The Visitor Magazine Issue 371 October 2014

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Issue 371 October 2014

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Bell ringers aim to break a WORLD RECORD at South Petherton on Saturday 11th October Full details page 6

Twelve new bells were cast for St. Peter & St. Paul’s Church in 1998.

St. Peter & St. Paul’s Church.

O OW N E SAL

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In Passing ...

A

STEAM locomotive hauling an express train at speed can certainly draw the crowds, as spectators or passengers. This summer photographers flocked to the trackside to capture on film, video and audiotape this year’s Weymouth Seaside Express excursions as they passed through Visitorland from Bristol on several Sundays, and the trains appeared to be well-patronised.

Railways evoke nostalgia and the interest in steam shows no signs of diminishing.

Nowadays preserved lines and locomotives are major tourist attractions, and most of the tourists are not railway enthusiasts.

Many are parents showing their children the railways as they themselves like to remember them, conveniently forgetting that in the steam days of 50 years ago the trains were dirtier, noisier, slower and less frequent than they are today.

Here in Visitorland the Yeovil Railway Centre is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. It was originally established to preserve the old Southern Railway turntable at Yeovil Junction and provide other facilities for preserved steam locomotives operating on the main line. It has grown over the years and now has a substantial engine shed and workshop, a visitor centre in the old Great Western Railway goods transfer shed, and a shop selling a wide variety of new and secondhand books, DVDs, model railways and souvenirs. Plus a short length of track to provide steam train rides on selected dates during the year, including Santa Specials on five dates in December. For details of these and other events visit www.yeovil railway.freeservers.com or phone 01935 410420.

And the Gartell Light Railway at Yenston, between Henstridge and Templecombe, is a narrow gauge line laid on the trackbed of the old Somerset and Dorset Railway, where steam-hauled trains can be enjoyed at regular open days. The trains are operated in the same way as their full-size counterparts, with every train movement governed by an array of signals controlled from two signalboxes, making it a working museum of traditional

railway practice. Like the Yeovil Railway Centre, the Gartell Railway has grown since its inception, with the line being extended, a visitor centre and souvenir shop being opened and the magnificent Pines buffet and function room being built. In addition to serving the railway this is also a well-equipped venue for events, exhibitions, wedding receptions and other private functions. Santa Specials are being run in December and details of these and other events can be found on www.glr-online.co.uk or by phoning 01963 370752.

Both railways are fast becoming important family-oriented attractions in this corner of South Somerset. By nurturing young children’s interest in trains it will perhaps encourage them to use the railways as a means of travel when they are older and, hopefully, tempt some of them to get actively involved in preserving some part of our railway history for future generations to enjoy.

NN.

Advertising Deadlines

November Edition published Thursday 30th October Deadline Friday 17th October 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 The Visitor Ltd.

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

For advertisement sizes see our Rate Card.

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

PO Box 1, Castle Cary Somerset BA7 7BG

Ltd.

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. 2014

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

CONTENTS

Our FRONT COVER is almost entirely due to a record in the making

ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLASSIFIED - 60 ANTIQUES & COLLECTING - 6 BRUTON - 8 BUSINESS - 56 CARING for the ELDERLY - 19 CROSSWORD - 62 EDUCATION - 11 FESTIVE VENUES & MENUS - 39 GARDENING - 46 GILLINGHAM - 12 HOUSE & HOME including Warm Homes - 25 LEISURE & TRAVEL - 16 LETTERS - 5 LOOKING GOOD & FEELING FINE ... a new look for autumn - 32 MENTIONED in DISPATCHES - 6 MOTORING - 18 MUSIC for the MONTH - 17 NOTICE BOARD - 38 PAPERCHASE - 59 PHONE-A-FIRM - 60 PUBS - 36 THEY SAY - 38 WE HEAR - 7 WINE & DINE - 58 YEOVIL Independent Traders - 49 Drawings by GEOFF THOMPSON

THE VISITOR October 2014 3

ANDREW BARCLAY TRADITIONAL FAMILY BUTCHERS 45 High Street, Wincanton, Somerset BA9 9JU Tel: 01963 34880 • Fax: 01963 31249

NATURALLY REARED MEAT ...

SOURCED FROM THE WEST COUNTRY ★ BEEF from Clanville Manor and Roundhill Farm ★ SAM’S LAMB from Charlton Musgrove ★ FREE RANGE PORK from Somerset ★ FREE RANGE CHICKEN & DUCK from Creedy Carver

Half Lambs

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PHEASANT PARTRIDGE GROUSE WILD DUCK

VENISON Haunch – Steaks Diced Stewing Chunks DICED MIXED GAME

PIGEON RABBITS HARE

Delicious Home Made CAKES, DESSERTS, PIES, QUICHES and SCOTCH EGGS

ORDERS TAKEN FOR OUR MEAT AT NORTH CADBURY VILLAGE STORES

Large selection of Local Cheeses inc. Award Winning Montgomery Mature Cheddar & Keen’s Cheddar

Wadman’s World Famous Cream ... from their Jersey Herd

ANNAMMA’S CUISINE ...

Homemade Authentic Southern Indian Curry Sauces made locally by a delightful Indian Lady

Free Range Chicken & Duck Eggs

WE TAKE ALL MAJOR CREDIT AND DEBIT CARDS

DAILY DELIVERIES TO THE SURROUNDING AREA

4 THE VISITOR October 2014

Letters To the Editor Hearing Aid Clinic

Sir, May I let your readers know about our hearing aid clinics in Mere, Shaftesbury and Gillingham please?

If readers have a hearing aid issued from Salisbury hospital we can help with batteries, changing the tubing, support to use the hearing aid, cleaning and information on maintaining the aid.

The clinics are run by volunteers and are free and all we ask is they bring along their brown battery record book or white battery record card that the hospital issues with the aid.

We are at Mere doctor’s surgery on the first Thursday of the month from 10am to 11.30am.

We are at Gillingham Town Hall on the first Tuesday of the month from 10am to 12pm.

We are at Shaftesbury Westminster Memorial Hospital on the first Friday of the month from 10am to 12pm.

Appointments aren’t required.

New volunteers are always needed and welcome and if you would like more information please call me on 01722 580014 or email: gillian.drayson@ hearingloss.org.uk Gill Drayson Action on Hearing Loss (charity number 207720) P O Box 2291 Durrington SP4 5AF

Charity Theatre Trips: October

Sir, Our latest reservation is for Matthew Bourne’s brilliant transformation of Bizet’s opera, Carmen, aptly re-named The Car Man. We go on the evening of Thursday 25 May, £38. Choice of Circle or Stalls.

October is Pantomime booking time. This year it is Dick Whittington, and features CBeebies’ Mr Bloom (Ben Faulks) and Britain’s got talent 2012 Ashleigh and her dog Pudsey (I thought Dick Whittington had a cat, but what do I know?) Sunday

5 Jan 2015 5pm matinee, Ad. £39 Ch. £27.

Bristol Hippodrome still has availability for: Welsh National Opera’s Carmen on Wed 12 Nov and William Tell on Sat 15 Nov, £44; Calamity Jane on Thurs 23 Oct, £34; Coppélia on Thurs 6 Nov, £44; Wicked, Thurs 19 Mar evening, £50.

Bookings for all of the above should be made as soon as possible.

Other shows still available: Welsh National Opera’s Hansel and Gretel on Saturday 11 April, £44; Lord of the Dance, Dangerous Games, Wed 13 May, £47; The Full Monty, Thurs 16 Apr, £36.

We pick up in Curry Rivel, Langport and Somerton. Then either Keinton Mandeville and Shepton Mallet, or Street, Glastonbury and Wells, depending on bookings.

Book by e-mail to coxtheatretrips@btinternet.com, on line at www.theatretrips. webeden.co.uk or phone 01458 273085.

Chris Cox 2 Camden Road Somerton TA11 6RN

Can Anybody Help?

Sir, I wonder if you can help me.

I believe that you had a contributor to your magazine back in the mid 1990s called Stewart Daniels who was then already in his early 80s. He lived in The Hollies on St Michaels Avenue.

Stewart had a long period of correspondence with my Dad during that time, and when my Dad died I half threatened, half promised, that one day the best bits of his letters would see the light of day again. Stewart had a wife called Betty who he called his 'child bride' but I believe Betty wasn't more than a decade younger than him, so it's possible that both Stewart and Betty are no longer with us. On the other hand, they may be! I wonder if you can give me any clue as to weather either of them are still with us or if they have any living relatives still in the area?

Angie Scarr Plaza de Andalucia 1 21668 Huelva, Spain Email: angie_scarr@yahoo.es.

PONY / RECREATIONAL PADDOCKS FOR SALE at DEAN

Between Shepton Mallet and Frome TWO PADDOCKS, approximately 4.5 acres each, South facing, set 150 metres back from main road in a peaceful setting with pleasant views over surrounding countryside in an excellent horse riding area as each paddock has a direct access onto a well used bridle path, leading to a network of other bridle paths, large public Woodlands + quiet country roads. Both paddocks have good free draining soil, water, + planning passed for mixed equestrian + agricultural use. Wide, stoned, main road access, + both paddocks have wide stoned tracks along their full lengths.

In a Neighbourhood Watch area. Assistance with fencing, ménage building, etc. if required.

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Castle Cary Museum Happy 40th Birthday!

Sir, Through The Visitor I would like to thank everyone who supported our successful Coffee Morning on 9th August.

The Museum Stewards and other helpers were wonderful, supplying cakes and prizes for both the Draw and Tombola. It appeared everyone enjoyed the morning, especially one young lady who did extremely well on the Tombola!

Don’t forget the Museum is open during October (the last month of the 2014 season). There are Permanent Exhibitions of John Boyd Textiles, The Horsehair Factory; Douglas Macmillan, Macmillan Cancer Trust and Parson Woodforde, writer of Diary of a Country Parson.

This Season’s Exhibitions include 100 years - World War 1 and 50 years - Centaur Services Veterinary Wholesale Ltd. Why not take a walk down Memory Lane in the Agricultural Room which includes a Hand Plough, Treadle Drive Dentists Drill, different types of Weighing Scales and various styles of Irons to name but a few items. You can visit any day of the week plus Saturday mornings and it’s Free Admission.

Special Note – The Museum was started on 4th October 1974 by some very special people of our town. The first displays were in the back of Asher’s Cafe, which is now Needful Things but during those 40 years moved to our present home, 1st Floor of the Market House. We are custodians of their special gift, so please help us keep it for future generations.

Ann Brittain Castle Cary Museum

A Potted History of Castle Cary Carnival

Sir, Many people ask me ‘Why does Castle Cary have a carnival and how did it start’?

My enthusiastic reply is always ‘Carnival started in Castle Cary in 1920/21 as a celebration to welcome back surviving ‘Tommies’ from the First World War. After a decade and into the Depression of the 1930s it ceased but once again the carnival was revived in 1946/47.

Due to a tragic accident after the carnival in 1948 it ceased, only to be revived for a third time in 1977 to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. Since that time it has grown into a magical Illuminated Carnival in the second week of October each year.

This year the Childrens Carnival will start and finish at Castle Cary Primary School. It starts at 3pm with a procession around the town centre. Ann Hallett (Childrens procession organiser) has, with her good team, made this a unique event supported by local schools. Ann was right is making this Childrens Carnival a special event a week before the Illuminated Evening Carnival and the crowds and entries have

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THE VISITOR October 2014 5

Letters To the Editor grown each year.

Due to a delayed start of last years Illuminated Carnival we decided to bring forward the starting time to 7pm from

Ansford Academy. It normally takes an hour from start to finish, so make sure you are on the carnival route at least 30 minutes earlier. The Processions are too good to miss and they come from Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire to make Castle Cary’s Grand Illuminated Carnival.

Gordon Stockman M.B.E. Procession Organiser Galhampton

Appeal for South West Residents to Consider Fostering Siblings

Sir, Action for Children has found that more than a fifth of children in the South West have been separated from their brothers and sisters when placed in foster care. I am joining the charity in asking people from the South West not only to consider fostering, but to consider fostering siblings, so that

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Mentioned in

Dispatches

The Long Ding Dong: Church Bell-ringing at South Petherton - Saturday 11th October 2014

A band of bellringers aims to break a world bell-ringing record at South Petherton’s parish church in October!

Twelve bellringers from all over

the country will meet on Saturday, 11th October to ring 21,216 changes of a method known as Cambridge Surprise Maximus.

If successful, the ringers will break a record set on Birmingham Cathedral’s bells nearly 50 years ago. The 12 highly experienced ringers are subject to rules laid down by the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers. Each ringer has to ring his bell for the whole time without a break. It is expected the record peal attempt will take approximately fourteen hours.

The church will be open

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6 THE VISITOR October 2014

throughout the day for visitors to listen and watch the ringers via video link. Refreshments will be available from 10am until the attempt finishes – with a new world record – at around 9.00pm.

In order to contain the sound within the confines of the churchyard as much as possible, some additional sound control mechanisms will be installed in the tower.

Sponsorship will be shared between Macmillan Cancer Support, the Church and village groups taking part. Visit https://mydonate.bt.com/charities/ southpethertonpcc to sponsor the event.

To find out more, please visit the Church website http://www. southpethertonchurch.org.uk and click on the Star.

Community Shop set to open in Norton-sub-Hamdon after grant awarded

Norton-sub-Hamdon is set to benefit from a Community Shop after being awarded a grant by South Somerset District Council’s Area North Committee.

A community grant to the sum of £9,346 was awarded on Wednesday’s (27 August) Committee meeting to Nortonsub-Hamdon Community Land

children who have had a difficult start in life can heal and grow together.

I was fostered on my own from the age of three and I grew up without my 10 brothers and sisters. Being separated from the people I loved most in this world, from those who protected me and guided me, made me become very quiet and withdrawn. I used to dream that my brothers and sisters would come and find me.

Splitting siblings can cause feelings of loss and abandonment which can affect emotional and mental health. It increases the risk of unstable foster placements and poor performance at school, as well as further problems in adulthood, such as difficulty finding a job, drug and alcohol addiction, homelessness or criminal activity. That is why more people are needed in the South West to provide loving and caring homes to groups of children.

If you would like to find out more about fostering with Action for Children, please phone 0845 200 5162 or visit actionfor children.org.uk.

Richard Farleigh Entrepreneur and Ex-Dragons’ Den Star By email Trust which will help towards the start-up costs of acquiring and operating the village post office and shop.

The post office and shop has provided a vital local service for many years. The current subpostmaster is retiring which has led to a local review of the future provision of a village shop and post office serving Norton and other nearby villages.

Liz Maunder, secretary of the Community Land Trust said, ‘We are very grateful to SSDC, not only for the award of the grant, which is an enormous boost to the project but also for the support of officers and councillors, in particular Cllr Sylvia Seal, our local ward member’.

Councillor Shane Pledger, Area North Chairman said, ‘The social benefits of a local shop are wellevidenced – not to mention the economic value of supporting local producers, and employment and training within the shop itself. A locally managed ‘enterprise’, with the profits re-invested back into the business or associated local services is a model which is gaining national attention for its role in supporting local quality of life’.

The total cost of the project is expected to exceed £57,000, which will acquire the stock, fittings and

Mentioned in

Dispatches equipment with a 6 year lease of the post office and shop at Norton-sub-Hamdon.

Carnival Time - October

Wessex Grand Prix: Gillingham 4th; Castle Cary 11th; Trowbridge 18th; Warminster 25th. South Somerset Federation: Ilminster 4th; Chard 11th, Taunton 18th.

Also: Salisbury 24th.

£3,750 raised for Somerset charity at annual business golf day

Keen golfers from businesses across the county and further afield raised a grand total of £3,750 at this year’s Somerset Chamber charity golf day, with all proceeds going to the Somerset Rural Youth Project.

Almost 60 golfers took part in the 8th annual charity golf day, held on 19th August at Oake Manor Golf Course. The 18 holes were followed by dinner and presentations to the winners, including the winning team, Tower House Business Solutions.

A charity raffle and auction followed, with the auction alone raising over £1,000 for the charity, highlighting the exceptional level of support from those involved.

Winner of the Charity of the Year Award at the 2013 Somerset Business Awards, the Somerset Rural Youth Project is a voluntary youth work charity that engages with and supports young

people aged 11-25 in rural Somerset. It aims to address issues of rural exclusion, isolation and disadvantage that affect young people, increasing the takeup of training and employment opportunities and encouraging community regeneration through good citizenship and participation.

The 2014 Somerset Chamber charity golf day was jointly sponsored by Ntegra (main sponsor), Tower House Business Solutions (1st team sponsor), 1610 Ltd (2nd team sponsor) and Amberley Management Recruitment (3rd team sponsor).

Hole sponsors included Clarks International, Munnelly Support Services and Red Berry Recruitment.

Racing to Salute our Armed Service Personnel and Veterans

Wincanton Racecourse will host a Family and Armed Forces Raceday on Sunday 26th October 2014, with the aim of welcoming those within the Armed Forces, veterans and families to the fantastic sport of horseracing and the first class facilities at Wincanton Racecourse. The day will also be the culmination of a series of fundraising events in aid of Combat Stress in Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire. It will be a spectacular day of highly competitive racing, children’s entertainment, a Beer Festival and a range of innovative fundraising activities and entertainments for Combat Stress. Charity race day packages will be offered to suit all pockets.

Combat Stress is the Veterans’ Mental Health Charity. Founded in 1919, the charity’s aim is to ensure veterans receive the right

Andrew M. Knight

D.O.

Has moved to

mental health care, in the right place, at the right time. As we commemorate the centenary of the First World War, Combat Stress marks its 95th anniversary and is currently supporting more than 5,400 ex-service men and women across the UK, including 519 veterans who have served in Afghanistan.

New Local Job Support for Young People in Martock

Martock Parish Council’s award winning Martock Job Club has teamed up with Martock Youth Centre and The Community Youth Project to deliver a specialist session for young people looking for employment, education and training advice and support.

The open sessions will take place every Tuesday from 12noon – 2pm at Martock Youth Centre and will be aimed at 16 – 25 year olds.

Run by the Job Club Coordinator Tracey Smith and supported by the Community Youth Project staff member Lou Chant, the sessions will offer help and advice to young people who are job seeking, looking for a change of direction, need careers information, want to go to college or even start up their own business.

Job Club Co-ordinator Tracey Smith said ‘Whilst we have open Job Club sessions on a Tuesday and Friday morning we wanted to have a specialist session aimed at this age group so we can offer them some in depth support.

Anyone aged 16 – 25 can come along whatever their needs or requirements – just drop in for a chat and see what we can do.’

For further information or an informal chat contact Tracey on 07908 122185.

Osteopath

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We Hear

That Rosemarie ‘Jenson’ Phillips of Ansford has a new purse ... combination unknown.

That Bradford Abbas Social Club has been succcessfully experimenting with cocktails, and insists that all members now wear Hawaiian shirts.

That the Children’s Hospice South West is opening a large shop in Glastonbury in November.

That Yeovil’s Phil ‘pessimistic’ Oram loves Northampton sausages. They take longer to cook but he never complains, even when the Yorkshire pudding is flat or at the lack of chips.

That Jim Roebuck of Castle Cary takes great interest in German buses and drivers.

That drivers turning right onto the A359 from the North Cadbury turn at Three Ashes have welcomed the removal of hedges on the farm opposite as they can now clearly see traffic approaching from the direction of Bruton.

That when visiting patients at South Petherton Hospital, it is essential you leave the premises promptly. Doors are locked at 8pm sharp and you may find yourself having to request a bed for the night.

That the recent talk by retired pilot Robin Miller, entitled Laughter the Best Medicine, certainly had the Queen Camel Tuesday Group ladies laughing, non-stop for 45 minutes.

That Frank is the welcome new team member at Ben Johnson’s in Shaftesbury and is paid in Bonios.

That Norman Leeks won a Rolls Royce ... windscreen-wiper blade, in his local darts club raffle.

That when a Chiselborough gentleman got the amount of veg wrong in his class at Taunton Flower Show, it was down to age. Does this apply to Tony Perry, chairman of Norton & Chiselborough Show?

The difference between 3 and 5 - it creeps up on us Tony!

That Fazlur Rahman of Wincanton is thinking about opening a drive through takeaway!

That according to the national press Bruton is the new Notting Hill.

That the Pugsley households of Wincanton like Bingo so much they go even when it's not on!

THE VISITOR October 2014 7

THE FISH-AND-CHIPS shop next to the petrol station has closed. The building is now an antiques’ showroom – a sign of how Bruton is changing. Some people attribute it to the arrival of the Hauser and Wirth gallery of contemporary art (Zurich, London, New York – and Bruton!) which has received a lot of attention from the up-market Sunday papers and magazines like Vogue. Others say the town’s upturn came with the establishment of the At the Chapel restaurant in 2008 and the frequent reviews it has received since then in the likes of the Daily Telegraph. Those with longer memories will recall that as long ago as 2003 the London Evening Standard devoted an entire centre-spread to the town, describing it as ‘the Somerset village so adored by London’s trendiest media folk’ where ‘scores of media high-fliers, including magazine editors and theatre folk, have chosen to weekend’. So the change is not new, but it seems to have speeded

BRUTON

up in recent years as more money has moved in. Together with a friend from the Midlands I spent a mild August afternoon taking a closer look.

We started by browsing round Alchemy, the new showroom full of English and European antiques mainly from the 19th century, but although we coveted some of the lovely pieces we were frightened off by the prices. Then it was time for a late lunch, and although fish and chips were still available in the adjacent Rickshaw Chinese Restaurant we opted instead for Truffles Brasserie just around the corner.

What attracted us was that lovely old French practice, the ‘prix fixé’ lunch – two courses from a short but frequently changing menu – and for just £11.95 the meal proved to be very tasty and good value. And we liked the French ambience of the ground-floor room and the pavement seating.

Suitably refreshed, we walked the length of the High Street admiring, as always, the intriguing mixture of

architectural styles and periods wit h a lm ost ev ery b uild ing revealing something of interest.

The preponderance of small independent shops and businesses ensures that the town still has a good range of retailers including a butcher, pharmacy, florist, organic foods shop, post office and convenience store. We stopped to browse around The Garden House, a gift shop full of attractive items for the house as well as the garden, and we looked longingly in the windows of three antiques dealers and a couple of

specialist shops selling an eclectic variety of Victorian prints, memorabilia and curios. In the past such shops must surely have relied on visitors to the town for their survival, but perhaps that has changed in recent years.

Heading down Patwell Street to the River Brue our eyes were drawn to the newly-opened No Naked Windows, a clever name for a business providing bespoke soft furnishings such as curtains, blinds, cushions and rugs. And just beyond we were relieved to find that although Church Bridge

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High Street, Bruton, BA10 0AH

Enjoy Authentic Persian Cuisine in our restaurant

Now under new ownership, Church Bridge Stores could soon become the home of Bruton’s post office which must vacate its High Street premises.

using only the finest Ingredients freshly prepared by our resident Persian chefs

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

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To accompany your meal choose from our new well chosen quality wine list or comprehensively stocked bar Open for Christmas Day Luncheon & Pre-Christmas Parties

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8 THE VISITOR October 2014

Quillon House Antiques

16 HIGH STREET, BRUTON  01749 812269

 17 th / 18 th C. Oak and Country Furniture  Arms & Armoury  Equestrian Paintings  Valuations Undertaken  Antiques Purchased

17th Century Pestle & Mortar in turned walnut

£395

Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 10.00am - 5.30pm

Montague Inn Sean & Suzy welcome you to the ...

Shepton Montague nr. Bruton • Tel: 01749 813213

Come racing with Sean from the Monty

ThUrSDAy 16 OCTOber First Meeting of the Season, lunch, Taxis to and from Course, Premiere enclosure Ticket and race Card, Plus Supper ‒ £40 SUNDAy 26 OCTOber Armed Forces & Families Day, brunch, Taxis to and from Course, Premiere enclosure Ticket and race Card, Plus early Supper ‒ £45 The Montague Inn has sponsored a race on this day

Christmas Party Menus Are NOw AvAIlAble 3 Courses £24.50 10% Discount Monday to Thursday

SATUrDAy 8 NOveMber badger Day, breakfast, Taxis to and from Course, Premiere enclosure Ticket and race Card, Plus early Supper ‒ £45

Please book with Sean at least 2 days prior to race day

Trafalgar Night Dinner SATUrDAy 18 OCTOber

guest Speaker Admiral Sir Michael layard KCb Cbe In aid of The Armed Forces Charity Battle Stress. booking essential ‒ £75 includes Meal, wines & Port at table, Plus Contribution to the Charity.

Fireworks Night

weDNeSDAy 5 NOveMber

An amazing Firework Display to match any city’s celebrations. Adults ‒ £5, Under 16s ‒ £3.

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THE VISITOR October 2014 9

Stores now has new owners it is still stocking such fine foods as bread and cakes from Taylors, a family business that has been baking locally since 1945, and loose tea blended in Somerset by Miles of Porlock and further afield by Twinings. These days, with the iniquitous tea bags filling the supermarket shelves, it was good to see the previous owners catering for their more discerning customers – and encouraging to see that the new owners still have these teas on the shelf.

We are partial to good coffee too, and round the corner on Station Road we saw the Bean Shot shop which had newlyopened when I mentioned it in last year’s Bruton feature. Its business is coffee beans freshly roasted on the premises, and we noted that it now includes a coffee bar where customers can sample the distinctive blends of coffee, either inside the shop or under a gazebo outside where they can enjoy not only the drink but also the view of the church. Adjacent

BRUTON

to the nearby car park we spotted a shop selling Godminster Cheese and other products of this Brutonbased cheese-maker. In this part of Visitorland people are spoilt for choice when it comes to tasty cheddar, with Montgomery’s, Keen’s, Westcombe, Barber’s, Gould’s and Godminster all being made locally, so the Godminster shop, which opened late last year, seems sure to prove popular with Bruton’s residents and visitors alike.

From here it was just a short walk up the hill to our destination, the Hauser and Wirth gallery at Durslade Farm, but as the road has no pavements we erred on the side of safety and took the footpath on the right just beyond the railway bridge. The route runs roughly parallel with the road and emerges opposite the gallery’s car park. We were greatly impressed by the renovation of the farm complex, which had long been on the register of listed buildings at risk of decay, and the new additions at the back blend well with the original, some of which dates from 1768. The old

Truffles Brasserie provides Bruton with a delightful taste of France.

Truffles

threshing barn, workshop and piggery together form the first exhibition area and lead into the two new galleries which abut the cowshed and milking parlour which were built in the mid-19th century and now house the gallery’s reception area, bookshop, bar and restaurant. Behind the buildings a meadow garden has been created

by Piet Oudolf, one of world’s most acclaimed landscape designers, which was due to open a couple of weeks after our visit. However, we saw his preparatory designs for this and other gardens, including the Serpentine Gallery in London, the Millenium Park in Chicago, the High Line in New York and the Royal Horticultural Society garden at Wisley, which are on display until 5th October.

Hauser and Wirth’s inaugural exhibition, showing until 2nd November, is ‘installations’ and sculptures by Phyllida Barlow.

Some of these we found to be particularly thought-provoking, especially ‘postscorral’ and the three interrelated works that fill one of the new galleries, while others were, we felt, pretty meaningless. Of the works by other artists, we were intrigued by and very much liked Paul McCarthy’s ‘Ship of Fools’ and Louise Bourgeois’s ‘Eye Benches’. We appreciate that contemporary art is not everybody’s teabag or cup of instant, so you must visit the gallery and judge for yourself.

Admission is free!

The opening sentence of a Bruton Town Guide dating from the 1960s claimed that ‘the glory of Bruton lies in the past’ and ‘the main interest lies in what has been,

rather than in what is today’. From what we saw on this visit, the ‘what is’ of Bruton is fast becoming as interesting as ‘what was’.

Roger Richards.

The Montague Inn

For those of you who are still unaware, The Montague Inn, one of Somerset’s excellent dining pubs, is only a mile out of the town of Bruton, in the village of Shepton Montague. Ranked 1 of 16 in the Wincanton Post Code area it has a following of food lovers from a lot further out than that.

Specialising in local where possible, quality dependent, Head Chef Mike Jones puts out ancient classics with some quirky twists which delight the customer with both the theatre and the quality of the food and service.

Owners Suzy and Sean actively support local producers and businesses in the area, links with the Race Course prove evident with Sean’s amazing Race Day Deals.

The Pub is also incredibly generous when it comes to Charities especially St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice and our Armed Forces raising around £40K over their nine years at the pub.

Indeed this will continue with the Trafalgar Night Dinner in aid of Battle Stress and the Trainee Chef Megan O’Callaghan (Sean’s Niece) entering the Atlantic Challenge for the Hospice.

So for those of you who haven’t experienced the great views, fine food and roaring fires in the winter, take that Shepton Montague turn off and check them out!

8 Patwell Street, Bruton, Somerset, BA10 0EQ • Tel: 07531 192409 Established Bespoke Soft Furnishing and Upholstery Domestic & Commercial Contracts Undertaken

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Dinners from 7pm & All Day Brasserie Menu and Daily Specials Wednesday Special set 2 course menu £10 from 6pm Christmas Party Menu & Christmas Day Menu now available on our website

Bookings call: 01749 812180 or email: trufflesbruton@gmail.com www.trufflesbrasserie.com

10 THE VISITOR October 2014

Station Road, Bruton, Somerset

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Education Matters or making the choice for secondary education, nothing can be more heart-wrenching than to think you are sending your child to a school which either doesn’t suit them, or isn’t your first choice. You want them to be

happy and thrive.

In my role as headmistress, I’m encouraged by the number of parents I meet who are absolutely determined to give their child the best opportunity and I feel incredibly proud knowing that I

Bruton School for Girls, day and boarding school for girls aged 7 to 18.

Don’t miss their open morning on Saturday 4th October.

Chilton Cantelo

A small school with a big heart.

Located only minutes away from Sherborne and Yeovil, Chilton Cantelo is a day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 3 – 18. A small school with a big heart, Chilton Cantelo has the greatest expectations of all its pupils.

The school has a new Nursery for term-time or all-year cover with a range of flexible hours from 7.30am to 6.00pm. Children are taken to the school’s parkland area for nature rambles and forest school projects.

Chilton Cantelo provides an Individualised Learning approach in which teachers create tailored programmes of learning for each pupil.

Call 01935 850555 to attend an Open Day or to arrange a visit.

education, it’s perfectly normal to question yourself: ‘Have I made the right choice?’

‘Are they happy?’

‘Are they being stretched; will their strengths be noticed?’

Whether you are sending your child to school for the first time

OPEN DAYS 16th & 17th October

Helping parents make the right choice

Nicola Botterill, Headmistress at Bruton School for Girls, talks about how to make sure your child gets the most from school life.

When it comes to your child’s

THE VISITOR October 2014 11

Education Gillingham

have helped them realise that wish by opening up the option of independent schooling for them.

Approaching an independent school for the first time can be fairly daunting for some. But by the time parents have met me and seen our school in action, I’d like to think we have blown away some of the preconceived myths of ‘private schools’ and left them feeling that they can completely trust us to give their child the best possible care, excellent tuition and a wonderful opportunity.

No more waiting lists, no more catchment area worries. It’s the parent’s choice … now doesn’t that sound like a refreshing alternative?

Bruton School for Girls is holding its next open morning on Saturday 4th October at 9.30am. www.brutonschool.co.uk

Achieve your potential with Strode College

Strode College in Street is inviting year 11 pupils to visit the college on Thursday 23

12 THE VISITOR October 2014

October, 6pm – 8.30pm, to find out what makes a great sixth form experience.

It’s important to choose the A Levels or vocational course that will help you to achieve your ambitions, and to choose the college where you will achieve your potential. For many this means moving to a specialist sixth form college like Strode College.

Official reports show that the outstanding teaching and support at Strode helps students to gain excellent results and better advanced level grades than predicted following their GCSE results (Ofsted 2012, League Tables and ALPS 2014).

Strode offers the widest choice of A Levels in Somerset, excellent vocational qualifications and apprenticeships. Students enjoy learning in an environment with people of the same age where the teaching, support, facilities and social activities are tailored to their needs.

Find out more and register for the Open Evening: www.strodecollege.ac.uk

Buildings on the ten-acre Kingsmead Business Park, adjacent to Orchard Park, include a refurbished listed farmhouse and outbuildings as well as modern office and industrial units of various sizes.

TEN YEARS AGO a new garden centre opened in Gillingham. On 2nd October 2004 Orchard Park welcomed its first customers, and since then it has grown to include a café, florist and farm shop noted for its local beef, and to be a good source of garden-related gifts and

home accessories. It’s located around a mile from the town centre on the Shaftesbury road, on land that was once Park Farm.

As long ago as 1986 the Gillingham Local Plan identified Park Farm as a site for employment use, and in recent

years the Kingsmead Business Park has begun to take shape adjacent to Orchard Park. The listed farmhouse and outbuildings have been refurbished for business use, and new modern office and industrial units of various sizes have been erected.

Businesses as diverse as Solstice Kitchens, Blackmore Vale Upholstery, Screwfix and the publishers of the famous Francis Frith photographic collection have moved in, together with suppliers of plumbing items, tyres, insurance services and more.

Orchard Park is the current limit of Gillingham’s southward urban development. Nowadays the road from here into the town centre is fringed with properties, and the fields behind them are increasingly being filled with new estates, some of them very

Gillingham

attractive indeed. A glance at the Ordnance Survey map of 1901 reveals that a century ago the town ended at Lodden Bridge,

there being just the handful of farms and cottages on Ham Common between the bridge and Park Farm. Most of the

subsequent development has stemmed from the 1986 Local Plan which allocated land at Lodden Bridge Farm, Fernbrook

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Lane and Ham Farm for well over 500 dwellings. The new Local Plan being finalised by North Dorset District Council envisages around 1,800 more houses being built in the next two decades, mainly in the area between Lodden Lakes and the Ham and Park Farm estates.

Talking to a couple of local ladies in one of the town’s coffee shops I learned that plans have

Gillingham

now been drawn up to build 236 dwellings on Chantry Fields, an area not allocated for housing in the Local Plan. The proposal has understandably generated a lot of opposition. The site is across the road from the Waitrose supermarket and is bounded by the River Stour, the railway line, the sewerage works and the little Church View estate. It’s crossed by several public footpaths and

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is, I was told, well used by walkers. It is seen as a valuable ‘green lung’ so near the centre of town, an amenity that they feel is worth a fight to save. I am bound to agree with them, having already strolled along the new footpath across Town Meadow from the High Street to Waitrose and been tempted to continue over Chantry Fields.

It’s a walk I haven’t done for years but remember fondly and recommend. After crossing the Stour from Town Meadow turn left and join the path that runs alongside the river, behind the car park and library and under Le Neubourg Way. Continue along the river bank and under the railway. Then bear right and take the path through the trees between the river and the railway. At the end of the wood the path bears right and under the railway again to Drove Road.

A short distance up the road, kissing gates on the right give access to fields. Walk diagonally across the first field to the next set of gates, over the next field and through the next gates, and over the third field back to Le Neubourg Way opposite the Waitrose car park. There wasn’t time to do the walk on this occasion but I’m told it is still easily accessible and well signposted. Perish the thought that these fields should ever be covered with houses.

Development in Gillingham 150 years ago was stimulated by the coming of the railway in 1859.

Before then the local demand for bricks and tiles was met by a small brickyard off Kingscourt Lane but it was situated alongside the Fernbrook and subject to frequent flooding. Some local businessmen foresaw that the coming of the railway would

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Built of local brick in the late-19th century, this well-preserved terrace of cottages is a reminder that the local brickfields were once an important employer in the town.

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result in the town and its industries expanding and needing more bricks. With the town’s bed of clay being some 90 feet deep, the supply of the raw material seemed inexhaustible, so they formed the Gillingham Pottery and Brick and Tile Company and sited it adjacent to the south side of the railway. The company proved to be very successful and from the 1880s terraces of brickbuilt cottages began to appear in the town; the earliest might well be Harwood Cottages, a wellpreserved terrace of cottages dating from 1886, on what most people refer to as ‘the top end of the High Street’ but which is actually called Newbury. Until the late 1870s Gillingham had no High Street – the stretch of road between Lodden Bridge and Town Bridge was called Newbury, and that between Town Bridge and The Square was Bridge Street. The renaming created High Street eastwards from The Square to the junction with Station Road, beyond which it was and still is Newbury.

The brickyard closed down in 1968, by which time the high cost of coal and haulage and the difficulty of attracting labour had made it uneconomic, even though its products were durable and of very good quality. The old clay pits off Oldlands Lane are now the attractive Lodden Lakes, and the extensive site alongside the

railway has been redeveloped as Brickfields Business Park and an adjacent industrial estate. The main occupier of the Business Park is Dextra Lighting but it is also home to a goodly number of local businesses as diverse as Town and Country Aerials, Gillingham Glass Company, Mark Creighton Auto Repairs and the Olive Bowl events centre.

In the town centre most of the shops on Station Road and High Street appear to be thriving. At ‘the top end of the High Street’ a new extension to the Lidl supermarket has opened, the Cupids Corner bridalwear shop across the road has some stunning gowns and accessories on display and the adjacent Eden Beauty Salon seems sure to attract the ladies. At the western end of the High Street, home to a variety of independent shops and small businesses as well as two pubs, a new eaterie has opened on South Street. Don’t be put off by its forbidding windowless frontage – SSK is South Street Kitchen and has a garden at the back. It’s open for morning coffees and lunches, and again in the evenings with a very tempting menu.

Finally, I must congratulate whoever is responsible for the magnificent floral display on the former site of the town’s war memorial in front of the High Street car park. Erected here in

One of an extensive range PRINTS by Kay Johns

The adjacent beauty salon and bridalwear shop on the High Street (Newbury) seem sure to attract the ladies.

1920, the memorial was moved in 1983 to the back of the car park where the annual Remembrance Day commemorations can be held away from the noise and danger of passing traffic.

Roger Richards.

Road Closures during the Gillingham Carnival Processions on Saturday 4th October

14.50pm until 16.15pm Afternoon Childrens Carnival - Gillingham town centre roads will be closed from the High Street junction with Station Road, Turners Lane, to Queen Street.

From 15.00pm until 21.30pm Brickfields Business Park.

From 18.30pm until 21.30pm Evening Carnival Processions -

Bay Road, Fairey Crescent, Queen Street, Turners Lane, The Square, High Street, part Higher Station Road (Paris Court junction to High Street), part Le Neubourg Way (Station Road junction to Newbury Roundabout), Newbury, New Road.

There will be no specified alternative route for traffic.

Gillingham Carnival Committee apologise for any inconvenience caused by the above road closures. Gillingham Carnival Committee is an independent group of volunteers who organise and run Gillingham Carnival by raising funds through events, donations and street collections to finance the annual Gillingham Carnival processions.

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THE VISITOR October 2014 15

Leisure

Sherborne Castle Autumn Colours Weekend 25th & 26th October

SHERBORNE Castle’s famous Autumn Colours Weekend takes place over the weekend of 25th & 26th October and it is always a popular event. Entry to the grounds is only £4.00 per adult.

Take a leisurely stroll through the impressive lakeside gardens and marvel at the impressive colours of autumn whilst watching the abundant wildlife on the lake.

The Tea Room will be open serving morning coffees, light

lunches and delicious afternoon teas. The Gift Shop has a selection of gifts and souvenirs.

See their advert on the back cover.

WIN Free Tickets to The Festive Gift Fair at the NEC which takes place from from 20th – 23rd November 2014

The Festive Gift Fair has everything you need for the

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

By John Osborne • Answers can be found on page 59

1. The Everly Brothers spent 8 weeks at No.1 in the 60’s with ‘Cathy’s …’ what?

2. Lyric ‘In the summer of ’53, his mother brought him a sister’ Name the artist AND song.

3. ‘Park Life’ An album by whom?

perfect Christmas, all under one roof, and The Visitor has 4 pairs of tickets to give away in an easyto-enter competition.

From the moment you walk into the Fair, you will be caught up in the excitement of the day, exploring over 325 stalls full of clever new gift ideas and decorations that don’t cost the earth. The variety is huge, with something for ALL the family – from babies to grandparents!

And when your bags are full, drop them off at the Present Crèche and continue to shop, stop for a bite to eat and enjoy the atmosphere created by bands, choirs and entertainers.

Book your tickets now and prepare for some great Christmas Shopping and a fun day out.

Fair opens 09.30 – 17.00 from

Thursday 20th – Sunday 23rd November at the NEC. Adult tickets from just £8.50 For more information on Exhibitors and visiting the Fair, visit www.festivegiftfair.co.uk Book by Phone – The Ticket Factory on 0844 581 0808/0809 or Book online at www.theticket factory.com

COMPETITION Q. On which day of the week will Christmas Day fall in 2016?

Send your answer on a postcard to:

Free Ticket Competition, The Visitor, PO Box 1, CASTLE CARY, Somerset, BA7 7BG

Or email to: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Don’t forget to include your name and address on your entry.

The first 4 correct entries pulled from the hat will win the tickets.

Closing date: Friday 17th October.

4. What island was ‘Typically Tropical’ off to in 1975?

5. Name the 1991 No. 1 for Charles and Eddie.

6. Who was the trumpeter who had a hit with ‘Rise’ in the 70’s?

(Clue: He is half of ‘A & M’ records) 7. ‘Every Loser Wins’ was a 1986 hit for which male performer?

8. Name the duo who sang about ‘Bad Boys’ in 1983.

9. Vince Clarke was the male half of which early 1980’s duo?

10. Name the sixties band who had hits with ‘Glad All over’ and ‘Bits and Pieces’

Antiques, Vintage and Collectables

Beaminster Antiques, Vintage & Collectables Fair Saturday 11th October Public Hall BEAMINSTER Dorset

9.30am – 4.00pm

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Bookings & Enquiries Meadow Fairs 01297 24446

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16 THE VISITOR October 2014

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Leisure

Film Show - don’t miss it!

On Tuesday 7th October at 7pm, Castle Cary & Ansford Carnival Society are showing the CISPP (Carnivals in Somerset Promotion Project) ‘Film of the Decades’, featuring the best floats in Somerset Carnivals over the last four decades, well worth seeing.

This event is a fund raiser in Carnival week for the Society.

for choice with Malcolm Welshman and Anna Birch talking about their new books

Mere Literary Festival 13th - 19th October

Events at the 18th Mere Literary Festival cover a wide range of interests from the poster art of World War One to the creation of Britain’s greatest gardens.

Dorset author, Christopher Nicholson, talks about his acclaimed novel, Winter, based on Thomas Hardy’s later years and local historians will not want to miss Harry’s Story or By Royal Appointment. Pet-lovers are spoilt

MU

SI

C

FOR

and Damien Lewis telling the story of Judy, A Dog in a Million.

This year’s competition is for

timed flash fiction. Write-in-theWeek invites entries of no more than 350 words which must include the given phrase which is posted on www.merelitfest. co.uk. The prize winners are announced on the final day of the festival when local vet and author, Anna Birch, aka Gilla Primrose, will be the speaker.

There is also a writing workshop, community lunch, WW1 Commemorative concert, film night, children’s event, local authors and books stalls.

All events in aid of the Mere & District Linkscheme. Pick up a programme for full details or log on to the festival website: www.merelitfest.org.uk Tel. Booking: 01747 860475.

For a wonderful choice of guitars visit ‘Know Strings’, in the Emporium, Princes Street, Yeovil - an authorised Fender dealer.

THE

M

ON

SEPTEMBER DAVID WADDINGTON - White Lion Inn, Bourton 26th 28th NO FIXED ABODE (3.30pm) - Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon OCTOBER NO FIXED ABODE - White Lion Inn, Bourton 3rd 4th US - Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon HEIFER - White Lion Inn, Bourton 10th 11th MAGNUS FRATER - Phoenix, Gillingham 17th GRA’ SMITH - White Lion Inn, Bourton STUBBORN DIRT - White Lion Inn, Bourton 24th 25th CRAIG & ALEX PRIDDICE - Wyndham Arms, Kingsbury Episcopi 25th ELEPHANT DAMAGE - Phoenix, Gillingham

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THE VISITOR October 2014 17

MOTOR

VINTAGE Motor Cycling

I WROTE LAST MONTH of the joys of wearing period dress commensurate with whichever age and type of vehicle you may be using. Well the trend continues and so is the subject of this months photograph. At a recent club event one couple were using a motorcycle and sidecar. The machine was a very interesting 1911 Clyno with a wicker, bathchair, type sidecar. Carole, the intrepid passenger, was beautifully dressed for the occasion in a recently made outfit but which looked in keeping with the pre World War One machine. The rider wore modern clothing but that too is likely to change in the coming months. The machine and Carole certainly caught the eye of all who saw them pass by and was greeted with a cheery wave wherever they went.

I have written before of the problems of Ethanol in petrol.

These problems continue unabated and protestations to the various Governmental bodies have resolved nothing. It seems that just about every petrol company now uses up to 5% of Ethanol in their ‘Regular’ products. All petrol thus supplied must of course be marked up as E5 on the pump. In January next year the percentage will rise to a maximum of 10%. This increase will probably not be done in one hit but gradually increased over the coming 12 months. We can therefore assume that the associated problems will become more prolific than at present. The ‘Super’ grades of petrol rely on a higher octane rating to increase the power output of the engine.

The purpose of the ‘Super’ grades is to cater for those engines which are in a higher state of tune and need the higher octane rating. To obtain this higher octane rating many petrol companies are using either none or very little ethanol in these grades. Again the petrol

pumps must be clearly marked accordingly. For those of us experiencing difficulties it might be advantageous to switch to the higher grade. It generally costs around 5 pence per litre more but the better and more efficient running of the engine should offset the extra cost. It might be worth a try. No-one can give a definitive answer as to which petrol contains which additives because these concoctions change on a fairly regular basis. It might be worth switching to the higher grades to see how your old vehicle is effected.

The reasons for the Ethanol is to cause less pollutants and help save the planet. The Government has signed up to a cleaner Britain and that is a noble objective.

However, you may have seen recently a new plan to create a cleaner London. The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) will be an area in London where vehicles will be restricted to produce an area which meets the Air Quality Standards to which the UK is

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

18 THE VISITOR October 2014

committed. Vehicles which pump out the most pollutants (old vehicles and those with diesel engines) will be restricted in some areas. The restricted area has not yet been defined but is likely to mirror that of the Congestion Charge. Therefore users of these vehicles might be restricted. It has also been suggested that all vehicles might be permitted into the ULEZ, but, surprise surprise, the drivers will have to pay a charge before entering the designated area. Do I detect another revenue earning scheme for the authorities here? You may say that you do not care as you never drive around London these days, but be careful because if this scheme is made to work in London then how long will it be before it is introduced in our local cities and then the towns.

This Ultra Low Emission Zone in London will restrict the use of old vehicles. Among the first casualties could be the London to Brighton Veteran car run. They normally start in the city centre but a new starting venue might have to be found, thus changing a tradition which goes back years.

I wonder if the annual Mayors Procession will be effected?

October brings what I think of as proper autumn. The tailing off of the temperature and the colours of the leaves turning on the trees all mean that winter is just around the corner. What

better excuse is there to make the best use of our old vehicles.

The Somerset Section has a guest speaker (our club President) at their club night on the 2nd.

Quickly followed on the 4th by the twice yearly autojumble held at the Bath & West Showground, a social day out never to be missed. On the 12th they have The Autumn Leaves Run which starts at Bishop Sutton. The Wessex Veteran and Vintage Section also has a guest speaker for their club night on the 13th, this will be a talk about Scout cars and motorcycles which were made in Salisbury. The Dorset Section has its Lunch Meet on the 1st, a Skittles Evening on the 8th as the club night, and on the 12th will be the first Winter Run of the season which starts at Sherborne. Lastly on the 25th will be the Breakfast Meet. Of interest to many motorcycling fans will be a special club evening on the 14th November at The Manor Hotel in Yeovil. Special guest speaker will be David Hailwood (son of Mike the Bike) who will talk of his fathers life and he hopes to bring a works Honda 500/4 for inspection. A good evening is assured and proceeds will be given to the Air Ambulance. Full details available by ringing 01935-872528.

I mentioned earlier the make of Clyno machines. Another interesting small volume manufacturer. The firm started in 1911 and made cars as well as motorcycles. They made virtually all their own parts, including engines, which is a little strange because their machines were actually made in the same factory as AJS. During World War One they made all sorts of things to help the war effort, one such thing being a large capacity motorcycle and sidecar outfit. The sidecar was in fact a platform onto which an automatic machine gun was fitted. The operator of the said gun sat on a tin box at the rear of the sidecar in which the ammunition was stored. If that had been hit by enemy fire then the operator would have had a nasty shock. I do not think Health and Safety had been invented back then. Clyno continued production after the war but by 1924 their cars were in such demand that the production of motorcycles was dropped. Another quality brand had gone to the wall.

Rod Hann.

Caring for the Elderly

Bramley Home Care

Bramley Home Care is a careprovider company comprised of two luxury residential care homes; The Old Rectory in Stalbridge and Bramley House in Mere as well as a maintenance sector which provides repairs and upkeep within the homes. This service is also available to the wider public on a contractual basis, installing anything from a simple grab rail to a full extension.

Bramley Home Care also has a domiciliary care service, providing assistance for the vulnerable in their own homes, doing anything from light cleaning, food preparation to palliative care and medicine administration.

Bramley Home Care was set up with an arsenal of previous Care Home experience and a passion for professional, people centred care.

We are a young and thriving company and due to customer demand we are currently recruiting more domiciliary care staff. If you are interested call us today on 01747 855 844.

Mobile Gents Barber

Mike Baker and Lance Wells are well known to many readers as they offer a barbering service at Wincanton, Milborne Port and Sparkford.

Mike and Lance also offer a home visit service which is particularly useful for those who are elderly or infirm.

They are also very pleased to visit residential homes in the area with their barbering services - just call for details.

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 10.00am – 6.00pm *Please note new time

SPARKFORD Village Hall Fridays 12.45pm – 5.45pm Lance Wells & Mike Baker State Registered ~ or ~

★ PHONE for a HOME VISIT ★ 01935 814074 or ...

07767 027798 (mobile)

Beechwood House

Set in landscaped gardens, Beechwood House Care Home in Yeovil, provides a very high standard of residential care for 28 elderly people, all having ground level, en-suite rooms.

Established for more than 16 years, their aim is to provide a caring and comfortable home for people who feel unable or do not wish to live on their own any longer.

Two sitting rooms and two conservatories allow residents to enjoy either a quiet period of reflection, to meet visitors or to participate in the activities on offer. The cooks prepare excellent home-cooked cuisine and special dietary

requirements are catered for.

Should you require them to order, collect and administer medication, they will gladly do so.

They want residents to maintain their way of life,

whilst knowing that help is available whenever they need it. Above all, treat Beechwood House as your home. Please call Sandra Barclay, Manager, on 01935 472793 for more details.

Care Home for the Elderly

60 West Coker Road, Yeovil BA20 2JA Call SANDRA BARCLAY, Manager on 01935 472793 for an informal chat

email: info@beechwoodcarehome.co.uk • www.beechwoodcarehome.co.uk

Bramley Home Care Ltd www.bramleycare.com

COMMUNITY BASED CARERS AND RELIEF CARE WORKERS PART TIME / FULL TIME

Due to our continuing success we are looking for carers to join us.

Bramley Home Care is committed to staff welfare and in depth training – which would take place in our own training centre.

We believe that our carers are the heartbeat of our operation and have the ability to drive us forward therefore, we are dedicated to investing in training and ongoing support. We provide an enhanced DBS and the opportunity and encouragement to gain further qualifications with us.

Our Domiciliary Staff are provided with:

 Company Phone  Uniform  Car  Paid Travel Time  Paid Travel Between Visits  Paid Mileage  Competitive Salary

We are a young and thriving company.

If you would like to join us please call:

Aly or Lenka on 01747 855844 THE VISITOR October 2014 19

WET ROOM SPECIALISTS

FULL PLANNING & DESIGN SERVICE

If you are having difficulty getting in and out of the bath ... a wet room is the perfect solution.

Wet rooms can be tailored to suit your personal requirements VISIT OUR SHOWROOMS

Simply Bathrooms & Bedrooms The Old Bakery, Half Moon Street Sherborne, DT9 3LN (Through Archway by Half Moon Inn)

Tel: 01935 817111 www.SimplyBathAndBed.co.uk info@SimplyBathAndBed.co.uk

Elderly

Simply Bathrooms & Bedrooms

If you are having difficulty getting in and out of the bath a wet room is the ideal solution. The addition of a wet room is not only functional but is stylish and practical too. Should you wish to sell your home at a future date it is an excellent selling point.

Fitted bedrooms, in addition to being ideal for storage, make life esier if you have a mobility problem because you do not have to manoeuvre around pieces of furniture To find out more give Simply Bathrooms & Bedrooms a call or visit their showroom in Half Moon Street, Sherborne (next to the Half Moon Inn).

Hendford Care Home Aurora Care Ltd

Hendford Care Home offers residential, nursing and dementia accommodation in separate units with nursing and personal care that is second to none. They understand that most people would prefer to stay at home if they could. That’s why they believe

Private Nursing Care from £700.00 per week The Aurora Care Group offers private nursing care in our Somerset nursing homes at prices from £700.00 per week

their job is to make the care home as much like staying at home as possible. At the very least they’ll encourage you to knock nails into the wall to put up pictures and ornaments. Better still, if you can bring some items of furniture their spacious rooms can accommodate that. Best of all, if you can furnish the room entirely with your own things they’ll gladly remove theirs to make space – just leave the bed, it’s fantastically comfortable!

Beyond your room, please make use of their three dining rooms and restaurant level meals (they can alter them to suit if you have special requirements), their three lounges and three gardens. And please take full advantage of the busy activities programme. If you enjoy visiting the hairdresser, please visit the hair and beauty salon. Take a trip out to the seaside or to town in their fully adapted minibus. Or if you prefer, enjoy your own space and time quietly on your own. No one will push you to do things you don’t want to - this, after all, is your home.

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

www.hendfordcarehome.co.uk 166 Hendford Hill, YEOVIL, BA20 2RG 01935 470400 info@auroracare.co.uk 20 THE VISITOR October 2014

www.hurstmanor.co.uk Hurst, MARTOCK, TA12 6JU 01935 823467 info@hurstmanor.co.uk

● Frequent trips out in our own minibus

● Beautiful landscaped gardens with breathtaking views over the Somerset countryside

Caring for the Elderly

Somerset Care

A walk-in shower or a wet room is perfect for people with mobility problems.

For advice contact Simply Bathrooms & Bedrooms of Sherborne.

Somerset Care is an awardwinning not-for-profit company with over 20 years’ of experience of supporting people to live independently. Our Community Services teams support people living in their own homes across the South West, providing a range of services to help build confidence and increase our customers’ independence.

Within our 31 residential and nursing homes, we provide a welcoming ‘home from home’ environment, whether you’re looking for day care, short-term respite care or a longer term move to a care home. We have various care homes across the South West including: Cary Brook in Castle Cary, Burnworthy House in South Petherton, Wessex House in Somerton, Portcullis House in Langport, Sunnymeade in Chard, Field House in Shepton Mallet, Southlawns in Street, Fletcher House in Wells and three homes in Yeovil, Grovelands, Sunningdale Lodge and Preston Park House.

THE VISITOR October 2014 21

Keep your independence at home with ...

This Apex Rapid scooter with its abundant features makes it an exceptional travel mobility choice. Local stockist Mendip Mobility of Street and Frome.

Elliscombe House

Elliscombe House care home is proud to now be part of Caspia Care, under the management of experienced care operator Healthcare Management Solutions.

Based in Higher Holton, Elliscombe House provides nursing care for up to 40 elderly residents, some of whom require dementia care. Our aim is to provide the highest quality of care possible, in a safe and homely environment.

22 THE VISITOR October 2014

We pride ourselves on offering a home-from-home experience for our residents. There’s no set visiting times, relatives are welcome to share a meal with their loved one, there’s always something going on and family and friends are positively encouraged to be a part of our community.

Elliscombe House specialises in being positive – why say No! when you can say Yes! A different type of care home.

Mendip Mobility

Caring for the Elderly

Mendip Mobility offer everything from scooter sales through to practical everyday living aids such as incontinence pads and grab rails.

For those lacking mobility there is a good choice of rise and recline chairs and electric beds.

Bath lifts are also available.

For larger items Mendip Mobility can provide insurance and finance through ‘First Senior’

– call in for further details.

A family run business – you can be sure of helpful, friendly advice with branches in Street, and Frome.

With Christmas just around the corner, there are plenty of practical gift ideas such as slippers and walking sticks – plus gift tokens, which are extremely useful.

Mendip Mobility are pleased to offer the Motability Scheme to those that are eligible.

South Cary House

A lovely grade two listed house offering exceptional care and a marvellous lifestyle in Castle Cary.

At South Cary House they provide a relaxed, comfortable and happy environment for their residents, with a strong emphasis on the preservation of dignity, privacy and respect for each individuals choice of lifestyle.

They have been awarded the highest quality rating for care homes by the Care Quality Commission - the Three Star "excellent" which has only been achieved by 20% of care homes.

They can cater for up to twenty three residents. Each private room is spacious and has ensuite facilities, a 24 hour emergency call system and all have a private telephone.

The tastefully decorated sitting room at South Cary House, Castle Cary.

Exceptional care and a genteel way of life for residents.

Making Life Easier

We have a comprehensive range of ...  Rise and Recline Chairs & Beds

 Scooters & Wheelchairs for Sale & Hire  Everyday Living Aids  Bath Lifts

PACKAGES AVAILABLE

Call in to our showrooms where our knowledgeable & helpful staff will be pleased to advise!

146 High Street, STREET, BA16 0ER  01458 448355 20 Westway, FROME, BA11 1BS  01373 464373 www.mendipmobility.co.uk

THE VISITOR October 2014 23

Cary Brook

Caring for the Elderly

Residents at Cary Brook, like so many of us, have enjoyed a very pleasant, hot summer, soaking up the sunshine sitting in the gardens and patio areas. The male residents have been busy and produced good crops of potatoes, green beans and tomatoes. Whilst the ladies have been busy baking - scones, biscuits and much more, with new activities organiser Paul – an ex chef who wanted a career change! Paul has also introduced iPad and computer lessons, much enjoyed by all.

Outings this summer have included trips to garden centres, West Bay, Chew Valley Lake and to our sister home Field House joining in their Fun Day. Our last planned trip for this season will be to Haynes Motor Museum.

We continue to hold our

monthly tea dances, with other in house entertainment – including new visitors – a ranger from Zoo lab, who brought some very interesting rain forest animals - (residents held rats, bugs and snakes to name a few, the female staff seemed to be absent from the lounge that afternoon!!) However, one much more appreciated by the ladies was ‘Eye Candy’ entertainer Justin Danish - who played 50s and 60s music on his various guitars, bringing back happy memories for many residents who used to enjoy a slow foxtrot, jive or waltz. Many danced, maybe we could hold our own ‘Strictly’!!

Supervisor Val and other staff are planning to hold a Christmas Bingo, in aid of the residents comfort fund, which allows us to purchase the visiting entertainment and trips. Look

For all your mobility requirements

RISE & RECLINE CHAIRS AND BEDS Scooters – new and used FREE Delivery & Removal of your Old Furniture FREE Home Demonstrations FREE Collection & Delivery ★ SCOOTERS SERVICED ... only £39 ★ ‘If you can’t come to us, we will come to you’

10 Falkland Square, CREWKERNE, TA18 7JS Tel: 01460 271172

out for posters and notices advertising the date. As always we would appreciate your support – thank you.

Regency Care & Mobility

Situated in Falkland Square Crewkerne, Regency Care & Mobility has been established for 3 years and is personally run by husband and wife team Adrian and Lisa.

They offer a complete range of mobility aids including Scooters, rise and recline beds and chairs (disposal of old furniture free of charge), living aids and stair lifts.

They undertake repairs and servicing on-the-premises or in your home. A free collection and delivery service is offered and Home demonstrations are available. Why not call in today - conveniently located near the car park.

Regal Solutions

Regal Solutions are bathroom designers and installers specialising in disabled walk-in showers in South Somerset and the surrounding areas.

They know how difficult it can make your life if you are unable to get in and out of the bath and they are pleased to help make your life easier. Having a walkin shower room can increase the quality of your life, creating independence in the home to make everyday tasks easier for you. They also fit standard bathrooms and undertake any plumbing or carpentry jobs.

Regal Solutions is an

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 Bathroom design & installation – Specialist in disabled walk-in showers

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”

24 THE VISITOR October 2014

established company and have over 20 years experience in wet room and bathroom installations.

From Quote to Finish you will find a fast and friendly service that others can't match. They also offer other services designed to make your life easier, these include but are not limited to: Building Alterations; Widening of Doors; Wheelchair Ramps; Handrails. Please contact them for a free quote.

Sutton’s Stairlifts

Mark Sutton, who decided to set up a stairlift business after his father was stung by a pushy and aggressive stairlift installation company, is delighted to have been successfully trading for 12 months now.

Sutton’s Stairlifts is a family run business which Mr Sutton set up in September 2013 with the help of his sons.

Dedicated to providing a fair and ethical service, the business offers a range of new or refurbished stairlifts for purchase or rental in the Somerset and Mendip area.

A display unit in the Haskins Retail Centre in Shepton Mallet is available for demonstrations by appointment.

Do you have difficulty climbing the stairs? Visit Suttons Stairlifts, in store at Haskins, Shepton Mallet.

Suttons is a family-run business providing stairlifts for sale or to rent.

Lifting your expectations NEW from £1250 RECONDITIONED from £749 RENTAL from £52 per month

Tel: 0800 999 5432 www.suttonsstairlifts.co.uk

In store at Haskins, Shepton Mallet Demonstrations by appointment Tel: 01749 346900

House & Home

WARM HOMES

Take action now to get your energy bills down

Winter is approaching and that means months of higher household energy consumption – and higher bills. There are many ways that homeowners can bring these bills down – even one-third less – but these big reductions will mean making an upfront investment first in things like a new boiler, cavity wall insulation, solar panels and so on. But there are some simple things that households can do to cut energy use.

Individually they may not make a great difference but collectively they will – perhaps as much as £200 per year. The Heating Helpline (http://www. heatinghelpline.org.uk), the free consumer advice service operated

by B&ES (the Building & Engineering Services Association), has some great energy saving tips – all costing little or nothing to do.

then all too easy to forget it’s on the higher setting.

2. If you have an adjustable thermostat for your hot water you should set it to no hotter than 60°C (140°F). Any higher is a waste of energy and could scald; much lower and there may be a risk of harmful bacteria forming.

3. Turn down the radiators in any spare rooms; why pay for a warm space with nobody in it?

4. Use a microwave instead of your oven – they use less energy and take a fraction of the time.

1. Turning your room thermostat down by just 1ºC could save over £75 a year and you will never notice the difference.

And if there’s a chill in the room think twice before you crank up the thermostat – it’s

R. A. WICKS Ltd.

Supply and Installation of Wood Burning and Multifuel Stoves  Own Professional Fitters  HETAS REGISTERED See our Showrooms

Clapper Hay, Church Street, MERRIOTT, nr. CREWKERNE, TA16 5PR  01460 74612 visit our website www.wicksheating.co.uk

Make sure you have all you need for a cosy winter including coal skuttle, firedogs and irons.

Visit Crewkerne Antiques Centre for a good choice.

Bryan G. Paulley Ltd Domestic / Commercial Installations / Replacements

Plastic / Metal Tanks • Temporary Tanks Leaking Tanks • Tank Cleaning / Moving / Disposal Above or Below Ground Tanks

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

THE VISITOR October 2014 25

5. Nearly all electrical and electronic appliances can safely be turned off at the plug without upsetting their

House & Home systems – £1 billion worth of energy is wasted in the UK every year by appliances left on standby. Switching off the

for all your Tool Hire Requirements including Mini Digger Hire and Garden Machinery Higher Farm, Sutton, Ditcheat Tel: 01749 860199 • Mob: 0777 163 2221

SEWING MACHINE SERVICE CENTRE Repairs & Servicing To All Makes - Domestic & Industrial Collection and Delivery Available

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

6.

7.

8.

9.

standby on gadgets and appliances could save you up to £80 a year on your bills.

Washing machines use huge amounts of energy. Some machines have low energy programmes – if you reduce the wash temperature from 40°C to 30°C it can save 40% more energy.

Don’t fill the kettle if you don’t need to. If we only boiled the water actually needed we’d save enough power to light every street lamp in the country.

Bleed your radiators at least once a year – when hot water can flow into every part of the radiator it is much more efficient.

Change your shower head to one of the many waterefficient ones now available.

This simple action could save a family of four around £65 a year (for water heating) and a further £95 on water bills if they have a water meter.

The Heating Helpline has a free leaflet called ‘Top Energy Saving

WOODBURNERS Get your stove serviced for the autumn / winter Glass - Rope - Safety Check

Power Sweeping: specialised cleaning for stoves with liners Chimney Sweeping: traditional rods and brush system for open fires

All work carried out by a Qualified HETAS Engineer

New & Reconditioned Woodburners on Sale + Accessories We can Refurbish your Woodburner ...

Reconditioning, Reglazing, etc.

CONTACT

 01747 851021

GARDEN MACHINERY & STOVES

www.benjohnsonmowers.com

17d Wincombe Business Park, SHAFTESBURY, SP7 9QJ

26 THE VISITOR October 2014

Tips To Save You Money’ which lists other free and low cost ways you can cut your energy bills. For a free copy call the Helpline on 0800 810 8303 or you can download a copy from the Heating Helpline website at: http://www.heatinghelp line.org.uk

Oliver Ward Heating

Oliver Ward services and repairs oil-fired Agas and boilers, central heating systems and installs domestic oil tanks.

He has been successfully trading in the Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire triangle for over 15 years and prides himself on being tidy, professional and reliable. He believes that the repeat business he has comes from customers that trust him with their all-important Agas and boilers.

Visit his new website www.oliverwardheating.co.uk to find out more about his range of services, for advice about maintaining your oil heating systems and to see details of his ‘Good Neighbour’ discount offer.

Give your home a new look ...

½ Price Rangemaster Hood when you buy a Rangemaster Cooker

Roger Oates

Stair Runners by Roger Oates

Stylish flat weave, carefully designed, beautifully woven and finished to a high standard

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Branches also at: WARMINSTER & BATH

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Wood and Laminates

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SJH CARPETS

Southgate Road, Wincanton  01963 824418

Open Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm Saturday 9am – 1pm Wincanton

Also at: High Street, Tisbury  01747 871178 (closed Wednesday)

THE VISITOR October 2014 27

Gnome Alone: ‘Lock up your Gnomes’ warns insurer as just over a fifth of UK homeowners report garden thefts

Need a new conservatory?

Replacement windows or doors? contact

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Say you saw it in The Visitor

28 THE VISITOR October 2014

With a fifth of UK homeowners claiming to have had items stolen from their garden, a leading insurer is warning homeowners to look out for their gnomes, as nearly one in ten households report the theft of a garden figurine or gnome.

Research from The Cooperative Insurance found that the South West of England is the riskiest place to be a gnome, with almost a fifth of homeowners (16%) reporting the theft of a friendly garden figurine, twice as many as across the UK on average. Gnomes in the North West can however sleep easy with just 2% of gnome owners in the region reporting the theft of their garden figurines.

The research also revealed Yorkshire and the Humber to be the gnome capital of the UK, with a gnome residing at almost a third of homes (31%). The Northern Irish were however found to be least likely to possess a gnome with a fifth (20%) of homeowners having a garden figurine guarding their home, lower than the national average for UK gnome owners (26%).

Perhaps due to their size, garden thieves are more likely to target garden gnomes or figurines than other portable items including expensive potted plants or BBQs. However, in spite of a fifth of households falling victim to garden theft, over half (51%) fail to move garden items indoors at night and just under half (45%) don’t move their garden items indoors when they go away.

Whilst very few people move garden items indoors for safekeeping, the Welsh and those in the East Midlands are the most protective of their gnomes with 5% of home and gnome owners moving their treasured garden ornaments indoors or into their garage when they go away.

For those that do lock up their outdoor equipment, bad weather (40%) was cited as the most common reason for moving garden items indoors, whilst going on holiday (28%) and thefts in the local area (16%) were also a key reason for locking up garden belongings.

‘Though gnomes are much lower in value than other garden items, often it is those belongings that are one of a kind or sentimental in value that cause us most distress if they are stolen,’ said Caroline Hunter, Product manager for the Co-

House & Home

Trove Designs of the Emporium in Yeovil offers a range of home accessories and a soft furnishing and curtain making service.

operative Home Insurance. ‘With as many as one in five households reporting thefts from their garden, it’s better to be safe than sorry and we’d always advise homeowners to lock away any items that can be easily stolen at night or when you go away.’

Research was conducted online by 72 point on behalf of The Cooperative Insurance questioning 2000 respondents across the UK between the age of 18 and 55+.

With Rangemaster at the heart of the kitchen - the kitchen is always the heart of the home. Local stockist Homemaker of Shaftesbury.

Why not take advantage of their special offer on page 27?

Transform your old kitchen!

What will the best dressed windows be wearing this season?

‘Window treatments are a key component to a polished interior, whether the style is minimalist, contemporary, or traditional,’ says Sarah Quilliam, head of product design at Hillarys.

‘Identifying the colours and trends that are coming through into mainstream interiors is part of the day-to-day job of our

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Replacement doors can give your old kitchen a complete new look for a fraction of the cost of a new one!

SAVE 20% during OCTOBER (drawers & doors only)

100s OF STYLES TO CHOOSE FROM Visit our showrooms to discuss your requirement

★ Estimates ★ Bench or field service

Longmead Industrial Estate Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 8PL

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

Branches also at: WARMINSTER & BATH

Tel: 01747 851476 • Fax: 01747 858996 shaftesbury@myhomemaker.co.uk www.myhomemaker.co.uk

THE VISITOR October 2014 29

Interiors with style!

Visit our soft furnishings and interiors showrooms

 Fabrics from all leading designers  Curtains made to order  Bespoke sofas and chairs  Carpets and rugs  Paint by Little Greene  Wall coverings

... be inspired at ...

HIGH STREET, CASTLE CARY, BA7 7AN  01963 351352 www.needfulthings.uk.com

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

Scutt & Coles - Aspirations, a fresh contemporary collection of fine English prints, just one of many stunning fabrics available from Needful Things of Castle Cary.

product team at Hillarys. We visit the most influential textile shows throughout Europe and consult trend advisors to make sure that the ranges we put together are ‘on trend’ and reflect what’s happening elsewhere on the high street. After all, our customers want fabrics that complement the paint, wallpaper or furniture they’re choosing elsewhere in the home.

‘Updating your window dressing can be a simple way to change the feel of your room season to season without spending a fortune.’

A strong black and white theme creates drama and high impact and although it may seem stark, the beauty of this scheme is that you can change or add accent colours to warm and update the look. It can look elegant with an Art Deco feel, or by introducing tonal greys, it can also be edgy and industrial.

Needful Things

34 Market Place Sturminster Newton DT10 1AR Tel: 01258 472564

30 THE VISITOR October 2014

Marsh's

Service Beyond The Sale For

Yo ur

r Local Electrical Retaile www.ebmarsh.com

59 Cheap Street Sherborne DT9 3AX

Tel: 01935 389665

At Needful Things, Castle Cary, designers Scutt & Coles offer an inspired collection of printed fabrics.

Aspirations is a fresh, contemporary collection of fine English prints. Each design celebrates the artist’s passion for the watercolour technique and is inspired by the timeless beauty of Himalayan gardens, tropical forests, maps and ethnic textiles.

The skilful translation of these visionary artworks into beautiful,

House & Home

distinctive textiles is a result of the marriage of the latest printing technology and the use of finest natural fabrics. Sophisticated and

quintessentially English in its style, this modern collection is the epitome of contemporary elegance and opulence.

Continuing the Progress of the New Build at Ditcheat

by Country Build SW Ltd

KITCHENS AND HOUSE RENOVATIONS We project manage from start to finish!

w r no tmas ! e d Or Chris for

Stylish kitchens to suit you

■ Contemporary or traditional ■ Wide choice of finishes including – high gloss, wood and painted ■ Free planning ■ Free design service

New Kitchen for Christmas?

Month 3 – Saw the installation of the structural steel and floor joists. Next month all the roof trusses will be installed in readiness to receive zinc roofing.

ORDER BEFORE 21st NOVEMBER FOR GUARANTEED DELIVERY  Malcolm Helyar: Proprietor.

“See our door library with 100s of colours and finishes”

From Conception to Completion With over 30 years of building experience — NO HIDDEN EXTRAS — All works completed by our experienced & reliable team

Services Include but not limited to: Project Management New Build Planning Loft Conversions Carpentry Roofing Ground Works Refurbishment Renovation Commercial Property Maintenance Joinery

All aspects of Building & Maintenance All Insurance Works Undertaken

Contact us for a free estimate

(01935) 823346

www.countrybuild.co.uk info@countrybuild.co.uk

New Kitchen? House Renovation?

We project manage from start to finish!

■ Plan and design ■ Undertake the construction work ■ Install and fit units / appliances ■ Electrics ■ Plumbing ■ Plastering ■ Complete on time – to a high standard

SHERBORNE KITCHENS & HOUSE RENOVATIONS

The Old Bakery, Half Moon Street SHERBORNE, DT9 3LN Call into our showrooms today

Through the archway next to the Half Moon Hotel

Tel: 01935 817111

Email: sales@sherbornekitchens.com www.sherbornekitchens.com THE VISITOR October 2014 31

LOOKING GOOD - a new look for autumn

Family Health with

Jenna Evans

Back To School - Part Two

THIS MONTH we have the second part of our focus on Children’s health.

Diet - Childhood is an important time to get good nutritional intake but children can be notoriously fussy eaters. It is worth remembering that they pick up a lot from the adults around them, so it’s a good time to make sure the grown ups are taking care of themselves too! This can be especially important for those with erratic eating habits, or yo-yo dieters - not patterns we want to pass onto our children. It’s a great time to get food associated with nourishment and health - not weight and beauty. If you have a very picky eater you may have to

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

This Janome sewing machine, model 2060, is currently on special offer at Hanson’s Fabrics & Crafts in Sturminster Newton for just £99. It has 14 stitch options, auto 4-step buttonhole, variable stitch length, convertible free arm and quick change snap on feet.

get quite sneaky to ensure a good intake of nutrients. Be inventive with colourful fruit and veg.

Pureed desserts, smoothies and livening up meals with interesting dips can be helpful. Meal planning may be essential in our busy lives.

Getting the little ones out in the garden or allotment and then creating a meal in the kitchen together is another way to get them eating healthily - they may be much more inclined to eat what they have grown and cooked.

Persistence pays off too - it can take a dozen or so tries of a new food before a child will have definitely decided whether they like it or not.

If you’re reading this and saying ‘Yes I know, I’ve tried all that and more, yet they’re still stubborn!’, don’t lose heart. Firstly well done for your persistence and ingenuity!

It’s good to remember that a good variety of foods is more important than being obsessed with getting our children to eat their greens.

Your child may loathe fruit but

be quite fond of pulses; detest vegetables but love nuts and seeds.

Gently encourage experimentation throughout their childhood and maybe shift your focus to keeping them away from the food villains.

Processed foods, added sugars, the dreaded soft drinks - if you’re severely limiting these in your child’s diet then that’s half the battle! There’s also a boom in the market for fruit and vegetable powders and shakes that can be made into very tasty drinks or added to meals, an easy way to supplement their diets.

For older kids who may be eating out with friends or regularly popping to takeaways, it can be harder to know what they’re eating and when. This is where a good teen multi-vitamin can be helpful. If your teens suffer with acne, digestive upsets or the effects of stress this can be a good opportunity to educate them in good nutrition or get them into a health store to have a chat with a trained advisor.

Study Stress - School years seem increasingly taxing with endless assessments and exams.

For sensitive children this can be very difficult. There are some Bach Flower Essences that may be helpful - try Chicory if you have a needy, possessive child; Elm for states of overwhelm; Gentian for discouragement; Larch for lack of confidence; Mimulus for fear; Olive for exhaustion and Walnut for protection during changes (such as new schools). There is also the classic Rescue Remedy combination essence for shock, trauma and stress. Many herbal teas can be helpful too - think calming chamomile & passionflower. Also look for supplements containing magnesium and theanine for when kids find it hard to wind down and relax - or parents do!

Join me next month for more family health.

Jenna Evans ©2014.

Find Jenna on Facebook at ‘Alchemical Beauty UK’. Ceres Natural Foods, Yeovil stock a wide selection of children’s supplements. For more information drop in and have a chat with one of the team. Jenna is available instore at Ceres to advise by appointment, please pop in or call 01935 428791 for details. Find Ceres on Facebook as ‘Ceres Natural Foods Ltd’.

Always check with a health professional before making any dramatic changes to your diet and lifestyle or starting a new supplement, especially with any existing health conditions.

Elegance Beauty Therapy Clinic

There's a fantastic new Make-Up range at Elegance Beauty Therapy Clinic in Wincanton!

With the goodness of Aloe infused throughout and the best quality Minerals it gives a flawless finish with either soft or

Established 31 Years

Élégance

Beauty Therapy Clinic

Sandie Barrett M.B.A.B.Th.C. C.I.D.E.S.C.O.

Make-up Evening

Tuesday 14th or Thursday 23rd October, 7pm – 9pm Tickets £5 in advance only ... refundable against any purchase

Full Range of Beauty Treatments Available A Ladies Only Salon

To book please telephone 01963 34115 or call in at 32 THE VISITOR October 2014

8b Church Street • Wincanton

LOOKING GOOD - a new look for autumn vibrant colours depending on the application.

If you'd like to try this exciting new make-up go along to the Make-up Event on Tuesday 14th or Thursday 23rd October from 7pm - 9pm. Through a mixture of demonstration and trial you'll be able to make yourself up and

see how it looks and feels for yourself. All you need to do is book your place and take along a mirror (free standing if you have one). There'll be plenty of help for anyone not very confident about making themselves up.

Places are limited so book early!

News from Preview

Steilman have launched two new colours for their autumn/winter range – Dove blue – a soft blue which matches very well with denim and a rich Burgundy which is a very flattering colour to wear.

Charcoal grey is another popular colour this season, team with candy pink to be on trend.

NYD Jeans have broken away from their traditional look and introduce jacquard pattern designs on their jeans and leggings.

Blanket jackets and skirts are very much in vogue this season as are easy-to-wear asymmetrical jackets. New labels now stocked - James Lakeland and Grenoville shirts – these shirts are proving very popular with their contrasting collar and cuff detail.

These join established favourites such as Gardeur and Tina Taylor.

No outfit is complete without the right footwear – now in, pumps by Luna £49, shoes by Capollini and winter boots

Joanne Parsons-Fox, proprietor of Laney’s in Sturminster Newton, is pictured with the newly arrived autumn collections.

Fashion Boutique & Designer Room Gardeur Trousers

Tina Taylor

New Labels

Steilman

James Lakeland

Pomodoro Joseph Ribkoff

Grenoville Shirts

NYD Jeans

11 Market Place, WinCAnTon  01963 31676

Fashions from popular designer Joseph Ribkoff can be found at Preview in Wincanton and Langport.

The Shopping Parade, LAngPorT  01458 252010 www.preview-ladies-fashion.co.uk

THE VISITOR October 2014 33

LOOKING GOOD - a new look for autumn starting at just £79.

Co-ordinating bags from Claudia Conova in beautiful autumn shades of berry, tan and green. New stock arriving daily - call in and see the full range for yourself.

Shirley Allum Fashion

The new autumn/winter stock has now arrived at Shirley Allum Fashions in Shaftesbury, sizes 10 to 28 available. Stunning collections from Gerry Weber, NYD Jeans, Seasalt, Joules,

Crew, White Stuff, Joseph Ribkoff, Frank Lyman, Doris Streich, Fitflops, plus many more!

There is an outfit for every

occasion. Don’t forget to visit their extensive lingerie department where a professional fitting service is available.

This pretty flowery dress is from the Nomads collection, fair trade clothing since 1989, local stockist Maya Boutique in Langport.

You can also order online

Fashion for the discerning Beautiful, easy to wear fashion whatever the occasion

Exciting new autumn collection now in ...

New Designers include Nomads, Emily & Fin Brakeburn plus Adini, Capri and Braintree Size 8 – 20  Selected Ranges up to Size 28 DRESSES

• SEPARATES • JEWELLERY • ACCESSORIES

Maya Boutique

Hanover House Cheapside, Langport Somerset, TA10 9PW Tel: 01458 254014

You can buy online at: www.maya-boutique.co.uk 34 THE VISITOR October 2014

Style icon Zandra Rhodes at Shirley Allum Fashions in Shaftesbury, where she recently promoted her vibrant handbag collection.

LOOKING GOOD - a new look for autumn

Needful Things

Needful Things Clothing is pleased to be taking part in the 'Castle Cary Fashion Week', which runs from 6th to 11th October, with 7 Stores opening until 8.00pm on Thursday the 9th and special 'start of season' discounts in store. The event is being held to raise awareness of the number of excellent Ladies Fashion Brands now available in Castle Cary and to highlight the many Hair, Health & Beauty treatments available in this beautiful Somerset Market Town.

Brands such as Biosculpture Nails; Dr Hauschka; Feather & Bone; Guinot Skincare; In Town;

Joseph Ribkoff; Kevin Murphy; Masai; Morrocanoil; Paul Costelloe; Peregrine; Pomodoro; Ruby & ED; Seven Boot Lane and Great Plains ... to name just a few, are all available within a few minutes stroll of each other.

Why not make a day of it and enjoy a lunch in one of our excellent eateries too or take a stroll around our relaxing town, visiting the Museum along the way. With free parking and so much choice, this buzzing little town has so much to offer: Shops taking part in this weeklong event include: Needful Things Fashion; Manor Lodge Health & Beauty; Light Green; Retail Therapy; Oxford Mill; Franklin & Ball; Holly Lane.

We all look forward to welcoming you to Castle Cary, Somerset's Hidden Gem! Pictured right: Field Coat in Marwood Tweed, from Joules, perfect for those chilly autumn mornings, available from Oxford Mill in Castle Cary.

Funky jersey top ideal for all ages, teams well with leggings, £29.99 just one of many designs available from April’s Ladies Fashions, Fore Street, Castle Cary.

Be sure to visit Needful Things and Oxford Mill during Castle Cary Fashion Week.

Funky Tunics & Dresses by Tenki New Ranges of ...

Skirts - Leggings - Jumpers Handbags - Scarves - Jewellery Also ... Dress Agency 50:50 Evening Wear Now In GIFTS - CARDS - CRAFTS

April’s, e Black & White Shop 13 Fore Street, Castle Cary Somerset, BA7 7BG  01963 351626 Email: aedmills@btinternet.com

Stunning Autumn / Winter Collection Now In Pomodoro • Great Plains • In Town ... and more!

7 High Street, Castle Cary, BA7 7AN Tel: 01963 351352 Are pleased to support ...

This stylish funnel-neck coat from designer Great Plains is sure to keep you warm this winter.

Local stockist Needful Things in Castle Cary.

Castle Cary Fashion Week

Monday 6th – Saturday 11th October Late Night Opening ‘til 8pm on Thursday 9 th October

10% DISCOUNT OFF NEW A / W CLOTHES 6th – 11th October • Quote: AW14V

THE VISITOR October 2014 35

The

Pub Pages

Vinny pops over to The Lamb & Lark at Limington to admire the flowers

BEER & SKITTLES P. A. BAXTER

TO THE DELIGHT of many a landlord and landlady, the new skittle season has begun and trade will be on the up as many a weekday evening at the local will be filled with the sounds of lignum vitae and apple wood crashing together. Us? Well we started with a win, so it’ll probably be all downhill from now on!

A report that came to my attention recently pointed out that as a nation over the last ten years we are now drinking 73 pints of beer less, EACH, per

annum. More proof that as a nation overall alcohol consumption is falling and has continued to fall over many decades. Going back to my early married life, when, unsurprisingly, my own

consumption dropped quite a bit, it was when the Thatcher government was in charge for the first time, and unemployment was rocketing. The true jobless figure tripled in four or five years and the manufacturing industries were destroyed. Where did these policies hit the most? In the

areas where there was the heaviest consumption of beer!

Further to that, our Lords and Masters raised the duty on beer by a staggering 90 per cent between 1978 and 1982 and increased the VAT from 8 to 15 per cent. So in effect, the price at the pumps went up by 80 per cent. Not only that, but duty had doubled again by 1986. At the risk of sounding paranoid, the Government had, in my opinion, done nothing less than attacked the working class and its pursuits. In case one needs further fuel for this, duty on wine in the same period was significantly reduced. It didn’t end there of course, with Alistair Darling also doing his bit to attack the beer consumption with the duty escalator. Indeed, whilst all other areas of business were given assistance in the recession with a VAT cut, the extra tax was added and never removed. Okay; so nothing was added in recent years, and a big deal was made of the ONE PENNY cut nonsense (and it was a nonsense, as the breweries used it as an excuse to add a bit more to their annual ‘price review’) So what is the result of all this?

Well with all other factors (as it cannot be just the taxes) it has to be more pub closures. Whilst we seem to be losing around 30 a week or thereabouts - does it

Home-Made Food Served 7 Days a Week

Real Ales - Garden Skittle Alley

TRADITIONAL COUNTRY PUB Serving Sensibly Priced Food & Drink

Dinnington, Nr.Hinton St. George • Tel 01460 52397

Fran & Roy welcome you to

A character inn offering home cooked food

 Sunday ROAST choice of roasts – £8.75  Wednesday TWO 8oz SIRLOIN MEALS – £20  Friday TWO FISH MEALS – £14  Regular THEME EVENINGS last Saturday of each month MORNING COFFEE – LUNCH – DINNER (no food Mondays)

Christmas Menu, 2 Course £18, 3 Course £22 Christmas Day £35

142 PRESTON ROAD •YEOVIL •BA20 2EE 36 THE VISITOR October 2014

 01935 476566

Disabled Access

The

Pub Pages

really matter what the numbers are - the fact is we are losing large numbers, and it doesn’t take a genius to think of half-a-dozen in his or her home town that have been lost over the last few years.

However, an article in the ‘I’ (Independent) by Jonathan Brown would seem to suggest that things are on the turn and more and more pubs are being opened by ‘visionary new owners’ and that ‘decrepit boozers with dull beer and freezer-pack food’ could finally be over. Well done Mr. Brown, a lovely bit of reporterspeak generalisation on both extremes. Interestingly, he was reviewing the ‘Good Pub Guide’ which as its title does not even imply, is a big advertising tome where all the entries are paid for.

Yes, unlike the CAMRA ‘Good

Beer Guide’ (the 2015 edition is also newly published) where one gets in on merit, all those in the GPG have to pay to appear there.

Now I would be first to disagree with a few of the entries in the GBG, but as the GPG is full of self-promoting pubs, can we be sure that we are getting some reasonably good venues for a good evening out? Well the jury may well still be out, particularly as according to the GPG, the cheapest beer is in Herefordshire (£3.03) Worcestershire (£3.09) and Derbyshire (£3.14). Last week I drank beer in Dorset at two pubs not five miles apart, where at one it was £2.95 and another it was £2.20 and £2.40.

Sort of puts the credibility of the rest of this book in doubt, doesn’t it?

CAMRA has achieved a lot over the years and is oft quoted as the ‘most successful consumer group in Europe’ In a recent discussion with a fellow beer-drinker, he maintains that the organisation is ‘past its sell-by date’ as they are adamant about a number of things – any pub that uses ‘caskbreathers’ are banned from the GBG (I would respectfully suggest that if you are interested to look up this subject) and ‘craft ales’ (i.e. not actually real ale by

Lamb & Lark Russell & Diane welcome you to the

Limington nr. Ilchester • BA22 8EG Tel: 01935 840368 Delicious food served 6 days a week lunchtime & evening

Tuesday 7th October HOMEMADE PIE NIGHT Thursday 16th October CURRY NIGHT 4 – 5 Curries, help yourself, £10.95 pp Sunday 26th October QUIZ NIGHT (In aid of St. Margaret’s Hospice)

SUNDAY CARVERY Adults £8.95 • Children 3 – 10 years old £5.95 Children under 3 years old £3.25

PRE-CHRISTMAS PARTY MENU LUNCH • 2-Course £12.95 • 3-Course £15.95 DINNER • 2-Course £18.95 • 3-Course £22.95 CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCHEON Bookings now being taken

Southwest Hog Roast & Outside Bars ... call for details Visit our website for full details: www.lambandlark.co.uk

FUNCTION ROOM * OUTSIDE BARS & HOG ROASTS * WEDDINGS & PRIVATE PARTIES WELCOME

FAMILIES WELCOME • ENCLOSED BEER GARDEN

Signs to make you smile 

Seen in Norton Village Store & Post Office definition, but by taste often extremely good) are also a no-no.

There does of course, need to be a change in the constitution to embrace some of these changes, if indeed they will ever take place.

In my opinion it is inevitability if the organisation is to survive and thrive. After all, they happily fight brewery closures and pub closures and embrace ‘real’ cider and ‘real’ perry. Having sampled many real and craft beers to enable to report back to you good people out there in Visitorland, I

can sum up by saying that we have had some excellent craft ales – and some disgusting ‘real’ ones.

Enjoy your skittles!

AROUND THE

H O U S E S

IN DITCHEAT ... the newly refurbished function rooms are now ready at The Manor House Inn, ideal for festive

Wyndham Arms

Rob & Lin welcome you to the

KINGSBURY EPISCOPI nr. MARTOCK SOMERSET TA12 6AT

Open all day - every day Delicious homecooked food served every lunchtime and evening  Choice of Sunday Roasts 

LIVE MUSIC Saturday 25 October Craig & Alex Priddice th

Guitarist / Vocalist Duo - 9pm

O CHRISTMAS MENUS O Lunchtime Christmas Menu 2014

2 Course - £12.95 J 3 Course - £15.95 J 4 Course - £16.95

Dinner Christmas Menu 2014

2 Course - £15.95 J 3 Course - £18.95 J 4 Course - £19.95

4 DRAUGHT CIDERS now available Burrow Hill (Dry) • Thatchers Gold Stowford Press • Ashton Press (Still)

CAMRA GOOD BEER GUIDE 2015

Tel: 01935 823239

Please visit us on our website: www.wyndhamarms.com to see full menu details

THE VISITOR October 2014 37

They Say

That when visiting Castle Cary’s Carybrook Care Home, Paul Sherrell was somewhat perturbed to find himself being restrained by Ditcheat’s Trudy Stevens when he tried to leave the building.

That the two Gerald's that frequent a Wincanton hostelry are funding the Hinchliffe renovations.

That if you time it right, you can enjoy a Hobnob at Homemaker in Shaftesbury.

That Ansford’s Gwyn Phillips will not be using his Sat Nav to find his way out of Taunton ever again.

That Dawn Weeks of Alley Cuts Hair Salon in Wincanton is spot on ... when it comes to fashion.

That Spiderman is alive and well and currently abseiling in Keinton Mandeville with Batman.

That the figure enjoying a pint on the patio at the Lord Nelson Norton Sub Hamdon is well and truly "stoned"!!

That following his recent television appearance, David Mounsteven of Martock will now be available to sign autographs.

That Wyke Farms in Somerset, the UK’s largest independent cheese producer and milk processor, have been recognised for their ‘commitment to sustainability’

by Waitrose.

That its congratulations and well done to the Wincanton Pubs for jointly raising over £10,000 for childrens' cancer charity, in the recent Winky Kicks Cancer fund raising week.

That too much keep-fit on holiday can be bad for your health, according to Yeovil’s hopalong Rob Smith of Fit & Furnish.

That recently overheard, and according to a certain Chiselborough gentleman, linctus is very good for wrapping around a cut leg.

That ladies can shop until they drop in Castle Cary’s participating fashion and beauty shops, with the late night opening on the 9th October - part of Castle Cary’s Fashion Week - watchout Paris.

That Simon ‘yellow jersey’ Beard of Podimore and Sherborne is thinking of publishing his own cook book.

That after years of speculation it is good to stay United.

38 THE VISITOR October 2014

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

168 Hendford Hill YEOVIL

“Those days are passed now And in the past they must remain But we can still rise now And be the nation again”

FIRST PERSON to tell me the song gets a free drink. Last month Tony Johns correctly guessed that it was “Running up that Hill” by Kate Bush  .

Some shocking news to start this month. John D’arcy - he of Mr D’arcy fame our favourite troubadour - was involved in a nasty car smash while on the way to The Quicksilver for one of our great music nights. The car ended up on its roof ! And poor old John ended up in Southampton Hospital with a fractured sternum and a crinkly mouth . We would all like to wish him a speedy recovery and we hope to see him back here in the not too distant future  .

It’s all change here at The Quick.

We have a NEW CHEF. Liam Hayter joined us when he was a wee lad of 15, did all his training here, then off he went to Bath and other posh places to ply and learn his trade. Until recently Liam was at The Haselbury Mill, but now he has come home and very glad we are to have him  .

Joanna Reay celebrated her coming of age here in style with a few friends some lovely food, good music and a few drinks.

Congratulations Joanna, xxx.

On the 27th of September (Saturday Eve) we have a FREE GIG by the Fat Marrow Blues Band - one of the best around certainly one not to miss! On the 3rd of October Barry Paull will be bringing his ELVIS Tribute Show here in aid of St. Margaret’s Hospice. Tickets are £5 and available now.

On the 10th we have Sweet FA live in the bar. On the 17th The Railhogs bring their own brand of rocky blues to The Quick. On the 24th Nobody’s Heroes are here. On Saturday 25th DT8 are live in the function room. Tickets are available from various outlets including the pub!

And last but not least, Mark Venus will be here on the 31st live in the bar. So that’s 7 music events in one month. Who says live music is dead?

And finally, have you noticed that The Gazette has gone up AGAIN? Its now a pound ! scandalous!  TOOT TOOT!!!

BOOKINGS

 01935 424721

The

Pub Pages

parties ... 1940s themed New Year’s Eve Party at The Natterjack, Evercreech Junction ... live music at Truffles Brasserie, Bruton in October ... lovers of Persian food should head to The Sun Inn ... check out the Race Day Packages available at The Montague Inn, Shepton Montague ... regular monthly themed evenings at The Stags Head, Yarlington, next one 16th October Oriental buffet ... and the outside music area is proving popular at The Bear Inn, Wincanton.

Galloping on to Gillingham where the Saturday Meat draw is popular at The Phoenix ... new ‘lighter bites’ menu available at The Wine Bar ... enjoy the good weather in the secret garden at South Street Kitchens ... and at The White Lion in Bourton currently guesting are Ruddles Best and Otter Amber.

Thundering on to Thornford where Sunday evening you can enjoy tastes from around the world at The Kings Arms ... Buffalo burgers a tasty treat on the menu at The Plucknett, Yeovil ... always a warm welcome at The Quicksilver Mail, where you can win a pint if you can identify the song in Pete’s advert before anyone else ... at The Muddled Man in West Chinnock Garry tells us prices are frozen this Christmas - unlike his food ... tickets now on sale at The Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon for the popular Hamdon Ha Ha comedy festival weekend ... cider lovers should pay a visit to The Wyndham Arms Kingsbury Episcopi where there is a choice of four draught ciders ... and at East Lambrook Palmers 200 is a tasty pint at The Rose & Crown.

Cycling on to Corton Denham where Wednesday Film Nights for October at The Queens Arms include Amazing Spiderman 2, Maleficent and Godzilla ... a fresh coat of paint for The Sparkford Inn, Sparkford ... welcome to Sam at The Marston Inn, Marston Magna ... a new evergreen menu for smaller appetites has been launched, every Wednesday at The Mildmay Arms, Queen Camel ... cassoulets and tagines

making an appearance on the menu at The Pilgrims Restaurant, Lovington ... The Red Lion, Babcary is becoming a popular Wedding venue ...

Nuova Italia in Ilchester offer 10% discount to all military and service personnel ... and enjoy tasty homemade pies at The Lamb & Lark, Limington.

October Notice Board MARTOCK

Martock Church (TA12 6JL) 30th October at 7.30pm, Exeter's City Steam Jazz Band playing pre1900 to 1940 tunes. Trumpeter Dave Martin's sextet returns by popular demand for 3rd time since 2009. Tickets £7 on door/£6 from 01935 822706. Dave now owns a Bix type vintage CONN cornet and will include some Bix favourites.

MERE

Mere Literary Festival-Timed Flash Fiction Competition. Opens Sept.25th – Closes Oct.3rd.

Awards Oct.19th. Details www.merelitfest.co.uk

STREET

Yeovil Concert Band featuring solos by pupils from Millfield School in concert at The Johnson Hall, Millfield School, Street on Saturday 11th October, 7.30pm in aid of The Children's Hospice South West. Tickets £7 from the Tourist Information Centre, Clark's Village, Street (01458 447384), Glastonbury Music Shop (01458 835212) or on the door.

WEST COKER

An Evening of Music & Song at St. Martin’s Church, West Coker, Wednesday 15th October, 7.30pm, with HMS Heron Volunteer Band and the Military Wives Choir (Yeovilton). Tickets £10 from 01935 862172/862704, or West Coker Post Office.

Advertise Your November Event Here!

A listing under our Notice Board costs just £5 for 20 words - send details of What?

When? Where? to The Visitor, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BG. All entries to be pre-paid. Extra words 30p each. Deadline for November issue, Monday 20th October.

Email: relax@thequeensarms.com Tel: 01963 220317 * www.thequeensarms.com

Christmas Party Menu

Available 1st – 23rd December (excluding Saturdays) Parties with DJ available every Friday in December, book a table or exclusive party Savoury Mincemeat Croquette ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Visitor Guide to your local ...

In-House Smoked Salmon with Apple Jelly, Buckwheat Bellini and Pickled Cucumber

Confit Quail Leg, Black Pudding Scotched Quail Egg, Roasted Plum and Blue Cheese Crumb

Spiced Broccoli Soup, Crispy Onions, Tempura Fried Romenesco Broccoli and Walnut Relish Pumpkin Pannacotta with Pumpkin Seed Granola, Elderberries and Goats Curd ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cornish Hake with Smoked Haddock Hash, Clam Chowder, Foraged Sea Vegetables and Cockle Popcorn

Turkey Pot o Fur, Whipped Potatoes, Turned Vegetables, Home Cured Bacon, Turkey Consomme and Turkey Leg Bonbon

Braised Ox Cheek, Roasted Sirloin, Shallots, Poached Girolles and Chateaux Potatoes Curried Puy Lentil Suet Pudding with Cauliflower Bhaji, Polenta Chips and Smoked Pepper Jus ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Christmas Pudding with Brandy Custard and Date and Spiced Rum Ice Cream Pecan and Bourbon Tart with Nutmeg Ice Cream and Coffee Frappe

Clementine and Passion Fruit Cheesecake with Blood Orange Sorbet

Chocolate and Tonka Bean Mousse with Lemon Polenta Cake and Sesame Wafer 4 Courses £27.95 or Main Meal and Dessert £22.95 £10 per person non-refundable deposit required at time of booking

Christmas Day Menu Glass of Fitzrovia Ridegeview / Selections of Canapes ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Smoked Potato & Sweetcorn Chowder, Pommes Dauphine and Pumpkin Muffin Hand Dived, Pan Fried Scallops with Tempura Fried Lobster Claw, Cumin Veloute and Guanciale

10 Hour Braised Ox-Tail Lasagna with Horseradish Mousse, Celeriac and Garlic Oil Crispy Fried Goose Egg with Samphire, Grated Truffle and Pecorino Crisp ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mulled Cider Sorbet

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Locally Bred Turkey, Pigs in Blankets, Smoked Bacon Stuffing, Goose Fat Roast Potatoes, Creamed Savoy Cabbage, Roasted Carrots, Cranberry Jus

Red Wine Poached Somerset Fillet of Beef with Fondant Potatoes, Bone-Marrow Fritters, Blue Cheese Crumb, Morrel Mushroom Puree and Haggis Tortellini Cornish Turbot Escalope with Poached Oyster Cream, Winter Kale, Crab Apple Crushed Potatoes, Clam and Cockle Butter

Mushroom Wellington, Crown Prince Squash, Foraged Sea Vegetables & Chestnut Cream ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Coffee and Cream Caramel Fondant with Salted Caramel Ice Cream & Cinnamon Tuile Queens Classics: Steamed Blood Orange & Date Pudding, Mini Mince Pie & Boozie Sherry Trifle

Pink Praline Tart with Elderflower Sorbet, Raspberry Macaroons & Pistachio Brittle Selection of West Country Cheeses ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Freshly Made Coffee or Tea and Petit Fours

£75.00 per Person, Children up to 12 years of age £40.00 (12 noon – 3pm) A 50% non refundable deposit is required, per person, at time of booking

New Year’s Eve Hooray for Hollywood Themed Party

£65.00 per Person (7.30pm – 2am) A 50% non refundable deposit is required, per person, at time of booking All bookings of 4 or more people made before 30th November 2014 will receive a FREE TAXI home up to 8 mile radius

ROYAL OAK

Chris & Jill welcome you to the ...

Over Stratton SOUTH PETHERTON

A Charming Country Inn ... where dining out won’t break the bank

O

CHRISTMAS FAYRE

O

Leek & Potato Soup finished with herb croutons Crispy Bacon and Wild Mushroom Salad Chicken Liver, Red Wine & Garlic Pate served with Melba toast Deep Fried Brie & Cranberry Sauce served with water biscuits

* * * * * * * * * Traditional Roast Turkey served with bacon, chipolata & stuffing Baked Hake finished with lobster and prawn sauce Beef Bourguignonne - tender pieces of beef cooked with red wine, bacon, mushrooms & onions Roasted Ratatouille Pancakes finished with tomato & basil sauce All served with seasonal vegetables and potatoes

* * * * * * * * * Christmas Pudding and Brandy Sauce Apple and Mincemeat Crumble served with custard Vanilla and Nutmeg Crème Brûlée Strawberry and Clotted Cream Cheesecake served with cream * * * * * * * * * 2 Courses – £14.95 • 3 Courses – £18.95

Available Tuesday 2nd December – Tuesday 23rd December

For enquiries please phone 01460 240906

THE VISITOR October 2014 39

Crown & Victoria Mark & Isabel welcome you to the ...

The Visitor Guide to your local ...

Farm Street TINTINHULL Nr. Yeovil BA22 8PZ

O CHRISTMAS DAY MENU 2014 O £ 75 per person • £ 37.50 for children under 12 years old This menu is only available to parties who have pre-booked and pre-ordered

START ERS Godminster Cheddar and Onion Soup with crispy shallots and pickled apples served with a crusty bread roll Pan Fried Scallops with caper, raisin and olive vinaigrette Game Terrine glazed in port jelly with cranberry compote served with sour dough toast Gin Cured Salmon with buttermilk pancakes and maple syrup ***** Champagne Sorbet

***** MAI NS Roast Crown & Victoria Turkey with sage and onion stuffing, sausage wrapped in bacon, roast potatoes, port and cranberry sauce, seasonal vegetables and turkey gravy Pan Roasted Creedy Carver Duck Breast with honey glazed bacon, potato pancakes and seasonal vegetables Roasted Fore Rib of Beef with red wine sauce, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables Roasted Turbot Viennoise with grain mustard sabayon and celeriac gratin dauphinoise potatoes served with seasonal vegetables Caramelised Shallot and Tomato Tart Tatin with walnut pesto and pomme puree served with seasonal vegetables SWEETS Homemade Christmas Pudding with dark rum sauce and brandy butter Caramelised Pears baked in a thin brioche crust with pistachio ice cream Lemon Verbena Creams with charred lemon and meringues Sticky Toffee Pudding with caramelised banana, toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream A Selection of Local Cheeses with “Fudges of Stalbridge” biscuits and spicy gooseberry chutney ***** Coffee and Mince Pies *****

O CHRISTMAS PARTY MENU 2014 O £22.95 per person for 3 courses • £ 19.95 per person for 2 courses This menu is only available to parties who have pre-booked and pre-ordered

START ERS Celeriac and Bramley Apple Soup with Dorset Blue Vinny and toasted walnuts Chicken Liver Pate with toasted sour dough bread and spicy tomato chutney Baked Camembert with caramelised onion marmalade and parsley & garlic fuccacia Gin Cured Salmon with buttermilk pancakes and creme fraiche

MAI NS Roast Crown & Victoria Turkey with sage and onion stuffing, sausage wrapped in bacon, roast potatoes, port and cranberry sauce and fresh vegetables Braised Brisket of Beef in a red wine sauce, horseradish dumplings, creamy mash potatoes and fresh vegetables Pan Fried Line Caught Sea Bass with celeriac and potato gratin, lemongrass veloute, kumquat marmalade and fresh vegetables Mushroom Wellington with cranberry & port sauce, mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables SWEETS Homemade Christmas Pudding with dark rum sauce and brandy butter Sticky Toffee Pudding with toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream Lemon Posset with fennel and almond biscotti A Selection of Somerset Cheeses with “Fudges of Stalbridge” biscuits and spicy gooseberry chutney (£2.50 surcharge) ***** Coffee and Mince Pies

***** Where possible our food is locally sourced and free range / organic.

It is freshly prepared and made here at The Crown & Victoria Inn. If you have any specific dietary needs please let us know.

AA Rosette Award For Culinary Excellence 2013 / 2014

40 THE VISITOR October 2014

reAl lOG Fire • BeAuTiFul GArDenS • reAl AleS AmPle PArkinG • enSuiTe ACCOmmODATiOn

Bookings Tel: 01935 823341

Fax: 01935 825786 • Email: info@thecrownandvictoria.co.uk www.thecrownandvictoria.co.uk

The MUDDLED MAN Your hosts, Mick, Jean and Garry welcome you to

Lower Street, West Chinnock Tel: 01935 881235

Pre-Christmas Dinners Group Dinner Bookings

The Visitor Guide to your local ...

2 Courses + Coffee - £16 * 3 Courses + Coffee - £18

Curry Buffet Saturday 20 th December Christmas Day Dinner

Drink on arrival, 7 Course Meal, Half Bottle of Wine - £60 10% OFF for groups of 10 or more • Children under 12 half price — Booking Essential —

Boxing Day Buffet - £15

The White

Lion Inn Bar – Restaurant – Accommodation

Book early for Christmas Day & Boxing Day and RECEIVE A DISCOUNT “Our prices are frozen ... unlike our food which is fresh”

Christmas 2014

STArTErS Chefs Seasonal Vegetable Soup served with Homemade Bread Homemade Chicken Liver, Wild Mushroom and Cognac Pate with Homemade Bread King Prawns in Tempura Batter with Salad and Sweet Chilli Sauce Field Mushroom filled with Spinach, Tomato and Fresh Basil, topped with Mozzarella Baked Brie in Filo Pastry, served with Salad and our own Cumberland Sauce

MAinS roast West Country Turkey, Home Cooked gammon Ham, Sausage and Cranberry Stuffing roast Sirloin of Local Beef with Yorkshire Pudding Herb Crusted Baked Cod with White Wine, Cream and Dill Sauce Poached Chicken Breast, wrapped in Parma Ham, Stuffed with Spinach and ricotta, served with Cream and Tarragon Sauce roasted root Vegetable goulash served over Spinach Linguini Wild Mushroom Stroganoff and rice PUDDingS Forest Berry Shortbread Lemon and Lime Cheesecake Christmas Pudding with Brandy Custard Apple and Mulled Berry Crumble served with Clotted Cream Three Chocolate Brownie and ice-Cream Selection of Cheese and Biscuits 2 Courses £16.95 ★ 3 Courses £ 21.50

High Street, Bourton, Dorset, SP8 5AT Tel: 01747 840866

Email: relax@whitelionbourton.co.uk • www.whitelionbourton.co.uk THE VISITOR October 2014 41

Always a warm welcome at the Natterjack

The Visitor Guide to your local

Delicious home cooked food including ever changing daily specials

with accommodation

CHRISTMAS MENUS now available (Early bookings advised)

❅

❆

The Natterjack Inn ❅ Nr. Evercreech Junction Evercreech ❄ Somerset BA4 6NA ❄

❆

Email: natterjack@btconnect.com Website: thenatterjackinn.co.uk

New Years Eve Party Night 1940 Theme With Live Entertainment Superb Female Vocalist - Kayleigh Fireworks at Midnight (Menu available shortly) See website for full details

CHRISTMAS AT ...

Leigh Common, Wincanton, Somerset, BA9 8LD

Festive Menu 2014 • 2 Courses £16.95 • 3 Courses £19.95 Pâté: a delicious course farmhouse pâté served with salad and toast Roasted Winter Vegetable Soup: homemade and served with warm crusty bread Tempura King Prawns: battered tempura king prawns served with a warming sweet chilli dip Stuffed Mushroom: a whole flat mushroom topped with stilton and parma ham and oven baked ‘til golden brown Breaded Mozzarella Sticks: soft mozzarella encased in golden breadcrumbs and served with a port and cranberry dip

will appear in our

NOVEMBER ISSUE Published: Thursday 30th October Deadline: Friday 17th October

DECEMBER ISSUE Published: Thursday 27th November Deadline: Friday 14th November New Year Celebrations ...

Burns Night ...

CHRISTMAS / JANUARY ISSUE Published: Thursday 18th December Deadline: Friday 5th December To book your advert in The Visitor

Tel: 01963 351256

Or email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Roast Beef or Turkey: served with cranberry stuffing, pigs in blankets, home-made yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables Chorizo Chicken: garlic marinated chicken topped with salsa, cheddar and chorizo sausage, served with coleslaw and chips Oven Baked Salmon: served with a parsley butter, roast potatoes and vegetables Christmas Burger: twist on a favourite, a 6oz beef burger topped with cheddar, 2 x pigs in blankets with cranberry sauce on the side, served with coleslaw and chips Stilton & Walnut Pasta: stilton & walnuts in a creamy pasta with chopped parsley and a side of garlic ciabatta Traditional Christmas Pudding: served with brandy sauce Eaton Mess Sundae: layers of meringue, strawberries, cream and ice-cream Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake: a truly indulgent, rich dark baked chocolate cheesecake covered with dark chocolate mousse Lemon Meringue Pie: a slice of zingy lemon and meringue pie and served with fresh whipped cream Cheese & Biscuits: mature cheddar & stilton cheese served with red onion chutney, biscuits and a small salad Followed by Coffee & Mints Senior Citizens Price Same Menu 12 – 5 Monday – Friday 2 Course £11.95 • 3 Course £13.95 NORMAL A LA CARTE MENU Free Glass of Bubbly for all Diners!!!

01747 840439

www.hunterslodgeinn.com 42 THE VISITOR October 2014

The

Stag’s Head Inn Yarlington, nr. Wincanton Somerset, BA9 8DG Tel: 01963 440393

SOMERSET’S HIDDEN GEM ...

In a truly picture postcard setting you will find this charming 1850 traditional inn with its log fires, friendly atmosphere and good service.

All meals are prepared by our Award Winning Chef Paul Tapping.

Proprietors Paul & Dawn invite customers old & new to the warmest of welcomes.

Christmas Menu 2014 Available 1st – 24th December

The Visitor Guide to your local ...

STARTERS

Goats Cheese and Cranberry Tortellini (V) with salad and parmesan.

Shell on King Prawns, cooked with garlic, chilli lime and butter, served with cranberry and pumpkin seed bread and a salad garnish.

Homemade Breaded Brie (V) with port and cranberry sauce and salad.

Salmon Mousse and Gravelaux, home made Scottish salmon mousse encased with gravelaux, served with salad and toasted brown bread.

Baked Field Mushrooms (V) filled with spring onion, garlic, tomato and Montgomery cheddar.

Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup (V) served with an organic white roll and butter. *******************

MAIN COURSE

Traditional Roast Turkey with almond and apricot stuffing, bacon roll, chipolata and seasonal vegetables.

Sea Bass Fillets on a bed of asparagus spears, served with a sun blushed tomato and dill butter.

Local Lamb Rump, studded with garlic and rosemary with a hint of mustard. Served pink, with a red wine and red currant jus.

Mushroom, Cranberry, Spinach and Brie Wellington (V) served with a cranberry and port sauce.

Andrew Barclay’s 8oz Sirloin Steak, with a Diane sauce and cooked to your liking.

Supreme of Chicken, chicken breast filled with goats cheese in a creamy white wine sauce with bacon, apricot and herbs. *******************

DESSERT

Mango and Raspberry Brûlée (V) with home made shortbread.

Traditional Christmas Pudding, served with clotted cream.

Winter Berry Pudding (V) a twist on the classic summer pudding served with clotted cream.

Dark Chocolate and Baileys Torte (V) served with Lovington’s vanilla ice cream.

Cheeseboard (V) a selection of local cheeses with biscuits and grapes.

White Chocolate and Tia Maria Cheesecake, topped with blackcurrant jelly, served with ice cream.

To include Christmas Party accessories and your choice of fresh tea or coffee to finish

Two courses £17.95 ✴ Three courses £22.95 *******************

BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE!

The Halfway House Inn

Country Lodge

CHILTHORNE DOMER nr. YEOVIL

Tel: 01935 840350 • Fax: 01935 849006 • www.halfwayhotelyeovil.com

Christmas Party Menu 2 Course £14.95 • 3 Course £19.95

 Bookings taken for Christmas Day Lunch 

Sunday Carvery £7.95

Lakes & Gardens: FREE fishing for residents

Why not stay over? In one of our 19 Ensuite Rooms

ROSE & CROWN

REAL ALES • FUNCTION ROOM • LAKE & GARDEN • Proprietor: Paul T. Rowsell FBII

LONGBURTON nr. Sherborne DT9 5PD

Two Courses £18.50 * Three Courses £21.50

STARTERS Black treacle ham hock terrine served with toasted brioche and piccalilli Homemade cured salmon gravlax with a dill mayonnaise and a side of bread and butter A veloute of leek and potato: a smooth, creamy leek and potato soup served with bread and butter Cheery vine tomato, chestnuts, broad beans and pear tartlet with grilled goats cheese MAIN COURSE Traditional roast turkey with all the trimming!

Pigs in blankets, apricot and orange stuffing, cranberry sauce and served with roast poatoes and seasonal vegetables Braised shoulder of lamb with garlic and rosemary fondant potatoes and seasonal vegetables Grilled yellow fin sole in a seafood and saffron sauce served with crushed new potatoes and char grilled courgettes Wild mushroom, pepper, silver skin onion and asparagus risotto with shaved parmesan

DESSERTS Traditional Christmas pudding served with brandy custard Warm chocolate, cranberry and hazelnut brownie served with vanilla ice cream Zesty lemon cheesecake with a St Clements compote Selection of ice creams: honeycomb & white chocolate, coffee and rum & raisin Tea and coffee with warm mince pies to finish As well as our RESTAURANT AREA we can offer our FUNCTION ROOM for larger parties, which can also be used as a skittle alley if you would like a post dinner activity for your party.

THE SKITTLE ALLEY can be added on to your booking for an additional cost of £25.

ENQUIRIES: 01963 210202

THE VISITOR October 2014 43

The Visitor Guide to your local ...

THIS CHRISTMAS why not join us for your festive party in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere?

We have 5 rooms available to book ... all with roaring log fires!

We have a range of Christmas Menus from only £15 per head, and our full Bar and Specials Menus are available as well.

Packages with a Glass of Prosecco and Wine and FREE use of our Juke Box ... from £22.50 Meet with friends or colleagues and enjoy a festive feast this Christmas at The Coppleridge.

Open Christmas Day £65 per head: bookings only

The Coppleridge Inn, Motcombe, Dorset, SP7 9HW • 01747 851980 thecoppleridgeinn@btinternet.com • www.coppleridge.com

Kings Arms

Thornford DT9 6QD • 01935 872294

Christmas Menu 2 Courses £13.95 • 3 Courses £17.95

STARTERS

Homemade Broccoli & Stilton Soup served with home baked crusty bread & butter Homemade Game Pate served with salad garnish & toast Smoked Salmon & Prawn Platter served with salad and brown bread & butter Creamy Garlic Mushrooms served with crusty bread & butter

MAINS

Roast Turkey with pigs in blanket, stuffing & gravy Roast Topside with Yorkshire pudding & gravy Venison Casserole: Sherborne Castle Estates venison, cooked in red wine with junipers Poached Salmon Fillet with dill sauce Roast Vegetable & Goats Cheese Tart All served with a selection of seasonal fresh vegetables & roast potatoes

SWEETS

Traditional Christmas Pudding Homemade Winter Fruits Crumble Steamed Chocolate Pudding All the above served with choice of brandy sauce, custard, ice cream or cream Homemade Winter Berry Cheesecake Ice Cream Sundae Mixed Cheese and Biscuits - Somerset brie, stilton & cheddar

44 THE VISITOR October 2014

THE

MANOR HOUSE INN DITCHEAT

New Function Rooms at the Manor House Inn

We are pleased to announce that our year-long refurbishment is now complete and we can now offer 2 different function rooms.  BOTH ARE IDEAL FOR CHRISTMAS PARTIES 

The Old Skittle Alley situated on the ground floor features a purpose built banquet table, which can seat up to 42 people. We have also added french windows which open directly into the beer garden and features a private outdoor patio / smoking area.

The Private Dining Room and Guest Lounge can seat up to 16 people. This first floor room has a wood burning stove with sofa and chairs to make it a more relaxed atmosphere.

For more information please call our manager on 01749 860276 More details can be found at our website www.manorhouseinn.co.uk W RAX AL L ROA D • D IT CH EAT ne ar S HE PTO N MAL L ET • B A4 6RB

G RE AT F O O D • EXCEL L ENT ACC O MMO DAT IO N • F I NE WINE S & BE E RS THE VISITOR October 2014 45

GARDENING

GARDENING MONTHLY

by Richard Cumming Orchard Park

It has been unusually warm!

HAVING SAID THAT, I have doubtless cast the spell of doom and by the time you read this it will be cold wet and ‘orrible, or as the meteorologists would say, a return to normal weather patterns. It may be the rose tinted specs, but I think we have had some really nice days over this summer and autumn which

I hope will lead to some great autumn colours. This is such a special time of year. It is so good to spend the day harvesting crops then clearing and tidying the plot before the weather changes.

Darker evenings give you the excuse of finishing early enough to get the fire lit and relax.

Traditionally, autumn is a really good time to be planting all sorts

of things. The soil is still warm after the summer and with a bit of moisture added, the roots of anything in contact with the soil, are encouraged to grow. The big advantage is that a hardy plant that is planted properly now, will do so much better next spring than one planted then.

Most plants are available grown in pots, so to be honest with you, they could be planted at any time of the year although they would definitely need more care and attention if planted in spring or summer. Evergreens especially should go in as soon as possible so they can get established before the cold winds come.

Autumn is usually the safest time to plant hardy plants whether they are trees, shrubs, bulbs or perennials. The warm and reasonably moist soil is so welcoming for plant roots; the conditions are just right for

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encouraging new root growth without the burden of having to support masses of leaves. The result is that the plant is nicely settled before the spring when the pressure is really on and the plant is calling for the maximum amount of water and nutrients to support top growth. So plan your project now and then plant it this autumn. Clay soils around this part of the world can be difficult to manage if they are too wet at the end of the winter but with a little added coarse grit and well rotted compost they are very productive and this is usually another good reason to get things done sooner rather than later.

Plant of the month

A bit early for Christmas but in the garden centre hollies are starting to look really attractive.

There are varieties which will reliably produce berries year after year. Most hollies [proper name Ilex] carry either female or male flowers: its basic stuff but you need

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46 THE VISITOR October 2014

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both to make berries which of course are carried on the female plant. So, most gardeners will choose a female holly and hope to have a male holly nearby that will provide the pollen. It could be a wild holly in the hedge or a specially planted male sort and it doesn’t really matter if it is an allgreen plant or a variegated variety.

So what are the good varieties?

Confusingly there are female varieties with male names such as Ilex aquifolium Golden King, and Silver Milkboy as well as Silver Milkmaid, then there is an excellent male with a female name; Ilex Silver Queen. There are a very few self-fertile hollies of which Ilex ‘J C van Thol’ is one of the best.

The Blue hollies are hybrids between Ilex aquifolium and Ilex rugosa and are known as Ilex x merserveae. They are mostly compact varieties with dark green prickly leaves that have a blue ‘cast’ to give them their name. Blue Angel, Blue Princess and Blue Maid are good berrying varieties while Blue Price is an excellent pollinator.

Hollies prefer a free draining soil and a sunny position, but will grow in most places even poor soils, and are extremely hardy. A wonderful plant for the winter garden.

Jobs for the month

A lot of autumn work is to do with clearing up and protecting plants for winter. Some perennials with colourful or shapely seed heads

GARDENING

Winter heathers are really hardy and make good companions to hollies.

can be left as they are; the birds will collect the seeds and the top growth, even though it has finished, will act as a bit of insulation for the underground part of the plant that will go dormant until the spring. Newly planted trees will need to be properly staked to survive the buffeting winds, and evergreens may need protection from cold freezing winds. We can do that with various windbreaks and fleece jackets or covers that provide excellent protection that

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allows the plant to breathe.

Bulbs are high on the planting list. Most garden centres take in their bulbs from the growers at the end of August so the earlier

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you look the better the selection will be. You can usually find the right colour combination if you have a definite colour scheme in mind but you may have to

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THE VISITOR October 2014 47

compromise with the time of flowering and heights if you leave it too late. Once you have bought your bulbs, planting is best done before the end of November for most sorts.

There are lots of plants for autumn and winter colour in tubs and borders. Compact hardy chrysanthemums, winter pansies

GARDENING

and violas are staple diet – so too the hardy cyclamen hybrids that give a good display until January.

[Hardy to –5ºC at least].

Wallflowers planted now will flower next April - May, similarly Sweet Williams, and Brompton Stocks.

For many folk new to gardening, timing the garden care jobs can be a bit of a mystery.

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Approved contractor to Dorset & Somerset C.C.

Lawn care and weed control are good examples but if you can understand what is happening to the plants then the mystery lessens. As temperatures fall, growth rates get slower as the plant prepares for the dormant season. They will want to make sure that their fruits are ripened and dispersed to provide for the next generation, or draw back all the goodness from their leaves to store overwinter and provide for the following spring. Perennial weeds tend to die back but you can treat them as long as they have green leaves and with weed killers like glyphosate, a late season spray will clean them up before the winter arrives. Most lawns need some attention – a

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Utilise the generous grants now available to restock neglected woodland or areas of wasteground

good raking, and an autumn feed.

Spike the surface and add sharp sand to improve the drainage and reduce the amount of moss. Hard work but well worth the effort.

Lawns benefit from a high phosphate and potash feed which produces a good strong healthy root system rather than green top growth. Turf can be laid in all but the very coldest weather, some grass seed mixes will germinate and establish well in colder weather at lower temperatures which are the same types that football stadiums use to re-establish pitches during the winter.

Look on our web-site www.orchardpark.biz for more gardening tips.

Suppliers of quality lawn turf Full ground preparation and laying service available

Telephone Somerton 01458 272091 Mobile 07850 310998

Say you saw it in The Visitor

This Christmas ...

Make it perfect by decorating your home with a

Nordman Fir Christmas Tree EXCELLENT QUALITY & PINE RETENTION Choose your own size ... from 5 feet in height upwards ***************

If carbon footprints are your concern then PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT Come and choose one of our home grown and lovingly cared for

Eco-Friendly Potted Norway Spruce Christmas Trees

LOGS

netted or by the load

These can last for many Christmases to come!

Example of one of our Potted Christmas Trees.

Size: 4 feet in height.

****************

Order Now ready from November onwards

Location: West Lydford (A37) TA11 7DP Telephone: 01963 240532 Mobile: 07970 397248 OPENING HOURS: 8.30am – 6.00pm 7 DAYS A WEEK

48 THE VISITOR October 2014

Martin & Co

YEOVIL Independent Traders

Martin & Co in Yeovil has been shortlisted as a top 10 Letting agent in the South West (East) Region of the biggest estate & letting agent awards in the UK, known throughout the industry as THE ESTAS.

Martin & Co has been recognised for its outstanding customer service to its clients by the largest and longest running award scheme in the UK residential property industry.

THE ESTAS determines the best estate and letting agents in

Ward & Sibley family Jewellers of Middle Street offer a friendly and professional service. Here you will find an extensive range of jewellery and watches to suit all tastes and budgets.

Free customer parking at the rear of the shop.

WARD & SIBLEY The Jewellers of Yeovil

OUR REPAIR SECTION OF THE BUSINESS IS PLEASED TO OFFER:

the country through research carried out amongst customers who are asked a series of questions about the service they have received from their agent.

Norris Body Repairs Ltd

Norris Body Repairs is a familyrun business near the town centre which carries out car body repairs and re-sprays.

If you have an insurance claim you can choose where your car is repaired and Norris Body Repairs offer a friendly alternative to the larger body shops. Richard Norris has over 21 years experience in the industry and will ensure you receive individual attention – together with a free estimate and highly skilled repair.

They also specialise in vehicle restorations offering a chance for the customer to inspect and instruct as the restoration is

carried out. Norris Body Repairs also carry out welding work on vehicles that may have failed their MOT. Call Mary Norris to book your car in for repair today!

Crossroads Pet Supplies

A visit to Crossroads Pet Supplies is a must if you have a pet of any sort or if you like to feed the wild birds. Situated on the Causeway betwen Yeovil and Sherborne there is ample free parking right outside the door.

The shop is filled from floor to ceiling with all leading makes of pet and animal feed, toys, beds, hutches etc. Prices are competitive with discounts on bulk purchases. Whether you are looking for worming tablets for the dog or a flea collar for the cat - do call in.

They have a good selection of bird feeders and food too!

Dog tired of high prices?

CROSSROADS PET SUPPLIES VISIT

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 .

NORRIS BODY REPAIRS LTD

 Complete refurbishment of jewellery -

■ Insurance Claims ■ Private Jobs ■ Restorations ■ Resprays ■ Welding Work

 Jewellery handmade to your own design

Email: norrisbodyrepairs@gmail.com • Fax: 01935 473119

soldering charms onto bracelets, sizing rings, repairing chains, jewellery cleaning

 Pearl and bead re-threading

24 Hour Recovery: 07792 380275

South Street • YEOVIL • BA20 1QQ Tel: 01935 411095

 Valuations for insurance and probate  Watch and clock repairs including battery replacements

 Seal and hand engraving

For a prompt and reliable service

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

THE VISITOR October 2014 49

The Winking Frog

YEOVIL Independent Traders

The able2achieve Trust is a registered Charity and directly supports people with a learning difficulty and associated disabilities to be more independent, specifically in work related enterprises; The establishment of the Coffee Shop The Winking Frog on Princes Street in Yeovil offers both training and supported

employment opportunities for our learners, it is a safe but realistic environment for vulnerable adults to access real work.

The Winking Frog is open Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4pm and Saturday 9am - 2.30pm, all cakes and food are homemade from local produce. able2achieve enables both specialist day provision (Coombe Farm, Crewkerne, telephone:

The Winking Frog Coffee Shop

01460 279520) and support individuals living in their community as a registered and approved provider across the County.

Yeovil Hydraulics

Established since 1968, Yeovil Hydraulics on the Lynx Trading Estate offers a professional hydraulic and pneumatic service to both the agricultural and industrial sector. Hose assembly

is available while you wait. They also offer a gas delivery and installation service for central heating systems. This service covers most of the South West.

Make sure your vehicle’s air conditioning service is working properly. At Yeovil Hydraulics they recharge air conditioning units. The garage side of the buisness offers a full servicing programme on all makes of vehicle and is a MOT Testing station.

We use organic and local produce

• Homemade Cakes • Light Lunches • Fair Trade Coffees

QUIRKY AND INNOVATIVE

 TAKE AWAY SERVICE AVAILABLE 

We use COOMBE FARM Dairy and Meat Produce and support other local independent businesses — WiFi available —

17 Princes Street, Yeovil • Tel: 01935 508151 The long established Walter Wall Carpets in Princes Street.

 100s of rugs in stock

 Extensive range of quality carpets  Natural flooring specialists

. . . do call in !

34 Princes Street, Yeovil. Tel: 01935 478100

YEOVIL HYDRAULICS • MAYFLOWER HYDRAULICS • Fluid & Air Power Centre • Hydraulic Equipment Manufacturers • RAM Makers and Repairers • Stockists of all your Hydraulic & Pneumatic Needs • Suppliers of all types of Industrial Hoses • Manufacturers of High Pressure Hoses - while you wait!

UNIVERSAL

ENGINEERING SERVICES • mot testing • car servicing and repairs • all makes and models • brakes, tyres, clutches, exhausts • air conditioning

Tel: 01935 472233 Fax: 01935 431211 50 THE VISITOR October 2014

01935 475959

Part of VGG Ltd

14 Gazelle Road, Lynx Trading Estate, Yeovil

Tel: 01278 450226 Fax: 01278 446670

Symons Way, Castlefield Trading Estate, Bridgwater

Azest Interiors

YEOVIL Independent Traders

Azest Interiors of Yeovil continue to source fresh and exciting ways to dress your windows. They have new ranges of sumptuous fabrics and bold new wallpapers in stunning colour ways. If you have

a passion for your home and want to give it a makeover Azest Interiors is the place for you.

Azest offers a made-to-measure service for curtains, loose covers and all blinds including high quality vertical, Roller, Venetian

and the New no screw Perfect fit blinds.

Azest is a family run business that takes pride in the quality of their craftsmanship and customer service. They will help develop your own ideas by matching exciting fabrics to your own style and budget. They offer hundreds of inspiring fabrics to choose from and can complete the look by offering a range of stylish curtain

poles, tracks, cushions, holdbacks, trimmings and decorative accessories.

See large samples in the comfort of your own surroundings with expert advice on hand to make achieving your desired look easy or alternatively, visit Azest's studio in Preston Road, Yeovil.

Call today on 01935 420200 or visit www.azest.co.uk for more information.

Enhance your home with style ...

Domestic & Commercial

• Made to Measure • Curtains & Blinds • Decorative Accessories • Curtain Poles • Tracks • Fabrics by the metre • Wallpapers We are a family business offering you the complete service including advice on STYLES, DESIGNS, COLOURS

Rob Smith of Fit & Furnish who recently moved to extensive new premises in the heart of Yeovil, in the former Vincents showroom.

Here you will find a superb range of sofas, beds and furniture to grace your home. Free Parking outside the door.

• Expert Hanging Service also available • Buy with confidence • Free home visits

CALL IN TODAY AND ASK ABOUT DISCOUNTS ON FABRIC ROLLS AND REMNANTS

Unit 5, Higher Preston Farm, Preston Road, Yeovil

Tel: 01935 420200 or 07969 229540 • Email: kay@azest.co.uk • www.azest.co.uk

SPOILT FOR CHOICE! Our new extensive showrooms offer ...

 Beautiful Beds  Terrific Tables  Stunning Sofas  Comfy Chairs  Desirable Dressers  Office Furniture  Mirrors and More Our stock constantly changes – competitively priced

The Old Vincent’s Showroom Market Street, YEOVIL, BA20 1HZ  01935 412811

TOWN CENTRE LOCATION

FREE PARKING OUTSIDE THE DOOR

Email: info@fitandfurnish.co.uk www.fitandfurnish.co.uk

DIRECTIONS: from Marks & Spencer head towards Court Ash Car Park and past The Pall Tavern. Showrooms 100 yards on the right.

THE VISITOR October 2014 51

YEOVIL Independent Traders This jolly flower arrangement (Interflora) in a hessian bag is just one of many available from Andrea’s of Middle Street, Yeovil.

Take a look at her attractive window displays for inspiration.

Flowers say so much!

“Thank You” - “Well Done” - “Congratulations”...

Whatever your taste in music Acorn Music of Yeovil is well worth a visit.

The Bed Specialists

A good night’s sleep is priceless – so choosing the right bed is an important decision. At The Bed Specialists in Yeovil you can be sure of a quality bed at a sensible price. A family-run business for nearly 50 years they stock only leading brands such as Myers, Hypnos and Vi-spring. Whether you are looking for a stylish sleigh bed, a drawer divan or perhaps bunk beds for the kiddies, The Bed Specialists can help. They offer unbiased, friendly and helpful advice. Delivery is free (40 mile radius), your new bed is assembled and your old bed disposed of – plus a price match promise. Mattresses can be purchased separately.

In addition to beds a range of chairs and sofa beds from Sherborne Upholstery are also available. Find them at Huish opposite the Yeovil Mail Sorting Office – ample free parking outside the door. Visit their website for further details.

Andrea’s of Yeovil ACORN MUSIC

BOUQUETS • ARRANGEMENTS • PLANTS

As an extra treat why not add a Box of Chocolates or a Teddy?

78 Middle Street, Yeovil BA20 1LT FREEPHONE: 08000 92 93 50 Telephone: 01935 706526

YEOVIL’S INDEPENDENT MUSIC STORE

WE’RE STILL HERE!

Still trading after all these years with an even bigger range of CDs across all genres at GREAT SALE PRICES – loads of VINYL too

3 Glovers Walk, Yeovil  01935 425503

New Season Starting Wednesday 1st October

Learn to Dance

at Milford Hall, Yeovil, BA21 4QD SUNDAY EVENINGS £3 SESSION

SESSION 1: 7pm – 8 pm SESSION 2: 8.15pm – 9.15pm Session 1: Beginners / Improvers Basic Social Ballroom Session 2: Beginners Popular Modern Sequence

WEDNESDAY MORNINGS £3 SESSION Session 1: 9.45am – 10.45am Session 2: 11.15am – 12.15pm Session 1: Beginners / Improvers Basic / Social Ballroom & Sequence Session 2: New Modern Sequence Dances Taught

TUESDAY EVENINGS £3 / £2 SESSION Beginners Popular Sequence: 7pm – 8pm (£3) Popular Sequence Club: 8pm – 10.15pm (£2)

Milford Hall is 1 mile North of Yeovil Town Centre and has a Maple Sprung Floor Large Car Park • Coffee included at all Sessions

SUPPORTED USING PUBLIC FUNDING BY ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND ALL TAUGHT BY OUR QUALIFIED PATIENT TEACHERS EVERYONE WELCOME

Tel: 01935 424164

52 THE VISITOR October 2014

Email: cyritadancers@btinternet.com

YEOVIL Independent Traders colours and styles are overwhelming. With lots of helpful advice on offer you will find Hooper’s a pleasurable experience. There is also an abundance of exquisite clutch bags to match her hats, again all to hire. Visit her website www. hoopershats.co.uk and browse through her Gallery for a small sample of what is on offer, or telephone for an appointment.

SES

Pictured is Managing Director of Red Berry Helen Lacey and 3 of her team. Racheal Haynes, Martina Hall and Emily Craddock.

The Red Berry girls tirelessly sold raffle tickets throughout the day on Sunday 17th August at the Mid Somerset Show. Come rain or shine it would not dampen their spirits!In total they helped raise over £1000 for the Addington Fund, which helps farmers that have been affected by devastating problems, such as the floods.

Hooper’s Hat Hire

Sally Hooper has a new Hire collection so for hats, hatinators or fascinators visit Hooper’s Hat Hire in Yeovil. Her extensive collection is exclusive to her and

Security and Electrical Services is a family run company with the owners working alongside their staff to ensure an efficient and well co-ordinated team.

Established since 1984, they are

pleased to be able to say that most of the business has been built up as a direct result of personal recommendations. Most alarm engineers are also fully qualified electricians with many years of experience, who work to a high standard of neatness and efficiency. They have been NSI Gold - National Security Inspectorate (NACOSS) approved alarm installers since 1988, and achieved ISO 9000 (BS 5750) in 1993.

Burglar Alarms, Security Lighting and Lock quotations are issued free of charge following a visit by their surveyor to your premises. Each system is designed around individual needs

if you cannot find what you are looking for, Sally can make you something to complement your outfit, to purchase. Hooper’s is an eye opener into the vast range of designs available, the choice,

Guaranteed to enhance any bathroom floor, this ‘Stepping Stones’ pebble design is from a unique collection, available from The Tile Market. Call into their Lynx West Showroom and see the full range.

The Tile Market

Ceramic Tile Specialists

◆ Wall and Floor Tiles Unit 1 Brympton Way Lynx West Trading Estate

YEOVIL BA20 2HP

email: thetilemarket@aol.com www.thetilemarket.webs.com

◆ Marble / Mosaic / Granite / Travertine Limestone / Slate ◆ Full Range of Adhesives / Sealants and Tiling Accessories in stock

 SHOWROOMS OVER TWO FLOORS 

Tel: 01935 426737

Open Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5pm, Saturday 9am - 4pm

Hooper’s Hat Hire

100s of exquisite hats and fascinators to hire, buy, or made to complement your outfit

01935 706555 • www.hoopershats.co.uk

THE VISITOR October 2014 53

YEOVIL Independent Traders

and requirements - not offered as a pre-packaged deal. SES only use equipment which they have thoroughly tried and tested and are completely satisfied with its performance and quality.

Yeovil Auto Tuning

Due to expansion, Yeovil Auto Tuning has recently moved to larger premises. The new premises is situated at 9 Oxford Road, on the Pen Mill Trading Estate, Yeovil – easily located and with plenty of parking.

Yeovil Auto Tuning is a family run business, established for 32

years. Proprietor Colin Frost runs the business with his wife Anita and their three experienced mechanics Jamie, Ross and Matthew.

They will continue to offer their full range of services which includes repairs, servicing, engine tuning and MOT testing which includes class 1V, and Class V11 light Vans. They look forward to welcoming customers old and new.

Also operating from the same premises is Eclipse Custom Campers, converting VW Transporter T4 and T5 vehicles.

Yeovil Auto Tuning

The Mad Hatter

The Mad Hatter is the place to visit for Halloween! Their first floor showrooms are sure to scare you with their gruesome contents: animated horror props; moving heads; Frankenstein; skeletons and more.

The Fancy Dress sales department has hundreds of costumes to choose from and for those who want a real bargain former hire costumes are now for sale and excellent quality from £20.

The Party Shop has really taken off – theme your party from

casinos and the Wild West through to Hawaii and pirates.

The tableware and disposables come in a wide range of colours and include childrens favourites such as Frozen.

Upstairs is a dedicated hen/stag night department with lots of saucy items to choose from.

Magic tricks, jokes, wigs, makeup and fireworks can all be found at The Mad Hatter – anything from a life-sized cut out of One Direction to a French Maids outfit. Do call in (see advert inside front cover).

ESTABLISHED OVER 30 YEARS ● Repairs and Servicing Specialists ● MOT Testing – Classes IV and VII ● Engine Tuning ● Brakes, Clutches, Gearboxes ● Competitive Rates ● Professional, Reliable, Friendly Service ● Specialising in VW T4 + T5 Vans ● Revo Engine Re-Mapping (VW and Audi Group) EXTENSIVE NEW PREMISES NOW AT ...

9 Oxford Road, Pen Mill Trading Estate, YEOVIL Tel: 01935 426515 / 01935 411946

Airfix Main Stockists ... also diecast Models

CLOSING DOWN SALE ON! Everything Half Price

This Eddie Stobart lorry was £19.99, now only £9.99 just one of the many bargains to be had in the Closing Down Sale at Mark’s Models in Yeovil where everything is half price.

Why not buy your Christmas presents early?

Hurry: first come first served

All stock must go including display Cabinets

Mark’s Models Unit 6, 15 Oxford Road Pen Mill Trading Estate YEOVIL, BA21 5HR Tel : 01935 4 71154 FREE PARkING OuTSIdE THE dOOR

54 THE VISITOR October 2014

Neville Sanders and John Morley recently received ‘Lions International Melvin Jones Fellowship Awards’ in recognition of their 50 years as Charter Members of The Lions Club of Yeovil. Pictured from left, South West District Governor Alan Good, Neville Sanders, Jane Staffiere Yeovil Lions President, John Morley and retiring Yeovil President Fred Monson.

Shopping, whether online or via the high street is our favourite national pastime!

There aren't many of us who don't enjoy a look in a favourite shop, plus a treat or two while we're out.

The Emporium, on Princes Street in Yeovil, offers a unique shopping experience with so much to offer. Shopping becomes a journey of discovery as you pass through the various departments, spread over three floors of this historic, grade 2 listed building.

Housing over 60 independent shops within the building, The Emporium offers traders the opportunity to have a town centre shop, without the often prohibitive overheads and brings a rich diversity of products available to shoppers in Yeovil's town centre.

On the ground floor, you'll find stacks of inspiration for your home interiors. Ranging from beautifully painted pieces of furniture to our own in house Interior Design studio, we offer a complete service for decorating your home.

Sherbet home produce "Lovely Stuff of Quirky Splendour" and are well known for their unusual designs and yet practical pieces of painted furniture and decorative accessories. Having a great eye for colour, often using hand blended paint shades, skilfully mixed! Their painted dressing tables, dressers, tables and chairs sell out very quickly in The Emporium and commission work is also undertaken. Not content with using just paint, Sherbet Home will often add a finishing touch to a piece of furniture!

Decoupaged tops, gilded handles or distressed legs, unique furniture from Sherbet Home is so exciting.

Trove Designs, have a huge variety of fabrics to choose from and offer a full service for made to measure curtains and blinds

Lifestyle & Antiques Centre

as well as a reupholstery service.

They have accounts with most of the fabric companies such as Designers Guild, Sanderson, Romo, Ian Mankin, Liberty and many more. Stocking paint from The Little Greene Paint Co. and having many wallpaper books to browse, they can offer a whole room scheme if that's what you need, or help with curtains or perhaps giving a favourite chair a new lease of life. Design and fitting service also available.

Another Little World, Caci registered Beauty Therapists are also based in The Emporium, offer a total beauty experience.

Offering high quality branded products and treatments, from French based Caudalie along with Glo Minerals and their new addition Outback Organics, chemical free peelable Wax. Indulge yourself with beautiful

Visit us at The Emporium for current stock or call 07967 506390 to discuss how we can give new life to your old furniture.

www.facebook.com/sherbethome Old furniture, new ideas

nails, gel polish treatments are their number 1 nail treatment, why not have gorgeous nails which will last you up to three weeks. Carly and her team work closely with many brides to be, planning beautiful wedding makeovers for special occasions.

Why not call in or phone us for a free consultation.

The Music department, upstairs at The Emporium is going from strength to strength.

Know Strings guitar shop is an authorised Fender Guitar dealer and stocks an impressive range of Fender and Squire electric and acoustic guitars along with Fender amps and accessories.

There's a great range of Tanglewood guitars on offer too, all brand new, waiting for you to

try out.There's often live music in the shop, vinyl records and vintage audio equipment ... if you're into music you've got to visit this place!

Next door to the music department, you'll find Love Food Cafe, serving some of the best coffee in town. The menu is interesting and delicious, the homemade falafels being a favourite amongst regular visitors. Relax in the comfortable leather sofas and enjoy the eclectic decor, or perhaps sit outside in the garden cafe. Once you've discovered Love Food Cafe you'll want to visit again and again. Rosie who owns the cafe believes that food should be homemade plentiful and utterly delicious. What are you waiting for?

Vintage clothing and an antiques department can be found on the 1st floor.

The Emporium is in Yeovil Town Centre, there's nowhere else like it ... come and see us and start your journey of discovery as you wander through our departments. Open 9am - 5.30pm Monday to Friday and 9am - 5pm on Saturdays. Closed Sundays.

Call us on 01935 579482 for more information.

At The Emporium

Princes Street, Yeovil Somerset, BA20 1EG 01935 579482 or 07729 384241 anotherlittleworld@ymail.com www.anotherlittleworld.co.uk

Trove Designs

Home Decor • Fabrics • Curtains • Upholstery Made To Measure Curtains, Blinds and Soft Furnishings

Authorised Fender Dealers Find our shop in The Emporium, Princes Street Yeovil, BA20 1EG Tel: 01935 579482 or 07548 107006 Facebook / knowstrings

Re-upholstery service for your furniture 100s of rolls of clearance fabrics and trims in stock Beautiful range of home accessories, lighting, cushions & furnishings Find us at: The Emporium 39 Princes Street, Yeovil, BA20 1EG Tel: 07795 566148 facebook/trovedesigns • www.trovedesigns.co.uk

39 Princes Street, YEOVIL, Somerset, BA20 1EG • Tel: 01935 579482

THE VISITOR October 2014 55

BOOK REVIEW

over by Christmas: The Retreat from Mons by A J Warren, The Scribbler

(DOTBIZ) Ltd, 2014.

254pp paperback.

ISBN 978-1-49930-441-1. £8.99

THE TITLE of this new novel by Visitorland a u t h o r A n d r e w W a r r e n succinctly sets the scene. It’s 1913. The principal character, young Harry Thatcher, kills his drunken father in a domestic altercation, runs away and enlists in the army as a bugler. Within a year the First World War has broken out, the German army is sweeping through Belgium on a mission to take France, and Harry is a cavalryman in the thick of the action at Mons where his regiment is vastly outnumbered by the Germans and forced to retreat. He gets separated from the regiment and, together with two colleagues, makes the long trek through enemy-infested territory towards the French village of Néry where the British wipe out a German cavalry division and slow their advance on Paris.

It’s an action-packed tale, but what sets it apart from similar war sagas is the amount and quality of the background detail, especially the military organisation, the battles and the places that saw the action. For the most part this is historically accurate, with just a few small changes being made to fit the story. It is, remember, a work of fiction, not a factual account of the early months of the war, despite its timely appearance in centenary year. But it contains enough about the conditions in which the men lived, related with each other and fought for their country to be educational as well as entertaining.

If I hadn’t been asked to review this book I wouldn’t have read it.

I’m glad I did, for at £8.99 it provides an engrossing read for a modest outlay. Copies should be available through any good bookshop.

NN. 56 THE VISITOR October 2014

Business to Business

Premises

Woodside Court

Woodside Court currently has two units “G7” 235 sq ft and “G12” 270 sq ft (see website). Woodside court is an attractive business suite which offers light and airy premises in tranquil surroundings, with 24 hour access, ample parking, plus kitchen and toilet facilities.

Situated at Sparkford it offers easy access to the A303. Among the businesses already occupying the business suite are an

Stationery, Cards and Gift Wrap

Office Equipment & Furniture Printer Inks and Toners Competitive Prices

FREE Local delivery

2015 DIARIES AND CALENDARS NOW IN STOCK

Stockists of Sheaffer, Parker, Lamy, Cross and Waterman Pens Call at our shop ...

21 Cheap Street, Sherborne Tel: 01935 814225 or visit our website ...

www.midwest-office.co.uk

upholsterer, beauty therapist, remedial/sports therapist, photographer, seamstress, PR and marketing company and a medical aesthetics clinic. If you

would like to know more please contact Maryanne Stokes 07747 676833 or email info@woodside court.co.uk

Printing

Papertrees

A good supporting chair is essential if you spend long hours at a desk. To find a chair to suit you, contact Midwest in Sherborne and see their full range of office equipment and stationery supplies.

Papertrees of Wincanton offer a complete printing service from posters and leaflets through to training manuals and brochures. Binding and laminating is also available. On the premises photocopying up to A3 size is a very popular service.

Business accounts for office stationery are welcome – with free local delivery and a discounted price structure.

Visit their website for further details or call in to their Wincanton High Street shop to discuss your requirements.

Say you saw it in The Visitor

Business Accounts Welcome

FREE dELIVERY & dISCOuNTS ON STATIONERY

★ Printing: posters, manuals, brochures, leaflets etc.

Open: Monday – Friday 7am – 5pm, Saturday 7am – 2pm, Sunday 7am – 12noon

33 High Street • Wincanton

Tel: 01963 32356 • www.papertrees.co.uk

OFFICE SPACES TO LET Woodside Court SPARKFORD

Attractive out of town premises within easy access of the A303 Ideal for Start-Up / Expansion Businesses Full Amenities including Toilets, Kitchen, Meeting Room Facilities ... and Ample Free Parking Competitive Rental • Flexible Tenancies • Non Restricted Opening Hours  20ft Storage Containers To Let 

Enquiries: MARYANNE STOKES 07747 676833 Or email: info@woodsidecourt.co.uk • www.woodsidecourt.co.uk

Business to Business surprising, therefore, that the Government have woken up and realised that they should be supporting this sector.

Recently, the Business Minister, Matthew Hancock, announced a package of additional support for home based business owners including: •The law will be changed so that landlords can be assured that agreeing to home working by

tenants will not undermine their residential tenancy agreement. A new model tenancy agreement will also be made available shortly; •Updated planning guidance will make it clear that planning permission should not normally be needed to run a business from your home; and ...

MAX FOOTE Associates Ltd

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

Corporate Wear

Jazziez

Jazziez of Crewkerne can supply a wide range of corporate clothing personalised with your company logo / brand.

Everything from polo shirts and jumpers through to hi-vis jackets and hard hats.

A complete range of promotional items such as mouse mats, mugs and keyrings can also be personalised.

There is no minimum order, just an initial settting up charge.

Turn around is prompt. There is a full colour brochure available on request. So whether you are a local pub looking for polo shirts or a construction company looking for workwear – give them a call.

Accountants

New support for home based businesses from Chalmers

It is estimated that seven out of ten small businesses are managed in the first instance from home and readers may be interested to know that there are already 2.9 million businesses being run from entrepreneurs’ homes. These businesses contribute £300 billion to the UK economy. It is not

The Visitor

can be read online: www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

ESTABLISHED BUSINESS FOR SALE Debra Jane Dress Agency is a high quality second hand ladies clothing and accessories shop, based in the market town of Somerton, Somerset. The shop sells items on the customers behalf on a commission basis and has been established as a successful dress agency for over 20 years with a loyal customer base. £3500 for fixtures, fittings & goodwill.

The shop is leased, but please call or email for more information.

Tel: 07815 500154 or 01458 273711 Email: debrajanedressagency@outlook.com

The premises of long-established accountant Max Foote Associates in Castle Cary, who offer a personal and professional service.

Personal and professional service

Chalmers

&CO

For sale, the Debra Jane Dress Agency in Somerton - this business opportunity may be just what you’re looking for!

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

chartered accountants

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Personal & Business Tax Advisors Business Start Ups Payroll Bureau Accounting & Audit Specialists Full Business Support Services VAT Returns & Advice

Free initial consultation

A personal and friendly approach to business that will work for you Visit our website at

www.chalmersaccountants.co.uk or email us on

info@chalmersaccountants.co.uk Offices at Yeovil, Crewkerne & Langport 01460 279000 THE VISITOR October 2014 57

Business

•New business rates guidance will clarify that in the majority of circumstances home based businesses will not attract business rates.

This is welcome news. It is a pity that the announcement did not include a relaxation in the complicated Capital Gains Tax rules that can affect individuals who claim for the use of a room at home to run their business.

On the face of it, home based businesses can take encouragement from these announcements.

However, there are still rafts of red tape, pitfalls and penalties that small business have to deal with that hinder them achieving full potential for their businesses.

Things like Real Time Information (RTI) for payroll, pension auto enrolment, VAT returns and the like.

At Chalmers & Co we strive to relieve such burdens for our clients.

Just remember, if you miss two RTI deadlines the penalties HMRC will levy could easily be the same cost to you as us processing your payroll for a whole year! Give us a call to discuss the help you need – the first consultation is free of charge.

Robert Stone & Co., Chartered Accountants and tax advisers in Ilminster answers questions from small businesses in Somerset Q1. Private school fees are so expensive, can I get my company to pay the fees directly and save myself a bit of tax?

Robert Stone replies:

If the company pays a bill, such as the school fees, which you are personally liable to pay, the payment is treated for national insurance (NI) purposes, as if the company had paid it to you so the company must pay employers NI on top of the amount of the fee.

However, it is a benefit in kind so it must be reported on the form P11D and the income tax you are due to pay will be included in your PAYE code for the next year.

In the long run you don't save any tax or NI. If your company contracts directly with the school to be the person responsible for paying the school fees, the tax position is slightly different. The payment must be treated as a benefit in kind and reported on your form

58 THE VISITOR October 2014

P11D, and the company must pay class 1A NICs on the amount paid. You pay tax on the payment to the school, but not NICs.

Q2. I was travelling abroad on business last month when I got terrible tooth ache. I sought emergency treatment at a local dentist and paid the bill using my company's debit card. Will I be taxed on the dentist's fee as a benefit in kind?

Robert Stone replies:

If the dental cost had been incurred while you were in the UK, it would have been a taxable benefit for you.

But as you were working outside the UK at the time, your company can pick up the bill with no tax cost to you. The dental bill is also a valid deduction for the company as it forms part of the cost of sending you to work abroad for a short period.

Q3. I own several properties which I let out unfurnished, but they do contain carpets, curtains and white goods. I've been told I can no longer claim the cost of replacing those items against my rental income. Is that true?

Robert Stone replies:

For periods before 6 April 2013 HMRC permitted a deduction for the cost of renewing carpets, curtains and white goods in all let residential properties on a concessionary basis. That concession was withdrawn with effect from 6 April 2013. The new rules now state that a wear and tear allowance (10% of the net rents) that covers furnishings and similar items, can only be claimed for fully furnished properties.

Your properties don't count as fully furnished, even though they contain some white goods and carpets. HMRC will not accept claims for the cost of free-standing white goods in unfurnished residential properties. It will allow a deduction for the cost of replacing fixtures such as baths, toilets, integrated fitted ovens and hobs, as those costs can be classified as repairs. If you replace part of the fitted carpet you could claim that as a repair, but not the cost of putting new carpet down in the entire property.

If you have an urgent query contact Robert Stone on 01460 55661.

Wine & Dine

Pressing Matters

WHENEVER I THINK of Somerset, cider is what most readily comes to mind, I say this despite my own reluctance to drink it on more than the odd occasion; stemming from what I still recall as ‘the cider incident’, one lunchtime many years ago, at the tender age of 11, in a very posh hotel.

As autumn heralds cooler temperatures, cider goes well

with hearty casseroles and stews, the one pot meals that also save on the washing up, and where the cider itself makes a good addition, as well as an accompaniment, particularly to chicken or pork dishes.

It's been a big learning curve, and I’ve taken instruction from renowned cider maker, Julian Temperley, at Burrow Hill, along with expert Alan Stone, along with other respondents to my persistent enquiries.

The number of local ciders is vast, so choices this month expose readers to some more

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interesting and individual offerings. Not all local cider makers bottle and sell their products through retail outlets, so look out for signs along the highways and byways to alert you to a real taste of Somerset.

Many producers offer tours, usually by appointment only. The Somerset Cider Map, free to download, gives details of most cider makers in the county.

It is arguable that the best bottled conditioned ciders are made from a selected blend of different cider apples, in much the same way that wine is made, but at Burrow Hill they make two exceptional bottle fermented sparkling ciders from single varieties, by the ‘Champagne Method’, Kingston Black or Stoke Red, not cheap at £8.50 (8%abv); you get what you pay for. They also sell still cider straight from the barrel.

Also look out for ciders made by the old English process of 'keeving', as they do at Pilton, Nr. Shepton Mallet, which results in the cider retaining more of its natural fruit character.

Perry's, in the village of Dowlish Wake, where they still use the traditional rack and cloth method of cider making, have on offer a range of ciders, stored in wooden barrels, which scooped a handful of gold stars at this year's Great Taste Awards.

Honey Pot Farm at South Petherton has available Sweet Copin as a single variety, along with bottle conditioned cider, sold direct from the farm.

Chant Cider (Naish's) at Midsomer Norton pride themselves on producing cider as the Romans did, reputedly the only makers now using this chemical free, traditional, seasonal method. Hardly surprising given the family business spans almost 200 years, but bring your own containers.

Ashill Cider, just off the A358 between Taunton and Ilminster, claims it produces 'cider with a kick', and lastly, a more commercial product, Katy, produced by Thatcher's, which I buy copious amounts of, because I have a cider drinking goddaughter called ... Katy.

As a point of interest, Julian was the first person in the UK to gain a license to distill cider to make cider brandy. Matured for up to 10 years in small oak barrels, for hardened imbibers such as myself, it’s always a favourite after dinner option ...

I’ve got my own apple press, so maybe it’s time I learnt how to use it!

LP-V.

the end bit...

Paperchase

ADVERTISING in our regional newspapers doesn’t come cheap, so I would expect advertisers to take a lot of care in preparing and proofing their copy. Three recent examples culled from the Western Gazette show how wrong I am. In the 14th August issue of the paper Yeovil Railway Centre publicised a ‘Steam Train Day’ being held on Sunday 20th July. Worse still, estate agent Roderick Thomas announced an ‘Open Day, Saturday 8th March’ at a for-sale property in Norton Ferris – in the 7th August issue!

Both a bit late to draw the crowds, I would have thought.

And estate agent Palmer Snell, selling a ‘detached property’ with ‘three bedrooms’ and a ‘good sized garden’ in Yeovil, can scarcely have tempted buyers with the accompanying photo of what could be a semi or endterrace house. By no stretch of the imagination is it detached.

A headline on page 6 of the Western Gazette’s 24th July issue caught my eye. ‘Crews tackle major fire at recycling plant’ was the news, except that it wasn’t news to me because I had already read the story on page 3 under the headline ‘Crews tackle recycling plant waste blaze’. A case of ‘Editor recycles major story’.

The long-awaited Your Weekend supplement was launched in the 11th September issue of the Western Gazette, the day after this column’s deadline.

I’m looking forward to seeing a copy of what editor Emma Slee describes as ‘the best leisure offering the Western Gazette has ever produced’, a ‘free 32-page pull-out that will appear inside your Western Gazette every single week’. Inevitably she attaches the paper’s usual (overused and inaccurate) adjective ‘essential’ to the ‘guide to what to do on the weekend’, so I will certainly study it with interest before passing comment next month.

In last month’s column I bemoaned the Western Daily Press’s slipshod recycling of the content of it ‘Quotes of the Day’

– the quotes in the 23rd July issue repeated on the 24th July, and again in the 1st and 2nd August issues – and suggested the paper should rename the column ‘Quotes of Yesterday’. So it came as no surprise to read in the 16th August issue the same quotes I had enjoyed in the previous day’s issue.

Something else in the 16th August issue irritated me greatly. The ‘News Review’ pages carried a piece that opened: ‘Tea leaves have been a big part of Derek Miles’ life for as long as he can remember’ and went on to inform readers that ‘Derek set up Miles & Co from Porlock in North Devon in the 1970s’.

Porlock is no insignificant little hamlet; it’s a large village and harbour on the North coast of Somerset and has been a part of Somerset since time immemorial (in other words, before Domesday Book). I would have expected someone in the newsroom of our regional daily paper to know that.

The Western Daily Press newsroom also fails in mathematics, judging by what I saw on page 11 of the 6th September issue. The column was headed, in white block capitals in a black box, ‘10 things to do this weekend in the West’. Below was a list of five things to do. Whatever happened to the other five, I wonder.

Chronicler.

Sudoku

ANSWERS TO POP MUSIC QUIZ on page 16

1. ‘Clown’ 2. ‘Lonely Boy’ – Andrew Gold 3. ‘Blur’ 4. Barbados 5. ‘Would I Lie to You’ 6. Herb Alpert 7. Nick Berry 8. ‘Wham’ 9. ‘Yazoo’ 10. ‘Dave Clark Five’

Solution to September

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.

THE VISITOR October 2014 59

Classified Ads

Fires/Chimneys



Send Details to: The Visitor, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BG. 30p per word (£5 minimum) pre-payment essential.

For a Box Number please add £2.

Payment can be made by Cash, Cheque, Postal Order, BACS, Credit / Debit Card. ✽ If you require a receipt a s.a.e. must be enclosed with payment, or your email address.

PHONE - a - FIRM SANDPITS

HEATING & HOME STORE

Multifuel Stoves ... over 200 on display Chimneys Relined ★ Full Installation Service HETAS • OFTEC • GAS SAFE

✴ 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

NAME ........................................................................................................................................................................

High Street, Curry Rivel, Langport  01458 251476

ADDRESS ................................................................................................................................................................. ..................................................................................................................................................................................

Tel: ......................................................................... Cheque Enclosed for £ .................... Minimum £5

Passport Photographs

Wanted

Services

dAVE BuYS ALL TYPES OF TOOLS, salvage, bygones and collectables. daves Tools - Tel: 01935 428975

PASSPORTS - passports - passports - also studio sittings and weddings. Any time to suit you. Easy parking. Tel: Graham Cox, Photographer, 01458 223769.

HOuSEHOLd & GARdEN RuBBISH CLEAREd, old sheds / oubuildings demolished, etc. Tel: 01460 77844.

Storage

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

BRuTON STORAGE – 40ft container for storage £140 pcm, with lights and electric plus utilities. Call devi 07973 342047.

Personal

GENT 60, outgoing, G.S.O.H., 5ft 9ins, nonsmoker, solvent, no ties. O.H.A.C. Likes meals out, holidays, gardening, places of interest. Seeks special female friendship / relationship. Photo please. Box No. 5.

kINd HEARTEd MAN, 52, O.H.A.C. Likes music, dancing, coast, countryside.

W.L.T.M. lady for friendship relationship.

Tel: 07523 291547.

JuNE NEEdS arms to hold her. Young 65, smart, good figure, non-smoker, lonely. Enjoys animals, walks, meals out, theatre, cosy nights in with home cooking.

Lots of other interests, 01458 851399.

GENT 69, enjoys travel, National Trust, seaside, theatre, music, dancing. Seeks lady, non-smoker, easy going. Tel: 01458 440094.

Meditation

WELLS ZEN GROuP: Zazen Meditation followed by discussion on Buddhism, 7.30pm every Monday, Town Hall, Wells.

Contact Paul Crummay: 01749 670193.

Exercise Class

GENTLE ExERCISE CLASS run by ‘TaiChi for Health’ charity for able-bodied and those with mobility problems.

Charlton Musgrove Memorial Hall, Thursdays, 3pm – 4pm, £2.50. Info Angela: 01747 852923.

60 THE VISITOR October 2014

R E d u N d A N T M O T O R M O W E R S , rotavators, chainsaws, strimmers, cement mixers, etc. Tel: 01460 77844.

CLASSICAL LPs, also rock and pop, also singles and EPs. Whole collections. Ring: 07807 010408.

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

ALL SPORTS PROGRAMMES and books, memorabilia and ephemera – especially football. Large collections welcome. Cash paid. Tel: Clive 01749 675456.

YOuR uNWANTEd GOOdS for eBay. Anything considered. Commission taken.

Wincanton. Lucy: 07515 463061.

Holidays

AVAILABLE HALF-TERM, Mevagissy, Cornwall. 2 bedroom cottage overlooking quaint harbour and out to sea. For information: 07971 782738 or polkirtforge@bt internet.com

Dog Holidays

HOLIdAY FOR YOuR dOG. Let your dog stay with us when you are away. 24-hour attention and long walks. Fully licensed and insured.

Vet approved. References available.

Tel: 01963 240650.

T.V. Rental

T.V. RENTAL - long or short term, domestic & commercial, up to 50-inch plasma. H. R. Hodge. Tel: 01460 240645.

Commercial Property

BRuTON – TO LET 1200 square feet units available from £400 pcm, plus utilities and insurance. Call devi 07973 342047.

Mobile Bars / Catering

HARRY’S MOBILE BARS, all occasions, weddings, parties, etc. Tel: 01747 825553 harry@bars4u.plus.com www.harrysmobilebars.co.uk

07921 074602 • 01749 677440 • Solidfuel3@aol.com

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

TV Aerials

DAVE PARMITER AERIALS TV AERIAL SERVICE SATELLITE / VIdEO SYSTEMS CCTV SYSTEMS - PERSONAL SERVICE

Tel: YEOVIL (01935) 422088 or mobile 07850 405433 NO CALL-OuT CHARGE

Maintenance and Repairs

U 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 7 years CUSTOMER REFERENCES AVAILABLE

• • • • •

• • • •

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

PHONE - a - FIRM • PHONE - a - FIRM

Transport & Storage

The key to all your storage needs!

Electrical Contractors

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

Plumbing & Heating

High Street, Sparkford, nr. Yeovil, Somerset BA22 7QJ Tel: 01963 440045 / 440526 / 440692

Roofing

PARKS

ROOFING LTD.

SLATING & TILING SPECIALISTS

Specialists in period and listed properties

Leadwork Chimneys Fascias Gutters Flat Roofs

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Tel: 01747 861479 Mob: 07561 120828 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. Slate  Tiling  Flat Roofing.

UPVC Fascias  Guttering FREE EST IM AT ES

 01747 840064

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

Services

GOOD POTATOES

Takeaway Bags of Coal • Calor Gas Car & Van Rental Competitive Prices

Anchor Hill Service Station WINCANTON 01963 32609

Clock Repairs

CLOCK REPAIRS Antique and Modern Clock Repairs.

Free pick up and delivery 40 years experience

Tel (01935) 477582

november Deadline Friday 17th october BOOK EARLY

34 White Road, MERE, Nr. Warminster Wiltshire, BA12 6EX

Email: mead208@btinternet.com

Framing

SCENES

Artist Materials & Gallery

« Picture framing « Restoration « Large selection of prints & paintings « Greeting Card Blanks High St. Gillingham Tel 01747 824050 www.scenes-online.co.uk

Denture Repairs

DENTURE REPAIRS

While You Wait Collection & Delivery Denture Advice Mr. C. Dunn

Registered Dental Technician

01749 812585

www.dunndental.co.uk

Say you saw it in The Visitor

THIS 4 cms x 2 column SPACE COSTS £46.08 per month inclusive of VAT ... which is equivalent to just ... £10.64 per week!

SHOULDN’T YOU BE ADVERTISING HERE?

Tel: 01963 351256 Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk

THE VISITOR October 2014 61

PHONE - a - FIRM

Oven Cleaning Mister Oven

Independent Oven Cleaning Specialist Ovens - Hobs - Agas etc

Clean Ovens Domestic Ltd

Tel: 01935 475065 Mob: 07752 695264 www.misteroven.co.uk

Builders

Independent Oven Cleaners

AGAS • RANGES • OVENS HOBS • EXTRACTORS Tel: 0800 7076629 Mobile: 07563 693145

www.cleanovendomestics.co.uk

Dave Hoddinott FuLLY QuALIFIEd BuILdER - ESTABLISHEd 1973

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

Competitive Prices ✳ No VAT ✳ No job too big or too small

 01963 440256 / 07974 844682 24 hour emergency call out • email: hoddaz@hotmail.com

Blinds

Prize Crossword No. 336 Set by Frank Butler

SEND COMPLETED ENTRIES TO: The Visitor Crossword, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7BG to arrive by Monday 20th October.

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.

1

2

3

4

9

10

11

12

PERFECT FIT BLINDS

FREE QUOTE  FREE FITTING

 01935 584384 • www.outlookblinds.co.uk

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

Your Advert HERE ...

THIS 5 cms x 2 column SPACE COSTS

£57.60 per month inclusive of VAT ... which is equivalent to just £13.29 per week!

Shouldn’t you be advertising HERE?

Tel: 01963 351256

62 THE VISITOR October 2014

7

8

15

16

17

14

18 19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

1.

100s of Fabrics & Designs - Verticles from £49 (Max 6' x 6')

6

13

Across

Domestic - Commercial - Venetian - Roman - Pleated

5

It’s very cold! (e.g. ace I shuffled badly). [3,3] 4. Sing about cold and get a tellingoff. [8] 9. Took a rest, so altered shops. [6] 10. Two shades to lob curio around.

[8] 11. Some vermin exist in fur. [6] 12. Misleading after first signpost: Not good driving! [8] 14. Explosive around our name? It’s the competition. [10] 18. That’s good. Fable about our V&A? [10] 22. Roman Uri confused, but wellprotected. [2,6] 23. Aid can be varied as substance with low pH value. [2,4] 24. Carries family in animal fur. [8] 25. Shortage first detected with soil.

[6] 26. A keen dye mix, you can see with it! [5,3] 27. Muddled, cried “time” at first, finally not in the red. [6]

15. Magnificence of concert piano – above half Europe! [8] 16. Short outside broadcasts made well, yet hidden. [8] 17. Fired at game, the continental publicity is very warm. [4,4] 19. Boys Brigade briefly surrounded by bits of iron can be tied in a bow. [6] 20. Enquire after mad rising for material. [6] 21. Amassed much, losing fool (replaced with us), and entertained. [6]

Solution to Crossword 335

Down 1.

Views ants perhaps devouring small coin. [8] 2. Partly tiny hen, or mouse (very big). [8] 3. Picking up waste, gain glen tidied. [8] 5. Pixie that is lost with cock and hen getting disease. [10] 6. Dolly’s bank. [6] 7. Literally the opposite with metal in charge. [6] 8. Rubbish (except first bag) where the car is. [6] 13. Tummy? Air it, resorting to unfinished growth. [10]

THE WINNER OF OUR SEPTEMBER CROSSWORD was Pamela Fawcett, of Gillingham, who chose to spend the £10 voucher at Hanson’s Fabrics & Crafts of Sturminster Newton.

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