The Visitor Magazine Issue 391 June 2016

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Issue 391 June 2016

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In Passing ...

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HEN THE SUN is shining on rural Visitorland it looks like an idyllic place to live, work or visit. But often the clouds hide the harsh reality that social decline in the countryside has been spiralling ever faster for 40 years or more, fuelled by rising property prices, out-of-town shopping developments, planning constraints, the motor car and human greed. And now most agricultural sectors are in the financial doldrums. Prices farmers are paid for the food they produce are sinking fast and some are in debt up to the hilt while they wait to receive their long-delayed single farm payment which helps them care for our countryside.

The demand for rural homes has far outstripped the supply so they’ve been sold to those who could bid the most – those from areas where earnings are higher, those dreaming of retiring to the country, those yearning for a weekend retreat from the city. Council houses that were bought by tenants at discount prices are being sold on at market prices. And with village building land at a premium as a result of strict planning restrictions designed to protect the countryside, it sells at a price that makes the construction of expensive detached houses the only financially-attractive proposition.

Few new homes for rent have been built for local families, so most have no choice but to move away to the towns. Thus the demographic structure of our village communities is changing. Fewer families, fewer children to attend the village school, fewer youngsters to support village activities and events, fewer locals to sup in the ‘local’. Incomers bring money with them, but their spending patterns are different. Village shops are no match for out-of-town superstores offering a huge choice of goods, free car park, cut-price petrol and customer loyalty discounts.

It’s easy to paint the picture so long as we don’t paint ourselves into it. Which of us wouldn’t sell our house or land to the

highest bidder, wouldn’t buy the home of our dreams if we could afford it, wouldn’t buy the council house we had rented for years if we had the chance? Which of us doesn’t want beautiful countryside and cheap food? I appreciate the convenience of supermarket shopping, and as I push my trolley down the aisles I see many familiar faces, Visitorland born and bred, from my home village. We are all of us part of the problem, human nature being what it is, and there is no simple solution. Over the years national politicians have shaped the planning processes, manipulated the tax system to benefit the well-off, permitted (indeed, encouraged) out-of-town superstores, given tenants the right-to-buy – all, no doubt, with the best of good intentions. Now we are all paying the price, directly or indirectly. Can we put the clock back? Do we want to?

NN.

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CONTENTS

Our FRONT COVER is almost entirely due to decision time

ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLASSIFIED - 66

ANTIQUES & COLLECTING - 9

BOOK REVIEW - 10

BRUTON - 10

BUSINESS - 21

CASTLE CARY - 15 CROSSWORD - 66

GARDENING - 58

GOLDEN YEARS elderly care - 52

HOUSE & HOME - 38

LEISURE & TRAVEL - 47

LETTERS - 4

LIFESTYLE LANDSCAPES, Wincanton, business profile - 61

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

ARTWORK Artwork & design by our production department and photographs taken by our photographers are the copyright of The Visitor Ltd.

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

For advertisement sizes see our Rate Card.

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

LOOKING GOOD & FEELING FINE - 36

MENTIONED in DISPATCHES - 6

MOTORING - 13

MUSIC for the MONTH - 50

NATTERJACK INN, Evercreech Junction, business profile - 27

NOTICE BOARD - 51 PAPERCHASE - 63

PHONE-A-FIRM - 64

PUBS - 22

THEY SAY - 26

THREE COUNTIES LANDSCAPES & TREE SERVICES LTD, Castle Cary, business profile - 19

WEDDINGS - 30

WINE & DINE - 28

Drawings by GEOFF THOMPSON

THE VISITOR June 2016 3

Letters To the Editor School Attendance

Sir, As one might expect, the issue of taking children out of school during term time for unauthorised absence has dominated our national news again, as one parent managed to persuade the courts to overturn the decision to impose fines levied by his daughter’s school.

I believe this was the right decision but it does pose a problem for schools.

As the former Chair of Somerset Schools Forum, and now Chair of the Corporate Parent Board, which oversees the welfare of all children looked after in the county, I am well aware of the adverse impact that poor attendance can have on shaping a child’s future.

What is worrying about this case is that Jon Platt is clearly articulate and had done his homework, making his decision to take his daughter out of school for a family holiday during term time in full knowledge of the consequences. I fear that this may open the doors for less responsible parents to do the same.

On the other hand, regular attendance is of course important but what we must not forget is that merely attending is not the same thing as the child in question learning something of value. In my councillor role I know only too well of many councillors who regularly attend meetings but who gain nothing and contribute even less by their attendance; it is not unheard of for colleagues, in full view of the public, to be reading a newspaper, Tweeting their mates, or completing crosswords.

We must remember that there are many ways to learn, and many places in which to do so.

Whilst classroom attendance is important it is not nearly as valuable as achievement.

We must not forget either that there remains a real issue for working parents trying to juggle their leave entitlement to fit in around school terms, along with the price hikes inflicted on them by travel companies.

There are no easy answers but the decisions taken by those in authority do need to be challenged, if for no other reason than to open up the debate.

What appears not to have been addressed is how the fines imposed were to be used; to boost the schools diminishing budget perhaps?

Linda Piggott-Vijeh 3 Rectory Court Vicarage Hill Combe St. Nicholas TA20 3NE 0797 178 5069

Plea for info!

Sir, I am researching a local Author, Monica M. Hutchings, who wrote numerous books about Somerset and Dorset, both factual and fiction, published from 19401970's.

She lived in Sherborne, South Barrow and near Wareham. Any information, recollections or contacts would be very much appreciated, as I would really like to know more about this fascinating and productive writer.

Please contact: Robert James 01935 426995

Plain Words

Sir, Through January and February this year it was obvious to me that the Prime Minister together with leaders of the ‘Remain’ campaign were being increasingly selective with both the truth and the facts. Also

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parroted by various media.

Since 1989 I have spent some time and effort in getting myself informed and decided to share the information having voted in favour of a Common Market in June 1975 in my letters to the press.

I was the sole UK representative at business meetings in Europe between 1989 - 1993 involving business harmonisation throughout the then European Community. I became more accurately informed as the other eight committee members from different european countries were already viewing the EC as being a step towards a Federal States of Europe. They had all received very different information from their respective politicians and media than myself in the UK. This led to my greater interest in what the UK main political parties were advising the electorate, supported by most of the media, in particular the BBC. As a result I began to get myself better informed by reading of a synopsis of the European papers for several years; reading The Maastricht Treaty in 1993 and subsequently the proposed EU Constitution which became The Lisbon Treaty. Factual information regarding this research and treaties was included in my earlier letters. Facts.

My use of appropriate metaphors and analogies in previous letters was to illustrate more vividly the inaccuracy of the political statements currently being made as well as making plain my informed contempt for the repeated mis-information deliberately being used. Lies in other words.

Here’s another current porky from Chancellor George Osborne’s speech 18 April 2016 to the National Composite Centre, Bristol, verbatim ‘...

Never forget that while 44% of our exports (sic) go to the rest of the EU, …’ Simply not true.

These statistics, so beloved of Messrs Cameron, Osborne and the erstwhile Deputy Prime Minister, the Europhile Mr Clegg, are not based on any fact for they include those exports (sic) which are sent to the Ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam for containerisation for shipment to the Rest of the World (e.g. non EU countries). Traditionally that figure has been about 9% but is now more likely to be 11/12%.

Reference to The Pink Book, usually published in October, will determine the exact figure.

Following the problems of the euro currency and the overall downturn in the EU economy the

UK has sold less to the EU and significantly increased exports to The Rest of the World.

Mr Osborne is over stating by circa 30%. Fact.

Those MP’s who claim the UK is in control of its borders are blatantly wrong otherwise the Prime Minister’s oft repeated objective, until he realised he couldn’t was ‘... will get migration down to tens of thousands …’ Not possible and simply not achievable whilst we are a member of the EU. Fact.

Since 1973 when the UK joined the EEC (European Economic Community) the EU share of the global Gross National Product (GDP) has more than halved.

Fact.

The Euro is the only global currency to have been issued without being under-written by the issuing State/Authority. Reason, because the EU is not (yet) a single State, Federal or otherwise, and that was partially the reason for the attempted introduction of a European Constitution, signed 29 October 2004, but defeated by subsequent referendums in France and Holland in 2005. The Lisbon Treaty followed in 2007 as an amending treaty to the existing treaties and not a constitution.

Facts.

EU monetary policy in attempting to shore up the Euro has lead to civil unrest and strife in Greece, Spain and Portugal with the highest unemployment levels in those countries. Fact.

The continuing financial implications of the euro on the economies of Republic of Ireland, Italy, Malta and France in particular has not yet to be seen and reported upon.

The BBC in its current coverage of UK membership of the EU are continuing their blatant misinforming of the public and being highly selective in use of historic references. Fact.

As in June 1975 and as now the UK Prime Minister and the ‘Remain’ campaign lead a misinformation and deceitful campaign and the electorate are continuing to be duped.

On 23 June 2016 UK referendum about membership of the European Union it is about b y who m d o y o u wi sh t o b e governed? Those you elect to the UK Parliament or those you don’t in the EU. Colin McNamee 4 Neville Park Baltonsborough Somerset BA6 8PY

The Visitor

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THE VISITOR June 2016 5

Mentioned in

Dispatches

Mendip Decorative & Fine Arts Society

14th June 2016 Edward Hopper, America’s Realist Genius: After the AGM at 10.00am, Mr Eric Shanes, retired chairman of the Turner Society, will present the artist’s work to MDFAS. Please note this meeting is unusually on the 2nd Tuesday of the month.

MDFAS meet at the Bath and West Bar & Restaurant, B&W Show Ground, Shepton Mallet, BA4 6QN at 11.00 am. Details; www.mdfas.org.uk. Guests Welcome. Contact 01934 862435.

The Bishop’s Palace, Wells

The first 2016 cygnet from the famous swans at The Bishop’s Palace in Wells hatched out into the nest in the early hours of the morning of Saturday 30th April.

Viewers around the world have been keeping an eye on the huge nest by the moat at the Palace via the ‘Swan Cam’, the Palace’s infra-red web cam, which is

6 THE VISITOR June 2016

trained on the nest and designed to share fascinating footage of nature at its best, without any disturbance to the swans. It’s thought to be the first time in recent years that the cygnets have been born in April – last year it was May 4th.

The tradition of keeping swans on the moat dates back to the 1800’s when Bishop Hervey’s daughter first introduced a pair of Mute swans, which she subsequently taught to ring a bell at the Gatehouse to request food!

The tradition is still in place today and last year parents Wynn and Bryn taught the cygnets to ring the bell in record time.

Sparkies fly at Wessex Group

Three more apprentices from Dorset’s Wessex Group have become fully qualified and are now working for the family firm.

Electricians Billy Watson, Callum Child and Ryan Guy have spent four years honing their skills within the various companies under the Wessex Group umbrella.

They were on day release at Yeovil College’s north Dorset training centre, which is conveniently next door to the group’s HQ in Shaftesbury.

Each apprentice passed the

Twenty five students studying Art & Design at Strode College visited Berlin recently.

EAL Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment.

Having six companies in the group means the apprentices can move around and get the best grounding possible.

Currently there are 24 apprentices in the group and there is a new intake each year and places are highly coveted.

Simon Morgan, director of the group, said: ‘Billy, Callum and Ryan have been working on various contracts across the south west.

‘They all now have a wealth of experience and we’re delighted to have them as fully qualified electricians working within the group.’

The Wessex Group employs

around 400 people who work across the south and south west.

Creative Berlin Inspires Budding Artists

Twenty-five Strode College Art and Design students visited Berlin recently to seek inspiration for their work from the vibrancy and creativity of the city.

Foundation course manager and trip leader Duncan Cameron explained: ‘The educational visits we offer to students make a clear and positive impact on their work, in terms of vision and ambition. Following these exciting trips, the quality of work generated by students shows that they’ve become receptive to new imagery and concepts. I’m sure we’ll see Berlin references in the

Mentioned in

Dispatches students’ work in the End of Year show, which opens 13th – 22nd June.’

The students enjoyed a full and varied itinerary and highlights for the students included the Story of Berlin museum, The Medical History Museum and the Berlin Wall, all providing a social historical perspective on Berlin and the development of the city.

Other visits included a trip to The Holocaust memorial at the Brandenburg Gate, contemporary art galleries and museums, including a fantastic collection of classical artefacts from Ancient Greece and Rome in the Altes Museum and the Pergamon.

Jamie Rochford, from Bruton and studying Foundation Art & Design said: ‘This was a really great trip. Berlin offered a wealth of material, from classical collections through to modern art. I found the visit to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp both fascinating and thought provoking. The Natural History Museum was a particularly enjoyable venue because of the breadth of the collection. It gave me many opportunities to draw and gather material for my art work.’

Isadora Carter, from Wells and studying Level 3 Art & Design, said: ‘The Berlin trip gave us

The Southern Co-operative Funeralcare branches of Shaftesbury and Gillingham hosted a hand car wash and raised over £235 for the disabled children’s charity, Whizz-Kidz, whilst the car owners waited in the comfort of the Shaftesbury branch with hot tea and fresh, homemade cakes.

days packed with exciting venues. I found the contemporary art at Museum Hamburger Bahnhof and the many galleries at Museum Island particularly enjoyable and it gave me a chance to draw from the exhibits.’

Previous Art and Design trips have included visits to Florence, Barcelona, New York and Washington, Paris and Prague and next year’s trip is already in the planning stages. Duncan added ‘We are currently considering New York as our destination for 2017.’

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Heroes Breakfast 2016 13 – 26 June

Help for Heroes (H4H) are asking the nation to start the day in the best possible way; with a good deed! Their latest fundraising

initiative is a great way to fundraise with friends and family or with work colleagues.

Everyone says that breakfast is the most important part of the day, and in this case, it is!

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THE VISITOR June 2016 7

Mentioned in

Dispatches Whether you go for a healthy option, a good fry up or try something new, a ‘Heroes Breakfast’ is one of the easiest way to raise funds for our heroes.

A free fundraising pack is available to everyone who registers and includes collection boxes, a sweepstake game, balloons and Heroes Breakfast banner.

The ‘Heroes Breakfast’ campaign is from 13 – 26 June 2016, however if this isn’t convenient please feel free to choose a date that is. To register or for more information visit www.heroesbreakfast.org.uk or call 01980 846459.

Medals Galore!

Students from South West Martial Arts overcame tough competition recently at the International Taekwon do Federation Taekwon do Tournament held in Wiltshire.

Harry Limer, Keeley Limer, Neil Blandford, Sophie Fielder and David D'Costa all walked away celebrating their winning places in all divisions - high kicking patterns and sparring.

Instructor Jennie Alvarez said, ‘I'm extremely pleased with their results, all of their hard work has paid off.’

South West Martial Arts runs classes for children aged from 4 years right up to adults at classes in Stoke Sub Hamdon, Yeovil, Sherborne and Milborne Port.

For more information visit the website: www.swmartialarts.com

Sits Vac

Students from South West Martial Arts with their medals.

Ilminster Literary Festival 1st - 9th June

Tickets are on sale for Ilminster Literary Festival at The Book Rest, West Street, Ilminster (01460 52516), Just Things, Silver Street, Ilminster (01460 394931) or through the website www. ilminsterliteraryfestival.org

Rotary Club of Ilminster

Megan Rogers, who the Rotary Club of Ilminster had helped sponsor, spoke to them recently about her 11 day trip to Morocco last October. The main purpose of the trip, which Megan undertook with a group of friends, was to do some work on a community project in Imsker, both building work and working with children. They also took part in a trek across the mountains and in some relaxing activities.

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8 THE VISITOR June 2016

Megan thanked Rotary for their sponsorship and said she had gained a lot from taking part in the project. However, she was very pleased to get back to her own home and said that the trip had made her really appreciate family and friends and be grateful for all that she had.

Yeovil in Bloom bulb giveaway is back

The annual bulb giveaway from Yeovil’s award-winning floral display is upon us again, giving residents of south Somerset the opportunity to claim a free bag of bulbs that were used during last year’s bedding displays.

South Somerset District Council, who creates and maintains the floral displays on behalf of Yeovil Town Council, is inviting people to the bulb giveaway at St Johns Churchyard in Yeovil on Wednesday 1st June from 10am.

At the same time, the Yeovil in Bloom team will be installing street art from the Words on the Street Project in King George Street. Poems have been sent in by members of the public, printed onto biodegradable paper and will be wrapped around the London Plane Trees along the street.

Chairman of the Steering Group, Councillor David Recardo said, ‘Recycling old bulbs forms a key part of the Yeovil in Bloom strategy and helps ensure that more and more floral displays are planted throughout the Town making Yeovil an even more beautiful place in which to live, work and visit.’

The bulb giveaway and the

Words on the Street Project help towards the entry into the Royal Horticultural Society South West in Bloom Competition. The judging for this event in Yeovil will take place on Tuesday 12th July.

Yeovil won Gold in last year's South West in Bloom competition for the seventh time. Yeovil in Bloom also received two 'Outstanding' It's Your Neighbourhood awards for Kenmore Drive Residents Association and King Arthur Drive Residents. Four 'Thriving' It's Your Neighbourhood awards were also received for Brympton Allotments Association, The Foyer, Huish Primary School and West Abbey Residential Home.

The Yeovil in Bloom initiative is managed and funded by Yeovil Town Council, and delivered with the support of South Somerset District Council.

Langport & District History Society

The May meeting of the Langport & District History Society at Langport Library featured an interesting talk by Mary Miles on Brewing in Somerset.

The next regular meeting of the Society will be on Monday 6 June when Colin Spackman will give a presentation on Wellington and its Dukedom. It is free to members (annual membership is £12): non-members are welcome; admission £2, including refreshments. Anyone interested in joining the Society should contact Sue Standen on 01458 273471 or email: suzannestanden 471@btinternet.com

Antiques, Vintage & Collecting

Valuation Days by Lockdales

There will be an Antiques & Collectables valuation event on Tuesday 5th July, 12pm-4pm, at The Charlton House Hotel, Charlton Road, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 4PR (free car parking subject to availability).

Valuations provided on: Coins, stamps, banknotes, medals & militaria, antiques, clocks, watches, jewellery, gold, silver, pre-1900 documents/books & maps, cigarette-cards, postcards,

pre-1960 sporting programmes & tickets, scientific instruments, swords, bayonets & de-activated weapons. No appointment is necessary.

Those attending will have the option, if they wish, to consign their goods to auction (subject to terms & conditions). Cash purchase offers are also available.

Valuations will be provided free of charge, with no obligation.

Other events in Wellington on 6th July, and Bath on 7th July.

Any questions: 01473 627110, sales@lockdales.com or visit www.lockdales.com Pictured left and above right: just a sample of the wide range of ecletic antiques and collectables to be found at Antiques Bazaar in Crewkerne, where stock is constantly changing.

Antiques Fairs

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•

Saturday 18th June Digby Hall, Hound Street, Next to Library SHERBORNE • DT9 3AA 9.30am – 4pm • Trade 8.30am • Admission £1

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THE VISITOR June 2016 9

BOOK REVIEW

Durslade

by various contributors, Hauser & Wirth, 2015.

140pp hardback.

ISBN 978-3-9523630-8-9. £20.00

FOR AS LONG as I could remember, Durslade Farm had been on the district council’s register of historic buildings at risk. Standing on a hillside on the southern edge of Bruton, the farmhouse and some of the farm buildings were built in 1768 by the Berkeley family, who had bought Bruton Abbey after the dissolution of the monasteries, but by the 1980s the farm was unoccupied and becoming increasingly derelict. In 2009 Iwan and Manuela Wirth and their family moved into nearby Brewham, fell in love with the area and discovered Durslade.

This book documents in words and pictures what happened next.

In the introduction the Wirths write that ‘we knew that in Somerset we had found a very special place where we could bring all of our interests together: art, architecture, landscape, conservation, garden, food, education, community . . . and family’. Their vision was to transform the group of dilapidated farm buildings into an art centre, with galleries of contemporary art at its core but also including a perennial meadow garden, out d oor a rt installations, a guest house for visiting artists, an education room a nd a restaurant using produce from Durslade’s kitchen garden and farmland.

The b oo k provides an overview of how their vision was brought to fruition, opened to the public in July 2014 and attracted 130,000 visitors in its first year.

The first half of the book covers Durslade’s history, the design concept of the art

10 THE VISITOR June 2016

centre, restoration of the buildings and the creation of Piet Oudolf’s meadow garden and the Roth Bar and Grill. The second half is devoted to the first year’s exhibitions, artists’ residencies, community activities, education projects and collaborations with The Prince’s Trust and Bristol Old Vic Theatre. Each section is illustrated extensively with stunning photographs ranging from the farm in the 1930s and the derelict farm buildings before restoration, to the planting of the meadow garden in 2014, the massive Radic pavilion erected in it in 2015 and some of the exhibited art works and installations. And many of the recent photographs portray people using the centre – artists at work, local children and adults involving themselves in activities, and chefs at work in the restaurant.

Confirming the Wirth’s interest in and support of the local community, the book has been designed by the Brutonbased Lucy or Robert studio and printed by the Bateman family’s long-established Wincanton printing company now called Aurora. Both have done an excellent job, producing a book that looks good, feels good and most certainly is good. Even if you think you’re not interested in modern art you might find yourself pleasantly surprised when you’ve read it.

Wholeheartedly recommended.

NN.

BRUTON

The last Pack Horse Fair was well attended. Photo: Lumiere Photography.

The Bruton Packhorse Fair 30th May 2016

Bank Holiday Monday just wouldn’t be the same without the famous Bruton Packhorse Fair, eagerly anticipated by locals and visitors alike. Bruton Festival of Arts is delighted to announce an exciting and varied programme for this free-entry event on Monday 30 May from 10.30am till 6pm. Come and join in the fun with all the family!

As always there will be live music all day. The Wochynskis will kick off the show with their acoustic punk classics, followed by an incredible variety of bands including Captain Cactus & The Screaming Harlots, Fat Stanley, Loyd Grossman & the New Forbidden, Vodka Jellies, Holy Moly & The Crackers, The Activators and finally Sladest.

The small acoustic stage will run from 2.30pm, featuring many local performers. The fun continues into the evening, with music at the after-party hosted by the Bruton Art Factory 6-9pm and at the Castle from 7pm (both free entry). And of course local restaurants will be open for business too.

This year’s Packhorse Fair boasts a wider range of market stalls than ever, selling all manner of home and garden items and delicious food. The farmers’ market will be laden with fresh produce ranging from cakes and breads to pickles, jams and sauces. We also welcome many traders to our craft and vintage section – a great place for vintage clothes, jewellery and unusual gifts – and maybe a hidden treasure or two on the bric-a-brac stalls. And to keep your energy levels up throughout the day there will be a huge selection of food and drink on offer – everything from falafel to hog roast, from Pimms to real ale

and Bullbeggar cider. An eclectic and enticing menu is promised!

This is very much a family event with loads for the kids to do. Usual favourites include circus skills, an obstacle course, vintage fairground rides, hair braiding and face painting. This year there will also be a working craft area by the stepping stones. Here you can try your hand at making masks, sculpting with clay, glazing a pot in the Raku style, cutting a coin, or learning to knit and crochet. We also welcome the return of ‘Birdman’ Alan and his fabulous birds of prey.

The Bruton Dog Show kicks off at midday (with the arena open for entries at 11am); full details available from www.bruton vets.co.uk or www.packhorse fair.co.uk. And of course not to be missed is the now legendary Bruton Drag Race (3pm), in which our gorgeous ‘gals’ will be raising funds to keep our ‘Man on a Bench’ sculpture, currently on loan from the artist, Giles Penny. Sponsorship forms are available from www.pack horsefair.co.uk as well as from the Green Monkey, the Sun Inn and the Bruton Castle.

St Mary’s Church will be open all day. Drop in to see the Bruton Flower Club’s amazing display, join in a singing workshop, climb the west tower for a fantastic aerial view of the town, or simply absorb the centuries-old atmosphere.

If possible please use the free park and ride.

Follow signs to the Brewham road next to the Bruton Dam, from where it is also possible to take a short riverside walk into town. There will be cash points available in local supermarkets but we would encourage people to bring cash with them if possible to avoid pressure on them.

BRUTON

Taylors Bakery

Taylors Bakery was established in Brewham in 1945; the bakery passed to Sean Taylor and his wife, Catherine in 2007. The business has gone from strength to strength and now employs over 25 people including apprentices.

Their programme of continuous product development enables them to react to trends and enhance their range as tastes change and new opportunities arise. In April 2016, their Cheese & Jalapeno Bread won an award for innovation in the ‘British Baker Britain’s Best Loaf’ competition.

They pride themselves on a diverse product range, using local ingredients where possible, including sourdoughs, all-butter croissants, scones, artisan breads plus traditional cottage and farmhouse loaves.

Their produce can be found at a variety of farmers’ markets and local shops.

Bruton Motor Services

Established for over 22 years, Rob Mahoney and his experienced

Framed contemporary oil on canvas painting ‘Nice Plage’ by Goizit, on sale at Quillon House Antiques.

staff at Bruton Motor Services offer a full servicing and repair service on all makes of cars, vans and light commercials.

There is a fully equipped, purpose built, MOT bay complete

Quillon House Antiques 16 H IGH S TREET , B RU TON  01749 812269  17 th / 18 th C. Oak and    

Country Furniture Arms & Armoury Equestrian Paintings Valuations Undertaken Antiques Purchased

Pewter Charger and Monmouth Bowl.

Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10.00am – 5.30pm

Station Road, Bruton, Somerset

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

TYRES • BATTERIES • EXHAUSTS Contact Proprietor

Tel / Fax: 01749 812992 Mobile: 07976 401432 The exterior of Rachel’s Hair Salon, Bruton.

Rachel’s

Hairdressing Salon

Hairdressing for all the family

7 High Street, Bruton Somerset, BA10 0AB

 01749 813210 THE VISITOR June 2016 11

BRUTON

with all the latest diagnostic computer equipment for testing emissions etc.

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

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

Made in Bruton

If you’re looking for flowers for a special occasion, wedding, birthday or just to say ‘thank you’, visit The Flower Shop.

The Made In Bruton shop has made it to the High Street! The artisan gift shop offers a wide range of good quality locally produced items, including ceramics, jewellery, textiles, paintings, glass and wood pieces and the stunning 'Dovecote' mirrors made exclusively for the Made In Bruton shop. Also available are the 'Bruton' mugs and 'Great Bruton' t-shirts and many other gifts including cards and gift wrap. For unique, handcrafted products, pop along and see the wealth of talent on offer at 13, High Street Bruton BA10 0AB. Open Tues-Sat 10am-4pm Tel: 07983 775284.

The Montague Inn

Hidden away amongst the Somerset country lanes is the Montague Inn; a traditional 18th century local where everyone receives a warm welcome.

The cosy bar guarantees a warm and friendly atmosphere for that quiet chat or the simple

enjoyment of the local ales and ciders. The tastefully furnished restaurant leaves you breathless with its space and huge picture windows opening onto the terrace and garden with wide reaching rural views.

Noted and awarded for local sourcing of food and drink, whether it be a homemade pie or an a la carte dining extravaganza, owners Sean and Suzy O'Callaghan with Head Chef Mike Jones deliver a seasonal menu from the very best of the South West.

A favoured meeting place, half way to everywhere in the middle of nowhere. Come and visit us; with the family, the dogs or just on your own, we guarantee you won't be disappointed.

Green Lady

Green Lady is a little gem; packed with original recipes created by herbalist Vicki Templar using her own locally grown herbs. The Herbal Apothecary offers remedies for a good night's sleep to an aid with focus (great for exam students). There are salves to help with scar tissue, eczema, muscle ache or arthritis.

She also creates creams for all skin types as well as facial serums, packed with natural antioxidants, and Marigold handcream for gardeners. There are lovely perfumes designed to help with stress and anxiety or to help with PMT. Herbal consultations and treatments can be booked for dealing with specific health problems or an aromatherapy consultation to create your own unique healing perfume. There are even beautiful vintage perfume bottles for that special gift.

Say you saw it in The Visitor

12 THE VISITOR June 2016

MOTOR

VINTAGE Motor Cycling

Meat and Music Sunday 5th June 1 – 3 in the Afternoon Sunday Lunch entertained by Lewis Clarke & The Essentials

Bistro Night Wednesday 8th June Pick and Mix Bistro Night with Paco on Saxaphone 2 Course and ½ litre of Wine between two £ 25pp

Jazz in the Garden Sunday 19th June Sunday Lunch with The Bell Street Jazz Band

Cheese & Wine Evening Night before The Big Decision Selected Somerset Cheeses and French Wine plus a Fork Supper ££25 25 Mondays Steak Night Tuesdays Simple Supper Thursdays Moules Frites

MANY OF YOU, like me, will recall many happy hours spent on Bulbarrow Hill, Glastonbury Tor and various other circuits watching Scrambling. This was before the term Motocross had been invented. Local daredevils hurtling around the undulating tracks racing for the pure enjoyment of the sport as only the superstars could earn serious money. Oh what joyous days they were.

My interest has been reawakened in the knowledge that Classic Scrambling is still alive and well. There are two clubs locally organising events just like the traditional Scrambles we all knew and loved about 50 years ago. The Dorset Classic Scramble Club will be holding events on the 5th June at East Chelborough, 24th July at Galhampton and the 25th September at West Bourton. The South Coast Club will be doing similarly on the 11th September at a venue to be fixed. If that sounds like fun to you then why not give it a try. The proceeds made by both clubs mainly go to charity.

I made mention last month that the VMCC is seventy years old this year. Happily I was at the clubs AGM in April when the Baton was handed over to our W a rwi ckshi re Se ct i o n a s i t started its journey around all 86 Sections scattered throughout the United Kingdom. It passes through Somerset and Dorset during late May so should be well gone by the time you read this.

An interesting aside to the start for me was that in attendance was a man called Richard Duffin riding a 1926 Burney machine.

It transpires that Richard’s father owned this same machine in 1946 and was present at our clubs inaugural meeting at the Hogs

Back in Hampshire. A photograph taken at that first meeting shows Richard’s father with the machine. How nice that the machine has had a seventy year association with our club and it had been passed down from father to son. The bike runs well and still gives sterling service.

Another point of interest with the Burney machine is that originally there were two brothers whose surname was Burney.

They built two machines and naturally had one each. During the last war one of these machines was badly damaged during a bombing blitz in London and could not be saved. Therefore just the one Burney machine survives.

There has been great expectations in the motorcycle press recently about a horde of 8 Brough Superior motorcycles which had come to light in Cornwall. These machines are the Rolls Royce of two wheeled transport and always command much respect and high values.

The Bodmin Broughs as they had become known were all in a shocking state, very rusty and dilapidated, and all in need of a very expensive restoration. Well they came up for auction at the end of April and high prices were certainly attained. The normal models ranged from £32,000 to £175,000, plus the buyers premium of 15% plus VAT. The exceptional model was a BS4 which used an Austin Seven car engine and had twin rear wheels.

They were intended primarily for sidecar work and only about 14 were ever made. The one at the auction raised a bid of £331,000.

By the time the premiums are paid and a full restoration has been done then that will be one very expensive machine. I wonder if it will ever be used on the road again.

All clubs have a busy June as we hopefully enjoy some summer sun. The Somerset Section have an Evening Run for their club

GLIDEROL GARAGE DOORS

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

G.H. SALES. Tel: 01935 891414

THE VISITOR June 2016 13

MOTOR ING

night on the 2nd. Next they have the Girder Fork and Rigid Frame Run from Emborough on the 5th, and lastly have an Evening Meet at Spaxton on the 16th. The Wessex V and V Section have their Mercian Excursion Run from Whitley on the 12th, followed by club night on the 13th. Dorset start off with their Lunch Meet at West Stour on the 1st, then the club night on the 8th is an Evening Run. On the 12th will be the Purbeck Run starting from Winterborne Zelston, and on the 15th there will be a Mid Week Run starting at 2pm from The Udder Farm Shop at East Stour. On the 25th they return to West Stour for the Breakfast Meet. As usual for more details ring 01935-872528.

I must confess that I have never been smitten with two stroke machines, mainly because the bikes of my youth were very unreliable, smelly and made a dreadful noise. Well rumour now has it that from next year the Government will ban the sale of new machines which use two stroke engines. I suspect this will be part of EU regulations but everyone is being rather tight lipped about this at present.

Whether things will change if we

14 THE VISITOR June 2016

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withdraw from the EU will be anyones guess.

My picture this month was taken recently at a Wessex V and V Section Run. It illustrates the point that even old machines can be very reliable with just a bit of maintenance and due care. The

rider should perhaps remain anonymous as he fettles his machine at the start and blackens his fingers in the process.

Needless to say the machine completed the run with no problems, the rider however tested his tastebuds as he ate his sticky cakes with oily hands. All good clean (?) fun.

Rod Hann.

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ON A WALL of Castle Cary Museum in the Market House there hangs the earliest known map of the town, thought to date from 1673. It’s a fascinating document, showing the sizes and ownership of the plots of land and premises, and the museum

volunteers have helpfully highlighted the sites of some of today’s buildings as an aid to interpreting the map. But parts of it are very indistinct as it is what appears to be a photocopy of the original which is in the collection of the British Library

The museum in the Market House has a fascinating collection of exhibits revealing the town’s history, including a detailed map from 1673.

Cary’s most-photographed building must surely be the flemish-style 19th century Market House in the centre of the town.

HIGHFIELD HOUSE Residential Care Home

If you are considering a move into Residential Care ...

Highfield House provides excellent care in a homely environment.

Situated in the centre of Castle Cary we benefit from all the delights that Castle Cary has to offer within a short walk.

Our calibre of staff is second to none and we are here to cater for each and every individual person. Please feel free to contact us for any further information

 Finalists in the Care Focus “Care Organisation of The Year” award 2016 

Telephone: 01963 350697 Email: highfieldhouse@yahoo.co.uk Website: www.highfieldhousecastlecary.co.uk

THE VISITOR June 2016 15

in London. The good news is that the original has now been digitised and a new print will shortly be displayed in the museum, and parts will be available, probably in the form of postcards, for purchase as a fundraiser for the museum.

The man behind this initiative is local resident and historian Will Vaughan, and on Friday 10th June he will be giving a talk on Castle Cary in the 17th century. It takes place in the Market House shambles at 6.00pm. For further details drop into the museum or email castlecarymuseum@hotmail.com.

As well as the old map the museum has an extensive

collection of agricultural, industrial and domestic artefacts dating from medieval to modern times and revealing aspects of Castle Cary’s past. It is well worth a visit and is open on weekdays from 10.30am to 12.30pm and 2.00pm to 4.00pm and on Saturdays in the morning only. Admission is free.

Will Vaughan and his wife Pek Peppin live in what must surely be the oldest house in Castle Cary, appropriately named The Old House, at Cockhill a little over a mile south-west of the town centre. When built sometime around 1440 it was called Lower Cockhill Farm and was a typical timber-framed

The medieval and beautifully restored Old House at Cockhill must surely be the oldest house in Castle Cary.

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

CASTLE FRYER Traditional Fish & Chips Open Tuesday – Saturday 12noon – 2pm, 5pm – 10pm Closed Mondays • Open Bank Holidays

2 Station Road, Castle Cary Tel: 01963 350566

HIGH QUALITY PICTURE FRAMING & GALLERY Over 35 years experience – Drymounting & laminating Tapestries stretched – picture restoration Conservation frames – mirrors – glass cut Watches – watch batteries and straps

 Unique range of teak root sculptures

 Curious Lighting

 Mukul Goyal – chrome figures/gadgets . . . an ideal quirky gift for the man in your life

STUDIO 13 • THE TRIANGLE CASTLE CARY • BA7 7BD

 01963 359050 • studio13-online.co.uk

16 THE VISITOR June 2016

From the Market Place to the horsepond busy Fore Street boasts a broad range of small shops.

Fore Street, Castle Cary

 Private Sight Tests  NHS Sight Tests   Full Range of Dry Eye Products   Part of the ACES Scheme for Somerset   Daylight Lamps  Magnifiers 

Fantastic Array of Frames from budget to designer Chloe – CK – William Morris London Diane Von Furstenberg – Salvador Ferragamo

Also a wide selection of Childrens & Teenagers Frames

Variety of Superior Brands of Lightweight Titanium Frames including Lindberg and Air Pro-Optic Excellent Choice of Maui Jim Sunspecs

 SpeCIAl OFFeR on pReSCRIpTIOn SunSpeCS   neW OCulAR 3D pHOTO SCAnneR 

 01963 351948 • Email: cary@frithsopticians.co.uk

Honey-coloured local limestone was used to construct many of the buildings in Castle Cary.

medieval hall house with a crosspassage, hall and hearth in the centre and a bay on either side, one probably used for livestock and storage and the other for domestic purposes. By the early 1500s a small jettied room has been added above the front door, and a century later a first floor was introduced into the central hall and a chimney built to replace the central hearth.

Historians tell us that in the 16th century most English people were still living in rather dark, squalid and cramped dwellings with rooms open to the rafters and the thatch of the roof. They were mostly built of a timber frame with walls of reinforced mud, the whole raised upon a

rubble foundation. Few houses were built of stone, even in stone country. Towards the end of the century the wealthier yeomen

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

Oxford Mill ~ of ~ Castle Cary

Clothing, Accessories and Fine Toiletries for Women & Men

The Market Place CASTLE CARY, BA7 7AG Tel: 01963 350230

www.oxfordmillclothing.co.uk Light is the source - The glow and spectrum of colours The shades and darkness of contrast - The power of motion Our passion is mastering light’s brilliance Balancing its beauty - And harnessing its power To recreate spectacular visual experiences - To fill you with wonder

MASTERING THE MAGIC OF LIGHT TRUE TO THE DIRECTOR’S VISION

SUMMER FASHION Lily & Me cool cotton tops and dresses Chinos  Tunics Goose Island Italian fashion Summer Footwear ...

Pretty Scarves and more!

Neal’s Yard stockist

Her Majesty the Queen graces the window of Oxford Mill on the occasion of her 90th birthday.

SEE E INSTOR S R E F F O FOR

5 Year Warranty on selected models

FREE local installation & delivery and disposal of old set

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

www.abishopelectrical.co.uk email: bishopelectrical@btconnect.com

THE VISITOR June 2016 17

began to build for themselves larger and better houses, in freestone where it was available, and the fashion for rebuilding slowly spread down to the lesser farmers and perhaps to the more prosperous cottagers. This happened at Lower Cockhill Farm, probably in the early 18th century, when a substantial stone extension was built on the west side of the medieval house.

The thatched roof of the original house was replaced by tiles in the 1920s and it continued to be occupied until the 1950s, after which it fell into dereliction.

By the early 1980s the owners had decided to split the house into two separate dwellings and sell the medieval part – and that was when Will Vaughan and his wife stepped in and started the long, painstaking and costly task of restoring it. During renovation of the jettied room they discovered, behind the plasterwork, some original wall paintings of religious significance on the mud of the wattle and daub walls, which they have carefully conserved

along with many of the other original features of the house.

From time to time they open their house to visitors, usually on Sunday afternoons by prior arrangement, and it is necessary to book well in advance – email them at house@medieval barn.co.uk or telephone 01963 351288.

Opposite the museum is

another of the town’s very old buildings – the George Hotel – and although the datestone on the wall shows 1673, parts of the building are thought to be considerably older. In comparison the Market House itself is a mere youngster, built as recently as 1855, but it is probably Cary’s most-photographed building. The Market Place and High Street

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 noticeboard on the wall between the library and the post office advertises the many events of this thriving little town.

Castle Cary Post Office Cards  Stationery  Soft Toys Medici  Ling  Caspari  Woodmansterne Noel Tatt  Lamy Pens

Euros & Dollars on Site: all other currency next day Passport Checking  Top-Ups Bill Payment – Car Tax – Post Office Homephone – etc.

Bailey Hill, Castle Cary. Tel: (01963) 350237

provide an attractive setting for the many interesting shops, some of them in buildings constructed of the same honey-coloured local limestone as the Market House.

A newcomer to the High Street is the Clerkenwell Fine Art gallery and wine bar in the premises adjoining one of the Needful Things shops. Tucked away on The Pitching on the west side of the Market House is one of the town’s specialist businesses, The Clock Shop, and behind it on Bailey Hill is the historic ‘pepper pot’ lock-up dating from 1799 and the handsome house built in 1767 that is now the post office.

When you’re window-shopping in the town it’s worth remembering that until the late 18th century most of the properties in Cary were twostorey, built of rough local stone and thatched – the front part of the George Hotel remains as an example. And behind the 19th and 20th century facades of some of the town centre shops are buildings dating from earlier centuries, especially on busy Fore Street that stretches from the Market Place to the horsepond and is lined with a broad range of small shops. The size, architectural style, materials and appearance of many of Cary’s buildings help to explain how the town changed and expanded in the 300 years from the 17th century. Will Vaughan’s talk on 10th June promises to provide a lot more information about what the town was like at the start of that period.

Roger Richards.

Castle Cary Museum

The first of a Series of Museum Talks took place on Friday 15th April when Chris Hicks gave an

R. Smith & Sons AGRICULTURAL CONTRACTORS For all Agricultural Work including: Grass, Maize & Whole Crop Silaging Hedge Trimming • ploughing • Ditching Mini Excavators for: landscaping, Fencing, Drainage Work etc.

18 THE VISITOR June 2016

Tel: 01963 351203 or 01749 812510

excellent talk entitled Dead Drunk for Tuppence, relating to some of the Pubs of Cary. It was a most successful evening and the next talk is scheduled for the 10th June entitled An Accurate Mapp of ye Mannor of Castle Cary by Prof. Will Vaughan. A talk about the oldest known map of Cary &

Ansford (1682–4). Doors to the Market House - Shambles open at 6pm, talk 6.30pm.

Tickets £7 (glass of wine included) from the Museum and Bookshop, a Raffle – plus a chance to order a print of part of the map. Proceeds to Castle Cary Museum - look out for the posters.

Historical Market House to be transferred back to Castle Cary Town Council

Castle Cary Market House will be transferred to Castle Cary Town Council (CCTC) after Members of South Somerset District Council’s (SSDC) Executive Committee approved

the decision at their meeting in April.

The recent approval to transfer the Market House from SSDC to CCTC is the culmination of many years hard work between the two organisations, including the completion of a substantial renovation and improvement

of Castle Cary

Many new gifts for men ... ideal for Father’s Day 7 High Street, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7AN 01963 351352 • www.needfulthings.uk.com

Three Counties Landscape & Tree Services Ltd @ Julian Shave

Landscapers welcome new team member!

David Gawler has recently joined Three Counties Landscape and Tree Services Ltd @ Julian Shave.

David has over twelve years experience in both hard and soft landscaping everything from turf preparation and patio laying, through to the installation of pergolas and ponds.

Since starting in business some 11 years ago proprietor Julian Shave says “The business has grown immensely and we now employ 12 members of staff, full time. David will be a great asset in managing the day-to-day running of the business enabling me to concentrate on other aspects of the business.”

The landscaping side of the business is extremely popular and the team can transform your garden whether it is large or small using carefully selected plants and features.

Why not give them a call? And enjoy the benefits of a beautifully designed garden this summer!

In addition to the comprehensive landscaping services for which they are well known they offer a complete garden care service from one off maintenance through to regular contracts for both the private individual and commercial undertakings e.g. local housing development sites. The Tree Services offer everything from a supply, delivery and planting service through to hedge-laying and tree removal.

If you prefer to plant your own garden then a visit to Julian’s other business The Market Garden greengrocers and florist shop in the centre of Castle Cary is well

worth a visit. There is a host of colourful bedding plants and vegetable plants now in. A hanging basket planting service is also offered. There is a range of garden sundries on sale including a selection of reclamation items such as old pots. There is, of course, a wide choice of fresh fruit and vegetables - local and British where possible. Proving popular are the tasty organic salad leaves supplied by Mick Denny.

There is a good choice of cut flowers, silk flowers and pot plants together with floristry items. Flowers can be sent locally and nationally for any occasion using their e-florist.  Gift vouchers are also available.

The Market Garden Hart House, Fore Street, Castle Cary, BA7 7BQ Office: 01963 31226 • Quotes: 07738 524254 • www.julianshave.co.uk

THE VISITOR June 2016 19

programme in 2014.

SSDC stepped in to rescue the building in 1991 after the previous company that owned it had insufficient resources, were failing to maintain it and to complete on-going repair obligations.

Following consultation on the Town’s Community Plan in 200506, the Market House project emerged from a household survey as the highest priority for local residents and on this basis, the Town Council approached SSDC with a view to making further improvements to the building.

The Market House is a historical significant Grade II* listed building, built in 1855 in anticipation of an increase in trade to be bought by the new railway.

It is the home of the Town Council, the museum and a commercial dance studio. Since the completion of the major improvement project, it has become an increasingly well used and versatile venue for a wider variety of community activities.

Councillor Henry Hobhouse,

South Somerset District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Property said, ‘Transferring the ownership is a win-win situation for both the District Council and Town Council. There is a high level of confidence that going forward this historic building will be maintained sustainably within the community.’

Terry Philpott, Castle Cary Town Councillor said, ‘The origins of this decision date back to the production of the town’s community plan in 2006, in which the Market House was identified as the highest priority for local people, their support and commitment through a massive fund raising programme for the improvement project has helped bring this project to fruition.’

Nick Weeks, District and Town Councillor added, ‘This has been a successful long standing partnership between the two organisations and now that conditions are right, the natural conclusion of this work is to transfer the asset back to community ownership within Castle Cary.’

Sposored Dog Walk

The Delaware Veterinary Group will be holding a sponsored dog walk on Saturday 11th June to raise money for Pets as Therapy.

The 5km route will follow the Leland Trail and will start and finish at the practice. Delaware staff will accompany walkers and their canine companions around the route and as a reward for successfully completing it, refreshments and cakes will be available at the finish line. Entry is £10.00 per dog and all canine participants will receive an ‘I stomped with Delaware’ neckerchief whilst owners will get a certificate. If you are not a dog owner, you are still welcome to join us and any contribution to our nominated charity would be welcomed. We will be looking to set off at 2.00pm so please be sure to arrive in plenty of time. To register your interest, please call the practice on 01963 350307.

practitioners who are offering Reiki to the public meet the National Occupational Standards, which is the highest level of qualification available for a Reiki Practitioner.

This qualification has enabled Kevin to register with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). The CNHC's register has been approved as an Accredited Register by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care and is used by the NHS. Kevin is the only Reiki practitioner in The Visitor coverage area to belong to the CNHC and is one of only three registered Reiki practitioners in the whole of Somerset.

Heal and Sole Holistics

Small Animal, Farm & Equine 24 Hour Emergency Service provided by our own staff

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

CASTLE CARY  01963 350307 YEOVIL  01935 474690 info@delawarevets.co.uk • www.delawarevets.co.uk

RICH’S AUTO SERVICES ◆ Servicing and repairs on all makes of car ◆ MOTs by appointment TYRES — EXHAUSTS — BATTERIES OPEN: MONday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm Saturday mornings by appointment

Unit 4, Torbay Road Trading Estate Torbay Road, CASTLE CARY, BA7 7DT

 01963 350568

20 THE VISITOR June 2016

Kevin Stevens, a Reiki Master Practitioner with Heal and Sole Holistics, has recently gained his Reiki Council Professional Practitioner Certificate. The Reiki Council is the lead advisory body for Reiki practitioners in the UK and can verify that Reiki

Kevin Stevens - Reiki Professional Practitioner.

Martins of Castle Cary

Market Place, Castle Cary Tel: 01963 350208 Delicatessen • Grocer • Off Licence Specialising in Food from the West Country Open: 8.15am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL

Receive up to £500 towards your Internet connection

Superfast rural Internet provider Wessex Internet are named as suppliers of the Superfast Dorset and Connecting Devon and Somerset scheme.

The scheme will provide a subsidy of up to £500, in the form of a voucher code, to fund the installation of a new broadband connection. It is available to those that are currently not able to access Internet speeds of greater than 2Mb/s and will not benefit from the fibre deployment. The scheme will run for one year up until March 2017 and is open to individual residents, small businesses and communities.

Wessex Internet Managing Director, Andrew Skipsey says, ‘This will be great to help us serve more remote areas and potential customers where we already have a presence where BT speeds are slow.’

Wessex Internet packages start at just £25 per month and offer speeds of up to 50Mb/s in its operating areas of Dorset,

Simon Hoare presenting prize to Wessex Internet’s 1001st customer Katherine Taylor.

THE VISITOR June 2016 21

BUSINESS Wiltshire and Somerset. In February they celebrated reaching their 1000th customer and they have recently been named as the 2nd fastest nonFTTP provider in the UK, by Thinkbroadband’s speed test undertaken by customers.

For further details go to wessexinternet.com/subsidy_ scheme or call on 0333 240 7997.

BHS Collapse

HARDLY A WEEK goes by without news of yet another business going under than we find that hot on its heels new headlines remind us that the employment stability of the past has long since gone. I can well remember the downfall of Woolworths which was to forever change our local high streets, notwithstanding many other familiar brand names, now obsolete.

Last month Tata announced plans to close down its steel operation in the UK. I cannot claim to be an expert but in amongst the outcry, and attempts to cast blame wherever it would stick, it seems that the situation was largely caused by the collapse of global steel prices, making profitability harder to achieve. This is a dilemma affecting many traditional industries as technological advances result in significant changes in the way we lead our lives.

Currently the collapse of former retail giant BHS has dominated the news. On the surface the two stories are quite different, no matter what the cause, but for those whose livelihoods, and that of their families, are dependent on them being in gainful employment, the effects can be devastating.

What is particularly sobering, is that it is becoming increasingly clear that the

22 THE VISITOR June 2016

collapse of BHS is almost entirely due to greedy shareholders asset stripping the business.

They are in effect lining their own pockets at the expense of hard working employees, who are often earning little more than minimum wage, with no stability or guarantee of income.

This is no life for decent people to be leading.

Whether or not the actions of the directors and shareholders of large corporations is legally wrong or not does not come into it, or rather, it shouldn’t.

At the highest levels, as we have been hearing, we are not talking about a few hundred thousand pounds, but millions being syphoned off, using tax loopholes to avoid the burden of profits finding their way into the chancellor’s coffers.

This is clearly immoral and whatever steps can be taken to re-dress the balance must be taken. They must be held to account. The problem is that governments, of whatever political persuasion, are reluctant to do battle with those who are often significant donors to their cause.

The big question is that when we have people living on the breadline in our towns and villages, how can anyone justify stashing away such huge sums of money for personal gain?

What on earth can any human being need such huge sums of money for?

Most of us like to surround ourselves with nice things, own nice homes and go to nice places, much of which costs a lot of money. However, we can only sleep in one bed at a time, wear one pair of designer underpants, put on one pair of trousers, one shirt, one suit and one tie at a time; we can only travel in one car, sit at one table, drink from one glass, eat one thing at a time; and when we eventually die we can take none of it with us.

All else is just pure vanity, at the expense of those who wait on us hand and foot, exploited to satisfy every whim. Whilst such behaviour continues, I predict it will not be long until we see an uprising of the masses.

Such avaricious behaviour only deserves our contempt. Respect is much harder to gain, and cannot be bought, at any price.

LP-V.

The

Pub Pages

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

SO ... here we are still in the Good Ol' USA this month, heading deep into the South to visit New Orleans.

Taking the highways can be traumatic, or boring, dependant on the time of day, for 8 lanes (each way) all doing 70 mph can have ones nerves on edge! We headed though Alabama (complete with 'Sweet home' added on the name boards, which were indeed inspired by the song we were told) through Mississippi to Louisiana. The States at that

The

point are relatively close together, but nevertheless it was a 515 mile journey. The approach to New Orleans is across bridges that seem endless by British standards, and the land is clearly much lower here - hence the damage done in big storms and hurricanes tends to be more severe. The temperature was in the 80's (Fahrenheit) but certainly muggy with it. We were staying in the French Quarter, which we were led to believe was completely safe, even though our guide book told us that areas of the city made it one of the worst for murders, although thankfully turf wars mean the perpetrators tend to be doing each other in rather than the visitors. Indeed, we felt totally safe, and at one time my wife spent a morning wandering around the area on her own.

A short walk from our hotel led us to a mainly fish-orientated restaurant closer to the waterfront. By the time we had arrived it was a little late and surprisingly the clientele were thinning out. Along with our food we enjoyed an Amber Ambiter ale and Porter, and being the last to leave the friendly staff offered us a couple of bottled beers that had been opened but not consumed.

Wyndham Arms

KINGSBURY EPISCOPI nr. MARTOCK SOMERSET TA12 6AT



Friday 27th May

LAUNCH of NEW SUMMER MENU



Now on Sunday serving Roasts and Full Menu ... from mid-day to 7pm

ALL REAL ALES £3 per Pint

Also Thatchers Heritage + Burrow Hill CIDERS £3 per Pint

Bank Holiday Monday 30th May

LIVE MUSIC with ...

DAVE CURTIS Guitar / Vocals  5pm – 8pm

Tel: 01935 823239

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

Vinny visits The Crown at Sherborne for their Music Night

People travel miles for our delicious HOMEMADE PIES

We gratefully accepted of course (rude not to) only to find that as they were poured into disposable cups it was in fact 'Bud Lite'.

Noooo ... ! (Opened bottles are not allowed on the street). Accepting them graciously and tasting them out of politeness then making a rapid exit stage right, we had to dispose of them as frankly, the beer was as every bit as tasteless and uninteresting as that nearbeer always has been. Getting just out of sight we surreptitiously poured them into some flower beds that were in large pots at the roadside!

Wandering along the thronging streets at night is an experience that is a full-blooded assault on the senses, where all the races of mankind mix in a cacophony of languages, music, street entertainers and noisy confusion.

Certainly one that we enjoyed but as for living there ... no thanks.

Incidentally, various flags hang outside the innumerable pubs giving an indication as to the inclination of the clientele ... if you catch my drift.

We drifted back toward our Hotel situated in Decatur Street, stopping for a drink in a bar opposite, named 'Evangeline' where we were served by Sean Ryan McGee. Yes, a (second generation) Irishman! Easy-going as one might expect from anyone from the Emerald Isle, he chatted freely and even presented your writer with a complimentary Bourbon as I was yet to taste this iconic drink. He even made it a pricey one ('that's a $15 shot') but sadly I was unimpressed, despite the alleged quality and our environ. Shame, really. Never mind, the Milk Stout was

particularly good here we thought. We paid more than one visit to the Crescent City brewery, where one can see the fermenters as well as enjoying live Jazz during a meal. Again, excellent artisan beers are freely available, many styles and all ice-cold. This is a bit of a no-no with real ale, as we tend to preach regularly, but with these styles, the flavour is still there, and when the temperature is in the mid-80's (Farenheit), and 'close' with it, then believe me, 'cold' is fine! In fact if one dwells with a drink too long, then it becomes almost warm.

One may get the impression

Just one of many mouthwatering dishes on our menu!

2 Course LUNCHES £8.95 Tuesday to Saturday Wednesday & Thursday Special

SURF, TURF, SWINE and WINE NIGHT

2 Rump STEAKS or 2 Beer Battered HADDOCK or 2 Gammon STEAKS or ANY 2 with a ...

CARAFE of WINE £23.50 per couple • BOOKING ADVISED

★ SUNDAY ROASTS ★

Book now for FATHER’S DAY – Sunday 19th June

ROYAL OAK Chris & Jill look forward to welcoming you at the ...

Over Stratton, South Petherton Tel: 01460 240906

A Charming Country Inn

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 June 2016 23

that we spent all our times in pubs, or the American equivalent thereof. Rest assured dear reader that we did do some sight-seeing and that lunch-times and evenings were the only times, and drink was sampled in

moderation. In fact needless to say we did do a few touristy things, a buggy mule-hauled tour of the French Quarter was interesting (including a large cemetery!) plus a trip on the Mississippi river boat 'Natchez'

The MUDDLED

MAN

Your hosts, Mick, Jean and Garry welcome you to

Lower Street, West Chinnock A charming country inn serving home cooked fayre lunchtime & evening

QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

Saturday 11th June • Live Music with One Tree Hill starts 8pm • Barbecue

SUNDAY LUNCH £7.95 choice of roast Larger parties catered for

FRESH FISH DAY Friday

With home-made BEER BATTER

STEAK SPECIAL two 8oz rump steaks £16.50 Sunday to Thursday

Daily Specials • Real Ale • Skittle Alley • Beer Gardens • Accommodation • Rambler Groups Welcome

www.themuddledman.co.uk

Tel: 01935 881235

(genuinely steam-powered) was of particular interest as was the swamp tour. The latter was aboard a 454 cu. in. Chevy powered air-boat, somewhat noisy to say the least, but nevertheless we did meet a few friendly snakes, turtles and alligators.

Really.

Leaving Louisiana for a trip along to Florida we stayed a night in Fort Walton, paddling in the Gulf of Mexico - beautiful.

However it clouded over and by next morning was raining! So heading back to Atlanta we again sampled the local fare, this time the one particularly outstanding was at a pub (and very much like an English pub it was too) at a suburb of Atlanta that shared its name with the street in which we stayed in New Orleans, Decatur.

The establishment is named the 'Brickstore' and Richard, our Godson, took us there where we

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

Farm Street • TINTINHULL Nr. YEOVIL • BA22 8PZ

A lovely rural pub set amidst beautiful gardens We welcome NEW HEAD CHEF RODNEY SCOTT Aaron Athersuch also joins our experienced team alongside Adrian McCavish

Come and experience the imaginative NEW MENU ... freshly prepared using only the finest local produce

STARTERS to whet your appetite …

Game terrine served with homemade piccalilli Tender pigeon breast – and a vegetarian mezze

MAIN COURSES to tempt you …

Chicken breast wrapped in bacon and stuffed with mozzerella & rocket Braised ox cheek Vegetarian Wellington Duet of mushroom & brie and feta & butternut squash each wrapped in filo pastry served in a cider cream

We retain our ever popular PUB CLASSICS menu with favourites such as local ham egg & chips, ploughman’s, salads, sandwiches and ciabatta melts

DAILY SPECIALS BOARD – including Fresh Fish TRADITIONAL SUNDAY LUNCHES ... book now for Fathers Day 19th June

REAL LOG FIRE • BEAUTIFUL GARDENS • REAL ALES • AMPLE PARKING • ENSUITE ACCOMMODATION AA Rosette Award For Culinary Excellence 2014 / 2015

Bookings Tel: 01935 823341

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

24 THE VISITOR June 2016

 Inn

met up with some of his friends and marvelled at the incredible range of beers available. It is referred to by the founders as a 'Tavern' which may be a little loose, but hey; who cares? The beer menu is little short of a telephone-directory, from where one can choose from the massive list of beers from all over the World. They boast 29 beers on draught for starters and 75 bottled. However this is just the start, for there are English classic versions of exclusive aged ales (Fullers, we noticed, from 2002) and the number of world classics is heading for a thousand. A boast of the 'Biggest Beer Cellar in America', could go unchallenged, I feel! This is not all, for 'Upstairs and to the left' as the must-visit website states, is the Belgian Bar, where numerous draught and bottled Belgian and Belgianstyled ales are served, and yes, even Kwak, in the correct glass!

This came about as the change in the law in Georgia where it was not possible to sell beers of over 6% ABV until 2004. As we said last month; some of the American drink laws can be strange. This is one pub I would say is unmissable, and if you are in the area, or even if you aren't, then do take a look, I know you won't regret it!

Everyone we speak to about our trip asks if we tried 'Moonshine'. We have to admit we did. In fact, about 20 different flavoured versions! My favourite was still the 'original', although the memory is a little on the hazy side.

One beer style we came across regularly was 'IPA' - yes, India Pale Ale. However, of all the American residents we spoke to not one realised what 'IPA' meant and why it was originally brewed (even though they knew what the initials stood for). All were somewhat shocked when we explained that it was to make the long sea journey for the soldiers in India when we British invaded.

(Sorry, 'colonised') Over the last couple of months it may have not gone unnoticed that this column has become a little more like a travelogue, for which I make no apology as I would like to think that amongst you lovely people out there in Visitorland, there are many who take a trip across the pond. It is certainly not my intent to make you envious, but to encourage you to seek out some of the fabulous beers that the Americans have produced. Of the many they now brew, credit is oft given to the Brits and Belgians for restimulating their interest in

The

Pub Pages

creating similar styles that we over here are renowned for. How about New Orleans? Yes, definitely worth a visit - and during Mardi Gras is undoubtedly even more amazing - but looking for the House of the Rising Sun will be a futile search.

Do try the fish restaurant near the riverfront. You can't miss it; it's the one with the dead flowers outside!

Y'all have a good day now!

The Crown & Victoria Tintinhull.

Whizzing on to West Stour The Heart of Wessex Branch of CAMRA has named The Ship Inn as their Pub of The Year 2016 ... welcome James and Kerrin at The Mermaid, Sherborne ...

Teddy Rowe is the name of the newly revamped Skippers ... on Monday 20th June Treacle Eater Clog North West Morris dancers & musicians will be performing outside The Chetnole Inn, Chetnole at 8pm ... and again at The White Hart, Yetminster at 9pm ... Monday 6th June Treacle Eater Clog North West Morris dancers & musicians will be performing outside The Royal Oak, Cerne Abbas at 8pm and again at The Hunters Moon, Middlemarsh at 9 pm.

Cycling on to Corton Denham G & Tea is a refreshing twist on the traditional afternoon cream

tea at The Queens Arms Corton Denham ... enjoy the sun in the outside decking terrace at The Mildmay Inn, Queen Camel ...

Gin Lovers should head for the festival at The Orchard Inn, Galhampton ... Special Promotion

The

for School leavers at Truffles Brasserie Bruton where Poppy Rawlinson-Plant is now front of house ... on Monday 13th June Treacle Eater Clog North West Morris dancers & musicians and their friends Beetlecrushers will

Lord Nelson

Rectory Lane, Norton Sub Hamdon Mark, Helen and staff welcome you to ‘The Nelson’

GOOD FOOD - GOOD BEER - GREAT ATMOSPHERE THURSDAY EVENINGS ...

Paella & Sangria £14 per person (to include Sangria)

Sunday 29 th May: The Transitions (covers/originals) Saturday 4 th June: Flatland Boogie Band Sunday 5 th June: Sunday Quiz with Liz & Lyn ... in aid of the Bristol Oncology Unit (Last Quiz of Summer)

Friday Night Saturday 18 th June: One Tree Hill PIZZA th Sunday 19 June: Father’s Day treat him to Sunday Lunch!

EAT IN OR TAKE AWAY Tuesday and Wednesday – Steak Night 2 Steaks & Bottle of Wine £30 Monday to Thursday – Lunch 2 Course £8, 3 Course £12 COURTYARD  BEER GARDEN AT REAR AMPLE PARKING OPEN ALL DAY FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY

Tel: 01935 881473 www.thelordnelson.biz

AROUND THE

HOUSES IN CURRY RIVEL ... The Firehouse Somerset is a village pub that has been lovingly restored with a twist of modern, yet full of traditional charm, and officially opens on 26th May ... always a good pint at The Barrington Boar, Barrington ... delicious homemade lunches just £5 at The Halfway House, Chilthorne Domer ... Monday 27th June, Treacle Eater Clog North West Morris dancers & musicians with their friends Enigma will be performing outside The Prince of Wales, Ham Hill and again at The Phelips Arms, Montacute at 9pm ... and in The Fleur de Lis Stoke Sub Hamdon, beer battered cod is on the menu.

Nipping on to Norton Sub Hamdon where The Lord Nelson is offering a tasty selection of freshly baked pizzas to eat in or takeaway ... The Cat Head Inn, Chiselborough is now serving food which has been very well received ... live music and BBQ to herald the Queens Birthday at The Muddled Man West Chinnock ... the recent curry night at The Royal Oak Over Stratton was a resounding success ... and chef’s vegetarian Wellington Duet is proving very popular from the new menu at

The Orchard Inn, Galhampton, BA22 7BA

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE PUB OR ON THE PHONE The Orchard Inn, Galhampton, 01963 440451

THE VISITOR June 2016 25

They Say

That felicitations and jolliness go to birthday boy Terry Cutler of South Petherton who, due to candle overload, has swapped his birthday cake for a barbecue.

That clients of Mrs Lyn Orchard of the The Salon, Norton Sub Hamdon, will be pleased to learn the overheard telephone conversation was to the vets, re: Daniel the Dachsund and his undercarriage being close to the ground - and that husband Mike towering at 5ft 8in is not experiencing the same problems.

That despite the British weather, recent researach has revealed that 75% of Brits would like a swimming pool in their garden.

That golfer Ian Trulock of Chiselborough has just celebrated getting his first hole in one at Wincanton - coffees all round!!!

That it has been suggested that John Osborne, our Music Quiz compiler extraordinaire, deserves to be presented with a One-Year-Out T-shirt.

That ‘they have much bigger balls in Dorset’ - according to BBC television’s The One Show on 11th May. For skittles, that is.

That Deano of Queen Camel, very kindly dug the holes for the posts with his mini-digger, but unfortunately ... in the wrong place!

That the BFG is alive and well in Visitorland, no, not the Big Friendly Giant of the storybook written by Roald Dahl, but the Buildings Fundraising Group of North Cadbury Church of England Primary School.

That ornithologist Garry, woodturner of Evercreech, recently impressed the Viz office with his remarkable pecker.

That plenty of bubbly was the order of the day for Doreen Meecham of Crewkerne and her recent octogenarian birthday celebrations.

That St. John’s Churchyard in Yeovil is the place to be on Wednesday 1st June at 10am if you would like a free bag of bulbs - courtesy of SSDC and Yeovil in Bloom.

That with silver in the bag, The Rose & Crown Bradford Abbas team have voted to take their WAGs to the 'The Friendly Landlords' annual dinner this year.

26 THE VISITOR June 2016

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

168 Hendford Hill YEOVIL

“You're happy when I'm on my knees One day is fine and next is black So if you want me off your back Well come on an' let me know”

FIRST PERSON to tell me the above song gets a free drink. Last month no one realised it was the fabulous Prince who sadly passed away on the day that I wrote the last column.

Now that they have had time to settle in, I would like to take time to say “hello” and welcome some new landlords in my neighbouring pubs.

The Red House welcomes Chris and Vanessa and The Helyar Arms welcomes Patrick and Claire, whilst The Portman has new owners in the shape of Andy and Lisa. All three couples have and will be working devilishly hard to make a go of these fantastic pubs.

All three pubs are different, and each couple brings a unique blend of hope commitment and entertainment. So let’s get behind them, pay them a visit, and see what they have to offer.

We need pubs like these for us all to keep going and I truly am a believer of “A rising tide raises all ships”. We can all have a slice of the pie and of course it’s nice to have a choice of hostelry. I wish them all the best … but don’t forget to come and see me  .

This month Matt and Roxy became Mr. and Mrs. Bant. We had a super party for them here: I am sure there were lots of sore heads the next day! Congratulations to you both.

We have extended our Thursday Night Steak Offer – we are now having a “Grill Night” – 5 different items to choose from the grill, gammon, fish, and chicken among the choices: 2 grills and a bottle of wine £22. Bring her down boys, you know you need the brownie points  .

Next month we have entertainment from Hells Bells on Friday 3rd. They are a fantastic band. Tickets are available from the pub. On the 10th the fabulous Mr. D’Arcy will be playing in the bar: always a good night when these boys come to town. And on the 24th Mutter Slater brings his unique brand to The Quicksilver – free gig in the bar, starts just after 9pm.

Thanks for all your support see you next month.  TOOT TOOT!!!

BOOKINGS

 01935 424721

The

Pub Pages

be at The Bell Inn, Evercreech at 8pm ... delightful holiday cottages now available for let at The Natterjack Inn, Evercreech Junction and finally ... make diary note for July 22nd when there will be a special musical event at The Red Lion Inn, Babcary.

Say you saw it in The Visitor

Home-Made Food Served 7 Days a Week

Real Ales - Garden Skittle Alley

TRADITIONAL COUNTRY PUB Serving Sensibly Priced Food & Drink

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

The CATASH INN North Cadbury • BA22 7DH

LIVE MUSIC Sunday 29th May: ‘The Moondogs’ Beatles Tribute – 8pm Friday 17th June: John Ramon – 9pm Coming soon ‘The Mangled Wurzels’ – watch this space r Large Bee Gardens

SUNDAY CARVERY £8.95 Served 12noon ‘til 3pm – booking advised

 North Cadbury 01963 441531

Skittle Alley

HALFWAY H O U S E H O T E L Chilthorne Domer YE OVI L Y EOVI

New Chef ! New Menu!

Lunchtime Specials ... only £5

Delicious Home Cooked Dishes available Monday to Saturday 12noon – 5pm

Traditional Pub Menu

Sunday to Thursday Evening from 5pm

A La Carte Menu

Friday to Saturday Diners eating from the A La Carte Menu will receive a FREE BOTTLE of HOUSE WINE

SUNDAY CARVERY  Choice of Meats – £9.95 

EXCELLENT ACCOMMODATION  WEDDINGS A SPECIALITY REAL ALES  FUNCTION ROOM  LAKES & GARDEN

Tel: 01935 840350 • Fax: 01935 849006 Visit our website www.halfwayhotelyeovil.com Follow us on Facebook

Quality Accommodation at the ...

NATTERJACK INN

Adrian & Kate outside The Sidings.

Inside Creekmoor Cottage.

Relax in the bar.

ADRIAN AND KATE BRIXEY have successfully run the Natterjack Inn at Evercreech Junction for the past 9 years and over this period have made many improvements. Now, after many months of hard work, they are pleased to announce the opening of their two new holiday cottages.

As many readers will be aware the Natterjack Inn is situated on the old S&D line and was once called the Railway Inn. The pair of cottages have been aptly named The Sidings.

Cleverly designed, the cottages consist of a comfortable lounge /diner, bathroom and a first floor galleried bedroom. Leading off the lounge is a further spacious bedroom and bathroom. This connecting door offers the choice of either a two bedroom cottage, or a one bedroom cottage and a completely separate letting room. The lounge is comfortably furnished and has a television. The kitchen /dining area is fully equipped with cooker, washing machine etc., and the fully tiled bathrooms are finished to a high standard with a spacious walk-in shower, wash hand basin and toilet.

Bedrooms are light and spacious with elegant furnishings.

Keeping with the railway theme the cottages are named after local stations, Creekmoor Cottage including Shillingstone B&B and Baily Gate Cottage including Midford B&B. The cottages are ideal holiday lets and can be booked for both long and short stays. Their situation is ideal - being within a couple of miles of the railway station at Castle Cary, the Bath & West Showground and with many places of interest nearby such as Glastonbury, Haynes Motor Museum, Clarks Village, Bath and Wells.

The adjacent Old Cider House, which was converted a few years ago offers an additional five ensuite letting rooms over two storeys. The ground floor rooms purpose built for those less abled come complete with wet rooms. This accommodation has proved popular with both travellers and local businesses and holds a 4 star AA rating.

The Natterjack has an excellent reputation for food thanks in part to head chef David West and his team Ross and Kiri. The new summer menus have just been launched. The lunchtime menu includes dishes such as Warm Chicken, Bacon and Avocado salad with a honey and mustard dressing and crusty bread £9.95 - sitting alongside favourites such as Fish & Chips, Beef Lasagne, Curry of the Day and freshly cut sandwiches.

The evening menu offers a comprehesive range of starters and main courses to suit all tastes. To start, Crispy Duck Tacos with Hoisin Sauce £6.50, Homemade Soup and crusty bread £4.95 or if you can't decide, why not try the Chef's Sharing Meze which includes stuffed vine leaves, red peper hummus and much more besides!

From the grill there are locally sourced steaks cooked to your liking with a choice of sauces, plus fish, vegetarian and pasta dishes. There is always a Daily Specials Board which offers such delights as 10oz Bourbon marinated steak served with grilled field mushroom, cherry vine tomatoes and skinny fries at £15.95. To complete your meal there is a mouthwatering selection of desserts made by Kate.

Sunday Lunches are extremely popular and bookings are now being taken for Fathers Day 19th June. A childrens menu is also available.

The Natterjack is a freehouse and holds the Cask Marque for its wellkept ales. Local ales often guest but Butcombe and Gem from Bath Ales are always on draught, complemented by a range of local ciders.

With the better weather take advantage of the extensive and attractive gardens - which come complete with free range bantams, whose eggs are used in the kitchen.

Whatever the occasion from a drink with friends to a family celebration - the Natterjack offers excellent food, competitive prices and a convivial atmoshpere!

 DIARY DATE Guy Johnson, Singer: Friday 27th May, starts 9.30pm 

The Natterjack Inn, Evercreech Junction Evercreech, Somerset, BA4 6NA (on the main A371 Castle Cary to Shepton Mallet road)

Tel: 01749 860253

Email: natterjack@btconnect.com Website: www.thenatterjackinn.co.uk THE VISITOR June 2016 27

Tipping Dilemma

MY FIRST THOUGHTS on hearing of the proposed move to introduce a ‘tipping’ law, if unscrupulous restaurant operators do not tow the line, were unprintable.

I say this from the position of someone who has been in the service industry for over 30 years, and who has from time to time benefited greatly from the generosity of others, although I have usually been paid a fair day’s wage to begin with.

The largest tip I ever received on one occasion was £500, although very often I get nothing, or just a token sum. It goes with the territory as those I work for feel that what I do is par for the course, part and parcel of what

Wine & Dine

passes for my job.

As a professional hotel and restaurant inspector however, I am faced with the tipping dilemma on a daily basis. The majority of establishments now add a tip into the final bill, often without making it clear to the customer. This is common practice when parties of six or more are dining together, something that I fail to understand.

There are few occasions when I have refused to pay a tip but one occasion in particular stands out. During a visit to a restaurant

Farm Shops & Local Produce

Bower Hinton Farm Shop - Martock Open Day: Saturday 4th June 10am – 2pm

10 th Anniversary • Fine Food Tastings Local Cheeses – Lyme Bay Wines – Sausage Shed Sausages Marshfield Ice Cream – Cherry Tree Pickles & Preserves Ham Hill Cider – Jessica Farmhouse Cakes & More

HOME GROWN STRAWBERRIES

Local Asparagus  Bedding Plants  Coffee Shop OPEN: Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm, Saturday 10am – 6pm

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

28 THE VISITOR June 2016

FARM WALK WITH MAP

in London’s Chinatown the service was so poor and the waiter so rude that on being presented with the bill, complete with service charge, I asked to borrow a pen and crossed out the amount, deducting it from the total bill, telling them in no uncertain words why. Thankfully in this country we are not liable to arrest for refusing to pay a service charge, as is the case in the USA. There are arguments for and against tipping and whether or not it should be left to the customer to decide. I believe that it should. I do my best to reward good service, usually aiming at between 10 and 20 per cent, although not always on the total bill, which may include a significant amount spent on wine requiring little more than the waiter opening a bottle and leaving me to get on with it thereafter. Regardless of the establishment’s policy I prefer to tip personally and believe that staff shouId be rewarded for going above and beyond, as an expression of gratitude for a job done well.

The restaurant business is unpredictable. Things do go wrong and it can often be the ability of wait staff, or the chef, to turn things around, averting disaster and turning a dismal evening into something splendid. Such skill should not go unrecognised but as a customer when I am faced with scruffy, untrained staff with a poor attitude and served with poorly prepared food, which may well not be what I ordered, I can think of no reason to reward them. Of course, it is the management that are to blame, and they who in many cases are creaming off the best portion of the combined tronc.

What we must not forget though is that restaurant employees are in the business of providing a service and should not automatically be rewarded for doing the job they are paid to do.

In agreeing to compulsory service charges we are complicit in the practice of low pay.

One final note. I have worked in a number of private, very wealthy households, where it is not unheard for employers to purloin tips intended for domestic staff.

My advice, give any gratuity straight to the person you intend to receive it.

LP-V.

Strawberries and Cream captured in New Gin

A taste of the Great British summertime is being bottled and served over ice for the very first time.

Strawberries and cream, generally offered as a dessert at garden parties and tennis tournaments, has been transformed into a limited edition gin by Poetic License.

The independent, small batch distillery, which crafts and packages its award-winning gins by hand, has spent six months perfecting the seasonal recipe, which is believed to be the first of its kind on general sale.

It combines traditional botanicals, including juniper and coriander, with a mix of real strawberries and cream that are both distilled and infused to ensure a stronger, fruitier taste.

Poetic License Strawberries and Cream Picnic Gin, best served with a premium elderflower tonic water or lemonade and mixed fruit, is being produced in a limited-run only and sold, subject to availability, from late May. ‘Many flavoured gins are either distilled or infused but ours uses both processes to pack as big a punch as possible,’ said distiller, Luke Smith.

‘After months of experimenting we have now found the perfect combination and hope Poetic License Strawberries and Cream Picnic Gin will soon find its way into picnic baskets across the UK.’ Poetic License, which launched in late 2015, currently produces two award-winning gins and a vodka, all using its own still which is on public display at the Best Western Roker Hotel, Sunderland on the North East coast.

The Strawberries and Cream Picnic Gin (37.5%) is the first in a series of limited-run offerings.

Available to buy online at poeticlicensedistillery.co.uk For more information about Poetic License visit www.poetic licensedistillery.co.uk

HOTEL • RESTAURANT • PRIVATE FUNCTIONS

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

“Summertime and the living is easy”

Barbecues every Sunday in June 1pm – 4pm

Relax under the cover of our beautiful Bedouin Tent!

Enjoy Crisp Salads  Spicy Kebabs  Tasty Fish Fresh Fruit Smoothies  Local Beers & Ciders Plus much more! Why not bring the whole family and unwind in our extensive gardens?

June Dinner Promotion

S TA R T E R S

Back by popular demand

Caramelised Onion and Cider Soup Potted Shrimp and Prawns

Pulled Aromatic Duck, Walnut & Crispy Shallot Salad Grilled Brie with Grape Chutney & Toasted Ciabatta Cured Salmon, Brixham Crab & Crème Fraiche

MAINS

DESSERTS

Spiced Chicken Breast with Mango and Coriander Cous Cous

Lemon Posset with Berry Consomme

Pork Belly, Spring Vegetables and Puy Lentils Roast Onion Rissotto

Beef Ball Stroganoff, Potato Rosti and a Tomato Salsa

Marinated Fish Skewers with Cucumber, Ginger & Chilli Salad

Dark Chocolate Fondant

West Country Cheese and Biscuits Crepe Suzette

Apple Sorbet, Jelly and Calvados Sabayon

 3 Courses plus a Glass of House Wine for £20  Monday to Friday with this Voucher

DIARY DATE COMEDY NIGHT Friday 8th July

WEDDINGS

... we are now taking wedding bookings for 2017

BEAUTIFUL GROUNDS • IDEAL WEDDING VENUE • CIVIL CEREMONY ROOM THE VISITOR June 2016 29

PLANNING A WEDDING is exciting, but it can also be very stressful as there are lots of things to think about. The type of wedding you want, a religious or a civil ceremony, guest list, invitations, reception venue, wedding cars, bridal bouquet, additional flowers, buttonholes and corsages, rings, wedding gown, groom’s outfit, bridesmaids,

Weddings

best man, photographs, speeches, wedding breakfast, cake, the list goes on ... and don’t forget the honeymoon! Here are a few businesses that may be able to help you.

The Market House Castle Cary

The historic Market House, nestled in the centre of honey-

coloured Castle Cary, was awarded its wedding licence in Spring 2016 and is proving to be a popular wedding venue.

Couples can choose to get married in one of three spaces at The Market House; The Shambles, The Undercroft or The Round House. ‘The Shambles’, originally the old meat market, has been lovingly renovated by the local community. The mix of original features and stunning new architecture provide the perfect backdrop to your special day. Leading out of The Shambles through a picturesque arched wooden door, is the covered outside space known as The Undercroft.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for something truly unique, you can take your vows in the rustic cylindrical prison known as the Round House. This tiny 18th Century lock-up is perfect for that intimate, unforgettable ceremony.

Some couples take advantage

of the natural beauty of the building, whereas others have been inspired to add personal touches and decoration; the choice is yours. The venues are already booked by numerous couples for 2016, however some dates are still available.

As well as providing unrivalled wedding venues, Castle Cary plays host to an exciting array of local businesses that can support the creation of your perfect wedding.

If you would like to see how these historic venues can work for you and find out more about which local businesses are able to help make your day special, then please join us on the weekend of 30th and 31st July for our Wedding Venue open weekend. Oodles of inspiration and free samples available.

For more information please call 01963 351763 or email markethouse.bookings@castlecary.co.uk

Castle Cary’s Market House – a unique venue for weddings!

Looking for a wedding gift? Try ‘In Love’ by Mackenzie Thorpe. A mixed media limited edition signed print, hand embellished with diamond dust adding an extra dimension to the ivy leaves - adding an extra sparkle, £725 framed. Available from Martock Gallery of Martock.

Love Tree

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

Original Art by Emma Nicholson

£695

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

30 THE VISITOR June 2016

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

A Sophisticated Afternoon Hen Party Tea Curry Rivel

Why not break from tradition and have a sophisticated afternoon tea?

At Living Pretty you can enjoy

Weddings

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, a selection of sweet delights and a glamorous goodie bag for just £20 per head.

Gluten free is available on request.

Living Pretty offer a variety of

special afternoon teas for special occasions. Gift vouchers are also available.

Living Pretty offer outside catering and a vintage china hire service.

Summer Wedding? Garden Party?

Vintage China Hire

We provide the most beautifully and carefully selected pieces to ensure your event is truly awe-inspiring.

Despite being mismatched there is a sense of continuity and elegance throughout our collection. So if you have an affection for all things vintage and beautiful and would like to create an event which is both memorable and marvellous, please do get in touch and we can discuss your requirements whatever they may be.

WE OFFER A BESPOKE OUTSIDE CATERING SERVICE Ideal for Weddings & Special Occasions • Cakes Made to Order

Somerset Afternoon Cream Tea For Two – £20 Delicious Finger Sandwiches Homemade Cakes, Scones and Clotted Cream All served on a Vintage Style Cake Stand with China Teacups and Saucers

kate@livingpretty.co.uk • www.livingpretty.co.uk For a sophisticated Afternoon Hen Party Tea, contact Living Pretty, Curry Rivel.

The Red Lion Babcary

THE OLD BAKERY • HIGH STREET CURRY RIVEL • SOMERSET • TA10 0ES Tel: 01458 253357

The Red Lion is a beautiful, thatched pub in the idyllic village of Babcary. With a choice of three areas for weddings and private parties where they cater for all occasions and varying numbers.

With a reputation for delicious food, and six beautifully designed boutique bedrooms for guests to stay, they offer a cost effective venue in a special location.

They work carefully with clients to ensure that they can accommodate their wishes and shy away from standard packages. Clients are free to brief them on anything from a traditional, three course sit- down dinner to a more informal buffet or even a festival-style gathering.

The choice is yours!

THE VISITOR June 2016 31

Weddings

No matter what style of gown you choose for your wedding, you’re sure to find shoes to complement it at Eleanor Florence.

This elegant ¾ length bridal gown is just one of many designs and styles available from Eleanor Florence of Yeovil.

Eleanor Florence

These pretty-as-apicture bridesmaids dresses are from Eleanor Florence.

Bridal Prom & Ball Gowns

“Where memories are made”

Balloons and cards for every occasion at Wild Cardz of Wincanton who are celebrating their 10th anniversary. Call in during the week of 13th-17th June and receive an entry to a free celebration draw to win a £10 voucher.

t 10YEAR h

www.eleanorflorence.co.uk

35 Princes Street, Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 1EG  01935 472670 info@eleanorflorence.co.uk

32 THE VISITOR June 2016

Balloons for your Special Day Wedding Stationery • Table Confetti • Stag/Hen Items Tableware and Bunting 10th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS  ENTRY TO FREE DRAW 13th – 17th June ... to WIN £10 VOUCHER

 Don’t forget FATHER’S DAY Sunday 19th June

UPS PARCEL COLLECTION POINT FIND US ON GOOGLE+ PAGE

Wild Cardz - Tel: 01963 31234 35 High Street, Wincanton, Somerset BA9 9JU

Weddings

Flower Fashions

When it comes to wedding flowers it would appear that the rustic look is losing its charm. Table flowers in jam jars and tin jugs tied with raffia are a definite a ‘no-no’. Flowers in 2016 are all about glamour and chic. Brides are opting for a more vintage look achieving it with interesting vases including antique mismatched vessels.

Along with the vintage look, old fashioned flowers are now becoming the new fashion favorites this year. The thought of incorporating common carnations or chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemum ‘Seaton’s J’Dore’ is becoming a popular addition to wedding bouquets.

A friendly and professional service is offered by Ward & Sibley, the family jewellers of Yeovil. Call in and see their range of engagement, wedding and eternity rings. Commissions also undertaken.

If you are looking for a wedding outfit visit Shirley Allum Fashions & Lingerie in Shaftesbury where you will be spoilt for choice.

Bespoke • Corporate • Events Parties • Weddings • Sympathy Local & Nationwide Deliveries

01963 32367

11 Church Street, Wincanton, BA9 9AA

THE VISITOR June 2016 33

Weddings One World South Petherton

If you are looking for an unusual wedding gift, a visit to One World in South Petherton is a must.

Here you will find six individual showrooms over two floors displaying a beautiful range of gift items from around the world, and many of them Fair Trade.

Rugs and hand made glass vases make unique gifts - you will also find within One World unusual greetings cards and stationery items to wrap your gift.

New in are memory/keepsake boxes to save those special items plus Wedding photograph albums.

There is a stunning range of silver jewellery - ideal as a gift for older bridesmaids. For the younger bridesmaids and page boys visit the toy department with its wonderful selection of traditional toys.

Looking for a dress for your prom? ABC Wedding Dresses of Langport have a superb choice and the sale is now on. Appointment only viewing.

ball-shape, they’re loose and wide.

Today’s brides want bouquets with bulk rather than tightly bunched balls. The bouquet shape stretches out horizontally, giving the impression that the flowers are freshly gathered from the garden. These forms offer visually interesting lines defined by arching branches, and unusual vines and foliage that cascade to one or both sides.

Locally-grown, seasonal flowers are preferred by todays modern, eco-conscious couples along with with lush ferns, an abundance of greenery and foraged branches, for the table decorations particularly.

Visit your local florist for ideas and suggestions.

into a bridal bouquet would make most style-conscious brides shudder. These over-used blooms had the same effect on floral designers until they ‘discovered’ some of the new varieties with unusual shapes and forms in beautifully, subtle hues. These ‘new’ varieties are actually ‘old’ heirloom varieties that small-scale flower farms are trying to rescue and reintroduce to designers and brides alike. Chrysanthemums in pastel palettes such as the delicate Seaton’s J’Dore and Apricot Courtier are showing up in bridal bouquets along with the frilly scented heirloom carnations and long-stemmed English sweet peas.

Bouquets are no longer a tight

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

ABC Wedding Dresses 100s of Bridal Gowns ... to suit all tastes and budgets

Prom Dress Sale

 Appointments Only  Over 25 Years Experience

ABC Wedding Dresses The Loft, Old Kelways Somerton Road Langport, TA10 9SJ Free parking outside the door  01458 250755 / 07710 985321

34 THE VISITOR June 2016

Scantilly lingerie from the Curvy Kate range - available from Oomph and Lift of Street.

Make your wedding day truly memorable in a figure-hugging designer bridal gown. ABC Wedding Dresses of Langport is a stockist of Alfred Angelo gowns.

and

Lingerie

PROFESSIONAL FITTING SERVICE HOSIERY * SWIMWEAR

JAZZ • Sunday 5th June, Wessex Hotel, Street ‘Sunset Cafe Stompers’ • Tickets £10 from Shop

Beautiful Lingerie ...

STOCKIST OF

Panache: 28 – 46, D – K ‘Sculptresse’ Range: 36 – 46, D – K ... also Sports Bras Charnos: 30 – 38, A – H Lepel: 30 – 38, A – G Curvy Kate

Royce Non-wired Bras * Girls First Bras Mastectomy Bras * Nursing Bras Miraclesuits: 10lbs lighter in 10 seconds

Vestry Court, Vestry Road, STREET

 01458 898952 • Turn by William Hill - opposite Living Homes

Preview Wincanton

Weddings, Ladies Day or Garden Party - Preview of Wincanton have an outfit for you.

Weddings

Designers include Joseph Ribkoff, Veni Infantino and Libra.

Dress and jackets are extremely popular taking an outfit from day into the evening

or to compensate for our sometime unpredictable weather!

A hat or fascinator really completes an outfit and at Preview they have a wonderful array in all shapes and colours beautiful statement hats from £110 and attractive fascinators set on a band at just £29.

Dante Jewellery makes a wonderful accessory - proving popular are ‘pearls’ in a range of

tones such as copper, bronze, and silver which tone well with many colours. The range of court shoes stocked have also been choosen for the way they can complement a wide range of outfits.

Preview can offer you a complete package, dress, hat, shoes, jewellery and bag! Do call in, stock is constantly changing.

The friendly and helpful staff will be pleased to assist.

Orange Blossom of Street are pleased to offer formal wear for men, in addition to their beautiful bridal gowns.

For a wonderful choice of hats and fascinators visit Preview of Wincanton.

THE VISITOR June 2016 35

Weddings

Family Health

Looking Good

with

Jenna Evans

HOLISTIC HEALTH COACH at CERES

Inulin

The Coppleridge at Motcombe has a wedding marquee that can seat 150 making it ideal for large receptions.

Hooper’s Hat Hire Yeovil

Hooper’s Hat Hire has a super range of hats, fascinators and bags with the option to hire, buy or have a design hand-crafted especially for you. They would love to create that stunning item for you to wear on that special day. Please feel free to give them a call to discuss your personal

requirements.

Please note they are now based at Sparrow Road, Yeovil, there is plenty of parking on drive and showroom is on the ground floor.

You will be overwhelmed by their array of gorgeous handbags to buy at prices that won’t break the bank - you will find amazing hats for Ascot, Henley and Weddings!

Hooper’s Hat Hire

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

01935 706555 • www.hoopershats.co.uk

IN CASE YOU’VE MISSED ALL THE FUSS, the supplement of the moment is Inulin. Thanks to a certain presenter on a TV show investigating how we can all stay that little bit younger, Inulin has found its 15 minutes of fame! So just what is it and why should we take it?

What is Inulin? A soluble dietary fibre called an oligosaccharide (several simple sugar molecules hitched together). These fibres are typically produced by plants as a means of energy storage. As a soluble fibre, Inulin passes through the small intestine undigested to where our good bacteria can ferment it in the large intestine.

What does it do? Inulin has been around for many years. In foodstuffs it is a popular ingredient as it has some interesting properties. Inulin can be slightly sweet, eliminating some of the added sugars / sweeteners. It also gives a good ‘mouth feel’ and adds creaminess to many processed foods.

The health benefits of Inulin stem from the way this type of fibre behaves in the body. Soluble fibres swell and form gelatinous substances in the gut. This may have many benefits, including the following - helping us stay feeling fuller for longer; slowing digestion

The Dress Circle Dress Agency

QUALITY FASHION ITEMS WANTED TO SELL ON A COMMISSION BASIS Wedding hats, wedding outfits, cruise wear and good quality casual wear and accessories, accepted every day ...

10am - 4pm Monday - Friday 10am - 2pm Saturday

OUR OWN 150 SEATER MARQUEE and ...

WOODLAND WEDDING VENUE NOW AVAILABLE

36 THE VISITOR June 2016

For large quantities collections can be arranged

4 Brunel Shopping Centre Somerton TA11 7PY  01458 273485

which may help absorption of nutrients; managing cholesterol levels by binding with cholesterol and removing it from the body; lowering blood fats and helping maintain steady blood sugar levels useful for diabetics. As they are non-digestible to us but able to be fermented by the bacteria in our colon, fibres such as Inulin are considered to be pre-biotic.

By their interaction with these cheerful colonic critters, Inulin may be considered to help improve digestive health and boost immunity. Inulin may also increase the absorption of minerals such as calcium and magnesium.

Where can I get some? Inulin is found in many common fruits, vegetable and herbs. Chicory (where supplements manufacturers often derive their Inulin), asparagus, onion, garlic, bananas, wheat, artichoke, leeks, agave and the herb elecampane (Inula helenium) from which Inulin was first isolated over 200 years ago and from which it takes its name. So the more plant based your diet the better for providing Inulin as well as all those other colourful phytochemical and nutrients so important to health - in fact in the same programme, a vegan diet was shown to be the best for health and longevity.

Plant power!

Should I supplement? Well, maybe! Depending on your diet, lifestyle and overall gut health, Inulin may be useful. It certainly has some pretty impressive potential health benefits. I’m not going to encourage jumping on the band wagon of the latest buzz word product however, but at least this one is considered nontoxic, highly unlikely to be allergenic and pretty cheap to boot! Why not pop into Ceres in Yeovil and we can tailor make a nutritional plan to suit your needs?

Any Side Effects? Inulin is rarely allergenic. The most common undesirable effects can be digestive upset such as cramping, flatulence and changes in bowel habits. If this happens you can usually pull back a little on the dose and then increase more slowly. Start cautiously with any kind of digestive issue (this would be a good time to take a probiotic too if you do) and it’s totally off limits if you’re following the FODMAPs diet.

See you next month!

Jenna Evans ©2016.

Looking Good and feeling fine

Chic Shoes, Wincanton - inexpensive footwear for ladies and children, prices from around £4 to £19.99.

This 3-piece top is from Goose Island Italian Fashion.

One size, available in a range of colours, £46. Just one of many easy to wear separates available from April’s of Castle Cary.

Ladies & Childrens FOOTWEAR

Hanson’s Fabrics & Crafts hosted the third annual Yarn Shop Day in aid of Julia’s House this year when free patterns, free demonstrations and tea & cake was on offer. Yarn Shop Day is held across the country to celebrate Britain's much-loved independent wool shops. Hanson’s raised over £200 pounds for Julia’s House.

£19.99 ... and under

Open: Monday – Friday 2pm – 5pm Saturday 10am – 1pm

47 HIGH STREET WINCANTON • BA9 9JH

GENTS & BOYS HAIRDRESSING ~ at ~

The Barber’s Shop WINCANTON Memorial Hall Mondays 1.00pm – 5.30pm Thursdays 9.00am – 5.30pm Saturdays 8.00am – 12noon MILBORNE PORT Town Hall *Wednesdays 10.00am – 6.00pm * Please note new time

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

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

07767 027798 (mobile)

JUNE PROMOTION

A Manicure and a Pedicure for £42 – SAVING £10 (offer ends 30th June)

tel: 01935 851221

 Treatments to be taken in one appointment

Visit our website for full range of treatments

1 Trent Court, Trent, Sherborne, DT9 4AY

email: info@beauty-barn.co.uk  www.beauty-barn.co.uk THE VISITOR June 2016 37

Shirley Allum

Looking Good

Lingerie is the important clothing foundation that provides support, shape, comfort and confidence to the wearer and it’s therefore so vital to get this layer right. This is where the Anita Lingerie brand is hugely successful. Celebrating 130 years of history in 2016, Anita combines innovative design, new trends and technical expertise to create elegant, attractive and great-fitting lingerie.

Shirley Allum Fashions & Lingerie is proud to stock an extensive assortment of Anita lingerie from the Anita Comfort, Anita Care and Rosa Faia collections. With perfect fit, superior comfort levels, a fashionable and feminine look and the highest quality standards, Anita proposes solution for all lingerie and swimwear requirements. Anita Care also provides post-mastectomy lingerie, swimwear and prosthesis that enable women to face post-surgery with confidence and comfort.

With a team of highly-trained fitters, and with the distinction of holding an Anita Centre of Excellence certificate, the team at

38 THE VISITOR June 2016

Shirley Allum are happy to provide consultations and comprehensive advice.

On Tuesday 14th June, Michele Duncan from the Anita UK team will be in store at Shirley Allum Lingerie & Fashions to advise and help with fittings, and appointments 10am to 3pm can be booked now in-store.

Shirley Allum Fashions & Lingerie is at 30 High Street, Shaftesbury, SP7 8JG. Tel: 01747 852444. www.shirleyallum fashionsandlingerie.co.uk www.anita.com The team at Shirley Allum Fashions are pleased to offer a measuring service for underwear.

House & Home

Choosing a Carpet

With so much choice getting the right carpet for the right place in your home can be an extremely daunting prospect. However, the way carpet is made today means there are very few really poor carpets. Improvements in fibre technology and carpet construction techniques mean that even the less expensive carpets will wear well if they are put in the right place.

Different fibres will lend a carpet certain properties - wool carpets, polypropylene carpets, nylon carpets or a blend of fibres will each react differently within the same location.

The length of time a carpet will last depends on several factors and each must be considered at the purchasing stage: the carpet pile itself, the fibre, the weight of the fibre and the density of the pile will all contribute or detract from a carpet’s suitability for your chosen location.

The rule of thumb in selecting a carpet is location. It pays dividends to spend slightly more for higher quality carpets for areas of high wear such as hallways and living areas, but you may well be able to save some money where the traffic is not as frequent.

All carpets have suggested end use locations, but you should

always seek the expert advice of your retailer before making that final decision.

Living Room

The living room is the hub of the family home – watching TV, entertaining etc. The carpet must therefore be of a high density minimum 40oz and it may be prudent to also have a stain resistant finish – although most carpets today resist staining if the spillage is cleared up quickly and regular vacuuming is maintained.

The other key feature is of course it must look good.

Bedroom

The bedroom is about unadulterated luxury and a nice deep pile will bring the ultimate softness to your toes. Bedrooms are not as prone to thousands of foot steps as the main areas of the home, so you can afford to use a slightly less dense carpet and hence save a bit of money over dining and living rooms.

Remember that most of the time you are going to have bare feet or be in those worn out, but toocomfortable-to-chuck-away slippers so wear and tear is minimal. And apart from the odd cup of tea to kick-start your day, stains from food and drink won’t be such a problem.

From heavy domestic twists and sisal carpeting to super-soft pastels these and much more besides at Cullingford Carpets & Interiors, with branches in Gillingham and Wincanton.

THE VISITOR June 2016 39

House & Home Dining Room

While they don’t experience as many feet as living rooms, dining room carpets are even more likely to get stained, and generally by spillages that can do maximum damage. Red wine, sauces and soups can all wreck a carpet if it isn’t carefully chosen. Again, you should choose a carpet with a high pile density, but take care to clear spills quickly. Or you could always put your table on top of a rug. Should food fall this will be significantly cheaper and easier to replace.

Pictured left: stair runners by Roger Oates are perfect for the hallway. Local Stockist SJH Carpets, Wincanton.

EVEN MORE CHOICE!

NEW IN

■ Carpets ■ Vinyls ■ Naturals ■ Woods ■ Laminates ■ Tiles Wincanton Also in store MMS Soft Furnishings ■ Blinds Curtains & Fabrics ■ Roll Stock ... vinyls & carpets now available

“Just nice people to do business with”

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

Fire Station

Lidl

Southgate Road Wi nc .T ow n

Shutters & Blinds

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

Tythings Centre

NEW SJH

OLD SJH

Morrisons

Choosing Carpet by Style

Carpet is all about style and it is pretty good at it too. No other flooring can match carpet in terms of colours, patterns and textures and you can get lost in the amount of choice that is out there. With manufacturers working round the clock to deliver m o re co l o urs, p a t t e rns a nd textures, you are guaranteed to find something that would be the perfect addition to your home.

Plain

You are likely to find a plain carpet of some sort in every home throughout the country and you can take your choice from a whole myriad of textures in virtually any colour you could think of.

Some manufacturers have even gone as far as offering a bespoke colour service so that you can match your interior perfectly, much like you can do with paint at your local DIY store. Ryalux for one offers this service, but if you don’t have a particular shade of plum in your mind, then many ranges have a wide colour palette.

Patterned

Say patterned carpets to many and they think of garish florals or highly detailed twists and knots.

Patterned carpet has come a long way since those early Axminsters.

Carpet manufacturers are now seeing a return to patterned carpets within the home, thanks to designers such as Cath Kidston and Laura Ashley, but with an altogether more subtle attitude.

Patterned carpets differ from region to region. Many in the north prefer more traditional styles in bolder tones while the south is one for beige, beige and more beige.

Patterned carpets are split into traditional, borders, and others.

Tonal

Many woven and tufted carpets incorporate different shades of the same colour yarn to create small designs. This generates what the industry calls a tonal effect. These carpets are great at covering dirt, but don’t use that as an excuse for regular maintenance!

Heather, Tweed and Berbers

40 THE VISITOR June 2016

There are many carpet ranges that incorporate yarns spun with different colour fibres. This results in a mottled appearance known as a Heather or Tweed that helps to soften the carpet’s

presence within the room.

Heather and Tweed are available in twist pile, velour and velvet and many loop pile styles are now making use of this technique.

Berber styles contain chunks of different shades in neutral tones for a natural, hand spun appearance. Again Berber is becoming an increasingly common style as it gives an ideal mix of natural tones with great dirt hiding qualities, until you

House & Home

get round to vacuuming.

For more information on choosing a carpet visit www.carpetinfo.co.uk

Harriet Sandys - Rugs

Harriet Sandys has just returned from a buying trip to Turkey and will be exhibiting a wide variety of Afghan rugs and Turkish kilims in her barn in West Compton over the Bank holiday weekend and until Thursday 2nd

June. Also on sale, a new range of indigo jackets and cotton kaftans for the summer, leather belts from Guatemala, block print tablecloths and decorative items from Central Asia. Blooming Hill Nurseries will be bringing along a selection of their unusual

herbaceous border plants. These will be for sale in the yard alongside the barn on Saturday 28th May from 2pm – 5pm only.

For more information visit: www.sandysorientalcarpets.co.uk The barn is open by appointment throughout the year.

Harriet Sandys New stock has just arrived!

Oriental Carpets & Kilims From Central Asia, Turkey and Afghanistan Colourful Indian Kaftans, Cotton Nightdresses and Block Print Jackets & Gilets for the Summer

MAY DAY BANK HOLIDAY 2016

Saturday 28th May to Thursday 2nd June, 2pm – 5pm

Unusual Herbaceous Border Plants For Sale Saturday 28th only 2pm – 5pm

The Barn at The Manor House West Compton, Shepton Mallet BA4 4PB

Harriet Sandys has just returned from Turkey with Iznik pottery, Konya Kilims and ikat material from Central Asia.

The Barn at West Compton will be open over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Tel: 01749 890582 • www.sandysorientalcarpets.co.uk Email: harrietsandys@freeolamail.com Directions from A361 • Credit /Debit Cards Accepted Open throughout the year by appointment

VISIT OUR EXTENSIVE TILE SHOWROOMS

 Quality Floor & Wall Tiles

OPEN BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY

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

 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

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

Lynx West Trading Estate YEOVIL, BA20 2HP

 01935 472088 · www.j2tiles.co.uk

THE VISITOR June 2016 41

Luxurious Bedding

There’s nothing nicer than slipping into silky-soft sheets at the end of a long day and Yves Delorme Paris, the French brand of luxury home linen which has been making exquisite linens since 1845 has recently opened at Kilver Court Designer Village in Shepton Mallet, offering discounts of up to 60% off.

Yves Delorme will be stocking designs such as the Au Chaud

House & Home

collection, which is produced in a supremely high quality, 300thread-count cotton floral sateen with a reversible Ikat motif. A double duvet cover will retail at £189.00, reduced from £378. The popular Etre Vert range produced in a 200-thread-count printed percale with ribbon finishing, which Yves Delorme describe as ‘a cotton wool cloud made up of tiny droplets of water,’ will start for a double duvet cover at

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42 THE VISITOR June 2016

Luxurious bedding now available from the recently opened Yves Delorme, at Kilver Court, Shepton Mallet.

£149.40, reduced from £298.80.

For Yves Delorme sleep is one of the most important parts of daily life and remains an essential element for our health and well-being. They believe that for the best possible comfort, luxury bed linens should be chosen carefully and with close attention to the materials used, colours available, and both the quality and durability of the fabric.

The luxury bedding collections are manufactured from the finest traditional linen, percale, cotton sateen, jacquard and sateen damask fabric. These offer luxurious softness, comfort and quality in every season, their fine materials are characterised by their resistance to wear and their ease of care. As well as their timeless classics, the company is also recognised for fashion prints, based on original artwork and heritage to haute couture.

Say you saw it in The Visitor

House & Home

Curtain Poles

The Floral Collection from Byron & Byron features the ‘Romantics’ - vintage classic designs with a selection of contemporary finishes.

The three dimensional flower inspired finials are hand-finished by skilled craftsmen in Britain.

The collection is available in a selection of eight colour-ways creating a palette of colours that will accommodate an array of possible permutations and interiors, with stunning designs.

The curtain poles, brackets and rings are produced using the finest timbers and all hand finished at their workshop. This

‘Rose’ in jet black.

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

Bryan G. Paulley Ltd Domestic / Commercial Installations / Replacements

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

‘Posy’ design in antique gold.

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

THE VISITOR June 2016 43

collection incorporates the functional with the beautiful, resulting in a truly inspired and unique collection of designs and finishes.

House & Home

‘Daisy’ in burnished gold.

Each items can be mixed and matched to create a stunning window treatment, evoking a feeling and a look of a timeless classic.

Local supplier Needful Things, Castle Cary.

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‘Peony’ in antique silver.

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

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44 THE VISITOR June 2016

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Solar Energy

You may have invested in solar panels on your roof to help reduce your electricity bills and now, here is another way to invest for the future.

South Somerset Community Energy Society (SSCES), has announced their partnership with Bath & West Community Energy (BWCE), who are to purchase and operate a major solar array project near Crewkerne, Somerset.

The project and its benefit to South Somerset

* The solar farm to the northeast of Crewkerne has planning permission and will be completed by the end of the summer. * It will generate 5,100 MWh of clean, renewable electricity annually, sufficient for more than 1,600 homes. * A community fund of more than £3 million will be built up and reinvested in local communities over 25 years.

The opportunity to invest

SSCES will help BWCE raise £2.63m million to buy the project, in association with Mongoose Energy, and the public is invited to invest in a share and bond offer.

* Bonds will pay an attractive fixed 5% interest to lenders annually (5.5% to SSCE and BWCE members) and will mature in 2 years (there will be an option to extend). * Shares will entitle investors to be members of BWCE and will pay target 7% interest annually.

* The bond and share capital will be supplemented by a £3.33m loan from Triodos Bank.

How to invest

The bond and share offers opened for applications on 17th May 2016 and closes on 12th July 2016. The offer is being handled by Ethex, the leading positive investment platform. You can invest and get full investment details of the scheme at www.ethex.org.uk/ BWCE More information about the bond and share offers is available from the BWCE website www.bwce.coop

House & Home

Lighting - Indoor and Outdoor

A new lighting fixture is a great way to refresh your décor, and the metal of the moment is Antique Copper - an update of the everlasting copper trend.

David Hunt Lighting are leading the way with a striking selection of antique copper lights. For example the Light Orb Pendant (right) at £1,345 and the Admiral Oval Outdoor Wall Light at £85, (pictured below). www.davidhunt-lighting.com

This interesting coffee table and nest of tables (above left) are from the Designer Range at Fit & Furnish in Yeovil.

ACF WINDOWS

ANDY FELTHAM

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THE VISITOR June 2016 45

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

Tel: 01747 826714

House & Home

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RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day 2nd July

Air Day is one of the Royal Navy’s premier annual events and regionally, it is one of the South West’s most notable single-day events, attended by up to 40,000 spectators each year. With a five hour flying display, extensive ground displays and a galaxy of other attractions, visitors can enjoy a spectacular, engaging and long-remembered day out.

The flying display might be Air Day’s centrepiece but there is a huge array of other attractions to enjoy including the Maritime Aviation Capability Exhibition, highlighting the very latest in future-shaping defence technology for the Royal Navy; the Service Display Hangar in which visitors can view equipment and hear about the fascinating roles of Station personnel and their departments and the STEM Fair, designed to

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Email: sales@sherbornekitchens.com See our new website: www.sherbornekitchens.com THE VISITOR June 2016 47

inspire the next generation of engineers with interactive activities courtesy of the Royal Aeronautical Society and the Imagineering Foundation.

There will also be trade stands selling everything from military paraphernalia to local produce.

Arena performances will include The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines and the hotly contested Field Gun Competition. For the thrill seekers - simulators, fairground rides and helicopter pleasure flights are available.

Thank you to everyone who

entered the Competition in last month’s Visitor to win tickets to the Air Day. Winners were: S. Wait of Chilcompton, Somerset; Mrs V Thomas of Quidhampton, Wilts and D. J. Middleton of Mosterton, Dorset.

If you were unlucky, savings are available with advance tickets priced at £21 (adult) and £7 (under 16) respectively, under 5s free. Visit www.royalnavy. mod.uk/yeovilton-airday or by calling the Ticketline on 0330 100 3656.

The Langport Festival 18 - 26 June celebrates 5 years of community events

The Langport Festival kicks off on Friday 17th June with a Community Party in Town Square with food, drink, live music and fun!

Over the 9 days there are plenty of events to enjoy from pyrography to art displays, talks to tours, games, drama and storytelling, in fact something for everyone.

This year the Langport Festival is celebrating the river as its

48 THE VISITOR June 2016

theme and everyone is invited to join in the fun. Many events are free, and some need to be booked in advance. More details available on: https://sites.google.com/site/ langportfestival/

Leavers and Adults

Strode College in Street is inviting school pupils, adults and employers to its Open Evening on Wednesday 15 June, 6pm-8pm, to find out about the wide variety of courses and opportunities the Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ college has to offer.

School pupils from Years 9-11, who are thinking about their options for study after GCSEs, can find out about A Levels (Strode delivers the widest range in Somerset) as well as excellent vocational courses and apprenticeships – with current job vacancies available now.

There will also be the chance to find out about university-level courses available at Strode,

including Degrees, HNDs and HNCs in History, Heritage and Archaeology; Management (Business or Public Sector); Psychology; Computing and Systems Development; and Engineering.

Visitors can pick up the brand new Courses for Adults prospectus, where they can choose from the wide variety of classes and sign up for a new course on the night (selected courses only).

Turn up or pre-register on Strode’s website: www.strodecollege.ac.uk

Petherton Folk Fest

On Saturday 18th June Petherton Folk Fest provides a full day of free entertainment for adults and children, a real treat for lovers of Folk dance – including Morris, Clog and Appalachian – and music ranging from Folk and Blues to World and Acoustic.

Taking part this year are 10

Visit Strode College’s Open Evening for information on A levels, vocational courses, Higher Education, Apprenticeships and courses for adults. For more information please contact: Sue Wheeler, Strode College Marketing Officer, 01458 844422 or swheeler1@strode-college.ac.uk

different Morris ‘sides’, and at least 20 different bands and soloists. For children, this year’s programme offers more entertainment than ever, from Punch & Judy and maypole dancing to face painting and a music workshop.

Throughout the day, food and drink will be available from a number of stalls in and around Market Square as well as in St Peter & St Paul’s church, and there will also be craft stalls and other attractions for visitors of all ages.

Full details of the day’s events can be found on the website: www.pethertonfolkfest.org.uk

Spectra Musica’s Tenth Anniversary

Chamber Choir Spectra Musica will hold a Concert of Celebration on Saturday 2nd July in St.Luke and St.Teresa’s Church in Wincanton to mark the Tenth Anniversary year for the group.

Musical Director Peter Leech has been with Spectra Musica for eighteen months and in that time has brought even greater diversity to the music performed by the group, which results in very lively concerts reflecting his vast experience and enthusiastic character. His choice of music for the July concert is a truly triumphant mix, including Purcell, Finzi, German, Joplin and Bernstein. The very talented Anita D’Attellis will once again be playing the piano. A String Quintet will also be performing.

The choir evolved from discussions between Bill Watkins, Tony Fry and Simon Twiselton during the summer of 2005. It was to be a group of experienced singers who would perform music from Bach to Bernstein, Baroque to Bop. Auditions and singing day events took place during the autumn of that year and the fledgling group began rehearsing

in the village hall at Bishops Caundle in Dorset.

Spectra Musica gave its first performance in Wincanton in December 2006 and has since performed three times a year throughout the counties of Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire.

Last December it was invited to sing in the American Museum in Bath, it has travelled to Cornwall to perform and also entertains at weddings and private functions.

In 2007 the choir moved its rehearsal base to Wincanton, which is more central for the members who travel from far and wide. They are really looking forward to performing in the Catholic Church in Wincanton once again.

For tickets telephone 01747 841263, or visit www.spectra musica.com or on the door.

biodegradable box, will include fresh rolls, with a choice of fillings, a mozzarella, basil and tomato salad, hand-made crisps, pork pies or traditional sausage rolls, mini quiche, olives, chocolate brownies and fruit.

An Afternoon Tea hamper is another option. This hamper includes such classics as egg and cress sandwiches, strawberries & cream and cloudy lemonade. The Picnic Hamper People can also cater for larger parties and will offer menus for all seasons.

For more information email: thepicnichampercompany@gmail. com or telephone: 07855 229787.

Gartell Light Railway Steam & Vintage Weekend

Please note that the Gartell Light Railway has had to regretfully cancel the 'Steam and Vintage' weekend of June 25th and 26th.

However on Sunday 26th we will still have an Open Day, so see you there!'

Wells Comedy Festival

Over the weekend of 3-5 June more than 20 comedians are making the trip to England’s smallest city to play at Wells Comedy Festival.

Comics performing at the three-day fest include Bafta-

A Picnic Hamper for All Occasions

If you are planning a summer event or just like the idea of a family picnic, the Glastonburybased Picnic Hamper People, can supply your needs. The recentlylaunched enterprise will deliver a hamper of fresh and locallysourced delicious picnic food from the Somerset Levels to your home or venue.

The company can provide picnics for all occasions - such as weddings, hen and stag nights, birthdays, childrens' parties or outdoor events. A picnic voucher offer is also available.

‘There are a range of menus to choose from or we can be flexible and prepare picnics to accommodate special dietary requirements’ explains Rosie Price, founder of The Picnic Hamper People. ‘For example, our Lazy Days Picnic, supplied in a

The Friends of St. Michael’s welcome the

THE PICNIC HAMPER PEOPLE

A Summer’s Treat!

Delicious, locally-sourced, traditional hamper picnics delivered to your door or venue. Lots of choice for every occasion.

to St. Michael’s Church North Cadbury Saturday 18th June at 6.30pm

We can cater for ... SPECIAL EVENTS  Weddings  Hen & Stag Do’s  Outdoor Events  Birthdays

Refreshments will be served during the interval

Email: thepicnichamperpeople@gmail.com • 07855 229787

YEOVILTON MILITARY WIVES CHOIR

Tickets £10 available at Church Door or Village Shop or Tel: 01963 440683

~ GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE ~

THE VISITOR June 2016 49

winning BBC star Stewart Lee, panel show regular Sara Pascoe, legendary grump Arthur Smith, ‘Infinite Monkey Cage’ co-host Robin Ince, Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Award-winners Bridget Christie and Sam Simmons, plus a very special guest!

Tickets for the Wells Comedy Festival are on sale now from www.wellscomfest.com

Ilminster Midsummer Experience

A new attraction for the Ilminster Midsummer Experience will be a Pop-Up Art Exhibition featuring the works of 20 local amateur artists. Organised by the Whitelackington Art Group in Ilminster’s Minster Rooms, the one-day event will run as part of the well-established Food & Craft Market taking place in Silver Street on Saturday 11 June.

All the paintings on display will be for sale - so it’s a fantastic opportunity to buy high-quality

original art produced by talented local artists. Open between 9am and 2pm, entry is free and wine will be on offer, donated by local company Service Matters.

The Ilminster Experience exists to draw attention to what Ilminster has to offer, portraying the town as a vibrant community and an ideal place to live and work. The Ilminster Experience

receives no public sector grants or other funding and is entirely dependent upon the support of the community and, in particular, the businesses of Ilminster to enable it to operate and flourish.

The Whitelackington Art Group meet weekly, further information from Penny Hawkins on penbar@talktalk.net or 01460 53150.

Exhibition of New Work by

MOISH SOKAL

The Malthouse Gallery East Lambrook Manor Gardens Somerset • TA13 5HH

7th June – 24th July 10am – 5pm Tuesday – Sunday

Mob: 07812 837825 www.moishsokal.co.uk

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

By John Osborne • Answers can be found on page 64

1. How many years are in the title of the Lukas Graham hit?

2. 'Sixpence None the Richer' asked you to do what?

3. 'Devil Gate Drive' and 'Can the Can' were 1970's No. 1 hits for which leather-clad female rocker?

4. Danny Wilson sang about 'Mary's ... ' what?

5. Fill in the brackets. Eurythmics - Sweet Dreams (...)

6. The final studio album from the Beatles was ... which?

‘Bathing Done’ a 14” x 18” watercolour - just one of the paintings in the exhibition of new work by Moish Sokal, at East Lambrook Manor Gardens, which opens on 7th June.

7. Who had a 'Sleeping Satellite' in 1992?

8. How do we best know Eilleen Regina Edwards?

9. 'Take Me To The Alley' the latest album from whom?

10. What song title is shared by Gabrielle and Herb Alpert?

Bonus Question Name the year in which the album in Q6. was released.

Question Impossible Under what names did Jill Jackson and Ray Hildebrand record under in the 1960's?

Great Quotes in Music (87) “Being in the Beatles was a short, incredible period of my life. I had 22 years leading up to it, and it was all over 8 years later”.

RINGO STARR

50 THE VISITOR June 2016

MAY

29th THE MOONDOGS - Catash, North Cadbury 29th THE TRANSITIONS - Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon 30th DAVE CURTIS (5pm - 8pm) - Wyndham Arms, Kingsbury Episcopi

JUNE 3rd 4th 5th 5th

8th 10th 11th 17th 18th 19th 24th

HELL BELLS - Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil FLATLAND BOOGIE BAND - Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon SUNSET CAFE STOMPERS - Wessex Hotel, Street LEWIS CLARKE & THE ESSENTIALS Montague Inn, Shepton Montague PACO - Montague Inn, Shepton Montague Mr. D’ARCY- Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil ONE TREE HILL - Muddled Man, West Chinnock JOHN RAMON - Catash, North Cadbury ONE TREE HILL - Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon BELL STREET JAZZ BAND - Montague Inn, Shepton Montague MUTTER SLATER - Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil

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

Museums

NOW THAT WE HAVE brighter warmer weather many of us will no doubt be expecting an influx of visitors to this lovely part of the country, thankfully largely ignored in favour of those zooming down to Devon and beyond. It is only us local residents that fully appreciate the hidden treasures they are missing. However, tourism does form a large part of our local economy so we owe it to them and us to show off a little from time to time.

I have never been much of a fan of large museums, as there never seems to be enough time, and far too much too see. Hence, I am much more inclined to visit specific exhibits, or small museums devoted to a particular topic or collection.

On my travels further afield I have visited a piano museum, a button museum and a pencil museum, all providing a fascinating in-depth peek into what on the surface might seem to be mundane subject matter.

Locally there are many small museums that are well worth a visit and warrant a detour on the way to the beach or your favourite country pub. Here are my top choices, many of which do not charge for entry. In all cases though it is best to ring ahead to check opening times and entrance fees.

Bath Postal Museum, 27, Northgate Street, Bath, BA1 1AJ Tel. 01225 460333

www.bpm.co.uk This collection includes the history of the British post box, quills, ink wells and biographies of key figures. Closed Sundays.

Dunster Doll Museum, 17, High Street, Dunster, TA24 6SF Tel. 01643 822315

www.dunstermuseum.co.uk A marvellous collection of over 800 dolls from around the world.

Open daily, free entry.

The Dorset Teddy Bear Museum, Eastgate, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1JU Tel: 01305 266040

www.teddybearmuseum.co.uk Edward Bear and his family of people-sized bears, makes this a popular family attraction, They have a great selection of Teddy Bears and collectors’ soft toys, in addition to a charming period shop stocking well-known brands.

Open daily, times vary.

Clouds Hill, King George V Rd, Bovington, BH20 7NQ Tel. 01929 405616

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clouds -hill The former home of T. E. Lawrence, an isolated cottage near Wareham in Dorset, is now run as a writer's home museum.

This austere brick and beamed cottage retreat, with its original contents has much to appeal.

Max Gate, Came View Rd, Dorchester, DT1 2AB Tel. 01297 489481

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/maxgate The former home of Thomas Hardy, who designed the property and lived here from 1885 until his death in 1928.

Perry’s Cider Mill & Museum, Dowlish Wake, Ilminster, TA19 0NY Tel. 01460 55195

www.perrycider.co.uk Family run award-winning cider makers, with a barn filled with interesting rural artefacts. Open all year. Hours vary. Free entry.

Bakelite Museum, Orchard Mill, Williton, TA4 4NS Tel. 01984 632133

www.bakerlitemuseum.co.uk Housed in the Orchard Millhouse, this Grade II listed building houses the personal collection of Patrick Cook, including vintage plastic radios, cameras, and even a coffin. Open daily.

Lambretta Scooter Museum, 77 Alfred Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1PP Tel. 01934 417834

www.chaneysworld.co.uk/lambre ttamuseumpage01htm nual 21st An

Punch & Judy Childrens Activity Tent, Bouncy Castle Various Musical Entertainment Village Hall Café, Hog Roast Pimms, Ice Cream, Tombola Grand Prize Draw – Fantastic Prizes 100+ Stalls, Classic Car Display

Saturday 3 rd September 2016 11.00am – 4.00pm • 50p Entry • Free Car Park Raising money to support village projects and this year’s chosen charity: BIBIC

Relive the days of Mods and Rockers by exploring almost every model of Lambretta scooter made from the 1940s to the 1970s.

Closed Sundays. Free entry.

Somerset Brick & Tile Museum, East Quay, Bridgwater, TA6 4AE Tel. 01278 426088

www.swheritage.org.uk/#!brick-tile-museum/cts7 Rammed full of surprisingly interesting information, there are lots of things to look at, including a huge brick oven. Open Tues – Thurs.

Chard Museum, High Street, Chard, TA20 1QB Tel. 01460 65091

www.chardmuseum.co.uk This quaint museum, welcoming

June Notice Board BRUTON

Award winning Aurin Girls’ Choir (Kodály School, Hungary) Tuesday 21st June 7.30pm, St Mary’s Church, Bruton. Tickets £6, 01749 812281.

GILLINGHAM

Evening of Trading - Boot Sale - Autojumble 6pm Tuesday 21st June. Pitches from £5. Cars, trailers, vans and lorries welcome. Fundraising in support of the Stars Appeal. (Sellers check your household/motor insurance - sellers must be insured. In case of accident, claim your stall pitch). Cash Prize Lottery Draws. Eat Now Food Fair. Gillingham & Shaftesbury Showground, Motcombe, Dorset SP7 9PL (off B3081). Enquiries 01747 824240.

HATCH BEAUCHAMP

Somerset Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers Fleece Fair, 18th June, from 10.30am, Hatch Beauchamp Village Hall, TA3 6SG. Yarns, fleece, fibre for crafters, demonstrations and food.

Entry £1.50.

visitors from across the globe, contains several collections of national importance, including those of John Stringfellow, an early pioneer of powered flight, and also James Gillingham, an important maker of artificial limbs.

The Keep Military Museum, Bridport Road, Dorchester, DT1 1RN Tel. 01305 264066

www.keepmilitarymuseum.org This imposing Portland Stone building is ideal for visitors of all ages with an interest in history and heritage. Displays, including a WW1 Officer's Dug-Out, tell the human story behind the exhibits and include uniforms, weapons, silverware, badges, personal artefacts, photographs and documents.

LP-V.

MARTOCK

Jazz Picnic on 9th June at 7.30pm with Bertie's Big Band off Water St. Tickets £8 at gate from 6.45pm, £7 and/or instructions from 01935 822706 or hckmlewis@talktalk.net Ample parking, numerous gazebos, Beer, etc. and puddings.

MERRIOTT

Village Hall, TA165QH Charity Concert with The Beach Boys Band Saturday 18th June at 7pm. Tickets £15 , includes BBQ, free prize draw, at Osborne’s Merriott 01460 73459 or 78461.

NORTH CADBURY

Yeovilton Military Wives Choir, St. Michael’s Church, North Cadbury, Saturday 18th June at 6.30pm. Tickets £10 on the door, Village Shop or from 01963 440683.

NORTH CURRY

North Curry Flower Festival to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th Birthday. Country Gardens in North Curry Church, 18th & 19th June, 10am-6pm.

Stay for tea and cake.

ADVERTISE YOUR JULY EVENT HERE!

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

Deadline for July issue, Friday 17th June.

THE VISITOR June 2016 51

GOLDEN YEARS – Care of the Elderly Careline

The Kymco Healthcare Agility

A stylish and reliable mobility scooter with waterproof LCD display, adjustable suspension, LED lighting and 12in low profile alloys in a choice of colours. Just one of many scooters available from Hart Mobility of Yeovil. Why not call in and discuss your requirements. Free parking outside the door.

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52 THE VISITOR June 2016

Mrs Marks, a south Somerset resident and Careline subscriber celebrated her 90th birthday with Her Majesty The Queen on 21st April.

Councillor Sylvia Seal, Portfolio Holder for Careline, celebrated Mrs Marks special birthday by presenting her with a bouquet of flowers and also a year’s free subscription to the Careline service.

Councillor Sylvia Seal said, ‘It was fantastic to hear Mrs Marks life stories from living in the Second World War, to buying her house only a few years ago which she had lived in all her life. We felt it was a fitting tribute to Mrs Marks’ life to present her with a bouquet of flowers to help celebrate her birthday.’

Mrs Marks praised the Careline service and said, ‘I’ve fallen over a couple of times at home and pressed my pendant for help. It’s great knowing that someone can be here for me when I have an accident at home.’

Careline provides help at the

touch of a button and gives that little extra support to people who want to remain living independently for as long as possible while bringing peace of mind to their family and friends.

The service provides an emergency alarm pendant that can be worn at all times, which links to the local control centre where emergency staff are on hand to answer calls 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Relatives can enjoy peace of mind that their loved ones are safe and will get an immediate response whenever they need it.

A free demonstration in the home is offered and, if you are happy with the service, staff will connect and set up the unit immediately. Through the Stepping Stones service the alarm is provided free of charge for 6 weeks for patients referred when discharged from hospital. Alarm rental and monitoring is just £3.82 a week. Free installation (normally £32.65) is offered to anyone aged 90 or over until the end of June.

GOLDEN YEARS – Care of the Elderly T h i n ki n g a b o u t y o u r o w n funeral is never an easy thing to do, but by planning ahead you can spare the people you love difficult decisions at a painful time.

With average funeral costs soaring well above the rate of inflation, it makes strong financial sense to consider a prepaid funeral plan. The cost is guaranteed at today’s prices and

inflation proof, protecting you and your loved ones from rising costs.

The experienced team at The Co-operative Funeralcare will guide you through the different options and provide a free, no obligation quotation to review in your own time.

To find out more, visit your local Co-operative Funeralcare home in Gillingham or Shaftesbury.

Councillor Sylvia Seal (left) presents Careline subscriber Mrs Marks with a bouquet of flowers to celebrate her 90th birthday on the 21st April, the same day as Her Majesty The Queen.

To find out more call 01935 479815, or visit www.south somerset.gov.uk/careline or email careline@southsomerset.gov.uk

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Peace of mind for you and your family with a pre-paid, inflation proof funeral plan.

THE VISITOR June 2016 53

GOLDEN YEARS – Care of the Elderly

Bramley Care

When looking for home care or residential care for a loved one or family member – Bramley Care can help. They offer both domiciliary (home) care which is tailored to suit the individuals needs and residential care which if of the highest standard.

Choosing the right type of care and a suitable care provider, is vital. The professional and caring staff at Bramley Care are available to assist with the whole process.

Bramley Care provides care with the utmost Dignity. This means they care for the individual, by taking into account the full needs of the person from day one, thus enabling them to remain as comfortable, independent and active as possible. Bramley Care also provides the highest quality palliative and supportive end of life care at home. Both Bramley Care’s residential homes work within The Gold Standards Framework (GSF), ensuring a ‘gold standard’ of care is provided to all of our residential clients nearing the end of their lives, whilst also

supporting their families and carers too.

Bramley Care’s excellent performance in their home care division can be read on the CQC’s website.

For further information about our services please contact Mandi Riddle on 01747 855844 or visit our website at www.bramley care.com

Artist’s impression: before and after the installation of a wetroom, by Simply Bathrooms & Bedrooms of Sherborne.

Wet rooms by Simply Bathrooms & Bedrooms of Sherborne

If you are experiencing difficulty getting in and out of the bath the installation of a wet room could be the answer.

A wet room gives you complete freedom of movement whether you are able bodied or less abled and it is then not necessary to have hoists and grab rails installed, which can be unsightly and can detract if trying to sell your property.

To find out more why not call in at Simply Bathrooms & Bedrooms of Sherborne – located in Half Moon Street, through the archway near the inn.

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54 THE VISITOR June 2016

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

GOLDEN YEARS – Care of the Elderly

Always a good selection of rise and recline chairs in stock at Regency Care & Mobilty, Crewkerne.

Sutton’s Stairlifts

Mark Sutton, who decided to set up a stair lift business after his father was almost stung by a pushy and aggressive stair lift installation company, is delighted to have been successfully trading for almost 3 years.

Sutton’s Stairlifts is a familyrun business dedicated to providing a fair and ethical service. They offer a range of new or refurbished stairlifts for purchase or rental in the Somerset and Mendip area.

Their showroom, at the Anglo Trading Estate, Commercial Road, Shepton Mallet, displays not only stair lifts but mobility scooters, rise and recline chairs as well as a wide range of living aids. They also offer free home assessments and home delivery of all their products.

Hom e Visit s

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Step inside!

We have a wonderful choice of Rise and Recline Chairs & Beds Scooters

To suit all budgets - new & used part exchange welcome

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Say you saw it in The Visitor

NEXT TO COSTA COFFEE AND WITHIN EASY REACH OF MAIN CAR PARK

Call in and see us at ...

10 Falkland Square, Crewkerne, TA18 7JS  01460 271172 www.regencycareandmobility.co.uk “If you can’t come to us we will come to you”

THE VISITOR June 2016 55

GOLDEN YEARS – Care of the Elderly Somerset Care

The Pride Quest is a light, portable, easy to fold scooter, offering great performance indoors and out with a maximum speed of 4mph. Ideal for an active lifestyle - whether going shopping or taking a holiday.

Visit Mendip Mobility of Street for further details.

Somerset Care is an awardwinning not-for-profit company with 25 years’ experience of supporting people to live independently.

Within our care homes, we provide a welcoming ‘home from home’ environment, whether you’re looking for day care, shortterm respite care or a longer term move to a home.

Our Community Services teams support people living in their own homes, providing a range of services to help increase our customers’ independence.

This support could be for a short period of time to enable someone to recover their independence following an injury, or it could be on a long-term basis.

Under the name ‘Realise’, we also support adults with learning disabilities, offering support with hobbies, employment and education as well as personal care.

The Visitor

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

Eating well when you’re over 70 advice from the Royal Voluntary Service

NUTRITIONISTS have compiled this advice and some simple suggestions for anyone over the age of 70 who is keen to maintain their health and energy.

We need a good diet as we age to support all the changes that occur in the body. Energy requirements and appetite may change too, but nutrient requirements do not! So if we’re eating less it is important to aim for more nutrient-rich foods and drinks.

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56 THE VISITOR June 2016

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THE VISITOR June 2016 57

GOLDEN YEARS

What nutrients should you be looking out for?

In the UK, it is common for older people to have a small appetite and low food intake, which can lead to low energy intakes and weight. If this is the case, a useful source of energy is fat, which provides the most energy, gram for gram, than any other nutrient.

Useful and nutritious sources of fat include: oily fish, cheese, avocado, vegetable oils and peanut butter.

Carbohydrate is also a useful source of energy and fibre helps to prevent constipation, which affects the quality of life of many older people. We can get these from wholegrain cereal products like breakfast cereals, brown rice and pasta, wholemeal bread, fruits and vegetables, potatoes and pulses like beans, peas and lentils.

Protein is needed for building and repairing body tissues - an important nutrient as we age where damaged tissue and wounds heal more slowly. We can get protein from dairy products like milk, cheese and yoghurt, meat and poultry, eggs and pulses.

There are some vitamin and mineral deficiencies that are more common in older people in the UK. These include the B vitamins, which are important for the brain and the nervous system, and potassium, where deficiency is associated with depression, confusion, muscular weakness and loss of appetite in older people. A varied diet of fruits and vegetables, wholegrain cereal products and dairy will provide these nutrients.

Vitamin C and zinc are important in supporting the immune system. Vitamin C is found mainly in fruits and some vegetables. Low intakes are associated with susceptibility to pressure sores and infection. Best sources of zinc are animal products such as meat, dairy, eggs and shellfish, as well as nuts and seeds.

Vitamin D supports the maintenance of healthy bones and muscle strength and deficiency can lead to bone fractures. The body is less able to produce vitamin D from the sun as we age so dietary sources are important.

The best dietary source is oily fish, but there are also small amounts in eggs and fortified margarine.

Calcium supports normal blood clotting, muscle function and healthy bones. Deficiency leads to osteoporosis, a common condition as we age. The best sources of calcium are dairy products including milk, cheese and yoghurt. Other sources of calcium include fish with soft bones such as canned salmon and dark green leafy vegetables.

Iron is an essential part of haemoglobin in red blood cells which carries oxygen around the body. Deficiency causes anaemia.

Good sources include red meat, offal such as liver, dark green leafy vegetables, pulses and some dried foods.

Royal Voluntary Service is a member of the Malnutrition Task Force who aim to minimise the risk of malnutrition to make a major difference to the health and quality of life of older people.

Fresh fruit and vegetables are essential in a healthy diet.

58 THE VISITOR June 2016

GARDENING

GARDENING MONTHLY

by Richard Cumming Orchard Park

Frenetic Growth!

IT HAS BEEN a bit of a late start then, with all that moisture in the ground, spring warmth has given us fantastic growth with climbers, shrubs, trees and herbaceous sending out their new shoots. The unwanted plants grow every bit as fast as the ones you want but that’s life in the fast lane so the battle for space can be hard fought. Which brings me to the Glyphosate debate. As I write it is still undecided as to whether or not it will be relicensed for use for the next few years. It is clearly a difficult issue with questions raised about possible health issues on one side and the obvious useful properties of an effective weed-killer on the other. There are a number of contradictory reports and findings which clearly emphasise the

difficult nature of the questions being asked. As professional horticulturists we always, always advise customers to use garden chemicals carefully and follow the manufacturer’s directions. They do after all spend a lot of time working out how best to use the things they make. Using doublethe-dose is not any more effective, and that is true for weed killers, pesticides, fungicides and fertilisers. In my own garden I tend to use organic products on the food crops and manufactured ones on the ornamental plants. I am really careful about using insecticides on plants that bees feed on, or old fashioned slug killers. I would strongly recommend to any gardener to ask about the products available to get the one that will be the most appropriate.

Plant of the Month

Clematis - a wonderfully diverse group of plants with many showing their true colours this month. From bold blooms the size of tea plates to delicate nodding bells adorning a garden arch, clematis are versatile and colourful climbers that no garden should be without. Whether left to clamber-up a trellis panel to cover walls and fences or trained over a pergola, clematis are a wonderfully diverse family with varieties to choose for flowers in every season of the year.

Large-flowered hybrids are some of the most impressive, coming into their own during the summer months, and these are joined by daintier flowering varieties of clematis viticella that continue blooming into autumn.

Dozens of clematis varieties are available, with new ones being introduced every year, so visit local garden centres and nurseries to pick the ones that appeal. Colours and forms vary widely, with something to suit every colour scheme. Most enjoy their heads in the sun, but some, like pure white ‘Alabast', will also grow in semi-shade.

Don't feel obliged to provide a structure or trellis for support as many clematis can simply be planted in amongst shrubs and left to grow up through them for support. Some of the best suited for this are varieties of Clematis viticella, like rich-red ‘Madame Julia Correvon' whose summer flowers are followed by fluffy seed-heads.

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GARDENING

Not all clematis are climbers, so look out for shorter nonclimbing and herbaceous varieties for your borders, like dainty blue ‘Arabella' and Clematis x durandii, all perfect for bright, sunny sites.

Or why not grow clematis in large pots to create a focal point on your patio. Choose compact varieties to grow in containers, trained up an ornamental obelisk

Clematis Mrs. N. Thomson.

or wigwam of canes or hazel poles. Several new dwarf and compact varieties have been introduced in recent years too, ideal for planting in tall pots and left to trail over the edges.

Clematis are often partnered with climbing roses and honeysuckle up pillars and pergolas to create long-lasting flower displays, but vibrant combinations can be created with

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virtually any other climbers or wall shrubs.

It's not hard to see why clematis have such irresistible charm, and with so many inspiring ways to include them within the garden and patio your colourful clematis collection is guaranteed to grow! You'll be spoilt for choice when shopping for clematis, so take your time to search through varieties in

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shades of pinks, reds, purples, lilacs, blues, creams, whites and more. Some have striped or patterned petals too in a variety of sizes, shapes and forms.

Top tips on growing Clematis

1. Clematis like their heads in the sun and feet in the shade.

Plant so that the soil around the roots is shaded to keep it cool, training shoots up into a brighter, lighter space above.

2. Always plant summerflowering clematis deeper than they were growing in their pots.

Dig a deep hole so the top of the rootball sits about 7-10cm below the soil surface, and bury the base of the stems with soil. This can help plants regrow if they ever suffer from clematis wilt disease.

3. Spread a deep mulch of compost or bark over the soil after planting to lock in moisture and protect from the sun to keep roots cool.

GARDENING

4. All clematis belong to one of three pruning groups depending on when they flower. Talk to the experts at Orchard Park to find out which pruning group your clematis belongs to and get advice on exactly when and how to prune. Alternatively, check online for advice at www.rhs.org.uk 5. Clematis are very adaptable plants, and climbing varieties can be trained up alongside a host of other climbers and wall shrubs.

Clematis Nelly Moser.

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60 THE VISITOR June 2016

Shrubs and small trees can also offer support for summer flowering clematis, and some varieties can even grow up through hedges. Herbaceous or non-climbing clematis can be planted among border plants to grow alongside them to produce exciting combinations.

Jobs for the Month

The veg garden is now looking good at the minute but the recently sown and planted crops may need watering to avoid setbacks. Potatoes may also need watering as well if they are to produce a decent crop, but water can be conserved by applying it early in the day so that it doesn’t evapourate before it can soak in.

Wet leaves over night are never a good idea as those are the perfect conditions for fungal disease to develop. There is still a copper mixture from Vitax available which can be used to give some protection, it is not absorbed into the plant but stops fungal spores carried in the wind from germinating on the leaves and infecting the plant. Blight resistant varieties will become more and more important as time goes on.

Carrots can be tricky sometimes, and the best results are achieved with a fairly firm and even seed bed, sown thinly.

Outside the veg plot, you need to support taller growing plants such as Delphiniums, and hollyhocks, restrain rampant spreaders and remain firmly in control over the weeds. If you don’t then they will crowd out the plants you do want before you have realised it. Take out flowering spikes as soon as they have finished to keep plants flowering. You may well already use the ‘Chelsea Chop’ on suitable herbaceous perennials to bush them out, making them less tall and leggy and needing less staking. It also delays flowering until later in the summer which

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may be useful in a mixed border where everything is tending to flower at once. Why Chelsea? It’s a simple coincidence as the best time to cut them back for this purpose is about the time of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show! It doesn’t refer to frustrated Chelsea garden designers trashing plants that didn’t live up to expectations!

Most seed raised annuals and tender perennials from cuttings should be hardened off by now and ready to be planted out. This is best done on a day that is overcast as it helps to reduce the shock to the plant, then water them in well.

Hanging baskets and planters that are really full and impressive, are inevitably high maintenance and need regular care and attention with watering, feeding and deadheading if you don’t want them to exhaust themselves by the middle of July.

Weeding is vital this month if you want to keep on top of it; I do keep a hand sprayer with ready-to-use weedkiller handy [clearly marked as weedkiller!] and spray the perennial weeds as they become obvious. There is always a push hoe somewhere nearby to use on the seedling and annual weeds.

Lawns need regular mowing to keep down the broadleaved weeds and encourage the finer leavedgrasses. If you mow and remove the clippings then you really should feed it. Good multipurpose lawn treatments are not nearly as expensive as they used to be and the difference is noticeable.

The pest and diseases are now evident, greenfly and black spot will be the most common especially on roses. The weather will govern the amount of mildew or botrytis we see. Hot weather will produce powdery mildews, and wet evenings will encourage black spot on roses and downy mildews. Cold wet weather generally encourages botrytis – good ventilation will help.

Combined rose fungicides and insecticides work well, and if you make sure the plant doesn’t get under stress by giving it adequate feed and water, you should be able to get the best out of them.

In the vegetable garden plant out runner beans, tomatoes, courgettes and anything else you‘ve been hanging on to.

Regular small sowings of salad crops and mange tout peas will

GARDENING Plants for well being & healing

LIFESTYLE LANDSCAPES AND GARDEN DESIGN have recently opened in Wincanton offering a garden centre with a difference - promoting in particular plants with healing and spiritual properties. The healing properties of plants has been recognised for many years and are the basis of many medicines used today.

Proprietor Andy Cole has run his own successful garden design and landscaping business for the past 16 years and is also a qualified Reiki Healer and Spiritual Healer. This new venture brings together both aspects of his knowledge.

What about this for your tired, aching back? A VegTrug - it brings the veg garden to a convenient height, easy to manage and very productive!

still crop in time. Leeks should be planted out, carrots sown [late crops are less likely to be attacked by carrot root fly] onions hoed, sweet corn sown, parsnips sown and herbs planted out.

Spinach can be sown repeatedly – treat it like a salad crop, and if you like rocket then sow that but sow a little every now and again to get a constant supply.

Greenhouse tomatoes need constant removal of side shoots and weekly feeding – switch from general fertiliser to tomato fertiliser as the first flowers appear. Greenhouse capsicums and aubergines need to be kept growing so that they are strong enough to produce and support a good crop – again feed is important. Grow-bags are very poor in nutrients they only act as a growing medium, if you don’t add feed then the plants won’t produce.

Craft at Orchard Park

Since opening in October 2004, Orchard Park has always been involved with the local community sourcing local suppliers and helping local people and organizations. Now, the garden centre is providing space for a wonderful group of local craftspeople trading under the name of Little Blue Emporium.

Their cosy shop is full to the brim with unique hand-crafted work ranging from original art, prints, clothes and home furnishing textiles, stationery products and jewellery. There certainly is something for everyone and they are open every Wednesday through to Sunday 10am – 4pm.

In addition to their shop there will be two craft fairs held at Orchard Park, the first will be on Sunday 19th June and the second will be a Christmas fair on 20th November. For more details or to

Full ground preparation and laying service available

The Farmhouse, Somerton Door, SOMERTON, TA11 6JA Tel / Fax: 01458 272091 www.evergreen-turf.co.uk • info@evergreen-turf.co.uk

Proprietor Andy Cole pictured with a healing pot in the new garden centre.

The new centre offers a selection of plants and shrubs to not only add colour and interest to your garden but also offers healing benefits too. For example: Lavender aids sleep - Lupins help alleviate anxiety/depression, often used to ease Alzheimers. Andy can offer an insight into the benefits of the different plants to help you plan your garden, or if you wish he can design a sensory garden for you.

In addition to plants there are a range of crystals on sale. These can work in harmony with the plants and can be incorporated into the garden design.

For those who have a smaller garden there are attractive ‘healing’ pots, pre-planted and incorporating a crystal in their design.

For those who wish to extend their knowledge there is a range of books on sale and there will be a regular development meeting (please leave your contact details at the shop should you wish to know more).

Although compact the new garden centre offers all your basic garden requirements at sensible prices. Currently, compost is 3 x 50litre bags for £12 and if you spend over £30 you will receive a bag of compost free. In addition to the various shrubs and herbs there is a colourful array of bedding /hanging basket plants plus a choice of seasonal vegetables.

The shop has seeds, trays, fertilizers, weed killers etc. plus a comprehensive range of quality garden tools from Spear & Jackson. Sundry items include bird food and feeders, strimmer cords, greenhouse clips, oil for mowers, water butts, incinerators and more.

As previously mentioned Lifestyle Landscapes is a well established business and Andy employs a team of three. They offer a comprehensive service which includes:  Garden Maintenance - mowing, hedge cutting, pruning etc. This can be a one-off service or a regular contract to suit. In addition to private work they also undertake regular work for letting agents and housing associations.  Landscaping - both hard and soft. Everything from a small seating area to a complete make over.  Garden Design - tailored to suit your needs, whether it is of a general nature, a meditation garden or perhaps a garden for the disabled offering a wheelchair friendly environment. (NB some access improvements for registered disabled are VAT exempt).

Why not pop in and discuss your requirements in person? Lifestyle Landscapes is a little tucked away but well worth finding. Look for the purple signage. Open 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm Sunday.

They are located at: 14 Hopkins Court, on the Bennetts Field Trading Estate, Wincanton, BA9 9TD ... with ample free parking outside the door.

Tel: 01963 34343 • www.lifestylelandscapes.co.uk Email: enquiries@lifestylelandscapes.co.uk

THE VISITOR June 2016 61

book a space to exhibit please contact Cath or Linsey 01747 825034.

Gardens of Cranborne Open Weekend - over 20 Gardens Open to Public

This is a wonderful community event which allows the public a rare glimpse into the gardens of a quintessential English village in the heart of Dorset.

The beautiful and varied Gardens of Cranborne in Dorset will be open for visitors on the weekend of 18th and 19th June.

From the famous Cranborne Manor gardens, originally designed by John Tradescant in the 17th century, and the wonderful 18th century Number 10 Castle Street (formerly Cranborne Lodge) to elegant period and modern homes and much-loved cottage gardens. A unique experience in a delightful and historic village in the heart of Dorset.

Gardens open from 11am – 5pm. Price £8 adults; children free; no dogs please. Ample free parking.

Great British Garden Bucket List

Manicured lawns and flower beds were once the fad du jour of

GARDENING

homeowners, but new research reveals traditional garden features have fallen out of favour, with more lavish features such as hot tubs, swimming pools and tennis courts taking prime position on garden bucket lists.

74% of Brits dream of owning a swimming pool, whilst over half (53%) have hopes of a relaxing after a hard day in a hot tub, according to a survey of 1,000 UK adults by garden and conservatory furniture retailer, Alfresia.co.uk Also high on the wish lists of would-be landscapers are water features (67%), followed by decking or patio areas (61%), vegetable patches (43%), and summer houses (24%).

Brits also have outdoor style aspirations, with oriental water garden (32%) topping the list of dream garden themes, followed by cottage garden (21%), contemporary modern (19%), Mediterranean terrace garden (16%), and low-maintenance garden (12%).

31% would use their dream garden for throwing parties, whilst an optimistic 16% plan to use their outdoor space for sunbathing.

1 in 10 (9%) sporty Brits dream of having their own tennis courts,

and 5% fantasise about a putting green on their dream garden wish list, showing spaces for active leisure are also a high priority for British adults.

Built-in BBQ and outdoor cooking area topped the list for those aged 18-24, whilst 25-34 year-olds chose vegetable patches as their top pick, illustrating the rise in popularity of gardening among young homeowners.

Respondents admitted their aspirations were being inspired by television shows such as Big Brother, and celebrities such as the Kardashians, many of whom have lavish feature filled gardens.

Craig Corbett, marketing manager at Alfresia.co.uk said: ‘The findings are interesting, and show that most of us aspire to have some element of water in our gardens, whether it’s in the form of a bubbling hot tub, or tranquil and calming water feature. It’s great to see the fun and quirky features the British public’s chosen when collating

their garden bucket lists.

‘Dream landscapes don’t have to cost big money - improvements can be made on a conservative budget and scale. Beginning garden renovations with a single smaller size project, such as tidying existing patio areas, or planting some seasonal pots is recommended – sowing seeds and garden maintenance can be done in smaller manageable sessions.’

Alfresia.co.uk sells a wide range of garden and conservatory furniture to enable families to enjoy their gardens via its website.

NGS Garden of the Month June 2016 Forest Lodge

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For all your gardening needs

Do Call In • Open 7 Days a Week • Ample FREE Parking

Milton On Stour, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 5QA Tel: 01747 824015

62 THE VISITOR June 2016

Forest Lodge, Penselwood.

All types of Fencing

• Gates • Trellis • Fence Panels • Tool Sheds • Summer Houses • Garages • Workhouses • Greenhouses • Field Shelters

All Buildings are hand-made at Bourton using Scandinavian Redwood Shiplap Timber.

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

TELEPHONE 01747 840752

GARDENING

orchard leads you through to a peaceful hornbeam allee with an obelisk.

The lake is surrounded with dramatic planting of gunnera and other large leaved species as well as flowering trees such as corylopsis spicata, hammamelis and cornus.

Plants For Sale, Home-made teas. Wheelchairs can access front garden only, however much of garden viewable from there.

Open: Thursday 23 June from 2.30-4.30 pm. Admission: £5.00, child free. Donation to ‘Heads Up Wells.’ Forest Lodge, Pen Selwood BA9 8LL. To see more details go to: www.ngs.org.uk

– these plants all have arum-lily type flowers in a variety of bright and exotic colours. If you have a damp, shaded corner, try Rodgersia Candy Clouds or Bronze Peacock which will thrive and produce large horse chestnut type leaves and plumes of feathery pink flowers. There are 15 varieties of Penstemon (including Electric Blue which is a really stunning bright shade of

blue), 18 varieties of Agapanthus and 15 varieties of Heuchera, to name but a few! They will be showing a selection of their range at their stand at the Bath & West Show from 1st-4th June.

Thorngrove Garden Centre in Gillingham is open every day from 9am to 5pm, ring 01747 822242 for more details.

Thorngrove Garden Centre

June in Thorngrove Garden Centre is when herbaceous plants start to come into their own with a riot of colour. You will find nearly 400 varieties of herbaceous plants in the nursery this year, ranging from popular old favourite such as lupins and aquilegia, to a vast selection of more usual plants. Berlandiera lyrata is a new introduction, with yellow daisy flowers and a strong scent of chocolate. Disporum flavens has come through the winter well, the stiff, arching, stems carry pale yellow bellshaped flowers hence the common name of Fairy Bells. A lovely new variety of Eucomis, the Pineapple Lily, is looking good and will have unusual pink flowers. There are three forms of Calla lily available, Gold Rush, Festival and Nightlife plus Zantesdeschia Marshmallow

This attractive Pavilion is a recent commission for Sparkford Timber Buildings & Gates of Sparkford. It is painted shiplap cladding under a slated roof. A full range of buildings are available and can be designed to your personal requirement.

Common Mead Lane, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4RE

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

 01747 822242 Email: thorngrove.staff@scope.org.uk

 Trees & Planters available to hire ... perfect for summer weddings  Vast range of Herbaceous Plants ... all home-produced

 Summer Bedding & Baskets ... ready now Thorngrove Garden Centre was set up by Scope Scope exists to make this country a place where disabled people have the same opportunities as everyone else. Until then, we’ll be here.

OPEN: 9am – 5pm EVERY DAY including SUNDAY

Visit our stand at the

Bath & West Show

the end bit...

PAPERCHASE

IT’S WHAT most writers and publishers dread. The finished job comes back from the printer and a typographical error leaps off the page to hit them in the eye. No matter how much meticulous care went into preparing the document for print, an occasional error slips through and there it is in black and white for all to see. So I was mortified when I read last month’s column, hot off the press, and was confronted by a small error of my own making – made worse because it appeared in a sentence in which I castigated our local papers for no longer employing proof-readers.

A ‘there’ should have been ‘their’ and I offer my abject apologies for not spotting it when I proofed the column.

Whoever prepared the copy of page 39 of the 14th May issue of the Western Daily Press should be blushing too, although the error made me smile. On that page appeared a list of the day’s celebrity birthdays, among them ‘Francesca Annis, actress, 7’.

Younger readers might be impressed by what appears to be child prodigy, but older ones might recall her appearing in Passion Flower Hotel way back in the 1960s. Ms Annis was, in fact, 71 on 14th May. In the April Paperchase I noted the launch on 29th February of The New Day, a new national daily paper, and wondered who and where were the people who would want to buy it. We now know the answer – few and far between, so much so that publisher Trinity Mirror closed it down after just fifty issues. According to press reports the initial circulation of 150,000 had dropped to around 30,000 a day whereas Trinity Mirror needed to be selling about 200,000 copies a day to cover its costs. So The New Day turned out to be a costly mistake.

Trinity Mirror owns Local World, publisher of the Western Gazette, and I was interested to see it has produced what is labelled a ‘Western Gazette nostalgia publication’ in the same page size as the newspaper. The advertisements describe ‘Yeovil

THE VISITOR June 2016 63

the end bit...

Then and Now’ as ‘a 48-page picture special telling the story of Yeovil over the past 120 years’, and as it costs only £1 I was tempted to buy a copy. In some respects it’s an excellent publication, packed with archive photos and up-to-date ones for comparison where staff photographer Len Copland has

ANSWERS TO POP MUSIC QUIZ

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on page 50

'Seven' 'Kiss Me' Suzy Quatro 'Prayer' Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) 6. 'Let It Be' 7. Tasmin Archer 8. Shania Twain 9. Gregory Porter 10. 'Rise'

clearly tried hard to take pictures from the same viewpoint. And many of them are full of fascinating detail, even though some have not reproduced too clearly on newsprint. But I would argue with the promotional blurb – it doesn’t ‘tell’ the story of Yeovil, it only pictures it. The photos are just labelled, for example ‘Princes Street looking north c1925’, rather than captioned with information to explain or interpret was is pictured. And it’s not ‘a 48-page picture special’ – it contains only 36 pages of photographs. The remaining 12 are full of advertisements. Despite these criticisms it’s good value for money, but a missed opportunity to produce something of greater historic interest and lasting value.

How many copies does the Gazette need to sell to break even, I wonder, and will further ‘nostalgia publications’ find their way onto the newsagents’ racks. Time will tell.

Chronicler.

Solution to May

Sudoku

Domestic Appliance Repairs

Washing Machines  Vacuum Cleaners Cookers  Tumble Dryers etc.

SPARES – REPAIRS – SERVICING

 Sparkford

Pe

01963 440689 • Mobile 07939 376071

PREMIER ELECTRICS Est. 34 yrs COVERING THE SOUTH LOCALLY

Kitchen Appliance Sales & Repairs

Ø Repairs to all leading brands of Kitchen appliances Ø 12 months guarantee on all repairs Ø Diagnostic work charged unless work undertaken Ø 24 hour service Ø OAP discounts

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

Taylors Domestic

Sales & Repairs for Dishwashers, Washing Machines, Cookers, Tumble Driers etc.

1992

Question Impossible 'Paul and Paula'

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.

64 THE VISITOR June 2016

Domestic Appliances

Appliances Ltd.

Bonus Question

Sudoku

PHONE - a - FIRM

Ridge View, Penmore Road Sandford Orcas DT9 4SE

Professional repairs by qualified engineer on most makes of appliances.

01963 220366

Email: taylorsdomesticappliances@gmail.com Covering the areas between Wincanton Castle Cary, Sparkford, Sherborne and Yeovil

Framing

SCENES

Artist Materials & Gallery

« Picture framing « Restoration « Large selection of prints & paintings « Greeting Card Blanks High St. Gillingham Tel 01747 824050 www.scenes-online.co.uk

Services

GOOD POTATOES Takeaway Bags of Coal • Calor Gas Car and Van Rental • Competitive Prices

Anchor Hill Service Station WINCANTON 01963 32609

Fire & Security Alarms

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

PHONE - a - FIRM • PHONE - a - FIRM

Transport & Storage

The key to all your storage needs!

Plumbing & Heating

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

01963 440045 www.sparkfordstorage.com

• Open 7 Days a Week • 20 Years Established Family Business

• Modern Burglar-Alarmed Warehouses • Professional & Reliable Service • Removals To and From Storage • Self Store with Easy Access • Cubicle and Crate Storage • Friendly, Helpful Staff

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

Roofing

PARKS

ROOFING LTD.

SLATING & TILING SPECIALISTS

Specialists in period and listed properties

Tel: 01747 861479 Mob: 07561 120828

Leadwork Chimneys Fascias Gutters Flat Roofs

34 White Road, MERE, Nr. Warminster Wiltshire, BA12 6EX

Email: mead208@btinternet.com

Fires / Chimneys / Stoves

SANDPITS

HEATING & HOME STORE

26 Stembridge, nr. Kingsbury, Martock TA12 6BN Telephone: 01460 240229 • Mobile: 07917 411961

Multifuel Stoves ... over 200 on display Chimneys Relined ★ Full Installation Service HETAS • OFTEC • GAS SAFE

✴ Chimney Sweeping Service ✴

Showrooms Open: Monday to Friday 8am – 5.30pm and Saturday 8am – 4.30pm Email: enquiries@sandpitsheatingcentre.co.uk www.sandpitsheatingcentre.co.uk

For all your roofing requirements

High Street, Curry Rivel, Langport  01458 251476

Flat Roofing • Tiling Slating • GRP Roofing

All New Work Fully Guaranteed

For further information & estimates contact Allan Carey

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

Bourton Roofing Co. Slate  Tiling  Flat Roofing.

UPVC Fascias  Guttering FREE ES T I MAT ES

 01747 840064

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

Communications

Clock Repairs

CLOCK REPAIRS Antique and Modern Clock Repairs.

Free pick up and delivery 40 years experience

Tel (01935) 477582

WESTLINE COMMUNICATIONS

Business Telecom Specialist For All Your Telecom Needs For free, friendly & professional advice call ...

John Penny on 07976 967349 www.westlinecoms.co.uk

07921 074602 • 01749 677440 • Solidfuel3@aol.com

Oven Cleaning

Mister Oven Independent Oven Cleaning Specialist Ovens - Hobs - Agas etc

Tel: 01935 475065 Mob: 07752 695264 www.misteroven.co.uk

Call 01963 351256 TO ADVERTISE

HERE

Clean Ovens Domestic Ltd Independent Oven Cleaners Covering Somerset and Dorset

AGAS • RANGES • OVENS HOBS • EXTRACTORS Eco-Friendly Materials Used Experienced + Fully Insured Friendly Staff

Tel: 0800 7076629 Mobile: 07563 693145 www.cleanovendomestics.co.uk

THE VISITOR June 2016 65

Classified Ads

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

For a Box Number please add £2.

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

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

Prize Crossword No. 356 Set by Frank Butler

SEND COMPLETED ENTRIES TO: The Visitor Crossword, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7BG – to arrive by Friday 17th June.

Correct entries are placed in a hat and the winner is the first name drawn. The prize is a £10 voucher to spend with any one advertiser in this issue of The Visitor.

Please do not forget to state your choice of advertiser and your name and address.

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Passport Photographs

PASSPORTS - passports - passports also studio sittings, 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.

Personal

www.country-link.org.uk COUNTRY LINK SOCIAL GROUP. Fresh air, fun, food and friendship. Tel: Andy 01225 834834 or Val 01749 342918.

GENT 63, enjoys travel, theatre, National Trust, seaside, music, dancing. Seeks lady non-smoker, easy going. Tel: 01458 440094.

Mobile Bars / Catering

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

Wanted

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

Daves Tools - Tel: 01935 428975

POSTCARDS, pop memorabilia, coins, badges, old toys, games, and anything military. Tel: Clive 01749 675456.

ALL SPORTS PROGRAMMES and books, memorabilia and ephemera – especially football. Large collections welcome. Cash paid. Tel: Clive 01749 675456.

R E D U N D A N T M O T O R M O W E R S , rotavators, chainsaws, strimmers, cement mixers, etc. Tel: 01460 77844.

MOTORCYLES ALL AGES, Vintage - new.

British machines or their spare parts.

Garages cleared. Tony. Riders (Yeovil) Ltd. Tel: 01935 421681. Mob: 07895 387222.

GUNS WANTED for cash. Any size, any condition, make or model. By registered firearms dealer. Tel: 07970 742471.

Services

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

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Can bet about beheaded waterbird. [6] Graduates encircle cavalry weapon to find scales. [8] To assign around eastern drugsmoker. [6] Tory swallows pieces of hair and goes into work. [6,2] Ice tin to provoke to action. [6] I go in tin muddle: Now the car will start! [8] Favourable points, with advice to replace ice with insect, then grows old. [10] Tide sailor arranged as leading articles. [10] Notice eye-shades giving warnings. [8] Call loudly concerning scam going around. [6] In medical fashion: 151 in returning brief calm. [8] Bird put out for rent about pub.

[6] Some prefabs in the town provide drink. [8] Aye, nod about twenty-four hours! [3,3]

8.

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Sounding as child crushes sixfooter. [6] More hair lost over rush: Nonsense! [10] A replacement I lost in rubbing only a part. [8] Cad surrounding author Jules with many large grottoes. [8] I try to include some equality of measure. [8] Frontage where fascist (no saint!) takes a letter. [6] Shuns as surrounding empty space. [6] Allot as hint shows. [6]

Solution to Crossword 355

Down: 1.

2.

3.

5.

6.

66 THE VISITOR June 2016

7.

I can follow sharp point in fortress. [8] Compelling cove Eric to get sorted. [8] 80% of tinge not at all odd in riding competition. [8] The lot say return of water mammal is a bit fast. [10] Part of a curve with short tick in the far north. [6] Funny about S in space! [6]

THE WINNER of our MAY CROSSWORD was Pamela Fawcett of Gillingham, who chose to spend the £10 voucher at Hansons Fabrics & Crafts, Sturminster Newton.