The Visitor Magazine Issue 390 May 2016

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

Issue 390 May 2016

Bugfest 2016 15th May

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In Passing ...

T

HE ORIGINS of All Fools Day are lost in the mist of time but are thought to lie in the joyful pagan spring festivals that celebrated the end of winter. A time perhaps for letting off steam, playing silly pranks and generally having fun.

Over the centuries the event has become firmly fixed on 1st April and the tradition of playing April Fool tricks has long been well-established. National newspapers, television and radio often include a spoof of one sort or another and have sometimes been surprised by the number of people who have believed what they have read, heard or seen – a particular favourite of mine was bringing in the harvest from Italy’s spaghetti trees. It has not been unknown for the Visitor to play similar tricks, and not always in the April issue. I well remember the spoof article on the history of the Bourton and Zeals Tramway, complete with photograph, that appeared in the July 1986 issue and subsequently became ‘fact’ in some of the publications for rail enthusiasts.

This year the trickery seems to have dried up. I can’t recall seeing anything in the papers that had the slightest hint of foolery, anything that made me stop, have my doubts and smile. But I did see a news release that the papers seemingly didn’t think sufficiently clever to fool their readers. Under the heading ‘Words in the Street’ this is what it said. ‘A new scheme by Yeovil in Bloom could see your short poem or phrase about what nature means to you placed around the trunks of trees in King George Street, Yeovil over the summer months.

Residents in South Somerset are being invited to write a short poem or phrase about what nature means to you. It could be about trees, plants, animals or birds in the landscape that you love. The words will then be printed onto paper, cut into strips and then placed around the trunks of the trees in King George Street.’

If the story had appeared in the Western Daily Press on 1st April would you have believed it? I wouldn’t, but it’s absolutely true. The closing date for submissions is 14th May and all the work sent in will be installed on 1st June. As someone who is continually removing strips of paper from my local roadside hedgerows and verges (especially after the recycling truck has made its weekly visit), I’m astounded to find that we are now being encouraged to have paper put back on to trees. The chairman of the Yeovil in Bloom Steering Group, which is managed and funded by Yeovil Town Council, is quoted as saying that ‘engaging with our public is what we are doing’ and that ‘our environment and communities will benefit if we all get involved’. By sticking bits of paper round trees! He must think we are all fools.

NN

Advertising Deadlines

June Issue published Thursday 26th May Deadline Friday 13th May

PO Box 1, Castle Cary Somerset BA7 7BG

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

Proprietor, Accounts & Subscriptions Helen Dunion Production Manager Jeff Farrow

Advertisement Manager & Features Editor Michelle Trulock © The Visitor Ltd. 2016

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

CONTENTS

Our FRONT COVER is almost entirely due to entomology

ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLASSIFIED - 50 ANTIQUES & COLLECTING - 8 CROSSWORD - 50 GARDENING - 43

GILLINGHAM TOWN - 9 HOUSE & HOME - 31 ILCHESTER - 15

LEISURE & TRAVEL - 17 LETTERS - 4

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

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

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

For advertisement sizes see our Rate Card.

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

LOOKING GOOD & FEELING FINE ... including a healthy alternative - 21 MENTIONED in DISPATCHES - 6 MERE TOWN - 14 MOTORING - 36

MUSIC for the MONTH - 20 NOTICE BOARD - 16 PAPERCHASE - 47

PHONE-A-FIRM - 48

PUBS - 38

THEY SAY - 42

WINE & DINE - 37

YEOVIL independent traders - 24

Drawings by GEOFF THOMPSON

BENE FIT CUT

THE VISITOR May 2016 3

Letters To the Editor Castle Cary & Ansford Carnival Society - 30th Anniversary Celebration

Sir, On the 26th March 2016 at Haynes International Motor Museum, Sparkford a 30th celebration dinner took place with Moving Art TV (assisted by CISPP) arranging to stream live an hour and a half showcase of the Wessex Carnival Grand Prix Circuit, which was conceived by Gordon Stockman.

This televised event to the internet (YouTube and in the USA The Cube) can be seen either on YouTube or on the CISPP website (Carnivals in Somerset Promotion Project).

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G. S. Stockman President Castle Cary & Ansford Carnival Society Galhampton

Parkruns

Sir, As someone who is not known for my enthusiasm when it comes to exercise I feel that really I am hardly in a position to comment.

However, given the high level of emotion and furore generated by the recent announcement from Stoke Gifford Parish Council of plans to institute a charge for participants in the ‘Little Stoke Parkrun’, I feel entitled to put in my two-penn’orth worth.

It has been interesting to listen in on conversations, where polarised opinions seem directly related to level of exercise endured by either side. I have used the word ‘endured’ intentionally. On a daily basis I pass by people of all ages pounding the streets, who seem to be in agony as they puff and pant along, sweaty and out of breath. I can appreciate the need to stay fit and healthy, and can understand that some people might feel more motivated to do so in the company of others, but very few seem to actively enjoy the experience.

With such long working hours, my free time is fairly limited and I do prefer to spend it in pursuit of more pleasurable activities, requiring less exertion and

personal discomfort. That said, given that as a nation levels of obesity are increasing it does make sense for us to be pro-active about taking charge of our own health, if for no other reason than that NHS waiting times for treatment are now beyond a joke.

Parkruns seem to help in addressing the problem of mental and physical wellbeing, whilst providing the added benefit of a social element for those who seek it. The dilemma is that our public parks are intended for the enjoyment of all and there will be many who have hitherto enjoyed a quiet stroll who will feel that their space is being invaded by hoards of strangers (I understand that people travel from far and wide to take part) along with the noise and disruption this can cause, albeit temporary. Most of us can tolerate the annual marathon once a year but these events are held on a weekly basis.

There is also the consideration that cash strapped parish and town councils face in their responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of our local parks. There can be no doubt that such events, in terms of the sheer numbers, will have a cost element and this poses the question of whether or not precepts should be used in this way.

In all communities there should be a degree of give and take.

Personally I am not in favour of a charge being imposed as such, but although Parkrun is a not-forprofit organisation I think that in using a valuable community asset, to the possible detriment of other users, it would not be beyond the realms of possibility for them to consider making a contribution in some way. The one-off start-up fee for an event is £3,000 and with 61,583 events currently active, according to their website, that is an awful lot of money, not taking into account the finance provided by sponsors, along with the lucrative marketing opportunities

runner registration provides.

I agree that they provide tremendous support but someone, somewhere, is raking in the cash and small communities, whilst clearly benefiting from the activity, are also bearing the burden. Surely in the interest of harmony a few hundred quid to help our local parishes out would not go amiss.

Linda Piggott-Vijeh Combe St Nicholas

Funds Donated

Sir, As we start to ‘wind down’ the Britannia Carnival Club, I would like to extend huge thanks to Jig, David and Tina, who continue to attend the site weekly dismantling the cart, tractor and sheds – it’s surprising the artwork they have discovered – more than 40 years worth. Many of you will recall Carts coming out with a vast array of themes Gypsies, Joseph, Pink Elephants, Sioux Indians, Scooby Doo, Pirates, Fireworks, Brasília etc.

More importantly - we have started to distribute our monetary ‘pot’ to many good causes and charities.

A donation has been made to The Castle Cary Majorettes, to assist them with purchasing new pom-poms and the residents of Cary Brook have benefited from a very generous gift to refurbish their Hairdressing salon.

However, the most important one so far is our donation of £5,000 to the British Lung Foundation. This donation is in memory of two past members – Bob Kingston and Nigel Strickland. Both gentlemen were long serving, stalwart members of the club, who sadly died from lung disease. I am sure they, like the rest of our committee and their families, would feel proud that our funds have been donated to such a worth while cause.

Christine Stone Secretary Britannia Carnival Club

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DAILY DELIVERIES TO THE SURROUNDING AREA THE VISITOR May 2016 5

Mentioned in

Dispatches

Wadham School teacher receives prestigious award

Wadham School teacher, Cathy Tremaine, who has spent her entire 35 year teaching career at the school, was joined by colleagues to celebrate her retirement this week.

Also present were members of the Rotary Clubs of Ilminster and Crewkerne as President of the Ilminster Club, Linda Piggott-Vijeh, presented Cathy with a special award to mark her long standing relationship with the club.

For more than 20 years Cathy has, along with Rotarian Roy Pickett, been responsible for organising one of the most important activities carried out by the club in undertaking its work with young people. Each year all Year 11 students are given the opportunity to receive guidance and advice during practice interview sessions to

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prepare them for the working environment.

The Paul Harris Fellow Award, named after the Founder of Rotary International, is the highest award that can be bestowed upon an individual and it is unusual for it to be granted to a non-Rotarian. The award is given 'in recognition of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world', and in receiving this highly prestigious award Cathy joins the likes of Mother Teresa and Boris Yeltsin.

History of the RNLI

A Talk/Film on the History of the RNLI by Mr Alan Tyson takes place at The Swan Hotel, Wedmore at 6.30pm on Sunday 15th May. Tickets £15 (to include a glass of wine and supper) from The Swan, Wedmore Paper Shop or Burnham-on-Sea RNLI Shop.

Proceeds towards a replacement D Class inflatable lifeboat for Burnham-on-Sea.

In It Together

Women and girls in the Wincanton area are set to benefit from a brand new three year physical activity project when Beginners Badminton launches on Tuesday 10 May with a free first session.

26 Lower Woodcock Street Castle Cary BA7 7BH Tel: 01963 351052

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6 THE VISITOR May 2016

Children from Strode College’s Day Nursery paid a visit to the college hair salon recently, where the students styled the children’s locks into the latest looks. The children then returned the compliment by using brushes, combs, clips and rollers on the staff and students’ hair.

A fun time was had by all!

Beginners Badminton is being offered as part of the ‘In It Together’ project which has been set up to offer a range of sporting activities for women and girls in the right place and time including low cost beginners’ sessions in badminton, tennis, netball, running, hockey, exercise classes and cycling.

The project was made possible following a successful Sport England National Lottery Funding bid of £163,294 which was led by South Somerset District Council in partnership with Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership and Yarlington Housing Group.

Additional support has also been given by specific national governing bodies of sport.

To find out more about the project please call 01935 462544 or email: sportsdevelopment@ southsomerset.gov.uk

Yeovil’s Vintage Market

Yeovil’s Vintage Market, returned to the town centre on Saturday 2 April and will continue until September on King George Street. Held on the first Saturday of the month, from 9am until 4pm, the Market is now in its third year and continues to grow with additional stalls and a programme of live music.

If you are interested in hiring a pitch or stall at the Yeovil Vintage Market or finding out more information about the event, please contact Marie Ainsworth on 01935 462787 or visit www.southsomerset. gov.uk/Yeovilmarkets.

Queen Camel Tuesday Group

QCTG meet on the first Tuesday of each month at the Queen Camel Memorial Hall arriving at 10am for a 10.30am start.

Membership grows by the month and they would love you to share in that friendship. Ring Marion on 01963 220741 or Pat on 01963 32264 if you want more information.

Langport & District History Society

The next talk will take place in the Langport Library on Monday 9 May at 7.30pm, when Mary Miles will give a talk on Brewing in Somerset. Visitors are very welcome and are asked to contribute just £2. Free refreshments are served at the end of the talk. Anyone interested in joining the Society should contact Sue Standen on 01458 273471, or email: suzannestanden 471@btinternet.com

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“If you can’t come to us we will come to you” THE VISITOR May 2016 7

Antiques

This & That of Mere offer an affordable assortment of vintage furniture, gardenalia, china and glass etc. They offer a discreet house clearance service.

Interesting items also purchased.

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Meadow Fairs ANTIQUES COLLECTABLES & FLEA MARKET

Saturday 14 th May Beaminster Town Hall Dorset DT8 3EF 10am – 3.30pm

The Future of Antiques in the new Digital Age

The antiques business is a thing of the past, but not according to antique expert, Clifford Hall, owner of the Furniture and Antiques Warehouse in Binegar, Wells, Somerset.

‘The new digital age provides exciting opportunities for those of us fascinated by times gone by.

We’ve come a long way from Arthur Negus and the popular antiques programme, Going for a Song. Now, thanks to greater

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8 THE VISITOR May 2016

exposure to Antiques from television programmes like Antiques Road Show, Flog It, Bargain Hunt, Celebrity Road Trip and Drew Pritchard on Salvage Hunt, we’re kept informed of the value and desirability of antiques’ says Clifford.

‘Antique lovers are attending auctions around the country with their iPad on their lap. Google helps them research the history behind any antique item. Private buyers have a choice, they can either attend real auctions and bid in person, or, as many prefer, they can bid from home using www.the-saleroom.com as a facility. So we find customers have more choice and are more interested and informed than ever.’

‘We are seeing that Facebook is producing the strongest advertising results, followed closely by eBay. In fact, for some antique dealers, eBay is their sole outlet and therefore, income source’.

At Clifford Hall’s Furniture & Antiques Warehouse, regular customers receive special notification about items that are due in stock. ‘The digital age actually provides the means for us to serve our customers better’, says Clifford, ‘and shortly, we will launch our own Youtube Channel, so we can share insights and secrets, into the antiques world that are specifically relevant to this period of time’.

The antiques business is certainly keeping up with the new digital world.

Duke’s Avenue Saleroom Toys and Collectables auction

Duke’s Auctioneers held their inaugural Toys and Collectables sale on Tuesday 22nd March, to great success. The sale, which comprised of 400 lots, made over £30,000. Duke’s Avenue saleroom holds general sales every three weeks, but decided to branch out in 2016 with extra specialist sales, holding two Toys and Collectables auctions in Spring and Autumn, and one Vintage Clothing and Textiles sale in the Summer. This first foray into a specialist sale has proved to be a great success for the Avenue, attracting large numbers of bidders new to the saleroom.

Antiques Fairs Chasty Cottage Antiques

•

•

Saturday 28 th May Digby Hall, Hound Street, Next to Library SHERBORNE • DT9 3AA 9.30am – 4pm • Trade 8.30am • Admission £1

 FUTURE DATE Saturday 18 th June  Sunday 22nd May SALISBURY RACECOURSE Antique / Flea Fair • Indoor / Outside Admission £5 from 8.30am, £3 after 10am  01963 370986 www.chastycottageantiques.co.uk

Copenhagen Vase 1880 with dace fish design, signed, available from Quillon House Antiques, Bruton.

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Country Furniture Arms & Armoury Equestrian Paintings Valuations Undertaken Antiques Purchased

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Childs early 19th century chair in yew and elm.

GILLINGHAM TOWN

READERS with long memories will doubtless recall that until five or six years ago a major event in Gillingham’s calendar was the annual Arts and Community Festival. The good news is that it is being revived this year, under the catchy new title GillFest, and it promises a full programme of events and entertainments that should appeal to the majority of local residents and to visitors from outside the town. It runs for ten days from 24th June to 3rd July, with the main events being staged at Orchard Park Garden Centre and the Methodist Church on the High Street. Among the

impressive list of performers are The Blues Band, Gervase Phinn, Nicholas Parsons, Beverly Craven, Gillingham Imperial Silver Band and guitar virtuoso John Williams, and events include a piano recital in aid of Dorset Blind Association, an antiques valuation in aid of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, and an Open Gardens fundraiser for the group caring for the Town Meadow. Full details and tickets are available from the website www.gillfest.org, from Orchard Park and Hambledon estate agents in Gillingham and from the Tourist Information Centre in

The bustling High Street runs westward towards Gillingham’s parish church.

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THE VISITOR May 2016 9

GILLINGHAM TOWN

Shaftesbury.

It’s getting on for six years since Gillingham’s splendid RiversMeet leisure centre opened.

Located at the end of Hardings Lane just a short walk from the town centre, RiversMeet contains a 25-metre swimming pool, sports hall with badminton and squash courts, fitness suite, dance studio

and meeting rooms and has proved to be much-appreciated and well used by local residents.

Two additional facilities are set to open there on 16th May – a giant inflatable soft play zone called RiverKidz offering supervised play sessions for youngsters up to the age of 12, and The Café @ RiversMeet

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10 THE VISITOR May 2016

which will be selling a variety of light meals, sandwiches, cakes and hot and cold drinks and providing a comfortable place to sit down and relax. Nearby, work is well under way in transforming a recreation ground into a sports, leisure and adventure play park.

The first phase, the adventure play area, is due for completion in May and subsequent phases providing a new skate park and creating multi-use games areas

should be ready by the late summer. It’s part of the Hardings Park Project to make this area the town’s sports and leisure destination. Along with RiversMeet, the recreation ground and Gillingham School it is also home to Gillingham Town Football Club which is in the midst of constructing a new pitch and spectator area alongside its current pitch, and plans have been laid to make Hardings Lane

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GILLINGHAM TOWN

the start of a new cycleway to Motcombe.

Gillingham could soon be welcoming yet another new innovation – for the first time a direct train to the seaside at Weymouth. The proposal by South West Trains is that on Summer Saturdays and Bank Holiday Mondays a train from London would call at Gillingham at around 9.50am and run via Yeovil Junction and Yeovil Pen Mill to Weymouth, arriving there at around 11.15am. The return journey would leave Weymouth at 4.56pm and reach Gillingham by 6.30pm. Exact timings have yet to be announced, but if the proposal goes ahead the service will start on Saturday 21st May and continue until 3rd September.

More good news for Gillingham

came in March when the planning inspectorate dismissed an appeal against the district council’s refusal of permission to develop Chantry Fields, an area not allocated for housing in the Local Plan. You might recall that I reported in the October 2014 Visitor that plans to build 236 dwellings on the site across Le Neubourg Way from the Waitrose supermarket and bounded by the River Stour, the railway line, the sewerage works and the little Church View estate had understandably generated a lot of opposition. It’s crossed by several public footpaths which are, I was told, well used by walkers and it is seen as a valuable ‘green lung’ close to the centre of town. The planning inspector felt that the proposed development would put

constraints on the operation and expansion of the sewerage works, necessary for the planned growth of the town, and that the air quality would not provide acceptable living conditions for potential occupants of the houses.

Strolling back up Station Road to the town centre reminded me that when the railway was opened in 1859 the station was built in open countryside some distance to the south of the town,

away from any existing roads or tracks. So it was necessary to construct a new thoroughfare linking it to Newbury near the eastern end of what is now known as the High Street. And Station Road quickly attracted all sorts of development including the elegant town house called St Audries which is now occupied

by Eyes Right opticians and a betting shop. As with so many buildings in town centres, it is

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GILLINGHAM

only when you raise your eyes above the shop fronts that you can appreciate their original design and architectural detailing.

And St Audries is one of Gillingham’s 19th century gems.

A few doors further up the street a modest cottage now houses the

Seafood fish and chips shop, and the enterprising proprietor has placed tables and chairs in the tiny front yard for customers to experience alfresco eating. I’m not convinced that it succeeds in adding a continental air to Station Road but it made me smile.

Gillingham & Shaftesbury

AGRICULTURAL SHOW

Cullingford Carpets and Interiors, the long-established Wincanton company, has recently opened a spacious new showroom in Gillingham.

‘The Show where Town & Country Meet’

Wednesday 17th August 2016 8.30am – 6.30pm at the

Motcombe Turnpike Showground SP7 9PL 2 miles north of Shaftesbury on B3081 signed ‘Agricultural Show’

ATTRACTIONS INCLUDE: Diggerland Dancing Diggers Stunt Team 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 and 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

Common Mead Lane, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4RE

Turn into Broad Robin off B3081, continue past Mellowes Residential Home: Thorngrove is next on right

 01747 822242 Email: thorngrove.staff@scope.org.uk

Browsing round the shops on a sunny April afternoon gave me more cause to smile. With great pleasure I spotted a welcome addition to the bustling High Street – the Prime Cuts family butcher – which opened recently.

Independent specialist retailers like this, offering high-quality merchandise and service to match, make for a much more inviting and prosperous town centre than do the soulless chain stores and cheapjack traders. And the best of them survive and thrive. Across the road from Prime Cuts is Crockers ironmongery, founded by Edwin Stickland in 1882, which has been trading on Gillingham High Street for more than a century.

And alongside the entrance to Lidl’s car park is the newlyopened showroom of Cullingford Carpets and Interiors, the longestablished local company now based on Wincanton Business Park. Amidst the countless estate agents, charity shops and cafés these are some of the pleasing signs that a traditional town centre still exists in Gillingham.

Roger Richards.

OPEN DAY

Saturday 7th May 10am – 4pm

OPEN DAY INCLUDES: Fun Dog Show, Reptiles to Handle, Talks ... and Displays, Stalls and Raffle, Barbecue and Teas, Fire Engine. Lots to see and do for all the family!

Fundraising for level access to our vegetable garden – ring for more details.

BEAUTIFUL HANGING BASKETS FOR SALE OR FILLED TO ORDER

Spring Bedding Plants own grown ✿ Extended range of Herbaceous Plants own grown TREES – SHRUBS – HERBS – SUNDRIES

Thorngrove Garden Centre was set up by Scope Scope exists to make this country a place where disabled people have the same opportunities as everyone else. Until then, we’ll be here.

OPEN: 9am – 5pm EVERY DAY including SUNDAY 12 THE VISITOR May 2016

Every Penny Counts says Gillingham, Mere & Shaftesbury Lions

Whilst presentationally quiet, the Gillingham, Mere and Shaftesbury Lions cogs have been steadily turning. The Christmas Float is the principal fund raiser for GMS Lions and every January, the committee consider and grant the first round of donations to local causes that have caught their eye. This year at the end of January the club considered and agreed to make the donations to the following organisations who all provide excellent services to the youth and the needy in the community.

• One Shot, One Life • Air Ambulance Dorset & Somerset • Carnival Club (Shaftesbury) • 2nd Shaftesbury Guides • Hip Bones Youth Club • Gillingham Junior Angling Club • Dementia Awareness

A cheque for £50 was received from an ASDA collection, a huge thank you to them for promoting the cause. The club has also been raising monies from their annual raffles of Giant Easter Eggs in local venues (still awaiting final tally of monies raised for charity).

Thank you to all who have taken part, remember the motto 'Every Penny Counts'.

Members of the club have been helping out with the Marie Curie Daffodil collection and the SPEKTREK big count where clubs from across the UK gather together to handover thousands of used but useable spectacles.

Plans are underway for a Quiz Evening at the Grove Building on 20th May, to raise funds for another spectacular Gillingham in Gear which is on 4th June.

Finally, members are busily training their soon-to-be Club President David Rose, exciting times ahead!

THE VISITOR May 2016 13

FOR TRAVELLERS approaching Mere from Zeals or Gillingham the tower of the parish church of St Michael the Archangel, standing over 120 feet high, has been a prominent landmark for more than 500 years. The church dates mainly from the 15th century although parts are up to 200 years older, and its interior contains carved Jacobean pews and has medieval glass in the south chapel window. Along with the stone cottages lining Church Street and Castle Street below Castle Hill it exudes a timeless feel, but there are no visible remains of the fortified castle that once stood on the hill. Allegedly when it fell into disuse in the 15th century much of the stone was brought down and used to build the cottages that nowadays give the little town so much of its charm.

Much of Mere’s early charm was restored in 1975 when the bypass opened, taking the constant stream of heavy traffic on the A303 out of the town and leaving Castle Street, The Square and Salisbury Street much quieter, cleaner and safer.

Salisbury Street is home to three of Visitorland’s household names – Jeans Electrical, Yapp Brothers wine merchants and F J Chalke’s car dealership – which must surely assure a regular flow of visitors to the town. Facing back towards The Square are the premises of Yapp Brothers, the specialist importers of French wines. Their buildings, the

Mere Town

Mere’s retail centre stretches eastwards along Salisbury Street where businesses include Hayley’s hair salon and Jeans Electrical.

earliest dating from the 18th century, have been used successively for malting, brewing, bacon curing and milk processing, and although much altered down the years and eventually falling into a state of near-dereliction in the early 1970s, those required for the wine business have been beautifully restored since Robin Yapp acquired the site in 1973.

Step through the arch on the Water Street frontage and you’ll find yourself in what could pass for a courtyard in rural Provence, complete with fountain, French car and various relics of the French wine industry. And opening on to the courtyard is a delightful shop where these fine wines can be bought by the case or bottle – often at bin-end bargain prices.

Nearby is the shop of Jeans Electrical, and although it looks small from the outside it sells, installs and repairs all manner of electrical appliances. The larger items – televisions, washing machines, fridges and suchlike – can be seen in a separate spacious showroom just across the adjacent car park, in the former Congregational Church that fronts on to Boar Street. Jeans’ chapel showroom retains its outward ecclesiastical appearance, but inside it has been transformed into an extensive electrical superstore on two floors.

Like Yapps and much else in Mere, it has been adapted to meet contemporary needs without detracting from the historic appearance of the town.

The length of Salisbury Street

Jeans Electrical

Chapel Showroom, Boar Street Mere, Wilts, BA12 6DD

Tel: 01747 860215 www.jeanselectrical.co.uk

14 THE VISITOR May 2016

from Yapps back to The Square is dotted with small shops and businesses amidst the houses and offices, just as it must have been a century and more ago. Even F J Chalke’s car business, which you might expect to look somewhat incongruous in such surroundings, sits comfortably in this very traditional street scene.

Shops are more numerous around The Square, including Sprouts and Flowers which not only combines the trades of greengrocer and florist but adds other tempting foods and advertises itself in an eyecatching way. Waltons post office and newsagency was a hive of activity when I visited, and other shops catering for the day-to-day needs of local residents appeared busy. Visitors might be particularly interested in Walton House Antiques facing the Clock Tower that stands on the site of the former market house, and I must mention the Angel Corner Tea Rooms at the corner of The Square and Angel Lane, in what was once part of the former Angel Inn. It is everything that a traditional tea rooms should be, and with large windows overlooking The Square it is the ideal place to take a break and watch the world go by.

Although the view gives the impression that Mere is a sleepy small rural town, in reality it has long been a hive of industry. In the 18th century it was a centre for linen weaving, but this had been replaced by silk spinning in t he ea rly 1 9 t h cent ury a nd continued until the 1890s. And today it is still making and selling products far and wide. Mere Fish Farm has established for itself an enviable reputation for its hot and cold smoked trout and smoked trout terrine, which can be purchased in delicatessens and restaurants over a wide area and from its farm shop at Ivymead on the eastern edge of town. And the chandlery of Charles Farris at Quarryfields on the western side of town makes a wide range of church candles and gift candles and supplies altar bread and wine. It, too, has a factory shop where its products and factory seconds can be purchased.

The biggest manufacturer of them all is the Hill Brush Company, which might be an unfamiliar name because its products are marketed through the trade rather than direct to the public. Its specialist brushes

Mere Town

ILCHESTER

The Clock Tower on The Square stands on the site of the former market house.

and cleaning equipment are exported worldwide for use in the dairy, food production, catering and hygiene industries and in hospitals and equestrian establishments. Founded in Mere in 1922 by Fred and Bill Coward in a small workshop at their father’s woodturnery business on Castle Street, they named the business after the hill that loomed above their premises.

Within five years these were too small for the thriving business so they rented Lordsmead Mill, a disused silk mill on the River Shreen, but they outgrew this too and moved to the company’s present site at Woodlands Road in the mid-1930s. Members of the Coward family are still involved in running the business, which now has more than a hundred employees, and they have masterminded the company’s next move to a larger site between the bypass and the old A303 at the western edge of the town. Construction of the new factory and a visitor centre is progressing fast and is expected to be finished by the end of the year. So rural Mere will continue to be the home of one of Visitorland’s unsung industrial success stories.

Roger Richards.

which would include a writing competition. This was enthusiastically endorsed by her fellow trustees who told her to carry on and organise it. She did just that and the festival has become one of the highlights of the Mere calendar. It is still the fund raising arm of the Linkscheme – a charity which majors on providing transport for medical needs in ten parishes of this rural community and answers well over one thousand requests for help annually.

The festival has grown in popularity and has had the support of many well-known authors which has been much appreciated. It always starts on the second Monday of October and this year runs October 10th - 16th. A 20th birthday celebration is planned for the Award Ceremony, the finale of the week’s events, and the organisers would be pleased to hear from any past participants – speakers, judges, prize-winners or visitors. Please send any memories or comments to info@merelitfest.co.uk Details of the 2016 programme and Write-in-the-Week competition will be posted on the website: www.merelitfest.co.uk in due course.

Twenty years ago, in the small Wiltshire town of Mere, ideas were sought to fund a new local charity – the Mere and District Linkscheme. Adrienne Howell suggested a literary festival

Louise Bennett would like to thank all who came, donated and took part in the Mere Spring Fair. £1,877.34 was raised for the Stars Appeal (Little Lives Fund, Maternity & NICU Wards at Salisbury hospital).

Mere Literary Festival 20th Anniversary

W NO EN P O

Mere Spring Fair

THIS& THAT Vintage Collectables

An interesting collection of china, glass, jewellery kitchenalia, small furniture, and more!

HOUSE CLEARANCES  ITEMS BOUGHT & SOLD

Salisbury Street, MERE, BA12 6HE • Tel: 07745 766613

The smart new frontage of AP Kitchen Solutions and Kitchen & Granite Studio, Ilchester. For a new or refurbished kitchen call in and see Adam to discuss your requirements.

AP Kitchen Solutions FOR YOUR NEW KITCHEN

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

 Complete new kitchens designed to suit you

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

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

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

 01935 849559

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

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

THE VISITOR May 2016 15

The Lamb & Lark Limington

The Lamb & Lark Limington is situated just a couple of miles from Ilchester where landlord and lady, Russell and Diane are celebrating their 11th successful

ILCHESTER

year of trading this year. They have earned themselves an excellent reputation for good home-cooked food and have something to suit everyone on their menu.

Lamb & Lark Russell & Diane welcome you to the

Their private hire mini bus service can collect and deliver you to and from the inn at a very reasonable cost. It is also available for private hire such as airport trips.

Proving popular is their hog roast service for functions. This together with their outside bar facilities is ideal for weddings, anniversaries, and other special occasions.

INN KEEPING AT ITS BEST

Limington nr. Ilchester • BA22 8EG Tel: 01935 840368

A typical country inn we are pleased to offer …  Delicious Home Cooked Food 

 Specials Board  Themed Evenings   Senior Citizens Menus 

 Traditional Sunday Carvery booking advised   Function Room available for special occasions  Anniversaries – Weddings – Birthdays etc.

 Skittle Alley 

At Just Maria’s of Ilchester, in addition to floristry, Maria holds regular Annie Sloane paint workshops, sells vintage clothing and vintage-inspired clothing from Lindy Bopp, gifts & unusual greeting cards are also on sale.

 Regular Charity Quiz Nights   Enclosed Beer Gardens 

 Hog Roast and Outside Bar Facilities   Private Hire Minibus Service 

We can collect and deliver you home from the inn at a reasonable price. Also airport / holidays runs.

Tripadvisor Award of Excellence 2014 / 2015 Visit our website for full details

www.lambandlark.co.uk

May Notice Board COMPTON DUNDON

Flower Festival at St Andrews Compton Dundon. May 28th to 30th, 10am - 5pm. Theme ‘Anniversaries’. Refreshments provided & donations appreciated.

FROME

Blues Rhythm & Rock Festival, Sunday 8th May. Martin Turner (ex Wishbone Ash), rock legend Corky Laing. Full line up on www.fromebluesfestival.co.uk Early bird £20 call 01472 349222.

16 THE VISITOR May 2016

HENSTRIDGE

Blackmore Vale U3A talk about Citizens Advice Bureau, Tuesday 3rd May, 2.30pm Henstridge Village Hall. Members £1.50, Visitors £2.50. Refreshments included.

ILMINSTER

At the Dillington Estate, Whitelackington on 7th May, Ilminster Lions Kennel Club Dog Show (10am - 2pm) and on 8th May the Ilminster Lions Companion & Fun Dog Show.

Stalls, arena events and other attractions. All proceeds to The Childrens Hospice in the South West.

KINGTON MAGNA

Kington Magna Street Fayre, 4th June, 11am - 4pm. Country dancing music, Mustang Sally, Ploughmans Lunches, Teas,

Stunning flowers for every occasion

Bridal Accessories - Imaginative Gifts - Unusual Cards - Vintage Clothing Visit our Facebook page for details of

‘Annie Sloan Paint Workshop’

Painted Furniture - Decorative Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan

The Old Chapel, Church Street, ILCHESTER Tel: 01935 706121 • Mobile: 07837 385734

Stalls still available, telephone 01747 838669.

BA9 8DY. Entry £3, under 16s free.

NORTH CADBURY

YEOVIL

SOMERTON

ADVERTISE YOUR JUNE EVENT HERE!

Castle Cary Choir sing sacred pieces and show hits. Saturday 14th May, 7.30pm, St Michael’s Church, North Cadbury. Tickets £10. Interval refreshments.

Proceeds for Church and St Margaret’s Hospice.

Made in Somerset, White Hart Inn, Wednesday 11th May, 10am - 2pm. Come and buy wonderful artisan products. Free entry Etatu charity donation appreciated. Tea, coffee, lunch available.

YARLINGTON

Yarlington Plant Fair, Saturday 14th May, 10am - 4pm Yarlington House, Yarlington,

Yeovil Art Group’s 69th Annual Exhibition, 12th April - 16th May, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, daily except Sundays 1-4pm, and all performance evenings.

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

Deadline for June issue, Friday 13th May. Get your ad’s in early for Bank Holiday Events

Do you enjoy fine beer and cider?

Preparations are well under way for the 10th Wessex Beer Festival on the 2nd & 3rd of September, which is being held at Chilcompton Sports Club. As in previous years the event will be fully undercover in a huge marquee. Over the two days there will be a wide selection of beers and ciders to suit all tastes, and a full and varied programme of live bands and music. All profits go to charity, and this year one of the main beneficiaries is the

Children’s Hospice South West.

Dickies are the main sponsors, but there are still many other sponsorship opportunities. Full details of the Wessex Beer and Cider Festival can be found on the website: www.wessex beerfestival.co.uk

A Walk around Sherborne brings History to Life

Sherborne Tourism has uploaded a new video that gives an insight into some of Sherborne’s historic heritage, https://youtu.be/5Uh MBkYxU9E

Brympton House & Gardens Yeovil • BA22 8TD

Out and about? A visit to Living Pretty Tea Rooms in Curry Rivel is always a pleasure. Proprietor Kate, pictured, looks forward to serving you with her delicious homemade cakes.

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

Summer Wedding? Garden Party?

Vintage China Hire

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

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

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

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

kate@livingpretty.co.uk • www.livingpretty.co.uk THE OLD BAKERY • HIGH STREET CURRY RIVEL • SOMERSET • TA10 0ES Tel: 01458 253357

THE VISITOR May 2016 17

There can be few small towns which can boast a history that embraces two castles, a Benedictine Abbey including the last resting place of at least two Saxon kings, a 15th century Alms house, a world famous 16th century public school and hundreds of fascinating tales and gossip, not to mention the odd ostrich or two.

Sherborne has had a close connection with ostriches for nearly 400 years, ever since the Digby family moved into town in 1617 and took up residence at the local (or ‘new’) castle, previously occupied and remodelled by Sir Walter Raleigh. Keen-eyed visitors will spot the bird immortalised in stone at a number of locations in and around the Town.

Someone who knows where all the ostriches in Sherborne can be spotted is Sherborne’s Blue Badge Guide Cindy Chant, who offers twice weekly tours of the Town during spring and summer every Tuesday and Thursday at 10.30am, from the Tourism Information Centre in Digby Road on a Tuesday and from outside the post office on a Thursday, until 29 September.

The Avalon Marshes – Landscape, Heritage and Wildlife

At the heart of Somerset's Levels and Moors and at the foot of Glastonbury Tor lie the Avalon Marshes - a magical landscape of wide open views, large skies, wonderful wildlife and a heritage stretching back thousands of years, which is enjoyed by increasing numbers of people.

In recent years the Heritage Lottery funded Avalon Marshes Landscape Partnership has brought significant investment to the area. This has funded new bird hides, heritage trails, replica buildings, leaflets, interpretation panels and an Avalon Marshes website; and there have been education projects with local schools, volunteer training events and 2 Avalon Marshes Festivals.

To celebrate the area and what has been achieved a special event is taking place on Saturday 4th June at Strode Theatre in Street.

The Avalon Marshes – Landscape, Heritage and Wildlife will be a day of talks, films and presentations by experts including local naturalist, author

and TV producer Stephen Moss, wetland archaeologist Dr Richard Brunning, archaeologist to Glastonbury Abbey John Allan, and wildlife expert and broadcaster Chris Sperring MBE. The event will include the screening of the BBC film of Sir John Betjeman travelling through the Avalon Marshes on the much loved Somerset & Dorset Railway in the 1960’s.

This evocative film takes us back

to an un-hurried age of travel through a unique landscape.

Tickets are now on sale and should be purchased from Strode Theatre at www.strodetheatre. org.uk The event is expected to be a sell-out. To find out more go to the events page at www.avalon marshes.org. Event organised by the Avalon Marshes Landscape Partnership with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Scarlet Dawn - Limited Edition Giclee Print by John Waterhouse.

Edition size 195, image size 10" x 10", framed price £270.00.

Available from Martock Gallery, Martock.

‘Key to My Heart’

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

Limited Edition Giclee Print

by Doug Hyde Edition Size 395 Image Size 11” x 16” Framed Price

£350

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

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

18 THE VISITOR May 2016

Blandford Georgian Fayre 2nd May 2016

The biennial Blandford Georgian Fayre takes place on Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May, between 10am – 5pm. As one of the largest Fayres in the south it is always well attended, attracting thousands of visitors from far and wide.

Wander through the traffic free streets of the town centre at your leisure with the stunning Georgian architecture as a fitting backdrop to this huge street fayre and market, which offers a wide selection of entertainment.

This year’s highlights include A Railway exhibition; Large covered craft area; Helicopter flight (booked in advance); Farmers markets; Town criers competition; Ferret racing; Rural crafts display; £100 Golden Tickets in Entrance Programme; Huge range of eclectic music and food to suit every taste; Fun fair, including the wonderful Carousel, set in the market place; Reenactment societies, living history displays; Fire juggling, circus skills work shop, storytelling and much much more.

The Blandford Georgian Fayre is an enabling charity that asks the public to donate voluntarily on admission to the town. Money raised is ploughed back into community groups within the Blandford area. This year the entrance programme will offer 4 lucky people the chance to win £100, winning your height in beer as well as a free airplane ride at Compton Airfield. Funds raised by the Fayre have directly benefited Blandford and its local community in excess of one million pounds.

Free parking is available in several places outside the town.

Info: www.blandfordgeorgian fayre.co.uk/

String Octet Treat

On Sunday 1st May at 2.30pm for a 3pm start there will be a special performance by musicians from the Fisher Sinfonia at All Saints Church in Merriott TA16 5PS. The Classical String Octet includes musicians who regularly perform with major orchestras across the UK so for a village church setting the audience should be in for a real treat. This will be the 15th concert organised

by Joseph Fisher who has amassed a significant following to his concerts. Profits from the event will go towards the Church Fabric Fund. For tickets (£8) contact 01460 76360 to reserve.

Cheddar Male Choir

Cheddar Male Choir celebrates a year’s work for charities and good causes by putting on their 21st Annual Concert in St Andrews Church, Cheddar on 21st May at 7.30pm where they will be joined by the renowned Cornish Treverva Male Voice Choir. The concert will help to raise funds to keep the choir helping others to raise money such as The Children’s Hospice South West;

THE VISITOR May 2016 19

Somerset and Dorset Air Ambulance, and numerous others.

Tickets are £8 and available from Deane’s of Cheddar, a choir member or on sale at the door on the night.

Bugfest 2016

Reptilia, giant spiders, monster sized snakes and deadly giant centipedes are just a few of the marvels of nature to be found at Somerset & Dorset’s Bugfest event on the 15th of May, 10am - 4pm, at The Gryphon Sports Centre, Sherborne. It’s one of the top invertebrate shows in the UK, surpassed only by the British

Tarantula Society Exhibition in the North, and the Amateur Entomologist Society Exhibition in London.

For those who have a passion for nature, or who have children that are avid Deadly Sixty fans, you get the chance to get up close and personal to some of the animals you get to see on TV. And yes, some of them really are deadly!

Many traders will be selling their surplus on the day - pet stick insects, pet tarantulas, praying mantids, millipedes etc., and get advice and tips from experienced keepers should you be wanting to undertake a new

APRIL

29th FREEFALL - Wyndham Arms, Kingsbury Episcopi

MAY 1st 4th 11th 18th 25th 29th 29th

BEACH BOYS TRIBUTE - Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon BLUES - Crown, Sherborne TRAD JAZZ - Crown, Sherborne TRAD FOLK - Crown, Sherborne OPEN MIC’ NIGHT - Crown, Sherborne THE MOONDOGS - Catash, North Cadbury THE TRANSITIONS - Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon

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

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

By John Osborne • Answers can be found on page 47

1. What band was at the 'Car Wash' in 1976?

2. Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe are together known as what?

3. Who were the Manchester band who were 'Moving On Up' in 1993?

4. 'Postcards from Heaven' was a 1997 album from which duo?

5. Name the male who has practiced what he preaches by his latest release 'Keep Singing'

6. Which Beatles single was released 50 years ago this month?

7. 'Only Love Can Hurt Like This' declares which lady right now?

8. Who is the evergreen male who said 'We Don't Talk Anymore'?

9. Lyrics: 'I know a girl from a lonely street, cold as ice cream but still as sweet'

10. Phil Collins and Phil Bailey had a ... what?, in 1984.

Bonus Question

Name the year in which the song in Q8 was released.

Question Impossible

Mother and son Hilda and Rob Woodward were the only instance of such a relationship getting a no.1 hit.

Name the band and song.

Great Quotes in Music (86)

“Rock 'n' Roll: The most brutal, ugly, desperate, vicious form of expression it has been my misfortune to hear.”

FRANK SINATRA 20 THE VISITOR May 2016

hobby in keeping exotic pets. You will see giant bird eating spiders, scorpions, and even giant foot long centipedes, straight out of popular children’s TV nature shows – the ones that eat bats!

Admission prices are £4 for adults, £2 for children, under fours free. Every penny made goes towards the work of World Life Conservation: the parent company of Bugfest.

WIN TICKETS to RNAS Yeovilton Air Day 2016

Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, will open its gates on Saturday 2nd July for the Royal Navy’s premier airshow. One of the Southwest’s largest one day events will offer an action-packed day out for all the family with thrilling flying displays and plenty to see and do on the ground. Whether you’re a wideeyed first timer or a seasoned airshow veteran, be prepared for an amazing experience!

The award-winning airshow attracts 40,000 visitors, significant UK/Foreign military participation and support from the world’s leading aerospace companies. Over five hours of spectacular flying displays will include fast jets, historic warbirds, helicopters, formation display teams, aerobatics and will culminate with the world renowned Commando Assault Finale featuring troops, aircraft and pyrotechnics galore! All the family favourites such as the

WIN TICKETS To Yeovilton’s

Black Cats, Red Arrows, Typhoon, Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane will be there.

Leading the flying display will be rare historic naval aircraft and their modern day counterparts in spectacular role demonstrations to acknowledge the contribution Naval Aviation – Past, Present and Future has made to protect our nation’s interests.

Throughout the day, families will also have the chance to enjoy plenty of ground entertainment including discounted entry to the Fleet Air Arm Museum, interactive military displays, Royal Marines Band, classic and military vehicle exhibitions, funfair, simulators, helicopter pleasure flights, trade stalls and much more.

Enter the competition below for a chance to win a pair of tickets to the Air Day, but if you’re unsuccessful discounted advance tickets can be purchased from www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeoviltonairday

Wincanton Choral Society Spring Concert 2016

Wincanton Choral Society is performing its Spring Concert at 7.30pm on Sunday 15th May at the Leisure Centre in Wincanton.

The concert will be given in two parts, and comprises three works: the first part includes the wellknown Ave Verum Corpus by Mozart, and, secondly, Beethoven’s Choral Fantasia, Op 80, a joyful piece he wrote in

INTERNATIONAL AIR DAY Saturday 2nd July

Just unscramble the anagram below to reveal one of the aircraft that will be appearing at this year’s Air Day ...

RAH ICE RUN Answers on a postcard to:

The Visitor Ticket Competition P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary Somerset, BA7 7BG Or email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk Entries to be received by Monday 16th May

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

1880. The principal work of the evening, however, is Ein deutsches Requiem, written in grief by Brahms after his mother died in February 1865.

The soprano soloist will be Belinda Evans, the Baritone Stephen Charlesworth. The piano soloist will be Anita D’Attalis.

Tickets for the performance cost £15.00 on the door, and are available from the Box Office: www.netaticket.co.uk. Tickets for under 18s can be bought for £6.50.

Copies of the new visitor guide ‘Discover South Somerset’ is available from Tourist Information Centres at: A303 Cartgate TA14 6RA and Petters House, Yeovil BA20 1SH. 40 pages of places to go and activities to enjoy organised into sections such as Explore our Market Towns, Learn about our Past or Enjoy a Great Day Out – and presented in a handy pocket-sized guide with a useful map.

A SONG FOR EVERYONE

Saturday 14th May ∙ 7.30 Castle Cary Choir with Guest Trumpet Soloist Classical, Sacred and Secular Music, Timeless Themes and Theatre Hits St. Michael’s Church North Cadbury Tickets £10

At door and village shop To book ring: 01963 441342

Proceeds to: The Church and St. Margaret’s Hospice

SPANISH LEARN

10 Week Course

Small group based in Crewkerne or one-to-one

Tel: MARIA

07778 436577 07432 723229 Email: mariagerman@tiscali.co.uk

Looking Good and feeling fine

Robell Trousers - a holiday must have!

Already flying out of the door at Preview of Wincanton are the range of easy to wear trousers from Robell.

Robell trousers are designed with everyday luxury in mind.

Crafted from a unique stretch material Robell ensure a comfortable and flattering fit, no matter what shape or size.

Available in over 20 colourways and a variety of styles, including ‘cropped’, these trousers are a must for the holiday season.

Dress them up or down - team them with a colourful T-shirt for a trip to the beach or perhaps a shirt from The Just White collection and a piece of statement jewellery for a stylish outfit.

For a more formal look - a new label now being stocked at Preview is Lebek, fashionable separates from Germany. Also new to Preview is designer Doris Streich offering stylish, casual clothing and plus-size fashions for fuller-figured ladies.

The Beauty Barn - Trent May Promotion for beautiful Hands and Feet!

application of your choice of Vinylux colour polish.

Family Health with

Jenna Evans

Flower Power

IT SEEMS we have a great love affair with flowers. We cultivate

them, bring them into our homes, gift them to our loved ones and immortalise them in our myths, poems and art. They lift our spirits with their riot of colour and diversity of form. They have a long history of medicinal use too, nurturing our bodies as food and medicine. Here are just a few of my favourite medicinal flowers.

Borage - This beautiful blue ‘star flower’ is native to the Mediterranean and was brought to Britain by the Romans.

Considered to bring bravery, the botanical name Borago may be a

MAY PROMOTION

A Manicure and a Pedicure for £42 – SAVING £10 (offer ends 31st May)

tel: 01935 851221

 Treatments to be taken in one appointment

Visit our website for full range of treatments

1 Trent Court, Trent, Sherborne, DT9 4AY

email: info@beauty-barn.co.uk  www.beauty-barn.co.uk

CND nail care helps pamper and relax hands and feet using their SpaManicure and SpaPedicure systems. CND Vinylux polish gives a quick drying, long lasting nail colour with time enhanced durability when exposed to natural light.

Manicure - Includes tidying cuticles, filing and buffing nails and a relaxing hand massage finished off with your choice of Vinylux nail colour.

Pedicure - Feet are exfoliated and buffed to soften hard skin.

Cuticles are tidied and nails are cut and filed. A pampering foot massage is followed by

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

Stretch

Perfect Fit

Comfortable

Variety of Colours

FULL RANGE AVAILABLE AT

fashion boutique & designer room

Market Place • Wincanton  01963 31676 THE VISITOR May 2016 21

corruption of Corago - Cor ‘heart’ and ago ‘I bring’. The herbalist Gerard considered Borage to comfort the heart and dispel melancholy. These plants certainly bring a smile to my face!

The flowers make a pretty addition to dishes and summer cocktails. The leaves are rich in potassium and calcium and can be a nourishing addition to salads. Borage seeds are a super source of Gamma Linoleic Acid, a useful anti-inflammatory that can aid eczema, menstrual problems and allergies.

Centaury - When a plant takes it’s name from the Centaur Chiron, a great healer said to have gifted humanity with the knowledge of plant healing, you know it must be a pretty powerful herb!

Extremely bitter, Culpeper remarked of Centaury ‘Tis very wholesome, but not very toothsome’. It is this bitterness however that makes it such a fantastic digestive aid by stimulating the flow of bile and enzymes. Centaury can be used for a weak appetite, poor digestion and heartburn. A simple remedy that does the opposite of most other medicines used for reflux it promotes digestive function rather than suppressing acid production (which can lead to all kinds of problems if used long term).

Edward Bach also made a flower essence from Centaury for people who find it hard to say ‘no’. For those who may be gentle, caring and always looking to the needs of others or perhaps even eager to please, this remedy can help with the acknowledgement of what is right for the individual. The ability to serve without being subservient, to care for oneself as well as others.

Honeysuckle - Perhaps more familiar to us as a creeping plant, winding its way through our woodlands and gardens, emitting

Looking Good

that sweet honeyed fragrance honeysuckle has some pretty useful medicinal properties too!

The leaves and flowers contain salicylic acid, a pain killer on which aspirin is based. This makes them useful for rheumatism, headaches, muscular pain and fever. The flowers are also a useful respiratory tonic and can make a soothing syrup or tea for sore throats.

As a Bach flower remedy, Honeysuckle is used for those who live in the past. They may be overly nostalgic and sentimental about better days gone by and are therefore missing out on the gift of the present moment and hope for the future.

Rose - I couldn’t talk about flowers without touching on Rose.

Queen of flowers, symbol of love & beauty, embodiment of Venus.

Rose is possibly my all time favourite scent, I use the essential oil regularly in burners, creams and oils. Rose floral water makes a beautiful room spray, facial toner or cooling spritz when chilled and sprayed on the skin in summer or for menopausal flushes. Uplifting and sensual, rose petals can be used as a herbal tea, popular for relieving menstrual problems, lifting the spirits and soothing the nervous system. Use the pure essential oil as perfume, add the petals to your baths, slather your skin in the oil of rose hips - there are really so many wonderfully indulgent ways of using this plant, and we all deserve a little pampering!

Bach also has a remedy of Wild Rose. Consider it when feeling apathetic, resigned or lacking in ambition.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said that ‘the Earth laughs in flowers’ - I think she heals us in flowers too.

Jenna Evans ©2016.

 Jenna is an Holistic Health Coach and creator of bespoke beauty products. She can be found on Facebook at ‘Alchemical Beauty UK’. Jenna is also a multi-award winning Product Advisor at Ceres Natural Foods, Yeovil. To make an appointment, please pop in or call 01935 428791 for details. Find Ceres on Facebook as ‘Ceres Natural Foods Ltd’. Always check with a health professional before making any dramatic changes to your diet and lifestyle or starting a new supplement, especially with any existing health conditions.

Hidden Depths – May Offers Pick and Mix

Choose 3 mini treatments from the following all for £50.00 -Back, neck and Shoulder Massage -Mini Elemis Facial -File & Polish hands -File & Polish Feet -Relaxing Scalp Massage -Leg and Foot Massage -Eyelash Tint & Eyebrow wax -Hand & arm Massage (Add Shellac to your file & polish for an extra £5 each treatment).

New -Targeted Toning Tightener

If you fancy tightening up why not try this ALL NEW, very therapeutic treatment! A powerful blend of massage and detoxifying clay for targeted toning on the area of your choice.

Choose from thighs, abdomen or

back of arms. Clinically proven to reduce the appearance of cellulite after just one treatment!

Only £45.00 for this month only!

Dance Class for sufferers of Parkinson’s

A new fun and therapeutic class with movement specifically designed for the symptoms of Parkinson’s, started in the Digby Hall Sherborne on Tuesday 26th April.

Specially developed by Pavilion Dance South West and ArtsLink, this weekly class aims to support the improvement of balance, coordination and suppleness.

Sessions are led by a trained specialist and will be taught in a comfortable and safe environment.

For more information about the classes which take place on Tuesdays from 2.30pm until 4pm contact: aimee@pdsw.org.uk or call 01202 203630.

Celebrate Yarn Shop Day 2016 with Hanson’s Fabrics & Crafts and Julia’s House

Whether you're a crochet expert, or just fancy trying out a new craft, don't miss Yarn Shop Day 2016 at Hanson’s, one of the largest stockists of yarn in the South of England Hanson’s Fabrics & Crafts are hosting the third annual Yarn Shop Day on Saturday 30th April in aid of Julia’s House with free knitting and crochet patterns, free demonstrations and tea and

From high street clothing to designer wear, visit Bellissimo Boutique & Dress Agency, Ilminster.

Bellissimo

Boutique & Dress Agency

22 THE VISITOR May 2016

33 Silver Street, Ilminster Somerset, TA19 0DW Tel: 01460 55905 • Prop. Caroline Kenshole

... and feeling fine

cake! The event has been organised by leading publications Let's Knit and Let's Get Crafting in a bid to celebrate Britain's much-loved independent wool shops.

‘We're so excited to be taking part’ says Myra Hanson, owner of Hanson’s Fabrics & Crafts.

‘Knitting has always been such a passion of mine and I’m thrilled to be able to host something like this for my customers so they can

feel part of our crafting community.’

Hanson’s Fabrics & Crafts will be offering a 10% discount off yarns, patterns & accessories, an all-day question & answer with their in-house Hanson’s knitters and tea and cake to raise money for Julia’s House! ‘Both our customers and staff are delighted to be a part of an inspiring day of creativity and a fantastic day of raising money for a charity that is not only local, but close to so many of our hearts too!’

Last year, over 200 outlets across the country took part in the day which proved to be a great success. Let's Knit editor Sarah Neal said ‘This year's event will be even bigger and better, so if you're a crafter who has neglected your local yarn shop in the past then it's definitely the day to pay them a visit and see what they have to offer you.’

For more information about Yarn Shop Day 2016 at Hanson’s, visit www.hansonsfabrics.co.uk

A healthy alternative

Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Meditation, Baby Signing, Baby Shiatsu, Baby First Aid, Pre-Natal Yoga, Mindfulness and more, plus a variety of workshops at weekends.

Rooms are available to hire for seminars and support groups.

The road to good health often requires a combination of several approaches, which may or may not include western medication as well. Nine Springs offer you guidance as to which therapies /classes are most appropriate for your particular needs.

Andrew Knight - Osteopath

Andrew Knight has been in practice 30 years this year, 29 of those in Castle Cary. Following a move of premises in 2014 Andrew remained offering Osteopathic services in Castle Cary on Wednesday mornings at Manor Lodge.

The new practice at Keinton Mandeville offers Osteopathy, Gut health, Kinesiology, Allergy and Biochemical assessment allowing people to discover information about their needs and improve their diet, receive advice about nutrition to improve their wellbeing. Andrew is a member of Ballands Bowmen in Wincanton and has experience in

treating team GB Archers to assist with stance, posture and how to be efficient in and therefore improve their Archery.

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

Heal and Sole Holistics

Why not treat your health condition the natural way?

At Heal and Sole Holistics located in Castle Cary, they specialise in Reflexology, Reiki and Indian Head Massage.

People are born with the natural ability to heal themselves, which is suppressed when they become energetically out of balance, through the stresses and strains of everyday life. Their complementary therapies are holistic, nonintrusive and work by restoring the energy flow around the body to bring the energy centres back in to balance, thus stimulating the body’s natural healing ability.

They are deeply relaxing, reduce stress and tension and can bring relief to a wide range of acute and chronic conditions.

For more information about them, their therapies and how they can benefit you, please visit their website: www.healand sole.co.uk

Nine Springs Natural Health Centre

Rollup! Roll up! The show is in town - conjuring up the excitement of the Big Top is the ‘Vintage Circus’ collection of co-ordinating fabrics. 100% cotton. Just a sample of the extensive range of fabrics on sale at Hanson's Fabrics & Crafts of Sturminster Newton.

Established since 1979, Nine Springs Natural Health Centre in Yeovil is the leading complementary health clinic in the region. Set in a beautiful Georgian house it provides a wide range of therapies practised by 30 practitioners. A large airy Studio hosts a programme of weekly classes - Yoga, Pilates,

THE VISITOR May 2016 23

YEOVIL independent traders

The Bed Specialist

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

On average you should change your bed every 8 to 10 years, so when its time to replace your old and worn out mattress there is no better place to go for expert advice and knowledge built up over 50 years than The Bed Specialist in Yeovil. A family run business in the town stocking many famous brands such as VISPRING, HYPNOS, SLEEPEEZEE and more.

Whether you are looking for a stylish sleigh bed, a divan bed with extra storage or perhaps bunk beds for the kids, The Bed Specialist can help. Delivery is free, your new bed is assembled and your old bed disposed of – plus a 100% price match guarantee.

They have lovely showrooms where you can browse over 50 beds, get friendly and helpful advice, share a hot drink and spend as much time as you need

to find the perfect new bed for your needs.

In addition, they also have a studio of lift and rise chairs by Sherborne Upholstery and reclining adjustable beds in many options, available VAT free*.

Find them at Huish opposite the Yeovil Mail Sorting Office – ample free parking right outside the door and pay and display parking at the rear.

Visit their website for further details: www.thebedspecialist. co.uk

best estate and letting agents in the country through research carried out amongst customers

who are asked a series of questions about the service they have received from their agent.

Martin & Co

Martin & Co in Yeovil was voted in 2015 the best Letting Agent in the South West region of the biggest estate & letting agent awards in the UK, known throughout the industry as THE ESTAS. Martin & Co has been recognised for its outstanding customer service to its clients by the largest and longest running award scheme in the UK residential property industry.

THE ESTAS determines the

Just one of the beautiful arrangements available from Andrea’s of Yeovil.

Flowers say so much!

“Thank You” - “Well Done” - “Congratulations”...

BOUQUETS • ARRANGEMENTS • PLANTS As an extra treat why not add a Box of Chocolates or a Teddy?

Andrea’s of Yeovil

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

24 THE VISITOR May 2016

YEOVIL

Crossroads Pet Supplies

Horse? Goldfish? Dog? Whatever your pet Crossroads have feeds and accessories to suit.

Conveniently situated on the outskirts of the town on the Yeovil to Sherborne road with ample free parking outside the door.

Pet beds, toys, and accessories can all be found plus hutches, feeding bowls, bedding and more!

Whatever your pet may require Crossroads is well worth a visit.

Say you saw it in The Visitor

Dog tired of high prices?

CROSSROADS PET SUPPLIES VISIT

SUPPLIERS OF

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

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

If you are looking for a special gift - or perhaps you need an item of jewellery repaired, call into Ward & Sibley family jewellers of Yeovil where you will receive a friendly and professional service.

Tel: 01935 411859 .

The Mad Hatter Jokes, Fancy Dress & Party Shop – celebrates 30years!

Since starting The Mad Hatter 30 years ago husband and wife team Mike and Terri have grown the business from strength to strength. The Princes Street premises is a real Aladdin’s cave with probably one of the best selections of fancy dress costumes and accessories in the South West.

There are costumes for every occasion from Hawaiian grass skirts through to the Wild West plus hundreds of masks, wigs and accessories.

There is a good selection of jokes and magic tricks. (Mike is a member of the Magic Circle).

A dedicated Hen/Stag department with saucy bits and bobs ensures that stag/hen nights go with a swing and the first floor Haunted House is dedicated to horror and Halloween – not for the faint hearted!

On a variety of themes, for both adults and children, there is an extensive range of party ware including tablecloths, cups, balloons etc.

With the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations there will be plenty of Union Jacks and bunting available plus of course some magnificent single ignition fireworks – which are sold all year round. Call in and see for yourself!

THE VISITOR May 2016 25

YEOVIL independent traders

Yeovil Auto Tuning

Yeovil Auto Tuning are conveniently located at 9 Oxford Road, on the Pen Mill Trading Estate, Yeovil – easily located and with plenty of parking.

Yeovil Auto Tuning is a family

● ● ● ● ● ●



run business, established for 34 years. Proprietor Colin Frost runs the business with his wife Anita and their two experienced mechanics Jamie and Ross.

They offer a full range of services - repairs, servicing, engine tuning

and MOT testing which includes class 1V, V and V11 Light Vans plus motorhomes. A collection and delivery service is available.

Also operating from the same premises is Eclipse Custom Campers, converting VW Transporter T4 and T5 vehicles.

Yeovil Auto Tuning

ESTABLISHED OVER 30 YEARS Repairs and Servicing Specialists MOT Testing – Classes IV, V and VII ... also Motorhomes Engine Tuning ● Brakes, Clutches, Gearboxes Competitive Rates ● Professional, Reliable, Friendly Service Specialising in VW T4 + T5 Vans Revo Engine Re-Mapping (VW and Audi Group)

COLLECTION & DELIVERY SERVICE

9 Oxford Road, Pen Mill Trading Estate, YEOVIL Tel: 01935 426515 / 01935 411946

Beds, quality mattresses and headboards in a wide range of colours can all be found at Fit & Furnish located in the town centre, just down from Marks & Spencer (Silver Street entrance), in the former Vincents Car Showrooms.

Free parking ouside the door.

The Old Creamery Furniture Company

26 THE VISITOR May 2016

The Old Creamery Furniture Company is a family run business based in Yeovil.

From their main warehouse on the Lynx Trading Estate, they offer same day collection on a wide range of stocked lines or a full install delivery service to the room of your choice for a small charge, this delivery service covers Somerset, Devon and Dorset.

They have spent the last 20 years sourcing solid wood furniture from the UK and International markets. For the first 10 years their core ranges were dominated by pine bedroom and pine dining room furniture, but in the past few years they have expanded their offering to encompass oak and ash bedroom, dining and living furniture.

Also available are handmade freestanding painted kitchens, luxurious leather and fabric sofas, and traditional divan beds.

The Old Creamery pride themselves on their quality furniture and their reliable, honest and friendly service. Call in and find out for yourself. Open Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm and Sunday 10am - 4pm.

See their advert on the front cover.

YEOVIL

Quality Bathrooms & Kitchens

Quality Bathrooms & Kitchens situated on the Lynx West Trading Estate, Yeovil are celebrating 20 years in business.

The business is owned and run by brothers Richard and Andy Reeves who employ their own team of qualified fitters.

The showrooms are well worth a visit with over 30 bathrooms and over 15 kitchens displayed over two floors.

A further new showroom has just been added. This showroom has a fully working kitchen so customers can see for themselves first hand such innovations as steam cooking and the slide and

The perfect combination of style and attention to detail, this singlemotor Riser-Recliner with Waterfall cushions is available from Hart Mobility.

HartMobility Yeovil Disability & Mobility Products

hide oven as featured in the Great British Bake Off. As Neff Master Retailers the very latest in kitchen appliances are on display with demonstration days by Neff planned throughout the year. The new showroom also features a working wet room and the exclusive Laura Ashley bathroom range.

SES

Security and Electrical Services is a family run company with the owners working alongside their staff to ensure an efficient and well co-ordinated team.

Established since 1984, they are pleased to be able to say that most of the business has been built up

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS

We offer the best service and the lowest prices in the

South West

★ New Scooter £595

We have expanded

★ Road Legal Scooter £1,495 ★ Reclining Chairs from £595 ★ NEXT DAY DELIVERY ● ● ● ● ● ●

Daily Living Aids Bath Lifts Walking Aids Wheelchairs Power Chairs Stair Lifts

01935 421111

E FRE NCE A R l INSU d lega oa for r sers u

Pre-owned mobility scooters and wheelchairs also available

1 Camborne Grove (Lyde Road) YEOVIL BA21 5DG www.hartmobility.co.uk

Scooter Servicing from £35 • FREE parking • FREE battery testing

NEW SHOWROOM NOW OPEN

DESIGN – SUPPLY – INSTALLATION

 Over 30 bathroom displays  Over 15 kitchen displays

Now stockist of

Bathrooms

Master Retailer

Unit 20, Venture 20, Brympton Way Lynx West Trading Estate, Yeovil, BA20 2HP

Tel: 01935 410911

www.qualitybathroomsandkitchens.co.uk THE VISITOR May 2016 27

YEOVIL independent traders

as a direct result of personal recommendations. Most alarm engineers are also fully qualified electricians with many years of experience, who work to a high standard of neatness and efficiency.

They have been NSI Gold -

National Security Inspectorate (NACOSS) approved alarm installers since 1988, and achieved ISO 9000 (BS 5750) in 1993.

Burglar Alarms, Security Lighting and Lock quotations are issued free of charge following a

visit by their surveyor to your premises. Each system is designed around individual needs and requirements - not offered as a prepackaged deal. SES only use equipment which they have thoroughly tried and tested and are completely satisfied with its performance and quality.

Yeovil Hydraulics

YEOVIL HYDRAULICS • MAYFLOWER HYDRAULICS • Fluid & Air Power Centre • Hydraulic Equipment Manufacturers • RAM Makers and Repairers • Stockists of all your Hydraulic & Pneumatic Needs • Suppliers of all types of Industrial Hoses • Manufacturers of High Pressure Hoses - while you wait!

UNIVERSAL

ENGINEERING SERVICES • mot testing • car servicing and repairs • all makes and models • brakes, tyres, clutches, exhausts • air conditioning

Tel: 01935 472233 Fax: 01935 431211

14 Gazelle Road, Lynx Trading Estate, Yeovil

01935 475959

Part of VGG Ltd

Tel: 01278 450226 Fax: 01278 446670

Symons Way, Castlefield Trading Estate, Bridgwater

Support your local traders!

Visit the market

And browse the variety of stalls on offer including ...  hot & cold food  local produce  fresh fish  clothes  gifts and accessories

Yeovil Street Markets are held 9am – 3pm on Tuesdays and Fridays in Lower Middle Street

CALLING ALL BUDDING ENTREPRENEURS If you run a small business or you are thinking of starting a new business read on ... Yeovil Market could provide you with an opportunity to sell or showcase your products.

More information is available for traders and customers at: www.southsomerset.gov.uk/yeovilmarkets or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/yeovilmarket Alternatively call Lisa or Julia on 01935 462746 or 07973 725913 to discuss your requirements

28 THE VISITOR May 2016

Established since 1968, Yeovil Hydraulics on the Lynx Trading Estate offers a professional hydraulic and pneumatic service to both the agricultural and industrial sector. Hose assembly is available while you wait.

They also offer a gas delivery and installation service for central heating systems. This service covers most of the South West.

Make sure your vehicle’s air conditioning service is working properly. At Yeovil Hydraulics they recharge air conditioning units.

The garage side of the buisness offers a full servicing programme on all makes of vehicle and is a MOT Testing station.

Yeovil Markets

Have you visited Yeovil Market, held every Tuesday and Friday in Lower Middle Street? Yeovil has a history of holding markets dating back to the 1800s - with markets being held in Middle Street from the late 90’s. Today they are equally as popular with a wonderfully diverse range of stalls to browse around.

Proprietor of Puffin Cleaners, James Briggs, is pictured with the latest technology - a machine which ensures a perfect finish every time on laundered shirts and blouses.

YEOVIL

This attractive lowboy in solid oak has Queen Anne style legs and brass inlaid handles. This has been made to customers specification - colour, design, size etc., by John Hamblin of Yeovil. John and his team undertake commissions of both modern and antique furniture to any specification in addition to on-the-premises furniture repairs and restoration.

Fresh local produce such as cheese, eggs, fruit and vegetables are a firm favourite. Useful services include watch repairs and key cutting. Colourful fabrics, clothing for all the family, household items and pet accessories and more, ensure there is something for everyone. Come along and enjoy the atmosphere and pick yourself up a bargain! There is plenty of parking close by too. Should you wish to have a stall yourself, or

would like more information call 01935 462746 or visit the website.

J2 Tiles

If you are thinking of tiling your bathroom or kitchen or maybe installing a wet room – then pop along to J2 Tiles of Yeovil.

Owned and run by business partners Jon and Joe they have over 25 years experience in the trade.Their extensive showroom offers a wide range of tiles both

showroom. Why not call in – there is free parking outside the door.

contemporary and traditional.

They are local stockists of Porcelanosa tiles. A bespoke tile service, made to customers own design, is also available.

During May there is a special offer – free tile adhesive and grouting when you spend over £400 on tiles (t&c apply).

J2 Tiles are also able to offer a good choice of sanitary ware – from power showers through to complete bathrooms and are currently putting the finishing touches to their first floor dedicated bathroom

Appleby and Childs

Appleby and Childs, independent mason, has been serving the area in and around Yeovil for over 130 years. They are an independent family run business offering the best in service, choice and quality.

They specialise in bespoke memorials, and also offer a cleaning and renovation service. A free brochure is available on request.

‘Let our Family look after yours’.

John Hamblin

CABINET MAKERS • ANTIQUE FURNITURE RESTORERS We are specialists in the repair & restoration of antique and modern furniture

 Bespoke Furniture made to customers specific requirements  French Polishing

 Re-Leathering of Desktops, Bureaux, etc.  Dining Table Tops Refinished

A family run business established for over 50 years

Unit 6, 15 Oxford Road, Pen Mill Trading Estate, Yeovil, BA21 5HR Tel: 01935 471154 • jhamblin101@gmail.com “We care for your furniture”

VISIT OUR EXTENSIVE TILE SHOWROOMS

 Quality Floor & Wall Tiles

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

 Free Measuring & Estimate  Design Advice

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

CALL IN TODAY

PUBLIC & TRADE WELCOME

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

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

Lynx West Trading Estate YEOVIL, BA20 2HP

 01935 472088 · www.j2tiles.co.uk

THE VISITOR May 2016 29

YEOVIL independent traders

Focalflames

It’s been over a year since we began Focalflames and the business has gone from strength to strength! They really are a fantastic addition to any home, providing an incredibly efficient and eco friendly heat source, saving you hundreds off your energy bills. We are engineers, not salesmen and with over 10 years experience in the industry we pride ourselves on providing a relaxed, professional, great value service, with FREE home consultations, supplying most makes and models at TRADE prices! So if you’ve been thinking of having a wood burner installed

or already have had a quote that seemed like crazy money then give us a try or check out our facebook page for more information and gallery of our work.

Acorn Records

After a short break Yeovil's long established independent Record & CD store, Acorn Records, has re-opened.

Acorn had been serving the local comunity from its former premises in Glovers Walk for more than forty years when it closed at Easter 2015. A few months later, co-founder Chris Lowe (pictured with his long term colleague, Anna Wood) was

ACORN RECORDS

SEllING & buYING bRAND NEW & PRE-oWNED RECoRDS & CDs

Yeovil’s independent record shop for over 40 years

Upstairs @ Waterloo Music 16 Hendford • YEOVIL • BA20 1TE  01935 425503

Open Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm • Only 2 minutes walk from Tesco’s FREE CAR PARK

NORRIS BODY REPAIRS LTD

Chris (proprietor) and Anna (manageress) of Acorn Records look forward to seeing customers old and new.

persuaded to defer his plans to retire and to continue trading from a new location on the first floor above guitar and drum shop Waterloo Music in Hendford.

As ever, Acorn stocks a wide ranging selection of music across many genres and continues to buy and sell records and CDs with thousands of both formats on display. A comprehensive ordering service is also offered.

The Acorn team would be delighted to see you.

Norris Body Repairs

Norris Body Repairs is a familyrun business near the town centre which carries out car body

repairs, paint work, restoration and MOT welding work. Large and small jobs welcome.

If you have an insurance claim you can choose where your car is repaired and Norris Body Repairs offer a friendly alternative to the larger body shops. Richard Norris has over 20 years experience in the industry and will ensure you receive individual attention – together with a free estimate and highly skilled repair.

Norris Body Repairs carry out welding work on vehicles that may have failed their MOT. Call Mary Norris to book your car in for repair today, or call in for a free estimate.

■ Insurance Claims ■ Private Jobs ■ Restorations ■ Resprays ■ Welding Work

South Street • YEOVIL • BA20 1QQ Tel: 01935 411095

Email: norrisbodyrepairs@gmail.com • Fax: 01935 473119

The Tile Market

Ceramic Tile Specialists

◆ Wall and Floor Tiles Unit 1 Brympton Way Lynx West Trading Estate

YEOVIL BA20 2HP

◆ Marble / Mosaic / Granite / Travertine Limestone / Slate ◆ Full Range of Adhesives / Sealants and Tiling Accessories in stock

 SHOWROOMS OVER TWO FLOORS 

Tel: 01935 426737

Open Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5pm, Saturday 9am - 1pm

email: thetilemarket@aol.com www.thetilemarket.webs.com

30 THE VISITOR May 2016

The Tile Market in Yeovil stocks wall and floor tiles - add style to your home with these attractive tiles.

Don’t be fooled by Council Tax scammers

South Somerset District Council is warning residents to be aware of Council Tax scammers who may offer you deals to reduce monthly payments or reduce your banding. Council Tax scammers are very prevalent at the moment due to bills recently being delivered to residents across the district.

One current scam that has

House & Home

been brought to the district council’s attention is from a company claiming to be called ‘claimers’ who call on behalf of South Somerset District Council and ask for £65 to lower your Council Tax banding. Please note this is not a phone call from South Somerset District Council.

Council Tax bands are set by the Valuation Office Agency and can only be changed under certain conditions. Details can be found

at www.gov.uk/council-taxappeals. You will not be charged for the service.

Ian Potter, Revenues Manager at South Somerset District Council said, ‘Many scams are highlighted to the Council and we try to inform residents when they are brought to our attention because ultimately it’s you, the resident, who may lose out.

‘If you are struggling to pay your Council Tax bill and need help, speak with a member of the Council Tax Team on 01935 462462 who will be able to offer help and advice’.

If you are unsure of who you are talking to and instinct tells you something is not quite right, hang up, call 01935 462462 and

Before

check with a customer advisor whether the name of the person who called you really does exist.

If you have given over personal details, we would advise you to call the Police straight away on 101 and report the matter as an identity theft scam. The Police will also direct you to the Action Fraud helpline on 0300 123 2040.

Bin reminder for May’s Bank Holidays

Two bank holidays in May mean changes to collections for every home in Somerset.

No collections on the Early May Bank Holiday on Monday 2 May mean that week's kerbside services are all one day later, including Friday pick-ups on

An independent kitchen company offering good old fashioned service

We offer a complete service from design to installation ...

What this customer said

After

“Hi Ken and graham. we want to express our sincere gratitude for our wonderful kitchen that you planned and installed for us. the meticulous and professional workmanship displayed by graham was outstanding! in addition to the work in the kitchen we are very pleased that graham was also able to lay a large amount of floor tiles and re-plaster ceilings / walls which was a great help to us during the renovation of our bungalow. we have no hesitation in recommending you to anyone thinking of similar work. Kind regards. tony & trisha, wincanton.”

 If you just want to change your doors for a simple upgrade we can help!

Quality Bathrooms and Kitchens of Yeovil are pleased to announce they are local stockist of The Laura Ashley Bathroom Collection.

ACF WINDOWS

made in BRitain

Fitted Kitchens Direct, Haskins Retail Centre 64 High Street, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5AX Tel: 01934 838649 / 01749 939435

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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

Deadline for June Issue Friday 13th May Call: 01963 351256 or

E: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk

to advertise

THE VISITOR May 2016 31

House & Home

Saturday 7 May. And the Spring May Bank Holiday on 30 May will also see one-day-later pick-ups, including Friday collections on Saturday 4 June.

Recycling sites remain on their usual schedules throughout both weeks, including all 16 opening at 8am on both Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays.

Coastal Lighting Trends from David Hunt Lighting

COCK & SON

Bring coastal style to the home in time for summer with David Hunt Lighting’s selection of driftwood pendants, coastal wildlife table lamps and shades in an array of seaside colours.

BUILDING CONTRACTORS Established Since1957

 Specialists in renovation and restoration of older properties  Extensions and alterations undertaken

RANGE

Bird Table Lamp priced at £175 with Lexington large shade priced at £57.50. Available from: www.davidhuntlighting.co.uk

 Specialists in barn conversions

 Purpose built joinery, doors, windows, etc.

All Work Guaranteed

Tel: NORTH CADBURY (01963) 440931 Yard Office adj. Orchard Leigh, Long Street Galhampton, Yeovil, Somerset

Pictured left: Seahorse Table Lamp priced at £155 with Relic shade priced at £52.50.

Available from: www.davidhuntlighting.co.uk

STOCK CLEARANCE SAVE up to £1000

GENUINE STOCK CLEARANCE Over 35 Ranges in stock

HUGE SAVINGS

Gas – Electric – Dual Fuel Wide variety of colours and styles

MAKES STOCKED include ...

Rangemaster  Smeg Brittania  Leisure Longmead Industrial Estate Shaftesbury  Dorset  SP7 8PL 01747 851476 myhomemaker.co.uk

32 THE VISITOR May 2016

Established 1994

House & Home

Create a beautiful exterior bursting with colour and style with Mylands’ exterior paints

Blend paint colours with flora and fauna for a harmonious feel or showcase striking planting arrangements, landscaping or feature areas with dramatic colour choices. Highlight pretty furniture, garden ornaments or decorative structures such as a wooden pagoda, arbour or trellis with subtle soft shades such as Morning Blue and Copper Green.

Sage green, sky blue and putty stone and grey tones all work wonderfully outdoors, mimicking nature’s natural palette with subtle yet striking results.

From garden furniture, fences, buildings and walls to pots, ornaments and doors, there is a Mylands paint to suit. Specially formulated to add beautiful longlasting colour, Mylands exterior paints offer outstanding protection and weather resistance. Boasting luscious thick, rich, easy to use, hardwearing formulations, Mylands paints are water based and eco-friendly with low VOC content (Volatile Organic Compounds) making them perfectly green – whatever colour you choose.

These attractive mosaic tiles are Eidos Grafito from Porcelanosa. Pictured is a recent project by tile stockists and fitters J2 Tiles on the Lynx West Trading Estate, Yeovil.

Call in for details of their May promotions.

Mylands colourists reveal an assortment of fool proof colours for perfect paint palettes outdoors – these colours have been specially curated to work outdoors whatever the setting, from country cottage garden to town

house or terrace. Use one or more colours to inspire your exterior decorating.

Mylands Exterior Paint Finishes include:

Wood & Metal Gloss

Traditional full gloss paint with a high shine appearance (80%), suitable for use on interior and exterior wood and metal.

Bespoke Curtains, Blinds, Cushions Fabrics from Prestigious Textiles Iliv  Clarke & Clarke Fibre Naturelle and more OPEN: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, 9.30am – 3.00pm Saturday 9.30am – 12.30pm Thursday closed or by appointment

MMS Soft Furnishings, Tythings Commercial Centre (within SJH Carpets) WINCANTON, BA9 9RZ

Mobile: 07883 089333 • Email: salesmmssoftfurnishings@aol.co.uk

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

All works completed by our experienced and reliable team

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

All aspects of Building & Maintenance All Insurance Works Undertaken

Contact us for a free estimate

(01935) 823346

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

THE VISITOR May 2016 33

Wood & Metal Eggshell

Classic mid-sheen eggshell paint (23%) for use on interior and exterior wood and metal surfaces.

Available in all 120 colours.

Wood & Metal Matt

Exceptionally matt (8% sheen) paint with a flawless flat finish, suitable for use on interior and exterior wood and metalwork.

House & Home

Exterior Masonry

Hardwearing, weatherproof masonry paint with a matt appearance (5% sheen) for use outdoors on walls, brickwork and render.

Available in all light to mid colours.

Bryan G. Paulley Ltd

For best results and a superior, longer-lasting finish, use

Domestic / Commercial Installations / Replacements

Plastic / metal tanks • temporary tanks leaking tanks • tank Cleaning / moving / disposal above or Below ground tanks

TURNER WINDOWS

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

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

Interior and exterior paint from Mylands - 120 beautiful colours to choose from.

Mylands’ coordinating Primer Undercoat, specially developed to provide the perfect foundation for optimum performance and results.

Wood Primer & Undercoat

For use on interior and exterior wood surfaces with Mylands’ Matt, Eggshell or Gloss paints.

Metal Primer & Undercoat

For use on interior and exterior metal surfaces with Mylands’ Matt, Eggshell or Gloss paints.

Stabilising Primer

For use on exterior masonry surfaces with Mylands’ Masonry paints.

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

34 THE VISITOR May 2016

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

Renowned for their thick, rich coverage and exceptional highly pigmented depth of colour, Mylands paints have been expertly blended by four generations of the same family in Lambeth, South London for over 130 years.

Mylands uses only superior quality ingredients and natural earth pigments to produce their exquisite range of 120 timeless colours in a comprehensive selection of environmentally friendly interior and exterior paints.

Local stockist City Decorating, Wells, see advert inside back cover.

June Deadline Friday 13th May  01963 351256

House & Home Hypnos beds for a really good nights sleep, currently on promotion at The Bed Specialist, Yeovil.

Our newly refurbished showrooms offer

EVEN MORE CHOICE

Wincanton

Also in store MMS Soft Furnishings Curtains & Fabrics

NEW IN Range of Quality Carpet

NEW IN of Castle Cary

Made-to-Measure Curtains and Soft Furnishings

Wonderful choice of contemporary fabrics from Harlequin and Prestigious  Sanderson specialist Call in and see for yourself

7 High Street, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7AN 01963 351352 • www.needfulthings.uk.com

Exciting new Panasonic 2016 Televisions now in

24 – 65 inch screen 5 year warranty on selected models slim contemporary styles

NEW IN Luxaflex Shutters and Blinds

■ Carpets ■ Naturals ■ Laminates

■ Vinyls ■ Woods ■ Tiles

Handmade Carpets and Rugs

■ 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

Bring your memories to life ...

Call in to discuss your requirements

ON-THE-PREMISES WORKSHOP  DO CALL IN  SALES – SERVICE – REPAIR

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

“Where the customer comes first”

Roger Oates Stair Runners

Rolls in stock Traditional Carpets

FLOORING FOR EVERY OCCASION – DO CALL IN

“Just nice people to do business with”

Fire Station

Lidl

Morrisons

Southgate Road Wi nc .T ow n

we can transfer cinefilm, slides, photos, camcorder and memory cards to dVd and Blu-ray!

Tythings Centre

NEW SJH

OLD SJH

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

THE VISITOR May 2016 35

H& H

Fauvisimo by Harlequin

Fauvisimo is a stunning collection of fabrics, comprising dramatic and painterly designs, inspired by the vibrant colours and bold brushstrokes of the early 20th Century’s Fauvist art movement.

Its prints, which feature British birds, flowers and landscapes, are stunning in their spontaneous, liberated interpretation of the beauty and intensity of colour found in nature. The layering of

rich, contrasting tones develops warmth and energy against the cooler backdrop of natural cloth.

The powerful colour palette ranges from cobalt blues and deep magentas to moody greys, sultry black and on-trend mustards, and includes softer highlights of muted greens, blush pinks and honey

MOTOR ING

VINTAGE Motor Cycling

I START THIS MONTH with my picture which was taken at the recent Dorset Section Winter Run from Dorchester. It shows Peter Wood from Highcliffe (right) and Nigel Percy from New Milton.

Both had a fair distance to travel before signing on and doing the organised run, followed of course by the trip home. Both did at least 140 miles that day. It does show what a large area our events draw from, and it also shows that doing good mileages on old bikes need not be a worry on the reliability front. So when the weather permits I see no reason why we should not use our old vehicles and enjoy every mile we do.

Old vehicle clubs by nature attract membership mainly from the senior end of the age range.

There are always exceptions of course and this may be a sweeping generalisation. But when speaking to friends recently our concern for younger members is shared with a good many other pastimes. It

seems that golf, camera clubs, bowls, tennis and whatever other clubs you name, all seem to be suffering with this same problem.

I therefore ask the question ‘what are the young people of today doing with their free time?’ I do not accept that money is the prime reason as youngsters today have it no tougher than when I was a youngster. Gym clubs is a recent phenomenon and cost a great deal, and I cannot believe that the remainder are all at home playing computer games and the like. So we have a challenge to all clubs as to how we attract new young members, and a similar challenge to young people to get out and keep these pastimes going. They may even improve their interaction skills with real people.

May brings the promise of warmer and drier weather and this is reflected in the number of events planned. Every classic club is busy and the choice of where to go and what to see has never been greater.

The Westlands Club will be holding its annual Spirit of the Sixties Run on the 8th May. Always a popular event and well attended this event raises lots of cash to go to local charities. Well worth supporting.

The Somerset Section has its club night on the 5th at Cossington and on the 29th will be the All Day Breakfast Run from Spaxton.

Sounds tempting. The Wessex Veteran and Vintage Section has its club night on the 9th and on the 22nd they have a Run and Picnic. The Dorset Section will have the Lunch Meet at West Stour on the 4th followed on the 11th by an Evening Run. The

GLIDEROL GARAGE DOORS

shades. Including embroideries, jacquards, weaves and prints, Fauvisimo’s refreshing fabrics, with their strong emphasis on colour, will add ebullience and character to any interior scheme.

Available from Needful Things of Castle Cary.

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

BREWERS GARAGE LTD AIR CONDITIONING • DIAGNOSTICS TYRES • MOT SERVICING • REPAIRS Telephone

Steam Engines - just one of many nostalgic prints on special offer at Scenes of Gillingham.

36 THE VISITOR May 2016

01935 812720

Western Ways Yard Bristol Road, SHERBORNE, Dorset DT9 4HR

Weymouth Run is planned for the 15th, starting from the Promenade.

Lastly they return to West Stour on the 19th for the Breakfast Meet.

All three Sections will be taking part in the Founders Relay Rally on the 1st and towards the end of the month each Section will be doing its piece for the Baton Rally.

More on these two events later.

Everyone is welcome at all our club activities so for more information ring 01935-872528.

Twenty years ago the founder of the VMCC, Titch Allen, suggested that every Section should lay on a checkpoint and riders could choose their own route and visit as many different checkpoints as they wish during the day. Some riders do hundreds of miles visiting many checkpoints, others on slower machines might only manage two or three, but this is of no consequence as long as everybody gets out and does their own thing.

Held every two years this event is always popular. It is fascinating sometimes to see old machines scampering off in all directions.

This year the VMCC is seventy years old. To mark this milestone a baton has been made and will travel around the country visiting all 86 Sections. A log book will accompany the baton to show its course and to make a record for those who follow us. At the end of its tour the baton will end up at Cadwell Park on the 25th June where British Historic Racing (the racing arm of the VMCC) will be celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Joint celebrations are planned. All riders can join any Section to accompany the baton on its way around the country. If you fancy seeing, or better still accompanying the baton, then I have the full route and timetable so ring me for details. Each Section along the way will be getting press coverage and no doubt celebratory meals or social evenings thus making an enjoyable time for all. Make sure you take part.

Now I am off to play Table Tennis. This is a twice weekly occurrence and we play for a three hour session and the standard of play is quite high. Virtually all OAP's of course so we stop half time to put the world to rights whilst having a coffee break. The conversation will probably get around to the problem of attracting new members, especially young ones. I fear old age is creeping up on me very quickly as I constantly seem to be repeating myself.

Rod Hann.

Local Brews

NOT MUCH OF A beer drinker myself, much preferring a glass of vino, nevertheless I try to keep an open mind, and when invited to fund raising events where the focus is on local brews it seems somehow churlish to decline.

Perhaps it is time to revise my hitherto lack of willingness to imbibe.

With Somerset Day coming up on the 11th May, which had its inaugural celebration in 2015, it seems the perfect excuse to fully embrace all that the county has to offer, hence for the second year running I felt obliged to sample a bellyful of local real ales. I might just get a taste for the stuff if I keep this up!

Never one for skimping on the research I sampled eight beers in all from a variety of Somerset producers. In some cases the beers mentioned are only available from the brewery, the links for which are provided below.

Tapstone Brewing Co. Chard www.tapstone.co.uk

Wild Woods 4.5% abv.

This is a golden Indian Pale Ale with a distinctive pine and citrus character, very refreshing on a hot day.

Sea Monster 4.2% abv.

The tropical flavours accompanying the citrus in this blonde ale can transport you to warmer climes.

North Curry Brewery www.thenorthcurrybreweryc ouk.com

Red Heron, 4.3% abv.

This is the first of the five ales produced by this family run business. Made from pale and crystal malt, it is full bodied with a malty flavour that is balanced by the bitterness of golden hops.

Wine & Dine

They also have on offer Level Headed 4.7% abv, which is a traditional old English ale with a dark ruby colour and a rich full flavour.

Windy Brewery www.thevolly.co.uk

Here they produce the popular Tornado, 4.2% abv, which has a smooth bitterness offset by forest fruits.

I liked their Helm, 5.7% abv, a brown porter produced at the rear of The Volunteer Inn at Seavington. It’s made with dried yeast to ensure consistency (only available on site) and has a suggestion of toasted caramel toffee tinged with spiced marmalade.

Stocklinch Ales. www.stocklinchales.co.uk

This local brewery, situated on a farm, was started by Kevin and friends just 4 years ago. Since then it has become something of a ‘go to’ venue at weekends, where live music is often featured.

They currently make 4 ales, with names such as ‘Rusty Boiler’ and ‘Beers Jakes’, using just 4 ingredients, hops, malt, yeast and water. Those who like a golden beer with a fruity flavour should try their Ramblers Gold Extra, 4.5% abv.

Top choice for me though is Black Smock, 5% abv., which I first sampled last year. This award winning ale is a dark beer with a strong taste of liquorice and coffee, and just a hint of blackcurrant. I found it also makes the perfect ingredient for a rich, moist, dark cake; truly

scrumptious. The hint of liquorice character of the ale perfectly offsets its sweetness. Made in much the same way as sticky toffee pudding, even a novice can make this successfully.

Ingredients

Half a pint Black Smock ale 8oz. unsalted butter 12oz. caster sugar 2oz. cocoa powder 5 fl. oz. crème fraîche 3 medium eggs 1 tbsp. vanilla extract 1 tsp. ground mixed spice 9oz. plain flour 2½ tsp. of bicarbonate of soda

Method

Grease and line a 9in. (23cm.) spring form cake tin.

Preheat oven to gas mark 4/180°C/350ºF.

1. Pour the ale into a large saucepan, add the butter, and heat until melted.

2. Whisk in the sugar and cocoa.

3. Beat the crème fraîche together with the eggs and vanilla and add to the mixture.

4. Whisk in the flour, mixed spice and bicarbonate of soda.

5. Pour the mixture into the cake tin and bake in the centre of the oven for 45 minutes to an hour (fan assisted ovens will cook more quickly). A skewer inserted into the middle should come out clean, and the top should spring back if pressed gently.

6. Leave the cake to cool in the tin.

When cold, serve as is, or better

still top it off with a rich dark chocolate ganache, or smothered in cream cheese frosting for true indulgence.

Looking for alternative gifts for someone’s birthday?

Then look no further than Gyle 59 Brewery near Thorncombe, on the Dorset border www.gyle59.co.uk They describe their artisan beers as ‘spring fed, log powered, propane driven, unfined, hazy crazy’ and offer 1-day or 2-day Brew Ha-Ha courses in practical home brewing.

LP-V.

Farm Shops & Local Produce

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

Locally Sourced Wine – Cheese – Sausages Cakes – And More HOME GROWN STRAWBERRIES ... available 3rd week in May

Local Asparagus and Bedding Plants OPEN: Mon – Fri 10am – 5pm, Sat 10am – 6pm

COFFEE SHOP

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

THE VISITOR May 2016 37

The

Pub Pages

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

'Hi y'all, and how are you doing today?'

YES, you've guessed; the Baxter crew have been heading Stateside

again in that never-ending quest to bring you good readers of the Viz all that is best in American beers, and sample 'Good ol' Southern hospitality'. Now before we go any further, let's make a couple things clear. Since returning, everyone we have spoken to still seems to think that the place is awash with fizzy tasteless near-beer made by big multinationals in soulless factories. The truth is ... it is!

However, once the student is looking, the mentor will appear, and it is not difficult to find the bars and pubs where there is a wide variety of local craft/artisan breweries that serve both draught and bottled beers of great quality.

Note that I did not use the term 'ale' for whilst in Great Britain the CAMRA inspired term 'real ale' means cask-conditioned - i.e. still with live yeast at the point of dispense - but most of the USA

Home-Made Food Served 7 Days a Week

Real Ales - Garden Skittle Alley

TRADITIONAL COUNTRY PUB Serving Sensibly Priced Food & Drink

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

The

Wyndham Arms

KINGSBURY EPISCOPI nr. MARTOCK SOMERSET TA12 6AT

WEEKEND FESTIVAL MAY BANK HOLIDAY

Friday 29th April

LIVE MUSIC with ‘Freefall’ (formerly The Vipers) 8pm start

Sunday 1st May – Mayday

12 GUEST ALES on sale

Monday 2nd May No food but ... 3 BARS and a HOG ROAST on site

Come and join in the fun!

Tel: 01935 823239

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

38 THE VISITOR May 2016

draught beers are pressuredispensed from kegs, but are flavoursome and quite often, strong! Would CAMRA have been founded if the bland and tasteless keg beers foisted upon us from the late 60's been as tasty? I doubt it somehow, although that point is up for discussion.

So despite the sea of fizz which is heavily advertised and making up in excess of 95% of the beers consumed, every bar we visited had something worth a try. We were staying some of the time with my Godson, Richard, who resides in a suburb of Atlanta, namely Woodstock (no; not that one, a different one) and having been living in the States for some 14 years knows his way around a little bit, or to put it another way, where the good pubs are! (Well, I trained him well, being responsible for his spiritual welfare an' all). His parents also know the local area well, and have introduced us to some fine establishments, the first being 'Woodstock Freight Kitchen', a former goods shed as we would refer to it, slap bang next to the railway. To my eye it would seem that the actual structure of the building has remained little changed since it was built, which was around 1897, with a high

ceiling, bare-boarded walls exposed brickwork etc.

Incidentally the 'Rest Room' (you can guess that one) consisted of just ONE loo, for male, female and disabled, which I am sure gets ahem! - rather a lot of use on a busy night! The lighting is not overdone which all adds to the atmosphere, and on our first visit some 18 months ago we were thrilled to hear an appropriate selection of 'Southern Rock' being played on the sound system, although who should be playing on this occasion? One of England's finest - Stevie Winwood!

Incidentally, the railway still runs, not 'through the middle of the house' but pretty much through the middle of the town.

Whilst there are barriers on the road crossings there are no such things as fences keeping the populace from hurling themselves in front of the freight trains that still pass through. Somewhat different from this side of the pond! Visiting for one of their excellent lunches, we also found some excellent beers from their constantly changing beer menu.

Our 'server' (waitress) Amy, was attentive and helpful as they all seem to be, even if the cynical might feel that this is the only way they can get a decent wage.

Corton Denham, Sherborne, DT9 4LR www.thequeensarms.com

Set in idyllic countryside ...

Enjoy Award Winning Food alfresco

HOG ROAST

Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May 12 noon – 6pm Music with Rhythm & Blues Artist Diz Watson

LIVE MUSIC and ...

Saturday 28th May 12 noon – 6pm

 Free Entry to both events 

Tel: 01963 220317 Email: relax@thequeensarms.com

The

Pub Pages

This is because tips are a substantial part of their earnings - and are also part of ones' bill (or 'check' as they prefer to call it). Whilst I tend to generally only give scant attention to food in this column, I ordered a most delicious beef burger and I have to say that when they serve a beef burger, it is a 'serious' beef burger, and not at all like one gets in certain fastfood chains in England (the same chains exist there of course). It certainly pays to go to the independent outlets I feel. Our beers on this occasion were 'Red Hare Brown Ale' at 5.5%ABV, and 'Foothills Porter' at 6.2%ABV, both excellent we thought. Prices are generally slightly more per pint than over here (they also tend to measure in ounces, and an American pint is slightly smaller than ours). As always they are served much too cold for our liking, but this matters little as the temperature soon creeps up and those flavours come through with a vengeance. In fact, when the ambient temperature is easily over 80F, a colder beer is very welcome!

Just down the road from the Freight Kitchen is Century House Tavern, which is much like an English pub. Again a fine selection of beers, and we chose the bottled 5.6%ABV 'Bells Porter' and 'Kentucky Bourbon Barrel' at 8.19%ABV, accompanied by ample sized portions of food served from an extensive menu. Needless to

say each of these establishments have their own web-site. Do take a look.

American laws regarding alcohol can be interesting. One needs to be 21 to buy intoxicating liquor in Georgia and indeed all other States, but amazingly, when visiting 'Bullocks' a huge liquor store in Woodstock for a selection of bottled beers to bring home we were asked for identification, even though all four of us are into our 60's - or even pushing 70! The checkout lady said she had to ask for proof ('there are cameras everywhere') and added that when her daughter and boyfriend had visited England how amazing it was to stride into a pub, order beer and never be challenged.

We spent some time in Chattanooga where the highlight was taking a cable-hauled train up 'Lookout Mountain' (pause for everyone to make suitable silly

train-like noises), and heading back to Atlanta took a diversion to Marietta, another suburb of Atlanta where is sited the aforementioned 'Red Hare Brewery'. The alcohol rules appear to be bent a little as we were officially on a 'Brewery Tour', and our visit cost each of us $8, (about £5) at which point we were fitted with a wrist-band (just like at Glasto) on which were eight little pictures of a hare, crossed off one at a time by staff as each beer was sampled. Although early evening crowds were thronging the premises, spilling onto the frontage where we were delighted to be instructed on the finer points of the game 'Corn Hole'. We had given this fine game a mention after our last visit and it would appear this is played nationwide; quite a feat for a huge country.

Put simply, the game involves tossing bean-bags at a distance of

25 feet with the aim of getting them through a hole in a board.

Please do take time out to see the game in action on Youtube, and as there is already a thriving community of players in this country, I would dearly love to see it played in pubs everywhere. It's ideal for the pub garden, car park or even the skittle alley in poor weather, it's simple to make and simple to play, but of course there is a good amount of skill as well as a teeny bit of luck - the ideal pub game in fact! We were instructed on some of the finer points by locals Joe and Marty, but needless to say in a game of doubles Richard and I were given a sound thrashing 21 - 8, and it was nothing to do with all the beer ... honest.

Next month we'll take a trip 'Way Down Yonder in New Orleans', as the song goes. Y'all have a good day now!

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.

The MUDDLED

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

MAN

Your hosts, Mick, Jean and Garry welcome you to

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

SUNDAY LUNCH £7.95 choice of roast Larger parties catered for

FRESH FISH DAY Friday

With home-made BEER BATTER

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

 RAMBLER GROUPS welcome 

Daily Specials • Real Ale • Skittle Alley • Beer Gardens • Accommodation

www.themuddledman.co.uk

Tel: 01935 881235

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

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

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

 10 minutes from A303 and M5.

40 minutes from Lyme Regis, West Bay & Beer

The CROWN Inn

Greenhill, Sherborne, DT9 4EP

Saturday 7th May: 1970s THEME NIGHT Themed Food, Themed Dress, Themed Music  Booking Advised 

WEDNESDAY MUSIC 4th May: Blues 11th May: Trad Jazz 18th May: Traditional Folk 25th May: Open Mic’ Night

Tel: 01935 816115 THE VISITOR May 2016 39

Charity Event

Rattling Strings present Showcase 2016 on Friday 6th May at The Swan Inn, Sturminster Newton. An amazing line up of acts will be performing from 8pm - 2am in

aid of Cancer Research UK. Rattling Strings are hoping to raise £2000 for the charity so please go along and give them your support. Raffle tickets on sale will be drawn on Saturday 7th May.

Joe and Marty instructed our very own P.A.Baxter in the finer points of ‘Corn Hole’.

40 THE VISITOR May 2016

The

Pub Pages

AROUND THE

H O U S E S

IN BARRINGTON ... there are delicious steaks at The Barrington Boar where the new accommodation is proving popular with those on location ... new chef at The Fleur de Lis, Stoke sub Hamdon ... Summer is officially here! Thursday night Paella & Sangria is back on the menu at The Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon although one customer may get a full turkey dinner ... always a good pint at The Muddled Man, West Chinnock ... and could birthday cake soon be appearing on the menu at The Royal Oak, Over Stratton?

Idling on to Ilchester where The Northover Manor is the perfect wedding venue ... hog roasts a speciality at The Lamb

& Lark, Limington ... holding a party or special event, check out the function room complete with stage at The Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil ... Tommy Rowe is the new name for the recently refurbished Skippers in Sherborne ... Friday Night Choir coming along well at The Crown Inn ... live music 6th May at The Swan Inn, Sturminster Newton in aid of Cancer Research ... and in Mere congratulations go to Mark and Sam who are celebrating 10 years at The Walnut Tree.

Bouncing on to Bruton where authentic Brittany crepes and desserts are enjoyed at Truffles Brasserie ... well done to The Unicorn, Bayford who have been named Cider Pub of the Year by CAMRA'S Heart of Wessex Branch, again ... the whole family are welcome at The Hunters Lodge Leigh Common where there is a playground for the kiddies ... 6th May No Fixed Abode playing at The White Lion, Bourton ... poached quails eggs, parma ham, sausage, mushrooms and croutons an imaginative starter at The George Hotel, Castle Cary ...

Wednesday Morning is Coffee Morning at The Orchard Inn, Galhampton who are celebrating their first anniversary ... Mama Mia, don't miss the authenic Italian themed evening at The Mildmay Arms, Queen Camel where the attractive patio is

The CATASH INN

LIVE MUSIC on Sunday 29th May starts 8pm ... with ‘The Moondogs’ Beatles Tribute Band – Free Entry SUNDAY CARVERY £8.95

Served 12noon ‘til 3pm – booking advised ... next meetings 3rd May and 7th June

r Large Bee Gardens

 North Cadbury 01963 441531

The

Lord Nelson

Skittle Alley

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

GOOD FOOD - GOOD BEER - GREAT ATMOSPHERE

THURSDAY EVENINGS ...

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

Sunday 1st May: Beach Boys Tribute Band starting at 9pm Sunday 8th May: Pub Quiz hosted by Savannah & Ellie

Sunday 29th May: The Transitions

(covers/originals)

Tuesday and Wednesday – Steak Night 2 Steaks & Bottle of Wine £30

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

The Visitor

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

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

Over Stratton, South Petherton Tel: 01460 240906

A Charming Country Inn

★ CURRY NIGHT ★

Friday 6th May • Bookings Essential

★ LUNCHTIME SPECIAL ★

TWO Courses £8.95 • Tuesday – Saturday Lunchtimes

★ WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY SPECIAL ★ SURF, TURF, SWINE & WINE NIGHT

TWO Rump Steaks, or TWO Beer Battered Haddock or TWO Gammon Steaks, or ANY TWO with a Carafe of Wine • £23.50 per couple Booking Advised

★ TRADITIONAL SUNDAY ROAST ★ £8.95 Main • £6.75 Smaller Appetite Bookings Essential ... to avoid disappointment

Have you discovered ...

QUEEN CAMEL • YEOVIL • BA22 7NJ Exciting NEW MENU arrives on 1st May All locally sourced ingredients and all freshly cooked to order by our team of expert chefs From light lunches to fine food dining available from 12noon – 9pm, 7 days a week Our newly covered patio area is ideal for Tapas and Al Fresco Dining

Special Italian Evening on Saturday 7th May A taste of Italy ... 3 Courses just £18.95 ~ Booking Essential ~ Monday Night is Steak or Grill Night ... buy one get one free!

Rectory Lane Norton Sub Hamdon

Monday 9th May: Enigma Morris Men 8pm

Queens Arms, Corton Denham as new head chef ... and finally ... don’t forget to place your adverts early for the Spring Bank Holiday on 30th May and Father’s Day 19th June.

RESTAURANT - HOTEL - BAR

North Cadbury • BA22 7DH

FOLK NIGHT first Tuesday every month

popular for a drink alfresco ... the standard of music is high on Folk Night at The Catash Inn, North Cadbury, pop along and listen for yourself ... Potato skins & Chilli a tasty dish from the blackboard menu at The Camelot, South Cadbury ... Dan Richards formerly of The River Cottage Canteen and Deli joins The

Mon – Fri LUNCH 2-Course £8 3-Course £12

Tel: 01935 881473 www.thelordnelson.biz

Thursday is Curry Night A curry and a pint or a glass of wine just £8.95 Fresh Cod Cooked To Order on Friday Fish & Chip Takeaway Night ... just £6.95

Sunday our Award Winning Sunday Lunches 1, 2 or 3 Courses from just £8.95 ~ Booking Advised ~

Tel: 01935 850456

Email: mildmayarms@yahoo.com

Booking.com Highly Recommended

THE VISITOR May 2016 41

They Say

That thanks to the Rescue the Roxy campaign, the 30 seater art-deco styled cinema in Axbridge will remain open.

That the latest celebrity to hail from Sherborne is Ben Hardy, from the local Gryphon School, who is about to feature in the forthcoming film X-Men: Apocalypse, opening in May.

That it was absolute carnage at the April meeting of Queen Camel Tuesday Group.

That according to one regular it is Christmas everyday at the Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon.

That when it comes to Cockney Rhyming Slang, a Pony Party certainly lived up to its name, for young Miss Poppy Dunn of Shipdham.

That congratulations go to Mrs Marks of Yeovil, who celebrated her 90th birthday on 21st April, the same day as Her Majesty The Queen.

That a Comedy Festival Weekend is coming to Wells.

That an international traffic violation was averted recently in Florence for that jet-setting duo Mr & Mrs Teasy Weasy of Yeovil, thanks mainly to the intervention of a sympathetic motorcyclist.

That runner Richard Dodge became a Centurion on 16th April at Montacute House.

That Norman Leeks gets up at 2.30am to wind the clock when duty calls.

That upon retiring to bed, Sally Meecham of Crewkerne recently experienced ringing in her ears.

That the upstanding John Penny of Bradford Abbas nearly enjoyed a very cheap meal.

That the recent colour theme was unfortunately black and blue for June of Andrea’s Florist in Yeovil.

That the greens of Wincanton Golf Course are now in pristine condition, thanks to the gallant efforts of the Bacon Butty and Bucket Brigade.

That when it comes to templates Sue Jeans of Mere deserves a medal for perserverance - and a large G&T.

That Alan Primmer of West Coker was all at sixes and sevens when marking the board for the Warriors in the Square during a recent game in 'The Friendly Landlords' skittle league.

42 THE VISITOR May 2016

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

168 Hendford Hill YEOVIL

“Whenever I feel like givin’ up Whenever my sunshine turns to rain Whenever my hopes and dreams Are aimed in the wrong direction She’s always there”

FIRST PERSON to tell the above song gets a free drink. Last month Susanne Caller correctly guessed that it was ABC and “Poison Arrow” .

Well the road works are nearly finished and I must admit that it seems to have made things flow a little better than before. I can’t get used to the “Bun Fight” that seems to happen as you come off the Hospital Roundabout and go down Reckleford … 2 into 1 never seems to go smoothly and there always seems to be someone cutting in halfway down the hill which leads to grumpiness all round.

Got a couple of birthdays to tell you about. Jane Lewis celebrated in style here at The Quick’ when she reached the BIG 5-OH. Some great music, nice bit of food, a few drinks, and some very nice people m a d e f o r a g r e a t p a r t y, congratulations Jane. X. Mr John Nicholas celebrated his 60th Birthday this month and he seemed to have a week of celebrations, but he really does deserve it. John has been a loyal and regular customer here at The Quicksilver for many years and I would like to join his family and friends in wishing him a very happy birthday. Well done John!

We have some great music for you next month here at The Quick’.

On Sunday the 15th we have The Chesterfields ... yes really, they are doing a gig in preparation for some big thing they have going on and where better to hold it than here at The Quick’!!??

On the 21st we have a special charity gig in memory of Bob Allen who would have been 60 this year. We have a fabulous band called Midlife Crisis - and the proceeds will be going to a charity to help bereaved children, so get your face in the place.

On the 27th BB Tim will be live in the bar: always good fun, the gig is free and starts at 9pm.

And on Bank Holiday Sunday (29th) we have another free gig with STORM. See you all soon.  TOOT TOOT!!!

BOOKINGS

 01935 424721

New Spring Menu Simple Supper Every Tuesday Delicious 2 Course Set Menu For only £10 per head

Moules Frites Night Every Thursday All you can eat £13.50

— RACING — Thursday 5th May Evening Meet Canapés, Premiere Enclosure and Late Supper

Tuesday 10th May Ladies Day Canapés, Premiere Enclosure and Supper

Thursday 12th May Curry Night All you can cope with £15

GARDENING

GARDENING MONTHLY

by Richard Cumming

Magical May

Orchard Park

QUITE THE MOST MAGICAL time of year and I love it! So full of new leaf and blossom but it all goes so fast and although I’d love it to stay forever, each season has its joys and must be enjoyed.

Spring weather is predictably changeable – nothing new there so the skill is to cope with it, whether it is protecting early growth and blossom from frost or making sure that seeds are sown in time, germinate and are nurtured to a size to plant out and grow. But it’s the blossom that gets us all excited, the ornamental and fruit blossom means so much after the dark winter months.

Elsewhere in the landscape the grass is growing and lawns are calling for attention. Long periods of mild wet weather encourages moss to grow and chokes the grass. There are ways of dealing with it but most require at least a modicum of hard work.

Depending on just how bad the Fencing & Gates Supplied and Erected by the

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lawn is, I would suggest cutting it really hard, boxing off the clippings before giving it the treatment. That could be one of the really good weed, feed and mosskill products such as the classic Evergreen Complete, or a straight forward mosskiller. The latter usually contains ferrous sulphate which kills the moss and greens up the grass. Within a very short time your nice green lawn will turn black and look like death! Next stage, I’m afraid is to get the rake out or hire a

scarifier to drag out all the dead moss. If it’s really bad then you might need to have a couple of goes at it, eventually ending up with a sparse but grassy area. At this point, if there is a lot of bare ground, over-sow with a mixture of grass seed and multipurpose compost mixed with loamy John Innes. The new grass will germinate quite quickly and help to fill in where the moss was.

With the summer ahead, a good looking lawn is essential and well worth the effort

Plants of the Month Thyme for Herbs?

You can create your own culinary herb garden that looks almost too good to eat! By planting a selection of tasty herbs valued as much for their ornamental appeal as their flavour, from sage to thyme, rosemary to clipped bay and flowering chives, herbs valued for their ornamental beauty will produce long-lasting displays as well as regular pickings for the kitchen.

There are no hard and fast

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

THE VISITOR May 2016 43

GARDENING

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Suppliers of Quality Recycled Aggregates Top Soil – Crushed Concrete – Road Planings All Types of Limestone Aggregates Sand and Gravel – Decorative Aggregates Asphalt Plant / Asphalt Products – Hot Box Hire Grab Lorries – Tipper Hire – Muckaway

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rules about creating herb gardens, but successful designs often define the space using brick pavers, dividing-up the area with small paths to provide easy access for picking. Go for an informal mix or choose a formal pattern or cartwheel design. As a centrepiece plant a large, shrubby herb such as rosemary or sage, a formally clipped bay tree, or a potted herb arrangement.

In small spaces herbs can be grown in pots, either planting them individually and grouping pots together into displays or creating bold combinations in larger containers. As many herbs have Mediterranean origins they relish a site in full sun where they can bake during summer. Soil must be free-draining too, as wet and waterlogged ground will lead to root damage, and for pots choose a free-draining loam-based compost.

Low-growing thyme is one of the herb garden favourites, perfect for making a herb carpet, softening the edges of gravel paths, or filling gaps between paving. With flavoursome foliage in greens, silvers and golds, plus colourful flowers too, they'll look good and provide pickings all year.

Whether adding to salads, cooking with new potatoes, or making herb teas, mint is a versatile herb with many uses.

Their colours and flavours vary immensely from powerful peppermint and spearmint to those with an underlying taste of apple, citrus, banana, red berries, and many more. And for chocoholics everywhere there's

even Chocolate Peppermint with a hint of dark chocolate.

Irresistible! Just remember that mint is one herb that's always best kept contained to prevent it invading your borders, so grow it in a pot or large bottomless bucket.

Rosemary is a hardy shrub with aromatic leaves and long flowering season. ‘Miss Jessopp's Upright' is a popular variety with statuesque habit, but for large patio pots also consider a variety from the Prostratus Group with a weeping habit that will gracefully arch over the sides of the container.

Try flavouring casseroles, soups and sauces with homemade bouquet garni made from sprigs of thyme and parsley wrapped in a bay leaf. Alternatively other herbs can be added to suit your culinary creations, such as rosemary, basil, chervil or tarragon. Herbs have so many uses from using fresh in cooking, making pesto, infusing into herb oils and vinegars, or making herb teas.

A wonderful assortment of herb plants are available at garden centres now, so buy your favourites to create your own culinary herb gardens. Many herbs can be raised from seed too, so buy packets of coriander, basil, parsley, chives and many others.

Here are four hardy herb types ideal for pots or borders: Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Mint varieties, Chives - both regular onion flavoured and Garlic Chives and Thyme (Thymus varieties which include AGM winners like golden thyme (Thymus ‘Aureus'), ‘Silver Queen', ‘Pink Chintz', and lemon scented ‘Bertram Anderson'.

Herb Topiaries

44 THE VISITOR May 2016

Several shrubby herbs can be clipped and trained into formal topiary features. These living sculptures not only look striking but their clippings can be used in cooking or dried and stored.

The best herb topiaries are created using upright growing varieties of rosemary, sweet bay, sage, lemon verbena, Greek myrtle, or even tender perennials like scented leaf pelargoniums.

Popular shapes for training bay include balls, cones, pyramids, spirals and standards (with a clipped head on a short woody leg). Skilled commercial growers even create bay trees with striking twisted corkscrew stems.

GARDENING

Top Tips for successful Herb Gardens

1. Although many herbs are of Mediterranean origin and relish hot dry conditions, to get the best from herbs in pots most require regular watering to prevent their compost drying out completely.

Try standing pots in saucers of water so pots can take up moisture as required.

2. Add natural fertiliser to one watering a week to keep plants growing strongly, or mix slowrelease fertiliser granules into compost at planting time.

3. Regular picking of some herbs, like basil, encourages side shoots to form, keeping plants bushy and productive.

4. Pick and dry the leaves of herbs like thyme, sage, bay and many others to store and use when cooking.

5. The flowers of many herbs can be used to brighten summer salads. Use flowers from chives, basil, coriander and thyme, and flowers or petals from daylilies, pot marigolds, nasturtium, lavender and others. NB Always check flowers are edible before eating.

6. Coriander has a habit of bolting or running to seed, but enjoy their flowers as they'll encourage beneficial insects, like hoverflies, into your garden. Let plants set seed, then collect and dry coriander seeds to grind and use when cooking spicy Indian dishes.

Jobs for the Month

Warmth and moisture produce fantastic growth and young or

freshly planted items will need a little extra care and support.

Don’t let them dry out as their roots will not yet have made enough growth to reach lower soil moisture as yet. By the same token don’t drown them by over watering. It can be hard to reach a balance and in truth it is a skill that comes with experience.

After the winter, watch for damaged growth and prune back as soon as you are sure that things have stabilised and you can tell how far the damage has gone. Generally look for the first good healthy bud after the damaged section. Root death is harder to spot especially where plants have been rocked by wind, and sat for long periods in waterlogged ground. These may suddenly collapse when the plant starts into growth – when the demands of the shoots exceed the ability of the roots to support it.

Give encouragement in the form of a feed and mulch and they may recover. Even more important, don’t let spring planted trees and shrubs die for lack of water from dry periods. Keep an eye on newly sown areas; seedlings do not like to get started and then be left to dry out.

In the vegetable garden, sow main crop carrots, swedes, spinach and lettuce. Sow runner and dwarf beans in trays or pots.

Sweet corn can go in provided the soil is in reasonable condition, and well manured. Make successional sowings of salad crops [every 14 days]. Prepare the sites for marrows, courgettes and pumpkins (a 1 ft hole filled with

well-rotted manure is ideal) which can be planted out in the middle of the month.

Weed control through regular hoeing is always the best approach - use it when the soil is dry so that dislodged weeds can’t root again. Keep the fleece handy in case we do get a cold snap.

When you get to the herbaceous border - hoe off emerging seedlings, and mulch with wellrotted garden compost. Pot grown plants can be planted at any time, and don’t forget to provide support for the taller growing plants such as Delphiniums.

This is an excellent time for planting up ponds and marginal areas to give a good effect this summer. A mini pond in a tub is really effective, easy to create and looks attractive and interesting on a patio or terrace.

Roses are growing fast and must be cared for. Even though many modern varieties are less susceptible to black spot, they

still do better if treated, and the first spray of the season is the most important. Best of all, feed your roses well, mulch liberally, and make sure they don’t go short of water in May and June.

Shrub borders – don’t touch summer flowering shrubs as you will lose the flowers, but you can prune the early flowering shrubs such as Forsythia and clip the evergreens.

Somerset artists net Chelsea Flower Show Commission

Artistic duo Fiona Campbell and Nick Weaver, who worked together on ‘step in stone’, an ambitious art in quarries project in Somerset, have been commissioned by multi goldaward winning landscape designer Sarah Eberle FSGD to create two of the focal pieces for her RHS Chelsea Flower Show Artisan Garden this year.

Created for Viking Cruises, the garden is inspired by Cambodia’s floating gardens and artisanal

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THE VISITOR May 2016 45

BenJohnson At your local stockist ...

GARDEN MACHINERY

Envoy 36  electric powered

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GARDENING

fishing techniques in the Mekong River region, following Sarah’s journey on board the Viking Cruises Magnificent Mekong.

Fiona is creating a large canopy inspired by traditional fishing nets and silk weaving. Nick is making a lounger styled on a traditional fishing boat.

The 7 x 5m garden is entirely water with a small deck leading to the boat/lounger and cantilevered canopy suspended above. The beds follow the style of the region and contain an eclectic mixture of fruit, flowers and vegetables. Harvested hazel, other reclaimed woods and a plethora of woven wire, silk and found materials will all be used to harmonise with the planting.

Fiona was approached by Sarah after seeing her installation piece ‘Lichen’ at the Maureen Michaelson Gallery stand at GROW London last year.

‘The 4 metre textured fishing net/canopy I’m making by hand incorporates fine woven copper wires, twine, silk, wool and other surprising found materials like fish skeletons! It’s a long process and an exciting prospect – I’ve not produced work for Chelsea Flower Show before. There will be technical hurdles, but I’m looking forward to weaving and layering it up. I’ll also be creating some wire fishing baskets as props.’

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with her again on this. I love Sarah Eberle's concept for the garden. Sarah's photos and stories of the area and traditional boats are really interesting and have inspired our designs. The boat/seat is a fascinating challenge and satisfies my desire to make unique and unusual pieces. I can't wait to see it all come together at Chelsea.’

The public and judges are sure to be captivated!

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show takes place 24th - 28th May.

NGS Garden of the Month May 2016 Wayford Manor

Designed by Harold Peto in 1902, Wayford Manor garden includes elegant balustraded terraces and an Italianate loggia giving fine views over West Dorset. These are planted with yew hedges and topiary.

Steps lead down between spring-fed ponds, alongside mature and new plantings of Magnolia, Rhododendron, Maples, Cornus. Primula candelabra, Arum lily and Gunnera surround the lower ponds.

Dogs Allowed, Plants For Sale, Light refreshments. Not suitable for wheelchairs.

Open: Sunday 29 May from 2pm-5pm. Admission: £5, child £2.50. Wayford, Crewkerne TA18 8QG. To see more details go to: www.ngs.org.uk

Plant & Jumble Sale

Nick’s involvement follows on from their previous collaboration: ‘Working with Fiona last year on 'step in stone' was an intriguing and very rewarding experience so I am delighted to be working

The Winscombe & District RNLI Branch will be holding their Plant & Garden Jumble Sale at 10am on Saturday 14th May in the Community Centre, Sandford Road, Winscombe.

There will be a great variety of tomatoes/ greenhouse vegetables, bedding plants, vegetable plants, gardening books, tools and assorted items plus a raffle, hot dogs, tea and coffee – all donations of items for sale gratefully accepted and collection

can be arranged - please contact Tina at meejlfh@gmail.com or 01934 842304. All proceeds from the Sale will go to the WestonSuper-Mare New Lifeboat Station Appeal.

Surplus Plants Wanted

The Aviary at Ferne Animal Sanctuary, Chard is being rebuilt to give the birds more room. They are looking for donations of surplus plants, trees and succulents to help simulate the birds natural habitat and encourage natural behaviour.

If you can help please call 01460 65214.

Thorngrove Open Day

Scope’s Thorngrove Garden Centre is holding their annual Open Day on Saturday 7th May from 10am to 4pm. This is a fun day for all the family, with many attractions back by popular

the end bit...

PAPERCHASE

A SHORTER COLUMN than usual this month. There is no shortage of material in my file of press cuttings but it’s the usual depressing mixture of misspellings, grammatical errors, misused words, missing and misplaced text - all things that ‘once upon a time’ would have been picked up by a watchful proofreader or sub-editor before they found there way into print.

The former no longer exists on

ANSWERS TO POP MUSIC QUIZ

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on page 20

'Rose Royce' 'Pet Shop Boys' 'M People' 'Lighthouse Family' Rick Astley 'Paperback Writer' Paloma Faith Cliff Richard 'Sunday Girl' - Blondie 'Easy Lover'

demand. Following the success of the Fun Dog Show last year, this will be taking place again on the field by the car park from 1pm onwards. Entry forms are available from Thorngrove’s shop or on Open Day morning, and will include categories such as ‘best trick’ – so start training your dog now! Scales and Tails will bring a selection of reptiles and other creatures for people to handle if they’re brave enough, or an Irish Wolfhound from Pat Dogs will be around for those who prefer more

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Tel: 01935 475065 Mob: 07752 695264 www.prestigelawns.co.uk

our local papers and I’m not sure what role the latter plays in these days of direct input from the reporters’ computers.

I’m told that it includes page make-up. In which case, whoever was responsible for the content of the 17th March issue of the Western Gazette was certainly not being watchful. A story on page 14 headlined ‘Shoplifter tested positive for cocaine’ was repeated a few pages later under the headline ‘Shoplifter targeted same shop twice in three days’.

Different headline but word-forword the same court report, merely abridged by the omission of six short sentences. In these days of computer wizardry there must surely be a way of ensuring that, once a story is in the system, if it has been used on one page it cannot be used on another one.

It would be too tedious, for you as well as for me, to run through the other cuttings in the file. They simply provide more evidence of the sad decline in standards in our local papers. One of the ‘old school’ of reporters who, I feel

cuddly animals. There will be displays and talks from the local bonsai and orchid groups, a fire engine, cakes and bicycles from the Hope Project, skittles, raffle and tombola and various other stalls. A barbecue will provide hot food and there will be other refreshments too. And, of course, the nursery is open to explore the wonderful range of bedding, herbaceous, shrubs and other

plants grown on site. The fundraising target this year is for £10,000 to completely overhaul the vegetable garden, which needs levelling and paving to give safe access for everybody, including people with mobility problems. Ring 01747 822242 for more details.

ROTAMOW

Open Gardens

Open Gardens

 Grass Cutting

Sunday 29 th May 2016 11am – 5pm

Paddocks, Plantations Scarifying Lawns

 Rotavating

YETMINSTER & RYME INTRINSECA

Rough Ground to Seed Bed

 Mini Digging

Coffee, Light Lunches and Homemade Teas in Yetminster Jubilee Hall

And High-Lift Dumper

 Patio Cleaning Paths, Drives, etc.

Entry to All Gardens £5 for Adults / Children Free

07659 550160

Proceeds to Dorset Air Ambulance and St. Margaret’s Hospice

sure, shares my dismay, retired from the Western Daily Press in late March after a career in journalism of more than 40 years.

I first met Tina Rowe in 1988 when work brought me to Visitorland. At that time she was the Bristol Evening Post reporter based in Yeovil, having previously been with the Western Gazette and subsequently transferring to the Western Daily Press, all newspapers in the same publishing group. In my professional contacts with Tina she was always a stickler for accuracy and objectivity, constantly checking the details

and asking pointed questions to ensure that I was revealing the whole story. She knew her patch well, knew something of the personalities in it and their vested interests, understood the background to the issues making the news and remembered the history of long-running matters.

This only comes when a reporter has been around long enough to discover and absorb this information, and 40 years has been long enough. She has earned a long and happy retirement but will be sorely missed from the pages of the Western Daily Press.

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 April

Sudoku

Bonus Question 1979

Question Impossible Lieutenant Pigeon 'Mouldy Old Dough'

THE VISITOR May 2016 47

PHONE - a - FIRM

Fires / Chimneys / Stoves

SANDPITS

Man with Van

HEATING & HOME STORE

MAN-with-VAN

 Collections and deliveries  Student moves etc.  Household maintenance electrical, plumbing, carpentry  Useful services inc. putting together flat packs, beds, wardrobes, supply & fit kitchens, etc.

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

Need a helping hand? Or something moved?

MALCOLM today on 07976 211221

Call

PROMPT & RELIABLE SERVICE

The Visitor

CAN BE READ ONLINE www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Domestic Appliances

Domestic Appliance Repairs

washing machines  Vacuum Cleaners Cookers  tumble dryers etc.

SPARES – REPAIRS – SERVICING

 Sparkford 01963 440689

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

Ridge View, Penmore Road Sandford Orcas DT9 4SE

Professional repairs by qualified engineer on most makes of appliances.

01963 220366

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

48 THE VISITOR May 2016

Waste Management

THIS SPACE 4cms x 1 column Just £22.48 ex vat Call: 01963 351256 to place your advert

YOUR ADVERT REACHING A POTENTIAL 60,000 READERS

07921 074602 • 01749 677440 • Solidfuel3@aol.com

Oven Cleaning

Mister Oven Independent Oven Cleaning Specialist Ovens - Hobs - Agas etc

Tel: 01935 475065 Mob: 07752 695264 www.misteroven.co.uk

Call 01963 351256 TO ADVERTISE

HERE

Framing

SCENES

Artist Materials & Gallery

« Picture framing « Restoration « Large selection of prints & paintings « Greeting Card Blanks High St. Gillingham Tel 01747 824050 www.scenes-online.co.uk

Sits Vac

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

Services

GOOD POTATOES takeaway Bags of Coal • Calor gas Car and Van Rental • Competitive Prices

Anchor Hill Service Station winCanton 01963 32609

Regular advertising pays dividends!

WANTED Reliable People to deliver

MAGAZINE

once a month, door to door in ...  GLASTONBURY town centre  SHEPTON MALLET town centre  YEOVIL town centre  YEOVIL trading estates

Tel: 01963 351256

PHONE - a - FIRM • PHONE - a - FIRM

Transport & Storage

The key to all your storage needs!

Fully insured storage at Highly Competitive Rates Call us today for a quote!

01963 440045 www.sparkfordstorage.com

• Open 7 Days a Week • 20 Years Established Family Business

• Modern Burglar-Alarmed Warehouses • Professional & Reliable Service • Removals To and From Storage • Self Store with Easy Access • Cubicle and Crate Storage • Friendly, Helpful Staff

PARKS

ROOFING LTD.

SLATING & TILING SPECIALISTS

Specialists in period and listed properties

DENTURE REPAIRS

While You Wait Collection & Delivery Denture Advice Mr. C. Dunn

Registered Dental Technician

01749 812585

www.dunndental.co.uk

Are you a denture wearer?

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

Denture repairs while you wait ...

Terry New Denture Clinic

01458 210039

Home visits a speciality Shouldn’t you be advertising here?

Plumbing & Heating

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

Roofing

Dentures

Leadwork Chimneys Fascias Gutters Flat Roofs

26 Stembridge, nr. Kingsbury, Martock TA12 6BN Telephone: 01460 240229 • Mobile: 07917 411961

Tel: 01747 861479 Mob: 07561 120828 For all your roofing requirements

Flat Roofing • Tiling Slating • GRP Roofing

All New Work Fully Guaranteed

For further information & estimates contact allan Carey

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

Bourton Roofing Co. Slate  Tiling  Flat Roofing.

UPVC Fascias  Guttering FREE ES T I MAT ES

 01747 840064

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

Communications

34 White Road, MERE, Nr. Warminster Wiltshire, BA12 6EX

Email: mead208@btinternet.com

Fire & Security Alarms

Clock Repairs

CLOCK REPAIRS Antique and Modern Clock Repairs.

Free pick up and delivery 40 years experience

Tel (01935) 477582

WESTLINE COMMUNICATIONS

Business Telecom Specialist For All Your Telecom Needs For free, friendly & professional advice call ...

John Penny on 07976 967349 www.westlinecoms.co.uk

THE VISITOR May 2016 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.

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

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

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

Passport Photographs

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

Storage

stoRage for furniture in locked cubicles. lock-up garages to let. tel: sparkford storage on 01963 440045 or 440526 or 440692.

Personal

www.country-link.org.uk CoUntRY linK soCial gRoUP. Fresh air, fun, food and friendship. tel: andy 01225 834834 or Val 01749 342918.

gent 60, outgoing, g.s.o.H., 5ft 9ins, non-smoker, solvent, no ties. o.H.a.C. likes meals out, holidays, gardening, places of interest. seeks special female friendship / relationship. Photo please.

Box no. 5, the Visitor, P.o. Box 1, Castle Cary, Ba7 7Bg.

Dog Holidays

HolidaY FoR YoUR dog. let your dog stay with us when you are away. 24-hour attention and long walks. Fully licensed and insured. Vet approved. References available. tel: 01963 240650.

Mobile Bars / Catering

HaRRY’s moBile BaRs, all occasions, weddings, parties, etc. tel: 01747 825553 harry@bars4u.plus.com www.harrysmobilebars.co.uk

Services

HoUseHold & gaRden RUBBisH CleaRed, old sheds / oubuildings demolished, etc. tel: 01460 77844.

50 THE VISITOR May 2016

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.

ClassiCal lPs, violin concertos, chamber music. also ePs and singles. whole collections sought. tel: 07731 534424.

CRoQUet mallet. tel: 01935 863246. gUns wanted for cash. any size, any condition, make or model. By registered firearms dealer. tel: 07970 742471.

Holidays

FRanCe (Poitou-Charentes, 4 hours south of Caen / st. malo) sleeps 2 – 5. spacious, comfortable, well-equipped, recently renovated holiday bungalow. next to 27 hole golf course with excellent facilities including bar / restaurant. £64 per night (£85 per night July – august).

HURRY! 20% discount if you book before 1 5 t h J u n e . te l : 0 1 9 6 3 4 4 0 3 1 5 . lesforges4@aol.com

For Rent

gRow YoUR own Food - allotment plots for rent, Baltonsborough, near glastonbury. Countryside location, beautiful soil. tel: 01458 850734.

The Visitor

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

City Decorating Supplies

QUALITY PAINT & WALLPAPER

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

Protection whatever the weather!

We can mix thousands of historical, traditional and contemporary colours for exterior masonry, woodwork and metalwork.

FREE MASONRY ROLLER KIT worth £23.85 when you buy 25L or more of Masonry Paint

Help and advice on conservation and restoration work available

1 LIF 5 YE ET AR IM E

Paint mixed on the premises all sizes - all finishes

Open: Monday – Friday 9am – 5.30pm Saturday 9am – 4pm NEXT TO CAR PARK