The Visitor Magazine Issue 402 May 2017

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 01963 351256 www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Issue 402 May 2017

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Your local independent monthly journal

Offers and samples throughout May

In Passing ...

T

HE GOVERNMENT’S new strategy for dealing with littering, released for consultation in early April, has been widely welcomed.

We, as a nation, generate far too much rubbish which should end up in recycling centres, compost heaps, scrap yards or dustbins. But discarded drinks cans and plastic bottles, food cartons and old newspapers, cigarette packets and other detritus of our throwaway society disfigure too much of Visitorland.

It’s no good trying to lay the blame solely on the younger generation. For sure, some of them chuck their empty lager cans and fish-and-chip wrappers out of car windows, spit chewing gum on to the pavements, set fire to cars and scrawl illiterate graffiti on walls and road signs. So do some adults.

It is not youngsters who leave empty fertiliser bags and torn remnants of black plastic sheeting along the edges of rural lanes, who fly-tip unwanted furniture in field gateways, who dump piles of building rubble, garden waste, cardboard boxes and rusting remains of old household appliances to disfigure the countryside.

All of these I have seen on recent walks in Visitorland, and all must have been left there by adults.

Fly-tipping has become one of the greatest problems facing many Visitorland farmers and landowners, especially those on the edge of towns. The Environment Agency reckons that around half of the material dumped on private land is household waste, followed by construction waste and old car tyres, with the clearance costs being many hundreds of pounds per removal.

Stricter penalties are to be welcomed, but what’s needed first are the resources and resolve to stringently enforce the existing laws by pursuing, catching and bringing offenders to court. This needs us all to keep an eye open for signs of littering and fly-tipping and to give the district council or the police a note of the date, time, place and, if possible, the registration number and description of the vehicle

involved. Then it requires a determination on the part of magistrates to impose the harsh penalties already available to them, partly as a deterrent and partly to meet the costs of clearing the rubbish. Littering in all its forms is an environmental crime and the victims are not just landowners but all of us who live in this beautiful part of England.

Instead of reinforcing their mindless belief that someone else will come along and clean up after them, how about sentencing offenders to spend their evenings street-sweeping or litter-picking or clearing fly-tipped rubbish while wearing placards identifying them as filthy scum? It makes more sense than giving council workers the dispiriting task of clearing litter from the streets during the day knowing that some people will have strewn a fresh lot over their patch by tomorrow.

NN.

Advertising Deadlines

June Issue published Thursday 25th May Deadline Friday 12th May

PO Box 1, Castle Cary Somerset BA7 7BP

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

Proprietor Helen Dunion

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

© The Visitor Ltd. 2017

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

CONTENTS

Our FRONT COVER is almost entirely due to Spring

ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLASSIFIED - 50 ANTIQUES & COLLECTING - 45

CASTLE HOUSE NURSING HOME - 7

CROSSWORD - 50 GARDENING - 19

GILLINGHAM - 24

HOUSE & HOME - 33

LEISURE & TRAVEL - 16 LETTERS - 5

LOOKING GOOD & FEELING FINE - 28 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.

MENTIONED in DISPATCHES - 5 MOTORING - 8

MUSIC for the MONTH - 19 NOTICE BOARD - 14 PAPERCHASE - 47

PHONE-A-FIRM - 48

PUBS - 42

TEA FOR TWO - 14 THEY SAY - 43

YEOVIL business focus - 9 WINE & DINE - 46

Drawings by GEOFF THOMPSON

THE VISITOR May 2017 3

ANDREW BARCLAY TRADITIONAL FAMILY BUTCHERS

45 High Street, Wincanton, Somerset BA9 9JU • Tel: 01963 34880 Email: andrewbarclaybutchers@gmail.com • www.andrewbarclaybutcher.com

   

OUR MEAT IS NATURALLY REARED AND SOURCED FROM THE WEST COUNTRY

BEEF from Local West Country Farms LAMB from Steve Bevan and Richard Reed FREE RANGE PORK from Somerset FREE RANGE CHICKEN & DUCK from Creedy Carver ✿

✿

✿ SPRING SAVERS ✿

Free Range Bone-in Pork Chops BUY THREE, GET ONE FREE

Chicken Breasts

✿

✿

BUY THREE, GET ONE FREE

SPECIAL OFFERS ALWAYS E AVAILABL

New Season’s ORGANIC SPRING LAMB from

Richard & Clare Reed, Lily Farm, Welham —

NOW AVAILABLE

—

SPECIAL OFFERS ALWAYS AVAILABLE

Large selection of Local Cheeses including ...

AWARD WINNING MONTGOMERY MATURE CHEDDAR and KEEN’S CHEDDAR

ORDERS TAKEN FOR OUR MEAT at ...

North Cadbury Village Shop and Maiden Bradley Village Shop

Wadman’s World Famous Cream from their Jersey Herd

ANNAMMA’S CUISINE

Homemade Authentic Southern Indian Curry Sauces made locally by a delightful Indian Lady

Free Range Eggs

DAILY DELIVERIES TO THE SURROUNDING AREA

4 THE VISITOR May 2017

Letters To the Editor The Carnival is over

SIR, Sunday 20th November 2016, the last remaining 5 members of The Britannia Carnival Club, with extreme heavy hearts closed the Club.

A final donation of £5,000 has now been forwarded to the Vehicle Safety Order aka VSO. This “Body” keeps all participating carts (Floats) up to the correct safety regulations (like an MOT). Ensuring not only the safety of participants on the carts, but the safety of spectators. One of their main tasks is to weigh the carts, at present using weigh bridges, which can be miles / hours away, for the carts to travel to. But with this donation, we hope, it will help the VSO to purchase mobile weighbridges, so they can go to the “sheds”, where the cart is being built.

May we take the opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us over the many years – our sponsors, past members, other Carnival Clubs and to the many, many friends we have made, along the way.

Please remember how time consuming it is for those involved in producing these carts, the hours of planning, building / painting the cart, practising the dance routines etc. So this autumn, when you go to one of these wonderful carnivals, and you watch the spectacular show before you, dig deep in to your pockets. As many charities, clubs and societies benefit from the funds raised. But more importantly, please give generous applause to each cart / walker as they pass you by.

Good luck to everyone involved in Carnival, may it live for ever!

Christine Stone (Sec) Britannia CC

Mentioned in

Dispatches

St Margaret's Hospice receive a cheque for £2,500 from the Blackmore Vale Lions

Blackmore Vale Lions President Ian Simson, accompanied by Lions George Wagland and Colin Macleod, presented a cheque for £2500 to Victoria Poole, Community Fundraiser for St Margaret’s Hospice, at the Hospices’ Yeovil facility on Thursday 30th March 2017.

St Margaret’s Hospice was the chosen charity to benefit from this year’s annual Blackmore Vale Lions Half Marathon.

The Blackmore Vale Lions are very pleased to be able to present this cheque to this very worthwhile charity as this type of beneficial aid fits exactly into the type of service to the local community that Lions Clubs around the world take great pleasure in supporting.

The Blackmore Vale Lions wish St Margaret’s Hospice and their team every success in their quest to maintain this vital service to the community.

Hinton shop success in countryside alliance rural awards

PO Box 1 Castle Cary Somerset BA7 7BP

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

info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk

The Blackmore Vale Lions present a cheque to St. Margaret’s Hospice.

MAX FOOTE Associates Ltd

Letters

... or email them to

anniversary of the shop's opening.

"The result is a great tribute to our Manager Jillian Fawcett and all her team of staff and volunteers who do so much for the community.

"Congratulations to Ponsanooth, whose success against overwhelming odds was fully deserving of the national title."

OurSHOP and Post Office in Hinton St. George was Highly Commended in the Village Shop and Post Office category in the South West region of the Countryside Alliance Rural Awards - known as the 'Rural Oscars'. The regional winner, Ponsanooth Village Stores in Cornwall, went on to be

Chartered Certified Accountants and Registered Auditors

We’d love to hear from you! Please post your letters to

announced recently as the overall national winner.

Said David Clements, Chairman of the management committee of the communityowned shop: "We were delighted to be the only shop to be Highly Commended in the whole of the South West, especially as we have just celebrated the fifth

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

Personal and professional service

THE VISITOR May 2017 5

Mentioned in

Dispatches

Further improvements proposed for Shape Mendip Hub

Following the success of the Shape Mendip Hub in Shepton Mallet, Mendip District Council is now proposing to develop the hub further so even more public services can be delivered from the site.

The Shape Mendip Partnership is an initiative led by Mendip District Council which has seen leading public services providers including Somerset County Council and Avon Somerset Police move to the Cannards Grave Road hub and work alongside community organisations such as the Citizens Advice Mendip to deliver services to people across the district.

In order to expand the services that could be offered from the hub, Mendip has now agreed to submit a planning application to develop the site further, which could provide space for a variety of new services and facilities, such as a library and additional office space. They are also undertaking

a feasibility study to explore the potential to accommodate a new Police response centre on the site.

The application requests an increased footprint of the hub reception area and change of use.

Donna Nolan, Deputy Chief Executive at Mendip District Council said: “The Shape Mendip Hub has been a great success and has brought key public service providers and community organisations together at the heart of the district to better deliver services for local people.

“We are now looking to further expand the services provided from the hub, so will be submitting a planning application for a new building which will provide a new modern space for the town’s library and additional office space.

“If planning permission is granted, the new library will provide more up to date facilities and be located in a modern space, easily accessible for people in the town. There will be bespoke facilities for children and families and we are also hopeful that the new library will be able to operate longer opening hours.

“Both Mendip District Council and Somerset County Council are working hard to secure the longterm future of library services in Shepton Mallet and I’m delighted that we have been able to help by providing a new space at the Shape Mendip Hub. We are also particularly excited about the opportunities and benefits that bringing additional police facilities to the site may bring.”

NatWest announces the closure of the Langport branch

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

01963 32367

11 Church Street, Wincanton, BA9 9AA

With news that NatWest is to close its historic branch in Langport, the Langport Area Business Group (LABG) is working closely with the team responsible for managing the closure, to ensure the introduction of several measures

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

6 THE VISITOR May 2017

to support the local community, both during and after the closure process. These will include working proactively to support elderly and vulnerable customers, having specially trained staff to help customers find alternative branches, being able to use the new Post Office at Fosters Newsagents for general banking and the possibility of a mobile banking service.

Aside from the obvious loss of a well-used local bank, the Langport branch has historical interest, as it was the home of the original Stukey’s Bank, a joint stock bank and the second to be formed in the whole country, created in 1826 by the amalgamation of three Stukey family banks.

John Rice-Lewis, LABG Chairman said "it is certainly disappointing to hear that our local bank branch is going to be closing, as it has always been extremely well used and has been a vital part of the local community for hundreds of years.

Given how busy it is, I feel NatWest is out of touch with customers who want a high-street presence. Langport is a vibrant place full of independent businesses and whilst losing its last bank is a loss to the town, there are good alternatives being put in place to ensure that a resilient Langport continues to prosper and grow."

Whilst the palace structure replacement was covered by insurance, this fundraising, alongside contributions from the Wells Recreation Ground Trust and Mendip District Council, has resulted in an enhanced play area for the city.

The range of additional enhancements for the play area include; Resurfacing the whole of the play area Introducing additional seating, another picnic table and making the new play structure more open by installing ‘windows’ Installing a new infra-red CCTV camera to monitor the play area 24/7 Donna Nolan, Deputy Chief Executive for Mendip District Council said: “Last year’s arson attack was devastating for everyone who had worked so hard to make the play area such a success, but the local community pulled together and showed incredible community spirit and generosity.

“These new enhancements will complement the replacement play structure and ensure that the play area once again becomes a popular destination for young people from across the area.

“I would like to thank local people for the support, patience and understanding they have shown while we have been working to get the play area fully up and running.”

The Wells Recreation Ground play area has re-opened following the installation of the replacement play structure and further enhancements to the site.

The main palace structure of the new play area was destroyed in an arson attack on Bonfire Night last November, just a week after it was opened. Since this attack, the residents of Mendip have pulled together and shown their generosity by raising almost £13,000 to get the play area open again.

A creative writing group in Castle Cary have published their first book – a collection inspired by the Museum and its exhibits.

“Museum Pieces” is the work of students from the “Fiction Factory”, a creative writing course run by best selling author, Emma Craigie provided by LAMP and supported by Castle Cary Town Council. The book is on sale at The Museum and local bookshop Bailey Hill Books, for £5.00 per copy. All proceeds from the sales will go to the Museum.

Re-opening of Wells Rec play area

Castle Cary Museum Inspires Creative Writing Group

June Issue

Published: Thursday 25th May ... prior to Bank Holiday Deadline: Friday 12th May

To book your advert in The Visitor Magazine Tel: 01963 351256 Email: info@thevisitormagazine.co.uk The Visitor can be read online … www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

CASTLE HOUSE NURSING HOME We are pleased to announce we have been graded

This prestigious merit is awarded to only 0.6% of nursing homes nationally

The impressive new wing at Castle House.

One of the spacious bedrooms.

The large and airy new lounge.

The attractive dining room.

THE NEW WING at CASTLE HOUSE NURSING HOME is now complete and this impressive new addition has added an extra seventeen bedrooms and a large lounge.

The first thing you notice about the new extension is the attention to detail. The lounge is large and airy, with a vaulted ceiling and large windows offering views across the Somerset countryside. With comfortable seating and a flat screen TV – it offers a modern and welcoming environment in which to relax.

The bedrooms are spacious. Some of the rooms have patios that overlook the garden, the others have balconies which overlook fields – each accessed by its own french window. Fully furnished, there is also a flat screen TV, a rise and recline chair and an en-suite wet room.

For those who prefer to bathe rather than shower, new bathroom suites have just been added: these all have jacuzzi-style baths. And to ensure residents look their best there is a dedicated beauty room in the new wing, offering hairdressing and nail care.

The kitchens have also been completely refurbished. Quality food is paramount at Castle House with all meat being organic and locally sourced. Food is freshly prepared and there is always a good choice.

Meal times at Castle House are much anticipated. The attractive dining room together with good food make it a pleasurable experience and should you wish for a ‘tipple’ to accompany your meal, then that is on hand too! A real home-from-home. Family and friends are most welcome to stay for a meal, the only cost being a donation to St. Margaret’s Hospice.

Activities are greatly encouraged and there is always something going on – quizzes, craft demonstrations, exercise classes, drumming. Reminiscent Days are very popular when a topic, such as Old Fashioned Sweets, is discussed and residents reminisce about their childhood favourites and get to try them all again! Any forthcoming events are celebrated too, such as Children in Need, St. Patrick’s Day and more recently the Queen’s Birthday. Local animal societies visit the home regularly bringing with them owls, reptiles and donkeys to name just a few!

Castle House Nursing Home already holds the Gold Standard Framework Award and an award for ‘Outstanding Care Team’.

There are always two fully trained nursing staff on duty and, with a total staff of 80, there is an excellent staff to resident ratio. Being a nursing home ensures that should the health of a resident deteriorate there is no need to move. Whilst resident care is excellent there is no regimented routine, it is a relaxed and friendly environment.

There are plenty of places for residents to chat with friends, alternatively there are quiet areas if they prefer.

‘One-to-one’ is given daily to residents, whether they want help to stroll in the garden, a letter written, or a trip to the shops, they have personal attention.

Set in its own attractive grounds, Castle Hill is a family run nursing home offering individual care facilities for 47 residents in a warm and welcoming environment.  If you would like to know more or would like to arrange a visit please call 01458 223780 or call in person.

Respite and day care facilities are available.

CASTLE HOUSE NURSING HOME Ltd. Castle Street, Keinton Mandeville, Somerton, Somerset, TA11 6DX Tel: 01458 223780 • Email: enquiries@castlehousenh.co.uk • www.castlehousenursinghome.com

CQC

Member of RCPA

THE VISITOR May 2017 7

MOTOR ING

VINTAGE Motor Cycling

I START this month with the plethora of events taking place during May. Nobody could argue that little is happening in the world of old motorcycles. For example, the Wells Classic MCC has seven events during the month, too many to list here, and the Westlands Classic MCC has five events, one of which is the Spirit of the Sixties held on the 7th. Both clubs have good websites so you can pick up the details from there.

The VMCC is similarly blessed with the Somerset Section having a guest speaker for their club night at Cossington on the 4th. On the 18th their Evening Meet takes place at Weston Zoyland and lastly they have the All Day Breakfast Run from Spaxton Village Hall on the 28th. The Wessex Section have a club night at East Stour on the 8th followed on the 18th by a Picnic Run from Woodhenge, Nr Amesbury. The Dorset Section start with their Lunch Meet at West Stour on the 3rd, club night on the 10th will be a guest speaker, on the 21st will be the Weymouth Run from the Pavilion Theatre (more later) and on the 27th will be the Breakfast Meet at West Stour and the next day will see a new event called Classics Around Dorset, which is a ride and show.

As usual more details can be had by ringing 01935-872528.

The Dorset Section this year will be celebrating 50 years of existence, the actual anniversary falls in September. The Weymouth Run was the first event organised by the Section so this year’s run becomes part of those anniversary celebrations.

Special Awards are being prepared to mark this milestone and a good entry would certainly help with these activities, so please make a special effort to be there this year. Any member past or present will be made welcome.

More celebrations will take place later in the summer.

The hobby of motorcycling can take many forms. Ordinary road riding being the most popular whether it be for daily transport or purely for recreational purposes. In addition within these pages I have written about road racing and classic scrambles or motocross, but there are many more sporting activities to be enjoyed. In our area there has always been a strong following for the art of Trials riding. The basic concept is that the rider follows a set course going over various hazards and not stopping or putting his or her feet down.

The hazards can be natural features or manmade and can range from the relatively simple to the jolly near impossible. The degrees of difficulty caters for the range of machines to be used and for the various abilities of the rider. There are differing classes to suit both the rider and the age or type of machine they ride.

GLIDEROL GARAGE DOORS

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

G.H. SALES. Tel: 01935 891414

8 THE VISITOR May 2017

Many years ago I used to ride Trials but my mediocre machine and my total lack of skill probably meant I made a complete fool of myself every time I rode, but who cares because I always thoroughly enjoyed myself. I usually ended up with something broken on the bike and myself absolutely plastered in mud but I still had a smile on my face. My brother on the other hand has plenty of skill and about fifty years experience. He takes part as a veteran rider in the twin shock class and he is still very competitive.

Trials riding is well catered for in this area with very active clubs at Somerton, YeoVale, Blackmore Vale and Taunton. It used to be thought of as an inexpensive sport to get involved in but that is perhaps less true these days, but it is still an entry into the friendly world of competitive motorcycling. Grasstrack, Speedway and Sprinting are other forms of motorcycle sport so there is much to choose from.

Perhaps I will cover another Rod’s brother, Mike, whilst out practising on his 160cc 1981 Fantic 200.

subject at a later date. My picture this month shows my brother, Mike, whilst out practising on his 160cc 1981 Fantic 200.

My pet hate these days seems to be computer scams, maybe I am a grumpy old man. I hope by now you are aware of the latest scam which seems to have fooled many people. If you receive an email purporting to be from the DVLA concerning a speeding offence or parking offence or something similar then please delete it before you open the email. This is definitely a scam as the DVLA do not use e-mail for this purpose, only official letters on correct headed notepaper. The scam site looks official and sounds plausible but if you dare to open it then the scammers will gain access to your passwords and bank details etc. There are so many of these scams around so computer users must remain vigilant to protect themselves.

Not being a computer wizard I feel vulnerable to these people.

Stay safe and the best of luck.

Rod Hann.

Yeovil Independent Traders

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’.

Focalflames Fireplaces

Welcome to Focalflames Fireplaces! Another year has flown by and we haven’t grown a bit! Nope, not a bit! We’ve always stuck to the belief that staying small and personal and specialising in our field means a much more professional and responsive service to our customers! And now with over 15 years’ experience in the industry we pride ourselves on providing high quality, great value services,

with FREE home consultations, and even our very own showroom opening soon!! With expert advice to help you make the right choice at a budget you are happy with, we will not be beaten on price!

So why don't you give us a call or TEXT today for a free no obligation quote on 07931 918947.

Yeovil Auto Tuning

Do you have a caravan – are you looking for storage? Yeovil Auto Tuning now have a sister company (adjoining their premises), Pen Mill Storage who offer secure caravan storage.

Yeovil Auto Tuning are now pleased to offer repairs to classic

J2 Tiles, situated on the Lynx Trading Estate, can enhance your home with their wide range of tiling.

*

MAY PROMOTION

OFF all TILES *supply & fit only – Offer Ends 31st May –

 Quality Floor & Wall Tiles

 Distributors of Porcelanosa and other leading brands

OPEN BANK HOLIDAYS 10am – 4pm

 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 Wickes)

Lynx West Trading Estate YEOVIL, BA20 2HP

 01935 472088 · www.j2tiles.co.uk

THE VISITOR May 2017 9

Yeovil Independent Traders cars to their full range of services.

The services offered include repairs, servicing, engine tuning

and MOT testing incorporating class IV, and Class VII light vans.

A collection and delivery service

is available. Yeovil Auto Tuning is a family run business, established for 34 years.

Proprietor Colin Frost runs the business with his wife Anita and their experienced mechanic.

Yeovil Auto Tuning is located on the Pen Mill Trading Estate where there is ample parking.

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

The Mad Hatter

NORRIS BODY REPAIRS LTD ■ Insurance Claims ■ Private Jobs ■ Restorations ■ Resprays ■ Welding Work

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

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

10 THE VISITOR May 2017

The Mad Hatter was started 31 years ago by husband and wife team Mike and Terri who have grown the business and taken it 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.

Norris Body Repairs Ltd

Norris Body Repairs is a familyrun business near the town centre which carries out car body repairs and re-sprays.

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 23 years’ experience in the industry and will ensure you receive individual attention together with a free estimate and highly skilled repair.

They also specialise in vehicle

The Bed Specialist, Yeovil: A family run business offering a personal and professional service.

Yeovil Independent Traders restorations, offering a chance for the customer to inspect and instruct as the restoration is carried out. Norris Body Repairs also carry out welding work on vehicles that may have failed their MOT. Call Mary Norris to book your car in for repair today!

The Bed Specialist

There isn’t a better way to spend an hour or so than having a good snooze! Whether you are looking for a comfy new mattress, a divan bed with extra storage or perhaps a supportive new pillow, pop in to The Bed Specialist in Yeovil for a lie down and chat to the experts. Delivery is free, your new bed is assembled and your old bed disposed of.

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

Now Yeovil’s largest independent bed shop, they have lovely showrooms where you can try over 50 beds, get helpful and unbiased advice, enjoy a hot drink and spend as much time as necessary to find the perfect new bed for your needs.

In addition, they also offer an extensive range of chairs and suites

by Sherborne Upholstery and reclining adjustable beds. Top quality handmade beds and mattresses by VISPRING and HYPNOS are also on display with generous discounts throughout May. A good night’s sleep is essential for your health and

wellbeing – so choosing the right bed or mattress is an important decision. The team at The Bed Specialist in Yeovil have years of experience behind them and a huge choice of beds and mattresses to suit everyone.

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.

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.

Hider Heating

Hider Heating, established since 1973, is an expert in the plumbing and heating sector, working with estate agents, letting agents and the general public in the Somerset area.

They offer their customers all aspects of plumbing and heating including: full central heating installation; boiler repairs and servicing; bathrooms; landlord gas safety certificates and general plumbing.

Their Gas Safe registration number is 700 so you can see that

they have been in the business a long time, giving you confidence that only the highest standard of workmanship is offered as standard - they also have great testimonials.

in Yeovil, Somerset, we have access to numerous

Yeovil Hydraulics

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 business offers a full servicing programme on all makes of vehicle and is a MOT Testing station.

Walter Wall

With more than 100 rugs on display in our showroom, you are spoiled for choice with the variety that we have available. Situated

Walter Wall Carpets and Rugs are located in Princes Street, Yeovil.

A well-established independent business, they offer a comprehensive range of flooring and a wonderful choice of rugs.

YEOVIL HYDRAULICS • MAYFLOWER HYDRAULICS

HIDER HEATING

Specialists in Installation & Service

ALL TYPES OF PLUMBING Central Heating Systems, Boiler Replacement Landlord Safety Checks and Servicing Gas and Oil Established Over 40 Years Rely on us for all Plumbing & Heating Needs Specialist in Bathroom Designs including all Tiling & Electrics

Reg. No. 700

www.hiderheating.co.uk Tel: 01935 426209 • Mobile: 07836 773152 41a West Coker Road, Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 2LY

• 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

THE VISITOR May 2017 11

Yeovil Independent Traders manufacturers in the industry that can also offer customised rugs when you want to create your own bespoke soft

furnishings. When you visit us, there are also 4 brochures from different manufacturers on display to offer you a vast

New in, this attractive sofa is available in a wide range of colours and sizes. Call in at Fit & Furnish to see their complete range for yourself.

Many in-store promotions.

selection of rugs to choose from.

Only offering you rugs and carpets of the finest quality, we boast different shapes, sizes, and colours to suit your home perfectly.

With prices that start from ÂŁ20, the team at Walter Wall Carpets Ltd are able to cater to all budgets. Whether you are looking for something standard as a more budget-friendly option, or highend to add a luxurious feel to your home, there is something to suit all tastes. We are always happy to assist you and go the extra mile to ensure that the best possible service is provided.

Samaritans

12 THE VISITOR May 2017

Your local branch of Samaritans is at 25 The Park, Yeovil. Our members are all volunteers including the branch management team and most people do not realise that we have to raise all the money to run the branch ourselves. We have over 100 volunteers from all walks of life and as well as providing support for our callers over the phone, we do so by email and text and face to face in the branch.

And we have a team providing emotional support once a week in A&E at YDH. We are very proud of the work done by our volunteers who range in age from mid-twenties to early nineties! Find out more at www.samaritans.org/branches.

Helpline freephone 116 123.

Yeovil Independent Traders 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 Telephone: 01935 706526

John Hamblin

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

These beautiful flowers are available from Andrea’s of Yeovil, situated in Middle Street. They offer an Interflora delivery service.

 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”

WARD & SIBLEY Independent Jewellers of Yeovil

A family concern – John Hamblin with son Mark and nephew David Dewfall in their Pen Mill workshop. Established for over 30 years in bespoke furniture and furniture restoration.

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

 Complete refurbishment of jewellery –

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

 Jewellery handmade to your own design  Seal, hand, and machine engraving  Pearl and bead re-threading

VALUATIONS For Insurance and Probate

For a prompt, reliable & friendly service

Ward & Sibley Independent Jewellers of Yeovil offer a wide range of services.

THE CASKET 103 MIDDLE STREET YEOVIL Tel: 01935 474065

“Established for over 70 Years”

CAR PARK at rear for customers while visiting the shop

THE VISITOR May 2017 13

“Tea ...

Chatter~Cino

A hidden gem serving ...

breakfast – light lunches – soup homemade cakes – daily specials ... to eat in or take away

 FRESH BREAD DAILY  Childrens parties welcome Cakes made for all occasions

Open Monday – Saturday 8.30am – 3.30pm

10 Lower Street MERRIOTT, TA16 5NL Enquiries telephone

Alice on 01460 76659

Chatter-Cino Café, Merriott

Have you discovered this friendly little coffee shop?

Chatter-Cino of Merriott, near Crewkerne, offers delicious homecooked food, much of which is locally sourced. Enjoy a breakfast from 8.30am until 12noon plus daily specials such as lasagne and homemade soup, and wonderful homemade cakes and tray-bakes.

Afternoon teas with scones and

jam, or if you prefer something savoury, cheese scones and chutney are both firm favourites.

Bread is freshly baked on the premises and gluten free bread is also available.

Children’s parties are most welcome. Special occasion cakes can be made to order. Just pop in to discuss your requirements.

Homemade chutney is now stocked.

Open 8.30am until 3.30pm.

Kate at Living Pretty Tea Rooms – where there is a delicious assortment of homemade fayre from breakfasts and lunches through to cakes and childrens specials.

Delicious Afternoon Tea

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

Celebration Afternoon Cream Tea £40 For Two to include Champagne  Vouchers can now be purchased online  THE IDEAL GIFT

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

kate@livingpretty.co.uk • www.livingpretty.co.uk

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

May Notice Board

CASTLE CARY

An evening with singer / songwriter Jo Burt, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary. Saturday 13 May 18:45. Tickets £12 from www.wegottickets.com – further details from www.caryford hall.co.uk

14 THE VISITOR May 2017

HENSTRIDGE

Tuesday 2nd May. Blackmore Vale U3A. ‘Cyber Crime’ talk by Dorset Police. 2.30pm Henstridge Village Hall. Members £1.50 Visitors £2.50. Refreshments included.

ILMINSTER

Meditation, 20 minutes’ silence, St. Mary's Church 8:10am Mon / Wed / Fri and 7.00pm Wed. All welcomed regardless of experience / faith / beliefs.

NORTH CURRY

Open gardens June 3rd and 4th 2pm – 6pm (last entry at 5:30pm).

In aid of St. Peter & St. Paul’s

Church. Teas, free parking, plants for sale.

SOMERTON

Thursday 11th May, 10am - 3pm, White Hart Inn, Somerton TA11 7LX. 'Made in Somerset' – Contemporary crafts / gifts, local food / produce, Joined by ACEarts Gallery. Coffee, browse, shop, lunch, FREE entry – raffle Etatu charity.

GILLINGHAM & MERE

Watercolour Club: starts 4th May Gillingham 4 Thursdays 2.00 – 4.00 £55.00 and from May 8th at Mere Lecture Hall 3 Mondays 7.00 – 9.00 £45.00

Introduction to Watercolour: 3 Fridays 10.30-12.30 £45.00 Mere Lecture Hall starts May 5th.

One day workshop Creative Watercolour: Monoprinting Abstracts – Saturday 6th May 10.30 – 4.30 £40.00 each at Vicarage School Room, Gillingham. Enrolments: www.laura-jolliffe.co.uk

ADVERTISE YOUR JUNE EVENT HERE ...

A listing under our Notice Board costs just £5 for 20 words. Send details of What? When? Where? to The Visitor, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7BP. All entries to be pre-paid. Extra words 30p each. Deadline for June issue, Friday 12th May.

for Two”

Left: a delicious high tea with bubbles at Stur of the Moment!

This makes a wonderful treat and can be eaten inside or alfresco in the sunny courtyard. High Teas need to be booked in advance.

Tea for two!

In today’s busy world, and in the haze of our busy lives, making time for ourselves and our beloved is more important than ever. Taking the time to really taste our food is truly one of life’s pleasures and it can also be all too easy to go for days, weeks, months or even years without spending quality time with our friends, family or partners. Finger sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, a glass of bubbly: even if a cup of tea is not your cup of tea, you will find something which whets your appetite! So why not love food in the company of your loved one, and enjoy teafor-two!

Bilbys Coffee Shop, Crewkerne

Bilbys Coffee Shop

Bilbys Coffee Shop was named after Jane’s Great grandfather Robert Bilby Little who was a vicar in Standon in Hertfordshire.

Bilby is an unusual name but it has connections with Crewkerne.

The Bells in the local church were cast by the Bilbies family, a strange bunch from Chew Stoke who would only cast bells by the light of a full moon (probably because it would take all day to melt the brass and they needed the light of the moon to see to cast the bell)!

Bilbys serve light lunches, all day breakfasts, teas, coffees and cakes. All the cakes are made by Jane at Bilbys. She is particularly proud of her Somerset apple cake which is great served warm but even better with clotted cream.

SOMERSET GARDEN DAY

Take part in the first Somerset Garden Day on Sunday 14th May

ON SUNDAY 14th May, the first ever Somerset Garden Day is taking place, providing a chance for people across the county to down tools and spend quality time celebrating their gardens with neighbours, friends and family. The day is about celebrating our gardens in all their shapes and forms and hopes to inspire more people to experience the wonderful wellbeing benefits that they can bring.

Taking part in Somerset Garden Day couldn’t be easier: just find a fun and relaxing way to celebrate your garden space on Sunday 14th May. How you do this is completely up to you – it could be hosting a picnic with friends, organising an afternoon of family games or sharing afternoon tea with neighbours.

There are no rules about how to celebrate and anyone and everyone can take part. The most important thing is for people to spend time relaxing and enjoying their gardens!

Villages and towns across Somerset are being encouraged to spread the word to get as many people as possible involved on the day. Those taking part can share photos of their preparations and celebrations using #SomersetGardenDay.  Find out more: info@gardenday.co.uk #SomersetGardenDay www.gardenday.co.uk

HOMEMADE & DELICIOUS AFTERNOON TEA Sandwiches of your choice  Scones, Jam & Cream Selection of Mini Cakes  Pot of Tea or Coffee ... only £8.10 PP

TRADITIONAL CREAM TEA

Fruit or Plain Scones with Jam & Cream Tea or Coffee Go on, spoil yourself! £4.70 PP

Market Street, Crewkerne, Somerset, TA18 7JY  01460 72622

THE VISITOR May 2017 15

Yarn Shop Day: 6th May at Hansons, Sturminster Newton

Come along to Hansons Fabrics & Crafts of Sturminster Newton and join in their fund-raising day for Julia’s House. Projects include make a cactus in a pot, a mini hot-water bottle cover and a mini weaving project.

Come and enjoy a new experience plus refreshments and a chat – all in a good cause.

Weekly Meditation Group, Ilminster

Newcomers or experienced meditators welcomed.

Open to everyone regardless of prior experience, faith or beliefs.

See Notice Board for details.

Meditation and Speaker: Rev. Nigel Done

Rev. Nigel Done’s talk ‘My recent Journey to India: Places of spiritual enlightenment, unique

wildlife and the beauty that is Kerala’ will take place on Wednesday 3rd May, 7:00pm at St. Mary's Church, Ilminster.

This will be a visual presentation including personal paintings, photographs, and sketches. Refreshments provided.

An evening with Jo Burt at Caryford Hall, Castle Cary

Jo Burt is an English songwriter, storyteller, singer and guitarist

possibly best known for his history working with musical legends such as Freddie Mercury, The Troggs and Black Sabbath over the past 40 years. The show will comprise of tracks from his new album, previous releases plus his own versions of some of the huge hits that have shaped his career ("Wild Thing", "Paranoid", "2-4-6-8 Motorway" etc). Saturday 13th May, 18:45.

See Notice Board for details.

Hansons Fabrics & Crafts of Sturminster Newton display a small sample of the wonderful things you can make! Free patterns for many projects.

16 THE VISITOR May 2017

Party by the Parrett: Saturday 1st July, 2pm until 11pm

We are now in our 7th year and look forward to welcoming you all to Party by the Parrett. A music extravaganza with this year’s line-up already booked. In no particular order we have the Renegades, Oas-is, Eve Lesedi & band, Utter Chaos, Bootleg Swing Band, Alfie Saunders, Laura Jones and Kingsbury Episcopi School Choir plus other acts to be announced.

As ever you can relax in our beer tent with great ales, cider, Pimms and more or hang out in the tropical tent with nonalcoholic cocktails. We offer food to suit all tastes & dietary requirements. Everything still kept at very reasonable prices.

Lots of fun & entertainment for the children, workshops, circus skills, dressing up box & more.

See www.partybytheparrett .co.uk for full terms and conditions.

If anyone would like to

• Oas-is • Renegades • Utter Chaos • Bootleg Swing Band

... plus more, for full line up see website

TICKETS

Early Bird Adult ‘til 12th June ......... £8 After 12th June .................................. £15 Early Birds 5 – 17 ‘til 12th June ...... £3 After 12th June .................................... £5 UNDER 4s FREE BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR DO NOT bring food or alcohol into the venue. Sorry, DOGS are NOT permitted.

Challenge 25 – PLEASE BRING I.D. (Passport or Driving Licence)

FREE PARKING on the recreation ground – postcode TA12 6BG ENQUIRIES

polly@partybytheparrett.co.uk For full terms and conditions see: www.partybytheparrett.co.uk

THE VISITOR May 2017 17

Don’t Forget!

The Yarlington Fringe free community event takes place on Friday 28th, Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th April 2017. BBQ, beer, music. See: www.yarlingtonsomerset.co.uk

APRIL ...

Saturday 29th Sunday 30th Sunday 30th

MAY ...

Monday 1st

Wednesday 3rd Friday 5th Wednesday 10th Wednesday 17th Saturday 27th Sunday 28th

PETE HOLDEN from 9pm – 12pm Wyndham Arms, Kingbury Episcopi FLASH HARRY Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil

SOULVILLE Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon ANGELO from 12noon – 5pm Wyndham Arms, Kingbury Episcopi BLUES Crown Inn, Sherborne

HELL’S BELLS (AC/DC Tribute) Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil JAZZ Crown Inn, Sherborne

FOLK Crown Inn, Sherborne

OPEN MIC’ NIGHT Crown Inn, Sherborne

ROD’S FACES Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon

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

By John Osborne • Answers can be found on page 47

'Hopes and Dreams' (as shown in advert) and 'Dad', both limited edition giclee prints by Alexander Millar. The image size is 48 x 38cm and edition size 295. The framed price is £475.00.

Available from Martock Gallery of Martock.

‘Hopes and Dreams’ Limited edition giclee prints by Alexander Millar

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

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

1. Who, with his band, sang all about 'Silly Love Songs'?

2. Who once declared that he was 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours'?

3. Name the Fleetwood Mac album released 40 years ago (1977) 4. Gary Lightbody fronts which band?

5. Which one word prefixes the bracket in the following Rupert Holmes hit '(The Piña Colada Song)'?

6. Name the band that rattled on about a 'Teenage Dirtbag' in 2001.

7. 'If I fell', 'Can't Buy Me Love' and 'I Should Have Known Better' are all tracks from which Beatles album? (Clue: Film) 8. We associate Tom Chaplin mainly with which band?

9. Liam Lynch sang about 'The United States of... ?'

10. Name the duo who sang about 'Broken Strings' in 2009.

Bonus Question Name the year for Q1.

Question Impossible William Patrick Niederst is better known as whom?

Great Quotes in Music (92) “Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.”

— PLATO — 18 THE VISITOR May 2017

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

volunteer to help us in any capacity please contact Abby on 01460 419702 or Annie on 01935 507183. You will get free admission and our thanks. We would also be pleased to hear from potential sponsors.

GARDENING MONTHLY

by Richard Cumming

Blossom and bees

Orchard Park

I think it’s going to be a terrific year for fruit judging by the amount of blossom I see. Granted it could still all go terribly wrong, with maybe a drought that shrinks the fruit or causes it to drop, damage from hail, pestilence and some other disaster but so far it looks good!

The blossom is the icing on the cake as far as this spring is concerned with a truly fabulous show of flower from the snowdrops. Daffodils did well, tulips glowed – although some cut short by the unseasonably dry April, magnolias and rhodos looked great, cherry blossom in every street followed by the ornamental crab apples and the apples and pears. A year like this gets us all off to a good start with the promise of a good summer ahead.

About the bees; we really need them to pollinate the blossom which produces much of the food we eat. It's not just about the bees, a garden buzzing with insect life is a lot more interesting than one without. Insect pests can drive us mad but wildlife in general can sort the problems out.

So, a garden must have the right plants to attract a range of insects feeding both the caterpillars as well as the adult stages. Pest control is a big issue at this time of year with delicate seedbeds and flowers attracting insects so it is really important that as gardeners we do act responsibly.

Garden chemicals are tested extensively and the manufacturers give clear instructions as to how they can be used. It is always going to be a personal choice as to whether you use chemicals or not. If you do then it is absolutely essential that you follow the instructions.

Never spray open flowers where bees or other insects are feeding, use only the concentration of product recommended – twice the strength will not have twice the effect! With insecticides there are either contact or systemic products.

Contact need to come

into contact with the pest to work, while systemic products will enter the plant and kill the pest when it feeds. Most of the really nasty products have gone from the garden centre shelves and there are some really effective products using natural ingredients that are ideal for chemical-free gardening.

Other simple products to look for are sticky traps and pheromone traps which can be hung (respectively) in greenhouses and amongst fruit trees.

Other pest problems such as rabbits, pigeons, cats and deer may need either physical barriers such as netting or garden mesh, or various products that discourage pests such as Grazers which is a calcium based product that works well against rabbits, or the appropriately named ‘Scent-Off’ which cats don’t like!

There are many ways to make the most of a good year and enhance our garden outdoor space whatever its size. The main thing in my book is that it should be enjoyable and not a burden. That might depend on the amount of time, energy or cash available and there is certainly no point in trying to recreate the Chelsea show gardens! Make it manageable!

What do most of us want?

Colour, privacy, relaxation, growing or entertaining space and somewhere for children and pets to play safely. You can change the order to suit your needs, that's entirely up to you, but what you do need is a plan and one that is achievable as there is no point in trying to rebuild the garden if you want to hold a party next week! Not unless you have a team of skilled landscapers at your disposal.

There are many ways to make the most of our outdoor space whatever our garden’s size, but make it manageable!

THE VISITOR May 2017 19

Plants for May

Ideal time to get your own culinary herb garden going that can look almost too good to eat!

Try 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, combine herbs valued for their ornamental beauty to produce long-lasting displays as well as regular pickings for the kitchen.

There are no hard and fast rules about creating herb gardens, but successful designs often define the space using brick pavers, dividing-up the area with

Approved contractor to Dorset & Somerset C.C.

small paths to provide easy access for picking. Go for an informal mix or choose a formal pattern or cartwheel design. As a centre piece 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 a herb garden favourite, 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

QUALIFIED ARBORIST

ALL ASPECTS OF TREE CARE AND DANGEROUS TREE REMOVAL

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

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

Three Counties Landscape & Tree Services Ltd @ Julian Shave  Soft and Hard Landscaping

 Project Design and Advice  Plant Search

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Pot Plants, Cut Flowers ...

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

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20 THE VISITOR May 2017

Castle Cary (01963) 350881

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.

Four hardy herbs for pots or borders: Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Mint varieties Chives – both regular onion

flavoured and Garlic Chives.

Thyme (Thymus varieties) Include AGM winners like golden thyme (Thymus ‘Aureus'), ‘Silver Queen', ‘Pink Chintz', lemon scented ‘Bertram Anderson'.

Herb plants and seeds are available at garden centres now.

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

Full ground preparation and laying service available

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

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

GARDEN MACHINERY

Ben Johnson, 17d Wincombe Business Park SHAFTESBURY, SP7 9QJ Tel: 01747 851021 • www.benjohnsonmowers.com THE VISITOR May 2017 21

Herb topiaries

G.M. AYRES

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

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

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

22 THE VISITOR May 2017

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.

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 fertiliser to one watering a week to keep plants growing strongly, or mix slow-release fertiliser granules into compost at planting time.

3. Regularly picking 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

The weather so far has been good but there is always the chance of a cold snap. Watch out for late frosts and be ready to protect tender plants with fleece or by moving them to a sheltered spot.

In the veg garden, loads of weeding, salad sowing, bean and sweet corn sowing and planting out, potatoes need earthing up.

Watering is important for crops that have started to grow as drought will hold them back. If you can, water early and late to get the most out of your water and recycle water whenever possible.

Summer bedding is usually safe to be planted out at the end of the month.

The best weed control is a dutch or sharp push hoe. Used regularly it will save money and keep flower and veg beds clear of annual weeds. Deep rooted perennial weeds need harsher treatment, dug up or sprayed off (carefully!) with a glyphosate weedkiller.

If you are lucky enough to have a greenhouse then shading is essential and ventilation on warm days.

Lawns are important this month. Mow regularly, usually once a week, and keep on top of lawn weeds with a daisy grubber or a lawn weedkiller. If you use the latter then don’t add the clippings to the compost heap to avoid the weedkiller being a problem when the compost is used. Without weedkiller or lawn treatment, clippings are really useful mixed with more fibrous material in the compost heap.

Mulching mowers are a great investment returning the clippings back to the soil. If you always ‘box’ them off then you

will need to feed the lawn to keep it in good shape.

Sowing new lawns or overseeding dead patches can still be carried out in early May. Prepare the ground for sowing by cultivating, levelling and lightly firming beforehand. Do not walk over or mow newly sown grass until it has reached a height of 5 – 7.5cm (2 – 3in), and then only give it a light trim at the highest setting.

Ensure new lawns (either from turf or seed) do not dry out during dry spells. Keep off them for as

long as possible to allow establishment. Don't worry over a flush of weed seedlings in newly seeded turf. These will disappear once regular mowing begins.

If moss is a problem, choose a combined fertiliser and mosskiller when feeding the lawn.

Selective lawn weedkillers will kill the weeds but not the grass or any naturalised bulbs.

However, be warned - they will kill wild flowers growing in the turf and damage border plants that they may come into contact with.

Andy Cole and Julie Rainford look forward to seeing you at the newly opened Grassroots Garden and Aquatics Centre.

All types of Fencing

• Gates • Trellis • Fence Panels • Tool Sheds • Summer Houses • Garages • Workhouses • Greenhouses • Field Shelters

All Buildings are hand-made at Bourton using Scandinavian Redwood Shiplap Timber.

Bourton, Gillingham on the old A303 Nr. Zeals For Free Survey/Estimate/Brochure

TELEPHONE 01747 840752

THE VISITOR May 2017 23

GILLINGHAM TOWN

FOR A YEAR or more a friend who lives in Gillingham has been enthusing about a café called Platform One. Located in the railway station, hence its name, it won the 2016 Taste of Dorset Award as the best independent tearoom or café, so I felt duty bound to try it for myself on my recent visit to the town. I wasn’t disappointed. The entrance is from the car park so customers don’t have to enter the station first, although it is clear that a considerable number of them want their food packed up to take away and enjoy on the train. And enjoy is the right word, for the menu is innovative and tempting and the food is certainly tasty.

The proprietors boast that they use local fresh produce whenever possible, and high-quality coffee, and on the evidence of my lunch I believe them. Tables and chairs occupy several small rooms – and a stretch of pavement outside – making the café an ideal place for those not travelling to meet up with friends for a meal or a coffee. You would have to go a

long way to find a better one, so it is worthy of its award.

While I was there the station was busy with passengers waiting for a London-bound train, and I overheard some of them wondering what the effect will be of the Department for Transport’s decision to award the trainoperating franchise to a different company from 20th August. After running the service for more than 21 years, Stagecoach failed in its bid to retain the South West Trains franchise, which has been awarded instead to First MTR South Western Trains Ltd, a joint venture with First Group having a 70% share and Hong Kongbased MTR having 30%. So in addition to operating trains on the Paddington to Exeter route via Castle Cary, First will soon be playing the major part in operating the Waterloo to Exeter route too. No wonder I heard concerns being expressed, especially as Gillingham’s current train service is the most frequent and fastest ever.

The frequent service to London

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

Tel: 01747 826714

www.townandcountryaerials.co.uk

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Located in Gillingham railway station is the independent award-winning Platform One café.

Gillingham & Shaftesbury

AGRICULTURAL SHOW ‘The Show where Town & Country Meet’

Wednesday 16th August 2017

130 Years

8.30am – 6.30pm at the

Motcombe Turnpike Showground SP7 9PL

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

ATTRACTIONS INCLUDE:

ADRENALINE TOUR QUADBIKE STUNT DISPLAY

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

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

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

SCHEDULES & TRADE APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE NOW

Call: 01747 823955

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

GILLINGHAM TOWN

via Salisbury, Andover and Basingstoke ensures that there is a steady stream of travellers walking to and from the station, and the area round the junction of Station Road and Le Neubourg Way has become a hive of activity with the ASDA, Iceland and Waitrose stores all in the vicinity as well as the Original Factory Shop, Wheels cycle store, Bakers car dealership and others. And a short way up Station Road is another place worth visiting to buy high-quality coffee.

Coffeeworks Dorset, formerly the 918 Coffee Company, has gained a glowing reputation for the various coffees roasted close to the premises.

On the afternoon of my visit there appeared to be as many shoppers here as on the High Street, but I don’t accept my cynical Gillingham friend’s view that the High Street is nothing but estate agents, charity shops, coffee shops and empty shops.

The long High Street boasts a far greater variety of high-quality retailers than one might expect

to find in a small town – and the town’s growing number of houses are well-served by Crockers hardware shop and Cullingford Carpets and Interiors, both longestablished local businesses. And for the Polish community there is the well-stocked Little Poland delicatessen and grocery.

However, the supermarkets have cornered the market in such traditional trades as bakers, grocers, fishmongers, tobacconists and gents outfitters, and instead the High Street is having to find a new purpose by catering more for specialist interests and the leisure market.

At its western end beyond the Queen Street turning the High Street is now a cul-de-sac and retains an unhurried charm and the traditional atmosphere of a small country town. Here are two historic pubs – the Red Lion and the Phoenix – and a handful of interesting shops including Scenes which offers a fine selection of paintings and prints as well as artists’ materials. It’s so peaceful that it’s hard to

believe that The Square in front of the parish church was once part of the main road through Gillingham to Wincanton. The town also retains other picturesque spots just a stone’s throw from the town centre, notably the footpath across Town Meadow which provides a pleasant route between the High

Street and Waitrose supermarket on the other side of the river, and the riverside footpath from Waitrose that winds between attractive old thatched cottages to Chantry footbridge and across the river to The Square.

An event which seems certain to draw visitors into the town is GillFest, the town’s community

Coffeeworks on Station Road has gained a glowing reputation for the various coffees roasted close to the premises.

THE VISITOR May 2017 25

GILLINGHAM TOWN

festival. It runs for ten days from 30th June to 9th July, with the main events being staged at Gillingham School and the Methodist Church on the High Street. Among the impressive list of performers are The Manfreds, guitar virtuoso Gary Ryan, jazz singer Julie Dunn, folk song exponent Cara Dillon, former Yes pianist and organist

Rick Wakeman, Castle Cary Choir, Gillingham Imperial Silver Band and The Ben Waters Big Band. Other events include an evening of organ music with lights, lasers and fireworks, an antiques valuation in aid of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, an evening of verse from the ever-popular Pam Ayres and an opera night

PLANT WORLD

featuring popular songs and arias from Mozart to the 20th century. On the final Saturday of the festival a free Town Fête is being staged on the Town Meadow from 11.00am until 4.30pm. As well as the traditional ingredients of a fête – stalls selling food, drink, plants, art and craftwork – local clubs and societies will be showcasing their activities, musicians will be playing and

there will be lots to keep children occupied and happy.

The GillFest programme containing full details and ticket prices is available now from Orchard Park Garden Centre and Hambledon estate agents in Gillingham and from the Tourist Information Centre in Shaftesbury. It can also be viewed on the website www.gillfest.org Roger Richards.

For the best plants!

For all your gardening needs

Do Call In • Open 7 Days a Week • Ample FREE Parking

Milton On Stour, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 5QA Tel: 01747 824015

All Size Skips Available

When hiring skips we can fill with aggregate - one delivery ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽

Call for enquiries Grab / beaver tail / tipper hire Screened or as dug soil Sand and gravel supplies 25 kilo bags Bulk bags Plant and tool hire All size deliveries Collected or delivered

Trade & DIY Welcome • Ring for enquiries • All rubbish clearance undertaken

Gillingham 01747 826107

26 THE VISITOR May 2017

The Square at the western end of the High Street retains the traditional atmosphere of a small country town.

GILLINGHAM TOWN with our usual vast selection of home-produced top quality plants available to buy and our horticulturists on hand to answer questions.

Proceeds from the day will go towards projects supporting our disabled workers learn new skills and move towards independence.

For more details and dog show entry forms, ring 01747 822242 or call into the garden centre in Common Mead Lane, Gillingham SP8 4RE.

NEWLY OPENED

Gillingham retains some picturesque spots just a stone’s throw from the town centre.

Thorngrove Garden Centre’s Open Day 2017

Thorngrove Garden Centre’s annual Open Day will be held on Saturday 6th May from 10am to 4pm this year.

Attractions include: a fun dog show, back for the third year, with even more novelty classes for the family pet; reptiles and other creatures for handling from Scales and Tails; a display and advice from local bonsai and orchid clubs; a dalek roaming the site keeping everyone in order; various stalls such as tombola, cakes and hook the duck; and a choice of refreshments from Moo Moo Whippy’s ice cream van, a barbecue and afternoon tea.

New for this year is an old steam organ with dancing figures playing music in the car park –

ACF WINDOWS

ANDY FELTHAM

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

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

a fascinating reminder of years gone by.

All the garden centre growing areas will be open to the public

Lopen Fallow Interiors

IF YOU ARE looking to give your home a fresh new look then a visit to the newly opened Lopen Fallow Interiors is well worth a trip.

Owned and run by mother and daughter team Yvonne Markham and Jimaine Ayres, the newly

opened showroom showcases a wonderful selection of soft furnishings and home interiors including lighting, mirrors and furniture.

Yvonne has a background in interiors and daughter Jimaine shares her enthusiasm and flair.

Together they offer a making up service for curtains, blinds and soft furnishing with a delightful range of designer fabrics to choose from - including Clarke & Clarke, Kate Forman, Cabbages & Roses and James Hare silks.

A wide range of home accessories and furniture can be sourced to suit your personal style.

Why not call in for an informal chat or book a no obligation home visit? From a pair of curtains to a complete home make over, Lopen Fallow Interiors, situated at the lower end of Gillingham High Street – opposite St. Mary’s Church.

SPRING PROMOTION

20% ... £20 OR MORE including art books Artist’s Materials

OFF when you spend

 Exclusions apply see instore for details 

High Street GILLINGHAM

01747 824050 email: scenesol@aol.com

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

OPEN DAY

Saturday 6th May 10am – 4pm

OPEN DAY includes: Fun Dog Show, Reptiles to Handle, Steam Organ, Displays of Bonsai and Orchids, Barbecue, Ice Creams and Afternoon Tea, Raffle, Tombola, Cakes and Other Stalls ... PLUS A DALEK! Lots for all the family – ring for 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 THE VISITOR May 2017 27

Hom e Visit s

ing Walk s Stick

Step inside!

We have a wonderful choice of

Rise and Recline Chairs & Beds Scooters to suit all budgets

Acorn Stairlifts

On-the-premises servicing NEXT TO COSTA COFFEE AND WITHIN EASY REACH OF MAIN CAR PARK 28 THE VISITOR May 2017

Call in and see us at ...

10 Falkland Square, Crewkerne, TA18 7JS  01460 271172 www.regencycareandmobility.co.uk

“If you can’t come to us we will come to you”

Amour, Wincanton

The swimwear event recently, hosted by Amour was a great success, with funds being raised for "Against Breast Cancer".

Additionally, they were able to spread the word about their collection facility for bras that are no longer used, the proceeds of which go to the same charity.

They still have a wide range of bikinis, swimsuits and cover-ups in stock, with some skirted options from Panache due very soon. Cover-ups are embellished with embroidery or sequins, or are geometric or floral prints.

Pure cotton white summer tops are popular, as well as cotton vest tops by Nina Von C, Hanro and Rosch in a range of colours.

To finish your warm weather wardrobe, they also have cotton nightwear from Cyberjammies in fun prints and more demure whites to help you keep cool on hot summer nights.

Preview, Wincanton

Here comes the sun! The brighter days are reflected in the colourful collection at Preview of Wincanton.

Beautiful peaches and sand, aqua and cobalt, hot pink and navy can all be found.

A new label for this season is Barbara Lebek – easy to wear coordinates in a lovely soft pistachio - ideal for that cruise!

Joseph Ribkoff offer some really funky cropped trousers this season in bold designs such as blue roses on a crisp white

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

background also a brown and cream honeycomb design – very stylish.

Another new label this season is Orientique from Australia 100% natural fibres. Sun dresses in bold colourways are just £79.

Among the collection are kimono style jackets a must for the summer.

Continuing to fly out of the door is the Robell range of pull on trousers in every colour imaginable.

To complete your outfit Preview have a range of shoes including Riva leather pumps in striking blue, pink or green.

For the beach, leather sandals with a touch of sparkle, just £29, and block-heeled sandals with colourful heels to brighten any outfit.

Do call in: new stock is arriving all the time!

Complementary Therapies teacher awarded Fellowship

Patricia Parfitt, Complementary Therapies teacher at Strode College, has recently been awarded Fellowship status by the Federation of Holistic Therapists.

Patricia has been teaching at Strode College for 27 years and delivers Complementary Therapy classes including Stone Therapy

The Visitor CAN BE READ ONLINE

www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

Massage, Reflexology and Aromatherapy. As part of her professional development as a therapist she has been a member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists for many years. In

Summertime and the living is easy ...

recognition of this continued membership Patricia has been awarded Fellowship status, a mark of distinction which shows the highest standards of expertise, achievement and success.

 Stunning Separates in cool cotton

 Pretty Sun Dresses  Sparkling Sandals  Colourful Cut Offs ... and more!

fashion boutique

Market Place • Wincanton  01963 31676

VISIT our NEW WEBSITE www.previewwincanton.co.uk

More than Lingerie

Summer 2017 Swimwear from ...  Maryan Mehlhorn  Roidal

 Tessy  Panache  Heidi Klum

... with co-ordinating cover ups, flip flops, and beach bags

7 Market Place, Wincanton, BA9 9LL Tel: 01963 32808 • www.amour-lingerie.co.uk THE VISITOR May 2017 29

Bramley Home Care opens in Sherborne on Monday 8th May

Bramley Home Care is an established and professional home care agency that has been providing reliable and quality care services within Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire for many years. On Monday 8th May we open our new Bramley Home Care Office in Sherborne. If you are looking for care and support for yourself or for an elderly family member within Sherborne and surrounding areas come and see us.

Bramley Home Care is proud of the high quality professional care and support it offers and our Care Quality Commission report

reflects the excellent level of service we provide. The packages we provide are tailored to suit each individual, enabling our clients to remain independent and living in the comfort of their own homes for as long as possible.

The NEW Bramley Home Care Office is open in CHEAP STREET, SHERBORNE so please drop in to discuss your requirements. Alternatively, contact Bramley Home Care direct on 01747 855844 or email info@bramleycare.com. Find us online at www.bramleycare.com

Andrew Knight – Osteopath

Andrew runs general practices in Keinton Mandeville and Castle

Cary offering Osteopathic Care to a wide range of age groups.

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

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

Andrew remains involved in Archery posture and dance safety which crosses professional life with leisure activities.

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

Guided Relaxation at Heal and Sole Holistics

When we look at ourselves holistically, we realise that every process and function in the body is connected to each other, so when we get stressed, it is understandable that we feel under the weather. Even if we are eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and keeping ourselves hydrated, it is important that we find time to relax. As part of a healthy lifestyle, as little as one hour of relaxation per week can be enough to support a feeling of overall well-being.

What is relaxation?

Relaxation is the act of relaxing the mind and body. During a relaxation exercise, muscle tension decreases, blood pressure goes down, the mind becomes calm, and the harmful effects of prolonged stress are counteracted. This is known as the “relaxation response”.

Regularly inducing the relaxation response is most effective in improving day to day living and results in increased control over the body’s responses to stress.

Heal and Sole Holistics hold regular Open Group Guided Reiki Relaxation Sessions lasting about an hour at a cost of £6 per person, as well as Private Group Sessions for up to 10 people (organisations, clubs or a group of friends) bookable for a date and time to suit you, or One-to-One Sessions for individuals.

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

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 30 THE VISITOR May 2017

Family Health with

Jenna Evans

Ten of the Best for Skin, Hair & Nail Health

The eternal quest for youth and beauty has created a huge market for so called cosmeceuticals (cosmetics containing active ingredients with supposed benefits to the skin) and nutricosmetics (supplements made of nutrients designed to benefit the skin). Putting the billion pound industry preying on our insecurities aside, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to make the best of what we have.

In fact sparkly eyes and glowing skin can be a sign of a healthy body. Beauty comes from within (in more ways than one!) so in this article I want to focus on some of the ‘nutricosmetics’ I think are the best, the ones to look out for in a good skin supplement.

Pycnogenol – An extract from French Maritime Pine bark.

Pycnogenol is a potent antioxidant with a broad spectrum of therapeutic uses. Eye health, venous support, allergies and high blood pressure have all reportedly benefited from the use of this supplement. Used in supplements as a skin protective agent and to support the important collagen matrix, some sources say it may also be helpful for pigmentation disorders and psoriasis.

MSM – Methyl sulphonyl methane, a sulphur containing compound with a special affinity for the connective tissues, skin, hair and nails. MSM is a popular supplement for joint health and is thought to help prevent the cross linking of collagen and elastin fibres, thereby preventing wrinkles. I used MSM once as a joint support and I can only say while on this supplement my nails and hair were the thickest and strongest they have ever been!

Vitamin C – Is important for the production of collagen. By transforming the amino acids lysine and proline, it helps form the collagen matrix. Quite often found along with proline in supplements, Vitamin C has gained a reputation as a ‘beauty

Keep cool this summer - just one of the many outfits available from Shirley Allum Fashion & Lingerie, Shaftesbury.

nutrient’ and is often added to skin care preparations. As it has roles in both collagen synthesis and as a free radical scavenger it would appear these claims are well founded. Vitamin C has also been shown to help accelerate post operative wound healing and reduce infection.

Hyaluronic Acid – A molecule that holds large amounts of water. It is found in the synovial fluid in the joints, helping with cushioning and mobility and also in the skin where it is involved in repair. Due to its water retaining capacity it is popular in skin formulas and is thought to help maintain moisture and ‘plump’ out the skin.

Silica – A trace element found in almost all body tissues and responsible for cell growth. It is especially concentrated in the hair, skin and nails where it plays a role in strengthening connective tissue and collagen.

Biotin – Also called Vitamin H, Biotin is an essential coenzyme that has shown benefits

for the skin, hair, nails and in blood sugar control. Biotin is involved in protein utilisation and the synthesis of fatty acids. Biotin d eficiency causes the scalp disorder Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as ‘cradle cap’ when it happens to babies. Symptoms include a build up of dead skin, scalp rash, oiliness and dandruff.

Biotin combined with a good B Complex has shown good results in adults with this condition.

Good Fats – Such as Borage/Starflower & Hemp.

Borage is rich in the antiinflammatory fatty acid GLA, making it a useful addition to topical blends for inflammation, eczema or psoriasis. Use 10-20% in a base oil mix. This oil is also used as a supplement for eczema and psoriasis. If you have some capsules at home you can break them open and use the oils directly on the skin. Hemp seed oil contains important essential fatty acids in a good ratio for the human body. These EFA’s possess anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties and are

THE VISITOR May 2017 31

FREE

SPARE PAIR

with any frame from our £75 range or above

often taken for cardiovascular, brain and hormonal health. Good levels of EFA’s and proper hydration are the cornerstones of healthy skin. Hemp in particular may be useful for eczema sufferers and can be taken as a supplement as well as used topically on the skin.

Vitamin E – Used both internally and topically for skin healing. Ulcers, acne and dermatitis have all been known to benefit. It also has a reputation for helping fade scars and stretch marks. These effects are probably due to Vitamin E’s protective role in the skin, preventing oxidative damage in cells.

Zinc – Involved in protein synthesis and tissue regeneration making it useful for wound healing and treating skin ulcerations. As zinc also exerts anti-inflammatory action and influences the hormones it’s no surprise it can be a great supplement for treating acne. In fact zinc can be as good as the anti-biotic tetracycline for surface acne and even better than tetracycline for deeper acne.

Psoriasis and eczema sufferers may also benefit from this mineral.

Combination K Tissue Salt – A blend of Kali Suplh

(Potassium Sulphate), Silica (Silicon Dioxide) and Nat Mur (Sodium Chloride) designed to support treatment of brittle nails, falling hair and problem skin. A useful foundation remedy for any of these conditions with the added benefit of being safe to use alongside other remedies and medicines.

I’ll leave you this month with a quote about true beauty -“Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.” – Kahlil Gibran.

Jenna Evans ©2017  Ceres Natural Foods are having a ‘Beauty Month’ instore during May. Pop in for exclusive offers and samples.

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

Always check with a health professional before making any dramatic changes to your diet and lifestyle or starting a new supplement, especially with any existing health conditions.

EYES RIGHT OPTICIANS

3 Market Place Sturminster Newton Tel: 01258 473992

LOW PRICES AND QUALITY SERVICE *30% off spectacles applies when choosing any frame from our £75 range or above. excludes “free spare pair / prescription sunglasses” offer. Pick up a leaflet or ask our staff for full offer details.

32 THE VISITOR May 2017

Shirley Allum (left) and Mary of Shirley Allum Fashion & Lingerie Shaftesbury joining in the fun at their recent charity event for Brain Tumour Research.

Bin reminder for May’s Bank Holidays

Two Bank Holidays in May mean changes to collections for every home in Somerset.

The Early May Bank Holiday on Monday 1st May means all collections during that week will be one day later, including Friday 5th May pick-ups on Saturday 6th May. The Spring Bank Holiday on Monday 29th May sees one-day-

later pick-ups during that week, including collections for Friday 2nd June taking place on Saturday 3rd June.

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

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

NEW FABRIC DEPARTMENT Now Open

Julie will be pleased to assist you!

Choose at leisure from our extensive fabric library

WE ARE PLEASED TO OFFER ...

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

 Free Measuring and Estimating Service

 Professional and Helpful Advice

■ Carpets ■ Naturals ■ Laminates

Luxaflex Shutters and Blinds

■ Vinyls ■ Woods ■ LVTs

■ Blinds ■ Roll Stock vinyls and carpets now available

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

SJH Carpets of Wincanton are pleased to announce the opening of their new fabric and soft furnishing departments for bespoke curtains, cushions and blinds.

Rolls & Remants In Stock

Roger Oates Stair Runners Traditional Carpets

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

Wincanton

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

Also at: High Street, Tisbury, SP3 6LD

 01747 871178

www.sjhcarpets.co.uk THE VISITOR May 2017 33

GPO Opal £64.99 (left) and Pearl £43.99 (above) stylish retro telephones available from Jeans Electrical of Mere.

The GPO Opal and GPO Pearl

ELECTROLUX • BLOMBERG • BEKO •

Features

• Classic early 20th century design • Push-button dialling

JEANS ELECTRICAL — Established 1916 —

DOMESTIC APPLIANCES

Same Day Delivery* on all in stock domestic appliances from our Chapel Showroom – we are happy to order any products that we do not have in stock.

*On stock appliances ordered before 5pm within a 20 mile radius of BA12 6DD

AERIALS, FREESAT & SKY INSTALLATION Repairs, New Installations, Upgrades, Realignment, DAB Installations, Retunes, Magic Eyes, FM Radio Aerials, Sky and Sky HD, Freeview, Freesat and Freesat HD • TV Wall Installation

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS DOMESTIC, COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL

Solar PV, Rewires and Repairs, Extra Sockets etc Electrical Condition Reports – all work given full certification Repairs to Washing Machines, Cookers, Freezers etc. • Storage Heater Repairs

SALISBURY STREET SHOP

Retro Ranges now in stock inc. Radios – Analogue and DAB, Turntables, Record Cases and Telephones Selection of Roberts Radios • Small Domestic Appliances Kettles, Toasters, Hand Blenders, Mixers Personal Care including High Wattage Hairdryers and lots more Vacuum Cleaners including Miele Bags & Accessories for most makes • If not stocked can be ordered

01747 860215 Major credit cards accepted

YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT RETAILER

salisbury street, meRe, wiltshire, ba12 6hb sales@jeanselectrical.co.uk • www.jeanselectrical.co.uk

Also: chapel showroom, boar street, ba12 6dd

34 THE VISITOR May 2017

GPO Ambassador

The GPO Ambassador is GPO’s first Portable Record Player with Bluetooth connectivity and a rechargeable battery.

• HUMAX • SMEG • GLEN DIMPLEX • SAMSUNG •

•

The GPO Opal and GPO Pearl are chic stylish designs fitted with modern technology and they’re compatible with all standard

analogue telephone lines.

• Touch tone • Compatible with any standard analogue landline • Compatible with modern telephone banking • 1 year warranty • Push Button Dialling • Tone Dialling • Ringer On / Off switch • Rubber feet • Silver and Cream Finish

Features

• Plays 33, 45 & 78 speed records • Record all your Vinyl to a USB stick (USB stick included)

• Bluetooth connection with any Bluetooth speaker.

• Rechargeable battery minimum 2.5 hours playback • Built in twin stereo speakers with 2 x 1.5 watt output (3 watts total) • Auto Stop • Compatible with all external speakers including the GPO Westwood and GPO Westwood Mini • Weight: 2.5kg • Dimensions: W 35.5 x D 27.5 x H 13.5cm • 1 year warranty • Available in Black and Green and Cream and Tan.

 The GPO Ambassador and Opal and Pearl phones are available from Jeans Electrical of Mere.

In a stylish two tone finish, the Ambassador lets you record all your Vinyl to a USB stick, and play your Vinyl wherever you go only £119.99.

Available from Jeans Electrical of Mere.

Poole Pottery introduces new Aura range for Spring 2017

This Spring, Poole Pottery unveils Aura, a new collection that showcases Poole’s expertise in the art of decorative glazing.

Its monochrome palette and creative design is applied to all of the favourite Poole shapes, including the very popular new Poole Birds.

The range applies new glaze techniques that push the boundaries of ceramic decoration, and takes Poole Pottery into new territory. The skills of the master glazer and ceramic artist are clear to see in the textured effects and shimmering bands that wrap each shape and create this new unique look for the Poole collection.

Poole Pottery has an illustrious history, synonymous with its innovative use of glazes and exceptional design. Each piece of Poole Pottery is created using traditional craft techniques that make every item truly unique and special. Collected and loved for over 140 years.

NOW IN ... the exciting new range of 2017

Poole Pottery’s new collection ‘Aura’ showcases Poole’s expertise in the art of decorative glazing.

TVs

 5 yeaR waRRanty on most models  24 – 75 inch screen sizes available

On-the-premises workshop

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

Bring your memories to life

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

Call in to discuss your requirements

DO CALL IN  SALES – SERVICE – REPAIR

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

“Where the customer comes first”

THE VISITOR May 2017 35

A Place in the Sun Show 5th 7th May Olympia London

A Place in The Sun Live Show is on at London’s Olympia between the 5th to the 7th May and offers an opportunity to find out lots more about the ins and outs of buying abroad.

Have you ever dreamed of owning a property in the sun? The recent Channel 4 TV programme Sun, Sea and Selling Houses looks to have struck a chord with Brits, reporting avid viewing figures and a strong following on social media.

The opportunity to take tax-free pension lump sums seems to have encouraged British 60 plusses to take action to realise their dream and purchase a property in Spain.

With a greater choice of flights from

tuRneR windows

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“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.”

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36 THE VISITOR May 2017

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regional airports, what is there not to like about the prospect of better weather and a more relaxed way of life?

Sun, Sea and Selling Houses provides a light-hearted observation of the lives of the Garner family of Spanish Property Choice who decided to quit a rainy Britain and decamp to Almeria just over 13 years ago. Likewise, the Rodriguez family of Manuel and Linda operate their family business out of Alicante. Both families set up real estate agencies and have never looked back.

Spain is a country steeped in history. Apart from the capital city of Madrid, and the most famous city of Barcelona, Seville, Cordoba and Granada offer incredibly beautiful sights with Moorish architecture and breath-taking scenery. Southern Spain offers more than 300 days of sun a year and most Brits who have moved there advise, ‘just do it!’ So what are the drawbacks? Properties on the Costa del Sol may have seen a drop during the economic downturn, but now things seem to be looking better. Whether you seek the bright lights of Marbella or the quieter more in-land areas, there are many different properties to choose from.

Making your purchase through a reputable estate agency will be of much benefit with specialist staff on hand to guide you through your purchase and beyond. However, make sure that you read any advice on offer and that the property you are buying has all the required paperwork up to date. Do employ the services of a reputable solicitor, preferably one who appears on the recommended list and who is conversant in both English and Spanish. If the property you are purchasing has communal facilities, make sure that you find out all of the maintenance costs which you may be liable for. Do not be put off by scaremongering, just be sensible and do not hand money over until you have taken advice from those in the know.

It is likely that you will need to open a Spanish bank account and be registered with the local authorities. Also, if you wish to let out your property you need to make sure that you are licensed to do so.

As in the UK, it will be necessary to provide identification documents to support the paperwork. With common sense, most people report a smoother and swifter passage through their purchase than in the

UK and are pleased to seal the deal on their new home.

With so much information both online and in television programmes to whet our appetites, many of us are obviously drawn to the prospect of a life in a sunnier climate. A visit to A Place in the Sun Show at Olympia may be the starting place to set us on the path to a new way of life. Check it out on line at www.aplaceinthesun.com to find out more information about availability of tickets.

Thinking of selling your home? Here are some simple tips to help you sell it faster, and without breaking the bank!

First Impressions

An untidy lawn, dead flowers, weeds, chipped or peeling paintwork are likely to send prospective purchasers on their way without even bothering to ring the bell. Make sure the lawn is kept trimmed, the paths are swept and free from litter, the

Visit Sherborne Kitchens and see their exciting new ranges – including clever storage ideas - there are plenty of deals to be had on their forthcoming open day – see advert on inside front cover.

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 and qualified local installers  We offer an expert and friendly service

 01935 849559 or call at our showroom

To discuss your personal requirements contact Adam

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

Longmead Industrial Estate, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 8PL 01747 851476  myhomemaker.co.uk Also at:

Warminster, BA12 8QA  01985 219200 — ESTABLISHED 1994 —

THE VISITOR May 2017 37

paintwork is clean and tidy (a bright freshly painted front door is a welcoming sight) and if you can’t manage to plant up all the flowerbeds, a pot or two of brightly coloured flowers near the front door will help to make the entrance more cheerful. Don’t forget to clean the windows, particularly important if you live on a busy road and they are subjected to dust and grime.

The most important room

The kitchen is considered by many to be the most important room in the house. If yours is looking dated and tired but you don’t want the expense or the upheaval of having a new kitchen installed, consider replacing the

doors on your kitchen cabinetry.

This is a much cheaper solution than installing a completely new kitchen and can be very effective.

Upgrading the worktops can be expensive but can add some serious value to your home.

Declutter - but don’t make it sterile

Over the years we all accumulate lots of ‘stuff’, for want of a better word - books, ornaments, furniture, toys, clothing etc. People don’t want to see messy, cluttered rooms, they want to see what space is available for their furniture and belongings so now is the time to have a good sort out. But if time is short and you’re not sure what

Bryan G. Paulley Ltd

Domestic / Commercial Installations / Replacements

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

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

you want to keep and what you want to dispose of, put your ’stuff' into storage until you have more time to go through it. Remember that it is still your home so it is natural to have a few personal items around, such as photographs and ornaments. No one wants to live in a show home!

Repairs

Now is the time to do all those minor repairs you’ve been putting off for months, such as: dripping taps, cracks or holes in walls, broken handles, cracked tiles, getting rid of the limescale on taps and cleaning and repairing grout in tiles.

Cleaning

Once the repairs are completed, a thorough spring-clean of all the surfaces in every room is essential, including woodwork, floors, windows etc., to make the house smell fresh and clean.

A lick of paint

If you have time to give your walls a lick of paint, a neutral colour will make your home seem bigger and brighter.

The garden

Moving into the garden: cut back any overgrown shrubs or bushes, tidy the flower beds and keep the lawn trimmed. Wash any garden furniture and sweep and powerwash the patio.

Arlo & Jacob

British designers of sofas, chairs and decorative home furnishings, Arlo & Jacob, have two new welcome additions to their chair collection. Say hello to Darcy and Elton – chairs of the utmost comfort and style. The Darcy takes inspiration from an old chesterfield sofa, whilst the Elton has a more Scandi influence with a mid-century twist.

Bespoke Curtains, Blinds, Cushions

A wide selection of fabrics from ...

Clarke & Clarke  Prestigious iLiv  Fibre Naturelle ... and more – or supply your own

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Difficulty bathing? We can help

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

Discounts for over 60s, SSAFA and Ex-Service Personnel

WE’V MOV E woodside Court ED Dairy house Yard SparkforD Ba22 7Lh The Showroom has moved! For workshop measures /appointments

Contact Melody on: 07883 089333

or 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

Call now to arrange a FREE survey and quote

Services Include but not limited to:

info@ahminstallations.co.uk • www.ahminstallations.co.uk

All aspects of Building & Maintenance All Insurance Works Undertaken

Tel: 01823 729564

38 THE VISITOR May 2017

Showroom at: Blackdown Garden Centre, A38 West Buckland, Nr. Wellington, TA21 9HY

Project Management ★ New Build Planning ★ Loft Conversions Carpentry ★ Roofing Ground Works ★ Refurbishment Renovation ★ Commercial Property Maintenance ★ Joinery

Contact us for a free estimate

(01935) 823346

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

Pictured here in Brush Cotton Linen Mix, Amber, the exquisite craftmanship of the Darcy chair features a dowelled solid hardwood frame and a traditional roll back for the ultimate home comfort.

Darcy

Shown here in Ikat, Pumpkin, the Elton chair is the ideal accent piece combining smart style and comfort.

The epitome of elegance and style, Darcy is one of the latest chairs in the Arlo & Jacob collection. Featuring luxurious plush seating and hand-pleated arm scrolls, this modern-day Chesterfield style chair offers the ideal means by which to relax at the end of a long day.

The Darcy is priced from £1,040 for a chair.

Elton

New to the Arlo & Jacob family is the Elton chair. Inspired by Scandinavian design and midcentury modern, the Elton features a sleek curved back with a comfy seat cushion.

The Elton is priced from £550 for a chair.

Made to order in Long Eaton, the Darcy and Elton are also available in a choice of over 100 fabrics, from British wool to geometric designs and floral patterns.

Easy online ordering means you can find your dream furniture without even leaving the house. Every Arlo & Jacob piece is made from start to finish by one skilled person in Long Eaton and then delivered to the room of your choice. With a no questions asked returns policy and a lifetime guarantee on the furniture frames, you can buy comfort, comfortably.

Available to buy with up to 0% interest free credit over 12 months in both our showroom and online.

 For more information on

the Darcy or Elton, visit arloandjacob.com or call 03332 221 941.

OFFERS COOKAHOLICS CAN’T REFUSE

Buy a selected NEFF appliance and enjoy an extra special saving. Ask in store for details.

Promotion runs 12.04.17 to 06.06.17. Offer applies to selected models only chosen by your retailer, please see your retailer for full list of models and savings.

Longmead Industrial Estate, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 8PL 01747 851476  myhomemaker.co.uk Also at: Warminster, BA12 8QA  01985 219200 — ESTABLISHED 1994 —

THE VISITOR May 2017 39

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

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

www.eternalkitchens.co.uk

40 THE VISITOR May 2017

Whatever your priorities may be, you’ll find an ESSE to suit you and your home. Discover ESSE at Sandpits Heating & Home Store, Curry Rivel

The perfect choice ...

The ESSE range at Sandpits Heating & Home Store

Visit Sandpits Heating Centre in Curry Rivel and be inspired by the ESSE 990 EL electric range.

This model, ideal for larger homes, combines traditional solidity with the flexibility of electricity. Being electric, no flue is needed, so it can be placed just about anywhere you like! It takes minutes to heat up and can be run for just £1 per day, making it an energy efficient and cost effective choice. It is a cook’s best friend too, with three ovens and ESSE’s unique surround heat

creating an even temperature for even better cooking. The open and close vents allow for wet or dry cooking, and the induction hob and grill, and cast iron hotplate, give additional flexibility in the kitchen.

Sandpits have a working model on display, so you can marvel at the wonder of this appliance which has both substance and style.

Available in 20 colours. Prices from £6825.00 including VAT.

Say you saw it in The Visitor

have you ever thought what would happen if you were burgled and your treasured heirlooms stolen, your home ransacked?

Are you insured? Of course you are.

Do you have any proof of purchase or receipts?

NO! NO PHOTOGRAPHIC PROOF OF YOUR VALUABLES EITHER? THEN FORGET AN INSURANCE PAYOUT!

RedsQuaRe imaGinG specialise in photographing your treasured heirlooms & interiors for insurance purposes. We will provide creditable colour photographic evidence and a cd copy for cloud backup.

Call RedsQuaRe imaGinG today 01460 72440 or email me on RedsQuaReimaGinG@Gmail.com

www.RedsQuaReimaGinG.co.uK

990 EL ELECTRIC RANGE

Choice of 20 colours

New to our showroom ... working model on display

 3 ovens  Cast iron hotplate  Induction hob and grill  Even temperature for better cooking  Takes minutes to heat up

ONLY £1 PER DAY TO RUN!

Sandpits Heating Centre

MULTI FUEL STOVES • COOKERS • FIREPLACES VISIT OUR SHOWROOMS – OPEN SIX DAYS A WEEK High Street • Curry Rivel • Langport • TA10 0ES Tel: 01458 251476 • Fax: 01458 253505 • www.sandpitsheatingcentre.co.uk Large Car Park at Rear of Premises

THE VISITOR May 2017 41

The

Pub Pages

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

PUBS ARE CHANGING! Well that's a statement that few would disagree with I'm sure.

There are many claims to that great quote 'Change is the only constant' and whilst some may pine for the era of spit and sawdust establishments I for one do not subscribe to this lament. Whether all the changes are for the better or worse is a matter of opinion, and for the younger generation who may find deafening rap 'music' assaulting their ears and

The

countless screens assaulting their eyes acceptable, you can count me out here as well.

Personally I don't recognise these as pubs; perhaps trendy bars are a more apt description and the decor seems to change as often as the name I've noticed. New pubs do continue to be built, but on visiting one recently where the paint was barely dry, I did wonder if the designers were trying to recreate an age that never actually existed. Never mind; the beer was good, the place was clean, tidy and there was no ghastly 'musak'. There were even snugs where a few friends could congregate as well as quite a large bar area. It could, however, have been one of many such places anywhere in the country and certainly lacked soul, if you catch my drift.

Speaking of Wetherspoons ... they continue to open new pubs and surprisingly have been selling some and even closing others, which is more than a little of a surprise to me. The policy of taking over old banks, cinemas, furniture shops - even old pubs - I feel is an interesting one and I have no problem with the organisation in this respect.

I have heard that the staff are

Lord Nelson

Rectory Lane Norton Sub Hamdon

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

GOOD FOOD - GOOD BEER - GREAT ATMOSPHERE

 Sunday 30th April: SOULVILLE   Sunday 7th May: QUIZ NIGHT 

 Sunday 28th May: ROD’S FACES 

Monday to Friday: TWO Course Lunch – £8 THREE Course Lunch – £12 Tuesday and Wednesday: STEAK NIGHT 2 Steaks and a Bottle of Wine – £30

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

Tel: 01935 881473 www.thelordnelson.biz

trained not to engage customers in any more than brief polite conversation as they would crowd up the bar area longer than necessary (which is also devoid of seating to encourage people to be at a table). This really begs the question 'Is Wetherspoons not a pub but really a restaurant pretending to be a pub?' I certainly have a couple of favourite venues and have never had a bad pint and never a meal which I did not consider anything other than good value for money. Quite the reverse in fact. So do they lack the soul of a pub? Maybe they do - how do you feel about it?

There has been a rise in the 'Gastro-pub' over the years as well. Again not my cup of er ... tea, and we tend to avoid anywhere that has a menu with 'jus', (whatever that is) 'leaves', and 'duo' or 'a trio' of some vegetable / indiscernible foreign object, on the menu. What do these things actually mean other than a case of 'pardon me landlord, but this plate is filthy dirty! No sorry, my mistake; it's the main course!' and half an hour after leaving the pub you're looking for somewhere nice for a meal out ...

I'm not one to read newspapers,

The

however, a correspondent recently sent me a link to The Guardian online which led to an extremely well-written and eloquent article by a food critic.

Now; don't abandon me at this point because I have no doubt that there are people out there in 'Visitor' land who feel the same way as me - and that is being a food critic is a lot of pretentious nonsense. However, even though I would never on this earth pay hundreds of pounds for a fancy meal, the article in question really tore into one of these restaurants where 'kidology' was certainly the name of the game.

In this article, with great vigour Jay Rayner rubbishes the 'food' at Le Cinq, a Parisian Restaurant. I recommend you do a search and have a laugh, for I am sure you too would agree that £520 is a little OTT for a meal and wine for two, oh and for an extra laugh or five, he even photographed this pseudo-food.

Jay Rayner I am told can be seen on C4's 'Countdown' now and again; I wonder if he reads my column?

Starting my pub drinking career as an under-age callow youth, myself and a similarly aged friend would decide that after a couple pints we would

Wyndham Arms

KINGSBURY EPISCOPI nr. MARTOCK SOMERSET TA12 6AT



WEEKEND FESTIVAL 



MAY BANK HOLIDAY







Real Ale & Traditional Cider Bar Saturday 29th April – Monday 1st May

On 1st May ... meet owner Pav from locally based ‘Fine Tuned Brewery’ and enjoy their ales!

FOOD • Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th April Food as usual Saturday 12noon – 3pm and 7pm – 9.30pm Sunday 12noon – 9pm inc. Traditional Roast (choice of 3 meats) Monday 1st May 12noon – 9pm Specials Board inc. Tastes of The Caribbean







~ Booking Advised ~

LIVE MUSIC







Saturday 29th April PETE HOLDEN • 9pm – 12pm Monday 1st May ANGELO • 12noon – 5pm ~ Come and join in the fun ~

Tel: 01935 823239

Please visit us on our website: www.wyndhamarms.com to see full menu details 42 THE VISITOR May 2017

The

Pub Pages

fancy something to eat. The only food that was on offer (other than cheesey biscuits and crisps) was bread and cheese, the latter probably having spent too much time out of the fridge and under a plastic canopy, the look and smell of that flaccid offering even nearly 50 years on is redolent of those days. That was it. Our choice for the evening was one of two; take it or leave it!

We certainly have moved on from those days in both cases, and luckily there are now so many good pubs to eat in that are clean, tidy, with possibly a pleasant outdoor area and inside toilets, and no more than a short car journey from our homes.

We have to be realistic.

Although we may have lost thousands of pubs, those remaining by and large have improved. They had to!

Interestingly, a recent article I was reading stated that as we are able to eat out now with so much choice, it has ceased to be a treat, and the majority of us don't even think about dressing

up. I'd agree with this and I'm a guilty one, for a (decent) pair of jeans and trainers would now appear smart enough. Times indeed, do change.

The High Street is an area where change has been severe over the last few years, notwithstanding the effect of the internet and business rate, a subject we touched upon last month. Coffee shops seem to proliferate today almost as much as blokes with beards and strange half-shaved heads.

Coffee shops of old were a favourite place where businessmen did much of their negotiating and transactions (think Shakespeare and Samuel Pepys here) but a new kid on the block now would be the MicroPub. Providing one hasn't got any criminal records (by which I don't mean that you once bought a piece of vinyl by Barry Manilow or the Bay City Rollers) but have a mere few thousand to spare, then a town centre pub could be yours. Move over Tim Martin! Why not Google the internet to find your nearest?

Quality ales and conversation are the order of the day, and no

food other than snacks are on the menu in most cases. There is even a Micropub Association.

Some clever person has said with some authority that coffee shops will outnumber pubs 'by 2030'.

Stats do speak here though, with an increase of 6% in 2016 to almost 23,000 outlets, although it always gives me a wry smile when I read that 'it is predicted by' followed by a date, when frankly anything more than five years ahead is crystal ball gazing!

Being a MicroPub by name it would be unlikely that there is any room for games other than cards and board games, although perhaps a version of the Norfolk 'twister' (seen in a few pubs within The Visitor area) and 'rings' (popular in the Isle of Wight and Ireland) would take up little room. How about a 'pitch-penny' or 'Toad in the Hole' as well? All good clean fun and I have no doubt will ensure visits to these little establishments are more enjoyable - and help them survive the inevitable changes that will come over the years.

Cheers!

P.A.B. (skittlealley@hotmail.com)

Home-Made Food Served 7 Days a Week

Real Ales - Garden Skittle Alley

TRADITIONAL COUNTRY PUB Serving Sensibly Priced Food & Drink

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

BARRINGTON BOAR

Traditional Village Freehouse and B&B

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 10 minutes from A303 and M5.

40 minutes from Lyme Regis, West Bay & Beer

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

168 Hendford Hill YEoViL

“Now you can say that I've grown bitter but of this you may be sure The rich have got their channels in the bedrooms of the poor And there's a mighty judgment coming, But I may be wrong”

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

Last month John Penny of Bradford Abbas was first to tell me it was Peter Sarstedt and ‘Where do you go to my Lovely’.

Well its tickin’ on aint it? May bank holiday already, soon be Christmas  . We had a great time here at The Quicksilver when Barry Paull brought his Elvis Show along and the Hospice benefitted from some funds as well. So it was a win win situation for all involved. He will be back on October 6th – book now!

A young man by the name of Stephan Potepa has managed to escape from a local, well known helicopter manufacturer. He had a few pals come to the pub, bought them a few drinks, and laid on a bit of grub. Well done Steph’ ... a well-earned retirement coming up.

One of our regulars is moving on to pastures new. Caitlyn Thomas has landed a new job in Milton Keynes and sadly she is leaving us. I have given Thatcher ’s Cider company advanced warning, and they are adjusting their tree planting programme accordingly! Good luck Caitlyn from all of us at The Quickie.

Next month we have Hells Bells playing on the 5th: tickets for the show are £10 and available from the pub.

Bit short and sweet this month, but there is just time to wish Michelle a fabulous retirement after 30 years of great service to The Visitor Magazine and all of us advertisers who needed your help and advice along the way.

Well done Miche! XXX. See you all next month  TOOT TOOT!!!

BookingS

 01935 424721

THE VISITOR May 2017 43

They Say

That Philip Robson of Scenes in Gillingham is donning his swim suit in order to look his best in his slim suit.

That a certain Chiselborough gentleman is a “tof” when it comes to trousers.

That in Sturminster Newton when making Easter Bunny Bags at Hansons Fabrics & Crafts, customers will be reassured to learn that no bunnies were harmed in the making of the bag!!!

That the latest chalk board splash of inspiration found at Stur of the Moment Cafe in Sturminster Newton is that all toilets flush in the key of E flat!

That Eve Byron of South Chard has made it through to the second round of judging in BBC Radio 2’s 500 Words competition!

That John Hamblin of Yeovil recently inveigled the help of a mystery shopper – or should that be Visitor.

That perhaps the new pound coins may be confusing some people ... £18,000 or £1,800?

That Sally Meecham of Crewkerne knows how to add a sparkling touch – when it comes to a hard days gardening.

That since they started on 7th September 2013, Yeovil Montacute parkrun has had 5,001 different participants who, between them, have completed 33,926 parkruns, covering a total distance of 169,630 km!

That Wells is bidding to be the UK City of Culture for 2021.

That Neale Gear of Sparkford Timber Buildings and Gates, went on holiday to see Nora Batty but ended up on a wobbly bridge – perhaps due to not having enough beer!

That a climb up the wisteria caused hysteria for one pussy cat of South Chard. Luckily help was on hand.

That according to Rob Smith of Fit & Furnish, Yeovil the way to ensure a steady stream of customers is to have a game of golf booked!

That it’s a good job Marilyn of Sherborne Kitchens is in charge of the diary – otherwise sales might have to be negotiated internationally - phone in one hand – Ambre Solaire in the other.

44 THE VISITOR May 2017

That on Sunday 23rd April in North Cadbury the ornithic wake-up call came at 4:55am and the dawn chorus followed at 5:10am

AROUND THE

HOUSES IN K I N G S B U R Y E P I S C O P I don’t forget to pay a visit to The Wyndham Arms over the Bank Holiday Weekend as there is plenty going on! Music, real ales ciders and more! ... the accommodation at The Barrington Boar, Barrington is proving extremely popular ...

Taste of the West Gold Award for The Firehouse, Curry Rivel where murder mystery dinners can be arranged ... and in Aller it is Quiz Night on the 21st May at The Old Pound Inn. Dashing on to Dinnington Docks, Dinnington where the Sunday Roast gets rave reviews ... at The Kings Arms, Merriott you can enjoy a pint of Sunshine Reggae from the Fine Tuned Brewery, Langport ... at The Cat Head in Chiselborough the smoked haddock mornay is a tasty dish indeed ... there is no truth in the rumour that you have to drive a tractor to drink in The Lord Nelson, Norton Sub Hamdon ... and at The Muddled Man, West Chinnock we learn that after many years Tony Cawley is going to have his infamous beard shaved off in aid of Children’s Hospice South West.

Leaping on to Leigh, The Hunters Lodge have a delicious bbq menu available on their veranda ... The Red Lion, Wincanton is looking very smart externally ... The Smithy at Charlton Musgrove is now reopened ... authentic Greek Cuisine available from The Crown Inn, Sherborne courtesy of new host Costa ... and check out Sweet Pea Café at Sturminster Newton’s website to find out about their evening events.

Galloping on to Galhampton where The Orchard Inn celebrate their 2nd anniversary ... The George Hotel, Castle Cary can now offer beauty treatments on site ... twin skittle alleys with own bar at Horsepond Inn ... enjoy the better weather in the beautiful beer gardens at The Natterjack Inn, Evercreech Junction ... fillet of hake served with spicy chorizo, new potatoes and celeriac and a delicate white wine cream is on the newly launched menu at The Sadlers

Brasserie, Wells ... welcome to new host Tom at The Fox and Hounds, Charlton Adam ... and at The Rose and Portcullis, Butleigh you can enjoy five traditional ciders in addition to their selection of real ales. Find

them in the CAMRA good beer guide.

 BANK HOLIDAY

EVENTS? Why not advertise them in next month’s Visitor?

Vinny at the Yeovil Beer Festival

A pair of 19c Famille Rose Chinese Barrel Stools with decorative panels.

Available from Quillon House Antiques of Bruton.

Antiques Fairs

•

Chasty Cottage Antiques

•

Saturday 27th May Digby Hall, Hound Street, Next to Library SHERBORNE • DT9 3AA 9.30am – 4pm • Trade 8.30am • Admission £1

Future Date: Saturday 17th June  01963 370986 www.chastycottageantiques.co.uk

‘Thank You’

NEW ANTIQUES COLLECTABLES & DECORATIVE FAIRS Small Furniture  Textiles China  Glass  Silver Books  Pictures etc ... at ...

AXMinSTER guildhall Devon, EX13 5nX Saturday 20th May 10am – 3.30pm (Next Fair Saturday 7th October) Refreshments in Aid of Charity

 WE HEAR that Michelle Trulock is retiring from The Visitor team after 30 years.

BookingS & EnquiRiES Meadow Fairs 01297 24446

07977 591736

Quillon House Antiques

 THEY SAY she would like to thank everyone for their good wishes, cards and gifts.

16 H IGH S TREET , B RU TON  01749 812269

 17 th / 18 th C. Oak and Country Furniture

Under New Management ...

The CROWN Inn

Greenhill, Sherborne, DT9 4EP EXCITING NEW MENU

 Arms & Armoury  Equestrian Paintings  Valuations Undertaken  Antiques Purchased

C. 1939 German Army Officer’s Dress Dagger by CARL EICHORN

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

Including Authentic Greek Cuisine

EXCELLENT ACCOMMODATION

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

Tel: 01935 816115

Regular advertising brings results

ADVERTISE in FULL COLOUR from as little as ...

£20.23 inc. VAT

(for 3cms x 1 column)

Tel: 01963 351256 – to book your space

THE VISITOR May 2017 45

Vodka

WHEN VISITING what was then the USSR, in the winter of 1986, I discovered that vodka was regularly used as anti-freeze.

Since then, I have shown scant interest in vodka as an alcoholic beverage, until now.

Recently Black Cow Vodka hit the headlines when their reprisal of the famous 1989 Milk Board ad was banned by the Advertising Standards Authority.

How times have changed, when it seems that satire is no longer fashionable or acceptable in our modern-day society.

I first came across Black Cow Vodka last summer when working in Cornwall. Knowing of my keen interest in wines and spirits, one of my longstanding clients gave me some samples to try.

Always keen to carry out research, I was spurred on to look into the charms of vodka in more depth.

Originating in Eastern Europe, the first known production of vodka was in the 9th century; Often used for medicinal purposes it was also used in manufacturing gunpowder.

By the mid-16th century it was well established as the national drink for Poland and Finland.

Early production methods were crude and the vodka often contained impurities. To mask these, distillers flavoured their spirits with fruit, herbs or spices, until the introduction of pot distillation.

In 1716, distillery ownership became the exclusive right of the nobility, and in the following 50

years although there was a proliferation of types of aromatised vodka, including acorn, cherry, chicory, dill, ginger, hazelnut and horseradish, there was no standardisation.

The typical production process involved distilling alcohol twice, diluting it with milk, before distilling it again, adding water to bring it to the required strength, then flavouring it prior to a final distillation. The process was expensive and no attempt was made to produce it commercially.

This all changed in the 18th century, when a professor in St. Petersburg discovered a method of purifying alcohol using charcoal filtration.

I n c r e a s e d awareness and consumption of vodka was helped by the presence of Russian soldiers involved in the Napoleonic Wars in Europe. Escalating demand meant that lower grade products were produced, frequently based on distilled potato mash.

Attempts to control production by reducing the number of distilleries failed, and in 1894 a law was enacted to make the production and distribution of vodka in Russia a state monopoly, to formulate standard production techniques and guarantee quality.

This was done for economic reasons and to control the epidemic of drunkenness which availability of the cheap, massproduced 'vodkas' had caused.

When the Bolsheviks confiscated private distilleries in Moscow after the Russian revolution, a number of Russian vodka-makers emigrated, taking their skills and recipes with them.

One exile revived his brand in Paris, using the French version of his family name - Smirnoff.

On meeting a Russian émigré from the USA, they jointly set up the first vodka distillery in 1934, igniting its progress across the western world.

Here in the UK, vodka’s increasing popularity has meant that in 2014 it overtook whisky as the preferred spirit, and spawning a range of flavoured brands to capture the burgeoning market amongst the younger set.

Closer to home, I was delighted to learn that Black Cow Vodka is distilled locally at Childhay, Beaminster, West Dorset. What makes it unique is that it is the world’s only Pure Milk Vodka™ made solely from the milk of grass grazed cows. Having imbibed a sample, or two, I agree that Black Cow Vodka has an exceptionally smooth taste and a unique creamy character.

The idea for this unusual vodka, first produced in 2012, came from dairy farmer Jason Barber, who confesses to a longstanding interest in vodka, and the desire to diversify the produce of his 250-strong dairy herd.

Once the milk is separated into curds and whey, the whey is fermented into a beer using a special yeast that converts the milk sugar into alcohol. This milk beer is then distilled and then blended. The resulting vodka is then triple filtered and finished, before being hand bottled.

Interestingly Black Cow is made from the same milk that is used to make Barber’s 1833 cheddar.

There was cause for celebration when, in addition to scooping up a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirit Competition in 2015,

Marks & Spencer added Black Cow Vodka to their Wine & Spirits list.

M&S customers buying Black Cow Vodka can also take advantage of the exclusive neck tag on the bottles, and claim a free, limited edition Black Cow woolly hat made from British sheep’s wool.

Not content to rest on their laurels, the brains behind this innovative vodka have even sponsored a cocktail competition, where the finalists were tasked with creating a cocktail using ingredients found in the English countryside.

The winning cocktail invented

by Derbyshire barman Manachain Monaghan is as follows: NATIONAL PARK CUP • 50ml Black Cow Vodka • 10ml Sancerre • 15ml Lactose sugar syrup • Small pick of fresh wild rocket • Salted Caol Ila 12-Year Old whisky • 5 drops Foodsafe Bergamot • Essential Oil • Sprig of fresh rosemary • Celery salt

1. Prepare a coupe by liberally spritzing the outside with the salted Caol Ila. 2. Garnish with a little celery salt.

3. Gently press the rocket with a bar spoon in a mixing glass with the vodka, white wine and sugar syrup.

4. Stir over ice cubes until well chilled.

5. Strain into the prepared coupe.

6. Garnish with 4 / 5 drops of Bergamot Oil on the surface.

7. Before service, tie the rosemary sprig to the coupe stem and char.

8. Serve on a slate paired with smoked salmon, cucumber and fresh horseradish.

L. P-V.

Bower Hinton Farm Shop - Martock Open Day: Saturday 3rd June 10am – 2pm

FINE FOOD TASTINGS

Locally Sourced Wine  Cheese  Sausages Cakes  And More ...

HOME GROWN STRAWBERRIES Available 3rd week in May

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

46 THE VISITOR May 2017

COFFEE

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

the end bit...

PAPERCHASE

The ‘West County Life’ magazine that comes with the Saturday issue of the Western Daily Press has been given what editor Gavin Thompson describes as a ‘makeover’ with effect from the 1st April issue. What this amounts to is a typographical redesign, an eight-page increase in size, and the shuffling of some of the regular content between the magazine and the body of the newspaper. Much trumpeted as ‘your new look lifestyle magazine’, its new look is certainly stylish and clearly a lot of thought has been put into the redesign. The typeface is larger, the leading (the space between the lines of text) is wider, and the columns are narrower with the number per page increased from three to four. It looks good and is easier on the eye. The downside, of course, is that more space is required for the same number of words, which has largely swallowed up the additional pagination. A couple of columnists and the crosswords have been relocated to the main paper, to be replaced by film reviews, health and beauty features and suchlike, but apart from that the magazine’s content is much the same as before and doesn’t do much for my lifestyle.

And its impact was somewhat diminished by the second issue

in its new guise, in which the same double-page spread of TV listings was printed for two consecutive days.

In previous columns I have recorded the shrinking of the Western Gazette’s ‘What’s On’ leisure pull-out supplement from 24 pages when it was launched last June to eight pages in February. By the 23rd March issue it was down to just six pages and had ceased to be something that could be pulled out of the paper. Yet on page 2 it was plugged as ‘your FREE 6page leisure guide’. Having paid £1 for the paper, pages 43 to 48 of it certainly didn’t come free!

In March a new monthly freebie made its debut in Gillingham, a town already quite well served by Gillingham Matters from the BVM team in Stalbridge and scantily served by Gillingham and Shaftesbury Valley News from somewhere near Salisbury. Titled Gillingham News, the first two issues of the new 32-page tabloid live up to its name, being packed with news of the town and surrounding villages. Produced by a Lyme Regis company, the contact telephone number has an 01747 code so it clearly has an editorial and advertising base in the Gillingham area, and editor Michael Streeter states that ‘our ambition is to create a genuine local newspaper which is proud of the community – and of which the community is proud’.

He has certainly made an excellent start. The April issue contains no fewer than 38 news stories, seven sports stories, three pages of news from the local schools, a feature on how Brexit might affect EU citizens in Gillingham, an interview with ‘The Snowman’ author Raymond Briggs about his evacuation to Dorset during the war, a guide

to Yeovilton-based aircraft that can be seen in the skies above Gillingham, and a week in the lives of four local parish priests.

And there’s more – on pigbreeding, motoring, Japanese knotweed, dementia – plus

puzzles, events’ listings and a services directory. It is mostly well-written and proof-read, well illustrated with plenty of colour photographs and a delight to read. It deserves to succeed.

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

ANSWERS TO POP MUSIC QUIZ on page 18

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Paul McCartney and Wings Stevie Wonder 'Rumours' 'Snow Patrol' 'Escape' 'Wheatus' 'A Hard Day's Night' 'Keane' 'Whatever' James Morrison and Nelly Furtado

This Month’s Bonus Question 1976 Question Impossible Liam Lynch

THE VISITOR May 2017 47

PHONE - a - FIRM • PHONE - a - FIRM

Logs

Barn Stored Seasoned

HARDWOOD LOGS

 Seasoned Hard & Softwood logs  Kindling – Briquettes – Coal  Various load / log Sizes

Check our website for COMPETITIVE PRICES ... FREE DELIVERY

Tel: 01458 251529 • Mobile: 07789 204232

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

KILN DRIED LOGS

BUY NOW – SAVE £££s

 Kiln Dried Logs 1 Dumpy Bag £130  Kiln Dried Logs 2 Dumpy Bags £234  Kiln Dried Logs 3 Dumpy Bags £330  Kiln Dried Logs 3 Nets £25.50  Kiln Dried Logs 6 Nets £48  Kiln Dried Logs 10 Nets £75  Kindling Wood 3 Nets £10  Kindling Wood 5 Nets £15  Kindling Wood 10 Nets £27

kiln Dried Logs  burn more efficiently give more heat  light easily  burn cleanly

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

ONLINE ORDERING AVAILABLE www.logs4fuel.co.uk

 01458 251476

Transport & Storage HENSTRIDGE SELF-STORAGE

OUTSTANDING RATES Tel: 07947 581541 Say you saw it in The Visitor

Framing

SCENES

Artist Materials & Gallery

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

Fires / Chimneys / Stoves

SANDPITS

HEATING & HOME STORE

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

✴ Chimney Sweeping Service ✴

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

High Street, Curry Rivel, Langport  01458 251476

Domestic Appliances

Pe

PREMIER ELECTRICS Est. 34 yrs COVERING THE SOUTH LOCALLY

Kitchen Appliance Sales & Repairs

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

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

Taylors Domestic

Appliances Ltd.

Glazier Windows & Doors Engineer Glass & Sealed Units Handles & Hinges Gasket & Seals Repairs • Servicing

Ridge View, Penmore Road Sandford Orcas DT9 4SE

Professional repairs by qualified engineer on most makes of appliances.

01963 220366

01458 851020 07563 623604

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

Builders

Dave Hoddinott FUlly QUaliFiED BUilDER - ESTaBliSHED 1973

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

Tel: (01963) 440256

Oven Cleaning

Mister Oven

Independent Oven Cleaning Specialist Ovens - Hobs - Agas etc

Tel: 01935 475065 Mob: 07752 695264 The Visitor CAN BE READ ONLINE:

www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk

48 THE VISITOR May 2017

GLASS CORP

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

www.misteroven.co.uk

07921 074602 • 01749 677440 • Solidfuel3@aol.com

Glazing

24 hour emergency call out

Clean Ovens Domestic Ltd Independent Oven Cleaners Covering Somerset and Dorset

AGAS • RANGES • OVENS HOBS • EXTRACTORS Eco-Friendly Materials Used Experienced + Fully Insured Friendly Staff

Tel: 0800 7076629 Mobile: 07563 693145 www.cleanovendomestics.co.uk

June Deadline Friday 12th May • 01963 351256

PHONE - a - FIRM • PHONE - a - FIRM

Transport & Storage

The key to all your storage needs!

Plumbing & Heating

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

01963 440045 www.sparkfordstorage.com

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

• Modern Burglar-Alarmed Warehouses • Professional & Reliable Service • Removals To and From Storage • Self Store with Easy Access

Denture Repairs

• Cubicle and Crate Storage • Friendly, Helpful Staff

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

Roofing

Tel: 01747 861479 Mob: 07561 120828 34 White Road, MERE, Nr. Warminster Wiltshire, BA12 6EX

Email: mead208@btinternet.com

For all your roofing requirements

Flat Roofing • Tiling Slating • GRP Roofing

All New Work Fully Guaranteed

For further information & estimates contact allan Carey

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

Bourton Roofing Co. Slate  Tiling  Flat Roofing.

UPVC Fascias  Guttering FREE EST I M AT ES

 01747 840064

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

Subscriptions Subscribe to the

VISITOR MAGAZINE

Taxis

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

TAXI

Sue

Mob: 07711 572038

www.taxiatcastlecarystation.co.uk

Home visits a speciality

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

Caricatures for Special Gifts

for just £18 per annum

Fire & Security Alarms

THE VISITOR May 2017 49

Classified Ads

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

For a Box Number please add £2.

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

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

Prize Crossword No. 367 Set by Frank Butler

SEND COMPLETED ENTRIES TO: The Visitor Crossword, P.O. Box 1, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7BG – to arrive by Friday 12th May.

Correct entries are placed in a hat and the winner is the first name drawn. The prize is a £10 voucher to spend with any one advertiser in this issue of The Visitor.

Please do not forget to state your choice of advertiser and your name and address.

1

2

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

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

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

Personal

www.country-link.org.uk COUNTRy liNK SOCial GROUP. Fresh air, fun, food and friendship. Tel: andy 01225 834834 or Val 01749 342918

laDy – youthful, slim, 60’s, outgoing. likes music, arts, walks, countryside, beaches mobile homes, local adventures. Seeks Gent, 60 – 70. Reply to Box No. 50

JUST SOMERSET iNTRODUCTiONS. Bringing people together. Call alison Tel: 07584 250285, www.justintro ductionsgroup.co.uk

Catering / Mobile Bars

HaRRy’S MOBilE BaRS, all occasions, weddings, parties, etc. Tel: 01747 825553 harry@bars4u.plus.com www.harrysmobilebars.co.uk

Storage

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

Services

HOUSEHOlD & GaRDEN RUBBiSH ClEaRED, old sheds / outbuildings demolished, etc. Tel: 01460 77844.

Allotments

GROW yOUR OWN FOOD – allotment plots for rent, Baltonsborough, near Glastonbury. Beautiful soil, water, countryside location. Tel: 01458 850734

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.

SU PETROl PUMP and carburettors, superchargers, older chassis engines, axles and gearboxes, BSF tools, taps and dies. Tel: 01747 850474.

ClaSSiCal lPs, violin concertos, chamber music. also EPs and singles.

Whole collections sought. Tel: 07410 948694 gunS WAnTED for cash. any size, any condition, make or model. By registered firearms dealer. Tel: 07970 742471.

Passport Photographs

PaSSPORTS – passports – passports – also studio sittings, and golden weddings. any time to suit you. Easy parking opposite The Quarry inn. Tel: Graham Cox, Photographer, 01458 223769.

Special Occasions

HaPPy BiRTHDayS to Marco & James Byron, John Morris, and Vince Farrow.

RECORDS WANTED:

ViNyl wanted from the ‘60s to the present day most genres required including rock and pop, folk, progressive etc. GOOD PRiCES PaiD.  Please call Rod on 01823 480369.

50 THE VISITOR May 2017

25

26

27

28

Across:

7.

9.

14.

1.

5.

10.

11.

12.

13.

15.

18.

19.

21.

23.

25.

26.

27.

28.

Tin bye-bye to be sung. [7] Roman day when little Leonard is mobbed by cads. [7] Glean mixture in the corner.

[5] Takes peas and tears apart. [9] West country river in a can for twin-hulled boat. [9] Thin dictionary contains official language of India. [5] Lout’s arrangement of flowers.

[5] Crab with Midge at university.

[9] In despair, PA arranged to have been assessed. [9] “Come in” in spoken term. [5] Within payment. [2,3] Teach lard process in city church. [9] Change a ten: Odds or Evens?

[9] Meagre attempt holding chief.

[5] Permitted everyone to be in debt. [7] Tim Reed arranged to be deserved. [7]

8.

16.

17.

18.

20.

22.

23.

24.

Off? Time about mid-day? Just the opposite! [3,2] Is nest I arranged named after a pope? [7] Acres broken up before cow swallows first root! Birds take fright at it. [9] Where to get a float without going near a bank. [9] Put off well-mannered man, used to remove grease. [9] I was left out of alibi to a degree as hero of Arabian Nights. [3,4] Family kin right joyous. [7] Deadly river swallowed up thanks. [5] Vegetable town. [5] Composer found in chapel gardens. [5]

Solution to Crossword 366

Down: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Part of church figured in John Buchan celebrations. [7] Pint ghost mixed somewhere to sleep. [5-4] I, Abe, am partly alongside. [5] Cast brats, as summaries in order. [9] Fattened cock wearing peaked headgear. [5] Real Chert stirred to find leafy conifer. [5,4]

THE WINNER of our APRIL CROSSWORD was ...

Mrs. S. Abbott of Child Okeford, Dorset, who chose to spend the £10 voucher at The Garden Shop at Harts, Sturminster Newton.