The Visitor Magazine Issue 345 August 2012

In Passing ...

8

th JULY 2012. A warm and sunny summer Sunday afternoon in Shaftesbury. The second day of this year’s Gold Hill Fair was in full swing. The streets were packed with market stalls, Morris Dancers performed outside the Town Hall, tempting smells of fresh-cooked food wafted from Park Walk, characters in Tudor costume occupied Gold Hill, the pubs hosted beer and cider festivals and street musicians entertained the passers-by. And there seemed to be thousands of them thronging the town, out to make the most of one of Visitorland’s most popular annual events. Admittedly the first day of the fair had been more than a little damp, but on Sunday Shaftesbury was blessed with glorious sunshine.

Blessed again four days later when the flaming Olympic Torch was carried through the town. The day dawned dry and again the crowds lined the streets in the morning to see not only the torch but also British medallists from previous Olympics, on horseback and in a vintage Rolls Royce, bearing torches from past games. Bunting was strung across the road, singers entertained from the town hall gallery and Shaftesbury was once more in festive mood.

Sadly the last two months of unrelenting rain have been less kind to many local events. The four-day Sunrise Celebration at Gilcombe Farm near Bruton turned out to be a very wet and muddy event. So did Tollard Royal’s Dare 2 festival, and Galhampton’s Party in the Park, and the famous Larmer Tree Festival, and lots more too numerous to mention. But very few events were cancelled. Most Visitorland folk are stoic and seldom let the weather beat them, so lots supported the events, determined to enjoy themselves come what may.

A major annual event in the month ahead takes place on Wednesday 15th August and I’m sure the organisers are praying for a dry day. The Gillingham and Shaftesbury Agricultural Show has enough attractions to make it an enjoyable and

interesting family day out, including show jumping, birds of prey, a dog show, local foods, trade stands and musical entertainment, but it keeps its roots as a traditional farming show. Vastly more tractor, machinery and farm implement suppliers have stands here than at ‘big’ shows like the Bath and West. And you’ll see ferret and terrier racing, heavy horse teams and competitive classes for grain, fodder and maize as well as the usual livestock – the cattle, sheep, goats, rabbits and poultry.

It is being held at the Motcombe Turnpike Showground on the B3081 midway between the two towns and runs from 8.30am till 6.30pm. If Shaftesbury’s luck with the weather holds out, 15th August will be a warm and sunny summer Wednesday and the crowds will enjoy a memorable day. Perhaps I’ll see you there.

NN.

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Ltd.

PO Box 1, Castle Cary Somerset BA7 7BG Tel: (01963) 351256, 351998 Fax: (01963) 350552 Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk Website: www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk Proprietor, Accounts & Subscriptions Helen Dunion Production Manager Jeff Farrow Advertisement Manager & Features Editor Michelle Trulock Printed by The Blackmore Press © The Visitor Ltd. 2012

(Items marked ©gt are the copyright of geoff thompson)

CONTENTS Our FRONT COVER is almost entirely due to ‘The Fat Controller’ ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLASSIFIED - 47 ANTIQUES & COLLECTING - 27 ARTS - 27 BEN JOHNSON Garden Machinery Shaftesbury - 19 BUSINESS - 46 CHILDREN’S WORLD - 24 CROSSWORD - 50 GARDENING - 43 HOUSE & HOME Summer Home Improvements- 36 LEISURE & TRAVEL - 26 LETTERS - 5 LOOKING GOOD & FEELING FINE - 8 MENTIONED in DISPATCHES - 6 MOTORING - 4 MUSIC for the MONTH - 26 NOTICE BOARD - 46 PAMPER YOUR PET - 33 PAPERCHASE - 46 PHONE-A-FIRM - 48 PUBS - 28 SHAFTESBURY & THE SHOW - 18 THEY SAY - 32 WINCANTON - 10 WINE & DINE - 42 HAIR & SHOP, Castle Cary - 5 Drawings by GEOFF THOMPSON

THE VISITOR August 2012 3

MOTOrING VINTAGE Motor Cycling IN THIS COLUMN I have made several references in the past to the problems of Ethanol in petrol which has caused all sorts of problems in old vehicles. The acidic formulation causes corrosion in metals or chemical reactions in some plastics or fibreglass. Plastics can dissolve in petrol with ethanol and fibreglass fuel tanks can go all soft and jelly like causing them to lose shape and collapse. The corrosive qualities can make mild steel fuel tanks rust severely and it also attacks copper and brass of which many fuel lines are made.

The chemists have found that these corrosive capabilities increase in strength as the petrol ages. Now various manufacturers are making approved additives to prevent these corrosive qualities.

These additives only help on metal tanks and fittings, nothing having been found yet which helps the plastic and fibreglass problems.

This is a problem which will not go away for some time but in the meanwhile you may consider it prudent to use an additive with your petrol and to obtain fresh petrol as and when you use it. I am not a scientist and can help you no further at this time, but there is plenty of published material about to explain these problems in more detail which you may find of interest.

I wrote recently of the Vintage Clubs Banbury Run for machines used before 1931. Well yours truly went and completed the course and

a jolly good day was had by ourselves and the other 599 entrants.

The event is the largest of its type in the world and how splendid it is to see so many early machines used on the road. It is not until you see a display of machines like this that you appreciate the astonishing progress the engineers made in those thirty years. In the early 1900’s machines had direct drive with no gears or clutch. They had many levers to control the various functions. Fuel tanks were of the flat box shape and were sometimes pressurised to feed the fuel through. Engines relied on hot-tube ignition to make the explosions and mechanically everything was very crude in operation. Early motorcycles were in fact tricycles and if a passenger was to be carried then a basket affair was attached to the front of the machine between the front wheels. This meant the passengers always arrived at the accident first. By the end of the 1920’s most things had changed beyond recognition. Frames were stronger and engines more powerful and ignition was by means of a reliable magneto.

There were now three gears and a clutch which made progress much more lively. The early nickel plating had given way to the brighter but more brash chromium. Fuel tanks had become more rounded and stylish and held more petrol. To buy your petrol you no longer had to go to the chemists shop but to the local garage. Everything had evolved very quickly to make our transport much quicker and

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A company built on an excellent reputation

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Repairs and Servicing Specialists MOT Testing • Engine Tuning Brakes, Clutches, Gearboxes Competitive Rates Professional, Reliable, Friendly Service Specialising in VW T4 + T5 Vans

Alexandra Road, Yeovil Tel: 01935 426515 / 01935 411946 4 THE VISITOR August 2012

Dorset members and machines at the Breakfast Meet, West Stour.

reliable. From the 1930’s until perhaps the 1970’s very little actually changed as evolution slowed down. From the 1970’s onwards great progress has again been made with improved designs and materials and the use of modern electronics. Performance has increased dramatically. If you come along to the Jeff Clew Memorial Run which will be held at the Haynes Motor Museum at Sparkford on August 19th you will see about 100 machines ranging from the 1900’s to the 1980’s. See for yourself the differences and then imagine what the next twenty years might bring.

Should you get this issue in time a reminder that the Gartell Light Railway at Yenston has its Steam and Vintage Show on the weekend of the 28th and 29th July. During August the Somerset Section of the VMCC has its club night on the 2nd at Cossington, followed on the 12th by its Sign Post Rally from Creech St. Michael and lastly on the 16th they have an evening meet at Blagdon. The Wessex Veteran and Vintage Section has a guest speaker at its club night on August 13th. The Dorset Section has an Autojumble for its club night on the 8th. The 12th sees the running of the Border/Pre 73 Run from Gillingham and this is followed by a Mid Week Run on the 15th from Cattistock and lastly on the 19th will be the Jeff Clew Memorial Run mentioned above. The Breakfast Meet (last Saturday) and the Lunch Time Meet (first Wednesday) continue as normal at The Riverside Café, West Stour. Also of interest will be the Graham Walker Run which is organised by the Sunbeam Motor Cycle Club. This is held on the 12th August from the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, Hants. This is another special

event which caters for machines only made before 1939. The setting in the grounds at Beaulieu is always attractive and this event always draws a good selection of very early machinery.

A gentle chug around the New Forest on relatively flat roads makes for a pleasant and relaxed ride for both machine and rider.

All the above events will welcome visitors and spectators so feel free to come and join us. For more details ring 01935-872528.

A slightly different event but one well worth a visit and supporting is the Historic Vehicle Rally held in Sherborne School Quad on Sunday 26th August.

Organised by the Rotary Clubs of Sherborne this event attracts a large number of old cars and motorcycles. A road run in the morning is followed by the static show in the afternoon. A beautiful setting among the stone school buildings certainly adds to the occasion. A worthwhile family visit and remember that every pound raised goes to local charities. Make a note in your diary for a good day out.

Having recently moved house my workshop facilities have taken a rather backward step, therefore no restoration work has been done. In recent days however I have made space in a rather damp and draughty shed. The lathe is back in working order, I have some workbench space about two feet square and with a very long lead things electrical can once more be used. My Rover project has been moved into said shed and limited work will now commence. My temporary work space might last some time before a new workshop emerges but at least I can do something. My sanity would be tested to extremes if I could do nothing for months, many would question my sanity at any time.

Rod Hann.

Letters to the Editor Advertisements

Sir, Watching an advert on T.V. ‘Look after YOUR WORLD with British Gas’, I got to wondering what world they were on, and recently having received a communication from B.T. addressed to ‘EARTHLING’, they must also be on another planet.

However, I did put it back in the post box with the instruction ‘Return to Mars’.

While on the theme of adverts I was rather amused at this one, ‘Large cases of Beer and Cider for only £8, from the Co-operative, good with FOOD.’ Er! Shouldn’t that be good with Booze?

K. J. Clarke Mullins Way Castle Cary

Taxation Explained Food for Thought!

Sir, Suppose that once a week, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to £100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this ...

The first four men (the poorest)

would pay nothing. The fifth would pay £1. The sixth would pay £3. The seventh would pay £7. The eighth would pay £12.

The ninth would pay £18. And the tenth man (the richest) would pay £59. So, that's what they decided to do.

The ten men drank in the bar every week and seemed quite happy with the arrangement until, one day, the owner caused them a little problem. ‘Since you are all such good customers,’ he said, ‘I'm going to reduce the cost of your weekly beer by £20.’

Drinks for the ten men would now cost just £80.

The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes. So the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free but what about the other six men? The paying customers?

How could they divide the £20 windfall so that everyone would get his fair share? They realized that £20 divided by six is £3.33 but if they subtracted that from everybody's share then not only would the first four men still be drinking for free but the fifth and

sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer.

So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fairer to reduce each man's bill by a higher percentage. They decided to follow the principle of the tax system they had been using and he proceeded to work out the amounts he suggested that each should now pay.

And so, the fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (a 100% saving). The sixth man now paid £2 instead of £3 (a 33% saving). The seventh man now paid £5 instead of £7 (a 28% saving). The eighth man now paid £9 instead of £12 (a 25% saving).

The ninth man now paid £14 instead of £18 (a 22% saving).

And the tenth man now paid £49 instead of £59 (a 16% saving).

Each of the last six was better off than before with the first four continuing to drink for free. But, once outside the bar, the men began to compare their savings. ‘I only got £1 out of the £20 saving,’ declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man, ‘but he got £10.’

"Yes, that's right,’ exclaimed

the fifth man. ‘I only saved £1 too. It's unfair that he got ten times more benefit than me.’

‘That's true’ shouted the seventh man. ‘Why should he get £10 back, when I only got £2? The wealthy get all the breaks.’

‘Wait a minute,’ yelled the first four men in unison, ‘we didn't get anything at all. This new tax system exploits the poor.’ The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.

The next week the tenth man didn't show up for drinks, so the nine sat down and had their beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important they didn't have enough money between all of them to pay for even half of the bill.

And that, boys and girls, journalists and government ministers, is how our tax system works. The people who already pay the highest taxes will naturally get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy and they just might not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas, where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.

Colin McNamee Baltonsborough Somerset

Hairdressing witHout an appointment!

F

OLLOWING THE success of walk-in Barbers in Glastonbury and Castle Cary, proprietor Martyn Jessop has taken the initiative and opened a no appointment walk-in ladies salon in Castle Cary called .

Martyn says ‘We were frequently turning away ladies from the men’s barbers shop who wanted their hair cut ... today many women live a busy lifestyle and want the flexibility of just being able to walk into a salon knowing they can get a stylish cut, at an affordable price, which is why we have opened ’. is conveniently situated in Station Road, Castle Cary - just off the town centre - an attractive double fronted shop signwritten in eyecatching lime and white, complete with a distinctive barbers pole so it is easy to locate.

Contemporary in design and decor the salon is pleasantly light and airy. Should you have to wait there is ample comfortable window seating adorned with brightly coloured cushions where you can relax with a magazine and a complimentary coffee. offers haircuts for women from just £10 and a cut and blow dry from just £18. A colour service is shortly to be introduced and will include vibrant shades from the Fudge Paint Box range. The complete Fudge range is also on sale in the salon for home use.

In addition to hair products on sale there is also a full range of haircare and accessories including hairdryers, straighteners, clips, slides etc., once again all at sensible prices.

So ladies, if you want a stylish haircut in a hurry call in to today.

Childrens hair styling also catered for. is open Monday to Saturday, with late nights until 6pm three evenings a week. The opening times are: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 10am – 6pm, Wednesday and Friday 10am – 5.30pm, Saturday 9am – 2.30pm.

A Visitor Profile.

Hair & Shop, Station Road, Castle Cary, BA7 7BU Tel: 01963 351400 THE VISITOR August 2012 5

Mentioned in

Dispatches Yeovil College

Yeovil College has been awarded Leadership Academy status by Sports Leaders UK. The Leadership Academy is one of a number of high profile sports academies run by the College to train, develop and inspire elite and talented sports persons to achieve their full potential. As a result of this specialist support, many Yeovil College students have been selected to play for county, regional and national teams and even competed at prestigious international competitions, such as the Olympic Games.

Yeovil College has provided Leadership courses for 10 years and is one of only five providers in the South West to receive this prestigious status. This highlights the centre as a beacon of good practice which offers its students a pathway of additional opportunities and a package of initiatives which motivate and inspire them.

Local Markets

Mendip District Council run weekly markets in Glastonbury on a Tuesday, Wells on a Wednesday and Saturday, Shepton Mallet on a Friday and the Frome People’s Market takes place on Wednesday and Saturday in the Cheese and Grain car park.

Anyone interested in attending any of the Mendip markets,

Jonathan Coleman, the Foundation Manager (South West) for Sports Leaders UK (back row 5th from left) with staff and students of Yeovil College.

should contact the markets manager Stuart Beeton on 07590 965426.

All Saints Primary School

At a time when there is much controversy about the selling-off of school playing fields, the children of All Saints School in Bishop’s Caundle are lucky enough to have not only extensive grounds but also their own wood!

In a corner of their playing field, overlooking the Blackmore Vale, is a small copse where the children are able to learn about wildlife first-hand.

Recently a working party of parents and governors rolled up their sleeves to clear undergrowth and cut back trees to improve the area, planting insect-friendly buddleias donated by one of the teaching assistants, and making

log piles and rock shelters for animals and insects. The wood also boasts a ladybird box and a nesting box, currently housing a family of coal tits. The children are allowed into the wood only under supervision, and are learning the importance of keeping quiet for the sake of the animals and birds! The nature walks they take there often inspire work in class.

The wood is not the only area in the school devoted to learning about nature. Elsewhere in the grounds the children have their own garden, growing organic vegetables and nectar-rich flowers to support the declining bee population. There is also an enclosed pond area, currently being returned to nature with the sowing of wildflower seeds, which is already home to a newt.

The school takes its green credentials very seriously – it has its own Eco Committee, with pupil representatives, and in 2009 was one of the first schools in the country to install its own wind turbine to supply electricity.

Organ Donation register

Twenty five people are waiting for transplants in the Yeovil area and every day three people (nationally) die waiting for a transplant. Thousands of people in the Yeovil area are already on the Organ Donation Register and during the recent Transplant Week, Yeovil District Hospital’s aim was to get more people to sign up.

To join the NHS Organ Donor Register ring 0300 123 23 23 or go to www.organdonation.nhs.uk

Queen Camel Tuesday Group

The Tuesday Group meets, in the Queen Camel Memorial Hall on the first Tuesday of each month, at 10.00am. This gives time for a coffee, cake and chat, before the 10.30 start. They would love to see you there and, who knows, maybe become a member. If you want any more information about their activities please call, Pat Champion on 01963 32264 or Carole Carter on 01963 220608.

Donations Wanted

Donations of quality items are required for the Autumn Auction taking place in aid of St. Mary’s Church, Bradford Abbas.

Charterhouse has agreed to include the Sale in their October Sale. For further information / donations contact Marion Baker 01935 413399 or Shirley Middle 01935 421593.

6 THE VISITOR August 2012

Mentioned in

Dispatches AgustaWestland AW169

Launched at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2010, the AW169 has rapidly found market success, logging orders for more than 50 units so far from customers worldwide. A versatile, new generation twin engine helicopter, the AW169 has been designed in response to the growing market demand for an aircraft that delivers high performance, meets all the latest safety standards and has multirole capabilities. It is the first all new helicopter design in its class in decades and the only one that will meet all the latest safety requirements.

Castle Cary & District Museum & Preservation Society

Three months into the Season and there has been a great deal of interest in the latest Exhibitions.

These include 175 years of both the Castle Cary Cricket Club and John Boyd Textiles as well as a

Orders for more than 50 units have already been logged for the AgustaWestand AW169.

Titanic exhibition, which gives details of local people who sailed on her. There is the special Exhibition of Our Castle Our Town, giving images of how it is thought the Castle may have looked and 360 degree images of some of the most interesting places in the town.

There is a New Policy for accepting items for use in the Museum as it is becoming more difficult to find storage space for

items. Would potential donors please contact the Museum, telephone 01963 350680, before bringing items in, preferably, on Wednesday mornings, when the Collections Officer will be on duty.

Please give details of use, size, age and provenance of the item/s. The Collections Officer and Committee will then decide whether to accept or reject the objects. Items in the past have been received with no

provenance or name of donor.

To have a Museum in the Town is something very special when you consider museums in towns like, Shepton Mallet, Wincanton and Yeovil have been forced to close. Everyone who works at Castle Cary is a volunteer and the running of the museum relies on donations, because no external funding is received. Times are hard, costs are rising and they

SUMMER SavERS

½ Priceg

DUvEt ClEanin

Single £7.35 Double £7.90 King £8.50 Free local collection and delivery on orders over £20

Summer & Winter Duvets count as two. Minimum prices not to be used in conjunction with any other offer, or discount cards.

Direct sale only - not available through Agencies

17 / 18 Bond Street, Yeovil

Tel: 01935 421238 THE VISITOR August 2012 7

Mentioned in

Dispatches have had several financially difficult years. It costs more than £12 per day to run the Museum, unfortunately donations do not cover this in any way. Please consider taking just a few minutes of your time to pop in and look around. It may surprise you!

If you have a spare 2 hours a week and are interested in local history or just meeting people you could become a Steward. Call into the Museum and talk to someone or ring 01963 350680.

Maybe you would just like to help by becoming a Member of the Museum. To join costs £5 or if you wish to make a donation they would appreciate your help.

The saying ‘IF YOU DON’T USE IT - YOU’LL LOSE IT’ is more relevant than ever.

Flower Show

Norton & Chiselborough Flower Show takes place on Saturday 18th August at the Recreation Ground, New Road, Norton Sub Hamdon. The Fête opens at 2pm and the marquee at 2.30pm.

Prize-winning plants, cookery, crafts and children's exhibits, bouncy castle, dog agility demonstration, Stoke Silver Band, tombola, teas, refreshments and more. All welcome. Enquiries to Bob Fill (01935 881085).

Brewham Garden Party

A rare opportunity to spend a leisurely summer afternoon in the gardens of elegant Holland Farm in South Brewham arises on Saturday 1st September.

The owners, William and Nicola Gething, are hosting a Garden Party to raise funds for Brewham

parish church and Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. The event, which runs from 2.30pm till 5.00pm, will include a variety of stalls, competitions and activities for all ages, including skittles, facepainting, tombola and a licensed bar. Provision has been made to enable the event to be held under cover if the weather is wet.

The admission price includes a cream tea and because numbers are limited, admission is by ticket purchased in advance. They can be obtained at £5 each from Ric Rogers, 1 Horseshoe Cottages, North Brewham, Bruton BA10 0JG, telephone 01749 850645.

There is no charge for children under 12 unless they want a cream tea, but ice creams and cakes will be on sale at the event.

The event is being organised by Brewham Parochial Church Council, and its members are hoping that the afternoon will be warm and dry so that people can enjoy the gardens and the Brewham countryside at their best while supporting the upkeep of Brewham’s attractive old church and the work of the area’s air amulance service.

Brewham is three miles east of Bruton in the valley of the River Brue below Alfred’s Tower.

New Bus routes for Yeovil

A new bus service has been launched in Yeovil that links key residential and employment sites using the same bus. The new service has been developed by South West Coaches and follows discussion between the local bus operators and the South Somerset Together partnership. In addition, South West Coaches is offering customers a variety of ticket buying options that would further reduce the cost of the fare - making travel by bus cheaper than using a car!

For full details i nc l u d i ng timetables contact South West Coaches on their website: www.southwestcoaches.co.uk or by telephone: 01935 475872.

BanK HoliDay eventS BOOK YOUR ADVERT TODAY September issue Deadline: Monday 13th August Published: Thursday 23rd August

Tel: 01963 351256

info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk 8 THE VISITOR August 2012

LOOKING GOOD Family Health with

Jenna Evans Superfoods – Part 22

THIS MONTH we take a look at some more nutritious nutty ‘superfoods’.

C a s h e w s – These kidney shaped nuts have a mild, creamy flavour and belong to the same family of plants as the pistachio and mango. They are in fact seeds that stick to the bottom of the cashew apple, fruit of the Anacardium occidentale. Native to Brazil.

R ich in se v era l nut ri e nt s including magnesium, potassium, copper, iron and zinc, they are also a good source of biotin, protein and monounsaturated fats. Cashews have a relatively low fat content compared to other nuts. Their primary fat is oleic acid known for its protective

effects against heart disease and cancer. Cashews contain small amounts of oxalates and as such should be limited by those with a history of oxalate containing kidney stones.

Chestnuts – Seeds of the chestnut (Castanea spp) tree, found across North America.

Slightly sweet, chestnuts are most often consumed roasted or boiled. Dried chestnuts are also made into a nutrient rich flour.

Chestnuts are a very low fat, low calorie ‘nut’. They are a great source of manganese, molybdenum, magnesium and copper. As well as, unusually for a nut, vitamin C. They also yield B vitamins and folic acid.

Chestnuts are a good all round food with a fibre and nutrient content especially valuable for bowel and heart health. Do not confuse chestnuts with horse chestnuts, which are considered poisonous.

Hazels/Filberts – Two different varieties of the same species. Hazelnuts are native to the USA whereas their larger cousin, the filbert, is native to Europe and Asia.

Beat the bad weather!

FREE all weather Canopy when you purchase any 6 – 8mph Scooter Offer Ends 30th September

Call in and see our range of Scooters SaleS H Service H Hire H repair cosyfeet, Daily living & Bathing aids FREE CATALOGUES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST In Store and Free Home Demos Workshop and On Site Repairs - No Call Out Charge Free Loan Scooters - Scooter & Wheelchair Hire New, Second-Hand & Ex-Demo’s Scooters Monday – Friday 9.30am – 5.00pm Saturday 9.30am – 12.30pm Closed Bank Holidays • Other times by appointment

Units 1 & 2 Great Western Road Martock

0800 731 7078

& FEELING FINE Rich in protein, fibre and healthy monounsaturated fats.

Also an excellent source of Vitamin E, B1, B2, B3, B6, copper, magnesium, zinc, iron and calcium. Hazels have been particularly noted for heart health. The monounsaturated fats combined with good levels of copper (which forms the antioxidant enzyme Super Oxide Dismutase), may help to keep the cardiovascular system healthy and lower levels of LDL and VLDL ‘bad’ cholesterol. Hazels also contain some oxalates, so those with a history of oxalate containing kidney stones should limit their consumption.

That’s all for this month, back with more nuttiness next time!

Jenna Evans.

Never dramatically change your diet without the guidance of a health professional, especially if you have an existing health issue.

Ceres Natural Foods in Yeovil have a good selection of nuts and seeds and can help with any further queries you may have.

Introducing the St. Tropez Spray Tan

Due to popular demand Manor Lodge Health & Beauty are now offering the St. Tropez Spray Tan as well as the Original Tan. But why choose St. Tropez?

St.Tropez has been in the business of developing world class self-tanning solutions for many years. A household name with a dedicated following of beauty journalists, make-up artists and celebrities, St. Tropez is a trusted brand with a professional heritage. By choosing St. Tropez you can be assured of excellent results a truly natural looking tan with a flawless finish, no orange hues and streaky areas. * Iconic St. Tropez treatments Original and Spray Mist - are synonymous with quality and offer you a self-tan application of choice. * Deeply moisturising products with conditioning Aloe Vera will not dry out the skin and produces

an even, streak-free tan which fades evenly. * Aromaguard Fragrance Technology effectively eliminates the tell-tale self-tan aroma by at least 70%.

See our advertisement for more information and details of the current offer. www.manor-beauty.co.uk

Ask the Chiropractor

When you suffer back related problems, your life suffers. You may be unable to participate, or sleep, fear time off, feel helpless or simply endure not enjoy.

Chiropractic is so often the solution but people often find this out late – we are still not yet ‘mainstream’, so we are unknown and unjustly feared.

An experienced Chiropractor will diagnose, explain and resolve spine and related health issues practically, so that you can thrive.

Chiropractic improves the spine – where nerves connect the brain and body – to improve well-being.

What is alternative about that?

Address the problem rather than mask the symptom. And yes, we also treat related leg pain; headache and wear and tear!

Call Dr Ben Gait DC to discuss your wellbeing on 01749 988046, Mendip Chiropractic Health, Shepton Mallet.

Annie Morley

Back pain can affect anyone at any age and most of us will suffer from it at some point in their lives. Most lower back pain is caused not by serious damage or disease, but by sprains, muscle strains, minor injuries, or a pinched or irritated nerve. It can also occur during pregnancy, or because of stress, viral infection or a kidney infection.

Acupuncture can help back pain by: • stimulating nerves located in muscles and other tissues: acupuncture helps release endorphins and changes the processing of pain in the brain and spinal cord • reducing inflammation

Martyn Jessop, pictured, has recently opened XX, a Ladies walk-in hair salon in Castle Cary where appointments are not necessary. Martyn will be a familiar face to many of our readers as he is the proprietor of XY Barbers in Glastonbury and Castle Cary.

• improving muscle stiffness and joint mobility – by increasing local microcirculation which aids dispersal of swelling and bruising To do this, your acupuncturist may use several techniques.

After a rigorous diagnosis, the practitioner will insert very fine needles into specific points, not only on your back but possibly also in your legs or feet. Gentle warmth from moxa [a dried herb] can also be applied to these points

REGISTERED OSTEOPATH

TrEVENEN PASCOE

BSc. (Hons.) Ost. Med. ND. BUPA & PPP Recognised Cranial & Structural Osteopathy

42 High Street ShEpTON MALLET Somerset BA4 5AS  01749 342594

to relax the muscles and to encourage blood to circulate more freely and reduce inflammation.

Ask for a free consultation with a member of the British Acupuncture Council [MBAcC] to see whether acupuncture can help you.

The Dress Circle Dress Agency

Quality FaShion iteMS wanted to Sell on a coMMiSSion baSiS Wedding hats, wedding outfits, cruise wear and good quality casual wear and accessories, accepted every day ...

10am - 4pm Monday - Friday 10am - 2pm Saturday For large quantities collections can be arranged

4 Brunel Shopping Centre Somerton TA11 7PY  01458 273485

When did you last get yourself tuned? … Get a good service at

Mendip Chiropractic Health A fresh approach to health. A practical alternative to making do and medication.

Shepton Mallet

Call

01749 988046 NOW

for your appointment

CArY ACuPuNCTurE PrACTICE Annie Morley

MBAcC

the Market Place, Castle Cary 07531 952606 www.caryacupuncturepractice.co.uk THE VISITOR August 2012 9

WINCANTON ONE OF MY FAVOURITE views of Wincanton is from the B3145, the road from Sherborne, in the vicinity of North Cheriton. The little town can be seen a couple of miles ahead, seemingly clinging to the hillside and surrounded by woodland, with the landmark twin towers of the Roman

Catholic priory clearly visible at its centre. It’s a misleading view, of course, because hedgerows hide the A303 and its adjacent developments at the bottom of the hill, but it shows why Wincanton’s limited expansion has been westwards into and beyond the valley of the little

the Wincanton cobbler Shoe Repairs & Key cutting - Established 1986 -

Shooting Sticks, Walking Sticks, Hiking Poles, Leather Bags, Travel Goods, Sports Bags, Wallets, Umbrellas LaCES - POLISHES - WaxES - SHOE TREES

High Street, Wincanton. tel: 01963 34587

river Cale. The hills have curtailed development to the east and north, and the bypass provides an effective barrier between the southern edge of the town and the Blackmore Vale beyond.

This western edge of Wincanton houses the inevitable sprawl of superstores and industrial estates that greets visitors to most country towns these days. Here, too, new homes are being built on the hillside above the Lawrence Hill Business Park, and rapidly nearing completion alongside the slip-road to the A303 are a new pub and travel lodge. All are signs that the town is thriving, even in these economically difficult times.

THE HUNTER'S LODGE INN leigh Common, Wincanton, Somerset Ba9 8lD tel: 01747 840439 FOOD SERvED all DaY EvERY DaY

FRIDAY NIGHT IS STEAK NIGHT Free bottle of wine with the purchase W of 2 steaks K nO O O B

★ nEW EnlaRgED plaYgROUnD With Zip WiRE COMing SOOn ★

Several years ago two of Wincanton’s long-established businesses relocated to the Business Park where they now have extensive showrooms. The Rochford Garden Machinery Superstore houses a huge display ranging from lawn tractors and ride-on mowers to hedge trimmers and tree pruners, together with a well-stocked parts department and servicing workshop, making it a mecca for garden owners seeking laboursaving devices. And the nearby Cullingford Carpets showroom features not only an extensive range of floor coverings but also beds, blinds and curtains. Both seemed busy when I visited in early July.

A constant worry about edge-oftown retail developments is the effect they could have on the town centre – a worry certainly shared by many Wincanton businesses and residents. So much so that they formed a Town Team to

Send Flowers     

Jam Making?

Kilner Jars, Preserving Pans, Jars, Jelly Bags, Muslin, Rings & More!  Full Range of Cookware  Garden Chairs, Tables, Parasols  Beaded Curtains, Cool Boxes / Bags, PicnicWare, English Charcoal

Revised Menu and New Seniors Menu - OUT NOW! Main Course only £5 ★ tapas: 3 Starters for £15 (choice of 12)

SElF SERviCE CaRvERY ... with all the trimmings £8.95 as many trips as you like

Friday 7pm - 9pm • Saturday 7pm - 9pm

 Christening & anniversary Gifts Clocks and Watches  Watch Batteries & Straps sold and fitted  Stockists of Spear & Jackson Tools & Addis Houseware  Tools and Knives Sharpened

nEW tiMES

For your DIY, Garden and Household requisites

... including Seniors Menu

high Street, Wincanton Tel: 01963 32249

Sunday 12noon - 5pm Tuesday 12noon - 2pm 10 THE VISITOR August 2012

 House Names in Wood and Cast Iron

Clementina & Co ESTABLiSHED 1929

THE VISITOR August 2012 11

WINCANTON draw up plans to reinvigorate the centre and apply for cash from a government fund backed by Mary

Portas, TV’s retail guru. Sadly Wincanton (along with 359 other applicants) was not one of the 12

SUMMER SalE

Large Range of Refrigeration in stock inc. hOtPOINt Fridge Freezer frost free only £329 BeKO Washing Machine only £199 ExTEndEd 5 and 10 year WaRRanTiES on Miele Washing Machines 6 Months FREE laundry & dishwashing detergent with selected Miele appliances FREE £100 Virgin Experience days on selected BOSCH appliances

areas selected to receive a grant, but such was the strength of the applications that the government announced in May that a further 15 areas would each benefit from a £10,000 grant. The Town Team

worked fast to meet the 30th June deadline for applications for this second tranche of grants, and team member David Norris says that this time they ‘have adopted a mystical and quirky theme’ to

Jerry’s Electrical ltd

Market place, WINCANTON • Tel 01963 33521 “For a professional and friendly service”

The unique Discworld Emporium attracts fans of Sir Terry Pratchett’s fantasy fiction from all parts of the globe and is central to Wincanton’s application for a government grant to regenerate the town centre.

SUMMER SalE COntinUES at

Sydney Brock & Son ... further genuine footwear reductions

7

ShoES  SandalS www.sydneybrockandson.co.uk

n OPe 7am M eK fRO a We s Day

1 - 3 High Street, WINCANTON • 01963 32337 tel: 01963 31226 Mobile: 07738 524254 Phone for a Quote!

For all your home and office Stationery Books, newspapers & Magazines Sweets • Cold Drinks • Pocket Money Toys  2013 aCadEMiC diaRiES noW in  photocopying Service also laminating

BOOk NOW FOR YOUR AUTUMN TIdY Up

½ price BookS

The Market Garden, 23 High Street, Wincanton

discounts - no Minimum Order

Hart House, Fore Street, Castle Cary

 Business accounts Welcome  SEE oUR FUll ColoUR BRoChURE

33 high Street • Wincanton

Tel: 01963 32356 • www.papertrees.co.uk 12 THE VISITOR August 2012

Patios • Fencing • Garden Maintenance Planting Schemes • Mowing - also at -

tel: 01963 350650

Fresh Fruit & Veg • Pot Plants • Gifts • Outdoor Plants Instore Floristry Service - Deliveries Locally & Nationally WeddingS and FuneralS a SpeCiality

WINCANTON formally twin Wincanton with Pratchett’s imagined city of AnkhMorpork in a ceremony that brought nationwide publicity.

Now there are twice-yearly gatherings in the town attracting well over 1,000 fans from all parts of the globe, many of them dressed appropriately in Discworld costumes.

Another of the Town Team’s goals is to establish a weekly market in the town. As long ago as 1556 the town was granted the right to hold a Wednesday market, and a document of 1558 mentions the market place and

shambles. The market charter was renewed in 1705, by which time a market house had been erected at the top of South Street specifically for the use of butter and cheese sellers. Outside, other traders sold from wooden shambles and livestock were sold in the Market Place and up the High Street as far as Angel Lane.

The general market declined from the mid-19th century, the shambles were finally removed in 1879 and the ground floor arcade of the market house was filled with doors and windows in 1893 as it had no market

‘show the unique value that Wincanton has and build on that to attract more visitors into the town’.

It’s not as silly as it sounds.

When Bernard Pearson opened The Cunning Artificer’s Discworld Emporium on the High Street it attracted so many enthusiasts seeking all manner of objects owing their inspiration to Terry Pratchett’s fantasy fiction that in 2002 the town council agreed to

✴ For a Professional and Friendly Salon Using L’Oreal Products ✴ Deep Conditioning Treatments ✴ Gift Vouchers available

telephone: 01963 31270

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

Add STYLE to your home Stripes, spots, patterned or plain ... we have a carpet to suit you and your budget!

Carpets from £6 per square metre

gEnt’S haiRDRESSing

Natural Flooring ★ Vinyls Floor tiles ★ Wood ★ Laminates

Wincanton Memorial Hall Monday 1.00pm – 5.30pm thursday 9.00am – 5.30pm Saturday 8.00am – 12 noon

FOR all YOUR FlOORing REqUiREMEntS

~ and at ~

Milborne Port Town Hall Wednesdays 1.00pm – 6.00pm Sparkford Village Hall Fridays 12.45pm – 5.45pm  07767 201037

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

One of the few sunny afternoons in July tempts shoppers to stop and chat in the town centre.

10 Church street, Wincanton

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ sCissor HAPPY

SJH Carpets, tythings Commercial Centre, Wincanton  01963 824418 Open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm, Saturday 9am - 1pm Also at: High Street, tisbury  01747 871178 (closed Wednesday)

Wincanton

Est. 1983

Élégance BEAuTY THErAPY CLINIC

Sandie Barrett M.B.A.B. th.C. C.I.D.E.S.C.O. For a complete range of beauty treatments including Facials • Electrolysis • Eyebrow Shaping Eyelash tinting • Waxing • Pedicures Manicures • Body Wraps • Airbrush tanning Ladies only

8b Church Street Wincanton Tel: (01963) 34115 THE VISITOR August 2012 13

WINCANTON function. Incidentally, this was the town’s third market house – the first was partially demolished by a mob in 1767 and had to be taken down, and its replacement was destroyed by a fire in 1877.

The third building now serves as part painted pine plate Rack

the Town Hall.

For the past 12 years a farmers’ market has been held on the first Friday of each month in the Memorial Hall, attracting around a hundred regular customers. It is moving to a new venue for the

JErEMY HILL FURNISHINgS

£129 Small Mirror Bathroom Cabinet

£65

DID You know

... in addition to our extensive range of pine & oak furniture we stock many smaller items to make your house into a home all at ... sensible prices!

Church Street • WINCANTON Tel: 01963 31444 Opposite the Churchfields Car Park

3rd August market – the Sweetman Hall at the back of the Bear Inn on the High Street.

Despite being right in the centre of the town it has ample parking space for traders and buyers, and the publicans will be offering refreshments, so the move seems likely to attract even more interest.

The Market Place hasn’t seen livestock sales for well over a century. The last cattle market was held there in 1865.

Subsequent sales were relocated

to the Dolphin Yard off the High Street, then to a site on Station Road which operated until 1962.

Yet the Market Place remains an attractive part of the town centre.

The old buildings display an interesting mixture of architectural styles and house a variety of high-class independent businesses, among them a gallery of contemporary art, a renowned ladies fashions shop, a home furnishings store, an electrical goods’ dealer, a shop offering a selection of local art and craft WEEKlY MEat DRaW

Dave welcomes you to ...

The Millers Inn

Silver Street, WINCANTON • 01963 32882

nOW OpEn from 4pm (Monday - Thursday) Open all Day Friday, Saturday & Sunday Saturday Morning Breakfast 9am ‘til 12noon ... FuLL ENGLISH only £4.25 including tea / Coffee  Sunday 29th July: GArDEN PArTY 2pm ‘til 6pm Live Singers, Hog roast, BBQ, rodeo Bull, Bouncy Castle ... fun for all the family!  Saturday 4th August: Circus Night - Fancy Dress Disco with AJ’s Disco

Sunday roast

12noon – 2pm

 Saturday 11th August: ross Kirk - guitarist / Singer, 9pm ‘til Late  Saturday 18th August: Dave’s Karaoke 8.30pm ‘til Late SUnDaY ROaStS • REal alES • JUKE BOx • pOOl taBlE • laRgE CaR paRK

14 THE VISITOR August 2012

WINCANTON work, and the town’s Post Office that also stocks an extensive range of gifts and luxury chocolates.

I mentioned in an article last year that the 18th century

building that formerly housed the Red Lion pub had been spruced up and given a new lease of life as the stylish Red Lion café bar.

Round the corner on South Street another café has recently opened

hair design

is pleased to offer an exclusive ‘At Home’ service from 1st August Professional styling in the comfort of your own home from an early morning wash & finish before work through to styling for all the family Appointment times to suit

 07738 833078 or 01747 824036

Graham & Trixie Hiscock of Camelot Photographic who are celebrating 25 years in the photography business.

3a Church Street, Wincanton

3 DAY REMNANT AND CUSHION SALE Starts Monday 6th August Quality Remnants fRom Prestigious Textiles, Biggie Best Clarke & Clarke ... and more!

20% OFF Biggie Best Curtains & Gifts a selection of Cushion Covers ... from £3 Heading tape ✴ Velcro Discontinued fabric Books ... and much more! oPen: monday, tuesday, Wednesday 9.30am – 4.00pm • thursday – Closed friday 9.30am – 3.00pm • saturday 9.30am – 12.30pm

caR oF the weeK

07 Reg hyundai coupe 2.0 Siii

In Shine Red, Climate Control, Alloys Full Leather Interior, Sunroof, Only 14,000 Miles WAS £7,495 now £6,995 SAVE £500 Fiat 58 Reg Panda 1.2 dynamic 4 door, In Silver, F.S.H., Only 19,000 Miles .............. £4,495 Ford 58 Reg Ford Ka 1.3 collection, In Metallic Blue, air Con, Central Locking, Electric Windows, CD, F.S.H, Only 24,000 Miles ..................................................... £2,495 hyundai 07 Reg hyundai coupe 2.0 Siii, In Shine Red, Climate Control, alloys, Full Leather Interior, Sunroof, Reverse Parking aid, Only 14,000 Miles .... £7,495 £6,995 08 Reg hyundai i 30 comfort 5 door, In Red, air Con, F.S.H, One Owner, Low Mileage ............................................................................................................. £5,995 09 Reg hyundai i10 classic 5 door, In Silver, air Con, F.S.H, One Owner, Low Mileage ............................................................................................... £5,495 £4,995 Mini 57 Reg Mini cooper 1.6 diesel, In Metallic Silver, air Con, alloys, Part Leather Interior, 1 Owner, F.S.H, 104,000 Miles ............................................... £6,995 Renault 59 Reg Renault clio 1.2 i Music, In Metallic Black, air Con, alloys, Bluetoothe, 1 Owner, F.S.H, Only 29,000 Miles .......................................................................... £6,295 10 Reg Renault twingo 1.2 extreme, In Extreme Blue Metallic, air Con, 1 Owner, F.S.H, Only 4,000 Miles ............................................................................ £5,995 Seat 56 Reg Seat leon 1.6 Stylance 5 door, In Metallic Blue, Climate Control, alloys, F.S.H ............................................................................................................. £5,995 V.w.

08 Reg Volkswagen touran 1.9 tdi Se 5 door, In Metallic Black, air Con, alloys, F.S.H, 130,000 Miles .................................................................................... £6,995

Melody 07883 089 333

THE VISITOR August 2012 15

WINCANTON The Red Lion (left) has been given a new lease of life as a stylish café bar ... and (right) the recently opened Cat Café on South Street is becoming popular as a venue for local music and arts.

HAIR SALON 45a hIGh ST. WINCANTON For appointments tel Wincanton (01963) 34321

Wild Cardz

35 High Street, Wincanton, Somerset BA9 9Ju • Tel: 01963 31234

CArDS & BALLOONS for every occasion

in what was previously the Mattar Arcade. Called the Cat Café, it is already becoming popular as a venue for local music and arts. If the Town Team succeeds in attracting more visitors to the town, they will be spoilt for choice when they fancy a drink.

Business up-Date

Balloon Decor Service Helium & Latex Balloons • Helium Hire ★ Pocket Money Toys - Party Bags and Fillers ★ gift Wrap - gifts - Badges - Party Items - Confetti

The recently opened Studio at the Tythings can help you shape up for summer.

Shapemaster – Exercise for Every Body. It is important to know what power assisted exercise can do for you. For the 80% of people who do not want to join a gym this is a way to

get exercise and improve your life and your health. Exercise doesn’t mean Lycra, feeling pain, sweating profusely and a couple of hours three times a week.

Toning Tables will help even the least fit of people to lose inches, tone muscle, gain energy and feel good! There is no need to change into special clothing, just wear something comfortable that you can move around in.

There is no need to change all you need is a pair of socks. The machines help you do the rest!

Take advantage of a free trial.

Telephone 01963 34430 for an appointment. There is nothing to lose ... except inches!

47 high Street • wincanton • Somerset • ba9 9Ju •  01963 31777

Beauty Therapy

Look Great with a Beautiful Bronze Tan SpRay Tan ... only

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

£15

✂

✂

aUGUST pRoMoTion

Choice of Shades

Wedding Make-Up O.P.I. Gel Nails O.P.I. Manicures & Pedicures Dermalogica Facials Waxing and Electrolysis Massage Gift Vouchers LAtE Night thurSdAyS

For more information call 01963 31777 or visit our website www.essenceofbeautysalon.org.uk 16 THE VISITOR August 2012

Wakely BrOTherS lTd independent Family Funeral directors • Golden Charter Pre Paid Funeral Plans • 24 hour Service.

• Private Chapel of rest

Brochure upon request - contact Clive Wakely dip F.d. M.B.i.e.

The Old Police Station, Carrington Way WinCanTOn Ba9 9JS Tel: 01963 31310

ANDREW BARCLAY TRadiTional FaMily BUTChERS 45 High Street, Wincanton, Somerset BA9 9Ju Tel: 01963 34880 • Fax: 01963 31249

nEW SEaSon SpRinG laMB ... from Sam Stables, Charlton Musgrove butchered to your requirements

£65 half lamb

all Our meat Is NaturallY reareD aND sOurCeD frOm the west COuNtrY BEEF from Roundhill Farm and Clanville Manor laMB from Shepton Montague and Charlton Musgrove FREE RanGE poRK from Somerset FREE RanGE ChiCKEn & dUCK from Creedy Carver

Free Range BonE-in poRK ChopS Buy THREE ...

GET ONE Free

Chicken Breasts

half lEGS of laMB (Old Season) £9.99 each

Buy THREE ...

GET ONE Free

Charles Dowding’s Salad lEaVES  nEW linE: hurdlesbrook farm Guernsey wholemilk Yoghurts aWaRd WinninG MonTGoMERy MaTURE ChEddaR & KEEn’S ChEddaR

Large selection of Local Cheeses including

ORDERS taKEn FOR OUR MEat at nORth CaDBURY villagE StORES

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

annaMMa’S CUiSinE

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

FREE RanGE EGGS

WE tAkE ALL MAJOR CREDIt AND DEBIt CARDS

daily dEliVERiES To ThE SURRoUndinG aREa THE VISITOR August 2012 17

SHAFTESBURY - business focus Abbeyfield House

An ethos of independent, supported living within an extended family means

Abbeyfield House in Bleke Street, Shaftesbury, is so much more than home to its 15 residents. It’s a place of laughter, warmth,

friendship - supported living at its best. As we get older, we don’t necessarily require full residential care but we might need help with

❤

Kitchens you will

❤

SavE £££s on quaLIty kItchEnS ❤ Stunning ranges - contemporary - traditional - painted

gloss and more ❤ Expert design and installation ❤ Appliances from all leading manufacturers ❤ The Homemaker customer care and after sales service Longmead Industrial Estate Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 8PL Tel: 01747 851476 • Fax: 01747 858996 shaftesbury@myhomemaker.co.uk www.myhomemaker.co.uk 18 THE VISITOR August 2012

some of the household chores and appreciate a bit of company from time to time. That’s exactly the level of support that Abbeyfield House is equipped to provide and has been doing so for 35 years.

The original part of the house, which is Grade II listed, has been extended twice over the years and the whole house is full of character. All rooms are en-suite, well equipped and neutrally decorated for residents to furnish as they wish.

Residents prepare their own breakfast but two live-in housekeepers serve up homecooked lunches and evening meals in the communal dining room. Visitors are welcome at any time. For more information or to arrange a visit to Abbeyfield House, contact Sue Luscombe on 01747 854922.

The tranquil gardens at Abbeyfield House, Shaftesbury.

Homemaker Kitchens & Appliances

Homemaker of Shaftesbury have stylish kitchen showrooms. Here you will find a selection of German made kitchens exclusive to Homemaker. There is a style to suit all tastes, from the very contemporary in bold colours such as aubergine through to the more traditional painted finishes in cream.

If you don’t want to replace your kitchen completely, you can update it with replacement doors.

SHAFTESBURY - business focus These are available in a wide range of colours and finishes which can give your kitchen a completely new look.

Homemaker are also able to supply from stock a wide range of kitchen appliances from leading manufacturers.

Sometimes the cheapest appliance is not always the best value for money and it is Homemaker’s policy to give straight forward advice and sell the customer the right appliance for their individual requirements.

This customer care has paid dividends over the years as many customers are referrals and others travel some distance for the large choice available.

Homemaker is part of the Euronics buying group and this enables them to buy competitively and pass the savings on to their customers.

Whether you want a new kitchen designed and installed or a new kitchen appliance, look no further than Homemaker of Shaftesbury. See them at the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show on Wednesday 15th August.

Ben Johnson (right) and Barry Wright in the workshop of Ben Johnson Garden Machinery where servicing mowers is an integral part of the business. The premises can be found on the Wincombe Business Park, Shaftesbury.

Experienced and Reliable ...

Ben JOhnSOn of Ben Johnson Garden Machinery in Shaftesbury has over 25 years experience in garden machinery sales and repairs - so when you call on his services you can be sure of a job well done!

Situated on the Wincombe Businesss Park, Ben and his long time service engineer Barry Ben Johnson (left) with Barry in the showrooms Wright repair and service all makes and models of garden machinery including pedestrian mowers, ride-ons and ATVs in their well-equipped workshop. They also repair smaller garden machinery items such as strimmers, sharpen chainsaws and hedge-trimmers and supply tyres for wheelbarrows and ATVs. Ben Johnson has a first floor sales showroom which offers a full range of garden machinery from leading manufacturers including Husqvarna, Viking, Wolf Garten, Cub Cadet, and Hayter. There is a mower to suit all budgets and all requirements. Whether you are looking for a pedestrian mower for your back garden or you

Garden Machinery

want a tractor mower to tend an estate, Ben will talk through your requirements to ensure you have the right machine for the job and if required, will even make a home visit to assess the situation. At Ben Johnson’s customer service is paramount and this has paid dividends over the years, resulting in many regular customers and personal recommendations.

A full range of smaller garden implements are available such as chainsaws, vacuums, saw-horses etc. The Wolf Garten range of hand tools with a 10-year guarantee are also stocked, and the one handle is interchangeable with all the different ‘heads’. There is an attachment for most garden tasks including loppers, pruners and rakes.

As usual Ben Johnson will be at the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show (Stand J1) where he will have many special offers on the day. This year Ben has branched out into the sale of woodburners and accessories and these too will be on view at the show.

If you would like a new mower or you have a piece of garden machinery that needs repairing pop into Ben Johnson.

There is ample free parking outside the door. Some used machinery is on sale and trade-ins are accepted.

Ben Johnson Garden Machinery SALES - SERVICE - REPAIRS

17d Wincombe Business Park, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SO7 9QJ • Tel: 01747 851021 sales@benjohnsonmowers.com THE VISITOR August 2012 19

SHAFTESBURY - business focus Allum & Sidaway

Family jewellers Allum & Sidaway with stores in Shaftesbury, Gillingham, Dorchester, Salisbury and Ringwood, were elated when they were presented with two awards recognising achievement in business on the same night.

Management and staff were split in order to attend the two award ceremonies on Thursday 28th June and were equally delighted to scoop the South Wilts Business of the Year award for best retailer, alongside the 1st Blackmore Vale Business of the Year award, presented to Allum & Sidaway for increased potential and having had a positive impact on the economy as a whole.

Allum & Sidaway commented that ‘The past year has presented great challenges to the business community but we have shown a positive year on year turnover which we believe can only be put down to our brands, performance, customer service and award winning staff.’

M a n aging Director Jason Allum says ‘We are absolutely

The premises of Allum & Sidaway Jewellers in Shaftesbury where you will find exquisite jewellery and gifts for all the family.

thrilled to receive these awards.

We believe that we have reached a pinnacle of success through hard work, outstanding achievements, expansion of locations and an investment in beautiful designer jewellery collections. To be recognised by

the Blackmore Vale and the South Wilts business community with these exceptional and prestigious awards during our 70th anniversary year is a wonderful accolade for our hard work and success.’

Allum & Sidaway is a member of the National Association of Goldsmiths and Company of Master Jewellers. The 28th June 2012 will go down as a remarkable and unforgettable day in their 70 year history. www.allumandsidaway.co.uk

Blackmore

Blackmore is a commercial colour printer that has supplied the local community with high quality, printed products for over 100

Stores in Gillingham Shaftesbury, Salisbury, Dorchester & Ringwood Shaftesbury

01747 852439 Gillingham

01747 822659 20 THE VISITOR August 2012

years. Operating from their Shaftesbury printing house, Blackmore have an impressive range of quality and environmental accreditations that have helped them become one of the UK's leading environmental printers.

Investment in the latest software, inks and press equipment has helped Blackmore to confidently promote the increased use of uncoated and recycled papers with stunning printed results as recently seen locally on the recent Dorset Arts Week catalogue and Poole Lighthouse programme.

Blackmore also have a newspaper printing side to their diverse business producing many

SHAFTESBURY - business focus local weekly and monthly titles and are proud to have been associated with the Visitor for over 25 years.

The wines are mainly from Europe, ranging from classics to more esoteric wines from Macedonia, Georgia and Armenia.

many cases the owner, David Perry, can tell you the name of the man or woman who grew the grapes: That’s how it should be.

There are a few New World wines from boutique growers but no mass-produced brands.

Expert advice is on hand and in

❤ See us at the GILLInGham anD ShaftESbury Show

Simply the best! eRs

dishwash

FRidges

Cookers, washing machines, fridges, freezers, dishwashers, you’ll find a huge choice at Homemaker on the Longmead Industrial Estate.

Shaftesbury Wines

Shaftesbury Wines is an independent shop specialising in real wines from small producers.

They also sell specialist spirits, Ports and Sherry as well as fine, hand-rolled cigars and local ales and ciders.

When it comes to buying kitchens and kitchen appliances we make it simple ...

4 Simply the best - choice 4 Simply the best - value for money 4 Simply the best - customer service H Extensive stock for immediate delivery H Any make or model supplied - leading brand names H Free-standing and built-in appliances H Exciting new display of built-in appliances H Helpful & experienced staff H Free local delivery H Ample free parking

washing Ma Chines

liebherr Ranges & CookeRs

Branches also at: Warminster & Bath ★ Kitchens on display - full design service available

Longmead Industrial Estate Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 8PL Tel: 01747 851476 • Fax: 01747 858996 shaftesbury@myhomemaker.co.uk www.myhomemaker.co.uk

Centre

MOTCOMBE PARK PHYSIOTHERAPY & SPORTS INJURIES CLINIC PhysioFirst

Member of the Organisation of Chartered Physiotherapists in Private Practice Registered with the Health Professions Council

for treAtMent of All SportS & recent InjurIeS

• Low Back Pain • Neck Pain • Leg Pain • Fitness Instruction Christine Worrall mCSP

• • • •

Whiplash Tennis Elbow Knee Pain Hip Pain Most Health Schemes Accepted

Home Visits - Treatment Available 8am - 8pm

Tel / Fax: 01747 850328

email: cjworrall@btconnect.com • www.motcombephysio.co.uk

Westfields, New Road, Shaftesbury SP7 8QH THE VISITOR August 2012 21

SHAFTESBURY - business focus Dairy House Antiques

Dairy House Antiques is ideally situated just 3 miles North of Shaftesbury and 5 miles South of the A303 and its ample free parking makes for a stress-free visit. Take the turn off the A350 signposted to Semley Industrial Estate and you will find us just 300 yards along Station Road.

If you have been encouraged by the vast number of antiques programmes on television to think of acquiring something for your home, then do visit. There is a wide selection to choose from, whether you are looking for furniture or smaller items to complement your home. The stock is replenished and updated regularly as many of their 24 dealers visit at least weekly. As well as furniture they have books, rugs, lighting, silver, jewellery, glass, china, kitchenalia, brocante and other decorative items. Browse, and take your time! Dairy House Antiques is open everyday from 10am until 5pm Monday to Saturday and from 11 am until 4 pm on Sundays, and from midSeptember they hope to be offering coffee/tea and Honeybuns cakes to their customers to make their visit even more enjoyable.

Shirley Allum

The SALE is now on at Shirley Allum Fashions & Lingerie, almost opposite Gold Hill. Designer labels

Nutmeg

When the Olympic Torch came to Shaftesbury Shirley Allum and staff raised £375 for the Breast Cancer charity by riding an exercise bike in the shop window.

stocked for the woman of today include Gerry Weber, Michele, Seasalt, Joules and Crew, not forgetting Joseph Ribkoff and Frank Lyman who offer great party wear. You can look a whole size smaller with N.Y.D.J’s with 40% off selected styles. And don’t forget the £20 bargain rail! All the stock is genuine - no bought in stock for the sale. Sizes 10 to 30 available.

In the lingerie department you’ll find 50% off selected nightwear and a £10 Bra rail (selected styles).

The Olympic Torch came to Shaftesbury on 12th July. Shirley

and the girls raised £375 for Breast Cancer on the day on an exercise bike in the window. They would like to thank passers by who gave so generously.

Nutmeg is full to overflowing with a wonderful choice of gifts and home accessories. Here you will find colourful hurricane lamps, chandeliers and lamps - cushions and scented candles.

A range of beautiful handmade french soaps from Provence, linen napkins, small items of furniture and slate coasters can all be found.

Nutmeg are stockists of the popular Gisela Graham range including glassware. Funky jewellery, ornate mirrors, wicker baskets and delightful cake stands are just a few of the beautiful items on sale - all at reasonable prices.

The stock is constantly changing - so do call in and see owner Bev and her dog Hattie who look forward to seeing you. Make a note in your diary that in December the whole shop turns into a Santa’s Grotto of Christmas decorations and gifts. Open MonSat 10 til 5 and also open on Sundays 11-2.

Dairy House antiques Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbury Dorset SP7 9AN

At the 2011 Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show.

Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm Sunday 11am – 4pm

For that unusual gift ...

tel: 01747 853317 • www.dairyhouseantiques.co.uk

(not Bank holiday mondays) Approximately 3 miles north of Shaftesbury just off the A350 signed Semley Industrial Estate

- visit -

NUtMEG HomE AccESSoRIES & GIFTS chandeliers & cushions Handmade Soaps & candles Jewellery & Lamps Wickerware & Much More ✴ Gisela Graham ✴ StockiSt

Our stock constantly changes ... do call in!

39 HIGH STREET SHAFTESBURY Tel: 01747 850524 22 THE VISITOR August 2012

Gillingham & Shaftesbury Agricultural Show Wednesday 15th august 2012 TRACTORS RULE at the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show!

Despite all the problems in the agricultural industry there will be 14 tractor and machinery dealers at this traditional agricultural show. The Show that has a reputation for having more agri trade exhibitors than most of the multi-day events, has received bookings from nine new agricultural exhibitors.

Livestock entries continue to increase year on year, sheep entries have broken all records, cattle entries look set to equal last years record with a number of new exhibitors supporting the recently introduced classes for Devon, South Devon and Longhorns.

The G & S is a show for the whole family, new features this year include the Homemaker Cookery Theatre featuring local

chefs including David Shepherd from La Fleur de Lys restaurant in Shaftesbury. The Horticultural & Home-Handicraft competitions with over 180 classes from iceberg lettuce to iced cakes; liqueurs to lace. For the younger visitors the Circus Wizz interactive circus skills workshop and the Games Activity Arena will provide hours of exciting entertainment along with the Army Recruitment Climbing Wall.

Attractions will include a Heavy Horse Musical Drive, featuring eight teams of Suffolk horses, The Countryside Display Team, with Birds of Prey, Gun Dog & Lurcher Displays, Scurry Driving Championship, and music from the Cornish Wurzells and Neon Moon.

With a huge Food Hall, a local Real Ale bar and two big picnic

areas offering a wide variety of foods there must be something for everybody. So much to see and do at the biggest one day event in the area, held at the Turnpike Showground, Motcombe, near Shaftesbury on Wednesday 15th. August.

Come and meet Us and millie at the BV Dairy Stand

Winning ‘best in show’ at last year’s Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show, BV Dairy of Shaftesbury hope to please again with their tasty clotted cream scones and delicious milkshakes as well as

the smooth taste of the range of Blackmore Vale Milk for visitors to sample.

The dairy’s fun loving and mischievous Millie, the walkabout cow, will be on hand giving out her balloons to children, as well as the popular try-your-hand at milking a cow which children (and adults!) love.

If you’re interested in doorstep delivery of locally sourced milk or cream, then come and talk to the folks from BV Dairy at the show who can organise this for you, or you can visit their website at www.blackmorevalemilk.co.uk

GLIDEROL GARAGE DOORS All garage doors are different, so as a roller door specialist, (I don’t replace windows, etc.) I can survey, quote and install to your requirements and make the most of your garage opening, as generally no frame is necessary. With the option of automated operation with remote control, a top quality garage door need only be a phone call away.

G.H. SALES. Tel: 01935 891414

Now available 5 tonne load deliveRies by small lorry

NEW

now is the time to perk up your paths and dress up your driveways!

We can deliver to your area inc. Castle Cary, Bruton, Sherborne, Wincanton etc.

For advice or information ring Tim or Heidi or call in and see us THE VISITOR August 2012 23

Childrens World

Left: Portraiture to treasure.

Charismatic photography by Trixie Hiscock of Camelot Photographic, Wincanton.

Southwest Bicycle Works West Coker

Mid-West The Stationers Stationery, Cards and Gift Wrap Office Equipment and Furniture Printer Inks & Toners Competitive Prices

mid-West Office Equipment Sherborne

Keeping the children amused in the summer holidays can sometimes be difficult especially on wet days.

Drawing is always a popular pastime for children so pick up some coloured paper and card at Mid-West and let them get creative. There is also a range of craft items on sale, such as cardmaking.

FREE Local Delivery

Back-To-School Promotions Now Available Stockists of Lamy, Waterman, Sheaffer & Parker Pens Filofax & Collins Organisers Call at our shop ...

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

www.midwest-office.co.uk

Informal Childrens Portraiture and Pets n Black & White or Colour n Studio Sitting or at Home n MPA Cherub Programme for newborns n Contact Graham and Trixie Hiscock LBIPP  Photo by Trixie Hiscock

“Capture that moment” 3 Church Street, Wincanton BA9 9AA • 01963 34424 www.camelotphotographic.co.uk

Deadline for Bank Holiday Events: Monday 13th August 24 THE VISITOR August 2012

When the holidays start to draw to an end pop in to MidWest and stock up on all your Back-to-School requirements - files, folders, pencils, erasers, calculators etc. ready for the autumn term.

There are always plenty of Back-to-School deals to be had.

Jazziez Crewkerne

If you are looking for back to school uniforms then visit Jazziez of Crwkerne who stock both local and general school uniforms - from junior through to senior. Sportswear such as football shorts, socks and PE tops are also stocked.

A recent addition is dancewear - including ballet and tap. Anything not in stock can be ordered promptly.

Christening gifts are also now available.

The nation eagerly followed the performance of Bradley Wiggins during the Tour de France, and now has great expectations for Team GB cyclists at the Olympics. With this renewed interest in the sport more and more people are taking to their bikes. So with the long school holidays upon us, now is the time to get your children out into the fresh air. But are their bicycles roadworthy?

Southwest Bicycle Works in West Coker offers bicycle servicing and repairs and much more! They repair all bicycles from kiddies through to high end racing, and restore pre-owned bicycles for resale which they call Re-Cycle Bikes. Collection and return of repairs is available in many areas. Repair and upgrade parts and accessories are stocked and special orders are available.

The shop also offers a bicycle maintenance course and professional bespoke bike fitting as well as bespoke bicycle builds.

Shop hours are Thursday and Friday 10am - 6pm, Saturday 10am - 5pm, all other days by appointment, which can often be made the same day. For more information contact them at 01935 480550 or visit www. southwestbicycleworks.co.uk

Say you saw it in The Visitor

Childrens World

A Cycle Ride into History Bow Bridge Cycles, Langport

You may not see any monks … but you will be able to explore where they lived. During this summer holiday, why not take a short cycle ride from The

Langport and River Parrett Visitor Centre to the splendid Abbey at Muchelney, just a mile and a half away. Cycle along the old railway route which ends within sight of the Abbey. There is only a very short section of

quiet road to follow to get to the historic site.

Bring your own bikes or hire them from Bow Bridge Cycles who are based at the Visitor Centre. Ask for a route map and

a discount voucher - they will give you a 2 for 1 admission offer.

For further information, ring Bow Bridge Cycles on 01458 250350 or call in at the Visitor Centre.

Fimo Modelling Material will keep the children amused for hours during the summer holidays - try these delightful Sea Shells.

Wide selection available from Hanson’s Fabrics & Crafts of Surminster Newton.

Colourful wooden musical boxes will bring hours of pleasure - in a wide range of subjects from just £16.98. At Just For You in Gillingham there are some wonderful gift ideas including book ends, Noah’s Ark, wooden puzzles and favourites such as Gruffalo.

Just for You! Baby Clothes and Toys, Christening Gifts Aurora & Keel Teddy Bears, Soft Toys The Very Hungry Caterpillar The Gruffaloe and Peter Rabbit Wooden Toys, Mobiles & Music Boxes All prices lower than RRP and ... most retail websites (inc. P&P) Come in and have a look!

4 Townbridge House, High Street, Gillingham (Lane opposite the Methodist Church)

Open Monday – Saturday 9.30am – 5pm Tel: 01747 824263

• Cycle Hire - Cycles for all the family • Cycle Sales, Accessories & Repairs FREE Cycle Trail Route Maps available from Shop.

Westover, Langport

01458 250350 Open Daily 10am - 6pm, Closed Mondays • www.southsomersetcycling.co.uk THE VISITOR August 2012 25

Leisure & Tra vel THE POPULAR two-day Gartell Light Railway Steam & Vintage Show takes place over the weekend of 28th & 29th July. The event celebrates our Steam and Vintage heritage and attractions include: steam vehicles both on and off the rails, stationary engines, vintage vehicles of all genres, crafts and models with both static and working displays, model boats on and off the water, trade stands and much more.

There will be a licensed bar with plenty of real ales and ciders to enjoy and the ‘Pines’ buffet will be serving food and drink.

Admission is just £3 for adults; under-16’s are FREE. (Please note; this does not include train fares for the railway).

The GLR is signposted off the A357 just South of Templecombe

and from Henstridge traffic lights (sat-nav BA8 0NB). A great day out awaits all the family, don’t miss it!

Glastonbury Carnival

The search is on to find a prince or princess for the Glastonbury, Chilkwell, Guy Fawkes Carnival.

The ‘royal’ term lasts for a year, so if you are aged between 7 and 14 years and would like to lead an illuminated carnival procession, get in touch with Sally Lee at sally.lee888@btinternet.com or call 07821 695869 / 01458 441546.

mendip Dance Club

If your regular dance or exercise class is taking a summer break, try the classes at Chilcompton Village Hall each Tuesday afternoon. They have visiting tutors in a variety of styles from

Street to Scottish to Sevillanas. A pay as you go system operates and the first class is free.

Although the club is primarily for women over 50, all are welcome.

No previous dance experience is necessary. Telephone Ann 01373 812227, Christine 01761 232158 or Marybell 01761 232183 for more information.

Drayton Street Fair

Drayton Street Fair will be celebrating its 17th consecutive year on Saturday, 1st September 2012, between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm. As always, parking and entry is free. As well as the usual favourites there will be new things to see and do this year.

The main focus for this year’s charitable endeavours is to raise funds for SAVES (Somerset Accident Voluntary Emergency

Drayton Street Fair 17 th Anniversary Saturday 1st September 2012 11.00am – 4.00pm Craft and Local Produce Stalls Wanted Free Entry & Parking 01458 251687 (day/evening) 01458 251926 (day) For further details

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

by John Osborne • Answers can be found on page 46 1.

the Dian ross hit ‘chain reaction’ was written by which team of brothers?

2.

How many tears did ‘the Goombay Dance Band’ shed in 1982?

3.

What port did the ‘the Beautiful South’ sing about?

4.

‘the Verve’ had a ‘Bitter Sweet …’ what?

5.

Buster Bloodvessel was the front man of which 80’s band?

6.

‘tumbling Dice’ was a 1972 hit for which band of wrinkly rockers?

7.

nilsson and Mariah carey both topped the charts with which song?

8.

name the duo who are declaring that you, rather topically, are a ‘Winner’

9.

the 1979 album ‘night owl’ came from which late-lamented artist?

10. ‘All You need is love’ by the Beatles hit the charts first in which year? serious Double anorak Bonus Question lori lieberman wrote the classic ‘Killing Me Softly with his Song’ but about whom was it written?

Great Quotes in Music (53) “It's like a whole orchestra, the piano for me” – Dave Brubeck

26 THE VISITOR August 2012

MU

SI

C

FOR

Service) and of course to support Village Projects such as essential repairs to the Village Hall. The BBC Radio Somerset Bus will be attending this year and is planning a live broadcast during the day!

Family entertainment includes Punch & Judy, a bouncy castle, local craft and produce stalls, a display of classic cars, and music from the Stoke Sub Hamdon band, the New Boston Tea Party blue grass band and the Skintight Samba drumming band.

The Grand Prize Draw’s first prize will be £100 cash (plus many more fantastic prizes) and of course the large and popular Tombola has hundreds of prizes for adults and children alike.

Last but not least, to tempt your appetite, there will be barbecued pork rolls, bacon rolls, ice creams, and Pimms together with refreshments in the Village Hall, Drayton Nurseries and at the Drayton Arms Pub. Go along and join the fun!

3rd August Quicksilver mail, Yeovil 18th August millers Inn, Wincanton

THE

M

ON

TH

July 27th STATE OF UNDRESS - Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil 27th mATHEW ROCKS GIGATHON Halfway House, chilthorne Domer 29th US (acoustic duo) - lord nelson, norton Sub Hamdon 29th LIVE SINGERS - Millers Inn, Wincanton August 3rd SNAPPA - Bakers Arms, Martock 3rd THE ROCKIN’ 60s - Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil 4th POWERCUT - lord nelson, norton Sub Hamdon 4th WISE INTENTIONS - rose & crown, Bradford Abbas 9th TIm PITmAN - natterjack, evercreech junction 10th BLACK mAGIC WOmAN - Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil 11th ROSS KIRK - Millers Inn, Wincanton 11th REAL DEAL - rose & crown, Bradford Abbas 12th WIZARDS of AVALON - Dinnington Docks, Dinnington 17th STRESS - Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil 17th BLACK mAGIC WOmAN - rose & crown, Bradford Abbas 24th HOGWASH JUNCTION FUNCTION - Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil 24th FAIR PLAY - Bakers Arms, Martock 25th LIVE JAZZ (12.30 - 4pm) - Montague Inn, Shepton Montague 25th RAY JONES BAND - Wyndham Arms, Kingsbury episcopi 25th BAG ‘O’ RATS - rose & crown, Bradford Abbas 26th BEN WATERS BAND - Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil 26th JOE JAmES - natterjack, evercreech junction 26th BOOTLEG BLONDIE - lord nelson, norton Sub Hamdon 26th HOT STEEL - Queens Arms, corton Denham 27th PAUL SmITH - crown & Victoria, tintinhull

An AdVeRT in THe Pub PAgeS enSuReS A FRee MenTiOn HeRe

Gartell Light Railway

Leisure & Tra vel Shepton montague Fete

The Shepton Montague Fete will be held at the Montague Inn, for the second time.

Sean and Suzy are delighted to be holding the fete once again in and around the pub. There will be the usual stalls, games, food, bric-a-brac, tombola and raffle.

This year visitors will be entertained with Live Jazz. The fete takes place on Saturday 25th August from 12.30pm - 4pm. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for fine weather.

Community Spirit Shone for Party in the Park

Despite the adverse weather conditions Galhampton’s Party in the Park was another great success. The heavy rain caused a number of last minute changes but organisers were determined to keep the festival running. A waterlogged field meant the car park was put out of action so an alternative was hastily organised and minibuses hired to transport festival goers to the site. 800 people came along to enjoy the day, fewer than normal but still a healthy number given the circumstances. Luckily the

weather improved for them and there was even a spell of blue sky and sunshine during the afternoon. Six bands performed superbly and kept the crowd entertained and happy. Local band Full Tilt opened the event with an excellent set of covers, followed by Hobo Jones and the Junkyard Dogs; the Novatones; John Otway; Jim Penfold and the Hollywood Killers. The day was then brought to a close with the legendary Wilko Johnson playing his wonderful rhythm and blues to a tired but happy crowd.

The feedback on the day has been wonderful with so many people saying ‘thank you’ for keeping the event going and what a great day they had despite the rain and a rather muddy field.

There was a true British spirit at the festival and a lovely atmosphere on the field as those who had made the effort to go were determined to have a good time.

It was a great community effort with so many people offering their help so that the festival could go ahead. Thanks go particularly to Jeremy Angell, Jack Pollard, Trevor Gray, Pauline Lewis,

CYCLE BABBLE’s Giles Belbin is reporting at the Olympics ... back soon!

ARTS Going for Gold Exhibition

THE SUMMER ExHIBITION of the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen is currently on display at The Courthouse Gallery in Somerton.

Entitled Going for Gold it can be viewed until Saturday 1st September.

The exhibition pays homage to the cultural Olympics and celebrates the luxurious and beguiling quality of gold within craft. The eye is inextricably drawn to the warmth of gold; even the merest touch of a golden colour evokes opulence and beauty. Combined with different craft disciplines, the makers have explored their techniques and processes to produce imaginative and captivating new craft, reflecting upon this summer’s auspicious event and topic.

The exhibition provides a blaze of golden tones, reflective

A local Diary surfaces, textures, shimmering threads and intriguing forms; encompassing jewellery, textiles, glassworks, ceramics and sculptures in wood and metal among the exhibits. A wonderful array of visually arresting and tactile adornments awaits your discovery.

The Courthouse Gallery is open six days a week, 10am - 5pm, and admission is free.

mosterton Art Group the 24th

Annual Exhibition

Saturday 25th August – Saturday 1st September (inclusive) in the Skyrm room of Beaminster Public Hall, DT8 3EF 10am - 5pm (4pm on the last day) MeMBerS orIGInAl ArtWorK AnD cArDS for SAle free entry and Disabled Access parking in Adjacent car park For further information please contact ... margaret Dawe on 01308 862572

Archie Montgomery, and there were many others who helped in various ways from the volunteer minibus drivers to the marshals round the village.

Held as a fund raiser towards the building of a new village hall

in Galhampton, the event will not have raised any money this year, but there is still a great deal of pride in the village working together to overcome the weather to keep the festival running. All agree - a great community effort!

Antiques & Collecting Summer Auction

THE FINAL DAY of Lawrences’ Summer Fine Art auction included a host of strong prices to lift the total for the sales that week to over £1 million.

Highlights in the picture section included £5,000 for a small linocut

by Claude Flight (bought for £600 just ten years ago); £4,180 for three small watercolours of beavers, bears and pelicans at London Zoo dating from about 1850; £49,000 for an early 17th Century oil of the Holy Family by a Roman or Bolognese artist in the style of Carlo Saraceni; £8,600 for a Victorian otter hunting scene

by John Sargent Noble; £15,650 for six works by the modern Welsh artist Donald McIntyre; £13,140 for a pretty portrait of Ruth Ezra by Sir Oswald Birley; and £34,650 for an ink drawing by

Edward Burra of figures queuing at a hot dog stall at a funfair.

‘There were strong prices in all sections of the picture sale with particular strengths for traditional modern British works from the 20th Century and good decorative Old Master pictures,’ observes specialist Richard Kay. ‘Modern prints, in particular, seem to be doing well at present and a lithograph of a horse by Dame Elisabeth Frink made £2,500, higher than recent prices for this print in London.’

Gold & Silver Jewellery Wanted Best prices paid for wedding rings, pendants, chains, bracelets, and broken items, etc.

Phone Jenny Martin Castle Cary

01963 350733

PASTImES of Sherborne We pay top prices for old toys - any condition Trains • Cars • Lorries • Soldiers • Etc. Britains * Dinky * Corgi * Hornby Meccano * Tri-ang * Etc. Shop open Mornings 9.30am - 1.00pm Monday to Saturday

tel: 01935 816072 Mob: 07527 074343 HoMe VISItS BY ArrAnGeMent

3 Westbury, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3EH THE VISITOR August 2012 27

The

Pub Pages

Beer & sKittles P. A. BAXTER

EVERY NOW AND AGAIN I have to give a mention to some of the supermarkets which, according to some sources, are out for world domination. This is, of course, because sometimes they do have some good choices of beer. However it is most satisfying to find a local, independent family owned supermarket that go out of their way to support local breweries – and at the same time give a huge choice of beers. In the Visitor area I hear you cry?

Why yes, and one that has been

around for a very long time.

Read on dear reader, read on …

The better half and I arranged to meet an offspring at ‘Dikes’ of Stalbridge in ‘William’s Farmhouse Café’ – a pleasant part of the store, and now with a conservatory added quite recently. To my surprise the café has a license, and on the menu is ‘William’s Tipple’ claiming it to be ‘real ale’ – which indeed it is, bottle-

Adrian & Kate welcome you to the ...

Natterjack Inn

was part of the long line of the Dike family and the person whose vision it was to have a spanking new supermarket with all the modern facilities one might come to expect. Sadly he didn’t live long enough to see the vision turn into reality, and the café and the beer carry his name in tribute. During our very pleasant lunch of bacon, cheese and cranberry baguette melts I studied the menu, and

Friends or relatives Visiting?

Check out our Excellent Accommodation 7 ENSuitE LEttiNG ROOMS Disabled Access - Viewings Welcome

F R E E H O U S E

“The Voice of Somerset”

tiM PitMAN entertains ... thursday 9th August in aid of charity visit www.timpitman.co.uk

Sunday 26th August - JOE

EVERCREECH JUNCTION

tuesday - StEAK NiGHt tWo 8oz Steaks and tWo Glasses of Wine - £22.50

Tel 01749 860253 or Fax 01749 860757 or visit www.natterjackinn.com

QUEENS ARMS Wraxall nr. Shepton mallet Tel: 01749 860201 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

BEEr gArDEN

Lunchtimes & Evenings Bookings Advised at Weekends - Children Welcome

JAMES

Traditional Sunday Roast + Full Menu Extensive Menu - Daily Specials

On the A371 between Castle Cary and Shepton Mallet

Simon & Ivor welcome you to the

LArgE CAr PArk At rEAr

conditioned and brewed by the Piddle Brewery at Piddlehinton.

I will be saving mine for the appropriate time and consuming it mid-morning when I am writing this, as it weighs in at a healthy 4.7%ABV. The label carries the obligatory ‘CAMRA says this is real ale’ label, and that it was the recipient of the top prize in the Taste of Dorset Awards 2009. So who is William? Well the late William

for full event & menu details

~ The ~

manor House Inn Ditcheat

Nr. Shepton Mallet BA4 6RB • tel: 01749 860276

SUNDAY LUNCH

a friendly country inn

★ roast Beef or chicken ...... £7.95 ★ ★ Sunday lunch puddings ... £2.95 ★

our tasty Menu changes monthly and includes ...

neW for the Summer TWO main Courses for ... £12 monday to Thursday Children Eat FRee Friday, Saturday and Sunday One FRee main Course with each Adult Meal purchased off Main Menu Not including Sunday Lunch We have a wide and varied Menu including Coeliac Dishes and have added some neW Vegetarian Choices Also neW to the Menu is the Smaller

Portion Option

HAVING A SPECIAL CELEBRATION?

then we can help with menus Tailor made to suit you!

28 THE VISITOR August 2012

Vegetarian Options Daily Fish and Meat Specials Steaks Hand-Cut to Order Why not join our DininG CluB? See website for Sample Menus and further information

 BAR OPEN ALL DAY  “So if you are looking for ... a candlelit dinner ... a light bite ... a drink in a friendly countryside pub ... or a quality venue for a small gathering ... please contact us and we will be happy to accommodate your needs”. www.manorhouseinn.co.uk

The

Pub Pages

one thing that jumped out at me was that there is a hitching rail for horses and, although we didn’t come by that method of

transport, being in a rural area one doesn’t know exactly how ones customers will be arriving!

We were taken by the wall décor of the cafe, which consists of extremely large pictures of various Dike’s establishments through the ages, and we were amused to see one of their signwritten vehicles the legend ‘Phone 4’. Now that was a long time ago! On speaking to the staff it soon become clear that there exists an esprit de corps amongst the staff that is sadly so lacking in so many larger establishments. Why? I believe that this comes from the top,

Home-Made Food Served 7 Days a Week

Real Ales - Garden Skittle Alley

Dinnington, Nr Hinton St. George Somerset Tel: 01460 52397 • Email mike.mills-roberts@live.co.uk Traditional Country Pub Serving Sensibly Priced Food & Drink Fresh Fish From Beer every Friday - eat in or takeaway with chips Steak Night Wednesdays * 3 Meat Carvery every Sunday 15% OFF All Drinks Fridays 4.00pm to 6.00pm Docks Transport Society - Vintage Cars and Motorcycles every 1st Wednesday 7.00pm One of the tastefully furnished ensuite guest rooms in The Old Cider House at The Natterjack Inn, Evercreech Junction.

Back by Popular Demand - Sunday August 12th (Note Date Change)

The Wizards Of Avalon - Traditional Jazz Band

Rob & Lin welcome you to the

WYNDHAM ARMS

Corton Denham • • • •

AA Pub of the Year 2008/9 CAMRA Somerset Cider Pub 2012 AA Rosette Restaurant 4* Inn Accommodation

KiNgSbuRY EpiScopi nr. MARTocK SoMERSET TA12 6AT

Moor Beer’s Justin Hawke will be presenting a

Beer Festival

saturday 18th and sunday 19th august ... from 12noon

CariBBean Party sunday 26th august ... from 12noon

Jerky BBQ Limbo Dancing Live Music Steel Band - ‘Hot Steel’ Lots of Family Fun tel: 01963 220317 • www.thequeensarms.com email: relax@thequeensarms.com the Queens arms, Corton Denham, sherborne, Dt9 4lr

Delicious Homecooked Food served lunchtimes & evenings ...

Why not try our NEW Summer Menu? ✳ Traditional Sunday Roasts ✳ choice of meats

cAMRA Rated beers & ciders Saturday 25th August Live Music with RAY JONES BAND Function Room & Skittle Alley available for private hire/ parties

Tel: 01935 823239 Please visit us on our website: www.wyndhamarms.com THE VISITOR August 2012 29

As always, Vinny was thinking of his stomach at The Walnut Tree Inn, Mere

The

Pub Pages

and clearly the staff have a respect for their leadership.

Showing a particular interest in the range of beers, I was invited to speak to the alcohol manager, one Richard Parrish, a larger-than-life character who willingly gave up some of his break-time to speak to us.

Richard has had extensive training in all types of alcoholrelated drink, including matching alcohol with food, and whose passion for his trade soon becomes apparent.

Furthermore, the latest of the Dike family in charge – Andy – gives Richard a free hand to buy Sean & Suzy welcome you to

The

Montague Inn

VillaGe Fete at the Monty

saturday 25 th august, 12.30 – 4pm Live Jazz plus all the Fun of the Fete!

Stalls ✴ Food ✴ Games Quiz Night - Last Wednesday of Every Month Fun Charity Singles Night - Wednesday 12th September ... in aid of St. Margaret’s Hospice Steak Night - Every Monday Simple Suppers - Tuesday Evening - 2 Courses £10 Attractive Restaurant, Terrace & Gardens with stunning views

Shepton Montague nr. Bruton

Traditional Sunday Lunches - bookings essential

Tel: 01749 813213

REaL aLES  FinE WinE  aMpLE paRkinG

The

Visit our website: www.themontagueinn.co.uk

Lord Nelson

Rectory Lane Norton Sub Hamdon

Mark, Helen and staff welcome you to ‘The Nelson’

gooD FooD - gooD BEEr - grEAt AtmoSPhErE

Sunday 29 th July - ‘Us’ (duo) Saturday 4 th August - ‘Powercut’ Sunday 26 th August - ‘Bootleg Blondie’

Your hosts, mick, Jean and Garry welcome you to

The mUDDLED

CourtyArD H BEEr gArDEN At rEAr AmPLE PArkINg oPEN ALL DAy FrIDAy, SAturDAy & SuNDAy

30 THE VISITOR August 2012

Tel: 01935 881473 www.thelordnelson.biz

mAN

Lower Street, West Chinnock

A charming village inn serving delicious home cooked food in a traditional atmosphere Food served every lunchtime & evening 

FRIDAY is FRESH FISH DAY  With Delicious Homemade Beer Batter

 SUNDAY LUNCH - Choice of Roasts - £7.95 Booking Advised 

Monday to Friday ... TWO COURSE LUNCH £8 Tuesday and Wednesday ...

TWO STEAKS & BOTTLE of WiNE £25

what he feels appropriate. The range of ciders alone include organic and many local types, they have, incredibly, almost 100 different varieties - more than Tesco! This was recognized by an award that came in the shape of Convenience Store of the Year at The Drinks Retailing Awards, presented in London in February. They also have many liqueurs and wines, some also local, but of course it was the beers that took my attention.

Again, there are many local brews, many of the breweries I had never heard of, let alone the different ales. Richard tells me that they have recently reduced the shelf space of the canned beers by a metre to enable the expansion of the bottled range as popularity of quality beers increases. These now number about 150 varieties, from the lower gravity right through the range of tastes and types to the higher end of the alcohol content level.

As I write, your scribe still has to give many of them the Baxter crew testing session, although knowing now the person who picks them and that there are many from local and renowned breweries whose brewers have the passion for the art, I have little doubt that we will be anything other than delighted with our purchases, obtained purely for research you understand … and we do like to do a lot of research. My sincere thanks to Richard for sparing his valuable time in helping educate an enthusiastic couple of customers, and my congratulations to Andy Dike for letting his staff get on with what they know. Whilst it is unlikely that I will be arriving by horse on my next visit, at least those of you who have the 1 H.P. mode of transport know there is somewhere for them to be parked, and guess what?

Dikes even sell hay!

STEAK SPECIAL From Sunday to Thursday - TWO 8oz. Rump Steak meals for £14

BEER GARDEN

ACCOmmODATION NOW AVAILABLE Homemade Daily Specials • real Ale • Skittle Alley

Tel: 01935 881235

The

Pub Pages

Whilst the game of skittles is associated with pubs and generally the working classes, research has led me to discover that King Edward VII had a bowling alley built at Sandringham. Some nifty work on the computer and bingo - a picture was found taken around 1889 it is believed, of the ‘American Style bowling alley’ which by virtue of the fact there are two side-by-side, looks very much like the ten-pin alleys found at Greenwich, and not that different from those at the ‘Sheep’s Heid’ pub in Edinburgh. What a find! The

décor is certainly nothing like a pub of course, with beautiful drapes and fancy lights, and although the picture is rather faded, it nevertheless is good enough to see that this indeed was built for the upper-classes.

There appears to be a choice of two sizes of balls with a central return shute, and a fancy chalkboard (I assume) with a carved wooden dish for the chalk. Can we imagine the Royal family of the time downing a few pots of the local ales whilst enjoying a few hands of the beautiful game? I cannot seem to find a floor plan of the present day Sandringham so I cannot say if it is still there or not.

Is there anyone out there in Visitorland who can help? Feel free to write to me on skittlealley@hotmail.com about any pub or beer related subject.

Do check the picture out on the internet, although I don’t recommend that you take a picture to your local pub and ask the landlord for your alley to be decorated like it. Enjoy your skittles.

the Halfway House inn Country Lodge CHiLtHORNE DOMER nr. YEOViL tel: 01935 840350 • Fax: 01935 849006

new menu now available

light lunches - tWO for £10 - available Monday to Saturday Lunch

Delicious sunday Carvery £7.95 choice of Meats

Friday 27th July - ‘Gigathon’ by Mathew Rocks In aid of Bristol Childrens hospital - 7.30pm start

★ Visit our neW WeBSIte www.halfwayhotelyeovil.com ★ proprietor: paul t. rowsell FBII Weddings • conferences • excellent Accommodation • Beautiful lakes & Gardens

Chris & Jill welcome you to the ...

ROYAL OAK Over Stratton, South Petherton Tel: 01460 240906

A Charming Country Inn

relax on the Patio and Enjoy our NEW SummEr mENu Lunchtime Special 2 Courses - £8.50 (Tuesday to Saturday) WEDNESDAy & thurSDAy SPECIAL

Surf, turf, Swine & Wine Night

TWO Rump Steaks, or TWO Beer Battered Haddock or TWO Gammon Steaks, or Any TWO with a Carafe of Wine ... £19.95 per couple (Booking Advised)

✴ traditional Sunday roast ✴

The

t u T n l ree a W

FreehoUse

Shaftesbury Road, Mere, Wilts

7th annual Beer & CiDer Festival Friday 24th August until Monday 27th August

20 Beers aND CiDers live music • BBQs

Family FUN Day

Saturday 25th August Bouncy Castle • Bungee Run Fairground • Stalls Refreshments & much more!

Everyone Welcome See our website for full details

www.walnut-tree-inn.co.uk 01747 861220 the Walnut tree, mere, serving “Good food - good wines - good times” ... all day, every day THE VISITOR August 2012 31

They Say That Dave Robinson of Wincanton has found that a horse escort is better than any SatNav to get you out of a tricky situation.

That Castle Cary’s Andy Mullett recently walked into the local chemist to collect a prescription.

He was walking very badly and when a relative asked what the problem was he replied ‘laryngitis’.

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

168 Hendford Hill YEoViL “Everyone is talking about me It makes me feel so bad Everyone is laughing at me It makes me feel so sad”

That Ruth Handley of Wincanton is not for turning - but can reverse back a long way.

FIRST PERSON to tell me the song will win a free drink. last month Chris Chant of Cue Gardening was first to tell me that it was The Beach Boys and ‘god only Knows’.

Well what a month! At the time of writing it had actually rained every day this month and a substantial part of last month as well. Still it did not dampen our spirits when we had our Charity Beer Festival here in conjunction with WASA (Westland Apprentice Student Association). We managed to raise over £650 towards The Special Care Baby Unit at Yeovil Hospital - a great effort, well done you guys. And as if that was not enough our Charity Football match against the boys and girls from Corals raised over £400 for Macmillan nurses and The Quicksilver won the game 8-5!

A splendid time was had by all. thanks to Marie, Ashley and the rest of the gang.

Got to say a big well done to the folks down at The mad Hatter Joke Shop. they have always served us well and now their new party shop department takes the whole thing to a new level. new shop new signs - you cant miss ‘em up there in princes Street.

Well worth checking out. Well done you guys the place looks Great!

Andy Knapman celebrated his 40th birthday in style here at The Quick’ and Steve Shortland came with his family to celebrate his 60th birthday 10 years after celebrating his 50th in the same restaurant. And it is funny how things have a habit of repeating themselves.

Steve managed to go the whole evening with out buying a drink the same as he did 10 years ago . mark Lambden, yes that’s right my older brother, celebrated his 50th here with a party for all the family. Well done bro’. And a young couple Tracy and mark became mr and mrs Dale here with a super day for all their friends and family congratulations to you both! next month we have some great music lined up for you here at the top of the hill. on the 3rd we have Karaoke in the bar, and in the function room The Rockin 60’s will be performing in aid of Heartbeat. on the 10th in the bar we have the first visit here at The Quick’ of Black magic Woman. on the 17th Stress will be live in the bar. on the 24th Hogwash Junction Function will be live in the bar. And on Bank Holiday Sunday 26th we have in the function room The Fabulous Ben Waters Band ... tickets are selling fast, one not to be missed!

And finally: I came home the other evening to find the missus all done up in stockings, suspenders and high heels! I said “What are you playing at?” she said “You said you would only make love to me in a Basque”. I said “no love I said Mask”!!!  TOOT TOOT !!!

That Bryan ‘Tigger’ Bowers of Gillingham is not forgetful - he is just very busy.

 01935 424721

That even a broken wrist does not get John Lawrence of Needful Things, Castle Cary out of painting and decorating.

That Mr. Victor Higgins of Yeovil will be painting the rest of his car yellow, to match the Fire Hydrant sign next door.

That Shirley Clarke of Ansford enjoyed her recent trip to Alresford in Hampshire, but she didn’t enjoy the Macaroni Cheese.

That Pat and John Carp of Wincanton had a nasty fright when they met on the landing in the middle of the night.

That Martock Youth Club have shown to the more mature residents of the town that they certainly have ‘green fingers’ when it comes to horticulture, having supplied the July Monthly Market with produce from their new garden.

That residents of North and South Cadbury are speculating as to which flag will be be flown next at Upper North Town.

That John Carp of Wincanton had to evict an univited visitor from the caravan whilst on holiday.

That at the Old Alresford Village Fair, Ken Clarke of Ansford proved that he can still bowl a straight ball.

That the 6am doggy dawn chorus is not appreciated by those living next to the Wincanton Cricket Pitch.

That Jessie J has recently been seen in Norton Sub Hamdon.

That Brewham’s Les ‘Dosser’ Phillips likes a snooze after collecting his Sunday paper.

That the question is asked “Do Wincanton’s Tracey and Gerald Burden live High on the hill?”

That a certain PA from Gibbs Marsh doesn’t have her own Parking Space.

That when taking the dog out, Wincanton’s Wendy & Tony Pugsley must remember the dog!

32 THE VISITOR August 2012

BookinGS

M a n o r H o u s e i n n ? ... and remember, you are very welcome to look around the new accommodation at the natterjack inn, Evercreech Junction - ideal if you have friends and family visiting the area.

Leaping on to Longbridge Deverill where the George held a Charity Fun Day recently and raised over £400 for Help for Heroes and SSAFA Forces Help ... well done to the red Lion in Gillingham for their awardwinning Jubilee decorations ... regular quiz night every Thursday at the Phoenix ... delicious lunches for just £5 at the Dolphin, Peacemarsh ... make a date in your diary for the Cider & Beer Festival at the Walnut tree, Mere over the Bank Holiday Weekend ... and the Lionfest was a roaring success for the White Lion at Bourton, look on facebook for details of the fabulous Dreadzone.

Marching on to Martock where the hanging baskets are looking good at the Bakers arms ... always an excellent pint at the Wyndham arms, Kingsbury Episcopi ... the Turkish-themed evening at the Crown & Victoria, Tintinhull is sure to be full of eastern promise ... choice of three meats at the Sunday carvery

The

Pub Pages

ARoUnD THE

H o U S E S IN WINCANTON ... there is sure to be some clowning around at the Millers inn on the 4th of August ... live music at the Cat Cafe on the 3rd Nobodys Business and 17th Dave Watson Trio, a Jazz band featuring Rebecca Chambers ... special deals on Sunday Lunch at the unicorn inn ...take the kiddies to see the animals at the Hunters Lodge, Leigh Common and enjoy a good meal too ... fun for all the family at the Montague inn, Shepton Montague when the Village Fete is held on the 25th August ... have you tried the tasty hand cut steaks in Ditcheat’s

Totally refurbished and under new ownership

Lee and Louise welcome you to the ...

BAKERS ARMS FREEHOUSE

North Street, Martock, TA12 6ER  01935 823346 www.bakersarmsmartock.co.uk

OpEn ALL DAy EvERy DAy DIARY DATES Friday 3rd August – Snappa Friday 10th August – General Knowledge Quiz Night Starts 7.30pm, £1 per head entry, laRgE caSH pRizES

Friday 24th August – Fair Play Saturday 1st September – Paul Smith Saturday 8th September – Smoking Guns BAR MEALS  FunctiOn ROOM  OutSiDE BARS

BAnK HOLiDAy EvEntS BOOK your ADVeRT in our Pub Pages TODAY! September issue Deadline: Monday 13th August Published: Thursday 23rd August

Tel: 01963 351256

info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk

The

Pub Pages

at Dinnington Docks, Dinnington ... Chris at the royal oak, Over Stratton will not be getting his shorts out ... in Norton Sub Hamdon the recent road works didn’t put off the punters at the Lord nelson ... unfortunately the

Cat Head inn, Chiselborough is currently closed - not for long we hope ... rugby fan Garry of the Muddled Man, West Chinnock makes a cracking omelette ... back again at the rose & Crown, Bradford Abbas are the Bag ‘o’ Rats band for the Bank Holiday Weekend ... in Corton Denham grass skirts and rum punch will be the order of the day at the queens arms when they host a Caribbean event ... and finally ... Badger Ales is delighted to announce that its first ever show garden won Silver Gilt at RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show 2012. The Badger Beer Garden, created to celebrate beer and brewing, is the first ever show garden at Hampton Court to be sponsored by a brewery.

The Rose & Crown

Bradford Abbas • Tel: 01935 474506

Pets Delaware Veterinary Group

Delaware Veterinary Group has been established for over 100 years and has an enthusiastic and friendly team with appointments available throughout the day. Home visits can be arranged if required and a 24-hour emergency service provided by their own staff is available. A popular scheme is the Healthy Pet Scheme which includes annual vaccination, worming and flea treatments all at discounted prices and paid for monthly by direct debit.

Being a member of the scheme also gives entitlement to further substantial discounts. Please

Tuesdays: STEAK NIGHT - 2 x 8oz rumps & bottle of wine £18.95 Wednesdays: MIdwEEK luNcHTIME cARvERy £6.95 Thursdays: cuRRy NIGHT - help yourself choice of 3 curries + drink £7.95

contact them to find out how they can help you budget and at the same time comprehensively care for your cat, dog or rabbit. www.delawarevets.co.uk or email office@delawarevets.co.uk Delaware Veterinary Group, Fulford House, Torbay Road, Castle Cary BA7 7DT, Tel: 01963 350307. Also at 106 Hendford Hill, Yeovil BA20 2RF & 5 High Street, Stoke Sub Hamdon TA14 6PP, Tel: 01935 474690.

Noah’s Ark Pet Shop

Noah’s Ark Pet Shop in Sturminster Newton is well stocked with a wide range of foods, toys, accessories and health and hygiene products for your small animals - rabbits - guinea pigs - cats - dogs - aquarium and

ANimAL PorTrAiTS

Saturday 4th August: wISE INTENTIONS Saturday 11th August: REAl dEAl Friday 17th August: BlAcK MAGIc wOMAN Saturday 25th August Bank Holiday : BAG ‘O’ RATS

ExcEllENT

B&B

SuNdAy cARvERy – Family Friendly Garden

Mark & Isabel welcome you to the

Crown & Victoria Inn Farm Street, TInTInhull nr. Yeovil BA22 8PZ

★

miCheliN aCClaimeD PUB

★

Wednesday 1st August

Turkish Theme Evening 2 courses £ 10 booking essential ThEME EVEnIngS EVErY FIrST WEdnESdAY oF ThE MonTh

Have your pet captured in pastels - delightful portraits by Carol Anne Adlington.

A pastel drawing of your pet - a timeless gift Contact C. A. Adlington

01749 813524 pasteldogportraits.co.uk

NOAH’S ARK Pet SHOP Pet Foods, Treats, Toys, Accessories, and Health & Hygiene for all your Furry, Four-Legged, Finned & Feathered Friends

*Sunday 12th August, 4pm – 7pm

Transport Show Cars – Bikes – Agricultural Vehicles Free Entry – light refreshments Available

1 Retsel House, Bridge Street, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1AW

tel: 01258 472205

Voluntary donations to Air Ambulance *Bank holiday Monday 27th August, 3.30pm – early evening

live Music with Paul Smith Free Entry - BBQ & light refreshments *Weather Permitting delicious Award Winning Food served every day lunchtime and evening Traditional roasts available all day Sunday Quiz night ... Every Second Tuesday of the month – 7.30pm start Beautiful gardens • real Ales Ample Parking • Ensuite Accommodation

Bookings Tel: 01935 823341 Fax: 01935 825786 • Email: info@thecrownandvictoria.co.uk www.thecrownandvictoria.co.uk

“Dedicated to excellence in animal Care for over 100 Years”

Small Animal, farm & equine 24 Hour emergency Service provided by our own staff CAStLE CARY  01963 350307 YEOViL & StOKE SuB HAMDON  01935 474690 www.delawarevets.co.uk email:office@delawarevets.co.uk THE VISITOR August 2012 33

Pamper Your Pets pond fish - poultry, cage and aviary and wild birds - reptiles and amphibians. Special and regular orders can be catered for - just ask! You are sure of a warm welcome and so are any of your pets that you bring in too! We look forward to seeing you soon!

Crossroads Pet Supplies

Crossroads Pet Supplies is a onestop shop for all your pets needs.

Situated on the Yeovil to Sherborne causeway there is plenty of free parking outside the door. Filled to overflowing with everything from pet beds and toys through to bird seed and hutches. Whatever you are looking for you are bound to find it at Crossroads. They stock animal feed for all types of animals at competitive prices.

Bulk orders at discounted rates.

So whether you have a rabbit or cat, a fish or a dog – or just like to feed the wild birds, do call in.

Bruton Veterinary Practice

Bruton Vets provides the best in veterinary services for family pets, horses and farm animals.

Their popular special offers and easy payment plan helps with the cost of veterinary care.

Bruton Vets Stewart Halperin recently performed the first ever UK stem cell transplants on dogs previously considered

A Sparkford Loose Box is built for a lifetime of enduring service and could be just what you need after the recent rainy spell. Contact Sparkford Sawmills on 01963 440414 with your requirements.

untreatable. Stem cell therapy is now affordable for treating such conditions as arthritis, kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, neurological disease, hip dysplasia, cruciate knee problems and severe skin disease.

Call 01749 813291 to register or visit Bruton Vets at 25 High Street, Bruton BA10 0AH. Everyone is invited to the

dog tired of high prices? visit

CROSSROADS PET SUPPLIES suppliers oF

• Pet Foods • Bird & Pigeon Seeds • Full range of Toys, Hutches, Accessories ... all at competitive prices Ample FREE PARkinG outside the Door Find us at Forward Garage on the main A30 between Sherborne & Yeovil

Tel: 01935 411859 .

Bruton Vets Dog Show at Gilcombe Farm, Bruton, BA10 0QE on Sunday 12th August. Call in for an entry form or enter your dog on the day.

Brunel Pet Centre

Brunel Pet Centre of Somerton is run by Gill Jay and daughter Emily.

Emily, a fully qualified dog

Brunel Pet Centre

5a Brunel Shopping Precinct

SOMERTON

Own BRAnD complete Dog Food ‘charlie’s choice’ • Toys & Accessories • Wild Bird Food - well priced • Drontal & Frontline stocked • Horse Wormers now available  DOg gROOMing 

 01458 274980

groomer, has now started her own business 4 Paws Dog Grooming.

Emily runs her business from home at Curry Rivel and offers a collection and delivery service for your family pet. A full list of treatments are available to include – clipping, trims and coat stripping, bathing and drying, nail clipping and free puppy bath.

Appointment times are flexible.

To find out more or to book your dog an appointment, call in or telephone Brunel Pet Centre on 01458 274980.

Home from Home

If you are away on holiday having a good time you want to know that your family pooch is in safe hands at home and having a good time too!

Home from Home, for dogs is aptly named – situated a few miles from Castle Cary, Home from Home offers excellent accommodation for your pet – living in the house as part of the

HOME FROM HOME FOR YOUR DOG Let your Dog come and stay with us when you go on holiday, for a day, a week, or longer Dog friendly family home, constant attention & supervision Space available for exercise and long walks REFERENCES AvAILABLE Open 9am - 6pm, 7 Days a Week including Christmas

For more details please call Connie Card

34 THE VISITOR August 2012

01963 240650

Pamper Your Pets family whilst also having plenty of fresh air and exercise in large secure grounds outside. Owned and run by Connie Card for the past 4 years you can leave your dogs knowing that they will be well looked after. Any length of stay is available from just a half day through to weeks. Home from Home is even open over the Christmas holidays.

References are available, Home from Home is fully insured, vet approved and licensed through SSDC. Telephone 01963 240650.

merrymeet Kennels & Cattery

If you are going on holiday – why not give the family pet a holiday too! Merrymeet Kennels run by Elaine and Ed Tilley is set in 12

acres of countryside and offers secure and comfortable accommodation for your pet.

A service offered is Doggy Day Care - a daily service of pet care ideal if you have to go out of town on business or are just doing a spot of shopping. Available Monday to Friday from 7.30am until 6.30pm.

Merrymeet has a professional grooming parlour, using quality products – to ensure your pet looks its best. The retail shop offers quality pet foods such as James Wellbeloved at sensible prices. Horse rugs are washed and air-dried: repairs are also undertaken. To find out more visit the website or call in.

These ceramics by Garry Jones are available from Martock Gallery Beefcake (top) £60 and Holy Cow £48.

Pet Portraits

Sue Pexton and Samantha Elliott (right) of Buy and Save, Castle Cary well known for their household items and soft furnishings - Buy & Save have increased their range of pet foods & wild bird seed. Homefayre, Crewkerne is a sister shop - carrying an even wider selection - with pet beds, toys & accessories. Both shops offer good value for money.

Did you know we sell Pet Food?

Pet Food – Dog Biscuits pet Beds & toys – Wild Bird Seed ... and feeders all at low, low prices!

PLUS ...

Everything for the Home!

Extensive Range of READY MADE CuRtAiNS Professional alteration service also available ★ DuVEtS all sizes / colours ★ tOWELS wonderful choice ★ CuSHiONS and cushion covers Bakeware – china – Glass Arts & crafts – Garden & DIY requisites

BUY & SAvE High Street CAStLE CARY 01963 350969

HOMEFAYRE

&

22 Market Street CREWKERNE 01460 72650

Our Stock Changes Regularly hiGh on QualitY - loW on PriCes

Turn your photograph into a ‘portrait’ on canvas

canvas wraps from

£40

Martock Gallery Open: Monday - Friday 9.00 - 5.00, Saturday 9.30 - 4.30

Water Street • Martock • tel: (01935) 823254 • www.martockgallery.com

mERRYmEET Kennels & Cattery Proprietors: Elaine & Ed Tilley

going on holiday? Leave your Pet in Safe hands ... excellent facilities & regular exercise Doggy day care new outside garden run Dog grooming parlour Horse rugs washed and repaired James Wellbeloved and burns pet food 15kg only £39.99 drontal and Frontline ... at LOW PRICES micro-chipping only £15

Lattiford • Holton • BA9 8AF Tel: 01963 32104

contact us at: merrymeet.kennels@btinternet.com or visit our website www.merrymeetkennels.co.uk THE VISITOR August 2012 35

House & Home Summer Home Improvements

Has our dismal and wet British summer left you feeling depressed and unhappy with your home decor? Then now is the time to cheer up your home, and yourself, by making a few changes. Think about updating your kitchen ... changing the bathroom ... or giving the bedroom or living room a bright new look with a coat of paint and some new soft furnishings.

Eco Friendly Kitchens

rising electricity bills and heightened environmental awareness has led to an increase in demand for eco kitchens.

People often have the misconception that eco-kitchens must be costly, with plain or minimalist designs. So how do you achieve the perfect eco kitchen that will protect your wallet and your personal style?

environmentally friendly kitchen lighting and heating solutions are a key consideration and just a few changes can dramatically improve your kitchen design and lower energy usage, not to mention the reduction in your utility bills!

Make the most of the natural lighting available by installing larger windows and having your kitchen layout designed to reflect the direction of the light. Let your designer know which times of the day you’re most likely to use your new kitchen, whether you enjoy a large family dinner or are more likely to share a late supper for two. They will plan your kitchen layout and windows around the natural light available at your favourite times of the day.

Large windows can cause overheating or overcooling, so opt for dark or black flooring or worktops to restore the heating balance all year round. LeD

RE-UPHOLSTERY

Wide range of materials For all your re-upholstery requirements contact

DaviD J. Diment Upholsterers Castle Cary (01963) 351194

bulbs will last around 43 years longer than halogen lights and if you fit a number of circuits, you’ll

Planning a new kitchen? You may want to include a tumble dryer in your list of appliances, especially after the recent rainy spell!

Cary Tiles Ltd

Units 1 & 2 Torbay Road Industrial Estate Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7DW

Tel: 01963 359388 Open Monday to Friday 9am - 2pm Saturdays 9am - 1pm After hours by appointment only

01935 472100

3a & 4 higher preston Farm, preston road yeovil, Ba20 2et (Just down from ASDA) www.kitchen-updates.co.uk Kitchens & Updates Zoe’s Hair

mudford

town Centre

ASDA

houndstone

preston road ilchester

36 THe VISITOr August 2012

retail park

Spoilt for Choice Over 300 Sample Boards Floor and Wall Tiles

Cary Tiles Ltd, Unit 6 Torbay Industrial Estate Torbay Road, Castle Cary Somerset BA7 7DW

town Centre

gain more control of the amount of light in the kitchen and energy being consumed.

Free Quotation and Measuring Service Professional Fitting Service available Free Local Delivery Commercial & Domestic Work Undertaken

House & Home A large storage space such as a traditional larder can decrease reliance on your fridge and create an alternative cool area for food. A small fridge creates more space in the kitchen and will reduce your energy bills and your carbon footprint.

Sustainable materials such as cork, natural oak and bamboo are all on-trend and versatile options for eco-friendly flooring. Both recycled tiles and eco friendly paints, made from natural raw materials, are available in a wide range of colours so you needn’t surrender the colour scheme you choose for your kitchen. eco awareness should filter from the permanent fixtures in your kitchen right down to the finer details. If you enjoy a frequent cup of tea of coffee, a boiling water tap is a great alternative to a kettle and boils only the mount of water you require.

The vast array of eco-friendly kitchen solutions available today means you won’t have to compromise your own personal style or comfort. Like all kitchens, if you invest in the basic elements of your eco kitchen, you’ll be able to make over the less permanent and more decorative aspects of the room more often. While the initial cost of an eco kitchen may set you back more than a standard kitchen will, if you communicate your wants and needs to your designer they will offer solutions that over time, won’t cost you the earth.

Richard Fox, Intoto Kitchens,Yeovil.

Mosaics on a Mattress Complete Instant Kitchen Makeover

renowned for the ease, speed and affordability of its top quality kitchen makeovers, Granite Transformations has now complemented its made-tomeasure replacement worktop

RepaiR SeRvice ★ All makes of TV repaired ★ On the premises workshop

★ Loan TV whilst being repaired

★ Estimates ★ Bench or field service Full Range oF panaSonic TvS in STock FoR Sale ... do call in

H.R. Hodge

Open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm • Saturday 9am - 1pm

38 St. James Street South Petherton TA13 5BW  01460 240645

overlays and cabinet doors with mosaics on a mattress. That’s the description for the quickest and smartest system ever for laying glass mosaic tiles on large surface areas like kitchen walls, alcoves and splashbacks. Developed in association with a sister company, Italian tile maker Trend, it allows genuine handcrafted mosaics to be installed over virtually any surface, even existing tiles, in a fraction of the normal installation times.

Just as ‘the top that fits on top’ can be installed neatly over existing work surfaces, without need for ripping out the old material, the flexible, cushioned base of Granite Transformations’ mosaic mattress can be used over smooth, curved or uneven surfaces and the tiles are pre-grouted for a perfect finish.

Bryan G. Paully Ltd

Domestic / Commercial Installations / Replacements Suppliers of Tanks, Fuel Stations, Temporary Tanks • Free Site Survey / Quote / Advice Registered Waste Hauliers • All Tank Manufacturers Approved Installer • 24 Hour Call-Out

Tel: 01963 363870 • Mob: 07836 502683 • Fax: 01963 362785 office@halletsfarm.fsnet.co.uk • www.bgp-oiltanks.co.uk

JW TILING & BATHROOM INSTALLATIONS Professional & Fully Qualified Tiling Service • Stone • Ceramic • Porcelain • Wet Rooms • Under Floor Heating

Complete Bathroom Installations • Supply • Electrics • Carpentry • Plastering • Plumbing

ExCEllEnT RESUlTS aT vERy ComPETITIvE PRICES!

Call James: Daytime 07976 372909 Evening 01963 359630

For the kitchen you’ve always dreamed of ...

■ We offer a bespoke kitchen service ■ Contemporary or traditional ■ Painted ... gloss, the finish of your choice

■ Worktops supplied ... including granite ■ ‘Luce’ kitchen appliances only available from registered dealers

August Promotion

Spend over £3000 and receive Taps to the value of £300  Offer Ends 31st August

QuAliTy KiTchenS - comPeTiTive PriceS

Our complete service includes - supply & installation - carpentry - plumbing electrics - plastering - small extensions - patios - staircases - and more

Find our showrooms ...

half moon Street Sherborne (Through Archway by Half Moon Inn)

Tel: 01935 817111 • Fax: 01935 817119 THe VISITOr August 2012 37

House & Home To assist colour coordination with worktops and door facings, the company’s interior design consultancy has selected the Granite Transformations Collection o f a d ozen d ifferent mosaic colourways, which are designed to tone with popular granite, quartz and recycled glass finishes and woodgrain effects. The tiles are chosen from Trend’s classic 2 x 2cm range of semi-transparent mosaics, produced using the superior fused glass technique and coloured ‘en

Stock Rolls & Remnants

masse’, so that each piece is tinted throughout and resistant to wear, sunlight, heat, impact and chemicals.

Trend’s inspiring 2 x 2 palette embraces 150 different colours that extend from daffodil yellow to deep purple, although the harmonised Granite Transformations Collection focuses on the ambers, bronze, pewter, black and pearlescent whites that are thoroughly in tune with today’s kitchen décor.

StylEtIlE

stocked

● Carpets and Flooring to suit all budgets ● domestic & Commercial ● Vinyls and Laminates ● Solid Wood ● Safety Floor Specialists ● Mattresses and 3-piece Suites

Wall & Floor Tiles uuu

a Superb Choice u u u

‘ideal’ Standard Bathrooms Showers and Saunas Supplied & Fitted Tranform your kitchen with ‘mosaics on a mattress’, from Granite Transformations.

All Types of Building and Renovation Work Undertaken

Free Estimates - Professional Fitting Available Open MOnday - Friday 9am - 4.30pm, and Saturday 10am - 2pm

Showrooms, evercreech Junction Shepton mallet BA4 6nA on the main a371 between Shepton Mallet and Castle Cary

Tel 01749 831578

Tel/Fax 01749 831666

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

NOW OPEN ExciTiNg NEW KiTchEN ShOWrOOmS

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑

Over 10 different kitchen displays Wide choice of granite and quartz worktops Kitchen refurbishments available Made to measure replacement doors FREE No oBLIgATIoN quoTATIoN To discuss your requirements call Adam

01935 849559

AP Kitchen Solutions, Northover, Roman Road ILCHESTER BA22 8LD www.apkitchens.co.uk 38 THe VISITOr August 2012

House & Home These Italian glass mosaics are tough, hardwearing, wipe-clean and perfect for the most demanding domestic duties.

Mounted on a flexible polyethylene support mattress, measuring 126 x 63cm and containing 1800 individual tiles, they are applied directly to the wall or on top of existing tiles. This reduces installation times,

eliminates waste and produces a highly professional finish that is ready almost immediately. Used as full-height mosaic panels from worktop to ceiling, half-height splashbacks to the underside of wall units, or a simple 100mm upstand running the length of the work surface, these glass mosaics add texture, colour and class to a kitchen makeover. Visit: www.

• all types of Blinds supplied Domestic & Commercial • excellent prices first time, no gimmicks • Conservatory roof specialists INTU and PERFECT FIT Blinds - ideal for conservatories, glazed doors, tilt ‘n’ turn windows. No holes, no screws, just style • internal shutters and external awnings

All Visitor area covered

01749 346658

granitetransformations.co.uk. or telephone 0800 822 3410.

Conservatories

If your family is growing and you are in need of more space but don’t want the expense of moving,

adding a conservatory to your existing home could be the answer.

A conservatory creates a beautiful, elegant space for working, relaxing or entertaining guests, and can revitalize your home.

Cane furniture looks amazingly ‘at home’ in a conservatory and blinds are an important addition, particularly when the sun shines!

cane Furniture The Largest selection in the West Country!

We can offer prompt free delivery within a 50 mile radius All suites assembled www.avaloncanefurniture.co.uk

Update your suite with made-to-measure cushions with removeable covers

Or come in and see us ... you won't be disappointed!

Cane Furniture

eSTabliShed oveR 60 YeaRS open 7 Days • Sundays 10.30am – 4pm

In store at hASKinS reTAil cenTre ShePTon mAlleT, BA4 5AX • 01749 343414

THe VISITOr August 2012 39

House & Home Right: Fabulous fabrics from Prestigious Textiles, just one of many designers stocked at Needful Things, Castle Cary.

ACF WindoWs anDy Feltham UPVC REPLACEmENT WINDOWS, DOORS, CONSERVATORIES, WOODEN FRAmED WINDOWS, FASCIA BOARDS, CLADDINg, gUTTERINg, ALUmINIUm WINDOWS & DOORS ETC.

The Swallows, Shepherds Hill Buckhorn Weston GillinGHam, Dorset SP8 5HX tel / Fax: 01963 371715 mobile: 07802 393344

M

J

Carpets Proprietor ROGER WILLIS

For a reliable and personal service n Select from over 1000 Carpet and Vinyl samples n All leading makes supplied n Prompt Delivery n Professional Fitting

Market Place, Somerton, Somerset TA11 7LZ

Tel: (01458) 273042

n FREE Estimates and Planning “Over 45 years experience in the carpet trade”

hiDer heATinG

Specialists in Installation & Service All TypeS of plUmBing Central Heating Systems, Boiler replacement Landlord Safety Checks and Servicing Gas and Oil established over 40 years rely on us for all plumbing & Heating needs Specialist in Bathroom designs including all tiling & electrics

Reg. No. 700

www.hiderheating.co.uk Tel: 01935 426209 • mobile: 07836 773152 11 Hillgrove Avenue, Yeovil, Somerset

enjoy front seats at The olympics with a Perfect Panasonic Picture call in at our showroom Poor reception? Aerial problems?

Give uS A rinG Our engineer covers your area!

cASTle cAry - WincAnTon - GillinGhAm - SherBorne - ShAFTeSBury eTc. Confederation of Aerial Industries Membership Number C1361 • Trained Engineers Safety at Heights Certificate • C.R.B. Checked Staff • Full Public Liability Insurance • 12 Month Warranty

Panasonic ideas for life

All Major cards Accepted

Units 10 & 11 Brickfields Business Park, Gillingham, SP8 4PX 01747 826714 / 01747 826721 • tctv@gillingham.fsbusiness.co.uk 40 THe VISITOr August 2012

Uncomfortable bed or sofa? Thinking of updating? Visit Gillingham Suite & Bed Centre, High Street, Gillingham, for a wide choice to suit all budgets.

SeWinG mAchine Service cenTre Repairs & Servicing To All Makes - Domestic & Industrial Collection and Delivery Available

Embroidery Engineering Services Suppliers of Computerised Embroidery Machines Telephone: 01963 350068 • Mobile: 07947 725315 Email: robert_churches@hotmail.com UniT 8, Torbay indUsTrial EsTaTE CasTlE Cary ba7 7dW

House & Home Revolutionary Design for Blinds

Louvolite Perfect Fit®is a revolutionary system that enables window blinds to be fitted perfectly onto most double glazed windows and doors, with no holes drilled into your PVC frame!

The unique Perfect Fit®blind fits neatly onto the window and enhances your privacy because

there are no gaps down the side of the blind.

Whether you select a contemporary design for the living room, a blackout fabric for the bedroom or a moisture resistant print for the bathroom, the blind collection in combination with the Perfect Fit®system is the ultimate in style.

Harriet Sandys Oriental Carpets - Open Weekend

Visitors driving down the winding lanes leading to the tiny hamlet of West Compton near Shepton Mallet, wonder if they are on the right route to find an exotic display of Asian and Oriental treasures. However, on entering the mediaeval barn at the Manor House they know they are in the right place as they are greeted with the scent of frankincense and the sight of beautiful textiles, embroideries, kilims, and oriental carpets lining the walls. Also on display is a fine selection of wooden furniture and accessories to complement any home - bowls,

chests, throws, bedspreads, plus a range of costume and silver tribal jewellery. The items for sale are moderately priced – an important factor at the present time.

The Harriett Sandys Summer Sale takes place August Bank Holiday weekend from 2-5pm on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th.

Further details and directions see www.sandysorientalcarpets.co.uk or email: harrietsandys@freeola mail.com. The barn is open by appointment throughout the year.

Payment by cash or cheque only.

The Barn at the Manor House, West Compton, Shepton Mallet BA4 4PB, Tel: 01749 890582.

Harriet Sandys Oriental Carpets

SUMMER SALE

Reductions on rugs, carpets and runners from Afghanistan and Persia, furniture and tribal jewellery, table lamps, indigo block print jackets, kaftans and kantha jackets from India.

Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th August, 2 - 5pm The Barn at The Manor House, West Compton ‘Perfect Fit’ by Louvolite can be fitted onto most double glazed windows anywhere in the home. Contact Seward Blinds of Gillingham for more information.

Interior Shutters Collection

Directions: www.sandysorientalcarpets.co.uk Tel: 01749 890582 ( No Credit / Debit Cards * Cash or Cheque Only)

Bring the olympics to your home ...

InSpIred by nature

with a

Whatever your chosen decoration style Luxaflex ® shutters are sure to enhance your interior.

Stunning to look at, superbly practical and durable too.

Prices from just £249 5 Year Warranty

perfect Fit LOuVOLIte ® Roller, pleated and venetian blinds for double glazed windows, doors and conservatories.

■ ■ ■ ■

no drilling Child Safe Huge Choice removable for Cleaning

For further details and a no obligation quotation call

Tv

★ FREE Installation Service Available ★ ★ PLUS Disposal of Your Old TV ★ ★ FREE Local Delivery ★

... or get tuned-in with a roberts radio Call in to see our Full Range SAleS • Service • rePAir

Greenhill, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4eW Tel: 01935 813451 “Where the customer comes first” THe VISITOr August 2012 41

Wine & Dine tenderstem® Broccoli

IF YOU WAnT a vegetable that's sweet, packed with good things and cooks in moments, Tenderstem®broccoli is ideal.

And, because it's delicious from stem to tip, nothing needs to be discarded.

Tenderstem®broccoli has a mild, distinctive flavour and a texture more akin to asparagus than traditional broccoli and it's deliciously succulent.

As the name suggests, Tenderstem®broccoli is tender from floret to stem so you can eat the whole vegetable, unlike ordinary broccoli, which tends to have a thicker, and sometimes woody stem. It provides a tasty alternative to traditional green vegetables and is nutrient rich – 100g portion provides the full daily requirement of vitamin C!

lime & Coriander Chicken and tenderstem Rice Salad Serves: 4 Preparation & Cooking time: 10 minutes

yogurt, coriander, mint, lime juice and lime zest and leave to infuse for a few minutes.

3. Put the chicken, rice, cooked Tenderstem, almonds and spring onions in a large mixing bowl and season. Add the yoghurt dressing and combine the ingredients together.

4. Serve with a sprinkling of chopped coriander.

Ingredients 200g pack Tenderstem, cut into 3cm lengths 400g Greek yogurt 3 tbsp fresh chopped coriander, plus extra to serve 15 Mint leaves cut into thin strips Juice and zest of 2 limes 4 cooked Chicken Breasts, sliced 500g cooked rice 80g toasted flaked almonds 6 sliced green spring onions

www.tenderstem.co.uk

newly Opened café in Wells ‘Strangers with Coffee’

Method 1. Steam or boil the Tenderstem for 3-4 minutes until tender.

2. Meanwhile, mix together the

SUMMER OPEN DAY ~ on ~

Saturday 28th July 10.00am – 4.00pm to sample our complete range of products ~ accompanied by ~

a glass of wine

______________________

Delicious lunches in our Restaurant Enjoy the taste of the West Country and linger over lunch!

See the Smokery • Free Sampling and Glass of Wine

Evening Opening Friday 21st September (also Friday 9th november & Friday 7th december) 3 Courses £25 - bookings only tHE SMOKERy REStAuRAnt & SHOP Bowden’s Farm, Hambridge nr. langport • tel: (01458) 250875 directions: from Curry Rivel take the Ilminster road to Hambridge, turn left on the sharp bend, signed Brown & Forrest. Follow drive up to Smokery Parking. Follow the smoke!

FARM SHOPS

carrot strips for 1 minute.

3. Whilst the vegetables are cooking, add 2 tablespoons olive oil to a small frying pan and gently fry 2 tablespoons of mustard seeds until they start to pop.

4. Once they start to pop add a heaped teaspoon each of garam masala and ground cumin. Give it a quick shake to mix then tip into a small clean bowl before the spices start to burn.

5. Squeeze over the juice of 1 lemon and a grind of salt and pepper.

6. Pour the dressing over the Tenderstem®and carrots and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle generously with chopped coriander and serve immediately.

Indian-Spiced Warm tenderstem® and Carrot Salad Serves: 4 Preparation & Cooking time: Under 10 mins Ingredients 200g pack Tenderstem® broccoli 3 medium carrots 2 tbs olive oil 2 tbs mustard seeds 1 heaped tsp garam masala 1 heaped tsp ground cumin Juice of 1 lemon Chopped coriander to serve Method 1. Shave 3 medium carrots lengthways into long strips using a vegetable peeler.

2. Steam or boil the Tenderstem® broccoli for about 2 minutes until almost tender, then add the

A warm welcome awaits you at Strangers with Coffee, the newly opened coffee shop in Wells.

Owners Ivan and Sue Hewlett bring you an imaginative menu with continental breakfast, Mediterranean lunches and freshly cut sandwiches filled with all manner of good things such as Somerset Brie, Cranberry and salad. They serve very fine coffee and the shop is also fully licenced so you can enjoy a glass of wine with your meal.

Strangers with Coffee, with its solid oak floor and sign written walls, has a relaxed and welcoming feel - diners can also eat alfresco in the cosy covered courtyard.

Themed evenings are planned starting with authentic Bengal cuisine (ask for details). Private parties are most welcome.

You will find Strangers with Coffee opposite St. Cuthbert’s Church, just off the main High Street.

COFFEE SHOPS

enjoy home-cooked food in a relaxed atmosphere ...

■ Continental Breakfasts ■ Mediterranean Lunches ■ Sandwiches & nibbles ■ Cakes & desserts ■ the Finest Coffees ✴ Alfresco Dining in our Covered Courtyard ✴ Fully Licensed ~ private parties Welcome

Strangers with Coffee 31 St. C

uthbert Street, Wells

Telephone 07728 047233 42 THe VISITOr August 2012

GARDENING GARDEnInG MOntHly

by Richard Cumming Orchard Park

Good Summer Colour

‘The weather here has been as nice as it could be’ - first line of a song, can’t remember the singer, and it is probably not appropriate anyway, but the title was ‘rain until September’. Anyway, the story line went in the general direction of girl waiting for boy to return or vice versa and although the good weather would cheer most people up, the waiting

lover feels that as far as she was concerned, it might as well rain until September. I mention this only because it’s one of those absurd songs that stick in your mind – in this case quite a long time as I am sure I heard it in about 1964. Please, no harsh judgements on my lack of mental capacity but it comes to my mind in summer, as I for one, am quite happy for it not to rain until

September. I have had enough [please remember this is written before you read it, obviously, so things may have changed!]

A word of warning; I am not mentioning slugs this month.

There is no point as clearly they are winning so may well have to either harvest them as a protein source or develop some sort of mutually beneficial lifestyle.

Whatever.

Perennial borders are the stars of summer, but need help to keep performing. Borders that did get manured, fed and mulched in spring will show the difference that good treatment made. With the rain we have had there is no

shortage of top growth, but poor light levels have had a dramatic effect on flower production. If you need to boost things now, you have two options, plant extra late summer flowering varieties, or cut back those that have performed, and give them a good feed to encourage a second flush [a handful of rose fertiliser would do, or a gallon of Miracle Gro/Phostrogen/Growmore or whatever is your feed of choice.]

Mulching is such an important part of gardening both on heavy clay soils and on lighter sandy ones and it should almost be an automatic action. every garden should have an active, productive

All types of Fencing • Gates • Trellis • Fence Panels • Tool Sheds • Summer Houses • Garages • Workhouses • Greenhouses • Field Shelters All Buildings are hand-made at Bourton using Scandinavian Redwood Shiplap Timber.

Bourton, Gillingham on the old A303 Nr. Zeals For Free Survey/Estimate/Brochure

Alan Dodge BSc

TElEphonE 01747 840752

Tidy up your garden CoME and visiT Us This sprinG for all yoUr GardEninG nEEds • The best selection of plants in the local area • huge range of pots, composts and sundry items • seasonal bedding plants and bulbs • Many special offers!

• help and advice always available OPen: 9am - 6pm monday - Saturday * 10am - 4pm Sunday Stockists of National Gardens Gift Tokens

KEndalls lanE, MilTon-on-sToUr GillinGhaM, dorsET sp8 5Qa Tel: 01747 824015 BOURTON TO WINCANTON

A303 mERE B3092

B3095

We are here ... milton-on-stoUr

gILLINgHAm

TO SHAFTESBURY

gcMT262 Multitool 26cc engine unit which has multi fit attachments ...

FouR in one ! ● ● ● ●

£279 inc. vAT

grass trimmer (nylon head) Pole Pruner 40cms / 16" Hedgecutter Brushcutter (steel blade)

gcpp262 power pruner 26cc engine ... 2 stroke fuel. ● ● ● ● ●

Fuel tank capacity 0.70 litre Rubber grip handle, 25cms / 10" bar & chain Recoil starter Overall length 226cms Harness included inc. vAT

£199

All mAkes & models of gArden mAchinery serviced

LEE HOLMES

Garden Machinery

15 Cary Court, Bancombe Business Park SOMERTON

Tel: 01458 274261

www.gardenmachineryrus.co.uk THe VISITOr August 2012 43

GARDENING compost heap. Soil is a dynamic medium – swarming with life, producing life but needing to be cared for. It needs moisture, and it needs a constant supply of organic matter to replace all that is taken from it in the form of flower and vegetable crops. If nothing goes back, then the soil is able to produce less and less. It is such a simple concept. The same applies to hedges and lawns, so if you wonder why your hedge is becoming ragged and worn out, and the lawn is looking awful then they are probably trying to tell you something! Lawns which are close cut and clippings constantly boxed off, become very patchy and brown easily in hot weather. You don’t get a bowling green just by cutting it regularly – you must put back what you take away, so chuck on a few

handfuls of fertiliser, or lawn dressing to help the shallow rooting grasses to survive.

Plant of the Month

So much to choose from – some just going over, some just coming in.

Phlox paniculata; the perennial border phlox is a long established group of garden plants. There are a number of other species, several of which are best grown in the rock garden.

A quite superb fully hardy herbaceous perennial, with sweetly fragrant panicles of pink, white and purple/blue flowers, which appear from mid-summer, sometimes earlier through to late autumn. It is the ideal herbaceous or mixed border plant and can be used informally in a cottage garden.

It is also good for cutting and flower arranging. Phlox can be used to attract wild life such as bees and insects into the garden.

Phlox ‘nora Leigh' has a

Tree ServiceS All Aspects of Tree Surgery Tree Inspection • Stump Removal Hedge Cutting and Reshaping All Types of Fencing Supplied & Erected Tree and Hedge Planting Woodland Management NPTC Qualified to British Standard 3998 Grass Cutting • Fully Insured Free Quotations Tracked Wood chipper / log splitter for hire

Bycott Farm, Halberton, Tiverton EX16 7BH info@fourseasons-treeservices.com www.fourseasons-treeservices.com

oliver vernon 07766 168162 • 01884 820839

TREE SURGERY SPEciAliSTS Crown thinning and reduction dead and dangerous trees removed new trees Supplied and planted tree Stumps removed Approved Contractor to Somerset County Council and Local Councils Phone B. P. MOntGOMERy for a Free estimate tel: 01963 240532 Mobile: 07970 397248 email: brutontreecare@hotmail.com

A wide range of garden furniture is available from Wheathill Garden Centre, Milborne Port.

variegated leave form and is well worth growing in the border.

Phlox likes a well prepared soil that has been enriched with rotted compost or manure and is moisture retentive but does drain. Full sun is best but it can tolerate partial shade and is fully hardy.

All the cultivars have an upright habit so may need support in the shape of a stake or birch twigs.

Phlox paniculata will require staking when planted in borders alongside other herbaceous

perennials.

Dead heading will prolong the flowering period. In late autumn cut the stems right down to the base and mulch with well-rotted manure or garden compost in early spring.

There are other species of Phlox such as Phlox divaricata, P. douglasii and P. subulata that can be grown in alpine troughs and containers. They can also be planted in rockeries and as edging plants. There is also an annual

Yeovil Carpentry & Fencing Services All your home and garden maintenance needs FREE QUOTE – FREE SMILE

Tel: 07401 506500 or 01935 477028

Podimore Recycling Ltd Suppliers of Quality Recycled Aggregates

ToP Soil / SuB Soil Crushed Concrete All types of Stone • Sand • Tarmac Road Plannings and Screened Top Soil Small Tip for Clean Building Rubble & Bricks Small & Large Quantities Collected or Delivered Site Clearance Specialist • Tipping Facilities Tipper Lorries • 180° - 360° Excavators Fully mobile Crusher and Screener Hire Barns Down • Farm Yard Demolition Yards Crushed • Stone Supplied

A

cuT

above the rest!

LAW N MOWERS sales - serviCe - repair

Ride-On - Pedestrian - Mulching and Collecting New & Used Machines Available

DiGGer AnD cruSher hire AvAilABle Tel / Fax: 01935 849250 mobile: 07973 844145 44 THe VISITOr August 2012

RECYCLINg FOR THE ENVIRONmENT

Unit 2, Beardly Batch Depot, Cannards Grave SheptoN Mallet, Ba4 4NB tel: 01749 343881

GARDENING Phlox called P. Drummondii of which there are several really worthwhile varieties, tall for mid or back of the border as well as lower growing sorts for the front.

Jobs for the Month

The ornamental garden [i.e. the bit you face when sitting in the deck chair] should see a burst of activity with deadheading, cutting back and all that – see above. You can always add pot grown plants even in the height of summer to take care of the odd gap.

Patio planters will keep flowering if they are cared for and if the sun comes out! Again dead head, water regular and a weekly half strength liquid feed helps. Most container composts will have used up their original supply of fertiliser and the added boost from liquid feed is worthwhile. In the vegetable garden, [i.e. the bit you face away from when positioning the deck chair] regular picking is important.

Too late to sow much except a few leafy salad crops, summer spinach, and spring cabbage. Fruiting crops should be regularly picked over.

After a late start it seems that everything comes at once, but regular picking peas, beans and courgettes encourages more flowers and more fruit. If you stop picking the plant will come to the conclusion that it needn’t bother any more.

Courgettes are particularly prone to mildew – that’s the white powdery

coating on the older leaves. You can help a young plant by removing diseased leaves but older plants will probably collapse. It is quite common on plants that are nearing the end of their productive life. not much you can do about it really.

Powdery mildew is more likely in hot dry periods, so not a problem!

Fungal diseases are common this year and hard to deal with. A copper preventative spray Bayer Garden ‘Fruit & Vegetable Disease Control’ needs to go on before the disease arrives especially for Potato or Tomato Blight. roses are likely to be badly affected by Black Spot and Downy Mildew – look for irregular purplebrown marks in the middle of the leaf. If you are spraying, use rose Clear or Fungus Clear every 2 or 3 weeks but if you are not spraying, clear away the debris and in both cases give a light pruning, feed and mulch.

Summer pruning of top fruit – especially trained trees, is very important to create good fruiting wood, and it also takes out soft growth prone to insect damage.

Cut back side shoots to about 5 leaves. Spray cherries, peaches and plums – after picking, with a copper fungicide to limit the damage caused by bacterial canker. This is the infection that causes the sticky exudate to ooze out of bark and fruit and will eventually finish off the tree.

Chimeneas from the range at Harts Garden Shop, Sturminster Newton.

Dry Stone Walling and Paving All types of stone walling undertaken www.yenstonewalling.co.uk

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

01963 371123

Patrick Houchen - dSWa Member CiS / CSCS registered Professional & Reliable Service

Telephone somerton 01458 272091 Mobile 07850 310998

approved contractor to Dorset & somerset C.C.

QUaliFieD arBorist

Fine Quality Made to Measure

tree plantinG

Gates & railings • Handrails • Garden Furniture Curtain poles • pond Covers etc.

General Welding & repairs

Enquiries: 01935 864444 unit 5, East Coker Saw Mills East Coker, BA22 9JJ

all aspeCts oF tree Care anD DanGeroUs tree removal

PHONE: NORTH CADBURY 440660

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

WheAThill GArDen cenTre Tea Rooms

Garden

Tea Rooms

Open daily for ...

Specials, light Snacks & Homemade Cakes

Colourful Herbaceous and Perennials pentstemons & Hardy Fuchsias £3.49 ... or 3 for £9 decorative Forest Bark £5.99 ... or 3 for £15

FRIDAY FISH ‘n’ CHIPS ... only £5 Served Every Friday until 3pm eat in or take away

SunDAy ROAStS bookings advised

✴ Many offers in Store ✴

Wheathill lane • milborne Port • DT9 5ey Tel / Fax: 01963 251500 Open: 9am - 5.30pm Monday - Saturday and ... 10am - 4pm Sunday

THe VISITOr August 2012 45

August Notice Board BARRInGtOn

Barrington & District Open Flower, Vegetable & Craft Show, Saturday 4th August, Barrington Village Hall, TA19 0Je, 2-4pm. Free entry, refreshments.

Business & Professional Robert Stone & Co, chartered accountants and tax advisers in Ilminster answers questions from small businesses in Somerset ...

DInnInGtOn

Dinnington Cross Country Horse Ride, near Ilminster.

Sunday 26th August, 9am. For details call 01460 54430.

Q1. I'm an It contractor currently working for a government department through my own company, for £300 per day. I've heard that all contractors will have to go on the department payroll. I don't want to be a wage-slave, so what should I do?

GIllInGHAM

Robert Stone replies:

Gillingham Floral Group, celebrating our Diamond Anniversary with a Flower Festival at St. George’s Church, Langham, Gillingham. 25th, 26th, 27th August, 10am - 4pm. enquiries 01747 825927.

nORtH BARROW

Fun Dog Show - Bank Holiday Monday 27th August, Community Hall from 12 noon. Fun classes to enter, BBQ, Bar.

nORtOn & CHISElBOROuGH

Flower Show & Fete, Saturday 18th August, 2pm, recreation Ground, norton Sub Hamdon. enquiries 01935 881085.

SOutH PERROtt

Flower Festival in St. Mary’s Church, Saturday & Sunday 4th & 5th August, 11am - 5pm. Stalls and Cream Teas 2pm - 5pm.

StOKE tRIStER & CuCKlInGtOn

Horse-specific Animal Communication Workshop with Holly Davis. Sunday 19th August, 10am - 4pm at Heaven for Horses. enquiries 07903 902940. www.heavenforhorses. com

Advertise your SEPtEMBER 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. Deadline for August issue, Monday 13th August.

46 THe VISITOr August 2012

The government has announced that all senior appointments in government departments, such as executive positions, will have to be paid through payroll. This does not apply to other contractors. However, other government department contractors who are engaged for six months or more, and who are paid more than £220 per day, must when their contracts come up for renewal, or start afresh, include terms that allow the government department to seek formal assurance that income tax and nI obligations are being met.

We can help you provide this assurance if it is requested.

Q2. I don't have the all the figures needed to complete the tax credits renewal form, and I'm worried I'll lose my tax credits as the deadline is 31 July. the main problem is my income is as a musician, so I don't know what my total

MAx Foote Associates Ltd Chartered Certified Accountants and Registered Auditors

income is until I receive the royalty statements.

Robert Stone replies:

Don't panic. You are required to return the tax credits renewals form by 31 July, or renew by phone, but you can submit estimated figures for 2011/12.

When your self-employed accounts are ready you can submit the final figures and your tax credits award will be adjusted as necessary. As long as you submit final figures by 31 January 2013 you should not lose your tax credits.

Q3. What's all this about RtI? Do I have to do something by October? Is it going to cost me more?

Robert Stone replies:

real Time Information (rTI) is a new way of submitting PAYe information to the tax office. All employers will have to use rTI

by October 2013 (not this year), but some employers are starting to use rTI early in a test phase from April 2012. The aim is to add more employers to the rTI project at intervals, depending on how the first tests go. The tax office says your payroll software should cope with rTI when the time comes. We suggest you ask your software provider when their rTI update will be ready, and how much it will cost. We can help you prepare your payroll for rTI. This involves checking you have the full name, gender, date of birth and accurate nI number for every employee, including those who earn less than the nI threshold.

If you have an urgent query, do not hesitate to contact robert Stone on 01460 55661 or email your questions to: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Personal and professional service

PAPERCHASE

We Are nOne of us perfect.

We all make mistakes from time to time, and usually have the good grace to admit them and apologise. Sadly it’s seldom so with our local papers, as regular readers of this column will know, so it was a pleasure to read this correction in the 6th July issue of the Blackmore Vale Magazine, which was made with good humour and given suitable prominence on the page.

‘Apologies to any readers who thought they were about to bag a bargain after reading last week’s property pages. The guide price for the Hadspen estate is of course £13,000,000 and not £13,000.’

I didn’t see an apology in the Western Daily Press for a recent howler on its weather page. As well as a variety of maps and tables the page includes a forecast in three sections – today, tonight and UK outlook – and in the 6th July issue readers were informed amongst other things that ‘today’ will be ‘bright with a mixture of sunny spells and scattered showers’ and ‘tonight’ will ‘become largely dry with clear spells’. It was the ‘outlook’ that flummoxed me. ‘On Friday there will be some heavy and thundery rain across england and Wales but it should turn brighter in the South-east and east Anglia later in the

Answers to pop music quiz on page 26 1. ‘Bee Gees’ 2. Seven 3. rotterdam

26 Lower Woodcock street castle cary BA7 7BH tel: 01963 351052 Business and limited company accounts, self assessment tax returns, Vat, payroll, Book-keeping and training

the end bit...

4. ‘Symphony’ 5. ‘Bad Manners’ 6. ‘rolling Stones’ 7. ‘Without you’ 8. ‘pet Shop Boys’ CAR – HOME – COMMERCIAl

Call Livingstones now on

01935 706258

your local insurance experts

9. Gerry rafferty 10. 1967 Serious Double Anorak Bonus Question – don McLean

Horethorne Primary School was rated good with outstanding features after a visit by inspectors in May.’ The paper boasts that it has been ‘reporting local life since 1737’ so it should know by now that Charlton Horethorne and its primary school are in Somerset.

The 5th July issue carried the news that ‘The Western Gazette has been named as the South West’s paid-for newspaper of the year. The newspaper beat off strong competition from the North Devon Journal, the Exmouth Journal and The Cornishman to take top spot at a ceremony representing the best of the region’s media.’

Apparently ‘an expert judging panel’ praised the paper for ‘its neat design, strong editing and high-quality story count’. It would be churlish not to say ‘well done’ – but I’d like to have a look at a few issues of the ‘competition’.

Chronicler.

Sudoku

Solution to July

Sudoku

Classified Ads Send Details to: The Visitor, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7BG 25p per word (£3 minimum) - pre-payment essential If you require a receipt a s.a.e. must be enclosed with payment

nAMe ........................................................................................................................................................................

ADDreSS .................................................................................................................................................................

Tel: ............................................................................. Cheque enclosed for £ .................... Minimum £3

mobile Homes

MObILe HOMeS

From £1000 • Large choice of sizes

Delivery arranGeD Big Sales Site Open 7 Days • 2 miles west of Shaftesbury

blackmore Vale Leisure tel: 01747 851497 www.bmvcaravans.co.uk

mobile Bars / Catering

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.

REDUNDANT mOTOR mOWERS, rotavators, chainsaws, strimmers, cement mixers, etc. Tel: 01460 77844.

TO PURCHASE: STADDLE STONES (mushrooms). £150 paid for good examples. Tel: 07836 230541.

COLLECTOR REQUIRES TO BUY whole collection of classical LPs. Cash paid.

Tel: T. Hammond 07931 837783.

ALL SPORTS PROgRAmmES and books, memorabilia and ephemera – especially football. Large collections welcome.

Cash paid. Tel: Clive 01749 675456.

Situations Vacant

QUICKSILVER mAIL OUTSIDE BAR facilities for any occasion. Call Pete: 07779 306751.

FREE TRAININg with TABS, Yeovil.

Employability, maths, English, CSCS, FLT, SAgE. Call 01935 411711.

BAKERS ARmS mOBILE BARS - 25 years experience, all occasions. Call Lee: 07834 788073.

Situations Wanted

Dog Holidays

T. m.

Wanted

DAVE BUYS ALL TYPES OF TOOLS, useable / collectable. Sheds & workshops cleared. Tel: 01935 428975.

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

by



afternoon’. But ‘today’ is Friday and I had already read a somewhat different forecast just a few lines above. Could the outlook be for Saturday, not Friday, I wondered. Of course not. The entire forecast had already appeared in the Thursday 5th July issue, wordfor-word identical, and nobody had bothered to replace it with the latest one.

Certain advertisers in the Western Gazette should be (and probably are) demanding an apology and their money back after the slipshod way their ads have been displayed recently.

I’m thinking particularly about the quarter-page ad on page 27 on the 21st June issue which was headed in large bold capitals ‘VID C. rIVe’. no, not an anagram; simply careless drastic pruning of the artwork of an advert for David C. rivett Family Funeral Directors. Then the 5th July issue contained an ad for the ‘TIVOL Theatr’.

Don’t try telephoning the box office on 01202 8855 because you’ll need an extra couple of digits. For some inexplicable reason someone had cropped 5mm off the right hand side of this advert, taking with it the performance times as well as parts of the copy. I wonder what excuses the paper will come up with.

The Western Gazette’s 21st June issue carried a good news story that opened by reporting that ‘A small Dorset primary school is celebrating the results of an Ofsted inspection. Charlton

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.

Holidays

FRANCE DORDOGNE

RELIABLE, enthusiastic, self-employed lady looking for driving or retail work for up to 2 days per week. Phone 01935 428305 or 07803 007580.

T.V. Rental T.V. RENTAL - long or short term, domestic & commercial, up to 50-inch plasma. H. R. Hodge. Tel: 01460 240645.

musical mUSICAL INSTRUmENTS - brass, woodwind and strings, for sale and rental.

Tel: 07974 412269.

Building Converted Barn On edge of small market town Sleeps 2 – 5 • Well equipped • Pool 20km Bergerac Airport • from £310pw

Tel: ANN DoDgE

01935 850532 www.eymet.co.uk

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

gENERAL BUILDER - extensions built at affordable prices. Tel: 07501 585777.

Personal OVER 40? We offer a traditional approach to finding someone special. Tel: Sian England on 01935 431396.

To Rent DELIgHTFUL two bedroomed 18th century cottage with garden. Available from August onwards. Central Caste Cary location. New carpets downstairs, brand new cooker and newly fitted bathroom. Recently decorated.

Would suit professional. £525 per month.

Ring 01963 351208.

Say you saw it in The visitor THe VISITOr August 2012 47

your guide to local services

PHONE - a - FiRM Transport & Storage The key to all your storage needs!

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

01963 440045 www.sparkfordstorage.com

• Open 7 Days a Week • 20 Years Established Family Business • Modern Burglar-Alarmed Warehouses • Professional & Reliable Service • Removals To and From Storage • Self Store with Easy Access • Cubicle and Crate Storage • Friendly, Helpful Staff High Street, Sparkford, nr. Yeovil, Somerset Ba22 7QJ Tel: 01963 440045 / 440526 / 440692

septemBer DeaDline Monday 13th August Domestic Appliances

Pe

PREMIER ElECtRICS Est. 34 yrs

COVerinG tHe SOutH LOCaLLy Kitchen Appliance Sales & Repairs Ø repairs to all leading brands of Kitchen appliances Ø 12 months guarantee on all repairs Ø diagnostic work charged unless work undertaken Ø 24 hour service Ø Oap discounts

tElEPHOnE: 01935 609300 / 01747 470212 / 01460 220660 / 01458 298212 For your nearest technician

Taylors Domestic

Security

Appliances Ltd. Sales & Repairs for Dishwashers, Washing Machines, Cookers, Tumble Driers etc. ridge view, penmore road sandford orcas Dt9 4se Professional repairs by qualified engineer on most makes of appliances.

01963 220366 email: info@tda.uk.com Covering the areas between Wincanton Castle Cary, Sparkford, Sherborne and Yeovil

Electrical Contractors

Preservation

MAPLE PRESERVATION • Damp Control • Timber Treatments • Dry Rot • Condensation Control • 30 Year Bonded guarantee

Tel: gillingham 01747 826960 Mobile: 07881 504426

Plumbing mAinSToneS ElECtriCAl ContrACtors Industrial, Commercial & Domestic Installations station road, Bruton National Inspection Council for somerset Ba10 0eh Electrical Installation Contracting tel: (01749) 812316 mobile: 07885 625456

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 48 THe VISITOr August 2012

ThiS SPAce costs just £18 + vAT per month Reaching over 60,000 potential customers each month!

Damian hoddinott PLuMBInG SeRvICeS Competitive rates for all your plumbing needs

To PlAce your ADverT

Tel: 01963 441232 or mobile: 07971 676111

Or email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Say you saw it in The visitor

Tel: 01963 351256

Maintenance and Repairs YoU CaN’t I CaN paUl CheDzoY property & Garden Maintenance

Decorating, Gardening, Building and General D.i.Y.

 01935 472669 ... or

07884 345511

email: ucantican07@aol.com

Trading for over 5 years CUSTOMER REFERENCES AvAIlABlE

a. hamilton

Sliding sash window specialist Repairs - Refurbishments - Replacements

Complete windows or just repairs.

Rotten wood replaced, new sills, re-puttying, sashes unstuck, broken hardware and sash cords replaced, draught-sealing, rattles eliminated.

Qualified to Advanced City & Guilds Level

tel: 01935 863071 www.sashwindowtlc.co.uk

• • • • • • • • •

ServiceS

Exterior and interior decorating Gutters cleared and cleaned High level painting and cleaning Conservatories washed down Removal of disused sky dishes and cabling Repointing of stone and brickwork Patios cleaned Many other jobs undertaken No v.A.T. competitive rates for seniors

Contact JAmeS cADe on 01963 34272 or 07967 307179

Services GooD potatoes Takeaway Bags of Coal • Calor gas Car & Van Rental Competitive Prices anchor hill service station WINCANTON 01963 32609

PHONE - a - FiRM Cleaning

your guide to local services

Roofing

JPC Cleaning Services Friendly cleaning specialist 20 years experience – Fully insured

PARKS

ROOFING LTD.

regular Weekly & Fortnightly Home Cleans

SLATiNG & TiLiNG SpeCiALiSTS

one-oFF spring cLeAns Window Cleaning ✴ Carpet Cleaning Mobile Car Valeting

Specialists in period and listed properties

tel: 01935 474772 or 07896 967943 www.jpccleaning.co.uk

Leadwork Chimneys Fascias Gutters Flat Roofs

26 Stembridge, nr. Kingsbury, Martock TA12 6BN Telephone: 01460 240229 • Mobile: 07917 411961

Building

Dave Hoddinott FULLY QUALIFIED BUILDER - ESTABLISHED 1973

• renovations & extensions • roofing + Carpentry • plumbing & heating • Ceramic Wall & Floor tiling • painting & Decorating • electrical Contracting Competitive Prices - No Job Too Big or Too Small FrienDly & reliABle Service

tel: (01963) 440256

24 hour emergency call out

DaVIeS & SoNS listed Building Specialists NEW BUILD • ALTERATIONS ExTENSIONS • RENOVATIONS Portfolio of recent works and references available

tel: 01747 841595 • Mob: 07946 890836 Government endorsed Trustmark Registered

Driving Tuition FaStRaCKDRIVING.Co.UK Pete martin THE SPECIALIST for ...

Intensive Courses + Off Road Facilities for under 17s

Tel: 01749 860010 07962 401166

Oven Cleaning Mister Oven

Independent Oven Cleaning Specialist Ovens - Hobs - Agas etc

tel: 01935 475065 Mob: 07752 695264 www.misteroven.co.uk

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

TV & Radio Aerials DAve PArmiTer AeriAlS TV AERIAL SERVICE SATELLITE / VIDEO SYSTEmS CCTV SYSTEmS - PERSONAL SERVICE

tel: yeovil (01935) 422088 or mobile 07850 405433 NO CALL-OUT CHARgE

For all your roofing requirements

Flat roofing • Tiling • Slating All New Work Fully Guaranteed

For further information and estimates contact allan Carey

01963 33528

38 GreenWay Close, WinCanton, somerset Ba9 9rh

Bourton Roofing co.

Slate  tiling  Flat roofing. upVC Fascias  Guttering FREE EStImAtES

 01747 840064

... or 07866 296453 email: info@bourtonroofing.co.uk

Clock Repairs CloCk repairs Antique and Modern Clock Repairs.

Free pick up and delivery 40 years experience

Tel (01935) 477582

Communications Westline Communications Business telecom Specialist For all your telecom needs For free, friendly and professional advice call ...

John penny on 07976 967349 www.westlinecoms.co.uk

29,000 coPieS monThly you should be advertising here

Dentures

DEntuRE REPAIRS While you Wait Collection & Delivery Denture Advice Mr. C. dunn

registered dental technician

01749 812585 www.dunndental.co.uk

THIS SPACE COSTS just £37.80 per month inc. VAT

Shouldn’t YOU be advertising Here?

Tel: 01963 351256 or ... 351998 or email info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk

THe VISITOr August 2012 49

Plastering

your guide to local services

PHONE -aFiRM

K. r. vincent

Stone Walling Specialist • Supply & Fit of Natural Stone • Garden & Boundary Walls

JoSe RoDRIGUez WOOD BURNERS - SOLID FUEL - STOVES - LINERS REgISTRY PLATES AND FLUES - TWIN WALLED SYSTEmS FREE QUOTES Qualified Installer Competent Person Scheme 17 White Road, Mere, Wiltshire, Ba12 6ez  01747 860848 / 07921 074602

josemere@aol.com

SAnDPItS HEAtInG

Framing SCEnES

 Multifuel Stoves

 Chimneys relined  Full installation Service

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

High Street, Curry Rivel  01458 251476

Set by Frank Butler

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.

3

4

5

6

9

7

8

1.

9.

10.

12.

13.

15.

16.

23.

11

12

Across

18.

20.

10

13

24.

14

15

26.

27.

16

17

18

19

20

28.

29.

21

Removals

Plaster Over Artex Plasterboarding Rendering Tiling Coving General Building Work

Highly Competitive Rates Regular London Runs Short / Long Term Storage 01747 860543 / 07969 736011 FreePhone

0808 108 8366 www.rdsremovals.co.uk

To advertise in our phone-a-FiRM section telephone 01963 351256 / 351998

6.

SEND COMPLETED ENTRIES TO: The Visitor Crossword, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7BG to arrive by Monday 13th August.

Free Quotation

Tel: 01460 242557 Mob: 0780 31 76 489

07753 294256

www.scenes-online.co.uk

Prize Crossword No. 310

• Patio Laying

 01935 823490

« picture framing « restoration « Large selection of prints & paintings « Greeting Card Blanks High St. Gillingham tel 01747 824050

HetaS • OFteC • GaS SaFe Showrooms Open Monday- Friday 8am - 5.30pm Saturday 8am - 4.30pm

• General Stone Repairs

SCOTT GOSNEY plastering

artist Materials & Gallery

... over 200 on display

2

• Lime Mortar Work and Pointing

East Lydford 01963 240185 or Mobile 07811 211586

Fires/Chimneys

1

Stonework

22

expect six-footer here in France with tangled tape. [10] First prize Mr Sheep for your pushchair. [4] Scare cock (about fifty): that should be an awakening. [5-5] a group of detectives with low pH value. [4] Six? South africa shows passport endorsement. [4] Magnificence to softly lend in sour surroundings. [9] Beseech journalist about the edge: it's soiled! [8] Cereal seeds and, in Latin, a wafer cone. [6] Headless fish going wrong. [6] Same soot mixture with dignity. [8] emperor misses alternative in gallery, becoming selfrestrained. [9] Quiet! Small coin, large floater. [4] Farewell Valley. [4] in fashion, all there surrounding silver. [3,3,4] Kind class. [4] erupt with piety lasting for ever. [10]

7.

8.

11.

14.

17.

19.

21.

22.

25.

you sneeze. [6] Motor organization, firm working with animal. [7] revising method share. [10] non-scientist becomes erratic.

[12] ends item before Cornish saint. [10] put a mike around and prepare story. [4,2,2] Saunter in limousine like a rose. [7] Folding paper giro back, with aim confused. [7] rotten fib in golf. [3-3] Count on right city. [4]

Solution to Crossword 309

Down 23

1.

24

25

26

27

2.

3.

4.

28

29

50 THe VISITOr August 2012

5.

partly open with a harsh jolt.

[4] Call after meal: it's ripping! [7] Compensation damage for fireirons. [9-3] dressing around one for square column against wall. [8] Half of grandfather's noise with French article may make

the winner of our Crossword 309 was M. J. Brooks of Wells, who chose to spend the £10 voucher at the nag’s Head, Martock.