Add style and warmth to your home with a WOODBURNER
Your local independent monthly journal 01963 351256 · www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk
Issue 352 March 2013
Your
FREE copy
OvER 200 AppLiANCES ON DiSpLAy Full Installation Service ... Chimneys Relined + Flue Systems Fireplaces Created Hearth & Home Accessories Chimney Sweeping Also: LIVING PRETTY Tea Rooms & Interiors
High Street, Curry Rivel, Langport
01458 251476 • www.sandpitsheatingcentre.co.uk
Don’t get caught out! Get your Red Nose from Sainsbury’s, Oxfam Stores, or from the online shop at www.rednoseday.com
Step out in style figure flattering fashion from ...
annaperra FA S H ION w ww.a n na p erra .c om
NEW BROCHuRE AvAILABLE www.taylorscoachtravel.co.uk
Call us for more details 01935 423177
ExCuRSIONS 2013 MARCH Saturday 2nd – Exeter Shopper A £10.95 • Conc £9.95
Personally sourced collections from Europe mainly Italy, Spain, France and UK
Saturday 16th – Lymington Market Day & Wilton Shopping Outlet A £13.95 • Conc £12.95
Bespoke designs by Anna
Sunday 24th Webbs of Wychbold Garden Centre A £17.95 • Conc £16.95 Sunday 31st – Easter Sunday Mystery Trip A £12.95 • Conc £11.95
Dresses - Coats - Bags Scarves - Shoes
APRIL
45A High Street Shepton Mallet BA4 5AQ 01749 343945 | anna@annaperra.com
Sunday 7th Dartmoor Tour & Badgers Holt A £15.00 • Conc £14.00 Thursday 11th Gloucester Quays Shopping Centre A £16.00 • Conc £15.00
Saturday 20th – Priscilla Queen of the Desert @ Bristol A £48.00 • Conc. £47.00 Saturday 20th – Adams Farm (Countryfile) in Cotswolds A £25.00 • OAP £24.00 • C £22.00 Sunday 28th –Monthly Mystery Trip A £12.95 • Conc £11.95
MAY Saturday 4th – The Mousetrap @ Bristol Hippodrome A £38.00 • Conc £37.95 Sunday 5th – Shaftesbury and Compton Abbas Airfield A £11.95 • Conc £10.95 Sunday 12th – Exbury Gardens From A £24.95 • Conc £23.95 Sunday 26th – Monthly Mystery Trip A £12.95 • Conc £11.95
HOLIDAY HAWORTH 1940’s WEEKEND From £215pp Friday 17th – Monday 20th May 2013 4* Hotel, Weetwood Hall – DBB Travel & Excursions included ... a fun filled weekend!
Call for information or to book
01935 423177
Matching Kitchens to your Lifestyle We have been involved with the design and manufacture of beautiful bespoke kitchens and furniture for more than 20 years. Our message to you is simple: we care passionately about delivering top quality craftmanship, whilst offering you a sensible price. We will offer an honest and genuine appraisal of your needs; matching our kitchens to your lifestyle to make bespoke living a luxury you can afford. The Old Sparrow Works, Bower Hinton, TA12 6LG • 01935 825975 • www.eternal-designs.co.uk
In Passing ...
W
hAT IS CuRREnTly the most intrusive blot on Visitorland’s rural landscapes? A questionnaire survey conducted in one local parish last autumn asked people to identify in priority order from a list of ten options the three they felt to be the most intrusive – and perhaps surprisingly the most-mentioned was not wind turbines or mobile phone masts, not modern agricultural buildings or new houses in the open countryside, not overhead power cables or land and river pollution. Far ahead of all these was fly-tipping, mentioned by more than 75% of respondents. Fly-tipping is not a new phenomenon, but in recent years illegal waste dumping has become one of the greatest problems facing landowners and farmers, especially those on the edge of towns. half of those questioned in a survey by the Environment Agency said that it had become a significant concern because clearance costs were averaging more than £800 per removal. The survey found that half of the material dumped on private land was household waste, followed by construction waste and old car tyres. It’s no good trying to blame the usual scapegoats – young people and the European union – for the problem. It is not youngsters who leave unwanted furniture in field gateways, who dump piles of building rubble, garden waste, cardboard boxes and rusting remains of old household appliances in meadows and woods, who leave empty cement and fertiliser bags and torn remnants of black plastic sheeting in the hedgerows of country lanes. All of these I have seen on recent walks in Visitorland – but never elsewhere in mainland Europe – and most must have been left there by adults. unlike our European neighbours we, as a nation, generate far too much rubbish. Discarded drinks cans and plastic bottles, food cartons and old newspapers, cigarette packets and other detritus of our throwaway society litter our streets. For sure, some young people chuck their empty
lager cans and fish-and-chip wrappers out of car windows, spit chewing gum on to the pavements and set fire to dumped cars. So do some adults. Sending out a clean-up squad or increasing the frequency of street cleaning merely reinforces the mindless belief that someone else will come along and clean up after us. A plausible argument could be made for withdrawing street cleaning services entirely, leaving the litter to accumulate and using the money instead to catch the offenders and stringently enforce the existing anti-littering laws. This requires a determination on the part of magistrates to impose the harsh penalties already available to them, partly as a deterrent and partly to meet the costs of clearing the rubbish. Fly-tipping is an environmental crime and the victims are not just the landowners but all of us who live in this beautiful part of England. NN.
Ltd.
PO Box 1, Castle Cary Somerset BA7 7BG Tel: (01963) 351256, 351998 Fax: (01963) 350552 Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk Website: www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk facebook.com/thevisitormagazine twitter.com/thevisitormag Proprietor, Accounts & Subscriptions Helen Dunion Production Manager Jeff Farrow Advertisement Manager & Features Editor Michelle Trulock Printed by The Blackmore Press © The Visitor Ltd. 2013
(Items marked ©gt are the copyright of geoff thompson)
Advertising Deadlines
CONTENTS
April edition published Tuesday 26th March Deadline Friday 15th March
Our FRONT COVER is almost entirely due to self preservation on Friday 15 th March
Wells Frome • Shepton Mallet Glastonbury Bruton Street Castle Mere Cary Somerton Wincanton Gillingham langport ilchester Shaftesbury Martock Marnhull Sherborne Stalbridge • ilminster Stur. Newton Yeovil Crewkerne
Note to Advertisers Advertisements are accepted subject to our standard terms and conditions as printed on our rate card, available upon request. We cannot guarantee any specific page or position, but will always do our best to comply with clients’ wishes. ArtWorK Artwork & design by our production department and photographs taken by our photographers are the copyright of Badger Publications. The Visitor is compiled in Quark Xpress (Apple Macintosh). Clients or agencies supplying artwork or images should ideally send uncompressed TIFs, JPEGs or PDFs, 300 dpi minimum if actual size, or at a higher resolution if smaller than size required, along with a hard copy print-out. For advertisement sizes see our Rate Card. The views expressed in articles & letters contributed to this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher.
ACUPUNCTURE AWARENESS WEEK - 14 ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLASSIFIED - 43 ANTIQUES & COLLECTING - 32 BUSINESS - 10 COCKLEMOOR Confectionery & Crafts Langport - 7 CROSSWORD - 46 CYCLE BABBLE - 34 GARDENING - 39 HOUSE & HOME Spring Home Improvements - 21 LEISURE & TRAVEL - 32 LETTERS - 5 LOOKING GOOD & FEELING FINE - 15 MENTIONED in DISPATCHES - 7 MOTHERING SUNDAY - 17 MOTORING - 6 MUSIC for the MONTH - 33 NOTICE BOARD - 6 PAPERCHASE - 42 PHONE-A-FIRM - 44 PUBS - 35 SHEPTON MALLET - 12 SHERBORNE KITCHENS, Sherborne - 23 THEY SAY - 38 WE HEAR - 8 WINE & DINE - 34 Drawings by GEOFF THOMPSON
ThE VISITOR March 2013 3
Quality Meats — from —
Andrew Barclay traditional Family Butcher
All our meAt is NAturAllY reAreD AND sourCeD from the West CouNtrY BeeF from Lily Farm and Clanville Manor lAmB from Shepton Montague and Charlton Musgrove FRee RAnGe PORK from Somerset FRee RAnGe CHiCKen & DuCK from Creedy Carver ✿
✿
✿ sPrING saVers ✿
Free Range Bone-in PORK CHOPs Buy THREE ... GET ONE FREE
Cook her something special on Mother’s Day Sunday 10th March
✿
Chicken Breasts Buy THREE ... GET ONE FREE
2kg minCeD BeeF £5.99
Buy with Confidence OuR Own FResHlY mADe BuRGeRs & sAusAGes local
✿
Large selection of Local Cheeses inc. Award Winning
GAme
mOnTGOmeRY mATuRe CHeDDAR and Keen’s mATuRe CHeDDAR
AnnAmmA’s Cuisine
FRee RAnGe eGGs
Homemade Authentic Southern Indian Curry Sauces made locally by a delightful Indian Lady
wADmAn's wORlD FAmOus CReAm from their Jersey Herd
Orders taken for our meat at North Cadbury Village Stores
★ Daily deliveries to the surrounding area ★
45 High street, winCAnTOn, somerset BA9 9Ju Tel: 01963 34880 * Fax: 01963 440525 4 ThE VISITOR March 2013
letters To the Editor Rook Shooting ...
Sir, Dick Comer asks the readership what we think about about his extreme attitude to rook shooting. I think, Dick old son, that if you truly believe that shooting rooks equates to the mass murder of innocent children in school, you need help, which you should seek as a matter of some urgency. Anyone with a pair of eyes out in the country today, will note that practically the only birds to be seen are masses of rooks, crows, jackdaws, jays and magpies. They will also note the relative absence of songbirds. These two facts are not unrelated. high on the preferred menu of corvids are the chicks and eggs of other birds. It is not for nothing that the collective noun for crows is 'a murder'. In the not too distant past, farmers and landowners would invite locals and friends to an annual rook shoot for the express purpose of keeping their numbers under control. This practice is less common today, with the result that there are far too many of them about, and far fewer songbirds. That rooks are clever, and might even show a touch of intelligence, I do not dispute. I do believe that they can tell the difference between a man with a shotgun and one without, but to describe the shooter as 'evil' is taking the art of tree hugging a step too far, which only damages the efforts of true animal rightists. Gil Star Shaftesbury
And More ...
Sir, Mr Comer, in your last issue, asks what people think about shooting rooks on Cadbury Castle. First of all I would bet hard earned money that Mr Comer’s rooks were in fact crows. Keeping their numbers down is very sound environmental conservation. The biggest rookery is on my boundary along the henshall Brook and not on the Castle where the crows and ravens nest. Rooks, I agree, do little damage, although my arable neighbours might not concur. I am sure Mr Comer is a responsible dog owner and abides by the ‘Dog Fouling of land Act 1996’ since the owners graze the Castle with cattle. Also, I expect he respects the ‘closed season’, which is now almost upon us, when all fox hounds and working
gun dogs are confined to barracks. I see far too many untrained pet gun dogs hunting about off the lead on the lynchets during the ground nesting bird season. But there, I am writing nonsense, because of the super abundance of badgers, there are no ground nesting birds left around here. using emotive language, calling people evil and comparing them to the psychopaths who go on shooting sprees, does not enhance Mr Comer’s views in any way. I have no doubt that the Guns were acting quite legally and with the permission of the land owners and doing some good at the same time. John Kerton Parsonage Farm Sutton Montis
Gangs of Park Street
Sir, Gang - a group of people going round together. I was born in Park Street in 1943, during the Second World War. In 1945 in Park Street there was a baby-boom, as there was everywhere I imagine, due to the feeling that the allies were winning the war in Europe. As previous writers have said, Park Street was quite special, with as many people from outside yeovil integrating, as there were locals. The 1945 ‘Gang’ were a very close community having grown up together and stuck by each other in times of trouble, as did their parents. When the yanks came to Barwick shortly before D-Day the Colonel from the camp heard the rumour that my gran had a newfangled boiler and made her a special visit, asking if she would do a bit of washing and ironing. She would, he assured her, be well paid for her work. Gran agreed but the next day two one-ton trucks arrived with 200 kit bags! The bags were distributed throughout the street (2 bags for Mrs A., 3 bags for Mrs B., and so on). Suddenly there were many wealthy women throughout Park Street. C. White laburnum Way yeovil
Thanks ...
Sir, My thanks go to your correspondent Mrs Val holt for her letter in the February edition of The Visitor confirming that the 'Park Street Gang' was indeed a myth, as I suspected when referred to in the December 'Beer and Skittles'. One must bear in mind that to an impressionable pre-teen it is surprising what can sink deep into the psyche. I'm also pleased to see that the
facilities she enjoyed in her house were not so rudimentary as one of my contacts! P.A.B.
Langport & District Red Cross Week 2013
Sir, Our local Red Cross Group, which covers the area from Babcary to Fivehead and Kingsbury Episcopi to Compton Dundon needs volunteer collectors for the 2013 Red Cross Week collection, 5th to 11th May 2013. Collections take place both house to house and outside local shops, as preferred by the volunteers. We would welcome offers of an hour or two during this week to help keep our services running in Somerset. Places with no, or few, collectors include Keinton Mandeville, Compton Dundon, Pitney, huish Episcopi, langport, high ham, Curry Rivel, Kingsbury Episcopi, Isle Brewers, and Isle Abbotts, but extra help in other towns and villages will be just as welcome. To offer your help please contact Chris Cox, Group leader by e-mail at cox.cj@btinternet. com or by phone on 01458 273085. Chris Cox Group leader langport & District Red Cross Group 2 Camden Road Somerton TA11 6Rn
The Royal British Legion Baltonsborough 90 years old and going strong
Sir, The Baltonsborough Branch of The Royal British legion celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2013 for which I have been requested to compile a history and write a short article for publication locally. Apart from some information already published during my
research into the Baltonsborough War Memorial there is, or appears to be, very little 'formal' history available and nothing in the Somerset County archives. It occurs to me that some in the village and also in the surrounding areas may recall from their local knowledge attending events in the hall of the British legion. The name predates the granting of a Royal Charter to become The Royal British legion. The hall was situated on ham Street towards Muchelney lane. It maybe that some have retained photographs of the hall or of the events held there? Details so far known may be viewed at http://www.roll-ofhonour.com/Somerset/Baltonsboro ugh.html If anyone is able to assist with either photographs or any written documentation or memories of the events or the hall your assistance will be very much appreciated. Please contact: Colin Mcnamee 4 neville Park Baltonsborough BA6 8Py (near Glastonbury) Somerset 01458 850679
Stamps Wanted
Sir, I have, for the last few years been collecting used British and foreign stamps for the Genesis Cancer unit, nightingale Centre, Wythenshawe hospital, Manchester. So far I have had a very good response from many kind people and wonder if you will be able to help in this case please? Mr. J. McDowell 28 Oakhouse Drive Chorlton Manchester M21 8En A worthy cause. Would any of our readers like to help? Ed.
a. J. Wakely & SOnS lTd independent Family Funeral directors • Golden Charter Pre Paid Funeral Plans • 24 Hour Service. • Private Chapel of Rest
Brochure upon request - contact Clive Wakely dip F.d. M.B.i.e. The Old Police Station, Carrington Way WinCanTOn Ba9 9JS Tel: 01963 31310 ThE VISITOR March 2013 5
MOTORING VINTAGE Motor Cycling AS I WRITE the weather is damp, cold and miserable, but by the time you read this I am trusting that spring is just around the corner, with the promise of better weather ahead. In anticipation the Vintage Motor Cycle Clubs events become more prolific. During March the Somerset Section has a guest speaker at its club night on the 7th, and on the 17th will be its Spring Run from nether Stowey. The Wessex Veteran and Vintage Section will have its club night on the 11th. The Dorset Section has a Winter Run on the 3rd from Dorchester, followed by a speaker at its club night on the 13th. For more details contact me on 01935-872528. Also remember the Westlands Classic Motorcycle Club and the Wells Classic Motorcycle Club, both are very active and have web sites so check out their calendars of events as well. Remember the large autojumble on the 2nd March at the Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, organised by the Somerset Section of the VMCC. Always a good day out to find those elusive missing parts and meet your friends. Always a very social day it seems that anybody and everybody involved with old bikes will attend. With your food and drink requirements taken care of and all for an entrance fee of £2 I can guarantee an enjoyable day out. I have written before of threewheelers being eligible for our club events and with the capability of taking the whole family. By the term of three wheelers I am encompassing both motorcycles and sidecars and proper cars with three wheels, such as Reliants, BMW’s etc, also the trikes which can be a mixture of all these vehicles and usually home made. Going back to the turn of the last century the first three wheeled passenger carrying vehicles were motorcycles with a forecar attachment where two
front wheels replaced the single front wheel. This left a space between the front wheels where a seat could be placed. now quite rare these devices soon lost favour because the brave passenger always caught the worst of the weather, being out the front, and they were also the first to arrive at any accident. These were quickly superseded by the sidecar, firstly made of wickerwork and later they were coachbuilt bodied. Sidecars have remained popular ever since. There were also three wheeled goods carrying vehicles using the same format. Who can remember motorcycles with a box sidecar which carried everything imaginable. locally to me I can remember a builder with ladders on the box with sand and cement in the bottom. Even bread and groceries were delivered in such things. later came the bubble cars and later still came the lomax or JZR varieties. Why I should think of these vehicles now leads me to another moan about the wonderful legislators we have. I recently learnt that the driving licence group which covers tricycles has been changed from the 1st February without any consultation whatsoever. Anyone having a Reliant, lomax, JZR, Berkeley, BMW, heinkel or Messerschmitt or any of that type of vehicle will know that they share the same type of controls as any car. Any new driver, not having previously had any driving licence, will now find that to drive any of these vehicles they will have to pass a motor cycle driving test. This may sound of little importance until you think what this will entail. The new driver will need to take the classroom awareness test, this will be followed by the Compulsory Basic Training which is the off road test riding around the cones and the like, and this is followed by the on road driving test. To do this the person must purchase or borrow a machine of under 125cc and have it insured, taxed and tested. This will be very costly for the machine and the three tests.
GliDeROl GARAGe DOORs All garage doors are different, so as a roller door specialist, (I don’t replace windows, etc.) I can survey, quote and install to your requirements and make the most of your garage opening, as generally no frame is necessary. With the option of automated operation with remote control, a top quality garage door need only be a phone call away.
G.H. SALES. Tel: 01935 891414 6 ThE VISITOR March 2013
They will learn a set of controls and learn to ride a vehicle of which they may have no further interest, just to get a licence for a vehicle with car type controls which will then be completely alien to them. having passed the test they can now drive, unaccompanied, this unfamiliar vehicle along our busy roads. Whoever dreamed up this idea had little common sense or road safety in mind. I wonder if this was originated by our own government or our friends in Europe? For my picture this month I have selected one of a 1935 Morgan F Type. This particular car is the very first 10hp model that Morgans made in 1935.
It was first registered to the Morgan factory who then allowed the motoring press to use the car for road test purposes. It is still in regular use and great fun to drive. next I have another moan. (I think it must be an age related thing). I was interested in some motorcycle items scheduled to come to auction recently. I therefore bought the auction catalogue which turned out to be a super glossy affair. Quite why they need to be so glossy is beyond me, I would do with a typed sheet, but they are all fancy affairs which must be very expensive to produce. I next learnt that I had to pay a further £16 to get two tickets which allowed me access to the site of the auction. This fact does not appear on any advertisement for the sale. I thought this was a bit of a con and so declined to pay this extra and therefore failed to attend the auction. Whether I could have bought the items in which I was interested I shall never know. It might be my loss or it could have been the loss of the auctioneers but I do feel this system might well put off potential customers such as myself, and therefore less commission for the organisers. There must be a better way of conducting business. I am now sure I have become a grumpy old man – further comments unnecessary. Rod Hann.
March Notice Board GILLINGHAM
Fair, 21st March, 10am 12noon, Gillingham Community Room (opposite Waitrose) in aid of British red Cross and every 3rd Thursday. homemade crafts, produce, neal’s yard Remedies Organic, Phoenix Cards.
MARTOCK
ockment valley’s 14 famous Handbell ringers, (with 60 bells = 4.5 octaves) play wellloved tunes in Martock Church, 23rd March, 6.30pm. Plus clarinet solos and humorous readings. Tickets 01935 822706. Adult £6, child £3, or £7/£4 on the door. Annual Art exhibition in Martock Church, 2nd - 6th April, 10am - 6.30pm (4pm Saturday). Entry free. light lunches, etc. served. Sixty Somerset artists show hundreds of excellent exhibits at attractive prices. Also, visit Yandles Woodworking event, 400m away, Friday / Saturday, free entry.
NORTON SUB HAMDON
Jumble sale in Village hall Saturday 2nd March. Doors open 11am (admission 30p). Many bargains. Teas, Raffle. Proceeds to hall funds. Contact Jennie harris 01935 881718.
SHERBORNE
sherborne douzelage Fundraising event, 22nd March, 7.30pm, Digby Memorial Church hall, Sherborne. 50 years of Song and Dance with Bonny sartin and Eddie upton. Tickets £8 including refreshment, from:Sherborne Tourist Information Centre; Castle Gardens; Meg Crothers on 01963 23486 or on the door.
Advertise your APRIL event here!
A listing under our Notice Board costs just £5 - send details of What? When? Where? to The Visitor, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BG. All entries to be pre-paid, maximum 20 words. Extra words 30p each. Deadline for April issue, Friday 15th March.
Mentioned in
Dispatches Be a hero and help raise money for children’s hospices
Children’s Hospice Week, is the uK’s only awareness and fundraising week for children with life-limiting conditions and the services, like children’s hospices, that support them. It takes place this year between 26 April and 3 May, culminating with Superhero Friday – a special day of hero inspired fundraising. Children's hospices care and support children not expected to reach adulthood and their families. Together for Short Lives is calling on you to be a hero in Children’s Hospice Week and help raise funds for these vital services. This year they will be focusing on siblings to raise awareness of how the whole family is affected and how services support brothers and sisters through special groups and activities. holly Willoughby, Patron of Together for Short Lives, comments: ‘I’ve seen for myself what wonderful places children’s hospices are and the amazing care and support they provide for children with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions and their families. Please be a hero and show your support during Children’s Hospice Week.’ you can get involved by taking part in Superhero Friday (3 May). you could dress up as a superhero and make a donation, sponsor a friend or colleague to be a hero for the day, or take part in the superhero sweepstake. Be a hero for an hour and help make every moment count for children and families by donating an hour of your wages, volunteering for an hour, or raising as much money as you can in an hour. help children and families make the most of their precious time together. There’s a fundraising guide, packed with ideas and inspiration to get you and your friends and family involved. Every penny you raise will make a lifetime of difference to children and families. Visit www.childrenshospice week.org.uk for more information.
Dickies Sponsor Somerset Boy’s Dream
he may still only be at the tender age of ten but Tom Canning, from
Gurney Slade, Somerset, has already been tipped to become the next big name in Formula One. ‘Turbo’ Tom Canning, who is sponsored by the internationally renowned workwear brand Dickies, recorded a string of strong results throughout the year in the honda Cadet category, on his way to winning the most prestigious competition in the South West. Tom, who was first introduced to the world of motorsport at the age of seven by his father Pete, is being compared to the likes of Jenson Button, who also started his glittering motorsport career by winning the cadet class at Clay Pigeon at the age of ten. Dickies supply Tom and his team with high-quality workwear, embroidering all clothing with both the teams’ and the Dickies logo. They have also helped to put together a wardrobe of
clothes, kitting out the members of the team that work in the pit lane.
Help!
Sherborne’s Sue Ryder shop, is experiencing a sharp increase in demand for knitting, sewing and craft items reflecting the current trend for home handicrafts. The
shop sells a basic range of new, competitively priced knitting wool and offers donated knitting patterns and haberdashery items for sale alongside it. Staff at the store are also busy preparing hand made items from recycled materials for sale in the shop from March, with handmade cards, dolls house miniatures and
Situations Vacant
Brand new look for Cocklemoor Confectionery & Crafts COCKlEMOOR of langport has recently undergone a major refurbishment and proprietors Ros George and son Paul are delighted with the results. Ros says ‘We have received many favourable comments from our customers on how light and airy the new shop layout is and how it is easy to find exactly what they are looking for’. Cocklemoor has been run by Ros and Paul for 24 years. They are renowned for their extensive range of weigh-out sweets with over a hundred jars to choose from including favourites such as barley twists, liquorice toffees and bon-bons – a sugar free range is also available. In addition to traditional sweets they stock delicious Swiss and Belgian chocolates and of course childrens’ pocket money sweets. The haberdashery selection is very popular, as is the knitting wool. A core range is stocked to include Aran, inexpensive double knit and baby yarn, plus
seasonal additions such as cotton knits for the summer. Accessories such as patterns and buttons are always in stock. The card choice is extensive with cards to suit every occasion and for every relation. Ros has personally selected a range of attractive – yet affordable gifts such as photo-frames, ceramic mugs, clocks, pen and keyring sets, Equilibrium magnetic jewellery and more. nursery giftware is also stocked – ideal for Christening presents. A new giftwrap and tag display area has been installed plus a delightful choice of gift bags. For the home office there is practical stationery – plus an attractive range of social stationery such as notelets and writing blocks. Art and craft materials include model kits, paints, plasticine, Dylon dye, papers and more.
There are jigsaw puzzles and board games to appeal to all ages and the toy section has everything from small toys and bubbles for party bags through to traditional toys such as Barbie dolls and footballs. Ros says ‘We like to look after our customers and give them what they require at a sensible price. We would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their continuing support – in these difficult economic times it is important for local people to support their local shops, or lose them. A big thank you also goes to local tradesmen M. J. Carpets, Sean Trimmer Plasterer and RJS Property Services for their part in the refurbishments’. Whether you are looking for a special box of chocolates for Mothering Sunday or a local postcard visit Cocklemoor, where Ros and Paul look forward to welcoming customers old and new. A Visitor Profile.
Cocklemoor Ltd, Confectionery & Crafts, Bow Street, Langport tel: 01458 253145 ThE VISITOR March 2013 7
We hear That Britannia Carnival Club ‘reporter’ Christine Stone had her hands slapped by heather, the wife of the club’s chairman, for spelling his nickname incorrectly. It's Jiggy with a J, and not Giggy with a G. But, what's a letter between friends! That when attending a recent birthday party, Sparkford’s George Graham found himself streaks ahead of birthday-boy Oliver Burden of Wincanton. That in recognition of the County Councillor’s contribution towards the north Cheriton West Pavement - it will henceforth be known as ‘Wally’s Folly’. That Adrian Davies of north Cadbury (otherwise known as Varny) now knows what a ramekin is. That belated birthday greetings go to norman leeks of Cambridge who celebrated in style with a special edition of Jellyatrics. That Anne B of norton Sub hamdon gives dinner parties with style. That unfortunately, ‘art collector’ Shirley Isaac, won’t get very far with the offer in February’s Visitor - although, young farmers ‘are willing to try their hand at most things’. That the Bradford Abbas Postie made a 1st class job of smashing the indoor sports presentation vase during this years match between Bradford Abbas and Milborne Port. That John hamblin of yeovil, staunch supporter of the RSPCA and the Cats Protection league, now likes to support the h.F.W.W. That a new lunch-time bistro called Chez Rose has recently opened in Queen Camel. This warm and friendly establishment offers speciality dishes such as tasty leek and potato soup served with croutons and caters mainly for semi-retired local builders. That John Boyd Textiles limited, (the world renowned weavers of horse hair fabric since 1837) in Castle Cary, was recently put firmly on the map when it appeared in a television programme featuring the colourful Michael Portillo. This fascinating programme also starred the eloquent Anna Smith, along with Duncan Brummell who can rest easy, knowing that his shoes cannot easily be filled. 8 ThE VISITOR March 2013
Mentioned in
Dispatches brooches already on sale. In order to meet customer demand and fill the shelves for ‘handmade March’ the Sue Ryder shop needs donations of knitting patterns, needles, wool, fabric and any other arty, crafty materials or books. Donations of other unwanted items such as clothing, bricabrac, books, small furniture and electrical items continue to be welcome too. Donations can be dropped in any time from 9am 5pm Monday to Friday or larger amounts, furniture or house clearances can be collected. To request a collection call Kim or lucie on 01935 815323. Shop Manager, Kim Macinnes, would like to thank all the local people who have responded so well to her previous appeals over recent months and continue to support the charity by keeping the shop so busy. Sue Ryder is a national charity providing care and support for people with life changing and end of life conditions. For more information visit the website at sueryder.org
Royal Bath & West Show celebrates its 150th anniversary
The Royal Bath & West Show will be celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, with what promises to be an extra special event. The Bath & West began life as a travelling show, only settling at its current location near Shepton Mallet in 1965. The show remains true to its roots of supporting agriculture and educating the public through a four-day extravaganza of everything rural. This year, every section of the show will be celebrating with special displays and competitions, including 150 years of fairgrounds, the national horseshoeing Championships, and plenty of locally produced
Dog tired of high prices? visiT
CROssROADs PeT suPPlies suppliERs Of
• Pet Foods • Bird & Pigeon Seeds • Full range of Toys, Hutches, Accessories ... all at competitive prices Ample FREE PARking outside the Door Find us at Forward Garage on the main A30 between Sherborne & Yeovil
Tel: 01935 411859 .
food and drink. But it is the livestock that are consistently the most popular attraction among visitors, and this year promises to be no exception. The striking Red Ruby Devon cattle breed will be holding their national Show, attracting top-class exhibitors from across the nation. And the prestigious Burke Trophy, formerly the highlight of the Royal Show, will be presented to the best pair of beef animals, judged by the respected Daniel Wyllie from Staffordshire. Another former Royal Show accolade, the Flack Trophy, will be awarded to the champion pair of pigs by longstanding judge Graham hinks from Dorset, who plans to bow out at the pinnacle of his career. Competition schedules for the show, which will be held from 29 May to 1 June, are now available, with early bird saver tickets online at www.bathandwest.com or by calling 0844 7765777.
School Reunion
Did you attend Wadham School, Crewkerne way back in 1971/72/73? If so, on Saturday the 16th March 2013 there will be
March Promotion
Mentioned in
Dispatches
companies offer in-house training programmes enabling people to gain recognised qualifications. An ever aging population and a continually growing sector mean that prospects for care workers
are extremely good at the moment. With different care options evolving, being a care worker does not simply mean working in a care home anymore. Sunshine Care is hoping that many people
will use national Careers week to look into pursing a career in the care industry. Further information about national Careers Week can be found at www.nationalcareers week.co.uk.
an evening reunion at Whitelackington Club with a bar and a disco for ex-pupils (and teachers). For more information or to receive a booking form please contact Robin Putt by email: tublo@hotmail.com or by mobile phone 07860 532155.
Dorset Care Provider urging people to use Careers Week to think about a Job in Care
As national Careers Week kicks off in schools across the area between Monday 4th and Friday 8th March, a care company that provides a live-in care service in Dorset is encouraging people to think about the different paths that can be pursued and the longevity that a career in the care industry can bring. Those still at school that are choosing their GCSE options can look at studying health & Social Care which will give them an excellent start. But for those who are looking at a change of career later on in life, many care
The Rotary Clubs of Avalon, Glastonbury and Street, Wells, Brue Valley and Shepton Mallet organised the Mid-Somerset round of the national Rotary Youth Speaks competition at Whitstone School, Shepton Mallet on Thursday 24th January. The intermediate age group for 11 – 13 year olds attracted four teams, one from St. Dunstans, one from Wells Blue School and two from Whitstone School. Pictured is the President of Wells Rotary Club, Sharon Haigh, who presented the trophy to the winning team from Whitstone School who posed the question ‘Is life what you make it’?
Private Nursing Care from £750.00 per week the Aurora Care group offers private nursing care in our Somerset nursing homes at prices from £750.00 per week
www.hendfordcarehome.co.uk 166 Hendford Hill, Yeovil, BA20 2RG 01935 470400 info@auroracare.co.uk
Our homes are spread across south Somerset and variously offer: ● 24 hour nursing care in purpose built accommodation ● Large single en suite rooms with ensuite wet rooms ● Comprehensive social programmes with several activities a day, designed to stimulate physically, intellectually and socially ● Restaurant standard dining in own rooms or dining rooms ● Frequent trips out in our own minibus ● Beautiful landscaped gardens with breathtaking views over the Somerset countryside
www.hurstmanor.co.uk Hurst, Martock, TA12 6JU 01935 823467 info@hurstmanor.co.uk
www.elliscombehouse.co.uk Higher Holton, nr. Wincanton, BA9 8EA 01963 33370 info@elliscombehouse.co.uk ThE VISITOR March 2013 9
Business & Professional Robert Stone & Co Chartered Accountants and tax advisers in Ilminster answers questions from small businesses in Somerset Q1. My company designs websites. If my customer is a business in the Republic of Ireland can I apply zero rate VAT to the sales invoice? Do I need their VAT number before I can do this? Is the situation different if my customer is a private individual? Robert Stone replies:
Website design is a service, so the VAT treatment depends on whether your customer is a business or not. you should retain some evidence to prove whether your customer is in business, but you don't need to hold its VAT number if your customer is not VAT registered. Where your Irish customer is a business and will use the service you provide for business purposes, the service you are providing is outside the scope of VAT. your customer must apply
the local Irish VAT to what it buys under the reverse charge rules. 'Outside the scope of VAT' means you do not apply VAT to your sale. If your business is VAT registered you will need to ask for its VAT number to report the sale on your EC sales list form. Only sales to VAT registered businesses are reported on that form. If your Irish customer does not operate as a business, you must apply VAT at uK rates to your invoice, just as if your customer was located in the uK.
Q2. I run a landscape design business through a Limited Company employing a dozen staff. The business is registered as a subcontractor under the construction industry scheme (CIS), and receives payments from the main contractors after deduction of tax. I'm worried that under RTI we won't be able to off-set the CIS deductions against the PAYE deducted from our payroll, so we will be out of pocket. Is this true?
Robert Stone replies:
If you trade as a limited Company, under RTI the CIS tax retained by contractors can be deducted from the PAyE you deduct from your payroll. however, you will have to show how much CIS tax has been deducted on your Employer Payment Summary (EPS) each month. The EPS must be submitted by the 19th of the month following the end of the tax month for which the PAyE was deducted. If you have an urgent query, do not hesitate to contact Robert Stone on 01460 55661 or email your questions to: info@thevisitor magazine.co.uk
Problems paying your tax? If so, take prompt action and DON'T ignore HMRC
What should you do if a letter from hM Revenue and Customs arrives in the post, saying that not enough tax was taken off your employment or pension income and as a result you owe them more tax? The one thing you shouldn't do is ignore it, as it can make matters worse. The situation may not be as
CAR – HOME – COMMERCIAL
Call Livingstones now on
01935 706258
Your local insurance experts
Max Foote associates Ltd Chartered Certified Accountants and Registered Auditors 26 Lower Woodcock Street Castle Cary Ba7 7BH tel: 01963 351052 Business and limited company accounts, self assessment tax returns, VAt, Payroll, Book-keeping and training Personal and professional service 10 ThE VISITOR March 2013
bad as you think, so don't waste time worrying about it, but do take quick action to sort the problem out. There are sometimes deadlines for appealing against paying tax that you don’t think you owe and if you miss these it can be very difficult to avoid paying tax that you really never owed in the first place. Couple this with hMRC’s harsher approach to collecting tax and their willingness to use debt collectors, bailiffs and court proceedings, and you ignore tax demands at your peril.
Do you owe the tax?
First, you need to check whether you owe the tax that hMRC is asking you to pay. It is quite surprising how often they get it wrong. If you can't work it out yourself, get professional help from an accountant.
Why is the tax owed?
next, try and work out why the tax is owed. For example, if tax should have been collected under PAyE and there has been a mistake or delay for which you are not responsible, hMRC may not be able to force you to pay it.
How to pay the tax if you can't afford it
under £3,000 - if you owe less than this and have a job or private pension, you can ask hMRC to collect the outstanding tax directly from your pay through the PAyE system. you can even ask for it to be spread
Mid-West The Stationers Stationery, Cards and Gift Wrap Office Equipment and Furniture Printer Inks & Toners Competitive Prices FREE Local Delivery Archive & StorAge SolutionS AvAilAble Stockists of Lamy, Sheaffer & Parker Pens Filofax & Collins Organisers Call at our shop ...
21 Cheap Street, Sherborne Tel: 01935 814225 or visit our website ...
www.midwest-office.co.uk
Business & Professional over two to three years, if you can prove that paying the full amount would cause you hardship. More than £3,000 - if you owe more than this and have a job or private pension, try to pay some and reduce your debt to below £3,000, then arrange for the rest to be collected through PAyE. no job or private pension - if you are self employed, you should contact hMRC, using the Business Payment Support Service helpline 0845 302 1435, and try to arrange a payment plan. It will help if you can offer to pay a lump sum to start with. If you can do this, hMRC are more likely to agree for you to spread payments over a period of time. It is extremely important to stick to a payment plan, once one has been agreed with hMRC. If for whatever reason you can't make a payment, then you should inform hMRC immediately, before you miss a payment. For more information about problems with paying tax, please contact Robert Stone, Robert Stone & Co, 01460 55661 or email: robert@robert-stone.co.uk www.robert-stone.co.uk
South Somerset Supporting New Business
Are you thinking about starting a business? Getting good advice at the start means that you can avoid pitfalls later on. South Somerset District Council has teamed up with Somerset Business Agency (SBA) and partners from across the county to deliver a free event to help anyone thinking about, planning or having just started a business in South Somerset. The ‘Dare to Dream’ Business and Enterprise Start-up Event is being held on Thursday 7th March at The yeovil Innovation Centre, Barracks Close, Copse Road, yeovil, Somerset, BA22 8Rn. The event will run from 10 am to 4 pm and is open to anyone interested in starting up or growing their own business. you will talk to business professionals who can inform, inspire, motivate and help you realise your full potential. you will meet and network with like-minded individuals who can share their business knowledge and experience.
CHALMERS & CO. CHARtERED ACCOUNtANtS
Personal & Business Tax Advisors Business Start Ups • Payroll Bureau Accounting & Audit Specialists Full Business Support Services VAT Returns & Advice A personal and friendly approach to business that will work for you. Free initial consultation.
Crewkerne 01460 279000
6 The Linen Yard, South Street, Crewkerne, Somerset
Yeovil 01935 476499
Magnolia House, Princes Street, Yeovil, Somerset
Langport 01458 252323
The Old Emporium, Bow Street, Langport, Somerset Register on our website at
www.chalmersaccountants.co.uk for FREE monthly newsletters updating you on all business matters
To book onto your free session, just call Somerset Business Agency on 01458 211272 or via email at: contact@somerset businessagency.org.
Chalmers & Co., Chartered Accountants discuss Payroll changes April 2013
Employers should make sure that they are ready for the switch to the Real Time Information (RTI) from April 2013. Most employers will be affected from April 2013 and all employers by October 2013. Essentially, RTI requires that you submit payroll data on or before the date that salaries and wages are paid to employees rather than wait until the end of the tax year to submit a P35 and associated returns. This is the first major change to the PAyE system since 1944. According to hMRC employers should take action on the following three steps: 1. Visit hMRC website for comprehensive information about RTI, including how to prepare, payroll software
options and hints and tips to help avoid some common pitfalls. 2. Acquire new or updated payroll software – employers will need to talk to their payroll software provider or their payroll service-provider (if they have one) about this. 3. Start checking and updating employee information. It’s vital that the information employers have about their employees is accurate and up to date. These generalised comments hide a multitude of tasks that must be completed before 6 April 2013 when RTI commences for smaller businesses. If we provide a payroll service for your business all of these transitional tasks will be sorted for you, if you still prepare your own payroll and need help with the transfer to RTI please call Chalmers & Co., on 01460 279000 at 6 The linen yard, South Street, Crewkerne; or 01935 476499 at Magnolia house, Princes Street, yeovil; or 01458 252323 at The Old Emporium, Bow Street, langport.
AS 5th APRIL APPROACHES ARE YOUR TAX AFFAIRS UP TO DATE? Why not join a winning team? At Chalmers & Co. our goal is to provide your business with the support you require. Whether it’s the approaching tax year end, a one off project or ongoing support, Chalmers and Co. offers you a friendly, local and truly professional service. Let us help you achieve your goal.
MAJOR CHANGES TO PAYE REPORTING – ARE YOU READY FOR RTI? RTI is mandatory for all employers and is to be implemented from April 2013. Are your systems capable of dealing with the new legislation? Our dedicated payroll team can remove the administrative headache at a reasonable cost. ThE VISITOR March 2013 11
Shepton Mallet - business focus Repxotics
Repxotics of Shepton Mallet is one of very few shops in the area to specialize in the sale and care of exotic reptiles and invertebrates. Owned and run by Demetri Benfield, the shop stocks reptiles such as Bearded Dragons, Corn Snakes, and new arrivals are Romanian Steppe Runner lizards which are particularly tactile. The Geckos on sale are all own bred. Repxotics can supply all you require to keep an exotic reptile including heated tanks, lighting and ‘sets’, plus live and frozen food. A ‘boarding’ service for those who wish to leave their reptiles in care whilst on holiday is available. Tortoises, spiders and stick insects are also on sale. Tropical fish are a recent addition to the shop - buy five fish and get one free. Demetri has a
REGISTERED OSTEOPATH
TREVENEN PASCOE BSc. (Hons.) Ost. Med. ND.
Cranial & Structural Osteopathy
wealth of knowledge, and will give talks on the subject to various groups and in the near future will offer visits to schools and birthday parties.
Moggs
If you are looking for a new mower - look no further than Moggs. They offer genuine impartial advice on the best garden machinery to suit your needs. They stock what they consider to be the best quality machines that will give you years of faithful service. All new machines are assembled by their professional engineers and are thoroughly tested before they leave the workshop. They can deliver your chosen machine and will give you a full explanation of the controls and how to get the best from your machine. Their fully equipped workshop offers a complete service and repair facility. Moggs of Wells Engineering ltd., can be found on the outskirts of Shepton Mallet at 2 Beardly Batch Depot, Cannards Grave.
Anna Perra Fashion
look good – feel confident! Anna Perra, fashion designer and style consultant, believes that every woman can look great regardless of size and age. Anna opened her boutique in Shepton Mallet in September and it has been well received. her fashions are aimed
at ladies over 30 and chosen to flatter. Personally sourced from smaller European designers mainly Spanish, Italian, French and uK where the styles are not mass produced – therefore offer more individuality. Anna has an eye for detail and will be happy to advise on any
Pictured is Helen Lacey (centre) Managing Director of Red Berry Recruitment, with pupils from Bruton School For Girls. Helen was asked if she would talk to the students on various topics from CV advice, presentation skills and interview techniques, through to women in business and female entrepreneurs. Helen says, she absolutely loves talking to the girls who are always full of enthusiasm and questions. They are a real asset to the school and their parents.
42 High Street SHEPTon MAllET Somerset BA4 5AS 01749 342594
The CenTre SChool of DAnCing
Diana Tothill & emma hill (BBo Registered Teachers)
Classes for all age groups held in The old School Rooms, Paul Street ShepTon MAlleT Ballet & Tap Junior / Major Examinations Jazz for fun Adult Tap Class Beginners or Experienced Come and dance for fun!
Tel: (01749) 343739 or (01749) 880109 A
CuT
above the rest!
LAW N MOWERS SAlES - SERvicE - REPAiR
For a wide range of
Reptiles, Tropical & Cold water Fish
Ride-On - Pedestrian - Mulching and Collecting New & Used Machines Available
PLUS all acceSSorieS and FeedS
★ 20% off all BeArDeD DrAgoNs celebrate the chinese ‘Year of The Snake’
repxotics, 17 town Street Shepton MAllet bA4 5be 12 ThE VISITOR March 2013
telephone 01749 938082
unit 2, beardly batch Depot, cannards grave Shepton MAllet, bA4 4nb tel: 01749 343881
Shepton Mallet - business focus outfit - she has already held several fashion advice, ‘Dress Sense Evenings’ and launched Anna Perra Designs at the Goodfellows Restaurant on January the 23rd, which have been extremely popular. As a designer she is able to offer a bespoke service and with the new spring ranges now arriving, Anna hopes to introduce more of her own pieces to the collection. Do call in and see the ranges for yourself there is also a wonderful selection of scarves and Italian leather bags to complement any outfit. See advert inside front cover – Anna (seated) at her recent fashion show.
Somerset Antiques and Interiors
you are in for a treat when you visit Somerset Antiques and Interiors – with their eclectic mix of furniture and smaller items of interest. Spread over two floors there is something to suit all tastes and budgets. you will find them situated in the high Street, in what was formerly Barnes the Ironmongers for many years. The business has gone from strength to strength since moving from Wells two years ago. Beautiful ornate French dressers, shabby chic, dining tables, chaises, mirrors, samplers, paintings – the choice is endless whether you are looking to furnish a complete
Somerset Antiques & Interiors
room or just to add an item of interest. The stock is constantly changing at Somerset Antiques and Interiors. Do call in.
Ridgeway Garage
If you are looking for a reliable secondhand car then pop along to Ridgeway Garage, situated on the Ridgeway Estate to the south of the town near Mendip District Council, in Kingsland Road. A family run business established for over 40 years
you can be sure of helpful and professional service. All cars come with a new MOT, a Service, Cam Belt replacement if required and a warranty. Part exchange is welcome, finance is available if required and credit cards are also taken. Should you be looking for a particular make/model of car they will be happy to try and source it for you. Visit www.ridgewaygarage.com or give them a call. Stock changes regularly.
ridgEway garagE Family run business - established over 40 Years
For quality used cars at affordable prices - Part ExchangE wElcomE CLEAn CARS BOuGhT FOR CASh - LICEnSED CREDIT BROkER
Kingsland road, ShEPton mallEt • tel: 01749 342938 www.ridgeway-garage.com
Extensive Showroom Over 2 Floors No. 2 High Street Shepton Mallet Somerset BA4 5AN 01749 345468 www.somersetantiques.co.uk
Offices at: Shepton Mallet, Castle Cary, Glastonbury and Cheddar 57 high Street, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 5AQ Tel: 01749 343091 • Fax: 01749 345091 Email: sheptonmallet@bgw-solicitors.co.uk • www.bgw.uk.com
open Day Saturday 9th March at 20 high Street, Shepton Mallet Chiropractic – FREE Open Day!
Mendip Chiropractic health is holding a drop in session, including free postural analysis for all ages. Meet our Chiropractor. Discover why so many choose Chiropractic as part of a positive approach to health and a practical way to alleviate symptoms. Find out about: •The evidence that Chiropractic prevents injury! •how Chiropractic can benefit
you. •how we tackle sciatic pain, disc problems and head ache. •how to thrive in spite of ‘wear and tear’. •Benefits through pregnancy. •Chiropractic, newborns and infantile colic. •how we can benefit your workforce. Drop by on Saturday 9th March, 10.30 till 2.30 at 20, high Street Dental Practice, Shepton. (Dentist open day also!) See our
DO YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE: ■ ■ ■ ■
60% 59% 62% 85%
fewer hospital admissions fewer days in the hospital fewer outpatient surgeries lower pharmaceutical costs
A 7-year study found that patients, whose primary care physician was a Chiropractor, experienced those results.
Find out more at our OpeN Day – Saturday 9th March or call 01749 988046
Mendip Chiropractic Health SHEPTON MALLET • www.mendiphealth.co.uk
advert for more insight into the benefits of Chiropractic or phone for a consultation 01749 988 046.
Celebrations are underway at High Street Dental Practice
We are celebrating our 30th Anniversary and would like to invite both new and existing friends to our open day. It will be an opportunity to meet all the team in a relaxed and friendly
environment while enjoying some refreshments. you will be able to explore the Practice, see our state of the art equipment, and discover how a crown is constructed. For the children our oral health educator will be on hand to show them all about caring for their teeth in our dedicated ‘kids club’ room. There will be free face painting and lots of goodies to take away.
Richard & Dominique Redd invite both new and existing friends to our 30th AnniveRsARY OPen DAY — on —
saturday 9th march, 10.30am – 2.30pm come and explore the practice ... Our kids Club Activities include FREE Face Painting Meet all the team in a relaxed and Friendly environment FREE Refreshments ★ Enter our FREE Prize Draw 1st prize: Meal for two at the Mendip inn
High street Dental Practice 20 High street, shepton mallet, BA4 5An Tel: 01749 343940 ThE VISITOR March 2013 13
Acupuncture Awareness Week acupuncture for Sleep Disorders a Point of interest
THE BRITISH Acupuncture Council (BAcC) designated 25th February – 3rd March 2013 as Acupuncture Awareness Week. Acupuncture is best known for aiding pain relief - for which it is indeed very effective - but not everyone appreciates that Traditional Acupuncture is a complete system of medicine and can be used for a very broad range of problems, from
Pither’s Yard
natural health clinic We offer a wide range of treatments ...
Massage / Sports / McTimoney Chiropractic, Bowen, Craniosacral Counselling, Reflexology Indian Head Massage, Acupuncture Check out our website
www.pithersyardclinic.org or call 01963 350405 or 07891 747239 Appointments dAy / evening / weekend
HigH Street CaStle Cary, Ba7 7aN
14 THE VISITOR March 2013
gynaecological disorders to skin disease, depression / anxiety to hayfever, or less specific symptoms such as lack of energy, temperature regulation, poor immune system etc. This year, Acupuncture Awareness Week is highlighting how acupuncture can help people with sleep problems, which affects a staggering 82% of the population. We tend to presume that we need to use tranquillising / sedating types of medication but traditional Chinese medicine views it differently. Each case is carefully assessed taking into account the entire state of health and medical history, so the diagnosis and resultant treatment is unique to each individual. Disturbed sleep can be the result of obvious problems such as stress and trauma, but it is often a more complex combination of factors. Traditional Chinese Medicine views good health as the balanced and harmonious state of the body, mind and spirit. This balance can be upset by many factors such as diet, emotions, shock, living
conditions, lifestyle. Imbalances manifest in symptoms of ‘disorder’ of health, such as sleep problems. The circadian rhythm (body clock) is easily disturbed, being the balance between waking (Yang) and sleeping (Yin). Most people find treatment wonderfully relaxing, as acupuncture is known to calm the nervous system and also increase endorphin production. Interestingly and paradoxically, it is not uncommon within Chinese medicine for sleep problems to be viewed as originating from physical ‘weakness’ and what we call 'deficiency' of the system. For example people who are anaemic or have experienced heavy blood loss often find that their sleep is much lighter. It is as if the physical body is not strong enough to pull the mind back in, in order to sleep, so the mind cannot settle. In this type of case the treatment would aim to strengthen the person’s blood, thus boosting energy levels, which would in turn settle the mind and
give a better night’s sleep. Traditional acupuncture is a natural system of healing that has been practised for over 2,500 years. It is a safe and effective treatment that involves inserting sterile needles, no bigger than a human hair, painlessly at specific points on the body. With 2.3 million acupuncture treatments carried out each year, traditional acupuncture is one of the most popular complementary therapies practised in the UK today. Check out the BAcC website in order to find out more information and to find a fully qualified acupuncture practitioner near you www.acupuncture.org.uk/find. Jane Robinson.
Easter Issue Published
Tuesday 26th March Deadline
Friday 15th March Tel: 01963 351256
LOOKING GOOD & FEELING FINE Family Health with
Jenna Evans Superfoods Part 28
THIS MONTH we finish our look at nuts and seeds with our final two – Sunflower Seeds and Walnuts. Sunflower Seeds – The seeds
of the beautiful, well recognised sunflower (Helianthus annuus) are probably my favourite seed food. They have a tender, creamy, mild flavour and have been used as a food for thousands of years. The Native Americans used the whole plant for purposes such as food, dye and oil production. Sunflowers were introduced to Europe by the Spanish and sunflower oil is now one of the most popular oils worldwide. Sunflower seeds are a rich source of protein, vitamin E, selenium, magnesium, B
vitamins, folic acid, iron and fibre. The nutrients and fats in sunflower seeds indicate their use as an anti-inflammatory, antiallergenic and anti-cancer food. They are also considered to be heart healthy. Although sunflower would not be my preferred cooking oil – I use coconut and olive as they are more stable at higher temperatures – it does make a wonderful massage oil base, suited to all skin types. Choose a good quality cold pressed oil. Sunflower seeds contain moderate amounts of oxalates so those with a history of oxalate containing kidney stones should limit their consumption. Walnuts – Walnut is probably the oldest tree food known to man. The two main varieties of walnut are Juglans regia (the Romans are said to have called it Jupiter’s acorn as it was considered a food of the gods) and Juglan nigra (black walnut). While Juglans regia is the most popular food walnut, the black walnut has a rich tradition as a herbal medicine, with remedies from the hulls being used to treat
intestinal parasites, skin inflammations, wounds and sore throats. Nutrient packed walnuts provide an excellent source of omega 3 fats, vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus and copper. They are also a good source of protein and fibre. Walnuts are considered to be a brain and heart food. Indeed according to the ‘Doctrine of Signatures’ an idea that there are clues in nature as to what a plant may be useful to treat, walnuts do bear a striking resemblance to the brain. Walnuts have been well researched for their cholesterol and lipoprotein ‘a’ lowering ability. The combination of heart healthy fats, anti-oxidants and an amino acid called arginine (which is converted by the body into nitric oxide, a blood vessel relaxant) in walnuts could make them a potent cardiovascular support. Walnuts contain moderate amounts of oxalate and so those with a history of oxalate containing kidney stones may wish to limit their consumption.
❀ ❀ ❀
Your indePendence is our business
Walnuts, Almonds, Brazils, and Hazelnuts all offer nutritional value to the diet.
The Dress Circle Dress Agency
Quality fashion items wanted to sell on a commission basis Wedding hats, wedding outfits, cruise wear and good quality casual wear and accessories, accepted every day ... 10am - 4pm Monday - Friday 10am - 2pm Saturday For large quantities collections can be arranged
4 Brunel Shopping Centre Somerton TA11 7PY 01458 273485
GENTS & BOYS HAIRDRESSING ~ at ~
The Barber’s Shop WincAnTon Memorial Hall Mondays 1.00pm – 5.30pm Thursdays 9.00am – 5.30pm Saturdays 8.00am – 12noon MilBorne PorT Town Hall Wednesdays 1.00pm – 6.00pm SPArkford Village Hall Fridays 12.45pm – 5.45pm
Visit our Showrooms for new and used Scooters ... Walk-in Baths Low Level Showers Stair & Bath Lifts Beds Recliner Chairs
March Madness! second hand scooter sale from only ...
£200
❀ Get ready for spring ... get your scooter serviced now ❀ Sales H Service H Hire H Repair FREE SAME DAY OR NEXT DAY DELIVERY Cosyfeet, Daily Living & Bathing Aids FREE CATALOGUES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST In Store and Free Home Demos Workshop and On Site Repairs - No Call Out Charge Free Loan Scooters - Scooter & Wheelchair Hire 0% FINANcE AvAIlABlE LARGE FREE CAR PARK RIGHT OUTSIDE
Lance Wells & Mike Baker State Registered
Units 1 & 2, Great Western Road, Martock
or PHone for a HoMe ViSiT 01935 814074 or ... 07767 027798 (mobile)
Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5.00pm, Saturday 9.30am - 12.30pm • Closed Bank Holidays
0800 731 7078
Other times by appointment • Tel: 07917 145839
THE VISITOR March 2013 15
30% oFF sPectacles
LOOKING GOOD It is recommended that you source nuts and seeds from a reliable supplier (you’ll be hard pushed to beat sourcing from your local health food store, especially one who has in house packing facilities such as Ceres!) Nuts and seeds (especially peanuts) are prone to contamination, especially from fungi such as aspergillus which produces the poison aflatoxin – bird lovers will no doubt be familiar with this as good quality commercial bird feeds are aflatoxin tested. When seasonally available, nuts in shells are often preferred. Leave them in their shells until you eat them. For unshelled nuts and seeds, keep them refrigerated and use within 6 months. A lot of nutritionists and raw food fans like to soak nuts and seeds overnight in water to start the sprouting process. This disables some of the enzyme inhibitors present, allowing for better nutrient absorption. Before I finish nuts and seeds completely I would just like to say there is a huge range of seeds and nut butters available in your local health food stores, so if you fancy a change from the standard fare of peanut butter, pop in and
eYes riGht oPticians
see what other temptations you may find! See you next month! Jenna Evans. Never dramatically change your diet without the guidance of a health professional, especially if you have an existing health issue. Ceres Natural Foods in Yeovil have a good selection of nuts and seeds and can help with any further queries you may have.
Shirley allum Fashions
Shirley Allum Fashions and Lingerie at 30 High Street, Shaftesbury has just had the new season ‘Not Your Daughters Jeans’ arrive in stock, exciting new colours and designs. Finding your ideal pair of jeans has never been easier, thanks to NYDJ. Jeans are the ultimate wardrobe staple, but finding the right fit and style is still an ongoing challenge for most women. Thanks to NYDJ, the original slimming jeans, your search may soon be over. The unique lift-tuck
Look a whole size smaller in a pair of ‘Not My Daughter’s Jeans’. New season’s designs are now available from Shirley Allum Fashions & Lingerie in Shaftesbury.
St. Audries Station Road, Gillingham Tel: 01747 831010
3 Market Place Sturminster Newton
Tel: 01258 473992 low Prices and QualitY service *ALL FRAmes are priced including single vision lenses. please ask our staff for full offer details. 16 THE VISITOR March 2013
inside
shirley allum Fashions & lingerie 30 high street, shaftesbury dorset, sP7 8JG • 01747 852444
& FEELING FINE technology helps lift your natural curves, while the criss-cross panel design on the inside of every pair lightly flattens your tummy, so you look and feel a whole size smaller. As well as classic denim shades NYDJ has branched out this season with new spring colours in sizes 4 - 22. So why not put an end to your denim dilemma and give your wardrobe a boost with help from jeans that fit and flatten your figure. You will never look back. With over 100 pairs in stock you are sure to find that perfect fit.
Drop a dress size!!
Sandie Barrett at Elegance Beauty Therapy Clinic, Wincanton is holding two exciting ‘weight management’ information events on the 12th March, 10am11am and 7pm-8pm. These events are to give you as much information as you need on the Choices, Nutri-Lean programme which is broken down
into a two-step proven process. 1. The clean-9, which is a nine day healthy detox programme designed to cleanse you of unnatural chemicals enabling you to lose weight and inches (anything up to a dress size). 2. The Nutri-Lean programme, a long term weight loss plan that has been designed to take the guess work out of a lifetime of healthy eating and diet control. You will be able to develop good eating habits and improve your overall health. Full support and encouragement is given throughout your journey to ensure you achieve the best results. These two programmes are designed to enable you to be the weight you want and to stay that weight!!!!! We look forward to welcoming you to start your weight loss journey now. Please feel free to call Sandie for more information on 01963 34115.
Mother’s Day B’ Dazzled Hair Salon
We all like to look our best – so why not give mum a gift voucher to have her hair done at B’ Dazzled? Whether it’s a simple cut and blow dry, or perhaps a new colour for the spring, the choice is hers. There is currently a 10% discount on colouring this month so it is an ideal time to take advantage of this great saving. Pamper your mum this Mothering Sunday with a gift voucher redeemable against both services and products. B’ Dazzled is located near the zebra crossing at the top end of Sherborne, convenient for the car park.
Treat your Mum this Mothering Sunday to a ‘Somerset Afternoon Cream Tea for Two’ voucher at Living Pretty. It's the perfect way to celebrate, or, perhaps a beautiful gift from their home interiors range, or a stunning scarf and handbag from their new collection of ladies accessories.
✴ ✶ ✴ B’ Dazzled
HAIR SALON Pamper your mum ... gift vouchers available an ideal gift
Karla howes hypnotherapy Anxiety ★ Stress ★ Unwanted Habits Phobias ★ Sleep Problems ★ Smoking Cessation ... plus many more free initial consultation including relaxation cd
solution focused hypnotherapy t: 01460 394338 • m: 07985 440808
✴
✶✴
MARCH PRoMotion
10% oFF AnY SERViCE Professional Hair Design & Colours ... with Sam, Jen & Leona Wedding Day Hair • Late Night Thursdays
Unit 2 Greenhill, Sherborne, DT9 4EW Tel: 01935 816708
e: therapy@karlahowes.co.uk • w: www.karlahowes.co.uk Practising from: The Minster Centre, Ilminster & The Crystal Courtyard, East Coker
1983 ...
30 YeArS
... 2013
Élégance
Beauty tHeraPy CliNiC Sandie Barrett M.B.A.B.Th.C. C.I.D.E.S.C.O.
Lose weight the healthy way with the FOREVER Nutri-Lean Programme, nutritional cleansing programme tuesday 12th March, 10am – 11am and 7pm – 8pm
Weight Management Day
An informative presentation with expert advice on this 2 step nutritional and weight management programme. Call in or telephone for further details 8b Church Street • Wincanton • tel: 01963 34115 THE VISITOR March 2013 17
Mother’s Day – Sunday 10th March Sherborne tapestry
Give mum a present that is practical and pretty - a sewing box complete with threads, needles etc! Choose from a selection at Sherborne Tapestry. If mum is into sewing she may like one of the tapestry or cross stitch kits – there are plenty of designs to suit all abilities. Also on sale a range of attractive knitted scarves and bags. On a general vein – crochet cottons are now in together with
the Bergere de France range of yarns as advertised on TV. Commissions are undertaken – should you wish to have a garment knitted for you. For a full range of yarns and accessories pop in.
argento Hairdressing and Barn Health & Beauty
Argento Hairdressing and Barn Health & Beauty is the perfect place to spoil your mum this Mothers Day. Our unique off the high street contemporary barn conversions means your experience is exclusive, relaxing and all about you with free onsite parking directly outside. Argento Hairdressing provides free restyle / colour consultations. We use the best products from industry leaders, L'Oreal Professional, which is
underpinned by a qualified L'Oreal Colour degree specialist. We provide a contemporary, open and friendly but professional environment. Barn Health & Beauty offer a wide range of Beauty and Holistic Treatments using highly sort after products. Our private treatment rooms provide the perfect ambience for a relaxing wonderful pamper day. Located at Manor Farm, Silver Street, Barton St. David, Somerton, TA11 6DB.
Tapestry, cross Stitch and embroidery kits Haberdashery • Stockists of: Patons, Stylecraft, DebbieBliss, Wendy and Robin Wools ✳ Hand Knitted Scarves For Sale ✳ Knitting & Stitching Club Wednesday 2pm – 4pm NEW IN Bergere de France Yarns Free advice and help with getting started on knitting and stitching
Commissions Undertaken 1 Cheap Street Sherborne, Dorset, Dt9 3Pt 01935 815361
This Interflora arrangement is just one of many available from Mayflowers of Gillingham - treat your Mum this Mothering Sunday!
Mayflowers Your local Interflora Florist
MotHerS Day - SuNDay 10th MarCH For a super selection of fresh cut flowers and plants visit us at ...
2a HigH Street, gilliNgHaM or why not order by phone or website?
tel: 01747 824424
www.mayflowersofgillingham.co.uk Receive a free gift of chocolates from Hotel Chocolat, when purchasing one of the qualifying products from Di Palomo’s ‘Tuscan Rose’ range. Available from Needful Things, Castle Cary.
*New Clients 10% OFF First Cut & Finish Existing Clients Complimentary Treatment or Colour Glossing (normal price £10)
“
”
7 High Street, Castle Cary 01963 351352 Manor Farm, Silver Street, Barton St. David Nr. Somerton, TA11 6DB
18 THE VISITOR March 2013
Exquisite gifts for Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day – Sunday 10th March one World
You are bound to find a suitable gift for mum when you visit One World in South Petherton. Beautiful silver jewellery, wooden ornaments, glass vases, or perhaps a useful environmentally friendly wicker basket for her shopping. All items on sale are ethically sourced from around the world – many handmade. There is a good choice of cards, gift wrap and stationery too! Please do call in - the shop has several showrooms over two floors.
you would liked framed - there is a wide choice of mounts and frames to select from and the framing is done on the premises.
Artists materials and crafts are in abundance and if you think mum would like to start a new hobby there are plenty of
instruction books for sale on a variety of topics. You’ll find an unusual range of greetings cards and gift wrap in stock.
Scenes
There is a good choice of prints on a variety of subjects that will make an ideal present - whether it is of a local scene, pets, horses, landscapes, modern art, there is something to suit at Scenes. It may be that you have a favourite photograph or picture
A wonderful selection of Bronnley toiletries can be found at Wheathill Garden Centre in Milborne Port - just one of many gift ideas suitable for Mother’s Day.
send FLoweRs
Start Mum on a new hobby! Full range of arTisT maTerials including ... starter sets & tuition books and gift tokens
Helpful advice on hand Everything for the student High Street, Gillingham and professional artist
Tel / Fax 01747 824050
email: scenesol@aol.com • www.scenes-online.co.uk
17 St. James Street South Petherton Somerset TA13 5BS
Any Mum would be delighted to receive this arrangement on Mothering Sunday. Reed & Russell of Wincanton deliver flowers, locally, nationally and internationally.
01460 241166
March into the Garden at Wheathill Garden centre! Spring Planting
Mother’s Day Gifts
Tea Rooms
Baby Bedding Seed Potatoes Bulbs Primroses Shrubs
Houseplants galore Bronnley Toiletries Books - China Stationery Colourful gardening gloves & Secateurs
Booking now for ... MotHeriNg SuNDay roaSt Main and Sweet - £7.95 Open daily for ... Specials, light Snacks & Homemade Cakes
Wheathill lane • Milborne Port • DT9 5EY Tel / Fax: 01963 251500 Open: 9am - 5.30pm Monday - Saturday and ... 10am - 4pm Sunday
THE VISITOR March 2013 19
Mother’s Day – Sunday 10th March Williams Florist and garden Centre
Williams Florist and Garden Centre is situated in the heart of Stalbridge, and their service is second to none, offering floral designs and arrangements perfect for Mother’s Day. Planted baskets
and tubs for the garden can be made to order and indoor plants beautifully wrapped. Being eFlorist members, they can arrange delivery of beautiful flowers to your Mum wherever she may live, locally, nationally and internationally.
The garden shop has all that a Gardener should need with an extensive range of garden sundries, compost, tools, and trellising, also National Garden
Gift Vouchers for the undecided. Why not pop along and see what’s on offer – with a large free car park opposite it couldn’t be any simpler.
Mums love to receive flowers on Mothering Sunday. This attractive arrangement is from the Interflora range. Available from Andrea’s of Yeovil. Why not call in and see the complete range?
Andrea’s of Yeovil Beautiful flowers for mum beautiful bouquets - Plants - arrangements Why not add a Box of Chocolates, Balloon or Teddy? Order early fOr Sunday 10th March
With its abundance of Spring flowers, this novelty watering can would make an ideal gift for Mothering Sunday. Available from Harts Garden Shop, Sturminster Newton.
Plenty of gift ideas at -
freePHone: 08000 92 93 50 78 Middle Street, Yeovil, BA20 1lT treat your Mum for Mother’s day Whatever her age we will have something just for her from ... ✿ Bouquets & Arrangements ✿ Planted Baskets ✿ A lovely selection of Spring Flowers ✿ A vast choice of House Plants ✿ Balloons We offer free delivery in the local area, or there is a free car park opposite - so make your Mum feel special and visit Williams Florist! Also available seed potatoes, bulbs, seeds, compost and everything a Gardener should need. STATion RoAD, STALBRiDGE, DoRSET, DT10 2RQ Tel: 01963 362355 ▪ Email: williamsflorists@live.co.uk www.williams-florist.co.uk
20 THE VISITOR March 2013
Planted Baskets * Roses Garden Ornaments Gloves * Tools Hanging Baskets and More! Florist Sundries Stocked Station road, Sturminster Newton tel: 01258 472788
OPEN Mon - Fri 8 - 5.30 Sat 8 - 4.30 Closed Bank Holidays
H
ng i r p S House & Home iMProveMents
IT’S THAT TIME of year again! The evenings are getting lighter (the clocks go forward on 31st March) and you look around your home and think ‘Mmm ... this is looking a bit drab’! So, what can you do to improve the situation. Well, it may just need a general spring-clean, washing down the paintwork with hot soapy water, cleaning the windows, laundering the curtains and cushion covers, vacuuming the upholstery and shampooing the carpets and rugs. Once you’ve done that and your home is looking and smelling clean and fresh - stand back and take a critical look. Are you satisfied with the result or are there other improvements you could make to give it a smart new look?
tim Cole Downes
Tim Downes as Tim Cole Downes Limited has been practising from offices in Bruton since 1999. Services include residential and commercial design, planning and listed building approvals, changes of use, building regulation approvals and detailed construction drawings. Following a very successful 2012 one development has been nominated for a Mendip Building Excellence Award in the Residential Extension/Alterations category. Specialising in residential development: such as sun rooms, barn conversions, or loft conversions, the emphasis is on good design and functionality. Assistance is offered with project administration; appointing qualified tradesmen and project management if necessary. Call for a free consultation.
Tim cole downes AcioB Architectural & Building Consultant Building design ~ planning Approval ~ Building Regulations Approval Loft & Barn Conversions ~ Listed Building Consent ~ measured surveys ★ NO VAT CHARGED ★ Tel: 01749 812000 • Mob: 07932 150873 email: timcoledownes@gmail.com
londoners plan to splash out double the national average on home improvements!
A survey by Checkatrade.com, which provides access to qualified, vetted and monitored trades people, reveals on average Brits plan to splash out £4k on home improvements over the next 12 months. However, flash Londoners averaged nearly double at £8k, with the
penny-pinching Nottingham majority only willing to spend a measly £1k. When asked about primary improvement goals saving energy was a shockingly low priority, with just 5% of survey participants rating it as a primary improvement goal and a mere 9% planning to fit energy efficiency improvements such as double glazing.
COCK & SON BUILDING CONTRACTORS Established Since1957
specialists in renovation and restoration of older properties extensions and alterations undertaken specialists in barn conversions Purpose built joinery, doors, windows, etc. All Work Guaranteed
Tel: NOrTH CaDBUrY (01963) 440931 Yard Office adj. Orchard Leigh, Long Street Galhampton, Yeovil, Somerset
THE VISITOR March 2013 21
H
ng i r p S House & Home iMProveMents
Interestingly though half said they did not know what the Green Deal was, a government scheme that allows homeowners to borrow money for energy improvements then pay off the
loan through energy bill savings, clearly indicating some awareness issues. Checkatrade.com’s survey also reveals that: •Young people are likelier to focus on comfort and appearance jobs and more confident in their DIY
repair Service
The Tile Market
★ All makes of TV repaired ★ On the premises
Ceramic Tile Specialists
workshop
★ Loan TV whilst
◆ Extensive range of ceramic and porcelain tiles, natural stone, marble and glass
being repaired
★ Estimates ★ Bench or field service full range Of panaSOnic TvS in STOck fOr Sale ... dO call in
H.R. Hodge
Open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm • Saturday 9am - 1pm
38 St. James Street South Petherton TA13 5BW 01460 240645
abilities, with nearly 20% of 16-24 year olds prepared to take on an extension or loft conversion. •Half of respondents plan to decorate and two thirds would tackle decorating themselves. •Over a quarter of men said they would tackle external
Unit 1 Brympton Way Lynx West Trading Estate
◆ Adhesives, grouts & tiling accessories
YEOVIL BA20 2HP
SHOWROOMS OvER TWO FlOORS Open Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 4pm
Tel: 01935 426737
Make Showering a Pleasure ... ★ Get in and shower easily ★ Stand securely on non-slip floors ★ Move confidently with easy-grip handrails
★ Easy-clean wall tiles ★ Comfortable sit-on folding seat
Regal SolutionS (South West) ltd 6 Cranleigh Court, Palmer Street, South Petherton, ta13 5ea Tel: 01460 241753 / 929151 • Mob: 07843 339338 / 07702 888895 Website: regalsolutionssw.com • “ We take better care of you”
GILLINGHAM DEPOT 01747 834462 FROME DEPOT 01373 472321 www.sydenhamshire.co.uk Authorised Dealer
22 THE VISITOR March 2013
aNDY FelTHam UPVC REPLACEMENT WINDOWS, DOORS, CONSERVATORIES, WOODEN FRAMED WINDOWS, FASCIA BOARDS, CLADDING, GUTTERING, ALUMINIUM WINDOWS & DOORS ETC.
The Old Well House Shepherds Hill, Buckhorn Weston GilliNGHaM, Dorset SP8 5HX Tel / Fax: 01963 371715 mobile: 07802 393344
new
Huge range of DIY and construction tools available to hire Low cost delivery service available • Friendly knowledgable staff
DIY & TRADE WELCOME
ACF WindoWs
Now available 5 tOnne LOAD DeLiVeRieS by small lorry
DIGGERS• DUMPERS• POWERTOOLS GARDEN MACHINERY HIRE
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 7:30am – 5pm Saturday 8am – 12noon
The Tile Market in Yeovil has hundreds of tiles to choose from. Find them on the Lynx West Trading Estate where there is free parking outside the door.
SAND & GRAvEl
PRE-PAckED cOAl AvAIlABlE
large and small loads TraDE ENquiriES WElCOME
We can deliver to your area inc. Castle Cary, Bruton, sherborne, Wincanton etc. For advice or information ring Tim or Heidi or call in and see us
H
ng i r p S House & Home iMProveMents
jobs such as guttering or roofing. •Over half of those surveyed find home improvements a chore but homeowners in London, the North East and Wales enjoy them the most. •If money was no object extensions and conversions (27%) were top of the list of improvements people would make followed by a new or improved kitchen or bathroom (24%). •Half thought an extension or conversion would add the most value to their home. When it comes to choosing a tradesperson, the survey shows people are wising up to rogue traders. In Checkatrade.com’s annual 2011 homeowner survey just 5% said they would use a vetting service such as Checkatrade.com. This figure has virtually quadrupled to 20% in 2013. In 2011 half said they would trust a word-of-mouth recommendation compared to three quarters in 2013.
Celebrity interior designer Linda Barker, who recently teamed up with Checkatrade.com said: ‘It's always music to my ears to hear how keen people are to spend money on improving their homes, but when that work goes beyond DIY it's particularly encouraging to learn that the message about vetting and checking everyone you employ is really getting through. Making our homes more beautiful and more valuable is the one investment everyone sees sense in right now, but none of us have money to waste on rogue traders along the way.’ Checkatrade MD Kevin Byrne is also positive: ‘DIY is a tempting option, especially with the country in recession and Easter approaching. But be careful not to take on a job that really demands a skilled professional, otherwise it could cost more in the long run.’
contemporary touch to any kitchen, and with performance that matches up to its great looks. It’s no secret that the key to sublime food is precision and with Luce’s High Definition cooking
technologies you’ll have unprecedented control over everything you cook. Luce’s exclusive Dual Flow and Direct Flame technologies give you the power to cook faster and
The latest technology from Hotpoint. See the Luce Range of hobs and ovens at Sherborne Kitchens, in Half Moon Street, Sherborne.
luce appliances
The minimalist, Italian design and high specification of the Luce collection will add a beautifully
nEw Look – nEw nAME! Same Excellent Service SiMpLy KiTcHenS of Sherborne has re-branded this month and is now known as Sherborne Kitchens. Proprietor Malcolm Helyar says, ‘We have revamped our showrooms completely and we feel the new branding will tie in nicely with our new look – Sherborne Kitchens tells customers exactly where we are and what we do!’ Malcolm has been designing and installing kitchens for over ten years, operating from his premises in Half Moon Street for the past 7 years. He is able to offer a wide range of kitchens from Crown and Master Class catering for every taste, from hand-painted wood, in-frame kitchens to high gloss handleless kitchens for a smart contemporary look. There is also a range of trade kitchens from Crown called Lifestyle.
All these are complimented by a good choice of worktops including granite, Formica and quartz and the Pergo flooring with its lifetime guarantee is extremely popular – available in wood or tile designs. There is something to suit everyone when it comes to choosing sinks and taps including the new ceramic range of sinks from France available in white, mocha or anthracite. A range of glass splash backs in the colour of your choice adds the finishing touch. The latest in kitchen appliances from Hotpoint are readily available at sensible prices including the new Italian Luce range of built-in appliances, only available at selected kitchen studios. Why not call in and see them for yourself in the newly revamped showrooms – useful gadgets include a built-in coffee maker and a hot water tap that gives you boiling water instantly!
In addition to kitchens, a comprehensive range of built-in office furniture is available and the new showroom incorporates a working office ‘in situ’. There is a wide range of finishes and designs to choose from. Sherborne Kitchens offer a free design and planning service and will oversee the project from start to finish. A Visitor Profile.
The Old Bakery, Half Moon Street, SHerBOrne, DT9 3Ln
(through the archway next to the Half Moon Hotel) Tel: 01935 817111 • email: sales@sherbornekitchens.com • www.sherbornekitchens.com THE VISITOR March 2013 23
H
ng i r p S House & Home iMProveMents precisely - while using less energy. The Luce hob’s Direct Flame technology gives you the widest possible heating area - producing perfectly even heat across the entire surface of the pan. And because the technology delivers vertical heat straight to the pan via hundreds of tiny holes you get a 20% saving in cooking time and energy. The unique HD technologies are designed with the discerning cook in mind, as for them, nothing less than the finest cooking results will do.
Simply Bathrooms & Bedrooms
Jeremy Hill of Homemaker demonstrates the easy accessability of this range cooker. See the wide choice of cookers in their showroom on the Longmead Industrial Estate, Shaftesbury. See advert on back page.
If you are looking for a stylish new bathroom then visit the showrooms of Simply Bathrooms & Bedrooms of Sherborne in Half Moon Street, (located through the archway next to the Half Moon Inn). They offer an excellent choice of both modern and traditional bathrooms and showers from leading British and European
✔ recomendations - The vast majority of our customers come from recommendation by happy customers
✔ Quality - All our kitchens are of the highest quality ✔ Choice - We have over 400 Kitchens to choose from.
A dedicated Granite Room & Replacement door department.
✔ Value - All our Kitchens are competitively priced ✔ Design - We design your kitchen the way you want it based upon your individual requirements
✔ installation - We have some of the finest Kitchen
installers and associated trades to be found locally
✔ experience - Together we have over 500 years experience ✔ showroom - You can visit our 2500 sq ft showroom on Preston Road Yeovil - FREE OFF ROAD PARKING OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK
✔ Honesty - Good old fashioned honest prices ...
No ‘permanent sales’, ‘free fitting’ or other over-used sales gimmicks Why nOT puT uS TO The TeST?
01935 472100
Higher Preston Farm, Preston road YeOVil, Ba20 2eT (Just down from ASDA) www.kitchen-updates.co.uk
HIDER HEATING
Specialists in Installation & Service All Types of plumbing Central Heating Systems, Boiler Replacement Landlord Safety Checks and Servicing Gas and Oil established over 40 years Rely on us for all Plumbing & Heating Needs Specialist in Bathroom Designs including all Tiling & Electrics
reg. no. 700
www.hiderheating.co.uk Tel: 01935 426209 • Mobile: 07836 773152 11 Hillgrove Avenue, Yeovil, Somerset
24 THE VISITOR March 2013
Town Centre mudford
Kitchens & Updates Zoe’s Hair
ASDA
Town Centre Houndstone
Preston road ilchester
retail Park
Fed up with bottles, tins and cardboard cluttering up the kitchen? This pull-out cupboard makes recycling easy. See what can help you keep your kitchen tidy at Homemaker, on the Longmead Industrial Estate, Shaftesbury. See advert on back page.
JW TILING & BATHROOM INSTALLATIONS Professional & Fully Qualified Tiling Service • Stone • Ceramic • Porcelain • Wet Rooms • Under Floor Heating
Complete Bathroom Installations • Supply • Electrics • Carpentry • Plastering • Plumbing
ExCEllEnT RESUlTS aT vERy ComPETITIvE PRICES!
Call James: Daytime 07976 372909 Evening 01963 359630
H
ng i r p S House & Home iMProveMents
manufacturers. They are Wet Room specialists and can also supply jacuzzis and hot tubs. They will see your project through from conception to completion – plumbing, plastering, electrics etc. Make the most of your bathroom space with built-in furniture – available in a wide choice of finishes to suit your personal taste. Simply Bathrooms & Bedrooms
You don’t need to be 7 ft tall to be able to reach clothing high up in the wardrobe. Just pull the handle to lower the rail for ease of access. Visit Simply Bathrooms & Bedrooms of Sherborne for more innovative ideas. See their advert on the inside back cover.
also offer a complete fitted bedroom range. Visit their website for full details. See their advert inside back cover for full details.
Home laundry
In today’s modern world, a washing machine is an essential appliance in any kitchen or utility, with efficiency and economy high on the list of performance priorities. The most popular machine at Jerry’s Electrical in Wincanton is from Bosch, the Exxcel 8. This midrange model has a broad-range of extra features and benefits. The large 8kg capacity washing machine features the VarioPerfect wash system, giving the option to save energy or speed up wash times. The Exxcel 8 ActiveWater washing machine with intelligent water management system ensures that not a single drop of water is wasted. The control panel has a fully electronic control dial for all wash and special programmes and a large LED display for programme progress indication, temperature, spin speed, remaining time and 24-hour time delay. Other features include the safeguard monitoring system which adjusts load distribution and programme settings to protect clothes; a self-
cleaning detergent drawer; child lock … and more. So if you’re thinking of replacing your old and inefficient washing machine and would like more information, pop along to Jerry’s Electrical in the Market Place, Wincanton and see the Bosch range for yourself.
Free home energy assessments worth up to £175 for householders in Somerset
Home energy assessments worth up to £175 are available free to householders in Mendip, thanks to an initiative called Our Green Deal in Somerset run on behalf of seven local authorities in the county by the Centre for Sustainable Energy and funded by the Department of Energy and Climate Change. It’s part of getting Somerset involved in the Green Deal, a national scheme launched recently by the Government which supports householders to improve the
energy efficiency of their home and pay the costs back later through the savings on your energy bill. Green Deal measures include home-improvements such as: •wall insulation •a new boiler or better heating controls •secondary glazing •draught-proofing Repayments are made through the householder’s energy bills, and because the home improvements will cut energy use, the overall energy bills won’t rise. Cllr Nigel Woollcombe-Adams, portfolio holder for Built Environment at Mendip District Council said, ‘This is a wonderful opportunity for householders and Mendip residents. In this time of austerity any money saving measures should be looked into and this is a great way to make your property more energy efficient at little or no extra cost. Over a longer period you will end up saving
kEvAN DAvIS Plumbing & Heating Ltd Reg. No. 177361
4 Fairview Terrace, castle cary Telephone: 07976 741029
Bryan G. Paulley Ltd Domestic / Commercial Installations / Replacements
Suppliers of Tanks, Fuel Stations, Temporary Tanks • Free Site Survey / Quote / Advice Registered Waste Hauliers • Commercial Boiler Removal • 24 Hour Call-Out
Tel: 01963 363870 • Mob: 07836 502683 office@halletsfarm.fsnet.co.uk • www.bgp-oiltanks.co.uk
JERRY’S ElEcTRIcAl lTD MARkET PlAcE • WINcANTON 01963 33521 www.jerryselectrical.co.uk
THE VISITOR March 2013 25
H
Spring
iMProveMents
money on lower household bills. ‘I believe the Green Deal is something that homeowners should look into more closely as it will not only make their property more energy efficient but also help the environment.’ Step one in accessing Green Deal finance is for an authorised Green Deal Assessor to visit the home. An assessment like this usually costs around £175, but Our Green Deal in Somerset has more than 800 home energy assessments to give away. But people need to be quick, the offer ends on 15 March 2013. The assessment will show which energy efficiency improvements would work best for that particular home, and which improvements could be funded through the Green Deal. The assessment is independent and without obligation so the householder can choose whether to undertake any of the recommended improvements. Householders in Somerset who want to know more should contact CSE’s Home Energy Team on
freephone 0800 082 2234 or by email at home.energy@cse.org.uk. CSE’s James Ryle said ‘The Green Deal has a lot to offer, particularly in Somerset which has a lot of ‘hard-to-treat’ and solid walled homes, where residents are being hit by high fuel bills and the insulation measures they need haven’t been covered by previous schemes. This initiative will help to get the Green Deal rolling in Somerset – and help people understand what they can do in their home to make it easier to keep warm.’ Private tenants can still take advantage of this offer but need to get their landlord’s permission first. But Our Green Deal in Somerset won't just be providing free assessments, and two other innovations are in the pipeline. The first is a programme of involving local community groups, who will help to explain the Green Deal to people in their area, earning rewards for the groups when they refer people to the scheme. Details will be available
shortly. The second is a website – www.ourgreendeal.net - that will map the homes that have been improved and present the energy efficiency refurbishment of houses as 'everyday' and 'doable', and allow users to find accredited and reliable local tradespeople and further advice and information.
National Bed Month
National Bed Month is The Sleep Council’s longest standing awareness campaign, started in 1990, and runs throughout the whole of March. It is the time of year when they like to remind everyone of the importance of getting a better night’s sleep and the role a good bed plays in achieving that.
How to get a great Nights Sleep
Sleeping in a darkened room has long been known to help with a good night’s sleep. What hasn’t always been appreciated is the reason why! According to the new GoodNight Guide from The Sleep Council, keeping the bedroom as dark as possible is important because it encourages production of melatonin – a hormone that helps to regulate the body’s circadian rhythm and promotes restful sleep. It is produced in the evening to help us sleep and even low amounts of ambient light (such as that given off by radio alarm clocks, mobile phones and laptops) will suppress production of melatonin. ‘People should, however, avoid buying melatonin supplements from the internet,’ says health writer Yinka Thomas, author of the new guide which is based on her book, Get a Good Night’s Sleep – 7 Practical Steps. ‘Taking supplements, which are only available on prescription in the UK, may disrupt the body’s natural melatonin production and potentially suppress its ability to produce this important hormone, ultimately making sleep problems worse.’ ‘Getting a good night’s sleep can be dependent on a whole range of factors – from diet and exercise to
Cary Tiles Ltd
the importance of a good bed to a good night’s sleep,’ says Jessica Alexander of The Sleep Council. The Good-Night Guide covers all seven practical steps featured in Yinka’s book, offering advice on the bedroom itself, lifestyle, how to deal with stress and worry, diet, exercise, relaxation and other therapies and the effects of hormonal balance. Apart from worries, another enemy of sleep that stems from 21st century lifestyles is non-stop, ever present technology. From smart phones to laptops, TVs, radios and games consoles, the amount of gadgetry making its way into British bedrooms has had a significant effect on our sleeping habits. Said Yinka: ‘From the moment we wake up and check our smart phones life is non-stop. It can be difficult to switch off and wind down, so it’s small wonder that many of us have trouble sleeping.’ So, while bedrooms are best kept clutter-free, the bed itself is of critical importance to quality sleep. The foundation of good sleep is a comfortable bed and the right mattress can make the difference between a restorative night’s sleep and poor quality sleep that results in tiredness and fatigue. Said Jessica: ‘If you sleep better in a hotel or other bed away from home, or are waking up with aches and pains which wear off as the day progresses, it may be time to change your bed.’ Research shows that sleeping on an uncomfortable bed could rob you of up to an hour’s sleep – yet the deterioration may be so gradual and invisible that many people fail to make the connection between an uncomfortable bed and poor sleep. The Sleep Council advises thinking about replacing your bed after about seven years. The Good-Night Guide is available, free of charge, as a hard copy by calling The Sleep Council’s freephone on 0800 0187923 or by emailing info@sleepcouncil.org.uk. A downloadable version is also available through the website, www.sleepcouncil.org.uk. Yinka’s book, Get A Good Night’s Sleep – 7 Practical Steps, is also
Spoilt for Choice Over 300 Sample Boards Floor and Wall Tiles
Cary Tiles Ltd, Unit 6 Torbay Industrial Estate Torbay Road, Castle Cary Somerset BA7 7DW Tel: 01963 359388 Open Monday to Friday 9am - 2pm Saturdays 9am - 1pm After hours by appointment only
26 THE VISITOR March 2013
FREE Quotation and Measuring Service Professional Fitting Service available FREE Local Delivery Commercial & Domestic Work Undertaken
H
ng i r p S House & Home iMProveMents
available to download from The Sleep Council website, as is an iPhone/iPad app, SleepWell, featuring a selection of relaxing soundtracks and a sleep quality measuring tool. For more information on how to get your bedroom ‘sleep ready’ visit w w w . p e r f e c t s l e e p environment.org.uk
D.r. Carpets & Styletile
D.R.Carpets are now stocking quality solid and engineered hardwood flooring available in a choice of grades and finishes. This attractive flooring is guaranteed
stock Rolls & Remnants sTocked ● Carpets and Flooring ● Vinyls and Laminates ● Solid & Engineered Wood ● Safety Floor Specialists ● Porcelain and Floor Tiles ● Natural Flooring inc. Sisal & Seagrass ● Mats / Runners Made-to-Measure ● Domestic & Commercial
for 35 years. D.R. Carpets have a wide choice of carpets including the stylish range of striped carpets which is currently on trend. Rugs and runners can be made to order using remnants from your carpet – ideal for the hall or in front of the fire. Floor tiles, safety flooring and vinyls are also readily available. Next door at Styletile there are hundreds of tiles to choose from – plain, patterned, ceramic, glass and more. Bathrooms can also be supplied and fitted. Call in for details. Find them at Evercreech Junction, Shepton Mallet, BA4 6NA.
Styletil e
Wall & Floor Tiles
u u u A Superb Choice u u u
‘Ideal’ Standard Bathrooms Showers and Saunas On Display Supplied and Fitted All Types of building and Renovation Work undertaken
free estimates – Professional fitting Available Showrooms, Evercreech Junction, Shepton Mallet, BA4 6NA On the main A371 between Shepton Mallet and Castle Cary
Tel: 01749 831578
Tel / Fax: 01749 831666
Introducing the neW Panasonic
E6
“style meets functionality”
1. reflect your furniture
To help you tie elements of a room together, choose a print of wallpaper that can be reflected through your furniture or soft furnishings.
Hot House interiors have it covered and embrace Wallcoverings with the Wow Factor!
FOR CENTURIES, wallpaper has been used to decorate the home and create a more liveable space, adding interest and texture to the walls. In recent years, wallpaper has been through a renaissance, seeing patterns such as vintage floral prints in new retro designs making a strong come back. Hot House Interiors offer a vast selection of impressive wallpapers from brands such as Harlequin, Romo, Villa Nova, Zink, Sanderson and Clarke & Clarke. With so many styles, colours and patterns available, the possibilities for creating a truly unique design statement in your interior are endless. Louise Rocco, Interiors Stylist & Managing Director, Hot House, offers expert advice on How to create different interiors with wallpaper.
Opting for a simple pattern like this ‘Maze’ by Harlequin, will easily allow you to echo a similar type of design featured. Modular and retro styled furniture with bold, colourful accessories would partner this wallpaper perfectly due to their symmetrical quality and matching simple design. We are lucky that many wallpaper designs now feature
RE-UPHOLSTERY
Wide range of materials For all your re-upholstery requirements contact
DaViD J. DimeNT UPHOlsTerers CasTle CarY (01963) 351194 Units 1 & 2 Torbay Road Industrial Estate Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7DW
● Super slim bezel ● Smart Viera featuring my home screen ● Web browser ● WiFi built in ● Full HD LED ● 100Hz BLB ● High contrast panel ● USB input ● A+ energy rating
My Home Screen ... everything you love in one place
Don’t miss your favourite programme!
• all Types of Blinds supplied Domestic & Commercial • excellent Prices first time, no gimmicks • Conservatory roof specialists INTU and PERFECT FIT Blinds - ideal for conservatories, glazed doors, tilt ‘n’ turn windows. No holes, no screws, just style • internal shutters and external awnings
humax youview allows you to watch past programmes and play them on demand – Call in for full Details
All Visitor area covered
32" – 39" – 42" – 50" screens Customise your home screen and choose your favourite apps
01749 346658
Greenhill, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 4EW Tel: 01935 813451 “Where customer care and after sales service is paramount”
THE VISITOR March 2013 27
H
ng i r p S House & Home iMProveMents
as both fabrics and wallcoverings, so you can ensure that you get the exact cushion cover to match your chosen print. This will draw attention to both the walls and the furniture, creating a unified interior with a sense of harmony.
2. Be inspired by nature
Bring a sense of calm to your home and choose a wallpaper print that’s inspired by the natural world.
room, adding height and/or width. For a modern approach to traditional striped wallpaper, opt for a blurred horizontal stripe that bleeds into one another. ‘Demeter Stripe’ by Harlequin offers a wonderful alternative to the vertical two-tone solid stripe. The dramatic bands of colour create a hazy effect that is reminiscent of a sunset at dawn, while the horizontal stripe gives the illusion of added width.
This beautifully subtle ‘Leaf’ wallpaper by Harlequin, features an oversized translucent leaf silhouette that evokes luxury. Not only does the print’s muted palette help soften the interior wall but its understated botanical print looks great all year round.
3. go stripy
4. Colour block
For an interior that is truly one of a kind, use different coloured wallpapers to create a dramatic piece of art on your walls. By separating different sections of the wall into repetitive shapes to then frame with a heavy-set border will create an eye-catching, dramatic feature wall. ‘Stitch’ by Harlequin is a perfect example of how colour blocking can impact a room. Framing is a great technique
Stripes can be extremely effective for creating new depths of space as they can change the proportions of a
to enhance the vibrancy of each colour block as well as projecting a modern, art nouveau aesthetic.
5. Do a double take
Wallpaper should be fun, so why not opt for a light-hearted pattern that adds a little humour in the home.
inspirational vinyl Flooring by ‘Moduleo’ available in natural wood or stone effect ‘Select range’ for Residential Use – 15 Year Guarantee ‘Transform range’ for Commercial Use – 20 Year Guarantee Available with click Technology for easy installation ★ Sound Insulating ★ Moisture Resistant ★ Guaranteed to Last ★ Warm to the Touch ★ Scuff and Stain Resistant
call in and see the Full ranGe at Your local dealer SJH Carpets, Tythings Commercial Centre, Wincanton 01963 824418 Open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm, Saturday 9am - 1pm Also at: High Street, Tisbury 01747 871178 (closed Wednesday)
SEWING MAcHINE SERvIcE cENTRE
The Curtain & Blind Specialist 01935 824888 curtains fabrics All Types of Blinds conservatory Blinds Tracks & Poles Patio Awnings Professional fitting See more at free Advice ✔ www.drapesdirect.co.uk
Repairs & Servicing To All Makes - Domestic & Industrial Collection and Delivery Available
● ● ● ● ● ●
Quality Guaranteed ✔ free Home Measuring ✔ no obligation Quotations ✔
and at www.blindsyeovil.com
28 THE VISITOR March 2013
100s of fabrics ✔
Wincanton
‘People’ by Harlequin is a wallpaper that features hundreds of painterly silhouettes. From a distance this print looks like any other but after closer inspection ‘People’ becomes clearer to the unsuspecting eye. Selecting such a visual wallpaper print such as this, will add depth and whimsy to the walls. Hot House Interiors www.hothouseblinds.co.uk
Embroidery Engineering Services Suppliers of Computerised Embroidery Machines ✔
Telephone: 01963 350068 • Mobile: 07947 725315 Email: robert_churches@hotmail.com UniT 8, Torbay indUsTrial EsTaTE CasTlE Cary ba7 7dW
H Cullingford Carpets
ng i r p S House & Home iMProveMents
Cullingford Carpets & Interiors of Wincanton has taken a big step forward by being the first carpet and flooring store in Somerset, Wiltshire and North Dorset to install the new Karndean Design Studio. Stewart Cullingford says ‘this new in-store facility will not only provide a showcase for the latest flooring products but, more importantly, it will allow customers a hands-on approach in designing their own bespoke floor covering’. Karndean Design flooring shares Cullingford Carpets belief that the floor, as an important part of the home, has a lot to contend with, all the while trying to look its best, and as such, any covering needs to be tough and resilient plus reassuringly easy to clean and look after. Karndean Design flooring helps
create a very welcoming environment that suits your lifestyle. What is more, these floors are designed to look beautiful for years to come as each plank and tile features a protective hardwearing surface layer which makes it tough and resistant to scuffs and marks. The surface layer provides a residential guarantee of between 12 and 20 years, so there’s peace of mind that the floor is designed to last. Always offering a personal service, Stewart Cullingford comments on the new studio ‘I’m very excited to be launching this flooring design showroom, it really does take bespoke to another level. We even have an on-screen facility to show similar rooms as they would look with customers designs and colours’. He adds ‘We are very proud to be the first carpet retailer in Somerset, Wiltshire and North
Dorset to offer this facility. Working closely with our customers and our suppliers, such
as Karndean, we can offer the best possible service for every flooring job, big, small or complex’.
This co-ordinated collection of classic cotton stripes and plains in a wide variety of modern colours is by Clarke & Clarke. Just one of the many designs available from Hanson’s Fabrics of Sturminster Newton.
Stewart Cullingford is pictured in the recently installed Karndean Design Studio at Cullingford Carpets in Wincanton.
THE VISITOR March 2013 29
H
ng i r p S House & Home iMProveMents Steve Bane Fabrics
All rooms need a focal point, so make a statement with an attractive painting or work of art. Suzanne II by Mark Demsteader is a limited edition print of 150. The framed size is 44” x 34”. Price £325 (framed). Available from Martock Gallery, Martock.
MIRRORS
... all shapes and sizes plain & decorative From stock or bespoke
More than just a fabric shop … Steve Bane Fabrics has been trading for more than 40 years step into one of their shops and be spoilt for choice! If you are giving that room a make-over, their experienced, friendly team will be there to help furnish your dreams! Whatever your taste and pocket, their competitive prices offer you a good deal. They can offer you a Free Home Measure service, and if you don’t sew, let them professionally make your curtains, blinds and soft furnishings. Follow this with their track and fitting service and your room is complete! The hardest part for you will be choosing from their massive
range of fabrics, as there is literally thousands of designs! Pop in.
Needful things
Needful Things are proud to announce that Arthur Sanderson and Sons, the quintessential English Home Fashion Brand, has awarded them 'Sanderson Specialist' status. This means that Needful Things' professional approach to home interiors and quality curtain making service, has been acknowledged by one of the longest established names in English Decoration. For the consumer, it will mean all Sandersons latest designs, will arrive in Castle Cary as soon as they are released: it means you can choose your Sanderson
Water Street, Martock • tel: 01935 823254 • www.martockgallery.com Martock gallery open: Monday - Friday 9.00 - 5.00, Saturday 9.30 - 4.30
3a Church Street, Wincanton Professionally Made To Measure Curtains, Blinds etc. Supply your own Fabric or choose from a ... Superb Range of Fabric Books including Prestigious Textiles, Fibre Naturelle, Biggie Best & more! Curtain Poles & Tracks - Haberdashery Ribbons, Threads, Cushions, Remnants, Linings etc. OPEN: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9.30am - 4.00pm Thursday - Closed Friday 9.30am - 3.00pm Saturday 9.30am - 12.30pm
The Hilton Suite, 3 seater and two chairs £1,300. Just one of many suites available from Gillingham Suite & Bed Centre, Gillingham. Do call in and see the range for yourself, prices start from just £890.
SprinG SaverS!
Melody 07883 089 333
electric Massage Chair & Stool with Heat pad
Free
10 point vibration massage
nOW £199 normally £ 243
Curtain Making ... On ALL
“Style” Designs
When priory lined with 3" pencil pleat heading tape
rise recline & Tilt Chair nOW £ 799 normally £ 863
See our full range of furniture
Gillingham Suite & Bed Centre
5 Riverbridge Parade, High Street, Gillingham Tel: 01747 822724 • www.suitesandbeds.co.uk
M
J
Carpets Proprietor RogER WiLLiS
offer for a limited period only
19 High West St. Dorchester, DT1 1UW Tel: 01305 250990 22 Christchurch St. West, Frome, Ba11 1ee Tel: 01373 465678 stevebanefabrics.com
30 THE VISITOR March 2013
For a reliable and personal service n Select from over 1000 Carpet and Vinyl samples n All leading makes supplied n Prompt Delivery n Professional Fitting
Market Place, Somerton, Somerset TA11 7LZ
Tel: (01458) 273042
n FREE Estimates and Planning “Over 45 years experience in the carpet trade”
H
Spring
iMProveMents
Britains favourite fabric manufacturer. To help celebrate becoming a Sanderson Specialist, Needful Things are offering a 20% discount throughout March, on all Sanderson fabrics and wallpapers. Transform your home this Spring and take advantage of this exciting offer.
House& Home is a regular feature in The Visitor TO ADVERTISE HERE CALL
01963 351256 100s of rugs in stock
Extensive range of quality carpets Natural flooring specialists
. . . do call in !
34 Princes street, Yeovil. Tel: 01935 478100 Fabulous fabrics from Sanderson, available from Needful Things, Castle Cary, who have been awarded ‘Sanderson Specialist’ status from this long-established name in English decoration.
products from Needful Things with the reassurance that their team will be regularly trained and updated on all things Sanderson. Working with Needful Things on your home decoration requirements has always been fun but this exciting development a n d p r o f e s s s i o n a l acknowledgement, will give you the added confidence that they have the back up and support of
Redecorating? Do you need a headboard recovering? Needful Things offer a bespoke service to their customers. For all your upholstery and soft furnishing requirements visit them at 7 High Street, Castle Cary.
Conservatory Blinds specialist
FRee no obligation quotations
Like us on facebook and see our latest promotions THE VISITOR March 2013 31
Me and My Girl
Yeovil Amateur Operatic Society, perform their latest show Me And My Girl at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil from March 12th to 23rd. This popular musical comedy by Noel Gay with its wellloved songs - The Sun Has Got His Hat On, The Lambeth Walk and Leaning on a Lamp Post, has
been souped up with gags and one-liners by Stephen Fry. Shaun Driver in the leading role of Bill Snibson squeezes every ounce of comedy from the character. Shaun made his debut with YAOS in Hello Dolly and since then he has performed up and down the country, both as an amateur and professional, in
Q Diary Date Q
WooDWorking & Craft ShoW
Friday 5th and Saturday 6th April For further details check out our website on www.yandles.co.uk
yandle & Sons Ltd.
Hurst Works, Martock, Somerset, TA12 6JU Tel: 01935 822207 • Email: online-info@yandles.co.uk “ The Largest Woodworking Show in the South West”
Antiques & Collecting the Vintage Bazaar textile and Rag Market
Saturday 9th March sees the first outing for The Vintage Bazaar team in North Cadbury, Somerset. The village hall in North Cadbury will be packed to the rafters with the very best vintage textiles, trims and sewing ephemera you could imagine. Everything from delicate
Beaminster Antiques, Vintage & Collectables Fair Saturday 9th March Public Hall Beaminster Dorset
Victorian lace and stunning mother of pearl buttons to pristine fifties dress fabric and American feedsacks, on offer from some of the best vintage dealers in the south. Clare and Lizzie started The Vintage Bazaar events two years ago in Frome, Somerset and they have proved such a success that they are spreading their wings further into Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire. It promises to be a wonderful event in a very special village. Entry is £1 and the doors open at 9am and close at 3pm at North Cadbury Village Hall, North Cadbury, Somerset BA22 7DH.
Gold & Silver Jewellery Wanted
9.30am – 4.00pm
✱ NexT Fair ✱ Saturday 13 th april
Best prices paid for wedding rings, pendants, chains, bracelets, and broken items, etc.
Bookings & Enquiries Meadow Fairs 01297 24446
Phone Jenny Martin Castle Cary
01963 350733
PastiMes of sherborne We pay top prices for old toys - any condition trains • Cars • Lorries • soldiers • etc. Britains * Dinky * Corgi * Hornby Meccano * Tri-ang * Etc. Shop Open Mornings 9.30am - 1.00pm Monday to Saturday
tel: 01935 816072 Mob: 07527 074343 HOME vISITS BY ARRANGEMENT
3 Westbury, sherborne, Dorset Dt9 3eH 32 THE VISITOR March 2013
Leisure musicals and plays, most notably in Cameron Mackintosh’s UK tour of Moby Dick in the 90s. Shaun’s last role with the Society was Pontius Pilate in Jesus Christ Superstar back in 2003. Tickets for the YAOS show of Me & My Girl are on sale at the Octagon Theatre box office or online from their web-site.
Red Nose Day t-shirts
Jazziez of Crewkerne are printing Red Nose T-Shirts: Adults £10 Childrens £7 – each shirt raises 50p towards Red Nose Day. If you are holding a special Red Nose Day event why not look the part – and help raise money. Pop into Jazziez of Crewkerne where you will find a complete range of personalised items.
Queen Camel tuesday Group
The February meeting was very well attended with two new members signing up. The speaker, Nigel Young gave a
tremendous talk, with slides, on his visits to Malawi, on behalf of an entrepreneur working to plant trees on the thousands of hectares left barren in the country. The aim is one tree for every child on the planet. The trees are a combination of Paulownia (a light but dense, fast growing tree) and native species. The project will help the country and the local economy in the region as well as stopping erosion. The Tuesday Group were most fortunate to secure Nigel's services as he doesn't usually give talks and with the preparation needed, one can quite see why. Next month, the talk is about 'Flax and Hemp in Somerset.' The Tuesday Group meets in the Queen Camel Memorial Hall on the first Tuesday of each month, at
1st March - Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil
spectra musica in CONCERT Musical Director: SIMON TWISELTON Piano: ANITA D’ATTELLIS Soprano: KATHARINE HAWNT Alto: ARABELLA HEATON
‘Bach to Broadway’
performing J.S. Bach: Mass in B Minor (excerpts) ‘My Fair Lady’ medley
Saturday 23rd March 2013, 7.30pm St Luke & St Teresa’s Church, Wincanton TICKET £10.00 includes refreshments during the interval TICKET SALES Online at www.spectramusica.co.uk OR on the door Charity Number 1114436 www.spectramusica.co.uk
So, you think you know your pop music, do you? By John Osborne • Answers can be found on page 43 1. 2.
Who was working at the ‘Car Wash’ in 1977? Name the eccentric New Yorker who declared ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’? 3. Who was born Roberta Joan Anderson in 1943? 4. Who said he had ‘A Girl Like You’ in 1995? 5. Lyric ‘And there's a rose in a fisted glove, and the eagle flies with the dove’ 6. Name the band who said ‘I Predict a Riot’ 7. Name the female who had a 60’s hit with ‘There’s Always Something There to Remind Me’ 8. ‘Hold Me Now’ was a 1987 Eurovision winning hit for whom? 9. ‘Tango in the Night’ was a 1977 album from which band? 10. Who was the solo artist who sang about ‘Purple Rain’? Bonus Question The Beatles released their first album fifty years ago, on 11th February 1963. Name it. Great Quotes in Music (62) “Music doesn't lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music” – Jimi Hendrix
& Tra vel 10am. This gives time for a coffee, cake and chat, before the 10.30am start. It is becoming a very popular ladies group and new members are always welcome. If you want any
MU
Si
C
for
more information about their activities, please call Jo German on 01935 851592, Pat Champion on 01963 32264 or Marion Chapman on 01963 220741.
the
M
on
th
March 2nd JOHN RaYMOND - Rose & Crown, Bradford Abbas 2nd KeViN BUtt - Wyndham Arms, Kingsbury Episcopi Mr. D’aRCY - Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil 8th 10th Us (acoustic duo) 2.30pm - Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon 10th tHe PiNeaPPLe tHieF - Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil 15th tiM O’PitMaN - Natterjack, Evercreech Junction 15th ROBiN - Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil An Advert 16th FUNKDaMeNtaLs - Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon in the 22nd aLiCe iN tHe attiC - Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil pub pAgeS 29th JOHN RaMON - Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil enSureS 30th DaVe CURtis - Wyndham Arms, Kingsbury Episcopi A Free MentiOn 30th sCRUFFY JaCK - Rose & Crown, Bradford Abbas here 31st ROD’s FaCes - Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon 31st aUGUsta WestLaND HOUse BaND - Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil
BOOK ReVieW the a303: Highway to the sun
By Tom Fort Simon & Schuster Ltd, 2012. 344pp hardback. ISBN 978-0-85720-328-1. £14.99
MOST READERS must surely use the A303 from time to time to travel to London or to Devon and Cornwall. The road bisects Visitorland and forms a substantial part of the major route from the capital to the south-west. Readers with long memories will doubtless remember the interminable delays on summer Saturdays when streams of holidaymakers queued to get through the bottlenecks of Mere, Wincanton, Ilchester and Ilminster, but nowadays it is a fast dual-carriageway all the way from the Mere bypass to South Petherton – all, that is, apart from the three miles over Camel Hill. Tom Fort follows the route from the M3 south-west of Basingstoke to its junction with the A30 high in the Devon hills beyond Marsh,
describing the landscapes of the areas through which it passes and delving into their social and cultural history. He has unearthed numerous fascinating stories of people and places and weaves these into a narrative that is partly travelogue and partly polemic – a catalogue of political failures to complete the dream of a great arterial route to Exeter and beyond. Acceptable, affordable solutions to the congestion at Stonehenge, the traumatised village of Winterborne Stoke and what he describes as ‘the meandering mediocrity’ of the stretch across the Blackdown Hills still seem far off. Of the Visitorland section of the route he writes about the Wyndham family of East Knoyle and Clouds, their famous house; about Stourhead and Alfred’s Tower; about Bourton and its foundry; about South Cadbury’s Camelot; about Henry Lyte of Lytes Cary and Thomas Wolsey, 16th century rector of Limington. Ilchester gets longer coverage, as do Ham Hill and its hamstone villages, likewise the Speke family of Whitelackington and the Hanning family of Dillington. It’s all fascinating stuff, even though Mere and Wincanton get barely a mention. The text flows fluently and is peppered with photographs, some taken especially for the book and others trawled from the archives. It’s an ideal read in front of the fire on a winter evening, for this ‘highway to the sun’ certainly provides a welcome escape from the weather outside. NN.
table top sale
The Tuesday Group is holding a Table Top Sale to raise funds, on Saturday April 27th, from 10.30am - 12.30pm at The Queen Camel Memorial Hall. There are already tables selling Woodcarving; Jewellery; Books; Cards; Puppets; a Bottle Stall; Cakes and Produce; Fancy Goods and Embroidery. There will be Coffee and Tea available and a Raffle is planned for a Food Hamper. There are still some spaces available if you have crafts or gifts for sale. The spaces cost £10.00 a table. If you have any queries please call Penny on 01935 851222.
sherborne Castle and Lakeside Gardens
SHERBORNE CASTLE’S legendary Spring Bulbs & Daffodils Weekend takes place over 23rd and 24th March. Explore the ‘Capability’ Brown gardens with their magnificent specimen trees, colourful floral borders and sweeping lawns forming one of the finest Lake landscapes you will see. Delightful walks guide you round the 50-acre Lake, past Sir Walter Raleigh’s Seat to the river Cascade, close by to the adjacent medieval Castle ruins and on to the Pope’s seat where you can watch the abundant wildlife on
the lake. The Tea Room will be open serving morning coffee, light lunches and afternoon teas and don’t forget to visit the Gift Shop for a souvenir or a bottle of their very own Sherborne Castle wine.
Petherton Picture show
Petherton Picture Show presents Blackthorn at The David Hall, South Petherton on Friday 8th March at 8pm. It has been said (but unsubstantiated) that Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid were killed in a standoff with the Bolivian military in 1908. In Blackthorn, Cassidy survived and is quietly living out his years under the name James Blackthorn in a secluded Bolivian village. Tired of his long exile from the US and hoping to see his family again before he dies, Cassidy sets out on the long journey home. But when an
hundreds of plastic & die-Cast Models Planes ★Helicopters F1 ★ Motor ★ Lorries War ★ Agricultural Call in today
Unit 6, 15 oxford road Pen Mill trading estate yeovil, Ba21 5hr
tel: 01935 471154
SLIM GYM PERSONAL TRAINING with Jane Carter Professional British and World Physique Champion
Lose Weight ... Tone Up ... Feel Great ... Call
07980 808564
Email: info@slimgympt.co.uk www.slimgympersonaltraining.co.uk
THE VISITOR March 2013 33
Leisure unexpected encounter with an ambitious young criminal derails his plans he is thrust into one last adventure, the likes of which he hasn’t experienced since his
glory days with the Sundance Kid. Tickets: £5 - no concessions PPS is a club but membership is free and available on the door.
Cycle-Babble SINCE THE BEGINNING of the year, when Team Sky finalised the itineraries of its riders, the nation's press have been full of conjecture about just who will be leading the team in France come July. The team has its sights set on two major aims this year: May's Giro d'Italia and July's Tour de France, as it looks to become the first team since Mercatone Uno to claim both titles in the same year. The Italian outfit won both the Giro's maglia rosa and the Tour's maillot jaune in 1998 when their leader, the charismatic if troubled Marco Pantani, took both races in the space of seven blistering weeks. Such is the talent needed to win a race like the Giro or Tour that out of a field of nearly 200 professionals only a handful of riders have a genuine chance of vying for the overall win. As the peloton line up on the Tour's start line in Corsica later this year perhaps as few as five riders will realistically have a shot of riding into Paris in the yellow jersey. It follows then that there are few teams that have even one strong Tour contender within its ranks. Teams that have two are rare indeed. But that's just the situation in which Team Sky find themselves. Within its squad of 27 riders both Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome, first and second in last year's race, are among the best Grand Tour riders in the business. Both are more than capable of leading the team in the summer. But which of them will it actually be? Since their respective race itineraries were released, the press has made much of the fact that the two men will be kept pretty much apart until July when both will arrive in Corsica. Wiggins has publicly stated that his main goal this year lies in Italy not France and that he will be riding in support of Froome in July. So far so good for Sky. But then that seemingly serene situation is destabilised a little with snippets like this, taken from a piece on Wiggins in the Observer earlier this month: ‘I'd love the challenge [of winning both the Giro and the Tour]. I think there's five weeks in between. 34 THE VISITOR March 2013
There's an element of the unknown but we managed it at the Olympics.’ All of sudden Wiggins' faith in Froome seems not quite so devout. Team leadership, particularly during races that last for threeweeks when form can vary and illness or injury can take their toll, can be a thorny issue when a team is ‘blessed’ enough to have two contenders. Cycling history is littered with tales of intra-team fallouts and rivalries. Perhaps the most famous came in the mid 1980s when French legend Bernard Hinault and the then up-and-coming American Greg LeMond both rode for the La Vie Claire team. In 1985 Hinault was aiming to join Jacques Anquetil and Eddy Merckx and become the third rider to have won the Tour de France five times. The greatest threat to him achieving that feat came from within his own team: LeMond. In the Pyrenees, with Hinault suffering a broken nose and bronchitis, but still leading the race overall, LeMond found himdself minutes ahead of the Frenchman and primed to launch an attack on the final climb to Luz Ardiden. To this day the American says he was prevented from doing so, claiming his team manager told him Hinault was closer than he was and ordering him to sit in. LeMond begrudgingly followed his orders, an act that arguably cost him overall victory. Five days later Hinault won his fifth Tour and pledged his support of LeMond for the following year's race. When it came to it the following year that support manifested itself in Hinault repeatedly launching ferocious attacks on his young teammate in the Pyrenees and Alps. But the American was up to the task and met his team-mate's challenge. As the race entered its final days, and with LeMond in yellow, both rode the fabled climb of Alpe d'Huez together, putting their differences to the side and approaching the line hand in hand. Hinault took the stage, LeMond the overall win. It was the culmination of an intense two-year rivalry that had at separate times threatened to derail both men's challenges. Giles Belbin.
Wine & Dine Mothering sunday
IT’S NICE to take Mum out to lunch to show her how much you appreciate her and it’s always extraspecial if this treat is on Mothering Sunday. But don’t let lunch be the only treat for her this year. Start Sunday 10th March with breakfast in bed for her. Something simple like creamy scrambled eggs with smoked salmon served on a lightly toasted English muffin, is ideal. Ingredients 4 large eggs, 4 oz smoked salmon 4 tablespoons single cream 2 English muffins Butter for cooking & spreading Seasoning Method 1. Firstly, cut the salmon into small pieces and place in a bowl with the single cream. Stir gently to make sure all the pieces are covered and leave for around half an hour. 2. Whilst the salmon is soaking prepare the breakfast tray for Mum ... condiments, cutlery, napkin, and a flower in a
small vase would add a nice touch. 3. Beat the eggs lightly in a bowl adding salt and freshly milled black pepper to taste. 4. Melt a knob of butter (about 1/2 oz) in a medium-size saucepan over a gentle heat. Meanwhile, split the muffins and place in the toaster or under the grill ready for toasting. 5. When the butter has melted and is beginning to foam, tilt the pan from side to side ensuring the bottom is well covered. 6. Pour in the beaten eggs, increase the heat slightly and with a wooden spoon stir continuously and thoroughly. 7. When the eggs begin to cook and to solidify, but whilst there is still around 50% liquid, add the smoked salmon and cream. 8. Continue stirring the egg mixture until it is soft and creamy and all the liquid has gone. 10. Serve immediately on top of the buttered muffins.
TRUFFLES RESTAURANT & BISTRO, Bruton MOThERINg SuNdAy MARch 10th Two courses £15.95 • Three courses £19.95 Two Sittings: 12pm – 2pm or 2pm – 4pm STARTERS French onion soup • Goat’s cheese baked with honey Prawn and Avocado Salad • Pâté Maison MAINS Slow braised Bruton dexter Brisket of Beef, dauphinoise & seasonal vegetables Free-range chicken Breast, honey mustard sauce, dauphinoise & seasonal vegetables Roast Salmon Fishcake, lemon sauce, new potatoes & seasonal vegetables Vegetarian Tartiflette with salad and crusty bread dESSERTS Raspberry Crème Brulée • Normandy Apple cake and cream Marinated Strawberries and cream • Cheese selection with damsel wafers FOR RESERVATIONS Tel: 01749 812180 or Email: bookings@trufflesbistro.co.uk
The
Pub Pages
Beer & sKittles P. A. BAXTER
IN THESE DAYS of copious closures of pubs, word has reached me of a re-opening, this being the ‘Royal Oak’ in Stoford, just outside Yeovil. I wish the new incumbents good fortune with this. Perhaps they can shorten the skittle alley a bit at the same time; one needs binoculars to see the pins! (I exaggerate for the sake of clarity). Many a good skittler has ‘died a death’ on this alley (including rubbish players like me). Some years ago a nomination player managed to score precisely zero in the entire game. Yes; six ‘zeros’! Worse, he probably had to go home and give an answer to his wife ‘How did you get on tonight dear?’ ‘Well…’ Apologies to those who spotted that my reference to a pub in
Castle Cary should have been ‘The Two Swans’, not just a singular swan. I sailed past last Saturday and sadly this still stands rather forlornly on the road out of town … for how much longer though? Being a member of CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale) I am in regular correspondence with some of the local leading lights, and I’m glad to say these good people are neither extreme or pedantic. The reports I get are always reliable and unbiased – very important particularly when we are dealing with other peoples’ business. A visit to the ‘Old Pub’ at Galhampton by one of these fine fellows resulted in a very positive report on both the food and ales. This was formerly ‘The Harvester’ and had been shut for some time before being taken over and completely refurbished. Rightly so; our only visit to this place in its former life was less than positive. Now though, the pub would have been checked on more than one occasion and a report submitted to the CAMRA Good Beer Guide, and I’m pleased to say it found its way into the 2013 edition. I always seem to be in a rush when I go past this pub, so clearly a visit is well overdue. Oh, and by the way, the telephone number in the GBG has the wrong code – it should be ‘01963’ of course. Another pub where we had a less than a positive experience during its ‘former life’ and has also been totally transformed is the ‘Three Elms’ at North
Home-Made Food Served 7 Days a Week
Real Ales - Garden Skittle Alley
TRADITIONAL COUNTRY PUB Serving Sensibly Priced Food And Drink Dinnington, Nr Hinton St. George • Tel 01460 52397
The
Lord Nelson
Rectory Lane Norton Sub Hamdon
Mark, Helen and staff welcome you to ‘The Nelson’
good Food - good Beer - greaT aTMoSphere
Sunday 10 th March - Mothering Sunday Lunch Followed by US Acoustic Duo at 2.30pm Bookings Essential
Saturday 16 th March - Funkdamentals Five Piece Funk Band
Sunday 31st March - Rod’s Faces Rod Stewart Tribute Band
Monday to Friday - Two Course Lunch £8 Tuesday & Wednesday - Steak Night 2 Steaks & Bottle of Wine £25 CourTyard H Beer gardeN aT rear aMpLe parkiNg opeN aLL day Friday, SaTurday & SuNday
Tel: 01935 881473 www.thelordnelson.biz
Wootten. Easily spotted on the road to Sturminster Newton / Blandford Forum, and situated only three or four miles out of Sherborne. Our rare chance for a family get-together had been ruined by indifferent service and poor food. What a joy to read of how the new owners John and Sue Barker have turned this pub
around and have been awarded by the West Dorset Branch of CAMRA with the ‘Rural Pub of the Year’ accolade. Taking the pub over in March 2011 it was a shock when the village shop and Post Office closed just two months later - so they took them over the first Post Office counter inside a pub in the UK. Portsmouth-
Chris & Jill welcome you to the ...
ROYaL OaK Over stratton, south Petherton tel: 01460 240906
A Charming Country Inn
offering delicious home-cooked food ... LuNChTiMe SpeCiaL 2 Courses £8.50 • Tuesday to Saturday WedNeSday & ThurSday SpeCiaL
SurF, TurF, SWiNe & WiNe NighT
tWO Rump steaks, or tWO Beer Battered Haddock or tWO Gammon steaks, or Any TWO with a Carafe of Wine ... £19.95 per couple • Booking Advised Book earLy For ...
MoTheriNg SuNday 10th March
★ Traditional Sunday roast ★ The
Wyndham Arms
KINGSBuRY EPISCOPI nr. MARTOCK SOMERSET TA12 6AT
a delightful country inn ... Open all day - every day Delicious homecooked food served lunchtimes and evenings traditional sunday Roasts - choice of meats
st. Patrick’s Day Sunday 17 th March
Guinness - £3 Pint Book now for
Mothering sunday 10
th
March
3 Courses - £17.95 • 2 Courses - £13.95 LIVE MUSIC
Saturday 2 nd March - KeViN BUtt Saturday 30 th March - DaVe CURtis Function Room & skittle alley available for private hire / parties
tel: 01935 823239 Please visit us on our website: www.wyndhamarms.com THE VISITOR March 2013 35
The
Pub Pages
born John admits to a ‘passion for real ale - proper beer’ and currently sells St. Austell Tribute from Cornwall and a changing guest beer. In addition he stocks up to 30 different ales in bottles, giving a real choice for his
customers. This rural free house serves food (and takeaways) using local ingredients wherever possible, such as their Sausage of the week, made by a local butcher. ‘This is a real community pub and a very worthy rural winner,’ said CAMRA spokesman Michel Hooper-Immins. ‘In addition to real ale and good food, customers can buy a loaf of bread and buy a stamp on the premises from 11am to 11pm - it gives a whole new meaning to going out to post a letter!’ Well done John and Sue, indeed! The most recent family gettogether meant a visit to pastures new for our side of the family, as we met at the ‘Kings Arms’ situated right on the A30 at East
Stour Common. This was the first visit for the better half and me, and I wouldn’t mind a pound for every time I have driven past this attractive and traditional looking pub. Inside it is clearly foodorientated, although I am pleased to say I was assured that they do
have their locals who like a beer or two (always a good sign). Plenty of staff and efficient chefs meant we got our meals promptly and with minimum of fuss. The friendly attitude of all the staff reflected in the relaxed attitude of all the other customers – a ‘top-
They seek him here ... they seek him there!
The Rose & Crown
Bradford Abbas • Tel: 01935 474506 March EVENTs
Saturday 2nd: John Raymond Sunday 10th: Mothering Sunday carvery early bookings advised Saturday 23rd: Authentic Thai Buffet £18 pp bookings essential Sunday 24th: Quiz Night 8pm, lots of prizes all proceeds to Musgrove Park Hospital Saturday 30th: Scruffy Jack
March spEcials
Tuesday Nights: FREE Bottle of Wine with every Two Main Meals from menu Thursday Nights: Pie and a Pint £7.95 (choice of pies) ★ BOOkINgS TAkEN FOR EASTER SuNdAy cARVERy ★
B&B
Sean & Suzy welcome you to the ...
Montague Inn Shepton Montague nr. Bruton Tel: 01749 813213
Mothering Sunday 10 th March Classic Sunday roast
~ The ~
Manor House inn Ditcheat
Nr. Shepton Mallet BA4 6RB • Tel: 01749 860276
MoTheRing SundAy
Bookings now being taken with a traditional Sunday Lunch – from £9.25
ACouSTiC nighT
... and a Present for Mother!
Thursday 7th March – from 7.30pm hosted by A. J. Webber
6 nationS rugby
THE 4th NIGHT will be on Thursday 7th March with special guests The Willbees – a male duo that tours the South West doing clubs and festivals! They sing great harmonies covering many styles, and are incredibly funny!
★ 2 Course Lunch deal £10 ★
The other special guests for the evening are Jan Vaisey and Ian Harvey; also a duo and have performed in clubs and festivals throughout the region, again covering many styles, both playing guitars and mandolin.
Showing in The Bar Monday to Saturday
★ Simple Supper nights ★ Tuesdays
★ Steak nights ★ Mondays 36 THE VISITOR March 2013
Andrias Guerin – our own resident Irish Jockey is loved by all. An amazing singer, musician, with a great sense of humour. His song during his last performance about his two lost chickens - a ‘Cock and Pullet’ had everyone falling off of their seats!!!
www.manorhouseinn.co.uk
The
Pub Pages
down’ sort of approach if you see what I mean. The carvery was excellent and plentiful, and the beer … well, I’m afraid I didn’t sample it as I was very tired from a hectic week and afraid I would fall asleep after just one. However, I noted Greene King IPA, St. Austell Tribute and Sharps Doom Bar, all being served in copious amounts, all lovely and clear with a FULL PINT being drawn each time. Certainly another visit en famille or not, will be in order. In a free Sherborne-based A4 sized but slim magazine there has been talk of a Backgammon Club. News has reached me that this will be coming to fruition sometime in the near future, the intention being to base it in a local establishment – a pub or club – and very informal with no fees. Just a few like-minded people getting together over a pint or two and having an enjoyable evening. Well that sounds good to me. I hope to hear more, imminently, after the due date for this article, but if you are interested then please do drop me a line and I will get details to you, so skittlealley@hotmail.com is the email address and of course I always welcome any news, views, opinions, and comments relating to the Great British Pub, brewing, and pub games as well. As reported on more than one occasion in these columns, the award-winning Jennings Brewery of Cumbria was taken over some
time ago by Marston’s, although fortunately it would appear that they have been left to ‘get on with it’ and maintain their own methods and traditions. We are on the mailing list, so it is always good to hear what they are ‘brewing-up’ over the coming months, as like so many of the smaller breweries they too have their seasonal beers. They are running a ‘52 week’ competition with prizes given out every day, with each entrant given three chances – again, every day. When I remember it, I give it a go. Well someone has to win, and you have to be in to win, so I recommend a visit to their web-site. Speaking of mailing lists; apart from Jennings and the great giant of Wetherspoons the only pub I seem to get events and beer/food lists from seems to be the ‘Lime Tree’ at Thornford, so come on you pub landlords and landladies in The Visitor area – you can do better than that!
Say you saw it in The Visitor
AROUND THE
H O U S E S IN MONTACUTE we welcome new hosts Dan, Karl and Derek to The Kings Arms ... enjoy a hearty breakfast at Stoke Sub Hamdon’s Fleur de Lis Breakfast Club ... beautiful views from The Prince of Wales Ham Hill ... ‘Jolly Roger’ can be found both inside and outside at The Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon ... will ‘tagine’ dishes be appearing as a special at The Muddled Man at West Chinnock upon Garry’s return? ... and in Over Stratton at The Royal Oak Jill’s Bacon and Beef pie is a winner. Hopping on to Haselbury where staff at the Mill gave a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday to a replete birthday boy ... signs are afoot that The Poulett Arms at Lopen is to re-open as an Indian Restaurant ... dimmed lights and candles made for a romantic ambience at The Rose & Crown
East Lambrook on Valentine’s evening ... please wipe your feet! at The Rose & Crown, Bradford Abbas as Mary has had all the carpets shampooed for Spring, and they look very good! ... and in Yeovil, you will always get a warm welcome from Pete at The Quicksilver Mail where the food is always tasty and fresh unlike his jokes (only kidding Pete). Galloping on to Gillingham where landlady and landlord Maggie and Mike of The Dolphin at Peacemarsh have been treading the boards ... The Three Elms at North Wootton is CAMRA 2013 West Dorset Rural Pub of The Year ... and in Dorchester, Tom Brown’s is CAMRA 2013 West Dorset Town Pub of The Year. Edging our way to Evercreech Junction, Guinness lovers should take advantage of the St. Patrick’s Day promotion at The Natterjack Inn, where there is also an Irish-themed menu served with a touch of Blarney no doubt! ... always a well-kept pint at The Rose & Portcullis,
Give your mum a treat this MotherinG Sunday 10th March
LuNCHTiMe two sittings: 12noon – 1.30pm & 2.30pm – 4pm eVeNiNG: 6.30pm – 9pm Traditional Roast and Full Range of Specials
Monday 11th March
Fun Quiz: teams of 4 – 6
Starts 8.15pm • £5 Per Team including a Bowl of Chips!
Friday 15th March
St. Patrick’S celebrationS irish Specials + Guinness Promotion ★ Music with TiM O’PiTMAN ★
Bookings now taken for Easter Weekend
March: accoMModaTion SavingS ... see website
Your hosts, Mick, Jean and Garry welcome you to
The MUDDLeD
MaN
Lower street, West Chinnock A charming country inn serving home cooked fayre lunchtime & evening
Book now for Mothering SUnDay SUnDay LUnCh £7.95 - choice of roast Larger parties catered for
freSh fiSh Day friday
... with home-made beer batter
Maggie and Mike welcome you to ...
The Dolphin Inn Peacemarsh Gillingham • SP8 4HB
Mothering Sunday 10th March
✳ Early booking advised ✳ Traditional Roast and Full Menu
Steak SPeCiaL - two 8oz rump Steaks £14.50
Beat the Winter Blues ... with our £5 Menu Lunches – monday to saturday • Evenings – monday to Thursday
DAIly SPeCIAlS • ReAl Ale • SkITTle Alley BeeR GARDenS • ACCoMMoDATIon
Monthly Charity Quiz Night – 1st sunday of each month, 8pm start
tel: 01935 881235
Tel: 01747 822758
Sunday to Thursday
Quiz Night – every Thursday, 8pm start
THE VISITOR March 2013 37
They Say That when it comes to paying up a bet, euros triumph over sterling any day, according to John Flanagan of Castle Cary. That EU directives have a lot to answer for, says Dave Hoddinott of North Cadbury. That unfortunately, John Hamblin of Yeovil has still not fully recovered from Pamela Anderson being knocked out of Dancing on Ice in the first week - but his recent purchases from Primark have cheered him up a little. That the cheese plant in Yandles Woodworking at Hurst in Martock, having been moved from Torquay, has not responded well to its new suroundings. Could it be the result of David Mounsteven talking to it? That ‘she’ makes a lovely teapot and ‘he’ makes a lovely dame at the Dolphin in Peacemarsh. That Michael Uphill of Motcombe is proud to have become a proper railwayman, now that he is drinking TEA! That all dogs will have to be micro-chipped from 2016 ... Koreans already have dogs with chips - probably makes a nice change from horseburgers. That according to Steve Dimmer of Sturminster Newton, taking your dog for a walk can be a shocking experience especially for the dog. That it could be you - because it wasn’t anyone at the Nellie staff party at Norton Sub Hamdon. That congratulations go to Peter Lambden who is celebrating his ‘steel’ anniversary - 11 years at the Quicksilver Mail in Yeovil - and whose cheery column advert and song title quiz gives delight to many Viz readers. That having been issued with a new passport Dave Hoddinott of North Cadbury can now leave the village. That whilst it is agreed that she is enhancing the new home office display at Sherborne Kitchens in Sherborne, being the only one in stock, Marilyn is not for sale, if you’re thinking of purchasing from the home office range. That contributions to this column are always welcome, by post, fax, telephone or email. But anonymous contributions will not be published. 38 THE VISITOR March 2013
Pete Lambden & Staff welcome you to .....
168 Hendford Hill YEOViL “you had me hooked again from the minute you sat down The way you bite your lip got my head spinnin' around after a drink or two i was putty in your hands i don't know if i have the chance to stand” FIRST PERSON to tell me the above song gets a free drink. Last month Joss George was the first to tell me it was ‘January February’ by Barbara Dickson. Greetings pop pickers. This month it will be 11 years since yours truly took over at the top of the hill! 99% of the time it’s been wonderful, and just one or two times in the 11 years I have thought to myself I don’t like this anymore. But we won’t go into that . We are celebrating with a little do on the 8th of March, with the fantastic Mr D’arcy who incidentally was the first band that I booked at The Quick so get your face in the place. You never know I might even buy you a drink! As I am writing this it will be the 21st day that Jim Criddle has not had a drink. Well done Jim, it just shows what you CAN do if you set your mind to it … Oh and you might win a £10 bet with all your mates . I personally tried my best to keep up with Jim, but on valentine’s Night when my beautiful young lady looked across the table with those eyes and said “Oh go on Pete you know you want to” I cracked! Plus I’d known that I wanted to since the 2nd of the month! This month a couple of dear friends andy (Smurf to his chums) and Rachael have decided to call it a day at the Black Horse on The Avenue. They have both worked very hard over the last 9 years but trading conditions being what they are it is no longer viable for them to carry on. I wish you both love and luck for the future: X. This month James Barclay celebrated his 25th birthday. He had the family over for Sunday lunch a few beers and a game of skittles afterwards. Well done James congratulations! Next month we have Karaoke on the 1st and on the 10th we have local band made good the Pineapple thief in the function room, doors open at 7.30pm. On the Friday the 15th we have live in the bar Robin making his first appearance at the pub. On the 22nd we have alice in the attic (Formally Unique Faith) live in the bar, and on the 29th we have the return of John Ramon (we liked him ). And on the Bank Holiday Sunday we have the agusta Westland House Band live. Great Stuff! i’d like to thank each and everyone of you for helping me run what i still think is one of the best pubs in town. Here’s to the next 11 years. Finally, I hear that B&Q have had trouble with their flooring - it could have lamb-in-it! tOOt tOOt!!!
BOOkiNGS
01935 424721
The
Pub Pages
Butleigh ... genuine french cuisine at Truffles Restaurant & Bistro in Bruton ... Rugby fans can watch the Six Nations matches in the bar at The Montague Inn, Shepton
Montague ... sad to learn of the demise of The Lamb Inn at Upton Noble ... a good choice of vegetarian options on the cafe bistro menu at The Dolphin Hotel, Wincanton ... don’t forget you can watch live sport at the reopened Red Lion ... ask about the ‘whisky club’ at The Nog Inn Wincanton ... children have their own special menu for Mothering Sunday at The Old Inn, Holton where ‘simple supper’ promotions are available on a Thursday night - check out the website for full details ... and finally, Dan from The George Hotel, Castle Cary can now also be found at The Kings Arms, Montacute so pop in and see him and his team.
EastEr IssuE PrOMOtE your EVENts here ...
tel: 01963 351256
or email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk Easter Issue: Published - Tuesday 26th March Deadline - Friday 15th March
GARDENING GaRDeNiNG MONtHLY by Richard Cumming Orchard Park IT'S AMAzING the difference a decent day makes! You remember how grey wet days make you want to crawl back under the duvet? And a sunny morning? It's great to be alive! So easy to forget the bad days. However, looking around I can see that there is an awful lot to do, and it won't get done unless you make a start. With March upon us it is not unreasonable to assume that we are into Spring and all that that entails. Not quite panic but a sense of urgency erupts at this time of year. If your garden is anything like mine it probably shows the signs of several months neglect. Not lack of interest but lack of opportunity. My days off rarely coincided with conditions conducive to gardening, and the soil has been too wet to mess about with, the danger has been of doing more harm than good. But all that is behind us now, the days are longer and give more time for out door stuff. This has been a wet winter; sure a bit of cold but no deep penetrating cold to wipe out some of the pests and problems from last year. Garden hygiene is important: remove diseased rotting plant material. If you are a good composter that can get compost temperature up then the debris can be composted; if you're not then best dispose of it via the council's green waste scheme. I don't know about you but the sight of someone's garden waste tipped by the side of our back lanes makes me angry and disappointed in the careless attitude of some people. It is not
evergreen foliage. The addition of showy flowers from April to September make them ideal ground cover plants for many parts of the garden. Vinca minor, the lesser periwinkle, has smaller leaves and flowers and works well as a
necessary. OK, so clear the rubbish, cut back the dead perennial flower stalks and foliage, and prepare the ground for what could be a fantastic year! We are due for one, and I am certainly going to travel in hope!
trailing plant in winter tubs and baskets as well as ground cover in smaller beds. V.minor 'Atropurpureum' has dark green leaves and deep plum-purple flowers, makes a height of 20cm and a spread of 50cm, 'Gertrude Jekyll' is more compact with white
Quality Garden tools
Plant of the Month
Push Pull Weeder
the multi-change ... every tool head fits every handle A choice of 11 different handles to suit your height and task
The Horticultural Association has suggested a number of plants to look at each month as we go through the year, each with its own seasonal merits. March brings up the humble Periwinkle or Vinca, an amazingly tough and versatile plant. Their creeping arching stems grow quickly forming a carpet of bright
SPring iS here
✿
Book your garden machinery service now ★ ViSit oUr ShoWrooMS ★ Lawn edger
Suppliers of quality lawn turf Full ground preparation and laying service available Telephone Somerton 01458 272091 Mobile 07850 310998
✿
Wheeled Moss Remover
Row Marker
Ben Joh nson
garDen MaChinery 17d Wincombe Business Park ShafteSBUry, Dorset SP7 9QJ 01747 851021 benjohnson0101@aol.com
Common Mead Lane, gillingham, Dorset SP8 4RE
Turn into Broad Robin off B3081, continue past Mellowes Residential Home: Thorngrove is next on right
01747 822242 Email: thorngrove.staff@scope.org.uk Beautiful Spring BulBS - ready to plant Wide selection of roSES and FruiT TrEES
Tree Surgery SpeCiaLiSTS Crown Thinning and Reduction Dead and Dangerous Trees Removed New Trees Supplied and Planted Tree Stumps Removed Approved Contractor to Somerset County Council and Local Councils Phone B. P. MONtGOMeRY for a FREE Estimate tel: 01963 240532 Mobile: 07970 397248 Email: brutontreecare@hotmail.com
✿ planTEd BaSkETS For MoThEr’S day ✿ SalE of selected ShruBS and ConiFErS Onion Sets - Seed Potatoes ★ BonSai dEMo on re-potting deciduous Trees on Sunday 10th MarCh, 10.00am – 12.00noon ★ thorngrove garden Centre was set up by SCoPe, a national disability charity, whose vision is a world where disabled people have the same opportunities to fulfil their life ambitions as non-disabled people. By purchasing goods and services from Thorngrove you are supporting Scope's work in our local community. Thank you.
oPen: MonDay – SUnDay 9.00 - 5.00 THE VISITOR March 2013 39
GARDENING flowers, and 'La Grave' has large lavender blue flowers. The greater Periwinkle is as it's name suggests, a larger and more vigorous plant. V.major 'Variegata' is an excellent plant with creamy edged dark green
leaves and violet-purple flowers. This does well as ground cover in larger, wilder areas of the garden working well with early flowering spring bulbs and under flowering shrubs and roses. Vincas are relatively easy to
Jobs for the Month
All types of Fencing • Gates • Trellis • Fence Panels • Tool Sheds • Summer Houses • Garages • Workhouses • Greenhouses • Field Shelters All Buildings are hand-made at Bourton using Scandinavian Redwood Shiplap Timber. Bourton, Gillingham on the old A303 Nr. Zeals For Free Survey/Estimate/Brochure
Telephone 01747 840752 Approved contractor to Dorset & Somerset C.C.
grow and tolerate most conditions; they are fully hardy and will grow in almost any soils provided it is not bone dry or permanently boggy. They are really good at colonising the shady area under trees and large shrubs when it makes a good substitute for grass. An all-round good plant. Growing your own? Then now is definitely the time to engage and get started. Like most people you will probably not have done a great deal as yet, and the first job is to select that part of the garden you intend using this year. Most of us don’t have vast acres to choose from, so pick the best you can. Open sunny places are
QUALiFiED ARBORiST
ALL ASPECTS OF TREE CARE AND DANGEROUS TREE REMOVAL
TREE PLANTiNG
PHONE: NORTH CADBURY 440660
40 THE VISITOR March 2013
Utilise the generous grants now available to restock neglected woodland or areas of wasteground
generally more productive. The soil can be improved with addition of grit and organic manure. If you have time, energy and the materials then raised beds are worth making. They don’t have to be too big, even 1m x 50cm would make a useful space, and raised beds are so much more productive as they are easier to cultivate and maintain. If you are working on small beds then sow some early leaf crops indoors to get a head start, quick maturing salads and spinach are usually successful. Root crops such as early carrots and beetroot are usually best sown direct as they don’t transplant quite so well. Potato growers should have their selected seed potatoes set out in a light frost free place to chit [let the shots start to grow]. Fits early varieties can probably be planted out early to mid March if the weather is good and the soil temperature is rising. A soil thermometer is a good investment for an accurate measurement of what the soil is doing. Ideally the temperature should be over 7ºC and rising. Onion sets and
GARDENING shallots can go in now as they are quite tough. Birds love to pull them out as they start to grow so either firm them in really well or protect them with a layer of fleece until, they have put roots down. It’s as well to get vegetable areas tided up, perennial weeds dug out and the ground forked over to loosen it up. The standard advice is to add organic matter, and if you make your own then there is good and not so good stuff.
Good is well rotted – dark and crumbly, it invites you to let a handful trickle through your fingers. Not so good is coarse, or wet material that sits in great lumps; this would need longer in the compost heap to be broken down into useful material. You can of course spread it around more mature fruit trees and bushes but it won’t be much use in a seed bed. If you don’t make your own then buy a good bagged
QUaLity fenCing PaneLS anD tiMBer
compost, preferably peat free for general garden use. Fertilizer is the other debating point. If you grow organically then you need to be thinking about soil
structure; making sure the soil is in ‘good heart’, that it is well fed and cared for. You can feed with the well-rotted, use pelleted poultry manure or seaweed meal.
Alan Dodge BSc
CLANVILLE SAWMILLS LTD Clanville • Castle Cary (on the B3153) Monday to Thursday - 8am to 5pm Friday - 8am to 4pm
Castle Cary (01963) 350881
LEE HOLMES
Independent Garden Machinery Specialist Sales – Service – repair
MaD MarCh offerS LM56SP 22-inch gardencare Mower
Briggs & Stratton 625 engine Collect / Mulch / Side Discharge only
£399 inc. vaT
atCo gt30M ride-on Mower
Small enough to go through a 36-inch gate ... yet large enough to maintain a good sized lawn ■ Cutting Width 30-inches ■ Twin Blade ■ Direct Collect from
£1799 inc. vaT
including ...
FRee Tow Hitch FRee Front Bumper FRee Mulching Kit
worth £200
15 Cary Court, Bancombe Business Park
SOMErtOn tel: 01458 274261 www.independentgardenmachinery.co.uk THE VISITOR March 2013 41
GARDENING Blood fish and bone is a good source of nitrogen as well as potash and phosphate; an organic equivalent of Growmore assuming that organic in this context means something derived from material that had grown rather than manufactured. Bone meal on its own has little nitrogen in it but makes a good slow release fertilizer ideal for use when planting trees, shrubs and perennials. Here’s a few other jobs to tackle – if you have a pond check the plants in baskets before they start to grow. If they need dividing and replanting use an aquatic compost. Well-established pond plants can be fed; use a special aquatic plant tablet that is formulated for pond use and doesn’t encourage the growth of algae.
Top dress and containers with permanent planting using some fresh potting compost and a general purpose slow release fertilizer such as Vitax Q4 or Osmacote, or a rose fertilizer like Top Rose. Pruning to be done includes dogwoods and bushy willows to keep them in check and encourage lots of new growth. Any early flowering shrubs are usually pruned after they have flowered; the classic example is Forsythia, but leave early summer flowering shrubs well alone as you will only spoil the show. Finally the lawn; give it a light trim on a dry day and see what treatment it needs. A complete weed, feed and mosskill will sort most problems especially if used along side a good raking over and aeration using a fork.
for all your Tool hire requirements including Mini digger hire and garden Machinery Higher Farm, Sutton, Ditcheat Tel: 01749 860199 • Mob: 0777 163 2221
Podimore Recycling Ltd Suppliers of Quality Recycled Aggregates
toP SoiL / SUB SoiL Crushed Concrete All types of Stone • Sand • Tarmac Road Plannings and Screened Top Soil Small Tip for Clean Building Rubble & Bricks Small & Large Quantities Collected or Delivered Site Clearance Specialist • Tipping Facilities Tipper Lorries • 180° - 360° excavators Fully Mobile Crusher and Screener Hire Barns Down • Farm Yard Demolition Yards Crushed • Stone Supplied Digger anD CrUSher hire aVaiLaBLe tel / fax: 01935 849250 Mobile: 07973 844145
ReCyCLiNG FOR THe eNViRONMeNT
EastEr IssuE PrOMOtE your sErVICEs here ...
tel: 01963 351256
or email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk Easter Issue: Published - Tuesday 26th March Deadline - Friday 15th March 42 THE VISITOR March 2013
the end bit... SELDOM do mistakes appear in the Blackmore Vale Magazine, but when one did, in the 15th February issue, it did it in a big, big way. For pages 34, 43, 46, 107, 110 and 119 were nowhere to be seen. Instead, pages 36, 41, 48, 105, 112 and 117 each appeared twice, which doubtless pleased those whose advertisements were duplicated but infuriated those whose ads failed to appear at all. Clearly something went awry between page make-up and printing and nobody spotted the problem before it was too late. Why not, you might well ask, but the likely response will be to place the blame on computers rather than the people who operate them. How, I wonder, did this intriguing piece from the February issue of The Conduit Magazine find its way into print. Promoting the magazine’s Dinner Club it stated that ‘the next meal is at The Queen’s Arms, Corton Denham on Tuesday 5th February. If you are interested in coming to this evening in November or would like more details ring . . .’ I doubt whether
any Conduit readers will be interested in waiting nine months for the next meal. Here’s a howler from the 28th January issue of the Western Daily Press that the sub-editor should have spotted and corrected. In a story about flood warnings the reporter wrote: ‘Rising temperatures of up to 12C sparked a rapid thaw of the snow and ice which has built up in the recent cold snap, further exasperating potential flooding problems.’ There are several things the rising temperatures could have done to the problems but exasperating them is certainly not one of them. ‘Irritate intensely, infuriate, enrage’? I think not. ‘Exacerbating’ – ‘making worse’ – is the verb the reporter and the sub should learn. The editor’s decision is final, and I respect that. Someone has to be accountable for what appears in a newspaper and what prominence it is given. But in the day-to-day graft of putting a paper together it is often hacks lower down the chain of command who take the decisions, and sometimes I wonder about their objectivity. The Western Daily Press of 14th February is an interesting example. On page 21 we read that ‘the FTSE 100 Index closed at its highest level since May 2008’ and that ‘sentiment on the London blue-chip market was boosted by a bigger-thanexpected rise in eurozone industrial production in December’. And on page 19 that ‘fashion clothing retailer SuperGroup has revealed a solid
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.
Send Details to: The Visitor, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7BG 25p per word (£3 minimum) - pre-payment essential If you require a receipt a s.a.e. must be enclosed with payment
Classified ads
NAME ........................................................................................................................................................................ ADDRESS ................................................................................................................................................................. Tel: ............................................................................. Cheque Enclosed for £ .................... Minimum £3
sales performance over the festive period and January’ and ‘total group sales for the last four months of 2012 increased by 12.3 per cent to £115.1m’. On page 18 the paper reported the leading business body, the CBI, as saying ‘a rise in job vacancies and an improvement in business sentiment since its last forecast suggested the economy would avoid another recession and grow 0.3 per cent in the first quarter of this year’. And on the same page the lead story reported Bank of England governor Sir Mervyn King’s statement that ‘the UK economy is set for a recovery’ and ‘the Bank does not expect a tripledip recession’. In contrast, a front page story reported a study by the Office of National Statistics showing that ‘average earnings peaked in 2009 but since then wage increases have been outstripped by inflation’. And it quotes Paul Kenny, general secretary of the GMB union, as saying ‘this explains why the economy is heading towards a triple-dip recession’. It’s possible that Mr Kenny knows something that the Bank of England, the Confederation of British Industry,
Solution to February
Sudoku
SuperGroup and the dealers on the Stock Exchange don’t know, but it seems unlikely. But who in the newsroom chose to run the bad news story on the front page and tuck the good news away on page 18 and beyond? And why? Chronicler.
Westland Zoo
Unfortunately for us, the animals at the zoo and his numerous followers, Woody Woodpecker has decided to hang up his quill and will no longer be writing his popular monthly column here in The Visitor. (Was that a huge sigh of relief I heard coming from the region of Lysander Road?) Woody’s column was lighthearted, sometimes serious, and always interspersed with the odd joke or two, and it was enjoyed by many. I would just like to take this opportunity to thank him for his ‘zoo’ contributions over the decades and to wish him all the best for the future.
Answers to pop music quiz on page 32 1. Rose Royce 2. Cyndi Lauper 3. Joni Mitchell 4. Edwyn Collins 5. ‘Love The One You’re With’ (Crosby Stills Nash & Young)
6. ‘Kaiser Chiefs’ 7. Sandy Shaw 8. Johnny Logan 9. ‘Fleetwood Mac’ 10. Prince Bonus Question ‘Please, Please, Me’
Mobile Homes
MOBILE HOMES
From £1000 • large choice of sizes
DELiVERY ARRANGED Big Sales Site Open 7 Days • 2 miles west of Shaftesbury
Blackmore Vale Leisure Tel: 01747 851497 www.bmvcaravans.co.uk
Mobile Bars / Catering HARRy’S MOBiLe BARS, all occasions, weddings, parties, etc. Tel: 01747 825553 harry@bars4u.plus.com www.harrysmobilebars.co.uk BAKeRS ARMS MOBiLe BARS - 25 years experience, all occasions. Call Lee: 07834 788073.
Passport Photographs PASSPORTS - PASSPORTS PASSPORTS and i.D. Any legislative size. Any time to suit you. easy parking. Tel: Graham Cox, Photographer, 01458 223769.
Holiday Cottage 2 BeDROOM Holiday Cottage, Watchet, sleeps four, dogs welcome. www.malthouse-cout-watchet.com for special discounts. Tel: 07967 157735.
Meeting Place
genuine Male Would like to meet female for friendship, possible relationship, 35 – 45 years old, non smoker.
Tel: 07929 066821
Dance / Fitness Classes LeARN to DANCe / GeT FiT, Milford Hall, yeovil. Sundays 7 – 8 modern ballroom, 8.30 – 9.30 popular sequence. Tuesdays 7 – 8 beginners sequence, 8 – 10.15 popular sequence. Wednesdays 9.45 – 10.45 ballroom, 11.15 – 12.15 new hop sequence. Tel: 01935 424164, Rita
Wanted ReDuNDANT MOTOR MOWeRS, rotavators, chainsaws, strimmers, cement mixers, etc. Tel: 01460 77844. DAVe BuyS ALL TyPeS OF TOOLS, useable / collectable. Sheds & workshops cleared. Tel: 01935 428975. ALL SPORTS PROGRAMMeS and books, memorabilia and ephemera – especially football. Large collections welcome. Cash paid. Tel: Clive 01749 675456. CLASSiCAL LPs from 1950 – 1970, also rock, jazz & singles. Whole collections sought by private collector. Ring: 07969 489259. 1960s / 70s PLASTiC TOy SOLDieRS, knights, cowboys, castles, garden. Timpo trains. Tractors. WW1 helmets, posters. Tel: 07823 443474.
GUNS WANTED
By registered Firearms Dealer Rifles • Shotguns Air Rifles • Air Pistols Any Condition We collect in any area
Tel: 07970 742471
Situations Vacant FRee TRAiNiNG with TABS, yeovil. employability, Maths, english, CSCS, FLT, SAGe. Call 01935 411711.
T.V. Rental T.V. ReNTAL - long or short term, domestic & commercial, up to 50-inch plasma. H. R. Hodge. Tel: 01460 240645.
Musical MuSiCAL iNSTRuMeNTS - brass, woodwind and strings, for sale and rental. Tel: 07974 412269.
Storage STORAGe for furniture in locked cubicles. Lock-up garages to let. Tel: Sparkford Storage on 01963 440045 or 440526 or 440692.
Bungalow For Sale SOuTH PeTHeRTON Well situated bungalow, mid-terrace quiet location, in excellent decorative order. Would suit retired person. No forward chain. £124,500 Tel: 01935 881909.
THE VISITOR March 2013 43
phoNe - a - FirM transport & storage The key to all your storage needs! Fully insured Storage at Highly Competitive Rates Call us today for a quote!
01963 440045 www.sparkfordstorage.com
• Open 7 Days a Week • 20 Years Established Family Business • Modern Burglar-Alarmed Warehouses • Professional & Reliable Service • Removals To and From Storage • Self Store with Easy Access • Cubicle and Crate Storage • Friendly, Helpful Staff High Street, Sparkford, nr. Yeovil, Somerset BA22 7QJ Tel: 01963 440045 / 440526 / 440692
security
Domestic appliances
Pe
PReMieR eLeCtRiCs Est. 34 yrs
COvERING THE SOuTH LOCALLY Kitchen appliance sales & Repairs Ø Repairs to all leading brands of Kitchen appliances Ø 12 months guarantee on all repairs Ø Diagnostic work charged unless work undertaken Ø 24 hour service Ø OAP discounts
teLePHONe: 01935 609300 / 01747 470212 / 01460 220660 / 01458 298212 For your nearest technician
taylors domestic
Appliances ltd. Sales & Repairs for Dishwashers, Washing Machines, Cookers, Tumble Driers etc. Ridge View, Penmore Road Sandford Orcas DT9 4SE Professional repairs by qualified engineer on most makes of appliances.
01963 220366 Email: info@tda.uk.com Covering the areas between Wincanton Castle Cary, Sparkford, Sherborne and Yeovil
Maintenance and repairs yOu cAN’T I cAN PAul chEdzOy Property & garden Maintenance
decorating, Gardening, Building and General d.i.y.
01935 472669 ... or
07884 345511
email: ucantican07@aol.com
Trading for over 5 years CuSTOMER REFEREnCES AvAILABLE
A. Hamilton
Sliding sash window specialist Repairs - Refurbishments - Replacements
services GOOD POTATOES Takeaway Bags of Coal • Calor Gas Car & Van Rental Competitive Prices Anchor Hill Service Station WiNCANTON 01963 32609
Electrical Contractors MainStoneS ElEctrical contractorS Industrial, Commercial & Domestic Installations Station Road, Bruton national Inspection Council for Somerset BA10 0EH Electrical Installation Contracting Tel: (01749) 812316 Mobile: 07885 625456
M.R.T. Electrics (Michael Trinder)
Complete Installations and Repairs Full Testing including Portable Appliances Domestic & Commercial All Jobs Considered
Qualified to Advanced City & Guilds Level
Tel: 01935 863071 www.sashwindowtlc.co.uk
• • • • • • • • •
SerViCeS
Exterior and interior decorating Gutters cleared and cleaned High level painting and cleaning Conservatories washed down Removal of disused sky dishes and cabling Repointing of stone and brickwork Patios cleaned Many other jobs undertaken no v.A.T. competitive rates for seniors
Contact JaMeS CaDe on 01963 34272 or 07967 307179
Preservation
MAPLE PRESERVATION
07740 628861 01747 829574
• Damp Control • Timber Treatments • Dry Rot • Condensation Control • 30 year Bonded Guarantee
Say you saw it in The Visitor
Tel: Gillingham 01747 826960 Mobile: 07881 504426
Free Quotation
44 THE VISITOR March 2013
Complete windows or just repairs. Rotten wood replaced, new sills, re-puttying, sashes unstuck, broken hardware and sash cords replaced, draught-sealing, rattles eliminated.
phoNe - a - FirM Cleaning
your guide to local services
roofing
JPC Cleaning services Friendly Cleaning Specialist 20 Years Experience – Fully Insured
PARKS
ROOFING LTD.
Regular Weekly & Fortnightly Home Cleans
SLATiNG & TiLiNG SpeCiALiSTS
OnE-OFF SPrinG ClEAnS Window Cleaning ✴ Carpet Cleaning Mobile Car valeting
Specialists in period and listed properties
tel: 01935 474772 or 07896 967943 www.jpccleaning.co.uk
Leadwork Chimneys Fascias Gutters Flat Roofs
26 Stembridge, nr. Kingsbury, Martock TA12 6BN Telephone: 01460 240229 • Mobile: 07917 411961
Building
Dave Hoddinott FuLLy QuALiFieD BuiLDeR - eSTABLiSHeD 1973
• Renovations & Extensions • Roofing + Carpentry • Plumbing & Heating • Ceramic Wall & Floor Tiling • Painting & Decorating • Electrical Contracting Competitive Prices - No Job Too Big or Too Small frienDLy & reLiaBLe SerViCe
Tel: (01963) 440256
24 hour emergency call out
Dentures
DeNtURe RePaiRs While You Wait Collection & Delivery Denture advice Mr. C. Dunn
MDS Builders
Registered Dental Technician
01749 812585 www.dunndental.co.uk
• Complete Refurbishments • Extensions • Landscaping • Painting & Decorating Tel: Gillingham 01747 822692 Mobile: 07594 524602 Email: MDSbuilders.org@gmail.com
are you a denture wearer? De to m nture smi ake y s o le a gain u !
Denture repairs while you wait ...
www.mdsbuilders.org
teRRY NeW DeNtaL
“ a professional service from one who cares”
Home visits a speciality
01458 210039
aPriL DeaDLine Friday 15th March 01963 351256
For all your roofing requirements
flat roofing • tiling • Slating grP roofing All New Work Fully Guaranteed
For further information & estimates contact Allan Carey
01963 33528 / 07885 723915 Email: allancarey541@hotmail.com
Bourton roofing Co.
Oven Cleaning
01747 840064
Independent Oven Cleaning Specialist Ovens - Hobs - Agas etc
Slate Tiling Flat Roofing. uPvC Fascias Guttering FREE ES T i M AT ES
... or 07866 296453 Email: info@bourtonroofing.co.uk
Clock repairs CLOCk REPAiRS Antique and Modern Clock Repairs. Free pick up and delivery 40 years experience
Tel (01935) 477582
Communications Westline Communications Business Telecom Specialist For all your telecom needs For free, friendly and professional advice call ...
John Penny on 07976 967349 www.westlinecoms.co.uk
29,000 CoPieS MonthLy
Shouldn’t you be advertising here?
Mister Oven
Tel: 01935 475065 Mob: 07752 695264 www.misteroven.co.uk
Driving tuition FASTRAckdRIVINg.cO.uk Pete Martin THe SPeCiALiST for ... intensive Courses + Off Road Facilities for under 17s
tel: 01749 860010 07962 401166
Your advert Here ... thiS SPaCe CoStS JUSt £14.40 + Vat per month to PLaCe yoUr aDVert
tel: 01963 351256
THE VISITOR March 2013 45
phoNe - a - FirM
your guide to local services tV & radio aerials
Plastering
Fires/Chimneys
SANDPITS
HEATING & HOME STORE
DaVe ParMiter aeriaLS
Multifuel Stoves ... over 200 on display Chimneys Relined ★ Full Installation Service HETAS • OFTEC • GAS SAFE
TV AeRiAL SeRViCe SATeLLiTe / ViDeO SySTeMS CCTV SySTeMS - PeRSONAL SeRViCe
✴ Chimney Sweeping Service ✴ Showrooms Open: Monday to Friday 8am – 5.30pm and Saturday 8am – 4.30pm Email: enquiries@sandpitsheatingcentre.co.uk www.sandpitsheatingcentre.co.uk
High Street, Curry Rivel, Langport 01458 251476
SOLID FUEL INSTALLATIONS LTD WOOD BURNERS & MULTI FUEL STOVES FLEXIBLE S/S LINERS TWIN WALLED CHIMNEY SYSTEMS VITREOUS FLUES REGISTRY PLATES MADE TO MEASURE FIRE PLACES AND HEARTHS CLAY CHIMNEY POTS COWLINGS • BIRDGUARDS BUILDING WORK CCTV CAMERA SURVEYS • SWEEPING INSURANCE REPORTS FULLY INSURED & QUALIFIED INSTALLERS
« Picture framing « Restoration « Large selection of prints & paintings « Greeting Card Blanks High st. Gillingham tel 01747 824050
Friday 15th March 01963 351256
1.
9. 10.
Correct entries are placed in a hat and the winner is the first name drawn. The prize is a £10 voucher to spend with any one advertiser in this issue of The Visitor - please do not forget to state your choice of advertiser and your name and address. 7
across
5.
SEND COMPLETED ENTRIES TO: The Visitor Crossword, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7BG to arrive by Friday 15th March.
6
8
11. 12. 13. 15. 18.
9
10
19. 21. 11
12
23. 13
14
15
16
25. 26.
17
27. 18
21
19
22
23
25
20
28.
46 THE VISITOR March 2013
28
Extremely grand surroundings for cavalry weapon as a quick peek was taken. [7] Reels as rubbish-containers near a shilling. [7] Some pilau rice related to gold. [5] One who writes his name? Notice a conservative! [9] Groom's partner follows helium before article about Scotland's isles. [9] Multitude with a decorative plant. [5] Save object falling, held by cleric at church. [5] Fraction of hill-top for bird? [9] In reverse, WD ask crab to move around. [9] Pleasing paintwork in inside corridor. [5] Shrewd by first light as tree appears. [5] Chopped date with chips for place for a trainee. [9] Rafter no-one trimmed p.m. [9] Royals at home, surrounded by masses. [5] Pushes endless article becoming corroded. [7] Evil employments connected with the nose. [7]
24
Down
26
3.
1. 2.
4. 27
tel: 01963 441232 or Mobile: 07971 676111
aPriL DeaDLine
Set by Frank Butler
5
Competitive rates for all your plumbing needs
www.scenes-online.co.uk
Prize Crossword No. 317
4
Damian hoddinott pluMBing services
sCeNes
Solidfuel3@aol.com
3
Plumbing
Artist Materials & Gallery
07921 074602
2
NO CALL-OuT CHARGe
Framing
We are a small family-run business and can offer very competitive rates
1
Tel: YEOViL (01935) 422088 or mobile 07850 405433
East Lydford 01963 240185 or Mobile 07811 211586
5. 6.
Chair GP adjusted is clear. [7] Arabic cot shaken like a tumbler. [9] In magic act I find prickly plants. [5] Wall colouring shows as Sid returns with rage. [9] Started to plead with article. [5] Turner inbred talked rot. [9]
7. 8. 14. 16. 17. 18. 20. 22. 23. 24.
Smoothes as is around little Ronald. [5] Signal reflected from the ionosphere will always vary at first in Skye. [3-4] What muddle with hooters used as hedging. [9] Animals which do not migrate tear around edge before first sighting. [9] Pack crew for ordinary sailors. [4-5] Splendid dance as time briefly restored stability at sea. [7] Times of ease, father included, meant meals. [7] Reversible turner. [5] Cuts short the harvests. [5] Symbol: all right about half a score? No, the other way around! [5]
solution to Crossword 316
THE WINNER of our Crossword 316 was Mrs. D. Snow of Gillingham, who chose to spend the £10 voucher at Andrew Barclay Butchers of Wincanton.
★ Contemporary or traditional
★ Wet room specialists
RAYBURN Good Food• Hot BatHs• Warm Home “Highly efficient and truly versatile”
Beat tHe marcH Price increase Combined with our Discount Offer and Trade-In Offer on any cast iron or steel based cooker or central heating boiler when purchasing a new
★ Free design and planning
★ Project management from conception to completion
★ Professional and friendly service
Call in at our showroom to disCuss your personal requirements ... Ashley Helyar at Simply Bathrooms & Bedrooms The Old Bakery Half Moon Street SHerBOrne DT9 3Ln
Solid Fuel • oil • GaS Working Model on Display ★ Various Colours in the Showroom Full Installation Service available - HEtaS Gas Safe - OFtEC registered
woodBURNeR
Warm & inviting and ecologically sound over 200 on diSplay Full Fitting Service Flues & Chimneys Relined
Contact
(Through Archway by Half Moon Inn)
Tel: 01935 817111 or 817119
www.SimplyBathAndBed.co.uk • info@SimplyBathAndBed.co.uk
High Street, Curry Rivel 01458 251476
End- o f Prom -Season Selec otions on ted M odels
Open Monday - Friday 8am - 5.30pm, Saturday 8am - 4.30pm VISIT LIVING PRETTY TEAROOMS & INTERIORS
www.sandpitsheatingcentre.co.uk
BE SECURE ... ■ Protect your property with our robust range of timber gates & doors ■ Wide range of designs and finishes ■ Locking bars and double mortice locks fitted on request ■ Prompt production and installation
Sparkford Yeovil Somerset BA22 7LH
Tel: 01963 440414
Visit our website: www.sparkford.com to see our extensive range or call in to discuss your requirements
KITCHENS
RANGES We are your local range cooker specialists Stockists of most leading brands
Stove ★ Rangemaster Belling ★ Falcone Britannia Gas – Electric – Dual – Induction
Designed to suit your lifestyle! Contemporary or traditional FrEE PlannInG ★ FrEE EStImatES Quality – Choice – Value
REPLACEmENT DooRS
Fresh ! ideas
Whatever your taste we have the choice!
APPLIANCES For a full range of household appliances from leading manufacturers ...
Your old kitchen transformed at a fraction of the cost of a new kitchen ■ 1000s of styles, designs and finishes on doors and handles ■ modern high gloss through to traditional wood finishes ■ Installation service available
Washing Machines Refrigeration Tumble Dryers Cookers American Style Energy Efficient Built-in / Free Standing Why not add a splash of colour? Contemporary ranges available
Free local delivery – installation available – excellent customer service competitive pricing – excellent choice – call in at our showrooms
Homemaker, Longmead Industrial Estate, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 8PL Tel: 01747 851476 shaftesbury@myhomemaker.co.uk ♥ www.myhomemaker.co.uk ♥ Also at Bath and Warminster