The Visitor Magazine Issue 403 June 2017

Our mission: we aim to empower those we reach to attain and maintain exceptional health and wellbeing

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

Issue 403 June 2017

FREE copy Your

We are nuts about men’s health SEE

INSTORE FOR OFFERS

9 – 11 Princes Street, YEOVIL, BA20 1EN Tel: 01935 428791

www.healthfoodsuk.com

Castle Cary Fire Station RECRUITING NOW! — See page 5 —

Photo by Graham Cox L.M.P.A.

In Passing ...

P

UNDITS and pollsters are predicting a landslide victory for the Conservatives in the forthcoming General Election, but thanks to our strange electoral system that doesn’t necessarily mean that the party will amass vastly more votes than the other parties. And is a massive Commons majority healthy for Parliamentary democracy if a significant proportion of the electorate find themselves under-represented or even unrepresented? Back in the early days of The Visitor, when Patrick Dunion not only edited but also wrote most of the content, he foresaw the possibility of Parliament conceding proportional representation. In print he never revealed his political leanings but instead he delighted in reporting the foibles of the candidates in local and general elections, regardless of their party.

Pat must have delighted in the words that satirist W S Gilbert had Sir Joseph Porter, First Lord of the Admiralty, sing in ‘HMS Pinafore’ in 1878:

to attract in a career outside. For many it is less. You may sacrifice a career in the hope of securing a seat which you may at any time subsequently lose, without compensation. However a candidate may present himself to his electors, no unadventurous family man in search of security is likely to want a career in politics.’

As Mellor noted, all the talented young people seem to be going into the media and not politics because ‘the media convey an air of glamour which the public finds deeply appealing, and who can doubt that opining on, or writing 1,000 words about, a problem is so much easier than trying to do something constructive about it’. This is written more out of sorrow than cynicism. I value my vote and am determined to use it, but first I would dearly love to hear the candidates describe their own constructive ideas – not their party’s line – for improving our society and our relationship with the rest of the world.

NN.

Advertising Deadlines

July Issue published Thursday 29th June Deadline Friday 16th June

‘I grew so rich that I was sent By a pocket borough into Parliament.

I always voted at my party’s call, And I never thought of thinking for myself at all.

I thought so little, they rewarded me By making me the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!’

Former Tory Cabinet Minister David Mellor wrote that ‘the real threat to Parliament is that the ranks of the best and the brightest, already pretty meagre in Parliament, will thin out even further’. One former Tory MP who abandoned Parliament to become a writer and newspaper columnist is Matthew Parris. In his opinion, ‘nobody without a gambling streak, a taste for uncertainty and a belief in his own luck would embark upon a Commons career. Statistically, most must ‘fail’ within their own terms, which are (usually these days) the achievement of high ministerial office. The hours and conditions are arduous and the salary no more than what most MPs could have hoped

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.

PO Box 1, Castle Cary Somerset BA7 7BP

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

Proprietor Helen Dunion

Accounts, Advertising, Editorial and Subscriptions Rachel Hancox Production Manager Jeff Farrow

© The Visitor Ltd. 2017

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

CONTENTS

Our FRONT COVER is almost entirely due to vital emergency services

ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLASSIFIED - 50 ANTIQUES & COLLECTING - 46 BRUTON - 42 BUSINESS - 9 CASTLE CARY - 10 CROSSWORD - 50 GARDENING - 31 GOLDEN YEARS Elderly Care - 36 HOUSE & HOME - 18 LEISURE & TRAVEL - 14 LETTERS - 6 LOOKING GOOD & FEELING FINE - 30 The MARKET GARDEN, Castle Cary business profile - 12 MENTIONED in DISPATCHES - 6 MOTORING - 35 MUSIC for the MONTH - 18 NOTICE BOARD - 14 ON OUR COVER - 5 PAPERCHASE - 47 PHONE-A-FIRM - 48 PUBS - 42 SITUATIONS VACANT - 8 SUMMER WEDDINGS - 24 THEY SAY - 46 WINE & DINE - 29 Drawings by GEOFF THOMPSON

THE VISITOR June 2017 3

4 THE VISITOR June 2017

OUR FRONT COVER Castle Cary Fire Station

Did you know Castle Cary Fire Station is crewed by Retained Firefighters? There are currently 11 Retained Firefighters in the crew and they all have ‘other’ jobs, live within 5 minutes of the station and, between them, make sure there is a fire engine available 24 / 7 throughout the year.

When an emergency call is received, by someone dialling 999, the pagers they carry are activated and they respond to the station from home or work.

Last year they attended 192 incidents. These included 37 Automatic Fire Alarms, 35 Road Traffic Collisions, 25 Property Fires and 19 Chimney Fires in Castle Cary and surrounding villages.

As well as attending emergency incidents, they also provide advice and support to members of the community, to help keep them as safe as possible. They offer free Home Safety Checks. The check takes no longer than five minutes after which you may be offered a Home Fire Safety Visit. This visit takes less than 30 minutes: they provide advice and fit a free smoke detector if required. If you would like a free home fire safety check please call 0800 05 02 999.

To make sure they can continue to provide the service they do, they need new people to join their team. They are NOW RECRUITING, so if you are aged over 18, live and / or work within 5 minutes of Cary station, are physically fit, and want to be part of a highly trained, tight-knit team, it is exciting, challenging and, most of all, rewarding.

You may be called out two / three times per week for one / two hours. This can be during the day, evenings or weekends, but you choose the hours you are available – all they ask is for you to be flexible. The minimum availability hour contract is 63 hours per week (part cover) and 84 hours per week (full cover).

Your employer may be interested in the benefits and transferable skills the Service can offer in your workplace.

If you’d like to know more why not visit www.dsfire. gov.uk, pop to the fire station on Wednesday night between 7pm and 9pm (when they are training), or ask one of your local fire fighters?  Have you got what it takes?

THE VISITOR June 2017 5

Letters To the Editor Somerset Wildlife Trust

SIR, The Somerset Wildlife Trust is extremely grateful for the support that was given towards the last-ever Plant Sale and Open Garden at Rookery House, the Causeway, on May 6th.

Once again the magnificent sum of over £2300 was raised and all will be used in Somerset “Protecting Wildlife for the Future” – the logo line of the Trust.

Thanks go to Sainsbury’s and Somerlap and many individuals who provided raffle prizes, and to everyone who was able to help either by providing plants and cakes and by assisting in the organisation for the event and on the day, and by coming to buy.

Over 200 people attended and enjoyed the garden and refreshments.

Thanks also to Gill Isgar and Mark & Ricky Popham for the use of the field as the car park – this of course is absolutely essential for this event at this location.

This was tabled as the major fund-raising event for the Mendip Hills Area Group of the Somerset Wildlife Trust and this event has achieved that goal.

Sincerely Norman Lees

Mentioned in

Dispatches

Strode College Students Delighted with Doris Dowry

A Level Textiles students at Strode College had some fantastic news recently, when they secured substantial funding from The Doris Southcott Bursary.

Sue Green, Textiles teacher at Strode College, said: “I originally applied for £9000, so I was incredibly surprised and extremely grateful to be awarded £30,000! This will enable our students to achieve goals that may previously have been unfeasible due to costs.”

The Doris Southcott Bursary, a charitable trust based in Exeter, provides financial help to young people in Somerset, aged between 16 and 25, to enable them to advance their education in the field of fashion design, textiles and fabric technologies.

The Strode Art and Design teaching team are planning a subsidised student trip to the Graduate Fashion Week in London, which attracts 30,000 guests each June. The students will get to see the work of over 1,000 of the very best students and graduates from some of the most influential and inspiring fashion universities around the world.

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

• Private Ch apel of Rest

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

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

6 THE VISITOR June 2017

Teacher Sue Green with Strode College A level Textiles students who will benefit from a Doris Southcott Bursary this year.

Petrina Rochester, Head of Art and Design at Strode College said: “This is a fabulous opportunity for our students to witness cutting edge fashion from the best UK graduates and this will in turn inspire their own coursework. It is very exciting to be able to offer this exclusive trip at a greatly reduced fee. I’m delighted that there will be several former Strode students exhibiting their final degree collections on the runway this year.”

The funding will also sponsor several prizes at the Strode College Art and Design Department’s End of Year Show, that is open to the public from Tuesday 13 June until Wednesday 21 June, 9:30am-4pm (weekdays only). The Art and Design Department have also developed a bursary scheme for students to apply for financial help to assist their education in Fashion and Textiles.

Sue Green said: “Students are already writing individual plans, for example to purchase train tickets to see exhibitions that will help their creative research and enhance portfolios for interviews at universities and art colleges.

“We would like to give our sincere thanks to the trustees at The Doris Southcott Bursary who made it possible for us to make such a difference to so many of our students’ creative futures.”

Table Top Sale in aid of local Alzheimers Group

The Rotary Club of Brue Valley are holding a Table Top Sale & Coffee Morning on Saturday 17th June 2017 in The Wincanton Memorial Hall, this event will be different to all the rest!

The famous griddle will be in operation, serving burgers and bacon baps, however, if you want something lighter, coffee, tea and cake will be available too. Apart from the usual ‘jumble’ tables there will be local entrepreneurs showing and selling their goods.

Children’s books, lotions, potions, cakes, face painting, lucky dip, are just some of the stalls you will be able to visit.

The Rotary Club are raising funds for the local Alzheimers group who meet at the Balsam centre in Wincanton, a truly worthy cause. So, if you have things that you want to sell, book a table for just £5 and come and join in. Email tabletopsale @bruevalleyrotary.org asap to secure a table, as table space is going fast.

Defibrillator for Montacute House

The Yeovil Montacute parkrun has been running weekly at the National Trust's Montacute House every Saturday since September 2013, and has become a weekly staple to the local

THE VISITOR June 2017 7

running community – and the community in general, encouraging people to start running. Over the course of the past three years there have been 5,203 runners take part in at least one parkrun – together participants have completed 35,354 parkruns covering a total distance of 176,770 km, over total hours 1 Year 356 days 16Hrs 48Min 5Secs!

Parkrun UK is passionate about providing simple and safe events and has recently pledged to have Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) available at all 5k parkruns. There is a National Lead for AEDs and First Aid, Chris Richards, whose role it is to make parkrun a healthy, happy and safe place to be.

Earlier in the year, parkrunners responded to an appeal to donate towards a defibrillator for Montacute House, and donated £821 in just a couple of weeks, a fantastic contribution, and the organising Core Team were very pleased to formally present the new AED Defibrillator to the National Trust's Grahame Meaden which will make Montacute House a safer place to run and to visit.

Queen Camel Tuesday Group April / May Report 2017

The speaker for April, Francis Watson, started his collecting obsessions at an early age, when he discovered 5 mother-of-pearl discs in an antique shop and just had to have them. They turned out to be part of a collection of 140 tokens, used by gentlemen for gambling.

The collecting ‘bug’ grew from there, with, firstly, mother-ofpearl boxes in which to store his finds, and then more finds, in groups or families, such as brooches, spoons, animals etc.

May’s speaker gave a fun time of giggles and groans with his talk, ‘the pun is mightier than the sword’! Mr Jeram spent 40 minutes or so quipping one pun after another until the group cried, “Enough.” He had kindly stepped in at the last moment and fulfilled a very difficult task wonderfully.

Next month the group is off to the seaside on a steam train, visiting the Dorset Coast!

They meet on the first Tuesday of each month at the Queen Camel Memorial Hall arriving at 10.00am for a 10.30am start.

Ring Marion on 01963 220741 or Pat on 01963 32264 if you want more information.

SITUATIONS VACANT

The

Wyndham Arms

KINGSBURY EPISCOPI Has 2 job vacancies available in the kitchens SECOND CHEF

THIS JOB is to assist the Head Chef in the general running of the kitchen. Applicants must be qualified to at least NVQ level 2 and have had some trade experience. Hours per week will be in the region of 30 – 35, with the rate of pay negotiable.

TRAINEE CHEF

THE WYNDHAM are looking for someone wanting to come into the trade, preferably with some hands-on experience as a waiter / waitress, and be prepared to work with an external training provider. All training will be performed on site. This will culminate in a level 2 qualification in Food Production and Cookery.

Applicants must be prepared to work split shifts and weekends.

Hours of work and rates of pay to be negotiated.

Please contact

The

Say you saw it in The Visitor

8 THE VISITOR June 2017

Paul or Rob on 01935 823239

Wyndham Arms

KINGSBURY EPISCOPI nr. MARTOCK SOMERSET TA12 6AT

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL

Red Berry Recruitment Celebrate 10 Years

In 2006 Helen Lacey decided to turn down the offer of a franchise for a large independent recruitment agency and made the decision to open her own. So, in January 2007 the Red Berry Recruitment Shepton Mallet office was born!

Ten years later and Red Berry Recruitment now has three offices, Shepton Mallet, Yeovil and Bridgwater. And excitingly there is now a fourth satellite office just being launched in Cardiff.

As a recruitment agency Red Berry has five core values: passionate, dynamic, professional, friendly and dedicated. Each and every ‘Berry’ is proud to follow these core values and apply them in everything they do.

Red Berry Recruitment’s aim is to offer clients and candidates a superlative customer service.

Supplying a number of sectors, Red Berry supports businesses in the industrial, commercial, financial, creative and HR sectors to name a few, placing temporary, permanent and contract workers.

Having won numerous company and individual awards, Red Berry Recruitment is truly a multiaward winning company and is proud to be an integral part of the Somerset business community.

Helen, R ed B erry Recruitment’s MD, knew she wanted to celebrate the company’s ten year milestone with a party. However when Graham, her step father, passed away from cancer in October 2015 Helen decided to combine the celebrations with a charity fundraising event for the wonderful charities that supported her and her mum through this difficult time.

Marie Curie was chosen as they were so supportive to Helen, her mum, and her step dad in that last few weeks of Graham’s life.

Why, We Hear You, was the second charity chosen after Helen met with them and realised the counselling they offer to cancer victims and their families is invaluable.

Helen said “I am extremely proud that we are able to celebrate ten years in business.

It only seems like yesterday when we launched the Shepton Mallet office. It’s not always been easy anyone in business will say that.

However, I am delighted to have

the team I have around me and the support from our clients and candidates who work with us.

Here’s to another ten years!”

Red Berry’s ten year party took place on Friday 12th May at the Haynes International Motor Museum. Guests were entertained by Bruton School Jazz Band and Adam Richards Magic during a drinks reception.

Music was provided by Bertie’s Big Band and there was a raffle with a huge selection of prizes that had been donated by local companies and individuals.

Rupert Cox, CEO of Bath and West Showground, hosted a charity auction with items such as a Mercedes for a weekend, a signed F1 hat and an evening of wine tasting.

Helen’s aim was to raise £3000

for the charities on the night of the party. We are extremely proud to say though that with the help of matched funding from Santander, that the amount raised was (approx.) £5,500.

Thank you to everyone who supported the event, either by donating a prize, buying a raffle ticket, bidding on the auction or simply attending and helping to truly make it a night to remember.

Helen Lacey, MD, pictured at Red Berry’s ten year party which took place on Friday 12th May at the Haynes International Motor Museum.

Red Berry has five core values: passionate, dynamic, professional, friendly and dedicated. Each and every ‘Berry’ is proud to follow these core values and apply them in everything they do.

THE VISITOR June 2017 9

‘THE FIRST THING visitors notice about Castle Cary is that people pass the time of day with complete strangers and walk about with a smile upon their face.’ So wrote the poet John Brookes in the November 1989 issue of this magazine, adding that ‘there must be a good reason for this general air of contentment whereby even the daily chore of shopping becomes a pleasure rather than a chore’. That still holds good today, as I discovered when I paid a visit on a sunny May morning. I was impressed by the multiplicity of retailers offering the friendly personal service that attracts shoppers from far and wide.

Whatever you’re looking for, the chances are that you can buy it in Castle Cary, and it has become a mecca for discerning shoppers seeking elegant, unusual, high quality goods. There are few signs here of the dull uniformity of most of the national chains.

High Street, Market Place and Fore Street were certainly bustling and vacant shops don’t stay empty for long. A recent addition to the town’s wide range of shops is a tempting delicatessen on The Pitching next to the Market House. Its building dates from the 18th century and was The Angel pub until it closed around 1960. Since then its occupants have included an antiques dealer and a ladies fashion retailer amongst others.

Another relative newcomer next

Opened last year on High Street, The Gallery provides meals and wine as well as art displays and musical entertainment.

to the former NatWest bank on High Street is an art gallery that provides meals, wine and musical entertainment as well as art displays. And across the road is Home café, opened late last year, offering plenty of vegetarian options.

On Fore Street between the Market Place and the Horsepond are numerous shops catering for the day-to-day needs of local residents, including a couple of grocers, a chemist, greengrocer, bakery, bookshop and hardware store. Despite the modern appearance of the shopfront, the building housing Dave Marsh Hardware has an interesting

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

10 THE VISITOR June 2017

history. It is thought to have been a coaching house as long ago as the 17th century but by the early years of the last century it had been transformed to cater for the motor car and was Central Garage and petrol station. It is hard to imagine what it must have been like before the one-way traffic system was introduced some fifty years ago; what it was like when motorists pulled up outside the garage to fill up with Shell petrol or drove inside for repairs or servicing. For many years the garage was owned by Jack Norris who started working there as an employee in 1923 and within a few years purchased the business from which he also operated a taxi service. It closed on his retirement in 1969.

The premises were then altered and refronted to provide a branch

of Overt Locke, the Somerton hardware and homeware store, until the autumn of 1989. Overt Locke’s branch manager was Dave Marsh, who had worked in the hardware trade since leaving school at 15 and who was also one of the town’s retained firemen. He bought the branch before it closed, renamed it and has been running the business successfully ever since, offering a wide selection of hardware, di-y and gardening requisites together with household items and gifts. In May Dave celebrated his 65th birthday and half a century of selling hardware in the town.

Tuesday morning is a good time to visit Castle Cary. It’s Market Day, when stalls in and around the Market House attract shoppers from out of town to see the range and quality of goods on offer. On the cobbled area at the front, beneath brightly-coloured awnings, a fishmonger was doing roaring trade, a traditional baker was selling a tempting range of speciality breads and rolls, and a greengrocer had a large display of fresh fruit and vegetables. Among the other stalls were those selling cheeses and chutneys, wool and haberdashery, sweets, soaps and smellies, some of them accommodated in the open-sided undercroft of the Market House.

In total there must have been more than a dozen stalls.

Thinking about John Brookes and Castle Cary’s ‘general air of contentment’ prompted me to dig out a old videotape of ‘Shaking the Heavens’, a 40-minute documentary about his life and

poetry that the BBC broadcast in 1992. John was born in London in 1920 but went to work in Australia in 1938, joined the Australian army to fight in World War II, spent four years as a prisoner-ofwar and subsequently served in the Colonial Police in Africa before returning to England to work for the De La Rue Company. He retired in 1979 and moved to Somerset with his wife Elaine, initially to Galhampton and then to Florida Street in Castle Cary.

During his wartime incarceration he started to write poetry but it wasn’t until he settled in Cary that he was persuaded to start writing again. From 1984 until 2001 he contributed a monthly poem to this magazine – that’s more than 200 poems – and over 50 of the earlier ones and seven of his wartime poems were published as the book ‘Verses Private and General’ in 1989.

Much of the documentary was filmed in Cary in the summer of 1991 and the local views provide

a backdrop for the recitation of some of the poems: panoramas of the town from Lodge Hill, his home next to the playing field at the top of Florida Street, the shops on the Market Place and Fore Street, the crowded bar inside The George and much more. Despite the passage of a quarter of a century the changes in the appearance of the town are comfortingly minimal, but it’s a sobering thought that the young adults at a barbecue in his garden and in the bar at The George are now in their late 40s (or older)! They were all smiling then, and if they’re still living in this happy little town I suspect they are smiling still.

Roger Richards.

Looking for a natural approach to your health and well-being?

Heal and Sole Holistics promote a healthy lifestyle naturally, their aim is to help you restore an overall feeling of well-being.

They are specialists in Reflexology, Reiki and Indian

Head Massage, as these holistic complementary therapies are natural, gentle and noninvasive, as well as soothing, calming and balancing. By working on all levels, physical, mental and emotional, these therapies are renowned worldwide for alleviating the

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

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

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

THE VISITOR June 2017 11

effects of stress, inducing deep relaxation and boosting the immune system, along with rebalancing the body’s energy flow and supporting the body's natural ability to heal itself.

For centuries these therapies have been used as powerful forms of natural healing and many people use them for help with specific symptoms or conditions including: Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Depression, Bereavement, Asthma, Eczema, Headaches,

Sciatica, Back Pain, Joint Pain, Muscle Pain, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Poor Circulation, Lymphoedema, IBS, Digestive Disorders, Fertility, Pregnancy, PMT, Menopausal Symptoms, Sports Injuries, Post-Operative Recovery, Cancer Support and many other chronic diagnosed health conditions.

Full details are available on their website www.heal andsole.co.uk or by giving them a call on 01963 350639

Offices at: Castle Cary, Shepton Mallet, Glastonbury and Cheddar

Old Bank House, High Street, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7AW Tel: 01963 350888 • Fax: 01963 351107 Email: robin@bgw-solicitors.co.uk • www.bgw-solicitors.co.uk

12 THE VISITOR June 2017

Tuesday morning is Market Day in Castle Cary and the many stalls in and around the Market House attract shoppers from out of town.

Delaware Veterinary Group

Delaware Veterinary Group are proud to provide veterinary care and assistance to Forever Hounds Trust and will be holding fund-raising event on Saturday 17th June 2017. Please bring along your canine companions and join “Dog Stomp”, a 7km sponsored walk through beautiful Castle Cary countryside and help raise money for this worthy charity. Entry is £10.00 per dog and all canine participants will receive a neckerchief to proudly wear whilst on the walk. Cake and refreshments will be waiting back at the practice to provide that incentive for the home stretch!

If you are interested, please call the practice on 01963 350307 for more information and to register your interest.

Andrew Knight – Osteopath

Andrew runs general practices in Keinton Mandeville and Castle Cary offering Osteopathic Care to a wide range of age groups.

In Keinton Mandeville he also offers Applied Kinesiology assessments for gut health and allergy control offering lifestyle advice to help alleviate allergy symptoms.

Recent training in the Cranial approach has added to the 30 years of experience in Osteopathic practice and has begun to offer a varied style of treatment that can be discussed and explored in partnership with the patient to decide the best way forward in their individual case.

Andrew remains involved in Archery posture and dance safety which crosses professional

The long-established Dave Marsh Hardware store on Fore Street occupies premises that were for many years a garage and petrol station.

life with leisure activities.

Andrew can be contacted by text, phone, email and via the website at www.andrewknight.co.uk

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

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

Personal and professional service

THE VISITOR June 2017 13

Spectra Musica in North Cadbury

‘Summer Nights’ is another eclectic selection of music being presented by Spectra Musica and Musical Director Peter Leech in St.Michael’s Church, North Cadbury on 1st July at 7.30pm.

The group’s repertoire continues to expand under Peter’s skilful baton – the programme will include a short mass by Johann Georg Albrechtsberger (1736 – 1809), a name not known by many but a prodigious talent; a colleague and

familiar of Mozart, whose work will also feature in the concert. On the lighter side, Ellington also makes an appearance, as do Chilcott, Gershwin and many others.

Concert pianist Anita D’Attellis and a string quintet will be accompanying the group and Anita will also feature throughout the evening.

Tickets are £12 from 01963 350160, on the door or at tickets@spectramusica.co.uk For more information go to www.spectramusica.co.uk

Drayton Street Fair

Saturday 2 nd September 2017 11.00am – 4.00pm Craft & Local Produce H Stalls Wanted H F R EE PA R K ING

01458 251687 (day/evening) for further details

Gillingham & Shaftesbury

AGRICULTURAL SHOW ‘The Show where Town & Country Meet’

Wednesday 16th August 2017

130 Years

8.30am – 6.30pm at the

Motcombe Turnpike Showground SP7 9PL

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

ATTRACTIONS INCLUDE:

ADRENALINE TOUR QUADBIKE STUNT DISPLAY

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

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

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

SCHEDULES & TRADE APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE NOW

Call: 01747 823955

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

14 THE VISITOR June 2017

‘FARM’ by Kate Lynch is out on 3rd June, which co-incides with the re-opening of Somerset Rural Life Museum at Glastonbury.

Dragonfly Drones

Based in Somerset, using drone aircraft, piloted by CAA licensed pilots, Dragonfly Drones have the capability to provide aerial photography and video services to a wide range of customers, from private individuals to commercial enterprises in the South West and further afield!

Their multi-rotor drone platforms can operate up to a height of 400 ft, and are equipped with the latest technology stills and video recording equipment to allow you to capture hi-res images and high quality video, giving you an aerial view of private and commercial property imagery, agricultural survey, photography and video, building construction and renovation, ecological surveys / aerial visual support - real time video.

For more information contact them on 07789 991120, Jeremy@dragonflydrones.org.uk or visit www.dragonflydrones.org.uk

June Notice Board KINGSTON MAGNA

Gardens open Sunday 11th June 2pm – 6pm. Approx. 12 gardens, plant / cake stalls. Entrance £7.00 including cream tea.

WINCANTON

Saturday 17th June, Table Top Sale, Wincanton Memorial Hall, 10am – 1pm. Tea, Coffee, Cakes, Bacon Baps & Burgers available.

Raising funds for The Balsam Centre, Alzheimers Group.

Tables £5. For enquiries and table top bookings email: table topsale@bruevalleyrotary.org

ADVERTISE YOUR JULY EVENT HERE ...

Affordable Aerial Expertise

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

Send details of What? When?

Where? to The Visitor, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BP. All entries to be prepaid. Extra words 30p each.

Deadline for July issue, Friday 16th June.

Visit College to find out about ‘Outstanding’ education for School Leavers and Adults

Strode College in Street is inviting school pupils, adults and employers to its Open Evening on Wednesday 14th June between 6pm and 8pm, to find out about the wide variety of courses and opportunities available.

School pupils from Years 9 – 11, who are thinking about their options for study after GCSEs, can find out about the wide range of A Levels available at Strode, as well as excellent vocational courses and Apprenticeships – with current job vacancies available now, for those leaving school this summer.

At Mendip and South Somerset’s only Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ sixth form 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 will be able to 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 on the evening or preregister on Strode’s website: www.strode-college.ac.uk

Somerset Rural Life Museum to Reopen for the Summer

Somerset Rural Life Museum, in Glastonbury, will reopen on Saturday 3rd June following completion of a £2.4 million redevelopment project led by the South West Heritage Trust.

The reopening will be marked by a free family fun day on Saturday 3rd June. Visitors will also be able to enjoy the Museum’s first temporary exhibition, ‘Farm’, a collection of paintings, drawings and the voices of Somerset farmers by artist Kate Lynch. It will be the

first of a new programme of exhibitions and seasonal events taking place throughout the year.

For opening times, admission prices and more information visit www.somersetrurallife museum.org.uk

Kate Lynch’s new book: FARM – Paintings, drawings and Somerset voices

This full colour hard back book of 84 pages will be launched at the Somerset Rural Life Museum when it re-opens on 3rd June and all the paintings and drawings and extracts from the recorded interviews will be on show in the gallery at the Museum from 3rd June – 3rd December.

This is Kate Lynch’s fourth book and follows her previous books on Somerset willow growers and basketmakers, shepherds and beekeepers.

Kate has spent two years painting and drawing over 20 Somerset farmers at work and collecting their stories. They tell the colourful history of their farms, taking us back to a world

of hand-milking and working horses. Their words are accompanied by 45 paintings and drawings of them working today.

They are illustrated milking cows, cheddaring curd, turning cheeses, running sheep, scraping yards, herding geese, feeding pigs and stripping willow for the basketmaker, as well as harvesting apples in orchards, cidermaking and celebrating the traditional mid-winter cider Wassail.  Competition details below.

COMPETITION TO WIN a copy of Kate Lynch’s new book ‘FARM’

Q

Name four Somerset cidermakers featured in Kate Lynch’s new ‘FARM’ book ...

Send your answer on a postcard to: Farm Competition The Visitor Magazine PO Box 1, CASTLE CARY Somerset, BA7 7BG

Or email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk

 Don’t forget to include your name and address. The first correct entry to be pulled from the hat will win a copy of Kate’s book.

H Closing date: Friday 16th June 2017

THE VISITOR June 2017 15

Year 3, and CokerFest is back for more in 2017

CokerFest is a relaxed and fun one-day festival aimed at all ages, with good food, great music and a fun festival atmosphere.

The festival is held in the beautiful gardens at Longlands, a private home in East Coker near Yeovil, Somerset and is run in support of St. Margaret’s Hospice.

This year, the line-up has been expanded to six bands, great local food, extensive bar and a real mixture of fantastic music to get everyone up and dancing.

The festival will be headlined by hi-energy Reckless, who closed the inaugural CokerFest in 2015, and Lionstar an amazing six-piece reggae fusion act.

Gates open at 5.00pm and it kicks off with Microlight, Livewired, The Mad Ferret Band (imported from Scotland!) and Turnette Doone.

CokerFest will take place on Saturday 1st July 2017 at Longlands, Longlands Lane, East Coker, Near Yeovil.

Tickets are available online for £13 at www.cokerfest.co.uk (and selling fast) or on the day for £16.

Sewing with Style customer offers from Hansons Fabrics & Crafts

Save £70 on the Janome QXL605 at Hansons Fabrics & Crafts, now only £429! This fully computerized machine is easy to use, has 60 stitch choices, 7 styles of auto 1-step buttonholes, auto needle threader and auto thread cutter scissor button, Superior Feed System (SFS+) and a hard cover. Buy NOW and get a FREE Accessory Kit & Extension Table, normally £119! This very special offer is available until Saturday 3rd June ONLY so don’t delay!

As well as a 2-year guarantee on parts and labour * , Hansons Fabrics & Crafts also offer an unbeaten After Care Service of FREE lifetime support, meaning that you are entitled to further demonstrations on the use of your Janome Sewing Machine and if you ever have a problem, their staff are happy to check your machine and solve any issues

they can in store free of charge (exc. parts after the TWO year guarantee period)**. Hansons also check every single machine delivered to them, ensuring that no damage has occurred in transit, and that the machine operates as it should.

Demonstrations are available and you can even try a machine out prior to purchase if you wish.

Visit http://www.hansons fabrics.co.uk/ for more information. *, ** Terms & Conditions apply

The Gartell Light Railway

If you are looking for a day out this Bank Holiday with a bit of a difference then please come and ride on the privately owned Gartell Light Railway, between Templecombe and Henstridge on the A357: our postcode is BA8 0NB. The GLR is narrow gauge with half size coaches and we run through nearly a mile of the

Available at Hansons Fabrics & Crafts

16 THE VISITOR June 2017

Somerset countryside, much of it along the trackbed of the old Somerset and Dorset railway closed 51 years ago.

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

We have both steam and diesel locos and trains run every 20 minutes from 10.30 until 16.30.

There is a large free car park and an ample sized buffet for drinks and snacks as well as outside eating and picnic areas. There is also a shop selling books, models and railway related toys.

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

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

Rum & Music Festival at Orchard Inn, Galhampton

Following the success of last year’s Gin & Music Festival, this year Orchard Inn, Galhampton, will be celebrating a range of rums and music styles in their Rum & Music Festival, with over 30 different rums and 4 fantastic acts. The main bar will be open as usual and the rum bar will be

Singing in Bruton: the internationally renowned Aurin Girls' Choir from Hungary.

in the garden where the acts will be playing. Food will be served throughout the day. The event is family friendly, although they do urge under 14’s to leave around 9pm.  ABOUT THE ACTS: Pandango Steel Band – a duo with a relaxing mix of calypso, latin, soca, reggae, pop and traditional Caribbean tunes.

Mojo Stone Cold Players – a three-piece band which play reggae, soul, funk, ska, rock, rock ‘n’ roll, pop.

John Prescott – swing sensation John P – one of the most exciting young jazz singers to emerge in the south west in recent years.

Loose Connections – a really tight fun going band who play music from the 50s to the present day, Beatles to Oasis, Spice Girls.

The Rum & Music Festival takes place 22nd July 2017, 2pm – 12pm at Orchard Inn, Galhampton, £7.50 per ticket.

(Under 14’s go free but should leave by 9pm). Tickets available from the pub or via their Facebook page.

CONCERT

Thursday 22 June, 7.30pm St. Mary’s Church, Bruton Tickets £6 Adults Accompanied Children Free 01749 812281

‘High Adventure’ at East Lambrook Manor Gardens

Travelling watercolour artist Moish Sokal’s exhibition ‘High Adventure’ is a new and exciting collection of his work from a journey to Peru in search of his

mentor Benito, and an earlier trip to Scotland. ‘High Adventure’ will be at the Malthouse Gallery, East Lambrook Manor Gardens from June 6th.

On this much dreamed-of trip to find his mentor, Sokal’s first port of call was legendary Cusco, the undisputed archaeological capital of the Americas, high in the Andes, where he met local watercolour artist Benito on his previous visit 34 years ago. Stops at Chinchero, Ollantaytambo, an Inca village nestled amongst massive mountains, and Pisac, another artisan village, famed for its markets, followed as Sokal searched for Benito.

The excitement of the high adventure experienced on this trip, discovering new subjects to paint in a new fresh style, is what this forthcoming exhibition is all about. Alongside these exotic paintings from Peru, Sokal will also show work he painted following his first ever visit to

The Village Artist Group

If you are interested in Art, or want to take up a relaxing hobby and share your interest with likeminded people, then The Village Artist Group could be for you. We

Reg. Charity No. 1101145

AURIN GIRLS’ CHOIR From the Kodály Music School Hungary

are a small friendly group who meet three times a week in Stokesub-Hamdon Memorial Hall. It doesn't matter what medium you use, all are welcome. We share ideas and expertise over a cup of coffee.

Throughout the year, we hold workshops and demonstrations with visiting artists to improve our skills and to try new techniques.

We have an annual exhibition to showcase our work and a stand at the Stoke May Fayre.

The terms fees allow you to attend as many or few sessions as you wish.

For details telephone 01935 881647.

Stoke-Sub-Hamdon Village Artists meet at The Memorial Hall on ...

Monday & Friday Mornings 10.00am – 12.00pm and ...

Thursday Evenings 7.30pm – 9.30pm We hold workshops and demonstrations by visiting artists throughout the year.

THE FIRST SESSION IS FREE!

For details Tel: 01935 881647

London by Lamplight by Henderson Cisz. This series of new hand finished limited prints on canvas is available from Martock Gallery, Martock. The edition size is 295 and the image size is 14" x 14".

The framed price is £250.00 each.

Hand Finished Limited Edition Prints On Canvas

‘After Dark, Times Square’ – by –

Hand Finished Limited Edition Prints On Canvas of Venice, London and Paris are also available from Martock Gallery

HENDERSON CISZ

Edition size 295 Image size 14" x 14" Framed price £250

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

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

THE VISITOR June 2017 17

MAY ...

Saturday 27th OPEN MIC’ NIGHT, Crown Inn, Sherborne Sunday 28th ROD’S FACES, 6pm – 9pm, Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon Sunday 28th ALAN DREW, Wyndham Arms, Kingsbury Episcopi

JUNE ...

Monday 5th Sunday 11th

TREACLE EATER MORRIS MEN, 9pm, Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon Jazz in the Garden ... BELL STREET JAZZ BAND, 1pm – 3pm, Montague Inn, Shepton Montague

Moish Sokal Exhibition opens 6th June.

world to his paintings. This exhibition, set in the beautiful Grade I listed East Lambrook Manor Gardens, opens on June 6th and runs until July 23rd, closed every Monday.

Further details on the artist and this exhibition can be obtained from www.moish sokal.co.uk or on 07812 837825.

Scotland, when he explored the romantic west coast, and also other subjects he discovered whilst exploring England.

‘High Adventure’ marks a new period in Sokal’s work, and shows to the full his love of bringing the vivid beauty of the

Charity Day for MND and Dementia

There will be a charity day for MND and Dementia at Lavenoak House, Burrough Street, Ash on 1st July 2017, from 11am – 3pm.

This includes craft stalls, a large raffle and tombola, refreshments and more!

If you would like to have a table top sale, the cost is £5.00.

For more information please contact Jane on 07799 386961.

THE MALTHOUSE GALLERY

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

CHARITY DAY for MND & Dementia AT

Lavenoak House, Burrough Street ASH, Somerset, TA12 6NZ ON

Saturday 1st July, 11am – 3pm Craft Stalls H Large Raffle H Tombola Refreshments H And More!

18 THE VISITOR June 2017

The Ecoburn Plus range is available at Sandpits Heating Centre, Curry Rivel in their Aarrow Package deals.

Sandpits Heating Centre Aarrow Package deals at Sandpits Heating Centre

The Ecoburn Plus range of stoves is visually stunning, provides excellent efficiency and offers choice of fuel burnt through the Flexifuel system.

The fires in this range are available in a choice of colour options, have large viewing windows, burn wood or solid fuel and come with a lifetime guarantee. They also have a preheated airwash system, stainless steel ash pan and throat plate, externally controlled riddling grate, primary and secondary burn, top or rear flue outlet and height adjusting legs.

The Ecoburn Plus 5, Plus 5

Widescreen, Plus 7, Plus 9 and Plus 11 are currently available as part of Sandpits’s Aarrow Package Deals. These deals offer a section of flue pipe, metal register plate, adaptor to flexible liner, 8 / 10 meters of flexible 316 grade flue liner, rain cap and mesh to the top of the chimneystack, C0 detector, HETAS certification and an installation by an inhouse team.

Prices from £1850 inc. VAT. All prices subject to site survey and a written quote.

Sandpits have a huge range of appliances in stock, offer a wealth of expert help and advice, employ all their registered installers, carry spares, can supply an

Bryan G. Paulley Ltd

Domestic / Commercial Installations / Replacements

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

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

AP Kitchen Solutions

Summer Aarrow Package Deals SUPPLY & INSTALL

inc VAT

inc VAT

Eco Plus 5

Eco Plus 5 Widescreen

Other Ecoburn Plus models available

    

YEARS

£1999

£1850



50

All prices are subject to a SITE SURVEY + WRITTEN QUOTE

PRICES ABOVE INCLUDE Section of flue pipe (up to 4 feet) Metal register plate (3 feet x 2 feet max) Adapter to flexible liner 8 /10 metres of flexible 316 grade flue liner Rain cap and mesh to the top of the chimney stack CO detector - HETAS certificate - Installation team

Sandpits Heating Centre

MULTI FUEL STOVES • COOKERS • FIREPLACES VISIT OUR SHOWROOMS – OPEN SIX DAYS A WEEK Saturday Opening 8am – 1pm Summertime

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

FOR YOUR NEW KITCHEN

Difficulty bathing? We can help

We design • We supply • We fit • We care  Kitchens replaced for a fresh new look at a reasonable price  Complete new kitchens designed to suit you

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

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

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

 01935 849559 or call at our showroom

To discuss your personal requirements contact Adam

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

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

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

Tel: 01823 729564

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

THE VISITOR June 2017 19

excellent range of fuel delivered to your door and have a fully employed professional sweeping and servicing team. They have been established for 50 years.

Contact Sandpits Heating Centre on 01458 251476 for further information.

Here come the moths!

With the warmer weather comes the wardrobe menace of the clothing moth. Seeking out your finest favourite silk, cashmere or Merino wool sweater, jacket, skirt or trousers, this insidious menace lurks in our homes unseen, its damage only revealed when we remove our favourite garments from the closet and, at our horror,

discover that they are riddled with holes.

So, what can be done to free our homes of the problem?

Firstly, it is important to know that it is not the moths themselves that do the damage but the larvae which hatch from sticky eggs deposited on material.

On hatching, these tiny creatures will munch their way through woollen blankets, clothes or upholstery, wreaking havoc as they go. During the spring months, adult moths appear in our homes. We may see them on walls, carpets or on curtains, as they wait to do their worst. This is an indication that there a problem lies ahead and the larvae

are far less likely to be spotted.

Moths love our centrally-heated homes. They inhabit the dark, undisturbed corners of our homes.

Advice for eradication includes keeping our storage areas cool and clean. We should declutter our spaces and discard old fabrics which we may have lying around in areas such as in the loft. We should eliminate fluff and dust from the nooks and crannies where moth larvae may lurk, vacuuming out our wardrobes and drawers. Carpets also need to be cleaned regularly, with careful attention paid to the edges and beneath the furniture such as beds where detritus may collect. Untidy family members

TURNER WINDOWS

Suppliers & Installers of PVC-u & Aluminium Windows Doors and Conservatories ■ ■ ■ ■

FULL RANGE OF SERVICES ...

Replacement Windows Replacement Doors Conservatories Fascia / Soffit / Guttering

■ ■ ■ ■

Window Repairs Handles / Hinges Misted Up Units Secondary Glazing

A WINNING TEAM QUALITY PRODUCTS ...

All products adhere to

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

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

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

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

Kelv Gibbs – October 2014

20 THE VISITOR June 2017

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

CALL today for a FREE no obligation quote

Turner Windows of Somerton Ltd

Unit 3 Bancombe Trading Estate, Somerton, TA11 6SB

Call: 01458 272555 www.turnerwindows.co.uk

need to be discouraged from leaving their dirty clothes in piles on the bedroom floor as these may provide an open invitation to our unwanted visitors and create a welcoming environment for further infestation.

Man-made fabrics are not as likely to be affected as those manufactured from natural materials. We can protect our woollens by ensuring that they are laundered or dry-cleaned, ensuring that they are free from dirt or soiling before storing in sealed polythene bags or being wrapped tightly in paper to make them less accessible. Remains of food on a garment will attract a moth whereas cleaning fluids will repel.

Proprietary moth repellents can be bought at high-street stores or online. Impregnated anti-moth products are available to hang inside wardrobes or place in drawers. Clothes can also be sprayed with an aerosol mothproofer, and these products no longer have the moth-ball smell reminiscent of the past.

As an alternative to pesticides, some people profess to have succeeded in the eradication of their moth problem by use of lavender sachets or cedar balls.

Repellents, which might also include eucalyptus or clove oil, sticks of cinnamon and bay leaves, may provide some deterrent but they are unlikely to protect clothing from damage.

A serious infestation of moths may require the services of professional pest control and reputable services can be sought out locally, but following the steps mentioned above should go a long way to help to solve the problem.

C.J.M.

ACF WINDOWS

ANDY FELTHAM

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

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

SJH Carpets, Wincanton

SJH Carpets recently opened their new fabric and soft furnishing departments for bespoke curtains, cushions and blinds. They are stockists of Luxaflex shutters and blinds, Swish, Chatsworth Fabrics and Prestigious Textiles. They offer a free measuring and estimating service, bespoke curtains and blinds, cushions, poles and tracks, and can provide professional and helpful advice.

Their flooring department continues to impress with carpets, naturals, laminates, vinyls, woods and LVTs all available. They have rolls and remnants in stock.

SJH Carpets is your one stop shop for flooring and soft furnishings.

NEW FABRIC DEPARTMENT

Summer Homes

The arrival of spring, and the promise of the sunnier summer days ahead, may encourage us to leave the cosy comfort of our armchair by the fire and head towards our gardens. Hopefully, we may find recreation and relaxation in the great outdoors or close by, especially if we are fortunate enough to possess a garden room or conservatory.

Research suggests that time spent closer to nature is beneficial to our health, and this includes taking advantage of the prolonged daylight hours on offer as much as we can – both inside and out.

As well as tending the garden itself, consideration should be given as to how we can make our homes ready for the summer

Now Open

Julie will be pleased to assist you!

Choose at leisure from our extensive fabric library

WE ARE PLEASED TO OFFER ...

 Bespoke Curtain and Blind Service  Cushions  Poles and Tracks

 Free Measuring and Estimating Service

 Professional and Helpful Advice

■ Carpets ■ Naturals ■ Laminates

Luxaflex Shutters and Blinds

■ Vinyls ■ Woods ■ LVTs

■ Blinds ■ Roll Stock vinyls and carpets now available

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

SJH Carpets of Wincanton recently opened their new fabric and soft furnishing departments for bespoke curtains, cushions and blinds.

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

All works completed by our experienced and reliable team

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

All aspects of Building & Maintenance All Insurance Works Undertaken

Contact us for a free estimate

(01935) 808456

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

Rolls & Remants In Stock

Roger Oates Stair Runners Traditional Carpets

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

Wincanton

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

Also at: High Street, Tisbury, SP3 6LD

 01747 871178

www.sjhcarpets.co.uk THE VISITOR June 2017 21

season. Before trundling off to the garden centres and DIY shops in search of hanging baskets, border plants, parasols, and patio furniture, we may head out to the shed or garage where we dig out

22 THE VISITOR June 2017

and dust off the bits and pieces from previous summers, such as swing seats or deck chairs, croquet sets or swing ball.

Having sorted items that are worth keeping from those which

have had their day, discarded items can be dispatched to the recycling centre whilst saved items are spruced up ready for the season ahead.

Once at the shops, we make

our choices carefully before loading them into our car boots and hurrying home to create an environment of summer cheer, ready to enjoy any fine weather which may come our way.

Discerning purchases may include garden bunting, a new barbecue, sun loungers, cushions, and picnic blankets or we may even decide to invest in a hot tub to add to our summer fun.

Decorating a garden room, conservatory or shed with bright bunting and summery cushions can add a party atmosphere to any home. Lanterns of assorted sizes can add an air of elegance as well as providing mood lighting as night falls.

Many household stores stock a range of cheery, unbreakable goblets, cups, plates, and dishes.

These are often available in an array of colours and are particularly useful for the summer as they can be safely used in the garden without fear of breakages. They are, of course, both popular with and appropriate for children too.

These items can also be carefully stowed away in a retro wicker basket, ready for an outdoor picnic which may conjure up happy childhood memories of trips to the seaside. Today, choosing a new blanket with a waterproof underside on which to sit whilst enjoying cucumber sandwiches and home-made lemonade can prevent the moisture of the wet grass beneath penetrating through and guarantee maximum comfort.

Whilst supermarkets and chain-stores often provide many options to make our homes more summer ready, we may find that our local shops offer more individual, quirky, or craft-based items to suit our personal tastes.

With careful consideration, we

can bring an air of spring and summer into our homes so that even if the weather turns inclement, we can continue to enjoy the feel-good factor.

C.J.M.

Waste changes for Bank Holiday

The Spring Bank Holiday on Monday 29th May will mean oneday-later pick-ups during that week, including collections for Friday 2nd June taking place on Saturday 3rd June.

Recycling sites remain on their usual schedules throughout the week, including all 16 opening at 8am on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday.

For more information on collections, see www.somerset waste.gov.uk.

NOW IN ... the exciting new range of 2017

TVs

 5 YEAR WARRANTY on most models  24 – 75 inch screen sizes available

On-the-premises workshop

We repair TVs, Radios, Recorders, CD Players, etc. We also repair Guitar Amplifiers, Valve Audio & PA Systems

Bring your memories to life

We can transfer cinefilm, slides, photos, camcorder and memory cards to DVD and Blu-ray!

Call in to discuss your requirements

DO CALL IN H SALES – SERVICE – REPAIR

Greenhill • Sherborne • Dorset • DT9 4EW  01935 813451

“Where the customer comes first”

VISIT OUR EXTENSIVE TILE SHOWROOMS

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

Tel: 01747 826714

www.townandcountryaerials.co.uk

 Quality Floor & Wall Tiles

OPEN BANK HOLIDAYS 10am – 4pm

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

 Free Measuring & Estimate  Design Advice

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

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

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

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

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

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Smart TV connection / networking

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

✔

Experienced engineers

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

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

WE COVER YOUR AREA ...

 Somerset  Dorset  Wiltshire  Devon

Your local Sky expert

Lynx West Trading Estate YEOVIL, BA20 2HP

 01935 472088 · www.j2tiles.co.uk

THE VISITOR June 2017 23

Summer Weddings A Sophisticated Afternoon Hen Party Tea at Living Pretty, Curry Rivel

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

At Living Pretty you can enjoy a delicious afternoon tea beautifully presented on a vintage style cake stand – to include:Champagne on arrival, a pot of tea, fancy finger sandwiches, succulent savoury bites, mini scones, clotted cream and jumbleberry jam, and a selection of sweet delights 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 also offer outside catering, and a vintage china hire service. Perfect for your big day!

Orange Blossom Bridal Boutique, Street

For a sophisticated Afternoon Hen Party Tea, contact Living Pretty, Curry Rivel.

Summer Wedding? Garden Party?

Vintage CHINA HIRE Available Create an event that is both memorable and marvellous with our carefully selected pieces.

Somerset Afternoon CREAM TEA FOR TWO – £25 Delicious Finger Sandwiches Homemade Cakes, Scones and Clotted Cream.

All served on a Vintage Style Cake Stand with China Teacups and Saucers

Bespoke OUTSIDE CATERING Anniversaries, Weddings, Birthdays, Garden Parties ...  Mouthwatering Canapes  Tailored to Suit You!

CELEBRATION AFTERNOON CREAM TEA FOR TWO – £40 ... to include Champagne ... please book in advance  Vouchers can now be purchased online – the ideal gift  kate@livingpretty.co.uk • www.livingpretty.co.uk

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

24 THE VISITOR June 2017

A visit to Orange Blossom Bridal Boutique in Street is a must for all brides and grooms getting

married! Christina will guide brides through their stunning 2017 collection in a relaxed and friendly boutique. It’s all about the backs this year, both open and with sheer tulle skin toned fabric coverage, to compliment the delicate lace that is the hottest trend. Soft satin and tulle gowns are also included in the collection; the choice has never been so varied! There is also a discounted rail, offering stunning designer gowns at fabulous prices. Remember, these dresses are not previously owned dresses, so have not been altered or worn.

With over 20 years of helping brides find their perfect look, Orange Blossom will guide you during this most special of times.

The groom and his party are not forgotten, as Orange Blossom also offer Mens' Formal Hire, through Michael’s expert guidance. Grey suits are the ‘must have’ colour this season, ranging from dark to lighter shades and the lightweight silk grey suit is proving very popular, especially for summer weddings. Christina

Summer Weddings

Wine Wizzard, Castle Cary have a wonderful selection of Champagne, including Fallet Dart Grande Sélection Brut (pictured).

and Michael pride themselves on their truly personal service and look forward to meeting you very soon. Contact them on 01458 840006 to book your appointment, or visit www.orangeblossom bridal.co.uk

Wine Wizzard

Champagne Fallet Dart has been in the same family for 400 years, ‘vigneron depuis 1610’, and their Grande Sélection Brut has won awards in national and international competitions. A blend of Pinot Noir (70%), Pinot Meunier (15%) and Chardonnay (15%), it goes particularly well with fish and shellfish. A great choice for weddings, Fallet Dart Grande Sélection Brut is available from Wine Wizzard, Castle Cary, who import it from France.

The Red Lion, Babcary

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!

Hooper’s Hat Hire, Yeovil

With Ascot soon approaching, Sally at Hooper’s Hat Hire has now completed her new Hire

Pictured: The hat room at Hooper’s Hat Hire, where they have a wonderful array of hats to purchase or hire.

Collection for 2017 and they are more beautiful than ever.

With the use of gorgeous silks, organzas, beads and feathers you will see an abundance of colour and much more choice than most departments stores and boutiques. There is also a wonderful array of clutch bags to

match, again to hire.

Should you not find what you are looking for, Sally can make you something amazing to match your outfit to purchase.

Hooper’s Hats is an eye opener into the vast range of designs available, the choice, colours and styles are overwhelming.

Hooper’s Hat Hire YEOVIL

01935 706555 • www.hoopershats.co.uk

The Red Lion is a beautiful, thatched pub in the idyllic village of Babcary. With a choice of three

The Dress Circle Dress Agency

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

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

For large quantities collections can be arranged

4 Brunel Shopping Centre Somerton TA11 7PY  01458 273485

THE VISITOR June 2017 25

Summer Weddings

With lots of helpful advice on offer you will find Hooper’s a pleasurable experience. Visit her website www.hoopershats.co.uk and browse through her gallery for a small sample of what is on offer or telephone her to make an appointment.

Tel: 01935 706555. No one is under any obligation so do please make an appointment to come and have a look.

Preview, Wincanton

Whether you’re dressing for a wedding, Ladies Day, a garden party, or indeed any event, Preview of Wincanton have stunning hats, bags and shoes to complement your outfit. They hold Failsworth and Jane Anne Designs hats, and can order styles and colours in for you if they don’t have what you’re looking for in stock.

Royal Ascot’s Style Guide

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

26 THE VISITOR June 2017

advises that hats should be worn, but that a headpiece which has a solid base of 4 inches or more in diameter is acceptable as an alternative to a hat. Preview hold beautiful fascinators on bands in a rainbow of colours. Fascinators from just £19, hats from £79.

When it comes to shoes and bags, Preview have a gorgeous collection, offering comfort and style: the leather Capollini shoes are available in soft gold, silver and stone, and there is a slingback option. From £99 and matching bags are also available.

Lunar shoes are available from £59. Bags to accompany these are due in June!

A wonderful recent addition to Preview’s stock is the Casamia line – beautiful, versatile dresses suitable for any occasion. They come in a range of colours, designs and styles – all reversible and all with a matching scarf! Ideal for cruises, holidays, weddings, garden parties and just about anything.

Available in sleeveless and capsleeve options, all just £69! See ‘Looking Good’ for a photograph.

Let Dike’s Kitchen look after the whole day…

There’s a lot to think about when planning a wedding, and keeping your guests well fed and watered is a top priority.

Dike’s Kitchen, the catering team based at independent food store Dike & Son of Stalbridge, can supply everything from reception drinks and canapés, to a main course buffet and freshlymade desserts, all made to order from scratch, as well as a staffed or DIY bar (with free glass hire) for your wedding.

Dike’s also offer a full refund on any unused drink, which is a great help when trying to estimate numbers, or provide a good range of wine or ales for your guests to choose from.

They also specialise in wedding “cheese cakes”. These beautifully decorated centrepieces provide a stylish alternative to the traditional wedding cake and can be served as a cheese course, or teamed with fruit and savoury biscuits for a light supper during the evening.

Summer Weddings Bellissimo Boutique

The team likes to offer a personal service, starting with coffee and a chat with Andy Knapman in the store’s café to discuss your menu and plans for the day.

For more information, visit the Dike’s Kitchen Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dikeskitchenc atering/ or download the Entertaining Brochure from a link on Dike’s home page, wwwdikes-direct.co.uk, or call the store on 01963 362204 to book an appointment.

Fabulous weddings by Reed & Russell

Our talented team can supply all your floral needs to make your special day! A seasonal selection of beautiful fresh blooms, or a more contemporary modern look, we can create a super look.

Match colours to your wedding theme or a complementary contrast. Not just traditional wedding bouquets – we can create something really unique for your own special occasion. How about decorating your church, venue or marquee? Ask our team for some advice – we offer the complete package – Delivery, install and collect at times to suit you. Call 01963 32367.

Is your son or daughter getting married or are you off to a special event and not found that special outfit yet and not sure where to begin looking?

Got the outfit but can't find the matching accessories? Start with us at Bellissimo based in Ilminster, Somerset.

Various designer outfits for all

occasions at affordable prices along with boleros and pashminas and of course a lovely selection of matching accessories of hats and fascinators to complete your outfit.

New stock along with ex-sample and preloved of all styles and sizes.

No appointment needed just pop in. For any enquiries please phone 01460 55905.

We look forward to seeing you!

Bellissimo Boutique Inside Bellissimo Boutique, Ilminster, where they have outfits, hats and accessories perfect for the big day.

Ladies Fashion & Bridal Wear 33 Silver Street, Ilminster, Somerset, TA19 0DW Tel: 01460 55905 • Join our Facebook page www.bellissimoboutiquedressagency.com

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.

Reed & Russell can supply all your floral needs to make your special day!

WARD & SIBLEY The Jewellers of Yeovil

Where quality and personal service count Extensive Range of Wedding Rings Special Orders Undertaken Wide Range of Bridesmaid, Page Boy & Best Man Gifts

Jewellery Cleaning – ensuring your engagement ring sparkles on your big day Bespoke • Corporate • Events Parties • Weddings • Sympathy Local & Nationwide Deliveries

01963 32367

11 Church Street, Wincanton, BA9 9AA

— Established for over 70 Years —

THE CASKET 103 MIDDLE STREET, YEOVIL Tel: 01935 474065

Car park at rear for customers while visiting the shop

THE VISITOR June 2017 27

Summer Weddings

standard of professionalism in every aspect of our unrivalled service nationwide and internationally.

LAST MINUTE orders: If you have a last minute enquiry please text / call us on 07825 653308 or email us on flowerpreservation workshop@gmail.com so we can assist you further.

Refrigerated trailers available for hire

Shirley Allum Fashions & Lingerie, Shaftesbury are stockists of Joseph Ribkoff.

Shirley Allum Fashions & Lingerie, Shaftesbury

Encapsulating the romance by preserving your wedding bouquet into a beautiful paperweight Freshfields · Cartway Lane · Somerton Tel: 01458 274325 or 07825 653308

www.flowerpreservationworkshop.co.uk • flowerpreservationworkshop@gmail.com

Purchase an Ella Boo, Izabella or Joseph Ribkoff outfit 1st June until 17th June and receive 20% off. With Ascot this month and the wedding season, this is a perfect time to purchase your outfit at Shirley Allum Fashions and Lingerie, Shaftesbury.

Chill-out Somerset have 4 refrigerated trailers readily available. Each is 10ft long x 5ft wide, approximately 8ft high, fully insulated and consists of aluminium checker plate flooring, aluminium shelving, internal light, internal emergency door handle, two aluminium rear door steps, electric cable with plug and a tow bar hitch lock.

The trailers can be used to keep food and drink chilled, or temperatures can be adjusted for frozen food. They can be used for outside catering and are ideal for events such as weddings, music venues and any outdoor based entertainment. The trailers are also of great use in the unfortunate event of an emergency.

For all enquiries please contact Martyn Jones on 07973 433586, email chilloutsomerset @yahoo.com or send a message through the Chill-out Facebook page.

Flower Preservation: a unique memento of your special day

The Flower Preservation Workshop specialise in the art of 3D flower preservation and wedding bouquet preservation, transforming flowers from any special occasion tribute flowers into 3D wedding flower paperweights and funeral flower paperweights. The state of the art technology of our freeze drying process combined with 30 years of floristry knowledge, rest assured you have found the right preservation service for you. We pride ourselves on the highest

Wedding cheesecakes are available from Dike’s Kitchen, Stalbridge.

Chill-Out Somerset

28 THE VISITOR June 2017

For all your refrigerated trailer requirements, outside events, etc.

CONTACT : Martyn Jones 07973 433586 EMAIL : chilloutsomerset@yahoo.com

‘Cat’s pee’ on the gooseberries in the grass ... the wonders of Sauvignon Blanc

WHILST I REALLY ENJOY trying out lesser known grape varieties, being able to do so in my local hostelry is not usually an option.

Certainly, when it comes to white wines, the options by the glass on offer in most pubs and restaurants tend to be limited to a rather mediocre Pinot Grigio, flabby New World Chardonnay, or Chilean Sauvignon Blanc. I would not mind quite so much were I not paying through the nose for such an indifferent experience. I long for the day when on raising glass to lips I can be pleasantly surprised with the anticipation of what lies in store for my taste buds.

Given the paucity of choice, I tend to plump for the Sauvignon Blanc because unlike many other wines, it is characterised by its green and herbaceous flavours, which I much prefer to the forward fruity styles of other inexpensive plonks.

Sauvignon Blanc owes much of its popularity to French winemakers, principally located in Bordeaux and the Loire Valley.

As one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the world, (275,000+ acres worldwide) Sauvignon Blanc seems to have the ability to adapt to the nuances of the

climate and terroir of its location, producing very different styles of wine.

The primary flavours of Sauvignon Blanc are influenced by the ripeness of the grapes at the time of harvesting, ranging from lime to gooseberry, kiwi, passionfruit and apricot. What makes Sauvignon Blanc unique though are its herbaceous flavours (just like sticking your nose into a bouquet of herbs), along with green pepper and grass, along with the ‘cat’s pee’ smell resulting from aromatic compounds called pyrazines.

Whilst many winemakers will work hard to avoid these, they can add a level of complexity to a well-made wine, giving herbal notes. Some excellent examples of this are found in Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé from the Loire.

Although blended with Semillon and Muscadelle in Bordeaux, to make some stunning super sweet dessert wines, most Sauvignon Blanc wines are dry, although some New World producers have been experimenting with off-dry styles.

Sauvignon Blanc is extremely versatile when it comes to food matching, its crisp acidity making it a good foil for fatty foods, and it is of course a flinty Sancerre which is the classic match with the stinky-creamy goat cheese, Crottin de Chavignol.

Here are some of my favourite Sauvignon Blancs to kick start your buds.

Albastrele Sauvignon Blanc 2015, Moldova, 13%, £8.29

Always keen to try wines from outside the classic growing areas, this medium-bodied dry white had some finesse. Made from hand-picked organically grown grapes, it stands up well to other classic Sauvignons; ripe citrus fruit, with hints of freshly cut grass with a minerally character to follow.

Arabella 2016, Roberston Valley, South Africa, 13%, £9.49

I came across this wine when I became a ‘Naked Wine Angel’.

This online company supports small independent winemakers and I have found the wines they offer more interesting than most.

Expect a mouthful of crisp apples, with a touch white peach.

Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Marlborough, New Zealand, 13.5%, £25

The best-known NZ wine, which made its mark on the wine world 4 decades ago. An outstanding wine that detractors feel is losing ground to other up and coming winemakers. Light, dry and refreshing, it has ripe, complex lemon, lime, nectarine and orange blossom flavours.

Unlike many of its contemporaries these wines are for keeping; if you can resist the temptation!

DK Sauvignon Blanc 2015, Marlborough, New Zealand, 12.5%, £11.99

Wines from Dave Knappstein have enjoyed some acclaim. This exuberant wine, a pale straw green in colour, light and refreshing with vibrant gooseberry, freshly cut grass and asparagus notes, along with a hint of guava and passionfruit.

Don Cayetano Sauvignon Blanc 2015, Valle Central, Chile, 12.5%, £8.29

Cool nights and careful winemaking have preserved the zesty freshness of this wine. Juicy citrus and melon with some herbaceous hints are noticeable on the nose, whilst tropical kiwi

and pear fruits give balance to the lively lemony acidity.

Liboreau Sauvignon Blanc 2015, Charentais, France (IGP) 12%, £8.49

A medium-bodied Bordeaux-style white, lovely and brisk, with the cut grass and gooseberry aromas offset by citrus minerality, lemon fruit.

Split Rock Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Nelson, New Zealand, 12.5%, £10.99

A heady mix of sunshine, cool sea breezes and rich soil give a lemony brilliance to this wine.

Expect to find sugar snap peas, gooseberry, green pepper, asparagus, and refreshing lime flavours.

Tikohi Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Marlborough, New Zealand, 13%, £11.99

Fully deserving of its world class reputation, this mouth watering offering is deeply refreshing.

Aromas of mango, cut grass and pink grapefruit are joined by tropical citrus to give an intense, zesty, fresh and well balanced glass of wine.

Viña Albali Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Rueda, Spain, 13%, £7.99

Situated in the heart of Rueda in the Spanish province of Valladolid, Pagos del Rey, Viña Albali produced their first harvest in 2005, and has quickly asserted its positon as one of the top wineries in this area. This bright, fresh, crisp, wine, in addition to a complex aroma of dried herbs, is ripe with peach, mango and papaya flavours.

L.P-V.

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

FINE FOOD TASTINGS

*PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE

Locally Sourced Wine  Cheese  Sausages Cakes  Cider  Cherry Tree Preserves HOME GROWN STRAWBERRIES AVAILABLE NOW

Local Asparagus & Bedding Plants OPEN: Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm

COFFEE

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

THE VISITOR June 2017 29

Family Health with

Jenna Evans

Prostate Health

This month we’re taking a look at some of the most important nutrients for men’s health with a special focus on prostate care.

The prostate is a small gland that surrounds the neck of the bladder and urethra in men. Its main purpose is in the production of seminal fluid. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition where this gland has become enlarged. It is nonmalignant but this swelling puts pressure on the bladder and urethra, leading to more frequent and difficult urination. The symptoms may be mild or very distressing and BPH is very common in the over 50’s. If you suffer from any irritation in this area it is important to differentiate between BPH and a urinary tract infection or possibly something more serious – always have your persistent symptoms checked out by your GP! Lycopene – This carotenoid that gives a red pigment to many foods is a potent anti-oxidant.

Lycopene is especially helpful with regard to prostate health. It is thought to encourage the self destruction of cancer cells in the prostate. Lycopene may also be

helpful to enhance the skins protection from the sun, keep arteries clear of plaque formation and act as a general boost to immune function. Tomatoes are a particularly good food source of lycopene (there is some evidence that tomato juice may not offer the same level of protection as other forms). Watermelon, guava, pink grapefruit, papaya and red peppers are also useful food sources.

Saw Palmetto – The fat soluble extract of this plant contains sterols and fatty acids that can help to reduce levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) binding in the prostate. This action as well as a limited inhibition of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase that turns testosterone into DHT is thought to be why saw palmetto can be so helpful in the treatment of prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) and BPH. Zinc – This mineral is a component of over 300 enzymes in the human body. Zinc is important for the repair of wounds, boosting immunity, the synthesis of proteins, cellular reproduction and the enhancement of fertility. Zinc is often used in treatment programmes for acne, infections (especially sore throats in the form of lozenges), male infertility, night blindness, wound healing, poor appetite, loss of taste or smell, prostatitis and as a boost to athletic performance. Testosterone is vital for male sexual function, however, there is an enzyme which converts testosterone into the powerful androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which

Feel fresh as a daisy

Summer 2017 Swimwear & Lingerie from ...

Maryan Mehlhorn Panache

Roidal

Heidi Klum

Mimi Holiday ... and more!

Tessy

Prima Donna

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

30 THE VISITOR June 2017

has been associated with health issues such as male pattern baldness and prostate disorders such as BPH. Zinc lowers the activity of this enzyme and can therefore be helpful in preventing and managing these conditions.

Good food sources include spinach, pumpkin seeds (more on these little powerhouses below!), wheatgerm, cocoa, cashew nuts and beans.

Nettle – This powerful herb has a long and rich tradition of use for urinary and prostate problems.

Both the leaf and root may be found in prostate formulas. Being anti-inflammatory, soothing and diuretic it is easy to see why nettles can be a good choice for urinary irritation. In addition, nettle contains beta sitosterol, known to help reduce inflammation in the prostate, reducing symptoms of BPH. Pumpkin Seeds – The seeds of the pumpkin are flat, dark green, rugby ball shaped, with a nutty and sweet flavour. Although pumpkin seeds are traditionally associated with the autumn harvest (the closest contact some of us may have had with this seed is when carving a Halloween pumpkin) they are a nutritionally dense food that can easily be enjoyed at all times of the year.

Pumpkin seeds are a good source of protein and fibre as well as the nutrients copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc and B vitamins. They also contain healthy mono-unsaturated fats and plant sterols. Pumpkin seeds have been used in many cultures

as a medicine, especially in the treatment of intestinal worms.

Nowadays they are most prized for supporting prostate health. The high levels of zinc, good fats and the plant sterols (including beta sitosterol) indicate pumpkin seeds can pack a powerful punch in the prevention and treatment of BPH. Try a handful or two of the seeds a day or find a good quality pumpkin seed oil to drizzle over foods or eat straight from the spoon as a supplement. In rare cases, pumpkin seeds may cause allergy.

See you next month for more Family Health tips!

Jenna Evans ©2017.  Ceres Natural Foods are having a ‘Men’s Health Month’ in-store during June. Pop in for exclusive offers and samples. Jenna is an Holistic Health Coach and creator of bespoke beauty products. She can be found on Facebook at ‘Alchemical Beauty UK’. Jenna is also a multiaward winning Product Advisor at Ceres Natural Foods, Yeovil. To make an appointment, please pop in or call 01935 428791 for details. Always check with a health professional before making any dramatic changes to your diet and lifestyle or starting a new supplement, especially with any existing health conditions.

Elegance Beauty Therapy Clinic

Elegance Beauty Therapy Clinic, established in Church Street, Wincantom for over 30 years, has recently moved to Dancing Lane.

Easy to find right behind the school playing field and with ample off-road parking right outside, the new salon offers all the same treatments as before including waxing, electrolysis, facials, manicures ... in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Proprietor and Beauty Therapist Sandie Barrett looks forward to welcoming clients both

GARDENING MONTHLY

old and new. An official opening is planned later in the year – watch out for details!

by Richard Cumming

The London Road Clinic

The London Road Clinic is an established and professional complementary clinic based in Milborne Port. Offering a range of main stream and complementary therapies to suit your needs.

Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Cranial & Structural, Osteopath, Counselling, Shiatsu, EMDR, Acupuncture and Soft Tissue Therapy, Sports & Remedial Massage. Taking care of all your health needs under one umbrella.

We also cater for insurance claims and private healthcare insurance.

The clinic is open Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm with evening and weekend appointments available on request. Free parking available.

To book an appointment or to discuss your requirements, please contact The London Road Clinic 01963 251860 or visit their website www.56londonroad.co.uk for further information.

Pests and Disease

Two in one! Casamia reversible dresses are now available from Preview of Wincanton. Just £69 each, available in various patterns, in cap sleeve and sleeveless options.

Suitable for all occasions!

Orchard Park

Problems can really start to show up this month with plants growing fast and furious and the garden full of hungry mouths and invasive organisms! This can be a very frustrating time of year for gardeners when you see your hard work shredded by some unthinking creature overnight. So, what to do?

This will depend on your philosophy and approach to gardening. I tend to have favourite plants and I know which ones need more care than others. I have a graceful plant growing in semi-shady border which regularly gets hit. It is Solomon’s Seal Polygonatum odoratum – not the variegated form [I don’t like stripy leaves] nor the double flowered ‘Flore Pleno’ just the ordinary single flowered fragrant and wonderful form. Love

it! But, come this time of year the sawfly can strip it almost overnight.

The adult female about 8mm long, black in colour, lays its eggs underneath the leaves. Within days the eggs hatch and hungry larvae march forth. They can strip the foliage almost overnight with a heavy infestation. They then fall to the soil, burrow in and pupate to overwinter and hatch the following spring. How to control them? The best way is to stop the adults laying eggs! So pull up a deckchair and keep watch! Seriously if you can kill the adults or protect the plant then that’s the best route to take, but you have to decide whether to use a chemical or not. If you don’t then you need to catch the adults or maybe remove the eggs before they hatch. The chemical option is going to be easier but could risk

July Issue

Published: Thursday 29th June Deadline: Friday 16th June To BOOK your ADVERT in

Tel: 01963 351256 Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk THE VISITOR June 2017 31

 Is the problem severe enough to need pesticide treatment?  Do you really know what the pest is?  Check product label directions and precautions  Only spray if the weather is calm and the chemical won’t drift.  Don’t spray if it’s going to rain as the chemical could wash into water courses  Spray or apply chemicals early morning or evening.

Cub Cadet’s XZ2 gives you more: Zero-Turn handling, steering-wheel control, four-wheel steering and an advanced cutting system for a highquality cut.

Available from Ben Johnson Garden Machinery, Shaftesbury.

ZEALS OPEN GARDENS & FLOWER GALAth th

Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 June

12 Village GARDENS will be OPEN and St. Martin’s Church FLOWER DECORATIONS will be on the theme of ‘The Glory of The Garden’

harming beneficial insects such as bees. An agonising decision as we know we need bees. If you do use chemicals it is really important to follow the advice from the experts:

The best way to keep on top of pests and diseases is to make sure your garden is healthy all round.

Soils need feeding and mulching; add organic matter whenever you can, allow space between plants to let them grow, and have a wide range of plants that encourage wildlife into your garden. Without

Combined Entrance Tickets £5 at Zeals Village Hall, BA12 6NA (A303 Stourhead exit)  01747 841359

Cream Teas & Good Facilities for the Disabled 1pm – 5pm each day (sorry - no dogs) In aid of St. Martin’s Church, Zeals Church Open 10am – 6pm

doubt the best way to garden is to use nature’s strengths.

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

The size you need ... the performance you want

SAVE

on thes 10% e ride-o in June ns

The CubCadet series delivers on reliability – competitively priced too!

FORCE series

LAWN TRACTORS LT1 NR92

LR1 NR76

30-inch cut CubCadet engine OHV 420cm3 3-in-1 option*

£1,499

ENDURO series

3 YEAR t de CubCa tee n a r a Gu

XT1 OS96

38-inch cut CubCadet engine 547cm3 3-in-1 option*

BenJohnson

£2,599

36-inch cut CubCadet engine OHV 420cm3 3-in-1 option*

XZ2 series

£1,899

XZ2 107

42-inch cut Kawasaki engine OHV V-twin 603cm3 Dual hydrostatic 3-in-1 option*

£3,799

the choice between mulching and discharge. * 3-in-1 option means that you haveYou also have the option to buy an additional grass bag as an accessory.

GARDEN MACHINERY

32 THE VISITOR June 2017

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

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.

Not all clematis are climbers, so look out for shorter non-climbing and herbaceous varieties for your borders, like dainty blue ‘Arabella' and Clematis x durandii, all perfect for bright, sunny sites. They can even be grown in large pots to create a focal point on your patio.

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 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 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

deep hole so the top of the rootball sits about 7 – 10cms 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.

4. All clematis belong to one of three pruning groups depending on when they flower. Talk to the experts here 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

Jobs for the Month

After the dry spell came the rain and that changes everything.

Suddenly seeds that have lain in the dry soil have enough moisture to grow. The result is a carpet of growth, some wanted some not.

Careful hoeing on a dry day should sort things out.

Watering is important to keep plant growth going, stop start conditions are bad for most living things. Potatoes may need

Approved contractor to Dorset & Somerset C.C.

additional watering to avoid stress but be wary of leaving leaves wet over night as that creates 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.

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 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

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

QUALIFIED ARBORIST

ALL ASPECTS OF TREE CARE AND DANGEROUS TREE REMOVAL

TR EE PLA N TIN G

PHONE: NORTH CADBURY 440660

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

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

Old Chapel Garden Design & Landscape Services Planting Plans and Consultation TELEPH ONE

Jonathan Coward 01747 824484

THE VISITOR June 2017 33

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; keep a hand sprayer with ready-to-use weedkiller handy [clearly marked as weedkiller!] and spray the perennial weeds as they become

obvious and keep 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 multi-purpose lawn

G.M. AYRES

Tree Care & Garden Services A family business with over 25 years experience

Tree Services: Trees Felled, Trimmed, Shaped & Pruned Fruit Trees Pruned, Hedges Trimmed, Boxed & Shaped Shrubs Pruned and Shaped Free Written No Obligation Quotation • Fully Insured Work Guaranteed • Licensed Waste Removal Landscaping – Property Maintenance

FREEPHONE: 0800 0837152

Direct Line: 07789 326349 Email: garyayres653@gmail.com www.gmayrestreecare.com

PLANT WORLD For the best plants!

treatments are not nearly as expensive as they used to be and the difference is noticeable.

The pests 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. Keep regular small sowings of salad crops and mange

tout peas will 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.

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

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

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

Ride-On Mowers from £1,649

Pedestrian Mowers from £299

Garden Tools

34 THE VISITOR June 2017

Unit 2, Beardly Batch Depot, Cannards Grave, Shepton Mallet, BA4 4NB Tel: 01749 343881 • www.moggsofwells.com S A L E S – S E RV I C E – R E PA I R

MOTOR ING

VINTAGE Motor Cycling

JUNE IS HERE once more and it seems impossible to be half way through another year already.

June brings the VMCC's Banbury Run which is my favourite event of the year. Organised from our Headquarters, with local help, it takes place from Gaydon near Banbury. As always there will be around 500 machines taking part all of which will have been made prior to 1931. It is the largest event specialising in these old machines in the world and has been going since 1947.

It is quite a spectacle to see so many early machines taking to the roads, some of them will be dating from the late 1890's. The event draws a crowd of thousands from all over the country. The very early machines are given a short, and wherever possible, flat route of about 45 miles. Two other routes are longer and always incorporate the famous Sunrising Hill. This is a long and steep hill preceded by a sharp bend at the bottom. It was used as part of a test route by many of the manufacturers based in Birmingham from the 1920's through to the 1970's. Many hundreds of spectators line the hill and the more energetic help push up the bikes that lack sufficient power to master it on their own. I will be at Gaydon doing my official duties but cannot wait for next year when I shall be riding once again. If you want a good day out then go to see this for yourselves, but beware you will certainly get bitten by the old bike bug.

June of course brings the busiest period in terms of riding events. The Somerset Section have an Evening Run for its club night on the 1st, next will be a Girder Fork / Rigid Frame Run from Emborough on the 4th and lastly they have an Evening Meet at

My picture this month shows two very smart sporting machines from the AMC factory.

Spaxton on the 15th. The Wessex Veteran and Vintage Section have their Mercian Incursion Run from Whitley on the 11th, and their club night is the very next day at East Stour when everyone is expected to Bring an Item of Interest. The Dorset Section will have their Lunch Meet at West Stour on the 7th and a run around the Isle of Purbeck on the 11th.

Club night on the 14th is an Evening Run, and the month concludes back at West Stour for the Breakfast Meet.

On Saturday 3rd an event worth a visit is Gillingham in Gear. Held just off the High Street from 10am to 4pm you will see cars, bikes and commercial vehicles. There is plenty to see and do and sounds most interesting. Another good day out can be had by going to the Blackmore Vale Nostalgic Revival on the 1st July. This is held at Henstridge Airfield where lots of old cars, bikes, and of course aircraft will be on display and some aircraft will be flying in during the day. This growing event raised over ÂŁ5,000 for local charities last year and this year's event promises to be even bigger.

You may even want to visit the

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

Haynes International Motor Museum at 9am on the third Sunday of each month where they have a Breakfast Meet and Ride In. As if all that were not enough the Westlands Classic Club have a packed programme with the highlight being the Coast to Coast Run on the 25th. Likewise, the Wells Classic Club have their Tortoise and Hare Run on the 4th. Both events raise money for charity and both clubs have excellent websites where more details can be found.

For all motorcyclists who enjoy an informal evening bike meet with good food available then I would suggest that they attend the Riverside Cafe at West Stour on either the 2nd or 4th Thursday of each month, the evening will start at 5.30pm and close at 8.30pm. These social events are ever more popular and any age of machine and / or rider or anyone else with an interest in motorcycles can attend. A warm welcome is assured so why not give it a try.

My picture this month shows

two very smart sporting machines from the AMC factory. Dating from the 1950's and 1960's these AJS and Matchless machines have been expertly restored and are a credit to their owners.

Typical of the marque they are solid and dependable and should give many years of service to the lucky owners. AMC stood for Associated Motor Cycles and around this period they owned and manufactured many different marques of machines but AJS and Matchless were always very similar and today would be called badge engineering.

My own bikes have seen little use of late but somehow nearly all of them need minor repairs of one sort or another. At the moment I am reluctant to touch any of them as everything mechanical I try and do seems to go wrong at present so it may be best to leave them alone to avoid further complication. I know I am putting off the inevitable and burying my head in the sand but then what else is an ostrich supposed to do?

Rod Hann.

Caravan Storage

THE VISITOR June 2017 35

GOLDEN YEARS

eMBrace eFFOrtleSS hearing

Diamond Hearing Services

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

Between

daily tests will be available throughout the week if necessary

 Free hearing teStS (home visits available)

 ex Street Bloom customers welcome

 demonstrations of the latest hearing aid technology

 hearing aid service and repairs on all makes  hcPc registered audiologists  Outstanding customer after care service  hearing aids from £495

able to connect directly to mobile phones and offering a full hearing experience utilising today's available technology.

They are able to provide hearing instruments from all manufacturers at lower than average prices to most high street chains whilst offering the same commitment to excellent after care and patient satisfaction, maintaining a high level of professionalism.

Please call to make an appointment to see how they can help your hearing in a friendly customer focused environment.

Home visits are also possible.

Beechwood House

Set in landscaped gardens, Beechwood House Care Home in Yeovil provides a very high standard of residential care for 28 elderly people, all having ground level, en-suite rooms.

Established for more than 16 years, their aim is to provide a caring and comfortable home for

Whether driving indoors where manoeuvrability is key, or driving outdoors where comfort is your priority, K-Movie will get you there.

Available from Mendip Mobility, Street. It has two seating options, 14” drive wheels and suspension and a fully programmable control system, plus so much more.

Rob Iles & Richard Walsh

Mendip Mobility

146 high Street, Street Somerset, Ba16 0er tel: 01458 448355

36 THE VISITOR June 2017

Diamond Hearing Services are now able to showcase the latest hearing aid technology at a new clinic being held at Mendip Mobility, 146 High Street, Street, Somerset, BA16 0ER. Tel: 01458 448355.

This clinic is for people who have hearing aids or for those who are just starting out, to raise awareness about how people can improve their hearing, which is an area often overlooked.

Diamond Hearing Services are an independent group of hearing aid dispensers with over twenty years’ experience in hearing health care, beginning when all aids were analog, and being able to provide the latest "in the ear " style of aid that were not available through the "NHS" at that time.

They have witnessed many changes within the hearing aid industry and believe that hearing instruments have reached an alltime best in digital, programmable aids, now being

Care Home for the Elderly

60 West Coker Road, Yeovil BA20 2JA Call Sandra Barclay, Manager on 01935 472793 for an informal chat

email: info@beechwoodcarehome.co.uk • www.beechwoodcarehome.co.uk

GOLDEN YEARS

people who feel unable or do not wish to live on their own any longer.

Two sitting rooms and two conservatories allow residents to enjoy either a quiet period of reflection, to meet visitors or to participate in the activities on offer. The cooks prepare excellent home-cooked cuisine and special dietary requirements are catered for. Should you require them to order, collect and administer medication, they will gladly do so.

They want residents to maintain their way of life, whilst knowing that help is available whenever they need it. Above all, treat Beechwood House as your home. Please call Sandra Barclay, Manager, on 01935 472793 for more details.

Better at home with live-in care

Live-in Care is a bespoke alternative to residential or nursing care, enabling people to remain at home surrounded by their family, friends and community. Recent research proves that one to one care at

home can improve a person’s health and wellbeing and enable a better quality of life.

We at Agincare have been caring for people in Dorset for over thirty years and we are proud to be members of your community. Our team of professionals can give you free expert advice and help you or your family member find a bespoke way to stay at home with a caring companion.

For FREE advice call Aaron on 01305 825491.

Mendip Mobility, Street

Mendip Mobility have a large range of mobility scooters, beds & chairs, wheel chairs, walking and living aids, stairlifts and power chairs. K-Movie is a new, highly manoeuvrable and flexible mobility powerchair from KYMCO Healthcare, available from Mendip Mobility.

Diamond Hearing Services hearing and hearing aid tests are now available once a week on Wednesdays between 10am – 1pm at Mendip Mobility.

01305 825491 | www.liveincare.info

RELAX in COMFORT ...

Mendip with

Mobility

“great gear to be getting on with”

We have a comprehensive range of

British Made rise and recline chairs with 5 Year Guarantees adjustable Beds Bath lifts Scooters and Wheelchairs for Sale & hire everyday living aids  Magnifying Glasses  Walking Sticks  Blue Badge Holders  Weather Proof Covers  And More Call in to our showrooms where our knowledgeable and helpful staff will be pleased to advise!

146 High Street, STREET, BA16 0ER  01458 448355 20 Westway, FROME, BA11 1BS  01373 464373 www.mendipmobility.co.uk

THE VISITOR June 2017 37

GOLDEN YEARS – Care of the Elderly

South Cary House

Situated in the pretty market town of Castle Cary, South Cary House is a Grade II listed Georgian property set in its own grounds of approximately one acre.

This comfortable care home offers a relaxed and welcoming environment for its residents, with a strong emphasis placed on the preservation of dignity,

38 THE VISITOR June 2017

privacy and respect for each individual’s choice of lifestyle.

South Cary House is within walking distance of the town and there is also a convenient regular bus service to Yeovil and Shepton Mallet. Should you wish to travel further afield trains go to London and Plymouth from Castle Cary railway station.

Contact Sally Walford on 01963 350272 for more information.

Bluebird Care South Somerset

Regional leaders in Care and Support at home, Bluebird Care South Somerset, have been formally recognised by the Care Quality Commission as ‘Outstanding’ following a recent inspection.

The CQC inspection looks closely at the organisation and rigorously rates it against a series of 5 areas, such as ‘is the service effective’ and ‘is the service wellled?’. Across the assessed criteria, Bluebird Care achieved Outstanding in three categories and Good in the other two.

Registered Manager, Janet Mearing, commented: ‘We’re thrilled to receive these results from the CQC, which has recognised our fantastic customerdriven service and ‘outstanding’ rated leadership. In the care industry, only around 1% of organisations receive this, so we're very proud of what our staff have achieved.’

The inspection found that the organisation actively involves

clients and their families, when it came to the care they receive. The CQC also recognised that the service was mindful of people's needs, opinions and worked to create a supportive environment.

In addition, the inspectors were particularly impressed with the organisation’s engagement with the local community through our Community Grant Scheme.

The full report is available via the CQC website (search for Bluebird Care South Somerset).

It is designed to provide a detailed and transparent assessment of Bluebird Care as a care provider – allowing prospective clients and their families to make fully informed decisions about their care and support in later life.

Ross Perkins, Director, commented: ‘Across the whole of South Somerset, I am enormously proud that we are the only domiciliary care company that has achieved an overall ‘Outstanding’ rating. This really does recognise the hard work of our team and the dedication they have to caring for our customers.’

GOLDEN YEARS – Care of the Elderly

Regency Care & Mobility, Crewkerne

Regency Care & Mobility have a wonderful selection of mobility scooters, bed, chairs and living aids. They pride themselves on giving honest, trustworthy and no pressure to buy advice. Pop in and see what they have to offer.

Will you give a voice, to those who need it most?

Swan Advocacy is looking for volunteers to join their Dementia Advocacy Service.

The purpose of this role is to support people with dementia (or those with concerns about their memory) to complete a Living Well Plan – a record of their hopes and preferences for the future.

Dementia Advocacy volunteers give individuals the opportunity to have their voice heard. By offering just two hours a week volunteers help people to reflect on their past, identify things that are important to them today and express their wishes for the future.

There are over 9000 people living with dementia across Somerset and this number is set to increase by 15% before 2020.

Are you committed, passionate, empathetic and a good listener?

Do you believe that everyone has an equal right to have their voice heard? If so, we would love to hear from you.

For more information about volunteering opportunities within the Dementia Advocacy Service, please contact Naomi Pullin on 03333 447 928 or email livingwell@swanadvocacy.org.uk

Trick your brain into thinking it’s younger

Scientists at Wake Forest University say that drinking a beetroot juice before working out makes the brain of older adults perform more efficiently, copying the operations of a younger brain!

Dr Marilyn Glenville, the UK’s leading Nutritionist and author of new book, Natural Solutions for Dementia and Alzheimer’s tells us what else to add to our shopping lists: Salmon, Cinnamon, Tomatoes, Green Tea. Marilyn’s book is available from www.naturalhealthpractice.com, Lifestyle Press, £12.77.

The Visitor

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

Always a good selection of rise and recline chairs in stock at Regency Care & Mobility, Crewkerne. Pop in to see their full range of living, care and mobility aids.

Walki ng Sticks

Home Visits

Step inside!

We have a wonderful choice of

Rise & Recline Chairs & Beds Scooters

... to suit all budgets

Acorn Stairlifts

 On-The-Premises Servicing 

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 2017 39

GOLDEN YEARS – Care of the Elderly Suttons Stairlifts

South Somerset Careline has secured a further £5,000 in funding from Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service to work in partnership to improve home safety.

Shepton Mallet based

Installation – Repair – Services

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

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

Careline provides help at the touch of a button, which can be worn as a pendant or on a wrist strap, and dials through to our team 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. through Careline, you can enjoy the independence of living in your own home, secure in the knowledge that emergency help or advice is available at your fingertips.

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

Contact us on 01935 479815 careline@southsomerset.gov.uk www.carelinesouthsomerset.co.uk initial connection / setup fee £32.85* hire and monitoring £3.84 per week *waived if on certain benefits

40 THE VISITOR June 2017

Suttons Stairlifts is a family-run business dedicated to providing a fair and ethical service with a no-pressure selling policy. We offer a range of new or refurbished Handicare stair lifts, either straight or curved, in the Somerset and Mendip area.

We also offer a rental option for straight stairlifts as well as servicing and safety checks, repairs and removals. We will visit you to survey the staircase and conduct a user assessment leaving you the leaflets and prices so you can make the decision in your own time.

With our inclusive and comprehensive 12 or 24 month warranty and 365 day coverage you can be assured of a first-class and personal service.

Bramley Home Care’s new office now open in Sherborne

Bramley Home Care has now opened its new branch office in Sherborne. We are now officially open and offering care within Sherborne and its surrounding areas. Our made to measure care

packages enable older people to remain living in the comfort of their own home. Bramley Home Care tailor the care package to the individual and their environment. We support and promote independence through our services, while maintaining dignity, privacy and respect.

When it is no longer possible to be cared for in your own home, Bramley Care operates two residential homes (The Old Rectory, Stalbridge and Bramley House, Mere) which provide an excellent standard of care. The Old Rectory also offers a dedicated respite room. Both our homes will be taking part in the National Care Home Open Day on the 16th June. Why not come and meet our residents and staff?

Both of our residential care homes and Bramley Home Care are inspected and rated as Good by the Care Quality Commission.

For more information about Bramley Care please visit www.bramleycare.com or telephone us on 01747 855844 to discuss your requirements.

THE VISITOR June 2017 41

BRUTON

BRUTON is well worth a visit ... and that's official. Residents and visitors recently questioned by the town council were "extremely positive" about the town. The council carried out a Benchmarking survey, which enables towns to compare themselves with others by sampling people's views. The council says those interviewed were extremely positive about Bruton with 99% saying they would recommend a visit to the town, compared with only 66% prepared to do so in other comparable towns. The survey revealed that customer service in the town rates highly, as does the range of pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants. However parking problems were highlighted, with two-thirds of Bruton’s parking space being on-street.

Visitors should indeed seek out a parking space because you cannot appreciate the beauty of Bruton from a car. If you know the town only by means of its oneway system, I commend to you a delightful little circular walk exploring the secret backwaters that lie within that one-way loop.

From busy Patwell Street you can step into a babbling haven where you follow the banks of the River Brue, with its old packhorse bridge and stepping stones, then along Lower Backway and up Mill Lane until you find yourself back on the beaten track, on the High Street, where you can immerse yourself in the town's museum and its fascinating specialist shops.

If you are prepared to walk a little further there is the Dovecote, a former limestone watchtower built between the 15th and 17th centuries, now Grade II listed and managed by the National Trust.

The Visitor

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

42 THE VISITOR June 2017

Another amble, under the railway bridge and across a field, takes you to Durslade Farm on the Wincanton road, where you may find black soap in the lavatories! It is in these old farm buildings that Bruton boasts a world-renowned art gallery, arts centre and landscaped gardens (plus amazing restaurant), attracting thousands of visitors every year. Until September 10 (open to the public from May 27) Hauser & Wirth Somerset presents an exhibition by Rashid Johnson, following the artist's twomonth long residency at the gallery. 'Stranger' explores various themes including identity, anxiety and escape in a combination of painting, sculpture, installation and drawing. Rashid sources materials appropriate to his themes, black soap being among them, and the themes of the exhibition manage to permeate every little space at the gallery, including the toilets!

Commuters passing through will already know Bruton for its famous schools and its walls and its speed bumps but get out of your car and you will see the town has hidden depths.

Peter Pyke.

Bruton Motor Services

Established for over 22 years, Rob Mahoney and his experienced staff at Bruton Motor Services offer a full servicing and repair service on all makes of cars, vans and light commercials.

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

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

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

The

Pub Pages

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

SUMMER IS HERE! ... and with those long warm summer evenings approaching comes the chance to pop off to the seaside for a few hours, along with the opportunity to find a few new pubs to try. Yes, we all enjoy this, and it is always quite a surprise to stumble upon pubs that may have been with us for centuries as yet undiscovered by ourselves.

In fact we discovered a couple this week, both near the sea and both looked very inviting - from the outside at least, although unfortunately it was during the day and we didn't have the time to stop. Nevertheless we made a note to check them out via the CAMRA Good Beer Guide and online.

Browsing through The Visitor is also a good way to find new pubs we have yet to visit obviously, and pubs are proud to display their qualifications such as 'Good Beer Guide Regular' and 'Cask Marque accredited'.

'Traditional games' is one I particularly look out for, and if there is all three, well then it's time to speak nicely to the household authorities to see if she will drive that night! Whilst there are numerous summer skittle leagues in full swing and an equally large number of summer knock-out competitions, one thing that has always fascinated me is out-door pub games for the summer. However I'm surprised at the lack of outdoor pub games in the West Country at this time of the year, although the Baxter crew are doing their best to change that! Readers to this column are aware of my love of 'Bat and Trap' a game played by innumerable people and scores of leagues across Kent and Surrey.

If one goes in the Oxford direction then 'Aunt Sally' is another game played by the multitudes. This is an interesting game where a 'doll'

is placed onto a steel post and six ash sticks are thrown at it, with a shot being counted only if the doll is knocked off cleanly. Like so many games it is more difficult than it may first appear. How about 'quoits' then? Our minds may turn to deck quoits on board ship, but we are referring here to the toys of big boys as these are heavy metal rings hurled for some yards into a bed of clay, the object being to encircle the 'hob', a short stake driven into that clay.

Whilst past its heyday, quoiting clubs still exist in isolated pockets around the Country, from South Wales to the North of England and Scotland. Interestingly many of the clubs are not necessarily associated with pubs, although today a pub should be able to introduce it without too much trouble. The size and weight of the quoit as well as the throwing distance varies from 18 yards to 21 yards depending on where in

the country one plays, but if space is restricted I see no reason why any pub with a garden could not introduce even the 'short' game, which is played over 11 yards. To see just what these look like please take a look at the

The

photograph of the four surviving quoits from the club at Bradford Abbas. There were originally four pairs, the club being formed in 1895. Each quoit weighs in the region of four pounds (about 1.8kg) so if an errant quoit

Lord Nelson

Rectory Lane Norton Sub Hamdon

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

GOOD FOOD - GOOD BEER - GREAT ATMOSPHERE

 Sunday 28th May: ROD’S FACES   Sunday 4th June: PUB QUIZ NIGHT  Hosted by Roy in aid of Moon Bears

 Monday 5th June, 9pm: Treacle Eater MORRIS MEN  Monday to Friday: TWO Course Lunch – £8

THREE Course Lunch – £12 Tuesday and Wednesday: STEAK NIGHT 2 Steaks and a Bottle of Wine – £30

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

Tel: 01935 881473 www.thelordnelson.co.uk

Tickets £7.50 for Adults

THE VISITOR June 2017 43

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

168 Hendford Hill YEoVIL

“You say you got a real solution Well, you know We'd all love to see the plan You ask me for a contribution Well, you know We're doing what we can”

THE FIRST PERSON to tell me the song title gets a free drink.

Last month Ann Jenvey from West Coker was first to tell me that it was Leonard Cohen and ‘Tower of Song’ .

Some sad news to bring you this month: Tom Patterson has passed away. Tom was well known in town. Among his passions were golf, beer and organising the reunions for his former colleagues in the Junglies squadron. We had a couple here at The Quick’ and they were always good fun evenings. He will be missed.

We had a fantastic evening when Flash Harry came all the way from Bristol to entertain us, to help me celebrate being Captain of this ship for the past 15 years! Thank you to everyone who came along to make it a night to remember. We really must do it again next year .

Our Grill Nights on Thursdays are becoming really popular. It seems that Thursday is the new Friday! Great to see lots of people enjoying a couple of great steaks and a bottle of wine for 22 quid. Come on fellas get yourself some brownie points and treat your other half: you know it makes sense.

Another night that’s become popular is our Quiz Nights, every Sunday at 8 o’clock. You can win some great prizes and have fun showing everyone how clever you really are.

Next month, on the 2nd, we have the fabulous Mr. D’Arcy entertaining us in the bar from 9pm. On the 29th we have a great gig in the function room when Boo Hewerdine will be playing live. Google him and you will see that this a real coup for us here at The Quicksilver. He writes and plays some great songs and this really is an evening not to be missed.

See you all next month ...  TOOT TOOT !!!

BookIngS

 01935 424721

44 THE VISITOR June 2017

connected with ones head then one would certainly know about it! According to the book about the village written by the late Eric Garret, it would appear the game had to be revived in 1923 (I'm guessing the war had a lot to do with the break) and whilst it was associated with the local 'Men's Club' the exact position of the old pitch remains the subject of a good deal of supposition. Over the years interest faded away, although luckily these four quoits were saved by the good people of the Bradford Abbas Sports and Social Club where they remain to this day - waiting for someone to kick-start it once again, perhaps ...

At this juncture I again unashamedly refer you yet again to the excellent book 'Played at the Pub' by Arthur Taylor, where the game of quoits is described in great detail as well as having the text

The four surviving quoits from the club at Bradford Abbas.

There were originally four pairs, the club being formed in 1895.

furnished with numerous photographs. These include a game in progress at The Postgate Inn, better known to viewers of 'Heartbeat' as The Black Dog. Arthur's book is essential for anyone who likes pubs, has been in a pub or has ever played a pub game - from all good bookshops as

they say (and no, you can't have my signed copy!).

One of the more recent games that appeared from the Baxter workshop (i.e. garage) was described last year in these columns – 'Loggats' – and was inspired thanks to Arthur's aforementioned book. Enthusiasm continues to grow as more of my associates get roped in for a game.

It could not be simpler. Three sticks each are tossed in turn at jacks, these being set about 7 yards apart. Think of a kind of air-borne bowls here; nearest the jack wins the point, scoring a maximum of three at each 'end' is played up to a total of 11. Our game was made from six old chair-legs, appropriately marked for each player, and two off-cuts of lignum vitae wood (used in the manufacture of skittle balls) for jacks. Like any good pub game there is an element of skill, an element of luck plus a good dose of fun. Play can be anywhere reasonably soft we find; grass,

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

sand, shingle, etc (originally it was an ash surface, when the game was mentioned by Shakespeare in 'Hamlet'). We believe it has not been played for at least 150 years, and only one original set is known to be in extant and they are at a museum in Norwich. Missing, however, are the rules, but it's not difficult to make them up as you go along, providing you have a referee who claims to be unbiased.

The game is so simple to make we recommend anyone to get cracking and give it a go – you can even have a pint in one hand whilst you play!

Nationally, the game of skittles gets very little publicity. It's hardly surprising, there being no standard alley or equipment, no national ruling body and to be quite frank, the game is so parochial to most players that interest in leagues outside their own is minimal.

Nevertheless the game survives in all its various forms, it waxes and wanes like any other interest and keeps going over the years despite all the predictions of the naysayers. Those of you who listen to Radio 2 may well have heard Rachel from the National Skittles Championship held annually in Torbay. After various regional heats the finals are to be held in September. We'll report more news

on the success of local teams providing it's worth reporting!

So as the summer progresses and we head off to that local beauty spot, the local pub, the nearest beach and that pub near the beach we have yet to visit, not only will the set of boules be in the back of the car, but the loggats as well.

You may well see us, so feel free to join in – Cheers!

P.A.B. skittlealley@hotmail.com

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

Say you saw it in The Visitor

THE VISITOR June 2017 45

The

Pub Pages

AROUND THE

H O U S E S

IN CASTLE CARY … bookings now being taken for Father’s Day Lunch at The George Hotel … friendly welcome and attentive staff at The Bay Tree … tickets now available for July's Rum & Music Fest at The Orchard Inn, Galhampton … Forty-Niner, a tasty pint at The Sparkford Inn, Sparkford … The Northover Manor at Ilchester is a popular venue for weddings ... Wednesday is Curry Night at The Red Lion, Babcary … Quiz Night Sunday 11th June at The White Hart, Somerton … wonderful weekday set lunch menus at The Firehouse, Curry Rivel … and in Pitney, The Halfway House features in ‘Britain’s 20 Best Pubs in the Countryside’, in The Times.

Wandering on to West Chinnock where a jolly good sport raised fantastic funds for charity by having his hair and beard shaved off at The Muddled Man … in Barrington the Escape to the Country crew, along with Nicki Chapman, paused for a spot of lunch at The Boar with a couple of friendly locals, whilst filming their follow-up show … Sunday Quiz Night enjoyed by all at The Windwhistle Inn, near Chard … delicious and beautifully presented food at The Tytherleigh Arms, Chardstock … Huss Curry a tasty addition to the menu at Hix Oyster & Fish House, Lyme Regis … and Sunday Carvery good value at The Turks Head, Chickerell.

Bustling on to Butleigh where the Beer & Cider Festival recently smashed previous records at The Rose & Portcullis … primrosesa-plenty at The Barton Inn, Barton St David … always a good pint at The Quarry Inn, Keinton Mandeville … Tuesday’s Simple Suppers are popular at The Montague Inn, Shepton Montague … plenty of outside play equipment to keep the kiddies amused at The Hunters Lodge, Leigh Common … and in Frome, Palmer Street Bottle on Palmer Street is now serving craft beverages and cheese!

Summer-style events coming up in July? Why not advertise them in next month’s Visitor?

Steward and Committee Member Tony Cawley, who is part of Yesterday’s Farming, has raised over £600 for charity by having his head of hair and beard (which he has had since 1976) shaved. He is pictured before and after at The Muddled Man, West Chinnock.

Under New Management ...

The CROWN Inn

Greenhill, Sherborne, DT9 4EP EXCITING NEW MENU

Including Authentic Greek Cuisine

EXCELLENT ACCOMMODATION

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

Tel: 01935 816115

46 THE VISITOR June 2017

They Say

That you can tell the difference between hot and cold water being poured by the sound it makes! This is because the viscosity of the water goes down when you heat it! - Stur of the Moment, Sturminster Newton

That Robert Foot of Halstock, since he’s turned 70, is going through his second childhood: he’s now taken up reading comics again!

That Madge Hawkins of Yeovil needs to attend a cracker handling course and has yet to achieve an NVQ in lid handling!

That according to Duncan Franks at The Camelot, South Cadbury, the weather for the week is cold and dry.

That pianos-a-plenty will pop up in Sturminster in July for the very popular ‘boogie woogie festival’

Antiques Collecting ~ AND ~

That retirement celebrations were delayed in Ilchester whilst Mr. Graham Cox, photographer extraordinaire, searched for his special red braces in Keinton Mandeville.

That being a great lover of gin most of her adult life, it was only a matter of time before former Weymouth resident, Mrs Sandra Hawkins of Portugal, substituted the black peppercorns in her grinder with juniper berries.

That St. Andrew's Church in Chardstock has a resident ghost that rearranges tools left by workman.

That congratulations go to Farnfields Solicitors for completing The Moonwalk London and raising over £3000 for Walk the Walk breast cancer charity.

That a Visitor advertiser recently received a cryptic style call beckoning him to a village near Ilchester.

Antiques Fairs

•

Chasty Cottage Antiques

•

Saturday 17th June Digby Hall, Hound Street, Next to Library SHERBORNE • DT9 3AA 9.30am – 4pm • Trade 8.30am • Admission £1

Future Date: Saturday 8th July  01963 370986 www.chastycottageantiques.co.uk

the end bit...

Paperchase

THE 4th MAY issue of the Western Gazette carried a lengthy editorial by Emma Slee about a campaign just launched to ‘fight fake news’ which, she writes, at its most extreme comprises ‘deliberately and maliciously contrived statements which are cynically distributed in the guise of real news with the aim of deceiving for political or financial gain’ and more frequently is ‘unsubstantiated rumour indiscriminately posted on social media sites which rapidly gains credence, to the distress of those featured in it’.

She concludes by assuring readers that ‘with pride, we provide trusted news and honest advertisement platforms, and thanks to the tireless diligence of our editorial staff you can be confident that our stories are always what they purport to be: the genuine article. Fact – not fake.’

All very worthy, except that in the 3rd May issue of the Western Daily Press the whole of page 23 was devoted to an article by editor Gavin Thompson explaining why ‘the battle against fake news is so important’. And Emma Slee’s editorial was word-for-word the same as Gavin Thompson’s article. Which makes me suspect that what appeared under her name was not what it purported to be – an editorial she had written – but was something syndicated to all the local and regional papers involved in the campaign.

If the article is to be believed, every word the reporters write ‘is checked in local newspaper offices by qualified, senior experts, and if we do make a genuine mistake you can contact us immediately’. So who, I wonder, was the ‘expert’ who supposedly checked a report about Isambard Kingdom Brunel that appeared in the 25th April issue of the

Western Daily Press. According to reporter Rod Minchin, Brunel was the founder of the Great Western Railway, but as anyone with an interest in the history of Bristol knows, the company was founded in 1832 by a group of four Bristol merchants and representatives of the City Corporation, the Bristol Dock Company, the Company of Merchant Venturers and the Chamber of Commerce. The directors of the company appointed Brunel to survey the route to London, and being satisfied with the speed and efficiency of his survey they employed him as the company’s engineer in August 1833, at which time the company renamed itself the Great Western Railway. Later in Mr Minchin’s report he states that ‘the first section of the line – London to Maidstone – opened in 1838’, providing evidence that his knowledge of geography is similarly lacking.

Maidstone is in Kent. In 1838 the line opened as far as Maidenhead in Berkshire, clearly heading in the right direction towards Bristol.

Now that we are in the midst of a General Election the papers are devoting a lot more space to party political news.

A s E m m a S l e e p urp o rt e d l y wrote, ‘as we approach the most significant national election in a generation, the need for independent newspapers and associated websites to report and explain the issues in an entirely neutral, honest and balanced way is essential’. A pity, then, that the Western Gazette paid so little attention to the County Council elections held throughout Visitorland in early May, despite county council expenditure accounting for the major part of our council tax bills and the services they provide in Dorset and Somerset – education, highways, social services, libraries and suchlike

– being important to young and old alike. The edition that I see regularly (the Wincanton, Castle Cary, Bruton and Gillingham edition) barely mentioned the elections in the month leading up to them, didn’t publish lists of the candidates standing in each division, and didn’t report and explain the issues that county councillors have to tackle. And the 11th May issue devoted only half a page to the outcome, referring readers to its website if they wanted details of the results in each division. The Blackmore Vale Magazine did vastly better (as you might expect), devoting four pages on its 28th April issue to photographs and statements from all of the candidates who responded to an invitation to submit them.

Talking of politics, the 2nd May issue of the Western Daily Press carried an opinion column by Roger White entitled ‘A plea for some political literacy’ in which he asked how we can help young people to ‘make meaningful sense of the choices that their parents will be asked to make when they cast their votes’. He presented a thoughtful, well-argued case for helping children develop the skills of political analysis. In the 4th May issue of the Western Daily Press the opinion column was headed ‘A pleas for lessons in political literacy’ and the writer was Dr Roger White.

His new-found academic status and the amended headline failed to disguise the fact that it was the same article being given a second airing two days later.

Chronicler.

Sudoku

by

T. M.

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

Solution to May

Sudoku

THE VISITOR June 2017 47

PHONE - a - FIRM • PHONE - a - FIRM

Logs

Barn Stored Seasoned

HARDWOOD LOGS

 Seasoned hard & Softwood logs  Kindling – Briquettes – coal  Various load / log Sizes

Check our website for COMPETITIVE PRICES ... FREE DELIVERY

Tel: 01458 251529 • Mobile: 07789 204232

Full details on our website: www.msmfirewood.co.uk

Regular advertising brings results

ADVERTISE in FULL COLOUR this space could be yours for

£40.46 inc. VAT

(for 3cms x 2 column)

Tel: 01963 351256 – to book your space

KILN DRIED LOGS

July Deadline Friday 16th June • 01963 351256 BUY NOW – SAVE £££s

 Kiln Dried Logs 1 Dumpy Bag £130  Kiln Dried Logs 2 Dumpy Bags £234  Kiln Dried Logs 3 Dumpy Bags £330  Kiln Dried Logs 3 Nets £25.50  Kiln Dried Logs 6 Nets £48  Kiln Dried Logs 10 Nets £75  Kindling Wood 3 Nets £10  Kindling Wood 5 Nets £15  Kindling Wood 10 Nets £27 kiln Dried Logs  burn more efficiently give more heat  light easily  burn cleanly

FREE LOCAL DELIVERY ... with all orders over £50

Online Ordering Available www.logs4fuel.co.uk

 01458 251476

Fires / Chimneys / Stoves

Summer Dumpy Bag – NOW –

£115

SANDPITS

HEATING & HOME STORE

Multifuel Stoves ... over 200 on display Chimneys Relined ★ Full Installation Service HETAS • OFTEC • GAS SAFE

✴ Chimney Sweeping Service ✴

Showrooms Open: Monday to Friday 8am – 5.30pm and Saturday 8am – 4.30pm Email: enquiries@sandpitsheatingcentre.co.uk www.sandpitsheatingcentre.co.uk

High Street, Curry Rivel, Langport  01458 251476

Domestic Appliances

Pe

PREMIER ELECTRICS Est. 34 yrs COVERING THE SOUTH LOCALLY

Kitchen Appliance Sales & Repairs

Ø Repairs to all leading brands of Kitchen appliances Ø 12 months guarantee on all repairs Ø Diagnostic work charged unless work undertaken Ø 24 hour service Ø OAP discounts

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

Taylors Domestic

Appliances Ltd.

glazier Windows & doors engineer glass & Sealed Units handles & hinges gasket & Seals repairs • Servicing

Ridge View, Penmore Road Sandford Orcas DT9 4SE

Professional repairs by qualified engineer on most makes of appliances.

01963 220366

01458 851020 07563 623604

Email: taylorsdomesticappliances@gmail.com Covering the areas between Wincanton Castle Cary, Sparkford, Sherborne and Yeovil

Builders

Dave Hoddinott FUlly QUaliFied BUilder - eStaBliShed 1973

• Renovations & Extensions • Roofing + Carpentry • Plumbing & Heating • Ceramic Wall & Floor Tiling • Painting & Decorating • Electrical Contracting Competitive Prices - No Job Too Big or Too Small FRIENDLY & RELIABLE SERVICE

Tel: (01963) 440256

Oven Cleaning

Mister Oven

Independent Oven Cleaning Specialist Ovens - Hobs - Agas etc

Tel: 01935 475065 Mob: 07752 695264

Transport & Storage HENSTRIDGE SELF-STORAGE

48 THE VISITOR June 2017

GLASS CORP

Sales & Repairs for Dishwashers, Washing Machines, Cookers, Tumble Driers etc.

www.misteroven.co.uk

07921 074602 • 01749 677440 • Solidfuel3@aol.com

Glazing

OUTSTANDING RATES Tel: 07947 581541

24 hour emergency call out

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

Say you saw it in The Visitor

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

Framing

SCENES

Artist Materials & Gallery

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

For all your roofing requirements

Flat Roofing • Tiling Slating • GRP Roofing

All New Work Fully Guaranteed

For further information & estimates contact allan carey

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

Bourton Roofing Co. Slate  Tiling  Flat Roofing.

UPVC Fascias  Guttering FREE EST I M AT ES

 01747 840064

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

Subscriptions Subscribe to the

VISITOR MAGAZINE

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

Taxis

TAXI

Sue

Mob: 07711 572038

www.taxiatcastlecarystation.co.uk

Locksmith

ANYTIME LOCKS

24-Hour Locksmith Key cutting and Boarding Up MOBILE 07709 433922 PHONE 01963 359516

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

Caricatures for Special Gifts

for just £18 per annum

Fire & Security Alarms

THE VISITOR June 2017 49

Classified Ads

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

For a Box Number please add £2.

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

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

Prize Crossword No. 368 Set by Frank Butler

SEND COMPLETED ENTRIES TO: The Visitor Crossword, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7BG – to arrive by Friday 16th 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.

1

2

3

4

5

9

..................................................................................................................................................................................

8

20

21

12

13

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

7

10

11

NAME .....................................................................................................................................................................

6

14

17

15

16

18

22

19

23

24

..................................................................................................................................................................................

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

Personal

www.country-link.org.uk cOUntry linK SOcial grOUP. Fresh air, fun, food and friendship. tel: andy 01225 834834 or Val 01749 342918 lady 73, widow, non-smoker, likes meals out, trips to coast, movies/tV. looking for friendship and company. Photo please. reply to Box no. 51

JUSt SOMerSet intrOdUctiOnS. Bringing people together. call alison tel: 07584 250285, www.justintro ductionsgroup.co.uk

Catering / Mobile Bars

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

Storage

StOrage for furniture in locked cubicles. lock-up garages to let. tel: Sparkford Storage on 01963 440045 or 440526 or 440692.

Services

hOUSehOld & garden rUBBiSh cleared, old sheds / outbuildings demolished, etc. tel: 01460 77844.

Special Occasions

haPPy BirthdayS to rose White, rod hancox, nick ‘clipper’ talbot, damian and Jason hoddinott.

Wanted

daVe BUyS all tyPeS OF tOOlS, salvage, bygones and collectables. daves tools - tel: 01935 428975

POStcardS, pop memorabilia, coins, badges, old toys, games, and anything military. tel: clive 01749 675456.

all SPOrtS PrOgraMMeS and books, memorabilia and ephemera – especially football. large collections welcome. cash paid. tel: clive 01749 675456.

r e d U n d a n t M O t O r M O W e r S , rotavators, chainsaws, strimmers, cement mixers, etc. tel: 01460 77844. o L D M o to R C Y C L E S WA n t E D . any condition, collected. cash paid. tel: 07779 366005.

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

Passport Photographs

PaSSPOrtS – passports – passports – also studio sittings, and golden weddings. any time to suit you. easy parking opposite the Quarry inn. tel: graham cox, Photographer, 01458 223769.

For Sale

garden outdoor 4 seater dining set + Parasol + base. Brand new – unused – unwanted gift. new price £275, Sale price £175. Packed up – buyer collects. tel: 01458 223845.

RECORDS WANTED:

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

50 THE VISITOR June 2017

25

26

27

28

Across: 1.

5.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

15.

17.

19.

22.

23.

25.

26.

27.

28.

Aerial girl backs up to six-footer.

[7] I am put into stance and took advantage. [7] Reparation concerning lady's apparel. [7] CND gain revised when on the floor. [7] Everyone surrounding Mary is like Lily! [9] Some spare naval bases used for racing. [5] So the return has morals? [5] Queen, avoiding dinner with giant gets furious. [9] See grimly-organised resort.

[4,5] Come in among frequent errors.

[5] Fifty-one following engagement for famous tenor. [5] Creepily spread around first sign: Exactly! [9] Pussy swallows insect before a concert piece. [7] Run late in trouble: Neither positive nor negative. [7] I, Alison, arranged way of working together. [7] Regime having day without a foul. [7]

6.

7.

8.

14.

16.

17.

18.

20.

21.

23.

24.

Writer with muddle has five points to be made. [9] Polish, she takes in part of India.

[5] In extremes of debt, bits of cargo needed for light transport. [3,4] Long-lasting ones are rivals to SUV in a jam. [9] Made out when screen did shatter. [9] Nearby, surrounding US soldier makes sense. [7] Shade A, following broken magnet. [7] Painting, poetry, music found as rising saint swallows muscular pump. [3,4] Lay Tory out for monarchy. [7] French article held by pin isn’t decorated. [5] Procedure in many crematoria before handing ashes over. [5]

Solution to Crossword 367

Down: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Plenty of land when scripture enters a barred enclosure. [7] How to be frightened when terrified? [2,5] Seedy changes direction in want.

[5] Excusing backless glove cut up in basin. [9] Begin dusting, including major waterway. [5]

THE WINNER of our MAY CROSSWORD was Mrs. Betty

Redknap of Gillingham, who chose to spend the £10 voucher at Thorngrove Garden Centre, Gillingham.