The Visitor Magazine Issue 386 Christmas / January 2016

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Issue 386 January 2016

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Inside features on: Shaftesbury Town; Last Minute Gift Guide; Seasonal Greetings; Vale of Blackmore.

Plus regular features on: Antiques; Book Reviews; Business & Professional; Gardening; House & Home; Leisure & Travel; Looking Good & Feeling Fine; Motoring; Pubs; Wine & Dine.

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In Passing ...

W

E’VE JUST ENJOYED a very mild November with UK temperatures a full two degrees higher than the average since records began in 1929, according to the Met Office, although ‘enjoyed’ is probably a misnomer because there was very little sunshine – just 64% of the long-term average. And December started with a spell of high winds and heavy rain. Yet we continue to dream of a ‘White Christmas’ and perpetuate the myth on the cards we send and in the cotton wool and silver glitter we stick on yule logs, trees and window panes.

In bygone years Visitorland winters could be severe. The 18th century Ansford diarist James Woodforde records for 14th January 1776 that the post-chaise that should have arrived the previous evening ‘did not come till 10 this morning on account of the snow . . . scarce ever was known so deep a snow as at present’. He also writes of skating on the frozen river Thames almost daily from 1st to 27th January 1763, covering ten of the 12 miles from Oxford to Abingdon on the 24th. Even as recently as the 20th century the big freeze of 1962/63, which lasted from Christmas until March, produced snowdrifts that topped the hedges, and stories abound of people being marooned in trains and cars, of the enormous problems of getting the milk collected from remote farms, and of village schools being closed for weeks on end.

‘It was always snowing at Christmas,’ Dylan Thomas recalls in his memoir of childhood in Wales in the 1920s. ‘December, in my memory, is white as Lapland, though there were no reindeers.’ Writing of the same period in Gloucestershire in his semiautobiographical ‘Cider with Rosie’, Laurie Lee remembers the heavy snow which raised the roads to the top of the hedges.

‘The week before Christmas, when snow seemed to lie thickest, was the moment for carol-singing, and when I think back to those nights it is to the crunch of snow and to the lights of lanterns on it.’ Perhaps the carollers sang ‘In the bleak mid-winter’

when ‘earth stood hard as iron’ and ‘snow had fallen, snow on snow’ in Christina Rossetti’s 19th century carol.

Since the last prolonged spell of heavy snow in the winter of 1978/79 such weather has become rare. Nowadays we are so unprepared for it that road and rail transport grinds to a standstill on the infrequent occasions that we experience 48 hours of snow and ice. The reality is that our world is warming up with potentially disastrous consequences, as world leaders currently gathered in Paris for the United Nations climate change negotiations are well aware. And unless they and we mend our unsustainable ways, Visitorland’s midwinters in the years ahead will be warmer but very wet and very windy. And rain will fall, rain on rain, and flood vast areas. A bleak and sobering thought as we wish each other a happy new year.

NN

Advertising Deadlines

February Issue published Thursday 28th January Deadline Friday 15th January

PO Box 1, Castle Cary Somerset BA7 7BG

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Proprietor, Accounts & Subscriptions Helen Dunion Production Manager Jeff Farrow

Advertisement Manager & Features Editor Michelle Trulock © The Visitor Ltd. 2016

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

CONTENTS

Our FRONT COVER is almost entirely due to mans best friend

ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLASSIFIED - 50

ANTIQUES & COLLECTING - 34

BOOK REVIEW - 36

BUSINESS - 42

CROSSWORD - 50

EDUCATION - 29

GARDENING - 43

HOUSE & HOME - 19

LAST MINUTE GIFT GUIDE - 10

LEISURE & TRAVEL - 30

LETTERS - 5 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.

LOOKING GOOD & FEELING FINE - 31

MENTIONED in DISPATCHES - 6

MOTORING - 46

MUSIC for the MONTH - 29

NOTICE BOARD - 42

PAPERCHASE - 47

PHONE-A-FIRM - 47 PUBS - 36

SHAFTESBURY - 15

SEASON’S GREETINGS - 26 THEY SAY - 40

VALE of BLACKMORE - 13 WINE & DINE - 35

Drawings by GEOFF THOMPSON

THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016 3

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B A W R E CL R D A N

45 High Street, Wincanton, Somerset BA9 9JU  Tel: 01963 34880

Andrew – prepares fresh turkeys

Friendly and experienced staff

Naturally reared, locally sourced meats

Delicious pies and savouries

ORDER NOW FOR NEW YEAR We would like to thank all of our customers for their support during the year and to wish them a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

4 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016

Complaint

Letters to the Editor

Sir, I am writing to complain about the letter you published in the latest Visitor Journal from the ghastly Countryside Alliance. Any Journal should be impartial and not publish such extreme biased views without a disclaimer.

You would be surprised how many in rural areas are actually opposed to hunting along with a vast majority countrywide, making these people in the minority. There should be at least be a balance giving opposing views!

Anyone involved with wildlife knows full well these bigoted views are erroneous, hunting does not control anything and, for example, hares are now becoming endangered due to loss of habitat and should be protected. We have worked with and studied foxes for many years and disproved all the propaganda these people, who are only really interested in barbaric cruelty, spout!

I was so incensed by this letter I immediately wrote a donation cheque to the League Against Cruel Sports, I have been a supporter for many years.

Country born, I have always been passionately anti-hunting and it would be a travesty if the ban was ever overturned. It should be strengthened. Cameron withdrew his July motion on increasing the number of dogs used because he knew he could not win - such is democracy!

I will be writing to the LACS about this and sending them a copy of the letter, and I can only be appeased if, in the interest of fairness and justice, you offer them a right of reply in the next issue?

J H Judd Coat Martock

The Visitor will be happy to run a letter from LACS, if received.

And with regard to the comment in your first paragraph, please see Page 3. Ed.

The Lords Larder

Sir, You may have noticed the scarf bombing around Yeovil town again, well this year we’re taking this one step further by holding a Grand Jumble Sale/Food Collection event in January too, and I would like, if I may, through your paper to welcome anyone who would like to donate,

take part, or just attend the event on 16th January at Birchfield Community Centre, Yeovil BA21 5RL. All proceeds to go to the local foodbank, The Lords Larder.

They have helped 4175 people in the last year who have suffered hardship through benefit cuts / delays, sanctions and zero hour contracts, it is these very issues that our Unite Community Group have protested against in town and held public meetings raising awareness of these serious problems.

Do please come along and join the fun. For donations and offers of help please contact us on text 0789 686 4925, landline after 1pm only please 01935 823121 or email: david.osborne @unitetheunion.org Trudy Baddams Sherborne.

School Meal Provision

Sir, The provision of free school meals for under 4 year olds has not been without controversy, not least because of the pre-emptive announcement of their introduction last year long before schools and local authorities had been given the opportunity to put in place all that was needed.

Although providing meals for our school children is not a local authority requirement, it is a burden that falls heavily on our schools, there has been significant input and activity to ensure that the provision is made, along with the accompanying costs involved.

The problem has been exacerbated by the lack of on-site school kitchen facilities, which were removed some years ago; a false economy if ever there was one. In addition to this there are now much tougher health, safety and hygiene regulations in place, along with the current focus on ‘healthy’ eating, whatever that may mean. There is also the requirement for meals to be hot, rather than something along the lines of a sandwich.

One argument put forward by a fellow councillor during the county council discussion that took place was that feeding children is down to their parents, not schools, whose job is merely to educate them.

As one might expect this comment gave cause for much ridicule; but he does have a point, as well as missing one. In passing he mentioned his own school

years and the situation that existed in his time there. Being of a similar age to myself I think that sometimes that we can all have distorted memories of times past, and forget the hard facts.

His view however is not a lone one. In many of the organisations I am involved in there remains a negative view of support networks such as food banks and homework clubs, as well as the extent to which schools should, or should not, interfere in the overall welfare of their pupils.

Close to home one local school, with a high percentage of disadvantaged pupils on their role, had started up a breakfast club. Whilst some parents, for whatever reason, were not willing to stump up the 50p a day that needed to be charged to cover costs there was clear evidence of improved performance and attainment. Sadly the school is no longer in a position to continue financing it, and as a result there has been a notable difference in the ability of those children who do not benefit from a proper start to the day to maintain their concentration levels. This of course has a negative impact on their learning. In the same week I visited another school during morning assembly, and noticed that a high proportion of the

children present, at the start of the day, were yawning and seemed barely able to stay awake.

I felt for the teachers that would have to get them through the day.

The fact is that, yes, in an ideal world each family should be able to fend for itself and provide for its children but the era we are now living in has changed substantially since my own childhood, and that of the vast majority of local councillors.

We should all want our future generation to be brought up in a stable, loving environment where they are well fed and clothed but life in modern society this is no longer a realistic option for every family, for many reasons.

I believe that it is incumbent upon those of us who have the skills and knowledge to make a difference to the lives of those around us to feel a moral obligation to do so. This may be in helping to raise funds for breakfast clubs, volunteering at homework clubs or donating food to food banks. As locally elected representatives it is our duty to do our best to support the most vulnerable in our communities, and to encourage others to do the same.

Linda Piggott-Vijeh County Councillor for Ilminster Division

WHY NOT CUT OUT AND KEEP?

THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016 5

Mentioned in

Dispatches

A. J. Wakely & Sons adds Land Rover hearse to its funeral fleet

A. J. Wakely & Sons, a highly respected and long-standing funeral directors based in the South West of England, is pleased to announce the latest addition to its fleet of vehicles: a Land Rover hearse.

A black long-wheel-base version of the Defender - the most traditional shape of all Land Rovers - was chosen by A. J. Wakely and Sons to provide a more relevant form of funereal transport to many of the communities the company serves, as Managing Director Clive Wakely explains: “We are based in a predominantly rural area, one where farming and agriculture plays an important role. Land Rovers are a regular site on the roads - and in the fields - in this part of the country and represent more than just a means of getting from A-to-B. We therefore understand that many people have an emotional connection with the Land Rover and now, they will be able to make their final journey in a vehicle that really means something to them.”

Established in 1897, A. J. Wakely & Sons is a family-run business that has for four generations, provided a personal, sensitive and caring independent funeral service. The company has branches in Beaminster, Bridport, Chard, Crewkerne, Ilminster, Lyme Regis, Sherborne, Wincanton and Yeovil.

For further information about hiring the Land Rover hearse and

A Land Rover hearse is the latest addition to independent family funeral directors A. J.Wakely & Sons’ fleet of cars.

the services A. J. Wakley & Sons provide, call: 01935 479913, or visit: www.ajwakely.com.

Festive feast, tasty treats, Brittens best and a choir sing-along

Jon Thorner’s hosted their much anticipated Christmas Open Evening on Friday 27th November. Once again the Street Men choir opened the event with Christmas carols, which continued throughout the evening helping boost the merry cheer.

The choir have attended for the last 3 years and uses the event to fundraise for a preferred charity – this year being Mendip YMCA – with Jon Thorner’s donating a considerable sum to say thank you to the choir for volunteering their time.

Despite the shockingly wet and windy weather, people still made the effort to come along to this fantastically festive evening; possibly because they correctly predicted being welcomed at the

door by hot, salty chips made from Brittens Potatoes!

Once inside butchers, Dan and Nick, wowed with their impressive Christmas meat display, including stuffed venison haunch, carvery rib of beef, apple and Calvados stuffed loin of pork, beautiful Bronze turkeys and a grand selection of game birds.

Jeff Cracknell, from Cracknell’s Farm in Langport, served up a delicious free range goose and chicken, or you could enjoy a rare roast beef sandwich from beef suppliers Alec Jarrett Ltd. A cheesy selection to taste was

available from Longmans Cheese and Westcombe Dairy, which complemented preserves, jams and chutneys from Cottage Delight, The Bay Tree Company and Rose Farm perfectly. You could then wash down all this locally made produce with festive tipples from Somerset Cider Brandy Co, including the ever popular Morello Cherry liqueur, a glass of local cider pressed by Worleys or some sparkling Pilton Cider.

For those with a sweet tooth there was ice cream from Marshfield which included their

A. J. WAKELY & SONS LTD Independent Family Funeral Directors • Golden Charter Pre Paid Funeral Plans • 24 Hour Service

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Golden Charter Brochure available on request Clive Wakely Dip F.D. M.B.I.E.

The Old Police Station, Carrington Way WINCANTON BA9 9JS Tel: 01963 31310

6 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016

Jon Thorner pictured in his Bridge Farm Shop, Pylle, Shepton Mallet.

THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016 7

Mentioned in

Dispatches moreish Champagne sorbet shot!

Or you could sample the dairyfree ewes milk frozen dessert from Styles – about a third of the fat and calories compared to dairy ice cream, but no less flavour!

Plus locally made James Chocolates showcased some delectable Christmas chocolate gift ideas.

But, of course, the piece de resistance was the award winning butchers very own kitchen ready range, which included quiches, festive flavoured pies, cakes and their own made sausages too.

Volunteering for Samaritans can change someones life maybe your own

The local branch of Samaritans covering the Yeovil and Sherborne district has been running for over 40 years and is thriving, with over 100 volunteers from all walks of life, both men and women, and aged from early twenties to ninety-one! The branch is totally run by volunteers, including the director, Jill, and there are lots of opportunities within the branch to extend skills after the training period.

If you are interested in learning more about Samaritans, email director@yeovilsamaritans.org or visit the Samaritans website at www.samaritans.org

Happy quails' eggs are packed with health benefits

Somerset egg producer, Blackacre Farm, has got healthy snacks, guilt-free treats and sophisticated starters sewn up with its Foraging Free quails’ eggs, part of its multi-award winning Free Collection. Each dainty egg contains just 14 calories and is packed full of vitamins and minerals, offering an impressive list of health benefits ranging from strengthening the immune system to increasing brain activity.

With free-range eggs widely recognised as offering superior nutritional value, Blackacre’s commitment to love, care, freedom and fresh air means that a Foraging Free quail’s egg contains an exceptionally healthy hit beneath its distinctively speckled shell, helping to alleviate allergies, prevent

kidney stones and even balance cholesterol.

Like all the birds at Blackacre Farm, the Foraging Free flock enjoy a truly free-range lifestyle, with owners Dan and Briony Wood choosing to go above and beyond the industry standard of ‘free to fly’. Providing huge aviaries for the quails to fly and forage in throughout the day, the birds benefit from those allimportant sunlight hours, enhancing the colour and flavour of their eggs which earnt a Taste of the West Gold award in 2015.

Foraging Free quails’ eggs are sold in packs of six (RRP £1.75) or packs of 12 (RRP £2.50) and are available from Fortnum and Mason, Selfridges, Bayley and Sage, Chatsworth Estate and other good independent delis, farm shops, butchers and grocery stores in the UK.

Record Results for HFT Fair

The HFT Fair held on Saturday, 21st November at the Wincanton War Memorial Hall made a record profit of over £12,500.

‘It’s a wonderful result,’ said the Countess de Salis, HFT Fair Chairman. Each year we somehow manage to make more than the last. Everyone works so hard and people are very generous; everything is donated and we keep expenses to a minimum. ‘The HFT charity used to be known as Home Farm Trust; it works for learning disabled adults with homes, day care, training, help towards an independent life, with finding a job, achieving a satisfying social life, and much, much more.’

HFT is committed to working in partnership with the people they support, their families and carers, health professionals and other providers to develop effective, highly personalised services to suit individual needs.

Donations are very important, they help the charity commit to projects they might otherwise lack the funds for.

Leweston Pupil Awarded Top Cambridge University Chemistry Award

Leweston Sixth Former and Academic Scholar, Katarzyna Zator, has won the highest award for excellence, the Roentgenium Award, at the prestigious and highly competitive Cambridge University Chemistry Challenge Competition.

This remarkable achievement placed Katarzyna in the top 0.7% of over 8,000 entrants nationwide and qualified her to attend a 3 day residential Chemistry Camp at the University. Katarzyna and Dr Kemal, Head of Chemistry at Leweston, were also invited to attend a reception at the Wellcome Collections Museum in London along with all the other Roentgenium Award winners, at which crystal trophies were awarded to students and their teachers.

Katarzyna, who hopes to study Natural Sciences at St Catherine’s College, also gave a confident, short presentation on her chosen subject; the element Polonium.

Dr Oz Kemal, Head of Chemistry at Leweston explained “Katarzyna delivered her presentation with conviction and confidence. I was proud to be escorting her to the awards ceremony. It was a great honour for Leweston School to be involved with this event and we are extremely grateful to all the staff at St Catherine College, Cambridge and their sponsors from Saudi Aramco for making this event possible”.

‘Spread the load’ festive waste advice

“Spread the load” is the advice to avoid waste problems during a bumper festive season with plenty of Christmas changes to kerbside collections. To avoid uncollected materials, residents are urged to: • Check the changed Christmas

A VERY SPECIAL VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITY

Become a SAMARITAN and you become part of a superb local team that offers emotional support 24/7

Find out more about our exceptional training programme and the chance to make a real difference at a PROSPECTIVE VOLUNTEER INFORMATION SESSION on the FIRST TUESDAY of EACH MONTH at 7pm beginning 1st MARCH 2016 These are held at our centre (address below) We are keen to hear from anyone over 18 with time in the evenings and weekends. Call 01935 414015 and let us know when you are coming or email recruitment@yeovilsamaritans.org.uk

Yeovil Samaritans, 25 The Park, Yeovil • www.samaritans.org 8 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016

You could change someone’s life – maybe your own

at the Bow Dental Centre, and has been a laboratory owner since 1972, so this award is testament to his unwavering support and involvement in the dental technology industry.

The Bow Dental Centre strives to provide an excellent level and unique service to all its patients in one place. The Denture Clinic and Dental Clinic are supported by a dedicated Dental Laboratory, and this concentration of expertise gives patients a range of choices not available in most other private dental practices. Les and his team are dedicated to the wellbeing and safety of all patients and staff involved in each treatment.

Mentioned in

Dispatches collection dates and plan how to deal with delayed pick-ups • Shift pre-Christmas rubbish or recycling well before the holidays or go to a recycling site • Sort and squash dry recycling (except aerosols and glass) to get more on each truck • Store extra rubbish or recycling for later collections, or take it all to a recycling centre

A Somerset Waste Partnership spokesperson said: “Don’t let rubbish and recycling build up; shift it fast before Christmas – especially all that cardboard and other packaging – so you have space for festivities and fewer waste worries, especially if weather looks set to hamper collections.

“After Christmas and New Year, use the space in your boxes and bins, but either store the rest to put out over several collections or take it all to a recycling site.”

Recycling sites will be open on their usual schedules – including five sites open 8am-4pm seven days a week – except for the usual closures on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Nothing alters for waste collections until Christmas Day, so kerbside collections are unchanged on Monday 21, Tuesday 22, Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 December (Christmas Eve). Collections of rubbish and recycling will not take place on Friday 25 December, Monday 28 December, Thursday 31 December, or Friday 1 January.

Instead, the schedule will be: • Collections due on Friday 25 December will be on Sunday 27 December • Monday 28 collections will be on Tuesday 29 • Tuesday 29 on Wednesday 30 December • Thursday 31 on Saturday 2 January • Friday 1 January collections will be made on Monday 4 January

Then collections in week starting Monday 4 January will be one day later, including those due on Friday 8 January being made on

Mere Christmas Lights

Les Wheatley of Bow Dental Centre

Saturday 9 January.

Clinical and assisted waste collections follow the same pattern, while garden waste pickups are suspended from Monday 28 December and resume from Monday 11 January on usual days.

All recycling and rubbish collections resume from Monday 11 January on their usual days.

All information about festive waste services – and the easy way to recycle the Christmas tree – can be found on Somerset Waste Partnership’s website: www.somersetwaste.gov.uk

Barrs, announced the award as ‘the big one’, describing it as recognising his contribution to the profession. Les brings nearly 50 years of experience to his team

The Mere Cancer Committee organized a Victorian Christmas Street Fayre on Friday 4th December 6 to 8pm in the Town Square. Father Christmas was there handing out gifts to all the children, at a venue made for him

by Mere Carnival Committee and the lights were turned on by two and half year old Poppy. Carol singers, a snow machine, a great turn out of people, and the local shops open late, made it a magical evening.

Top Award for Langport clinical dental technician

Clinical dental technician Les Wheatley, of Langport’s Bow Dental Centre, has recently walked away with top honour at the recent British Association of Clinical Dental Technology (BACDT) Awards, being named 2015’s Member of the Year.

The BACDT is the nation’s leading professional association seeking to sustain and advance the ethical practice of dental technology. Member of the Year is awarded based on acknowledgements from BACDT peers, along with a personal recommendation from the Chief Executive of the BACDT, so to receive this award shows that the winner has true commitment to the profession as well as an overriding will to see things improve for future generations.

BACDT President, Andrew

THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016 9

Wessex Music

Wessex Music has been looking after local musicians for over twelve years. Gary and Tim are

both professional members of the National Association of Musical Instrument Repairers (NAMIR) and are well placed to advise on

Are you sitting comfortably?

Cosyfeet slippers, an ideal gift, available from Regency Care & Mobility of Crewkerne.

Rise & Recline Chairs & Beds will ensure that you do!

————SCOOTERS ————

any aspect of your musical journey.

They stock a very wide range of new and used instruments, accessories and sheet music and their friendly approachable attitude means you can ask them any question and get an honest answer. Wessex Music only sell instruments they would be prepared to play themselves so call in, look around and have a go – you will enjoy it.

Wessex Music for instrument sales, repairs and rental. Give the gift of music this Christmas.

We have a superb choice of scooters to suit all needs and budgets Call in and see us at:

10 Falkland Square Crewkerne, TA18 7JS (near the Co-op)  01460 271172

Common Mead Lane, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4RE

Turn into Broad Robin off B3081, continue past Mellowes Residential Home: Thorngrove is next on right

 01747 822242 Email: thorngrove.staff@scope.org.uk O Poinsettias and Cyclamen in many glorious shades

O Potted and Cut Christmas Trees from First Week of December O Handmade Fresh Holly Wreaths, Potted Hyacinths and Mistletoe available

O New Season Roses, Fruit and Ornamental Trees in stock ready for spring

Thorngrove Garden Centre was set up by SCOPE, a national disability charity, whose vision is a world where disabled people have the same opportunities to fulfil their life ambitions as non-disabled people. By purchasing goods and services from Thorngrove you are supporting Scope's work in our local community. Thank you.

OPENING TIMES: December Open 9am – 5pm EVERY DAY • Closed from 4pm on Thursday 24th December Re-opening Monday 4th January • January & February 2015 Open 10am – 4pm EVERY DAY

10 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016

Everybody loves poinsettias it seems! You’ll find 100s to choose from at Thorngrove Garden Centre in Gillingham.

a delicious array of preserves and pickles. Why not make up a hamper?

A tasty range of home grown vegetables and fresh fruit are always available.

Bower Hinton Farm’s own reared pork is available as joints, sausages, chipolatas and sausagemeat - the ideal accompaniment to your festive Christmas Dinner.

Midwest thanks all their customers for their support and looks forward to seeing them in the New Year.

Checkout the wonderful choice of pens at Midwest including Lamy and Sheaffer. Quality pens make a very acceptable gift for all ages.

If you have a home office why not treat yourself to a new desk or office chair - select from the extensive colour brochure.

With security a high priority today shredders are extremely useful. There is an extensive range of artist and craft materials including a wide selection of papers ... and finally diaries and calendars are a must for the New Year.

 Cross, Waterman, Parker, Sheaffer and Lamy Pens and Gift Sets

Midwest the Stationers

Jewellery is always an acceptable gift, especially at Christmas.

At Ward & Sibley, the jewellers of Yeovil, you will also find attractive gifts for the home, such as clocks and barometers, glassware and figurines.

Bower Hinton Farm Shop

Why not give some festive cheer this Christmas?

Locally brewed Perrys Cider, Norcotts fruit ciders and Lyme Bay Wines can all be found at Bower Hinton Farm Shop together with local cheeses and

USEFUL CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR EVERYONE ...

 Personal Organisers

 2016 Diaries & Calendars whilst stocks last

The compliments of the season to all our customers Call at our shop ...

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

www.midwest-office.co.uk

Add a sparkle this Christmas ...

WARD & SIBLEY The Jewellers of Yeovil

Mayflowers of Gillingham - a deceptive shop from the outside it looks small but it goes back a long way and is full to overflowing with all manner of flowers, plants and Christmas accessories. They are also local Interflora agents - so you can send flowers anywhere you wish!

Established 70 Years

For inspirational gifts and good old fashioned service Complimentary gift wrapping service We would like to thank our customers and wish them all a Merry Christmas and a Peaceful & Happy New Year

THE CASKET, 103 MIDDLE STREET, YEOVIL T Tel: 01935 474065 T Car Car park park at at rear rear of of shop shop for for customers customers visiting visiting the the shop shop T

Mayflowers

Bower Hinton Farm Shop - Martock

Your local Interflora Florist

For a super selection of fresh cut flowers & plants visit us at ...

2a High Street, GILLINGHAM

... or why not order by phone or website?

Tel: 01747 824424

www.mayflowersofgillingham.co.uk

All major credit cards accepted

FOR ALL YOUR CHRISTMAS FAYRE ...

V Local Turkey - Geese - Red Meat - Hams etc - Hampers V V Fruit & Veg Boxes - Dairy Produce - Jessica Farmhouse Cakes V Fresh Vegetables including Homegrown Sprouts, Purple Sprouting Cabbage and Cauliflower Potatoes ‘Electra’ - 25kg £6, 12.5kg £3.50 OPEN: Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm OPEN: Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd December 9am – 5pm • Christmas Eve 9am – 1pm

Just off the B3165 at the top of Bower Hinton Tel: 01935 827743 • www.bowerhintonfarmshop.co.uk

THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016 11

One World

One World - such an interesting shop, with 6 showrooms over 2 floors stocked with beautiful and

Just one of many pots available from Shepton Classic Stone of Shepton Mallet. An ideal gift for gardeners!

unique gifts from around the world - many fair trade.

Stunning silver jewellery, hand made glass vases, ceramic pots, wooden figures, childrens traditional and soft toys, gifts for babies, rugs, stationery, cards and diaries.

New in is a wonderful selection of puzzles to suit all ages, from the popular ‘twisted nails’ puzzles through to 3D puzzles. Candles from Swaziland beautifully presented in pots and tins; scarves galore - from warm and woolly to pretty silks and man-made scarves in a variety of patterns and colours ... just a few ideas for the Christmas Stocking.

Inside Papertrees Newsagents of Wincanton where there are books for all ages - many at half price!

Crossroads Pet Supplies

Doesn't your pet deserve a Christmas Stocking? The family pet is very much part of the family so pop along to Crossroads Pet Supplies for some pet present ideas. For your dog - perhaps a new bed or bowl, a reflective

Scenes of Gillingham, where you will find one of the largest selections of art books in the area topics include how to draw and paint.

collar or coat so they can be seen in the dark, or maybe dental chews to keep their teeth in good order. For your rabbit perhaps a new hutch and a scratch pole for the cat. Whether your pet has fur, feathers or fins Crossroads has a gift for them.

“Mercedes Maestro”

By Ray Goldsbrough 2014 Spanish Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton Racing to Victory — LI M I TED ED I T I O N —  Superb range of prints on all topics stocked 

TO MER ALL RY OU CHRI R C ST US MA TO S ME RS

High Street, Gillingham Tel / Fax: 01747 824050 email: scenesol@aol.com • www.scenes-online.co.uk

Dog tired of high prices?

CROSSROADS PET SUPPLIES VISIT

SUPPLIERS OF

Books - the perfect Christmas gift for all the family ...

New Christmas stock now in

HALF PRICE BOOKS  NATIONAL BOOK TOKENS 

Stocking Filler Toys & Games • Full Range of Stationery for Home and Office

GREETINGS CARDS • GIFT WRAP • £1 WALL PARTY POPPERS • FESTIVE HATS & MORE

33 High Street • Wincanton

Open: Monday – Friday 7am – 5pm, Saturday 7am – 2pm, Sunday 7am – 12noon

Tel: 01963 32356 • www.papertrees.co.uk

12 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016

• 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 .

17 St James Street South Petherton Somerset TA13 5BS 01460 241166

O

Season’s Greetings to customers old & new

O

 Vale of Blackmore  E.B. Marsh Electrical

Looking for an electrical appliance? Buy with confidence from E.B.Marsh. Sarah and Ross Palmer the current owners state, ‘we are friendly, knowledgeable and personable to all our customers, which is important in an ever-changing environment.

The electrical market in particular, is a difficult specialisation as the products and installations are always changing so we are constantly training our staff to be up to date with the latest product and service incarnations. This means we are supporting our customers with the latest product information available as well as keeping them

abreast as to the market trends.

Our staff, stay with us for many years (we have a combined 250 years worth of knowledge!) so you are guaranteed a friendly face and any problems, which may arise, are dealt with as efficiently and effectively as possible, hence our adage: For Service Beyond The Sale.

So next time an electrical appliance breaks down in your house why not pop into Marsh’s and be amazed at the competitive prices and experience the excellent service first hand.

Harts of Sturminster Newton

If you have never visited Harts of Sturminster Newton - it is time

“Making your house a home”

Newly opened - Gray’s of Stalbridge. Everything to make your house a home - pictured is proprietor Judith Newport.

For an individual choice of cushions, throws, hand-painted furniture, candles & more * Many GIFT IDEAS ... do call in * OPEN: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am — 5pm HALF DAYS: Wednesday & Saturday 9am — 1pm

High Street, Stalbridge, DR10 2LJ * Tel: 01963 365800

THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016 13

COMPARE OUR PRICES!

EYES RIGHT OPTICIANS St. Audries Station Road, Gillingham Tel: 01747 831010

3 Market Place Sturminster Newton Tel: 01258 473992

LOW PRICES AND QUALITY SERVICE 2 x Reading or Distance Specs from just £50 2 x Bifocal Specs from just £84 2 x Varifocal Specs from just £109

*All frames are priced including Single Vision Lenses.

Please ask our staff for full offer details.

14 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016

 Blackmore  Vale of

you did! They have one of the largest selections of cookware in the South West stocking leading makes such as Le Cruset, Viners and Stellar. To see their full range visit their website. They offer a comprehensive mail order service.

In addition to cookware the store offers country clothing from makes such as Sea Salt and Joules for all the family, footwear, wicker ware, fireside accessories, and a full range of DIY. If you are looking for Christmas gift inspiration look no further than Harts, there is a wonderful selection of decorations and greeting cards too!

Eyes Right Opticians

Your sight is very important so make sure your new year's resolution is to book for an eye test with Eyes Right.

Eyes Right offer a professional and friendly service in addition to a superb choice of frames to suit all budgets and tastes.

They offer very competitive prices too - with a free spare pair with any frame - which is always useful.

Whether you require bifocal, verifocal or simply reading or distance glasses Eyes Right can help - their experienced staff will be pleased to discuss your personal requirements.

If you like knitting pop into Hanson’s of Sturminster Newton - who give free patterns when you purchase your wool from them.

Why not knit this useful cowl?

 Blackmore  Vale of

Emily and Wendy of Forge Fabrics in Stalbridge have a colourful array of knitting yarns! They are now pleased to offer Gift Vouchers.

Hanson’s Fabrics & Crafts

If you like to sew or are into craft making then you will love Hanson’s Fabrics & Crafts of Sturminster Newton - with row upon row of fabrics and accessories to choose from. There are all types of crafts on display including card making, toys, Dylon and more.

If you are looking for last minute Christmas gift ideas Hanson’s have a lovely selection of sewing boxes and sewing machines to suit all budgets and requirements - also ‘day light’ lamps and magnifying accessories which are so useful when sewing.

Hanson’s offer a wide range of workshops throughout the year such as cushion making, felting, understanding your over-locker etc.

Call in for their latest brochure.

Bridge Street Barber Shop

Bridge Street Barber Shop is located on the first floor at Retsel House, Bridge Street,

Sturminster Newton. Lee Rigby, an experienced, traditional barber has been trading there for twelve years and has a good regular clientele. Lee’s opening hours means there is a time to suit everyone. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8.30am until 5pm, Wednesdays appointments only, Friday 8.30am until 7pm and Saturday 8.30am until 12.30pm.

Consession for OAPs. A range of shavers can also be found on sale.

Say you saw it in The Visitor

ORCHARD CARS Local, Long Distance Airports, Parcels Merry Christmas to all our customers

Shaftesbury

SHAFTESBURY is capable of supporting significant levels of North Dorset’s overall housing growth over the period to 2026.

So said a report to the district council’s Development Management Committee earlier this year when the committee granted permission for almost 200 new houses on a greenfield site straddling Wincombe Lane.

Now an application has been submitted for permission to build 120 houses at the junction of the A30 Salisbury Road and Higher Blandford Road. A year ago I reported that land had been allocated for more than 1,100 new homes to be built around the town in the next ten years, mainly on its northern and eastern fringes, but each new planning application generates a tide of opposition with worries that these large developments will not integrate comfortably with the rest of the town, that roads will not be able to cope with the increase in traffic, that health and education provision will be insufficient to meet the demand,

Keep warm in style ...

New signs on the A30 and A350 welcome visitors to the town.

and that there will not be enough jobs in the town for so many new residents.

Worries, too, that acres of new housing will deter the tourists who currently flock to see picturesque historic Shaftesbury and spend their money in the town. Worries that are not unfounded. The dissolution of the monasteries swept Shaftesbury

STURMINSTER NEWTON

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Bridge Street Barber Shop

WOODBURNING STOVES

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

Forge Fabrics

 Curtains & Blinds  Soft Furnishing Fabric  Dress Fabric  Haberdashery  Knitting Supplies  Sewing Machines ... and more

The Forge, Ring Street, Stalbridge Dorset, DT10 2LZ emilykjeans@gmail.com

www.forgefabrics.co.uk www.facebook.com/forgefabrics

Emily & Wendy  01963 548138

VISIT

to suit your fireplace / hearth

GARDEN MACHINERY & STOVES

17d Wincombe Business Park, SHAFTESBURY, SP7 9QJ

 01747 851021

www.benjohnsonmowers.com

SALES - REFURBISHMENTS - INSTALLATION

THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016 15

Shaftesbury Town

Abbey away but there is still much of historical interest to see in the town. The excavated abbey remains, together with the gardens and a fascinating museum, can be explored during the summer months. The view from the much-photographed Gold Hill, famed for the Hovis advertisements on television, is a stunning sight at any time of year. Castle Hill remains an unspoilt, atmospheric vantage point from which to survey the panoramic views westwards

!

E L A S OW ON N

across the Blackmore Vale and imagine that a castle might once have stood on this impregnable spot. The Thomas Hardy connection provides a draw for literary detectives, and for 21st century interest just look at the range of excellent shops and Shaftesbury Arts Centre’s extensive programme of events in its theatre, meeting rooms and gallery on Bell Street. No wonder Shaftesbury still has a reputation extending far beyond English shores, a reputation that many

residents don’t want to see tarnished even though they acknowledge that more homes and jobs will be needed in the years ahead to cater for the town’s growing population.

After my last visit to Shaftesbury I wrote about some of the businesses on the two employment areas on its northeast edge – Wincombe Business Park and Longmead Industrial Estate – amidst the acres of 20th century housing. It’s often said that out-of-town shopping is killing the centres of Visitorland’s historic old towns, but like most generalisations it’s not universally true. Certainly not true in Shaftesbury, where many of the occupants are businesses trading in large items. If they were located in the town centre just imagine the chaos the delivery trucks of their suppliers and the vans and cars of their customers would wreak in the narrow streets. Far from killing the centre of Shaftesbury, their out-of-town locations have given it a little breathing space and

Shaftesbury Arts Centre on Bell Street provides an extensive programme of events in its theatre, meeting rooms and gallery.

made life much more pleasant for shoppers, as I found on my latest visit in early December.

I was impressed by the new signs the town council has erected on the A30 and A350 to welcome visitors to the town and decided

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YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL NEEDS Cookers, ranges, fridge freezers, washing machines & more!

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Longmead Industrial Estate, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 8PL • 01747 851476 • myhomemaker.co.uk • Est 1994

16 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016

Shaftesbury Town

to spend the afternoon browsing round the shops in the centre – and spending a bit of cash! At this time of year shopping usually means searching for elusive lastminute gifts and stocking up with festive fare, followed a few days later with bargain-hunting in the New Year sales. Shaftesbury is certainly a good place to come, for the many long-established independent retailers on the High Street far outnumber the soulless chain stores. Among them are Hine & Parsons with an extensive

selection of home furnishings and fabrics, leatherware and gifts; Shirley Allum offering elegant ladieswear and lingerie; Squires, long renowned for its extensive selection of high-quality menswear which attracts shoppers to the town from many miles around; and Shaftesbury Wines which specialises in goodquality wines at reasonable prices plus a wide range of spirits, beers and ciders and also sells handrolled fine cigars. I noticed that the former Crown Inn which in

Among Shaftesbury’s long-established independent traders is Shirley Allum offering elegant ladieswear.

coaching days had stabling for 100 horses is now Meg Morton’s shop packed with homewares and festive decorations and gifts. And there are many others too numerous to name.

B eyond t he High St reet ’s eastern end is Salisbury Street, nowadays a far cry from the days when all the A30 and A350 traffic had to pass along it to get through the town. Today it is a fairly quiet thoroughfare fringed with traditional traders such as a family butcher and a shoe shop

as well as a store full of exquisite lingerie, hosiery and perfumes and an Indian restaurant among others. Swans Yard between the High Street and Bell Street is well worth exploring, for here are shops catering for artists and craftspeople of all ages and abilities, and tucked away by the Bell Street entrance is a delightful garden shop and nursery. They are part of Shaftesbury’s charm. Near The Commons end of Bell Street is the town’s tourist information

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THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016 17

Shaftesbury Town

centre, now run entirely by volunteers, which stocks a range of local-interest books, maps and gifts plus a variety of charity Christmas cards. Add to this the abundance of cafés, restaurants and pubs catering for almost all tastes and pockets and it’s easy to see why this friendly town has acquired such a high reputation as a shopping centre. I suspect the district council would also add that it’s a shopping centre capable of supporting significant levels of population growth.

Two final festive thoughts – if you’re tempted to shop in Shaftesbury before Christmas the day to do it could well be Saturday 19th December when there is free parking in all of the town’s car parks, and if you’re seeking a family night out you shouldn’t miss this season’s pantomime in the Arts Centre from Wednesday 27th January to Saturday 6th February.

It’s the perennial favourite ‘Jack in the Beanstalk’ and you can book online at www.shaftesbury artscentre.org.uk Roger Richards.

Thousands turned out for the big Christmas light switch-on in Shaftesbury on Friday 4th December with Radio 2 DJ Johnnie Walker, Master of Ceremonies, and T.V. personality James May switching on the lights.

Shaftesbury Late Night Shopping event is a massive success thanks to a real community effort.

On Friday 4th December huge crowds turned out to see James May turn on the Christmas lights in Shaftesbury. The event was

Book your service now for the new season ... avoid delay book today

18 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016

organised by Shaftesbury and District Chamber of Commerce who need to thank a huge number of people for making it happen (and anyone they’ve inevitably missed off the list - your contribution is still appreciated!)

So take a deep breath – here goes … Thanks go to: Chamber members, friends and families who turned out to decorate the trees, and the many shops and businesses who paid for the many smaller trees, which were provided and delivered by the Cooper family.

SSE for providing the cherry picker and particularly John Maynard and Paul Wright who spent all Sunday up in it wiring the lights on. Ray Humphries MBE, Tom Whiteford and James Thrift for getting the lights working.

For generous contributions and help: Kavanagh Roofing, Virginia Hayward, Peter Harding Wealth Management, Stalbridge Linen, Blackmore Vale Dairy, MacLachlan Solicitors, Rutter’s Solicitors, Bargains, Adrian Thompson Accountants, Shirley Allum

Fashions, Blanchard Bailey, The Grosvenor Arms, Jackson-Stops and Staff, Gold Hill Antiques, Andrews and Palmer, and Bill Sherriff RE. Thanks go to Cassie from Fork and Flowers and Sharon from the Toy Box for organising the window dressing competition despite being so busy at this time of year. Rob Neely of the Dorset Store was the worthy winner having borrowed his Mother’s Victorian fireplace!

Thanks go to Perry and Sons for illuminating Gold Hill.

Poultons Portables for Santa’s grotto, Robin Goodall for building the sleigh, and Steve Pocock from SAC for spotlighting Santa. RR Elite for providing the vintage Rolls Royce. St Peter’s Church for allowing Santa to land on their roof and Syd Guppy of Imprint Graphics for not only providing the PA but also the signs and banners.

Lions Club, Rotary, Dorset Marshals, the Carnival, St John’s Ambulance, Andy Burton and Kevin Haime from Country Cars, and other friends and family who helped manage the huge crowd.

Robert Coles and family and the Fire Brigade for providing attractions along with the town choir and other entertainers, many dressed by Glad Rags of Semley including co-owner Pam Goodall as Mother Christmas.

Thanks also go to the hundreds of children who made lanterns and joined in the parade.

The Chamber would also like to sincerely thank the Town Council and their staff for their support, illuminating the Town Hall and for building the big red lever.

Finally, massive thanks go to Johnnie Walker for keeping things rolling and to James May, who despite having just broken his right arm, stayed until the end signing thousands of autographs. What a trooper!

THE BARBER SHOP Parsons Pool, Shaftesbury Colin & Sandra would like to wish customers old and new a very happy Christmas!

01747 852850

House & Home

Eternal Kitchens

Eternal Kitchens have recently been awarded an Energy Performance Asset Rating of A+ (actual -41 CO2 emissions) for their purpose built workshop in South Petherton.

This has been achieved through the new workshop being built to a very high energy performance level, the installation of a bio-mass boiler fuelled by their timber off-cuts

and more recently solar panels have been installed.

Stefan and Jayne Elswood commented that they were ‘thrilled to receive this excellent EPA rating and are proud in the knowledge that EK’s kitchens are being manufactured with less impact to the environment.’ They also mentioned that 500 poplar trees have also been planted on the site ... so one day they could be producing their own timber!

FROM CONCEPTION TO COMPLETION With over 30 years of building experience — NO HIDDEN EXTRAS —

All works completed by our experienced and reliable team

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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

Unit 11, Brickfields Business Park, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4JX

Tel: 01747 826714

www.townandcountryaerials.co.uk

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Your local Sky expert THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016 19

AP Kitchen Solutions NEW YEAR – NEW KITCHEN

Colourful Le Cruset Espresso Mugs - available from the extensive kitchenware department at Harts of Sturminster Newton.

Installation of sprinkler system promotes safe living in houses of multiple occupation

 Kitchens replaced for a fresh new look at a reasonable price  Complete new kitchens designed to suit you

 Replacement doors – “don’t replace it, reface it”

 Huge choice of granite and quartz worksurfaces  Full range of accessories and appliances

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To discuss your personal requirements contact Adam or call at our showroom

Northover, ILCHESTER, BA22 8LD www.apkitchens.co.uk

Say you saw it in The Visitor

20 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016

South Somerset District Council’s (SSDC) Housing Standards team have recently worked with a local landlord to promote safe living by implementing a sprinkler system in a house of multiple occupation (HMO); a first in south Somerset. SSDC are promoting sprinkler systems with landlords as a greater safeguard against the risk of fire and has recently assisted in the installation of the first sprinkler system in a newlycreated HMO. Modern sprinkler systems are brilliant – they are unobtrusive and spray only a small quantity of mist droplets onto any fire which is starting, damping down the fire so that it never spreads.

Only the sprinkler in the room where the fire is located works, so little water is used and there is rarely any lasting water damage. Sprinklers are especially useful in bedsit accommodation, which is more in demand than ever due to the current housing crisis.

Death and injury from smoke and fire has always been regarded a higher risk in bedsit accommodation and, as a result, SSDC Housing Standards provides grant aid and loans to promote fire safety. Given the effectiveness of sprinklers,

House & Home

encourage all landlords to contact us”.

If you would like to discuss installing a sprinkler system at your property or would like to

*****

Merry Christmas to all our customers *****

consider other fire safety options that are available to you as a landlord, please contact SSDC’s Housing Standards team on 01935 462514.

Within SJH Carpets

The Tythings Commercial Centre Southgate Road, Wincanton

Professionally Made To Measure Curtains, Blinds etc.

Supply your own Fabric or choose from a ...

Superb Range of Fabric Books including Prestigious Textiles, Clarke & Clarke, and more!

Curtain Poles and Tracks, Haberdashery Ribbons, Threads, Cushions, Remnants, Linings etc.

Melody 07883 089 333

OPEN: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9.00am - 3.00pm Thursday 9.00am - 1.00pm, Saturday 9.00am - 12.30pm

A corner of the new kitchen showroom at Homemaker of Shaftesbury.

ACF WINDOWS

ANDY FELTHAM

UPVC REPLACEMENT WINDOWS, DOORS, CONSERVATORIES, WOODEN FRAMED WINDOWS, FASCIA BOARDS, CLADDING, GUTTERING, ALUMINIUM WINDOWS & DOORS ETC.

Wincanton

JANUARY SALE

Starts Mon 4th Jan *CASH ‘n’ CARRY up to 50% OFF *remnants

Massive DISCOUNTS ON *STOCK ROLL carpets and vinyls

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HURRY SALE ENDS 1st FEBRUARY SJH CARPETS Southgate Road, Wincanton  01963 824418 Also at: High Street, Tisbury  01747 871178

Wi nc .T ow n

Housing Standard Officers can now allow relaxations on the need for fire doors, fire alarms and other expensive fire safety equipment.

Councillor Ric Pallister, Portfolio Holder for Housing said, “Modern technology has now caught up with common sense and the fitting of today’s sprinkler systems makes financial and safety sense for Landlord and Tenant alike. Whilst not mandatory, using effective methods to preserve life and reduce fire damage in homes is now a “must have” for all bedsit accommodation. Using these modern sprinkler systems is not only effective, but also helps landlords reduce the need for expensive fire safety equipment and promotes a safe way of living.

Our Housing Standards team can offer help and guidance on the options available and I would

Fire Station

Lidl

Morrisons

Southgate Road Tythings Centre

NEW SJH

OLD SJH

The Old Well House Shepherds Hill, Buckhorn Weston GILLINGHAM, Dorset SP8 5HX Tel / Fax: 01963 371715 Mobile: 07802 393344

THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016 21

M. J. Carpets attractive window display.

M. J. Carpets is a long established carpet business located in the Market Place in Somerton.

House & Home

Don’t stab your recycling crew - advice from Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP)

Residents are being urged to avoid putting waste collection staff and the public in danger from the contents of their recycling containers. The warning comes from SWP, as part of a monthlong campaign to improve waste safety.

Knives are among the high-risk items left in recycling boxes. Even while wearing safety gloves, collection crews have narrowly escaped injury as they sort recycling boxes by hand. Given the risk to staff and family members, householders are advised not to dispose of anything sharp in their recycling, from knives or scissors to jagged can

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“I just wanted to thank you and the team for the excellent service I have experienced whilst having my doors and windows replaced.

Firstly your product is excellent the solid construction and the positive locking mechanism have really solved a soundproofing problem and as a bonus I am looking forward to reduced heating bills this winter.

Your fitters on site were brilliant, they kept the place clean and tidy and were very careful when working around existing tiles which as you know I was concerned about.

It’s a major consideration and worry to hand over your keys when you cannot be around for the fitting but I need not have had any concerns as from start to finish everything was carried out with the upmost professional manner.”

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as endorsed by Celebrity World Snooker Champion Steve Davis ... AND PERSONAL SERVICE Craig Turner (proprietor) will be happy to discuss your requirements, or alternatively call in to our Site Showroom in Somerton.

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22 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016

Call: 01458 272555 www.turnerwindows.co.uk

tops. Sharp-edged metal tops can ideally be trapped inside the cans, while broken glass bottles or jars should be well wrapped in newspaper, put in a carrier bag and disposed of in the rubbish bin.

Those using syringes must contact their council customer services team for details of the clinical waste collection service, which uses specially-designed sharps boxes.

Household chemicals left in containers, such as bleach or oven cleaner, can also be a threat; bottles should be completely empty before being put out for collection.

Keeping the public and waste staff safe is a priority for SWP and its collection and recycling site contractors, Kier and Viridor, with regular training and constant monitoring. Residents can reduce risks and help others by staying safe around rubbish and recycling vehicles, at recycling sites, and when putting out materials for collection.

ASK AN EXPERT MIKE TUCKER of City Decorating at Wells answers readers questions

Q. I'm looking to update my kitchen and don't want to go the expense of new units. Are there certain products I need to use and what's the best way to go about it?

A. Yes, buying a new kitchen can be quite costly so a quick repaint is the easiest way to update old units. You can't use standard emulsion on woodwork so will need the correct finish, either Eggshell or Gloss. However, if you want a flatter finish then paint company Mylands make a Dead Flat for woodwork!

Once you have your chosen paint colour and finish you'll need to find the relevant undercoat as all paint is formulated as a system. Check with the manufacturer or the staff at City Decorating Supplies which primer is best for your paint. If your units are varnished, stained or have bare knots you'll need a separate etch primer to go on first - this will make sure your undercoat sticks to the surface and not just flake off.

You'll need to wash down all of your units first with a good cleaner/degreaser (not sugar soap) as any contaminate will cause the

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Thanking all of our customers for their continued support and wishing them a Merry Christmas and a Happy 2016

4 High Street CASTLE CARY • BA7 7AW  01963 351110

www.abishopelectrical.co.uk email: bishopelectrical@btconnect.com THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016 23

Bathrooms and Bedrooms with style Wet Room Specialists

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

Stunning Bedroom Ranges STYLISH AND SPACE SAVING

paint to fail. Then apply any specialist primer if needed, followed by 1-2 undercoats and always 2 top coats. Although it sounds like a lot of coats with water-based paints it can now be all done over a weekend (typical recoat time of 4 hours, unlike the 16 hours for oil).

Many people are sceptical of water-based paints and doubt they perform as well as their oil counterpart, this is largely a myth. Water-based coatings have come a long way in recent years and are not now overshadowed by oil in performance, it's the resins in the paint that make it tough, not the carrier!

On the other hand, if you're a die-hard oil fan then The Little Greene Paint Company still make an oil finish for wood and this can be mixed while you wait in various sizes at City Decorating Supplies.

Remember, if you use water-

based paint you need to use an acrylic brush, traditional bristle brushes leave marks and splay so keep these for your oil paints - an acrylic pointed sash brush is perfect for getting into grooves and cutting in. A mini flock roller is highly recommended for any flat areas to speed up the painting process, the flock texture means they hold lots of paint and give a beautiful finish.

Once all your paint is dry, if you feel extra durability is required (small children, dogs etc) then a couple coats of water-based Decorator's Varnish can be applied and comes in various sheen levels. There is also an anti-bacterial version which kills bacteria on contact which is particularly useful in a kitchen.

If you have any technical questions that need answering, phone the experts at City Decorating Supplies on 01749 677299.

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

Tuesday 29th December 2015 Monday 11th January 2016 Choose from a wide range of colours & designs including ‘painted’ and gloss wood finishes.

FULL PLANNING, DESIGN & INSTALLATION SERVICE VISIT OUR SHOWROOM

Contact Ashley Helyar at: Simply Bathrooms & Bedrooms The Old Bakery Half Moon Street SHERBORNE, DT9 3LN (Through the Archway by Half Moon Inn)

Tel: 01935 817111

www.SimplyBathAndBed.co.uk info@SimplyBathAndBed.co.uk 24 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016

SAVE up to

£500 on selected

Panasonic TVs

MANY OTHER PROMOTIONS IN STORE

 Helpful & friendly advice  On-the-premises workshop for repairs

A Very Happy Christmas To All Our Customers

Greenhill • Sherborne • Dorset • DT9 4EW 01935 813451 SALES • SERVICE • REPAIRS

JANUARY SALE

Starts Saturday 2nd January ... ‘til Saturday 30th January inc GENUINE SAVINGS IN BOTH STORES IN ALL DEPARTMENTS    

Our NEW Gillingham branch is now officially open!

DO CALL IN

CARPETS VINYLS RUGS WOOD

   

KARNDEAN CURTAINS BLINDS RE-UPHOLSTERY

WE RECYCLE!!!

The only carpet supplier in the South West who can guarantee your old carpet and underlay will be 100% RECYCLED and will not go to landfill.

Over 100 TONS of WASTE now goes to be RECYCLED rather than to land fill. *WINCANTON

Open: Monday – Friday 8.30am – 5.30pm Saturday 9.00am – 4.30pm

Wincanton Business Park WINCANTON Somerset BA9 9RR  01963 33574

GILLINGHAM

Open: Monday – Friday 9.00am – 5.30pm Saturday 9.00am – 4.30pm

Newbury GILLINGHAM Dorset SP8 4QL  01747 835394

www.cullingfordcarpets.co.uk • info@cullingfordcarpets.co.uk *One of the largest showrooms in the area!

THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016 25

Wishin Residen g all our ts, Frien ds and Collea Merry C gues a hristma s and a Happy New Ye ar

ll of ing a Wish lients C our nts of the lime n m Co p tive Seaso Fes

BEECHWOOD HOUSE

RICHARD P. KEMP B.A.

Care Home

Solicitor

60 West Coker Road Yeovil, Somerset ... a quality rated home

Quality assured legal advice and services for private & corporate clients.

Open Saturday mornings

Tel: (01935) 822572 31 North Street MARTOCK Somerset TA12 6DH

Compliments of the season to all advertisers, newsagents, delivery people, readers and contributors, and best wishes for a healthy and prosperous New Year!

The key to all your storage needs!

Fully Insured Storage at Highly Competitive Rates Call us today for a quote!

01963 440045 www.sparkfordstorage.com

• Open 7 Days a Week • 20 Years Established Family Business • Modern Burglar-Alarmed Warehouses • Professional & Reliable Service • Removals To and From Storage • Self Store with Easy Access • Cubicle and Crate Storage • Friendly, Helpful Staff High Street, Sparkford, nr. Yeovil, Somerset BA22 7QJ Tel: 01963 440045 / 440526 / 440692

26 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016

Manager: Mrs. Sandra Barclay  01935 472793

www.beechwoodcarehome.co.uk

NORRIS BODY REPAIRS LTD ■ Insurance Claims ■ Private Jobs ■ Restorations ■ Resprays ■ Welding Work

Season’s Greetings to customers old & new

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

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

ESSING HAIRDR mfort of o in the c home n your ow

Sandra White MOBILE HAIRDRESSER

Would like to thank her clients for their support during the year.

NEW CLIENTS WELCOME For an Appointment

Tel: 01963 351740 Mob: 07870 230135

TONY’S FISH & CHIPS OPEN: Tuesday to Saturday Inclusive 12noon – 2pm • 5pm – 9.30pm

Dawn & Staff wish all their clients a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year ...

HAIR SALON

45a High Street WINCANTON  01963 34321

PleaSe NOTe we wIll be ClOSed FOr 2 weekS Over CHrISTmaS

CLOSED from Tuesday 22nd December RE-OPEN on Tuesday 5th January

Wishing all our customers a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year Tel: 01458 272532 The Triangle, Pye Corner Somerton, Somerset

SPECIALISTS IN.

★ Tyres ★ Batteries ★ Wheels ★ Exhausts ★ Laser Wheel Alignments ★ Computerised Wheel Balance

PETROL & DIESEL AVAILABLE

Wishing all our customers compliments of the season and looking foward to seeing you in 2016

The Centre Garage CASTLE CARY Tel: 01963 350243

THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016 27

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

Fabrics & Crafts

Thank you for your custom We wish you a Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year Open for all your Christmas Gifts until Wednesday 23rd December Closed from Thursday 24th December ‘til Sunday 3rd January inclusive

Open as usual from Monday 4th January 2016 Open Monday – Saturday 9am – 5pm

Station Road, Sturminster Newton Dorset, DT10 1BD Tel: 01258 472698 www.hansonsfabrics.co.uk

CaSTle FrYer

TradITIONal FISH & CHIPS Open Tuesday – Saturday, 12noon – 2pm, 5pm – 10pm (Closed Mondays • Open Bank Holidays)

 Christmas Opening: we will be open Monday 21st December  Closed 25th, 26th, 27th December  Re-open Monday 28th December 

Merry Christmas to all our customers

2 Station road, Castle Cary Tel: 01963 350566

COCK & SON BUILDING CONTRACTORS

• Specialists in renovation and restoration of older properties • Extensions & alterations undertaken.

• Specialists in barn conversions • Purpose built joinery, doors, windows, etc.

EST SINCE 1957

ALL WORK GUARANTEED

Thanking all our friends and customers for their support over the years and wishing them all a Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Prosperous New Year

Tel: 01963 440931 or 01963 350326 Yard Office adj. Orchard Leigh, Long Street Galhampton, Yeovil, Somerset

28 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016

Education Matters

Sports Scholarships to Perrott Hill School

Sport is held in high esteem at Perrott Hill, everyone delights in taking a breather from the academic rigours of school life to enjoy some fresh air in our beautiful grounds on the Somerset/Dorset borders.

Team games are very important and pupils are expected to work hard both for the team, and for themselves. We find that the lessons they learn on the sports field are invaluable and promote greater awareness of others, better decision making and inspire them to succeed in more general situations.

In recent years Perrott Hill has ‘upped its game’ on the sporting front with increased investment in both coaches and facilities; this has really paid off with some tremendous results across the sporting spectrum. Perrott Hill has stepped onto the national, area and county stage in a variety of sports including rugby, cricket, hockey, netball, badminton, skiing, show jumping and sailing.

Please call 01460 72051 or email admissions@perrotthill.com to arrange a visit.

Outstanding advice puts students on the right course

Fencing at Perrott Hill School.

Perrott Hill is currently welcoming applications for Sport, Drama, Music, Art and Academic Scholarships. Contact us now for a scholarship information pack

and if you would like to visit the school our Spring Term Open Mornings are being held on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 January 2016.

Strode College in Street is featured in Ofsted’s latest annual report, published this month, as an outstanding example of good practice in sixth form education.

Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education praises the outstanding leadership at Strode which resulted in the college being one of only two colleges graded as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted last year. He also praises the college’s academic and pastoral support and careers guidance.

The Strode College Open Evening on Wednesday 13 January, 6.00pm-8.00pm, is a great opportunity for young people to get expert advice about future study and career options.

You can register to attend the event online at: www.strodecollege.ac.uk or by calling 01458 844400, or you can turn up on the night.

THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016 29

Leisure & Travel

RNAS Yeovilton Air Day 2016 Date & Theme Confirmed

THE ANNuAL Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton International Air Day will take place on Saturday 2 July. Planning is well und e r wa y f o r t his p o p ula r airshow which will take ‘Naval Aviation - Past, Present & Future’ as its over-arching theme.

There will be a number of Fleet Air Arm milestones during the year and Air Day’s acknowledgement of these will include: Bismarck 75 – The Swordfish, regarded as an obsolescent aircraft during WW2, participated in the pursuit and sinking of the German battleship Bismarck 75 years ago. Lynx Farewell – The venerable Lynx maritime helicopters which will be out of service in March 2017 will be making their last appearance, and a fitting one, in front of their home crowd at Air Day. Air Day tickets available to order at a discounted ‘Earlybird’ rate with no booking fees from www.store.yeoviltonairday.co.uk/ for a limited period. These are priced lower than the usual

Swing Your Partners – into the New Year!

Regarded as an obsolescent aircraft during WW2, the Swordfish participated in the pursuit and sinking of the German battleship Bismarck 75 years ago. Photograph by Lee Howard 2015.

advance tickets which will go on general sale in the New Year.

Mendip Decorative Fine Arts New Year Programme

5th January 2016 Dresden: Its Arts and Architecture. A talk, by Mrs Clare Ford-Wille to Mendip DFAS, will describe how Dresden has risen from the ashes with its beautifully restored buildings,

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

By John Osborne • Answers can be found on page 47

1. Lionel Ritchie was a member of which famous band?

2. What game was Brian Protheroe playing in 1974?

3. Lyric: Name the song that starts - ‘The problem is all inside your head she said to me’ 4. Which Beatles record also credits Billy Preston?

5. Name the female performer who sang the them to the Bond film ‘Licence to Kill’.

outstanding art collections and fantastic treasures of the Green Vaults.

2nd February Eat, Sink and be Merry - Dining on the Titanic: Dr Annie Gray will talk about the range of menus served on this great ship - from the privileged to the simple fare of the Third Class.

Mendip Decorative Fine Arts Society meet at the Bath & West Bar & Restaurant, Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, BA4 6QN at 11am. Details from: www.mdfas.org.uk Guests welcome. Contact 01934 862435.

If your New Year’s resolutions include keeping fit and active, getting out and meeting people, or just having a bit more fun and you live in Sherborne, Milborne Port, Templecombe or the surrounding area, then a monthly dance club could have the answer.

The kind of dancing offered will keep you moving and meeting people so it is good for both your physical and mental well-being.

The meetings are held in Church House, Bathwell Lane, Milborne Port, DT9 5AN usually on the third Friday of each month from about 7.30pm until 10pm with a short break in the middle for refreshments and chatter.

Our next dance is planned for Friday January 22nd at 7.30pm and we would love to see you there. For more information contact Colin Everest 01963 251533.

Attention all Jazz Fans

Regular jazz gigs are now taking place at Glastonbury’s Bocabar.

Friday 8th January Martin Pyne.

Martin is a composer and improviser who makes extensive use of electronics whose work draws on a wide range of influences - jazz, free improv, Americana, electronica and

Inspired by Strictly Come Dancing?

Then come to the Allen School of Dance - Specialists in the Training of Ballroom & Latin Dancing for Children and Adults of all ages from Beginners to Medallists & Competitors (as seen on the BBC this year)  NEW BEGINNERS CLASS starting in January 

Contact us on 01935 421668 or email info@allendance.co.uk See our website www.allendance.co.uk

6. Carol Decker fronted which band?

7. How do we best know Peter Gene Hernandez?

8. Name the band who said ‘Should I stay or should I go?’ in 1982.

9. Complete the Rolling Stones song title ‘(. .... ... .. ) Satisfaction’.

10. Name the famous band behind the 2007 album ‘Long Road out of Eden’ Bonus Question Name the year in which the (re-released) song in Q.8 went straight to No.1.

Question Impossible ‘I’m Not In Love’ by ‘10cc’ has been played many, many times on radio. If all the times it had been played on American radio stations were played end-to-end, how long would it last? (Approximately?!)

Great Quotes in Music (82) “When the world becomes a massive mess with nobody at the helm, it’s time for artists to make their mark”.

JONIE MITCHELL 30 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016

December

17th 18th 23rd 26th 28th 30th 31st 31st 31st 31st

JAN - The Crown, Sherborne SAM - The Crown, Sherborne FLATLAND BOOGIE BAND - The Crown, Sherborne RAY JONES BAND - Wyndham Arms, Kingsbury Episcopi THE ELECTRIC BROOM CUPBOARD - Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil OPEN MIC’ NIGHT - The Crown, Sherborne CRAIG PRIDICE - Wyndham Arms, Kingsbury Episcopi TRAVELLIN’ MOON (tickets £10) - Lamb & Lark, Limington LIVEWIRED (ticket event) - Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil KAYLEIGH - Natterjack, Evercreech Junction AN ADVERT IN THE PUB PAGES ENSURES A FREE MENTION HERE!

Leisure

classical. His music has been featured on BBC 6 Music "The Freak Zone", and on BBC Radio 3 and Resonance FM. Current projects include the trio ‘Busnoys’ with Jeff Spencer and Trevor Davies and an improvising duo with fellow vibraphonist Corey Mwamba, He is also very involved with contemporary dance, and has ongoing collaborations with choreographers Zamira Kate Mummery and Sheron Wray.

Martin will be performing with the Bocabar ‘house’ trio of Adrian Smith - double bass, Trevor Davies (Busnoys trio) - drums and Hywel Davies - piano. Expect an evening of passionate and engaging improvisation from this London-based vibraphone player.

Friday 5th February - Sound of Blue Note + Support

‘The Sound of Blue Note takes its lead from the greatest jazz recordings on the iconic jazz label.

However, this is no slavish copy.

The band perform gems from a

Say you saw it in The Visitor

treasure trove of originals from the likes of Freddie Hubbard, Hank Mobley, Lee Morgan and others but retains an identity, impressively, of its own. Slick ensemble passages alternate with inspired solos to bring this exceptional material very much to life! This may be a celebration of a golden musical age but in a modern and very relevant context.’ - Alan Barnes.

Tickets in advance (or on the door) £5 music only; £12 to include a table reservation and Mezze platter from 01458 440558.

LEARN SPANISH with a native speaker in YEOVIL

Personalised lessons designed around your hobbies, interests and targets.

Individual & group classes, conversation practice, intensive courses for holidaymakers, exam preparation ...

Phone: 07480 488824 More language services on: www.garciaspanishservices.com

LOOKING GOOD & Feeling Fine

Family Health with

Jenna Evans

A Healthy New Year

Happy New Year everybody - I hope you have recovered from any festive over indulgence! No doubt we are all being bombarded with features on “New Year, New You", endless topics for resolutions and a myriad of suggestions for how to look and feel better for 2016. With that in mind I’m going to start with a slightly different angle - simple tips for pampering our hard working bodies from top to toe.

Hands up if you carry tension in your head and neck? Me too and I like nothing better than a good head massage. It’s really simple to learn a few techniques (try YouTube for videos to follow) and even better than a DIY treatment, why not swap massages with a friend or partner? If you really want a treat book yourself in for a professional session.

Home made facials are a cinch to pull off too. Cleanse your face thoroughly, have a little steam treatment (hot water, a bowl and towel over your head - add an essential oil of your choice for extra indulgence), try a face pack from a little kaolin or green clay (easily picked up in your local health foods store, simply mix with water and apply as a paste for 10 minutes or so) and finish up with a facial massage with a little rose hip seed oil and away you ‘glow’.

Had a long day and feel like your muscles have been pummelled under a truck? Run yourself a hot bath and add a few good handfuls of epsom salts.

Rich in magnesium, these salts can bring instant relief to a sore body. Relax, breathe and enjoy your soak as long as you can.

Apple cider vinegar can also be a good detox and de-stressing bathing choice, add a couple of cups to a full bath. If you’re really flagging and need a pick me up add a few drops of grapefruit or bergamot essential oil to your bath or add to an unscented shower gel, this can really perk

you up on a dark morning.

If you're feeling adventurous why not whisk up a basic body butter? Simply melt 100g cocoa butter and 100g coconut butter/oil in a saucepan on a low heat. Stir in 50g jojoba oil and blitz with a handheld blender. It will take a little while to set so you can speed things up in the fridge, checking and mixing again if necessary, as you go. Essential oils can also be added - try relaxing lavender, skin soothing chamomile or a mix of oils such as juniper and grapefruit to tone. I regularly post simple recipes and information on my Alchemical Beauty uK Facebook page, so please pop by!

Our hands and feet often carry the brunt of our day to day activities, so it’s a good idea to regularly give them a little TLC. Whizz up a mix of half olive oil and half coarse sea salt and use this as a scrub then slather them in a good hand cream (or the above body butter), pop on a pair of cotton gloves and let the nourishing oils work their magic overnight. For your tired tootsies try a foot bath. You don’t need a fancy foot spa for this - although they are lovely! - but an old washing up bowl will work just as well. Give them a good scrub as above, add a cupful of epsom salts to a bowl of warm water, plonk in your feet and sit back and relax for 10 minutes or so.

Towel well and moisturise if they’re dry, or if you have any kind of fungal infection now would be a good time to apply some apple cider vinegar or tea tree and lemon myrtle oils as a treatment.

Our bodies work so hard to take care of us and we’re not always very appreciative of them.

Simple activities like these help to direct some love and gratitude to our extraordinary bods as well as feeling pretty darn fantastic too!

Jenna Evans ©2015.  Jenna is an Holistic Health Coach and creator of bespoke beauty products.

She can be found on Facebook at ‘Alchemical Beauty uK’. Jenna is also a multi-award winning Product Advisor at Ceres Natural Foods, Yeovil. To make an appointment, please pop in or call 01935 428791 for details. 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.

THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016 31

LOOKING GOOD & Feeling Fine ... for the New Year

Rachel’s Hair Stylist of Bruton under new ownership

Rachel's of Bruton was established in 1980/81 by Rachel Carpenter and run as a successful hairdressing business by Rachel and her team until Rachel sadly passed away in 2014.

Rachel was a classically trained hairdresser by trade and passed these skills on to a young

apprentice who joined Rachel's, originally on work experience, then working evenings after school until finally Rachel gave in and offered an apprenticeship.

This young apprentice was Hayley Butler, who qualified under Rachel's guise in 2011 and quickly built up her own clientele.

Moving to Cedar Lodge at Shepton Mallet after Rachel’s death, Hayley



of Castle Cary

SALE NOW ON! Up to 50% OFF selected lines Ladies Fashion

Andrew Knight Osteopath

Andrew Knight reaches 30 years in practice this year and has been offering Osteopathic and Applied Kinesiology services for nearly all of that time. Andrew remains working in Castle Cary and patients are seen at Manor Lodge on a Wednesday morning; at other times appointments are held at Keinton Mandeville at the main practice.

A new website has been launched and can be accessed at www.andrew-knight.co.uk where there is location and support information provided, much of which has been requested by patients. Also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AndrewKnigh tOsteopath and Twitter @OsteopathKnight.

Andrew offers treatment and consultation for muscular and skeletal pain along with allergy evaluation and biochemical needs assessment. Call 01458 223300 or contact via the webpages.





set up her own small salon, learning the art of running her own business. Hayley is now back at Rachel's and ready to take the business forward in to the future.

7 High Street, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7AN 01963 351352 • www.needfulthings.uk.com



WEDDING FAYRE with FASHION SHOW Sunday 24th January 11am – 3.30pm

New Digby Hall Sherborne DT9 3AA

FASHION SHOW

Stylish easy to wear separates available from Needful Things of Castle Cary - Sale now on.

The Dress Circle Dress Agency

 Over 30 Stands   Entry £1 

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

 Free Raffle 

 Wedding Dress  Sale Rail

~ at 1pm ~

ABC Wedding Dresses, The Loft, Old Kelways Somerton Road, LANGPORT, TA10 9SJ  01458 250755 www.abcweddingdresses.co.uk

For large quantities collections can be arranged

4 Brunel Shopping Centre Somerton TA11 7PY  01458 273485

Our Famous Menswear SALE

Starts on 31st December Telephone: 01935 478357 31 Princes Street, Yeovil, Somerset

32 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016

Rachel’s

Hairdressing Salon

Under New Ownership

Hayley looks forward to welcoming customers past and present 7 High Street, Bruton Somerset, BA10 0AB

 01749 813210

LOOKING GOOD & Feeling Fine ... for the New Year

Retail Therapy to open in Sherborne

Retail Therapy is celebrating 16 years in designer clearance by launching its long awaited 6th store, in Sherborne.

They’ve been waiting years for just the right property to showcase their eclectic mix of amazing quality designer pieces at a fraction of the original price.

MD Jo Southcombe said ‘What sets us apart from other designer

clearance boutiques is how beautifully merchandised everything is and the great service my girls offer.

We’ve become renowned for a great shopping experience and constantly changing stock, with deliveries every couple of weeks.’

When you need a really special outfit or simply loathe shopping and need guidance, Retail Therapy should be your first port of call!

Shirley Allum Fashions & Lingerie

Ladies! Shirley Allum Fashions are now stocking Radley Handbags and the ugg range of footwear. There are plenty of gift ideas including the Shirley Allum Fashions & Lingerie gift voucher experience. Vouchers from £100 to include bubbly, chocolates and personal shopper, whether looking to change your style or find a perfect ‘new season’ piece.

The ideal experience for anyone who loves fashion or if you prefer

to use your voucher in their lingerie department where all the staff are fully trained bra fitters, you can relax over a glass of bubbly or a coffee and discuss your needs with one of their knowledgeable staff, by appointment only.

A perfect gift for someone very special. 30 High Street, Shaftesbury, tel: 01747 852444.

The Visitor

CAN BE READ ONLINE: www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Shirley Allum Fashions of Shaftesbury - now stocking the very popular Ugg range of footwear.

THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016 33

Antiques, Vintage & Collecting

Hot interest expected for Rare Old Spoon with Icy Associations

A RARE OLD SPOON, thought by its Somerset owner to be worth under £100 could serve up a big surprise when it is sold at Lawrences in Crewkerne in January.

‘It is a rare spoon dating from the reign of King Charles II,’ says Lawrences’ specialist, Alex Butcher. ‘It was made in London in 1683 and is engraved with the legend This Spoon was bought upon the Frozen Thames January :28:1683/4 which makes all the difference to collectors.’

Alex explains why: ‘Eight frost fairs were held on the Thames between 1607 and 1814; the first recorded frost fair was in the winter of 1607/08. The frost commenced in mid December, and by mid-January the ice between Lambeth and Westminster was firm and thick enough to allow a large number

Rock a Bye baby - this unusal crib is a 19c scale model of a clinker built rowing boat mounted on an oak stand.

Quillon House Antiques of Bruton.

of people to walk on it in perfect safety. Booths were set up for the sale of fruit, food, beer and wine and shoemakers and barbers plied their trade on the ice, such as bowling, shooting and dancing.

During the winter of 1683/84 the frost lasted from December to early February but the fair was confined to the second half of January. The ice was thick and firm, and the number of shops, booths and people on the frozen river made it appear like another

city. The booths, which sold all sorts of goods and merchandise and covered a variety of trades, were arranged in formal streets from the Temple to Southwark.

A printing press was set up on the ice and the practice of having their names printed with the date and the phrase "printed on the Thames" became so popular with the people that the printer made a small fortune. People indulged in practically every sport including dancing, skating, sledging, bull-baiting, bear baiting, fox-hunting, football and skittles. Even King Charles II and his family visited the frost fair and had their names printed on a sheet of paper by G Groom on January 31st 1684, just three days after the date on this spoon.’

Novelty spoons with a history that links them to such a specific time and place in such unusual weather conditions are very appealing and this (19.5cm) spoon could scoop up bids of £12001500.

For further details, please contact our Silver Specialist, Alex B ut che r o n 0 1 4 6 0 7 3 0 4 1 o r alex.butcher@lawrences.co.uk

Antique Fair

•

Chasty Cottage Antiques

•

Saturday 2nd January

Digby Hall, Hound Street, Next to Library SHERBORNE • DT9 3AA 9.30am – 4pm • Trade 8.30am • Admission £1  01963 370986  Diary Date: Saturday 19th December  www.chastycottageantiques.co.uk

Quillon House Antiques

16 H IGH S TREET , B RUTON  01749 812269

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

Dowler Patent 19th century double action corkscrew and assorted glasses

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

34 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016

Always an interesting selection of antiques and collectables at The Market Cross Antiques Centre in Somerton.

Market Cross Antiques West Street, Somerton Tel: 01458 274005

Over 25 dealers offering a wide range of antiques, collectables and decorative furnishings Find us on facebook

Wine & Dine

Drinks for New Year

AS I REACH the end of another hectic year I feel I deserve to celebrate with something special to herald the start of another year.

As a self-confessed champagne addict, for me there is certainly no match for the delights of a great bottle of bubbly; I find it can turn the most ordinary of occasions into something extraordinary, and it also provides the perfect antidote to the winter blues, as I scrape the frost off the windscreen and pray the car will start.

Of course, there are many perfectly acceptable sparkling wines readily available. Prosecco has become quite the thing recently, taking over from çava as the budget fizz of choice, but there can be few drinks of any kind that match champagne for reaching the heights of elegance, class and sophistication.

I frequently encounter people who insist that they ‘can’t stand champagne’; what they fail to acknowledge is that in many cases this is purely because they have only ever been exposed to cheap imitations or the lesser known brands which are often served at big gatherings, and seriously lacking in quality.

Whilst it is true that the most desirable ‘grand marques’ champagnes will set you back well over £100, for little more than the price of a modest bottle of wine in a restaurant, most of us can afford to splash out and enjoy a bit of festive fizz with our friends and family at home. I would normally expect to pay around £30 a bottle, and up, for something decent, which is the equivalent of just £5 a glass; what you might pay for a not very good glass of wine in a pub. By now you may be getting the gist, I can pretty much come up with any excuse to indulge in my favourite wine. One of the reasons for this is the strict controls that exist in the production of champagne, which gives at least some level of confidence in what you buy.

To earn the title ‘champagne’ the wine must adhere to stringent criteria, which includes the obligatory secondary fermentation in the bottle, and the tightly defined area in which the three permitted grape varieties, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, are grown.

So, to brighten up the start of the year, and encourage you to try something a little different that could enhance a black and white dress code for a posh party, why not splurge on either a ‘blanc de blancs’ or ‘blanc de noirs’ champagne?

The first of these translates as

‘white from white’, meaning white wine made from white grapes. In this case it refers to Chardonnay, as it is the only white grape allowed in the making of true champagne. ‘Blanc de noirs’ refers, by contrast, to white wine made from black grapes, either Pinot Noir, or more often, a blend of this and the other permitted black grape, Pinot Meunier. For the more budget conscious amongst us most supermarkets offer their own house versions at under £20 a bottle.

If the mood takes you, invite a crowd round for a comparative tasting. Fish and seafood go well with these, giving your bloated tummy some respite after all the Christmas turkey and mince pies.

All of the champagnes recommended here are dry, with fine bubbles, and a lovely yeasty, biscuity, toasty aroma.

Whilst everyone else it out partying I shall be snuggled up in my cosy, fluffy, dressing gown, by a log fire, as the clock strikes midnight, with hot buttered toast.

A blissful start to 2016.

Blanc de Noirs recommendations

2005 Bollinger’s Vieilles Vignes Français. 12% £499+.

This is the yardstick by which all ‘blanc de noirs’ champagnes are judged. We should all aspire to something, surely?

2006 Berry Bros. & Rudd UK. Cuvée, Grand Cru, Mailly. 12.0 % £35.

Moving down the price scale a notch, this is also 100% Pinot Noir. Grapes for this cooperative are sourced from its grand cru vineyard, and it is considered one of the best on the market for the price, you’d find it hard to go wrong here.

Pommery NV Wintertime Blanc De Noirs. £38.50.

From a well established Champagne house, this is big and bold, yet still manages to maintain freshness on the palate.

Blanc de Blancs recommendations

Gosset Grand Blanc de Blancs. 12.5%, £65.

This is the oldest wine house in Champagne, and it is worth looking out for their new blend, made from Grand Cru Chardonnay grapes of three different vintages.

Ruinart Blanc de Blancs NV, £45.

Another well regarded Grand Cru producer, this is the perfect match with oysters. Ruinart Blanc de Blancs NV is made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes (100%)

2004 Ayala Blanc de Blancs, £36.

Made from three different grand Cru Chardonnays, and much admired. It is a great aperitif wine, and good with scallops.

LP-V.

2004 Champagne Jacquesson.

Aÿ, Vauzelle Blanc de Noir.

12% £150.

Made exclusively from the Pinot Noir grape, this offering is from a highly regarded small producer.

Truffles Brasserie

Truffles Brasserie in Bruton welcomed its new head chef Carney Robinson and launched its new menus in November. Sadly no-one

at the Visitor was able to attend the party held to mark the occasion; instead, I and three friends went later in the month as ‘mystery diners’. It was a Saturday night, and when I booked the table I was warned that they couldn’t feed us before 8.00pm as they had a party of 20 booked for earlier in the evening, and it soon became clear that the party was keeping the kitchen fully occupied. Even so, our orders for food and drink were quickly taken and we were soon provided with a basket of bread to nibble. The house wine, the Yapp Brothers’ own label white from the Ardèche, turned out to be a light, dry and fruity blend of Grenache Blanc and Sauvignon so highly quaffable that three of us got through a bottle while we waited for our meal. The fourth stuck to lager.

And the meal was well worth the wait. The new chef’s dinner menu is short with just four starters, five mains and three puddings, but the choices he offers are imaginative, well cooked and presented, and very tasty. I won’t list the dishes because they will have changed by the time you read this – a new menu is being introduced each month to take account of seasonal availability – but meat, fish, game and vegetarian options all featured.

I was impressed by my fish pie starter and thoroughly enjoyed the vegetarian main course option, a risotto base topped with warm asparagus, spinach and fried mushrooms in a delicious dressing, so much so that I didn’t have room for a dessert. Nor did my friends!

Some weeks later one of my drinking cronies took his wife and two friends to sample the December menu and give me a second opinion.

He, too, found the food to be good – he had blade of beef – but the service was very slow, and this was an evening when the kitchen didn’t have a large party to cook for. And as a lager drinker he thought the price of bottled beer was excessive.

My bill for four starters and main courses, two bottles of wine and two lagers just topped £150, which made it a somewhat costly outing for an excellent English meal in the delightful ambience of a French brasserie. I should add that in addition to the dinner menu a brasserie menu containing a range of dishes to suit most tastes and pockets is available during the day, and I’m tempted to call in for lunch before too long. But I’ll steer clear of the beer.

NN

THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016 35

BOOK REVIEWS

Powerpoint and Coffee

By Michael Pollak.

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd, 2015.

88 Pages Paperback / eBook £6.99

Break in Communication

By Jon Gliddon.

The Choir Press.

30 October 2015.

208 Pages Paperback / eBook £7.49

The

Pub Pages

B EER & S KI TTL ES P. A. BAXTER

Michael Pollak hails from Worcestershire. What he really wanted to be when he grew up was a professional cricketer …

But instead he went into sales and marketing working mainly in the food and drink industry.

Starting his career in sales with Cadbury he then moved into marketing; firstly as an assistant Brand Manager with Cadbury Confectionery and eventually becoming Director of Marketing at Taunton Cider. He also held various marketing roles with the drinks company Matthew Clark, the baby food brand Cow & Gate and more recently, in the dairy industry with Yeo Valley. In addition, he worked as Marketing Consultant for several years.

This is his insight into what really happens in the world of business in general, and marketing in particular.

A wry look behind the scenes at the world of marketing in the food and drink industry. How one man's career was founded on getting chocolate, cheese and cider from boardroom to barcode.

Smile at Mike's experiences working with advertising agencies, chuckle at his observations of office meetings and grin sympathetically as he gets to grips with new technology.

"Now he admits what I always knew... that most of his days at the office were spent EATING AND DRINKING." Donna Pollak, Wife, fan and best friend. "I COuLDN'T STOP LAuGHING. Well. Ok, I exaggerate ... but it did make me chuckle." Patrick Melton Wilson, Advertising Legend. "THE FuNNIEST MARKETING book I've ever read ... Actually it's the only book about marketing I've ever read!"

Nikki Martini, Ex work colleague.

A sleepy Cornish fishing village becomes the most heavily guarded communications centre of WWII. A ruthless Nazi spy is on a mission to destroy it and change the direction of the war. Can Churchill’s special agent uncover the plot and intercept him? Can the Home Guard sergeant living there save the day? Break in Communication is a historical spy thriller, set around Porthcurno Telegraph Station.

It is December 1941. World War II has become a truly global conflict with Japan attacking the American fleet in Pearl Harbour.

The Luftwaffe are bombing English cities and the Nazis are about to launch their super battleship Tirpitz.

With the tireless Winston Churchill as his boss, Colonel Julian Bonham-Johns from the Special Operations Executive is under pressure. As a ruthless foreign agent is making his way through the south west of England it becomes clear that a sinister Nazi plot is unfolding. In a bid to stay ahead of the enemy Bonham-Johns must mastermind a plan with the Allies and intercept the agent. It’s a race against time to navigate tensions and egos while feeding lies and misinformation to the enemy. But all is not as it seems.

Home Guard sergeant Bert Chenoweth hoped to live out his days in the beautiful Cornish fishing village of Porthcurno. He never reckoned on having to do battle again, but then he never reckoned on this kind of threat on his doorstep. As the end game approaches, the enemies clash, head-to-head at Porthcurno Telegraph Station in a thrilling, violent and unexpected conclusion.

36 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016

SEASONS GREETINGS, dear reader! I hope that the time of over-indulgence and silliness has not been too hard on you, your loved ones, or your wallet and

credit card. I know it is the time when many of us visit our local pub just a little more often, and I hope that the atmosphere there has encouraged you to go back more frequently than you may have done. We do, unfortunately have to report that pubs continue to close with alarming regularity across our green and pleasant land, and it would appear that it is not only dearth of patronage that is causing it. A recent article I was reading about city pubs puts much of the blame on property speculators. It quoted several names and companies not of these shores that are buying up faithful boozers with the prime intent of demolishing them and erecting luxury flats. Incredible as it may seem, although these apartments are sold at prices us mere mortals gasp at, there is not even carparking space, for with an added twist of paradox, they are being sold to mainly foreign buyers as

Russell & Diane CELEBRATE 10 YEARS

Lamb & Lark at the ...

INN KEEPING AT ITS BEST

Limington nr. Ilchester, BA22 8EG Tel: 01935 840368

Sunday 20th December: QUIZ 8.30pm start In aid of St. Margaret’s Hospice • Also Christmas Raffle 1st Prize a Gallon of Grouse Whisky + many other prizes!!!

CHRISTMAS JUMPER COMPETITION Prize for the best Christmas Jumper Come along and enjoy a complimentary Mince Pie

Christmas Day: OPEN for DRINKS 11.30am – 2pm (Closed Evening)

Boxing Day: OPEN 11.30am – 3.30pm Full English Breakfast ... and a Limited Menu

Closed Boxing Day Evening Saturday 26th, Sunday 27th & Monday 28th

New Year’s Eve: LIVE MUSIC Come and join in the celebrations with ...

Travellin’ Moon + Celtic Gypsy Mix 9pm ‘til Late • Tickets £10 to include Buffet Tickets now on sale at the pub ——— JANUARY ———

New Year’s Day: OPEN 12noon – 3pm (Closed Evening) Tuesdays: PIE NIGHT 1 Course £5.95

Fridays: FISH & CHIP FRIDAY £5.95

Thursday 21st January: CURRY NIGHT help yourself to a variety of curries plus the trimmings £10.95 Saturday 23rd January: BURNS NIGHT Tickets now available

Russ, Di & Alex would like to thank their customers for their continued support over the past ten years and wish them all a very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!

FUNCTION ROOM wedding & private parties welcome OUTSIDE BAR and HOG ROAST facilities Visit our website for full details

www.lambandlark.co.uk

an investment and are not occupied! One wonders what any of us could do to prevent this, but I fear it is well out of our hands.

If one feels that a local pub is an Asset of Community Value (ACV) then it can be listed as such (CAMRA can help here) but the wheels of officialdom grind slowly and one does have to keep ahead of regulations and property developers.

Speaking of CAMRA, a recent campaign that they have launched is to pressure landlords to charge exactly half the price of a pint for a half pint, instead of adding a few pence onto that half. On the surface this may sound fair, but as the staff expend the same amount of effort to produce this to the customer - apart from the effort of that extra pull on the beer engine - I feel that the CAMRA people are fiddling whilst Rome burns. There are far more important issues to deal with at the moment, not least of which is whether a pub can survive. The landlord still has to deal with the expenses of supplying the glasses in the first place, and there can be very little difference in the effort taken to collect and wash them. I feel that half pints are quite a rarity anyway, so if CAMRA wish to have a collective moan about

anything, let them reinvigorate the campaign to eliminate short measures. So whilst I will continue to gripe about short measure, you guilty landlords (it is estimated that £1-million of fresh air is sold every day in Britain) I am with you on the half-pint deal!

Have any of you good people got wind of a Micro-pub opening in your area? If so, please do drop me a line as I would be delighted to give my support both in these columns and physically. I was surprised how easy it is to open one. The prime consideration is that one has not served time at Her Majesty's pleasure (unsurprisingly) and it has been seen that councils look favourably on such an enterprise as a high street with an empty shop is not a good sight nor does it bring in people to spend. Yes, a high street shop can be turned into a micro pub, in fact yet another is opening (in faraway Leicester, admittedly) about now, information having reached me via a correspondent.

The formula is simple as well. It's small (obviously) so apart from beer and crisps there is probably not much room for anything else.

However, this is where it scores, for not much needs to go on the boards outside and stock is continually turning over. Is there

a place for these? Well the answer would appear to be a resounding 'yes'. The concept has been accredited to Martin Hillier of Herne in Kent, who opened the Butchers Arms - funnily enough an old butchers shop - which he opened in 2005. A few years later Martin and Stu Hirst started the Micro-Pub Association, and the mantra is indeed simple. 'A Micropub is a small freehouse which listens to its customers, mainly serves cask ales, promotes conversation, shuns all forms of electronic entertainment and dabbles in traditional pub snacks.'

To this I would hope that there

The

are some pub games played cards, backgammon etc., although clearly a skittle alley is well out of the question. There are now around 150 micropubs in operation, although it would appear there are none around here - yet. The nearest I have found are in Tiverton and Wellington unless you know better. Drop me a line at skittlealley@hotmail.com with this or anything pub related.

Thankyou. (Incidentally, one Micro-pub did run for a short time in Sherborne - I am hopeful of a re-launching soon). Interestingly, the number of Micro breweries continues to grow, but with an

Lord Nelson Rectory Lane

Norton Sub Hamdon

GOOD FOOD – GOOD BEER – GREAT ATMOSPHERE

Mark, Helen and Staff would like to thank all of their customers for their support and wish them all ...

A HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR COURTYARD  BEER GARDEN AT REAR AMPLE PARKING OPEN ALL DAY FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY

Tel: 01935 881473 www.thelordnelson.biz

The Halfway

House Inn Country Lodge

CHILTHORNE DOMER nr. YEOVIL Now OPEN for BREAKFAST

6.30am ‘til 11.45am MONDAY to FRIDAY —— —— 8.00am ‘til 11.45am SATURDAYS

*

See our EXTENSIVE MENU on our website Ideal Networking / Meeting Venue No charge for venue for guests dining with us

Function Suite up to 90  Lunches served 12noon ‘til 2pm Outstanding Somerset Carvery Serving Dexter Beef, Rare Breed Pork Free Range Poultry and Local Wild Game

 SUNDAY CARVERY 12noon ‘til 3pm £8.95 

Monday Nights Mike’s Curry Night – choose from a Selection of Curries and Side Dishes ... and a Pint only £10 Tuesday Nights Simple Suppers 2 Course Supper Menu, main & dessert £10

Wishing customers past & present a very merry Christmas and looking forward to seeing them over the festive period and the coming New Year.

Real Ales • Function Room • Lakes & Garden • Proprietor: Paul T. Rowsell FBII

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

THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016 37

Montague Inn

Sean & Suzy welcome you to the ...

Shepton Montague nr. Bruton Tel: 01749 813213

Join us this festive season for good food and a warm welcome!

ChriSTmAS PArTY menu Some dates in December still available Or why not come in January?

✴ OPen ✴

Christmas Day Lunchtime Boxing Day Lunchtime ▪ Boxing Day Evening New Year's Eve Evening New Year's Day Lunchtime

new YeAr'S eve ... filling fast!

3 Course Dinner Live Entertainment Champagne & Fireworks at Midnight Taxi home within 10 mile radius ... only £75

Simple Supper nights ‒ Tuesdays Steak nights ‒ Mondays Like rACing?

Check out the Package for WINCANTON RACES at The Monty ...

Brunch at The Monty Premier enclosure Ticket followed by early Supper back at The Montague Inn Booking is essential: 48 hours notice

nexT rACe DAY

Saturday 9th January - £50

Sean, Suzy and Staff would like to wish all their customers the compliments of the season!

PLeASe ring for full details and bookings or email: info@themontagueinn.co.uk 38 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016

The

Pub Pages

ever-tightening grip on pubs being made by the big movers in this crazy game, the number of outlets are dropping. This is where the

concept of the Micro-pub came about, although it is worth noting that there are about ten times as many breweries as there are micro-pubs. One can hope that one day we shall see ten times as many outlets as there are breweries!

Inevitably, many of these Micro pubs have web-sites and the diversity and range of beers at some has to be seen to be believed.

If you wish to take a quick look at just one, then check out www.justbeermicropub.biz and be astounded!

I was fortunate enough to be able to sample a well-looked after pint of Ringwood Brewery's latest

The MUDDLED

MAN

Your hosts, Mick, Jean & Garry welcome you to

Lower Street, West Chinnock Tel: 01935 881235

Game Casserole – Sunday 20 th December ... also Sunday Roasts

Boxing Day Buffet – £15 Curry Buffet – Wednesday 30 th December New Year’s Eve –“Party in the Pub” WISHING ALL OUR CUSTOMERS PAST & PRESENT A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR! “Our prices are frozen ... unlike our food which is fresh”

NATTERJACK INN Adrian & Kate invite you to the

Freehouse with Accommodation

Nr. Evercreech Junction, Evercreech, Somerset, BA4 6NA

 01749 860253 • Email: natterjack@btconnect.com • Web: thenatterjackinn.co.uk

Join us for New Year’s Eve Fancy Dress Party

ABBA MANIA

BOTTLE of CHAMPAGNE for the best dressed FREE ENTRY  DISCO ‘til late LIVE MUSIC with KAYLEIGH FIREWORKS at midnight

Delicious New Year Menu See our website for full details  Early bookings advised 

Please book your table in advance and join Adrian & Kate to see in the New Year!

The

Pub Pages

ale 'Razor Back', named after a feral pig. At only 3.8% ABV it made it a nice pint along with my meal, yet in fact this is merely their 'Best Bitter' rebranded.

There are reasons for this, not least of which is to attempt to get more people to try it. Well if that works then I'm all for it. One cannot miss the pump clip - there is a wild boar on it, which is roughly the same as a feral pig; apparently.

Ringwood is of course owned by Marston's, and it is alleged that they let the old regime at Ringwood carry on in the same manner as they had before takeover. Another lower gravity beer I found recently, also from Marston's was labelled simply as ‘Cask Ale’ but with a large 'M' on the pump clip and it transpires that this too was from another of

their portfolio in the shape of Mansfield ales, although the brewery is long gone and the name is merely carried on. At a mere 3.6% it is pleasant and fairly unassuming beer but as I have found with increasing age, it is the lower gravity beers that suit me just fine!

So to 2016, whatever it has in store for us, and time to pause and remember that a pub is for life; not just Christmas. I'll see you there!

AROUND THE

H O U S E S

IN LIMINGTON ... Russell and Diane celebrated 10 years at The Lamb & Lark, with 170 of their customers and music with Phil Kelly - here's to the next 10 years ... if you were too late to book the New Year’s Eve bash at The

The Christmas Opening Times Christmas Eve: 8am – 12midnight Food 7.30am – 9.30am, 12 – 3pm and 6 – 10pm.

Christmas Day: 8am – 8pm, Food 12 – 3pm Sorry, our tables are fully booked for lunch ... but we look forward to welcoming you for a drink.

Boxing Day: 8am – 11pm Food 7.30 – 9.30am, 12 – 3pm and 6 – 10pm

New Year’s Eve: 8am – 6pm, Food 12-3pm.

Evening ticket only ... please see below:

New Year’s Eve Las Vegas Themed Evening: 7.30pm – 1.30am Sorry we are full on New Year’s Eve Evening.

New Year’s Day: 8am – 11pm Food 7.30 – 9.30am, 12 – 3pm and 6 – 10pm Our Recovery Brunch will once again be on offer.

All other days are normal opening hours with breakfast, lunch and dinner served throughout.

Burns Night

Sunday 24th January 2016, 7pm WE LOVE our Burns Night and would welcome your company. Enjoy music with our resident piper and a four course meal for £30 per head. A wee dram to toast the haggis is also included. It is a ticket only event and limited to 24 people so grab a ticket or two now!

Corton Denham, Sherborne, Somerset, DT9 4LR Email: relax@thequeensarms.com www.thequeensarms.com  01963 220317

Northover Manor, Ilchester, book early for the forthcoming Comedy Evening in January ... well done to The Cross Keys Inn, Lydford on Fosse who were awarded Highly Commended in the recent South West Tourism Pub of the Year Awards ... and a Family Fun Afternoon including a magician will be held at The Red Lion in Babcary on Tuesday 29th December all proceeds to the Childrens' Hospice South West.

Wyndham Arms

KINGSBURY EPISCOPI nr. MARTOCK SOMERSET TA12 6AT

Rob, Lin & Staff ... wish all their customers a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

Boxing Night 9pm Start THE RAY JONES BAND New Year’s Eve CRAIG PRIDICE Guitar/Vocalist

 Check out our BRAND NEW WEBSITE 

Geared up for Mobile Phones – FREE WiFi – Fibre Optic

CAMRA GOOD BEER GUIDE 2016

Tel: 01935 823239

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

THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016 39

They Say

That Miss Chloe (Richard) Mcdonald of Evercreech and Miss Kaya (Kayak) Lawler of Ansford are tops when it comes to bottle tops.

That ice skater Nicola (all fall down) Sherrell of Castle Cary had a new vacuum that would not suck. After consulting vacuum expert Mr Gwyn (where does the pipe go) Phillips of Ansford, found that she was using the broken one.

That thanks to Wincanton’s Mark Schatomski, Sooty missed out on his annual holiday.

That the innovative Wendy Pugsley of Wincanton, unable to find plasters to help her ‘dance the night away’, worked wonders with her imagination and some make-up pads.

That birthday wishes go to veteran Mike Hodder of Chilthorne Domer - in excellent condition due to one careful lady owner.

That according to Norman Leeks of Cambridge, there are two words for a successful marriage - ‘Yes Dear!’

That Richard Jones of Glastonbury tells us that reading too many Visitors can play havoc with your neck.

That "Corr" - Bruton is the place to live.

That Wendy and Tony Pugsley of Wincanton played a favourite childhood game of Knock and Run whilst visiting Swindon.

That according to former Weymouth resident Mrs Sandra Hawkins, saucepans have been known to be sold by the kilo in Portugal.

That after six long weeks ‘carer’ duties are no longer on the agenda for North Cadbury’s Dave Hoddinott.

That Cozy Powell is alive and well and living in Chiselborough allegedly.

That the Victorian Christmas Street Fayre event, organised

by Mere Cancer Committee on 4th December, was made all the more magical with the addition of snow.

That the forthcoming 2016 headliner act for the Dorset based Larmer Tree Festival is Jamie Cullum.

That the Nativity Service, organised by the teachers and performed by the children of North Cadbury Church of England School, was enjoyed by everyone who attended.

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

168 Hendford Hill YEOVIL

“I like smoke and Lightning Heavy metal Thunder Racing in the Wind And the feeling that I’m Under”

FIRST PERSON to tell me the above song gets a free drink. Last month Alan Hayter of Yeovil correctly guessed it was “One Night in Bangkok” by Murray Head  .

Some sad news to bring you this month. After a long and courageous battle against ill health Mike Bidgood has sadlypassed away. Mike really was one of my first customers here at The Quick. He celebrated his 50th birthday here on the very day that I took over the pub, and he and his family have been regulars ever since. Mike was a good guy, sometimes as dry as a biscuit, but in all the time that he was not well I never heard him once bemoan his lot. A fabulous example to all of us. He will be missed.

We had a jumble sale here last month: bit strange you might think for a pub, but we like to think that we can be the hub of the local community and guess what? Ann Horrocks who organised it on behalf of a Children of Chernobyl charity reported that they had raised a thumping £250!!!

And I have got some new clobber to wear  .

As most of you know it was my birthday this month and we had a great night in the company of Mr. D’Arcy. Like every year it got a bit messy and nowadays I really am taking a long time to recover from these late nights. But I expect we will do it all again next year.

Want to tell you about a couple of gigs towards the end of this month.

On the 28th The Electric Broom Cupboard will be holding their annual Christmas Party Gig here. Some great local musicians well worth a look. On New Year’s Eve we have LIVEWIRED playing here. Tickets are available but they are limited, so get yours now.

Next year on the 30th of January we are holding our second Comedy Night. Tickets go on sale in the New Year so make a note in your diary.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my customers and staff for helping make 2015 a very good year for The Quicksilver Mail. The pub industry is going through a tough time as you all know with various pubs closing in the town, but we try our best to keep on keeping on here at The Quick and its thanks to you all that we do! So merry Christmas and a prosperous new year to you all.

THANK YOU. Pete.  TOOT TOOT!!!

BOOKINGS

 01935 424721

40 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016

The

Pub Pages

Escaping to Evercreech where Kayleigh will be singing live at The Natterjack Inn, Evercreech Junction on New Year’s Eve ...

Ansum and the Vibes reggae fusion will be appearing at The Bruton Club,Bruton on Saturday 23rd January ... Racing enthusiasts should check out the race packages at The Montague Inn, Shepton Montague - they’re a winner! ... the newly re-painted Dolphin Inn, Wincanton is looking very smart ... Loin of Lamb with spinach, feta, and sundried tomatoes was a tasty dish from the Specials Board at The Stag’s Head, Yarlington ... and in North Cadbury welcoming festive lights at The Catash Inn where there will be a piper to pipe in the haggis on Burns Night.

Sailing on to Sherborne where there is a Christmas Quiz Night at The Crown Inn on the 27th

The Visitor

CAN BE READ ONLINE: www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

December, all welcome ...

Sagittarian Peter (Pan) at The Quicksilver in Yeovil has just celebrated his birthday ... The Halfway House, Chilthorne Domer is now open for breakfasts, checkout their website ... regular live music at The Fleur de Lis, Stoke Sub Hamdon ... Will i ham awaiting his festive adornments at The Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon ... it’s looking festive at Chiselborough’s Cat Head Inn, ... and Santa’s Blotto from the Dorset Brewing Co., 4.5 ABV and Stocking Filler from Plain Ales 4.00 ABV will be just two of the ales available over the festive period at The Muddled Man, West Chinnock.

Onwards to Over Stratton ... don't forget to cut out and keep your £10 vouchers to be used in the new year at The Royal Oak ... open for Sunday lunch on the 20th December at The New Farm Restaurant ... Fish Pie a firm favourite at The Bake House, South Petherton ... look at the brand new all-singing alldancing website for The Wyndham Arms, Kingsbury Episcopi ... take your passport when visiting Dinnington Docks Dinnington - New Year’s Eve brings tastes from around the world ... and finally The Visitor would like to thank all the advertisers for their continued support during 2015 and wish them all a very happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous 2016!

The CROWN Inn

Greenhill, Sherborne, DT9 4EP DECEMBER PROGRAMME

Thursday 17th: Jan  Friday 18th: Sam Wednesday 23rd: Flatland Boogie Band Sunday 27th: Christmas Quiz – 8.30pm start Wednesday30th: Open Mic’ Night

JANUARY MUSIC

Wednesday 6th: Blues  Wednesday 13th: Jazz  Wednesday 20th: Folk Wednesday 27th: Open Mic’ Night CLOSED Saturday 26th Dec. Monday 28th Dec.

Season’s Greetings to all our customers

SUNDAY LUNCH £8.95

THURSDAY NIGHT STEAK SPECIAL 2 Rump Steaks & Bottle of Wine £25

DELICIOUS FOOD SERVED DAILY • LUNCHTIMES & EVENINGS

Tel: 01935 816115

Valentine’s Day Sunday 14th February

FEBRUARY ISSUE

❤ Printed: Thursday 28th January ❤ Deadline: Friday 15th January

To book your advert in ...

Tel: 01963 351256  Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk

HOTEL • RESTAURANT • PRIVATE FUNCTIONS

ilchester, Yeovil, BA22 8LD Tel: 01935 840447 www.northovermanor.com

Wedding Showcase

Saturday 16th January 11am – 4pm

“Everything you need for your special day” The Northover will be showcasing their stunning wedding facilities including:

&

Sunday 17th January 11am – 3pm

 glass walled Function room 

 Civil Ceremony room (dressed Saturday only)   Stunning grounds with Pagoda   excellent Accommodation   Sample menus 

in addition ... there will be stands from quality local suppliers providing a wide range of wedding services to make your day complete.

FREE entry. Complimentary drinks and canapes!

Entertainment Programme

COmeDY nighT: Friday 29th January Tickets £8. Special Two Course menu £12.95.

Tickets available from 8th January.

vALenTine’S DAY JAZZ: Sunday 14th February 3pm start Early booking advised.

Sunday Lunch Promotion

DeLiCiOuS 3 Course Sunday Lunch £17.95

* TwO for One during JAnuArY & FeBruArY ― wiTh ThiS vOuCher ―

*Offer ends 28th February 2016. Not valid for January 17th or February 14th.

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offers.

THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016 41

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL

PRJ Architecture

Paul Jary is the Director of PRJ Architecture, an Architectural Technician with over 15 years experience working for well established companies throughout the UK gaining excellent knowledge within the building industry.

PRJ Architecture is based in Chiselborough but with many projects covering all areas of Somerset and Devon, providing planning applications to local authorities and detailed building regulation drawings for construction.

They take on any size project working closely with their clients to fulfil their dreams of living in a new extension, loft conversion, barn conversation or new build house.

Chalmers

&CO

Martin & Co

chartered accountants

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

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today or email info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk

January Notice Board HENSTRIDGE

Blackmore Vale U3A talk Asteroid Impact and How it will Affect US Tuesday 5th January.

2.30pm, Henstridge Village Hall.

Members £1.50, Visitors £2.50.

Refreshments included.

MERE

Gillingham / Mere Classes for Adults: Watercolour Techniques on 6 Monday evenings, £65.00.

Starts 4/1/16 7.00-9.00. Creative Metal on 6 Friday mornings, £75.00. Starts 8/1/16 10.00-12.00.

Both at Mere Lecture Hall.

Watercolour Club starts in Gillingham on 7/1/16. For 6 Thursdays, 2.00-4.00. To book go to: www.laura-jolliffe.co.uk

ADVERTISE YOUR FEBRUARY EVENT HERE!

A listing under our Notice Board costs just £5 - send details of What? When? Where? to The Visitor, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BG. All entries to be pre-paid, maximum 20 words. Extra words 30p each.

Deadline for February issue, Friday 15th January.

GARDENING

GARDENING MONTHLY

by Richard Cumming Orchard Park

And so the year turns

SOMETIMES THE DAYS seem to stand still; the winter solstice is passed and I am waiting, very patiently, for the day length to grow and light levels to improve.

But it will take a while; I understand that and I can wait.

Meanwhile I can do a little planning, looking ahead to the early spring and putting together a schedule of some sort. At the moment, as I write, cutting the grass seems high on the job list as it really hasn’t stopped growing yet and is beginning to look like an all-year-round activity dependent only on the grass being dry enough to cut!

However all that can change very quickly and we could be plunged into a frozen snowy world overnight. Take it as it comes; there is no point in trying to do anything else but preparation helps whether you are dealing with extreme weather or managing every-day growing.

The debate continues on how we should look after our environment, and the difference that the small changes we can make, has on the wider and bigger picture. Garden sizes have reduced over the years in response to the pressure from the ever-increasing demand for housing. Paved areas have also

increased as an answer to car parking at home. The result is a predictable decrease in green growth and shifts in rainfall drainage patterns. Put all the little changes together and you get a big area of land that was once available as a buffer in our

environment, now taken away.

So there is a responsibility resting on our shoulders, the gardeners and growers of this world, to do what we can. Create a garden plot, prepare it and grow – that’s the plan for 2016. Grow that little bit more. Grass is fine but add flowering trees and shrubs that will fit into your plot, then lower growing herbaceous plants that last from year to year but die back in the winter. If space allows the edible crops are always worthwhile but if they don’t fit in then never mind. The important thing is to have enough growing to add back to the environment that we have lost.

Plant of the Month

January is not to be written off as a nothing month! You can find colour in so many ways and winter flowering shrubs often have the sweetest scents of all.

The top choices this month are the Christmas Hellebore, H.niger, with its gorgeous white flowers, Mahonia x media ‘Winter Sun’, the fragrant flowered Christmas box Sarcoccoca digyna, which I featured about last month and Hamamelis or witch hazel. Add the early flowering bulbs such as winter aconites and snowdrops, with primroses and the Iris unguicularis producing lilac flowers at odd times through the

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winter, and you can see that there is much to enjoy. It will depend on the weather but more early flowering scented plants lurk in the wings especially in the milder climate we enjoy in the south west.

Jobs for the month

I have been looking at trees in our garden; some young ones that need re-staking and tree ties refixing, and older trees that need a bit of surgery. Misplaced branches with damaged or diseased areas do need to be sorted out with careful pruning and possibly treatment with canker paint to control infections.

I would include most ornamental trees here as well as the obvious apples and pears. The cherries and plums need to be left until early summer before being

GARDENING

pruned as the chance of infection entering cut stems in winter is high. Winter pruning does encourage strong growth in the spring so should be followed up by selective pruning in summer to get trees, and shrubs, in shape.

One advantage of winter pruning is that without the leaves on the branches you can actually see what you’re doing. The framework is apparent and the right cuts now will keep wall trained plants going in the right direction. At the same time, the framework should be tied in to secure supports. Free standing trees and shrubs mostly need to be pruned to balance growth and allow light into the fruit producing parts of the plant. This is a big subject with so many variations that I would always recommend a little research on

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specific plants before you set out to prune just to make sure you are doing the right thing.

We are still very much in the planting season for deciduous trees shrubs and hedging, especially field grown bare-rooted plants. If they are pot or container grown then the planting season is virtually all year round, although planting while the plant is resting is generally the most successful way.

Veg plots can always be tidied up with any remaining debris from last season being taken away, shredded and composted or burnt if diseased. They look a whole lot better if dug over with annual weeds buried and perennial weeds removed.

Flower borders are best left as they are for the moment. The top growth left from the summer will afford some protection to the crown of many herbaceous plants and you can see what you’ve got when you weed the bed over next month. Drying winds from the north will damage foliage stems and flower buds on early spring flowering shrubs such as camellias. If possible wrap and

Taking cuttings in December and through January is a great way to increase your stocks of deciduous shrubs in the garden, says Claire Greenslade, head gardener at Hestercombe. ‘We take hardwood cuttings of

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44 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016

Increase your shrub stocks by taking cuttings

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securely fasten horticultural fleece or buy easy to use readymade fleece covers that zip-up to provide good protection. Cloche covers need to be well secured especially in the vegetable garden if you want to save your crops from weather damage or marauding rabbits and pigeons.

Reasonable sized pots and planters should be moved to sheltered spots, and raised on flat stones or pot feet to allow water to drain away. Frozen wet compost can expand and split even the toughest pots. Bubble wrap round any pots you are worried about to give further insulation.

Lawn edges and patches can be repaired using turf; grass seed sown now is more likely to rot than germinate until the soil warms up again.

Alan Dodge BSc

dogwoods, winter flowering honeysuckles and philadelphus but you can also propagate

GARDENING

abelias, deutzias, viburnum and fruit bushes such as gooseberries and currants, and it’s really simple’. The cuttings are taken when the shrub is dormant which basically means any time after it has lost its leaves until bud break in February or March. When you go out to take your cuttings, try not to do it in a hard frost as the plant may be shocked by the cold.

You will need to find straight stems, about the thickness of a pencil (but thinner ones do work).

Avoid any stems that are weak, damaged or diseased. Cut long stems so that you have plenty of material to play with as you can make more than one plant from one stem.

When you’ve got your material back inside, use your secateurs or a sharp knife and make a straight cut under a bud or leaf scar. From the base of the cut, count up to 5 or 6 buds (about 8-

Approved contractor to Dorset & Somerset C.C. 100s and 100s of Poinsettias in a wide range of colours at Thorngrove Garden Centre in Gillingham. The greenhouses are located through the shop and across the yard.

12” long). At this point make a sloping cut away from the bud.

There are two important reasons for this. Firstly when water hits the stem it will run off away from the bud making it less likely that the bud will rot off. Secondly it helps you to remember which way up the cutting goes and therefore which way up to plant it.

Then there are two ways to deal with your cuttings. You can just fill pots with multi-purpose compost, dip the stem in hormone rooting powder, firm the soil down and then push the hardwood cuttings in. Push them in quite far as roots may form from any of the underground buds. Make sure that you clearly label your pots. Give them some water and then they can be left outside until they have rooted.

Alternatively you can find a space outside, maybe at the back of a border, and dig the soil just

to loosen it. The hardwood cuttings can then be pushed into the soil and literally just left there. To keep it weed free you could pin down a weed suppressant matting first and then push the cuttings through.

The only disadvantage of hardwood cuttings is that they can take a little longer to root so you need to have the space to keep them for a good few months and sometimes up to a year. But once they have produced roots they soon put on a growth spurt and should provide you with new shrubs in no time.

Hestercombe is holding a Confident Gardener: Apple Pruning workshop on January 22, run by Claire, and on February 26 she is hosting a rose pruning workshop. For more information on both these events, visit the Hestercombe website on www.hestercombe.com.

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THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016 45

MOTORING

VINTAGE Motor Cycling

MAY I WISH all readers a very Happy Christmas and a successful and happy year throughout 2016.

Over the Christmas period I make time for a bit of reflection and then look at my hopes and aspirations for the year ahead. I have a lovely wife who looks after me splendidly, a nice home, and a garage full of motorcycles which give me great pleasure. 2015 was spoilt when a car accident injured my hand and this curtailed my riding for nine months, but all is now well, things could have been so much different. I have much to be thankful for and I suspect that if many of you did a similar exercise then your results will hopefully draw the same conclusions.

So what is 2016 likely to bring?

A wish for good health would feature high on most peoples mind.

I have been granted the honour of being our clubs national President for two years starting in April. This will involve much travelling to new places, seeing different people and making new contacts and friends throughout the United Kingdom.

My job is to be an ambassador for our club and to promote its aims at many major events. An exciting time awaits I am sure. So what

will you be doing to make 2016 special for you?

I made mention last month that machines in original and worn condition are now in vogue. That reminded me of a picture I took last autumn at a Wessex Veteran and Vintage Section event which illustrates this point exactly.

It shows a BMW machine from the 1920's which is owned and run

by Ian Clarke from Salisbury. It is totally original and shows the marks and scars expected on any machine after nearly ninety years of service. The patina and history of the machine is clear for all to see and what a great shame it would be to lose that history by restoring the machine to shiny and as new condition. I know that Ian has no such intentions.

Club life continues throughout January. The Somerset Section has a New Years Day Meet at the Market Centre, North Petherton.

Club night at Cossington is on the 7th and will be a film show. On the 17th they have the Frostbite Run from the Sherston Inn, Wells.

Anyone interested would be welcome to view at any of these venues. The Wessex Veteran and Vintage Section has its AGM on the 11th at East Stour. This will be followed by a quiz. The Dorset Section has a New Years Day Run from Sturminster Newton. This is followed on Wednesday 6th with the Lunch Meet at West Stour and on the 10th will be the Winter Run from Dikes Supermarket at Stalbridge. Club night at the Halsey Arms, Pulham, on the 13th will be a discussion night.

Saturday the 30th will see us back at West Stour for the Breakfast Meet. Still plenty to see and do even in the depths of winter. For details of any of the above just call 01935-872528.

I was privileged, with several hundred others, in November to attend the Westlands Classic Clubs charity evening at The Gateway Centre, Yeovil. This years guest speaker was Steve Parrish who was himself a champion motorcycle racer, and a multiple truck driving champion, but now is better known for his television commentaries of motorcycle racing. His wit and charm came shining through and he has a wealth of funny stories from his riotous days racing with his chum and team mate Barry Sheene. Needless to say the evening was a great success. The purpose of the evening was to raise money for the Somerset and Dorset Air Ambulance. With a large draw and an auction of coveted items things could not have gone better. The proceeds are expected to be in the region of four to five thousand pounds so many congratulations to the Westlands club for a job well done.

Work in my garage is continuing apace. My Rover is very near

completion and will be ready for the February show, but I am now fitting and restoring a set of acetylene lighting. These old gas lamps in my opinion make the machine look so much more complete. The set comprises a generator which has a chamber below in which you put carbide with a chamber above in which you put water. Via a regulator water is dripped onto the carbide and the resulting chemical reaction gives off a gas. The gas is sent to the front and rear lamps by way of a rubber tube and fed into the lamps through a gas burner.

When needed the regulator is set and the production of gas commences. The rider then opens each lamp and with a match lights each burner. The resultant illumination is a very white light and good for the purpose of a headlight, a smaller burner and red lens gives a satisfactory rear lamp. The process is rather messy and time consuming but quite a novelty these days. Some enthusiasts still ride after dark using gas lamps. Today this system is still being used by cavers as it is deemed safe in confined areas.

In the early days of motoring any form of lighting was an optional extra. Gas lamps were used until around the mid 1920's after which electric lighting became normal. This change coincided with vehicles becoming more efficient and going faster, which was just as well because with gas lamps if the rider went too fast then the flame would blow out and he would need to stop and light the system again. That is if the sudden darkness had not caused him to have an accident.

You see we have everything so much easier these days.

Rod Hann.

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46 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016

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

BREWERS GARAGE LTD AIR CONDITIONING • DIAGNOSTICS TYRES • MOT SERVICING • REPAIRS Telephone

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Season’s Greetings to all our customers

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the end bit...

Paperchase

BACK IN the summer I mentioned in this column that the BVM team had launched Sherborne Matters in April but I hadn’t managed to lay my hands on a copy. A reader has kindly sent me a copy of the November issue and I can see why it’s in such demand. Like its sister freebies Gillingham Matters and Shaftesbury Matters it’s a monthly A5 publication, full colour throughout on newsprint and running to 48 pages. It’s full of good news, mainly of local

organisations and events in the town and surrounding villages, with a heartening absence of crime and road accident reports.

It’s illustrated with plenty of photos, almost all of them depicting local people, and supported by adverts placed mainly by local businesses, so it’s very much a magazine for and of Sherborne. If I didn’t live in Sherborne I would find little in it to interest me, but I would be shouting loudly for something similar for my own town.

Sherborne Matters certainly lives up to its name.

Another reader sent me a cutting from the Western Daily Press’s 14th November ‘West County Life’ supplement, specifically a half-page advertisement placed by an auction house in Trowbridge

Solution to December

Sudoku

ANSWERS TO POP MUSIC QUIZ on page 30

1.

2.

‘The Commodores’ ‘Pinball’

4.

5.

6.

‘Get Back’ Gladys Knight ‘T’Pau’

3.

7.

8.

9.

‘50 Ways to Leave your lover’ Paul Simon

Bruno Mars ‘The Clash’ (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction

10. ‘The Eagles’

Bonus Question

Sudoku

1991

Question Impossible

T. M.

34 years, approximately!

by

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.

giving the dates of its forthcoming sales. What prompted her to send it was that it contained no fewer than five spelling mistakes: ‘horsboxes’ twice, ‘jewewllry’, ‘scupltures’ and ‘tellephone’. Who, I wonder, was responsible for proofreading the copy of the advert – the auction house, its advertising agency if it employs one, or the advertising department of the paper – because clearly nobody did, and such lack of attention to details doesn’t inspire confidence in the advertiser. Even a quick scan with the computer’s spellcheck software would have highlighted these errors, although this is no substitute for proofreading. My computer’s software has an aversion to the Blackmore Vale Magazine and always tries to replace ‘BVM’ with ‘BUM’.

This correspondence reminds me that it’s time for my annual reminder that your contributions to this column are always welcome. Simply send the details or a press cutting from any of our local or regional newspapers or magazines, quoting the publication name, issue date and page number, to me at The Visitor, PO Box 1, Castle Cary BA7 7BG. I look forward to hearing from you, although I can’t promise to use everything you send me.

A mistake that spellcheck software wouldn’t have picked up

appeared in the 11th November issue of the Western Daily Press in a report of a demonstration at Westminster Abbey by two members of the Fathers4Justice group. If the paper is to be believed, activists Bobby Smith and James Dennis climbed to the Abbey roof and ‘unfurled three banners calling for improved frights for fathers’, so clearly heights were not the frights they had in mind. Nor would software have picked up the slipshod headline on page 21 of the paper’s 24th November issue, pictured below. There’s nothing wrong with the spelling, just carelessness on the part of whoever put the page together.

The writer’s name, photograph and brief biographical details appear at the foot of his column, if he (or she) had bothered to look.

Chronicler.

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THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016 47

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DENTURE REPAIRS

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Home visits a speciality



The Visitor

CAN BE READ ONLINE: www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Domestic Appliances

Domestic Appliance Repairs

Washing Machines  Vacuum Cleaners Cookers  Tumble Dryers etc.

SPARES – REPAIRS – SERVICING

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Fires / Chimneys / Stoves

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48 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016

07745 858440 01963 204205

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WESTLINE COMMUNICATIONS

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THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016 49

Classified Ads

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.

Prize Crossword No. 351 Set by Frank Butler

SEND COMPLETED ENTRIES TO: The Visitor Crossword, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7BG – to arrive by Friday 15th January.

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.

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Passport Photographs

PASSPORTS - passports - passports - also studio sittings, weddings and golden weddings. Any time to suit you. Easy parking opposite The Quarry Inn. Tel: Graham Cox, Photographer, 01458 223769.

Storage

STORAGE for furniture in locked cubicles. Lock-up garages to let. Tel: Sparkford Storage on 01963 440045 or 440526 or 440692.

T.V.

T.V. Sales / Service / Rental, H. R. Hodge, South Petherton. Tel: 01460 240645. www.hrhodge.co.uk

Personal

DON’T BE ALONE THIS CHRISTMAS. Somerset Introductions. Call for details.

07584 250285. www.justintroductions group.co.uk

Services

HOUSEHOLD & GARDEN RUBBISH CLEARED, old sheds / oubuildings demolished, etc. Tel: 01460 77844.

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.

For Sale

POOL TABLE FOR SALE. 7-4 Slate Bed. £75 o.n.o. Need Room. 07852262358

Mobile Bars / Catering

HARRY’S MOBILE BARS, all occasions, weddings, parties, etc. Tel: 01747 825553 harry@bars4u.plus.com www.harrysmobilebars.co.uk

Wanted

DAVE BUYS ALL TYPES OF TOOLS, salvage, bygones and collectables.

Daves Tools - Tel: 01935 428975

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.

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.

RECORDS from 1950s-1980s, LPs and singles, rock, pop, classical. Tel: 07731 534424.

STUDIO OR 1 BED FLAT, GF, CH, private patio / outside area, to buy or to rent, within 15mins walk of Gillingham station.

Tel: 07510 340831.

LARGE WATER BUTT, 200 LTR+. Tel: 01460 74572 MOTORCYLES ALL AGES, Vintage - new.

British machines or their spare parts.

Garages cleared. Tony. Riders (Yeovil) Ltd. Tel: 01935 421681. Mob: 07895 387222 GUNS WANTED for cash. Any size, any condition, make or model. By registered firearms dealer. Tel: 07970 742471.

Holidays

France • Dordogne

Converted barn, sleeps 2 – 5, and house sleeps 6, both well equipped. Pool and Wifi.

Tel: 01935 850532 Visit Chez Nous 3441 www.eymet.co.uk

50 THE VISITOR Christmas / January 2016

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Dismally and daily, article lost around the back. [8] Creature from parts of Manilla.

[6] Try with quiet set of books. [4] Cooker and pan so ordered for South African lily. [10] Gradually improve part of revolver. [6] Reticent, implied by teamaker. [8] Area between two radii: Crest broken about zero. [6] Increasing process in Paddington. [6] Fit water source? Good heavens! [4,4] Pretending monarch follows league bosses. [6] Ain’t commis about to do wrong? [6,1,3] Some choirs partly imitate. [4] Often nervous holding banknote. [6] Seaman thus with instrument complete. [8]

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Where sun rises in two short years is frothy. [6] No cold holm arranged in this lake. [4,6] Rover, mixed up with nut, becomes upset. [8] Ghost sun alarmed at sounds of firing. [8] Question about alpaca with cap removed? No, state the other way around. [6] See up around rod: It wears away. [6] Angle takes in the end. [6] Reels failing to begin to find fish. [4]

Solution to Crossword 350

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I’ve landed in confused crash with written history. [8] Run with river. [4] Bloat, lead it and stir. [6] Steady old weapon in bad surroundings. [8] Despicable act: Dry tit arranged on rick. [5-5] August half-returned in jar.

A fast mover. [6]

THE WINNER of our December Crossword was Zo Turner of Castle Cary who chose to spend the £10 voucher at Needful Things in Castle Cary.

CLEARVIEW STOVES

The leading manufacturers of clean burning wood stoves J

BRITISH MADE and a unanimous hit with our many customers.

Over 300 Stoves, Cookers and Fireplaces on display with many working models • Full Installation Service

J

SHOWROOMS OPEN SIX DAYS A WEEK

SANDPITS HEATING & HOME STORE

J

LARGE CAR PARK AT REAR OF PREMISES

HIGH STREET, CURRY RIVEL, LANGPORT J Tel: 01458 251476 • www.sandpitsheatingcentre.co.uk Warm wishes to all our customers this Christmas – and a happy 2016