to raise awareness of our service.

“We receive no government or National Lottery funding and without this vital support from the local community and

businesses, our helicopters wouldn’t remain operational, and our lifesaving service wouldn’t be available for critically ill babies and children across the UK,” she expressed.

To learn more, or to support the charity, please visit: www.childrensairambulance. org.uk or call 0300 3045 999.

Martock and District u3aWednesday 13th March 2.15pm for 2.30pm start at The Parish Hall Martock: Much More than Merely Matchstick Men –Richard Kay discusses The Profound Art of L S Lowry. All welcome to the talk, to enjoy a chat over refreshments and to find out about the learning, hobby and interest groups you can join through Martock & District u3a. More information about Martock & District u3a: email martocku3amembership@gmail .com, telephone 07555 033027. website www.u3a.org.uk.

Norton Pantomime Society present Puss in Boots

Norton Sub Hamdon Village Hall. TA14 6SF on Thursday March 7th, Friday March 8th and Saturday March 9th. Doors open 6.30. Performance starts at 7pm. Adults. £10. Children under 16 £5. Bar and soft drinks. Tickets from Norton Community Shop. For enquiries please contact Jennie Harris. 01935 881718. All proceeds go to Norton Village Hall Funds.

Notification

March Notice Board

MARTOCK

The Kingsbury Episcopi Band

Thursday 21st March. All Saints Church, MARTOCK; TA12 6JN. 7:30 pm. Tickets: £10.00 from Guardianstickets@gmail.com / 07547 213992 / Martock Gallery

/ Martock Newsagent (CASH ONLY); £12.00 at door. www.martockonline.co.uk/events, https://kingsburyband.co.uk. Kingsbury Episcopi Band is a wind band, made up of brass and woodwind instruments. Their repertoire is wide and varied from ABBA and the King and I, to Simon and Garfunkel; as well as traditional marches.

CORSHAM

Bath Textile Artists Exhibition, Textures of Time. At The Pound Arts Centre, Corsham, SN13

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

By John Osborne

 Answers can be found on page 31 

1) What sort of 'Look' were ABC giving us back in 1982?

2) Who was the female artist who had a 'Stony End' in 1971?

3) Name the band who promised to be 'Back for Good' in 1995?

4) Which band were number 1 in the charts with 'Little Children', sixty years ago in March 1964?

5) Who once declared they were 'Sailing on the Seven Seas'?

6) Who was the male artist who had 'The Dream of the Blue Turtles' in his album of 1985?

7) Who was in the charts twenty years ago this month (March 2004) with a 'Mysterious Girl'?

8) Name the band who were 'Happy Together' in 1967.

9) Lyrics 'When the river was deep, I didn't falter, when the mountain was high, I still believed'

10) The Beatles sang about a 'Blackbird' on which album?

Bonus Question

Name the year of release of Q5

Anorak question

Name the album from which the song in Q1 came from.

Goldlamé Anorak Question

Kathy Redfern is the uncredited young lady whispering a part on which blockbuster 1970's number one?

Great quotes in Music (155)

'We don't like their sound, and guitar music is on the way out' – Decca Records, rejecting the Beatles, 1962

Sudoku by T. M.

Fill in the grid with the numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, each column and each 3x3 block contains all the numbers 1 to 9

Solution to February Sudoku on page 31

9HX. 29th March – 27th April. Monday-Saturday 9.30am9.30pm. Exhibition Opening Event and Meet the Artists, Thursday 28th March, 6.308.30pm.

ADVERTISE your APRIL event here, email: info@thevisitor magazine.co.uk, write to: PO BOX 5522 Castle Cary, BA9 0BP or tel: 01963 351256. £5 for 20 words, 30p per additional word. Payment via credit/debit card or cheque. April issue deadline is 19th March!

March dating tips from Alison at Just Somerset Introductions Spring is just around the corner hopefully! Beautiful snowdrops are out and the lovely daffodils. Easter is earlier this year at the end of March so lots to look forward to! We go to some lovely places with our socials - houses and gardens NT, walks, nature reserves, pub lunches, theatre trips, coffee meets, ten pin bowling, crazy golf, etc. Now is a great time to get out and meet new people, make new friends and maybe a new relationship!

We offer a personal, caring

service and as your area manager I will be there to help you throughout your membership, which all starts with an interview in your own home. Fed up with online dating and want to meet people IRL? We are part of the Just Introductions Group also in Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Devon, Surrey and recently Berkshire. Please see our website for more details of how we work and testimonials it works! What are you waiting for? Have a look and get in touch! I look forward to hearing from you.

ILMINSTER Business Focus

Discover Creativity at Ilminster Arts Centre

FROM CAPTIVATING concerts to enriching workshops, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

There are weekday craft workshops led by skilled tutors,

a gift shop full of locally made products and a beautiful gallery to peruse, not to mention an independently-run café serving coffee, light lunches and other tasty treats.

For music enthusiasts their

concerts include Jazz, Classical, Blues, Folk and Tribute Bands (see the website for details).

Excitingly, they’ve been chosen for the Ilminster Tesco Community Fund. Your support can help them secure vital funds for children's workshops. Vote at

Tesco and be a part of nurturing creativity in the community. Visit Ilminster Arts Centre from 9.30am Tuesdays to Saturdays.

To find out more visit www.ilminsterartscentre.com, 01460 54973.

Ilminster Warehouse, Ditton Street

Ilminster Warehouse was started in 1969 as a family run business and is still in the same family to this day.

They have an extensive bed area with Silentnight, Rest Assured, Highgrove and Moonraker on display.

With both Sherborne and Celebrity they cover recliners and dual motor lift and tilt electric chairs. They also have a great range of chairs and sofas from Cotswold Chair Company made locally at North Petherton.

Sofas from British manufactures such as Buoyant, Lebus, Furnico and Alstons. On display are several British made ready assembled bedroom ranges.

Delivery on furniture is free up to 30 mile radius by their own friendly team. Find out more at ilminsterwarehouse.co.uk.

Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster.

Inside Ilminster Warehouse - everything for your home at competitive prices.

Look in the Mirror - can you say WOW to your Hair?

Claire Hebron is running a longestablished business in Ilminster and wants her clients to feel great by giving them super hair do’s!

Quality service and fabulous colouring in a relaxed airconditioned atmosphere, where you know you are the most important person! For all the family, they use all vegetarian and vegan products. Phone 01460 52476.

The Flower House Somerset

Whether you are looking for a seasonal hand-tied bouquet to make someone’s day, a personal funeral tribute or beautiful wedding flowers, The Flower House can create these using the best blooms and, when available, British flowers and foliage from

locally based growers, enabling them to further reduce their carbon footprint. With an eye to detail and style, they are also able to offer flowers for corporate and private clients. Contact them to discuss your ideas.

With Mothering Sunday on 10th March, why not show your lovely Mum/Carer just how much you care by surprising them with a bouquet of beautiful flowers or a pretty planted arrangement.

They will have lots of Spring plants and flowers in the shop ready to celebrate Easter, call into the shop to place your order.

Situated in pretty Silver Street with convenient parking outside, they are open Tuesday to Friday 10.00am until 4.00pm and Saturday 9.30am until 1.00pm. Pop in and see them or call on 01460 712376.

Mark Hebron Hairdressing at 23-25 East St.

Beautiful flowers for every occasion at The Flower House Somerset.

GOLDEN YEARS – Care of the Elderly

Regency Care & Mobility ltd, Crewkerne

REGENCY Care & Mobility reliably provides an assortment of mobility products and equipment to help make life easier.

Situated in Crewkerne,

Somerset, their range of scooters, chairs, beds, and stairlifts are designed to get rid of the stigma that's associated with disability. They provide a range of items that help you or your loved ones maintain independence on a dayto-day basis.

Backed by more than 15 years of experience, they're Acorn™ approved and are always happy to provide professional advice.

What's more, they also offer free home demonstrations and delivery services so you don't have to worry about a thing. This allows you to test the products to ensure that they're suitable before you go ahead with the purchase.

Alternatively, visit their

friendly advisers in-store and try out the products there.

Notaro Care Homes – caring when it matters most

Over the past 40 years, Notaro Care Homes have been building a reputation for delivering the highest standards of dementia

and nursing care in their care homes across the South West.

Their homes feature state-ofthe-art care technology and facilities, and compassionate and caring staff. La Fontana

Dementia Nursing Home in Martock features a sun therapy room and their Immacolata

Dementia Nursing Home in Langport is situated amongst five beautiful acres.

Both homes feature petting farms, a unique feature that is the brainchild of their animalloving managing director and has become a feature across their purpose-built homes.

Notaro Care Homes listen to the needs, thoughts and wishes of residents to provide the best care possible. Their reason for doing so is simple; to create a care package as unique as the individual they provide care for.

To find out more, please visit notarohomes.co.uk and see advert on the back cover.

HIGHFIELD HOUSE

Notaro Care HomesLa Fontana Sun Room.

Notaro Care Homes - Immacolata House.

Regency Care & Mobility of Crewkerne.

GOLDEN YEARS

Highfield House, Castle Cary

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 feedback. At the heart of Highfield House are their concerns for each person’s happiness, health, safety, wellbeing and dignity.

This is reflected by the Platinum Award achieved with the nationally recognised Gold Standards Framework April 2022 and awards for Care Home of the Year, and the award for Dementia and Palliative Care. They are also now rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission.

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.

Elliscombe House, Higher Holton nr Wincanton

Situated in the Southeast of Somerset, Elliscombe House provides person-centred residential, respite and nursing care for up to 35 elderly individuals.

They have all the comforts of home combined with the luxuries of a hotel, with a full team of experienced nurses and qualified

staff always available to respond to individual needs.

Whether a resident’s stay is just a two-week break or a permanent residency, everyone living in the home is treated with the utmost dignity, compassion, and respect.

Built in 1901, this elegant Edwardian house has been lovingly restored to offer an uplifting, safe place to enjoy life.

Mendip Mobility, in Street, Trowbridge & Yeovil

As one of the South West’s leading mobility specialists Mendip Mobility have been supplying the public directly with a vast range of top quality, competitively priced mobility scooters, wheelchairs, beds, riser recliner chairs, stairlifts and daily living aids.

As a family run business Mendip Mobility pride themselves in their aftercare service, offering a comprehensive after sales service including repairs and maintenance.

The rear garden at Highfield House, Castle Cary.

GOLDEN YEARS

With stores in Yeovil, Street and Trowbridge you can be sure there’s a showroom near you but if you’re unable to travel, in home demonstrations of larger items such as riser recliners and mobility scooters can be arranged at your residential address. Please contact your local store if you wish to arrange a suitable time and date to view their larger products.

Mendip Mobility are proud to be partnered with the Motability Scheme which allows you to exchange some or all of your enhanced rate motability allowance for a scooter or powered wheelchair.

To be eligible you must be in receipt of one of these benefits:

Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance, Enhanced Rate Mobility

Component of Personal Independence Payment, War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement, Armed Forces Independence Payment. Your lease will be paid directly by the DWP, saving you any time and stress with bills or payments.

Your lease lasts for three or five years depending on your product choice, at which point you return your product and receive a brandnew product to replace it should you wish to renew.

Find out more by visiting www.mendipmobility.co.uk.

Inside Mendip Mobility in Street.

Jenna Evans

SPRING IS IN the air as the bulbs push forth rich blossoms and the feathered garden visitors are building their nests. I have a question for you this month. How are you? Are you well? Truly, deeply fulfilled physically, mentally, spiritually and socially? If you said yes, congratulations! You probably have no need of this article, so go forth and spread the joy! Sadly, based on what I see every day at work, I assume most of us are not feeling the spring in our step. NHS waiting lists appear to be sky rocketing, getting in to a GP seems to be a Herculean trial for most of you and when you do, the results may be a little underwhelming. I'm not here to bash the NHS or the people who work in that system, but the system itself certainly seems to be failing many of us. This has been going on for many years but I'm certainly seeing unprecedented numbers of you looking elsewhere for help these days.

Health statistics are truly shocking too – over 7.6 million in the UK with heart and circulatory diseases, over 4 million diabetics and apparently we are now at 1 in 2 developing cancer in their lifetime (anyone else remember when that was 1 in 4?) Our mental health too is suffering with almost a fifth of UK adults showing signs of anxiety or depression. This is a truly tragic situation. I have friends who work in all areas of healthcare and they are all saying the same things.

It's really important if you're suffering in any way to reach out for help. I know waiting times can be long and if you’re suffering from something non fatal (which may still be life limiting) it can seem as though there isn't much help to be had. So I want to remind you this month that Ceres and your other good local health food shops can be a fantastic resource for you. While you're waiting for tests or treatments, why not pop in and see if we can help. We can advise you on diet, lifestyle and supplements and also refer you to other therapists or support groups if need be. It's really helpful to us if you know what medication you are taking

– an area I'll be taking a deeper look at over the next few months - and any diagnoses or tests results you have, especially in relation to nutritional status. Sometimes a few simple tweaks to the foods we eat, the thoughts we think and the habits we practice can make a huge difference in our well-being – I see it all the time. That sense of community is an important healer too. We are social beings, we know that our support network is an important factor in health and longevity. Let's shift from the 'dog eat dog, survival of the fittest' mentality, it's never really been true anyway. Our best chance for thriving will always be in support and service of each other. Maybe we can help support you through difficult times or maybe you run a local support/healing group or want to start one – please do get in touch! This might be the perfect time to start truly taking better care of ourselves and each other

© Jenna Evans 2024.

Jenna is a Holistic Health Coach and creator of bespoke beauty products. She can be found on Facebook at ‘Alchemical Beauty UK’.

Jenna is also a multi-award winning Product Advisor at Ceres Natural Foods, Yeovil. To make an appointment, please pop in or call 01935 428791 for details. Always check with a health professional before making any dramatic changes to your diet and lifestyle or starting a new supplement, especially with any existing health conditions.

Human Health and Social Work Named as the UK's Most Stressful Industry

The human health and social work industry ranks first on the list; the study found that 3,530 people per 100,000 workers have been impacted by stress at work. However, this industry has one of the largest average salary ranges, between £17,000 to £63,000, and includes jobs such as doctors, therapists, and nursing home assistants.

The study, conducted by personal injury experts at Claims.co.uk, analysed HSE data to examine the number of stressrelated illnesses caused or worsened by employment per 100,000 workers from March 2022 to March 2023; the highest number of stress illnesses determined the ranking.

Public defence, which has an average salary range of £18,000 to £31,000, is revealed as the second most stressful industry. For every 100,000 workers, 3,260 reported a stress-related illness, meaning that security guards and prison officers are highly likely to suffer from work-related stress.

The education industry is third on the list, which has an average salary range of £28,000 to £40,000. For every 100,000 workers, 2,720 people reported work-related stress, which is an overwhelming figure of almost 3 in 100.

Ranking fourth on the list is the professional, scientific, and technical industry, which includes jobs such as solicitors and barristers, and has an average salary range of £25,000 to £48,000. The study revealed that for every 100,000 workers, 2,310 have suffered from work-related stress.

The finance industry ranks fifth on the list, with 2,140 workers reporting a stress-related illness per 100,000 people. However, the finance industry has a high salary range, ranging from £28,000 to £54,000, where job roles include accountants and bankers.

The real estate industry ranks sixth on the list, which has an average salary range of £26,000 to £54,000 and includes jobs such as estate agents and property

managers. The study reveals that for every 100,000 workers, 2,070 reported a stress-related illness.

The information and communication industry places seventh on the list, which has an average salary range of £24,000 to £44,000 and jobs such as IT workers and graphic designers. The study found that for every 100,000 workers, 1,870 people reported stress-related illnesses.

The arts and entertainment industry is eighth on the list; for every 100,000 workers, 1,820 people reported a stress-related illness. The industry includes jobs such as art directors, makeup artists, and background actors, and has an average salary range of £25,000 to £47,000.

Ranking ninth on the list is the wholesale and retail trade industry, where 1,530 people per 100,000 workers suffered from work-related stress. The average salary range is this industry is £19,000 to £34,000 and includes jobs such as sales administrators and retail cashiers.

The accommodation and food service industry is tenth on the list, which includes jobs such as bar staff and restaurant workers and has an average salary range of £14,000 to £45,000; 1,430 people in this industry suffered from work-related stress per 100,000 workers.

For all things in Spring

Beautiful Cards from Wild Cardz, Wincanton

WILD CARDZ have an excellent choice of cards for every occasion. With Mother’s Day just around the corner, why not drop into the shop in Wincanton and pick up something special in time for Mothering Sunday? There are plenty of gift ideas too including a lovely selection of cuddly toys.

Wild Cardz are now pleased to offer a quality card range from

UPS drop off / collection point

just 99p. For those who like to make their own cards there is a wide choice of craft card, ‘pick n mix’ your own selection.

St Patrick’s Day and Easter cards, gifts and crafts are available now. Wild Cardz have balloons for all occasions –including wedding day arrangements and are a UPS collection/delivery point for parcels. Visit their website at www.cardswithlove.net.

Mother’s Day 10th March

Wild Cardz Wild Cardz

VISIT US for a SUPERB CHOICE of Mother’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day & Easter Cards

★ Balloons, Gifts & Crafts ★

Visit Google + ... and have a virtual tour of our shop!

35 High Street, Wincanton, Somerset BA9 9JU

Tel: 01963 31234 • www.cardswithlove.net

Celebrating 25 years

Your hosts, Mick and Garry welcome you to

The MUDDLED MAN

Lower Street, West Chinnock

A charming country inn serving home cooked fayre lunchtime & evening

Loyalty Cards

Come on down for St Patrick’s Day, Tipsy Swing and The Muddlers are playing on Sunday Evening from 7pm

SUNDAY LUNCH £ 15.95 - choice of roast

Larger parties catered for

FRESH FISH Day Friday

With home-made beer batter

STEAK SPECIAL - Two 8oz Rump Steaks £26 Sunday to Thursday

Daily Specials • Real Ale • Skittle Alley • Beer Gardens • Accommodation

OPEN: Mon-Thurs 11am-2pm, 7-11pm Fri & Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 12noon-10pm

Tel : 01935 881235

Wild Cardz

As Raw As, Natural Dairy Free chocolate made in Somerset

As Raw As, lovingly handmade in a dedicated Somerset kitchen. There are 5 flavours of artisanal Easter Eggs to choose from - each one unique!

Wrapped in home compostable packaging and neatly packaged in a reusable/recyclable bag, you can purchase online at www. asrawas.com or find them at pinsentsdeli.com.

These Easter eggs and other chocolates will also be appearing at the pop-up ‘South West Makers Market’ on Bow Street, (next door to Langport Vintage Market) from 21st February to the end of March (open WednesdaySaturday). See you there!

of Wincanton stock cards for every occasion.

Open:

The Buttercross Tearooms, Somerton Situated in the heart of Somerton’s Market Place is the award-winning Buttercross Tearooms.

They always source local foods and produce, make as much inhouse as possible, and stick to a

seasonal menu which ensures the freshest flavour.

Buttercross Tearooms love welcoming back their customers as well as new passers-by. Offering both indoor and outdoor seating, you can find out more on the website www.thebutter crosstearooms.com.

Enjoy a coffee alfresco at The Buttercross Tearooms, Somerton.

Ward & Sibley - the jewellers of Yeovil.

As Raw As, chocolate lovingly handmade in a dedicated Somerset kitchen.

SHEPTON MALLET

Focalflames Fireplaces WELCOME TO Focalflames Fireplaces! They’ve always stuck to the belief that staying small and personal and specialising in their field means a much more professional and responsive service to their customers! And with over 20 years’ experience in the industry they pride themselves on providing high quality, great value services, with FREE home consultations, and even their very own showroom opening soon!!

With expert advice to help you make the right choice at a budget you are happy with, they will not be beaten on price! So why don't you give them a call or TEXT today for a free no obligation quote on 07931 918947.

HRGO

HRGO is one of the UK's leading recruitment agencies. They have been connecting clients and candidates across the UK since 1957.

Their expertise covers a range of sectors including Industrial, finance, sales, marketing, engineering, executive, commercial and warehouse. In Somerset and Dorset the recruiter to contact is Helen

helen.lacey@hrgo.co.uk. Why not call her today if you are looking for staff or looking for a new job on 07725 028113.

Helen has been in recruitment for over 25 years. She works remotely so initial contact is via phone or teams call. She specialises on the permanent side of recruitment. Visit www.hrgo.co.uk to see how they can help you with your recruitment needs or follow them on Linked in or on X @HRGO Recsouthwest.

Moggs of Wells (Engineering) Ltd at Cannards Grave

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

A selection of Ariens and Westwood ride-on mowers are available, plus Hayter and Toro pedestrian mowers, including several of their 60 volt battery/cordless models.

Cub Cadet ride-on machines are also offered, plus the Echo range of chainsaws, brushcutters and hedge trimmers, powered by their renowned 2-stroke engines with Japanese build quality and a 5 year consumer warranty (2 years for professional use too).

Full support is available for

Helen Lacey, Executive and principal Consultant South West at HRGO.

Business Focus

3rd generation: Rob and his son Christy at Ridgeway Garage. engines from Briggs & Stratton and Kawasaki , with a comprehensive supply of spare parts in stock at all times. Any new machines supplied are thoroughly prepared and tested by experienced staff, taking the time to explain fully how to operate them safely.

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

Ridgeway Garage

If you are looking for a reliable second-hand car then pop along to Ridgeway Garage, situated on the Ridgeway Estate to the south of the town, near Mendip District Council in Kingsland Road.

A family run business, established for over 50 years, you can be sure of helpful and professional service.

All cars come with a new MOT, a service, cam belt replacement (if required), and a warranty. Part exchange is welcome, and credit cards are also taken.

Should you be looking for a particular make / model of car they will be happy to try to source it for you. Visit www.ridgewaygarage.com or give them a call. Stock changes regularly.

Read Agriservices Ltd, Wanstrow

Read Agriservices Ltd is a familyrun business with a comprehensive range of agricultural machinery and equipment for all types of farm,

equestrian and small holding maintenance.

With a large country store holding an extensive range of rural and agricultural products plus a yard full of all materials for your day to day farm and building maintenance and neccesities.

Spring 2024 Newsletter from Harriet Sandys

Those of you who visited the barn at Christmas will know that Harriet Sandys is closing. There is still a good stock of oriental carpets, rugs, runners and Kilims from Iran and Afghanistan and the barn is open Easter Bank Holiday Saturday 30th March to Monday 1st April 2pm - 5pm and

SHEPTON MALLET Business Focus

May Bank Holiday.

Saturday 4th May to Monday

6th May 2pm - 5pm with a 10% discount on all carpets and old stock.

There are watercolour bird paintings on 100 year old paper, Indian cotton nightdresses and kimono style dressing gowns, velvet coats from the Atlas

Mountains, silver tribal jewellery from Afghanistan, gold earrings from Rajasthan, block print Kantha jackets, tablecloths, quilted bedspreads for adults and children and so much more. Do bring friends and family. The postcode BA4 4PB will bring you to the door. Signposted from B3136.

SPRING GETAWAYS

Vickery’s Luxury Travel

VICKERY’S Luxury Travel has been a familiar sight across Somerset and the South West since 2015. They have built a strong reputation you can trust for providing quality coach hire services to a wide range of customers including schools, private groups and more recently international cruise clients.

Their inaugural day trip to Kew Gardens Orchid Festival happened on 13 February to great reviews. Their next trip is Hampton Court Palace Tulip Festival on 25 April followed by RHS Malvern Spring Show on 11 May.

The full programme can be found on their website

www.vickeryscoaches.co.uk which is updated with new trips regularly or give Claire a ring on 01935 825114. They aim to offer a unique experience for all their customers with the personal touch being paramount.

Bakers Coaches

Bakers Coaches are a local family run business operating out of Yeovil. Thomas Baker started with taxis then Barry Baker bought the garage in Bishops Caundle where he diversified into the coaching industry in 1972 and he gained school contracts and private hires for numerous schools and groups and thrived. He and his wife then moved into new premises in Yeovil in 1974 where they still operate from today.

In 2000 Barry retired from Bakers Coaches and the mantle was passed over to his son Shane and nephew Andrew. Having survived COVID and the fuel crisis they decided to diversify again but this time by providing day trips and holidays which they

Watercolour bird paintings on 100 year-old paper and 10% off all carpets and old stock at Harriet Sandys closing down sale.

Bakers Coaches - in the coaching industry for over 50 years. hope people will join them on and really enjoy. They are still the local family business - Shane and Andrew still work there along with Shane’s wife Maria and they have been joined again by Kayleigh who is their daughter, working alongside them on the day trips.

For the full range of trips and tours please visit www. bakerscoachessomerset.co.uk or call 01935 428401 and ask for a brochure. You know it is Time 2 Travel.

Vale Coaches

With all of Vale Coaches breaks, expect the pace to be a little calmer than in your normal dayto-day life.

Designed for single travellers, families and groups, you’ll receive 5-star service with an enjoyable journey and above all else, peace and quiet.

Vale Coaches - Sunday Lunch Day Trip in May and Weekend Trip in August to Looe, Cornwall.

Traveling in modern coaches that are fitted with servery and toilets they aim to create the perfect atmosphere for you to sit back, unwind, enjoy the scenery and have a wonderful break.

Travel with your partner, your best friend or group of friends, who like the good things in life and enjoy those little extras that will make your break extra special, Enjoy Short Breaks and Day Trips with Vale Coaches, ‘where service still matters’.

A unique painting experience from a photgraphers point of view

Enjoy the peace and tranquility of this artists retreat in rural Poitou-Charentes. Housed in a six bedroom 17th Century manor house, near Melle, you will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy the joys of painting and photography, whilst having the run of the most magnificent of dwellings. The gardens are tranquil with contemplative spaces and the swimming pool invites you in. As well as the art, location and excellent company, you will experience true French

cuisine and wonderful hospitality. A warm welcome awaits!

Contact Somerset Artist Heather for more information or to book a place. Email heatheraford@gmail.com, or call 07368 457984.

Grays at Home, Somerton

GRAYS at Home is a lovely homeware shop offering a great selection of handpicked items for your home, run by Tracey Gray and associated with GeorgeJames Properties. Based in the heart of Somerton the shop is conveniently located opposite Burns the Bread next to the main town carpark.

Grays at Home offer a wide variety of beautiful products including wonderful Mothering Sunday and Easter gifts, rattan lamp shades, mirrors, cushions as well as many sustainable/ recyclable products that will find

pride of place in any home. Tracey is passionate about sourcing lovely quality products to suit all budgets as well as focusing on reducing the impact on the environment. The shop is open from Tuesday to Saturday. www.graysathome.co.uk.

Relax - it's National Bed Month at Sandys in Gillingham

March is National Bed Month, a month long celebration dedicated to the importance of a good night's rest, and at Sandys Bed Warehouse they are pleased to help.

Deciding if you need a new bed? They can help! Wondering what sort of bed you need? They can help! And if you buy a new bed from Sandy's Bed Warehouse during National Bed Month, you can be sure of getting extra value, with special offers throughout the month.

Plus, of course, they will deliver and assemble your new bed for free! See their advert on page 2

Pop in and see the huge selection of mattresses in stock at Sandys Furniture Warehouse in Gillingham.

Tracey Gray of Grays at Home.

for more details or visit www.sandysfurniturewarehouse .co.uk or call on 01747 822077.

Spring update from Lizzie Price Shading Solutions

As we step into Spring with the gardens starting to burst with pops of colour and our thoughts begin to turn towards outdoor living and enjoying the sun, the range of outdoor products is extensive. Louvred roof Pergolas, Awnings, Verandas with glass or polycarbonate roofs, which can also be used for Covered Walkways and Carports, are a great way to extend your outdoor space and enjoy your garden in all that the British Spring and Summer brings.

Their extensive range of Plantation Shutters, Blinds & External Roller Blinds will protect your home from the sun creating cooler indoor spaces and blackout options to help you sleep peacefully in the summer months. They will personally deal with you from the initial in-home consultation, where they will

identify your needs and then provide you with a quotation for the most suitable solution. All products are professionally fitted by them and guaranteed. Contact them for a free in-home consultation by email: enquiries@ lizziepriceshadingsolutions.co.uk or phone 07879 992000.

Improve your garden seating at Fit & Furnish in Yeovil Look forward to sitting in your garden when British Summertime begins. There are some REALLY GOOD DEALS available now at Fit & Furnish of Yeovil.

New garden furniture at last years prices! It’s even possible to get SAME DAY delivery (within Yeovil area). Visit their showroom at 25 Market Street, Yeovil BA20 1HZ, take a seat and try before you buy. They have a selection of various seating and dining combinations in stock, that are

Lizzie Price.

Eternal Kitchens, South Petherton

Eternal Kitchens, based in South Petherton, Somerset are passionate about kitchens and have 30 years of experience designing and making beautiful kitchens.

All the kitchens and furniture are made by them on site, using traditional time honoured methods and their joinery workshop has been awarded an A++ certification for the buildings ‘green’ status. Eternal can also help you with other projects, such as Boot rooms, dressing rooms and wine cellars to name but a few. Find out more at www.eternalkitchens.co.uk.

Expert reveals three quick DIY hacks to tackle those pesky carpet stain

Spilling something on your carpet can trigger absolute blind panic – we've all been there. While you may not have the traditional cleaning solutions to treat your carpeted surfaces, the experts from online rug store The Rugs have revealed three quick DIY hacks you can deliver at home to eliminate those nasty stains.

1. Just a drop of beer can remove your tea stains: While spilling beer on your carpet can cause havoc, the beverage also happens to have surprising stainremoval properties itself. Do you have coffee and tea stains ruining the look of your carpet? Well, a bottle of beer might be all you need to freshen up the surface. Simply pour a small drop of beer onto the stain and rub it lightly into the carpet with a cloth to see almost immediate results.

2. Pour a handful of salt on fresh stains: If you’ve encountered a fresh spill on your carpet, salt may be exactly what you need. Pouring a generous amount of salt on the newly stained area and leaving it for an hour or so will allow the salt to absorb most of the liquid. Once the carpet dries, you can hoover or sweep away the salt to reveal a clean, stain-free area. This hack works effectively on wet carpets with new spills. In fact, once your stain is dry, you will have to venture to other methods.

3. WD-40 is your quick fix for carpet spills: A multi-use product commonly associated with protecting metal from rust and corrosion, WD-40 can be found in many homes across the UK. What many people don’t know is WD40 is also an incredibly quick, effective solution to carpet stains.

Let Eternal Kitchens design and build your dream kitchen this year.

VINTAGE Motorcycling with Rod Hann

IT SEEMS that the year has just started but here we are entering March with hopefully the worst of the winter behind us. Spring should be with us now with the promise of better weather so more use can be made of our old vehicles. I expect you have done all your winter maintenance and are raring to go.

I start this month with a word of caution. A friend has one machine which he has had for several years. Now 82 years young his insurance was coming up for renewal and two weeks beforehand he received from his insurers a letter informing him that his renewal would not be allowed because of his age. He has never needed to make any claim.

Looking for a fresh company he has found that many companies would not start a new policy due to his age and the few companies who would insure him were going to charge an astronomical fee for doing so. Be very careful if you consider changing insurance companies when of senior years, it could prove very expensive. It is very naughty of the insurance company to withdraw cover in circumstances such as described. It could be a subtle ploy to extract even more money from the motorist.

Events in March are becoming more frequent. The Somerset Section start with the club night at Cossington on the 7th and this will be a talk by a Solicitor (should be interesting) and next on the 9th will be the Autojumble being held at the Bath and West Showground at Shepton Mallet. Lastly will be their Spring Run from Nether Stowey on the 17th. The Wessex V and V Section have their Breakfast Meet at

Ansty on the 2nd and this is followed on the 11th by their club meeting at Silton, and this will be a guest speaker. The Dorset Section start the month with the March Hare Run from Blandford on the 2nd. On the 13th will be the club night at Pulham and this will be a guest speaker. On the 17th comes the Spring Run from Warden Hill Trading Post and on the 29th (Friday) will be the Hot Cross Bun Run from Okeford Fitzpaine Recreation Ground. For further details ring 01935-872528.

The Wells and Westland Classic Motorcycle Clubs are similarly busy so check with the respective websites for details.

Forthcoming events of note is the starting up once more of the regular Bike Meets. Always worth a visit and very social. Also of note will be the Stafford Show on the 21st and 22nd April. A long trip I appreciate but the show is large and magnificent and the accompanying autojumble is massive which makes the trip worthwhile.

I like the unusual machines which I have mentioned before. Just such a machine is the subject of my photograph this month. It dates from the mid 1970's and is a Norton Classic. The fascinating bit is the powerplant which is a rotary engine. It is a development of an earlier design from NSU. The Norton engine has two chambers with a geared rotor in each. As the engine spins over the chamber within alters shape and as it does so induction, compression and combustion takes place. Because of the ever changing volume within it becomes difficult to calculate the actual working capacity of the engine. A nominal capacity of 588cc has been accepted by the boffins. Different versions of these engines can either be air cooled or water cooled. There are no mechanical valve gear and the only moving parts are the rotors and crankshaft.

These engines are very powerful and very smooth in

operation. But as with everything else there are some drawbacks. They are rather thirsty when it comes to both petrol and oil and if not used very regularly the delicate rotor tips can corrode and wear causing a loss in performance. However if used regularly the wear is minimal and they can record many thousands of miles. They are of course a little difficult to work on and to set up correctly.

I first rode an experimental version of this bike in around 1972 and this was several years before production actually started. I thought it was turbine smooth, acceleration was outstanding for that time, and I loved every minute that I rode it. The worst problem I had was the fact that the engine produces

no engine braking effect whatsoever so to slow the machine it must all be done on the brakes. You actually get the sensation that when you throttle back the bike speeds up, so excellent brakes are essential. This is a little disconcerting until you get used to it.

Norton made only a few of these machines in the more standard layout you see here to the very sporty F1 version. If anyone happens to have a scruffy unused version in their shed which they do not want, then I may just know of a very good home for it.

Mid 70’s Norton 588cc with a rotary engine.

Luca's Garden

with Bridget Sudworth

EVERY MONTH of the year arrives with immediate conceptions of what might be in store. March, named after the god of War, arrives with notions of lions and lambs though it usually boils down to gardening expectations which being the start of Spring, brings optimism. Harbingers are gone - among them snowdrops - to be replaced by the creams and yellows of narcisi and other gorgeous delights like the tulips even though this year, so many have already been in flower before their time. Interesting to note from plant reading recently that snowdrops were harvested during

WW1 for their antifreeze protein which fueled tanks! Bet you didn’t know that? Nor did I!

Another intriguing article I read concerned the fantastic world of hemp fibres that grow at great speed with multiple uses and I am not talking about blowing dope! A crop with a very ancient history, it’s been used for ropes, paper, fabric and bow strings to say nothing of ships rigging, sails and nets. My paternal grandfather, a Master Mariner born in 1858 (I never knew him sadly), must have been glad of the stuff as he sailed tea clippers from China in the 1880s. Hemp has latterly had a chequered career for obvious reasons and licences for cultivation are hard to get but we need to take another look at the stuff as it could well be part of our fight against climate change.

It needs no synthetic chemicals

to grow at great speed - 2.5 inches per day, is resistant to disease, contains omega 3 and more protein than meat and has been used in car body work since the 1940s. Even our enterprising king has used it for insulation in buildings. But he would, wouldn’t he? He has always known a thing to two about Stuff. Food for thought rather than the spliff perhaps?

Luca and I have been ploughing through mud on our walks recently. With his arthritic back legs, paw drag has worn down his central claws so gripping from the rear meant little on the slippery slopes but having reached the top of a certain hill, he still insisted on using the muddy path instead of the grassy banks. It’s quite amazing to walk through our woods and note the amount of moss which I commented on a couple of months ago - it was almost like being in a temperate rainforest to see how much has crept up the trunks and the collection of wonderful ferns and mosses sprouting along branches and clinging to strewn stones. With so much fallen wood that is simply left to lie, the understories are becoming very clogged up which is fascinating to observe. Luca loves the rushing streams which provide a quick drink from

time to time and a good place to wash the mud off paws.

Our techie wizard passed through the other day and managed to unravel the messy job we’d made of setting up the outside camera strapped to a chair to see who our nocturnal visitor might be. It was quite a shock to see Samuel Whiskers sitting in the fruit bowl on our table clearly lamenting the

Luca doing paw wash. Hellebores

Pleached hedge before leaf bud burst.

Spring heralds.

absence of an apple to eat! Quite bizarrely, I was initially amazed to see that he had no clothes on then realised that the world of Beatrix Potter didn’t rule reality - plus the notion that I was going barmy!! I am glad to say that we have closed off any possible access to the house with wire wool in odd plumbing places and he has not been back. Strange to think while he was working out how to get the apple on the floor, roll it along and then eat it that our canine guardian was snoring away on his cosy mat in another room. Had we still got our little black cat, Sybilla, Samuel Whiskers would have been the one to make the meal. She was a fearless hunter.

The price of seeds, and indeed all plants it seems, is pretty eye watering this year. It means no squandering, careful planting and retention of every flipping seedling that appears. Greater economy can be exercised by taking cuttings, grafting and splitting of plants rather than buying anew. Search round for charity plant sales as gardeners are generous with surplus and glad to share or even swap at much lower prices.

Broad beans are planted in their old polystyrene boxes to be put out when large enough to be bypassed by greedy mice. Don’t buy any seeds if you can’t accommodate the results and make sure you collect as many as you can next Autumn. The little agapanthus are going strong in the greenhouse and will be potted out as soon as the weather settles. The odd rose cuttings that I stuff in pots all over the place will hopefully bloom in time which will tell me what plant they came from - the labels get

lost along the way so surprises are in store.

This is also the time to do a good prune of roses. The buds are shooting all over and the strong outward facing ones are those to go for. Try looping the long arms of climbers and ramblers into open circles and tying in - they will flower along the highest line and this will increase your show of blooms as well as tidying them up somewhat.

Confessions are due, namely that we have recently acquired a wonderful gardener who has been sorting out the contentious muddle of bramble, other sundries and especially the creeping ground cover comfrey, Symphytum x uplandicum, weed smothering, invasive and shamefully from my point of view, thriving on neglect! It’s everywhere in this garden and really quite hard to dig out. Planting three modest hellebores the other day was one step forward and five back as I struggled with the underground runners that are so effective at spreading the thing about. But apart from that, beds have been transformed and order created which makes such a difference to appreciation of one’s plot and offers hope for things to come.

Happy planting in March, the month of optimism and don’t waste your seeds!

Approved contractor to Dorset & Somerset C.C.

Hanging moss.

Mossy arboreal skirt.

Time to Sow with Julie

Haylock of Sandhurst Garden Design

As we enter the month of March the days are lengthening and hopefully becoming warmer, so now is the perfect time to sow seeds. If you have a greenhouse or if not, a sunny windowsill will suffice, there are lots of seeds you could try for tasty home grown produce to enjoy later in the year. How about giving tomatoes or lettuce a try?

Perhaps your passion is flowers so why not have a go at sowing annual or half-annual seeds and plant them outside when the risk of frost has passed.

If you subscribe to a gardening magazine each month, like me, you will have accumulated quite a collection of free seed packets. Who does not like the delicious scent of sweet peas or gorgeous colours of Zinnia?

Plant sweet pea seeds in deep pots or modules to allow for their long root run, in peat free compost anytime between October and March. When the time is right plant, these little beauties outside using hazel poles

or bamboo canes to create a wigwam in the ground or in a large pot and then look forward to bunches of pastel-coloured sweet peas in the summer.

Andrew, my husband, tells how he remembers as a child his mum grew sweet peas up an old apple tree in their garden and that he would take bunches of them to his teacher, which is better than an apple in my eyes any day!

Now for the news I promised, We have been selected to exhibit a show garden at BBC Gardeners’ World Live at The NEC in June, and the garden title is ‘Stop and Smell the Flowers.’

My inspiration for the garden is to spread the word that ‘it is good to talk.’ In a world full of technology and faceless interaction with people, finding the time to sit a while, talk with others, and appreciate the beauty of nature all around us is important for our wellbeing.

The show runs from 13th to 16th June and tickets are on sale now at www.bbcgardeners worldlive.com. The show ticket combines entry to the BBC Good Food Show so there really is something for everyone and would make an ideal present gift for Father’s Day, so if you are planning to visit, please come and say hello to us. Until next time, Julie.

Full ground preparation and laying service available

This years fair promises to be an exceptional experience, blending history with contemporary design. Expect to see a captivating selection of English, French, and Nordic antique furniture and designs. Exhibitors will be showing grand painted cabinets, distinctive chateau furniture, commanding statuary, cast iron urns, and garden benches tailored for outdoor elegance. Find out more at www.bathdecorativeantiques fair.co.uk

Breaking the Lenten Fast; Elevate Your Easter Celebration with the Perfect Wines DURING LENT many individuals embark on a period of self-reflection, sacrifice, and spiritual growth. Such sacrifices are designed to foster selfdiscipline and self-control and choosing to give up alcohol provides a tangible challenge that requires commitment and determination. By overcoming the temptation to indulge in a glass of wine or a cocktail, individuals strengthen their ability to exercise self-discipline in various aspects of life.

Although I am a committed Christian, unlike my fellow worshippers I do not always seem able to harness the willpower to give up much for Lent. One year, not so long ago, I did abstain from both chocolate and wine for the duration but did not see much benefit by way of weight loss, improved frame of mind or sleep.

Given the financial position of many of us this year, the financial aspect of giving up alcohol for Lent should not be overlooked. Abstaining from purchasing alcohol can result in significant cost savings. Many participants choose to redirect these funds towards charitable donations or support for local community initiatives, aligning with the spirit of giving that is central to the Lenten season.

Breaking the Lenten fast is a time to savour the end of this period of reflection and self-

restraint; a good reason to celebrate, and who doesn’t love an excuse for a celebration? I admit I have always been a sucker for an excuse to let my hair down, although these days the limbs are a bit too stiff to be swinging from the chandeliers; a cosy dinner is more my style.

Selecting suitable wines for the occasion adds depth and nuance to the experience, enhancing the flavours of your meal. Whether you opt for sparkling, whites, rosés, reds, or dessert wines, the key is to choose wines that resonate with the spirit of renewal and joy that comes with breaking the fast.

Easter itself is a time of joy, renewal and celebration, and of course the hope of an improvement in the weather, making it the perfect occasion to gather with loved ones and indulge in delicious food and your favourite wines. Whether you're hosting a festive Easter brunch, a family get together or an elegant dinner, selecting the right wines can enhance the overall experience and create lasting memories. Elevating your Easter celebration with the perfect wines involves consideration of the menu and the diverse palates of your guests. Explore these delightful wine options that will complement the diverse flavours of Easter dishes and elevate your celebration.

Kick off your Easter festivities with a touch of effervescence. Sparkling wines, such as Champagne, Prosecco, or

sparkling rosé, bring a sense of sophistication to any occasion. These wines are versatile and pair well with a variety of hors d’oeuvres or nibbles, making them an excellent choice to get your guests into the right mood.

With an increasing number of people giving up meat, not least because of the rising cost, many will be eschewing the traditional roast lamb or baked ham, although a crisp white wine with good acidity, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, will provide a refreshing contrast to the meat’s richness helping to bring out its delicate flavours.

A Chardonnay with buttery notes can be an excellent choice to pair with lighter meats, as well as with a variety of side dishes, from roasted vegetables to creamy potato gratin. If in doubt, with Spring on the horizon, rosé wines, known for their versatility, are a great addition to the Easter table. The subtle fruitiness and vibrant acidity of a good quality rosé can complement both the richness of a main meat dish as well as the lighter flavours of spring vegetables. For a delightful food-friendly option opt for a dry rosé from regions like Provence or California. When your Easter menu includes heartier dishes such as rich lamb or beef casseroles, a medium to full-bodied red wine can be a wonderful choice. Consider a Pinot Noir for its versatility (a good accompaniment to the spices in a hot cross bun too!) or a Merlot for its soft tannins and

fruit-forward profile. These red wines can enhance the savoury notes of your main course and provide a comforting counterbalance.

No Easter celebration is complete without a decadent dessert, and selecting the right wine to accompany it is crucial. For lighter desserts like fruit tarts or pavlovas, a Moscato or a late-harvest Riesling can provide a sweet and refreshing pairing. If you're serving a rich chocolate dessert, opt for a fortified wine like Port or a robust red wine with some sweetness.

Mindful of our carbon footprint, and keen to ensure we support British businesses, exploring local and seasonal wines can add a special touch to your Easter celebration. Visit a nearby winery or wine shop and ask for recommendations that highlight the best of the region and the season.

From sparkling beginnings to dessert delights, there's a wine for every moment. Experiment, explore, and most importantly, savour the joy that comes from pairing delightful wines with the company of loved ones during this special occasion. Cheers to a memorable and flavourful Easter!

L.P-V.

The Pub Pages

BEER & SKITTLES

P. A. BAXTER

SUNSHINE! Spring is here; winter is over and the days are getting longer – at last. Well I might be a bit premature thanks to a recent afternoon of sun but it's still too cold to be out and about in shorts and T-shirt; for me, anyway. Whilst those long nights drag on and some dark beers can still be seen on the bar I feel I must give them a mention, and as always I encourage all you fine people out there in pub-land to give a try to some drinks not usually on your personal menu.

Porters have long given your writer a good deal of drinking pleasure. Stouts are typically black and less hopped than porters but both can have hints of the same, viz; coffee/chocolate/ caramel yet may look similar at first glance. One stout in particular has a pronounced head and we all know that one! Recent draught porters include one from the Exmoor Brewery that weighs in at a mere 3.3%ABV is half the strength of their fantastic 'Exmoor Beast'. It's named 'Seshy Beast' and is hence a 'session' beer. It was very pleasant, but

To New Orleans for a beer or three?

with a long dry finish, one pint was enough for me. Pictured are a few beers we've tasted of late. Have you tried any uncommon beers lately?

Interestingly, the last year the share of the market for these dark beers has increased slightly, yet somewhat worryingly, Elland Brewery, where the '1872 Deep Ruby Porter' at 6.5%ABV is produced, is facing severe financial difficulties. Just six months ago it was awarded the title of CAMRA supreme champion. As we all know, life in the brewing and hospitality industry is no picnic right now.

The photograph of the beer menu is from a pub that will be slightly more difficult to find; in fact it's from a corner bar we visited in the French Quarter of New Orleans. It seemed more than a little strange to be drinking an ice-cold stout in a near-tropical atmosphere (it was in the mid-80's Fahrenheit, which is pushing 30ºC). We soon found out from our very first visit to the States that the Americans turn out some fabulous ales, porters and stouts, but are served far too cold for any flavour to come through until they warm a little. However, on this occasion, thanks to the weather conditions by the time one was half-way down the glass it became obvious that to still be palatable, it had to be drunk-up fairly swiftly. It was certainly a happy memory though!

Speaking of the U.S.A. The game of ten-pin bowling has more association with our cousins over the pond than it does here. Despite this, there are many who do not realise how far back the game goes in this country. The late Arthur Taylor was in the process of writing a book which included history of the game, alongside the version that

involved knocking pins over with which we are far more familiar. I hope that one day we can relate some of his research, which is fascinating, to say the least. The pictures I have for you this month pretty much sum up the entire history of how pins are reset. Yes, there are places in America and around the world where they have 'pin-boys' (girls too) who do the work, also known as 'pinsetters' and to us, 'stickers' or 'sticker-ups' of course (How are they referred to in your league?) Sometimes there are machines that partly do the work. One, as can be seen, is fairly

uncomplicated. It's loaded manually and then lowered onto the alley where the pins are placed correctly, whilst the other is loaded and then by the press of a lever the machine lowers the pins onto their allotted position. Either way, it looks a little less work than 100% manual! We are probably all more familiar with the machines which sweep away the fallen pins and reset them automatically. There are various versions but they operate in basically the same manner. There are 20 pins in the 'guts' of the machine that sort and line them up ready to pop them back onto the alley as well as return the ball and a computer records the score. These machines have in excess of four thousand parts and can be unreliable, and have been known, sadly, to crush more than one technician to death whilst they have been working on them. Those of you who are regular visitors to bowling alleys will more than likely have seen the trend to move over to a system where the pins are on strings. To my surprise, and shock of many hardened bowlers, they have been approved for league and competition play by the U.S.B.C. - The United States Bowling Congress, the sport's ruling body. Analysis by bowlers on YouTube including slo-mo footage would suggest that

How it used to be done, and still is in many places.

Winter Porter from Sainsbury's but brewed in Blandford by Hall and Woodhouse.

A lad loads an electric pin-setter.

The Pub Pages

BEER & SKITTLES P. A. BAXTER

strings can actually knock the pins down. I took a great dislike to this modus operandi whilst first seen on holiday some 30 years ago. A sea-side entertainment centre employed several alleys with not only the aforementioned pin-resetting equipment but a hideous computer voice would comment on one's performance: 'Haha-you missed!' is the one which sticks in my mind! This mechanism, however, is far cheaper to install and maintain, as well as having far fewer moving parts. Personally, I think it's awful, and to put a truly British comment on this I say simply; 'Cheap and nasty'. However ... what do bowlers in this country think? They tend to move in circles that I do not, but I am pleased to know Adrian Corbett, a Division One skittler in the Yeovil Sports Skittle League, as well as a Somerset County and league bowler. Adrian tells me that the bottom line is the deciding factor; for if lanes are shut because of machine failure, then the owning company is losing money. Parts need to come all the way from the

States and are not cheap. So either they go for the stringthings; or close. Overall, the difference is marginal and just as in the game we enjoy the alleys are the same, the pins the same and the difference is in the performer!

(Question: can you name a pub where there are 10-pin alleys/lanes? C'mon – get those thinking heads on!)

Anyone into the sport of bowling will be, I have no doubt, interested in the Facebook group 'Maple and Pine' run by Kevin Hong, who photographs and records the alleys all over the United States. I am indebted to him for allowing me to share his photographs and stories which go from today right back to the very first known bowling alleys in his country. I've been following him for some while – perhaps you would consider it too.

Anyway, having mentioned

porter, I thought I would leave the last word to the AmericanIrish writer J.P. Donleavy, a great enthusiast of said drink. 'When I die I want to decompose in a barrel of porter and have it served in all the pubs in Dublin. I wonder, would they recognise me?' Well he died in 2017 and as to whether he got his wish, I know not, but he was aged 91 so it’s clear porter did him no harm!

Cheers

© P.A Baxter 2024. skittlealley@hotmail.com

ANSWERS TO POP MUSIC QUIZ

On page 9

1) The Look of Love

2) Barbra Streisand

3) Take That

4) Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas

5) OMDOrchestral Maneuvers in the Dark

6) Sting

7) Peter Andre

8) The Turtles

9) Aretha Franklin and George Michael

10) The Beatles (White Album)

Bonus question: 1991

Anorak question: Lexicon of Love

Answer to Gold lamé anorak question: I'm Not in Love – 10CC She was receptionist at Strawberry Studios where the recording was made.

Vinny states the obvious (again)

They Say

That the Toad Patrol of Chiselborough are doing a sterling job escorting toads to a local pond to save them from being run over.

That the Gala Evening, held at North Cadbury Court recently was a resounding success, however, the surfeit of sore heads the following day was not so good.

That fine dining at Dinnington Docks, Hinton St George, also comes with dimming lights!

That for Mrs Penny Mitchell of Castle Cary, thirty-seven seems to be her lucky number.

That once again, Norton-subHamdon's Ha Ha was a great success, and late comers Jack and George soon learnt that late comers have front row seats!

That a goldfish supper, was a tasty treat for a certain passing Heron in Chiselborough.

That on a visit to Cornwall, Amercian lady Danni of Prestleigh went outside the village hall to get some air and sat on a bench which turned out to be a full horse trough.

That a smart new clock had been unveiled in Ilminster to commemorate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

That the Shepton Mallet snowdrop displays are very jolly.

That a big day is looming for former Weymouth resident Tony Hawkins, living in warmer climes for over 20 years, as he approaches octogenarianism on 21st March.

That a big thank you goes to the regular Litter Pickers that patrol the lanes around North Cadbury, keeping the village tidy.

That Ros Parry of Shepton Mallet has perfected her wave, after dining in the window seat at Haskins restaurant.

That Jan Bennetts of Wells will soon need to extend her kitchen if she purchases anymore gadgets.

That since the cutting back of hedgerows along the A371 between Castle Cary and Cannard's Grave, rubbish carelessly dropped is much in evidence … whatever happened to the Keep Britain Tidy campaign?

Solution to February Sudoku

A manual pin-setting machine and attendees!

Maggs Mild from 'Renegade' and Festivity from Bath Ales.

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

March winds

TRADITION has it that ‘March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers’. The winds depicted in the front-cover cartoon on the March 1994 Visitor told a very different story and provide a stark reminder of the country’s financial woes at that time. Under the heading ‘The Joys of Spring’ they were blowing ‘VAT on domestic fuel’, ‘Employees National Insurance rise’, ‘New tax on company cars’ and ‘Prescription charges price rise’. John Major’s government was certainly making itself unpopular with many people. In 1992 his Chancellor of the Exchequer, Norman Lamont, had withdrawn the country from the European Exchange Rate Mechanism, and in 1994 it seemed that its citizens were paying the price. Incidentally the cartoonist, Geoff Thompson, still produces cartoons for the Visitor every month.

A meal for mother

Most of the March magazine’s content seemed designed to relieve the economic gloom. With Mothering Sunday coming up on the 13th many of the pub adverts highlighted their ‘special treat for your mum’ at prices ranging from £3.95 for a one-course roast dinner to £12 for a four-course meal. The writer of the Wine and Dine column offered this advice: ‘Last year, as Mothers Day approached, I suggested that it might be nice if the husband took over the cooking for the day, or at least the main meal. This year, scrap that idea. Many of the mothers I know complained bitterly, saying that it was easier to cook the meal themselves rather than have their husbands in the kitchen. So this year the instruction is quite clear chaps, stay out of the kitchen and take your lady out ... you are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing where to go. As for the worry about financing the deal, with Sunday roasts for as little as £3 or £4 in some pubs you cannot ask for better value.’

Remember the Riva?

For drivers faced with the costly prospect of having to replace their car, the motoring section of the

March 1994 issue reported that ‘Lada makes the cheapest new car in the UK – the Riva saloon at £3,995’. Although Ladas were the butt of many unkind jokes, the article added that ‘Lada continues to dazzle us with new car prices which look as if they’ve come off a forecourt of used cars.

The Samara hatchback range starts at £4,615, saloons are on offer from £5,395, a Riva estate from £5,280 and a Niva 4x4 from £6,615. You also get a twoyear/50,000 mile warranty.’ Old technology from Fiat, given a new lease of life by the Russians, had clearly given cashstrapped UK motorists something to think about.

D-I-Y at home

A dozen or more pages of the magazine focussed on home improvements with advice on everything from draughtproofing to the complete replacement of bathrooms and kitchens. Advice, too, on doing-it-yourself in these financiallyconstrained times.

‘Don’t dismantle anything structural or load-bearing until you are sure precisely what it is doing and how you are going to replace it, both temporarily and permanently,’ it warned, adding that ‘when in doubt get professional help.’ Several advertisers were offering 20% off the price of selected kitchens and conservatories stating the original price lure readers into ‘improving’.

Tampering with taste

One gloomy and worrying report found its way into the March 1994 Visitor . ‘A governmentappointed committee has given the go-ahead for geneticallyengineered food,’ it stated, explaining that ‘the idea is to

make ‘superfoods’ by transferring commercially-useful genes between species’. The columnist strongly objected to such tampering, noting that ‘so much of our food gets bombarded with chemicals which we did not need before and which inevitably end up in our system or atmosphere’ and ‘food products get changed to make them more commercially viable for the producer’. He asked

and nicer but have lost some of their flavour and are not as tasty as they used to be. His conclusion was that ‘we should pay more attention to our shopping, seeking out locally-produced goods and accepting that uniform shape and near-perfect size and colour do not necessarily translate into a healthy, tasty product’. That remains so true today.

Roger Richards.

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April Deadline: 19th March

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Prize Crossword No. 448

Set by Frank Butler

SEND COMPLETED ENTRIES TO:

The Visitor Crossword, P.O. Box 5522, Castle Cary, Somerset BA9 0BP – to arrive by Monday 19th March.

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

Clues Across:

1. The brief root-mean-square value of old gas units [6]

4. Provide food around church for one who traps [7]

9. Must I soap element K? [9]

10. Luggage with suits [5]

11. See 24 across

12. Shorter answer is wrapped in torn poster: Interchange! [9]

13. Come in about microchip - there’s a tempter! [7]

14. Soldier in returning vehicle is sad [6]

17. Dye Plant is more angry [6]

19. Ministers assembled in a cupboard [7]

22. Cannot be held powerless about a number [9]

24. and 11 The smallest ale all soft [5, 2, 3]

26. Order among ladies driven thus if poor [2, 3]

27. Stretching annexe [9]

28. Makes 10 about the orient [7]

29. Brave, leaving choir in confusion about E [6]

Clues Down:

1. Highest opening is excellent [7]

2. Rate badly about ten for more [5]

3. Spied clam wrongly put down [9]

4. Smallish bargain [7]

5. Mites with clock’s sound [5]

6. Past expert broadcast this on air [9]

7. Teas upset in limousine with TV lines [6]

8. Untidy pups [6]

14. Leaflet having enough strength is easily drawn [9]

16. Lame Cuban carries the sick [9]

18. Plimsolls for series of games [7]

19. Switzerland: Note pen not breathing easily [6]

20. Enormous but wrecked [7]

21. In charge briefly after corrosion in the country [6]

23. Thing broken in the dark [5]

25. Damaged main ring with acid [5]

Solution to Crossword 447