Malmesbury september 2015 small by Town Crier Magazine

MO NO NT W HL Y

â&#x2122;Ľ TownCr er Magazine Covering ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT, MALMESBURY and villages

www.towncriermagazine.com

Your Local

FREE

SEPTEMBER 2015

Bring in the

Harvest! WessexAuctionRooms Auctioneers of Antiques, Furniture & Collectables

ENTRIES WANTED

Single items to Full House Clearances Deceased Estates Free appraisals at our auction rooms or appointments at your home

Local long established auctioneers with worldwide coverage

www.wessexauctionrooms.co.uk

01249 720888

Westbrook Farm, Draycot Cerne, Chippenham, Wilts. SN15 5LH

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015

FOOD l HEALTH & BEAUTY l MOTORING l GARDENING l PET CARE

LOCAL PICK-UP POINTS

BARNES

October Holiday Breaks 4th October BLACKPOOL ILLUMINATIONS 6 days from £335.00 pp

Choice of 3 or 4 star hotel in Blackpool. Visits to Lake District, Yorkshire Dales At the beginning of the 19th century Blackpool was a little known fishing village on the north west coast. Now it is Britain’s largest holiday resort with a flat 6-mile promenade and three piers. The trams on the sea front are the only survivors of their kind in England. We return to the ever popular Vernon Hotel and also this year we also give you the option of staying at the 4 star Imperial Hotel.

9th October THE BATTLE OF WATERLOO - Brussels 4 days from £279.00 pp

4 star hotel in centre of Brussels. Visits to Ostend, Bruges, Wellington Museum Celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo at the battlefield just outside of Brussels. The battle was one of the last significant European clashes to be fought using a combination of cannons, swords and muskets. There is also time to enjoy the fabulous city of Brussels.

23rd October MIDLAND’S RAILWAYS & CANALS

4 days from £249.00 pp

Inc. Black Country Museum, Severn Valley Railway, Stratford & Canal Trip! It is no surprise that there were a greater concentration of canals and railways in regions such as the Midlands because they served local industry before road transport took over. There is now a fascinating legacy left for leisure groups and this tour offers nice scenery, lots of nostalgia and of course the transport rides! Modern hotel with on site health club.

ed-1 1

19/09/2014 11:13:29

26th October SINGLES IN SCOTLAND 5 days from £369.00 pp

Irvine including Royal Yacht Britannia 4 star hotel with superb facilities. Join one of our popular single room holidays to this wonderful part of Scotland. There will be a welcome drink plus shortbread on arrival and on one night there will be a Scottish Night with traditional Scottish menu, piper, Scottish dancers and Burns poetry performed in costume and explained! This tour has sold out three years in a row so book early!

To book your coach trip: 01793 821303 or visit us online at: www.barnescoaches.co.uk 2

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015

Dream Doors Swindon A5_Your Local 21/05/2014 14:34 Page 1

FREE e Applianrc* Offe

Transform your kitchen without buying a new one! Your dream kitchen has just become an affordable reality... Have you always wanted the kitchen of your dreams, but can’t quite justify paying the expensive price tag that comes with it? Now you can by just swapping the doors and worktops. Less hassle, Less time, Less cost... • Trusted reputation • 50% deposit balance on completion • Huge choice of doors, worktops, appliances, sinks & taps

NEW Showroom now open in Royal Wootton Bassett Covering North Wiltshire

Call Ian NOW for a free estimate View our credentials at

01793 213021 www.dreamdoors.co.uk

Find us on

* Terms & Conditions apply, please ask for full details

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015

SEPTEMBER 2015

Editor’s Letter

IN THIS ISSUE 6 What’s On Local News and Events

Welcome to the September edition!

16 Malmesbury Vics

As you may have spotted on our front cover, your local Town Crier magazine will now be coming to you every month!

20 Recipe Stuffed Baked Peppers

As the kids go back to school and the days grow shorter this edition inevitably has an autumnal flavour. With the harvest safely gathered, our cover feature looks at British Food and Harvest Festivals, and we also cover what to do in the garden this Autumn. Many thanks to everyone who sent in contributions to this issue - Wiltshire Home Guard, Cotswold Wildlife Park and Wilts and Berks Canal Trust, and many more - we are always interested in receiving items of local interest from our readers. Please also send in your What’s On events - you can do this via our website at www.towncriermagazine.com Until next time ...

22 Harvest Special - British Food - Harvest Festivals - Importance of Bread 24 Books 26 New Tamarins Cotswold Wildlife Park 28 Puzzle Corner Crossword/Sudoku

31 Autumn Gardening 32 Local History Home Guard & Canal Trust

Annie

Your Local

TownCr er Magazine

The Stables, Fishers Brook, Calne, Wilts. SN11 9HB Tel: 01249 811068 www. towncriermagazine.com Deadline for submissions for the October 2015 issue: 8th September 2015 Editor: contact@towncriermagazine.com Advertising: contact@towncriermagazine.com Artwork: production@towncriermagazine.com CONDITIONS OF ADVERTISING: The Editor reserves the right to refuse any copy which she feels may not be appropriate material for print. No responsibility will be taken for any damage or loss of material caused by inaccuracy or omission of any advertisement. Artwork prepared by us remains the property of The Town Crier Magazine and reproduction in any form is expressly forbidden without prior permission from the Editor. We provide artwork free of charge and where possible we will adhere to your request on layouts and type, but we cannot guarantee an exact copy. If you wish to produce your own artwork to a specific layout, or have any changes to an existing advert, please ensure your copy is with us by the 1st of month prior to publication at the latest. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the The Town Crier Magazine.

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015

Bring in the

Harvest!

Experts in all building works, renovations, conversions, decorating, kitchens and bathrooms for your home or business enquiries@priorandcompany.com The Courtyard, Bath Road, Shaw, Melksham SN12 8EF

www.priorandcompany.com

Prior and Marden joint advert.indd 1

Extensions, Rewires, Faults & Repairs, Fusebox Changes, Lighting & Sockets, Outdoor Electrics, Appliance Installations

Need an electrician?

Contact Tony Parfrey for a free quotation

www.dreamscape-electrical.co.uk 01666 837580

07815 932197

Domestic and Commercial Electrical Service All work insured, tested, certificated and guaranteed. The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015

ON W NE HAT A R ’S YO U

Local Focus SEPTEMBER 2015

What’s happening locally • News • Events • Charities • Clubs

MAMS Carducci Quartet Concert 19 September 2015 at 19:30 Malmesbury Abbey Gloucester Street, Malmesbury Wilts SN16 0AA

New PIE Talks Launched in Bath 13th September 2015 at 4pm–6pm at New Oriel Hall, Larkhall, BA1 6RA Facebook: is.gd/pietalks

Malmesbury Abbey Music Society is proud to present The Carducci Quartet once again in concert in our magnificent 12th Century Abbey. One of today’s most successful string quartets, Carducci will be performing two of the Shostakovich String Quartets in their concert. Tickets Adults £15. Members £12. Students £5 available from the Abbey or at the door.

Mea Fabula Films are proud to announce the first of three monthly new ‘PIE talks’ starting in September, all to raise money for The Forever Friends Appeal, the primary fundraising charity for the RUH, Bath. These talks, where PIE stands for Passionate, Intelligent and Engaging, are designed to bring people together to talk about their passions and how their life has shaped them. The purpose of the events is to meet and learn about the people in our community, to encourage connections and to have conversations that might stimulate our thinking in new and interesting ways. The speakers for the first event are Piers Taylor, architect and presenter of BBC’s “The House that £100k Built”, and Penny Hay, Director Of Research at 5x5x5=creativity and behind May’s “Forest Of Imagination” in Bath’s Queen Square. Taylor’s talk is called “Challenging Orthodoxy” and Hay’s “Permission To Follow Your Passions”. The band is Silver Phoenix, a five piece that plays music from the 60s and 70s with a few modern ones thrown in for good measure. Ticket prices are £8 for an adult, £2 for a child and the money raised is donated to the Forever Friends Appeal at the RUH. Tickets are available on Eventbrite (https://pietalks.eventbrite.co.uk).

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015

Saturday 19th September 2015 To take place at the Town Hall, High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett at 2pm. For details please contact: Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council 01793 850222

Regular lawn mowing from £12 per visit For more information please call Liz on 0844 8000219 www.tumbletots.com/swindon

A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS with advice you can trust

Wood & Laminates

100’s of Remnants always available from only £10

Carpets

Vinyl

Full Fitting Service FREE Measuring & Estimate Service FREE Sample Service The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015

What’s On

Ballad of Martha Brown Saturday 26th September, 7.30 pm Kington Langley Village Hall www.angelexit.co.uk Angel Exit’s original drama is based on the life and times of Martha Brown, the last woman publicly hanged in Dorset in 1856. It is a tale of jealousy and passion; an ordinary woman and her ordinary husband, a hatchet grabbed in haste, a murder, a wrongly accused horse, a black silk dress, the hangman from London and the mob at the hang-fair who gawp in glee. Presented in the company’s rich visual style, blending inventive storytelling and striking physicality, this show is spliced through with wicked humour, an original score, live music and macabre songs.

Specialists in all roofing, Upvc fascias, soffits and guttering, leadwork, chimneys and sundry works for your home or business enquiries@mardenroofing.co.uk

www.mardenroofing.co.uk 26/01/2015 14:03

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015

“Martha’s story is a shocking reflection on the ownership, sexism and blood-lust of the time, and Angel Exit have found a hugely entertaining, visually stunning and choreographically astonishing way to tell it” Fine Times Recorder “A macabre comedy cabaret, the story of Martha Brown is told by a chorus using music, sounds and dance to tell her life in various creative ways. The imagery used is dark but also a lot of fun... an entertaining and illuminating play with a devilishly fantastic cast” What’s on Stage

The Courtyard, Bath Road, Shaw, Melksham SN12 8EF

“This play is actually a lot of fun.... a joyously satisfying romp with just five superbly talented and versatile actors... a joyous and inspirational interpretation of this sad story.” “Angel Exit are consummate storytellers. Highly recommended.” British Theatre Guide

Tickets: £7 full, £6 concessions (senior citizens, students & benefit claimants), £4.50 children (under 16), £18.50 family (2 adults & 2 children). Available from events@ klvh.org, 01249 750362 or Langley Fitzurse School Office (9 - 12 weekdays during term). Not a children’s show! (Age guidance: over 12.) Brought to you by Rural Arts Wiltshire: “live arts, village venues”.

01793 602502 or www.rightathomeuk.com/swindon swindon@rightathomeuk.com

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015

What's On

Diary Dates SEPTEMBER 2015

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE Town Hall, Cross Hayes, Malmesbury, SN16 9BZ Tel:01666 823748 Email: tic@malmesbury.gov.uk THE NORTH WILTSHIRE VILLAGE FLOWER CLUB Meets every 3rd Wednesday of the month in Crudwell Village Hall at 7.30pm – Contact Gill on 01666 824813 for details MALMESBURY MORRIS meets every Thursday at Corston Reading Room at 7.30pm New dancers and musicians very welcome MALMESBURY SCHOOL ART EXHIBITION at The Hub, Malmesbury Town Hall FOLLY TOWER & WOODLAND Faringdon, South West Gloucestershire Sept 6th & 20th and Oct 4th & 18th Tel 0845 475 8386, Free Entry JANE AUSTEN’S BATH Victoria Art Gallery By Pulteney Bridge, Bath BA2 4AT 01225 477233 www.victoriagal.org.uk until 4th Oct 2015 Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 – 5:00 Sunday 1:30 – 5:00, Closed Monday MALMESBURY BRANCH OF THE EMBROIDERS GUILD – OPEN EVENING Tuesday 8th September, 7pm – 9pm Town Hall, Malmesbury Open evening with guest speaker Dr. Lynn Hulse. Exhibition of work from the various workshops that are run. Information on workshops, talks, outings and projects throughout the year. Refreshments provided. More information from Ruth Vaughan 01666 826597. THE EMERGENCY SERVICES SHOW – 10th Show Celebrations Sunday 13th September, 10am-4pm Hullavington Airfield, Wiltshire

(J17, M4) Adults £6.50, Children under 16 £3.50, Under 3’s Free Promotional tickets are available online: www. emergencyservicesshow.com SWINDON AND CRICKLADE RAILWAY WARTIME WEEKEND 12 Sept 2015 to13 Sept 2015 Blunsdon, Swindon The Wartime Weekend brings together an outstanding collection of military vehicles and hardware with re-enactment groups recalling aspects of life on the front and at home. Tel: 01793 771615 SWINDON RAILWAY FESTIVAL 2015 Saturday 12 September 2015 Sunday 13 September 2015 The big GWR event of the year www.steam-museum.org.uk TETBURY FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL 16th-20th September 2015 The 2015 Tetbury Food and Drink Festival will feature five days of special menus, garden tours, cookery demonstrations, market stalls, wine tastings and much more from local producers, retailers and restaurants. More information at: www.tetburyfooddrinkfestival.com WILTSHIRE TOWN CRIERS CHAMPIONSHIP Saturday 19th September 2015 To take place at the Town Hall, High St, Royal Wootton Bassett at 2pm. For details please contact: RWB Town Council 01793 850222 MALMESBURY ABBEY MUSIC SOCIETY CARDUCCI – STRING QUARTET Saturday 19th September 7.30pm Malmesbury Abbey, Tickets £15 (£5 students) Abbey Bookshop & on the door. Shostakovich String Quartets no 6 & no 3, Beethoven Op. 18 no 4 Fir info please visit www.carducciquartet.com

OPERA SULIS PRESENTS ‘SONGS FOR SEPTEMBER’ Saturday 26th September A golden evening of popular operatic classics. In Aid of Dorothy House Hospice. St Andrew’s

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015

Church, Chippenham. 7.30 p.m Tickets £9 in advance or £10 on the door from info@operasulis.co.uk or 01249 657727 THE WILTSHIRE GAME AND COUNTRY FAIR 26-27 September 2015 Bowood, The Wiltshire Game and country Fair graces the magnificent grounds of the Bowood Estate, for the ninth time in succession. www.bowood.org/events/ THE BRINKWORTH ‘10K’ BASH – MULTI TERRAIN Sunday 27th September 11.30am 10k race held on country paths, byways, forest tracks and with some short sections on minor lanes Please enter online at www.fullonsport.co.uk OCTOBER 2015

GREAT WESTERN BRICK SHOW Saturday 3-4 October 2015 See gigantic models, inventions and displays as you’ve never seen them before! www.steam-museum.org.uk SHERSTON MARKET Saturday 3rd October 2015 from 10am to 2pm The monthly markets have a wide range of bespoke and unique stalls including food, crafts, clothes and one for a local good cause. There’s also a café serving hot and cold food and drink. With most stalls run by local people for local people, this is your market. Come along to the Sherston Village Hall, High Street, Sherston, Malmesbury, SN16 0LH www.sherstonmarket.co.uk VALUATION DAY & EVENING TALK WITH THOMAS PLANT Old Bell Hotel 8th October For full details of ticket prices and how to book a valuation slot please call 01666 238100 EMERGENCY ROCKS LIVE MUSIC Saturday 10th October doors open 7.30pm at Malmesbury Town Hall Tickets £6 available from the Sumer Café. For more information please email: thedirtysmooth@gmail.com

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Image courtesy of Naomi Youd

New Richard James office now open in Royal Wootton Bassett As you may be aware Kerry and Andy Flinn, owners of Select Properties have recently taken the momentous decision to retire from their business. I am acutely aware that they thought long and hard before making their decision, with one of their chief concerns being the desire to leave their clients and properties in safe hands! I am very pleased indeed that they have chosen myself and my team at Richard James to take up the mantle, and to continue their good work. To give you a brief resume of my background, which I hope will help alleviate any concerns you may have with regard to the experience and ethos behind myself and my team. Like Andy, I am ex-RAF, and in fact rented a property in Royal Wootton Bassett many years ago. This property was not well looked after by the local agent (not Select!), and this prompted my decision to open my own agency. Over the last 18 years I have grown the business (merging with Richard James Estate Agents 4 years ago), and recognise in Select Properties the shared 12

desire to provide the very best service to our vendors, landlords, buyers and tenants alike. Richard James has been helping people to move in Swindon and its surrounding villages for over 23 years. We have a very local team who are all committed to delivering a personal and impressive service at all times, and our Royal Wootton Bassett team are very much looking forward to becoming part of the local community. With 6 further offices in and around Swindon we have a huge offering in terms of finding you the right buyer, tenant or indeed home that you are looking for. We tailor our service to suit your needs and still strongly believe in traditional estate agency as well as continuing to grow our online following and use those tools to maximise the marketing of your home. If you are an existing client of Select Properties and havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t had the chance to meet us yet, or simply thinking about moving in the near or distant future, why not pop in and say hello,

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015

meet the team, enjoy the newly refurbished premises (if they are finished by the time you read this!) and we can spend some time getting to know you and helping you with your next move or investment.

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015

What’s On GRITTLETON VILLAGE HALL WITH RURAL ARTS WILTSHIRE presents

performing in aid of

be Songs for Septem A golden evening

ic of popular operat

classics

prano Susan Coates - So zo Soprano ez M y Anne Brale nor Te Carlos Alonso ritone Ba r ne em Br y Ashle ano Pi all od Nicholas Go

30pm ptember 2015, 7. Saturday 26th Se am nh pe ip Ch , ch St Andrew’s Chur

door vance, £10 on the Tickets £9 in ad erasulis.co.uk op o@ inf or 27 9 6577 Available via 0124 red charity no. 275745 Dorothy House registe

INSTANT WIT This quick-fire comedy improvisation show returns to Grittleton to prove yet again that it is ‘the best in improvised comedy ... an evening of sketches, songs and general silliness, all based on audience suggestions’ NOT TO BE MISSED!

FRIDAY 18th SEPTEMBER 2015 GRITTLETON VILLAGE HALL doors open 7.30pm for 8.00pm start

TICKETS - Jan on 01249 782798 dandjjeffcoate@btinternet.com Adults £7, Concs £6, Children (under 16) £4.50, Families (2 adults & 2 children) £18.50 Target audience Ages 12+ Bring your own nibbles and refreshments for an entertaining and social evening and be prepared to laugh – a lot!

Wessex Male Choir Wessex Male Choir, an award-winning choir based in Swindon, is on the lookout for new recruits. Regular rehearsals are held in the church at Abbey Meads village, north-east Swindon, on Tuesday evenings between 7.30pm and 9.30pm (apart from breaks at Easter, during August and over the Christmas period). This year, in addition to their local concerts, they will be singing in Oxford, Taunton and London, with choirs from the USA and Norway. If you are male, at least 16 years old, and like the idea of raising a song together, why not come along to a rehearsal and see what you think. Alternatively, have a look at our website, www.wessexmalechoir.co.uk, or have a chat with Nick, our membership secretary, at membership@wessexmalechoir.co.uk.

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015

Music for Autism Day at Malmesbury Abbey 8 October 2015 at 19:30 Malmesbury Abbey Gloucester Street Malmesbury Wilts SN16 0AA Malmesbury Abbey invites you to a special gala fund-raising concert on October 8th 2015 at 7.30 pm as part of our popular and successful Music for Autism Day. We are thrilled to announce that the brilliant pianist, Derek Paravicini and friends will be performing a concert as part of our Orchestra of St John Music for Autism day. Tickets £10. www.malmesburyabbey.com

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015

Football

Griffin can’t wait for the off! N

EW MALMESBURY VICS player manager Alan Griffin can’t wait for the new season to get underway. Griffin, who returned to the club midway through last season from Chippenham Town, is excited by the prospect of retaining the league title, which the club won last year. “We’ve got some very talented local players, playing local football”, said Griffin, “Ideally we’ll be up there at the end of the season and looking for promotion. These players could play at a higher level, our pre-season results have shown that”. Assisting ‘Griffo’ this term will be Kev Bridgeman, who has played many games for The Vics. Another stalwart, Dave Shepherd, takes the reins for the reserves, alongside Andy Wicks. For The Development side, Steve Chadwick comes from The Malmesbury Youth set up to team up with Jack Rees. Last season’s hugely successful manager Wayne Kibble, moves up to General Manager, in overall charge of all team affairs. With the league constitution now released, we shall now be competing in the newly named Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League, owing to a sponsorship deal. New teams joining us will be the fancifully named Andover New Street Swifts FC, who arise from The Andover and District League;

and Royal Wootton Bassett Town Reserves FC, who join from Div 2 of The Hellenic League. With names as long as that we may have to extend our fixture board. For the first time, all our sides will be wearing a new strip to start the season; even Badger can’t remember that happening before! So we give a huge thanks to our kit sponsors, Graham Hancock and Brendon Rice, Mike and Sharon Sharpe of Learn and Pass Driving School, and finally the marvellous Fatboys Charity. Thanks guys, the players really do appreciate your generosity. I’ll finish with a date for your diary . . . why not come along to our final fundraiser of the year, The Post Carnival Party, on Saturday 5th September, following the procession. Headlining this year will be the brilliant act, Sister Sister. Check them out on YouTube, and you’ll see why they have such a large following. #COYV

If anyone,16 years+ is interested in playing for The Vics, please contact Julie, (club sec) on 07595 725263 for more information.

Malmesbury Vic’s Management Team 2015/16 L–R-Jack Rees, Steve Chadwick, Wayne Kibble, Alan Griffin, Kev Bridgeman and Dave Shepherd.

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015

BEST WESTERN

Mayfield House Hotel

CHRISTMAS PARTY

2 COURSES LUNCH

Roast Chestnut and Lightly Curried Parsnip Soup Home Smoked Mackerel Fillet

£ 16.95

3 COURSES LUNCH

with pickled beetroot and baby onions

Pheasant and Black Pudding Terrine

£ 19.95

with orange and cranberry chutney

2 COURSES DINNER

Double Baked North Cerney Goat’s Cheese Soufflé

£ 18.95

with pear poached in mulled wine and a walnut salad

3 COURSES DINNER

Roast Breast of Wiltshire Bronze Turkey with almond, rosemary and smoked bacon stuffing, bread sauce, pigs in blankets and a rich turkey and cranberry pan gravy

Long, Slow Braised Ben Creese Blade of Beef Bourguignon with horseradish and chive mash

Pan Fried Cornish Sea Bass with spinach polenta chips with caper, lemon and gherkin cream

Individual Home-Steamed Suet Pudding

£ 22.95 COME BACK BEFORE THE END OF FEBRUARY & RECEIVE

25% DISCOUNT ON YOUR FOOD BILL QUOTE ’FESTIVE SEASON’

filled with winter root vegetable ratatouille and a fresh parsley sauce

Traditional Christmas Plum Pudding with rum butter and orange clotted cream

Passion Fruit and White Chocolate Cheesecake with Amaretto poached raspberries

Dark Chocolate Mousse and Orange Shortbread Stack with brandied cherries

West Country Cheese and Biscuits

CHRISTMAS DINNER & DISCO SATURDAY 19TH DECEMBER £24.95 PER PERSON Crudwell, Malmesbury, Wilts SN16 9EW t: 01666 577409 f: 01666 577977 e: reception@mayfieldhousehotel.co.uk w: www.mayfieldhousehotel.co.uk The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015

Here are just a few of our offers . . . 10 ltr Covaplus b/w £24.95

3 for 2 offer

Osmo 2.5 ltr £48.95

Dulux bathroom/ kitchen b/w 2.5 ltr £19.95

Fencelife 5 ltr £3.99 3 for 2 offer

Macpherson 10 ltr b/w or mag £14.95

Weathershield b/w 7.5 ltr £29.95

All prices are subject to VAT @ 20% Offers end 30th September 2015

A one stop shop for the professional builder, decorator, and general public, stocking a wide range of products to suit all your requirements. NEXT DAY DELIVERY IS AVAILABLE 18

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015

Your local independent family run paint supplier, offering year round low prices Stockist of • Dulux Trade • Leyland • Sadolin • Sandtex • Zinsser and much more

• DECORATING SUNDRIES • TILING ADHESIVES • POWER TOOLS • BRUSHWARE • HAND TOOLS

COLOUR MATCHING SERVICE AVAILABLE If you already have a colour in mind, our unique ColorXpress colour matching service is available. Accurate, fast and best of all, free of charge, our advanced technology will give you the perfect match to paint, fabric, wallpaper and even tiles! Dulux Trade and Leyland Trade is mixed on site.

MALMESBURY CIRENCESTER Unit 1, Park Road, Ind Estate, Unit 18, Business Estate, Elliot Road, SN16 0BX Park Road, Malmesbury Cirencester GL7 1YS UnitMalmesbury 1 Park Road Centre, SN16 0BX 01666 825198 01285 642027 Tel: 01666 825198 www.sryall.co.uk ryallsmalm@gmail.com ryallsltd@gmail.com Open: Monday-Friday: 7am-6pm, Saturday: 7am-12pm, Sunday: Closed The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015

Food & Drink

Stuffed Baked Peppers Perfect September Food Preparation time: 30 minutes

Method

Cooking time: 1 hour

Preheat the oven to 170C / Gas Mark 6. Lightly oil a 9x13 inch / 23 x33 cm baking tray; set aside.

Serves: 6 Ingredients 1 tbsp olive oil, plus more for oiling the pan 1 small red onion, finely chopped 8oz / 225g mushrooms, finely diced 1 large carrot, finely diced or grated 7 peppers, any colour or mixed colours - 1 cored, seeded and chopped finely; 6 cored and seeded with the tops removed and reserved Large handful or flat-leaved parsley, chopped Large handful baby spinach 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 3/4 tsp ground cumin 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed and cooked according to package directions 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp ground black pepper 1/2 cup roasted cashews 20

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015

Heat oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally until transparent, 8 to 10 minutes approx. Add mushrooms and cook until softened. Add carrots and chopped peppers, fry until just softened, then add parsley and spinach. Let spinach wilt then stir in cinnamon, cumin and cooked quinoa and toss gently to combine. Add cashews and season with salt and pepper, then cook for 2 minutes more. Set aside to let filling cool until just warm. Divide quinoa mixture evenly among remaining 6 peppers, gently packing it down and making sure to fully fill each pepper. Top each pepper with its reserved top then arrange them upright in prepared pan. Cover snugly with foil and bake for approximately 1 hour, checking halfway through, until peppers are tender and juicy and filling is hot throughout. Transfer to plates and serve.

We are an independent family owned and run agency offering over 50 years of combined property experience servicing, Royal Wootton Bassett, Purton, Lyneham, Swindon and surrounding villages. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– We pride ourselves on providing our customers with a professional and personal service that only a totally committed family team can provide.

26/26a High Street Royal Wootton Bassett Wiltshire SN4 7AA

Sales: 01793 840222 Lettings: 01793 855222 www.alanhawkins.co.uk

EARTHMOVING SERVICES www.earthmovingservices.net

• Garden/site shaping, levelling and clearance Micro excavator, • Footings, trenches and ditches excavated minimum access • Sub-bases, soakaways and land drains width required: • Concrete, tarmac, hedge and stump removal 29 inches (730mm) • 0.75-7.5 ton excavators with driver

MEADOW FARM

NURSERIES

For more information call Steve on

01793 848708 07967 341567

9, SUTTON LANE, LANGLEY BURRELL, CHIPPENHAM, SN15 4LW

T. 01249 720522 M. 07794 515938 info@meadowfarmnurseries.co.uk www.meadowfarmnurseries.co.uk

Quality Plants & Hanging Baskets Your local plant nursery supplying Trade or Retail Everything grown on the Nursery Friendly staff. Competitive prices Credit/Debit cards accepted on amounts over £10 We are easy to find - only 1 mile from Sutton Benger down Sutton Lane. Turn right past Bell Hotel towards Lyneham or 1st left on entering village from Christian Malford.

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015

Food & Drink

Harvest Time The Importance of Bread

E HAVE CELEBRATED a successful harvest since pagan times in Britain. Today events are commonly held in September or October on the Sunday when there is a full moon closest to the Autumn Equinox (September 23rd). Prior to King Henry VIII’s break away from the Catholic Church however, celebrations took place on August 1st at the start of the Harvest season. The day was known as Lammas or ‘loaf mass’, and marked the wheat harvest specifically with celebrations on 22

later days to honour fruit crops. On Lammas it was customary for farmers to make a loaf from the new crop and take it to church. Stories of tradition then vary, with some sources saying the blessed loaf would be used for communion during a special mass thanking God for the harvest. Others say the loaf was split into four pieces and placed in the corners of the barn to protect the grain that had been gathered. Frequently celebrations in schools and churches include hymns such as We Plough the Fields And

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015

Scatter, and All Things Bright and Beautiful. Decorations such as corn dollies and the display of home grown produce are set out. This format is thought to emanate from when the Revered Robert Hawker invited parishioners to harvest celebrations in Morwenstow in Cornwall in 1843. Whether you celebrate formally or not it’s a great time of year to enjoy the foods of the season, especially bread.

by Susan Brookes-Morris

British Food Fortnight 19th September – 4th October

British Food Fortnight exists to put British food firmly in the spotlight. It aims to encourage us to enjoy fresh, seasonal produce and regional dishes. It takes place during harvest time, which is the traditional time for celebrating food. For more visit: www.lovebritishfood.co.uk TETBURY FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL 16th-20th September 2015 The 2015 Tetbury Food and Drink Festival will feature five days of special menus, garden tours, cookery demonstrations, market stalls, wine tastings and much more from local producers, retailers and restaurants. For more information visit: www.tetburyfooddrinkfestival.com SHERSTON MARKET Saturday 3rd October 2015 from 10am to 2pm The monthly markets have a wide range of bespoke and unique stalls including food, crafts, clothes and one for a local good cause. There’s also a café serving hot and cold food and drink. With most stalls run by local people for local people, this is your market. Come along to the Sherston Village Hall, High Street, Sherston, Malmesbury, SN16 0LH and see all that we have to offer. www.sherstonmarket.co.uk

Harvest Festivals by Sarah Davey Take a look at a modern harvest festival and you’ll no doubt see many ‘urban’ offerings of pre-packed cakes and tins of sweet corn. It’s so easy to pop down to the supermarket these days we forget that until relatively recently in this country, people’s lives depended upon the success or failure of their crops. Harvest festivals were a way to say thank you for a good harvest while trying to guarantee the fortune of the next one. Saxon farmers offered the first cut sheaf of corn to the gods of fertility in order to please them and ensure they were kind the following year. The last sheaf was used to make a Kern baby; a doll, dressed in white and trimmed with coloured ribbons to represent spring. Most peasants were tenant farmers who farmed for a landowner. Harvest time meant weeks of back-breaking work, so it became a tradition for the landowner to host a harvest supper as a thank you to the whole community once the harvest was brought home safely. There was no set date, but the celebrations generally took place around the time of the full Moon, known as the Harvest Moon. Harvest festivals are closely associated with the church, but actually date back to Pagan times. It was 1843 before the Church became involved.

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015

Books

A Good Read Reviews by Willow Coby

Cross Stitch

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

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

Diana Gabaldon

This engrossing novel is the first in the ‘Outlander’ series and introduces the reader to Claire Randall. It is 1945 and Claire is on a second honeymoon with her husband after being reunited with him following the end of the war. The Scottish Highlands seems idyllic although she accepts that the real reason for the destination is for her husband, Frank to research his family history. Claire visits a stone circle at Craigh na Dun and faints after hearing a strange buzzing noise. When she comes round she finds herself transported back in time to the 18th Century. Not knowing when or if she will ever return to 1945, Claire sets about surviving in an alien culture. She falls for Jamie Fraser, a young Scottish warrior, who is about as different from Frank as you can possibly imagine. She learns of his life and how it crossed paths with Captain Randall: the ancestor that her husband is researching back in 1945. Her heart and passions are divided between Frank in 1945 and the Scotsman she is forced to marry to save her life. Winner of the Romance Writers of America’s award of ‘Best Romance’ when it was first published, the story has recently been adapted for American television and is shown here on Amazon Prime. Gabaldon has created a rich world for her characters set against the romantic Scottish Highlands. The central characters of Claire and Jamie are complex and they carry the reader through the story. Even the many smaller characters have a voice of their own: from Dougal MacKenzie who leads Jamie’s clan to Geillis Duncan, an unexpected ally for Claire. At 880 pages this may seem like a daunting read, but before you know it, the pages have sped by.

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015

Jeff Kinney

Of course this month children all over the country said goodbye to the long summer holiday and trudged (many of them reluctantly) back to the classroom. So this month we have a ‘back to school’ theme with the first book in the smash hit US book series. Greg Heffley is finding his way through the minefield that is middle school. As he points out at the start of the book this isn’t really a diary. In his own words there is none of this ‘dear diary’ rubbish and he won’t be discussing his ‘feelings’. It’s a journal, and as a journal it takes us through the school year from the all-important decision of where to sit on the first day of class, to the embarrassment of playing a tree in the school production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ (and not even being able to throw apples at annoying Patty who is playing Dorothy!). Along with his best friend, Rowley, he plans a Hallowe’en haunted house to raise some money but unfortunately they only manage one terrified guest before Rowley’s dad brings it to an end. But as we find out, that was not quite the end of the matter and it takes a full school year before the consequences of Hallowe’en night are fully realised. Described as ‘a novel in cartons’ this is a perfect book for both those who love reading and those who are ‘reluctant readers’. Yes, it’s an American book, but there are no issues with readers relating to the culture: school is school, wherever you are in the world!

MAKE LIFE EASIER Rise and recline furniture Adjustable beds

Footcare: On the move: Mobility scooters shoes and slippers Mobility scooter repairs Large range of mobility aids Footcare appointments Hire services Stairlifts FREE Hearing health

check

Pets

New Tamarin Arrival I

T has been fourteen years since Cotton-top Tamarins produced young at the Burford collection, so keepers were thrilled when their newest Tamarin female gave birth to twins. The striking infants were born to first-time parents and have been named Tilly and Tammy.

Cotton-top Tamarins (Saguinus oedipus) are considered to be one of the world’s 25 most endangered primates* and are classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), making them one of South America’s rarest Monkeys. Rampant deforestation and gold mining has destroyed an estimated 95 per cent of their natural habitat. In the wild, these exceptionally rare creatures are restricted to a tiny corner of north-west Colombia. Approximately 6,000 individuals remain in the wild – a devastatingly low figure, considering their numbers once ranged between 20,000 and 30,000 in the 1960s and 1970s. New father Johnny is an important individual for the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) as he has an impressively pure bloodline, so these new births are considered significant additions to the EEP, helping to ensure the genetic diversity of this rare and wonderful species. Curator of Cotswold Wildlife Park, Jamie Craig, said: “This is the first time we have bred this species for many years and the keepers are delighted at the progress of the youngsters so far. Together with the rapidly growing Emperor Tamarin babies, it certainly is an exciting time for the Primate section!” Each member of the family plays a specific role when it comes to rearing the young. The dominant male spends the most time carrying the infants – the mother carries them for the first week of life then holds them only to suckle. Females are pregnant for six months and the babies weigh about 15 per cent of their mother’s body weight, which is equivalent to a nine-stone woman giving birth to two ten-pound babies. They are not the only Tamarin births being celebrated this summer. Emperor Tamarin twins were born on 4th May (one pictured left). The sexes of the newborns are unknown at the moment, so they are yet to be named. Cotton-top and Emperor Tamarins (Saguinus imperator) are New World Monkeys and are members of the Callitrichidae family. Both are visually striking and easily identified. The Cotton-top Tamarins boast a 26

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015

fantastic crest of long white hair, like a mane of white cotton, whereas the Emperor Tamarins are famous for their elegant white moustaches. Visitors can see all four newborns at the Park. Their enclosures are opposite the entrance to interactive Lemur exhibit Madagascar. The Emperor Tamarins share their exhibit with Titi Monkeys and the smallest Monkey species on earth – the Pygmy Marmoset. Photos: Cotswold Wildlife Park

ADDITIONAL INFORMA TION: Up to 40,000 Cotton-to p Tamarins were caught and exported for use in biomedical research bef ore 1976 (when they were giv en the highest level of protection and all interna tional trade was banned ). Cotton-top Tamarins hav e more than 40 vocalisations used to com municate everything fro m the discovery of food to the approach of predat ors. The white fur on their hea d can be raised and lowered, creating a strikin g punk-like fan display. Tongue-flicking or “tongu ing” is a unique Tamarin behaviour used in many contexts, including aggression and mating. The Emperor Tamarin orig inates from western Bra zil and eastern Peru. Cotswold Wildlife Park opens its doors at 10am every day (except Christ mas Day), with last admission at 4.30pm (3. 30pm in the winter months). Visit www.cots woldwildlifepark.com for further details. Pho tos: Cotswold Wildlife Park

*Research according to Prim ates in Peril: The World’s 25 Most Endangered Primates (201 2-2014) compiled by the Primate Specialist Group of IUCN Species Survival Commis sion and the International Primatologic al Society.

Dog lovers wanted: Enjoy the company of a canine guest!

Open your home to a friendly dog for his holiday. Whilst owners are away dogs get the love, exercise and companionship of your loving home.

Give a dog a holiday! Where happy dogs holiday

Hilary Coates Phone: 01793 874 777 / 07436 796 115 Email: sn@waggingtailsuk.co.uk www.waggingtailsuk.co.uk/sn/carer-enquiry A franchise owned and operated under licence by Hilary Coates Ltd

AquaPlumb

For all your Heating & Plumbing needs at Competitive Rates Tel: 01793 200043 www.aquaplumb.biz

HAYNES CONSTRUCTION

Building/Groundworks & Hard Landscaping Extensions, Garage & Loft Conversions Driveways & Patios • All building work undertaken All work guaranteed • FREE quote and advice

Mob: 07956 301957 Tel: 01793 348597

www.haynesconstruction.org.uk

Your Local

TownCr er Magazine

To advertise call 01249 811068 The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015

Puzzles

PUZZLE CORNER

ACROSS 1 Eastern European country (6) 4 Thin crisp biscuit (5) 8 Overhaul, modernise (5) 9 Loudly, uproariously (7) 10 Slim, lithe (7) 11 Skin irritation (4) 12 Top, cover (3) 14 Jealousy (4) 15 Type of goat (4) 18 Weep, cry (3) 21 Retort, riposte (4) 23 Guitar-like instrument (7) 25 Conceded, endorsed (7) 26 Emaciated, cadaverous (5) 27 Black (5) 28 Onset, arrival (6)

Call for a free, no obligation market appraisal from a professional team Chippenham 01249 447777 Calne 01249 813813 Swindon 01793 643643

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015

DOWN 1 Church district (6) 2 Portable lamp (7) 3 In this day and age (8) 4 Lament, moan (4) 5 Pass out (5) 6 Beat pattern (6) 7 Growl, grumble (5) 13 Spilled the beans, disclosed (8) 16 Assassinate, kill (7) 17 Four-sided shape (6) 19 Chum, mate (5) 20 Group of six (6) 22 Eskimo house! (5) 24 Rock rhythmically (4) Solutions to the crossword and sudoku on page 30

Ask AMS Advice for small businesses

Can my business save tax by sponsoring my son’s Sunday league football team? It depends on whether this sponsorship can be expected to benefit your trade. For the sponsorship to be tax deductible, it has to be “wholly and exclusively” for the purpose of the trade.

New Jeep for Wiltshire Police Swindon-based dealership, T H White Fiat Group Brand Centre, has begun a forward-thinking partnership with Wiltshire Police. In a ‘first’ for the dealership, the award-winning dealership has supplied an All-New Jeep Renegade to Wiltshire Police in what is essentially an extended six month test drive. At the end of the ‘test period’, the Force will have purchased the vehicle at a preferential rate from the dealership. The vehicle will be based at and used out of Gable Cross Police Station in Swindon and has been fitted with full police graphics complete with blue lights and sirens.

So, if your business could gain extra trade or customers by the sponsorship ie; your business is a local shop, it can be argued that the sponsorship is tax deductible. If it won’t lead to extra trade ie; it’s obscure and the people who see the advertising would never have cause to use your business, HMRC may treat the sponsorship costs as not tax deductible. Also, if they think that you rather than your business is benefiting it may be treated as a taxable Benefit in Kind on you. Peter Bromiley ACA

AMS Accountancy Ltd. Swindon SN5 7XF 01793 818400 www.ams-accountancy.co.uk

The recently launched All-New Jeep Renegade makes the perfect addition to the Force’s fleet, delivering superior on and off-road capability and in-car features which are second to none. It has best-in-class off-road capability and first-in-class automatic transmission along with innovative Jeep Active Drive systems. All of which make the All-New Jeep Renegade the perfect support vehicle in the fight against crime in the area. Stephen Botham, Fleet & Services Manager at Wiltshire Police (Devizes HQ), negotiated the deal with Lee Jones, Fleet Sales Manager – EMEA Region at FCA Group and T H White Fiat Group Brand Centre’s newly appointed Fleet Sales Specialist, Emma McArdle. Andrew Carr, Hub Superintendent Swindon from Gable Cross Police Station in Swindon, said “We’re delighted to add the All-New Jeep Renegade to our fleet of vehicles, which will be the first Jeep we’ve used as a marked vehicle and looking forward to the start of what we are confident will be a rewarding relationship between Wiltshire Police and T H White Fiat Group Brand Centre, with the support of Emma and Lee.” T H White Fiat Group Brand Centre. Forest Park Rd, Mead Way, Hillmead, Swindon, SN5 5QJ Tel: 01793 680480 www.motors.thwhite.co.uk The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015

Crossword & Sudoku solution page 28

Kitchen Makeover Are your kitchen cabinets OK, but the doors and drawer fronts are looking a little tired? Why not consider a kitchen makeover? By replacing the doors and drawer fronts plus a new worktop you can achieve the look of a new stylish kitchen. Saving you time, money and a lot of upheaval. Complete kitchens and bedrooms also available. Extensive range of door colours and designs.

DPC Injection • Woodworm Treatment Tanking • Cellar & Basement Conversions Dry & Wet Rot • Condensation Control Plastering Services • Replacement Wall Ties Guarantees provided • Fully insured

Tel: 01666 823520 Mobile: 07951 437163 www.abbeydampproofing.co.uk

We are a family run business with over 30 years experience in specialist carpentry and joinery. We can plan, design and fit your kitchen complete including any building or alteration work. Call Peter Galbraith now for a free survey and estimate Tel: 01793 741234 Visit our website @ pgalbraith24.wordpress.com

R.T.C

Plastering, Plumbing & Handyman Services We are a family run business with over 30 years experience in retailing and flooring installation trades. One simple telephone call and you will get all the advantages of a quality carpet showroom - plus extra savings - in the comfort of your own home! Trevor will have up to 5,000 carpet, vinyl and laminate samples in his mobile showroom for you to choose from, in the comfort of your living room; day, evening or weekend. And he won’t rush you. All the carpets are from well known manufacturers, which are backed by their own guarantees. To give you the best carpet price package ever. Estimating is free, luxury underlay, all accessories and installation are included in the price! There are no hidden extras.

For all your plastering/painting & plumbing needs and much much more... To find out more give me a call

Robert 01249 890492 mobile 07825 758705

Your Local

TownCr er Magazine

Your local magazine PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS HERE Email: contact@towncriermagazine.com for rates

Tel: 01249 811068

www. towncriermagazine.com 30

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015

Gardening

Autumn Gardening by Rachel Leverton

EPTEMBER 23rd is a special date in the gardening calendar. The sun is directly above the earth’s equator and day and night are exactly the same length.

chock-full of Spring bulbs already but I can always find room for some more. While I’m at it I’ll be planting a few in pots so I can be sure of a great spring display on the patio.

Because of this, September is a pivotal month in the year: it heralds the end of summer and the start of autumn. It’s also a pivotal month in the garden. It’s a time of endings but also a time for rejuvenation. Summer plants fade and enter their dormant period, while leaves take on autumn hues: yet autumn crocuses push up through the soil, while bushes and trees are laden with fruit.

Meanwhile I look upon all the weeding, tidying and leaf-raking that I’m doing as an investment in compostable materials for my bin and my leaf-litter pile, which when left over the winter transmogrify into rich, crumbly compost and leaf-mould respectively. When dug into my soil in early spring it will give my garden a much needed shot of energy with which to kick off the growing season.

This dual aspect to September means that on the one hand I find myself preparing my garden for its long winter sleep, but on the other I’m planning ahead for next spring. So, while cutting down the perennials which have finished flowering I’m also checking to see if any have become too big for the space they’re in. If they have, I’ll divide them now, while the soil is still warm, and move them to another part of the garden, where they’ll flourish when the new growing season begins next year.

The autumn equinox is the gardener’s equivalent of the New Year. It’s a time to reflect on the past season while resolving to do even better in 2016.

AUTUMN LAWN CARE Sweep the leaves. I put mine in a perforated dustbin liner, in a dry spot and wait for them to rot down. Rake Use a wire rake to pull out all the dead moss and thatch. I put everything I collect into the compost bin Spike lawn Push a garden fork right through the lawn into the earth below then rock it a little to open up the lawn’s surface and allow air in. Brush with top dressing This is available from garden centres. Brush it into the holes with a stiff broom. To make your own top dressing, mix 3 parts top soil with one part peat substitute and 6 parts sharp sand.

Likewise, I’m planning where any new trees or shrubs will go. I’ll get them in during September and they’ll be off to a flying start come Spring. My garden is The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015

Local History

The Wiltshire Home Guard by Maria Ogbourne

HE 75th ANNIVERSARY of the formation of the Home Guard occurred on 14 May 2015. The threat of invasion was very real on 14 May 1940, when men aged 17 to 65 not in military service were asked to enrol as Local Defence Volunteers to protect their country. They were renamed Home Guard in July 1940. The Wiltshire Home Guard (WHG) comprised 13 general service battalions, an antiaircraft battery and a motorised transport company. At least 23,500 men volunteered in the WHG. The Home Guard was disbanded on 31 December 1945 after being stood down on 3 December 1944.

The WHG re-enactment group aim to portray the activities of the Home Guard and life on the Home Front. Set up to enable all family members to join, we currently have 28 members from across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Dorset, and are always on the lookout for new members.

The WHG was set up to defend towns, villages and strategic locations. They undertook a variety of training including drill, weapons familiarisation and use, unarmed combat, methods for disrupting the enemy, and in some areas of Wiltshire bomb disposal. At events, we have drill sessions with the public being encouraged to take part, a village defence briefing where the methods of defence are explained including disrupting the enemy with caltrops, fake anti-tank mines and petrol bombs, and how to make use of captured weapons and ammunition. We also guard a UXB and demonstrate how it was made safe, and have a range of weapons and militaria on display. Where possible, a patrol will search out German infiltrators. Most activities are practiced at meetings held out of season. We even have a shooting competition, just like the Home Guard!

Home Front consists of several static displays including 1940s home complete with period pram, police station, ARP station, WVS collection point, and a period toy store. Land girls and a war correspondent are also attached to the unit. The public are encouraged to get close to the exhibits and ask lots of questions. Fundraising for military charities is achieved with collection tins and by selling pictorial items.

If we’ve whetted your appetite, visit our website www.wiltshirehomeguard.co.uk where you will find a lot more information, including details of our own show at Bratton in September.

Are you a veteran Wiltshire Home Guardsman? We’d love to hear your stories. Please contact us at committee@wiltshirehomeguard.co.uk 32

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015

WILTSHIRE HOME GUARD 75th ANNIVERSARY Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 September Operation Omega: Bratton at War Step Back in Time www.wiltshirehomeguard.co.uk

ALLIED WESSEX WESTINSURE YOUR LOCAL INSURANCE BROKER

ARE YOU CONFUSED BY YOUR INSURANCE RENEWAL EVERY YEAR? ARE YOU SHOCKED BY THE PRICE OF YOUR INSURANCE?

TELEPHONE: 01793 850441 WEBSITE: www.alliedwessexwestinsure.ltd.uk

109 HIGH STREET, WOOTON BASSETT, SWINDON SN4 7AU Allied Wessex Westinsure is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015

Local History

Heroic effort by local volunteers sees 220 year old culvert rebuilt

FTER NEARLY A YEAR of working in all weathers, from frost and wild winds, to torrential downpours and heatwaves, volunteers with the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust finally completed a mammoth rebuilding project in June at Pewsham Locks near Chippenham.

“Many of our volunteers are not professional bricklayers: they have enjoyed learning new skills and the culvert is now quite a stunning structure complete with over 8,000 bricks. Unfortunately, once finished, it will be completely hidden under the canal, so we want to show it off while we can!

A 30 metre long, 220 year old brick culvert, which collapsed during the record-breaking wet winter of 2013-14, has been rebuilt after a herculean effort by a team of workers, who worked weekends and mid-week, clocking up an amazing total of over 2,000 voluntary hours during the project.

“The fantastic donation of £10,000 from the Yorkshire Building Society, which we received last December, inspired members to redouble their efforts, and they worked heroically until the structure was finally completed this June. We are now looking forward to using our newly acquired skills on rebuilding the locks.”

Basil Raddy, a volunteer with the Trust, who has been involved from the start, said: “I have been keeping a record of the hours worked, and by my calculations, the actual rebuild has taken 1,656 hours. But when you add in the time clearing out the silt and bricks, diverting the towpath, pumping out the water, and cleaning the original bricks, I would estimate over 2,000 hours is near the mark.”

On 3rd July, Bristol manager of the Yorkshire Building Society Lee Hathaway, was invited to ceremonially lay the final inscribed brick, as an acknowledgement of the importance of the YBS funding in securing materials and hiring machinery. Roderick Bluh (newly appointed Wilts & Berks Canal Trust Chairman), Councillor David Powell (Mayor of Chippenham), and Michelle Donelan (MP for Chippenham) also attended the ceremony, applauding the volunteers for their fantastic efforts, and admiring the new structure before it is finally reburied.

The historic structure was originally constructed between 1795 and 1799, to cross underneath the canal, and was effectively an underground tunnel to carry the small stream Cocklemore Brook. In January 2014, that stream became a torrent, and the destructive power of the water collapsed the arched culvert, creating a huge hole in the towpath and canal bank, allowing all the water from that section of the restored canal to drain out. Ray Canter, project leader, said: “It has been a massive challenge. We couldn’t even start on the rebuilding for eight months, as it took that long for the water in Cocklemore Brook to lower sufficiently. Even then, volunteers had to don waders and work up to their chests in water and mud. Luckily, this last winter was not so wet, and by using three 4" pumps, we were able to clear all the debris and begin the rebuilding. We had to construct bunds (dams) on either side of the culvert, divert the towpath, and excavate the whole canal bed; it certainly gave us an enormous respect for the original builders who did not have the benefit of excavators and dumpers. 34

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015

The culvert itself will soon be lost again to view when the temporary bunds (or dams) are removed, the canal bed restored, and the canal below Pewsham waiting wharf will then be returned to its former glory. The aim of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust is to restore the former waterway from the Kennet & Avon Canal near Melksham to the Thames & Severn Canal near Cricklade and the River Thames near Abingdon, connecting Chippenham, Calne, Royal Wootton Bassett and Swindon. New members and volunteers are always welcome; see more information on the websites: www.melkshamwaterway.org.uk and www.wbct.org.uk Left: Volunteers Ray Canter and Basil Raddy stand proudly on top of the completed culvert. The inscribed brick, a duplicate of which will be on display above ground

The Town Crier Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015

111 High Street Royal Wootton Bassett Wiltshire SN4 7AU

New Office Now Open in Royal Wootton Bassett!

Image courtesy of Naomi Youd

Our Royal Wootton Bassett office is now open, for a free market appraisal of your property contact your local team of experts today on 01793 855 117

Jo Bunkasem Sales Manager

Josh McHugh

Deborah Reay

Sales Negotiator

Lettings Negotiator

Chelsea Parr Lettings Negotiator