The Visitor Magazine Issue 404 July 2017

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

Issue 404 July 2017

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In Passing ...

S

EVERAL MoNTHS ago in this column I commented on the renewed interest in songs from the English folk tradition and the plethora of local young creative talent – singers, songwriters and accomplished instrumentalists – revitalising the traditional music of the British Isles and giving musical expression to their experiences of 21st century life. In response a reader sent me some information about Halsway Manor, a historic Somerset house near Crowcombe within easy reach of Visitorland. I confess that it was new to me but I now know that it is the National Centre for Folk Arts, the only one of its kind in the UK, and that it has been in operation for more than 50 years. It provides numerous weekday and weekend residential courses as well as concerts and other events, all focused on our cultural heritage.

Music and dance are firmly at the heart of Halsway’s programme with courses as diverse as an English banjo weekend, a song-writing workshop, violin-making, an autumn song weekend and music for dancing, and among those appearing in forthcoming folk concerts are Faustus, The Roaring Trowmen, Lady Maisery and Belshazzar’s Feast. one event that seems likely to be a sell-out is a weekend to learn some of the 18th century dances featured in television’s ‘Poldark’ dramas, led by the man who choreographed them and accompanied by the musicians who appeared in the programmes.

But it’s not just concerned with folk song and dance – courses in the months ahead include basketry, green woodworking, willow work, folklore, blacksmithing and working with wool. other courses benefit from Halsway’s rural location and include a walking week exploring the Quantock Hills Area of outstanding Natural Beauty and a week discovering nearby coastal habitats and the wildlife they support. Events like the Family Folk Week and the Folk Summer School cater for children as well as adults, while others are age-specific like a course for young folk musicians aged 8 – 12 and another for the 13 to 25 age range. Some require participants to have reached a particular level of skill in

their particular musical instrument or to have previous experience in songwriting, performing or dancing.

The Manor also houses the Kennedy Grant Library which contains more than 10,000 books, LPs, CDs, journals and magazines for anyone wanting to do some research, especially into local traditions. And it employs a creative learning manager to work with the local community and schools to engage new audiences in the folk arts and develop their artistic skills. While Halsway Manor exists to preserve our cultural heritage for future generations it’s just as concerned with making the heritage accessible and relevant to their lives and times.

What an amazing resource to have so near at hand! Now that I know about it I am keen for everyone else to know about it too. You can find out more on www.halsway manor.org.uk or by calling 01984 618274.

NN.

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CONTENTS

Our FRONT COVER is almost entirely due to a baby boom at Longleat Safari Park

ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLASSIFIED - 50 ANTIQUES & COLLECTING - 43 BUSINESS - 29 COMPETITION (book) WINNER - 21 CROSSWORD - 50 GARDENING - 44 HOUSE & HOME - 32 LANGPORT - 24 LEISURE & TRAVEL - 18 LET’S MAKE MUSIC - 22 LOOKING GOOD for SUMMER - 13 MENTIONED in DISPATCHES - 6 MARTOCK business focus - 16 MOTORING - 28 MUSIC for the MONTH - 23 NOTICE BOARD - 22 PAPERCHASE - 47 PHONE-A-FIRM - 48 PUBS - 39 SOMERTON - 10 SOUTH PETHERTON business focus - 30 THEY SAY - 43 WINE & DINE - 27 Drawings by GEOFF THOMPSON

THE VISIToR July 2017 3

4 THE VISIToR July 2017

OUR FRONT COVER

Summer baby boom at Longleat Safari Park

Longleat Safari Park is enjoying a summer baby boom with no fewer than 20 monkeys, three rare Chinese deer, marmoset twins and two reindeer calves all making their first public appearances in recent weeks.

The number of baby monkeys born is such that even the dominant male, known as Phil, has taken to helping out with babysitting duties.

Found throughout south east Asia and across the Indian subcontinent, rhesus monkeys thrive in a wide variety of habitats and climates.

In some parts of India they are believed to be sacred with the result that they have lived in close contact with humans for countless centuries – particularly in and around Buddhist and Hindu temples.

The black-tailed marmoset twins, which weighed less than 40 grams each when they were born, can spend up to the first six months of their lives clinging to the backs of their parents.

Although relatively common in their native Brazil, it is unusual for them to breed successfully in the UK and keepers at the Wiltshire attraction are delighted with how well the pair are doing.

Marmosets live in social

family groups and have a strict hierarchy ranking. Unusually for primates, females nearly always give birth to nonidentical twins.

Keepers are also celebrating the arrival of a trio of Père David’s fawns. Père David’s deer are originally from China and at one time there were only 18 left in the world.

Following successful breeding programmes at Longleat and other zoos and parks around the world, they have been reintroduced to their Chinese homeland, but are still regarded as under threat.

The Safari Park has also welcomed another new arrival in the shape of 2 tiny reindeer calves. The reindeer play a key role in Longleat’s Christmas celebrations; welcoming visitors to Santa’s woodland grotto.

Longleat’s Ian Turner said: “It’s already been a good year for births here and it seems like the trend is continuing into the summer. Earlier in the season we had three baby oryx and two baby giraffes born. It’s particularly pleasing so many different species are breeding and is a really good sign they‘re happy and healthy,” he added.

All the youngsters are on public display, except the reindeer calves, and it is hoped many visitors will be able to catch their first glimpse of them over the coming months.

Pictured: rare Père David’s deer fawn at Longleat Safari Park.

THE VISIToR July 2017 5

EMBRACE EFFORTLESS HEARING

Mentioned in

Dispatches

Plaque unveiling celebrates town’s snowdrop links

Every Wednesday 10am – 1pm at Mendip Mobility Street Store

Between

Daily Tests will be available throughout the week if necessary

 FREE HEARING TESTS (home visits available)

 Ex Street Bloom customers welcome

 Demonstrations of the latest hearing aid technology

 Hearing aid service and repairs on all makes

Mendip District Council’s former Chair, Cllr Jeannette Marsh, joined members of Shepton Mallet Horticultural Society to unveil a plaque celebrating the town’s close connections with the popular snowdrop flower.

The plaque is situated in the flower bed outside Highfield House, at the Shape Mendip Hub in Shepton Mallet, and is surrounded by snowdrops, planted by Cllr Marsh.

Highfield House is the former home of the ‘Snowdrop King’ James Allen, the first person ever to breed new varieties of wild snowdrops. In the late 19th Century breeding snowdrops became highly fashionable and James Allen grew all the species and varieties then known and was one of the first people to deliberately cross them and raise hybrids from seed.

Cllr Marsh said: “Shepton Mallet has such close links with these wonderful, pretty flowers that it seemed only right we celebrated the work of the ‘Snowdrop King’ James Allen, while recognising the fantastic success of this year’s Snowdrop Festival.

“I would like to thank the horticultural society for their support and hard work in making the snowdrop festival such a success. The festival was a great advert for Shepton Mallet and proved popular with both local people and visitors to the town.”

To find out more about Shepton Mallet Horticultural Society go to www.sheptonhortsoc.org.uk or call 01749 830205.

The Wales Barn Group 12th Annual Exhibition on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th July from 10.30am

The Wales Barn Group are holding their 12th Annual Exhibition on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th July from 10.30am to 5.00pm at The Davis Hall, West Camel, Somerset BA22 7QZ. The exhibition will have work by local artists Caroline Morrow (paintings), Linda Stalley (pearls), Jinny Wessel (leather), Joanna Miln (paintings), Sue Gooch (glass) and Jane Evans (pottery).

The exhibitions were first held in 2005 and were inspired by Caroline Morrow. Sadly, Caroline passed away after a short illness earlier this year, but the group agreed to hold the exhibition at Caroline’s request.

Caroline was born in Dorset and started painting twenty five years ago. Her work reflects her experiences of living abroad for many years as well as latterly in Somerset. For further information please contact joanna@joannamiln.co.uk 01749 838757. www.joannamiln.co.uk

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6 THE VISIToR July 2017

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Mentioned in

Dispatches

South West in Bloom judges come to Langport

The Langport Area Business Group is hoping that their community entry, Langport in Bloom, can impress the South West judges on their visit to town in July. on 18th July, starting at 10.00am, the South West in Bloom judges will walk around Langport to admire the hard work of the community groups who have joined together on this bright Langport entry.

South West in Bloom is one of eighteen regional and national competitions that makes up RHS Britain in Bloom. Every year, communities of all sizes take part, from small villages to large cities, and every summer participants are evaluated on their work in three key areas: 1. Horticultural achievement 2. Community participation 3. Environmental responsibility

The Langport Area Business Group is very much hoping to have those key areas covered with their imaginative and colourful entry.

The community designed scheme aims to enhance the walks along the footpaths that take the towns many visitors and residents, from the town centre and along the River Parrett.

Janet Seaton, Chair of Langport Town Council says: “In Langport, we like to try something new. Entering South West in Bloom for the first time is a challenge that we’ve been delighted to support.”

Using the expertise of local flower farmer Kate Gibbins, the town council and volunteers have worked hard on a scheme that will encourage native flora and fauna with some imaginative, low cost and sustainable planting schemes and environmental features around the town.

Funds for this project were raised by donations from local businesses, grants from the town and county council and an award from the Great British High Street 2016.

Kate Gibbins adds: “our entry captures the real spirit of Langport, fun, quirky and in keeping with our lovely environment.”

Local community groups of all ages have taken part in this project involving primary and secondary schools, special interest groups, clubs, Langport Town Council and local businesses.

The project has gathered interest and Langport’s green fingered enthusiasts can't wait to show off their hard work. Being involved in South West in Bloom has been a lovely way to bring the community together and we wish Langport good luck on the day!

Families for Children Trust

Families for Children Trust is a Specialist Adoption Agency and charitable trust based in the South West.

They place vulnerable children from all over the UK with new adoptive families in Devon, Dorset, Cornwall, Somerset and the Isles of Scilly. They have a growing number of older children, sibling groups and children with disabilities waiting to be adopted and, are looking for more adopters to come forward quite quickly.

The next information session in Somerset, where people can learn about becoming an adopter and how they can support you for life, is:  Wednesday 26th July, 4 – 6pm, Foot Anstey, 2000 Blackbrook Park Avenue, Taunton, TA1 2PX.

THE VISIToR July 2017 7

Mentioned in

Dispatches

BUSINESS UPDATE

Taylors Coach Travel

Taylors Coach Travel, a family run coach company, have been a familiar sight around Somerset and beyond for over 50 years.

Previously operating from Lufton in Yeovil, they have recently relocated to new premises at Cadbury Business Park in Sparkford.

As well as school transport and private hire, Taylors also operate their own excursion and holiday programme offering a wide variety of day trips and tours throughout the year. If you would like a quote for a private hire, a brochure or to join their mailing list then please call the office on 01935 423177 or visit the website www. taylorscoachtravel.co.uk See advert inside back cover for more details.

The Official Opening of Somerset Rural Life Museum

by HRH The Duke of Gloucester

Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury was officially reopened by HRH The Duke of Gloucester on Tuesday 13th June.

The reopening followed a £2.4 million refurbishment led by the South West Heritage Trust. The Museum tells the rich story of Somerset’s rural and social history and explores rural life from the 1800s onwards.

The Duke of Gloucester was greeted by The Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Mrs Annie Maw, who is a Patron of the South West Heritage Trust. Mrs Maw was joined by the Chair of the Trust, David Gwyther, and by children from St Benedict’s Junior School in Glastonbury.

The Royal Party received a tour of the Museum from Trust Chief Executive, Tom Mayberry, and Estelle Gilbert, who project managed the re-development.

The tour included refurbished galleries which draw on the very rich social history collections cared for by the South West Heritage Trust. The majority of objects in the galleries have never been displayed before.

The party also visited the 14th-

century Abbey Barn and the Community Learning Space where the children were enjoying a taster session from the new school’s programme. His Royal Highness met members of the South West Heritage Trust staff, Friends of the Somerset Rural Life Museum, volunteers, supporters, contractors and others who worked on the project.

The redevelopment project was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Viridor Credits Environmental Company, Somerset County Council, the Garfield Weston Foundation and

other generous funders. The Trust is also most grateful to Somerset Building Preservation Trust and the Friends of the Somerset Rural Life Museum for their consistent support. Building work was undertaken by Ken Biggs Contractors Ltd of High Littleton.

Taunton and Somerset Samaritans AGM

The 49th Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 4th July 2017 at 7:00pm at Trull Church Community Centre, Trull, Taunton, TA3 7JZ. Guest

The Duke of Gloucester being welcomed by children from St Benedict’s Junior School in Glastonbury with Chloe Grant South West Heritage Trust Learning Officer.

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?

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.

Through Careline, you can enjoy the independence of living in your own home, secure in the knowledge that emergency help or advice is available at your fingertips.

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.carelinesouthsomerset.co.uk

01305 825491 | www.liveincare.info

8 THE VISIToR July 2017

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Mentioned in

Dispatches Speaker – Jon Shoesmith, Chief officer, Citizens Advice Bureau, Taunton. All welcome – anyone interested in becoming a volunteer will find it an interesting evening.

Charity Number 1170637.

Hundreds join the fight against cancer at Sherborne Race for Life

Sherborne Castle became a sea of pink on Sunday 18th June as hundreds of women joined the fight against cancer by taking part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life. over 800 mums, daughters, sisters and friends showed their incredible commitment to the cause as they came together to help bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

Now organisers of the 5k and 10k event are sending a heart-felt message of thanks to everyone who took part and all their supporters.

And they’re asking them to make every step count by paying in their

sponsorship money as soon as possible so that it can be used to fund life-saving research.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring women-only series of 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy, Marathon and Hiking events which raises millions of pounds every year to find new ways to tackle cancer.

Brenda Scott, Cancer Research UK’s South West Events Manager, said: “Life-saving research is being funded right now thanks to the women of Sherborne running, jogging or walking at Race for Life. “our participants play a crucial role in helping to turn discoveries made in the lab into better treatments for patients in Sherborne and across the UK and we’d like to thank everyone who took part in the event on Sunday.

“The atmosphere on the day was electric – full of emotion, courage, tears and laughter – as hundreds of like-minded ladies came together to unite in the fight against cancer. Now we’re asking everyone who took part, and all the friends, family and colleagues who pledged to sponsor them, to return the money they’ve raised as soon as possible.

“Many people don’t realise that their entry fee only covers the cost of the event. It’s the

sponsorship money that really makes a difference. Money raised – whether it’s £10 or £100 – will help Cancer Research UK scientists find new ways to treat cancer and save more lives.” one in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives, but the good news is more people are surviving the disease now than ever before. Cancer survival has doubled since the early 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress.

Cancer Research UK’s lifesaving work relies on the public’s support. Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, the charity was able to spend around £2 million last year in the South West on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research – helping more men, women and children survive.

Dr Áine McCarthy, Cancer Research UK’s Senior Science Communications officer, said: “We want to see people with every type of cancer, including those that are hard to treat, have the best chance of surviving their disease and living a long, healthy life afterwards. The advances we've made since Race for Life started in 1994 show we are moving in the right direction.

“Thanks to new treatments and

improvements in early diagnosis, more people are surviving cancer today than ever before. But too many lives are still lost. There are hundreds of types of cancer and we need continued investment in research to help us find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat them all.

“That’s why we need everyone who took part in Race for Life in Sherborne to take the vital last step by returning their sponsorship money so that our scientists, doctors and nurses can continue to make vital strides forward in research.”

Sponsorship money can be paid in online, by phone, by cheque or in person at a Cancer Research UK shop.

Mendip Decorative and Fine Arts Society – July 2017

1925 Paris Arts Decoratifs Exhibition: Ms Mary Alexander will give a talk to Mendip DFAS on the impact of this exhibition of French luxury goods on the world of design, with examples from her collection. The Society meets at the Bath and West Bar & Restaurant, B&W Show Ground, Shepton Mallet, BA4 6QN at 11.00 am, 4th July.

Details; www.mdfas.org.uk Guests Welcome. Contact 01934 862435.

THE VISIToR July 2017 9

THE TOURISM team at South Somerset District Council describe Somerton in their ‘Discover South Somerset’ brochure as ‘an attractive town of architectural and historical interest, with old stone buildings, elegant inns and almshouses’.

They could have added that the old buildings on Broad Street and the Market Place house some of Somerton’s fine shops and businesses, and that it’s worth walking the length of West Street from the Market Place to The

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S OMERTON

Triangle to discover more fascinating shops, their size much larger than their narrow frontages would suggest. And off West Street, hidden away in old brewery buildings, is the modern Brunel Shopping Centre which houses a further selection of shops as well as the independent Williams supermarket. Somerton still looks and feels like a traditionally English market town and has managed to retain much charm in the face of pressures and demands of 21st century living.

Sited on a ridge overlooking the valley of the little River Cary, Somerton is untouched by major roads and its medieval street pattern survives simply because, thanks to its poor communications, it missed out on the industrial revolution and its after-effects. Piecemeal rebuilding continued, as it had done down the centuries, but no major redevelopment or expansion. The two original main streets – Broad Street and West Street – meet at right angles at the Market Place

with its 17th century Butter Cross and Old Town Hall in the centre. The surrounding buildings, almost all built in local blue lias stone, meld well to create a timeless atmosphere. The White Hart pub is certainly of medieval origin and allegedly incorporates some of the walls of an ancient castle that once stood on the site, and the adjacent Globe Inn reveals tell-tale signs of having once been an important coaching inn. It was built in the early 1600s or thereabouts – the earliest documented mention is 1616. On the opposite side of the square is the parish church of St Michael and All Angels, parts dating from the early 13th century, with a 16th century timber roof that is one of the finest in Somerset. Amid the shops on West Street are more buildings of considerable

historical interest. The ancient Unicorn Hotel dates from medieval times but in the mid17th century the frontage was rebuilt and the two-storey gable porch added. It is recorded as being an inn in 1756. Across the road the almshouses, built for the town by Sir Edward Hext, date from 1626.

At this time of year you cannot fail to miss the banner strung across the street advertising the Somerton Music and Arts Festival. Now in its 30th year, it is one of the most popular and most successful celebrations in an area extending far beyond Visitorland, and this year the organising committee has again managed to shoehorn around 25 events into the nine days commencing on Friday 7th July.

The ‘arts’ in the title is something of a misnomer. The Festival

One of Somerton’s long-established businesses on the Market Place is M. J. Carpets.

10 THE VISITOR July 2017

programme is unashamedly populist but none the worse for that. By providing a wide variety of entertainment with something for most tastes and ages, the committee has hit on a winning formula that ensures not only a high level of local involvement but also a lot of visitors to the town to enjoy the events.

Although the committee is small, most of Somerton seems to be involved in one way or another.

Many local businesses and individuals are sponsoring events and providing practical help, and the town council, pubs, churches and sports club are providing venues for events, so it is truly a community effort.

The first of the two major free events is the Festival Market Day on Saturday 8th July from 10.00am to 2.00pm, with an ‘official opening’ at 11.00am by Val Stones of ‘Great British Bakeoff’ fame. Lots of craft and market stalls and street entertainers are promised in the Market Place, making it a family event. Then on Sunday 16th July it’s the Festival Family Fun Day from noon until 5.00pm in and around

S OMERTON

the Festival marquee at Somerton Sports and Recreation Ground at Gassons Lane. It will feature activities and entertainments for all ages including displays by the police cadets and fire brigade, football and rugby tournaments, morris dancers, stalls promoting local groups and societies and goodness knows what else. The marquee is also the principal venue for the larger events on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday of the Festival.

An ever-popular part of the Festival is the Art and Photography Exhibition from the 11th ‘til the 15th in the Parish Rooms. Full details of this and all the other events have been

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Somerton’s ancient Butter Cross and Old Town Hall provide a historic setting for alfresco dining on a warm day.

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THE VISITOR July 2017 11

posted on the www. somertonartsfestival.co.uk website and on the committee’s Facebook and Twitter sites.

Tickets are available from the Festival office in Overt Locke’s shop on West Street, telephone 07928 508700, or online at www.eventbrite.co.uk

S OMERTON

If you’re visiting Somerton for the Festival, make a point of having a browse round the Old Town Hall, nowadays the home of ACEArts which is short for ‘Art Care Education’. Since last September this registered charity has been using it as an art and craft venue providing courses in

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The Stationery House on the Market Place is much more than just a stationer, offering maps, books, pens, jigsaw puzzles, framed prints, office requisites and gifts from Somerton.

various creative activities and projects focusing on community health and wellbeing. The ground floor of the building is given over to a shop selling a large selection of goods created by local artists and craft workers, and the upstairs floor is a gallery with a new exhibition staged every month. ACEArts is open daily from Tuesday to Saturday from 10.00am until 5.00pm.

When SSDC’s tourism team is writing about Somerton for next year’s ‘Discover South Somerset’ they should mention not only the town’s fine range of shops but also its growing significance as a centre for local arts and crafts.

Roger Richards.

The Somerton Music and Arts Festival

From Friday 7th to Sunday 16th July, enjoy entertainment and fun for all the family at Somerton Music and Arts Festival.

Tickets for the festival can be purchased from the Conservatory, Overt Locke, Somerton, TA11 7PS (cash only), or online via www.eventbrite.co.uk for no extra cost (search #smaf2017).

Tickets sales will continue to the end of the festival.

Celebrating 90 years of business within the hobby of Card Collecting

12 THE VISITOR July 2017

One of the rarest individual cards issued in the UK is going under the hammer in the London Cigarette Card Company Ltd’s 29th July auction, estimated at £2,000. It is a Cricket Card of Yorkshire County Cricket Club over 115 years old. Visit the London Cigarette Card

S OMERTON

Looking Good

The banners adorning the streets in the centre of Somerton are a sure sign that it will soon be festival time again.

Company’s website for a full list of auction lots: www.london cigcard.co.uk The London Cigarette Card Company, Somerton, TA11 6QP.

Carte Blanche ‘Me to you Tatty Teddy’ range of products, along with the award winning Wrendale collection of cards and gifts.

Situated within the picturesque town of Somerton, Stationery House has recently undergone a change of ownership. The new owners have maintained all the traditional items, products and services which have been associated with Stationery House for over 30 years.

Many new products and ideas have also been introduced, although you will still see the familiar friendly faces of the original members of staff.

New ideas include, a beautiful selection of gifts for all ages, an extended range of greeting cards, large selection of helium balloons, and bath bombs.

Stationery House are also proud to be approved stockists of the

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THE VISITOR July 2017 13

Looking Good for Summer

Family Health with

Jenna Evans

Summer Survival

AS I WRITE this it seems the sun has finally decided to make an appearance - and boy is it toasty today! So let's have a little look at some first aid remedies for surviving the summer months and beyond.

Burns – For minor burns my absolute favourite remedy has to be lavender essential oil. This can work very quickly to relieve pain and aid tissue repair. It can be applied neat to the skin (but always patch test, some people may be allergic) or added to a cold water bath for the burned area.

Honey is another traditional remedy to apply. Homeopathic remedies of use include cantharis – for pain creating restlessness, hypericum – nerve pain, and urtica urens – for prickly, stinging pain.

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Sunburn – It is important we make the most of our summer months and top up our vitamin D levels, so I'm a great believer in getting bare skin out there for short bursts as often as possible.

Then it's time to cover up before we start to singe. If you do get caught out, keep a pot of Aloe Vera gel with some added lavender oil chilling in the fridge – wonderfully

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soothing to sunburn and makes a good general aftersun moisturiser for the skin. Another great way to cool off is a chilled bottle of rose water spritzed on the skin – cooling, calming and a delightful scent to boot.

Bruising – Soak cotton wool or a flannel in good quality vinegar and apply to the bruise as soon as possible for 20-30 minutes. Comfrey cream is also excellent for helping to heal bruises – apply regularly.

The homeopathic remedy arnica can be useful for all kinds of physical trauma – it is often taken before and after operations as an aid to healing.

For a little aroma help, add a few drops of lavender and / or helichrysum essential oil to cold water or the vinegar soak. These oils can also be added to a base cream or oil or, indeed, the comfrey cream.

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Cuts – Always clean cuts well.

Salt water or marigold (calendula) tincture / tea can be used for this. To halt bleeding, powdered cayenne or yarrow can be sprinkled on the cut – use with care (especially the cayenne – not something you want to accidentally get into sensitive tissues or the eyes). Honey and colloidal silver are useful antiseptics to apply to wounds. I would certainly never be without a bottle of colloidal silver in my house. I have seen it work wonders for pretty nasty cuts and wounds. It is also a useful bug busting remedy to use at the first sign of the sniffles – a spray bottle is a handy way to apply to the skin or onto sore throats.

Insect Repellents – Midges, mozzies, wasps and ticks – what to do when these beasties take a liking to you! Using essential oils as a repellent in body sprays, oils and aromatherapy diffusers can be very helpful. Most bugs dislike oils such as lavender and citronella. Ants seem particularly perturbed by peppermint – a sprinkling of which along the door frame has kept them from invading my kitchen for the past few years. Cedarwood is a favourite repellent for lice and ticks.

Insect Bites & Stings – Wasp stings are alkali and bee stings are acid so the most common home remedy theory is that an acid such as vinegar is the remedy of choice for wasp stings and an alkali such as bicarbonate of soda will neutralise a bee sting. Now, stings are much more chemically complicated than just being acidic or alkali, nevertheless I have heard good reports from this method – so why not give it a try?

My go to remedies have always been neat lavender oil for general bug bites / stings and good old colloidal silver.

Sprains / Strains – Got a little overzealous with the gardening?

Pulled a muscle weeding and pruning? Start with ice packs and vinegar compresses. Homeopathic arnica is the go to remedy for trauma and it is often recommended to be taken immediately and for several doses until the swelling starts to subside.

Then people may chooses to switch to either rhus tox – to alleviate stiffness and aid general healing, or ruta grav – a general remedy for injuries to tendons, muscles and joints. An aromatherapy blend of ginger (anti-inflammatory), rosemary (to aid circulation) and

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juniper (to assist the lymphatic system in removing waste from the injured area) can be useful to support the body’s repair mechanisms. Try roughly 2 drops of each essential oil in 10ml of base oil and apply at least three times a day (always patch test before first use).

Hayfever – Lots of lovely remedies for this common condition exist and here are a few of my favourites. Great antiinflammatories and antihistamines include quercetin (found in apples and onions as well as supplements), nettles and good old vitamin C. Combination H in the tissue salt is an all rounder.

Homepathic Euphrasia is particularly useful for eye irritation.

The anti-oxidant Pycnogenol is another great choice which may also be useful for asthmatics.

I hope you're enjoying our summer whatever the weather!

See you next month.

Jenna Evans ©2017.

Elegance Beauty Therapy Clinic, Wincanton

So summer's here at last and it's time to get those legs out! A visit to Elegance Beauty Therapy Clinic in Dancing Lane will get you ready. Easy to find behind the school with off street parking, Sandie welcomes all clients old and new.

To get started, a leg wax using Tea Tree products will leave you smooth and hair free for several weeks. Half leg, full leg, bikini line and underarm all available starting from £8.50. Next, what about those toes? Pedicures include a foot massage and polish for £30.

If you’re like most people and find mascara difficult in the hot weather, an eyelash tint solves the problem, £12 (patch test 48 hours before first treatment). A must if you’re going to be swimming! Whatever you choose – look beautiful for the season!

CLOSED Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout August 2017

AS GOOD AS NEW! Our repair section of the business is pleased to offer:

 Complete refurbishment of jewellery –

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

 Watch repairs including battery replacements  Jewellery handmade to your own design  Seal, hand, and machine engraving

 Valuations for insurance and probate  Pearl and bead re-threading

For a prompt, reliable & friendly service the cAsket 103 middle street yeovil tel: 01935 474065

Feel fresh as a daisy

 Ceres Natural Foods are having a ‘Summer Survival’ month in-store during July. Pop in for exclusive offers and samples. 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. Always check with a health professional before making any dramatic changes to your diet and lifestyle or starting a new supplement, especially with any existing health conditions.

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MARTOCK – a business focus

Yandles Handmade Craft Market

2017 brings the 3rd annual Handmade Craft Market to Yandles. The market initially started in July 2015 offering 30 pitches to makers, artist, wood turners and designers selling all manner of quality handmade goods. The success of the first craft market has led to expansion and the market now offers over 70 outdoor pitches to traders, all selling quality handmade pieces from gifts and homeware, clothing, toys, sculptures, stained and fused glass, jewellery and much more.

Alongside stall-holders in store, there are fantastic craft demonstrations from craft and woodworking suppliers, offering make and takes and craft inspiration. Discounts and special offers on products can also be found in both the Wood Centre and Hobby Shop.

The event is completely free to the public, including free onsite parking, and is the perfect family day out for those who love unique and hand crafted items, and

hobby and craft inspired demonstrations.

Saturday 22nd July, 10am – 4pm. Yandles, Hurst Works, Martock, TA12 6JU.

Retro Fundraising is back in Martock for the 5th year on Sunday 2nd July

300 vintage and classic vehicles will cavalcade at this years 10am road closure cavalcade, then display at the ten acre Retro Showground in Martock. Vehicles are coming from across the UK to Martock.

Every penny raised is donated to Martock Charity Shop (who have donated £300,000 in ten years of opening to help disabled children in the South West).

Retro Fundraising have donated £22,345 from the four events held to date! Live music, good food, 2 bars, shops stalls, kids rides and 300+ vehicles to walk around on show and much, much more! Free pavement spectating at 10am. £1 show entry donation (kids go free), dogs on leads welcome.

Fun for the whole family.

Please arrive early to get into your best viewing position as it has become so popular. Now the largest annual event in Martock.

Drapes Direct

Drapes Direct: still your one stop shop for all your curtains and blinds but with more fabrics to choose from in their new larger showroom! Still the same expertise and friendly service!

Still at Parrett Works! Find them just along from Castle Reclamation, TA12 6AE. Plus introductory offer of 10% off all ILIV curtains until the end of August and offers on all ‘in stock’ wood and metal poles!

Countrybuild SW Ltd

Located in the heart of Somerset, Countrybuild SW prides itself on providing exceptional workmanship and extensive experience coupled with a thorough understanding of the build process and restoration of properties located in the country.

Whether it be a full extension on a listed building, a new build, or restoring and maintaining existing properties, Countrybuild sympathetically and professionally take you through the entire process from conception to completion. All work is fully insured and guaranteed so you can always be sure of peace of mind. No hidden extras.

Expertise and friendly service at Drapes Direct.

• Beautiful Curtains • All Types of Blinds • Tracks & Poles • Shutters • Conservatory Blinds & Sails • Matching Accessories Or visit our showroom at Unit 3 Kelly’s Yard, Parrett Works, Martock TA12 6AE

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MARTOCK – a business focus

Drapes Direct have a new larger showroom at Parrett Works.

Simply delicious – homegrown strawberries from Bower Hinton Farm Shop.

The Nags Head

All Saints Church, Martock by E. R. Sturgeon. Limited edition print of 425 copies. The image size is 22" x 16" and the framed price is £85.00.

Available from Martock Gallery, Martock.

The Nags Head is situated in East Street, just a short distance from Martock Post Office.

With summer upon us why not dine alfresco in the picturesque walled gardens? The lounge and bar serves a wide range of homecooked food. Try a Sizzling Garlic Rump Skillet. Also their local Faggots – delicious. £5.50 Lunch Menu.

Food is served every lunchtime from Noon – 2pm, Monday –

Thursday evenings 6pm – 8pm, Friday and Saturday from 6pm.

Don’t forget their delicious roasts, served 12pm – 6pm on Sunday!

There is always a good choice of real ales, wines and ciders to enjoy, also a Sunday Evening Quiz with snacks. There is ample parking and wheelchair access to the inn.

Dawn and Steve look forward to welcoming you. For buffets, skittles etc., please telephone for enquiries and bookings.

Bower Hinton Farm Shop - Martock Just off the B3165 at the top of Bower Hinton

Still Picking Home Grown Strawberries ...

Also Harvesting: Bunched Carrots Broad Beans, Cabbage, Broccoli Harvesting Soon: Cauliflower, Courgettes Vine Tomatoes

 CIDERS – Perrys, Ham Hill, Harrys  BBQ MEATS  Good range of PLANTS – COMPOST

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 01935 827743

www.bowerhintonfarmshop.co.uk Freight Train at Martock by Robin Pinnock. This open edition print is 14.75" x 9.75" and the framed price is £49.50. It is available from Martock Gallery, Martock.

Mon. – Fri. 10 – 5 Sat. 10 – 6

The NAGS HEAD

East Street, Martock TA12 6NF  01935 823432 Just down from your local Post Office

home cooked meals, seasonal salads All week £5.50 mid-week lunches Specials Board, Vegetarian and Kids Menus also available

traditional sunday roast from £7.95

‘The Pinnacle, Martock’

by E. R. STURGEON Limited edition of 850 copies Image size 18½" x 12" • Framed price £75

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

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

Fun Quiz every sunday evening

early Bird specials Monday to Friday

Find us on trip advisor

Open ALL DAY Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holidays

Beautiful secluded walled garden Bookings Advised • Small Buffets • Guest Ales

THE VISITOR July 2017 17

Rare Mercedes-Benz take centre stage at Lancaster Insurance Classic & Supercars, Sherborne Castle, weekend of 15th / 16th July

With Mercedes-Benz as the chosen marque feature for 2017 the event organisers of the Lancaster Insurance Classic & Supercars – Sherborne Castle are

delighted to announce that an 1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen replica, kindly loaned by Haynes Motor Museum, designed by Karl Benz and widely regarded as the first automobile ever will be showcased at the Dorset annual event.

In addition a rare 1928 Mercedes-Benz 36/220 S Type

1928 Mercedes-Benz 36/220 S Type Tourer, loaned from The National Motor Museum, Beaulieu.

18 THE VISITOR July 2017

Tourer, now housed at the National Motor Museum Beaulieu and kindly loaned by them, will also be featured. The S Type Tourer was designed by Ferdinand Porsche and this particular car was once owned by the actor Sir Peter Ustinov. There were only 146 examples of this model ever produced and they are famous for being incredibly successful on the race track. With the many other Mercedes-Benz cars on display, covering the whole spectrum from 1886 to the present day, the show will provide a comprehensive display of both historic and rare cars.

As ever the show will provide a feast of classic cars spanning some 80 years from early 1900’s chain driven race cars to popular modern classics. Motorsport, both race and rally will be represented, along with American, Custom and Hot Rod cars and of course a wide collection of Supercars including Lamborghini, McLaren, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Bentley, Shelby and Porsche.

Andrew Evanson, Senior Operations Manager at Lancaster Insurance, comments: “This event is synonymous with showcasing some of the best classic, motorsport and supercars there are. These Mercedes-Benz vehicles are a fantastic addition to the weekend line-up of around 2000 cars and I’m sure they will delight show visitors and exhibitors alike – we certainly can’t wait to see them!”

Stuart Annett, Show Secretary of ‘Classic & Supercars Sherborne Castle’ comments: “We are absolutely thrilled to have secured these rare and unique Mercedes for the event. The marque feature changes yearly and it’s fantastic to have this calibre and stature of vehicles in the display.”

This year’s Lancaster Insurance Classic & Supercars Sherborne Castle is taking place on 15th-16th July 2017. For more information on the show and to keep up to date with the latest news, visit: https://classics atthecastle.co.uk/

The Stur of the Moment, Sturminster Newton

The Stur of the Moment is delighted to support the 13th Boogie Woogie Festival being held in Sturminster Newton from Friday 7th to Sunday 9th July.

There will be a piano on their premises featuring live performances by Big John Carter on Friday at 10am and 4pm and Lasse Jenson on Saturday at 12noon. On Sunday morning there will also be an open session at 10.30am. They are open from 8am each day offering breakfasts followed by lunch from 12noon.

Additionally, on the Friday and Saturday, they will be open for pre-concert suppers from 5.30pm.

Why not visit them and enjoy the music with a bite to eat or even a glass of wine or beer?

Budding pianists are welcome to pop in and tickle the ivories at any time outside of the programmed events. They look forward to welcoming you to the festival.  For more information about The Boogie Woogie Festival see pages 22 – 23.

Flower Festival at St Mary Magdalene Church, Thornford

On 14th / 15th / 16th July from 2pm – 5.00pm: Tea / Coffee Cakes in School Hall, Local Art Exhibition, Flower Arranging Display, Organ Recital. All proceeds to MIND Mental Health Charity and Thornford Church.

Mere Carnival Bingo

Bingo takes place on Friday 7th July, at Grove Buildings, Church Street, Mere, BA12 6DS. Doors open 6.45pm, eyes down 7.30pm Excellent variety of quality prizes, including vouchers for Theatre Royal Bath, (2 tickets for The Lady in the Van, Saturday September 2nd – Matinee). 2 x adult tickets – Palmers Brewery Tour, Bridport – (valid until October 2017), East Somerset Railway – 2 Adult Day Rover Tickets – (expires 31st October 2017).

Raffle, refreshments, fun for all the family. Organised by Mere Carnival Committee with proceeds to Carnival Funds.

Forthcoming bingo on Friday 1st September – same time – same place!

Carnival Day Saturday 16th September 2017.

Christine Jewels: Italian Language Services

Italian Language Services provides Italian tuition in both Somerset and Dorset. Christine teaches classes which run weekly for 30 weeks a year beginning in September with breaks for Christmas and Easter. These classes range from absolute beginners to "A" Level standard.

There are shorter 10 week courses in Holiday Italian: these will give you all you need to know to order a pizza in Padova, to book a theatre in Torino or navigate a museum in Milan.

Christine also teaches individuals or small groups, these courses can be tailor made to particular needs. One day workshops are being organised in June, July and August. These run from 10am ‘til 4pm, they include a 3 course lunch and are available at all levels.

RNAS Yeovilton Air Day is all set for take off!

A truly special event marking the 70th anniversary of the Air Station's and the Fleet Air Arm’s preparations for carrier operations is planned for this year's Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton International Air Day on Saturday 8th July 2017. Five hours of incredible flying displays and extensive static displays will feature an array of fast jets, helicopters, historic warbirds that flew at the original Air Day in 1947 and an exclusive line up of international participants from ten nations.

70 years ago, the Swordfish and Sea Fury were quite a sight in the Somerset skies as they amazed the crowds at Yeovilton, and fittingly these rare naval heritage aircraft will take centre stage once again. Their modernday counterparts will also be providing a spectacular sight demonstrating the contribution made by naval aviation to protect our nation’s interests.

Airshow favourites from the RAF include the Red Arrows, Typhoon, and Battle of Britain

Memorial Flight to showcase the Best of Britain. Our military guests from across Europe will put on roaring displays, with the highlights being the French Navy Rafale pair, Belgian and Danish Air Force F-16s, Czech Air Force Gripen and a rare and dazzling appearance by the Swiss Air Force national display team – The Patrouille Suisse. Other allied nations will provide static displays offering visitors an opportunity to meet the aircrew and view the aircraft up close, with the US Air Force’s mammoth C-17 Globemaster a real favourite with children.

Throughout the day, families will have the chance to enjoy plenty of ground entertainment.

There's discounted entry to the Fleet Air Arm Museum, hands on engineering fun for kids, interactive military displays, performances from military

bands, classic and military vehicle exhibitions, funfair, simulators, helicopter pleasure flights, trade stalls and much, much more! Whether you’re a wide-eyed first timer or a seasoned airshow veteran, be prepared for a wonderful day out!

Discounted advance tickets are available online at www.royal navy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday or over the counter at participating Tourist Information Centres until 3rd July.

Cheddar Male Choir Open Evening

What do you do on Tuesday nights? Cheddar Male Choir are looking for new members and are holding two open evenings on Tuesday 4th and 11th July at 7:30pm. They will be at the Cheddar Village Hall next to the church.

Go along and listen or join in

Pictured: The Father’s Day display at Hansons Fabrics & Crafts, Sturminster Newton. Hansons’s popular Demonstration Days will recommence in autumn. Watch this space for details!

Brympton House & Gardens Yeovil • BA22 8TD

A unique house with a unique history starting in the 13thC. The house is still lived in and working today in the 21stC. House and gardens OPEN for TOURS EVERY TUESDAY from 11am – 4pm • (Until the end of September) Group bookings available contact: tours@brymptonhouse.org

THE VISITOR July 2017 19

just so you can see how much fun it is to sing in Cheddar Male Choir. If you are unsure, then don’t be, there’s no pressure on you. Why not bring a friend or group of friends as well?

They look forward to seeing you.

Martock Parish Church

The Guardians of Martock Church is a Charity set up in 1996 with the sole object of preserving the structure of this magnificent 14th Century Parish church, the second largest such church in Somerset. One of the ways they raise money is by putting on a series of concerts and their next one will be their 114th since 2002. Over 16,000 people have attended them and they have raised £63,000. The Guardians are currently funding the refurbishment of the East, West and some side windows at a cost of £43,000 and another £126,000 has been set aside for further work.

The Guardians have been advertising their concerts on our Notice Board since 2012 and 37 have been featured here. Their next concert combines both choral singing and the performance of a One Act Comic Opera.

On Saturday 8th July at 7.30pm, thirty-two of Bath Gilbert & Sullivan Society’s members will sing an hour of favourite songs from the Gilbert & Sullivan repertoire and then, after the interval, they will present a fully-costumed performance of “Trial by Jury”.

W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan wrote 14 operas between 1871 and 1896 and all are still performed to this day, the comic situations and clever dialogue being as relevant today as they were in Victorian times, and the

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tunes as popular as ever. Richard D’Oyly Carte’s Opera Company’s first runs of these 14 operas were performed nearly 5,000 times in Britain, Paris and New York between 1871 and 1896 and they continued to repeat them at the Savoy Theatre in London and elsewhere for nearly a hundred years.

Bath Gilbert & Sullivan Society was formed 72 years ago and to this day is one of the busiest of the many musical societies in the City. Every Spring, they put on concerts, plays and Old Time Musical Hall Nights, culminating in a fully-costumed performance of one of the operas in May, followed by several charity concerts in June & July. Then, in the Autumn, they present another opera.

Whilst most productions are at the Wroughton Theatre in Bath, they have performed in many parts of Wessex. Since 1986, they have put on 33 fully costumed productions and another 26 in concert format The Mikado, The Yeoman of the Guard, The Pirates of Penzance, Ruddigore and The Gondoliers have been their most recent productions.

Tickets will be £12 on the door or £10 in advance from Martock News, Martock Gallery or by phoning 01935 822706.

Accompanied children under 16 will be admitted free of charge.

James’s Cheeses, James’s Forager Spirit, Lavender Blue Food Company, Liberty Cakes, Little Groves Nursery, Meat Free Martha, Olives‘n’Stuff, Oxfords’ Bakery, Reads Coffee Roasters, Percy’s Bakery, Simply Sprinkle, Somerset Cider Brandy Co., Tim Hurren’s Icecream Trike, White Post Gate Honey, Wraxall Wines, Wriggle Valley Beer, Wyld Meadow Farm, and Yarty Cordials.

A variety of interesting Veteran / Classic cars & motorbikes will be on display. Barbecued hamburgers and sausages, refreshments, ice cream, beer and cider will be available! Entertainment includes children’s activities.

This is proving to be a very successful show, and will, of course, be in the amazing Village Hall. Please spread the word to

your friends and relations – it really is a day not to be missed.

Proceeds go to Leigh Village Hall, The Hub, Yeovil and St Andrew’s Church, Leigh and other charities. Sponsored by Greenslade Taylor Hunt. Adults £2, children under 15 Free. www.leighfoodfair.co.uk

Shaftesbury Fringe 2017 lineup is ‘best yet’

The second Shaftesbury Fringe starts on 30th June and, with experienced international artistes as well as new home-grown talent on the bill, organisers are already dubbing this year’s three-day lineup of music, drama and comedy ‘the best yet’.

Modelled on the Edinburgh Fringe, this year’s Shaftesbury Fringe runs from 30th June to 2nd July to coincide with the

12th Leigh Food Fair & Vintage / Classic Car Display Saturday 29th July, Leigh Village Hall, 10am − 4pm

Taste and buy some of the best food and drink on offer from local producers.

The Stallholders will include:Alweston Jam and Chutney Empire, Chocolate Arthouse, Dorset Pie Company, Devon Fishcakes, Fussels Fine Foods,

TABLE TOP SALE Millbrook Gardens CASTLE CARY Saturday 1st July

Visit Sherborne Art Club’s Open Exhibition. Pictured: An example of one of Sherborne Art Club’s entries.

SHERBORNE ART CLUB OPEN EXHIBITION Saturday 22nd to Sunday 30th July

BBQ • REFRESHMENTS

Digby Hall, Hound Street Sherborne, DT9 3AB 10am – 5.30pm

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Say you saw it in The Visitor

town’s famous Gold Hill Fair and features almost 100 shows by some 60 different acts at more than 30 venues.

As well as the cattle market, venues include the town’s prestigious Grosvenor Arms hotel, Swans Yard, Shaftesbury Abbey gardens, Shaftesbury Arts Centre, St Peter’s and Bell Street churches, and a number of the town’s pubs, clubs, bars, cafes and restaurants.

Comics new and old are back in impressive numbers again this year, and music and drama of all sorts play just as big a part again this year.

Most shows are either free or for ‘hat’ money but a few, including those at Shaftesbury Arts Centre and the cattle market, are ticket only. Tickets can be bought in advance or on the door.

For more information go to www.shaftesburyfringe.co.uk

The Gartell Light Railway

If you are looking for a day out with a bit of a difference then please visit and ride on the privately owned Gartell Light Railway, between Templecombe and Henstridge on the A357: the postcode is BA8 0NB. The GLR is narrow gauge with half size coaches and trains run through nearly a mile of the Somerset countryside, much of it along the trackbed of the old Somerset and Dorset railway closed 51 years ago.

Two of their three trains can accommodate disabled passengers and the friendly staff will be pleased to help. They do get very busy and the only restriction is that they cannot accommodate large dogs on the trains.

Both steam and diesel locos and trains run every 20 minutes from 10.30am until 16.30pm.

There is a large free car park and an ample sized buffet for drinks

collection to raise funds for the Weldmar Hospice Trust, Dorset.

The 2017 Nicholson Lecture

Pictured: An example of Moish Sokal’s work which can be seen at his exhibition, currently showing at East Lambrook Manor Gardens.

and snacks, as well as outside eating and picnic areas. There is also a shop selling books, models and railway related toys.

Fares are Adults £8.00, Seniors £7.00, Children under 14 £5.00 and family tickets (2 adults and up to 2 children) £22.00.

Please see the advertisement for details, or go online at newglr.weebly.com

Castle Cary Choir Summer Concerts 2017

Saturday 1st July – 7.30pm at Caryford Community Hall, Ansford when they will be joined by ‘Raise The Roof’, a female barbershop quartet. There will be a bar and refreshments available. Tickets £8 from the Market House Information Point, Castle Cary. Proceeds to go toward improvements to this popular community hall. For more details contact cfch.website@gmail.com

Saturday 8th July – 7.30pm at the Gillingham Methodist Church, Gillingham. An evening of musical entertainment with Castle Cary Choir who will be performing a varied programme of music from sacred to musical theatre, with ‘something for everyone’ as part of the Gillingham Festival celebrations – see www.gillfest.org. Retiring

In his possibly controversial address, General Bucknall will look back at the Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns – what we got right, what we got wrong, with some personal insights and a look at the consequence of action. He will go on to review where we are now – Syria, the Middle East, Russia, NATO, BREXIT etc.; he will look at the nature of the threat (including cyber, mass migration etc.), the demands on Government and the West – and consider the consequences of inaction.

A former Director Counter Terrorism at the Ministry of Defence, General Bucknall served in Iraq and for nearly two years in Afghanistan where he was Deputy Coalition Forces Commander and Commander British Forces. He retired from the Army in 2013 and now lives in Dorset.

Hear his talk on Saturday 5th August at 6pm at Maperton Church, near Wincanton.

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East Lambrook Manor Gardens, Somerset, TA13 5HH 6th June – 23rd July • 10am – 5pm • Tuesday – Sunday Mob: 07812 837825 • www.moishsokal.co.uk

The 2017 Nicholson Lecture

THE NOT THE CHILCOT REPORT Defence and Security in our Times by

Lieutenant General Sir James Bucknall at

late Coldstream Guards

K.C.B. C.B.E.

Maperton Church near Wincanton, BA9 8EJ on Saturday 5th August at 6pm in aid of Combat Stress and Maperton Church

Tickets £12.50 per head

 BOOK ONLINE at: www.maperton.com/events-projects/forthcoming-events/

Or via James Scott, Yarn Barton, Maperton, Wincanton, Somerset, BA9 8EJ • Tel: 07966 171723 Cheques should be made out to “James Scott” and endorsed on the back “The 2017 Nicholson Lecture” Wine can be purchased from 5.30pm and cloakroom facilities will be available

THE VISITOR July 2017 21

July Notice Board

Wessex Music

CASTLE CARY

The Jar Family: Industrial Folk and Indie rock. Saturday 29th July 18:45 at Caryford Community Hall, Castle Cary.

Tickets £15 from www.wegot tickets.com or 01963 350194.

The 13th UK International Boogie Woogie Festival takes place 7th – 9th July.

CREWKERNE

Music at The Speedwell, Crewkerne, Saturday 29th July.

Gates open at 1pm. Live performances 2pm – 5:30pm.

Bring own chair / blanket / picnic.

Light refreshments available.

Tickets 01460 271220: Adults £5, children £2.50.

HENSTRIDGE

The 13th UK International Boogie Woogie Festival in Sturminster Newton

Tuesday 4th July, Blackmore Vale U3A ‘Australian Adventure Trek Across Cradle Mountain, Tasmania’ By Ian Williamson.

2.30pm, Henstridge Village Hall.

Members £1.50, Visitors £2.50.

Refreshments included.

LONG SUTTON

Somerton Beekeepers’ Association have a beekeeping taster day on Sunday July 16th.

A full blown bee experience to see if you would like to be a beekeeper, but no pressure to do so. £20.00 per head including buffet lunch. Contact Steve Horne at steve.horne1@btinternet.com or ring 01278 662335.

MARTOCK

On 8th July at 7.30pm in the Church, Bath Gilbert & Sullivan Society will present an hour of hit songs from the comic operas and a fully costumed performance of "Trial by Jury". Tickets £12 on the door, £10 from 01935 822706.

Accompanied children under 16 admitted free. See the article on page 20.

ADVERTISE YOUR AUGUST EVENT HERE ...

A listing under our Notice Board costs just £5 for 20 words.

Send details of What? When?

Where? to The Visitor, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BP. All entries to be pre-paid.

Extra words 30p each. Deadline for August issue, Friday 14th July.

22 THE VISITOR July 2017

Wessex Music has been looking after local musicians for over fourteen years. Gary and Tim are both professional members of the National Association of Musical Instrument Repairers (NAMIR) and are well placed to advise on any aspect of your musical journey.

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

“

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

By John Osborne • Answers can be found on page 47

IT BEING 50 YEARS since the release of the most ground ground-breaking album of all time, this month we dedicate the quiz to 'Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band'

1. Who produced the album?

2. What was the occupation of 'Lovely Rita'?

3. What did Paul predict his Grandchildren were to be named in 'When I'm 64'?

4. Name the only track on which no Beatle plays an instrument.

5. What dance does Henry the Horse do?

6. Name the album that preceded 'Sergeant Pepper'.

7. John mentions 'Lucy in the Sky' in another song later in the year in which song?

8. Instrumental band 'Sounds Incorporated' was brought in to give the backing for which track?

9. Peter Blake and Jann Haworth contributed what to the album?

10. Name the person John Lennon was referring to who 'blew his mind out in a car' in the lyrics of 'A Day in the Life' Bonus Question Sheila Bromberg became the first female to perform on a Beatles record. Name the track on which she played and the instrument she played.

Man, they'll put it to you like an ol' steam drill ...

Music to shake your booty to …

Hotter music than a snake’s ass on a wagon rut …

Hurricane storm Boogie hits town …

”

FOR 3 DAYS from Friday 7th July to 9th July, Sturminster Newton comes alive with Boogie Woogie rhythm all over town.

A packed programme ...

Get up there and shake your booty in the Market Place, get stuck into workshops, from a Boogie Woogie Masterclass with Lasse Jensen, dance workshops with Jelly Germaine and Caroline Podetti, to Big John Carter and guests rocking you with his Flavours of Boogie Woogie show.

And this year there is also a separate Swing Dance event with the well-known DJ Vern.

Now in its thirteenth year there are performers from all over the world, with music and dance somewhere in town. From mill to market place, tavern to teahouse, there are many places to sit and enjoy drink, food and some footstomping boogie. All of this goes towards making this festival so intimate, inclusive and family friendly.

And then there are the concerts with world class performers including teenage Boogie star Nirek Mokar from Paris, the German Boogie king Christian

BAD EDUKATION Old Pound Inn, Aller

Thursday 6th

BOB FOX Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil SIMON HOLMES Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon SPANISH GUITAR (Spanish Night) Queens Arms, Corton Denham MULE Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil LIVE MUSIC (Beer Festival) Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil THE DEFIBRILLATORS Old Pound Inn, Aller

JULY ...

Saturday 8th Sunday 9th

Friday 14th

Friday 28th

Bleiming, UK legend Neville Dickie and the storming Henri Herbert – just don’t miss him! Great ragtime is played by Dorset’s own Mike Denham and on vocals the legend Hamish Maxwell ... and there is much more Growing bigger and better each year it brings joy to thousands of fans (many of which have been coming since the first festival 13 years ago).  Beyond the boogie – www.ukboogiewoogie festival.co.uk

Get your vintage guitar amp back up and running!

Godden & Curtis have been offering a wide range of audiovisual repair services for over 47 years and have been at their current premises in Sherborne since 1972.

They offer specialist repairs for vintage guitar amps, so whether your amplifier has suffered general wear or needs faultfinding and repairing, you can rely on them!

Friday 28th

AUGUST ...

Friday 4th

They also service other electrical equipment including televisions, video recorders, hi-fi systems and sell and install TVs and electricals. They can transfer cinefilms, videos and slides to DVD, which is a wonderful way to bring the past into the present.

Find them at Greenhill in Sherborne or visit their website and send them an online message to find out how they can bring memories, music and entertainment into your life

July

Dr. BLUEGRASS and the ILLBILLY 8 Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil

7th – 8th – 9th 2017

AN ADVERT IN THE PUB PAGES ENSURES A FREE MENTION HERE

JUNE ...

Friday 30th

sturminster newton • dorset • uk

For ticket sales and more information on this fabulous programme

www.ukboogiewoogiefestival.co.uk 0800 433 7167 │ 01258 471194

ACOUSTIC NIGHT Saturday 29 July 7.30pm — 11pm

The David Hall Roundwell Street South Petherton Somerset · TA13 5AA

All styles and forms of performance welcome — not just music. If you wish to perform email folk@chriswatts.org to secure a slot

THE VISITOR July 2017 23

L A NGPORT

ALTHOUGH it is far out on the western fringe of Visitorland, Langport never fails to repay a visit. Parking is easy – there’s a large free car park at Cocklemoor in the town centre – and now is the time of year to escape the confines of the motor car, saunter or cycle into the River Parrett countryside and let nature loose on your senses. Or simply spend a lazy afternoon in the sunshine on Cocklemoor, the grassy raised bank alongside the River Parrett.

The floodplain of the Parrett and its tributaries the Ile and the Yeo has a character unique in Visitorland. In heavy winter rains it can appear to be a vast inland sea but in summer the vegetation grows prodigiously and provides rich green grazing for cattle and sheep and natural habitats in abundance for wildlife. The flat, open landscape is criss-crossed not by hedges but by a network of rhynes and ditches draining into the meandering rivers, and the distant views of the surrounding hills create a pleasing sense of remoteness.

Langport’s handsome Town Hall, built in 1733, occupies a central position at the meeting of Cheapside and Bow Street.

The birds, butterflies and so many colourful wild flowers provide a never-ending source of interest.

For anyone with an interest in English history, the town deserves to be better known, and the best way to appreciate what

remains of its past and what it offers in the present is to explore on foot. A good starting point is the handsome Town Hall, built in 1733, which occupies a central position at the meeting of Cheapside and Bow Street and sports the octagonal town clock that was added in 1802. Bow Street started life as a low causeway built across the valley from the hilltop settlement to the navigable waterside of the River

Parrett, and excavations suggest that it probably dates from sometime in the 12th century although some writers have claimed it was built by the Romans. Admittedly there is some evidence that the Celts and the Romans forded the river here and perhaps used it as a means of transport, but the town’s origins date from the Anglo Saxon period when it is first noted as a Saxon ‘burgh’ or fortified place in a document called the Burghal Hidage – a list 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.

As in many medieval towns, space in Langport became increasingly valuable from the 13th century onwards, so there was a tendency to create sites with narrow frontages on to the street but with great depth behind. Long narrow plots were laid out on both sides of the causeway and soon it became lined with buildings, many of which were probably merchants’ houses with yards and closes off the river or floodplain at the back.

The buildings have been replaced several times down the centuries but the layout of burgage plots is

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L A NGPORT

still largely intact and some historians consider it to be the best example of its type in Somerset. Although the buildings on Bow Street date from different periods, many still have narrow frontages that reflect the medieval land pattern. And it’s no illusion that some of them appear to be leaning backways, for the fronts are resting on the firm causeway while the backs sink gently into the floodplains of Cocklemoor and Northmoor.

But they’ve stood for years and will doubtless go on standing, adding a little more character to the town.

Behind the Town Hall is the Town Garden – to find it go through the right-hand arch of the Town Hall and there at the back is a tranquil walled garden with lawns, flower beds, shrubs and, most important if you share my view that gardens are for sitting in and admiring, some benches. It is a sheltered suntrap with rural views across Northmoor to the graceful arches of the railway viaduct and the low hills beyond. A footpath beyond the ironwork gates at the end of the garden skirts the moor to the Tesco supermarket on North Street, and it’s worth the

walk if only to see how some properties’ backs can look so unexpectedly different to their fronts. Unfortunately the path runs too far away from those at the top of Cheapside to be able to spot the back of Tudor House, which I have long considered to be one of Langport’s most appealing old buildings. From the front it is a simple, symmetrical, double-fronted town house dating from 1775 (and restored by the Somerset Building Preservation Trust in 1991) but the position of its chimneys suggests that the back could be architecturally more complex.

Cheapside is still Langport’s principal street and is lined with a fascinating mixture of buildings, some of them dating from the 16th century or perhaps even earlier. Among the specialist shops to be found there are The Langport Stores, full of tempting delicatessen, natural foods and health products, Lafleure Antiques and Decoration packed with home furnishings – as is its second shop in premises across the road, called appropriately Lafleure Too – and Florin, a shop specialising in Fairtrade goods sourced mainly from Asia. And the Langport Arms Hotel, the

The Black Swan on North Street has reopened as a traditional pub and offers meals to appeal to most tastes.

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THE VISITOR July 2017 25

L A NGPORT tastes while the adjacent White Lion has closed down. The Black Swan is an 18th century rebuild of an earlier building, and it has subsequently been much altered.

Langport has one steep hill to

town’s first coaching inn, with its portico on the pavement at the front door. Round the corner on North Street the Black Swan has re-opened as a traditional pub offering meals to appeal to most

climb if you want to see the town’s imposing 15th century All Saints parish church, alas no longer in use, and the famous Hanging Chapel above the road to Huish Episcopi. It’s worth continuing along the road to see the tower of St Mary’s Church, one of the most elaborate and best proportioned in Somerset and described by the doyen of Somerset parish churches, Peter Poyntz Wright, as ‘a finesse of style and proportion hard to match in Perpendicular tower building’. One can only admire the skills of the masons who built it some 500 years ago. A short distance beyond the church is the popular Rose and Crown pub, known nationwide simply as Eli’s.

Langport has so much to offer the visitor – whether it be to soak up a bit of its long and fascinating history as a trading town on the river Parrett, admire its architecture, browse its many interesting shops or explore the

surrounding moors. What are you waiting for?

Roger Richards.

Living Pretty, Curry Rivel

At Living Pretty you can enjoy a delicious afternoon tea beautifully presented on a vintage style cake stand to include champagne on arrival, a pot of tea, fancy finger sandwiches, succulent savoury bites, mini scones, clotted cream and jumbleberry jam, and a selection of sweet delights, all for just £20 per head. Gluten free is available on request. Perfect for a special occasion such as a birthday or hen party.

You will also find a beautiful range of country lifestyle interiors for sale: from floral and striped cushions to pretty lamps, polkadot pottery, stunning throws, painted furniture, cosy armchairs and many more decorative accessories, make your house and garden look effortlessly welcoming all year round.

Living Pretty offer a variety of delicious afternoon teas for special occasions.

Summer Wedding? Garden Party?

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The Old Bakery, High Street, Curry Rivel, Somerset, TA10 0ES tel: 01458 253357

26 THE VISITOR July 2017

A new and exciting monthly antiques and vintage market is coming to Langport on the 2nd Saturday of the month starting in August. Why not make a day of it? Antiques browsing in the morning, lunch in one of the scrummy cafes, followed by a walk along the river: perfect!

Wine for Weddings

THE SUMMER is upon us, and weddings are in the air. Recent research has shown that the average price paid for a wedding gift nowadays is £75. As more and more couples are setting up home long before the 'big day' the wedding present list is more likely to be a plea for donations towards the honeymoon, or the wedding itself, rather than the traditional toaster and bed linen of old.

Planning a wedding can be a minefield, as I know only too well, having experienced two of my own. It doesn’t matter how much planning and preparation goes into making it your own very special day, you should always be prepared for the unexpected, and sometimes it is the unexpected that brings a smile to your face long after the event.

One thing you can control however, as long as your guests aren’t responsible for bringing their own booze, is what you serve your guests to help you celebrate the nuptials, and just how much of your chosen beverage you serve.

Couples now often hold two separate parties, inviting close family and friends to the wedding itself, with work colleagues and more distant relatives invited to a shindig later in the day.

Many couples may opt for a full bar, as wine might not be to everyone’s taste. Quite the modern thing to do nowadays though is to go down the sausage and mash route, with a pint of local brew, or cider to wash it all down. It can be fun, and certainly you couldn’t get better bangers than my local butcher, Bonner’s, who incidentally also does a fine hog roast.

For most of us though, no wedding would be complete without a decent bottle or two to go with a sit-down meal, and some bubbly for the toast; although I have heard that some couples now opt for a ‘dry wedding’, quite unimaginable for a wine lover like me.

With a decent budget, I’d go for champagne every time, of course.

Do also remember that most venues will allow you to bring in your own beverages, and charge you corkage, which can still be

cost effective if you wish to serve quality wines, without the usual mark up.

If providing your own alcohol there will be a fine balance between having enough, and yet not so much you’ll still be swimming in it by the first anniversary. Good wine suppliers will usually allow you to have wines on a sale or return basis, and will often include free glass hire too.

I would recommend having wait staff no matter what type of wedding you plan to have, even if you just hire the offspring of friends. They will be glad of a bit of pocket money, and you can then relax, just looking your radiant best. Having drinks served on trays by waiters will also cut down consumption considerably.

It helps to have an idea of serving sizes when buying your wine. A standard bottle will provide 4 x 175ml glasses, which is plenty large enough. For spirits, you should aim for about 18 servings per bottle. If having a full bar, plan on a ratio of 20% spirits, 15% beer and 65% wine.

Unless your guests are binge drinkers or alcoholics in training, work on one drink per hour on average. Some will drink more and some will drink less, or have the misfortune to be the designated driver.

For an evening wedding reception lasting 5 hours, and with 100 guests allow 30 bottles

each of champagne, white and red wine, and 100 beers.

The time of year you are planning to hold your wedding will also determine not just what your guests’ preferences will be, but also the quantity they imbibe.

White is of course more popular in the warmer summer months, as is beer, whilst people drink more red in winter. Guests tend also to drink less red wine at lunchtime, and more of anything going if it's really hot, they don’t have to go to work the next day, or have flown out to witness the event at some exotic foreign location.

If you feel your budget can’t run to a decent Champagne, you are almost always better off serving a good Cava, Crémant or Prosecco, or even to offer a champagne cocktail. It really just boils down to knowing your guests.

If you want to impress, go for Champagne, a decent Bordeaux or premium new world red, and a good white burgundy, but to make it truly memorable just please yourself and choose a wine or other beverage that means something to you. It is your wedding after all.

LP-V.

Five-Mile Cider Menu Now Available In Wells

Well’s newest restaurant has launched a special menu that focuses specifically on cider produced within a five-mile

Pictured: Jason Porter, head chef, Sadler's Brasserie, Wells.

radius of the venue.

Matching a selection of the finest, locally produced ciders from Somerset with a range of seasonal dishes, Sadler’s Brasserie’s ‘Five-Mile Cider’ menu is set to tantalise the taste buds of the region’s foodies and tourists to the city.

Perfect for those looking to enjoy some of the best local ciders, they include Pilton Cider’s Somerset Keeved Cider and the Tor Cider Company’s Vintage Dry Cider and Sparking Dry Cider.

Head chef Jason Porter has been working hard to find the best local ingredients that are the perfect accompaniment to the classic South West tipple.

The menu is now available at the Sadler Street restaurant that reopened in May following a significant refurbishment and overhaul of the menu under the expert eye of veteran restaurateur Tudor Hopkins.

Keen to use local ingredients and drink, the duo are hoping the arrival of the five-mile cider menu will appeal to locals as well as tourists to Wells and establish the restaurant as the perfect spot for lunch, dinner, celebrations or just somewhere to enjoy a relaxed bite to eat.

Sitting alongside the venue’s a la carte and afternoon tea menus, the new cider menu is seen as a great way to promote and support local producers, introducing those unfamiliar with the apple-based drink to see why it’s the beverage of choice across the South West.

Tudor said: “When we took over the restaurant one of our core goals was to support local drink producers and food growers.

“It’s been great going out and about tasting the many ciders that are produced near to Wells and I think customers will just love the choices we have made.

“Great on their own they also go superbly well with the various dishes Jason has created and is the main reason for developing this new menu.

“It is a great demonstration of Jason’s skills and we can’t wait to serve both food and cider to our customers.

“There are also environmental benefits to sourcing locally produced cider as the bottles don’t have to be transported very far.”  For further details please visit https://www.whitehartwells.com/ restaurant/ or call 01749 586037.

THE VISITOR July 2017 27

MOTOR ING

VINTAGE Motor Cycling

I START this month with my photograph. The Dorset Section is this year celebrating its 50th year in existence and the premier event for the Section has always been the annual Weymouth Run. A bright and sunny day graced us with its presence for the occasion when 64 entrants turned out for a ride around the lanes of Dorset before assembly back at the Pavilion at Weymouth. The Mayor of Weymouth and Portland was there to present the awards to the lucky winners. The picture was taken as machines were lined up prior to the start of the ride and shows some of the earlier machines with Weymouth Bay as a backdrop.

A very pleasant day was had by all, so roll on the next 50 years.

Following on from the Weymouth Run, our South Dorset Section had arranged for daily rides starting from Chickerell.

Many members from all around the country book themselves in for a week-long holiday so we now take them on daily rides to show our guests the pretty parts of Dorset and visit places of interest. These types of long weekend or a week's break are becoming ever more popular. In that way, they can enjoy riding their old bikes and keep the company of friends and likeminded enthusiasts. All in all, a very successful and social week.

Club life continues unabated throughout July. The Somerset Section start with their Veteran and Vintage Run from Cossington on the 2nd. Club night on the 6th will be a guest speaker and finally they have an Evening Meet at Gurney Slade on the 20th. The Wessex Veteran and Vintage

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28 THE VISITOR July 2017

Section has a barbecue for the club night on the 10th and on the 16th will see the Beaded Edge Run which starts at the Shillingstone Railway Project.

The Dorset Section will have their Lunch Meet at West Stour on the 5th, followed on the 9th by the Veteran and Vintage Run from Leigh Village Hall. Club night on the 12th is the Car and Bike Night which is always very social.

On the 29th will be a return to West Stour for the Breakfast Meet which is followed on the next day by the Jeff Clew Memorial Run from the Haynes International Motor Museum at Sparkford. All other clubs are similarly busy at this time of year so check out the various websites.

Another day out which might fascinate you is the Leigh Food Fare on the 29th. At Leigh Village Hall there will be all manner of locally produced food to try, and purchase, and this is accompanied by a show of around 200 classic cars and some motorcycles, all done to raise charitable funds. Details on any of the above or any other club activity can be gained by ringing 01935 872528.

I recently had the pleasure of attending a two-day event, called the Endurance Legends Weekend, at the Donnington Park race circuit. I was there to help man our club's stand, but sneaked off occasionally to see what else was taking place. All manner of trade stands were there and individual clubs were represented and the variety of machines being raced had to be seen to be believed. Our own club had the use of one part of the track and several machines had been assembled to allow the public to come and try an old bike. The look of fear on their faces as they wobbled away from the start was very quickly replaced by a large grin after several laps of the track. So

enjoyable was the experience that as soon as they had tried one machine they were back to try a different bike.

In addition, the sidecar racing fraternity turned up with several outfits and a large selection of suspiciously scruffy and wellworn leathers. For a fee the public could be squeezed into a set of the leathers, placed on the sidecar platform, and taken for a ride around the track. The passengers hung on for dear life as they were sped away, then they were expected to put their weight over the rear wheel to keep the whole plot level on the right-hand bends. The speed of these outfits is phenomenal and many passengers returned with a rather quizzical look upon their faces. I trust none of them had indulged in a curry the previous evening and that they had taken the precaution of wearing bicycle clips around their trouser bottoms. The experience must have been enjoyable however, as most immediately returned for another session on a different machine. Half of the money was to cover the expenses incurred but the remaining half was given to charity, so hopefully everyone benefited from the experience.

Some experts and seaweed worshipers are predicting a long and glorious hot summer. These last few weeks have hinted at this, and these last couple of days have been too hot for comfort for me but whatever the weather I am still enjoying my motorcycling.

There can be little excuse for not riding and for me the best conditions are found in early morning or late evening. The only downside is the myriad of insects who choose my helmet and visor upon which to commit suicide, and they must all be on a diet of superglue as it takes a great deal of cleaning to get them off.

Rod Hann.

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL

The Gardens Group founders receive Outstanding Contribution Award

On Thursday 15th June, Mike and Louise Burks, who founded The Gardens Group together in 1987, were presented with an Outstanding Contribution Award at the Western Gazette Business Awards, held at Westlands in Yeovil. Recognised for their longstanding and considerable contribution to the Dorset and Somerset business community over the past 30 years, Mike and Louise were selected by the judges for their “willingness to give their time for the cause of their business and others in the community.”

Now employing over 100 staff across three multi award-winning garden centres in Sherborne, Yeovil and Poundbury, Mike and Louise were commended for their significant impact on the local economy over the years, as well as their commitment to the community, support for charities and not-for-profit organisations and educational initiatives with schools.

The Gardens Group’s multi awardwinning and much anticipated Christmas displays were also given high praise by judges, who said, “at Christmas time, visitors are in for a special treat, with unrivalled festive displays that are free to all and amaze every year.”

Mike Burks, managing director of The Gardens Group, explains; “Receiving this award was a huge surprise for Louise and I, and we are truly honoured to receive it, especially in the year that Brimsmore Gardens celebrates its 25th anniversary and Castle Gardens celebrates its 30th. We believe that local businesses should all support each other to ensure that communities thrive and that working in partnership with all types of community groups helps to forge stronger, healthier ties for the benefit of everyone.”

Viridor wins Taunton Deane Business Award for Corporate Social Responsibility

Viridor’s Taunton-based Sustainability team is celebrating its work with the local community after winning the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award at the Taunton Deane Business Awards.

The company, one of the UK’s largest recycling and renewable energy companies, was recognised recently (Thursday, 8th June) after it demonstrated how corporate social responsibility fits

(Left – right) Clive Wakely from A. J. Wakely and Sons Ltd, Louise Burks, director of The Gardens Group and Mike Burks, managing director of The Gardens Group.

into its business model.

The application focused on the community and business benefits delivered through partnerships, in particular Somerset Wildlife Trust, volunteering, charity and community donations, fundraising and sponsorship within Taunton and Somerset.

Viridor Head of Sustainability, Health and Wellbeing Melanie Huggins said: “This award recognises the importance of CSR to our business, particularly working with local communities and inspiring our employees and local residents to make a difference.”

Her colleague Stephanie Rooke added: “It is a fantastic achievement and reflects how working in partnership can really help us to provide value and benefit the local community.”

Somerset Wildlife Trust Communications and Corporate Relations Manager Kirby Everett, who works with Viridor on projects including Viridor’s Wild Walks, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Viridor have won the CSR Award.

“Not only does it reflect the enormous amount of hard work and passion that the team have put into their programme and our partnership over the past three years, but it also shows how much the people and communities care about the natural environment and the green spaces we have here in Taunton.

“I hope it serves to inspire other businesses to get more involved in our work.”

Viridor sponsors local community

sport clubs and events, including Somerset County Cricket Club, Taunton Football Stadium and Taunton Christmas Fest Live.

The company donates £50,000 a year to local charities and community groups to support sustainable and Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) related community projects.

In 2016, Viridor supported the Rotary club of Taunton’s charity golf day, Taunton Festival of the Arts, the creation of an environmental garden at Blackbrook Primary School and Heathfield School’s Swift bird box project. Staff take part in local charity fundraising events in Taunton including the Dragon Boat Race for Headway Somerset.

Employees raised £1,452.88 for charity in 2016–17.

Viridor has partnered with the Somerset Wildlife Trust to work together on Taunton’s very first urban wildlife project the ‘Routes to the River Tone’.

The overall purpose of the project is to inspire the people who live and work in Taunton to appreciate the wildlife on their doorstep and, with their help, to improve the town’s green spaces and waterways, which provide important wildlife habitat for rare species.

Plum Award for Jammy Business

Hembridge Organics based at East Pennard near Shepton Mallet have been shortlisted at this year’s prestigious Boom Awards. The Soil Association Boom Awards (Best of

Organic Market Awards) are the only awards dedicated to organic producers.

Kerry Dodd owner of Hembridge Organics said, ‘We are delighted that our Plum & Brandy Jam has been shortlisted for an award. The plums are organically grown in Somerset. These national awards give us a chance to show off to the rest of the country what fantastic organic growers and producers we have in Somerset.’

This is the 5th award received by the family run business this year receiving a silver and bronze for their marmalades at the World Marmalade awards in February. Recent finalists in the Mendip Business Awards and The Western Daily Press Food and Farming Awards.

The winners for the Boom Awards will be announced in July.

MAX FOOTE Associates Ltd

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

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

THE VISITOR July 2017 29

In and around South Petherton

New Cross Fruit Farm

New Cross Fruit Farm is run by the Hebditch family just outside of South Petherton. They grow a large range of fruits and some vegetables which they sell from their famous “fridge shop” when they are in perfect condition.

Their season starts with asparagus at the beginning of April when they also have beautiful pink rhubarb. Then, gooseberries, green and pink, raspberries, tay, black and logan berries.

The cherry season starts in July as do the first plums. A variety of plums are available from early July right through to the end of September, with Victoria plums in August.

They also grow a range of blackcurrants for Ribena.

Please do visit them for the freshest produce anywhere!

Owner Amber Pritchard at Little Thatch Floristry and Gifts, South Petherton.

They stock only the freshest flowers available, including many British blooms.

H R Hodge

H R Hodge is an independent authorised Panasonic dealer in Somerset providing customers with trusted, local expertise and offering the latest products for home entertainment.

‘We pride ourselves on providing comprehensive customer service and product

www.littlethatchflorist.com

support, from purchase through to installation and have a reputation for quality service that can be relied upon.

Our reputation is based on more than 40 years of trading and today, we are totally committed to providing a personal service that not only exceeds expectations but also keeps pace with the rapid development of technology in both sound and vision.’

See the very latest range of Panasonic products including TVs, recorders, Blu-ray and audio systems.

They are also pleased to

announce as of July 2016 that they have been appointed as an official dealer for SONOS wireless speakers.

Please feel free to call in to the South Petherton showroom for any more information on their range of products and services.

H R Hodge of South Petherton have an excellent range of TVs on display in their showroom.

30 THE VISITOR July 2017

In and around South Petherton

Eternal Kitchens

Every kitchen designed and manufactured by Eternal Kitchens is truly bespoke. They are not restricted by modular systems so each client can have whatever they want. Their latest kitchen project was in a home in Lympstone, Devon. Eternal enjoyed working closely with their

clients during the design and build of this kitchen and the result was a beautiful, stylish kitchen which fulfils their client’s wishes.

If you have a project you would like to discuss with Eternal Kitchens, they would love to hear from you. Tel: 01460 241261 www.eternalkitchens.co.uk

Pictured above and left: Woodville Kitchen, Lympstone, Devon, a recent kitchen project by Eternal Kitchens.

The Royal Oak, Over Stratton

The Royal Oak, Over Stratton, is a beautiful, thatched pub a stone’s throw from the A303. This convenient location makes it the ideal place to stop off at on the way to or from Cornwall and Devon, giving you the perfect vantage point for exploring the delights of Somerset.

Locally brewed ales, fine wine (available by the glass) and excellent coffee handroasted in the West Country complement a menu

of contemporary and classic versions of traditional English pub food made with quality ingredients.

They can accommodate specific dietary requirements.

The Royal Oak is family and dog friendly and has a beautiful, spacious patio and garden to enable you to soak up the summer sun.

Visit their website royaloakoverstratton.co.uk or Facebook page for more information, or check them out on TripAdvisor!

BeAutiful  A wArm pAtio AreA weLcOme ...

And Beer a family atmosphere, gArden child and dog friendly  Homecooked Food, quality ingredients, daily changing specials, a la carte evening menu, set lunch menu for £10, Sunday breakfasts / brunches, children’s menu

Over Stratton South Petherton TA13 5LQ  01460 240906

royaloakoverstratton.co.uk

lArge cAr pArK

 Locally Brewed Ales

 A Fine wine List – wine available by the glass  coffee – hand roasted in the west country

 Quiz Night on the last Sunday of every month

The Old Yard Logge Farm West Street South Petherton TA13 5DJ

 01460 241261 email: info@eternalkitchens.co.uk

www.eternalkitchens.co.uk THE VISITOR July 2017 31

32 THE VISITOR July 2017

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

Stylish kitchens to suit you ...

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

Supply only kitchens available

The Bed Specialist, Yeovil

Looking for some sound honest advice on a new mattress for your back and aching joints? The team at The Bed Specialist – Preston Furnishing in Huish, Yeovil have over 50 years of experience in getting the right bed for your needs at a price you can afford.

The summer sale is now in full swing with plenty of offers throughout the shop with genuine savings so there really isn’t a better time than now to pop along and speak to the experts.

Whether you are looking for a comfy new mattress, a wood bed

frame with extra storage or perhaps some luxury new bedding, pop in to The Bed Specialist in Yeovil for a lie down and chat to the friendly team.

Delivery is free, your new bed is assembled and your old bed disposed of.

The family business was established over 50 years ago by Derek and Ruth Lush and is now owned by second and third generations of the same family.

Now Yeovil’s largest independent bed shop, they have lovely showrooms where you can try over 50 beds, get helpful and

Proprietor Malcolm Helyar

BOOK NOW AND GET TODAY’S PRICES ON JOBS FITTED BEFORE MARCH 2018

Come and see our new showroom

KITCHENS & HOUSE RENOVATIONS

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

Tel: 01935 817111

Sherborne Kitchens have a new showroom. Pop in, meet Malcolm and be inspired by what’s on offer.

Email: sales@sherbornekitchens.com See our new website: www.sherbornekitchens.com THE VISITOR July 2017 33

NEW FABRIC DEPARTMENT Now Open

Julie will be pleased to assist you!

Choose at leisure from our extensive fabric library

WE ARE PLEASED TO OFFER ...

 Bespoke Curtain and Blind Service

 Cushions  Poles and Tracks

 Free Measuring and Estimating Service

 Professional and Helpful Advice

Luxaflex Shutters and Blinds

■ Carpets ■ Naturals ■ Laminates

■ Vinyls ■ Woods ■ LVTs

unbiased advice, share a hot drink and spend as much time as you need to find the perfect new bed.

In addition, they also offer an extensive range of chairs and suites by Sherborne Upholstery and reclining adjustable beds.

Top quality handmade beds and mattresses by VISPRING and HYPNOS are also on display with generous discounts during the summer sale.

A good night’s sleep is essential for your health and wellbeing – so choosing the right bed or mattress is an important decision.

The team at The Bed Specialist in Yeovil have years of experience behind them and a huge choice of beds and mattresses to suit everyone’s pocket.

Find them at Huish opposite the Yeovil Mail Sorting Office – ample free parking right outside the door and pay and display parking at the rear. Visit their website for further d e t a i l s : www.thebedspecialist.co.uk

Say you saw it in The Visitor

Launched in late 2014, Frenchic offer a huge range of high quality chalk & mineral paint that perfectly coincides with the upcycling revolution, helping DIY enthusiasts give old or unused furniture an entirely new look without skimping on style or substance. Earlier this month Frenchic announced their Al Fresco range for all your outdoor furniture needs, and now Frenchic continue to take the interiors world by storm by launching their new crackle effect.

The Frenchic Easy Crackle can be applied between two contrasting colours of Frenchic Furniture Paint, the first giving the colour of the crackle and the second the overall colour of the project, to give an aged appearance to your DIY projects.

As with all Frenchic products, the Frenchic Easy Crackle is EN71:3 compliant and is therefore safe to use on children’s toys, and does not include VOC’s for an allnatural finish.

■ Blinds ■ Roll Stock vinyls and carpets now available

VISIT OUR EXTENSIVE TILE SHOWROOMS

★ Free Estimate ★ Free Measuring ★ Professional Fitting by our own Expert Fitters ★ Friendly and Personal Service ★ Competitive Prices

Rolls & Remants In Stock

Roger Oates Stair Runners Traditional Carpets

ONE STOP SHOP FOR FLOORING AND SOFT FURNISHINGS “Just nice people to do business with”

Wincanton

Frenchic Paint Launches Easy Crackle

Tythings Commercial Centre Southgate Road Wincanton, BA9 9RZ  01963 824418

 Quality Floor & Wall Tiles

SUMMER SALE 15% OFF ALL TILES

 Distributors of Porcelanosa and other leading brands  Professional fitting service  Kitchen Installations now available

 Free Measuring & Estimate  Design Advice

 Supply & Fit or Supply Only  Full Range of Sanitary Ware, Basins, Baths, etc.

CALL IN TODAY PUBLIC & TRADE WELCOME Open: 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm Saturday Free parking outside the shop

Also at: High Street, Tisbury, SP3 6LD

J2 Tiles, Unit 16, Venture 20

www.sjhcarpets.co.uk

 01935 472088 · www.j2tiles.co.uk

 01747 871178

34 THE VISITOR July 2017

(Opposite Wickes)

Lynx West Trading Estate YEOVIL, BA20 2HP

The Frenchic Easy Crackle is available for £9.95 per 250ml can at www.frenchicpaint.co.uk and stockists nationwide.

Kilver Court Designer Village to host its first ever designer furniture sale

Kilver Court Designer Village in Somerset is hosting its first ever designer furniture warehouse sale, selling a range of indoor and outdoor furniture. The sale, which started on 28th June and runs until 11th July is the first of its kind to be held at Kilver Court, following in the footsteps of its famous Paul Smith warehouse sales which attract thousands of visitors from across the country.

The sale includes a large collection of indoor furniture including beds, dining tables, chairs, wardrobes and accessories like baskets and vases, as well as outdoor furniture such as sunloungers. The collection is modern and refined, reflecting Scandinavian design which is characterised by simplicity and functionality. All of the items in the sale have been built to last from quality natural timber, real wood veneer and powder coated steel and have been specifically designed to blur the distinction between indoors and outdoors.

Kilver Court CEO, Freddie Saul, comments, “After the success of our designer fashion sales, we’re delighted to be opening up our ballroom once more to hold our first ever designer furniture warehouse sale. The collection we have on offer consists of contemporary home and garden pieces and accessories with up to 70% off

Kilver Court Designer Village in Somerset is hosting its first ever designer furniture warehouse sale selling a range of indoor and outdoor furniture.

A local, family business offering a personal service at unbeatable prices

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

ACF WINDOWS

ANDY FELTHAM

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

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

SHAFTESBURY Longmead Industrial Estate Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 8PL  01747 851476

WARMINSTER 5 – 6 George Street Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 8QA  01985 219200

myhomemaker.co.uk — ESTABLISHED 1994 —

THE VISITOR July 2017 35

RRP so will be sure to cater for a range of tastes and budgets.”

The sale will take place in the ballroom at Kilver Court, Shepton Mallet, and will run ‘til Tuesday 11th July and is open 9.30am – 5.30pm Monday to Saturday and 10am – 5pm on Sundays.

Arlo & Jacob

Arlo & Jacob have added a brand new sofa and chair collection to their already extensive collection of home seating. Say hello to their new Aragon chair – stylish and Scandi inspired, the Aragon also takes influence from a midcentury era and displays great

Bryan G. Paulley Ltd

Domestic / Commercial Installations / Replacements

Plastic / Metal Tanks • Temporary Tanks Leaking Tanks • Tank Cleaning / Moving / Disposal Above or Below Ground Tanks • 24 Hour Call-Out

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

Pictured: Arlo & Jacob’s Aragon chair. This specific chair in animal print is priced at £875.

design credentials. The made in Britain brand have also introduced the Theodore Sofa, Footstool and Snuggler combining style and comfort. With clean, square lines, the Theodore collection is ultra modernistic but as equally charming.

Aragon

New to the Arlo & Jacob family is the Aragon Chair, the essence of unique style and comfort. With its high wrap-around back and cosseting wing form, the chair forms a striking silhouette in a room. Perfect for contemporary settings paired with a wooden floor and metallic details, the chair suits cosy corners or modern scandi interiors.

Shown here in Animal Print, the Aragon displays wooden tapered legs embracing the current mid-century trend. With its smooth, subtle curves and clean lines, the chair is convincingly retro and has real 1950’s design credentials. The Aragon chair is priced from £745 and the Aragon sofa from £995.

36 THE VISITOR July 2017

Theodore Sofa, Footstool and Snuggler

Introducing the Theodore collection, the ultimate in laidback cool and comfort.

Formed of a sofa, snuggler and footstool, the collection displays clean, square lines offering a modernistic appearance. The ideal sofa for bookworms, dreamers and dozers, the Theodore is the perfect lazy lounger. With a deep, low frame, the addition of plump, pillowy cushions determines comfort so

great that there is no choice but to sit back and relax after a long day. Equally as charming is the Theodore footstool which also turns into a chaise to match the length of the sofa. Multi-functional with maximum comfort, this is the ideal accent piece or as a stylish place to rest tired feet. The Theodore sofa is from £1,215, the snuggler chair from £975 and the footstool from £350.

Made to order in Long Eaton, every Arlo & Jacob piece is made from start to finish by one skilled

We’ve moved: you can now find us at Woodside Court • Dairy House Yard • SPARKFORD • BA22 7LH (Next to the Haynes Motor Museum)

Bespoke Curtains ] Blinds ] Cushions Choose from an extensive range of fabrics from ...

Clarke & Clarke ] Prestigious ] iLiv ] Fibre Naturelle and more! by FREE measuring & estimating service NO Showroom t appointmen V.A.T. only For appointments / workshop / estimates

Contact melody on: 07883 089333

or email:

salesmmssoftfurnishings@aol.co.uk

unit 11, Brickfields Business park, gillingham, dorset, sp8 4JX

Tel: 01747 826714

www.townandcountryaerials.co.uk

As your Local Sky Expert we can offer you exclusive savings on your first year’s subscription to Sky TV – don’t go online, come and speak to us first!

Get the most from your Smart TV  We can help with ...

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Smart TV connection / networking

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

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

2017 model Panasonic TVs supplied and installed Work in conservation areas, listed buildings, etc.

WE COVER YOUR AREA ...

 somerset  dorset  wiltshire  devon

Your local sky expert

Difficulty Bathing – we can help

we design • we supply • we fit • we care Wet rooms • Walk in showers • Walk in baths Waterproof wall panelling • Product and installation guarantee Slip resistant safety flooring • Grab rails, shower seats & raised toilets Local family business • Zero VAT on disabled bathrooms

Discounts for over 60s, SSAFA and Ex-Service Personnel Call now to arrange a FREE survey and quote

Tel: 01823 729564

info@ahminstallations.co.uk • www.ahminstallations.co.uk Showroom at: Blackdown Garden Centre, A38 West Buckland, Nr. Wellington, TA21 9HY

THE VISITOR July 2017 37

person in Long Eaton and then delivered to the room of your choice. With a no questions asked returns policy and a lifetime guarantee on the coil springs and furniture frames, you can buy comfort, comfortably. Easy online ordering means you can find your dream furniture without even leaving the house. Available to buy with up to 0% interest free credit over 12 months in the showroom and over the phone.

Visit their website arloand jacob.com, or call them on 03332 221941 for more information.

Package deals at Sandpits Heating Centre, Curry Rivel

Clearview are the leading manufacturer of clean burning stoves.

Available from Sandpits Heating Centre, Curry Rivel.

CLEARVIEW STOVES Are available in Sandpits Heating Centres Package Deals

£2499 incVAT

Clearview Inset

Clearview are Britain’s leading manufacturer of clean burning stoves. They believe in their stoves and channel their passion into making an exceptional product.

Some Clearview models are currently available as part of Sandpits’s Package Deals. These deals offer a section of flue pipe, metal register plate, adaptor to flexible liner, 8 / 10 meters of flexible 316 grade flue liner, rain

cap and mesh to the top of the chimneystack, CO detector, HETAS certification and an installation by an inhouse team.

Sandpits have a huge range of appliances in stock, offer a wealth of expert help and advice, employ all their registered installers, carry a massive stock of spares, can supply an excellent range of fuel delivered to your door and have a fully employed professional sweeping & servicing team. They have been established for 50 years.

Contact Sandpits Heating Centre on 01458 251476 for further information.

Vacuum cleaners at Jeans of Mere

From 1st September, 2017, the next phase of the EU legislation on energy saving will come in to effect, meaning that vacuum cleaners can only be manufactured and imported at 900 watts or lower. Jeans Electrical of Mere still have a selection of higher wattage cleaners in stock and can order for customers as long as they are available!

AP Kitchen Solutions

FOR YOUR NEW KITCHEN

£2499 incVAT

Clearview Vision

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

£2699 incVAT

Clearview 650

 Complete new kitchens designed to suit you

£2199 incVAT

Clearview Pioneer

All prices are subject to a site survey and written quote.

Price includes installation, section of flue pipe, flexible liner, CO detector, raincap and mesh and HETAS certification.

Sandpits Heating Centre

MULTI FUEL STOVES • COOKERS • FIREPLACES

50 YEARS

Visit Our Showrooms – Open Six Days A Week: Saturday Opening: 8am – 1pm Summertime

High Street • Curry Rivel • Langport • TA10 0ES Tel: 01458 251476 • Fax: 01458 253505 • www.sandpitsheatingcentre.co.uk Large Car Park at Rear of Premises

38 THE VISITOR July 2017

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

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

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

 01935 849559 or call at our showroom

To discuss your personal requirements contact Adam

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

The

Pub Pages

Notite BEER qu

& SKITTLES

... by

Bunny Bubbles

Ten of the Best – Beer & Skittles through the years

With P.A.Baxter on a break, this month we look back at some of his greatest game finds. Listed in no particular order, we hope that this selection inspires you to try one, if not some of them, and encourage your friends and neighbours to get involved too.

Better still, decamp to the pub where you can introduce them to the landlord and support your local!

1. Bat and Trap (featured in issue 354 May 2013) This great Kent game is played outdoors. The rules and history can be found at batandtrap.org.uk and videos can be found on YouTube.

Suitable for any age or fitness, this game of luck and skill can even be played pint in hand.

2. Aunt Sally (featured in issue 403, June 2017) This is where a doll is placed on a steel post and six ash sticks are thrown at it, with a shot being counted only if the doll is knocked off cleanly. More difficult than it may first appear!

3. Quoits (also featured in issue 403, June 2017) Heavy metal rings are hurled for some yards into a bed of clay. The object is to encircle the ‘hob’: a short stake driven into that clay.

Both the size and weight of the quoit vary, as does the throwing distance, depending on where in the country one plays. A ‘short game’ is played over 11 yards.

4. Daddlums (issue 399, February 2017) This ‘Kentish’ game is a variation of skittles, with pins 100mm tall set up in the usual

manner, and ‘cheeses’ of hardwood lobbed underarm from 3 yards to land before the black line and slide into the pins, causing them to fall and clatter.

P. A. Baxter created his own version of the game: precious little evidence exists of the game from years gone by.

8. Skittles (as mentioned in many columns) In Issue 365 from April 2015, P.A. Baxter mentioned the annual skittles championship (the only national skittles competition) which is held in Torbay and

dismissed the claim that skittles is a game played only in the West Country, encouraging readers to checkout YouTube footage from Edinburgh team ‘Sheep’s Heid’, who play the game their own way: on two ten-pin alleys!

5. Rings (featured in issue 395 October 2016) Imagine hurling the round seals from kilner jars at a board of numbered hooks. The game apparently has links to Ireland, but P.A. Baxter has thusfar been unable to verify this claim. It can be played at The Rose and Portcullis, Butleigh, a pub which also has a rare London ‘fives’ dartboard.

6. Corn Hole (featured in issue 390, May 2016) This game involves tossing beanbags at a distance of 25 feet with the aim of getting them through a hole on a board. This one is also available to view on YouTube.

Ideal for the pub garden, skittle alley or even car park, it’s simple to play but requires both skill and luck in order to prosper.

7. Ring the Bull (issue 389, April 2016) A large-ish metal ring on a length of cord is swung in an arc before (hopefully) landing on a hook.

Apparently, this game takes its name from its origins, when a bull’s head with a ring through its nose was mounted to the wall of a pub and the game began.

The

Lord Nelson

Rectory Lane Norton Sub Hamdon

Mark, Helen and staff welcome you to ‘THE NELLY’

GOOD FOOD - GOOD BEER - GREAT ATMOSPHERE H Saturday 8th July: Live Music from SIMON HOLMES H

H Tuesday & Wednesday is STEAK NIGHT and we now offer ... H Gammon Steak with Honey & Mustard Sauce Chicken Pesto, Salad and Chips Steak, Chips, Peas, Tomatoes and Mushrooms TWO Meals and a Bottle of Wine – £30

H Roast Lamb for TWO on Sunday – NOW £19.95 H Pork or Beef – £10.95 each

H Paella & Sangria every Thursday Night – £14 per person H

Monday to Friday: 2 Course Lunch – £8 • 3 Course Lunch – £12

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

Tel: 01935 881473 www.thelordnelson.co.uk

BARRINGTON BOAR

Traditional Village Freehouse and B&B

Our lovely pub can be found in the picturesque and tranquil Somerset village of Barrington, just 2 miles from the market town of Ilminster.

The village has some of the most beautiful ham stone thatched cottages in the county, and is also the home to the National Barrington, Ilminster Trust property of Barrington Court, which was used recently Somerset, TA19 0JB for the filming of the BBC production of Wolf Hall. We can be Tel: 01460 259281 found in the heart of the village just opposite the beautiful Email: barringtonboar@outlook.com 13th century church of St. Mary the Virgin. www.barringtonboar.co.uk Bar open

Monday 6.00pm to 9.00pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 12.00 Noon to 2.30pm and 6.00pm to 11.00pm

Saturday 12.00 Noon to 12.00 Midnight Sunday 12.00 Noon to 9.00pm Food is available

Tuesday to Sunday 12.00 Noon to 2.00pm Tuesday to Saturday 6.30pm to 9.00pm

The Boar has a far reaching reputation for serving fresh quality food prepared by our young and innovative kitchen team. We have an interesting and varied menu for diners to choose from, along with a great selection of real ales, ciders, lagers and wines to complement your food, or for just having a relaxing drink.

If you are looking for a romantic break, a base for touring the area or a comfortable place to stay on business, then our 4 en suite bed and breakfast rooms would be perfect.

Clean and comfortable, with flat screen TV, free WIFI and tea and coffee making facilities, they are a home from home.

 10 minutes from A303 and M5.

40 minutes from Lyme Regis, West Bay & Beer

THE VISITOR July 2017 39

The

Pub

(similar to that which the aforementioned ‘Sheep’s Heid’ team from Edinburgh are used to) are revealed in a photograph.

Sadly, the alley was ripped out in the early 1900s, as Arthur Taylor (author of ‘Played at the Pub’ and other books on pub games) advised our writer shortly after the column regarding this discovery was published.

Pages

9. Bowling at Sandringham (issue 345, August 2012) Apparently, Kind Edward VII had a bowling alley built at Sandringham. Two sizes of ball, a central return shute, chalk board and two alleys side by side

10. Backgammon (mentioned in several columns) This is one of the oldest board games known, apparently having been around for 4000 years (P.A. Baxter, Issue 375, Feb 2015). The aim is to remove your pieces from the board before your opponent.

Luck is required, as this game

Under New Management ...

The CROWN Inn

Greenhill, Sherborne, DT9 4EP EXCITING NEW MENU

Including Authentic Greek Cuisine

EXCELLENT ACCOMMODATION

From £45 Single Ensuite H From £65 Double Ensuite — BOOK DIRECT FOR BEST DEALS — We look forward to welcoming customers old and new

Tel: 01935 816115

Prosecco, Pizza & Pudding Wednesday Night is ...

Ladies Night 6 ‒ 9pm Available for men too!

Glass of Chilled Prosecco Stone Fired Pizza of your choice (excludes calzone) Delicious Pudding of your choice (excludes cafe gourmand)

 £15 per head 

Bring groups of friends and family, enjoy as a couple, or just a catch-up with a friend.

Don’t wait for the weekend, it’s midweek madness! Enjoy this amazing offer!

Call 01458 887447 or email hello@thefirehousesomerset.co.uk to book your table                            

On All Take Away Pizzas

Ordered and collected between 12noon ‒ 7pm

Every Tuesday Get the cheapest free 40 THE VISITOR July 2017

involves a dice. However, skill and experience are also key players in this game, which is a member of the tables family.

 That’s all folks. Hope you’ve enjoyed this trip down memory lane. We look forward to P. A. Baxter’s return. (Reader’s voice: “Yea, sooner rather than later”).

be raising money towards Southmead Hospital on behalf of Matt Fricker.

Thank you to Garry from The Muddled Man, West Chinnock for bringing this event to our attention.

Charity Football Match

West and Middle Chinnock Football Club will celebrate its 10th year anniversary on Saturday 8th July with a charity match against Yeovil Town Legends. Kick off is at 5pm at Oxleaze Recreation Ground, Middle Chinnock. There will be a licensed bar and barbeque.

To reach Oxleaze, exit Crewkerne on the A30 heading towards Yeovil. Turn left signed West Chinnock and Chiselborough. Follow lane bearing left and follow road straight through Middle Chinnock (do not turn left toward West Chinnock). The Recreation Ground can be found on the left after the bridge.

Don’t miss out! Watch the match and enjoy the refreshments whilst contributing to a good cause: both clubs will

SAVE THE DATE! For a delicious hog roast visit The Old Pound at Aller on Saturday 16th September.

All welcome.

Welcome to

Aller • Langport TA10 0RA

The perfect venue ...

 Function Room with Bar suitable for up to 100 guests  Restaurant (with Carvery) suitable for up to 50 guests  Menu tailored to suit your personal requirements  7 Letting Rooms  Bridal Suite

 Attractive Gardens  Ample Parking Call in or telephone for further details

H DELICIOUS FOOD SERVED DAILY H Lunchtimes and Evenings Saturday all day – Sunday until 4pm.

H SUNDAY CARVERY – £9.50 H

LIVE MUSIC Friday 30th June – ‘Bad Edukation’ QUIZ NIGHT Sunday 23rd July

LIVE MUSIC Friday 28th July – ‘The Defibrillators’

 01458 250469 E: info@oldpoundinn.com www.oldpoundinn.com

Don’t forget! The Rum & Music Festival at The Orchard Inn, Galhampton

The Orchard Inn, Galhampton, will be celebrating a range of Rums and Music styles in their Rum & Music Festival, with over 30 different rums and 4 fantastic acts on 22nd July 2017, 2pm – 12pm at The Orchard Inn, Galhampton.

The main bar will be open as usual and the rum bar will be in the garden where the acts will be playing. The music is provided

by Pandango Steel Band, a duo with a relaxing mix of calypso, latin, soca, reggae, pop and traditional Caribbean tunes; Mojo – Stone Cold Players, a three-piece band who play reggae, soul, funk, ska, rock, rock ‘n’ roll, pop; John Prescott, Swing sensation and one of the most exciting young jazz singers to emerge in the south west in recent years; Loose

Connections – a really tight fun going band who play music from the 50s to the present day, Beatles to Oasis, Spice Girls. £7.50 per ticket. (Under 14’s

go free but must be gone by 9pm). Tickets available from the pub or via their Facebook page.

Food will be served throughout the day.

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

168 Hendford Hill YEoViL

“I could be a lawyer with strategems and ruses I could be a doctor with poultices and bruises I could be a writer with a growing reputation I could be the ticket man at Fulham Broadway Station”

Tickets £7.50 for Adults

FIRST PERSON to tell me the song above gets a free drink. Last month Chris Eve the landlord of The Red House correctly guessed that it was The Beatles and ‘Revolution’ .

Lots to tell you about what is coming up over the next few weeks. On Thursday 6th of July we have Bob Fox playing a concert in the function room.

Tickets are available from the pub or on the door. Bob was the voice on War Horse and this promises to be a great evening.

On the 14th of July we have, live in the bar, Mule. This will be our first chance to hear Harry Skinner and Dave Saunders of The Producers with their new project. Come on down and have a listen, its FREE! On the 22nd of July we have a very special School Re-union for ALL Preston School former pupils who were taught by Jeff Stone and Thelma Parrish.

Sadly both of these teachers passed away recently and Helen Essex, who had booked the pub for a school re-union, decided to open the date up for all former pupils to come and raise a glass to two fabulous teachers.

On the last Friday of July we are having a Beer Festival in conjunction with Leonardo (Westland) apprentices to raise money for local charities. This will be the 5th year that we have done this. We always have a good time with lots of beers and ciders to choose from, live music, and a hog roast, to help you try a few more of those special local brews.

Looking forward to August, we have a very special gig on the 4th when Dr. Bluegrass and The Illbilly 8 will be here. It’s a free gig and it will be great. Check them out on YouTube.

Thanks for all your support.

See you next month.  TOOT TOOT!!!

BookingS

 01935 424721

THE VISITOR July 2017 41

The

Pub Pages

‘Music in the Marquee’ at The Red Lion Inn, Babcary

The Red Lion in Babcary will again be hosting ‘Music in the Marquee’, showcasing seven sensational session musicians, back by popular demand for 2017.

They are coming together in the south-west for one night only on Saturday 29th July, playing sounds of soul, funk, jazz and pop. One guest from last year commented,

Every Monday StEak Night Ribeye, Pork Loin, or Salmon with Salad and Fries for only £10 per head

Every tuesday SiMPLE SuPPER Delicious 2 Course Set Menu for only £10 per head

Every Thursday SuRF & tuRF Night Steak & king Prawns £15 per head

Monday – Friday 2 CouRSE SPECiaLS £10 per head Relax on our terrace with unrivalled views of the Somerset countryside

‘We got together as a group of adults and older teens, enjoyed the brilliant live music and dancing in the marquee, great barbecue in the garden, cold drinks and festival feel. It was a perfect way to spend a summer’s evening with friends’.

These seven world class musicians have played with stars such as Lionel Ritchie, Jools Holland, Paloma Faith, Jamie Cullum, Stereophonics, Dionne Warwick and many more.

Tickets for this event are £17.50, available online at www.redlionbabcary.co.uk or phone 01458 223230 to order.

There is limited availability, so don’t delay in booking.

Barbecue from 6.00 – 7.45pm, band starts at 8.00pm followed

by DJ until midnight.

For further information about the event, please contact: The Red Lion Inn, Babcary, TA11 7ED. Telephone: 01458 223230.

Home-Made Food Served 7 Days a Week

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42 THE VISITOR July 2017

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AROUND THE

HOUSES

That John Stretton of Sigwells wanted his car valeted and so left his window open in that lovely thunderstorm - ‘Silly John!’

That a computer ‘auto-correct’ left the ‘Chairman’ in Charlton Horethorne, insensitively renamed.

That Jill Foot of Halstock would like it known that when her car was caught speeding, she was not driving!

That Barry Spurdle of Crewkerne is now the new voice for ‘Bridget Jones, Sit up Britain!’

That Nev, Tone, Gos and Mr Topp are very happy on winning the local cider making competition at Milborne Port Country Fete, and will consider production if ‘Thatchers’ are interested.

That there aren’t enough emergency plumbers on the South Somerset / Devon border.

That, according to the blackboard outside The Bay Tree, Castle Cary, a yawn is a silent scream for alcohol!

That horticultural residents of Langport, are sure to have their green-fingers crossed on 18th July.

That a tram ride from Seaton to Colyton and back is a delightful day out for adults and children alike.

That Michael Eavis CBE of Pilton, took time out of preparing for Glastonbury Festival 2017 to attend The Royal Bath & West Show.

That a good deed can go bad: Extricating a sheep from a hole may lead to a hole in the head.

Don’t try this at home.

That its house swap (not wife swap) in the month of July for branches of a certain family tree.

That the Boogie Woogie Festival in Sturminster Newton is due to be ‘Hotter than a Snake’s Ass in a Wagon Rut!’.

That Kate and Ade are celebrating 10 years at The Natterjack Inn, Evercreech.

That hedgehogs can get surprisingly big in South Somerset, especially given their superior culinary tastes.

That the Fifth Mere Model Railway was another well attended exhibition.

That Lady Byron of Tatworth is on the move again – twice within a year!

That a world record regarding bacon butties could have been beaten at The Stur of the Moment!

wjarek/shutterstock.com

IN CORTON DENHAM … congratulations go to Gordon and Jeanette who celebrated eight years at The Queens Arms in June, join them for their Spanish Night on Sunday 9th July … 30 rums and four fantastic music acts on Saturday 22nd July at The Orchard Inn, Galhampton, where the flowering tubs and baskets are just beautiful … friendly and welcoming atmosphere at The Bay Tree, South Cary … and enjoy a bite to eat and a drink at The George Hotel, Castle Cary before nipping next door to be pampered at Courtyard Beauty.

Bustling on to Babcary where there’s Music in the Marquee at The Red Lion on Saturday 29th July … dine alfresco in the beautiful beer garden at The Two Brewers, Street … live music and quiz nights at The Old Pound Inn, Aller where all are welcome at landlord Lea’s birthday hog roast on 16th September, so remember to save the date … two for one deals on take-away pizzas when ordered and collected between noon and 7pm on Tuesdays at The Firehouse, Curry Rivel ... and walk the River Parrett Trail and visit The Wyndham Arms at Kingsbury Episcopi en route for some refreshment.

Bound on to Barrington and meet new team member, Lottie the Boxer, at The Boar … great food and a warm reception at Dinnington Docks, Dinnington … Quiche the hamster has arrived at The Royal Oak, Over Stratton where foodie theme nights and quiz nights keep you entertained - check out their website … visit The Muddled Man, West Chinnock and let them know whose side you’re on when the charity football match between West and Middle Chinnock Football Club and Yeovil Town Legends kicks-off on 10th July … once again proving popular are the Thursday Paella & Sangria evenings for £14 per person at The Nelly, Norton Sub Hamdon ... and you’ll be yodelling with delight at the fabulous music at The Quicksilver Mail.

Wandering on to Wincanton you’ll find a wide choice of lagers, ales, wines and spirits at The Dolphin Hotel … go online to register for the Saver Card Scheme, or take an online survey for 20% off your next food bill at The Hunters Lodge, Leigh Common.

They Say

Group of Mars and Venus in baths of Diocletian (Thermae Diocletiani) in Rome, Italy. Neo-Classicism draws inspiration from the classical art of ancient Greece or Rome.

Neo-Classical art, architecture and antiquities and ‘The Grand Tour’

The Grand Tour was a trip taken by upper class young men and women, fashionable during the late 17th century until the early 19th century. It was a rite of passage undertaken to complete the education of these wealthy youths, and focused on classical antiquity and the renaissance in Europe. The ‘pilgrim’ is likely to have travelled through France, Switzerland and then to Italy, where they may have visited Venice, Florence and Rome before heading to Sicily, Malta and perhaps Greece. The art and architecture they viewed would have consisted of the ruins and antiquities of ancient Rome and Greece, early Christian painting and sculpture, and Renaissance and Baroque Art. It is no coincidence that The Grand Tour was popular at the same time as Neo-Classicism. This was a movement drawing from the

influences of Roman and Greek art, which originated in Rome.

Sir John Soane (1753 – 1837), the architect of the Bank of England and Dulwich Picture Gallery, specialised in the NeoClassical style, designing buildings with classical flair, using Doric and Greek columns, and filling his Lincoln’s Inn Fields home in London with his collection of art and antiquities, furniture, architectural models, paintings and drawings. Busts, plaster reliefs and marble would all be found, displayed in eclectic ways, and are now on view to the public in situ, as this property is now Sir John Soane’s Museum London.

Why not make your own pilgrimage to this unique house and get inspired by this inventive architect and collector? It has been suggested that the look he favoured is set to become popular once more, so you may find yourself wishing to start your own eclectic yet considerately chosen collection.

Antiques Fairs

•

Chasty Cottage Antiques

•

Saturday 8th July Digby Hall, Hound Street, Next to Library SHERBORNE • DT9 3AA 9.30am – 4pm • Trade 8.30am • Admission £1

Future Dates: 5th & 19th August  01963 370986 www.chastycottageantiques.co.uk

THE VISITOR July 2017 43

GARDENING MONTHLY

by Richard Cumming Orchard Park

SUMMER GARDEN and the FINISHING TOUCHES!

By this time the hard work is done and the plan is to enjoy what you have done. It doesn't always work out that way but that's the plan! One way of getting the most out of your garden is to add a few bits and pieces; what we call the finishing touches. Nothing over complicated or too much work, just simple additions that can transform your outdoor space from good but unexciting to really

good and a little bit special.

Here's a few ideas that might work for you.

Solar lighting: you can find everything from path markers to ornaments that glow in the dark and brighter lights to show off the garden. They work on rechargeable batteries, building up enough power during the daylight hours to give several hours of light when the built-in light sensor turns them on at dusk.

Solar powered lights get better

each year as the technology for the little solar panels and for the rechargeable batteries improves.

Twice as good as they were a couple of years ago and well worth incorporating into the garden.

Next idea is the single trellis or ornate fence panel. On its own in a border or near a path gives a break in the visual line and the chance to make another part of the garden visible only when you look past the panel. It doesn't have to be large, even 2ft (600mm) wide by 6ft (1830mm)

tall will work, and it could be painted or support a climbing plant to add more colour.

Statues are an easy addition and instantly add character and intrigue when positioned right.

Place it where it catches the eye and leads you to investigate further. Sundials and bird baths will help as well.

Another thought might be a simple small area of paving to position a café style table and chairs, placed just right for a midmorning cup of coffee, or tea in the afternoon!

Lee Holmes and son Sam of Lee Holmes Garden Machinery, Somerton. See advert on page 12.

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44 THE VISITOR July 2017

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Plants for the moment to bring in the wildlife!

It’s not just the gardeners that need refreshment and our garden should be a café for wildlife!

Butterflies, birds and bees will come to your garden if you plant the right things and create the right conditions. Butterfly and bee plants, and insect hotels are easily found and repay you in no time.

You can add a new dimension to your garden displays by not only planting colourful flowers that you can enjoy throughout the year, but ones that will bring in the butterflies too. A wide range of bedding plants, perennials, flowering shrubs and bulbs produce the simple, open blooms that butterflies love.

These act like fueling stations around our gardens for butterflies, moths, bees and other beneficial insects, providing them with the valuable nectar they need to feed on for energy. That’s why the best flowers are often described as nectar plants, and there are hundreds of wonderful plants to choose from to suit virtually any site or soil you have

in your garden.

One of the most popular is the Butterfly Bush, or Buddleja, a hardy and reliable shrub whose flowers act like magnets for butterflies, hence their common name. Many strong-growing varieties are available, including one with variegated foliage called ‘Harlequin’, but all can be kept within bounds by annually pruning in early spring.

Several dwarf and compact varieties of Butterfly Bush are now available that are perfect for pots or tiny spaces, with flowers in colours from pink and white to blue, lavender, magenta and deep purple.

Plan your planting carefully to find a range of plants that flower right through the year, as these will both attract and support the widest range of butterflies in your garden. Some of the best flowering perennials provide longlasting displays, with a succession of flowers opening over several months. These include varieties of Rudbeckia and Cone Flower (Echinacea), both valued for their

outstanding garden performance.

Lavenders provide welcome nectar for butterflies through the summer months, while planting a range of Ice Plants (Sedum) ensures more flowers develop into autumn to feed Small Tortoiseshell and other late-flying butterflies as they prepare for hibernation.

With over 50 species of butterfly resident in the UK, and dozens more flying across from Europe, our gardens can play a vital role in ensuring their survival, and we can enjoy their antics too.

Top four plants to bring in the butterflies ...

 Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii varieties and others) inc.

AGM varieties like ‘Nanho Blue’, ‘Royal Red’, ‘White Profusion’ and ‘Harlequin’.  Ice Plant and Sedum (inc. Sedum spectabile and Sedum telephinium) with AGM varieties to consider: ‘Brilliant’, Atropurpureum Group, ‘Purple Emperor’, ‘Thundercloud’.  Cone Flower (Echinacea) – lots of varieties to choose from.  Rudbeckia varieties, inc.

‘Goldsturm’ and ‘Pot of Gold’.

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THE VISITOR July 2017 45

Top tips for planning and planting

 Choose a range of suitable plants with different flowering periods to ensure there’s something in bloom throughout spring, summer and autumn for butterflies to feed from.

 Several butterflies hibernate through winter. Adults emerging from hibernation need flowers to feed on in spring. Others require autumn blooms to stock-up on nectar to help them survive during hibernation.  While flowers are important to

For all your Garden Machinery H 3 Year Warranty on all Cub Cadet Mowers

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PLANT WORLD For the best plants!

feed adult butterflies do remember that different plants are needed for butterflies to lay their eggs on and to feed their caterpillars.  Letting patches of nettles establish in a wild or natural area provides valuable breeding and feeding sites for four of our native butterflies. The caterpillars of Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Comma and Peacock all feed on nettle leaves.  Avoid using pesticides around your garden that could harm butterflies, bees, ladybirds and other beneficial creatures.  For more information check out the website of Butterfly Conservation at www.butterflyconservation.org

Jobs for the month

A lot of plants really suffered in the hot spell and careful watering has been essential to keep things alive, especially the seasonal plants and anything planted since last autumn as the soil moisture is not enough to keep new root systems going. At the time of writing, the local water authorities have not issued any restrictions, but that could all change. Careful watering is the rule avoiding wastage wherever possible, re-useing grey water, and collecting rain water. A surface mulch of good garden compost, bark or recycled green waste around the plants will keep moisture in the soil longer.

Holiday time is another challenge and a good neighbour can be a great help. Houseplants

For all your gardening needs

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46 THE VISITOR July 2017

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

can easily go outside at this time of the year, perhaps in a shady sheltered area as long as they can still be watered.

Keep the tubs, baskets and borders going by deadheading and feeding. High potash feeds such as those for tomatoes are generally the most effective for annual bedding plants and repeat flowering perennials.

If you grow Clematis then check that the plants are not wilting; if they are then cut back low, feed and water to encourage new growth.

In the veg garden crops such as courgettes need regular picking before they get too old. In fruit gardens, gooseberries, black, red and white currants should be harvestable if the birds and the squirrels haven’t done it for you.

It is worth checking fruit trees for scab as this is treatable. And summer pruning is worth doing to keep the shape of trained trees as well as getting light to ripening fruit. If there are a lot of small apples and pears, then judicious pruning is beneficial.

High temperatures and bright sun on ponds makes algae and blanket weed grow very fast. A garden rake can be the easiest way to remove it otherwise there are some effective chemicals that are safe to use with fish.

And finally, as they say, give the lawn a quick-acting summer feed, especially if it didn’t get the spring treatment.

Simple pleasures to be had in Barrington

On Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd July, between 11am and 4pm each day, the church in Barrington, near Ilminster (TA19 0JB), will be full of glorious flower arrangements on the theme of “Simple Pleasures”. Admission is free, but donations will be most gratefully received.

On Saturday there will also be a variety of stalls and events going on, all centred around the church. You will be able to buy plants, enjoy “berries and bubbles”, take part in country dancing, eat ice creams, peruse the book stall, buy a cake and chance your luck on the tombola, amongst other things.

On Sunday there will be an open air “Songs of Praise” service (indoors if wet!) at 4pm, followed by a bring your own picnic.

For further information ring 01460 53472.

the end bit...

PAPERCHASE

IN RECENT WEEKS three readers have sent me cuttings from their local papers (two of them accompanied by scathing letters) which suggests that it is not just me who is unhappy with the standards of our local press.

A reader of the Central Somerset Gazette thought I should see the 11th May issue which had the front page headline ‘Shock end to walk: death on the Tor’ and no fewer than four straplines in large type – ‘Man dies on Glastonbury Tor after walk’; ‘Tragic end to an afternoon on landmark’; ‘Emergency services scrambled’; ‘See page 5’. So I saw page 5 and found a report of a school skiing trip to Italy, a West Pennard man’s description of his favourite tree (a red-twigged lime, in case you’re wondering) and a half-page advertisement for windows, doors and conservatories. Nothing at all about tragedy on the Tor. I eventually found the story tucked away on page 14 and so short it was that it filled less than onesixth of the page. When will editors learn that sensationalist front page headlines only work if they lead the reader to a

sensational inside story.

An advertisement in the property supplement of the 18th May issue of the Western Gazette caught the eye of a Marston Magna reader because in it the Yeovil office of a national estate agency was inviting readers to a charity tea party on Thursday 25th March. Damn! Missed it!

Why on earth invite people after the event? But it turned out to be no more than a typesetter’s cock-up and another proofreading failure. The 25th March was a Saturday, but the event was actually being staged on Thursday 25th May. I wonder how many people turned up.

A Yeovil reader who grudgingly parted with his pound for the 25th May issue of the Western Gazette and did so again a week later for the 1st June issue was disappointed to find in the latter issue that the two pages of television schedules for the forthcoming seven days were identical to those in the previous week’s issue. In his covering letter he writes that ‘to add insult to injury, there was a four-page advertising wrap telling me and other persons who still bother to purchase a copy of the paper to vote Conservative. Perhaps the Gazette should keep its nose out of political affairs and spend more time and attention on checking for mistakes in the weekly publications.’ I suspect many readers will agree with him.

Writing good headlines is a notoriously difficult skill, as I’ve commented before in this column.

As former Sunday Times editor Harold Evans wrote in ‘Newsman’s English’, ‘where

headlines are wordy, vague or confused, the newspaper seems to be in its dotage. Where every headline goes unerringly to the point with precision or wit, the whole newspaper comes alive.’

What brought this to mind was a headline at the top of page 4 in the 14th June issue of the Western Daily Press. Set across three lines it stated ‘PC who had drug dealer’s child sacked’. It took a couple of readings before I realised that it wasn’t the child who was sacked.

A simple rewrite as ‘Sack for PC who had drug dealer’s child’ would have made it much clearer.

Getting the spelling correct is also important. The magazine supplement in the 10th June issue of the Western Daily Press carried a feature on allotment gardening in which the writer admitted to using an aspirin tablet dissolved in warm water as a feed and spray for his tomato plants. But the headline read ‘I’ll fight blight on my tomatoes with the aid of asprin’. It’s a good thing that the gardener used aspirin rather than paracetamol. Who knows what a hash the headline writer would have made of that.

Chronicler.

Sudoku

by

T. M.

Fill in the grid with the numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, each column and each 3x3 block contains all the numbers 1 to 9.

ANSWERS TO POP MUSIC QUIZ 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

on page 22

George Martin 'Meter Maid' 'Vera, Chuck and Dave' 'She's Leaving Home' 'Waltz' 'Revolver' 'I am the Walrus' 'Good Morning, Good Morning' They were joint creators of the album cover.

10. Tara Browne

Solution to June

Sudoku

Bonus Question 'She's Leaving Home' – Harp

THE VISITOR July 2017 47

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48 THE VISITOR July 2017

COMPUTER

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High Street, Sparkford, nr. Yeovil, Somerset BA22 7QJ Tel: 01963 440045 / 440526 / 440692

Roofing

Framing

SCENES

Artist Materials & Gallery

H Picture Framing H Restoration H Large Selection of Prints and Paintings H Greeting Card Blanks High St. Gillingham Tel: 01747 824050 www.scenes-online.co.uk

For all your roofing requirements

Flat Roofing • Tiling Slating • GRP Roofing

All New Work Fully Guaranteed

For further information & estimates contact allan Carey

01963 33528 / 07885 723915 Email: allancarey541@hotmail.com

Bourton Roofing Co. Slate  Tiling  Flat Roofing.

UPVC Fascias  Guttering FREE EST I M AT ES

 01747 840064

... or 07866 296453 Email: info@bourtonroofing.co.uk

Subscriptions Subscribe to the

VISITOR MAGAZINE

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

Taxis

TAXI

Sue

Mob: 07711 572038

www.taxiatcastlecarystation.co.uk

Denture Repairs

Are you a denture wearer?

De to m nture smi ake y s o le a gain u !

Denture repairs while you wait ...

Terry New Denture Clinic

01458 210039

Home visits a speciality

Your calling card reaching 60,000 readers  01963 351256 ... to advertise Here

Caricatures for Special Gifts

for just £18 per annum

Fire & Security Alarms

THE VISITOR July 2017 49

Classified Ads

Send Details to: The Visitor, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BG. 30p per word (£5 minimum) pre-payment essential.

For a Box Number please add £2.

Payment can be made by Cash, Cheque, Postal Order, BACS, Credit / Debit Card.

✽ If you require a receipt a s.a.e. must be enclosed with payment, or your email address.

Prize Crossword No. 369 Set by Frank Butler

SEND COMPLETED ENTRIES TO: The Visitor Crossword, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7BG – to arrive by Friday 14th July.

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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ADDRESS .............................................................................................................................................................. ..................................................................................................................................................................................

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Tel: ......................................................................... Cheque Enclosed for £ .................... Minimum £5

Personal

www.country-link.org.uk COuNTry LiNK SOCiaL GrOuP. Fresh air, fun, food and friendship. Tel: andy 01225 834834 or Val 01749 342918

JuST SOMerSeT iNTrOduCTiONS. Bringing people together. Call alison Tel: 07584 250285, www.justintro ductionsgroup.co.uk

Lady 73, widow, black hair, brown eyes, likes meals out, trips to coast, movies / TV. looking for friendship / companionship. reply to Box No. 52.

GeNT – Looking for a local lady for companionship. Street area. Please reply to Box No. 53.

Catering / Mobile Bars

Harry’S MOBiLe BarS, all occasions, weddings, parties, etc. Tel: 01747 825553 harry@bars4u.plus.com www.harrysmobilebars.co.uk

For Sale

QuaNTiTy OF chair-caning and upholstery materials and tools, assorted size cane, tacks, gimp pins, needles. £50. Tel: 01458 224169

Services

HOuSeHOLd & GardeN ruBBiSH CLeared, old sheds / outbuildings demolished, etc. Tel: 01460 77844.

KaTie’S Care. i’m a Support Worker with 18 years’ experience and 3 a levels in Health and Social Care. i support adults and children with disabilities. i support with personal, outings etc. i have many great references, fully insured, CrB checked. Tel: 07477 649028.

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. o L D M o To R C Y C L E S wA n T E D . any condition, collected. Cash paid.

Tel: 07779 366005.

gUnS wAnTED for cash. any size, any condition, make or model. By registered firearms dealer. Tel: 07970 742471.

Passport Photographs

PaSSPOrTS – passports – passports – also studio sittings, 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.

20 FT CONTaiNerS available to rent in Castle Cary. Tel: 07582 154837.

RECORDS WANTED:

ViNyL wanted from the ‘60s to the present day most genres required including rock and pop, folk, progressive etc. GOOd PriCeS Paid.  Please call Rod on 01823 480369.

50 THE VISITOR July 2017

HHH

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Supporting mast, reverse and say ‘about time!’ [8] Freewheels at the seaside? [6] Royal son swallows half-dove in this region. [8] Oblique, losing honour, and / or alcohol. [6] A tin so a prickly-leaved plant.

[8] Look out! Strong breeze, ouch!

[6] Male deer country brought to rest. [10] Arranged fen be dried, then palled up with. [10] As I go with first moment, stirred Spanish friends. [6] Left article in the roof-space as the pond. [8] Eye infection produced when it is in flower. [6] Leek rind resorts to renewed flame. [8] Partly, kitten’s ignited to show the flag. [6] Best about shortage is the darkest. [8]

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Sing about hands tightening.

[8] A grand distribution of cards is a lot! [1,5,4] Sailor artist silver (losing directions) is rough. [8] See if fig can be likenesses if stirred. [8] Piling around half-boot is steering. [8] Lunatic wound up in a mac?

[6] To start with, one day in stage.

Losing a piece of heavy diet.

[6] Found in tarmac, central african way of speech. [6]

Solution to Crossword 368

Down: 1.

2.

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4.

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At first, because you portray Len as young, a sub-plot is revealed. [6] Rock-like substance about hospital sung by many. [6] Holy ones ain’t on board. [6] Can’t count a mixed up money man. [10] One drink, spoken about as from the beginning. [8] Headless baddie after squall all gone is an infantryman. [8]

THE WINNER of our JUNE CROSSWORD

was Miss Charmian Pears of Charlton Horethorne, who chose to spend the £10 voucher at The Montague Inn, Shepton Montague.

Gillingham & Shaftesbury

AGRICULTURAL SHOW ‘The Show where Town & Country Meet’

Wednesday 16th August 2017 8.30am – 6.30pm at the

Motcombe Turnpike Showground SP7 9PL

2 miles north of Shaftesbury on B3081 signed ‘Agricultural Show’

ATTRACTIONS INCLUDE:

ADRENALINE TOUR QUADBIKE STUNT DISPLAY

Light and Heavy Horse Trade Classes Show Jumping & Private Driving Terrier & Ferret Racing ★ Birds of Prey OVER 500 TRADE STANDS INCLUDING: 14 Tractor Dealers ★ 90 Agri Suppliers

One of the biggest displays of tractors & machinery in the south west

COMPETITIVE CLASSES FOR: Dairy & Beef Cattle ★ Sheep ★ Poultry Grain, Fodder & Maize Horses ★ Ponies ★ Dogs ★ Rabbits Homecrafts ★ Handicrafts ★ Horticulture ★ Art Floral Decoration ★ Photography ★ Honey ... with many classes especially for children

SCHEDULES & TRADE APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE NOW

Call: 01747 823955

Email: enquiries@gillshaftshow.co.uk Web: www.gillshaftshow.co.uk

Visit our stand at The Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show WEDNESDAY 16th AUGUST