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NOVEMBER 2016

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Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016 1 FOOD l HEALTH & BEAUTY l MOTORING The l Town HOME & GARDEN l PETS

The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016

NOVEMBER 2016

IN THE NOVEMBER ISSUE

Editor’s Letter ! Welcome to the November edition

and the Autumn is here with a chill in the air only can this s, leaves all falling from the tree ! way its on is s stma mean one thing, Chri with the Every year I tell myself I’ll get ahead I leave it year y Christmas preparations and ever ing gett on le artic the till the last minute!! See for 23 e pag on on seas ve festi ready for the some useful tips. contributed Many thanks to everyone who has ts at this even l loca y man are e to this issue. Ther es caus d goo for ey mon ng raisi year time of please support them if you can. And don’t forget to enter the PinkBox competition on page 22. Until next time ...

Annie

Local Focus Local News and Events

23 Christmas Round the Corner Preparing for the Festive Season 26 Smoked Cod Chowder A tasty treat! 28 Gardening Hedges 29 Puzzle Corner Crossword & Sudoku 30 A Good Read Fortune’s Rocks, .Ballet Shoes

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ON W NE HAT A R ’S YO U

Local Focus NOVEMBER 2016

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

Remembrance Concert On Friday 11th November at 7pm the Wroughton Silver Band will perform the annual Remembrance Concert at Malmesbury Abbey. Under the leadership of Neil Webb the programme will include a selection of Big Band music. Tickets cost just £6 and will be sold on the door – come and join us!

Christmas Carol Service Sunday 4th December at 5.30pm

Join Bath Cats and Dogs Home for beautifully sung carols and readings from the Royal High School Choir followed by traditional mince pies and mulled wine. The perfect way to start the festive season. Bath Cats and Dogs Home is a rescue and rehoming centre for unwanted local pets. Each year they care for over 1,300 animals. Registered charity number 205594. For more information visit www.bcdh.org.uk.

This event is organised by the Malmesbury branch of the Royal British Legion in aid of the Poppy Appeal. Poppies were chosen as the British Legion’s symbol of remembrance in 1921 as they were the first flowers to appear on the barren battlefields. The appeal helps support thousands of veterans and families of the Second World War and modern conflicts as well as those still serving. If you are unable to attend, collections will be made in shops and pubs throughout the area along with street collectors. Commemorations will be held on Remembrance Sunday 13th November in village churches and at: 10.00

The Second World War Memorial Gates by the Town Bridge, Malmesbury

14.30

Inter-denomination Service, Malmesbury Abbey

ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT CHORAL SOCIETY

Christmas Concert Monday 12th December at The Methodist Church Royal Wootton Bassett Music By Vaughan Williams, Bach, John Rutter, John Tavener, and Traditional Carols. Starts 7.30pm Retiring Collection. Refreshments.

The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016

An Evening of Music

Saturday 12th November 7.30 – 10.30pm Malmesbury Town Hall In aid of Red Cross Syria

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What’s On

Diary Dates NOVEMBER 2016

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE Town Hall, Cross Hayes, Malmesbury, SN16 9BZ Tel: 01666 823748 Email: tic@malmesbury.gov.uk

AN EVENING OF MUSIC Saturday 12th November 7.30 – 10.30pm in Malmesbury Town Hall In aid of Red Cross Syria Featuring: Sing-a-long-a-Long Players, The Minuettes, The Off Piste Barber Shop Quartet & others Tickets: £10 available from Miles Morgan Travel

THE GROVE WIND QUINTET Saturday 12th November 2016, 7:30pm Malmesbury Abbey GREAT WESTERN Tickets £15 (£5 students) EMBROIDERERS – The members of the Grove Quintet POINTS OF VIEW are all 3rd and 4th year students, A textile exploration of land and sea who currently hold scholarships at Sat 5 to Thurs 24 November 2016 the Royal Academy of Music. John Bowen Gallery, Town Hall Luke O'Toole (flute), Tom Blomfield Malmesbury SN16 9BZ (oboe), Charlie Dale-Harris Monday to Thursday 9.00 to 4.45, (clarinet), Joshua Wilson (bassoon), Friday 9.00 to 4.15, Saturday 10.30 Alexei Watkins (French horn) to 4.30 Closed Sunday The quintet was founded in Free Admission September 2014 at the Royal www.greatwesternembroiderers. Academy of Music, regularly blogspot.co.uk performs together and has given several recitals at the Academy MALMESBURY FIREWORKS and across the country. Members DISPLAY of the quintet have played under Saturday November 5th 2016 conductors such as Semyon St Aldhelm’s Mead, Malmesbury Bychkov, Sir Mark Elder, Yan Pascal A night of fun for all the family, Tortelier, Vladimir Jurowski and The bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm and Edward Gardner and recorded the firework display will commence Mozart’s ‘Gran Partita’ with Trevor at 7pm. Tickets: Adults £5, Children Pinnock for Linn Records in April £2 Family £12 (up to 3 children) 2015. In December 2015, the www.discovermalmesbury.life/ quintet performed alongside fireworks-display/ the London Sinfonietta in a performance of Stockhausen’s CRICKLADE FIREWORKS Hymnen Region III at the Royal DISPLAY The Grove Quintet Festival Hall as part of the Saturday 5 November 2016 Academy’s Manson Ensemble. Cricklade, SN6 6AE Members of the quintet have Held on the cricket field on Bonfire also trained at the prestigious Night, this is a spectacular fireworks LSO Woodwind Academy, with display and includes a best dressed the Britten-Pears Orchestra and Guy. www.cricklade-tc.gov.uk REMEMBRANCE CONCERT On Friday 11th November at 7pm the Wroughton Silver Band will perform the annual Remembrance Concert at Malmesbury Abbey. Commemorations will be held on Remembrance Sunday 13th November in village churches and at: 10.00 the Second World War Memorial Gates by the Town Bridge, Malmesbury 14.30 interdenomination Service, Malmesbury Abbey. 8

The Grove Wind Quintet

The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016

were all previously in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. Professionally, members have played with The Philharmonia, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the Halle Orchestra, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestra of the Scottish Opera, the Royal Ballet Sinfonia and Sinfonia Cymru. mamsmusic.co.uk or Abbey Bookshop 01666 824924 MALMESBURY & DISTRICT GARDEN CLUB Monday 14th November 7.30pm Charlton Village Hall An illustrated talk by Julie Richie on “Easy Alpines and Low-Growing Perennials”

DECEMBER 2016

MALMESBURY LATE NIGHT CHRISTMAS SHOPPING Friday 2nd December 2016 www.discovermalmesbury.life/ latenight-shopping-2016/

ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AND SHOPPING EVENT Friday 2nd December 2016 6pm-9pm www.royalwoottonbassett.gov.uk/ events/ ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT CHORAL SOCIETY Christmas Concert Monday 12th December at The Methodist Church Royal Wootton Bassett Music By Vaughan Williams, Bach, John Rutter, John Tavener, and Traditional Carols. Starts 7.30pm Retiring Collection. Refreshments.

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www.thameswoodvets.co.uk The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016

Local Focus

‘The perfect Christmas turkey’ by Lydiard Turkeys

YDIARD TURKEYS always recommend using a meat thermometer when cooking your turkey. Putting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast meat takes the guess work out of knowing when its done, this saves that moment when you pop it back in unnecessarily for another 10 minutes ‘just to be sure’ - we’ve all done it! High quality turkeys like Lydiard Turkeys should be cooked to 70c but others should be cooked to 75c. It essential to make sure your turkey is cooked but remember any additional time is simply drying out your meat. Top tips • Let your turkey reach room temperature before putting in the oven.

Corsham Creative Market Join one of Wiltshire’s best up and coming craft markets: where over 30 local stallholders gather every moth to sell their handmade and home produced goods. Shop from a variety of freshly baked cakes, fine jewellery, hand painted artwork, modern ceramics, impressive woodwork and more… the perfect event to buy unique, one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts! Each month there are always new and fresh stallholders so you never know what you might just find, and many sellers are keen to offer a bespoke service where you can design and order a completely custom piece made just for you. Visitors can also benefit from the café, library, pool, gym and adjacent park, so you can make a full day out with the whole family.

• For a really moist turkey cook breast side down for the first half and then turn breast side up. The fat in the back of the turkey will naturally baste the breast meat.

Upcoming events: November 5th - Christmas Shopping Event December 3rd - Last Minute Christmas Bargains

• Rest your turkey for at least 30 minutes before carving.

Find us at Springfield Campus, Corsham, SN13 9DN on the first Saturday of every month, 11-3pm, with free entry for all! Facilities also include a free car park, wheelchair accessible.

Have a fantastic Christmas! www.lydiardturkeys.co.uk

All enquiries contact Nicola at Nicola-davis@live. co.uk or call 07805 996568

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The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016

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Local Focus

Warm and Safe Wiltshire Advice Service

AVING to choose between things like heating your home and putting food on the table is something many people take for granted, but sadly this is something that the Warm and Safe Wiltshire Advice Service come across regularly. We want to help residents across Wiltshire to be warmer, safer and healthier in their homes this winter. If you’re at all worried, get in touch with Warm and Safe Wiltshire to see how we can help. Rachel Kent, Public Health Specialist explains “far too often, I come across residents who are struggling to make ends meet and will often save some money by not switching on the heating or letting other bills build up. The Warm and Safe Wiltshire advice service is determined to give people the help and support they need to ensure food is on the table and they’re not worried about having the heating on when it’s cold. There are some really great services available at the moment which could really help with keeping on top of bills and ensuring your home is warm, safe and comfortable this winter.” Find out about: The Warm Home Discount is £140 rebate on your electricity or gas bill and is offered to people with low incomes, in receipt of benefits, elderly or disabled or young children. The eligibility criteria varies between supplier so check your eligibility with Warm and Safe Wiltshire and don’t delay as the discount is provided on a first come first served basis. Would you be at risk if there was a power cut? Perhaps you use electricity for medical equipment or you’re not a steady on your feet as you once were. If this is the case, Scottish and Southern Energy Network (SSEN) offer a free Priority Services Register that will ensure that your home is prioritised in the event of a power cut. SSEN will also let you know about planned interruptions, advice on how to be prepared for a power cut, what to do if one happens and, if necessary, provide a cold weather crisis pack. You can sign up to the PSR on our website: www. warmandsafewiltshire.org.uk/psr Living in a cold home can be bad for your health. Consistently low temperatures in your home may exacerbate existing health issues and make it harder for you to recover from illnesses. Insulation and heating improvements are one of the best ways of making your home warmer as well as lowering your energy bills. In some cases, there is funding available to help you pay for the work.

The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016

Warm and Safe Wiltshire also can help with understanding your heating system and energy bills, switching energy suppliers and a comprehensive home fire safety check where eligible. The service can also advise on possible benefit entitlement and available grants. Energy advice can be given through home visits as well as over the phone. If you’re worried about keeping your home warm and paying your bills this winter, contact Warm and Safe Wiltshire on 0300 003 4575 or email warmandsafe@ wiltshire.gov.uk.

Ellen Blacker Health and Wellbeing Champion Please contact Ellen if you think she can help or support you with transport, home or personal safety, feeling lonely or finance. Hello! November already – where has the year gone? With winter clearly on the horizon, our thoughts turn to colder weather and how to keep warm. Many health problems are triggered or worsened by cold weather: dry skin and cold hands and feet are annoying, aching joints, colds and sore throats are almost expected, but serious, life threatening conditions such as asthma, norovirus and heart attacks are also exacerbated by the cold weather. The advice, of course, is to wrap up warmly and keep the heating going at home, which can be expensive. There is much that can be done to help with the costs of heating – switching supplier for electricity and gas or joining an oil purchasing consortium. Prevention is better than cure, so could your home use better insulation? For those who are really struggling with costs, small grants are available. Get in touch if I can help with any of the above. As ever, I am around for general help and support on a wide variety of issues including transport, mobility and safety around the home and reducing the feeling of loneliness. Give me a call on 07557 922020 and leave a message. I will get back to you as soon as possible.

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The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016

What’s On

present an amateur production of

Mansfield Park

adapted from the novel by Jane Austen,

by Constance Cox

Weds 16th to Sat 19th november 2016, 7.30pm

At The Arts Centre, Old Town, Swindon

For tickets, call 07575 711522

or email boxoffice@westernplayers.co.uk Tickets: £10 (Concessions £9) Payment by Cheque or Cash only- No Cards Accepted

Mansfield Park Arts Centre, Old Town Swindon 16th to 19th November at 7.30pm The Western Players (Amateur Dramatics) are putting on MANSFIELD PARK adapted from the novel by Jane Austen by Constance Cox at The Arts Centre Old Town Swindon SN1 4BJ between Weds 16th and Sat 19th November. A very young shy and timid Fanny Price is sent by her impoverished family to live with her wealthy Uncle and Aunt at Mansfield Park. She grows up with her cousins Tom, Edmund, Maria and Julia and has to face many hardships being treated as an inferior poor relation but finds solace and friendship with the kind and gentle Edmund with whom she eventually falls in love but his attentions are directed to the visiting Mary Crawford whilst her brother Henry looks to disrupt Maria’s engagement to the wealthy Mr Rushworth, just for fun. Relationships are twisted and manipulated through this tale of character. Tickets available from 07575 711522 or email boxoffice@westernplayers.co.uk £10 (£9 concessions). Alternatively via the Wyvern Theatre Box office although fees may apply.

The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016

Nicola Farnon ON Saturday 19th November, Rural Arts Wiltshire are offering a fabulous night out in Brinkworth Village Hall with the highly acclaimed jazz trio led by Nicola Farnon. They are fresh from a series of outstanding performances at venues across the country including a knock show at the Marlborough Jazz Festival. They play a particularly well-judged mix of swing and Latin with delightful arrangements of classic Gershwin, Porter, and Kern standards with heart stopping ballads that moderate the pace with style. Her presentations of the classic American Songbook have garnered particular praise for their inventive musicianship and entertainingly light touch. The trio are an exciting blend of talent. Nicola plays bass with a delightful deftness and is an exceptional vocalist achieving a warm of engagement with her audience through her honesty and ready wit. Piero Tucci is as skillful on keyboards as he is on sax and breathtaking to behold when he decides to play both simultaneously. Phil Johnson drives the whole performance with propulsive drumming that supports the energy of the melody and allows the songs to shine through. Ultimately these three musicians combine to give a very winning evening’s entertainment. Nicola particularly impressed the late Humphrey Lyttleton “A remarkable performer on stage, a fine singer and an outstanding bass player with an outgoing personality to match....a sure fire hit!” Show starts at 8pm, doors open 7.30pm. For tickets call 01666 510545 or 01666 510045

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The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016

What’s On

From Where I’m Standing

An exhibition showcasing new work by ten contemporary ceramicists will be held at Swindon Museum and Art Gallery until 28th January 2017. Entitled ‘From Where I’m Standing’ this new display offers a fresh perspective on Swindon’s collection of modern British art, enabling us to see it through the eyes of ten talented ceramic artists. They are Fenella Elms, Sarah Purvey, Patricia Volk, Keith Varney, Claire Loder, Joanna Still, Sasha Wardell, Mary Jane Evans, Jo Taylor and Peter Hayes. In 2015 this diverse group of artists approached Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, looking for an opportunity to learn more about its wonderful art collection and use it to inspire their work. Over the past year, each artist has selected one or more artworks from the collection and responded by creating a unique ceramic for this show. In most cases the artists have selected paintings, taking the opportunity to respond to two dimensional works using their three dimensional

medium. Meanwhile one artist has been inspired by a much-loved ceramic piece, and another has ventured outside the art gallery to the archaeology collection. This project has provided Swindon Museum and Art Gallery with a special opportunity to work closely with artists from the West Country who have achieved significant national and international reputations, with work in public collections in the UK and abroad.

Each talented artist brings something fresh and unique to contemporary ceramics. From delicate porcelain layers to mixed media sculpture, monumental vessels to figurative abstraction, and refined baroque elegance to natural erosion; their diverse styles and approaches are instantly recognisable. ‘From Where I’m Standing’ will showcase the ten new ceramic pieces created by the participating artists, as well as over thirty works they have selected from Swindon’s collection. This will include paintings by John Nash, Basil Beattie, Howard Hodgkin and Graham Sutherland. The exhibition runs from until Saturday 28th January 2017. Swindon Museum and Art Gallery in Bath Road, Old Town, is open from Wednesdays to Saturdays, 11am-3pm. Swindon Museum and Art Gallery Bath Road, Swindon, SN1 4BA Tel: 01793 466556 Email: smag@swindon.gov.uk

Left: Mary Jane Evans – Ceramics Above: Graham Sutherland – Landscape with Rocks 16

The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016

Participating artists: Joanna Still Keith Varney Fenella Elms Sarah Purvey Sasha Wardell

Claire Loder Jo Taylor Mary-Jane Evans Patricia Volk MRBS Peter Hayes

From Where I’m Standing: Contemporary ceramics and the Swindon collection

21 Sep 2016 - 28 Jan 2017 Celebrating Connections and contrasts between modern art and contemporary ceramics This exciting, new exhibition presents contemporary West Country ceramics alongside works from the Swindon Collection of Modern British Art by artists including Graham Sutherland, Basil Beattie and Howard Hodgkin. Swindon Museum and Art Gallery Bath Road, Old Town, Swindon SN1 4BA FREE entry Open Wed-Sat 11am-3pm and all other times by appointment The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Country House Hotel Wins National Dog-Friendly Award W

ILTSHIRE country hotel The Pear Tree has been voted the most dog friendly in the UK by a prestigious independent national guide.

The Pear Tree of Purton has been named as one of the Editor’s Choices in the Good Hotel Guide 2017 and the team were presented with an award at an event in London last month.

All dogs get their own welcome card with details of walks nearby, access in and out and the location of the poo bin. There are very few dog rules – the main one being that dogs are not allowed into the restaurant.

Alix said: “We have some regular dog visitors who say that their dogs start getting excited when they come down the road from Lydiard and they realise they're off to stay at the Pear Tree.” Alix Young, hotel The Pear Tree is one manager, said: “This of Wiltshire’s most award has come out respected family run of the blue for us but hotels and its managing we’re all delighted. director is original We are genuinely owner Anne Young. dog-friendly, we don’t Today it’s managed by charge extra for dogs, Anne alongside her we give them treats daughter Alix and her and all dogs have to Alix Young, hotel manager and her husband Tim Baldwin, husband Tim. Where come and say hello reception manager and Anne Young (camera right) with possible they and their and have cuddles if Hagrid, a regular visitor to The Pear Tree which has just chefs try to source high they want them.” received a national award for being dog friendly. quality produce locally The hotel has always to offer fine dining to welcomed dogs and their restaurant and hotel guests – including dogs. their owners to the hotel and its grounds. The pets This is the second time in the last few years, the Pear are provided with towels in case they find the pond Tree has received an award from the Good Hotel or watering hole in the vineyard on the seven acre Guide. In 2015, they won site. Dogs are welcome in any room but the hotel also the award for country has two specifically pet friendly rooms with access hotel of the year. The straight out into the garden. guide is well respected and no hotel can pay to be in the guide. The awards come from public nominations or as a result of a visit by the writers. Bookings can be made by phone 01793 772100 or online visit: www.peartreepurton.co.uk @peartreepurton 18

The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016

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23/10/2015 2016 10:55:05 19 The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER

ADVERTISING FEATURE

care home

We continue to drive our Homes forward to achieve ever higher standards. We recognise training our staff is the key to providing the best care possible .Training also helps staff to achieve their personal goals and to be happy and fulfilled in their work. Residents of Hill House say that it is their ... ‘Home from Home’. Hill House is a Country House set in open countryside once owned by the Chamberlain family. We offer nursing, residential, respite, day care and end of life care.

December 2016 will see the opening of the new wing that has large living and dining areas overlooking the Dauntsey Vale. We will have many new features to include community coffee hub, bar, hairdressing salon, nail bar, ensuite shower in each room, large assisted bathrooms, WI FI throughout. The gardens are a magnificent feature of Hill House where you can enjoy peace and tranquillity sat on the terraces.

ORMA & Chad have enjoyed a first class reputation throughout their 26 years of running Firlawn Nursing Home in Holt Wiltshire. Hill House was acquired in 2008 as part of their new care organisation Country Care Homes.

Norma and Chad have recently taken a back seat in the running of the two homes since appointing their Operations Director Anita Hawkes from April 2015. Anita was previously an R.G.N at Firlawn before taking on the position of Matron at Hill House for 7 years.

The success of both Homes can be measured by the many letters of thanks that have been received as well as recommendations that both Hill House and Firlawn get from local Health Care Professionals and the Community.

The Manager of Hill House is Donna Hughes who worked at Firlawn for 15 years before working at both Homes as Training Manager for a further 7 years. She was appointed Manager of Hill House in April 2015.

“Person centred care sees residents as equal partners in planning, developing and assessing care to make sure it is the most appropriate for their needs. It involves putting residents and their families at the heart of all decisions.”

Norma & Chad Doveton

We have introduced a new person centred software system to ensure a high standard of record keeping and enabling staff to spend more time with residents. Our Activities Team arrange a programme which is designed to enable the residents to enjoy their daily life. We spend time to get to know individual needs and preferences. Our catering team is led by a Head Chef who attends Residents’ meetings to discuss menus so that food offered reflects the resident’s wishes.

Hill House Care Home, Little Somerford, Nr Malmesbury SN15 5BH Tel: 01666 822363 email: hillhousemanager@gmail.com • www.countrycarehomes.co.uk 20

The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016

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www.clock-shop.co.uk The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016

CO C M OV PE E TI R TI ON

ADVERTISING FEATURE

OCAL Independent Gift Retailer, PinkBox Boutique has teamed up with the McArthurGlen Outlet Village at Swindon to present their festive centre piece, a Christmas Village with Hamper Factory. Kerry Gover and her team will be filling five Christmas Houses with their favourite products from the Wiltshire Chilli Farm, stunning decorations from Dorset based Pollyfields, Bradford on Avon chutney producer In a Pickle and traditional wooden toys from Orange Tree Toys, Cheltenham. You’ll find natural skincare from Hive Originals and Seascape Island Apothecary. In addition to the houses will be a 5 metre candle wall offering clean burning beeswax blend and sustainable soy wax candles from Root Candles, famous for their all natural colours and fragrances. Customers will be able to select some truly inspiring gifts from the PinkBox range and choose to have their purchases presented in a hamper ready to give at Christmas. Popular choices are hampers made up with either artisan foodie goodies or pamper treats. Suitable for her or for him. There will be lots of stocking filler ideas too.

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A Pamper or Foodie Hamper Win a £50 voucher to spend on a pamper or foodie hamper made to order from the PinkBox Christmas Village at Swindon Outlet Village. There is one £50 voucher to be won by one lucky reader. To be in with a chance of winning please email your name and a contact number to production@towncriermagazine.com by 25th November 2016. The Editor's decision is final. TERMS – Hamper must be claimed before 4pm on 24th December 2016. Voucher is only valid at our Christmas Village in Swindon. No cash alternative.

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Inspired Christmas gifts from inspiring creators.. . 22

The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016

www.pinkboxboutique.co.uk

It’s just around the corner...

...Christmas that is! Now we all know someone who buys their prezzies in the January sales, has their cards written and addressed by Easter and their turkey ordered before the first frost. We hate their smugness and lack of proper festive spirit but mainly we hate them because we know that we could never ever be that organised ... until now!

Who’s coming to dinner? Are there any vegetarians, vegans or dairy intolerances among your guests. Are you planning a party? List all the food, alcohol and gift items you think you will need and add to it as you go along. Study your list Are there items which can be bought online? Do any of your local shops offer home delivery? Look into local veg-box schemes. Divide the remaining list into manageable chunks and purchase a few things each week. For foodstuffs, begin with items which can be frozen and end with the fresh items which need to be purchased just a day or two before. Puds and cakes Make these early to give them time to mature. Stir up Sunday is the last Sunday before advent and this year is on November 30th. This is traditionally the time when Christmas puddings are made. I make my Christmas cake during

the first week of December which gives me time to feed it as much brandy as it will hold. Yum! Write the cards It’s bit of a chore but put the carols on, pour a glass of something festive and get into the spirit. You’ll feel really virtuous when they’re done. Tree lights and outdoor lights Test them well in advance so they can be replaced if necessary. Check bed and linen status! Will you need to buy or borrow fold-up beds, or extra bedding for your guests? What about elderly guests? They may be able to lie down on a Z bed but will they ever be able to get up again! By now you should be feeling organised and in control. You may even feel the beginnings of a smug smile twitch at the corners of your mouth. Enjoy it ... you earned it!

by Louise Addison

We’re not suggesting that you start planning Christmas while on your summer holidays but it does pay to be a little bit organised. You’ll arrive at December 25th with far fewer grey hairs and much lower blood pressure if you plan ahead. Clear out food cupboards Be ruthless. Chuck out all the outof-date items and things you know will never be eaten. Make room for all those festive goodies. Clear out toy cupboards Be ruthless. Involve the kids. Donate outgrown and unplayedwith items to charity. If you are an eBayer, spend an afternoon listing items for sale. Order meat early Farmers’ markets and shops are teeming at this Christmas time. Don’t imagine you’ll get what you want if you leave it until the last minute. The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016

Local Focus

Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s Christmas Card

ILTSHIRE Air Ambulance’s bespoke Christmas card for 2016 features its helicopter flying over Marlborough High Street in winter.

a bit of time taking pictures at different times of the day. I wanted the town hall to be in the design because it is a building that people know.”

over iconic Wiltshire landmarks and have proved to be very popular. We think that Colin’s design of Marlborough High Street will be just as successful.”

Called Christmas in Marlborough, the card has been kindly designed, painted and donated by Marlborough artist Colin Palmer.

Claire Kelly, Head of People, Retail and Supporter Engagement, said: “We’d like to thank Colin Palmer for his wonderful design and we are delighted that it is our bespoke Christmas card this year. Over the years our bespoke Christmas cards have featured our helicopter flying

As well as the bespoke Christmas card, WAA has seven other designs including traditional Christmas scenes. The cards are in shops and other outlets all over the county and are priced at £4.00 per pack of ten. To see the list of stockists go to the website www. wiltshireairambulance.co.uk/getinvolved/buy-our-christmas-cards

Marlborough Artists approached Wiltshire Air Ambulance and ran a competition within their group to design a Christmas card. Colin is a member of Marlborough Artists and has been a professional artist for over 30 years. He said: “It was an honour to produce the design and I feel very privileged that my design was chosen by Wiltshire Air Ambulance. I know the great work they do. The brief for the design was to have a well known Wiltshire landscape in snow, with a Christmas tree and the helicopter flying overhead. “It took me a little while to choose the best view point, I spent quite 24

The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016

Above: The Christmas in Marlborough design that is Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s bespoke Christmas card for 2016. Left: Marlborough artist Colin Palmer and WAA Critical Care Paramedic Louise Cox, with Colin’s design for WAA’s Christmas card, outside Marlborough Town Hall.

Why Take Your Baby or Toddler Swimming? It’s educational, potentially life-saving and really good fun! At Water babies Wiltshire we are really excited to announce that we’re now swimming in a lovely new hydrotherapy pool in Goatacre, near Lyneham and we’ve got a special £10 discount for your first term at the pool*.

We are now taking bookings for classes beginning November on weekdays and weekends suitable for 0–12 month olds. We’re expecting these classes to be very popular so please call or email now to avoid disappointment: 01249 248863 bubba@waterbabies.co.uk We’re on facebook.com/WaterBabiesWiltshire

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your first Water Babies chapter This voucher entitles the holder to £10 off the retail price of a Water Babies chapter. Voucher can only be redeemed through the Water Babies Wiltshire & East Somerset office. Voucher cannot be exchanged for cash & cannot be combined with any other offer.

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Voucher Code: wbw - 10

*Voucher only valid for use at the Goatacre pool during the term beginning November 2016 and must be redeemed through the Wiltshire office on 01249 248863 The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016

Food & Drink

Smoked Cod Chowder A tasty supper

METHOD

INGREDIENTS

25g / 1 oz butter 1 onion - finely chopped 1 small stick of celery - finely chopped 250g / 9oz potatoes - diced 55g / 2oz carrots - diced 300ml / 10fl oz boiling water 350g / 12oz smoked cod fillets â&#x20AC;&#x201D; skinned and chopped into chunks 300ml / 10fl oz milk Salt and pepper Parsley to garnish 26

The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over a low heat. the onion and ce Ad lery and fry gent ly, stirring frequen for five minutes, tly until soft and go lden, but not brow n. Add the potatoes , carrots and wate r. Bring to the bo then reduce the il heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until the vegetabl es are tender. Add the fish and cook for a further 10 minutes. Pour in the milk an d heat gently. Ta ste, then season with salt (if require d as the fish can be quite salty) an pepper. d Ladle into warmed bowls, garnish wi th parsley and serve with crusty bread and butter.

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The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016

Gardening

Hedges G

ARDEN BOUNDARIES are emotive subjects. There have been any number of feuds between neighbours over this very issue down the years and the main cause of aggro seems to be the humble hedge. Actually, in spite of the improvements in fancy fencing panels over the years, there really is nothing nicer than a well kept hedge. Suburban hedgerows not only soften an otherwise built-up landscape, they provide a lifeline for the wildlife which lives in towns and cities. Hedges provide shelter, privacy and - if chosen for fruit and flowers - food.

Even the much maligned Leyland cypress has a part to play. It can provide a brilliant buffer against traffic noise for a start, and will screen unsightly views very quickly. Unfortunately it can easily become an out-of-control monster if left unchecked. The trick with Leylandii is to remove their tops about 1m/3ft before they reach the desired height then clip them twice a year: once in April, once in September. This keeps them looking very smart but makes them rather high-maintenance hedges. Fortunately there are many slower growing hedging plants which don’t require such intensive care.

On the whole, it’s best to choose a hedge which is in keeping with the style of your house and the area in which you live. So smart Victorian terraces look great fronted by evergreen privet or box while rural properties might consider a more natural hedge of holly, hawthorn, beech, rowan and blackthorn. While not entirely evergreen, a mixed hedge like this will provide beautiful autumn colour and plentiful food for wildlife. I’ve seen gorgeous fuchsia hedges on my trips to the south coast, while slow-growing Yew is attractive and works well on poor, chalky soils. Euonymus does well even in polluted areas or coastal regions plagued by salt winds. November is a great time to plant a new hedge. No matter which type you choose, the secret of success lies in the soil preparation. Dig over the ground thoroughly and don’t skimp on the organic matter. Decide on the planting line and dig out a trench about 12 inches/30cm deep. Fill the base with well-rotted manure or compost then replace the soil, adding in more organic matter as you go. Make sure you mulch around the young plants to help suppress weeds and retain moisture. You can trim the hedge even when it is young. It encourages stronger growth and a denser hedge structure. Plus a well maintained hedge will ensure that you and your neighbours stay on good terms for years to come.

by Rachel Leverton 28

The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016

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ACROSS DOWN 1 Mull over (6) 1 Solemn appeal to a deity (6) 4 Tapered sharp end of a weapon or tool (5) 2 Arch-enemy (7) 8 Possessing a weapon (5) 3 Put someone at risk (8) 9 Leave, give up (7) 4 Theatrical production (4) 10 Intrinsic character of something (7) 5 Music genre (abbr.) (5) 11 Shop selling pre-prepared fine food 6 Racquet sport (6) (abbr.) (4) 7 Speed competitions (5) 12 The earth’s star (3) 13 Said to be Jesus’ childhood 14 Small body of land surrounded by home (8) water (4) 16 Male chicken (7) 15 Measurement of land area (4) 17 Worn by knights of old (6) 18 Male sheep (3) 19 Tiny rodent (5) 21 South African currency (4) 20 Road built to avoid a town 23 Eloquence in public speaking (7) centre (6) 25 Threatening, foreboding (7) 22 Loud, cacophonous (5) 26 In addition, more (5) 24 Intense affection (4) 27 Short poem (5) Solutions to the crossword and sudoku on page 30 28 Anthem, refrain (6)

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Books

Fortune’s Rocks

A Good Read

by Anita Shreve

by Noel Streatfield

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

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

It is the summer of the final year of the nineteenth century in the New Hampshire town of Fortune’s Rocks on the east coast of America. Women are expected to behave in a certain way and young Olympia Biddeford is no different. An impressionable 15 year old she is about to discover what it means to grow up. She meets John Haskall, a physician and friend of her father. Despite the fact that he is married and 26 years her senior, Olympia falls madly in love with him.

“I wonder, if other girls had to be one of us, which of us they’d choose to be?”

Finding herself pregnant Olympia must carve out a new place in society as she finds herself ostracised by those around her. Late Victorian society does not take kindly to her behaviour and there are elements of a feminist struggle as she forges a new life. The prose is eloquent and the descriptions of Olympia’s life and environment are spell binding. Shreve went on to write two more novels set in this town, ‘Sea Glass’ and ‘The Pilot’s Wife’: each dealing with unique struggles of women over the course of the twentieth century. But it is here, with Olympia, that the story of the converted convent in Fortune’s Rocks really begins...

Crossword & Sudoku solution page 29

Ballet Shoes

The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016

The three Fossil sisters are growing up in London. They aren’t really sisters, but adopted by ‘Gum’, a paleontolgist. Each one is a treasure he brought home from his travels. And each is very different. When Gum disappears on one of his expeditions money gets tight and the family take in lodgers. One of them, a dancer, spots a talent for dance in Posy, the youngest, and before they know it, all three girls are enrolled in The Children’s Academy of Dance and Stage Training. What ensues is a glimpse into life on the stage in 1930s London. Since it was first published in 1936 generations of children have indeed considered which of the girls they would like to be. Is it Pauline, who discovers a talent for acting? Or Petrova who would much rather be fixing car engines than performing on stage. Or Posy, the budding ballerina? This children’s classic, though a bit dated in its language and style, never fails to entrance readers and no doubt will continue to do so for years to come.

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Pets

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Looking after your pet’s teeth Dr Holly Chivers BVSc MRCVS

www.georgevetgroup.co.uk The George Veterinary Hospital: 01666 823165 Royal Wootton Bassett: 01793 852458

T is a common misconception that the only sign of a potential dental problem in pets is difficulty eating. However there are many other more subtle signs that could indicate dental disease in your pet. These include drooling, bleeding gums, plaque build-up or bad breath. In cats, a subtle sign can be teeth chattering after eating or drinking. Having sore teeth and gums can have an effect on your pet’s overall health too; it can make them feel lethargic and generally below par especially where infections spread from the teeth to other parts of the body. If you notice any of these problems then it is important to get your pet seen by your veterinarian. Once signs of dental disease are identified treatment is often required. In order to prevent dental problems routine home care is recommended. Home care ideally involves daily toothbrushing which prevents plaque and bacteria building up. While brushing will help to prevent further plaque building up it will not remove what is already there so, if your pet already has signs of dental disease, veterinary treatment may be required first before maintaining the teeth with daily toothbrushing.

Getting your dog or cat to accept a toothbrush can be quite challenging so here are some tips to make things easier: • Start young! If tooth brushing has always been part of your pet’s daily routine then it shouldn’t be a problem. Make it part of their daily “cuddle” routine. • DO NOT use human toothpaste - it will make your pet sick. Animal toothpaste is available which is flavoured so the animal actually enjoys the process, and it does not contain frothing agents. • For cats and small dogs a children’s toothbrush is a good size or get a finger toothbrush which is like a sewing thimble. • Always start with the cheek teeth - the incisors (front teeth) are very sensitive so leave these until last. • You do not have to brush the inside of the teeth - the action of the tongue in the mouth helps to keep this side of the teeth clean. • If you are having difficulty, speak to your vet for some advice and tips on how to introduce toothbrushing into your daily routine. Sometimes, even with perseverance, the brushing of your pet’s teeth will not be tolerated. In these cases there are other things we can do to maintain healthy teeth, none of which are an alternative to tooth brushing but they can help. The first thing that can help would be introducing a biscuit component to the diet which will physically help remove plaque from the teeth as the animal chews. Some brands are much better than others for this so do speak to your vet for advice. Another helpful aid would be using a mouthwash that you can purchase from your vets which has a component that sticks to the surface of teeth to help prevent the build-up of plaque. Similarly, a compound that you can add to drinking water has been proven to make it harder for bacteria to stick to the teeth. It is important not to use human mouthwash as this could make your pet sick. Other products such as dental chews can be of some help but they must be calculated as part of your pet’s daily food allowance otherwise the calories can soon add up! If you are concerned about your pet’s dental health or are having difficulty introducing dental care into your daily routine then speak your vet who will be able to provide further tips and advice.

The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

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conventional Skip Hire does not always suit the demands of people living in the 21st century. Perhaps you don’t want the burden of loading a skip, are physically unable to, or you just simply do not have the time available in your busy life to keep lugging rubbish down to the local recycling centre. We have the solution!

After being transported to one of our 5 recycling centres across the region, it is here that your rubbish will be SORTED. We are able to recycle different materials back into supply chains - plastics are collected and sent for recycling into a huge variety of products from pipes to park benches; woods, metals and other waste streams will be processed and re-used. Anything that cannot be recycled is baled and sent to “Energy from Waste” plants in the UK and Europe. In an eco-friendly process, these nonrecyclables are incinerated and energy is generated either in the form of heat or electricity. This means that almost none of your waste will end up in landfill. Our service offers 2 options – half a load, approximately ½ a tonne in weight at £80 (+VAT) with a 15-minute loading time; or a full load, one tonne in weight at £150 (+VAT) with which we allow a 30-minute loading time. When initially contacting us to book the service, our friendly team will discuss all of your requirements and ensure that the collection teams are well briefed on each job. If you do have large amounts of waste to be removed, we can offer repeat collections or alternatively our dependable Skip Hire service may be the right choice for you.

From as little as £80+VAT the new wecollectyourrubbish.com service offers worry free, waste and rubbish clearance from Malmesbury, Royal Wootton Bassett and surrounding areas. Our professional and trustworthy team will arrive in a branded van at a pre-agreed time, collect and load any waste items ranging from old furniture, household and white goods through to garage junk and garden waste. That old bed upstairs needs dismantling first? No issue, we will arrive tools in hand, ready to do whatever it takes to remove items carefully and efficiently from your property with minimum fuss. Once everything is removed and after a tidy and sweep up, your waste is then ready to start the process of being recycled into its next life ... 34

The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016

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The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016

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The Town Crier Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016