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MAY 2017

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Editor’s Letter Welcome to May!

forward to Many of us will be very much looking around the just mer sum and – days two Bank Holi corner! d to visit The Town Crier team were privilege in Devizes rters Wiltshire Air Ambulance headqua people who the of e som the recently, to meet with dible work incre the ut abo out find work there and re pages cent they do. Please see the article in the . The 2018 in ase Airb about their plans for a new with , year this WAA for ng raisi Town Crier is fund sored spon a ding inclu ned plan ts even several also producing walk in Devizes on 4th June. We are details. for 18 e pag see r a Family Pet Calenda Until next time ...

22

Annie

Your Local

TownCr er Magazine

5b Wood Street, Calne, Wiltshire SN11 0BZ Tel: 01249 811068 www. towncriermagazine.com Deadline for submissions for the June 2017 issue: 6th May 2017 Editor: contact@towncriermagazine.com Advertising: contact@towncriermagazine.com Advertising: carlene.sales@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.

For general enquiries please call Annie Harling on 01249 811068 or email: contact@towncriermagazine.com

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The Town Crier Magazine | MAY 2017

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IN THE MAY ISSUE 6

Local Focus Local News and Events

16 Airbase for Wiltshire Air Ambulance 20 Recipe: Chocolate Fondant Tart

The National Pet Care Company

Caring for animals

22 Gardening: .Blooming Baskets 24 Ready for Revision

from a small pet to a small holding

28 Puzzle Corner

Crossword & Sudoku 30 A Good Read

Daughter of the Forest

Noughts and Crosses

Are you out all day? going away?

3 3 3 3 3

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If you would like to advertise in our next edition, you can go to our website: www.towncriermagazine.com and upload and pay for your advert online.

Alternatively please contact: Carlene Field: 01249 811068 carlene.sales@towncriermagazine.com

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ON W NE HAT A R ’S YO U

Local Focus MAY 2017

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

Long serving league of friends trustee retires Jane Plummer, who has been one of the longest serving trustees of the Malmesbury League of Friends (MLOF), has retired after 25 years.

Mrs Plummer, who has lived locally with her retired farmer husband Leslie for over 50 years, was for many years a staff nurse at the former Malmesbury Hospital.

It was in that capacity that she was invited by the then MLOF chair, The Hon. Moira Freeman-Thomas, to become a trustee. This was at a time when the hospital relied on the MLOF to provide much needed items of medical equipment, not available on the NHS. Mrs Plummer said: “ I have much enjoyed my time serving as a trustee. Even though we no longer have our own hospital, the MLOF still undertakes a very important role, both purchasing much needed items for the local surgeries in Malmesbury and Sherston, as well as supporting local charities and individuals in need.”

MLOF chairman Robin Clark said: “ When Jane became a trustee, most of our support involved building projects and purchasing equipment for the hospital. In those days, we did not have the funds we now enjoy, so we used to undertake much fund raising.

Email your What's On items to Annie: contact@towncriermagazine.com or via our website: www.towncriermagazine.com

Health and Wellbeing Champion

Hello Just a quick word to remind you all that 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.

♥ ToMw agazinn e Cr er Your Local Covering MALMESB

Read Town Crier Magazine online

Visit our website: www.towncriermagazine.com

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“Jane has been a stalwart trustee and I have been grateful for her experience and support. She will be much missed at our meetings.”

Ellen Blacker

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ent*

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BASSETT and villages

MAY 2017

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The Town Crier Magazine | MAY 2017

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The Town Crier Magazine | MAY 2017

The Town Crier Magazine | MAY 2017

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What’s On

Diary Dates MAY 2017

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TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE Town Hall, Cross Hayes, Malmesbury, SN16 9BZ Tel: 01666 823748 Email: tic@malmesbury.gov.uk MOVIES@MALMESBURY Friday 5th May 2pm Moonlight 5.30pm Beauty & the Beast 8pm Patriots Day Monday 8th May 8pm Get Out Tuesday 9th May 7.30pm In Search of Mozart Monday 15th May 8pm Kong: Skull Island Friday 19th May 2pm Beauty & the Beast 5.30pm Power Rangers 8pm The Lost City of Z Wednesday 24th May 7pm Antony & Cleopatra Tickets in advance from Malmesbury Town Hall, on the door or online from www.oxboffice.com Tel. 01666 822143 CAROLE ANN INGRAM WATERCOLOUR INSPIRATIONS at Westonbirt Arboretum 28th April through to 3rd May 2017 10:00 am to 4:00 pm daily.

An exciting exhibition of watercolour portraits, architecture, nature and wildlife by local Wiltshire based artist, Carole Ann Ingram. Do you have a favourite photograph that you wish could be a beautiful watercolour painting to treasure? Carole’s passion is watercolour and she will interpret your photograph or image in her own unique style. www.caroleaingram.wix.com/artist BUSHTON MANOR PLANT FAIR AND OPEN GARDEN Bank Holiday Monday May 1st 2017 11am -3pm Postcode SN4 7PX This event has grown and grown over the last 10 years with over 700 10

The Town Crier Magazine | MAY 2017

people attending last year. Within the grounds there will be some 30 stalls scattered around the garden with plants, crafts and other related products as well as the ever popular bacon butty BBQ and home made refreshments. Entrance £2.

Children and car parking free. www.clyffepypard-bushton.com MALMESBURY PTA’S BIG FAT QUIZ Friday 5th May 7.30pm School Hall, Corn Gastons, £5 per person – adults only Tickets from A4 stationers or email malmesbury@gmail.com HAPPY’S CIRCUS AT BRINKWORTH Sunday 7th May Gates open 11.30am. Circus at 2pm at Brinkworth Rec. Entertainment to suit everyone. Tickets £8 individually or Family of 4 £28 SCARECROW TRAIL – THE LEA VILLAGE PIG CHASE Sunday 14th May between 1pm and 4pm Trail starts at Lea & Garsdon Primary School Playground, SN16 9PG Family Trail Map cost £5. For more information please contact catherinejcarter@outlook.com FRIENDS OF ATHELSTAN MUSEUM present ‘The Eclipse Flight’ Friday 19th -Sunday 21st May Activities taking place from Friday For more information please call into the Town Hall/Museum ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT CARNIVAL Saturday 20th May 2017 Procession starts at Marlowe Way at 4.30pm, reaching the High Street at approx 5.30pm. For more information visit Facebook woottonbassettcarnival CRUDWELL SCHOOL MAY FAIR Saturday 20th May, 1-5pm Please join us for our annual May Fair at Crudwell CE Primary School on. A fun afternoon with lots of entertainment for the whole family - Maypole Dancing, Live Music, BBQ & Bar, Bouldering Wall, Kids Open Mic, Bubble Play, Balloon Modelling,

Bouncy Castle, Homemade Cakes & Cafe, Stalls, Raffle, Country Fair Competitions and lots more. Adults £2, Children £1 MOVIOLA @ GRITTLETON VILLAGE HALL Wednesday May 31st, from 7pm LION [PG] With Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman and Rooney Mara.Tickets £6 adults from Lesley on 01249 783157 or email: l_palmer@btinternet.com Doors open 7pm, Starts at 7.30pm Future dates for your diary June 28th La La Land July 26th Hidden Figures MALMESBURY CONCERT BAND MCB is a concert wind band with approximately 35 woodwind and brass playing members. Dates: 14th May – Royal Victoria Park Bandstand, Bath – 2pm 21st May – Hot Air Balloon launch – Crosshayes, Malmesbury 3.30pm (alternate wet weather date: 4th June) 3rd June – Market Cross, Malmesbury –10.30am For more information visit: www.freewebs.com/ malmesburyconcertband/

JUNE 2017

i

NINEBARROW Saturday 10th June, 8pm Church Road, Kington Langley, Chippenham SN15 5NJ Ninebarrow are a multi-award winning folk duo. Combining breath-taking vocal harmonies, they deliver original songs inspired

and rooted in the landscape and history of the British Isles as well as traditional folk songs. £8 full, £7 conc., £5 child. 01249 750362 - events@klvh.org. www.klvh.org www.ninebarrow.co.uk

Johnson & Daltrey

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Independent Family Funeral Service GOATS GUINEA PIGS CHIPMUNKS Care and Compassion From Our Family To Yours.

LLAMAS Saturdays & Sundays until November + special extra selected date ALPACAS  Full Facilities At All Of Our Branches CHICKENS 100 animals, including Fully Qualified Staff HORSES Come and see over DONKEYS petting zoo and  Pre-Paid Funeral Plans rare breeds!

FALLOW DEER  Memorial Stone Masons BARN OWLS  Available 24 Hours A Day and many more ... Family activities, picnic area and lots more..

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ENTRY PRICES: £6.50 per adult, £5.50 per child (216 years), £2.50 per toddler (18 months - 2 years) £6 per adult Children under 18 months free - all children must £5 per child be accompanied by an adult at all times. £22.00 per family (2 adults + 2 children) 25p off entry price per person if travelling to us by £20 per family (up to 4) bicycle, public transport or walking.

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Experience • Knowledge • Competitive Pricing • Outstanding Customer Service The Town Crier Magazine | MAY 2017

11

Local Focus

Arkells backs the RAF Benevolent Fund’s Great British Sunday Lunch Fundraiser

Volunteering at Sue Ryder, Malmesbury Our volunteers are incredible as they help Sue Ryder raise vital funds to continue to provide incredible care for people living with end of life and long-term conditions including; cancer, stroke, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, dementia, Huntington’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and motor neurone disease.

Whether it’s bringing comfort to someone’s final days or enabling them to make the most of their life, we are here for them and those important to them.

Volunteering is also extremely rewarding. You can learn and grow in your role and gain valuable work experience, confidence and skills. It is great for keeping your mind and body active but above all it’s about friendship and fun.

Our Malmesbury shop has a lovely atmosphere and a really friendly team. We understand that our volunteers have a lot to offer so whether you’re a budding Visual Merchandiser, have cracking Customer Service or a love of sorting through donations… give us a call. We have many different roles available.

Chef, Callum Eluer (left) Mike Neville (centre) Director of Strategy and Fundraising at the RAF Benevolent Fund together with the landlord, Duncan Neville.

Taster sessions If you fancy booking up for a taster session, please pop in or give is a call. We would love to hear from you. Sue Ryder, 98 High St, Malmesbury, SN16 9AT 01666 824956 malmesbury4050@suerydercare.org

Swindon based brewery Arkell’s teamed up with the RAF Benevolent Fund to support its national fundraising campaign – the Great British Sunday Lunch.

The event, which took place across the UK and around the world on Sunday 2 April, calls on people up and down the country to gather together over the nation’s much cherished Sunday lunch to raise funds for the charity, while celebrating the RAF. Arkell’s hosted special lunches in their pubs across the region on the day, giving diners the chance to make small donations that will make a huge difference to the RAF family.

WE WANT THE INCREDIBLE IN YOU

To celebrate the partnership, Group Captain Mike Neville, Director of Strategy and Fundraising at the RAF Benevolent Fund, paid a visit to the Arkell’s owned Angel Hotel in Royal Wootton Bassett to say thanks for their support to landlord, Duncan Neville (no relation).

LEAD VOLUNTEER

“The RAF Benevolent Fund welcomes Arkell’s support of our Great British Sunday Lunch fundraiser,” Mike said.

“We’re truly grateful that such a well-respected, family business, in an area steeped in military history, will be helping to raise money that will go a long way to supporting members of the RAF family in their time of need.”

CUSTOMER SERVICES

STOCK CONTROLLER

WINDOW DRESSER

Arkell’s Managing Director George Arkell said: “We are delighted to support the RAF Benevolent Fund’s Great British Sunday Lunch, an event as traditional as a pint of real ale. Sunday lunch is one of the busiest times of the week in most of our pubs and we hope our landlords and diners will feel able to contribute to a very worthwhile cause.”

VOLUNTEER TODAY Book a taster session in-store. Or apply for local roles at

www.sueryder.org/nearest incredible hospice and neurological care Sue Ryder is a charity registered in England and Wales (1052076) and in Scotland (SC039578).

Ref. No. 05097. ©Sue Ryder. May 2016.

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B3471-006697-00_Sue Ryder_A1 Posters_FAW.indd 1

/SueRyderNational

The Town Crier Magazine | MAY 2017

@Sue_Ryder 17/05/2016 19:29

Recipe

HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE OAT BISCUITS INGREDIENTS 1 Cup (100g) oats – use gluten-free if coeliac/intolerant

Nutritional therapist teams up with farm shop offering online healthy food project

N

UTRITIONAL THERAPIST Helen Adams, founder of Wiltshire’s Oakmead Clinic, has collaborated with one of the county’s award-winning farm shops to offer advice and recipes using nutritious, seasonal food.

The programme offers an opportunity to re-establish healthy eating habits; boost immune systems; improve body composition; restore energy levels and lose weight at the same time, if that’s someone’s goal.

The project ‘Food Fabulous Food – 20 days to health and vitality’ combines Helen’s nutritional expertise with many products available from Allington’s Farm Shop in Chippenham and will be run online as a family-friendly Facebook event from May 1st.

A free Body Composition Analysis will be offered before and after - so anyone can see how the project has affected their health over a 20-day period.

Helen, who is a qualified nutritional therapist, kinesiologist and functional medicine practitioner, said: “I love working with families and individuals of all ages who want to enjoy good health by eating well without the drama of special diets.

“Having a time sensitive Facebook group means there’s no ‘I’ll get around to it some time’ and it allows people to share their progress, post photos of what they’ve made, and talk about their likes and dislikes. I’ll be on hand to answer queries - so it’s also a really inexpensive way to access the knowledge and services of a nutritionist.”

‘Food Fabulous Food’ will include recipes for meals and snacks (covering meat, fish, vegetarian and vegan). The recipes are high nutrient-density, easy to prepare in up to a maximum of 20 minutes, all gluten-free and with minimal dairy.

There will also be helpful guidelines to improve health and vitality and many ingredients are available inhouse at Allington Farm Shop.

Anyone interested can register at the Allington Farm Shop via the website: www.allingtonfarmshop. co.uk/food-fabulous-food/ - or by visiting the shop in Chippenham (SN14 6LJ). Those who register will be given a goodie bag to start their healthy journey.

‘Food Fabulous Food- 20 days to health and vitality’ begins on May 1st and costs £59.99 per participant.

1 /4 Cup (30g) oat flour – use glutenfree if allergic/intolerant

Pinch of salt 1

/2 Cup (50g) ground almonds

1

/3 Cup (80ml) coconut oil, melted

1tbsp Maple syrup or other liquid sweetener 100g Chocolate of choice – recommend at least 72%, ideally use 80% METHOD Preheat your oven to 160C fan assisted In a bowl, mix together that oats, oat flour, ground almonds and salt, then pour in the melted coconut oil and maple syrup.

Scoop onto a baking sheet covered with parchment paper and shape into equal sized biscuits.

Bake for 12—15 minutes. Leave to cool completely before adding the chocolate.

Break the chocolate up into pieces and place in a heat-proof bowl. Melt over a pan of simmering water Flip the biscuits (so the bottom is facing up) and spread the chocolate on top. Leave to set These are gluten free and healthy, but still are a treat, so limit yourself to one/day and not every day!!

www.oakmeadclinic.co.uk The Town Crier Magazine | MAY 2017

13

Local Focus

Perfect Harmony The Wessex Male Choir and the Swindon Male Voice Choir staged their first ever joint concert in March, with a hundred male voices raising the roof with a variety of classic male choir music and songs from the shows.

For Swindon Male Voice Choir’s principal accompanist, Kate Lock, it was a doubly memorable occasion as she received public thanks for her 26 years of dedicated service with the Choir. Swindon Mayor, Councillor Eric Shaw, who is a patron of the Swindon Male Voice Choir, attended the concert, as did Swindon 105.5 FM Station Manager, Shirley Ludford, who is the Choir’s president. It was a special night too for the Wessex

Scarecrow Trail

Male Choir’s principal accompanist, Jon Driver, who in addition to accompanying the Wessex, also directed the Cirencester Kingshill School Advanced Singers.

The audience was treated to wonderful music from all three choirs, and also enjoyed the ambience created by some creative lighting that showed off the venue’s wonderful art deco interior to good effect. The Wessex Male Choir’s choreographed pieces also provided a visual treat. Afterwards, the Wessex Male Choir’s chairman, Guy Edwards, said “This concert has been a long time coming, but I am absolutely delighted that Swindon audiences have finally heard these two wonderful choirs performing in the same concert.”

The Wessex will be performing at their next Swindon concert at STEAM on the 15th of July.

Movies@Malmesbury May Schedule

Friday 5th at 2pm

Moonlight

Friday 5th at 5.30pm

Beauty & the Beast

Friday 5th at 8pm

Patriots Day

2017

Monday 8th at 8pm

Get Out

Tuesday 9th at 7.30pm

In Search of Mozart

Sunday 14th May

Monday 15th at 8pm

Kong: Skull Island

Friday 19th at 2pm

Beauty & the Beast

Friday 19th at 5.30pm

Power Rangers

Friday 19th at 8pm

The Lost City of Z

COME AND TAKE PART IN THE

LEA VILLAGE PIG CHASE

START THE TRAIL ANYTIME BETWEEN 1PM AND 4PM STARTS AT LEA AND GARSDON PRIMARY SCHOOL PLAYGROUND THE STREET, LEA, SN16 9PG

‘Trot’ on down to Lea and Garsdon school playground to collect your trail map. ‘Snuffle’ out the trail around the village and guess the name of the scarecrow pigs. Look out for the

‘Tamworth Two’ and don’t eat too many ‘Percy Pigs’. Take the opportunity to ‘Pig out’ on a hog roast, ice cream and homemade cakes, tea and coffee.

Family Trail Map cost £5 (Pram friendly route) Money raised for Lea and Garsdon School Association New classroom interactive smart boards Charity number: 1073265 For more information contact: catherinejcarter@outlook.com

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The Town Crier Magazine | MAY 2017

Wednesday 24th at 7pm Antony & Cleopatra* 2pm and 5.30pm shows £4 & £3; 8pm £6 * Royal Opera House & Royal Shakespeare Company £10 Tickets for all events available from Malmesbury Town Hall, online at www.oxboffice or on the door. Full of all events on our website at www. malmesbury.gov.uk/cinema. html or our Facebook page: Movies at Malmesbury

ADVERTISING FEATURE

The Pear Tree at Purton

Country House Hotel provides home for first world war commemorative sculpture horseshoes and in the shape of a poppy. The Purton Carnival Fund generously offered funding for a sculpture and a brass plaque and we commissioned sculptor Darren Greenhow to do the work.”

During his research Bob has also discovered at least 500 people with links to Purton went to war - many more than previously recorded.

This commemorative event also pays tribute to those who served. of Mrs Smith of Lydiard Above: Mr Robson in Bowler Hat. Image courtesy Millicent. Below: Horse Ticket

A

hotel at the centre of village life has been chosen to host a commemorative statue to honour the sacrifice and work of horses during the First World War.

He found out Purton had a ‘Remount Depot’ which was one of 11 in the area known as ‘Southern Command’.

The depot was managed by William Robson and his two sons.

The Pear Tree, run by members of the Young family will be the site of a statue to particularly recognise the role of Purton and its residents in training horses and mules for the war effort.

Bob then made contact with the descendants of William Robson and, looking through family papers, they found a letter from a government agency stating “Mr Robson has saved the Country hundreds of pounds already by curing apparently hopeless cases which would otherwise have been sold for what they could fetch.”

Unknown to many, between 1915 to 1918, Purton had a ‘Remount Depot’ on a site close to The Pear Tree at Church End. Here it’s estimated about 500 horses and mules came through and were part of the one million animals known to have gone through the depots across the country during the war. Records show 250,000 animals died and about 60,000 came home.

The depot was recently discovered

by Purton resident and former RAF Aircraft Engineer Robert Lloyd (46), known as Bob, who has spent the past seven years exhaustively researching the role Purton parish played in the Great War.

The re-education of problematic horses and mules was considered highly skilled work and many Purton residents were involved - including local ladies who led groups of two hundred horses at a time from the train station to the depot.

The Pear Tree is a perfect venue for the memorial as it’s one of Wiltshire’s most respected family run hotels and has its own interesting history. The oldest part of the building is a fireplace in the library which dates back to the 1400s but the whole building was moved to its current site, brick by brick, just two years before the outbreak of World War One. Alix Young, hotel manager, said: “We’re all delighted Bob asked us to provide a home for this moving memorial. We value our own history at the hotel so it is entirely in keeping that we also value this hidden, but important time, in our village’s history. It’s amazing to think villagers were involved in something so unique to this war effort.”

Many of the animals came from overseas and were all destined to join the million horses and mules that supported the war effort between 1914 and 1918.

Bob said “I had the idea of commemorating the depot with a sculpture made out of recycled

For more details visit www.peartreepurton.co.uk or call us on 01793 772100.

The Town Crier Magazine | MAY 2017

15

Help to build a better future for Wiltshire Air Ambulance

W

ILTSHIRE Air Ambulance is calling on people to support its major new fundraising appeal to complete the building and equipping of its new airbase.

The charity was granted full planning permission for its new Operations Centre on land at Outmarsh Farm, Semington, near Melksham, in January 2017 and has launched its Airbase Appeal to raise the remaining £1.25 million needed.

The custom-built airbase will bring together the helicopter, aircrew and charity team onto one site in a central location in Wiltshire.

Launching Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s Airbase Appeal are (l-r) Richard Miller, WAA Critical Care Paramedic, David Philpott, WAA Chief Executive, Cheryl Johnson, Head of WAA Airbase Appeal, Kevin Reed, WAA Head of Operations.

Main photo of Wiltshire Air Ambulance: LloydhPhotography.co.uk

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The Town Crier Magazine | MAY 2017

David Philpott, Chief Executive of Wiltshire Air Ambulance, said: “We are delighted that our plans for our new airbase at Outmarsh Farm, Semington, have been granted

by Wiltshire Council. Wiltshire Air Ambulance has saved countless lives in the 27 years it has been operating and our new airbase will allow us to save many more lives in years to come.

“The site at Outmarsh Farm is perfect as it will allow our state-ofthe-art helicopter to reach all parts of Wiltshire within 11 minutes.”

Semington resident Peter Vooght, 71, who was airlifted by Wiltshire Air Ambulance when he suffered a life-threatening episode of sleep apnoea in March 2016, backed the new airbase.

Mr Vooght said: “I owe my life to Wiltshire Air Ambulance. I was in favour of the air ambulance moving to Semington from the start. Being in Semington means it will be ideally situated in the centre of the county, because you never know when you might need it.”

Peter Vooght, Semington resident airlifted by Wiltshire Air Ambulance in March 2016.

Cheryl Johnson, Head of Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s Airbase Appeal, said the charity had already received funding for the new £5.1 million airbase, including £2.5 million pledged by a benefactor and £1 million from the LIBOR fund.

She said: “The response and support we have received towards our Airbase Appeal has been tremendous but we need to raise a total of £1.25

million to make our airbase a reality.

We hope individuals, community groups, schools and businesses will get onboard and enable us to secure the future of our lifesaving service.”

To donate to the Airbase Appeal and find out how to get involved go to www.wiltshireairbaseappeal.co.uk or email hello@wiltshireairambulance. co.uk or call the charity team on 01380 739453.

• Wiltshire Air Ambulance has been saving lives for 27 years. It is available up to 19 hours a day, 365 days a year. It costs £3.25 million a year to keep the air ambulance flying, that’s £8,904 per day.

• The charity’s custom-built airbase will be on land at Outmarsh Farm, Semington, near Melksham, and will house the helicopter, aircrew and charity team.

• This central site will enable the charity’s helicopter to reach all parts of Wiltshire within 11 minutes.

• The charity’s Airbase Appeal is to raise £1.25 million to complete the building and fit it out with medical and helicopter equipment, fixtures and fittings.

For more information on how to get involved go to www.wiltshireairbaseappeal.co.uk The Town Crier Magazine | MAY 2017

17

Local Focus

The Town Crier Family Pet Calendar 2018

The Town Crier team visiting WAA headquarters in Devizes.

The Town Crier Sponsored Walk

If you are taking part in the walk or would just like to make a donation please visit our Just Giving page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/The-Town-CrierMagazine. Hope to see you on Sunday 4th June!

Royal Wootton Bassett & District Art Society May 19th - 21st 2017, Hook Village Hall The Royal Wootton Bassett & District Art Society is holding it’s annual art exhibition at Hook Village Hall from May 19th to the 21st. This is a new venture for the society and we hope it will become an annual event for our local community. The exhibition will be held at Hook Village Hall SN4 8EA. The exhibition will open with a preview evening on May 19th which is by invitation only then it will be open to the public on May 20th and 21st from 10am to 4pm. There will be opportunities to buy original art, artist’s postcards and greetings cards.

Hook Village Hall has a good car park and we will be serving refreshments, admission is free. Why not come along and see what the Art Society has to offer.

18

The Town Crier Magazine | MAY 2017

Photo by Vicky

The Town Crier Magazine invites you to join us on our Walk on 4th June at 10.30 in aid of Wiltshire Air Ambulance. The walk will start at Caen Hill Locks Cafe on the canal, Devizes and take us along the canal through Devizes to Horton. The return route will take us through Devizes where we will be collecting for this very worthy cause. There will also be a refreshment stop!!! The round trip is 12.110 km / 7.57 miles. Please call us on 01249 811068 if you need directions or would like any further information.

Jefferies

Sunday 4th June, 10.30 am, Devizes

As part of our fundraising for Wiltshire Air Ambulance during 2017, The Town Crier Magazine will be producing a Family Pet Calendar for 2018 to be sold from various outlets in time for Christmas.

We would like our readers to send in their favourite photographs of their pets. Your photo will need to be with us by September 18th 2017 - so get out your camera - and happy snapping!!

A representative from Wiltshire Air Ambulance will choose 12 of the best photographs to make up the calendar.

For a chance to appear in the calendar, please email your photograph and the name of your pet to production@towncriermagazine.com.

The Editor’s decision is final.

Your Local

TownCr er Magazine

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The Town Crier Magazine | MAY 2017

19

Food & Drink

Chocolate Fondant Tart Preparation time: 45 mins (plus chilling time) Cooking time: 30 mins Serves: 6-8

INGREDIENTS PASTRY 100g/3½oz plain flour 50g/1¾oz icing sugar 50g/1¾oz chilled butter, diced Yolk from 1 large egg 1 tbsp water FILLING 100g/3½oz butter 150g/5½oz dark chocolate (70%) 150g/5½oz golden caster sugar 75g/3oz plain flour 6 medium eggs TO SERVE Strawberries/raspberries Icing sugar Cream

FOR THE PASTRY Place the flour and icing sugar in a large bowl. Rub in the butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

Add the egg yolk and water and mix quickly so that it comes together to form a firm dough. Wrap in cling film and leave to rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 200C/ Gas 6 (180C fan).

Dust the work surface with flour and then roll out the pastry to form a circle about 5cm/2in larger than your flan tin. Line the tin with the pastry. Pop it into the fridge to chill for a further 15 minutes.

You now need to blind-bake the pastry. To do this prick the base of the pastry with a fork then line the pastry case with a circle of greaseproof paper and fill with baking beans (these are ceramic beads, but you can use lentils or dried beans if you don’t have any).

20

The Town Crier Magazine | MAY 2017

Bake the pastry for 10 minutes, or until just lightly golden-brown, then remove the paper and the beans and return the tart to the oven to cook for a further 5-7 minutes, or until golden-brown and dried out.

FOR THE FILLING Melt the butter in a medium pan over a low heat, then add the chocolate and stir until melted, smooth and glossy. Remove from the heat and beat in the sugar and flour, then beat in the eggs, one at a time.

Place the pastry case on a baking tray. Pour the chocolate mixture into the pastry case, filling it almost to the top then place in the oven. Bake for 1012 minutes, or until just set around the edges and still slightly wobbly in the centre.

Remove from the oven. You can serve it warm with raspberries or strawberries, or allow it to cool and dust with icing sugar.

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Gardening

Blooming Baskets!

by Rachael Leverton

I

T’S hanging basket season!

They can be a source of delight but also a source of stress. It’s easy for a hanging basket to fail badly. Too sparsely filled and they look bedraggled. Too little water and death is swift!

wet and you really don’t want your lovingly-planted orb of flowers to be deposited unceremoniously all over the floor!

The secret to growing a successful basket lays both in the way it’s planted but also in sensible aftercare.

Plant the basket with bedding plants at the beginning of May but don’t plant them out for a couple of weeks, especially if you live in a more exposed area. Instead give them some shelter in a porch, or unheated greenhouse, or even under polythene at the side of the house. This allows the new plants to grow and toughen up a little before they are hung in their final position.

Check that your bracket and chains for signs of rust and also check that the bracket is securely fixed to the wall. Hanging baskets are extremely heavy, especially when they are 22

The Town Crier Magazine | MAY 2017

Planting is easiest if you balance the basket on a large flowerpot or bucket. Fibrous liners help to retain water and look nicer than polythene. For extra moisture retention place a circle of polythene in the base of the basket before filling with soil.

The best planting medium is soilless multi-purpose compost, mixed with water-retaining granules.

Place a layer of compost in the base of the basket and push the first layer of plants through. Trailing plants such as lobelia, bidens and ivy-leafed pelargoniums look lovely but you can be as creative as you like. Water the plants in their containers before planting them and squeeze the rootball firmly to make it small enough to push though the mesh from the outside.

Plant quite densely and gradually build up layers of plants and soil.

When it’s full to within 3 cm of the rim you can plant up the top with more upright, compact bushy plants like begonias, petunias and pelargoniums.

Make sure your basket never dries out. It will be reliant on you for all water and nutrition. If you water it at least once a day and feed with dilute tomato fertilizer once a week I promise it will be blooming basket in the best possible way.

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The Town Crier Magazine | MAY 2017

23

GAR_697653.pdf 13:49:24 January 15, 2014 1 of 2 Sarah

Money

Ready for Revision Exam time is stressful for the whole family. So what’s the best way to cope? There’s no way round it, the answer has to be planning and preparation.

S

ET up your revision timetable as early as possible, that way you can pace yourself. It’s too tempting to put everything off then face a last-minute panic.

Emotions run high around exam time anyway, so it is better to snack on nuts, seeds and fruit, which provide a slow, steady release of glucose.

How do you study best? Some people prefer to spend a whole day on one subject, others prefer to break their time into smaller blocks and tackle several subjects in short burst. Whichever you choose, make sure you take a short break every hour or so. Pop outside, stretch your legs, have a drink and maybe a snack. Oxygen, nutritious food and water are essential for concentration and mental alertness.

Our brains also depend on proper hydration to function optimally. Brain cells require a delicate balance between water and various elements to operate.

Research has found that if we’re even slightly dehydrated we find it more difficult to focus. Aim to drink around up to 1.5-2 litres of water,

Effective brain function relies on neurotransmitters, which are chemicals made from amino acids.

These are found in food rich in good quality protein, like lean meat, fish, soya and beans. In order to convert the amino acids into neurotransmitters the body also need vitamins and minerals, so top up on fruit and vegetables.

Refined sugar, found in sweets and chocolate releases glucose too quickly into the bloodstream and this can cause mood swings.

24

The Town Crier Magazine | MAY 2017

WHAT TYPE OF LEARNE R ARE YOU? Visual learners - prefer note cards and tend to map out info rmation on paper.

Auditory learners - pre fer to read their notes aloud, and list en to them being played bac k.

Kinaesthetic learners need action – Record your voice and play back the information while wa lking. Take revision notes to the gym and read while running on a treadm ill, even sitting on a swing readin g notes can work.

diluted fruit juice or herbal teas per day. Drinks rich in caffeine, such as Red Bull or coffee trigger production of the stress hormone cortisol which can make you feel even more edgy and nervous, and make it harder to focus and find the right words under exam pressure.

Gentle exercise, such as walking, or cycling, in between study improves the blood circulation to the brain and actually relieves stress, making you feel more relaxed.

On the day of an exam focus on breathing; slow deep breaths in and out will help to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Try not to engage in pre-or post exam discussion, as this can make you feel anxious.

If you’re well prepared and wellrested then you are ready. But remember they are only exams.

They are one measure of your ability taken at one point in time.

They do not relate to who you are as a person, or how well you will ultimately do in life. All you can ever do is try your best on the day.

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25

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Heart Disease in Pets Dr Cyril Hayes MVB MRCVS

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

I

N pets, particularly dogs and cats, heart disease is often a gradual and progressive disease and “heart attacks” do not really occur.

the heart muscle thins and becomes weaker. We are currently screening (free of charge) for DCM in certain predisposed breeds. c) The normal rhythm of the heart can be disrupted (this is called an arrhythmia). We sometimes say the wiring has been affected! The heart generates its own impulse to beat but sometimes this can be too slow (bradydysrhythmia) and a pacemaker may need to be fitted. Sometimes too fast – (tachydysrhythmia) and drugs may need to given. Arrhythmias can be primary (nothing else is wrong) or secondary to other heart diseases or even other diseases in the body. Arrhythmias can be quite challenging to definitively diagnose!

How do we diagnose heart disease?

This very much depends on the situation and what is thought to be wrong. In a young animal obviously congenital heart disease is more likely and often ultrasound of the heart (echocardiography) is the best test to use. In older animals, if, based on a clinical examination, heart disease is suspected, the investigation will be tailored to the case. Auscultation, blood tests, chest and abdomen x-rays, ultrasound and ecg are some of the modalities we use.

How would you know if your pet has heart disease?

Often you will have been advised by one of our vets (if they have heard a murmur or slight arrhythmia during a routine examination) to monitor for the common clinical signs.

These include;

The types of heart disease in pets can be broadly categorised as either; Congenital – born with it, this includes narrowed outflow vessels (Pulmonic and Aortic stenosis), holes in the heart (ventricular and atrial septal defects) or valves not made very well (dysplasia). These are the things we will listen closely for in any puppy or kitten brought to us for their first check-up. Thankfully, these conditions are rare.

Acquired – develops as the animal ages. These diseases can affect various bits of the heart. a) Most commonly, valves will be affected and we will hear a murmur. Both dogs and cats can develop murmurs but it is more common in dogs and particularly in certain breeds. Cavalier spaniels are unfortunately the breed most predisposed to valve issues - most commonly mitral valve endocardiosis (the valve shrivels up). b) The heart muscle itself can be affected by disease.

This is where cats and dogs are very different! Cats, generally, get Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy – the heart muscle thickens, leading to a reduction in heart function. Dogs, on the other hand, more commonly develop Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), where 26

The Town Crier Magazine | MAY 2017

1. Coughing, especially at night or after exercise. This is a more common sign in dogs, than in cats. Cats tend to be quieter initially and develop increased respiratory effort and rate with time.

2. Exercise intolerance. Again, easier to judge in dogs. They become tired more quickly and are less keen to go for long walks 3. Syncope (fainting). If the blood pressure drops or the heart rhythm suddenly goes wrong animals can faint.

They generally recover but heart disease would be our most likely investigative route.

4. Ascites (abdominal enlargement with fluid). Usually with heart disease fluid accumulates in the lungs – causing respiratory clinical signs. Sometimes, with just right sided heart disease, fluid will accumulate in the abdominal cavity causing sudden distension.

How do we treat heart disease?

There is rarely a cure for heart disease. An exception would be fitting a pacemaker to a dog with an abnormally slow heart. Mostly we use drugs to manage the condition, as well as other lifestyle managements – especially weight and exercise control.

Should you have any concerns with your pet’s heart, or general health, then please come and see us and be assured of our honest and best possible care.

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29

Books

A Good Read

Daughter of the Forest

by Juliet Marillier

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

Authors draw inspiration from many places and it has been said that there are only so many stories to be told. Very often the skill of the storyteller is not in the story but in how it is told. Ancient mythology is a common source of inspiration and it is from the old Celtic myths of Ireland that this New Zealand author has turned for this historical fantasy fiction. Based loosely on the legend of the Children of Lir and elements of the German fairy-tale ‘The Six Swans’ Marillier manages to conjure up the rich and mystical landscape of ancient Ireland.

Sorcha is the youngest of seven children and is raised largely by her six older brothers following the death of her mother during her birth. Her father remarries but his new wife is jealous and attacks the children.

Sorcha escapes but her brothers are all turned into swans. Desperate to save them she learns that they will be freed if she weaves six shirts out of nettles without speaking a word to anyone. Retreating into the forest to complete her task she is cared for by the faerie-folk and visited twice a year by her brothers in human form. But if Sorcha thought that this seemingly impossible task was all that awaited her she was very much mistaken.

This engrossing story will completely transport you to a magical landscape, evocative of Tolkien and ancient mythology.

Noughts and Crosses

by Marjorie Blackman

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

For today’s teenagers the mid-20th century really is history, and the attitudes of that time are alien to their lives. Young people today are exposed to such a range of cultures and people that segregation (South African apartheid or the Jewish ghettos) can seem unimaginable. Yet even a cursory glance at the 30

The Town Crier Magazine | MAY 2017

news reveals that it is perilously real for some, and not just those in foreign lands.

This is why Marjorie Blackman’s awardwinning teen novel is so unsettling. It tells of a divided society with two groups.

The Crosses are the lucky ones: born into privilege and wealth.

They run the country and have the best funded schools. But the Crosses couldn’t function without the other half – the noughts. The noughts are the bottom half of society. Their purpose is to work for Crosses and to keep the country ticking over. They are suppressed at every opportunity. This is segregation taken to the extreme: and it doesn’t work along the lines you might think it does.

At the start of the story 13-year-old Sephy (a Cross) is secretly continuing a childhood friendship with Callum (a nought). This is a friendship that seems to be on a path to self-destruction as their feelings for each other grow. Fuelled by the growing uprising among noughts and the Liberation Militia the two teenagers are destined to be pulled apart.

Blackman presents many echoes of the past: America in the 50s, South Africa under apartheid, and even the IRA of the 70s and 80s. Add to this some inspiration from Romeo and Juliet and you have a novel that will challenge the way you view the world.

Reviews by Willow Coby

Crossword & Sudoku solution page 28

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Modern Times Leon Kossoff Booking Hall No 6 1975 Š The Artist

Swindon Museum and Art Gallery How the School of London changed British Art 22 Feb — 1 July Swindon Museum and Art Gallery Bath Road, Old Town, Swindon SN1 4BA FREE entry Open Tues - Sat 10am-5pm 32

The Town Crier Magazine | MAY 2017

There was something unique about the artists emerging from the London art world and art schools in the 60s and 70s. This exhibition features works by members of the School of London including Frank Auerbach, Lucian Freud, Richard Hamilton and Leon Kossoff and also their friends, teachers and influences.