The Visitor Magazine Issue 385 December 2015

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Your local independent monthly journal  01963 351256 www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Issue 385 December 2015

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IKE IT or loathe it, new technology is continuing its relentless march into seemingly all aspects of our lives. Thanks to the NHS Electronic Prescription Service your doctor can now send prescriptions ‘down the line’ direct to your chosen pharmacy, which could be a particularly useful service if you are on long-term medication and need repeat prescriptions at regular intervals.

I know about this because I and my neighbours received letters recently explaining how the system works, how it will make our lives easier and how we can sign up to benefit from it. Although the mailshot was liberally scattered with NHS logos it came from a concern called Pharmacy 2U. This turns out to be a mailorder pharmacy based in Leeds that dispenses and delivers repeat prescriptions all over the UK, and if the patient endorsements are to be believed, it does it very efficiently. But it’s not offering anything that can’t be got from most of Visitorland’s pharmacies. Your GP can send your prescription electronically to your local pharmacy which will dispense it and, if necessary, deliver it to your home at no charge.

If mail-order medication catches on, an inevitable consequence will be a reduction in business for our high street chemist shops and the possibility that some will close. We’ve seen it happen with the banks which have attributed the drop in usage to the increase in electronic banking, and with the post offices as an increasing number of people have opted to have pensions and other benefits paid electronically direct into their bank accounts. Internet grocery shopping and sites such as Amazon have the attractions of 24-hour access and home delivery but are reducing the footfall in and the profitability of a range of high street stores.

They could be another nail in the coffin of many of Visitorland’s town centre and village shops that are still clinging on to their livelihoods by the skin of their teeth.

Indeed, some places already give the impression that charity shops and coffee shops outnumber the traditional retailers.

There’s no denying that the electronic revolution has brought quicker and easier communications and is rapidly changing the way we do things, but it comes at a cost.

Tucked away in the small print in the mailshot is the statement that ‘your own doctor has neither provided your patient name and address data for this letter nor endorses this Pharmacy 2U communication’. So if you’re tempted to have your medication dispensed by a company in Leeds and sent to you by post, discuss it with your doctor first. You might well decide that using your local chemist here in Visitorland is just as convenient and makes much more sense, not just for you personally but also for your local community.

NN

Advertising Deadlines

Christmas /January Issue published Thursday 17th December Deadline Friday 4th December

NOTE TO ADVERTISERS Advertisements are accepted subject to our standard terms and conditions as printed on our rate card, available upon request. We cannot guarantee any specific page or position, but will always do our best to comply with clients’ wishes.

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

PO Box 1, Castle Cary Somerset BA7 7BG

Ltd.

Tel: (01963) 351256, 351998 Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk Website: www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk facebook.com/thevisitormagazine twitter.com/thevisitormag

Proprietor, Accounts & Subscriptions Helen Dunion Production Manager Jeff Farrow

Advertisement Manager & Features Editor Michelle Trulock © The Visitor Ltd. 2015

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

CONTENTS

Our FRONT COVER is almost entirely due to robin redbreast

ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLASSIFIED - 66 BOOK REVIEWS - 32 BRUTON’S CHRISTMAS EVENING - 20 BUSINESS - 20 CASTLE CARY’S BIG CHRISTMAS - 9 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE - 11 CREWKERNE - 17 CROSSWORD - 66 FESTIVE FOOD & DRINK inc. Wine & Dine - 56 FESTIVE VENUES & MENUS - 52 GARDENING - 58 HOUSE & HOME - 44 LANGPORT - 23 LEISURE & TRAVEL - 48 LETTERS - 4 LOCAL POST OFFICES & VILLAGE STORES - 6 LOOKING GOOD & FEELING FINE - 15 MENTIONED in DISPATCHES - 4 MOTORING - 43 MUSIC for the MONTH - 48 NOTICE BOARD - 48 PAPERCHASE - 62 PHONE-A-FIRM - 63 PUBS - 50 SHERBORNE - 38 SOMERTON - 28 THEY SAY - 50 WINCANTON EXTRAVAGANZA - 32 Drawings by GEOFF THOMPSON

THE VISITOR December 2015 3

Letters To the Editor Start of the new hunting season

Sir, November marked the start of the new hunting season for the 289 registered packs of hounds across Britain, which provide an important service for farmers and landowners by lawfully managing the population of foxes, hare and deer.

The Hunting Act means that many of the packs of harriers, foxhounds, beagles, bassetts and mink hounds now follow a trail, but most also continue to carry out wildlife management under the exemptions put into the Hunting Act by MPs who realised that populations of some mammals have to be controlled.

We had hoped that the new season would have been marked by small amendments to the Hunting Act which were to have come before Parliament in July.

These would have varied the number of hounds allowed to be used by hunts when flushing mammals out to be shot.

However, despite evidence

showing that being able to use more dogs is more effective, and potentially more humane, and the support of a majority of MPs in Government, the vote was called off.

There is no justification for the Hunting Act and it will be consigned to history. So the hunting community starts the new season in good spirits determined to continue hunting, under the law, and fighting for repeal.

Tim Bonner Chief Executive Countryside Alliance

2nd Lieut. J S Richings

Sir, On Wednesday, 11 November 2015, the remaining family members of 2nd Lieut. Richings gathered at the Baltonsborough war memorial to lay a Portland stone remembrance vase to commemorate his death in action on 28 May 1942. 2nd Lieut.

Richings, Commander of a Matilda II (Infantry) tank with the 42nd Royal Tank Regiment, who was killed on 28 May 1942 in a tank battle at Gazala, Libya.

His name was added to the Baltonsborough war memorial on 28 May 2015 following a request by his surviving family members Mrs Sally Waters, niece, and Mr James Broome, nephew, to the local branch of the

Baltonsborough Royal British Legion. They forwarded it to the Parish Council who immediately agreed and as the memorial has a Grade II listing they also obtained the agreement of Mendip District Council. 2nd Lieut. Richings name was added on 28 May 2015.

John Somerset Richings' name was not added to the village war memorial at the time of his death as his parents, the Rev Basil and Mrs Richings, preferred his name to only appear on the family grave stone in St Dunstan’s churchyard to join that of his younger brother, Henry Knipe Richings aged 17, who had been killed on 29 January 1936 in a motor cycle accident whilst on his way to work. Rev. Basil Richings was the Vicar of St Dunstan’s, Baltonsborough 1929 - 1948. The surviving family members felt that the time was now right for 2nd Lieut. Richings name to be remembered on the village war memorial.

The engraving on the WWII face was undertaken by Master Mason Mr Peter Hayman of Stone Craftsman Ltd, Taunton.

Mr Hayman also sourced the Portland stone and carved and engraved the matching remembrance vase. The family have donated the vase to remain as a permanent feature, along with the eight existing RIP vases.

It is understood that several

family members travelled to Baltonsborough from around the country to join the village remembrance held by the Royal British Legion chairman Martyn Underdown, who was joined by the local village school and villagers.

Colin McNamee Baltonsborough

Mentioned in

Dispatches

Castle Cary & Ansford Carnival Society Event

Wednesday 2 December 2015 Bingo at the Scout Hut, next to the Primary School. Eyes down 7.30pm, all welcome.

The Langport & District History Society

The Langport & District History Society’s monthly meeting on 2 November at Langport Library featured an illustrated presentation by Barry Winetrobe on ‘Political Somerset’.

Barry introduced his talk by describing how he and Janet Seaton write, as ‘JB Seatrobe’, on political history in a variety of formats, such as books, magazine

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articles, quizzes etc. Both Barry and Janet worked for many years in parliamentary research and information services, and Barry taught at a number of universities – which put a high premium on factual accuracy and comprehensive coverage on their written outputs.

The next meeting will be the Society’s annual Social, on Monday 7 December at Great Bow Wharf, where guided tours of the building will be available. History Society members free; guests £8; book via the Secretary, Sue Standen (01458 273471, suzannestanden471@ btinternet.com).

The next talk will be on Monday 4 January 2016, when Peter Stanier will be talking about West Country Harbours.

November Competition Winners

The winners of the tickets to the Homebuilding & Renovating Show at The Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet are Mrs G. Wareham of Charlton Musgrove, Mr M. Brooks of Wells and Mr D. Clarke of Stoke-subHamdon.

Carols & Classics by Candlelight in Merriott Saturday 19th December

A hidden gem performed annually at the All Saints Church Merriott provides an evening of Classical and Festive arrangements for Strings, Piano and Organ in the setting of a 15th century candlelit church.

This will be the 7th Carols & Classics concert performed by the Fisher Sinfonia consisting of young professional, and extremely talented, classical musicians. The musicians regularly perform with major orchestras across the UK, such as London Symphony, Philharmonia, BBC Orchestra of Wales, The Halle, and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and they use the occasion at Merriott to meet, entertain and enthral a wide audience from over a 30 mile radius.

The concert will be the 14th organised by violist, Joseph Fisher, formerly from Merriott, who has amassed a significant following of appreciative Classical music lovers to his concerts, raising funds for church and community related projects.

The Carols & Classics concert on Saturday 19th December, will no doubt be another sell out, with mince pies and refreshments before the concert to start the Christmas festivities at 7:00pm for a 7:30pm concert start.

Tickets are £8 available from Osbornes Store, Merriott, or

contact 07870 404631/01460 76360, please book early to avoid disappointment.

Christmas Tree Festival 12th & 13th December

Give your Christmas this year a heart-warming start by visiting the Christmas Tree Festival at Curry Rivel Chapel (United Reformed Church) in Wiltown (Postcode TA10 0JF). All the trees displayed will have been prepared by local groups, clubs, firms and companies.

Admission is free of charge but there will be an opportunity for visitors to make donations towards the charities: Langport Memory Cafe (at The Angel) and the Children's Society.

Saturday December 12th, from 10.30am (official opening) until 4.00pm (Refreshments available).

Sunday December 13th, from Noon until 3.45pm (Refreshments available). Celebration Carols 4.00pm (Refreshments available).

MDFAS

Art inspired by Wine: A presentation of paintings of wine being made and consumed throughout the ages, including the wonderful artwork of Ronald Searle on wine labels. The talk will be given to Mendip DFAS by Mr John Ericson BA, MEd, on 1st December at the Bath and West Bar & Restaurant, B&W Show Ground, Shepton Mallet, BA4 6QN at 11.00 am. Details; www.mdfas.org.uk. Guests Welcome, contact 01934 862435.

Young Business Employee of the Year crowned!

A young Shepton Mallet butcher has been crowned Young Business Employee of the Year at the Somerset Business of the Year Awards.

Sam King, Retail Operations

Category winner Sam King (l) and managing Director of Jon Thorner’s Ltd, Jon Thorner (r) – 'Somerset Business Awards 2015.

Bill Bradshaw Photography'.

Manager at the Pylle-based butchers Jon Thorner’s Ltd, was presented with the accolade at the awards ceremony which celebrates the most outstanding businesses in Somerset.

Following a record number of award entries from over 100 fantastic Somerset companies, more than 360 influential Somerset business men and women joined together to celebrate this year’s Somerset Business Awards. The finalists and sponsors returned to the county of Somerset after two years away, to attend the prestigious black tie dinner held at Wellsprings Leisure Centre in Taunton.

Graham Knight, Chair of the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, opened proceedings and back by popular demand, Heart FM’s Cormac MacMahon hosted the event.

As main sponsors of the Somerset Business Awards, Albert Goodman’s Head of Family Business and Partner, Paul Hake, commented: “We are all fortunate to live and work in a beautiful county, with such a vibrant business community. We have an extremely forward thinking

Chamber of Commerce and incredible education opportunities across Somerset. It is vital that we continue to support education, so we can develop and retain talent.”

Category sponsor, Jobseekers Recruitment Service Ltd, presented King with the coveted Young Business Person of the Year and the young winner was clearly overwhelmed, being given the biggest cheer of the night for his acceptance speech, where he thanked his “inspirational boss” Jon Thorner. King had shown the category judges his individual value to the business operations and a commitment to the development of the business.

A full list of the evenings winners can be found at www. somersetbusinessawards.org.uk/ press-area/the-best-in-somerset

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Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk

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THE VISITOR December 2015 5

Support Your Local Post Offices & Village Stores

North Cadbury Village Stores

Orders are now being taken for Christmas Turkeys supplied by local butcher Andrew Barclay of Wincanton and Montgomery Cheese can now be ordered online.

There are a host of Christmas treats to be had including mince pies, puddings and cakes plus speciality chocolates and tins of festive biscuits, which also make very pleasing gifts.

Beverley & James Candy are the proprietors of North Cadbury Village Stores. Since taking over the shop has undergone a huge transformation having had a total refit, including smart new shelving, flooring and fridge / freezers. Although the interior has changed the friendly service that you would expect from a Village Store remains the same.

Alongside groceries and green grocery the store offers fresh, locally sourced meat from Andrew Barclay; a range of local produce including Montgomery’s potatoes and their famous cheeses;

MERE POST OFFICE &

NEWSAGENT

Offer a wide range of ...

CHRISTMAS IDEAS Sweets & Chocolates Toys & Gifts Magazine Subscriptions Gift Cards for all occasions

POUND ZONE ITEMS £1 OR LESS Pay Your Bills Here!

01747 860245

The Village Post Office and Store is an important part of a rural community. Castle Cary Post Office pictured.

Wadman’s famous Jersey cream; Longman’s Farmhouse butter and a selection of Fudges and Border biscuits.

Useful services offered include colour and black and white photocopying; faxing; laminating and mobile phone top-ups. They are also agents for Puffin Dry Cleaners ... and shoe repairs. A local delivery service is offered (minimum £20.00). Opening times: Monday – Friday 8am – 5.30pm, Saturday 8am – 1pm, Sunday 9am – 1.00 pm.

Glastonbury Post Office

Glastonbury Post Office is run by Gerald Cross together with one of his two sons. Having run this busy post office for over eleven years Gerald and his five staff are well known to their customers and offer a friendly and helpful service.

If you are planning a winter break don’t forget you can get your travel insurance, travellers cheques and currency from the Post Office.

Christmas is looming so remember to send your overseas parcels and cards off in plenty of time.

Waltons Post Office, Mere

If you are struggling for a ‘useful’ gift idea, Waltons Post Office Gift Cards are ideal. Available for any

occasion including Christmas, they can be spent in over 60 different retailers. Another very acceptable gift idea is a magazine subscription - there are titles to suit all ages and interests.

Waltons of Mere have a good choice of jigsaws, toys and chocolates for Christmas – Early bird special tins of Quality Street are just £3.99 whilst stocks last, normally £5.99, plus of course, cards and gift wrap. Take a look at the bargains on sale in the pound zone - useful everyday items at £1 or less!

If you are travelling abroad you can get your Euros, foreign currency, and travel money cards at the Post Office. So, whether paying a bill or Christmas shopping, visit Waltons of Mere.

STATIONERY • ACCOUNTS • STAMPS

6 THE VISITOR December 2015

GLASTONBURY POST OFFICE AND CLASS CARDS 35 High Street Glastonbury BA6 9HG

Telephone 01458 831536

MONEYGRAMS • BUDGET CARDS

T E L E P H O N E • G A S • E L E C T R I C I T Y • W AT E R • G I R O T R A N S A C T I O N S

GREETINGS CARDS • HOLIDAY INSURANCE • FOREIGN CURRENCY • PENSION PAYMENTS

THE VISITOR December 2015 7

Visit our NEW Cook Centre

View our range of home cooking appliances in our NEW Cook Centre

Our NEW Home Entertainment Suite is displaying the very latest in TVs, DVDs and Audio Christmas Gifts!

Pick up our “Shop Locally” leaflet for a wide range of gift ideas to order or to pick up Thursday 17th December

Castle Cary’s Big Christmas Call in for a glass of wine ... and a goody bag!

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

www.abishopelectrical.co.uk email: bishopelectrical@btconnect.com 8 THE VISITOR December 2015

Castle Cary’s

Castle Cary and the Christmas Campaign!

Castle Cary’s town centre is full of a wonderful mix of unique, independent shops alongside small, useful retail outlets. They provide everything from daily essentials to luscious luxuries.

Castle Cary’s Town Council believe passionately that all you need for the perfect Christmas can be found within the high street. In order to demonstrate this, they have teamed with Castle Cary’s Local Business group to launch a Shop Local for Christmas Campaign.

Within this campaign they

have produced a guide to Christmas shopping in Castle Cary; showing how you can shop for the perfect Christmas without leaving the comfort of this beautiful town!

You can park for free, wander through your local streets and share some festive cheer with your local community! You will find unparalleled service, a welcoming smile and competitively priced goods. Why travel to faceless cities and worry about expensive parking with all this on your doorstep?

The guide will be distributed within the town’s newsletter and is available in shops within the high street.

Christmas!

procession from the Horse Pond at 5.30pm travelling along Fore Street and the High Street with its array of market stalls from the regular Tuesday market and the Anonymous Travelling Market.

Other attractions include Carol Singing in the Market House undercroft, Community Stalls, Scary Storytelling in the Market House, mulled wine, bacon butties, mince pies and much much more. There will be live music from The Rural Music Project at the Horse Pond end of town, Wincanton Silver Band, Majorettes, Morris Men and

Shop 'til you drop and Eat ...

Sing ... and Dance ... at Castle Cary's Big Christmas

Castle Cary's Big Christmas takes place on Thursday 17th December when the shops will be open for late night Christmas shopping and there will be many events for children and adults.

There will be a grand opening

Floris soaps just one of many gift ideas from Oxford Mill.

street entertainment all evening.

Father Christmas will arrive around 7.15pm with presents for all the children. So Castle Cary is THE place to be!

Come and join in the fun and support the Shop Local campaign and do your Christmas Shopping in Castle Cary. Please note that the High Street and Fore Street will be closed to traffic from 4.00pm.

Andrew Bishop Electricals

Pop in and pick up their Shop Local leaflet filled with practical Christmas gifts for everyone! For example: Babyliss 6 piece hairstyling set just £20, Russell Hobbs electric carving knife £20.99, Samsung microwave oven £86.99, Torches £8.49 and much more.

Check out their new Cook Centre for the latest in kitchen appliances and the Home Entertainment Suite for the latest TV and Audio equipment. Open for the Big Christmas Event - call in for a glass of wine and a goody bag!!!

Clothing, Accessories & Fine Toiletries For Women and Men

The Market Place, Castle Cary, BA7 7AG Tel: 01963 350230 • www.oxfordmillclothing.co.uk

THE VISITOR December 2015 9

Castle Cary’s The Market House Shambles

MAX FOOTE Associates Ltd

Chartered Certified Accountants and Registered Auditors 26 Lower Woodcock Street Castle Cary BA7 7BH Tel: 01963 351052

Business and limited company accounts, self assessment tax returns, VAT, Payroll, Book-keeping and Training

The Shambles located within the historic Market House is proving an extremely popular venue for meetings and private functions.

Conveniently situated in the heart of Castle Cary with free car parking nearby this venue can cater for up to 50 people.

This summer it was used to display works of art – for Somerset Art Week. As this event was so successful the booking office would be pleased to hear from other artists who wish to use the facilities for exhibitions.

Plans are afoot to use the Shambles as a wedding venue and for the famous Round House (lock-up) to be licenced for civil ceremonies – which will certainly

Personal and professional service

Christmas!

make the wedding day very memorable!

The Shambles offers the best of both worlds - a wonderful

Castle Cary & District Macmillan Committee

Castle Cary & District Macmillan Committee are delighted to announce that following a very successful few months of fundraising they have just sent a donation of £17,000 to Macmillan Cancer Support, and there will be more to come!

The Committee would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody who has donated or helped.

If anybody is interested in volunteering to help with fundraising events they should contact Penny Steiner, Chairman of Castle Cary & District Branch on 01963 359613 or penny @castlecary.net A visit to Needful Things will get you in the Christmas mood.

The

For all the magic of Christmas!

Polar Bears

Snow Storms

CLOCK SHOP

The Pitching, Market Place Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7AL

of Castle Cary

Santas

historic setting with character – but with all the modern facilities such as hearing loop, staging, wifi etc. To find out more call 01963 351763 or pop in and see for yourself.

01963 359100

www.castlecaryclockshop.co.uk

Angels

Antique Clocks Bought ~ Sold ~ Restored

OPENING HOURS Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10.00am – 5.30pm

7 High Street, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7AN 01963 351352 • www.needfulthings.uk.com Like us on Facebook? Needful Things of Castle Cary

The Market

Garden

Always a good choice of fresh fruit & vegetables ... place your Christmas order now!

Fresh Flowers, House Plants, Planted Pots, Fruit Baskets, Gardening Gifts CHRISTMAS TREES O WREATHS O HOLLY Floristry  Bouquets  Weddings  Funerals — FREE LOCAL DELIVERY —

Three Counties Landscape & Tree Services @ Julian Shave

TAKE THIS ADVERT TO THE SHOP TO RECEIVE A SPECIAL DISCOUNT ON ANY GARDENING WORK During January & February

Hart House, Fore Street, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BQ

Office: 01963 31226 • Quotes: 07738 524254 • www.julianshave.co.uk

10 THE VISITOR December 2015

Castle Cary BA7 7AH

Nestling within Castle Cary’s historic Market House is the lovingly renovated Shambles, a high quality space for:

 MEETINGS  LECTURES  CONCERTS  PARTIES etc.

 WEDDINGS from SPRING 2016

The Shambles can seat approximately 50 people.

Facilities include: data projector and screen, wifi, hearing loop, picture hanging system, kitchenette, alcohol licence, disabled access, and more. Outside, the covered Undercroft offers an additional area for hire.

The Market House, Market Place Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7AH

Tel: 01963 351763 Email: markethouse.bookings@castle-cary.co.uk www.castle-cary.co.uk/the-shambles/

Crossroads Pet Supplies

Bird feeders make a very acceptable Christmas gift that gives hours of pleasure whilst also feeding our feathered friends though the winter. At Crossroads there is a selection of feeders plus an extensive range of bird seeds and food to suit all birds.

Filled to overflowing with pet requisites from toys and accessories, hutches and beds, feeds and bedding - whether your family pet has four legs or 2 feathered or furred they can supply your requirements.

Free parking outside the door.

Located on the Yeovil to Sherborne Causeway.

‘Treasures from the Orient’ unusual and exotic gifts for Christmas from around the world.

The Barn at the Manor House in West Compton near Shepton Mallet is a veritable treasure trove of wonderful and unusual oriental textiles and gifts that you don’t find in the High Street. It is well worth a visit if you are looking for

something different and special to give as a wedding present or Christmas gift.

Harriet Sandys started her business in the early 1980’s while working with Afghan refugees in Pakistan’s North-West Frontier.

The barn stocks ladies knee-length wool coats and jackets from India, smart sleeveless tweed gilets from Kashmir for men and a wide range of cotton kaftans ideal for those seeking some winter sun.

Oriental rugs, runners and tribal kilims from Afghanistan and Iran decorate the walls of the barn.

There are carved wood chests and tables from the mountain villages of Swat in northern Pakistan and

a fabulous assortment of hand woven silk and wool scarves as well as colourful Nepalese slippers for children and adults. On sale too are table lamps, block printed tablecloths, bed spreads, quilts, cushions and throws from India as well as silver jewellery from

Afghanistan, Thuya wood jewellery boxes from Morocco, and semi precious stone earrings made by craftsmen living in the desert villages of Rajasthan. Prices in the barn start from £2.

The barn is open on the weekends of 28th/29th November, 5th/6th December and 12th/13th December 2pm-5pm. If you would like to visit at any other time, the barn is open by appointment.

Credit and debit cards are accepted.

For further details and directions visit www. sandysorientalcarpets.co.uk.

Signposted from A361. The Barn at the Manor House, West Compton, Shepton Mallet BA4 4PB. Tel 01749 890582.

Dog tired of high prices?

CROSSROADS PET SUPPLIES VISIT

SUPPLIERS OF

• Pet Foods • Bird & Pigeon Seeds • Full range of Toys, Hutches, Accessories

... all at competitive prices Ample FREE PARKING outside the Door Find us at Forward Garage on the main A30 between Sherborne & Yeovil

Tel: 01935 411859 .

Harriet Sandys

“Treasures from the Orient”

Unusual and exotic gifts from around the world Oriental rugs, kilims, carpets and runners Colourful pin-tuck kaftan tops for winter holidays Smart indigo block printed Kantha jackets & Men’s sleeveless tweed waistcoats from Kashmir Table lamps, scarves, cushions and Nepalese felt slippers for children ... lots of stocking fillers!

Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th November 2pm – 5pm Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th December 2pm – 5pm Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th December 2pm – 5pm ALSO OPEN BY APPOINTMENT

Ward & Sibley family jewellers offer a friendly and helpful service.

During the Christmas period there is also a free gift wrapping service.

Why not call in and make Christmas extra special this year?

Hurry!

LAST MINUTE GIFT GUIDE  Published:

17th December

 Deadline:

4th December

01963 351256

Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Samsung Notebook ...    

Windows 7 2 GB Memory 320 GB Hard Drive Open Office

Yeovil: 01935 507080 www.pc-zone.co.uk

The Barn at The Manor House, West Compton Shepton Mallet, BA4 4PB For directions: www.sandysorientalcarpets.co.uk

Tel: 01749 890582 • Credit/Debit Cards Accepted

Add a sparkle this Christmas ...

WARD & SIBLEY

Established Over 65 Years

The Jewellers of Yeovil For inspirational gifts and good old fashioned service

Complimentary gift wrapping service

THE CASKET, 103 MIDDLE STREET, YEOVIL T Tel: 01935 474065 T Car Car park park at at rear rear of of shop shop for for customers customers visiting visiting the the shop shop T THE VISITOR December 2015 11

Give the gift of comfort!

Are you stuck for ideas for Christmas gifts? This year, why not give your loved ones the gift of comfort. New for the festive season, Cosyfeet have introduced a range of limited edition slippers called Rudolph, Holly and Ivy. Designed especially for swollen and problem feet, these snuggly slippers make a thoughtful Christmas present. If you’re looking for stocking fillers, Cosyfeet have a huge range of ultra-comfy socks for men and

at their shop in Street including pampering lavender products, high-quality handkerchiefs and snuggly knee blankets.

The Cosyfeet shop is based at the Tanyard on Leigh Road in Street.

One World

women. There’s a style to suit everyone including super-soft bed socks, diabetic-friendly socks,

Prints ★ Paintings ★ Bronzes ★ Mirrors ★ Framing Passport Photographs ★ Prints to Canvas

‘Throwing Down the Gauntlet’ Signed Limited Edition Print by Stephen Doig Framed Size 18” x 14.5” • Framed Price £49.95

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

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

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

12 THE VISITOR December 2015

extra-stretchy socks and luxurious mohair socks. You’ll also find lots of other gift ideas

One World - such an interesting shop, with 6 showrooms over 2 floors stocked with beautiful and unique gifts from around the world - many fair trade. New in - a delightful selection of rugs and

Wild Flowers in a Blue Vase, open edition signed print by Anne Cotterill.

Framed size 18” x 21”, framed price £72.50.

Available from Martock Gallery, Martock.

easy to use. The powerful battery has a long running time and one battery fits all of the Greenworks tools so you only have to outlay for a bttery once. Chainsaw for cutting up the winter logs, blowers for tidying the autumn leave and hedgetrimmes are amongst the range.

throws, to brighten up your home.

The Indian cotton bedspreads too are proving very popular. If you are looking for Christmas gift ideas then there are plenty at One World - warm winter scarves made from lambs or alpaca wool, extra soft bamboo socks, stunning silver jewellery, glass vases, fair trade baskets and more! The children’s toy department has a wonderful choice of children’s

traditional and soft toys, including gifts for babies. There is always a good choice of stationery, cards for all occasions and diaries. Call in today and see for yourself.

Garden Lovers!

The Greenworks range of lithium battery operated power tools are proving extremely popular. Being lightweight and cordless they are

Andrea’s of Yeovil have years of experience so you can be sure of a beautiful floral arrangement.

Your local Interflora agent.

Flowers say so much!

“Merry Christmas”  “Happy New Year”  “Thank You”...

BOUQUETS • ARRANGEMENTS • PLANTS

Andrea’s of Yeovil

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

A unique gift, ideal for Christmas - personalised tiles. It could be the family pet, the grandchildren, your house, a company logo or maybe a picture of a special event/occasion - the choice is yours! You supply the photograph, J2 Tiles of Yeovil can design the tile. Prices from £7 (10cm x 10cm).

A unique gift to treasure for many years to come.

The ideal gift for those who love their garden!

Easy to use ... and lightweight

Cordless outdoor tools powered by Lithium-ion battery technology G-MAX Cordless Chainsaw 40V, 30cm (12˝) GW20117-A

£189.99*

*Price includes battery and charger that fits all GreenWorks Tools ... so only one is required!

WHY NOT ADD THESE TO THE LIST TOO?

G-MAX Cordless Blower

BenJohnson 40V, 240 km/h (150 mph) GW24107-A

£99.99

GARDEN MACHINERY

G-MAX Cordless Hedge Trimmer 40V, 61cm (24˝) GW22637T-A

£79.99

For further details call in or visit our website: www.benjohnsonmowers.com

Ben Johnson, 17d Wincombe Business Park SHAFTESBURY, SP7 9QJ Tel: 01747 851021 • www.benjohnsonmowers.com

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

QUALITY FLOOR & WALL TILES

DESIGN YOUR OWN TILES

Pets, children, your house or logo, we can create your own personal tiles – A UNIQUE GIFT –  Quality Floor & Wall Tiles

 Distributors of Porcelanosa and other leading brands  Professional fitting service

 Free Measuring & Estimate  Supply & Fit or Supply Only

 Full Range of Sanitary Ware

CALL IN TODAY

PUBLIC & TRADE WELCOME

Open: 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm Saturday Free parking outside the shop

J2 Tiles, Unit 16, Venture 20 (Opposite Wicks)

Lynx West Trading Estate YEOVIL, BA20 2HP

 01935 472088 · www.j2tiles.co.uk

THE VISITOR December 2015 13

A Liberty Gift Voucher would make a perfect Christmas, Birthday or Anniversary gift!

Don’t let disability, lack of confidence, or being unable to drive long distances stop you from getting out and about and enjoying yourself. Spend a day in safe hands and comfort with Liberty Car Tours’ experienced driver and host, Mike Lane.

Based in beautiful Somerset, Mike, your Liberty host, will cater

Shepton Classic Stone offer a wide range of garden statuary and pots - a most acceptable Christmas gift.

Dennis Chinaworks

for all your requirements: carrying personal equipment, checking appropriate access and facilities en route, and aiding and assisting you at every point. He will be happy to accompany and help you around your destination, or just wait for you. It’s your choice. Don’t forget lunch! Mike will arrange whatever you would like – a pub lunch, gourmet restaurant, fish and chips, a National Trust cafe, or even a picnic.

Liberty Car Tours can transport collapsible wheelchairs and mobility scooters, but unfortunately don’t have a vehicle with a wheelchair lift at the moment!

Dennis Chinaworks create exquisite handmade ceramics.

Founded by Sally and Richard Dennis in 1993, the pottery is run from the converted stables of a Victorian Gothic rectory in Shepton Beauchamp, Somerset.

Sally established her professional name – Sally Tuffin - in fashion design in the 1960s,

Knitted Hedgehogs are a great hit with kids! Hanson's Fabrics & Crafts of Sturminster Newton give away free knitting patterns when you purchase your wool from them. Call in for full details plus lots of craft ideas - such as these crafty fox cushions and toys.

Don’t let disability, mobility issues, or a dislike of driving on our busy roads stop you from getting out and about and enjoying yourself.

Tailor-made luxury CAR TOURS to familiar haunts, or places you’ve always wanted to see. Your Liberty host, will aid and assist you at every point.

 GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE 

Perfect for Christmas, Birthday or Anniversary Gift!

 01460 250837

14 THE VISITOR December 2015

mike@libertycartours.co.uk • www.libertycartours.co.uk

and is now working with her son Buchan and the team – Rory, Vanessa, Theresa, Natasha and Adam. Each year they introduce new designs on the company’s decorative pottery, often in limited editions. Shapes of the pots change continually and are becoming more original and adventurous reflecting the intricacy of the designs.

Dennis Chinaworks are holding their popular Christmas Open Day on Sunday 6 December from 10am - 4pm. This is an ideal opportunity to view the Pottery’s latest work and talk to the designers and decorators, who will be demonstrating their skills. Buy high quality ceramics direct from the makers - imaginative gifts for Christmas, a wide

selection of the distinctive pottery for sale, many pieces of which are only available to buy direct from Dennis Chinaworks.

Refreshments, cakes and light lunches will be served in the Pottery Tea Room. The Pottery always welcomes visitors Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4.30pm.

LOOKING GOOD & Feeling Fine

Family Health with

Jenna Evans

Gold, Frankincense & Myrrh

Beautiful ceramics from Dennis Chinaworks.

Keep your independence at home with Make someone’s Christmas this year by setting them up with Careline in 2016

South Somerset Careline gives that little extra support to people who want to remain living at home independently for as long as possible while bringing peace of mind to their family and friends.

Do you …  Live alone or sometimes feel at risk?  Have elderly, frail or infirm dependents?  Worry about their safety in an emergency?  Want to help them maintain their independence?

IN THE SPIRIT of the season, this month we’ll be taking a look at the gifts from the Magi in the Nativity story.

Gold - Well as you’ve probably guessed, I’m not talking about the element gold but rather the golden spice - turmeric. Some people have suggested that this in fact would have been the gold of the Biblical story as spices such as this would have been very precious indeed.

Turmeric is a fantastic antiinflammatory and anti-oxidant that has gained much coverage in recent years. If you have any kind of injury or inflammation, turmeric can be a useful addition to your medicine cabinet.

Tablets are freely available but it is also popular to use the powder, mixed up into a milky drink. I use a tsp of good organic, fair trade powder (not your usual supermarket packets of the spice - I want to make sure it’ll have plenty of nutritional punch!) blended with almond milk, warmed or cold. There’s a much studied molecule in turmeric called curcumin which is thought to be responsible for many of this spice's medicinal effects.

Curcumin, however, can be poorly absorbed so here’s a few tricks for getting the most out of your home-mixed turmeric

products. Add some fat curcumin is fat soluble so add a tsp of coconut butter to your milk to boost absorption. Also black pepper - this contains piperine, commonly added to turmeric supplements to increase bioavailabilty, just a pinch will do.

Frankincense aka Boswellia.

This prized Ayurvedic herbal medicine is used to treat inflammatory and spasmodic conditions such as arthritis, bronchitis, bursitis (all the ‘itises’!) and asthma. As such, it actually combines very well with our first herb, turmeric. You will generally find it used as a herb under the name boswellia.

When we talk about Frankincense we usually mean the tree resin or the essential oil extraction. Both are very festive as the resin is used as an incense (actually Frankincense comes from franc encens - quality incense) or the oil can be added to burners or diffusers and is commonly found in Christmas blends. Frankincense essential oil also makes a gorgeous skincare ingredient. Add a few drops to some rose hip seed oil and you have made yourself a great antiageing skin treatment oil.

Myrrh - Another resinous tree extract that may also be found in tinctures or as an essential oil.

Also an anti-inflammatory and with inflammation being posited as a cause or contributing factor to all of our big diseases maybe those wise men were really onto something!

Myrrh is a good anti-septic and anti-microbial and the tincture can be useful for disinfecting cuts and grazes or as a healing gargle

Careline provides help at the touch of a button, which can be worn as a pendant or on a wrist strap, and dials through to our team 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.

We offer a free demonstration and if you are happy with it, our staff can fit the unit for you immediately.

Contact us on 01935 479815 careline@southsomerset.gov.uk www.southsomerset.gov.uk/careline Initial connection / setup fee £32.70* Hire and monitoring £3.81 per week *waived if on certain benefits

Maya of Langport offer a wide range of ladies fashions.

THE VISITOR December 2015 15

for ulcers and sore throats. A sitz bath with myrrh oil added can be very soothing for perineal injuries post-partum. Add Myrrh oil to skincare blends for infective skin conditions, weeping eczema, acne and balms designed for our hard working hands and feet. Add to an oil burner or diffuser with frankincense and some orange oil for a really festive fusion.

Well that’s all for now, wishing you all a truly wonderful Christmas.

Jenna Evans ©2015.

LOOKING GOOD & Feeling Fine

 Jenna is an Holistic Health Coach and creator of bespoke beauty products. She can be found on Facebook at ‘Alchemical Beauty UK’. Jenna is also a multi-award winning Product Advisor at Ceres Natural Foods, Yeovil. To make an appointment, please pop in or call 01935 428791 for details.

Find Ceres on Facebook as ‘Ceres Natural Foods Ltd’.

Always check with a health professional before making any dramatic changes to your diet 45a HIGH STREET SHEPTON MALLET SOMERSET • BA4 5AQ  01749 343945 www.annaperrafashion.com

PRE-XMAS SALE ON NOW UP TO 50% OFF ... and more!

A perfect time to buy a stylish Christmas gift for your loved ones!

COME ALONG AND HAVE A FUN CHRISTMAS WITH US ...

and lifestyle or starting a new supplement, especially with any existing health conditions.

Stitch or Sew

Stitch or Sew is a new venture in central Yeovil specalising in clothing repairs, alterations and tailoring. The new business combines the repairs and alterations sides of two existing Yeovil businesses, Puffin Cleaners and Marion Baker Of Marneys Ltd, both located in Bond St, Yeovil.

There are three seamstresses employed by the new business, including one on site Monday to Friday. The main benefit for customers will be reduced turnaround times.

The most common items brought it to Stitch or Sew are new trousers or skirts for shortening, replacement zips on jeans or dresses are also a common request, as are repairing hems and replacing buttons. Some less common items are darning of jumpers, repairing cigarette burn holes and taking up new curtains.

Stitch or Sew is located withing the Puffin Cleaners shop at 17 Bond Street, Yeovil, close to Nationwide and Robert Dyas.

Background: Marion Baker Of Marneys Ltd, menswear and formal hire shop, are consolidating their business with their wedding dress shop. So the menswear business at 3 Bond Street is moving into the wedding shop location at 20 Bond Street.

As a result of the downsize, Angela, who has been the Marneys seamstress for over 30 years, will move to the new venture, Stich or Sew, which is located just across the road at Puffin Cleaners, 17 Bond Street.

Stitch or Sew carry on working closely with Marneys especially during the busy summer period when there is a high demand for suit and dress hire.

Anna Perra Fashions Shepton Mallet

Now that the party season is here - call into Anna Perra Fashions of Shepton Mallet where you will find easy to wear - stylish separates that will turn heads!

There is an excellent range of accessories such as jewellery, bags and scarves which will make lovely Christmas presents - and with the sale now on what better time to shop!

Anna will be at the Charlton House Christmas Market with a pop up shop on Wednesday the 2nd December 6pm until 9pm and Thursday 3rd December 9.30am until 3pm. So pop along and see her.

Have a Beautiful & Healthy New Year!

Next Issue Print ...

Thursday 17th December Deadline Friday 4th December

To advertise here CALL: 01963 351256

16 THE VISITOR December 2015

Mike’s Music

Although Mike’s Music no longer has a shop in Crewkerne due to retirement – ‘strings and things’ plus a range of items suitable for Christmas gifts can be purchased from their Stall on Saturday 12th December at The Crewkerne Christmas Market held in the Market Square from 10am.

Mike is also available for guitar tuition – although spaces are limited. Mike offers tuition for all ages and abilities and has a very successful pass rate for those pupils taking the London College of Music exams - exams are not compulsory and many of Mike’s students play just for pleasure.

For further information why not give him a call 01460 75663.

Mikes Music

Visit The George Shopping Centre at Crewkerne.

Regency Care & Mobility in Falkland Square have smart new signage.

Call in and see them for all your mobility needs - not forgetting their Cosyfeet range of slippers and footwear.

Will be selling ... Strings and Things plus items that are ideal for Christmas Gifts at the ... Christmas Market, Saturday 12 th December in ... Crewkerne Market Square, 10am – 3pm

GUITAR LESSONS AVAILABLE  Call for details ... MIKE on 01460 75663 

THE VISITOR December 2015 17

Crewkerne Antiques Fair

Crewkerne, the new Mecca for antiques, will be a hive of activity and open for busines on Sunday 6th December. Crewkerne Antiques & Vintage Centre will

be hosting its first Christmas Antiques Fair with free admission and everyone welcome. It promises to be a great day for antique lovers and collectors with lots of potential Christmas gifts

A “treasure trove” of delights from many local designers Open Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 4pm

Bluebird and Buttercup No. 4, The George Shopping Centre CREWKERNE, TA18 7LU Tel: 01460 77728 www.bluebirdandbuttercup.co.uk

for the discerning buyer. There will be three antique shops open in Market Street on the day so it will be well worth a visit. Mulled wine, mince pies and a warm welcome await.

Williamsons Solicitors

It’s not unusual for people to fall out after the death of a parent or other loved one when entitlements to the deceased’s estate are not as expected or seem unfair. We see

disputes over the validity of wills, objections to those appointed to administer the estate, claims by relatives who feel they have not been properly provided for under a will and disputes involving powers of attorney. If this is or could be you then we are here to help. Williamsons don’t just deal with contested wills and estates.

We have experts in commercial litigation, private disputes, company commercial, employment,

CREWKERNE ANTIQUES & VINTAGE CENTRE 52 Dealers on 2 Floors

We Buy and Sell Antique Furniture, Ceramics Art, Jewellery, Gold and Silver Open: Monday – Saturday, 9.30am – 4.30pm





ANTIQUES FAIR   

Sunday 6 th December, 10am – 4pm

16 MARKET STREET • CREWKERNE Tel: 01460 77111

18 THE VISITOR December 2015

Bluebird and Buttercup can be found in the George Shopping Centre filled to overflowing with unusual gift ideas for all the family - do pop in.

Antiques Bazaar

Frantic last minute festive shopping not for you? Try a great, relaxing retail experience at Antiques Bazaar in Crewkerne, trading 7 days a week. Browse through attractive displays of antique furniture, period prints and paintings, quality glass and ceramics, clocks, painted furniture, textiles, greetings cards, vintage toys, collectables and unusual pieces. The list is endless, and with almost 100 individual traders at one great destination, you are certain to find a gem. The Home Bakery on site offers coffee, home-made cakes, breakfasts, snacks and savouries, all in a rather Bohemian setting, with woodburning stove and gentle background music. Antiques

Right: Milly's Antiques have moved just a few shops down from their original shop to larger premises.

Come and browse at your leisure there is even more to see now!

Bazaar, with convenient free parking and a delivery service, why choose anywhere else?

Christmas is coming - but so is the Self Assessment deadline Advice from Chalmers & Co.

It is that time of year when we are all starting to concentrate on the festive season. But as a small business owner with year end accounts and a self-assessment tax return to do by 31 January 2016, it is also time to make sure that your affairs are in order. You need to remember Santa is never late and neither should you be where the Tax Man is involved.

So, if you need help, we at Chalmers & Co would be happy to assist you. All you need to do is give us a call or send us an email now and then relax at Christmas in the knowledge that your accounts and tax returns are in good hands.

Chalmers

&CO

personal injury, commercial and residential property. For further information see our full advert or visit our website on www.mrwlaw.co.uk, email us at info@mrw-law.co.uk or telephone 01460 200450.

chartered accountants

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Personal & Business Tax Advisors Business Start Ups Payroll Bureau Accounting & Audit Specialists Full Business Support Services VAT Returns & Advice

Free initial consultation

A personal and friendly approach to business that will work for you Visit our website at

www.chalmersaccountants.co.uk or email us on

info@chalmersaccountants.co.uk Offices at Yeovil, Crewkerne & Langport 01460 279000 THE VISITOR December 2015 19

BUSINESS

Robert Stone & Co.

Chartered Accountants & Tax Advisers in Ilminster answers questions from small businesses in Somerset Q1. I am a director and employee of a trading limited company (A Ltd), of which I also own 100% of the shares.

I am about to set up a holding company in the European Union, which will own 100% of the shares in A Ltd. I will own 100% of the new EU company. Will there be any capital gains tax or stamp duty payable on the transfer of shares?

Robert Stone replies:

The 'share for share' rules should apply to the transfer, so there should be no capital gains tax or stamp duty payable on the transaction.

Further information on these rules can be found in the HMRC Capital gains tax manual at www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/cgma nual/CG52521+.htm, and www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/cgma nual/CG52800.htm.

Q2. I have recently registered for VAT. I understand that I can use a flat rate for working out the VAT payable to HMRC, but I am not sure how the scheme works and how to register for it?

Robert Stone replies:

This scheme is designed to help small businesses with a turnover of no more than £150,000 a year, excluding VAT, by taking some of the work out of recording VAT sales and purchases. If you use the scheme, you pay HMRC a single percentage of your turnover in a VAT period.

The percentages applicable to this scheme currently vary from 4% for food and children's clothing retailers up to 14.5% for builders and contractors who supply labour-only services.

In your first year of VAT registration you get a 1% reduction in flat rate, which means that you can take 1% off the flat rate you apply to your turnover, until the day before your first anniversary of becoming VAT registered.

The scheme works well for some but not others. On the

20 THE VISITOR December 2015

positive side, the scheme may save you some admin because you don't have to work out every item of input and output tax, but if your customers are VAT registered, you do have to calculate the VAT and issue VAT invoices in the normal way.

Financially, the flat rates averages may work out cheaper for you than normal accounting or you may find this scheme more expensive - use HMRC's ready reckoner to check.

Under the scheme, you pay the VAT quarterly and you can swap back to the normal VAT scheme at any time if your inputs rise.

You can also claim VAT on any capital expenditure of more than £2,000 excluding VAT. You can register to join the scheme online. See the GOV.UK website at www.gov.uk/vat-flatrate-scheme/join-or-leave-the-sche me for further details.

Q3. I am a self-employed painter and decorator. I own two properties, one of which I rent out. My next selfassessment payment on account is due for payment shortly. I will need to pay £13,500 to HMRC. The rental property is currently worth around £20,000 less than I paid for it. If I were to sell it now, would I be able to off-set the loss against my selfassessment tax bill?

Robert Stone replies:

Sadly not! For capital gains tax purposes, allowable losses of an individual can generally only be set against capital gains in the same tax year or in future years.

The HMRC capital gains tax states: "Allowable losses must be deducted: - as far as possible from chargeable gains accruing in the same year of assessment; and any balance must be carried forward without time limit and deducted from chargeable gains accruing in the earliest later year.

Losses brought forward are deducted after losses accruing in the year of assessment and cannot reduce the net chargeable gains to below the annual exempt amount. Any losses which thus cannot be deducted remain available for deduction in later years."

See the HMRC Capital Gains Tax Manual at www. hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/ cgmanual/CG15810.htm for further details.

Bruton’s Christmas Evening Wednesday 9th December 6pm – 9pm

Bruton is holding a Christmas Evening, on Wednesday 9th December from 6 - 9pm.

The High Street will be closed to traffic, the shops will be open for you to browse for Christmas gifts and goodies and there will be

plenty of stalls lining the street selling a variety of gifts and other items.

The festivities begin when the lights are switched on at 6pm.

Father Christmas will be abseiling into town (just like last year) and then he will move into his

Limited edition Waterloo Chess Set No 85 of 250. Just one of many unusual Christmas gift ideas from Quillon House Antiques of Bruton.

Beautiful Jewellery...

Just one of many gift ideas from

5 High Street, Bruton. Tel: 01749 813264

Furniture - Jewellery - Collectables - Decorative Art Jewellery Making - Repairs - Restringing

Open: Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10 till 5.30 December: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10 till 5.30 Dave & Mike wish all their customers a very Merry Christmas

Quillon House Antiques

16 H IG H S TR EET , B RUTON  01749 812269

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

19th century tooled leather stationery casket

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

Grotto where he will distribute gifts to children.

There will be plenty going on throughout the evening for you to enjoy including a fairy stilt walker, carol singers, lots of activities for the children and lots of delicious thing to eat!!!

Make a note in your diary today to visit Bruton’s Christmas Evening.

Italy Italy

Christmas gift ideas galore!

Handbags: all shapes, sizes and colours at great prices.

Rare balsamic vinegar.

Italy Italy: our new name housing our new Italian food corner and Florence leather collection.

Selection of traditional and special Panettone.

Truffle sauce, truffle flavoured pastas, gluten free foods.

Many choices of pasta: pappardelle, farfalle, spaghetti.

Assortment of extra virgin olive oils.

Shoes, scarves, ponchos, purses and more. Come and visit us to solve your Christmas present problems.

Bruton Motor Services

Established for over 20 years, Rob Mahoney and his experienced staff at Bruton Motor Services offer a full servicing and repair service on all makes of cars, vans and light commercials.

There is a fully equipped, purpose built, MOT bay complete with all the latest diagnostic computer equipment for testing emissions etc.

Other services offered include tyres, batteries and exhausts at competitive prices, and the prompt acquisition of spares.

Before you go on holiday make sure your car is roadworthy. Book in for a service today.

Bruton’s Christmas Evening Wednesday 9th December 6pm – 9pm

Station Road, Bruton, Somerset

Are pleased to offer Full Class 4 MOT Facilities MOTs • MOT Preparation • Welding Service and Repairs on all makes of Vehicle

TYRES • BATTERIES • EXHAUSTS Contact Proprietor

Tel / Fax: 01749 812992 Mobile: 07976 401432

Christmas / January Issue

Relax at Truffles Brasserie where they have recently launched their new menu.

Published: Thursday 17th December Deadline: Friday 4th December Tel: 01963 351256

THE VISITOR December 2015 21

Bruton’s Christmas Evening Wednesday 9th December 6pm – 9pm

West End Garage

West End Garage tries its hardest to satisfy customer demands and their services cater for all

on all makes and catering for the largest of Vans and 4x4.

They know only too well that a vehicle off the road is an inconvenience which is why they'll always do their best to get customers rolling and earning again. If your problem is on

wheels, they can solve it. Whether it be a Car, Truck, Horse box, Trailer or Classic car they think outside the box and find solutions to your needs!

They are happy to discuss any of your requirements, just give them a call.

domestic and commercial needs.

They have full repair facilities enabling them to perform accident repairs, MOT’s, servicing

A taste of Italy comes to Bruton - fine leather handbags and delicious Italian fayre.

22 THE VISITOR December 2015

I’VE GOT A soft spot for Langport, so it disappoints me that so few people from outside Visitorland know of the town and are tempted to visit it. If they’ve heard of it at all it’s often through media films, photos and reports of the floods a couple of years ago, and they think of it as being just flat and wet.

Strangers passing through on the train might catch a fleeting glimpse of Tesco’s backside as they speed across North Moor and wonder why somewhere that can justify a major supermarket cannot justify a railway station where they could alight and explore the town. Motorists heading for Bridgwater from the A303 see little of the town apart from the modern housing of Huish Episcopi, and those driving from East Somerset to Taunton associate Langport with traffic congestion on the long narrow main street.

They don’t know what they’re missing! In previous articles I’ve written a little about the town’s long and fascinating history, and the best way to appreciate what remains of its past and what it offers in the present is to explore on foot. Car parking in Langport is free and the largest parking area in the town centre is on Cocklemoor behind the modern town square opposite the Town Hall.

Festive LANGPORT

The buildings on Cheapside display a fascinating mixture of architectural designs.

The town’s origins date from the Anglo Saxon period although there is some evidence that the Celts and the Romans forded the river here and perhaps used it as a means of transport. It is first noted as a Saxon ‘burgh’ or fortified place in a document called the Burghal Hidage – a list

SUTTON UPHOLSTERERS Re-upholstery Specialists Antique, Modern and Contract

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Large selection of fabrics, modern and traditional including ...

Sanderson, Romo, Linwood and Villa Nova Expert advice from over 30 years experience

Picts Hill, LANGPORT • Tel: 01458 252492

COCKLEMOOR GIFT & CRAFT SHOP

Christmas Gift Ideas for all the family Lots of Boxed Chocolates including Liqueurs TOYS • GAMES • JIGSAWS • PHOTO FRAMES • GIFTS Sirdar and Hayfield Knitting Yarns Patterns, Haberdashery, Ribbons, Crafts Follow us on Facebook

Bow Street, Langport Tel: 01458 253145

of fortified places set up against the Danes in the early 10th century – and the Saxon fort was centred on the hill in the area of the church. A low causeway was built across the valley from the hilltop settlement to the navigable River Parrett waterside and excavations suggest that this

probably dates from sometime in the 12th century although some writers have claimed it was built by the Romans. The causeway is now called Bow Street and, at the foot of the hill, Cheapside. This was the Old English ‘long market’ from which Langport derives its name, and in bygone days

BALLROOM DANCING • Private Lessons • Modern Ballroom • Latin American • Party Dances

Langport Dance Centre JOHN BIRTLES Professional Dancing Teacher

P.T.D. Members Latin & Ballroom

Telephone: Langport (01458) 250322

Members Latin & Ballroom

Turkey ‘n’ Tinsel Menu 28th November – 19th December only

Served lunchtimes & evenings  Menu available on request Bookings only  £12.50 to £17.50  Groups of up to 20 can be catered for

Bucks Fizz Brunch Friday 1st January 2016 @ £7.50  12noon – 3pm

Sunday Roast ... Choice of Meats or Vegi’ Options £4.50 Kids  £7.50 to £8.75 Adults  Bookings only

Tel: 01458 250553 • Mobile: 07779 533521

THE VISITOR December 2015 23

Festive LANGPORT

The Information Centre on Bow Street can provide details of many events taking place in and around Langport.

markets were held at Cheapside and on the top of the hill by the imposing 15th century parish church, alas no longer in use.

Here stand the elegant 19th century houses that were once homes to local businessmen, and beyond is the famous Hanging

Traditional & Quirky Gifts Mainly for Men Cartridge Flask Fish Soap on a Rope Silk Bow Ties Cufflinks Nut Crackers And more!

Do call in to see our eclectic and inspirational gifts

LATE NIGHT OPENING Thursday 10th December

 Many promotions on the night  Open: Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm during December (Normally closed Monday & Tuesday)

The Old Register Office Bow Street, Langport, TA10 9PR  01458 252914 24 THE VISITOR December 2015

www.eustaceandarthur.co.uk

Chapel above the road to Huish Episcopi that was built as a gatehouse in the fortified town wall.

Cheapside is still Langport’s principal street and is lined with a fascinating mixture of buildings, some of them dating from the 17th century, and the

buildings on Bow Street also date from different periods but most have narrow frontages, reflecting the medieval land pattern.

Integral to the town’s history is, of course, the River Parrett, and it is just a short stroll westwards across Cocklemoor alongside the river to Bow Bridge where, for centuries, barges discharged the commodities they had brought in from the Bristol Channel. As recently as the early 19th century the river was still used for conveying coal, timber, building materials and other heavy goods, and one of the old warehouses of Great Bow Wharf survives and has been sympathetically renovated to provide offices and a café.

So for anyone with an interest in English history, Langport deserves to be better known and it amply repays a visit. And if, at this time of year, you are looking for Christmas gifts that are a little bit different you could well find them here. The town’s many independent shops on Bow Street, Cheapside, Parrett Close (as the Town Square is properly known) and North Street are brimming with original gift ideas – needlecraft kits and embroidery silks, individually-crafted

Westover Garage Ltd.

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silverware and jewellery, local views, useful and decorative items for the home and garden, carpets and soft furnishings, ladieswear and lingerie, toys and games, sweets, chocolates and lots of very tempting foods, to name but a few – and are well worth exploring. The Langport Area Business Group is active in promoting them through such events as the annual Christmas Extravaganza and details of this and other events in the area can be obtained from the Langport Information Centre on Bow Street, telephone 01458 253527, on weekdays between 10.00am and 3.00pm.

No visit to the Langport area is complete without calling at Muchelney, Curry Rivel and Hambridge. The John Leach Gallery at Muchelney Pottery, now celebrating its 50th anniversary, has a Christmas exhibition of works by three local artists – paintings by Jane Hood, fused glass by Sally Kent and prints by Jackie Curtis – along with a display of signed ceramics

Festive LANGPORT

by John Leach, Nick Rees and Mark Melbourne, and the pottery shop sells the classic range of Muchelney kitchen and tableware. The shop and gallery are open daily except Sundays from 9.00am till 5.00pm but closed for lunch from 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Forrest smokery and restaurant at Bowdens Farm, the former grainstore, haybarn and dairy were painstakingly restored and converted some years ago to create a base for art and craft work designers and makers and to provide a different shopping experience from the usual chainstore-dominated edge-of-town retail developments.

Roger Richards.

Langport at Christmas

The retailers, traders and b usine sse s o f L a ng p o rt a re delighted to invite you to Langport during December, where once again their shops, businesses, restaurants & cafés will be wholeheartedly entering into the seasonal spirit with great enthusiasm.

If you are looking for beautiful clothing, delicious festive food,

Fused glass by Sally Kent. Part of the 'Christmas Exhibition' in the John Leach Gallery. Runs until 2nd February, open Monday Saturday, 9-1, 2-5.

Sandpits Heating Centre in Curry Rivel is best known for its big range of woodburners but it also stocks home furnishings and accessories and garden furniture and has a lovely tea shop called Living Pretty. And at Hambridge, next to the renowned Brown &

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THE VISITOR December 2015 25

something special for your home, or that thoughtful, yet different gift for your friends, family or even your pet, Langport’s rich array of unique and independent traders will be sure to have something that you will be unable to find by driving to bigger towns.

The fun begins on 5th December with a Christmas market followed by fireworks and a hog roast organised by the Langport Events Group.

Langport’s new twinkling Christmas lights, funded by

FOSTERS NEWSAGENTS NEWSPAPERS & MAGAZINES Props. Jig & Rimpal

WE DELIVER! West Country Calendars Local Christmas Cards and “Relative” Christmas Cards David Sturgeon Giftware Helium Balloons Bow Street, Langport Somerset, TA10 9PQ Tel: 01458 250607

Festive LANGPORT

Langport Town Council will also be lit up. The Christmas theme will be carried through in the shop windows to start the best-dressed window competition plus there will be a special "spot the item" competition for those clever little ones who know their “ABCs”.

This year, for one night only, there will be late-night opening from 5 - 8 pm on 10th December when participating stores will be offering a special 10% discount.

The late night opening and the special 10% discount, on selected ranges, is to offer shoppers with busy lives, the opportunity to take in the festive atmosphere and wonderful variety of original independent shops, in what is regarded as the smallest town in England.

With the additional benefit of a free car park and a wide choice of places to enjoy a well-earned “shopping break”, you can treat yourself to a delicious meal or slice of cake.

Langport welcomes you and wishes you all a very happy festive season.

Business Update

Parade Ladies Fashion

Parade Ladies Fashion is now open in the Precinct stocking a wonderful selction of ladies fashions and accessories, plus many Christmas gift ideas.

Fosters Newagents

Jig and Rimpal are the new proprietors of Fosters Newagents,

taking over the business in September. They will continue to offer an excellent range of magazines and newspapers and of course delivery.

With Christmas around the corner they have in stock the local Langport and Huish Episcopi Christmas cards plus an extensive range of greeting cards and general Christmas cards.

There is a uselful range of basic grocery items such as tea, coffee, biscuits etc., plus snacks, drinks and confectionery. They look forward to meeting customers old and new.

Lafleure Antiques & Furnishings - one of many interesting shops.

Living Pret t y @ Sandpits Heating Centre Inspirational gift ideas for hearth & home

Inspirational gift ideas for hearth & home

FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA FOR TWO £30 CHAMPAGNE FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA FOR TWO £40 Selection of Festive Sandwiches ...

Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese & Cucumber, Free Range Egg and Cress, Brie, Black Grape & Rocket, Turkey Cranberry, & Stuffing Goats Cheese & Beetroot Tart Roasted Tomato & Whipped Feta Bruschetta • Quails Scotch Egg Parma Ham, Roquefort & Fig on Toast Lightly Spiced Fruit Scones with Jumbleberry Jam & Clotted Cream Cranberry & White Chocolate Tiffin Frangipane Mince Pies • Mini Yule Logs • Pot of Tea for Two Available from 7th – 23rd December from 12noon CHRISTMAS LUNCH & SUPPER CLUB 2015 Lunch 2 Courses £22 • Lunch 3 Courses £26 • Supper 3 Courses £30 Lunch Dates: Thurs. 10th Dec. and Fri. 18th Dec. from 12noon Supper Dates: Fri. 11th Dec. and Thurs. 17th Dec. from 7pm * Includ Glass o es a f Fiz a Kids C z and ocktail

CHAMPAGNE XMAS EVE BRUNCH * THURSDAY 24th DECEMBER from 8am – 11.30am Large Farmhouse Breakfast £14 • Regular Farmhouse Breakfast £12 Vegetarian Breakfast £10 • Smoked Salmon & Scrambled Egg Bagel £9 Homemade Pancakes, Bacon & Maple Syrup £9 • Kids Breakfast £6 THE OLD BAKERY, CURRY RIVEL, LANGPORT, TA10 0ES Tel: 01458 253357 • Email: kate@livingpretty.co.uk www.livingpretty.co.uk 26 THE VISITOR December 2015

Throws – Lamps – China – Rugs Companion Sets – Log Baskets Candles – Cushions – Table Runners Napkin Rings – Serviettes Glass Cookware & More

High Street, Curry rivel Langport, tA10 0eS  01458 251476

LArge CAr PArK at reAr

F. J. Scriven & Sons Quality Family & Catering Butchers

Almost thirty years ago David and Mary Scriven purchased the old butcher's shop in Langport and began trading under F. J. Scriven & Sons, a well established business name dating back to 1966 in North Petherton.

After the closure of the North Petherton shop in September 2014 the catering side of the business, being run by Lee Hughes, transferred to Langport bringing new life and interest in the already thriving trade. From April this year Lee and Kelly Hughes began trading as F. J. Scriven & Sons, running both the shop and catering business in Langport.

As many of you will know, Lee has been a long standing employee starting his training with David at the age of thirteen and now with over twenty years of experience including work at the North Petherton shop.

Lee hopes to see you all in the future to continue the high level of quality and service to which

Festive LANGPORT

you are accustomed.

Mary and David wish to thank you for your custom and friendship over the years and hope you will continue to support Lee and Kelly in t heir new venture.

Shop: 01458 250062

Catering: 01458 251483

E: fjscrivenandsonsbutchers@gmail.com

David will continue to assist in the shop, ensuring everything is still ‘just a bit over’, enabling Lee to extend and enhance the catering arm of the business including hog roasts, functions and outdoor events.

The shop continues to supply the community with the finest quality meats including local Dexter beef, free-range pork and chicken and locally sourced lamb.

Come in for you daily needs and place your Christmas order!

Langport is noted for its many independent businesses including F. J. Scriven & Sons – Traditional Butchers.

91 BOW STREET LANGPORT TA10 9PR

F.J. Scriven & Sons Quality Family Butchers • Established 1966 Suppliers to Hotels and to the Catering Trade Local Dexter Beef  Free Range Local Pork Creedy Carver Duck & Chicken and much more available Try our Home Made Sausages & Home Cured Bacon New Range of Charcuterie  New Freezer Range too!

————————— CHRISTMAS ORDERS now being taken —————————

 LATE NIGHT CHRISTMAS ORDER COLLECTION 

Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd December from 7pm – 9pm HOG ROAST AND OUTDOOR EVENTS CATERED FOR Wishing all our customers past and present the compliments of the season

THE VISITOR December 2015 27

Christmas in Somerton

THERE ARE MORE than one hundred shops and businesses in Somerton. I know this because the Somerton Business and Trade Association has been assiduously publicising the fact to tempt customers into the town.

Those who have given in to temptation will, I feel sure, be glad that they made the journey because a stroll from Broad Street, through the Market Place and along West Street to The Triangle and beyond will have revealed numerous fascinating shops, their size often much larger than their narrow

frontages would suggest. And if they ventured further to the business park on the town’s north-west edge off Bancombe Road they will have found a multitude of small businesses thriving there in the modern units, businesses as diverse as motor mechanics and beauticians and dealers in garden machinery, bedrooms and kitchens, windows and conservatories, country furnishings and clothing.

Like most Visitorland towns, Somerton will be celebrating Christmas, and information about its programme of festive events

Market Bar customers take advantage of the mild weather to enjoy an alfresco coffee.

Market Bar & Bistro Avril, Duncan & Fiona welcome you to the ...

Market Place, Somerton

Open Daily for Lunch & Dinner (closed Sunday evening) Traditional Sunday Roast plus Menu Choice Fresh Fish Board

Mid Week Lunch 2 Course £9.95 Monday to Friday

Tel: 01458 272468

Wishing all of our customers a very happy Christmas

and carol services can be found on its website www.somerton.co.uk and at the local information

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Market Place, Somerton (01458) 273168

Homemade Cakes & Scones Morning Coffee, Cream Teas Lunch Served 12 – 3pm Open: Tue – Sat 9 – 4pm

centre in the library off West Street. The atmosphere in the town centre will be enhanced with decorations, carol services and events, and on selected dates many of the shops will be staying open late for Christmas shopping.

And the Christmas lights will be switched on at 6.00pm on Friday 27th November at the start of a Victorian Fayre. If you’re shopping for gifts you will find plenty of choice in the aforementioned hundred-plus shops and businesses which are all featured on the website’s business directory.

As well as this diverse range of businesses, shopping in Somerton has three other attractions. The first is that it is usually quite easy to find somewhere to park. There are free car parks on West Street – behind the Brunel Centre (best approached and signposted from Behind Berry), behind the Unicorn Hotel, and alongside the

Brunel Pet Centre 5a Brunel Shopping Precinct SOMERTON Tel: 01458 274980 Website: www.brunel-pets.com

PLENTY OF CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS FOR YOUR PET Many Brands of Dog & Cat Food Stocked

Dog & Cat Treats • Toys & Beds Small Animal Foods • Treats Hay & Straw

Wide Selection of Wild Bird Food & Feeders 28 THE VISITOR December 2015

* Orders Welcome *

Christmas in Somerton is all on level ground and very easy.

The third attraction is that Somerton is well provided with pleasant places to eat and drink when some respite from walking round the shops becomes necessary. On the Market Place there are the Buttercross Tearooms and the Market Bar & Bistro, and on West Street the Full of Beans licensed café and

the Courtyard Café at the back of the Gifted Company shop. And the independent Williams supermarket in the Brunel shopping precinct also contains a splendid café. If you prefer a ‘wet’ lunch there are two adjacent ancient inns on the Market Place, the White Hart and the Globe, the medieval Unicorn Hotel on West Street, and the Royal Oak beyond The Triangle at the

Blooming IN SOMERTON ARTISAN FLORIST

Beautiful Fresh Flowers The long established florist Blooming Linda’s has relocated to the middle of West Street and is now called Blooming in Somerton.

former Half Moon public house.

Roadside parking is permitted round the Market Place and on Broad Street, and most of the businesses off Bancombe Road

have ample parking spaces. The second is that Somerton’s hilltop site is flat, and although the shops are spread over a fairly large area the walk between them

Somerton Furnishings

Traditional and Exotic ... for all occasions Pot Plants - Balloons - Chocolates

 CHriStMAS giftS  Holly Wreaths & Festive Decorations

Why not give flowers this Christmas?

 gift vouCHerS AvAiLAbLe 

Easton House, West Street, SOMERTON * Tel: 01458 273030

Carpets • Vinyls • Blinds • Curtain Poles Fabrics and Soft Furnishings WEST STREET, SOMERTON, TA11 7PR Tel: 01458 272081 enquiries@somertonfurnishings.co.uk

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15 Cary Court, Bancombe Business Park, SOMERTON Tel: 01458 274261 • www.gardenmachineryrus.co.uk THE VISITOR December 2015 29

Christmas in Somerton

Tinhouse Home & Garden Antiques Furniture • Vintage • Retro • Gardenalia • Pots Birdbaths • Sundials • Statues • Sculptures ITEMS BOUGHT & SOLD – CASH PAID – CAN COLLECT Open 10.30am ‘til 4.30pm, Saturday, Monday, Tuesday For other times give us a call

Tel: 01458 241298 • Mobile: 07971 244441 Sutton Road, South Hill, SOMERTON, TA11 7JG www.tinhousehomeandgarden.co.uk • tinhousehomeandgarden@outlook.com

Overt Locke has been trading in Somerton for 90 years and stocks everything that the D.I.Y. & gardening enthusiast could want as well as household goods and gifts.

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30 THE VISITOR December 2015

junction with the road to Langport. These are the ones I spotted, but there might well be others.

If you’re on the Christmas gift trail no visit to Somerton should miss Overt Locke, the large store on West Street. It’s the oldest shop in Somerton and although the town contains some very much older buildings that were or still are shops, Locke’s can claim the title because it has traded continuously from the same site, in much the same range of goods, for longer than any other Somerton business; in fact, for 90 years, since 1925.

The shop still occupies Overt Locke’s Tudor house and if you look carefully you can see traces of the old family dining room with its fireplace and beam carefully retained, protected and probably much as Overt Locke would have known it. However, most of the display space is in a modern showroom area of more than 3,500 sq ft at the rear of the house and is packed with everything the DIY and garden enthusiast could want, together with plenty to please the homemaker, the housewife, the gift-hunter and the home brewer and winemaker.

For gifts with a local connection it’s worth popping into the Stationery House on the Market Place which has a selection of goods that are clearly gifts from Somerton. Despite its name this shop is much more than just a stationer, offering a good selection of maps, books, pens, jigsaw puzzles, framed prints and office

Christmas in Somerton Even when you’re not on the Christmas gift trail Somerton is well worth a visit – at any time of year. Whether your interest is browsing round the shops, seeking unusual antiques,

admiring local craftsmanship, exploring its medieval roots or simply soaking up the atmosphere, the town will keep you happy for hours.

Roger Richards.

Market Cross Antiques West Street, Somerton Tel: 01458 274005

Over 25 dealers offering a wide range of antiques, collectables and decorative furnishings

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An antique dealer, gift shop and cafe are just three of West Street’s many thriving businesses.

requisites, and is always worth a browse.

Adults who enjoy outdoor pursuits should visit A.W. Rule & Son, sporting gun and rifle stock maker.

In previous articles about Somerton I’ve recommended a visit to the Courthouse on the Market Place where members of the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen display and sell their ceramics, metalwork, woodwork, glass, jewellery, embroidery and photography, all of which make wonderful gifts. At the end of October the Guild relocated its main gallery and shop to Wells but still had a display in the Courthouse when I visited in midNovember. I’m told that it intends to retain a presence in Somerton and hopes to move across the road to the Old Town Hall soon. The main gallery is now at 23a Broad Street, Wells, telephone 01749 671112, and is open daily from 10.00am till 4.00pm.

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BOOK REVIEWS

Weymouth, Dorchester & Portland in the Great War

By Jacqueline Wadsworth.

Pen and Sword Books Ltd, 2015.

144pp softback.

ISBN 978-1-47382-272-6. £12.99

put ten shillings on Salandra which won 15/8 on’.

The book is attractively designed and printed on good-quality paper, which has helped most of the old photographs to reproduce clearly.

It also contains a bibliography, notes on sources of information and a comprehensive index, a boon to any reader wishing to delve more deeply into the subject. At £12.99 it’s very good value and should be of considerable interest to anyone who wants to know a little more about the towns and their recent past.

Roger Richards.

Yeovil History Tour

THE SPATE of books published to coincide with the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War shows no sign of abating and now, 101 years after the event, yet another volume has arrived for review. Its title provides a concise description of its contents, although Weymouth supplies the lion’s share of the narrative, but it does not do justice to the wealth of information within its pages – the extracts from the diaries and letters of local residents, the memories recorded as oral histories by the Portland Heritage Trust, the many archive photographs from local libraries, museums and private collections, and the cuttings from a variety of newspapers and magazines.

Jacqueline Wadsworth’s thorough research and her journalistic skills have resulted in a highly readable account of life in the area during the bleak wartime years. Each year from 1914 to 1918 has its own chapter but she doesn’t allow herself to be constrained by this chronological framework when a broader view better suits the narrative. Thus in the 1918 chapter, ‘A Changed World’, she takes readers into the post-war years with the repatriation of German prisoners-of-war, the departure of the Australian troops based in South Dorset and the return of our own – sadly depleted – troops from the Front.

But her main focus is not the war – it’s the life of people in the three townships during the war years and how their lives were affected by the war. And it wasn’t all doom and gloom! One young girl employed in the Admiralty offices at Portland harbour records in her diary that instead of the expected torpedo information coming down the telegraph wire it was racing tips, ‘so rang up Dr Wetherall and

32 THE VISITOR December 2015

A guided tour of the historic town of Yeovil, showing how the areas you know and love have transformed over the centuries.

By Robin Ansell and Jack Sweet.

Paperback. Amberley Publishing.

Published 15 October 2015.

ISBN: 978-1-4456-5448-5 Price: £6.99

THE LATEST TITLE in Amberley Publishing’s new History Tour series sees local authors Robin Ansell and Jack Sweet take readers on a guided walk through the history of local Somerset town of Yeovil, demonstrating how much the town has changed in the past 100 years.

Featuring 96 pages with 50 illustrations, Yeovil History Tour is a unique insight into the illustrious history of Yeovil. This is an exciting guided walk around the town, its well-known streets and famous faces, and explains what they meant to local people throughout the nineteenth and into the twentieth century. Readers are invited to follow a timeline of events and watch the changing face of Yeovil.

Pocket sized so readers can take with them as they visit the area’s historical landmarks and locations.

Also available in Kindle, Kobo and iBook formats. For more information visit: www.amberleybooks.com

WINCANTON

ON ONE of those unseasonably warm days in early November I enjoyed a coffee in the courtyard garden of Divine Wines on Wincanton’s High Street and reflected on how the town centre had changed since the end of World War II. The traditional traders who have been able to weather the ups and downs of the national economy have survived on the quality of their goods and the personal service they offer, not on the prices they charge.

New businesses with a similar approach to trading but a different range of goods have moved into vacant shops, and while some haven’t lasted very long there have usually been others ready to take their place.

So while the Elegant Home furnishings and gifts shop on the

Market Place closed recently and the nearby White Horse pub is currently boarded up, a newcomer to the Market Place is Love Wonky, a gallery and shop showcasing local creative talent, and the pottery, art and craft work on display when I looked in was certainly impressive. And just around the corner, Redfearns café on South Street opened last year and its traditional breakfasts, sandwiches, snacks, coffees, cakes and regularlychanging menu of Asian specials seem to have proved popular with shoppers. As does the aforementioned Divine Wines.

Who would have thought a decade ago that this old-fashioned off-licence could be transformed into a contemporary wine store and café that would seem at home

Welcome to WINCANTON new building housing Craftique, another shop showcasing the work of local artists and craftspeople, and a further good source of unusual artistic gifts is the Ironmonger-sibthorp Contemporary Art Gallery in part of the former Greyhound coaching inn.

But traditional traders still

in many a continental town.

Across the road from Divine Wines is another store catering for a relatively new niche market.

The Small Cake Shop clearly appeals to people inspired by ‘The Great British Bake-off’ by stocking everything they could possibly need. On the opposite corner of Carrington Way is a

have a presence on the High Street, including Andrew Barclay’s traditional family butchers shop which is noted for locally-sourced meat, poultry and game and is now taking Christmas orders. Clementina’s hardware shop is packed with everything imaginable to keep the home functioning smoothly and the Wincanton Cobbler not only undertakes shoe repairs but also stocks a wide range of leather goods, sports bags, walking sticks and umbrellas. Wincanton Sew and Sew sells dress fabrics, haberdashery, cottons and suchlike, and the renowned Preview ladies fashion boutique

has a stunning selection of readymade clothing and accessories.

Two adjacent shops on the High Street – Papertrees and Wild Cardz – together cater for almost all stationery requirements, the post office on the Market Place stocks a tempting choice of luxury chocolates and gifts, and Reed and Russell florists on Church Street can provide local and nationwide floral deliveries.

These shops and many more too numerous to name make Wincanton a good place to purchase festive food, drinks and gifts. Car parking in the town centre is still free, and regular bus services can bring you in from

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MER CUSTO K R CAR PA

A good source of unusual gifts in the art gallery in part of the former Greyhound coaching inn. Nearby is Preview ladies fashion shop.

A END CAL

RS

Wild Cardz

DIAR

IES

35 High Street, Wincanton, Somerset BA9 9JU • Tel: 01963 31234 CARDS FOR ALL OCCASIONS Christmas Cards for all your Relations & Friends • Boxed Cards • Charity Cards Wrapping Paper • Gifts • Party Items • Confetti Latex Balloons and Helium Foil Balloons • Crepe / Tissue Paper Table Decorations • Napkins • Stocking Fillers • Wool & Accessories Christmas Party Bits: Poppers - Hats - Earrings - Spray - and much more!

Clementina

Gifts for all the family ...

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Practical Gifts for Home and Garden LATE House Signs: Wood and uPVC NIGHT Fireside Accessories – Halogen and Electric Heaters OPENING Flogas Stockist – Kindling Wood and Logs – Coal – Torches Friday 4th

We wish all our customers a Happy Christmas !

Fri LAT day E 4th NI De GH cem T ber

www.wildcardzwincanton.com

at

The Barber’s Shop

WINCANTON Memorial Hall Mondays 1.00pm – 5.30pm Thursdays 9.00am – 5.30pm Saturdays 8.00am – 12noon

MILBORNE PORT Town Hall: Wednesdays 10.00am – 6.00pm SPARKFORD Village Hall: Fridays 12.45pm – 5.45pm

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December

HIGH STREET • WINCANTON • Tel: 01963 32249

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

THE VISITOR December 2015 33

ANDREW BARCLAY TRADITIONAL FAMILY BUTCHERS 45 High Street, Wincanton, Somerset BA9 9JU Tel: 01963 34880 Email: andrewbarclaybutchers@gmail.com

SELLING QUALITY LOCALLY SOURCED MEAT, POULTRY & GAME AT COMPETITIVE PRICES

ORDER YOUR MEAT, POULTRY & GAME NOW FOR CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR WE ALSO STOCK A FINE SELECTION OF LOCAL CHEESES, HOMEMADE CAKES, DESSERTS, PIES, PASTIES SCOTCH EGGS, MILK, JERSEY CREAM, MERE FISH FARM PRODUCTS ANNAMMA’S CURRY SAUCES, COOKED MEATS A SELECTION OF DRY & SWEET BISCUITS & CONDIMENTS

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OF OUR CUSTOMERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT DURING THE YEAR AND WISH THEM A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR ORDERS TAKEN FOR OUR MEAT FROM NORTH CADBURY VILLAGE SHOP & MAIDEN BRADLEY VILLAGE SHOP WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS

34 THE VISITOR December 2015

Welcome to WINCANTON

Élégance Established 1983

Beauty Therapy Clinic

Sparkle This Christmas!

Full range of beauty treatments to get you ready for the party season

 GIFT VOUCHERS  & Christmas Gifts

Sandie Barrett

M.B.A.B.Th.C. • C.I.D.E.S.C.O. A Ladies Only Salon 8b Church Street, Wincanton (01963) 34115

Wincanton still has a traditional family butcher noted for his locally sourced poultry, meat and game.

The Perfect Gift this Christmas

LATE NIGHT OPENING Friday 4th December ... until 8pm

 Join us for a glass of bubbly  Many exciting gift ideas

7 Market Place, Wincanton, BA9 9LL • Tel: 01963 32808 • www.amour-lingerie.co.uk

Spoilt for choice!

Visit our new showroom to see our extensive range of flooring

■ Carpets ■ Vinyls ■ Naturals ■ Woods Wincanton ■ Laminates ■ Tiles ■ Blinds ■ Roll Stock ... vinyls & carpets now available

Let us frame your picture for Christmas ...

Cottage Framers Wincanton

Situated behind the Cobblers on the High Street Open Tuesday – Friday 9am – 5pm All Types of Frames Glass Cutting • Laminating Dry Mounting

Tel: 07967 812978

Stair Runners by Roger Oates

★ Free Estimate ★ Free Measuring ★ Professional Fitting by our own Expert Fitters ★ Friendly and Personal Service ★ Competitive Prices “Just nice people to do business with”

SJH CARPETS, Southgate Road, Wincanton  01963 824418 Also at: High Street, Tisbury  01747 871178

Fire Station

Lidl

Morrisons

Southgate Road Wi nc .T ow n

as far afield as Henstridge, Milborne Port, Bruton, Castle Cary and Street. Of course, these days shopping opportunities extend beyond the town centre.

If you’re seeking home furnishings take a look at SJH Carpets and Flooring and Myakka fairtrade furniture in Tythings Commercial Centre and Cullingford Carpets and Interiors on Wincanton Business Park at the western edge of town. And for mowers, chain saws and all manner of other gardening implements call into Rochford Garden Machinery’s smart showrooms on the Business Park.

All this commercial activity in and around the town suggests that the renaissance of Wincanton is still progressing well.

While the increase in car ownership, the development of edge-of-town supermarkets and trading estates and the growth of mail order and, in recent years, internet shopping have all contributed to the changing face of town centres since 1945, the changes in the previous half century were just as dramatic.

Take, for example, Mill Street that runs from the right-hand side of the post office on the

Tythings Centre

NEW SJH

OLD SJH

THE VISITOR December 2015 35

Welcome to WINCANTON

Market Place down to Silver Street alongside Travis Perkins builders merchants. Once a main road into the town, it is now a quiet backwater fringed with attractive old cottages.

Wincanton historian the late Puffy Bowden wrote that ‘in spite of altered doors, windows and roofs, one can still get the atmosphere of old Wincanton, a busy cobbled stone thoroughfare’ where ‘in 1894 one could carry out a vast amount of business’.

He records that at that time there

was a currier’s shop dealing in tanned leather at number 1, a boot maker at no.1a, an ironmongery at nos.3 and 5, a corsetière at no.11, a tailor at no.27 and a coach builder at no.39. On the opposite side of the road there were a ‘penny bazaar’ at no.6, a dressmaker at no.8, more tailors at nos.12 and 14, a furniture shop at no.24 and two more boot makers at nos.26 and 28. Also on this side of the street were the Baptist Church, the Congregational Church and the

George Inn. Trade directories of the period record that a smith, a painter and glazier, a sawyer and a cooper were also based on the street. All of the properties are now residential apart from the Baptist Church which is still functioning and the Congregational Church which is now the home of the thriving Mill Street Social Club and which warrants a closer look in a future article.

As I savoured my coffee in Divine Wines’ courtyard garden I wondered what those 19th century Mill Street traders would make of 21st century Wincanton.

I suspect they would like it!

Roger Richards.

Wincanton Extravaganza late night shopping Friday 4th December until 8pm  Come along and do you

Christmas shopping Wincanton has a wonderfully diverse range of shops.  Late night opening until 8pm – many shops giving away free drinks and nibbles

Shoe Repairs & Key Cutting - at The Wincanton Cobbler

Bespoke • Corporate • Events Parties • Weddings • Sympathy

- Established 1986 -

01963 32367

Shooting Sticks - Leather Bags, Travel Goods, Sports Bags, Wallets, Umbrellas

11 Church Street, Wincanton, BA9 9AA

High Street, WINCANTON. Tel: 01963 34587

Local & Nationwide Deliveries

LACES - POLISHES - WAXES - SHOE TREES

carpets & interiors

NEW GILLINGHAM BRANCH NOW OPEN

Carpets  Vinyls  Wood  Karndean  Curtains  Blinds  Upholstery

*WINCANTON

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

Wincanton Business Park WINCANTON Somerset BA9 9RR  01963 33574

GILLINGHAM

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

Newbury GILLINGHAM Dorset SP8 4QL  01747 835394

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

36 THE VISITOR December 2015

Welcome to WINCANTON

 New for this year -

Santa Lantern parade led by Santa and his Elves at 5pm  Carols round the Christmas Tree  Stalls in the High Street  Majorettes and Dance Displays  Rodeo and Bouncy Castle (as long as it isn’t raining)  Spot the Unusual Object in the Window competition

Wincanton Choral Society Christmas Concert 2015

The Wincanton Choral Society will perform its Christmas Concert at 7.30pm on Sunday 13th December at the Leisure Centre in Wincanton. The concert will be a ‘Feast of Festive music’ that will include Alan Bullard’s ‘O Come Emmanuel’, Britten’s amusing and highly enjoyable ‘A Ceremony of Carols’ and more

seasonal music for advent and Christmas, from the United Kingdom and Europe.

The soprano soloist is Katharine Hawnt, the harpist Katie Salomon with a sextet of Wind players to complement the Choir. The Choir will be accompanied by the Society’s own pianist, Katrine Reimers.

Tickets for the performance are available from 01749 813899 or from the Box Office: www.netaticket.co.uk. Prices are £15.00 on the door, with under 18s at £6.50 at any time.

Business Update

Junk & More has opened in Church Street, here you will find

a good choice of secondhand furniture ... Alex Appleton Jewellers has moved to smart new High Street premises.

Second Hand Furniture ... at great prices!

John Reilly • Junk & More 3 Church Street • Wincanton Somerset • BA9 9AA  01963 31184

Craftique

For a unique range of quality gifts ...

LOCAL, ENTIRELY HAND-CRAFTED ITEMS

Woollens  Jewellery  Pottery  Baby Wear  Dolls Toys  Household  Articles  Children’s Clothes Cards and Gifts for Christmas  And More!

27 HIGH STREET• WINCANTON• BA9 9SU (next to car park) •  01963 33087

Inside the recently opened Craftique - where you will find individually hand crafted gifts and cards.

Within SJH Carpets

The Tythings Commercial Centre Southgate Road, Wincanton

Bespoke Curtains, Blinds etc.

Superb choice of Fabrics Poles, Tracks, Haberdashery Ribbons, Threads Remnants and more!

Place your order for the New Year before Christmas and receive 10% DISCOUNT on all Fabrics Purchased

Tel: 07883 089 333

OPEN: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9am – 3pm Saturday 9am – 1pm  Thursday 9am – 1pm

Forever Fashion Vintage Bridal Boutique

For the festive season ...

Beautiful Cocktail Dresses Gents Vintage and Modern Evening Wear Hire Vintage Jewellery  Evening Bags  Furs See us at the

VINTAGE MARKET

SEAGER HALL • UNION STREET • WELLS Saturday 12th December, 10am – 3pm

Open Friday – Saturday 10am – 5pm or call for an appointment See our stand at the WINCANTON EXTRAVAGANZA EVENING

Forever Fashion

Church Street, Wincanton, Somerset, BA9 9AF (opposite church and car park)

Tel: 01963 34308 foreverfashion1987@gmail.com

THE VISITOR December 2015 37

Long established television and audio specialist Godden & Curtis can be found on Greenhill, the A30 road that passes along the top of the town centre.

Enjoy your Christmas Viewing

DAB

Radios

ar Sound B

s

Sennheiser Head Phones from

£9.99

s Charger Roberts Radios from

£19

.99

We have a superb choice of TVs from Panasonic FREE 5 Years Warranty!

5 YEAR WARRANTY

Panasonic TV

Please call in and discuss your requirements Our friendly and experienced staff will be pleased to advise Delivery, installation, and removal of old set available

DON’T MISS YOUR FAVOURITE PROGRAMME! NEW from Panasonic RECORDER

Freeview Play the new catch up TV service

WE REPAIR ON THE PREMISES

From the nearly new to the positively vintage! ✴ On-the-Premises Workshop ✴ TVs ✴ Radios ✴ Record Players ✴ Stereos ✴ Plasma TVs ✴ And More

MUSICIANS we repair ...

Guitar Amplifiers, Valve Audio and PA systems

Buy with confidence - Excellent customer and after sales service Just nice people to do business with!

Your Local Television and Audio Specialist

SALES • SERVICE • REPAIRS

Greenhill, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 4EW • 01935 813451 38 THE VISITOR December 2015

WHEN THE LATE Sir John Betjeman made his television film about Sherborne in 1962 he described it as a town of schools, bookshops, antique shops, teashops and sports shops. Since then it has built on its reputation for being home to many antique and art dealers and on a stroll down Cheap Street from The Green to the Conduit I lost count of the number of antique shops I passed. Some were familiar names – Piers Pisani, Henry Willis, Dodge & Son and the Swan Gallery, for example – but the lesser-known ones also proved to be well worth a browse. With so many dealers, restorers, galleries, antique fair organisers and auctioneers in the town, not just on Cheap Street but also on Long Street, South Street and elsewhere in the centre, it’s no wonder Sherborne attracts discerning collectors from far and wide.

At the end of October another

Sherborne Shoe Repairs ★ Shoe Repairs ★ Key Cutting ... while you wait

★ Luggage

2 Swan Yard Sherborne Tel: 01935 817978

USEFUL CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR EVERYONE ...

 Lamy Pens & Gift Sets  Artists Materials  Filofax and Collins Personal Organisers  2016 Diaries  2016 Calendars

GIFT WRAP AND GREETING CARDS STOCKED also CARDMAKING ITEMS Call at our shop ...

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

www.midwest-office.co.uk

shop opened its doors, although to describe the new Acreman St Antiques as a shop is something of a misnomer; it houses more than 40 different dealers offering a range of goods from jewellery, silverware and glassware to furniture, furnishings and garden antiques. The proprietor has run Market Cross Antiques in Somerton for the last eight years so if you have visited that antiques centre you will know what to expect, except that this one is considerably larger and has a small café. It can be found near the top end of Acreman Street, just round the corner from the A30 Yeovil road.

I have long been surprised that a town that attracts so many visitors has so few hotels where they can stay overnight. Apart from a handful of bed-andbreakfasts and pubs there has been only one – the Eastbury Hotel on Long Street – since the Sherborne Hotel closed back in May. A modern hotel with over 50 bedrooms set in four acres of landscaped gardens, it was the only hotel in the town large enough to cater for coach parties, and for travellers on the A30 it

The recently opened Acreman Street Antiques Centre houses more than 40 different dealers.

was the 21st century equivalent of the coaching inn. You might recall that early in 2013 Tesco revealed its intention to demolish

The Old Shambles Vintage Store on South Street is packed with interesting items described as ‘shabby chic and rustic’.

the hotel and erect a new supermarket with a large car park on the site, but active local campaigning successfully killed off the proposal. Instead the site was acquired by a Bournemouthbased development group which has consulted widely on its future use and is expected to lodge a

planning application early next year. And it has been hinted that a small hotel will feature amongst the proposed buildings, which would surely be a boon for the town.

The Sherborne Hotel had no architectural merit, unlike the surviving Eastbury Hotel which

The CROWN Inn

Greenhill, Sherborne, DT9 4EP MUSIC NIGHTS: December

Wednesday 2nd: Blues  Wednesday 9th: Jazz Wednesday 16th: Folk Thursday 17th: Jan  Friday 18th: Sam Wednesday 23rd: Flatland Boogie Band

Christmas Menus now available

SUNDAY LUNCH £8.95 THURSDAY NIGHT STEAK SPECIAL 2 Rump Steaks & Bottle of Wine £25 Delicious food served daily – lunchtimes & evenings

Tel: 01935 816115

THE VISITOR December 2015 39

occupies an attractive Georgian building on Long Street. Built in 1740 as a private house, it became a hotel in the mid-1930s.

Subsequent modest extensions at the back have not marred the

Antique Fair

•

Chasty Cottage Antiques

•

Saturday 28th November

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

North Dorset & South Somerset

PREMIER ART SHOP

Gifts to the budding and professional artists this Christmas

Liquitex Stockist * Picture Framing Greeting Cards * Craft Materials

12 Cheap Street, Sherborne

Tel: 01935 817100

40 THE VISITOR December 2015

Sherborne is well provided with specialist shops such as those selling artists materials.

symmetry of the original building or its setting in a quiet part of the town close to the centre, and its restaurant now has an enviable reputation for fine food.

Shopping in Sherborne is not just about arts and antiques.

With Christmas fast approaching it is an ideal place to browse for unusual gifts from all over the world – ladies designer clothes, jewellery, fancy foods, kitchenware, books, traditional and contemporary home furnishings, electrical goods, bicycles . . . the choice seemed endless when I was windowshopping. Cheap Street, Long Street, South Street, Half Moon Street and Digby Road are packed with an incredible variety of specialist traders too numerous to mention by name. And much of Sherborne’s charm lies in its little lanes and alleys off the main shopping streets where there are other interesting businesses to be discovered on Hound Street and Trendle Street, in Swan’s Yard behind Cheap Street, at Greenhill beyond the top of Cheap Street, and on South Western Business Park next to the railway station.

As always, there are countless events happening in and around Sherborne between now and Christmas – the festive shopping day, farmers’ market, antiques fair, exhibitions, concerts and carol services. The best way to get the details is to log on to www.sherbornetown.com which provides comprehensive information about the town, its services, facilities and events. Or call into the Tourist Information Centre, just a few doors down Digby Road from the Abbey, which is open from 10.00am till 3.00pm daily except Sundays.

Alternatively, you can telephone the TIC on 01935 815341. Not only are the helpful staff a mine of information about things to do and places to visit in the town and around, they can also sell you tickets for events and offer you a good range of charity Christmas cards, books, gifts and souvenirs of local interest. They can even book overnight accommodation for you if there are any vacancies at the Eastbury Hotel.

Roger Richards.

Sherborne Christmas brings music to your ears!

The sound of music will be filling the Dorset market town of Sherborne this Christmas as a whole range of musical events and festivities scheduled through December create the right note for attracting shoppers and visitors to this popular location.

Two joyful seventeenth century works will start the musical smorgasbord at Sherborne Abbey on 5 December when the Sherborne Chamber Choir performs its Baroque Christmas featuring the Praetorius Christmas Mass and Schûtz Christmas Story.

There will be a mix of unusual Baroque instruments as well as many hymns that people will recognise. Tickets start from £5 £20, and are available from Sherborne Tourist Information Centre, Digby Road.

A musical thriller adds some spice to the Christmas mix with tickets available for the Joint Schools Production of Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd on at Sherborne School from 2 – 5 December.

Email: tickets@sherborne.org or telephone Sherborne School 01935 812249.

Sunday 6 December will see

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

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SHERBORNE KITCHENS & HOUSE RENOVATIONS

The Old Bakery, Half Moon Street SHERBORNE, DT9 3LN Through the archway next to the Half Moon Hotel

If you are seeking an elusive antiquarian or out of print book, a good place to look is Chapter House Books on Trendle Street.

Tel: 01935 817111

Email: sales@sherbornekitchens.com www.sherbornekitchens.com THE VISITOR December 2015 41

Sherborne’s very popular Festive Shopping Day which features street performers and stilt walkers, choirs, bands, carollers and dancers plus crafts and artisan markets featuring a host of delicious Christmas goodies.

Sherborne Abbey will be hosting Shoppers Carols in the afternoon followed by a Christingle Service at 5pm and Sherborne Museum will be opening to visitors with a great display of unusual gifts from its Museum shop. Of course the man who knows all about gifts, Santa Claus, will be dropping into the Waitrose grotto and the traditional Christmas tree lighting will take place at 4pm alongside The Conduit, Cheap Street.

Even more Christmas trees will be on display at Sherborne’s annual Christmas Tree Festival which always delights as local groups and organisations create a colourful collection of decorated trees in the Cheap Street Church – a fabulous way to celebrate the festive season. From tinsel and twinkling stars to bold red garlands and jolly snowmen, this collection

Cheap Street offers plenty of choice for shoppers.

of gaily decorated trees is inspirational and the display opens daily between 5 – 13 December and is free to visit.

Sherborne Town Band will be playing outside Barclays Bank, Cheap Street on 12 December and shoppers are invited to drop by to listen to some favourite numbers between 11am and 1pm.

On 14 December there is an opportunity to hear more Christmas music when the Abbey hosts its “Gift to the Town” in the form of a free concert entitled

WET ROOM SPECIALISTS

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

42 THE VISITOR December 2015

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

Sherborne Christmas, starting at 7.30pm.

There are also plenty of other events taking place to appeal to the other four senses including a Christmas Exhibition at The Jerram Gallery, open daily from 27 November to 23 December and featuring new work by 15 selected artists. Contact Mark Jerram on 01935 815261.

For the first time visitor Sherborne boasts one of the West Country’s biggest Christmas decoration shops at Castle Gardens

which is set in the 18th century walled kitchen gardens of the castle.

On 5 December the Digby Church Hall will be staging Crafts for Christmas. More info at www.westcountrycraftfairs.co.uk and Sherborne’s popular Big Little Market will be making an appearance on 6 December at the Digby Church Hall.

This year Sherborne will be treated to its own pantomime with performances of Aladdin by Sherborne Amateur Pantomime Society, at Digby Hall on 21 and 22 December, 6.30pm (Monday) and 2.30pm and 6.30pm (Tuesday).

Tickets are available from the Tourism Information Centre.

And finally, to round off this musical sensory feast, the traditional Sherborne Abbey Carol Service will be held on 20 December at 3pm.

To appreciate more of what Sherborne has to offer, take a look at this new video posted on the Visit Sherborne YouTube channel: www.youtube. com/watch?v=nuEtLjDtF8I.

VINTAGE Motor Cycling

IN THE FIRST FEW DAYS of November I am writing these few words ready for the December issue and just cannot believe that December is here once again. This issue gives me the opportunity to wish all readers a very Happy Christmas.

As I travel around I am always astounded by the number of people who say ‘I read your article every month’ and for this acknowledgment I am truly grateful. But the surprising fact is that many of those people have no connection with old vehicles, and no real interest in them, but they still read The Visitor from cover to cover. Well done to all readers and the staff who compile it.

Now for something involving old bikes. During December there are obviously the least number of riding events of the year. The Somerset Section have a Bring and Buy for their club night on the 3rd at Cossington. On the 6th they have their Christmas Run and Lunch again at Cossington. Lastly they have Ashleys Run on the 27th from the Pecking Mill Inn at Evercreech. The Wessex Veteran and Vintage Section make do with their Christmas Dinner on the 14th at The Kings Arms, East Stour. The Dorset Section start the month with their Lunch Meet at West Stour on the 2nd and club night on the 9th at Pulham will be a Social Evening. The 13th sees the Christmas Run and Dinner from Leigh Village Hall and finally the Breakfast Meet at West Stour is scheduled for the 26th but this may be subject to change. Ring 01935-872528 for more details of any of these events.

In the Hann garage work is continuing at a pace on my Rover.

It is booked in for show at the Bristol Classic Bike Show at the Shepton Mallet Showground in February, and although I still have two and a half months to go it will still be a tight challenge. It is all

MOTOR ING

Thousands of miles have been covered by Ted Foote on his 1923 Raleigh.

the minor finishing off jobs that seem to take for ages and the time allotted is never enough. I fear I shall be burning the midnight oil to get everything done. That reminds me to purchase more matches to prop the eyelids apart.

A recent motorcycle publication included a small supplement which detailed manufacturing activities in and around the city of Coventry. With Birmingham this area was the centre of much of our car and motorcycle production. During the last 150 years Coventry alone has had 475 different bicycle manufacturers, 161 car makers and 116 motorcycle producers. I took note of this as my Rover was one of those very manufacturers. Now if you want a quiz for the kids over the Christmas holidays you can set them the task of finding as many of those manufacturers as they can. If you are ever in the Coventry area I recommend a visit to the Coventry Transport Museum where much of this history can be seen. Museum entry is free.

My picture this month was taken at a recent event organised by the Wessex Veteran and Vintage Section. Depicted is Dorset member Ted Foote astride his 1923 Raleigh. Ted has owned his machine for many years and covered many thousands of miles upon it. Raleigh were a builder of high quality machines and based in Nottingham. More widely known for their bicycles they started motorcycle manufacture as early as 1899 and continued until 1906 when they took a break from production. Following several amalgamations, chiefly with Sturmey Archer (maker of gearboxes amongst other things), they recommenced production in 1919 and lasted until 1933 when they mostly returned to cycle production.

During their time as a manufacturer they also built a tricycle. This was a delivery van type rear body but with a set of motorcycle forks for the single

wheel at the front. Mostly powered by twin cylinder motorcycle engines quite a few were made and surprisingly many still survive.

They could also be ordered with a platform rear body for carrying goods. They were rather noisy and cramped for space but no doubt did sterling service in their day.

During the summer there was a special event held to commemorate the centenary of the Triumph Model H motorcycle.

First made at the very end of 1914 the early machines came into use during 1915. Most of production went straight to the military for war use. These machines were very basic but of such solid construction that they quickly gained the nickname of ‘Trusty Triumphs’. Around 30,000 machines were so used, and with the name of ‘Trusty’ it was no surprise when returning troops bought themselves the civilian version.

Now magazine articles reporting the commemoration has discovered that many machines had a working life of as little as six weeks. Remember here that many of those riders had no prior knowledge or experience of riding a motorcycle and so maintenance was very poor, especially in those war conditions when many machines were seriously damaged by munitions. Behind the front lines there were workshops set up where tired old machines could be patched up ready for return to the front. As the workshops were frequently moved on so lots of perfectly good spares, both new and old, and usable machines were simply buried in the haste.

Now I have a plan, I will be doing a lot of reading and research, and for Christmas I shall get a metal detector, and then perhaps head for France in the search for buried treasure.

Anyone fancy a spot of digging during their Christmas holidays?

Rod Hann.

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

THE VISITOR December 2015 43

House & Home

Don't forget to recycle your Christmas Waste responsibly this Christmas.

Dreaming of a waste-free Christmas

It is simple to save money, time and resources at Christmas, according to Somerset Waste Partnership. Just a little planning can ensure that food, gifts and decorations are low-waste, lowcost and full of festive fun: Food – plan menus and check portion sizes to buy just what you need. Freeze or reuse leftovers, and compost sprout peelings, apple cores and tea bags.

Gifts – invest in better-made presents that last, recycled or vintage gifts, or low-waste experiences, tokens or e-books.

Wish lists mean no guesswork or gifts in the bin.

Wrapping – avoid unrecyclable sticky tape and try recycled wrapping paper or, for soon-to-be favourite things, brown paper packages tied up with reusable string or ribbon.

Cards – buy recycled cards or encourage the kids to make them from magazines, old cards or other craft items around the house, or use e-cards and festive texts.

Decorations – mistletoe and other greenery offer a traditional look, cost little or nothing and can be composted later. Deck the halls with boughs of holly and other garden displays.

Tree – creative recycling makes great items to hang on the tree, from pine cones to old costume jewellery or even keys.

The best tree could be one that lives on in a garden pot.

Weather – if the North wind doth blow and crews cannot get through snow, storm or flood,

Exciting new range of Sofas & Chairs by ROM of Belgium

Designed to your exact requirements ...    

Any length element Any fabrics / leathers Various corner options Electric & various recliners

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Call in and see our extensive range of Sofas, Bedroom, and Dining Furniture ... available for immediate delivery for Christmas

ACF WINDOWS

Christmas Gift Ideas  Clocks  Lamps  Wooden Figures  Betty Boop  And More!

The Old Vincent’s Showroom Market Street, YEOVIL, BA20 1HZ  01935 412811 Email: info@fitandfurnish.co.uk www.fitandfurnish.co.uk

ANDY FELTHAM

TOWN CENTRE LOCATION

FREE PARKING OUTSIDE THE DOOR

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

44 THE VISITOR December 2015

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

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

check for advice on SWP’s website, Facebook or Twitter.

And into 2016 – why not a New Year resolution to reduce, reuse and recycle more? Just check out the advice and ideas at www.somersetwaste.gov.uk

KITCHEN TALK

In-toto Yeovil

At this time of year, muttering sounds can be heard from the kitchen. This is often accompanied by cupboard doors slamming and roasting tins clattering.

Every December, normally calm and lucid cooks visit In-toto Design Studio wishing they had visited in the summer so that they could have installed a shiny, new kitchen before the hordes of family arrive for Christmas.

Similarly, the cries of, ‘I’m never cooking a Christmas dinner in that kitchen ever again,’ are also familiar during January!

If you are one of the 20% who

House & Home

suffer from kitchen envy, why not treat yourself to this comfort pudding from talented friends at Miele? http://shop.miele.co.uk /events/Chocolate-Mousse-withSalted-Caramel-Raspberries-andHoneycomb.

If you find yourself dreaming of a white and shiny Christmas cooking environment over the festive season, visit In-toto Yeovil during January to take advantage of their Winter Sale discounts and create your perfect kitchen.

Don’t miss out on a £140 rebate from the Warm Homes Discount

South Somerset District Council has teamed up with the Centre for Sustainable Energy to promote offers to residents across the West of England and Somerset.

The Warm Homes Discount is a £140 discount on your electricity bill (or the equal amount in credit on a prepayment meter) for the coming winter. You qualify if your energy supplier is part of the scheme and you meet the eligibility criteria. The scheme

Vibrant wallpaper 'Cranes in Flight' by Harlequin just one of many to choose from at City Decorating Supplies of Wells.

is already open to applications and it is worth applying early to make sure you get it. Are you eligible?

There is a 'Core Group' who are

City Decorating Supplies QUALITY PAINT & WALLPAPER

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

Tel: 01747 826714

www.townandcountryaerials.co.uk

Get the most from your Smart TV

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We can help with ...

Smart TV connection / networking

TV aerial & satellite dishes - supplied, installed, repaired Extra points

Commercial installation - multipoints e.g. flats, holiday parks, care homes, etc.

Experienced engineers

c soni Pana pplied su TVs and lled insta

automatically eligible and don’t need to apply. You must have been receiving Pension Credit, Guarantee Credit alone or Guarantee Credit with Savings

We have one of the biggest stocks of Farrow & Ball in the UK

No. 1 The Old Chapel Union Street WELLS BA5 2PU 01749 677299

We mix Little Greene and Mylands paint in store

Large range of Wallpaper Books

Friendly, expert advice

Work in conservation areas, listed buildings, etc.

Free entry with every purchase into our draw to WIN OUR DECORATOR’S CHRISTMAS HAMPER

Gift Vouchers available ... perfect stocking filler!

We cover your area ...

YEOVIL – SHERBORNE – WINCANTON GILLINGHAM etc.

Your local Sky expert

NEXT TO CAR PARK

Open: Mon – Fri 9am – 6pm Sat 9.30am – 3.30pm

Email Orders: citydecoratingsupplies@gmail.com Deliveries available throughout UK & Europe

THE VISITOR December 2015 45

House & Home

This striking Black and White pattern is 'Lotus' by Farrow & Ball (£110 per 10m roll).

Available from City Decorating Supplies of Wells.

Credit on the 12 July 2015 to be eligible as part of this core group.

You may be able to claim Pension Credit if you are of pensionable age and are on a low income (whether or not you are working). To check if you can

claim pension credit, call the Pension Credit Enquiry Line on 0800 99 1234, or download a Pension Credit claim form from the www.gov.uk website.

If you don’t meet the criteria for the Core Group you may be eligible under the ‘Broader Group’ and will need to apply. Eligibility criteria vary between energy suppliers, but those on a low income, means tested benefits or with a vulnerable person in the household (e.g. with a disability or a child under five) often qualify.

Mike McClelland from the Centre of Sustainable Energy said: ‘The Warm Home Discount is a significant contribution to help with the cost of energy bills this winter. Please contact the Home Energy Team and we can help you to assess your eligibility and guide you through the next steps to take in making an application.’

Councillor Carol Goodall, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Health at South Somerset District Council added, ‘There are a range of offers and

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

Bryan G. Paulley Ltd Domestic / Commercial Installations / Replacements

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

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

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

All works completed by our experienced and reliable team

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

All aspects of Building & Maintenance All Insurance Works Undertaken

Contact us for a free estimate

(01935) 823346

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

46 THE VISITOR December 2015

Attractive animal print fabrics from Somerton Furnishings of Somerton.

schemes available to the residents of South Somerset to help reduce their energy bills and make their home more energy efficient.

Nobody wants to live in a house which is cold, damp and not warm – so I would urge residents to check to see if they are eligible for the Warm Homes Discount as soon as possible and start saving money now.’

To find out more about Warm Homes Discount or other schemes on offer from the Centre for Sustainable Energy, call the Home Energy Team on 0800 082 2234 or email: home.energy@ cse.org.uk

Bin sticker alert to recycle food waste

Around 125,000 households in Somerset are becoming part of a new effort to increase food waste

recycling and cut the levels going to landfill.

Each home is getting a warning sticker on their rubbish bin to remind them that all food waste – fresh or ‘off’, raw or cooked, meat or fish, fruit or veg, pasta or cereal – should be recycled. After successful trials in Street and Wellington, 115,000 homes in Sedgemoor, Taunton Deane and in and around Chard and Ilminster in South Somerset have already got their stickers.

That simple step has been helping boost food waste recycling by up to 20%, saving tens of thousands of pounds each year. Now every home in Mendip, West Somerset and the remaining areas of South Somerset are being visited to add the sticker that warns against

KINVER CANE FURNITURE

Good Quality Cane Furniture & Replacement Cushions — in store at — Haskins Furniture Shepton Mallet 01749 342838

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

costly and polluting landfill.

It costs more than £100 a tonne to send food waste to landfill, where it decays over decades and produces the polluting greenhouse gas methane.

Recycling food waste is better for the environment and cheaper.

At Somerset’s anaerobic digestion plant near Bridgwater, billions of ‘burping bacteria’ produce a biogas to generate electricity for the national grid, leaving nutrient-rich compost for local farmers.

A Somerset Waste Partnership spokesperson said: ‘Big savings and environmental benefits can be made from recycling more food waste: Most people recycle food, but too much is still being landfilled. Somerset's annual landfill bill is more than £12 million, with food waste the heaviest single recyclable material in refuse bins.’

Anyone needing food waste or other recycling containers should contact their district council customer services or order them online at: www.somersetwaste. gov.uk/collections/containers/ order

House & Home

The Bed Specialist

With the winter nights drawing in, there is no better place to be than in a cosy new bed from The Bed Specialist in Yeovil.

They have special offers this Christmas on many big name brands from Slumberland to Hypnos and VISPRING with savings of up to 30% on selected divans that can be delivered and installed ready for those unexpected guests. Their range of guest beds, put-you-up beds and sofa beds from only £99 are also a handy alternative when space is at a premium, and don’t forget they also stock a wide range of quality duvets and pillows from only £35. Their delivery team will install your new bed, and take away your old bed too. They go that extra mile to make sure you’re 100% happy with your comfortable new divan bed or mattress by offering friendly expert advice. With over 50 years experience in the bed and furniture industry, when you visit their family store in Yeovil you can be assured of the correct information and no pressure selling. You’ll be surprised what

AP Kitchen Solutions

they have on offer so why not visit www.thebedspecialist.co.uk or call them on 01935 423596, or visit them in Huish, Yeovil and see for yourself. They look forward to welcoming you to their store.

Cullingford Carpets

Cullingford Carpets of Wincanton have now opened a branch at

Gillingham. The shop which opened at the beginning of November has been very well received.

The light and airy new premises have a wide selection of carpets and flooring to suit all tastes and budgets. Why not call in and see for yourself?

Professional and friendly staff are on hand to assist you.

Stewart Cullingford pictured at the opening of the new branch of Cullingford Carpets in Gillingham.

FOR YOUR NEW KITCHEN

 Kitchens replaced for a fresh new look – at a reasonable price

 Complete new kitchens designed to suit you

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

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

 Full project management & qualified local installers  We offer an expert and friendly service

 01935 849559

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

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

THE VISITOR December 2015 47

Leisure & Travel

Carols at Christmas

The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil will be holding Carols at Christmas on Sunday 6th December at 3pm and 6.30pm.

Features inlude Christian Magician Tom Elliott, Huish Primary School Choir carol singing, music and dance. Adults £6 Children £2. Tel: 01935 422884.

Group bookings Tel: 01935 475847. Collection in aid of The Salvation Army, Social Work.

Yeovil Railway Centre, Yeovil Junction, BA22 9UU

Santa Specials at Yeovil Railway Centre

Once again running over five days, the Santa Specials at Yeovil Railway Centre offer a great family occasion in the run up to Christmas with pre-booking highly recommended to avoid any disappointment.

The visit begins with a steam train ride and then visitors make their way to the Visitor Centre which is transformed into a

SANTA SPECIAL ***** Yeovil

Sun 6 , Sun 13 , Sat 19 , Sun 20 & Wed 23 December Bookings via website www.yeovilrailway.freeservers.com or telephone 07816 359285 £8 each adult /child • £7.50 each for parties of 8 or more £10 each on the day subject to availability th

th

th

th

rd

Price includes steam train ride (subject to availability), seasonal refreshments, a visit to Santa's Grotto and a selected present for the children. Charity No 1043581.

MU IC M N S O FOR THE

November 27th KINGS OF LOUNGE - White Lion Inn, Bourton 27th EXTRACTOR - Fleur De Lis, Stoke-sub-Hamdon 28th RIP IT UP - Rose & Crown, Bradford Abbas

TH

December 1st FOLK NIGHT - Catash, North Cadbury 4th DAYTONA - Fleur De Lis, Stoke-sub-Hamdon 5th FLATLAND BOOGIE BAND - Lord Nelson, Norton-sub-Hamdon 11th RAY JONES BAND - Fleur De Lis, Stoke-sub-Hamdon 12th LEWIS HAWKINS - Lord Nelson, Norton-sub-Hamdon 17th JAN - The Crown, Sherborne 18th SAM - The Crown, Sherborne 18th ROAD HOGS - Fleur De Lis, Stoke-sub-Hamdon 23rd FLATLAND BOOGIE BAND - The Crown, Sherborne 26th RAY JONES BAND - Wyndham Arms, Kingsbury Episcopi 31st EXTRACTOR - Fleur De Lis, Stoke-sub-Hamdon 31st CRAIG PRIDICE - Wyndham Arms, Kingsbury Episcopi

48 THE VISITOR December 2015

AN ADVERT IN THE PUB PAGES ENSURES A FREE MENTION HERE!

magical place with snow and bubble machines enhancing the experience. After a visit to see Santa in his Grotto (with a present for the children), seasonal refreshments are also included in the ticket price.

More details and photos of previous years can be viewed at www.yeovilrailway.freeservers. com where bookings can also be made online. Alternatively telephone 07816 359285 and

December Notice Board

leave a message for a return call.

Main Line Steam is also booked to visit the Centre on Tuesday 15th December so the volunteers will all be very busy in December!

See website for details.

Art Exhibition

Lucy M. Jenkins will be showing a collection of her watercolour paintings Fruits of the Earth at Divine Wines of Wincanton throughout December.

Lucy’s paintings are inspired by a passion for nature and the impact of climate change and direct human action on it. A portion of the proceeds from sales of paintings will go to Plantlife, a charity that lobbies councils to protect our hedgerows and other nature.

DITCHEAT CHRISTMAS FAMILY BINGO

Thursday 10th December , doors open 7.00pm, Ditcheat Hall, £2.00 entry includes tea, coffee, squash & biscuits. Any funds made for church.

ADVERTISE YOUR CHRISTMAS / JANUARY EVENT HERE!

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

Deadline for Christmas / January issue, Friday 4th December.

‘Fruits of the Earth’, showing at Divine Wines. High Street, Wincanton BA9 9JQ from 1st - 31st December 2015.

Twitter: @LucyJenko (Media).

Santa Claus is coming to Town

People of the Blackmore Vale always like to know when the Blackmore Vale Lions Father Christmas Sleigh will be visiting their area so here are the Tour dates for December 2015: Tues. 1st 17.30 Wincanton.

Wed. 2nd 17.45 Templecombe / Horsington.

Thurs. 3rd 17.45 Templecombe / Stowell / South Cheriton.

Fri. 4th 16.30 Shillingstone.

Sat. 5th 09.00 Sainsburys, Sherborne, finish at 16:00.

Sat. 5th 16.30 Sherborne.

Sun. 6th 10.00 Wincanton Morrisons, finish 15.45.

Sun. 6th 16.30 Child Okeford.

Mon. 7th 16.30 Milborne Port (West).

Tues. 8th 17.30 Rivers Corner, Sturminster Newton.

Wed. 9th 1600 at The Stours.

Thurs. 10th & Fri. 11th 17.45 Henstridge.

Sat. 12th 16.30 Okeford Fitzpaine.

Sun. 13th 17.00 Hazlebury &

Leisure

Kingstone.

Tues.15th & Wed. 16th 17.30 Marnhull.

Thurs. 17th 17.00 Sherborne Town.

Fri. 18th 17.45 The Caundles.

Sat. 19th 08.00-16.30 Sherborne Waitrose Store, and 17.30 Milborne Port (East).

Sun. 20th 16.30 Hinton St. Mary.

Mon. 21st 17.00 Sturminster Newton (Town).

Tues. 22nd 17.30 Sturminster Newton (Rixon).

Wed. 23rd 16.00 Stalbridge (West).

Thurs. 24th 16.00 Stalbridge (East).

Whilst the Lions always try to reach every corner of every route there are always times when certain situations do not allow this to happen so if they do not appear outside your front door they will not be too far away unless of course really bad weather prevents Santa's sleigh taking off altogether!

The iconic Coca-Cola wagon will visit Yeovil town centre from 12noon ‘til 8pm on Saturday 28th November.

Holiday Extras’ sports-loving CEO, Matthew Pack, shares his top tips for having a stress-free getaway this season.

As the snow sports season kicks in, crowds of winter wanderers across the region are preparing to hit the slopes. A keen snowboarder and skier; Matthew Pack has the expert knowledge on how to ensure your adventures run smoothly and hassle free!

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

By John Osborne • Answers can be found on page 63

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

TOP TIPS FOR A HASSLE FREE WINTER BREAK

7.

8.

9.

10.

Name the latest and much-awaited album from Adele.

Can you name the 80's band behind ‘The Final Countdown’?

Who were the band that declared ‘Life is a Minestrone’?

Cee-lo Green is presently singing about ‘Music to My ...’ What?

‘Come Back and Stay’ - pleaded which solo male performer in 1983?

Who is the multi-talented man behind the just-released album ‘Alone in the Universe’?

Corinne Drewery fronts which pop trio?

‘If I Fell’ appears on which Beatles album?

Who was born Marie McDonald McLaughlin Lawrie in 1948?

‘Pilot of the Airwaves’ was a country-style hit from whom?

Bonus Question Name the year in which the answer for Q.3 was a hit.

Question Impossible Name the No. 1 hit that does not have the song title within the lyrics, but however, does have the title of the song that eventually displaced it from the No. 1 spot.

Great Quotes in Music (81) “People love talking about when they were young and heard Honky Tonk Women for the first time. It’s quite a heavy load to carry on your shoulders, the memories of so many people”.

MICK JAGGER

1

Plan ahead! Don’t leave booking your extras until the last minute - even if you book online the day before you will save money on standard rates.

2

If you're taking sports kit, check your airline's baggage policy before you travel so there are no nasty surprises at check-in.

3

Get the right kind of holiday insurance.

Don't assume that it won't happen to you even the most experienced winter sporters get injured and you don't want to be landed with an enormous medical bill after your holiday.

4

Consider Meet and Greet airport parking.

Whether it’s your winter sports gear or family in tow, this service allows you to head straight to the terminal without having to worry about parking the car. On your return, your car will be waiting for you.

5

Book an airport hotel. This is the ideal choice for the smoothest start to your break and many are just a stone’s throw from the main terminal building.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL HIGH STREET

Holiday Extras is the UK's market leader for travel add-ons. To book, visit www.holidayextras.co.uk or call 0800 1313 777 THE VISITOR December 2015 49

They Say

That Daniel (Sooty) Patrick and Robby (Sweep) Dodds of The George Hotel Castle Cary are appearing in The Black and White Minstrel show.

That John Hamblin of Yeovil was recently star struck - and has the photo to prove it.

That drones are rapidly becoming a part of the distribution network for Orchard Pig Ciders of Glastonbury.

That John Stretton of Sigwells has got so many new freezers he has shares in Currys - it is to cope with all the meat raffles he wins at The Camelot Inn!

That Paul 'long wait' Sherrell of Castle Cary had a big surprise after turning on the washing machine to wash his jeans ...they are cleaner when you put them in the machine first!

That Miss Samantha (Jimmy) Allis of Ansford has the answer to Snow Clearance Domestos.

That Mike Pollard, agent of Yeovil’s Tom Jones act Mr Phil Oram, went missing for his doctors appointment a week early.

That Mr Jim Robuck of Castle Cary has new pyjamas with elbows intact.

That Norman Leeks of Cambridge likes a few Baked Beans with his Lea & Perrins.

That John Flanagan of Ansford missed a ‘Heartbeat’ with the price of coffee in Devon.

That Alec Larcombe of Crewkerne has been making a meal of it since his wife Ann was in Las Vegas.

That John Helps of Ansford went to Shepton Mallet and got decorated.

That Mr Rob Worth of Castle Cary went to The Palace and the result was crystal clear with cider only £8 per pint.

That certain Crewkerne folk learnt that the advantage of being wedding guests of Amanda and Antony Mackie via skype is that you can save on the bottom half of your wedding outfit!

That Miss Hannah (The air is bracing) Mascall of Hornblotton went to Cheddar Valley for the weekend - never again.

That The Two Fishes of Castle Cary, Alan Pocock and Vince Fisher have a new friend in Jim Beam of Bourbon. A heavy landing has been noted, no points for artistic impression.

That Mr Gordon Brittas of Yarlington did his weeks shopping then before going for a pint had to remove a horse from his hall.

50 THE VISITOR December 2015

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

168 Hendford Hill YEOVIL

“It's a drag, it's a bore, it's really such a pity To be looking at the board, not looking at the city”

FIRST PERSON to tell me the above song wins a free drink.

Last month Tony Smooth from Stoke sub Hamdon correctly guessed that it was Santana and “Smooth”!

Greetings pop pickers. This road closure is driving me nuts.

Have you ever known anything like it? We are really struggling here at the top of the hill.

Goodness knows what it is like down at the bottom .

This month we still managed to have a couple of good parties.

Nick and Dorothy Griffin celebrated their wedding anniversary in style here at The Quick – some great music, some nice food, some good friends, and a few beers! A great evening was had by all  .

Barry Pearce has called it a day on his Westland career, after many many years in the paint shop. He had a real good send off for a well-earned retirement. Well done Barry!

Got some good gigs coming up in December. On Friday the 4th (my birthday) we have Mr. D’Arcy doing their thing: should be a great night get your face in the place.

On the 11th The Stand Alone Empire will be here entertaining us. On the 18th we have Finian McGurk our Celtic Troubadour.

On the 28th The Electric Broom Cupboard will be having their annual gig / party. And on New Year’s Eve we are pleased to say that we have LIVEWIRED playing at our New Year Party. Get your tickets early as they always draw a good crowd.

Don’t forget we have a QUIZ every Sunday with some great prizes. It all starts at 8pm and it’s only a pound each. So why not come down and show us how clever you are?

Our Christmas Bookings are looking pretty good, though we do still have a few spaces left.

Give us a call 01935 424721. See you next month.  TOOT TOOT!!!

BOOKINGS

 01935 424721

The

Pub

AROUND THE

H O U S E S

IN SHERBORNE Fish and Chips is a popular dish from the new menu at The White Hart ...

Vida Comida (formerly the Arch) offers authentic Spanish Tapas including Haloumi a la Plancha griddled Haloumi with

Pages

Vinny employs unorthodox methods when tasting wine at The Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil.

NATTERJACK INN Adrian & Kate invite you to the

Freehouse with Accommodation

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

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

Join us for New Year’s Eve Fancy Dress Party

ABBA MANIA

BOTTLE of CHAMPAGNE for the best dressed LIVE MUSIC with KAYLEIGH FIREWORKS at midnight

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

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

honey and thyme ... The Britannia Inn, signage looking extremely smart ... and at The Crown Inn, there will be an open mic’ night on the 30th December so go along and have some fun.

Yomping on to Yeovil where we understand young Pete at The Quicksilver Mail, has been indulging in some R & R and sunning himself ready for the busy festive time ahead ... Simon Jones is the new chef at The Halfway House, Chilthorne Domer who will be introducing lots of exciting new things to the menu - watch this space ... and

The

when you book your Christmas party early at The Castle Inn, West Coker you can receive a free bottle of wine - see advert for details.

Dashing on to Dinnington where at Dinnington Docks, they are pleased to offer an extensive vegetarian choice plus gluten free dishes ... Norman’s Conquest at 7% abv will be flowing over the festive period at The Muddled Man, West Chinnock ... welcome to new chef William Blackburn at The Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon, where Father Christmas will be visiting on the 11th December

Lord Nelson Rectory Lane

GOOD FOOD – GOOD BEER – GREAT ATMOSPHERE

Welcome to our New Chef WILLIAM BLACKBURN

Saturday 5th December: FLATLAND BOOGIE BAND

Saturday 12 December: LEWIS HAWKINS Two-Tone Ska th

Saturday 19th December: The TRANSITIONS

COURTYARD  BEER GARDEN AT REAR AMPLE PARKING OPEN ALL DAY FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY

The

GLUTEN ES H FREE DISBLE AVAILA

Tel: 01935 881473 www.thelordnelson.biz

Wyndham Arms

KINGSBURY EPISCOPI nr. MARTOCK SOMERSET TA12 6AT

Please try our new tasty Winter Menu

Delicious homecooked food served every lunchtime and evening

The CATASH INN

 SUNDAY CARVERY  Served 12noon – 3pm • £8.95

FOLK NIGHT Tuesday 1st December from 8pm – All Welcome –

CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH just £35 ... booking essential

r Large Bee Gardens

BURNS NIGHT CELEBRATION Saturday 23rd January Full Presentation with Piper Ticket only • Please call for details

 North Cadbury 01963 441531

The Halfway

CHILTHORNE DOMER nr. YEOVIL

New Chef ! New Menu!

Exciting New Ideas!

Traditional Standards of Service ...

Delicious Sunday Carvery

Excellent Wine Selection CAMRA Rated Beers and Ciders

LIVE MUSIC Boxing Day: The Ray Jones Band - 9pm New Year’s Eve: Craig Pridice - Guitarist / Vocalist CHRISTMAS MENUS Available 5th – 23rd December Lunchtime Christmas Menu 2015

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

Dinner Christmas Menu 2015

2 Course - £15.95  3 Course - £18.95  4 Course - £19.95 Please visit us on our website: www.wyndhamarms.com to see full menu details

Skittle Alley

House Inn Country Lodge

 Choice of Sunday Roasts 

Tel: 01935 823239

Wells is exhibiting his work at Truffles Brasserie, throughout December ... live music with Billy Boy Miskimmins and the Merry Lounge at The Montague Inn, Shepton Montague ... calling all Dancing Queens and Fernandos your company is requested at the Natterjack Inn, Evercreech Junction on New Year’s Eve ... folk night extremely popular at The Catash Inn, North Cadbury ... and finally book early for next month’s Visitor to promote seasons greetings, festive opening times, New Year parties & celebrations and Burns Night!!!

Deadline is Friday 4th December.

North Cadbury • BA22 7DH

Norton Sub Hamdon

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

FATHER CHRISTMAS + STOKE BAND Friday 11th December • 7pm

along with Stoke Band ... welcome to our new hosts Samantha and Ben who look forward to welcoming customers old and new at the newly relaunched Fleur de Lis, Stoke Sub Hamdon where Samantha is busy creating Daily Specials to enhance the new menu ... enjoy carol singing plus music from the local band at The Royal Oak, Over Stratton on Sunday the 20th December at 6.30pm all welcome ... and at The Lord Poulett Arms, Hinton St George a glorious log fire awaits.

Bounding on to Bruton where Chris Lee graphic artist from

 Main – £8.95   2 Course – £10.95  Early booking advised ... to avoid disappointment

Christmas Party Menu

 2 Course – £14.95  3 Course – £19.95  Limited spaces available

WHY NOT STAY OVER? in one of our

 19 Ensuite Rooms 

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

Tel: 01935 840350 • Fax: 01935 849006 Visit our website www.halfwayhotelyeovil.com Follow us on Facebook THE VISITOR December 2015 51

NATTERJACK INN Adrian & Kate invite you to the

The Visitor Guide to your local

Festive Venues And Menus

Freehouse with Accommodation

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

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

Christmas Party Menu

TO START Sweet Potato Soup Ham Hock Terrine Piccalilli and Sourdough Toast Caramelised Onion and Brie Filo Tart Smoked Mackerel Pate Crispy Duck Tacos with Hoi Sin Sauce

MAINS Roast Turkey with all the Trimmings Pheasant and Cranberry Casserole Salmon en Croute with a Creamy Dill Sauce Rump of Lamb with Dauphinoise Potatoes, Red Cabbage ... and Lamb Jus (£2.00 supplement) Roasted Chestnut, Herb Pesto & Mushroom Pasta All served with fresh vegetables

PUDDINGS Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce Squidgy Chocolate & Hazelnut Meringue with Spiced Chocolate Sauce Turkish Delight Cheesecake with Pistachio Ice Cream Vanilla Crème Brûlée with Boozy Cherry Compote & Shortbread Biscuit Local Cheeses with Homemade Plum Chutney Confirmation and Pre Orders required 2 weeks before your visit Our Christmas Menu is available 1st – 24th December 2015 3 Course Menu £24.50 per person

Christmas Day Luncheon – £60 ... bookings now taken

52 THE VISITOR December 2015

The MUDDLED

MAN

Your hosts, Mick, Jean & Garry welcome you to

Lower Street, West Chinnock Tel: 01935 881235

Pre-Christmas Dinners Group Dinner Bookings 2 Courses + Coffee – £16  3 Courses + Coffee – £18

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

Christmas Day Dinner

Drink on arrival  7 Course Meal  Half Bottle of Wine – £60

10% OFF for groups of 10 or more • Children under 12 HALF PRICE • Booking Essential • Limited Spaces

Boxing Day Buffet – £15 Curry Buffet Wednesday 30 th December

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

The Visitor Guide to your local

Festive Venues And Menus

THE VISITOR December 2015 53

The Visitor Guide to your local

Festive Venues And Menus Fleur de Lis

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT Samantha & Ben welcome you to the

West Street, Stoke Sub Hamdon  01935 822510 *Christmas Party Menu (1st – 31st December) 2 Courses £17.95  3 Courses £19.95

*Senior Citizens Christmas Party Menu

2 Courses £10.95  3 Courses £12.95  Monday – Friday 12noon – 2pm * BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL – 1 WEEKS NOTICE REQUIRED

For full details see website: fleur-de-lis-stoke.com email: info@fleurdelisstoke.com facebook: fleur.de.lis.stoke.com

ROYAL OAK Chris & Jill welcome you to the ...

Over Stratton, South Petherton Tel: 01460 240906

A Charming Country Inn

Why not join us for Lunch?

2 Course Lunches – £8.95 Tuesday to Saturday

Traditional Sunday Roast ... booking advised

CHRISTMAS PARTY MENU

2 Course – £14.95  3 Course – £18.95 VISIT OUR WEBSITE for full menu details www.the-royal-oak.net

54 THE VISITOR December 2015

The Visitor Guide to your local West Stour • Nr Gillingham • Dorset • SP8 5RP

The versatile menu at The Ship Inn caters both for those who want a hearty sandwich and a pint, to those who want to enjoy a full three-course meal with a decent bottle of wine.

Our dishes are a blend of the traditional and the not so familiar, with a specials board and fresh fish board that offer further daily choices. We pride ourselves on using local and seasonal ingredients as much as possible and all dishes are freshly prepared and cooked to order. ______________________

Christmas Menu 2015

Festive Venues And Menus

3 courses £24.95 / 2 courses £18.95 (coffee & mince pies included)

BOOKINGS & PRE-ORDERS ONLY Available Lunch or Evening from 1st December to 24th December 2015

Starters

Cream of white onion & cider soup, freshly baked homemade bread Pheasant, ham & leek terrine, sweet piccalilli, toasted homemade bread & dressed leaves

Crab & prawn arancini, lemon & dill crème fraiche, dressed leaves

Grilled goat’s cheese, rocket beetroot & orange salad, balsamic drizzle

Mains

Roast breast of turkey, cranberry stuffing, pigs in blankets, bread sauce, roast potatoes, fresh seasonal vegetables & pan gravy Confit of duck leg, vanilla dark cherry & brandy sauce, fondant potatoes, fresh seasonal vegetables

Parsnip, cranberry & chestnut Wellington, Madeira jus, fondant potatoes, fresh seasonal vegetables

Pan fried fillets of Seabass, smoked salmon cream, leek & rosemary bubble & squeak, fresh seasonal vegetables

THE——CASTLE INN Freehouse —— Jo & Staff welcome you to ...

High Street • WEST

COKER • BA22 9AT Christmas at The Castle

BOOKINGS ONLY • Available 2nd December – 23rd December Excluding Mondays, Tuesdays & Sundays • Deposit required on Booking (non-refundable)

EARLY BOOKING PROMOTION

Book your Christmas Party before 15th December and RECEIVE A FREE BOTTLE of WINE for EVERY PARTY of 4 DINING STARTE RS

Garlic Mushrooms • Curry Parsnip Soup • Pâté All served with a bread roll and salad garnish

MAINS

Roast Turkey served with Pigs in Blankets, Stuffing & Cranberry Sauce Roast Beef served with Yorkshire Pudding & Horseradish Sauce All served with seasonal vegetables and roast potatoes

Roasted sirloin of beef, red wine jus, horseradish crème fraiche, roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, fresh seasonal vegetables

Pan-fried Salmon served with a Dill Sauce, Asparagus and Mediterranean Vegetables Aubergine stuffed with Mediterranean Vegetables and topped with Brie

Traditional Christmas pudding with warm brandy custard & vanilla ice cream

Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce Poached Pears in Red Wine Homemade Baileys Chocolate Torte served with Ice Cream Mince Pies served with Brandy Sauce

Desserts

Dark chocolate Irish coffee mousse

Clementine bavarois with lemon sorbet

White chocolate & cranberry bread & butter pudding with vanilla pod custard

Tel: 01747 838 640 • Fax: 01747 838 640 Email: mail@shipinn-dorset.com Website: http://www.shipinn-dorset.com

D E SSE RTS

3 Courses £25

Cheese Board also available at an additional cost

Christmas Day Lunch £50

Served 12noon – 3pm • EARLY BOOKING ADVISED

Tel: 01935 862331

www.the-castle-inn-westcoker.co.uk

Patio  Skittles  Ample Parking  Free Pool  Real Ales  Free wifi

THE VISITOR December 2015 55

Festive Food & Drink

Drinks for Christmas

DESPITE MY INNATE lack of ability when it comes to crooning, this time of year is always my favourite; the time when I get the opportunity to attend a number of carol services, nativity plays and Christmas tree decorating parties.

Then I can sing my little heart out, wear a silly santa hat and not worry whether or not I am entirely in tune!

More often than not refreshments at such events will revolve around the ubiquitous mince pies (homemade are always best) and mulled wine.

I have always enjoyed the warming combination of alcohol and the heady aroma of cinnamon, cloves and ginger that provides the good-feel warming factor heralding a few days off work to spend with family and loved ones and a time for reflection as we head towards the end of another year.

Of course in marketing terms many companies want to take advantage of our feelings of bonhomie. So, when a bottle of sherry labelled ‘The Winter’s Tale’ caught my eye it brought to mind some of my favourite Christmas songs and I began to explore other beverages with a similar connection, and here are the results.

They are widely available, either online or from supermarkets. In addition to tiding you over the holidays, keeping a bottle or two in the house will ensure that you have last minute gifts ready to hand for unexpected visitors, making you the perfect host.

A Winter’s Tale. Williams & Humbert Amontillado Sherry.

Jerez, Spain. 19% £13.00

Made from Pedro Ximinez and Palomino grapes this medium dry sherry is aged for 6 years using the traditional solera system.

The result is a well balanced, full-bodied sherry with a brilliant amber colour and intense aromas of dried fruits and nuts.

Best served chilled, it is ideal as a pre-prandial tipple for ageing aunts who only indulge once a year, and will go well with a hunk of Christmas cake.

Three Ships 10 year Old Single Malt Whisky. James Sedgwick Distillery. South Africa. 43% £52.00

This award winning limited edition

56 THE VISITOR December 2015

whisky, matured in specially selected oak casks to bring out its subtle elegance, holds a warm coppery colour. The hint of peat, although not smoky, combines effortlessly with the note of slightly sweet fragrance of dried fruit and fudge producing a full-bodied and round whisky with a long, warm finish.

The King’s Ginger. Berry Bros. & Rudd.

London. 41% £22.00

This warming ginger liqueur was formulated in 1903 for King Edward VII, and carried by him in a hip flask to keep out the cold during carriage rides.

The intense sweetness and the heat of the ginger is cut by the bitterness of lemon.

carefully selected Bourbon casks made from American white oak, giving the classic house-style, smooth and soft with notes of citrus, vanilla and almonds.

Rose Nose Reinbeer. Cotleigh Brewery, Somerset. 5% £2.99

Introducing a lighter note to the proceedings is this clear effort to boost pre-Christmas sales. This jolly bottle conditioned ale is copper coloured and richly flavoured, tasting of chocolate, toffee and fruit, perhaps the perfect antidote to all of those Advent calendar chocolates?

Wassailing Celebrations

In Somerset we will soon be celebrating the ancient pagan festival of wassailing, and to sing the Wassail Song of course. I am always partial to a hot beverage to keep out the cold, and with The King’s Ginger in mind here is a great way to keep the evil spirits at bay, as revellers sing and dance around the orchard,

Silent Night Real Ale. Saffron Brewery. Saffron Walden, Essex. 5.2% £2.35

This is a ruby porter brewed with chocolate and dark Crystal malts to give a rich and aromatic dark ale with aromas and flavours of coffee and chocolate. The addition of ruby port and pure red grape juice give up further fruity aromas and a spicy finish. Great with beef and ale pie, boiled bacon and cabbage or chocolate cheesecake.

A Midwinter Night’s Dram, Glenmorangie Whisky.

Scotland. 43% £40

This Limited Edition whisky is perfect for a night in by a roaring log fire to keep out the cold of a bleak midwinter. Elegantly balanced, it has an underlying sweetness and a rich, spicy, nutty top-layer. It celebrates Glenmorangie’s tradition where The Sixteen Men of Tain were treated with a special whisky in the festive season, and was created by the Master Distiller as a thank you for a job well done. ‘A Midwinter Night’s Dram’ has been matured in

serves 6.

Put all ingredients to heat gently in a large pan (do not boil) and leave to infuse for 10 minutes before serving. · 3 pts. dry cider · 4 fl. oz. The King’s Ginger (or use apple juice for teetotallers and those under age) · Juice and grated peel of 2 clementines · 3 tbsp. caster sugar · 1 orange, stuck with 12 cloves · 12 allspice berries · 1 stick of cinnamon LP-V

Root & Vine Sturminster Newton

Root & Vine greengrocers situated in the heart of Sturminster Newton always have a wonderful display of fresh fruit and flowers both inside and outside of their shop.

Christmas orders are now being taken. Potatoes are available in bulk should you wish.

A popular Christmas gift is a

— Prop. Sue McShane —

Treats

3 Market House, Sturminster Newton Tel: 01258 472576 QUALITY

Asparagus FRESH FRUIT New Potatoes (washed) Strawberries VEGETABLES & Pineapples FLOWERS FOR Mangos Celeriac THE FESTIVE Mange Tout SEASON Green Beans POT PLANTS Salad from • Lettuce (various) £ 1.99 • Bunched Carrots • Beetroot • Cucumber • Tomatoes • Celery • Cress • • • • • • • •

Festive Fayre • • • • • • • • • •

Dates Fresh Cranberries Clementines Dried Figs Chestnuts OWN POT GR AS Red Cabbage M T IS R CH Broccoli TREES Cauliflower from only Fruit Boxes from £12 £ 14.99 Veg Boxes from £8 made up to order ... an ideal gift

Super Savers

(Nets/Boxes) • Swedes • Carrots • Sprouts • Parsnips ... excellent value • Oranges - Net - £1 • Apples - Net - £1

Bulk Potatoes

• Marfona • Maris Piper • Desiree Red • King Edward All available in 25kg sacks as available

Christmas Lines

• Cut Christmas Trees • Planted Gift Baskets • Table Decorations • Cut Flowers • Holly Wreaths

Floral Bouquets and Arrangements to order Bird Seed 20kg £15 Peanuts 25kg £39 Fat Balls 5 for £1 Wild Bird Food Boxes from £10

See in Store for our Full Range & Price Details  Prices correct at time of going to press and subject to availability

TO PLACE YOUR ORDER Tel: 01258 472576 or Fax: 01258 472778 ... or just call in!

Open Monday to Friday 7.00am - 5.30pm • Saturday 7.00am - 4.00pm • Major Credit Cards accepted - minimum spend £5

Festive Food & Drink

fresh fruit basket - these start from £12.

There is a wide choice of bird seed, fat balls and bird feeders including some festive ‘bird food’ wreaths.

There is a comprehesive range of snack foods - Trail Mix, Bombay Spice, Crystalised Pineapple, Chocolate Covered Nuts etc., for around £1 a packet.

Fresh local honey and eggs are also on sale. For those who like flower arranging there is a good choice of accessories such as wire, dishes and oasis - sold as single pieces or in boxes.

Don't forget the Christmas Tree!!

sausages. Pick up tasty treats for yourselves and ample gifts for others, the NEW hamper range promises something for everyone!

You can tour the smokery, sample all the products, enjoy a free glass of wine, what a lovely treat! They are also thrilled to have their very popular CHRISTMAS POP UP SHOP again this year, so bring your shopping bags!

Bower Hinton Farm Shop Martock

Christmas lines are now in at Bower Hinton Farm Shop and include festive tipples such as sloe gin, mulled wine, mulled cider, fruit wines and traditional ciders.

Orders are now being taken for locally reared turkeys (prices held from 2013), poultry, game and red meat. Just pick up an order form - then drop it in and your order will be ready when required. Potatoes are available by the sack and loose sprouts.

A christmas hamper would make a lovely Christmas gift filled with local cheeses, ciders, wines and meats. Call in today and see the complete range. Don’t forget to check out the Christmas trees from the Blackdown Hills which are very competitively priced.

Bower Hinton Farm Shop - Martock CHRISTMAS TREES

Brown and Forrest Hambridge

Brown and Forrest, the Smokery in Hambridge, would be delighted if you could join them at their Festive Smokery Open Day, to be held on Saturday 5th December between 10am and 4pm.

Delight in the perfect canapé smoked salmon, relish the mouth watering flavours of their NEW

The Brown and Forrest shop and restaurant will be open, booking advisable, for indulging in even more delicious smokery treats. If you can’t make it, enjoy a bit of what you fancy at home using their mail order service and online shop, all delivered to the door of your choosing.

Traditional and Nordman Fir 6 – 7 Foot Non Drop £28.50 * Traditional £16.50

The Smokery at Brown and Forrest, Hambridge where there are lots of goodies to tempt you.

 Local Turkey - Geese - Red Meat - Hams etc - Hampers   Fruit & Veg Boxes - Sprouts - Dairy Produce - Christmas Cakes & Puds  OPEN: Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm OPEN: Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd December 9am – 5pm • Christmas Eve 9am – 1pm

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

THE VISITOR December 2015 57

GARDENING

GARDENING MONTHLY

by Richard Cumming Orchard Park

WINTER ALREADY? It has been a wonderful autumn with some fabulous tree colours, fiery reds and mellow yellows; perhaps more yellows than reds which reflects the lack of cold nights so far. As I write, I can see begonias, nemesias, dahlias, even Heliotrope still in flower just outside the kitchen window. Even with our topsy-turvy island climate we should have had some reasonable frost by now to get the season into balance. No doubt it

will come and maybe later rather than sooner, but surely it will come. The cold helps to kill off some of our garden pests, and weeds which would otherwise take over. I must confess that I had fully intended to clear out all the straggly, worn-out summer bedding by now and replace it with hardy mini-cyclamen, violas and pansies. I just hadn’t got round to it! Not too late now and the polyanthus and primroses are also there to choose from.

Gardening has changed a lot over the years along with a blurring of the seasons making it harder to separate one from the next. Growers still work to the traditional time table with many field grown crops of soft and bush fruit, roses and hedging being lifted, graded and despatched at the end of the growing season. These plants are left in the ground as long as possible for their leaves to transfer all the goodness back to the plant and fall naturally, but re-establish quickly when replanted at this time with the soil still warm from the summer and full of moisture to encourage new roots to form. Garden centres have changed the way we garden with plants available all year

Garden Machinery SALES  SERVICE  REPAIRS

Unit 2, Beardly Batch Depot, Cannards Grave, SHePToN MAlleT, BA4 4NB Tel: 01749 343881 • www.moggsofwells.com

End of Season Garden Machinery Sale Autumn 2015

 DON’T LEAVE IT until the Spring and find it doesn’t work! Instead, take advantage of our 10% DISCOUNT on winter servicing and book your machine(s) into our workshop now!

As always, Nigel and Helen will be pleased to attend to your needs, we can collect and deliver the larger machines, and you will receive a 10% discount off the total cost. Personal callers are most welcome to look round our showroom at a selection of quality new machines too. If you want a particular machine not on show, we can usually obtain it for you.

To book, please return the coupon below, or contact us via our website. We look forward to hearing from you.

Your Name ...............................................................

Your Machine(s) .......................................................

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Address ....................................................................

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58 THE VISITOR December 2015

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OTHERS ...

Viking GE250 2200w mains electric chipper / shredder Bosch AKE35S 14” mains electric chainsaw MTD GCS50/45 18” petrol chainsaw, 50cc 2-stroke engine Lawnflite LS2000 Duo 7 ton 2000w double action mains electric log splitter Toro 51594 Ultrablower / Vac 1450w mains electric vacuum shredder / blower Loncin 1.6kw / 50hz inverter generator with UK 3-pin socket for 230v AC and 2-pin socket 12v DC

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round in pots, but planting with the seasons still pays dividends if you can do it.

A regular event at this time of the year is National Tree Week, sponsored by the Tree Council it runs from 28th November to 6th December. Its purpose is to raise awareness of the need for trees especially at the best planting time. I can’t image a garden without a tree of some sort but I know that many garden plants have reduced in size as developers squeeze more properties into the area they have. There is always a tree that will fit, short or tall, wide or narrow, and if space is really tight then a large shrub can be grown to give the same effect.

Recent work by the RHS looking at the ability of tree leaves to trap particulates, the stuff we are all churning out into our atmosphere, showed that some trees were better than others at trapping and retaining the pollutants, and that would be a valuable approach if we truly want to improve the air we breathe. Garden and street trees are all vital. Living in the countryside is great but we have sacrificed a lot of vegetation over the years to give our towns room to expand and I do sincerely believe that we have an obligation to replant whenever we can for the sake of our air, our wildlife, our quality of life and of course our sanity.

Plant of the Month

December is by no means a bleak and interest - free month with only Christmas to look forward to! Winter wonders are often scented, shade tolerant and adaptable to life in pots and tubs.

There is a rather understated but very useful evergreen shrub, called Sarcococca (it’s a pig to spell) commonly known as ‘Sweet Box’ or ‘Christmas Box’ with fragrant white flowers over winter and early spring. This is followed by red and black berries for further interest.

The flowers really are most sweetly scented with vanilla essence, and it’s perfect for a shady border, in a stylish tub or as ground cover. Sarcococca is a tough, reliable plant easy to grow forming low mounds of evergreen foliage. It will grow just as happily in sun provided the roots

Say you saw it in The Visitor

GARDENING

don’t dry out.

Varieties include Sarcococca confuse or the glossy pointedleaved Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna. There is a slow, low growing form, Sarcococca humilis that works well as a replacement for box hedging where box blight has become a problem. S. humilis only fault is its tendency to throw suckers but these are easily pulled up and make for easy propagation. Sarcococca makes a great addition to a winter garden, and flower arrangers love the fact that they can cut fragrant shoots and bring them inside to add to flower arrangements just at Christmas time.

Sarcococca hookeriana humilis.

Jobs for the month

Short days, wet weather and falling temperatures are not encouraging but if you can get out the important thing is to protect any vulnerable plants from frost and flood. Saturated soils can cause more damage than plain cold weather. Drying winds from the north will damage foliage stems and flower buds on early spring flowering shrubs such as camellias. If it is practical to do so then horticultural fleece wrapped round and securely fastened is very much worthwhile. You can buy easy to use ready-made fleece covers that zip-up to

PLANT WORLD For the best plants!

provide good protection. Cloche covers need to be well secured especially in the vegetable garden if you want to save precious crops from weather damage or feeding rabbits and pigeons.

Reasonable sized pots and planters should be moved to sheltered spots, and raised on flat stones or pot feet to allow

water to drain away. Frozen wet compost can expand and split even the toughest pots. Bubble wrap round any pots you are worried about to give further insulation.

Lawns always need some attention. The autumn feed should have been applied last month; this is low in nitrogen but high in phosphates and potash to build strong roots and keep leaves healthy. It is too late to sow grass seed now but turf can be laid in all but frosty weather. It’s the right time to move or plant new deciduous trees and shrubs, but be careful with evergreens as you do not want to damage their roots.

Next major job is going to be pruning and training. Older overgrown trees shrubs or hedges can be brought back to shape by renovation pruning but I strongly suggest you do your research first to make sure you prune correctly.

Whilst you’re there, check tree ties and stakes for any specimens that still need support.

Veg garden is very quiet now, rough dig where you can, and protect any crops still in the ground from cold damage or pests.

With Christmas on the horizon, I am adding a few new gardening tools to my Christmas list ... just in case!

The Visitor

CAN BE READ ONLINE:

www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

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THE VISITOR December 2015 59

GARDENING

Hestercombe to feature on Monty Don’s The Secret History Of The British Garden

Gardeners’ World Presenter Monty Don.

All types of Fencing

• Gates • Trellis • Fence Panels • Tool Sheds • Summer Houses • Garages • Workhouses • Greenhouses • Field Shelters

All Buildings are hand-made at Bourton using Scandinavian Redwood Shiplap Timber.

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

TELEPHONE 01747 840752

Approved contractor to Dorset & Somerset C.C.

Somerset’s Hestercombe Gardens is to feature in a new historical gardening series presented by Gardeners’ World favourite Monty Don on BBC Two. Hestercombe’s head gardener Claire Reid was interviewed by Monty for the fourth and concluding episode which will be shown on Sunday, December 6th at 9pm. Following the 20th century, the episode sees Monty examining the profound effect that two world wars had on attitudes to gardening. At Hestercombe Claire talks to Monty about the planting schemes of Gertrude Jekyll which were far less labour intensive than the previous heavy duty Victorian planting schemes.

Hestercombe all set for the BIG freeze!

According to several news sources, Britain is set for blizzard conditions and months of snow this winter.

Meteorologists have predicted that a mix of the most powerful El Nino on record and changes in air

QUALIFIED ARBORIST

ALL ASPECTS OF TREE CARE AND DANGEROUS TREE REMOVAL

TR EE PLA N TIN G

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

pressure over the Arctic may well mean the coldest winter for 50 years. At Hestercombe their gardeners are readying themselves for the icy conditions and will carry out specific jobs to ensure the huge variety of plants in the formal and landscape gardens survive the winter.

Head Gardener Claire Reid says: ‘We don't have any heating in our greenhouse, so during cold spells we check the predicted night time temperature and cover the plants in either horticultural fleece or bubble wrap and shut all doors and windows. Once it has warmed up in the morning these are removed to allow air to the plants.’

Other jobs for the gardeners include moving the orange trees into the orangery to keep the frost at bay. The Canna plants are cut back once the leaves have blackened with the frost and are lifted into the greenhouse for protection.

All of the tractors on site are serviced throughout the winter with antifreeze to ensure work continues as usual and the gardeners try their best to keep of the grass when it’s frosty, or else risk black footprints across the lawns.

There are a number of steps you can take at home to ensure your plants are kept frost-safe.

• Move pot plants such as pelargoniums indoors to keep the frost off.

• Don’t prune in the frost, as it causes damage.

• Use horticultural fleece over delicate plants during a cold snap.

• Dig up dahlia tubers and store before they are killed off by the frost.

60 THE VISITOR December 2015

Many non-hardy plants actually fare pretty well in the cold but it's the cold mixed with the wet that causes problems.

Claire’s top tip for winter gardening: ‘Wear a thermal vest.

It’s important to keep yourself warm when trying to look after your garden!’

Learn more about the plants and how the gardeners work at Hestercombe over the winter, and enjoy a whole host of winter activities including Christmas wreath making, festive skating and a Christmas gardens trail by visiting www.hestercombe.com

GARDENING

A Christmas Artisan Market at Browne’s Garden Centre 5th December

Browne's Garden Centre, Wells are once again hosting their ever popular Christmas Artisan Market on Saturday 5 December from 10am to 3pm.

Amongst the 20 stallholders selling food, craft and gifts will be lots of new and exciting local artisans including Steph Hiller from Mill Street Chocolate based

A frosty morning at Hestercombe Gardens.

in Wells. There will be stalls with jewellery, paintings, bunting, blankets and cushions, chutneys, honey and preserves and Artisan Market’s regular stallholders Karin and Andy from Dragon Willows Farm with their locally grown produce.

The coffee shop will be open as usual and there is plenty of space for youngsters to enjoy the swings and slide with plenty of free parking.

The Artisan Market’s charity for 2015 is the Motor Neurone Disease Association. MND affects around 5,000 people in this country at any one time, with five people a day dying from this disease.

Enter the raffle for a chance to

win a fantastic hamper with items donated by Orchard Pig, Mill Street Chocolate, Mint Hair and Beauty plus lots more.

Tickets can be purchased from Browne’s Garden Centre with all proceeds from the raffle going towards MND.

Full ground preparation and laying service available

The Farmhouse, Somerton Door, SOMERTON, TA11 6JA Tel / Fax: 01458 272091 www.evergreen-turf.co.uk • info@evergreen-turf.co.uk

G.M. AYRES

Tree Care & Garden Services A family business with over 25 years experience

Tree Services: Trees Felled, Trimmed, Shaped & Pruned Fruit Trees Pruned, Hedges Trimmed, Boxed & Shaped Shrubs Pruned and Shaped Free Written No Obligation Quotation • Fully Insured Work Guaranteed • Licensed Waste Removal landscaping – Property Maintenance

Alan Dodge BSc

FREEPHONE: 0800 0837152 Direct Line: 07789 326349 Email: garyayres653@gmail.com

THE VISITOR December 2015 61

GARDENING

Tips to help your real Christmas tree stay fresh and healthy into the New Year

• Stand it in a bucket of water and keep it in a cool place such as a garage or shed until ready to take indoors for decorating.

• Before taking it indoors, cut off at least one inch (2.5 cm)

from the bottom of the trunk and gently shake the tree to remove any loose needles.

• Pot the tree in a stand with the trunk immersed in water.

• Do not use sand or soil in the tree stand as they restrict water from being drawn up the trunk.

• Stand the tree in the coolest

Wickhams Cross, Butleigh, BA6 8TP OPEN DAILY from 28th November 10am until dark

O Fresh from the Forest O

✴ Traditional Trees ✴ Nordman Fir ✴ Mistletoe and Holly ✴ Potted & Rooted ✴ Fraser Fir ✴ Logs in Bags ✴ Large Trees ✴ Wreaths ✴ FREE REINDEER DUST

www.o-christmas.co.uk  07870 466179

Pick your own fresh tree from our plantation, or choose a ready cut or pot grown tree ...

OPEN EVERYDAY From 14th November to 23rd December 2015 9.00am to 5.30pm

Nr. Leigh, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 6HU

Ho-ho-ho!

It’s Christmastime

O Quality Christmas Trees (Nordsman) and Stands O Festive Wreaths O Colourful Planted Pots O Amaryllis - an ideal gift O Logs, Kindling & Coal

Station Road Sturminster Newton  01258 472788

OPEN: Monday – Friday 8am – 5.30pm. Saturday 8am – 4.30pm

62 THE VISITOR December 2015

part of the room, ideally next to a window and away from radiators and fires and top it up with water daily

Rent Decorated Christmas Trees

Superplants of Wincanton provide a comprehensive interior decorated Christmas tree rental service for both corporate and private clients – so all the hassle of buying, erecting and decorating the tree is handled by their specialist team, leaving you time to enjoy the festive period.

The company provides both fresh cut, and artificial, fully decorated interior trees from 5ft to 15ft on rental, which includes all the shatterproof decorations in the colours of your choice, LED lights, the installation and collection after Christmas. In addition exterior trees and twig displays are available.

For more information please visit www.superplants.co.uk or call Superplants on 01963 348420.

the end bit...

Paperchase

I WAS INTERESTED to read a report in the 16th October issue of the Western Daily Press of a pilot who ‘skilfully glided his plane to the ground when the propeller came off at 2,000 feet’.

This newsworthy story was enhanced by the fact that he ‘managed to bring the yellow plane down onto a grass airstrip at Roserrow Golf and Country Club’ and ‘then walked into the bar for a celebration drink of water and toasted his good fortune’. How cool can one get, I thought. For reasons best known to the editorial staff the story was repeated in the 19th October issue, by which time the news was stone cold.

But that is nothing compared with a blunder in the 17th October issue. A story on page 18, headlined ‘Bank vault loot buried in cemetery’ told of detectives recovering property from a Hatton Garden jewellery raid after searching a cemetery in North London, having been tipped off by one of the men involved in the raid. A photograph of this man, who described himself as a ‘burnt-out burglar’, accompanied the report.

On page 19, the facing page, was a story headlined ‘Jewels raid police in find at cemetery’, and I was not surprised to discover that this was a repeat of what I had just read, word-for-word the same with the same photograph, but used a little larger. Only the headline was different, presumably to protect the guilty in the newsroom.

One of the Western Daily Press’s columnists and a frequent contributor to its correspondence columns has for quite a while been Linda Piggott-Vijeh (who also writes the wine column in this magazine). Clearly whoever compiled the pages of the 29th October issue doesn’t know her very well, for at the foot of her column she was credited as ‘a food writer and local councillor in West Devon’. In terms of distance that’s many miles from the truth.

She lives at Combe St Nicholas in South Somerset, as a glance at any of her letters printed in

the paper would show, and she has represented Neroche ward on South Somerset District Council for at least 12 years.

In the Saturday 31st October issue of the Western Daily Press I was delighted to see on page 32 that the FTSE100 index had risen by 67.8 points to 6444.08 by the close on Friday. And highly disappointed to read on page 33 that ‘the London market closed down yesterday’ and that it was ‘34.7 points down at 6361.1

following a 42-point fall in the previous session’. Where does the paper get its figures from, I wonder, and does anyone ever check them? The answer to the second question is evidently ‘no’.

Finally, a cutting from the 22nd October issue of the Western Gazette (below). I hope that fiveyear-olds are achieving higher standards of spelling than the somewhat older writer of the headline has evidently achieved.

Chronicler.

PHONE - a - FIRM Your Guide To Local Services

Oven Cleaning

Mister Oven

Clean Ovens Domestic Ltd

Tel: 01935 475065 Mob: 07752 695264

AGAS • RANGES • OVENS HOBS • EXTRACTORS Eco-Friendly Materials Used

Independent Oven Cleaning Specialist Ovens - Hobs - Agas etc

www.misteroven.co.uk

Call 01963 351256 TO ADVERTISE Say you saw it in The Visitor Solution to November

Sudoku

ANSWERS TO POP MUSIC QUIZ

1.

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7.

8.

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10.

on page 49 ‘25’ ‘Europe' ‘10cc’ ‘...Soul’ Paul Young Jeff Lynne ‘Swing Out Sister’ ‘A Hard Day's Night’ ‘Lulu’ Charlie Dore

Bonus Question 1975

Question Impossible

Sudoku

‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. It contains within the lyric ‘Mama Mia’ which, as a song by Abba, removed it from the top of the chart.

by

T. M.

Fill in the grid with the numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, each column and each 3x3 block contains all the numbers 1 to 9.

HERE

Man with Van

Independent Oven Cleaners Covering Somerset and Dorset

Experienced + Fully Insured Friendly Staff

Tel: 0800 7076629 Mobile: 07563 693145 www.cleanovendomestics.co.uk

MAN-with-VAN

 Collections and deliveries  Student moves etc.  Household maintenance electrical, plumbing, carpentry  Useful services inc. putting together flat packs, beds, wardrobes, supply & fit kitchens, etc.

Call

Need a helping hand? Or something moved?

MALCOLM today on 07976 211221 PROMPT & RELIABLE SERVICE

Courier Service

Cary Transport Solutions Castle Cary

 24 Hour Nationwide Courier and Driver Hire Service  Fully Insured  Very Reliable with Great Rates

Call DARREN on 07341 824807 Email: darrenlambden3@gmail.com

Delivery Person

WANTED RELIABLE DELIVERY PERSON ... to deliver The Visitor Magazine each month in Ilminster in and around the Town Centre

Tel: 01963 351256

THE VISITOR December 2015 63

PHONE - a - FIRM

Denture Repairs

DENTURE REPAIRS

While You Wait Collection & Delivery Denture Advice Mr. C. Dunn

Registered Dental Technician

01749 812585

www.dunndental.co.uk

Framing

SCENES

KILN DRIED LOGS

LOCALLY MADE LOG STORE £299

Artist Materials & Gallery

Including FREE delivery, construction, and log stacking service, also ...

1 x Dumpy Bag of Kiln Dried Logs and 2 x Nets of Kindling Wood

« Picture framing « Restoration « Large selection of prints & paintings « Greeting Card Blanks High St. Gillingham Tel 01747 824050

 Kiln Dried Logs 1 Dumpy Bag £130  Kiln Dried Logs 2 Dumpy Bags £234  Kiln Dried Logs 3 Dumpy Bags £330

www.scenes-online.co.uk

Services

FREE LOCAL DELIVERY ... with all orders over £50

GOOD POTATOES Takeaway Bags of Coal • Calor Gas Car and Van Rental • Competitive Prices

Anchor Hill Service Station WINCANToN 01963 32609

The Visitor

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

Domestic Appliances

Domestic Appliance Repairs

Washing Machines  Vacuum Cleaners Cookers  Tumble Dryers etc.

SPARES – REPAIRS – SERVICING

Sparkford 01963 440689 • Yeovil 01935 474284

Pe

Logs

— www.deaonline.co.uk —

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

ONLINE ORDERING AVAILABLE www.logs4fuel.co.uk

 01458 251476

SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS Small and Large Loads

Tel: 07973 871708 evenings: 01935 825506

January Deadline Friday 4th December

TV Aerials

DAVE PARMITER AERIALS TV AeRIAl SeRVICe SATellITe / VIDeo SYSTeMS CCTV SYSTeMS - PeRSoNAl SeRVICe

Tel: YEOVIL (01935) 422088 or mobile 07850 405433 No CAll-oUT CHARGe

Fires / Chimneys / Stoves

SANDPITS

HEATING & HOME STORE

Multifuel Stoves ... over 200 on display Chimneys Relined ★ Full Installation Service HETAS • OFTEC • GAS SAFE

✴ Chimney Sweeping Service ✴

Showrooms Open: Monday to Friday 8am – 5.30pm and Saturday 8am – 4.30pm Email: enquiries@sandpitsheatingcentre.co.uk www.sandpitsheatingcentre.co.uk

High Street, Curry Rivel, Langport  01458 251476

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

Taylors Domestic

Appliances Ltd. Sales & Repairs for Dishwashers, Washing Machines, Cookers, Tumble Driers etc.

Ridge View, Penmore Road Sandford Orcas DT9 4SE

Professional repairs by qualified engineer on most makes of appliances.

01963 220366

Email: taylorsdomesticappliances@gmail.com Covering the areas between Wincanton Castle Cary, Sparkford, Sherborne and Yeovil

64 THE VISITOR December 2015

JANUARY ISSUE

07921 074602 • 01749 677440 • Solidfuel3@aol.com

Removals

 Published

17th December

 Deadline 4th December

01963 351256

Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk

07745 858440 01963 204205

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

PARKS

ROOFING LTD.

SLATING & TILING SPECIALISTS

Specialists in period and listed properties

• • • • •

• • • •

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

January Deadline Friday 4th December

A. Hamilton

Sliding Sash Window Specialist

R ESTORATIONS – R EFURBISHMENTS – R EPLACEMENTS

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 864522 www.sashwindowtlc.co.uk ae.hamilton@uwclub.net

Decorating

G.O.T. Decorating

Gareth Tanner – City & Guilds Interior & exterior Decorating Free estimates  No VAT

01278 323223 07736 644452

hs748@hotmail.co.uk

Plumbing & Heating

High Street, Sparkford, nr. Yeovil, Somerset BA22 7QJ Tel: 01963 440045 / 440526 / 440692

Roofing

Maintenance & Repairs

Leadwork Chimneys Fascias Gutters Flat Roofs

26 Stembridge, nr. Kingsbury, Martock TA12 6BN Telephone: 01460 240229 • Mobile: 07917 411961

Tel: 01747 861479 Mob: 07561 120828 For all your roofing requirements

Flat Roofing • Tiling Slating • GRP Roofing

All New Work Fully Guaranteed

For further information & estimates contact Allan Carey

01963 33528 / 07885 723915 Email: allancarey541@hotmail.com

Bourton Roofing Co. Slate  Tiling  Flat Roofing.

UPVC Fascias  Guttering FREE ES T I MAT ES

 01747 840064

... or 07866 296453 Email: info@bourtonroofing.co.uk

Communications

34 White Road, MERE, Nr. Warminster Wiltshire, BA12 6EX

Email: mead208@btinternet.com

Fire & Security Alarms

Clock Repairs

CLOCK REPAIRS Antique and Modern Clock Repairs.

Free pick up and delivery 40 years experience

Tel (01935) 477582

WESTLINE COMMUNICATIONS

Business Telecom Specialist For All Your Telecom Needs For free, friendly & professional advice call ...

John Penny on 07976 967349 www.westlinecoms.co.uk

THE VISITOR December 2015 65

Classified Ads

Send Details to: The Visitor, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BG. 30p per word (£5 minimum) pre-payment essential.

For a Box Number please add £2.

Payment can be made by Cash, Cheque, Postal Order, BACS, Credit / Debit Card.

✽ If you require a receipt a s.a.e. must be enclosed with payment, or your email address.

Prize Crossword No. 350 Set by Frank Butler

SEND COMPLETED ENTRIES TO: The Visitor Crossword, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7BG – to arrive by Friday 4th December.

Correct entries are placed in a hat and the winner is the first name drawn. The prize is a £10 voucher to spend with any one advertiser in this issue of The Visitor.

Please do not forget to state your choice of advertiser and your name and address.

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10 11 12

NAME .....................................................................................................................................................................

13

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ADDRESS .............................................................................................................................................................. ..................................................................................................................................................................................

Tel: ......................................................................... Cheque Enclosed for £ .................... Minimum £5

Passport Photographs

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

Storage

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

T.V.

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

Personal

CoUNTRY lINK SoCIAl GRoUP, Fresh Air, Fun, Food and Friendship. Tel: Andy 01225 834834 or Val 01749 342918 or visit: www.country-link.org.uk MAle 64, own house and car, enjoys going to the coast, walking, picnics, music, would like to meet a genuine lady. Tel: 07762 461696.

GeNT 67, enjoys travel, theatre, National Trust, seaside, music, dancing. Seeks lady non-smoker, easy going. Tel: 01458 440094

DoN’T Be AloNe THIS CHRISTMAS. Somerset Introductions. Call for details.

07584 250285. www.justintroductions group.co.uk

Services

HoUSeHolD & GARDeN RUBBISH CleAReD, old sheds / oubuildings demolished, etc. Tel: 01460 77844.

Dog Holidays

HolIDAY FoR YoUR DoG. let your dog stay with us when you are away. 24-hour attention and long walks. Fully licensed and insured. Vet approved. References available. Tel: 01963 240650.

66 THE VISITOR December 2015

Wanted

DAVe BUYS All TYPeS oF ToolS, salvage, bygones and collectables.

Daves Tools - Tel: 01935 428975

PoSTCARDS, pop memorabilia, coins, badges, old toys, games, and anything military. Tel: Clive 01749 675456.

All SPoRTS PRoGRAMMeS and books, memorabilia and ephemera – especially football. large collections welcome. Cash paid. Tel: Clive 01749 675456.

R e D U N D A N T M o T o R M o W e R S , rotavators, chainsaws, strimmers, cement mixers, etc. Tel: 01460 77844.

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

STUDIo oR 1 BeD FlAT, GF, CH, private patio / outside area, to buy or to rent, within 15mins walk of Gillingham station.

Tel: 07510 340831.

GUNS WANTeD for cash. Any size, any condition, make or model. By registered firearms dealer. Tel: 07970 742471.

Mobile Bars / Catering

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

Holidays

France • Dordogne

17 18

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

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Starts growth after change to e-streaming. [10] Some sorbet allowed a second letter in Greek. [4] Vegetables painting is hiding choke. [10] It follows notice in miners’ passage. [4] Sing about emblem. [4] What an actor treads in part.

[3,6] Actors press metal. [4,4] Skyward, peek back at cost of maintenance. [6] Tiny N.E. adjustment is a good number! [6] Girls hang hair partly in eastern city. [8] Map, including son, was breeding in wall-cracks. [5,4] Supporter completely unknown. [4] Central heating, initially at home with facial feature. [4] Eating soul out is jelly-like. [10] Record nothing as a symbol.

[4] Sound drone around streamlined frontage. [5,5]

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Headless horse at the finish to sign over. [7] Caper surrounding the day after August 31st helps resist infections. [10] Broken companion set needs redress. [12] Comic takes “no!” in half of Ealing: That’s cheap! [10] Padre has tea unadorned. [8] One stingy portion for brids’ building. [7] Short breaks around sad depressions. [7] Look! Half of book in summerhouse with view. [6] Yankee editor employed. [4]

Solution to Crossword 349

Down: 1.

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

19

2.

3.

4.

5.

The first girl ran to mum’s mum. [4] Sells parts of rail set assembled. [7] Non-scientist arranged at odds.

[12] Taking on board notice with choice. [8] Even surrounding the French gave one side. [6]

THE WINNER of our November Crossword was Miss S. Rees of East Stour who chose to spend the £10 voucher at Orchard Park Garden Centre & Farm Shop at Gillingham.