The Visitor Magazine Issue 486 May 2024

Easter has been and gone for another year. The Winter Solstice has ended, the earth is awakening and the seeds are germinating – especially the weeds in my garden. Back in the days when ours was an agrarian society, the coming of Spring was cause for celebration. The seeds were in the ground, and the time had come for revels and ribaldry. In the peasant mind the mysterious rebirth of plant life had to be encouraged by all manner of pagan rituals and customs, many of them bawdy and sexual.

Some survived the coming of Christianity. A monk chronicled that at Easter 1282 the priest of Inverkeithing collected young girls from the village and ‘he led the dance, carrying in front on a pole a representation of the human organs of reproduction; and singing and dancing himself, like a mime, he reviewed them all and stirred them to lust by filthy language’. Rebirth, in the shape of Christ’s resurrection, is at the heart of the Christian festival of Easter – celebrated by many with great joy if without the pagan licentiousness. Down the centuries it has provided the inspiration for some of the world’s most magnificent pieces of music and works of art.

In the long transformation from an ancient world of wandering hunters with their gods and myths to modern society with its technological advances, we seem to have lost our will to celebrate. Perhaps the big reasons – the seasonal and the spiritual reasons – for celebration no longer seem relevant in the 21st century. Instead, we wallow in nostalgia and commemorate the anniversaries of all manner of national and international events with countless TV programmes and newspaper supplements; we send the occasional card to acknowledge a birthday or wedding anniversary; we give a passing nod to the succession of special days or weeks dreamt up by the public relations industry to push a message or product; we might even have a drink too many on New Year’s Eve.

But in reality most folk in Visitorland are not very good at celebrating. St George’s Day, the celebration of the anniversary of the death of England’s patron saint, passed largely unnoticed in April. Rarely do we let our hair down and celebrate communally. The Millennium, the late Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Jubilee and the Coronation of King Charles III celebrations attracted almost as many detractors as participants nationally, and despite the best efforts of village stalwarts across Visitorland the local events seemed to make little impact on the communal consciousness.

A little bit of rebirth might do us all some good. Sometime this Spring why not resist the temptation to traipse the superstore aisles, mow the lawn or flop down in front of the TV. Instead, get together with friends and neighbours and do something different, something out of the ordinary, something joyful. In other words, celebrate the season.

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June Issue Deadline: 20th May

Published: 30th May

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

PO Box 5522, Castle Cary Somerset BA9 0BP

Tel: (01963) 351256, 351998

Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk

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Editor Max Dunion

CONTENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLASSIFIED 38

ANTIQUES 25

CROSSWORD 38

GARDENING 30

HOUSE & HOME 28

LEISURE 19

LETS GO OUT & ABOUT 16

LOOKING GOOD 24

MENTIONED in DISPATCHES 4

MOTORING 24

NOTICE BOARD 19

PHONE A FIRM 37

PUBS 34

REMEMBER WHEN 36

STURMINSTER NEWTON Business Focus 26

SUDOKU 19

TEA FOR TWO 15

THEY SAY 35

WINE & DINE 33

YEOVIL Business Focus 20

Cartoons by GEOFF THOMPSON

Dispatches

Somerset Printmakers

Exhibit at Somerset Rural Life Museum

A SHOWCASE of artwork by thirteen printmakers living and working in Somerset opens at Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury from 25 May to 1 September.

The Somerset Printmakers are a group of professional artists passionate about creating original prints and pushing the boundaries of what printmaking can be. They will be displaying monoprints and limited editions

prints inspired by the county they live in, adopting different styles and techniques.

Artist Sebastian Chance said: “Somerset has a fantastically diverse art scene. We feel privileged to be showing at the museum which is such an important venue regionally and locally.”

Somerset Printmakers was formed in 1998 by a group of professional artists whose practice spans traditional and experimental methods. The exhibition will feature artworks for sale alongside preparatory drawings that illuminate the creative process behind the works. Featured artists are: Cath Bloomfield, Sebastian Chance, Pennie Elfick, Susan Gradwell, Jenny Graham, Sally Hebeler, Paul Holding, Sue Lowe, Stéphanie Max, Gail Mason, Lucy

Rodgers, Sarah Ward and Lisa Takahashi.

Exhibitions Manager Sarah Cox said: “The exhibition aims to be an inclusive way of accessing heritage and culture while celebrating printmaking as fine art. Each artist has their own unique approach to printmaking and the exhibition will showcase some of the county’s most innovative contemporary printmaking.”

During May half term there will be creative activities available for families to experience printmaking themselves. From Monday to Friday children can discover a different printing technique each day and on Saturday and Sunday they can use stencils to create an artwork inspired by the exhibition. Throughout the exhibition there will also be

opportunities to speak to the artists about their work, including during a ‘Meet the Artists’ event on Sunday 16 June.

Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury is open 10.00 am – 5.00 pm Tuesday to Sunday and bank holiday Mondays. Admission includes entry to the exhibition and family activities.

Yarlington Spring Plant Fair, 11 May

The Yarlington Spring Plant Fair is held in the park of Yarlington House, by the kind invitation of Count and Countess Charles de Salis. The fine Georgian Manor House and grounds are the

Cath Bloomfield, Land and Sea, Collagraph.

Sarah Ward 'Fire, Earth, Totem' Screen Print on Handmade Paper.

Mentioned in

Dispatches

perfect setting for a plant fair and great day for all plant and garden lovers.

With over 30 stalls, overflowing with organic vegetable plants, interesting herbs, colourful summer bedding, and plants for cut flowers and shady areas. There will be perennials, climbers and unusual shrubs – plants for every nook and corner of your garden! Many of the stands will focus on wildlife-friendly plants. Whatever plants you are looking for - you are sure to find them. All fantastic quality, great value for money and with expert advice from the grower if you need it.

The entrance ticket includes admission to the extensive private gardens. Explore the rose garden with pleached limes, lily pond and a wisteria arbour. There is the sunken Italian garden, golden laburnum walk, a productive vegetable garden and a woodland dell with original Victorian winding paths, cleverly fashioned into the manner of an

amphitheatre. Perfect for inspiration for your garden! Many of the plants in the garden will be on sale, including a stand with plants grown and propagated by Yarlington’s head gardener. It promises to be a great day out for everybody, from the novice gardener with a new garden to fill to plantaholics looking for more treasures.

Free car parking and tea, coffee and homemade cake will be on sale. Dogs welcome on a lead. Full details, including stall holders at www.plantfairs.com.

Castle Cary Tuesday Market celebrates 10 years

Castle Cary Tuesday Market recently celebrated its 10th birthday, with live music, commemorative merchandise, cupcakes, bucks’ fizz, and a raffle. 10 years ago, Castle Cary Town Council commissioned research into starting a Market once again, using the Market Charter of 1468. Residents and businesses were consulted, and appropriate stall holders were found and invited to pitch-up on a weekly basis at the Market House.

Many of the original traders are still present, whilst others have come and gone, with some even returning! One thing is for sure, they create a friendly, buzzy

meeting place every Tuesday and the variety of goods for sale is eclectic! The market is a highlight in Cary’s week and is one of the attributes that set Cary aside from other Somerset towns. Please support it and your High Street. Here’s to the next 10 years of shopping locally in Castle Cary!

Wincanton Choral Society's concert May 19th

WCS will be performing Haydn's magisterial masterpiece of 1798

The Creation on Sunday evening 19th May at St Lukes Catholic Church in Wincanton. With a

very successful performance last December of Handel's Messiah under his belt, Neil Moore conducts the choir with three star professional soloists and an 18 piece orchestra - a spectacular event for Wincanton not to be missed!

Haydn was inspired by hearing magnificent performances of the oratorios of Handel, in particular the same Messiah [composed 1741], during his visits to London. Performed amazingly 40 times during the remaining 11 years of the great composer's life, it has earned an enduring place as a

Market Stallholders celebrate 10 years in Castle Cary.

Mentioned in Dispatches

masterpiece of the choral canon. This joyous and optimistic celebration of the biblical universe draws on Genesis in its

division into the six days of Creation and on Milton's Paradise Lost. The text for many of the choir's numbers, which either compliment/underline the narrative or magnificently express praise of God, is taken from the book of Psalms. It is remembered for representations of such cosmic and terrestrial phenomena as Primordial Chaos in the first 55 bars - revolutionary in its day for

its disharmonies with abrupt changes of key and dynamicsthe creation of Light on the First Day, and the first sunrise on the Third Day - one of the great dramatic moments of all classical music - and musical depictions of God's creatures by turns stately - the Great Whale - and endearing - the 'flexible tiger' and the 'winged tribe'.

For more information see www.facebook.com/wincanton choralsociety and www.wincanton choralsociety.co.uk. Tickets are available from choir members, on the door [cash, card or cheque] and at www.ticketsource.co.uk/ wincantonchoralsociety. Interval drinks will be served, weather permitting, in the outside spaces of the church.

Boost Garden Butterfly Numbers by up to 93% with One Simple Step, New Study Reveals

Letting parts of your garden grow wild with long grass can increase butterfly numbers by up to 93% and attract a wider range of species, according to new research from leading wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation

The study, published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, provides the first scientific evidence that having long grass in your garden increases butterfly abundance and diversity. Creating such wild spaces may help to reverse the decline of these beautiful insects.

Undertaken by Butterfly

Conservation scientists Dr Lisbeth Hordley and Dr Richard Fox, the research analysed butterfly sightings from more than 600 gardens across the UK, collected by members of the public over six years through the

charity's Garden Butterfly Survey. The results show that gardens with long grass had a significantly higher number of butterflies recorded, with a greater variety of species, than those without.

Importantly, the biggest benefits of these wild spaces were found in urban areas and intensively farmed landscapes. In highly arable areas, gardens with long grass saw up to 93% more butterflies, and those in urban areas showed an increase of 18%.

The potential to provide wild spaces for butterflies and moths to thrive is huge. Gardens make up more than 728,000 hectares in Great Britain - the equivalent of over a million football pitches. If each of these gardens had a space that was allowed to go a little wild, with grass growing long, it would make a huge difference for butterflies and moths, providing spaces for them to feed, breed and shelter.

While the research specifically studied gardens, the benefits to butterflies of long grass and wild spaces are likely to extend beyond the garden gate. Public green spaces such as parks, school grounds, allotments, and road verges, could also provide vital spaces for wildlife, and enable more people to see more butterflies if allowed to go a little wild.

Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation and co-author of the study, said: “Nature is in crisis; 80% of butterflies have declined since the 1970s, so we need to take action now to protect them. We wanted to be able to give tried and tested gardening advice that will benefit butterflies as we know lots of people want to help. This study proves, for the first time, that allowing a patch of grass to grow long will attract more butterflies into your garden.”

The study also found that the presence of flowering ivy in gardens increased the number of certain butterfly species, such as the Holly Blue, Red Admiral and Comma, which use ivy as a breeding habitat or nectar source.

Mentioned in Dispatches

Butterfly Conservation is calling for everyone to create their own Wild Space, no matter how big or small, to help butterflies survive and thrive. Through its Wild Spaces programme, the charity aims to transform 100,000 areas across the UK to help support butterfly populations.

Dr Fox added: “The simple act of creating wild spaces by allowing a patch of grass to grow long, or a border edge to go wild is free and easy to do, and can significantly boost butterfly numbers, especially in urban and agricultural settings where they are most under pressure. The benefits of each individual wild space are small, but if thousands of people get involved the boost to butterflies could be huge.

“Whether you have a large garden, a small patch of grass, a community or school space, or a balcony or window box, anyone, anywhere can help. We hope that

our Wild Spaces programme will inspire people across the UK to take action and help to create a national network of butterflyfriendly habitats.”

Wild Spaces can be created by anyone, anywhere – from gardens to shared community spaces, balconies, terraces, or patios. No matter the size or location, every

Wild Space can contribute to the recovery of butterfly populations and support biodiversity. To create your own Wild Space visit www.wild-spaces.co.uk

KILN DRIED LOGS

Mentioned in Dispatches

New season and new look for Octagon Theatre & Westlands Entertainment Venue brochure

Amazing news for theatre-goers! The new Octagon Theatre and Westlands seasonal brochure is here and it comes with a fresh new look. The brochure has been given a facelift for the first time in over ten years with an emphasis on accessibility by reducing the word count on the event entries and removing the background colour behind the text so it is easier to read.

The May – December 2024 seasonal brochure is now

available to pick up from Westlands Entertainment Venue or to download at westlandsyeovil.co.uk, featuring a season of shows to entertain you, enthral you, and uplift you. There is plenty for everyone, from tributes to talks and participatory classes to classical music.

On page nine, find out about the upcoming Yeovil Beer & Cider Festival taking place in May with an array of beers, ales and ciders from local and regional breweries, live music from local bands and musicians who will be creating an atmosphere for you to ‘sip back’ and enjoy.

Heading towards the summer months, there are summer school activities for those aged 10 – 16 years old to get involved in, including ‘ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company’. They also see Castaway Theatre Group and Stuff & Nonsense return to

provide summer school activities and welcome the likes of household names such as Paul Zerdin, Ed Gamble, Tony Christie, Ryan Moloney, Richard Carpenter, Graham Norton, Billy Billingham, Simon Reeve and Ben Elton – plus many more! There is plenty for tribute act lovers, including Some Guys Have All The Luck, The Dusty Show, That’ll Be The Day, This

is Elvis, Mania: The Abba Tribute and Talon: The Best Of The Eagles.

Seasonal brochures are directly mailed to any customers who have been to The Octagon Theatre or Westlands Entertainment Venue in the last three years and have opted to receive post from the venues. You can also view or download your copy of the digital brochure from the website to find out more about our exciting new season of shows and latest news from their Arts Engagement & Outreach team.

Heathland visitors are asked not to pet the pigs This month, pigs have again been put out onto part of the Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve (NNR). Grazing with cattle, ponies and pigs is crucial in ensuring that the diversity of wildlife across the heaths can thrive.

The woolly pigs will roam the central section of the NNR across the expanse of Hartland Moor, Stoborough Heath and the Arne Peninsula. The pigs root and dig in the soil which helps to create patches of bare ground, improving the habitat for many of the species which make a home on the heathlands.

On behalf of the seven organisations which manage the Purbeck Heaths, Peter Robertson of the RSPB, said:

“Contrary to what people might think, small areas of bare ground are fantastic for wildlife. They provide nesting sites for many creatures including sand lizards, ants and solitary bees and wasps, and seeds which can struggle to germinate in an unbroken sward can germinate there.

“Also, the dark soil warms up quickly in the morning sun, making a perfect place for reptiles and insects to bask. So, these bare

01963 351052

and

Mentioned in Dispatches

patches are a key part of the mosaic of habitats that makes the Purbeck Heaths such an important place for wildlife.”

The pigs are intelligent, curious and docile, but the partnership is asking people not to feed them

or pet them. Peter added:

“The problem is that many people are fascinated by the pigs. But if visitors treat them like pet animals – feeding and stroking them – they will begin to associate people with such attention. The pigs will then run up to anyone expecting to be fed, and they can be quite demanding if they think there is food. This can be alarming, especially as they are fairly big animals.”

The advice for anyone seeing the pigs is: Always keep your distance. Keep your dog on a lead,

especially when piglets are present as the sows will be protective of them. Do not feed, call, or pet the pigs. Keep walking and moving and they will ignore you.

The organisations which manage the Purbeck Heaths NNR are the RSPB, the National Trust, Dorset Wildlife Trust, Forestry England, the Rempstone Estate, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation and Natural England. The Dorset National Landscape Partnership provides a coordinating function. Find out more at www.purbeck heaths.org.uk.

Hall & Woodhouse set to serve up a successful weekend at this year’s Teddy Rocks Hall & Woodhouse (H&W) returns as headline sponsor for Blandford’s Teddy Rocks Festival, which takes place from 3rd – 5th May 2024. All profits from the weekend will be donated straight to Teddy20 , young lives vs Cancer and other children’s cancer charities.

H&W will operate all seven bars at the festival including ‘The Royal Ted’, a pub-like experiential bar complete with decorative fireplaces, indoor

Pigs grazing at Purbeck. Image: National Trust/Mark Singleton.

Mentioned in

Dispatches

seating, and décor typically seen in H&W’s pubs. Additionally, the brewer will showcase its craft beer brand, Outland , at the woodland bar this year. All bars will be manned by volunteer staff from H&W’s own team and will serve a range of beverages including Outland craft beers; West Coast IPA, Peach Lager, and Hazy IPA. Ben Holden, Regional Manager at Hall & Woodhouse said: “Teddy Rocks is a highlight in the calendar for our team and is a moment to demonstrate our core values of making people’s day. It encompasses everything at the core of Hall & Woodhouse’s approach to supporting local communities and good causes.

“We’re proud to see that many of our team, alongside family and friends, will be volunteering their time during the festival weekend, to deliver the brilliant service that our guests receive at each of our pubs across the south. Not only is it a brilliant and

memorable event, it’s also a great opportunity to raise money for good causes, last year we donated, including sponsorship, nearly £140,000 and we are going to try and beat that this year.”

The three-day music festival takes place at Charisworth Farm in Blandford, with over 100 acts, including renowned cover bands like Guns 2 Roses, Q2: The Very Best of Queen, Foo Forgers, and The Ed Sheeran Experience , performing across eight stages.

Tom Newton, Festival Director, said: “ Teddy Rocks is so much more than just a music festival, it has a really important job to do. Our mission is to raise as much as we can to provide support to children and families during unimaginable times.

“Hall & Woodhouse are an integral part of our team, and we are so lucky to have them as friends. Each year, H&W staff volunteer their time to help us deliver flawless bars and create the best festival experience possible. We can’t wait to get in the field and stick it to cancer.”

To find out more about Teddy Rocks , visit www.teddyrocks .co.uk.

Reimagining the High Street, Shepton Mallet

10 Market Place welcomes community with new educational programmes and retail incubator launch.

The transformation of 10 Market Place, a historic building in the Shepton Mallet market

square, marks a significant milestone opening under the new ownership of Interim Spaces. The charity, having succeeded raising £264,000 for the property purchase and refurbishment, is now ready to enrich the community with a vibrant selection of music, arts, and wellbeing classes, alongside the launch of its inaugural retail incubator occupant, The Little Farm Shed.

The Little Farm Shed was selected from twenty-seven contenders to kickstart the retail incubator project – a cornerstone of the strategy to breathe new life into Shepton Mallet’s high streets. The programme offers a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to trial their high street ideas rent-free for nine months. The support package

Teddy Rocks. Photo: Will Bailey.

includes a £1,500 capital grant and mentorship, culminating in the potential transition to a permanent commercial space.

Trading at The Little Farm Shed began on Tuesday, 16th April, setting a precedent for innovation and community-driven development within the historic market town.

Into The Light, a two-day rewilding gathering in Somerset

An exciting new two-day rewilding event is taking place in May at Heal Rewilding’s foundation site near Frome in Somerset, bringing together experts, enthusiasts and newcomers to the topic.

Into The Light, happening on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 May 2024, will explore successes and new developments in rewilding, share stories of nature recovery, and consider how being in nature can boost wellbeing and help alleviate the impact of living in

one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. Tickets can be bought for one or both days.

On the Friday, the spotlight will be on rewilding finance and technology. The programme has been curated with a professional audience in mind, but would also be of interest to landowners, students and anyone interested

in a deep dive into these topics. Alastair Driver (Director of Rewilding Britain) will open the event and speakers on finance include Helen Edmundson, Deputy Director of Green Finance at Defra, Alicia Gibson, Advisory Director at Finance Earth, Amy Coulthard, Director of Operations at EnTrade and Helen Avery, Director of Nature Programmes

and GFI Hive within the Green Finance Institute.

On the Saturday, the focus will be on wildlife, rewilding projects and broader themes. Attendees will hear from inspiring speakers and have the chance to contribute, challenge and question, as well as share good practice and positive stories of nature-recovery from their own experiences. Key talks include All the small things: bees, butterflies and more and The healing power of nature . Speakers include Kwesia, founder of City Girl In Nature, Nick Gates, awardwinning author and filmmaker, and Jasmine Isa Qureshi, intersectional writer and activist. Between talks, attendees will be able to enjoy the Heal Somerset site, either walking freely around the 460 acres being rewilded or joining tours. There will be food and drink available to buy during the event. Delegates can stay locally or camp in the heart of the rewilding site.

Jan Stannard, Chair of Trustees and acting CEO, said: “Into The Light will give attendees the chance to find out what’s happening in rewilding, spend time with others who love nature and feel hopeful for the future.”

Mentioned in Dispatches

The Somerscience Festival Haynes Motor Museum and Castle Cary venues, Somerset 6th May 10.00 – 17.30

Somerscience is excited to announce a stimulating addition to the line up at the second Somerscience Festival this year. Somerton & Frome MP Sarah Dyke will be chairing an important debate and question session with leading industrialists from around Somerset.

The question to be addressed is “Can Somerset become a UK hub for green technologies and what would this mean for the residents?” Helping consider this will be Clive Higgins, CEO of Leonardo UK; David Evans, Policy Director of Thales UK; Mat Thewlis, Operations Director of Yeo Valley; Andrew Cockcroft, Senior Community Relations Manager at Hinkley Point C; Karl Tucker, Chair of the Great South West public/private partnership… and the residents of Somerset!

Somerscience is asking local people to send in their questions ahead of the day around this theme and come along and ask them directly on the day following a Question Time style format. This will be an adult audience in the largely family orientated STEM festival and it is expected to be popular. The debate takes place at Haynes Motor Museum.

Elsewhere Somerset’s only rural STEM festival will be even bigger and better this year and hopes to exceed the nearly 5000 visitors who enjoyed it last year. This time there will be over 90 different activities from nearly 70 organisations all bringing Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths breakthroughs to South Somerset families in a fun and engaging way. And it is FREE with no need to book, with Haynes Motor Museum, Market House, Caryford Hall and Ansford Academy in Castle Cary as main venues. Throughout the

day visitors can travel between Haynes and Castle Cary on the free festival shuttle buses which will be operating continuously.

The organisation behind the festival is The Somerscience Trust, which was set up especially to make this festival happen, and this has been funded through main grants and sponsorships from Thales UK, Royal Commission for the 1851 Exhibition, Somerset Community Foundation, ICMS, Royal Society of Biology and Stronger Starts.

Find out more at www. somerscience.co.uk.

Artichoke and Furniture Makers partner on third New Makers’ Conference 10th May

The New Makers’ Conference is taking place on Friday 10 May 2024, from 9:30am to 4:30pm at Wells Museum in Somerset.

The Conference offers a unique platform for emerging talent to network with peers, learn from industry experts and discuss key themes affecting the sector. With a lineup of esteemed industry figures and thought leaders, attendees can expect engaging discussions on various topics crucial for shaping a successful career in the furniture industry.

Key themes include: Building a Sustainable and Viable Business and Brand: Learn essential strategies and best practices for establishing and sustaining a thriving business in the competitive furniture market.

The New Makers’ Conference is at Wells Museum on 10th May.

Navigating Gender Issues and Achieving Balance: Explore the challenges and opportunities surrounding gender dynamics in the industry and discover ways to foster inclusivity and balance. Embracing Sustainability: Gain insights into sustainable practices and innovative approaches to ecofriendly design, contributing to a greener and more conscientious future.

Tickets are £15.00 which includes refreshments and lunch. Early registration is encouraged as space is limited. To secure your spot and learn more about the conference, visit https://New MakersConference2024.event brite.co.uk.

Kafé Fontana on Cheap Street, Sherborne. Kafé Fontana, Sherborne

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

They welcome dogs and have seating inside, or outside if it’s nice. All of their cakes and scones are homemade on the premises. In the mornings they provide a good hearty breakfast, with salads, quiches and homemade soups also on the menu throughout the day. They have a selection of hot and cold drinks, are licensed and do some healthy smoothies too. If you have any special dietary needs Kafé Fontana can still provide you with good tasty food. They also offer outside catering. Kafé Fontana is open Mon - Sat, 8am - 5pm, Sun 9.30am - 4.30pm.

Junction Cafe, Evercreech Junction

A warm and friendly welcome can be found at Junction Cafe, which is situated on an old train station site on the A371 between Castle Cary and Evercreech. The station was finally closed to passengers back in 1966. Junction Cafe has spacious parking right outside their door.

All food is cooked to order, including special dietary needs. Their popular and tasty full English breakfast is available from 8am-2pm. Their menu contains lots of traditional English foods, nutritious, hearty and filling, including favourites like cottage pie, hot snacks, fresh sandwiches, calorie-counting salads, hot and cold drinks. And if you are still not full, there’s puddings!

Eat in or take out. Open MonSat, 8am-2pm.

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 in-house 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, find out more at thebuttercrosstearooms.com.

THE BUT TERCROSS TEAROOMS

Homemade Cakes & Scones

Morning Coffee, Cream Teas

Lunch Served 12 – 3pm

Open: Tue – Sat 9am – 5pm

The Buttercross Tearooms, Somerton.

Junction Cafe, Evercreech Junction.

The Royal Bath & West Show returns on 30th May-1st June, with something for everyone THE POP-UP Gardens competition in the Horticulture Village promises a treat for the senses; whilst art lovers will enjoy the ‘Artists in Action’ marquee hosting daily live demonstrations.

Foodies will love the return of the Great British Kitchen, with a new lineup of well-known chefs

performing cookery demonstrations every day. This year there is an entirely new section dedicated to Pets! The ‘Bark & West’ will feature trade stands, an agility ring, and displays from Pawsability Dog Agility. Regular visitors will be pleased to see the return of favourites including the Pony Club Games, Heavy Horses, Showjumping and Vintage Vehicles; the Sports Village,

STEM Zone and Lakeside Farm.

With all this and motorbike displays from Jamie Squibb Freestyle, the Royal Bath & West Show is a great value day out.

To book tickets, visit www.bathandwest.com.

Summer camps at Mill on the Brue, Somerset’s favourite Outdoor Centre.

The Summer holidays might seem far off but this is where Mill on the Brue can help. They are a family run Centre, based just outside Bruton, South Somerset, and have been offering residential activity holidays for over 40 years to children from 8 – 15 years, or Adventure day camps for 8- 12 years - they really think they know what they like!

The days are packed with fun,

exciting and challenging activities; have a look at www.millonthebrue.co.uk to see the wide range, all set in a beautiful 25 acres. It’s a place of freedom, discovery guided by fun, friendly and experienced instructors. And the meals! Delicious and homecooked. Plenty of seconds too!

Residential Camps start Sunday 14th July until Friday 23rd August. Day camps are Mondays to Fridays, from 8.45am until 5.00pm. Starting from the 24th July till the 22nd August 2024 TBC.

Bakers Coacheswho we are

We are a locally-owned family business based in Yeovil whose journey began with taxi services

The Royal Bath & West Show returns on 30th May.

Residential Camps at Mill on the Brue run from Sunday 14th July until Friday 23rd August.

over six decades ago! Barry Baker and family then expanded their services by acquiring a garage in Bishops Caundle, marking their entry into the coaching industry. From there they secured contracts with local and distant schools offering home to school transport and vice versa. Various

gardening, sporting, and business groups and additionally, they provided transportation for the NHS including organ transplant services and hospital-to-home transportation, contributing to their continued growth and success.

In 2000, Barry retired and the reins were handed over to his son, Shane, and nephew Andrew at their Yeovil premises after moving there in 1972, maintaining their status as a family-operated business continuing to lead the company with Brenda as company secretary.

They were then joined by Maria, Shane’s wife following Brenda’s retirement and Maria’s daughter Kayleigh returned to the team in 2023 who manages day trips and marketing.

For a comprehensive list of trips and tours, please visit the website at www.bakerscoachessomerset.co.uk, reach out via email at office@bakerscoachessomerset.co.uk, or simply give them a call at 01935 428401 to request a brochure.

A cheery welcome awaits you when you board a Vale Coach for a day trip or tour. Their aim is to look after you as best as they can, during the time that you are with them, from morning, noon, and night.

Pictured: A recent Vale day trip to The Royal Mint Llantrisant, Wales.

Vale Coaches, where service still matters

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.

Travelling 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’.

Bakers Coaches - in the coaching industry for over 50 years.

Ilminster’s 8th Literary Festival, May 30 to June 6

Born in London’s East End, Wes Streeting, pictured, is now Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. He’ll be talking with former politician Alan Johnson, about his book One Boy, Two Bills and a Fry Up , charting how family and education helped him escape poverty and transform his life. In contrast, take an in depth look at Charles 111 with respected journalist and broadcaster Robert Hardman whose biography of the King was

published in January to wide acclaim.

Wes and Robert are just two speakers at this year’s ILF –there are another 25 events covering wide ranging interests and detailed on the festival website or in the Programme Brochure - pick up one from a range of public places. Most tickets are priced at just £8, plus there are 4 totally FREE events.

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 day trip programme is well underway for the season with trips to Kew Gardens Orchid Festival and Hampton Court Palace Tulip Festival having taken place with great success. Their next trip to RHS Malvern

Spring Show on 11 May is selling fast. Upcoming trips include Exbury Gardens, the Horse Drawn Barge with fish & chip supper and going to see Warhorse with an afternoon tea.

Information on all trips can be found on www.vickeryscoaches .co.uk or give Claire a ring on 01935 825114. Offering a unique experience for all customers with the personal touch being paramount.

www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Wes Streeting.

A recent Vickery’s trip to Exbury Gardens.

May Notice Board

Henstridge St Nicholas' Church Henstridge, Avon & Somerset Constabulary Choir, Saturday 11th May 7.30pm. Tickets: 01963 364063

Martock

The Dart Valley Stompers, 7:30pm Thursday 16th May at All Saints Church, MARTOCK; TA12 6JN. Tickets: £10.00 at Guardianstickets@gmail.com /07547 213992/Martock Gallery/ Martock Newsagent (CASH ONLY); £12.00 at door. www.martockonline.co.uk/event, www.dartvalleystompers.co.uk. The Dart Valley Stompers play lively and exciting Traditional & New Orleans jazz and features

Spring dating tips with Alison of Just Somerset Introductions Spring is here at last and hopefully some drier weather, we need it don’t we! As I write this we have had some sunshine at last. May is a great time to get out and about and it doesn’t have to break the bank! Search out your local park, or a nearby wood for the bluebells, for a good walk or out in the countryside. Tulips are out, rhododendrons are out early this year too! Take a picnic with you to enjoy on your walk. We are blessed to live in a lovely county and many good walks are not far from home. Somerset was recently featured on a CH5 programme as there is so much to see and do. It’s a good way to meet new people and make new friends. Visit some open gardens,

Award Winning Reed Player Jeremy Huggett on Clarinet, Saxophones & Vocals.

Stourhead Stourhead Antique & Vintage Fair – 1st & 2nd June 10am –5pm. Stourton Memorial Hall, Spread Eagle Courtyard, BA126QE, 07720 896129.

Wyke

OPERA IN THE ORCHARD: Bruton based ensemble The Echoing Air present a garden opera evening at Wyke House. More info on website Ticket Source.co.uk, search: operaintheorchard.

ADVERTISE your JUNE event here! Write to info@thevisitor magazine.co.uk or 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. June issue deadline is 20th May.

often these are held for charity so just a small charge. Find a good local market or farmers market where you can sample local foods and produce. Also there are several farm shops with café’s and other shops for a reasonable coffee and cake meet. Flea Markets or Antique Fairs are good too for a small entry fee. We do these types of outings in the JIG group - if you looking to meet someone special - maybe a new relationship? NT visits, coffee meets, nature reserves, lunches out, cinema trips, theatre, music concerts, to name a few. We cover all ages and younger members are welcome. Please see our website for more information on how we work and testimonials. Have a look and give me a call. What are you waiting for? What’s stopping you?

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

By John Osborne

 Answers can be found on page 35 

1) Who was the female artist recently rattling on about the card game 'Texas Hold 'Em'?

2) Which band was 'Blinded by the Light' in 1976?

3) What sort of 'Arrow' did 'ABC' bang on about?

4) Which band were number 1 in the charts, fifty years ago in May 1974 with 'Sugar Baby Love'?

5) 'Boogie Nights' (1977) and 'Mind Blowing Decisions' (1990) were the first and last hits from whom?

6) Name the song that starts with his line: 'I was born with a plastic spoon in my mouth'

7) 'The Style Council' and 'Girls Aloud' both had what kind of summer?

8) Name the only hit by 'Hedgehoppers Anonymous'.

9) What cloud was Bryan Adams on in 1999?

10) 'Lovely Rita' comes from which Beatles album?

Bonus question:

Name the year for the answer to Q: 8

Gold Lamé Anorak Bonus Question:

Name the song recognised as the very first of the 'psychedelic genre'

Great quotes in Music (156)

“I wanted to create music that was so different that my mother could tell me from anyone else" - Les Paul (Legendary Guitarist and creator of the Les Paul Guitar) '

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 April Sudoku on page 35

Yeovil Business Focus

Buffalicious @ West Country Water Buffalo

DID YOU KNOW 250 water buffalos roam the lush fields of Somerset between Yeovil and Ilchester?

West Country Water Buffalo started in 1995, originally rearing for the beef and selling at local farmers markets. Buffalos, not only produce a very lean and tender beef which is naturally full of flavour! It is also higher in protein and lower in cholesterol and fat than standard beef.

2017 saw the evolution of ‘Buffalicious’ a unique range of Award winning products, Raw Milk, Buffalo Mozzarella, Natural Buffalo Yoghurt and delicious Ice cream - all available at the farm store. In addition to their own products, the Farm shop supports so many other local producers and is a local dealer for the Big Green Egg.

Improve your garden seating at Fit & Furnish

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

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 both stylish and comfy to suit all areas of outdoor living spaces. BBQ’s, patio heaters and

Somerset. With over 25 years of industry experience, they have a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of tiling in both commercial and domestic settings.

J2 Tiles & Bathrooms

J2 Tiles & Bathrooms is a familyrun business based in Yeovil,

They’ll take care of everything, from plumbing and electrical work to tiling and finishing. They also offer full bathroom and

delicious

buffalo produce in Chilthorne Domer.

wetroom installations - so whether you’re planning a complete bathroom renovation or just a simple kitchen tiling job, they guarantee professional service.

Did you know - If you have limited mobility you may be entitled to VAT Disability Relief on an adapted design bathroom to suit your needs - give them a call if you need any advice and they’ll be happy to answer any questions. They are committed to providing the highest quality workmanship and first class customer service. If you are looking for a high-standard and recommended family-run tiling company, contact J2 Tiles & Bathrooms today.

AG Fenced It & Gardening Services

Looking for a local fencer service in Sutton Montis & surrounding areas? At AG Fenced It they aim to provide a friendly and professional service to clients. They believe that small things make big differences so focus on doing the simple things right in order to provide exceptional customer service. Honesty and integrity is at the heart of everything that they do. AG Fenced It are committed to

providing their clients with exceptional services at competitive prices. They only use high-quality materials and techniques to ensure that their fences are durable, secure, and your garden is maintained to a high standard. They are also committed to completing projects on time and within budget.

Hopper’s Hat Hire of Yeovil

If you are looking for an overwhelming selection of beautiful hats, hatinators and fascinators to HIRE, then a visit to Hooper’s Hat HIRE is a must. Sally continually updates her already extensive collection with the majority being her own exclusive creations, so no chance of getting caught in the same hat as somebody else.

You will be amazed at her glamorous bespoke racing

collection for those of you that enjoy a day at the races, Ascot is one of Sally’s busiest weeks. You also have the option of having something made exclusively for you to purchase to

complement your outfit. You will receive plenty of friendly help and advice to make the right choice for you. Sally’s showroom offers a very relaxed atmosphere and her main concern

Ward & Sibley - the jewellers of Yeovil.

An amazing selection of hats to hire at Hooper’s Hat Hire.

Yeovil Business Focus

is that you are comfortable and happy with what you have chosen for your special day. Check out her facebook page for a small sample of what is on offer.

Sports of Bond Street

S ports of Bond Street is an independent sports specialist shop which has been trading since 1970. It’s the only specialist sports shop in Yeovil town centre,

opposite Boots, just off Middle Street.

You’ll find a complete range of clothing, footwear and equipment, and they are happy to help you with personal preferences. A racket re-stringing service is available. They are kit stockists of Yeovil Town Road Running Club and Yeovil & Sherborne Hockey Club. Call in and see their extensive range of sports

equipment at competitive prices with an elite service. Open TueSat 9.30am - 4.30pm.

Focalflames Fireplaces

At Focalflames Fireplaces they’ve always stuck to the belief that staying small and personal and specialising in their field means a much more professional and responsive service to their customers! With over 15 years’ experience in the industry they pride themselves on providing high quality, great value services, with FREE home consultations, and even their very own showroom. With expert advice to help you make the right choice at a budget you are happy with, they will not be beaten on price!

So why don't you give them a call or TEXT today for a free no obligation quote on 07931 918947. They look forward to hearing from you.

Discover convenience and care at Yeovil's premier mobility shop!

Welcome to Mendip Mobility Ltd, your one-stop destination for all your mobility needs right in the heart of Yeovil! They understand the importance of easy access and excellent service.

Located in the heart of Yeovil, their shop is easily accessible for everyone, whether you're coming from the town centre or surrounding areas. Trust their expert technicians to keep your mobility aids in top condition. From routine maintenance to repairs, they ensure your equipment operates smoothly and safely.

They proudly participate in the Motability Scheme, providing you with access to a wide range of mobility solutions tailored to your individual needs. Their dedicated team will guide you through the process, making it simple and straightforward to find the perfect mobility solution for you. At Mendip Mobility, they are committed to enhancing your mobility and improving your quality of life.

Mendip Mobility on Forest Hill.

Family Health with Jenna Evans

THIS MONTH we're going to start digging into interactions from various drug groups, starting with some of the most commonly used – pain killers.

NSAIDs – Non-steroidal anti inflammatory medicines have probably been used by most of us at one time or another. These include ibuprofen, aspirin, diclofenac and naproxen. The side effect NSAIDs are most noted for is damage to the gastric tissues. NSAID medications work by decreasing the production of chemicals called prostaglandins, which contribute to pain and inflammation in the body. Most NSAIDs do this by blocking COX1 and COX-2 enzymes, which are used to make prostaglandins. However, prostaglandins also have positive effects on the body for example COX-1 plays an important role in protecting the lining of the stomach. In the 1990s, drug companies developed several NSAID medications that also inhibit prostaglandins, but target only COX-2.

The goal of these NSAIDs was to reduce pain and inflammation without losing the protection of COX-1 in the gastrointestinal tract. Sadly, these medicines lead to an increase in heart attack and stroke. Anybody remember the scandal when Vioxx was removed from the market –several years after the

manufacturer learnt of the dangers? Other issues with NSAIDs include allergies, headaches, dizziness and drowsiness and sometimes cardiovascular issues. NSAIDs can interact with several other drugs such as methotrexate, ciclosporin, warfarin and SSRIs. Many of the interactions with herbs and supplements I'll be talking about throughout this series may be theoretical. We have to assume that if a drug and herb work in the same manner that may create too much of an effect, likewise if they are antagonistic to each others actions this may also pose a problem. We'll also be looking for positive interactions with herbs and supplements – the nutrients that can help prevent deficiency and damage caused by medicines. In my opinion this is an often

overlooked and really important area!

Iron may be recommended when gastric bleeding has been an issue, but do bear in mind that many forms of iron (especially the prescribed form ferrous fumarate) can be harsh on the gut, so it may be wise to supplement with a gentle Iron such as the bisglycinate form or a spray where absorption takes place in the mouth lining.

Liquorice is its DGL form (deglycyrrhizinated, a form of liquorice considered safer for long term use and for those with high blood pressure). Taken with these drugs it may help offset the irritation to the stomach lining.

Salicylates – Interestingly, consumption of salicylates (aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid) with other NSAIDs can interfere with their effects. Lots of foods

contain salicylates as do some key herbal remedies such as white willow, cramp bark and meadowsweet. Unless you are sensitive to salicylates the levels in food are unlikely to be a problem – and your drug insert will give you specific information on the dos and don'ts at mealtimes.

Blood thinning supplements –Ginkgo Biloba, Vitamin E and Coleus (among others). This risk seems to be more pronounced with aspirin which is often taken as a blood thinner and also when warfarin has also been in the picture. When it comes to risks from bleeding, can we be too careful?

Probiotics – Good bacterial strains such as Lactobacillus Casei have been looked at for helping to strengthen the gut lining. Others to keep in mind include glutamine, NAG and herbs such as marshmallow, aloe and slippery elm.

Nutrients – NSAIDs especially aspirin have been associated with loss of certain nutrients. Folic acid, vitamin c, zinc, calcium and b12 in particular. Getting low on these can negatively impact immunity, energy, muscle and bone health and cellular metabolism. A simple way to offset this is to take a good high dose multivitamin. Diclofenac has been implicated in disrupting L-Tryptophan, a vital amino acid for mood and sleep.

With the numerous interactions and side effects, it's understandable I see a lot of people looking to avoid taking painkillers or reduce their current use. Chronic pain is so debilitating and getting the right mix of support from medicines –conventional or alternative - is essential.

Next month we'll continuing looking at painkillers, with a tour of paracetamol and opiates.

© 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.

Image: Shutterstock.com.

MOTORING

Out, and lastly on the 26th will be the All Day Breakfast Run from Spaxton Village Hall.

I AM WRITING this article at the end of March and the weather of late has been nothing but gales and heavy rain, totally depressing, and no good at all to those of us wishing to ride our old bikes. I have therefore chosen as my photograph this month a nice sunny scene of riders assembling at the start of a run last year. Note the sun is shining and with blue skies above. It rather cheers the soul with perhaps better things to come. Heaven forbid it may even be sunny when this issue is published.

Events in May gives us every excuse to use those bikes more regularly. Starting with the Somerset Section they have their club night at Cossington on the 2nd and this will be a guest speaker. Next will be an evening meet at Huish Episcopi on the 16th and this is followed on the 18th (Saturday) by Ruth's Day

VINTAGE Motorcycling with Rod Hann Yeovil

The Dorset Section are likewise busy starting on the 4th with the Hedgerow Run from Sturminster Newton. On the 8th the club night will be a Treasure Hunt and Barbecue from Pulham (6pm start for this one) and on the 19th will be the Dorset Dawdle Run from Sherborne. Lastly they have the Giants Run from Spire Hill, Sturminster Newton on the 26th. This event is restricted to bikes fitted with girder forks and the entry of 100 riders has been filled, but it is well worth a visit just to spectate. The Wessex Veteran and Vintage Section have their Picnic Run from Ansty on the 9th followed by their club meeting at Silton on the 13th.

The Wells and Westland Classic Clubs have a full month ahead so check their websites for full details. Of particular note here is the Westland's club Spirit of the Sixties Run on the 19th, which starts and finishes at Yeovil Rugby Club's premises. Always a good event and run with a good sized entry, and all done to raise money for charitable causes.

I have been thinking a lot in

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recent months about whether we are witnessing the demise of the classic vehicle movement. Several things have prompted these thoughts. I have noticed that many clubs and Sections are experiencing diminishing numbers of members at club meetings and/or riding events. In addition it seems that many clubs are experiencing difficulties in finding people to fulfil the officers’ positions within that club. As I have explained many times nothing happens by chance, someone has to step up to the plate and do the hard work to organise things so others can enjoy the activities within club life. I have also written many times that the more effort you put into an activity then the more enjoyment will be gained from it.

I have attended several motorcycle and car auctions recently and it seems apparent to me that old vehicles are not commanding the prices they once did. Whether the economic situation has caused this or whether the interest is just not as strong as it once was, I just do not know. It may be that people's choices and interests lie elsewhere. I did note that many of the motorcycles that did sell were destined to be taken abroad to Europe and Australia and other places around the globe. Perhaps their old bike market is more bouyant. At the car auctions this was less prevalent. I have doubts that the demise is purely financially related. Go past any public house, or cafe, or eating establishment and you will find the car parks full and inside business seems very healthy.

This state of affairs is not confined to motorcycle clubs as

most clubs, of whatever interest, all seem to be looking for more members, especially younger members. It is therefore ever more important to support your club in whatever way you can otherwise it may decline further and be lost forever. Very seldom do clubs get reborn and become successful after any closure. It also appears that members want everything organised close to their homes and travelling a fair distance to an event just does not seem to happen. Many years ago a group of us would meet up and then travel 40 or 50 miles to get to an event, then ride the event before riding the same distance home again. We would often cover 150 to 180 miles in the day and make a full days riding of it. Today many runs start at 10-30am and we do 40 to 50 miles to a lunch stop where everything finishes and we all go home. Often we are home by 2pm.

For consideration also is the fact that if we do not wear things out nor need replacement spares or services then many people will be without work. Our hobby has provided many thousands of people with jobs and lots of those jobs and skills will be gone forever.

Am I disheartened by all this? Well no is the answer. There will always be the diehard stalwarts who continue to ride and enjoy our bikes. We may be less in number but we can still enjoy our hobby. In my lifetime such activities will continue but I feel sorry for the younger generation who will not have the fun I have enjoyed over many years. But it does make you think of what the future will bring.

New Shepton Mallet

Sunday Market

SOMERSET'S newest market promises to showcase the best producers and makers the South West has to offer. Located in the heart of the Mendips in this beautiful and historic market

town, the new Shepton Mallet Sunday Market will be thoughtfully curated, bringing 60 handpicked stalls with an exciting and diverse mix of produce and makers.

The Market will be held 10am3pm on the last Sunday of the month. In 2024, the market will host four events on Sunday 28 April, Sunday 28 July, Sunday 29 September and Sunday 24 November. Pitches are free of charge for the first year. In 2025, this will expand to 10 events, running on the last Sunday between March and November.

INSTANT CASH FOR YOUR OLD TOYS!

PASTIMES

• Established business paying BEST prices for old toys in any condition Of Sherborne (near the Abbey)

• Over thirty years of dealing in antique and Collectible Toys

PRICES PAID for old toys

Spot-On

Safe Home Visits • Tel: 01935 816072 / 07527 074343

Sturminster Newton Business Focus

Sturminster Newton Literary Festival has organised a diverse and ambitious programme for 2024. The festival runs from 8th -16th June and includes a special event dedicated to D Day. This year talks include one time Stalbridge resident, Douglas Adams’ early work from his colleague Kevin J Davies. Bridport Prize winner, Fiona

Williams will be speaking about her novel, The House of Broken Bricks, set in the Somerset Levels. Colonel Guy Deacon will talk about his inspirational journey driving alone from London to Cape Town while living with stage three Parkinson’s Disease, and there's also a crime writing themed day.

For more details visit www.sturlitfest.com.

Bridge Street Barber Shop

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 8.30am – 6.30pm Friday 8.30am – 7pm • Saturday 8.30am – 4pm

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

Stur Lit Fest 2024

Bridport Prize winner, Fiona Williams will be speaking about her novel, The House of Broken Bricks at Stur Lit Fest 2024.

The iconic Sturminster Newton Mill. Image: Shutterstock/Adrian Baker.

Marsh’s

Marsh’s has been trading in Sturminster for more than 90 years and is still owned and run by the third generation of the same family.

From humble beginnings selling bicycles to embracing new OLED Television technology their passion is bringing new and

exciting electrical items to their customer’s homes with the best possible customer service.

Marsh’s offers a vast range of electrical items for the home from both its stores in Sturminster Newton and Sherborne, coupled with free delivery within the local area. Installations including built-in kitchen appliances and

television brackets all completed by its own dedicated highly experienced installation teams.

Marsh’s are also a member of Euronics , which is the largest independent Electrical buying group in Europe, so prices are always market competitive over a wide range of electrical appliances.

So whether you are requiring the most energy efficient Washing Machine to the best quality OLED Television you can be assured that the whole team is knowledgeable, friendly and waiting to find the best product to suit your house and pocket.

www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Lizzie Price Shading Solutions

AT LIZZIE PRICE Shading

Solutions they offer a huge range of indoor and outdoor shading. They have recently expanded their range of Awnings to offer

the traditional Victorian, Dutch canopy and Drop arm awnings, as well as contemporary styles of retractable Awnings in manual or motorised, in a vast range of fabrics which can also be sign written for commercial premises.

They offer awnings up to 7mtrs long in one piece with the ability to join to create 14mtrs long. They can fix to any building with custom brackets systems bespoke designed for various applications.

They also have an extensive range of Verandas, Carports, Plantation Shutters and Blinds available and specialise in Apex window shading.

See the website www.lizzie priceshadingsolutions.co.uk for the full range or give them a call on 07879 992000 for a free no obligation home visit and quotation. Theyare your local Shading Specialists for inside and outside solutions based in North Cadbury and cover Somerset, Dorset & Wiltshire.

Lizzie Price.

Deck the walls with wood for a sound interior design choice

The perfect partner for parquet flooring, Acoustic Panels transform walls and ceilings into a feature piece of the room and improve the room’s acoustics. Available in three beautiful wood designs of Oak, Ebony, and Walnut, the panels are striking on the eye and provide excellent sound absorption, making this the ideal wall covering for living spaces, open plan areas and even cinema rooms.

Industrial-style materials such as glass, concrete and steel may look the part in an open-plan kitchen living area but reflect sound, making the space noisy. Nature-inspired Tocca Legno Acoustic Panels from The Natural Wood Floor Company are therefore the perfect match in such interiors, adding warmth,

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

character, and sound absorption. Tested in a certified laboratory to measure sound absorption to ISO 354, results show the panels improve acoustics significantly.

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

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 Warehouse - everything for your home at competitive prices.

Acoustic panels - a sound choice for living spaces and open areas.

Luca's Garden

with

Bridget Sudworth

ARE WE nearing the end of the long, damp, dark tunnel that we have all been in for goodness knows how long?? Has Spring Sprung? Today has been the first day of something that smacks of Spring though I am ever cautious

and won’t count any chickens yet. A thrush was singing noisily but melodiously this evening from the nearby ash tree and the newest green leaves are showing in all directions - even our hitherto wonderful apple tree, so heavily pruned last autumn, has got fat little buds which might even suggest a wee harvest? The downside is the fact that we have been told by the RHS and other illustrious bodies to love our slugs and snails. I do NOT love our

slugs and snails. Some of the emergent hostas are already chewed by snails - hard to believe when they are bolstered by gravel of a particularly vicious nature but clearly not sharp enough. And to think I have emptied snails out of watering cans and tenderly removed them from flower pots thinking I was doing my bit for Mother Nature when that is my reward! After so much rain, I suppose it’s not surprising that they should be flourishing. Gardens are paramount at this time of year - potentially the best time of all with so much promise and everything fresh and clean looking. One could say that this

year is more critical for growing veggies than ever before; with such appalling weather for farmers hitherto, all vegetables will be expensive so whatever you can grow yourselves will help the housekeeping bills. Methods of maximising space will be essential. I have never grown seeds in old guttering propped up on bricks, for example, but it could be one way of saving space in a crowded greenhouse and certainly once any frost potential is over so they can stay outside from the start. There has been endless tying up to do with all the spiteful winds we’ve had, especially the clematis which

Wall of honeysuckle.

needs a firm hand before it really gets going. Lovely wisteria grown as a tree is compelling; there have been a few shown on gardening programmes on telly and they always look very exotic. We are still fighting with one in the garden that used to cover our verandah and which simply won’t go away in spite of constant cutting; maybe it should be left to do its thing?

It may not be quite the right time of year to mention houseplants but they too need attention and it’s easy to overlook them in the rush to get outside and lay green fingers on outdoor plants. Many houseplants are very happy to spend the summer months in a sheltered outside position and certainly they benefit from a fine shower of summer rain particularly the mighty cheese plants and other big beasts whose leaves will be gummed up with dust and maybe ash if you have a wood burner that’s been going all winter. They do, of course, offer a real service while inside as they act as an air conditioner absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. They are also capable of removing toxins from the air all of which can be found inside emanating from tobacco smoke, car exhaust through open windows, carpets, furniture and especially cleaning materials. So give them a wee holiday and they will reward you in months to come.

At this time of year, magazines are very seductive with their pictures of luscious plants all available by mail order. But beware as often when they arrive they can be much smaller than

expected and sometimes struggle to achieve anything like the original picture! Better perhaps, to enjoy a session at your local nursery where you can actually see what you are buying. Or even better, grow your own.

Luca has enjoyed being out in the garden with his snuffle mat but once the delights of that are over, he has turned his attention to hole digging again - it’s that time of year for him! He was very impressed with the picture of that pretty cat on the front cover of The Visitor last issue; her name is Anita apparently but he is less impressed with the neighbour’s very handsome two cats who like to pop our way for some tantalising sport by sitting on a store roof and staring at him, hard! But being old, he is restrained enough and well mannered not to bark at them though it might sort the problem were he to do so. He is still quite cat-savvy and is not the chap to hurtle madly after passing cats, thank goodness.

Rant for the month includes enormous irritation about new legislation applying to humble domestic hen ownership; this from Whitehall, the supposedly ‘country-loving’ body that will never understand how tricky rural life can be when facing closure of banks, post offices, bus services, local shops and pubs etc and wood burners are forbidden. Even rural based MPs seem unable to actually understand how unnecessarily complicated life is becoming with people thinking up yet new schemes to foil useful endeavours by ordinary country folk. We’ll be having to register our veggie

growth soon, like how many courgettes you may have in your garden as you can only have a set number, or limitation on selling beans at the garden gate for which you will require a licence. At least our local pub, closed since last November, has at last been bought by an apparently enterprising young company who purport to breathe new life into it.

Difficult as it may be for those of us who are a bit OCD inclined, resist totally mowing the lawn if

you can, leaving sections for wildflowers and grasses to attract insects. Summer bedding can go out at the end of the month especially in sheltered areas, keep an eye on your spuds and earth them up as necessary, hoe off weeds, divide naturalised bulbs and if you think you’ve covered everything, forget it!! May is the month when there can be no slacking so get to it pronto!! Then you can pat yourself on the back if you are still vertical and not bent double!!

Exochorda.

Tarty tulip.

Spring Update from Julie Haylock Garden Designer

Not long now until we head off to BBC Gardeners’ World Live at the NEC between 13-16th June

to exhibit our showcase garden, Stop and Smell the Flowers. The showcase gardens offer visitors to the show take home ideas for their own garden as well as a

planting idea or two.

So now is time to live the dream! Even the smallest of gardens can allow you to think big – so by assessing what your garden has to offer and using some clever design and planting tricks, you can make the best of your plot, and it goes without saying, I would be delighted to help you create your perfect garden just visit www. sandhurstgardendesign.co.uk.Be bold! Do not be afraid to create generous borders. In a small garden the temptation is to have narrow borders around the edge of the lawn but have the courage to go big and even add a curve or two.

Keep the number of plant varieties to 5 or 7, and use different shades that complement each other repeated through the borders, remember to use plants that offer scent, texture, and form that give your border all year round structure and remember those important pollinators when choosing your plants, look out for the special labels at your local

garden centre, or ask for advice. Add a tree to your garden. It will provide you with height, seasonal interest and make the birds happy. A delicate leaf canopy during the sizzling summer months will provide welcome shade, and in the autumn months, depending on the variety, glorious shades of red, orange, and yellow to admire. Use the vertical space in your garden. A trellis positioned against a wall or an obelisk in the border will give support to a climber or two and increase the amount of planting space.

Blur those garden boundaries, use planting to disguise walls and fences, and talking of fences, consider painting them black – I can hear you gasp, but the effect will be they will recede into the background, and allow your plant colours to really pop.

Divide your garden into areas or zones for vegetable growing, a children’s play area and a relaxing seating area with comfortable furniture or dining table, complete with scented plants and consider soft lighting for use after dark.

When choosing paving for your patio or connecting paths, choose a style and colour that complements the house and make sure it is slip resistant and installed by a professional.

So now you have ideas to get you started and before long you will be living that garden dream!

The Resurgence of Wine in Clay Vessels WHEN OUT and about I have long since tired of the bogstandard rioja, merlot, sauvignon blanc and pinot grigio on offer. Familiar, but oh so dull.

Thankfully, there has been a revival amongst wine lovers for discovering and exploring wines that that are a bit different.

In the world of winemaking, tradition often connects with innovation, creating a fine balance between past and future and recently, there has been a notable resurgence of interest in ancient winemaking techniques; the method that has captivated the attention of enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike is the use of clay vessels, or amphorae (qvevri), for fermentation and aging.

An article by wine expert Jancis Robinson, and my visit to Georgia 18 months ago, rekindled my interest in this practice, which originated there around 6,000 years ago. For thousands of years clay vessels were the primary containers used for storing and transporting wine in ancient civilisations and have a specific effect on the wines produced; in Alentejo, Portugal, they have been used for over 2,000 years.

Despite the advent of modern winemaking technologies, the resurgence of wine in clay vessels has sparked renewed interest in ancient cultural heritage as winemakers have begun to rediscover and embrace this ageold winemaking technique.

Clay vessels offered several advantages over other materials such as wood or metal. Clay's porous nature allowed for a gentle exchange of oxygen, contributing to the development of complex flavours and textures in the wine. Additionally, clay's neutrality ensured minimal interference with the wine's natural characteristics, allowing it to express the true essence of the grapes, whilst imparting a distinct character to the wine. Think of it as a middle ground between steel and oak.

Stainless steel allows for an oxygen-free environment and doesn’t impart any flavour into the wine. Oak, however, allows oxygen to infiltrate the juice, permitting the wood’s tannins to infuse the wine with vanilla and spice aromas and flavours. Like

oak, clay allows for some oxygen, giving the wine a deep and rich texture, but its more subtle influence enhances the wine’s purity and minerality, and like steel, it won’t impart additional flavours. This minimalist approach appeals to those seeking wines that reflect their terroir.

Clay vessels also offer environmental benefits that align with the growing demand for sustainability in the wine industry. Unlike barrels, which require harvesting trees and intensive manufacturing processes, clay vessels are made from natural materials and are easily recyclable. This eco-friendly aspect resonates with environmentally aware producers and consumers.

Working with clay vessels does present its own set of challenges though. Unlike barrels, which can be easily manipulated and sanitised, clay vessels require careful handling to prevent breakage and maintain cleanliness. Their porous nature makes them susceptible to microbial growth if not properly maintained. As a result, winemakers who use clay vessels must be diligent in their cellar practices to ensure the wine’s quality and stability.

Despite these challenges, the allure of clay vessels continues to grow, inspiring winemakers to explore new possibilities, whilst honouring the craftsmanship of the past.

Whether used for fermentation, aging, or both, clay vessels offer

tannins. Rich and concentrated, the wine’s black fruits and spicy, open character will age nicely.

Elena Fucci, Titolo by Amphora, Aglianico del Vulture, Basilicata, Italy, 2017, 14%abv., £40

Needing time in the glass, this amphora-aged wine, made from Aglianico grapes, develops to reveal aromas of dark mixed berries, crushed rock, violet and Mediterranean scrub. There’s rich dark fruit on the palate, with a mineral tone evident throughout. Will keep for another 10 years.

Herdade do Rocim, Amphora Red, Alentejo, Portgual, 2022, 12%bv., £26.25

a unique canvas for winemakers to express their creativity and passion. As consumers increasingly seek wines with a sense of authenticity and provenance, the revival of this ancient practice is testament to the enduring appeal of tradition in a rapidly evolving industry. It represents more than just a trend. It embodies a profound connection to history, terroir, and sustainability.

As the appreciation for wines made in clay vessels continues to grow, it is clear this timehonoured tradition has found its place in the modern wine world, enriching the diversity and depth of the wines we enjoy today.

Here are some amphora-aged wines to seek out.

Tre Monti Vitalba Secco Albana, Romagna, Central Italy, 2019, 14.5%abv., £16

Vinified in amphora and macerated on the skins for 90 days, this amber coloured wine, made from 100% Albana grape variety, has heady aromas of ripe stone fruit, ginger and cedar. The rich palate, full of personality and flavour with tangy acidity, features dried apricot, tangerine zest, fennel and toasted hazelnut.

Château des Landes, Luccianus Amphore, Lussac Saint-Émilion, France, 2018, 14%abv., £18

Juice from these 100-year-old Cabernet Franc vines, aged for a year in an amphora, has yielded a well-structured wine with dense

Made naturally with wild yeast this is a fine textured, fruity wine with a strongly juicy character as well as light tannins.

Parés Baltà Amphora, Penedés, Spain, 2020, 13.5%abv., £30.42

Made from 100% Xarel-lo, this organic, biodynamic wine is also vegan. Different from other wines traditionally made with this grape, it was fermented and matured in amphorae made with clay from the estate, the same that was used by the Iberians thousands of years ago. A pearl coloured, clear crisp, transparent wine, it has a soft nose with hints of almonds and rounded dairy aromas. The palate is creamy, full bodied and rustic, with almonds to the fore on the long finish.

Renegade RAHUL Skin Contact Bacchus 2020, Herefordshire, England, 11.5%abv., £24.32

This fresh, aromatic orange wine has delightful notes of elderflower, jasmine and white peach. On the palate it is light and delicate, with balanced tannins and acidity: a real summer treat. The grapes were hand sorted and destemmed by hand to reduce skin breakage, and wild fermentation took place in Georgian qvevri. After fermentation, grapes spent 4 months on the skins before being pressed and transferred back into qvevri for ageing. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, the wine is slightly hazy.

Image: Shutterstock.com/Maria Studio.

The Pub Pages

BEER & SKITTLES

P. A. BAXTER

IT'S ALWAYS good to learn of pubs reopening, and two which have come to my attention are the 'Bull' at Sturminster Newton and 'The Sheaf of Arrows'. The former is actually on the A357 and is adjacent to the bridge that leads to the town. It's been a while since we visited and we wish the new incumbents all good fortune. They're re-opening the skittle alley as well, so bring it on! The latter mentioned is scheduled to reopen in May, and new owner Debbie Hughes is keen to get some good dining

going for her customers. We wish her, too, all good fortune.

However, I am disappointed to learn that the alley will no longer be used and already items used for 'the beautiful game' are being disposed of. This is a great shame as when the pub was completely refurbished only about five or six years ago, the alley was 'reversed' so the balls were delivered from the opposite end, and a new buffer installed. We had the pleasure of playing a couple games here, and when eating there with friends and family, the skittle alley was useful for an extension to the dining area. Being passionate about the game

and the fact it brings the regulars in, it can introduce new people for dining as well. A prime example in our experience occurred when we played at the Helyar Arms in East Coker. We were most impressed by the overall ambiance and most certainly by what we saw coming from the kitchen. So much so, that some of our team have become regular Sunday visitors avec leurs femmes which then led to us having our team Christmas Dinner there. Several hundred pounds went into their coffers that night! It's very doubtful we would have considered this venue if we hadn't been introduced via skittling.

Speaking of new management/owners, I learnt today that The Royal Standard in Yeovil has had some major changes as I've been sent some pictures and the amount of work done is very impressive. I've still

to visit, but I do note the garden has strings of lights which seem to illuminate it extremely well. Bat and trap, anyone? Don't mind if we do!

Those last winter skittle balls have been delivered, and as I write it's just a few days before I will be picking up the fixture books for the summer league. The Yeovil Summer Skittle League consists of five divisions but each with fewer teams than the winter – the season is shorter of course, and teams are of six participants, to cater for the holidays. The whole atmosphere tend to be very relaxed, and we also get to visit pubs where we may not normally play during the winter, or visit to dine, which leads me back to the first paragraph I guess one could say.

Further to the 'Big Question' in the March edition of this column and the answer last month of 'where are there 10-pin skittle alleys in this country' (other than what we know as the American game) I have had a reminder from a regular correspondent that the Royal Greenwich has a ten-pin alley in the Old Royal Navel College's Painted Hall. This was built in 1864 for the ex-navy sailors in an effort to keep them out of pubs! Situated in a long vaulted cellar it was used to serve food to school boys and then serve as a smoking room for the pensioners, before being turned into a skittle alley. Do Google it, and if you can visit, well it certainly looks like an interesting place. As to whether one is allowed a few hands, I know not, although there is some footage on YouTube which would suggest that it was. Take a look – it's quite a fantastic sight! I have to mention the Railway Social Club at Pen Mill, Yeovil. The alley is in regular use for league play and also a favourite venue for championship games. Our team had the last game of the winter season here, and had

Celebrating 25 years

Your hosts, Mick and Garry welcome you to

The MUDDLED MAN

Lower Street, West Chinnock

Folk Music from The Muddlers and Friends on the last Sunday of the Month & on the 2nd Sunday of the Month it's Jazz with Tipsy Swing.

Skittles, Dover style at the Ratling Club Aylesham (bat and trap pitch to the right).

Skittle awards.

the pleasure of meeting Patrick who is the cellar-master, who is proud about his beer! We were treated to Legend from Dartmoor, a 4.4%ABV described as 'smooth, full-flavoured and balanced, with a crispy malt-fruit finish', something I heartily agree with. The club is open to non-members so why not drop by, with Pen Mill station immediately adjacent, arriving by train could be just perfect!

Further to the revelation that Aunt Sally has been played in Dorset in centuries past, my thanks again to Paul Kingston for more information (and more promised). Yes, other villages in the area have been known to play the game and it seems it could go back another couple of hundred years! Paul very kindly sent me this picture of a few regulars at the pub having a casual game at The White Horse, in Litton Cheney.

pop me an email. Whilst on the subject of the Campaign for Real Ale, it has come to my notice via this fine organisation that a new style of beer is appearing on the bars but served up using what is in effect, fake hand-pumps. Known as 'brewery fresh ale', CAMRA are objecting to this method as it's attempting to kid the customers that it is 'real', which it isn't. The industry is, in effect, 'Hi-jacking hand-pumps' and CAMRA are chasing the necessary authorities to ensure that the labelling is specific. Whilst I am sympathetic to much of the cause of what we call 'real ale' and as someone who has enjoyed it before it was even known as such, I do feel that the organisation needs to continually review what they stand for.

That Cecil McCann of North Cadbury forgot to put his clock forward, consequently he did not get his pint at The Catash on time.

That the ladies on the front desk at the Ilminster Arts Centre are doing a sterling job when on car park duty.

That birthday girl Petula White of Pilton has a handsome new man in her life … with four legs and a waggly tail.

That in North Cadbury, a tambourine can sound incredibly similar to a parcel full of broken crockery.

Aunt Sally is a game on my 'Pub Games' Facebook group that has yet to have a specific album, so clearly I have some work to do there. If you have an interest in pub games do join up if you have not yet done so – we've just passed another milestone as The Newcastle Cornhole Club have joined. Regular readers of this column will recall my (fairly disastrous) debut into the sport whilst visiting the 'Red Hare' brewery at Marietta, Georgia, USA. It's a great game which will undoubtedly appear on these pages in future and I have no doubt at all that it will gain in popularly on this side of the pond. At present there are barely a dozen clubs, our nearest one at present being at The Par Inn, Cornwall. Meanwhile do check out ukcornholeleague.com/clubs, and see YouTube to get an idea of how it's played.

The Mild Month of May is upon us and CAMRA is again promoting 'Mild' ale. Whilst a fan of the style, we don't seem to see much on the bar in this area –perhaps you can help, if so please

Solution to April Sudoku

Why should I say that? Well one of the bribes that CAMRA give to new members is a 'free box of speciality' beers from a supplier whose beers are virtually all supplied in cans. So this, in my humble opinion, goes against two of their mantras by endorsing and promoting nonreal ales, and endorsing and promoting home drinking. Now most of us have a few bottles in at home for those little emergencies, but we'll be hearing soon of the bleating from CAMRA that yet another pub has closed. You can't have it all!

We started with the good news about pub re-openings, but let us make sure that your local pub STAYS open by enjoying a few drinks and playing those games! Let's be hearing from you! Cheers!

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

That for former Weymouth resident Tony Hawkins, a trip to his local Thai Restaurant has had to be put on hold, due to unforeseen circumstances.

ANSWERS TO POP MUSIC QUIZ

On page 19

1) Beyoncé

2) Manfred Mann's Earth Band

3) 'Poison'

4) 'Rubettes'

5) 'Heatwave'

6) 'Substitute' - The Who

7) 'Long Hot Summer' 1983 & 2005, (However, they were different songs)

8) 'It's Good News Week' 9)Nine

10) 'Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band'

Bonus question: 1965

Gold Lamé anorak question: 'Tomorrow Never Knows' The Beatles. From the 'Revolver' album, also 1965.

Vinny, always dropping nuggets of wisdom

Beer at the Pen Mill Railway Club (GWRSA) with Patrick the barman and Celler-master.

Aunt Sally at The White Horse, Litton Cheney.

REMEMBER WHEN ...

... 30 YEARS AGO FROM

ARCHIVES

Gillingham developments

A ‘FOCUS on Gillingham’ in the May 1994 Visitor reported that the town had expanded quite fast in recent years. ‘It is no longer the sleepy little Victorian-built country town, coming to life spasmodically whenever a train pulled into the station. Today its high street is neat and tidy with busy shops, modern paving and traffic-calming bumps in the road. It has relief roads and one-way systems and more street lights than you could shake a stick at. Its commerce is only occasionally interrupted by a squad of predatory traffic wardens on a raid from one of the neighbouring townships.’ It noted that recent developments included ‘the Waitrose supermarket, built on the picturesquely-named Chantry Fields to the south of the town centre, accompanied by parking space for 125 cars and the new library’, adding that ‘the Town Council would like to secure the field on the other side of the relief road, not for future development but to make sure it stays as an open space’. It reported that ‘the new library is already open but its building is also destined to accommodate the new museum, which is scheduled to open in the spring of 1995’.

Attracting car-borne shoppers

There’s no denying that car parks are costly to provide and maintain, but charges for using them have long been a bone of contention. The big unknown is whether or not they deter drivers from using a town’s shops. Yeovil Chamber of Trade thought it had an answer 30 years ago. In conjunction with the District Council it introduced a scheme whereby the parking fee would be refunded when you spent over £30 in any one of the participating shops. The Visitor was not impressed. A report in the May 1994 issue asked whether ‘apart from the first week when the scheme was new, has anyone ever bothered to claim their refund?’ and answered ‘probably very few, and more probably it has made no significant difference to the number of shoppers Yeovil attracts’. It felt that the Chamber

of Trade and the Council had ‘failed to realise that the greatest disincentive to shopping in Yeovil, as far as parking was concerned, was not the price for the motorist, but having to be sure of always having the right money for the confounded machines’.

Food critics told where to go

The May 1994 Visitor had words of praise for the BBC. ‘Hoorah for BBC1 and their Sunday night programme Pie in the Sky, a really good series that cleverly sings the praises of great British produce and fare’. The writer admitted to getting ‘very disgruntled that many people think of British food as something of a clay pigeon – you put it up, we’ll shoot it down’, and felt that ‘to hear some food critics talk you would think that there is nothing or very little good about the British food industry’. In her view, ‘this is far from the truth; the only really bad thing is the small-minded critics who seem to enjoy knocking everything British. Perhaps, when the Channel Tunnel is open, said critics could test the catering on Le Shuttle, preferably with a one-way ticket.’

Dry run at regatta

Something extraordinary was previewed in the May 1994 Visitor

Sparkford Village Cows Rural Regatta. Living up to its name it promised to be ‘for possibly the first time in this country a dry land boat race’. Apparently the race ‘which originated in Alice Springs, Australia, comprises bottomless boats crewed by teams of eight running round a short course’. It was scheduled to take place at Sparkford’s Fun and Sports Day on 9th July when teams would have the opportunity to raise sponsorship money for their favourite charities. Was it a

success, I wonder, as I can’t recall it ever being repeated.

Get out!

With election fever now beginning to infect the mass media it is interesting to see these views of a Visitor columnist back in 1994. ‘I don’t know if anyone agrees with me, but I think that the vast majority of politicians, not only in this country but all over the world, seem to be a boring, selfcentred, useless bunch nowadays. What on earth has happened to the statesmen and women of days past, Gladstone, Disraeli,

present lot are a bunch of suits, wet behind the ears and soft as blancmange’. In her opinion ‘the world has been taken over by middle management who haven’t the experience or skill to run things with the authority that is needed. They cannot make decisions and see them through ... it’s time they were told, get tough or get out!’. I’m beginning now to see similar sentiments expressed in the correspondence column of my morning newspaper.

Roger Richards.

Cl ass ified Ads

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

Personal

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Wanted

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

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

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

DO YOU HAVE a shed/garage full of stuff?

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Prize Crossword No. 450 Set by Frank Butler

SEND COMPLETED ENTRIES TO:

The Visitor Crossword, P.O. Box 5522, Castle Cary, Somerset BA9 0BP – to arrive by Monday 20th May.

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. Little David in a vehicle is a corpse [7]

5. Father’s wise in the corridor [7]

9. Standards belonging to wee Norman? [5]

10. Gristle from tragic ale arrangement [9]

11. French grey follows resin product from whales [9]

12. Ellis’ yarn [5]

13. Some fish on a Friday for people south of the Zambesi [5]

15. Listener has thread before ship with prospensity to arrive ahead of schedule [9]

18. Produced from tender age [9]

19. Deserves organ for hearing points [5]

21. Apple belonging to early man? [5]

23. Break dish, cheer beloved! [9]

25. Storage spaceto put up with, black only at first in cards [9]

26. Happening with smooth junction [5]

27. Ease Dad into the water [4, 3]

28. Allow in the act when crossed out [7]

Clues Down:

1. Tents point in electoral campaign [7]

2. Chocolate brand work disrupted [4, 5]

3... Ivor’s face-mask [5]

4. Concerned with the flow at intervals [9]

5. Thong returned in pieces [5]

6. Artist’s subject not yet death [5, 4]

7. Bring together morning fool [5]

8. Ye sleet works into lace-holes [7]

14. Grazes as brain so confused [9]

16. Remedied with clothes changed [9]

17. Hates rite most unrefined [9]

18. Snatched view of notes about weapon [7]

20. Kent, perhaps, of yore is calmed [7]

22. Ah, pal with brighest star [5]

23. Royal College of Art briefly followed 101 about [5]

24. I give out the cards; perfect! [5] Solution to Crossword 449

Winner of the April Crossword

David Lyon of Sturminster Newton who chose to spend the £15 at The Kings Arms Thornford.