Town Crier Magazine February 2019

TownCr er FEBRUARY 2019

FREE TO TAKE

The Truth Behind

Rescuing a

DOG

Our Destination Guide to

JAPAN

see Page 58

National Trust Guide to

LACOCK

see page 56

see Page 28

ASTON

MARTIN

The Stuff of Dreams

Home Focus This Month

Bedroom Bliss

see Page 70

see Page 20

www.towncriermagazine.com

Happy Valentines!

Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019 WHAT’S ON l FOOD l HEALTH & BEAUTY l TRAVELThel Town HOME & GARDEN l PETS

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CON T E N TS February 2 019

Editor’s Letter

Gardening From P64

TRAVEL 56

Visit Japan with its wonderful scenery, culture & food

LOCAL FOCUS 8 10

Join the Walk of Life - Bath RUH Forever Friends Appeal Devizes Julia's House needs volunteers!

Can you believe we are in February already? It seems like only yesterday we were celebrating Christmas and here we already are coming up to Valentine's Day!

As our picture on the front depicts, love is in the air – or not for some!!

If your of a romantic nature then Valentine's Day can be a big event, romantic dining for two, chocolates and roses. Clearly poor Niles Philips didn't quite live up to this as you can read on page 4. You gotta feel sorry for the guy!!

If you want to treat the one you love our local shops have an array of gifts for that romantic gesture and we have some recipes to tempt you from page 49.

On a colder note, I don't know about you, but I am fed up with this freezing weather. Spring can't come soon enough as far as I am concerned when we can start to look forward to warmer weather and idyllic days out. I love miandering around our lovely little villages with their thatched roofs and pretty hanging baskets. Our feature on Lacock Abbey could inspire you to get out and about and visit what is on our doorstep. If it's further afield you are after then we also review Japan with its wonderful culture, scenery & food (page 56).

FOOD FEATURES 4 14 20 34 36 58 64 70

51 52

Eggs Benedict with Smoked Salmon & Chives Vienese Fingers - From The National Trust

Valentine's Day - The Struggle is Real Rock Choir get Happy in 2019!

For those planning their big day the Calne Wedding Fayre is on this month (page 31) and if you're after a new hobby to bring some excitement then why not read our feature on the Rock Choir (page 14)

Home Focus - Bedroom Bliss A Good Read - Book Review Do you need an activity tracker?

Whatever you do romantically or otherwise this month, keep warm and most of all have fun!

The Truth Behind Rescuing a Dog My Garden Valentine Auto Biography Aston Martin Vantage

Editor: Annie Harling contact@towncriermagazine.com Sales: Clair Gallie clair.gallie@towncriermagazine.com Artwork: Sam Lapham contact@towncriermagazine.com Photography: Paul Stallard Accounts: Victoria Lovell accounts@towncriermagazine.com

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Tel: 01249 811068 www. 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.

Deadline for submissions for the March 2019 issue: 10th February 2019

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

3

s ’ e n i t n e l Va Day

THE STRUGGLE IS REAL…

I don’t have a great track record with Valentine’s Day. The first year with my girlfriend we’d only been dating for two months, so I went low key, with a card and a single long-stemmed red rose… and sadly this remains my sole Valentine’s success story to date.

Fast forward to year two and I pushed the boat out by cooking a romantic meal. I’m not bad in the kitchen, so prepared a full three courses.

For starters I made a wild mushroom soup. My girlfriend declared it delicious, then collapsed a little way into the main course, having had a massive allergic response to one of the species of mushrooms!

Being blue-lighted to hospital is not the most romantic end to a Valentine date.

throb. By the time we arrived in London my fingers had developed a weird purple hue, so our first stop was Accident and Emergency, where I discovered I’d broken my elbow! It took so long to get assessed, X-rayed and patched up that we missed our meal and the show. We did stay in the hotel, but I don’t remember much as I was high

4

a kitten. I sourced the cutest little ball of grey fluff with amber eyes.

I took Valentine’s Day off work and duly collected the kitten that morning, all bright-eyed and bushy tailed. I took it home anticipating Clare’s delight. But by 3pm the kitten was looking a bit peaky. By 5:30pm Clare walked through the door to find me nursing a very sick scrap of fur, on the phone to the emergency vet.

When we arrived at the surgery, she told us gently that he had a sky-high temperature, probably due to a virus, and to expect the worst.

We left him being fitted with a drip, then waited at home fretting until the next morning.

As soon as we could we rang the surgery and discovered to our delight that he’d turned a corner made it through the night. Valentine (or Val as we call him) is now a robust one-year-old cat with the constitution of an ox, who totally rules our home, so at least that story had a happy ending.

But Clare is made of strong stuff, and when she recovered, we resumed dating. The following Valentine’s Day I decided I’d surprise her with a weekend trip to London. I booked the full works: meal, show, hotel, and train tickets well in advance, and made sure her diary was clear.

On the way to the train station I tripped up a kerb and banged my elbow as I fell.

It smarted a bit but wasn’t a big deal. On the train however, I realised I could no longer bend my arm, which was starting to

By Niles Philips

on pain-relief! A lesser woman would have cut her losses at this point, but not Clare. She hung around for Valentine’s Day number three. We’d moved in together and I knew she wanted

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

This year for Valentine’s Day I’m cutting my losses and going with a card and a box of Maltesers. The question is do I risk popping the engagement ring at the bottom, or is that just asking for trouble?

Happy Valentine’s Day.

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5

collision, while in version B it runs away without intervening.

After watching the clips, the infants were presented with replicas of both the intervening and the non-intervening third figures. They consistently preferred the one who saved the day. These results suggest that babies are capable of understanding and recognising heroism.

superheroes face, and we aspire to their noble impulses and heroic acts.

We identify with them because often they are created in our image, albeit a larger than life version of that image.

It helps that most superheroes are flawed. They are not bloodless examples of 'goodness and virtue' but real individuals who are prey to their emotions and environment yet who strive to overcome their foibles and triumph anyway.

By Tom Hancock

The Hancock household is eagerly awaiting the release of Avengers: Endgame in less than two months (current release date April 26th). It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say my entire family are hooked on the whole superhero genre. And we're not alone. All over the country there are regular debates about whether Superman would beat Thor in a fight, or why Iron Man is two words while Batman is only one.

Superhero

Our kids dress up like them and carry packed lunches in plastic boxes emblazoned with their images (actually some adults do this too.) But why?

According to recent research from Kyoto University in Japan, our love of superheroes starts before we can talk. In a series of experiments, infants as young as six months were shown short animations in which one figure chased and bumped into a second. Meanwhile, a third figure watched from afar.

In version A, the third figure steps in and prevents the 6

Further experiments showed that extremely young babies couldn't tell the difference between a saviour who was simply in the right place at the right time, and one who actively stepped in to help. They didn't grasp the nuances. But by just 18 months old they did understand that difference and preferred the hero. This suggests that our concept of justice, and heroism develops very early on.

As we grow up superhero stories seem to resonate with us. We identify with the themes, with the dilemmas and problems that

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

Some characters like Batman and Iron Man have overcome trauma to become superheroes.

In psychology this is called posttraumatic growth and it gives us hope that we too can overcome difficulties in our lives and become stronger people.

There is something both empowering and uplifting about watching your favourite superhero emerge victorious at the end of a story, which is why I will be queuing at the cinema on April 26th with Mrs. Hancock and all the little Hancocks. See you there!

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Walk of Life Saturday 11th May 2019 Kennet and Avon Canal: Bishops Cannings (near Devizes) – Bradford on Avon (Bath) Join the Walk of Life and every step you take will support patients & families at the Royal United Hospitals Bath. This popular sponsored walk, organised by The Forever Friends Appeal, will take place on Saturday 11th May along the beautiful Kennet & Avon Canal – it will be part of the charity’s ‘20th Year of Fundraising’ celebrations, making it a special year to get involved!

There are two distances to choose from, the 26.2 mile walking marathon starting in Bishops Cannings near Devizes (opened by Michael Eavis CBE) and the afternoon 10 mile walk, which joins in the fun at Bradford on Avon. Both walks finish at the iconic Holburne Museum in Bath.

The RUH touches the lives of over half a million people across Bath, Somerset and Wiltshire. Because the hospital means so many different things, you can choose to walk for any area/ward/campaign that is close to your heart, and the funds raised will help extra special projects and state of the art equipment (beyond the remit of the NHS). Last year’s event raised an incredible £110,000 and it is hoped that in 2019, it will 8

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

continue to raise thousands more.

Registration is now open at www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk or call 01225 821535. Entry is £25, which includes a t-shirt, medal, water and treats on the day.

The event is proudly sponsored by Kier Construction and M J Church.

Trek the Great Wall of China for the RUH - The Forever Friends Appeal, is looking for local people to join their trekking team – who are hiking along the Great Wall of China 5th-13th October 2019.

To book your place or find out more, visit; www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk or contact Maddy on 01225 825823 maddy.jones@nhs.net.

Explore Lacock's woodland with winter family Addour some colour to trail Sat 12 weekend Jan – Sun 19 May your this The bare trees make spotting wildlife autumn at of Gibside easy at this time year as little explorers feel the crunch of frost underfoot andfallen look forandanimals up in Go crunching through leaves discover a forest teeming with wildlife and autumn colours, with walking the trees. What can you see? routes for all ages and abilities.

Call 01249 730459 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the National Trust, your

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The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

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VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED FOR DEVIZES JULIA’S HOUSE CHILDREN’S HOSPICE SHOP The Julia’s House children’s hospice shop in Devizes is inviting new volunteers to join its team for a few hours a week.

The shop, on Maryport Street, needs people to help out behind the scenes or on the shop floor by sorting donations, putting out stock or serving customers.

S

ometimes the name of a month brings an automatic thought to mind. When I mentioned to ‘im indoors that I was writing for the February magazines I was, frankly, surprised when he said “February – Valentines Day!”, should I prepare for an extravagant gesture this year?? I guess when we think of Valentines Day we think of flowers and chocolates and cards with cute pictures on them.

In actual fact, it’s about caring and sharing. With this in mind, ‘im indoors isn’t so very off the wall when he suggested writing about this

10

Volunteers

WANTED “These are roles that would suit anyone and no experience is needed because we provide full training,” explains Liz Froud, Volunteer Co-ordinator for Julia’s House. “Volunteers need only donate a couple of hours a week; a spare pair of hands for a morning or afternoon in this friendly shop would be a great help.”

Julia’s House, which opened Wiltshire’s first children’s hospice in the town two

for the magazines. We all have neigbours, sometimes they are close and others can be across a couple of fields. The question is: Would you notice if the bins weren’t put out?

When did you last see them?

What did you say?

What is their name?

Would you give them a lift?

Would you water their plants when they’re away?

It's about knowing someone to say hello to and maybe to have a cup of tea with, knowing that someone is looking out for you and most of all including everyone,

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

years ago, also has a shop in Salisbury and nine others across Dorset. The charity provides outstanding, award-winning care for babies, children and young people with life-shortening and life-threatening conditions, as well as support for their families.

Anyone interested in volunteering is welcome to pop into the shop for an informal chat or to contact Liz Froud on 01202 644220.

especially those people who can sometimes find life a bit tricky. Go on, it’s easy to simply say “Hello”. It’s only a word, but could mean the world to someone who is feeling lonely.

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.

Ellen Blacker

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The Town Crier Magazine | JANUARY 2019

Is Equity Release a good way to fund the cost of long term care?

We asked Andrew Douglas, Partner at Awdry Bailey & Douglas Solicitors who specialises in elderly care, for his views on this issue?

What is Equity Release? It is a financial arrangement whereby financial providers allow homeowners over the age of 55 to turn capital in their homes into tax free cash to either buy an income or provide a lump sum for the purpose of funding long term care costs or to spend in whatever other way they wish.

Carpets w Upholstery w Rugs w Leather w Hard Floors w Wooden Floors w Patios w General & Deep Cleaning w End of Tenancy Specialists

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How is the equity in your home turned into cash? The provider agrees to provide a capital w i klean almost anything w sum in return for you entering into either a lifetime mortgage or selling to them all or part of your Call Chris on: property subject to you having the right to live in INDEPENDENT FAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTORS & MEMOR the property for life or as long as you need.

01249 249665 / 07710 159640 Est. 1932 INDEPENDENT FAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTORS & MEMORIAL CRAFTSMEN Is Equity Release an expensive option? Yes, it email: Est. 1932ikleanwiltshire@gmail.com is sometimes called the option of last resort. That Incorporating Thomas Free & Sons Funeral Dir said it is an option which is now considered to be Incorporating Thomas Free & Sons Funeral Directors Est. 1875 more mainstream. Lifetime mortgages often start 24 h at 4-5%. If your property is sold to the provider it is often for less than the market value. There are 24 hour Service Charles S. Winchcombe &&CRAFTSMEN Son then arrangement fees plus legal and valuation INDEPENDENT FAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTORS&&MEMORIAL MEMORIAL CRAFTSMEN INDEPENDENT FAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTORS Charles S. Winchcombe Son Private Ch INDEPENDENT FAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTORS & MEMORIAL CRAFTSMEN fees.

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1932 Incorporating ThomasFree FreeEst. Sons Funeral Directors 1875 Should you seek specialist advice? Yes, always Incorporating Free &Sons Sons Funeral Directors Est. 1875 Incorporating Thomas Thomas && Funeral Directors Est.Est. 1875 Pre-P Incorporating Thomas Free & Sons Funeral Directors Est. 1875 use an advisor who has a specialist Equity Release Incorporating Thomas Free & Sons Funeral Directors Est. 1875 Pre-Paid Funerals 24 hour Service qualification. Also make sure both the advisor and 24 hour Service 24 hour Service Charles S. Winchcombe SonService 24&hour the provider are members of the Equity Release 24 hour Service Craf Winchcombe House, 37 New Park Street, PrivateChapels Chapels Rest Private ofof Rest Charles S. Winchcombe & Son Council and regulated by The Financial Conduct Private Chapels of Rest Craftsmen madeof Rest Private Chapels Devizes, SN10 1DT. Winchcombe House, 37 New Park Street, Authority.

Private Chapels of Rest Pre-Paid Funerals Pre-Paid Funerals Memorials Devizes, SN10 1DT. 01380 722500 Pre-Paid Funerals Pre-Paid Funerals Is Equity Release the only way of funding long Pre-Paid Funerals Charles S. Winchcombe &&Son Charles S. Winchcombe Son 01380 722500 Craftsmen made Craftsmen made Winchcombe 37 Street, term care fees? No, always remember to claim CharlesS.S.House, Winchcombe &&Son Charles Winchcombe Son Winchcombe House, 37New NewPark Park Street, Charles S.House, Winchcombe & Son Craftsmen made Craftsmen made and Memorials Devizes, SN10 1DT. Winchcombe 37 New Memorials Cleaning Devizes, SN10 1DT.Park Winchcombe House, 37 New ParkStreet, Street, Craftsmen made your age related DWP benefits, see whether the Winchcombe House, 37 New Park Street, Memorials Devizes, SN10 SN10 1DT. Memorials Devizes, 1DT. 01380 722500 Memorials Devizes, SN10 1DT. 01380 722500 state will help if your other capital savings are and Renovations 01380 722500 Cleaning Cleaning 01380 01380 722500 722500 less than ÂŁ23,250 or you maybe entitled to NHS Cleaning and Additional Cleaning andRenovations Renovations Cleaning Continuing Health Care. You can ask your family to andRenovations Renovations and and Renovations Additional Additional Inscriptions help out. In other words do not rush into an Equity AdditionalInscriptions Inscriptions Release arrangement until you fully understand AdditionalInscriptions Inscriptions Additional Additional Inscriptions the product and are aware of all other options.

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13

WANT TO

'GETINH2A0P19P?Y' Then why not try ROCK CHOIR ?

The UK’s largest contemporary choir, is offering members of the British public a chance to boost their natural high and beat the winter blues this January by taking part in free Rock Choir sessions across the UK!

that Rock Choir Members experienced a dramatic rise of 40% in Endocannabinoids, the ‘happy’ chemicals released in our brain, after taking part in a Rock Choir session.

This significant result was compared to just 20% up-lift after they had taken part in dancing and cycling and should have a profound effect on the way our well-being and mental health is supported from now on.

Rock Choir Founder, Caroline Redman Lusher says, “I regularly receive personal communication from Rock Choir Members who claim that their journey in Rock Choir has improved their lives or helped them in various ways to recover from personal issues and trauma.

With no audition and no need to read music Rock Choir has already attracted nearly 30,000 members nationwide and is recognised as an award-winning national brand. It is considered to be responsible for creating a cultural musical movement offering a unique and glamorous alternative to the traditional choir format. Rock Choir's uplifting ethos of fun, friendship and community spirit is a huge part of its attraction and its inclusive and accessible teaching approach allows anyone who simply loves pop-music to take part.

Rock Choir is now offering everyone in the UK a chance to experience the significant natural high that is created from singing in a group. A recent experiment conducted

by BBC’s ‘Trust Me I’m a Doctor’ proved

Rock Choir provides an exciting and life-affirming platform using music at its core and as a whole experience offers joy and friendship. I’m proud that, together with my team, I have built a unique experience that already has such a positive and dramatic effect on so many tens of thousands of the British public!

I now want to help transform the wellbeing of the entire British Public by inviting everyone to step into Rock Choir and enjoy what is on offer; for everyone to feel good, well and happy. No one can escape the challenges that life throws at us but being on a positive, supportive, calm and happy platform will make those moments less painful. Targeting our mental health issues and finding healthy solutions is key and we can offer one solution and that is Rock Choir.

COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP POSITIVITY DRAMA TING UPLIF EXCIT 14 EMENT The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

“Rock Choir recently experienced a No.1 chart position in the iTunes Christmas chart with their contemporary arrangement of The First Noel/Silent Night in aid of Nordoff Robbins. Rock Choir Founder, Caroline Redman Lusher, and The Rock Choir Vocal Group, her team of 80 professional choirleader singers have also enjoyed many high-profile performances and interviews on TV and Radio and also opened the 2018 BBC Proms in the Park. Caroline and the Rock Choir Vocal Group took to the stage accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra and entertained an audience of 40,000 and with the help of the Rock Choir Members, staged the largest Flash Mob ever witnessed in the UK. Rock Choir always welcomes new members.

There is no audition and no requirement to read music.

To book the free Rock Choir taster session please visit rockchoir.com and type in your postcode to find your nearest location.

Alternatively call 01252 714276.

ROCK CHOIR HISTORY: Rock Choir began in Farnham, Surrey in 2005 by musician and singer, Caroline Redman Lusher, pioneering the contemporary choir movement in the UK. It was the first choir to offer the general public the chance to sing pop and chart songs with no entry audition and no requirements to read music or have any previous singing experience.

With over 28,000 members in over 400 local communities, Rock Choir is the UK’s largest contemporary choir.

ROCK CHOIR’S RECORDS and ACHIEVEMENTS: Universal Decca records released two Rock Choir albums in 2010 and 2011. ‘Rock Choir Vol.1’ reached position 18 in the UK charts.

Rock Choir released a Christmas single in 2018, The First Noel/Silent Night, in aid of Nordoff Robbins and achieved a no.1 chart position in the iTunes Christmas charts.

Rock Choir has achieved three Guinness World Records!

Rock Choir was the subject of the popular 3-part ITV1 documentary 'The Choir That Rocks' aired in 2011 now available to view on YouTube.

Rock Choir was awarded the ‘Big Heart’ award at the Family Business Red Ribbon Awards, which recognises businesses intrinsically generous and passionate about volunteering, fundraising and positively impacting the local community.

Founder Caroline Redman Lusher was made an Ambassador of the largest UK music therapy charity, Nordoff Robbins in 2018.

TOGETHER

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The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

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Holland Park Press, based in Malmesbury, are publishing a rather special poetry collection in March 2019: London Undercurrents, the hidden histories of London's unsung heroines, north and south of the river by Joolz Sparkes and Hilaire.

These two London-based female poets have each contributed poems inspired by the hidden histories of women past and present in their respective neighbourhoods Islington and Battersea.

As Joolz and Hilaire put it: "There are thousands of women, extraordinary, ordinary, famous or forgotten who have plenty to say and deserve to be heard".

The authors were mentored by Jacqueline Saphra and received research and development funding from the Arts Council England.

London Undercurrents, ISBN 9781907320828, 152 pages, ÂŁ10, $16, will be published by Holland Park Press on 28 March and review copies will be available later this month.

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Your electric gates will be beautifully designed, reliable and above all safe. New or existing gates can be automated, both wooden or metal.

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Email: andyrids@aol.com www.compasssecuritysystems.co.uk The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

17

Calne Rotary 4th Annual Classic Car Run Sunday 19th May 2019

Between 8am and 9.30am on Sunday 19th May one hundred Classic Cars will gather in Calne Leisure Centre Car park for a bacon butty provided by Calne Lions before setting off for a fascinating 70 mile run through the beautiful Wiltshire countryside.

Stopping for refreshments at the Goss Croft Hall at Seagry and then onto Winsley to finish with a wonderful lunch provided by the Marden Belles WI at Bloomfield Hall with time to enjoy the beautiful gardens of Dorothy House.

With further support on the day being provided by Rotarians and a great team of volunteers, the event will be a true community effort.

The car run also features VIP Teddy Bears and much loved dogs in some of the cars. Half the proceeds will go to Dorothy House and the remainder to Rotary charities.

Don Kennedy at Dorothy House said ‘We are delighted to be a chosen charity by Calne Rotarians. Dorothy House provides vital palliative and end of life care services across the Calne Community. The Rotary club of Calne have been loyal supporters of our work for many years, and we are so grateful for their commitment to our work. The funds raised by this special event helps our Nurse Specialists, Hospice at Home and Family Support Teams be there for the Calne Community when it matters most. We would like to thank everyone involved and wish them a safe journey’.

The event is still looking for more drivers and Kate Tompkins of the Rotary Club of Calne said “If you have a classic car, bike or other vehicle come and join us for a great day out and to raise money for some great causes”.

For further details and entry forms please visit: www.calnerotary.org.uk or contact Kate by email calnerotaryclassicrun@gmail.com 18

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

Ask AMS 60+ videos on YouTube Search ‘AMS Accountancy’

Are there benefits in being VAT registered?

There are generally two reasons to register for VAT: Compulsory: When your sales exceed £85,000 in a 12 month period.

Voluntary: If registering your business for VAT will be a benefit to you (the benefit is that you can reclaim VAT paid on supplies and expenses).

If you are VAT registered, you must also charge VAT to your clients. Simple when working for VAT registered clients but it can also be problematic.

Example: A builder replaces a roof on a privately owned house.

If he’s VAT registered, he can reclaim VAT he’s paid on supplies for the job.

When billing customers, he will have to charge them VAT which they cannot claim back because they are not registered.

If he’s not VAT registered, he cannot reclaim VAT on his supplies. However, his clients will happily also not have to pay VAT! Peter Bromiley ACA

01793 818400 @AMSAccountancy www.ams-accountancy.co.uk

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The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

19

HOME HOME FOCUS FOCUS

Bedroom Bliss Bedroom Bliss Bedroom Bliss What is it about a hotel bedroom that generates a certain allure? It feels there is a What is it about a hotel bedroom that secret formula which draws us in, relaxes us generates a certain allure? It feels there is a and makes us want to escape to a room that secret formula which draws us in, relaxes us isn’t ours…. and makes us want to escape to a room that isn’twith ours….

But a few basic adjustments, you can give your own bedroom that special feel, But with a few basic adjustments, you can similar to the one you get when you slip your give your own bedroom that special feel, feet into a pair of soft slippers, or that similar to the one you get when you slip your delicious first sip of a glass of cold, crisp wine. feet into a pair of soft slippers, or that And by doing so you’ll save a good chunk of delicious first sip of a glass of cold, crisp wine. money spent to go away when you can do it And by doing so you’ll save a good chunk of in the comfort of your own home. money spent to go away when you can do it in the about comfort of your own Think what makes forhome. a perfect hotel room. The bed is by far the most important, Think about what makes for a perfect hotel and given that this is where you spend a great room. The bed is by far the most important, deal of time, it’s essential to have the best and given that this is where you spend a great you can afford. Not only will a good piece deal of time, it’s essential to have the best look stylish in the space, but you’ll sleep far you can afford. Not only will a good piece better with the correct mattress and bedding. look stylish in the space, but you’ll sleep far Premier Inns are renowned for their better with the correct mattress and bedding. exceptional beds to the point that the details Premier Inns are renowned for their of them are available in the room should you exceptional beds to the point that the details decide to purchase one. They have made the of them are available in the room should you bed itself the single most important reason to decide to purchase one. They have made the book with them. bed itself the single most important reason to book with Next, thinkthem. about the simplicity of many hotel rooms. The reason why you may outwardly Next, think about the simplicity of many hotel heave a sigh of relief as you step through the rooms. The reason why you may outwardly threshold is because you are not visibly heave a sigh of relief as you step through the bombarded with clutter, noise or jobs. You threshold is because you are not visibly go to a hotel to have a break and as you walk bombarded with clutter, noise or jobs. You into your bedroom at home you should be go to a hotel to have a break and as you walk starting to unwind and relax in readiness for into your bedroom at home you should be rest. Make sure your bedroom is decluttered, starting to unwind and relax in readiness for electronics are reduced to a bare minimum rest. Make sure your bedroom is decluttered, electronics are reduced to a bare minimum

20

and the room is thoroughly cleaned, including the windows (which can often get forgotten and the room is thoroughly cleaned, including as you don’t often spend the day in there, so the windows (which can often get forgotten don’t spot the dirt!). as you don’t often spend the day in there, so don’t spot the dirt!).

Colour schemes are a vital part of creating that hotel style atmosphere. Pale or muted Colour schemes are a vital part of creating colours work extremely well as they are not that hotel style atmosphere. Pale or muted stimulating to the senses. Farrow and Ball colours work extremely well as they are not offer a good paint range to choose from with stimulating to the senses. Farrow and Ball co-ordinating shades that can be used on offer a good paint range to choose from with different walls. You can add little pops of co-ordinating shades that can be used on colour with soft furnishings but keep them to different walls. You can add little pops of a minimum so as not to imbalance your colour with soft furnishings but keep them to colour pallet. Creams, blues, beige and pale a minimum so as not to imbalance your greens are all perfect for a bedroom setting. colour pallet. Creams, blues, beige and pale The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019 greens are all perfect for a bedroom setting.

Make sure that the lighting in the room has good ambient lighting as well as directional/ Make sure that the lighting in the room has task lighting for reading in bed. You want the good ambient lighting as well as directional/ ability to change the lighting to reflect the task lighting for reading in bed. You want the mood or activity. ability to change the lighting to reflect the mood or activity.

Lastly, invest in some pretty soft furnishings.

Good quality pillows, cushions, throws and Lastly, invest in some pretty soft furnishings. blankets all add to a relaxing ambience that Good quality pillows, cushions, throws and will make you want to kick off your shoes and blankets all add to a relaxing ambience that snuggle up with a good book. But from a will make you want to kick off your shoes and practical point of view they’ll keep you warm snuggle up with a good book. But from a and supported as you settle down for the practical point of view they’ll keep you warm night. They don’t all have to be on the bed and supported as you settle down for the either. If you have a window seat, or cosy night. They don’t all have to be on the bed nook, pop some in there too. Sleep well! either. If you have a window seat, or cosy nook, pop some in there too. Sleep well!

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Our team of interiors specialists can offer advice on style and colour schemes to suit your tastes and budget. Our own local workroom provides madeto-measure curtains, blinds, cushions, and bedding and our local craftspeople upholster and reupholster furniture including sofas, chairs, headboards and ottomans. Our showroom stocks a wide range of fabrics and wallpapers to choose from along with branded paints, flooring, curtain poles, finials and home accessories for that all-important finishing touch.

We also stock furniture ranges from Whitehead Designs and Pacific Lifestyle.

An interior project can be daunting so we want you to enjoy the experience. We can get you started with exploring options and making the right choices for you. We can then see it through to final completion with our installation and decorating services so you can relax in the knowledge you’ll be taken care of.

If it's one room or an entire house project, why not pop in and enjoy a tea or coffee and homemade cake from our very own coffee shop, also open to the general public.

Also within our showroom is another local business, "Inspirational Bathrooms, Bedrooms & Kitchens".

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The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

23

Bringing Your Dreams to Life with BSB renovations are capable of project managing and completing both domestic and commercial renovation projects including both structural and internal changes. Our project manager Lee Phillips has over 25 years experience within the shop fitting and renovation sector, and along with Director Ben Buckwell they have the knowledge, experience and contacts to deliver projects on time, on budget and more importantly beyond customers expectations.

RENOVATIONS

We are able to complete small scale carpentry works such as skirting, architrave and door hanging, along with both kitchen and bathroom installations including all plumbing works and ceramic tiling. We have a great team around us, who work with each other and most importantly our clients with ease. We can offer a full design service for both home and garden, and with qualified machine drivers also on our books groundworks and landscaping of any size area is possible.

Feel free to contact us regarding any projects you may want us to look at on our office number 01225 704414 or alternatively send us an email at bsbrenovations@outlook.com

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RENOVATIONS 24

Unit 17, Avro Way, Bowerhill Industrial Estate, Melksham, Wiltshire, SN12 6TP

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

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Having a lift fitted can make stairclimbing quick and pain free and can really make a big difference to your independence and quality of life, keeping you comfortable and safe in the home you love.

Local, family-run independent company Owners with 50+ years of stairlift expertise Most models available for straight & curved stairs Call us on 01249 814528 or visit www.1stchoicestairlifts.com See our free guide to preventing falls around your home online or call us for a copy.

01249 814528 The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

25

BATHROOMS AND KITCHENS DESIGN SERVICE KITCHEN APPLIANCES IN STOCK FOR SAME DAY DELIVERY Bathrooms, wet rooms & shower rooms Bespoke kitchens Granite, silestone & laminate worktops Washing machines and dishwashers Kitchen appliances, integrated or freestanding OPEN: Mon - Friday 8am - 5pm & Sat 8am - 2pm

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The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

Press Release

turday 6th July 2013, DL Windows was proud to launch its new showroom on Malmesbury Road ppenham, Wiltshire. The fantastic weather and combined offer of a free BBQ certainly helped the day a huge success, bringing in many new customers to see the range of windows, doors and rvatories on offer.

ayor of Chippenham, Sylvia Gibson, dropped by to visit the new showroom. “It was lovely to see velopments with this local company,” she said. “I would definitely consider using DL Windows in ture when I need new windows”.

onting from Chippenham was the proud winner of a £500 voucher to be used on any windows or and Susan Howell won a round of Golf for 4 people at Bowood Golf Club.

day, Duncan Hames, MP for Chippenham, visited the showroom and met the staff. He said “It is ouraging to see the development of local businesses that is able to provide new employment in WINDOWS • DOORS • CONSERVATORIES • ROOFLINE tough economic times. It’s great to see DL Windows taking on two apprentices and providing tw young people with the training and support they need as they begin their working lives.”

Why choose us?

• Family runthe business that’s been trading in Wiltshire ot come and see new showroom for yourself?

Comesince and1968 browse the complete product rang high quality products for all budgets right up to the luxury brand ‘Inspirational Living @ DL’. There • Directly employed, professional tradesmen hing for everyone, whatever your glazing needs!

• 10 Year Guarantee

s, it’s about excellent customer service, fantastic products in all price ranges and meeting people • Highest quality products at a price that suits your budget want advice on how to best improve their homes,” said Managing Director, Malcolm Lyus.

• We offer a complete range of energy efficient ratings on our products with A as standard

anted to do something extra for our existing and future customers. We wanted to add value to th • We guarantee all our customers a Price Match Promise - we will beat any like for like quote ence and show that we understand how important it is to take time over deciding which produc • Fensa Registered ht for your home.

That’s Company why we have really worked hard to create a welcoming environment at owroom.”

DL Windows Ltd, 1A Clark Avenue, Porte Marsh Industrial Estate, Calne, Wiltshire SN11 9BS ndows is located 127 Malmesbury Chippenham in Wiltshire and the showroom is open Tel:at 01249 464999 Email:Road, info@dl-windows.co.uk www.dl-windows.co.uk

ay-Saturday 9am-5pm or by appointment.

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019 ct us on 01249 464999 or have a look at our website, www.dl-windows.co.uk

27

Lacoc explore historical

Lacock Abbey, Fox Talbot Museum and village in February 2019 Invigorated by the appearance of snowdrops, crocuses and the sounds of birds shrilling through the crisp air, see what you can spot on some early spring walks through the grounds and village. After the closed winter period, there is much to learn about the conservation as the furnished rooms within the abbey reopen to some refreshed interpretation.

Check the website for opening times. www. nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock or contact Visitor Reception on 01249 730459.

28

Chilly days are best ended with cups of tea, so why not celebrate Fox Talbot’s birthday on 11 February with a slice of cake in our Courtyard tea-room? Don’t miss the regular flooding in the abbey fields as it proves a perfect grounding for snakeshead fritillaries to appear later in the season, keep your eyes peeled for these delicate blooms.

What’s going on…

The Explorer’s Guide to Lacock. Saturday 12 January – Sunday 19 May Whether searching for puddles or spotting starlings in the grounds at Lacock, we’ve got more than enough for little explorers this winter.

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

Pick up an Explorer’s Guide to Lacock from Visitor Reception and see what you can find. This guide will last you all year, with different animals and plants to spot for each season, perfect for visiting us again and again.

Look inside a Lacock cottage. Monday 4 – Friday 8 February, 11am-3pm A great chance to explore the rooms behind one of Lacock’s closed doors as we open our holiday cottage, 2 High Street throughout the week. As one of the older buildings in the village, it is timber framed, with intriguing features and bags of character.

Look out for the signs in the village to point you in the right direction, and why not see what else the village has to offer?

ck IMAGE: Lacock Abbey © National Trust Images / Tristan Beard

Valentine's Day flower count Sat 9 - Sun 17 Feb, 10.30am-5pm Signifying the start of spring, colourful flowers are a welcome sign of the longer, warmer days to come. Every year around this time, we do a Valentine’s Day flower count. Our gardeners count up the number of blooms in the gardens and grounds here at Lacock.

This, added to the results from all over the South West, gives us an indicator of what gardens are going to look like throughout the year. It also allows us to compare with previous years and see trends. From this we can build a picture of how spring flowers are affected by climate change.

Why not come along and help us this year.

Ask at Visitor Reception or speak to one of our gardeners during your visit between Saturday 9 – Sunday 17 February.

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

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L A C February LO S T N E EV

NEELD HALL DATES Professor Elemental & The Real Cheesemakers Friday 1 February | 7:30pm £10 Advance | £12 on the door Welcome to the world of Professor Elemental. An award winning steampunk hip hop artist and accomplished host, the Professor has performed all over the world at everything from festivals to wedding parties, hip hop shows to bizarre burlesque.

Come Alive Friday 8 & Saturday 9 February | 7:30pm Standard £7 | Concession £6 Phoenix Dance return to the Neeld after their successful debut show in 2018! Their new show, Come Alive, will feature performances from the talented dancers at the Chippenham based dance school.

Take the Stage Starting Friday 15 February | 7:30pm £4 Take The Stage is back! The under-21s ‘Battle of the Bands’ event, hosted by Riverbank Studios, sees the winners get a label showcase opportunity with Funnel, support slots for touring acts provided by Sheer Music as well as 2 weeks free recording time with Riverbank Studios. There will be four Friday night heats running from February through to the final in March. Come along and support our local talent!

Marty Wilde and the Wildcats Saturday 16 February | 7:30pm £22 A chance to see live on stage one of the only performing rock’n’roll pioneers in the world today – Marty Wilde and the Wildcats..

With his many hits and a host of wonderful songs from that era, Marty Wilde and his fabulous band the Wildcats take you back through some of the most exciting musical times this country has ever experienced.

FOSM (FRIENDS OF ST MARY'S CALNE) Coffee Morning on the 2nd February.

ST MARY'S CHURCH, CALNE 10 am - 12 noon With craft stalls & music

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The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

IVO GRAHAM MOTION SICKNESS UK TOUR The Pound, Corsham Thursday, 28th March £12 Following an acclaimed, sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (with extra dates added due to huge demand), Ivo Graham is taking his show MOTION SICKNESS on tour around the UK. It stops off at The Pound, Corsham on Thursday, 28th March.

“Endlessly amusing hour from the politest man in comedy.” **** (the i).

“Not an ounce of flab on his routines… a joy.” **** (Telegraph).

LIVE MUSIC Calan - Sparkling melodies & foot tapping tunes…

Saturday 9 February, 8pm £16 (£14 concessions) Fiddles, guitar, accordion, bagpipes and step dancing explode into life. This international awardwinning band from Wales are back on the road with their infectious rhythms and high energy routines.

Young Waters - Haunting harmonies & toetapping rhythm Saturday 23 February 8pm £14 (£12 concessions) Hailing from Bristol, Young Waters’ twisted neo-folk is a tapestry of emotionally powerful vocals, stirring harmonies, lyrical violin solos and finely mastered acoustic guitar.

Box Office: 01249 701628 Web bookings: www.poundarts.org.uk The Pound, Pound Pill Corsham SN13 9HX

11am - 3pmtown council free entry from jan local wedding suppliers

everything from cakes to flowers

tours of calne town hall

tour the historic, grade II listed wedding venue, in the heart of calne

free goody bags

grab yourself a free goody bag and welcome drink upon arrival

pop up tea rooms

treat yourself to a hot drink and slice of cake after browsing

calne@calne.gov.uk 01249 814000 calne.gov.uk

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The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

31

L A C February LO S T N E EV

TOWN HALL MOVIOLA ‘The Children Act’. (12A) Weds 20 February at 7.30pm Calne Ian McEwan adapts his own novel in a riveting drama about a High Court Judge who finds her personal and professional principles colliding as she has to decide on a case involving a boy refusing a blood transfusion on religious principles.

Starring Emma Thomson in her best role.

Showing on. Doors open at 7.00.pm. Refreshments available. Tickets £6.oo from the Information Centre.

MOVIOLA King of Thieves [15] @ Grittleton Village Hall Wednesday February 27th King of Thieves is the incredible true story of the spectacular Hatton Garden diamond heist, the biggest and most daring in British history, carried out by a group of OAP career criminals. The stellar cast includes Sir Michael Caine, Jim Broadbent, Ray Winstone, Michael Gambon, Tom Courtenay and Charlie Cox.

Tickets £6 adults from Lesley on 01249 783157 or email l_palmer@btinternet.com

MALMESBURY ABBEY MUSIC SOCIETY 2019 SEASON

MARDEN HOUSE RECITAL

We have an exciting line up of concerts in 2019 starting off early on 9th February with JOGLARESA, Early Music’s “bit of rough” and their production “The Virgin Queen”.

According to the Telegraph, “this rebellious London based medieval/ folk ensemble pushes the limits of Early Music embodying boldness and improvisatory chutzpah that gets straight to the heart of medieval music This is followed closely on 9th

Sunday 24th February 2019 at 3.00 pm Marden House, Calne Antonina Suhanova – Piano: Antonina began her studies in her native Latvia. In 2012 she moved to London and took up a place at the Guildhall School of Music. Antonina has performed as a Soloist with orchestras in Latvia, London and Moscow and taken part in Masterclasses with many renowned pianists including Vladimir Ashkenazy. In May 2016 she made her debut performance at the Barbican Hall as a finalist in the Guildhall School of Music’s most prestigious prize – The Gold Medal. Later that year she returned to perform a solo recital

Tickets: £14 Adults, £1 Full-time Students.

Available from: Calne Information Centre, www.marlboroughboxoffice.co.uk or at the door.

More information at www.mardenhouseconcerts.co.uk 32

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

March with the JACK MAC JAZZ QUINTET

The Cardiff based group, featuring both alumni and current students from the Royal Welsh College of Music, will treat us to an enjoyable evening of high quality music, covering a range of jazz styles.

All concerts are in Malmesbury Abbey and start at 7:30pm.

Tickets £18 (£5 students) are available from the Abbey Bookshop, mamsmusic.co.uk or on the door.

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Weekly activities: House Groups Tots 'n' Dots - toddler group Tuesday Club - primary school age Glow - 9-12 years Lazer - senior school age See church notice board or website, or contact us via email calneevangelicalchurch@yahoo.co.uk or ring 821754 for more information. www.calneevangelicalchurch.org.uk

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

33

Shopaholic & Baby

by Sophie Kinsella Justified or not, chick lit gets a bad rap, but not everyone enjoys serious tomes, and if you’re looking for something frothy and fun to throw yourself into, then you can’t go to far wrong when it comes to Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic series.

Shopaholic and Baby is the fifth book in the series, and once again features everyone’s favourite shopaholic, Becky. Previous books have seen Becky try to take control of her spending habits by following the advice she frequently gives out as a journalist writing about managing personal finances; have the time of her life living in New York and shopping on Fifth Avenue; and marry her dream boyfriend Luke, whilst loving the excuse to spend more money.

Now Becky has something else to spend her money on. Her baby. From designer nurseries to the coolest pram, there seems to be no limit to what she can shop for. That list includes a celebrity obstetrician, Venetia Carter. On meeting her Becky is shocked to discover that Venetia used to date Luke in college.

Will Venetia want to get back together with him?

Is Becky’s dream marriage under threat?

The Secret Seven: The Humbug Adventure

by Enid Blyton If you are like me then you probably grew up on a diet of Enid Blyton and a distant world of adventure and fun, where children had far more freedom than we give our offspring these days. This nostalgia probably accounts for the enduring appeal of her books.

This Secret Seven adventure features all of the familiar gang, including Scamper the dog, but it is not a story that you may be familiar with. It is a short story, originally published in 1954 in one of Enid Blyton’s annuals. This version, published in 2016, is the first time it has been published in its own right.

A

The gang have been invited to the house of an old professor to look at Jupiter through his telescope. They aren’t particularly looking forward to it and find it boring until they move the telescope around and see someone setting fire to a haystack at Wingfield Farm. Suddenly they are up against time to warn someone before the fire spreads to the nearby barn, and to find out who started it.

Good READ

Most women will be able to relate to the insecurities Becky encounters in this novel as her pregnancy progresses and her body changes. In Becky, Kinsella has created a character who is caring, charming, but at the same time, full of flaws. And that is why readers seem to love her so much.

Aimed at younger readers than the regular Secret Seven books, this is a great introduction to Enid Blyton, with excellent illustrations by Tony Ross, illustrator of the Horrid Henry books.

By Willow Coby 34

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

Calne Appliance

Celebrating 10 years serving the Calne area

Swimming isn’t a sport, it’s just a way to keep from drowning! So goes the old joke.

But swimming is a great way to keep fit, and here is why.

It's a full body workout - Swimming is a great mixture of cardio and strength.

It improves endurance and works all muscle groups.

g n i m m i Sw ! t r o p S r e p Su

It improves mental health - The motion and act of swimming through water is very meditational.

The focus it requires reduces stress and anxiety.

It's a mood booster - Swimming, like most exercise, produces endorphins encourages the release of serotonin. These chemicals are known to boost your mood.

You’re unlikely to injure yourself - Swimming is non-weight-bearing so the risk of injury is very small.

By Tracey Anderson

It is sweat-free - If you hate getting sweaty, swimming is perfect. The water constantly cools you down.

It's for everyone - Fat, thin, old, young, disabled or able-bodied. Almost anyone can swim.

It has long-term health benefits and has been found to lower blood pressure, reduce joint pain, improve heart function and lung capacity, and increase bone strength.

It's a great calorie-burner - Swimming burns more calories than running!

Take a trip to your local pool today.

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

35

Do You Need an

Activity Tracker?

Activity trackers have become very popular in recent years.

Fitbits are the device that everyone has heard of but there are many others. If you're thinking of buying one, ask yourself these questions:

Do you exercise regularly?

Lots of people buy a Fitbit or its equivalent because they think it will help them to exercise consistently. But these devices are not magic bullets. If you make any and every excuse NOT to exercise then a Fitbit won’t change that, you will simply make excuses to avoid exercise while wearing a gadget!

Would you wear it, and use it?

For a fitness tracker to give you actionable data you need to wear it almost all of the time, even while asleep. Some people can't wear watches or jewellery while they are at work, others hate the feeling of anything on their wrist, and others have sensitive skin which is irritated by straps. If you don’t wear it then it can't do its job, so it’s not worth buying one.

Will you use the app?

You'll need to download the app to your phone and use it if you want to make use of the data your activity tracker collects.

Interacting with your device and the app is key to success, so if you can't commit, don't buy.

36

Are you a data nerd?

Some of us love to monitor our sleep, our heart rates, the number of steps we do each day. We find ourselves endlessly fascinating.

The basics of losing weight and becoming healthier are simple, but the specifics for our own body can vary wildly.

If you don’t care about specifics and are happy with just eating a bit less and exercising a bit more, an activity tracker might be a waste of money for you. If you have a medical condition or are in training for an event, or just enjoy looking at data, then having organized and detailed information at your fingertips is a great resource.

Would my phone do the job instead?

There are hundreds of fitness, pedometer and cycling apps on both Android and iOS. If you're unsure about whether an activity tracker is the right purchase for you try using one or two of these apps for a month. You might find they give you all the data you need.

Are you competitive?

Some activity trackers (particularly Fitbits) are social. You can add friends, compare step counts and earn milestone badges. You can also create groups and engage in competitions and challenges.

While these are good features, they aren’t for everyone. You might not need such a highspec activity tracker if you don't want to engage in the social side of things. Activity trackers are useful devices and many people enjoy them and benefit from using them, but they won't turn a reluctant exerciser into a highly motivated one, and if you aren't actually interested in all the data, they might not justify their price tag.

Also, if you find you can't be bothered to use the apps, then you are very unlikely to benefit from buying an activity tracker.

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

By Ian Collins

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The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

37

Feeling stressed or overwhelmed?

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The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

If you are stressed, anxious, experiencing emotional or unexplained physical symptoms, perhaps life is just getting you down, then an Infinitus QK balance may well be what your Soul desires, putting the ‘Spring back in your step.’

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The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

39

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40

Town Crier Magazine2019 | JUNE 2018 The Town CrierThe Magazine | FEBRUARY

63

By Tracey Anderson

! y a d o T Hair Have you ever marked a life event by changing your hairstyle? Did you regret it, or did you feel free? Many people, most of them women, use haircuts as a marker for change. In films the main character often undergoes a makeover as a metaphor for the dramatic changes they undergo in the movie: Sandy in Grease, and Julia Roberts' character in Pretty Woman are just two of them.

Before the makeover things were bad; after the makeover things are good. Simple. Or is it? In real life hairdressers bear witness to this scenario frequently. We may not tell them directly, but often they will sense we're on a mission to create a new improved version of ourselves; or a quick way to shed the past and move on.

But dramatic hairstyle changes while in the midst of a life crisis can prove illadvised. Sometimes we're not really after a new hairstyle, more a whole new life. And as satisfying as it is to leave a salon with a completely new look, we need to remember that our hair might look different, but our problems will remain the same.

No, its not just a haircut!

decision in the world, but the next minute, when we look in the mirror and see a total stranger staring back at us it might feel terrifying.

Yet hair is an important aspect of how we express who we are and how we would like to be seen. Changing our hair is one of the easiest ways to send a signal to the world that we have changed. It can be a great tool to help us shed an outgrown 'self'. My friend shed her shoulder-length blonde hair for a pixie crop shortly after she gave birth to twins. She felt she

needed freedom from her hair care routine, so she could spend more time with her babies.

For her it was freeing to be able to wake, shower and be ready to go in minutes. I had my tousled waist-length hair cut to a chic bob when I started my first proper job in journalism.

I felt like I needed to create a bit of distance between 'student me' and 'professional me'. Like the caterpillar shedding the chrysalis I was ready to be someone new and the har salon was my chrysalis of choice.

So, the next time you collapse into the hairdresserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comfy chair intent on an image overhaul, just pause for a second and ask yourself why, and whether now is the best time.

We will still feel just as bad about our husband running off with our best friend, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll just be doing it with shorter hair! During a divorce, a bereavement or a health crisis we will experience a maelstrom of emotions: and one-minute chopping all our hair off will feel like the best The Town Crier Magazine | JANUARY 2019

41

Type 2 Diabetic?

It’s not ‘Mission Impossible’

says Helen Adams of Oakmead Clinic, a registered nutritionist and member of the Institute for Functional Medicine.

A drastic new strategy for people with Type 2 Diabetes has been proposed by the NHS – moving 5,000 people on to a liquid 800-calorie per day diet.

It’s so refreshing to see the NHS acknowledge what nutritionists have always known – food makes a difference to everything: eat the right foods in the right quantity at the right time, and you will nourish your body.

Where I have doubts is the idea of a liquid meal replacement.

Seriously, would you like to do that for months?

Whatever happened to real food? And what happens at the end of the programme?

Scientific studies have already shown weight loss helps reduce type 2 diabetes to the point of remission.

However there is also no question it’s difficult to sustain the new weight if you don’t really understand what drives your weight gain.

What’s this got to do with Type 2 Diabetes?

Until very recently, medical services – and also diabetes organisations – talked about ‘managing’ diabetes, so slowing down the progression of a disease you will have for the rest of your life. It felt like ‘mission impossible.’

42

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

Even though the NHS now makes it clear reversing type 2 diabetes isn’t easy, it’s not the life sentence it once was.

With the right support from a nutritionist, you can learn how to make it easier to balance your blood sugar – and how to maintain it at lower levels.

Your own body will tell you that you’re feeling better and regular checks with your doctor or diabetic nurse will show how much you can achieve.

A nutritionist also knows how to make food tasty, nourishing and satisfying so you aren’t counting down the minutes until the next snack time.

They know how different foods can give you energy or help immunity, or even calm you if you’re feeling anxious. They know to suggest alternatives that fit with your lifestyle.

With the right support it’s not ‘Mission Impossible’ …

To find out more visit www.oakmeadclinic.co.uk or call Wilf Adams on 07846 620453, or email wilf@oakmeadclinic.co.uk

Top 5

USES FOR VASELINE

Vaseline is a great item to have to hand as it keeps your skin moisturized. It can be used on the face hands and body.

Vaseline is a natural makeup remover.

Ditch those artificial ones and start using Vaseline. You can still use cotton balls or cotton swabs to remove the makeup.

Vaseline can be a great lip scrub. Exfoliate your lips using a thin layer of vaseline and a tooth brush, gently making rubbing motions to get rid of dry, chapped lips.

Avoid hair-dye from staining your skin by applying a thin layer of around your hairline before coloring your hair.

Use Vaseline to cover the skin around the nails to avoid your nail polish from sticking to the skin.

Come and see us in our new salon for all your requirements NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED

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The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

43

by

Side Side

Change someone’s life and change yours too – become an Alzheimer’s Society Side

by Side volunteer

Alzheimer’s Society is on the lookout for local residents, particularly those living in Royal Wootton Bassett, ready to take up a fun, friendly, super-flexible volunteering opportunity, with their Side by Side service. Volunteers will be matched with someone with dementia, so they can help them keep on doing the things they love – and try new things too.

The UK’s leading dementia charity aims to support people living with dementia to continue to play an active part in their community and do more with Side by Side.

Side by Side, supported by the players of People’s Postcode Lottery, uses a new approach to volunteering, 44

matching people through what they love to do. Side by Side volunteers get to make a difference; not only to the lives of people in their area living with dementia, but to their own life too.

Diane Jenkins, Alzheimer’s Society’s Side by Side Coordinator for Wiltshire said: “Loneliness is a real problem for people with dementia, yet we know that one of the most important things for those affected is to remain part of their community and continue to do the things they love – from badminton to ballroom dancing, we are encouraging people to do more with Side by Side.

“With someone developing dementia three minutes, there are nearly 1,000 people waiting for volunteers right now. It’s vital that we all unite against dementia and do what we can to make a difference.”

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

Existing Side by Side volunteers have reported that they have gained and shared skills, developed new friendships and even enhanced their job prospects through their involvement in Side by Side. From watching a movie, to catching a fish, do something you love or try something new. Or if it suits you better, you can volunteer on the Side by Side phone line.

Do more. Explore more.

Enjoy more. Sign up for Side

by Side. Visit alzheimers. org.uk/sidebysidevolunteer or call Clare Lucas, Alzheimer’s Society’s Volunteering Officer on 01249 443469.

Alzheimer’s Society also runs carer support groups in Chippenham, Royal Wootton Bassett, Melksham, Westbury, Salisbury and Tidworth. The groups offers carers an opportunity to share their experiences of dementia with people who understand and are in the same boat.

The group, solely for carers, allows people to freely ask questions, receive information and share their feelings.

For dates and further information about the groups please contact Alzheimer’s Society on 01249 443469.

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At Bazaar we have a wide range of exciting products for you to choose from, as a gift or a treat for yourself.

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Our caring services start from just £1995 (Plus third party fees) Bereaved families can rest assured, knowing that their loved one is being cared for within our purpose built premises, which include:

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â&#x20AC;¢ Qualified and discreet personnel. â&#x20AC;¢ Private, homely and comfortable arranging rooms. â&#x20AC;¢ Quiet and private Chapel of Rest. â&#x20AC;¢ Fully equipped purpose built mortuary facilities. â&#x20AC;¢ Private parking for convenience and discretion.

1 North Street Calne SN11 0HQ 01249 812258

E. Wootten & Son have their own fleet of vehicles on site which consist of a Mercedes E Class Hearse complemented with a matching limousine. Our private ambulance is fully equipped to ensure the journey into our care is dignified and respectful.

47 Market Place Chippenham SN15 3HU 01249 709048

Visit our website: dignityfunerals.co.uk/e-wootten-and-son/calne for full information and to watch our Dignity with Distinction video

E. WOOTTEN & SON WILL ALSO ASSIST YOU WITH: â&#x20AC;¢ 24HRS A DAY SUPPORT â&#x20AC;¢ MEMORIALS â&#x20AC;¢ PRE-PAYMENT FUNERALS PLANS. 46

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

P

ET

SHO

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Florists for 36 years

Pop in or pick up the phone

we are glad to help tablished 19 Es 8

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KINGSTON HOUSE

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www.shirleysflorist.co.uk

Residential Care Home For the Older Person

DON’T FORGET MOTHERS DAY! Sunday 31st March

Residential and Specialist Dementia Care All rooms with En-Suite facilities Caring, Professional staff and a lively environment Regular trips on our Minibus Eden Alternative registered home Visitors always welcome

Need Flowers?

Think Shirley’s

Lansdowne Crescent East, Derry Hill, Calne, Wiltshire SN11 9NT Tel: 01249 815555 Fax: 01249 818928 E-mail: kingston@greensleeves.org.uk

Tel: 01249 817089 29 High Street, Calne All major credit cards accepted Open 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm, CLOSED 1pm WEDNESDAY

For further details, please contact the Home Manager Registered Charity No 1060478

24/7 No Call-out Charge FREE Quotations All Work Guaranteed

Custom made Roller, Vertical and Venetian Blinds Tailor made Curtains, Loose Covers, Cushions and Roman Blinds Telephone: 01249 247172 www.ginghams.co.uk The Stables, Fishers Brook, Calne, Wilts, SN11 9HB

Emergency Lock & Door Opening All Types of Locks Supplied & Fitted Insurance Approved Locks “Turn to Alan Key Locks to get you in” Tel: 07852 338820 / 01249 822362

www.alankeylocks.co.uk “Add me to your mobile. You never know when you may need me”

ID GI EA FT L

See the magical crop circles, white horses and ancient monuments of Wiltshire from the air.

Gift Flights from £60

The Wiltshire Microlight Centre ‘for the flight of your life’

Yatesbury Field Nr Cherhill Wiltshire SN11 8HS Tel: 07836 554554 wiltsmicrolights.com The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

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Valentines and R oses This year, 2019, Valentines Day falls on a Thursday. The days change year by year, but the date – February 14th remains constant.

Why February and why that particular date ?

Why is it celebrated amongst those in love with all manner of gifts, including cards covered in hearts and sentimental verse, red roses, chocolates and doves – the symbol of peace and love ? Celebrated in not only the UK, but also in many other countries all over the world, The Feast of St.Valentine, St.Valentine’s Day, and plain Valentine Day as it has come to be known the world over, owes its origins in the mists of time, and a very harsh and bloody time at that.

In ancient Rome in the year 269 AD, the city was under the harsh unbending rule of Emperor Claudius 11, a time when Christianity was not allowed. However, many priests were secretly Christian as were many of the population of Rome.

the Christian faith, that was crossing the line!

His co-priest had been executed on February 14th 269 AD, and though known as the Roman Bishop of Terni, his name was soon forgotten. He now lies in his final resting place in Whitefriars Church in Dublin, in the Republic of Ireland. Valentius was soon to meet the same cruel fate.

Beaten with stones and hammered with wooden clubs, somehow the cruelty failed to kill him. Claudius was furious and ordered him dragged outside the majestic Flaminian Gates before a huge gathering of the populace and beheaded.

It was February 14th exactly one year to the day since his fellow priest had been beheaded there also.

At this time, two men, one named Valentine and the other named Valentimus were living in the city. Both were Christians, but one – Valentimus, caught the eye of the Emperor, and spared the execution that befell his companion.

This all took place in the 3rd century AD, but yet another version of St.Valentine reaches out from the 5th century AD, when another of the same name was put to death for refusing to deny his Christian faith.

Little is known about this speck in Roman history, save that it is believed to be tied up somehow with the ancient Roman holiday of Lupercalia. Was that on the 14th of February too, I wonder!!!

Both men were priests, and although Claudius Gothicus beheaded the lesser man, Valentius was allowed the Emperor's ear and a kind of uneasy friendship. That was until Valentius presumed too far.

St.Valentine was canonized on February 14th 496 AD by Pope Gelasius as a holy priest who would not deny his faith, although he seems to have gone out of favour with the church now.

Claudius had heard whispers that his “ friend “ was still carrying on his forbidden religeous practices and performing marriage ceremonies between Christian couples, to which he closed his ears, but when Valentius presumed to try to convert the Emperor to

The patron saint of epilepsy sufferers and bee keepers amongst others, where would we be without cards, roses and chocolate to brighten our dark and dull winter Februaries.

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The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

By Jo Deacon

Mussels & Pancet ta

IN A CIDER & CREAM SAUCE Recipe supplied by The Bug & Spider

Ingredients

Fresh Mussels – remove beards and discard any open ones.

Method

Rinse under cold water to wash away any surface grit.

Sauté onions and pancetta in sauce pan

Pancetta – lardons Red Onion – diced Bay leaf Cider Double Cream Crusty Rolls

Put lid on pan and steam the mussels until shells open

Deglaze pan with cider and add mussels & bay leaf

Add double cream to sauce and season to taste Serve with warm crusty rolls. Enjoy!

Valentine’s 2019

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS

Food served 7 Days per Week from 12 noon Cask Ales Gin Menu Regular Entertainment

T: 01249 248304

E: info@thebugandspider.co.uk 221 Oxford Rd, Calne SN11 8AW

Baked Goats Cheese, To Start Toaste Soup, Roasted Red Pep d Hazelnuts, Beetroot Puree per, Tom Mussels, Pancetta, Cid ato, Croutons Pate, Chicken Liver, Bra er, Cream ndy, Apricot ♥♥♥ To Follow Sorbet, Peach Bellin i ♥♥♥ To Continue Wrapped Chicken Br ea Pork Belly, Crackling st, Apricot Stuffing, Diane Sauce , Black Pudding, Apple Fondant, Cog 10oz Rib Eye, Garnish, nac Cream Sauce Brandy & Pink Pepperco rn Sauce £2.50 supple Lamb Provençale, Hement Cod Loin, King Prawn rb Crumb, Ratatouille Served with choice, of , Pancetta, Pesto, Cream potatoes & seasonal veg etables Risotto, Cherry Tomato , Served with dressed sal Parmesan, Spinach, Broad Bean ad, garlic bread & parm esan tuille ♥♥♥ To Finish Cheesecake, Lemon , Black Belgian Waffle, Car Cherry Compote, Honey Ice Cream amelised Bananas, Par kin Crumb, Rum Eton Mess, Strawberrie & Raisin Ice Cream s, Grand Marnier, Mint, Crème Syllabub, Raspberry Gin, Prosecco, Raspberr Chantilly ies £22.50 The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

49

e h s u o h Mars

Wafaa Powell Dancing Flavours 07763 930 199

Serves 4-5people. Great as a side dish, for lunch or a main meal.

You can do this recipe with any edible green leaf. I prefer it with spinach and beetroot leaf (optional) (hence the reddish colour in the picture) Mainly prepared in the spring where women who lived outside the cities went collecting the tender green leaf from the hills and nearby fields.

Met hod Wash the spinach and chop if the leaves are big. Wash and chop the beetroot leaf including the stems.

Put all in a deep pan with 100 ml of water and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and cook for 8 minutes or until the stems of the beetroot are cooked.

If using only spinach, cook for 5 minutes or until the spinach is wilted. While the greens are cooking, soak 40 g of crushed wheat in warm water. Put the cooked greens in a sieve and leave to cool.

Ingredient s 200g beetroot leaf 350- 400g baby leaf spinach 40g crushed wheat or bulgur wheat 4 medium onions about 500g 5 tbsp sunflower oil Olive oil Juice of lemon Salt, to taste

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Peel and slice the onions lengthways and fry with 5 to 6 tbsp of sunflower oil or more if necessary, until golden and crispy. Get rid of the extra oil in the frying pan and set the onion aside.

With your hands, squeeze as much as you can of the liquid from the cooked green leaf. Separate the greens with your fingers and put in a mixing bowl. Discard the water from the wheat squeezing as much possible of the water out and add to the spinach.

Add the onions, lemon juice and salt.

Drizzle bit of olive oil and mix well.

EGGS Benedict with Smoked Salmon & Chives

Prep: 15 mins Cook: 20 mins Serves: 4 (or 2 really hungry people!)

Ingredients

4 eggs 2 tbsp white wine vinegar 2 English muffins or two bagels, halved Butter for spreading 8 slices smoked salmon Chopped chives, to serve For the hollandaise sauce 2 tsp lemon juice 2 tsp white wine vinegar 3 egg yolks 125g unsalted butter, cubed

Method

Hollandaise Sauce: Pour the lemon juice and vinegar into a small bowl, add the egg yolks and whisk with a balloon whisk until light and frothy. Place the bowl over a pan of simmering water and continue to whisk until the mixture thickens. Add the butter a small amount at a time, whisking constantly until the sauce is thick.

If it looks like it might be splitting, remove from the heat and continue to whisk. Season with salt and pepper then and keep warm.

Poached eggs: bring a large pan of water to the boil and add the vinegar. Lower the heat so that the water simmers very gently. Stir the water a little so you create a gentle whirlpool effect, then slide in the eggs one by one. Cook each for about 4 mins, then remove with a slotted spoon.

Handy hint - you will see the eggs begin to rise in the water as they reach completion.

Lightly toast and butter the muffins or bagels, then place a couple of slices of the smoked salmon on each half. Top each with an egg, then spoon over your Hollandaise and garnish with chopped chives.

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

51

THE PACKED LUNCH

PROBLEM

By Tracey Anderson

I decided to save money and eat more healthily in 2019 so I knew I would have to start packing my own lunches. It's taken until now really get on board with this idea. Here are the problems I came up against and how I solved them.

Viennese FINGERS On 11 February we celebrate William Henry Fox Talbot’s birthday, why not join in the celebration with some family-friendly bakes?

Sweet and crumbly, these Viennese fingers are sandwiched with jam and dipped in chocolate.

10minutes (prep. time) 10-15minutes (cooking time) Serves32 biscuits Ingredients 250g/9oz butter 250g/9oz plain flour 75g/3oz caster sugar 2tsp vanilla extract 100g/3.5oz jam 100g/3.5oz Chocolate

Recipe supplied by The National Trust

Problem 1. It takes too much time to pack a lunch. It was such a faff...or was it?

Solution: I timed how long it took to walk to the deli or drive to the garage, wait in the queue to be served and get back to work. Then I timed how long it took me to prepare a lunch the night before.

Turns out making your own lunch is way faster!

Who knew?

Problem: I'm hungry again by mid-afternoon.

Solution: Pack more food! DUH!

I make sure I had a sugar-free protein bar, a banana, or a bag of nuts in reserve in case I had a mid-afternoon dip. That way I don’t head for the bakery or start mainlining chocolates from the ever-present boxes around our office.

Problem: Formulaic lunches.

When I was at primary school my mum packed me a ham sandwich, an apple, some carrot sticks and a wagon wheel, pretty much every day. When I started making my own lunches, I used the same formula (minus the wagon wheel).

Solution: What did I enjoy eating?

I like leftover casseroles and risottos, so I made extra. I like open sandwiches, Danish style, on Rye bread so I bought the ingredients, and I arranged lunch swaps with a friend, so she caters Thursday and I do Friday.

A little creative thinking keeps things interesting and I haven't missed nipping to the deli. In fact, we walk round the park instead so we're getting some exercise too.

Method Pre-heat oven to 170°C (150°C fan, 325°F, gas mark 3).

Place the butter and sugar in a bowl and using a hand whisk whip until light and fluffy.

Add the flour and vanilla, mix with a spatula until smooth. Place into a piping bag with a large star nozzle.

Pipe into fingers or swirls on your baking tray making them as even as possible.

Place in the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and leave to cool for 5 minutes before placing on a cooling rack.

Whilst the biscuits are cooling, place your chocolate in a bowl over a pan of simmering water and stir gently until melted.

Sandwich the biscuits together using a thin spread of jam. Place a sheet of baking parchment under your cooling rack.

Dip each end of the Viennese fingers into the chocolate and place on the cooling rack until set.

FOOD FOOD Matters

Ingredients for 4- 6 servings

LEEK AND POTATO SOUP Equipment: 2 large pans, hand blender or blender Stove: High enough to boil Method: Take a large pan and pour in the oil. Then add the onions, leeks and potatoes and cook until they have softened. Do this for 3-4 minutes.

Proceed to add the vegetable stock and bring it all to the boil.

Then add the seasoning and simmer until the vegetables are tender. Once you have done this whizz all of it together (you can do this either with a hand blender or a blender). Reheat all the mixture in a clean pan. You can then stir in some cream or crème fraiche.

Serve with bread and butter if you choose.

Fun facts: It was claimed that girls who slept with a leek under their pillow on St David’s Day would see their future husband in their dreams.

225g of potatoes (cut into cubes) 2 medium leeks (sliced) 1 onion (sliced) 1 tbsp of vegetable oil 1.2 litres of vegetable stock Salt and freshly ground black pepper 150ml double cream or crème fraiche

Leeks have been cultivated since the time of the Ancient Egyptians and were probably part of the diet of those who built the pyramids.

Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician and ‘father of medicine’, prescribed the leek as a cure for nosebleeds.

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

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[Mention the Town Crier Magazine when booking. T&C’s apply.

Offer excludes Valentines Day]

Monday - Thursday Lunch or Dinner

25% OFF - Entire Bill

FEBRUARY OFFER

Giles Coren, The Times

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High Street, Rowde, Devizes SN10 2PN

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Famous for seafood, delivered daily from Cornwall. Newly refurbished bedrooms & new garden terrace

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Japan

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Japan is a wonderful destination to visit. It is clean, exciting, varied and great for all age groups. It has fantastic scenery, culture, transport links and food. It can also offer fantastic beaches, skiing and national parks.

TOKYO Big, Bright and Brash. Japan’s capital perfectly epitomises the clash of modern and traditional that is the Japan of today.

MOUNT FUJI – Is Japan’s iconic sight with it’s perfectly proportioned cone.

HIROSHIMA – is today a modern, vibrant city. Visit the tranquil Peace Memorial Park to remember past events.

KYOTO – is Japan’s ancient capital and cultural hub, packed with enchanting sights, 17 of which are UNESCO World Heritage listed.

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SNOW MONKEYS – The Japanese Macaque are a delight to watch as they bathe in natural hot pools close to the alpine town of Yudanaka.

CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON – Starting in late January in the sub-tropical south, the blossoms sweep up the country, reaching Tokyo and Kyoto in the first week of April – best seen lit up by lanterns at twilight.

AUTUMN LEAVES – deep and rich autumn colours travel the opposite way to the Cherry Blossom, starting in the North in September and travelling downwards reaching its peak in Tokyo in mid November.

Call us to help you decide on the best itinerary for you ...

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01249 447488

www.pebblestravel.co.uk The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

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Rescuing a The truth behind

by Fiona Scott

DOG

What happens when you decide to adopt a dog?

The first thing to understand is that a reputable organisation like Bath Cats & Dogs Home will check you out – it’s not about if a dog is suitable for you – it’s the other way around.

If you are nearby they may visit your home, or if you live a little further away they may ask for photographs or video footage of your home and your garden. They wish to see evidence that what you say about your circumstances is accurate.

Is your home suitable for a dog?

Rescuing a dog is a wonderful thing to do yet it doesn’t come without challenges. As we found out when we rescued a dog last year.

Jess is a lurcher with some Saluki and we believe is about 16 months old. She was found by residents in Malmesbury who tried to catch her for weeks and nicknamed her Blondie. Her original name is unknown and it’s believed she was abandoned by travellers.

She was taken in by Bath Cats & Dogs Home which has the contract to care for stray dogs found in Wiltshire. At the time we met her she had been named Martha by the staff and volunteers.

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This process took some time for us as we lived further away in Wiltshire and we began the process early – months before we started meeting any available dogs.

What happens when you want to meet a dog?

We visited the home and looked at the dogs which were ready to be homed. Jess was not one of them at that time, she was being walked by a volunteer. That’s when we first saw her.

She is a very pretty looking dog yet she was very quiet and shy, her tail was right under her body.

Other dogs were friendlier however there was something about Jess which made us think perhaps she would be right for us.

We walked her with a volunteer that day and she didn’t shy away from us as long as we didn’t make any sudden moves. We were asked to come back again to spend some time in their ‘home from home’.

What is the ‘home from home’ experience?

The home has a mock up of a living room with outside space and they leave you in it with a few treats and the dog you’ve chosen is left with you to see how they react and vice versa. In our case Jess stayed with us, she didn’t hide, she went outside, walked around and seemed okay with us all there.

She was not particularly loving, no climbing on laps or nosing up to us. We were then told that staff and volunteers were happy for us to adopt her and we did. Once that was agreed with had a meeting with a behaviourist which was extremely valuable.

What’s the investment?

At the time we adopted the cost was £150 – however as Jess had not been spayed or even micro-chipped it was extremely good value as the home made sure those procedures had been done.

Having a dog is not just about this initial cost – it’s so much more. We had no dog ‘stuff’ no bed, no bowls, no harness, nothing. So we had to get that equipment.

Digging – lurchers like to dig, so our back garden is full of potholes. This is still an ongoing behaviour and is known for this breed.

In our case Jess was famous in the Malmesbury area as her stray status was charted in a community social media group.

This meant many people wanted to know how she was getting on. Some wanted to see her. To date, I’ve given odd updates as there seems to be a town who want to know she’s okay.

Benefits:

Having Jess and seeing her grow in confidence has been hugely rewarding – she now knows how to play (she had no clue when she came and would look at toys with a puzzled expression).

Jess is very loving and will follow us around the house, sleep upstairs with us and has started to let us know when she needs to go out.

Jess has forced us to walk at least twice a day so there’s an active element to having a dog – they need exercise come rain or shine.

Jess is great company, she adds colour and warmth to our home so that none of us feel that we are alone when we’re the only human in the house.

Other costs include pet insurance, the cost of normal vaccinations, worming, ongoing food costs. Then there may be doggie day care costs. A dog costs a lot of money and this has to be taken into account if you are considering rescuing a dog.

Jess makes us less obsessed about being tidy around the house. A dog makes a mess, they can be smelly and they want to play. In the end you have to let them be themselves within reason.

Challenges

Top Tips:

A shy dog means several things – initially shy of us (not five months on) shy of other human beings and shy of other dogs. A lurcher can run like the wind, she can jump and she can drag you around.

If you are struggling with a rescue dog go back to the home and ask their advice – they are great and will give you honest feedback.

We had an aftercare visit and it was fantastic to have that.

Toilet behaviour – this is tricky to overcome, there are many accidents and hiccups and you have to be prepared for this.

Don’t be afraid to invest in professional help – it’s out there in Wiltshire. You’ve invested in a dog. Now invest in your relationship with that dog.

Scooping the poop – if you’ve never had a dog, this is difficult to get used to yet you must get used to it. We never thought it would become routine yet it does surprisingly (it’s still disgusting).

If you are waiting for the right time – volunteer as a puppy or dog walker first – you’ll soon get to know if dog ownership is for you.

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY2019

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Ethylene Glycol

How antifreeze could put your pet in danger this winter…

Dr Kate Pickles

BVM BVS BVMedSci MRCVS

www.georgevetgroup.co.uk The George Veterinary Hospital, Malmesbury 01666 823165 The George Veterinary Group, Royal Wootton Bassett 01793 852458 With our cold winter temperatures comes the risk of exposure to ethylene glycol - a toxic substance for both humans and our four-legged friends.

What is Ethylene Glycol?

It’s a chemical otherwise known as anti-freeze that is widely used in de-icers for car windscreens and screen wash. It also can be found in hydraulic brake fluid and radiator coolant.

What are the dangers of Ethylene Glycol?

Many of you will know that, if ingested, ethylene glycol is extremely toxic to dogs, cats and humans, even in very small amounts. The sweet taste of the chemical means animals will drink it from puddles or indeed lick it off their feet after walking under a leaking car.

Most poisonings occur in the winter when antifreeze is widely used or in the spring when radiators are drained.

However, antifreeze containing ethylene glycol may be lying around sheds and garages throughout the year.

It is important that you ensure all containers are placed out of reach with the screw top tightened and remember to check for any spillages under your vehicle when topping up the windscreen wash.

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How will you know if your pet has been poisoned?

Stage 1: Initial signs occur between 30 minutes – 12 hours after ingestion of the poison. Signs can be subtle and may include neurological signs such as lack of coordination, excessive salivation, weakness, convulsions and vomiting.

These signals may appear to improve but you may also notice your pet is unwilling to eat by the next day.

Stages 2 and 3: These signs often present anywhere between 12-24 hours after ingestion and include more obvious indicators such as breathing difficulties and convulsions. Your pet may be very lethargic, depressed and may slip into a coma.

What should you do if you think your pet may have been poisoned?

Take your pet to the vet as soon as possible!

Antifreeze has extremely toxic effects which can cause kidney failure. It is therefore vital that your pet is taken to your vet as soon as possible so that the antidote and supportive therapy can be given.

If you witness your pet drinking antifreeze, then don’t delay and take them to your vet straight away. The sooner we see them the better the prognosis; although sadly, the prognosis is still guarded.

Please get in touch with us should you have any questions.

We are here for you and your pets 24h a day seven days a week for all concerns or emergencies.

Established 1982 - Licensed pet shop for 34 years

SHIRLEY’S

PET SHOP Hale Veterinary Group Bank Row, Church Street, Calne

www.haleveterinaryhospital.co.uk

Telephone: 01249 815563

All operations performed at our RCVS approved Veterinary Hospital in Chippenham.

Surgery Times - by appointment only Monday to Friday 9.00 - 10am.

2.30 - 4pm & 4.30 - 6pm Saturday 9am - 10am

24 Hour Emergency Service

For your convenience we run an ambulance service on Monday to Friday twice a day.

Grittenham Grittenham Grooming Grooming

Grittenham Grooming is a small, friendly Dog Groomery based in a home environment, just outside Royal Wootton Bassett. We provide a personal, one-to-one service and style the dog to client preference.

• Certificated, licensed for Dog Care, fully insured Dog Grooming specialist.

• Established 1994 • Wash and Dry for a ‘bit of a freshen up’ • Complete groom out and de-matt.

• Ears cleaned, nails trimmed and gland cleared • Pick up before you leave for work and drop off after you‘re home from work available.

Dedicated to serving the people of Calne for 34 years Frozen Dogmeat from Natures Menu.

Frozen and live Reptile Food.

PROFESSIONAL ADVICE ON ALL ASPECTS OF PET CARE Royal Canin & James Wellbeloved retailer.

Large selection of Burns wet and dry food and treats. Join our Burns Loyalty Scheme

Tel: 01249 817089 29 High Street, Calne

All major credit cards accepted www.calnepetandgarden.com

Pop in or pick up the phone we are glad to help

Dogs are our passion at Grittenham Grooming and our main concern is the dogs’ welfare at all times.

Airedales • Bischons • Westies • Scotties Spaniels • Retrievers • Labradors • Poodles to name but a few . . .

For bookings, further information and prices, please contact Sally.

If you would like to know more about us and our free range doggy boarding see the website:

www.doggidayz.co.uk Little Ivy House, Grittenham SN15 4JU t: 01666 510298 m: 07747 077783 email: sockwell@btconnect.com The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

61

Veterinary Clinics

Thameswood

Skye Age: 5 years Breed: Staffordshire Bull Terrier Gender: FemaleRef: BD40121 Suitable with children: No Other animals: Best as the only pet

Veterinary Clinics

Skye is a very small staffie, and a sensitive girl that needs a gentle approach. She is looking for a home with plenty of company, and can live with teenagers and adults. Skye loves people, adores fuss and would love a seat on the sofa in her new home, if she's allowed! Skye feels very uncomfortable around other dogs and will react. She needs quiet areas for her lead walks and to wear a muzzle. She needs an owner that understands her anxieties.

Tennis balls are a great way to Skye's heart and a secure garden for chasing&would be ideal. She also like to keep a teddy bear in domestic OIL & GASinAher PPLIANCES her bed! She will be such a loving companion new. home.

Veterinary Clinics Max Colbourne M

CJ STEEL

All aspects of commercial installations

INSPECTION & TESTING

P

Ser vices

Electrical Services

Thameswood PLUMBING. HEATING. BATHROOMS. UNVENTED SYSTEMS. No Job too small

H Thameswood

Toto Age: 12 years Gender: Male Breed: Short hair Attention to detail guaranteed Ref: BC40566 Suitable with children: No Other animals: Best as the only pet Toto is a big boy looking for a quiet home where he can Tel: 07815 836953 receive some gentle fuss from time to time.Toto needs toemail: be maxcolbourne@me.com the only cat in the home as he prefers to have all the space to himself. He loves being groomed, especially round his ears and cheeks. Due to his lack of teeth he will appreciate his face being kept clean too. To prevent him from wandering back to his previous home, he cannot be rehomed in Bath. Fridges - Freezers - Cookers - Microwaves - Dryers

Veterinary Clinics

Steve’s Appliance Services

Very Reliable & Friendly Services

Email: info@calneelectrician.com www.calneelectrician.com

Call Colin on: 01249 822033 or 07887 765250

Domestic Refrigeration Specialist

REPAIRS - SERVICING - INSTALLATION - SALES

Tel/Fax 01249 821936 Mobile: 07877 055680 Email: info@stevesapplianceservices.co.uk

sbodies

On average we care for up to 80 dogs and 100 cats, animals like Peaches who stars in the video above, she was a stray left to fend for herself.

It’s particularly hard in winter, when heating costs rise, and the team are up against it in all weathers, but we never give up. We feel that no Professional Dog Grooming animal should face winter alone.

Dog Grooming Salon

Environment

winning friendly salonyou’ll providing DonatingAward to our Winter Appeal ensure your arriving dog, with a caring, relaxing and that animals with us have somewhere experience. safe and professional warm to go.

Your gift will go towards heating for a warm kennel, nutritious food or Handstripping & Microchipping available. urgent medical care needed. Will you help save Collection & delivery available within the an unwanted animal this winter by making a local area for a small charge. donation?

For an appointment call Lucy:

Mob: 07989 500205 Call 01225 787321 The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

62

dogsbodiesgrooming@googlemail.com Find us on

The care and comfort of your pets is our business   

Quakers Lane, Goatacre, Calne.

Tel: 01249 760289

    

Licensed Boarding Kennels & Cattery.

Special diets and medication catered for.

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MY GARDENING

Valentine

By Rachael Leverton

In the run-up to Valentine’s Day someone always asks me what they should buy for the gardener in their life.

It’s a tricky question to answer.

Many people think we must like cut flowers, but actually I’m not keen and most gardeners I know aren’t either. We have gardens full of the things after all, and we tend to prefer our plants living and breathing in their natural environment, rather than imported from abroad and wrapped in cellophane.

Unless you know a bit about gardening, and the tastes of your own particular gardener you’re probably best-off avoiding plants too. The nongreen-fingered venture into dangerous territory when they try to buy plants because there are so many variables. Will it suit the soil? Is it too invasive?

Will it poison the gardener’s dog…or children…eek?

It’s a thorny issue (pardon the pun) so here is my go-to gift list guaranteed to make you the Valentine hero of your gardening amour.

Then there are wellies....

Who knew wellies could be romantic? But gardening folk drool over wellies the way Supermodels drool over Jimmy Choos. And there’s so much wellie-choice now. We all prefer something with a thick sole but there are bright and colourful wellies and traditional ones. For the ultimate in warmth and breathability I can recommend a proper Gore-Tex pair...sheer luxury. Mine remain the favourite Valentine gift my husband ever bought me.

He knows how to romance a woman!

A proper long-necked watering can, with a brass rose will also earn you Valentine brownie points. Bigger isn’t necessarily better though unless your Valentine boasts big biceps!

Watering cans are heavy when full. I find 3-4 litres is about the right size.

A bunch of long-stemmed red roses will set you back at least £40 and they might last a few days.

Don’t buy a sweatshirt which declares ‘head-gardener.

They are naff, and most gardeners prefer old, comfy clothes which do the job better.

However, if you present your gardener with a tough tunic or gardening apron, which is thornproof, and which has lots of deep pockets to house secateurs and trowels, they will love you forever.

64

For a similar price you can buy the gardener in your life Felco secateurs (with Valentine red handles) and they’ll last forever. I know which I’d prefer.

Garden trugs are so practical. Most gardeners I know would be delighted to receive one.

The trug is a great gift but even better when filled with a few gardening goodies such as packets of seed, water retaining granules, plant food etc. You could add some hand tools too, such as a trowel and a fork. Make sure they are stainless steel and have long handles for ease of use. And insulated mug or a good flask will always warm the heart of your Valentine because hot drinks don’t remain hot for long outside, even on a warm day.

Finally, don’t forget gardening vouchers.

Often us gardeners spot the perfect plant or gardening accessory when we’re strapped for cash, so vouchers are a perfect gift to save for a rainy day...and gardeners love rainy days, Valentine’s or not.

Happy Gardening!

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

Ian Marsh

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Call Ivor for more information on 01225 650284 www.colourfencebath.co.uk 66

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

Topsoil & Compost Mix Soil Improver Compost

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House mice produce around fifty young annually and pest control for mice is important before they become uncontrollable.

Pest control companies are expensive but you can carry out the job yourself by purchasing one off devices that such as the conventional mouse trap.

Use Coffee Grounds in Your Garden Utilize those coffee grounds! They make an excellent fertilizer, compost, and so much more! It adds nutrients to your soil, makes texture and drainage better, and keeps pests from devouring your vegetable garden. These are the fundamental benefits you can get from coffee grounds.

Another convenient and simple method is the glue board.

Mice run across the board and get stuck on the glue and then eventually die of suffocation.

Both methods can be used if you suspect there to be only a few mice living inside your home. For bigger numbers, you need to apply chemical treatments and this is where the pest control companies come in. Once the mice have been eradicated, the vigilant application of pest control for mice is very important to prevent future infestations.

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The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

Collect your old toilet rolls and use them to start your seeds off.

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The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

69

S

D

DREAM The stuff of

The new Aston Martin Vantage is the stuff of dreams for those who love luxury sports cars. As a lad, I never thought I'd get to sit in an Aston, let alone end up being invited to test-drive one.

But life sometimes has a way of working out if you’re prepared to put the graft in. I’m not necessarily talking about me; it’s Aston Martin who should be patting its own back.

The company has worked like a dog to get the new Vantage right – and it’s paid off.

Why? Well, let’s begin with the looks.

It’s awesome from the rear, with detailed lights and a rising rear spoiler. It’s a little less lively at the front, although the Vantage’s shark-nose is aggressively appealing. What really works, though, are the perfect proportions.

The two-seater is sinuous – almost hunter-like in the way it appears poised to pounce on unsuspecting prey.

Under the metal, the upto-date Vantage is like its sibling, the elegant DB11.

Both models house the Mercedes-Benz-sourced 4.0-litre V8 lump. Mind you; the twin-turbo assisted engine has been tuned so that it feels like it’s always belonged in Aston Martins.

Stomp your foot on the accelerator and the car will shoot you from zero to 62mph in 3.6 seconds. It will then propel you to 195mph - if you’re in a place you can do that without losing your licence, or your life.

What’s more, the Benz-derived switchgear is nicely incorporated, and the controls are intuitive to use.

Open the Aston up, and you're greeted with low-slung sports seats, but they’re easy to get comfortable in. Behind the wheel, the Vantage is cosseting, and the overall cabin is far less clinical than a Porsche 911’s. It’s traditional, yet it’s still thrilling.

As you might expect, the sports car isn’t meant to be the most practical vehicle – there’s not even a glovebox. And, as hinted at earlier, this is a motor without back seats, but you can just about get some golf clubs under the tailgate.

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The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

70

MS

Pros ‘n’ Cons

Fast Facts

Looks

Max speed: 195 mph

Power

0-62 mph: 3.6 seconds

Handling

Combined mpg: 26.9

Comfort

Engine layout: 3,982cc

Storage space

8-cylinder turbo petrol

By Tim Barnes-Clay

Max. power (PS): 510 CO2: 245 g/km Price: £120,900

discloses a smooth change that’s matched to a remarkably biddable ride. Spool through Sport+ and Track settings, and the powertrain, damping and steering progressively alter the new Vantage’s temperament to make it angrier, wilder and noisier. Whichever mode you opt for, fun is always on the menu.

Practicality aside, the new Vantage is as close to perfect as you can get. Pushing the Aston Martin-badged starter button brings the car to life with a roar. It’s a fulfilling sound, particularly with the four-pipe sports exhaust attached.

Driving off in Sport (the most relaxed of the three settings) and letting the eightspeed automatic gearbox do its thing,

On British tarmac, the Aston delivers confidence-inducing handling with immediate reactions - and the brakes do a top job of erasing pace. I drove the Vantage around the meandering highways and byways of the Cotswolds, and it excelled.

This state-of-the-art Aston Martin Vantage is the first to be spawned under the automaker’s fresh leadership line-up – and you can tell. Yes, a 911 will give you better practicality, but the rival Porsche won't quite give you the feeling you get from driving a legendary British model.

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

71

TYRE & GARAGE SERVICES

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The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

AM

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Your Local Independent Garage For Calne The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019 Some makes and models may be excluded, please call for73 details

Your local independent builders merchant Our friendly helpful staff are here for the tradesman and DIY enthusiast alike.

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Tel: 01249 816274 Mobile: 07890 087703 The Town Crier Magazine | JANUARY 2019

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here...

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The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

Plumbing, Joinery,

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For all your electrical needs: • Re-wiring • PAT Testing • Extra Sockets • Fault Finding • Lighting • Free Quotations • Electrical Installations • Testing & Inspection • Consumer Unit Changes

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eatonelectrical75@gmail.com 78

838096/07796000927 The Town Crier Magazine |Tel-01666 FEBRUARY 2019

Tel: 01249 812850

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Email: info@cortonkennelsandcattery.co.uk 80

DIAMOND DOORS

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The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

Boilers & Cylinders

T: 01249 818811

9 -10 Porte Marsh Road | Calne | SN11 9BW

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CALL JOHN ON 01249 750371 TO ORDER • Complete Heating Systems • Boiler Changes • Gas Appliances • Fault Diagnosis • Correction & Servicing • Bathroom Design • Installations D E C O R G& AallRyour A G plumbing E D O O Rmaintenance S Ltd Est:will over 30 not yrs ‘we be beaten on price’

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ROOFING LEADWORK FASCIAS, SOFFITS & GUTTERING TIMBERWORK BUILDING SERVICES

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White Horse Roofing specialises in: FOR FREE QUOTES • Traditional Roofing • Leadwork & Lead Burning • UPVC Fascias, Soffits & Guttering T: 01249 819128 M: 07788 885699 E: info@whitehorseroofing.com • EPDM Rubber Flat Roofs www.whitehorseroofing.com • Building Services 103 London Road, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 0AD • Timberwork

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01249 815545 07815 092383 Free Quotations | Fast Service | Quality Guaranteed

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

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

81

H

abitat for Humanity is an International charity working around the world to provide affordable homes to many millions of people.

I read a story the other day of a man in America who volunteers to work on a minimum of two ‘Habitat for Humanity’houses a year.He was a gifted carpenter who could get twice as much work done in half the time it took most people.

He fought in the Vietnam war. And after returning home to the States, he struggled to readjust like many of our own service men and women. He had no close family structure, so he drifted from town to town, job to job. But the one thing he did have was a talent for carpentry, so he could usually find a building site that needed another pair of hands.

One day in a small town, he signed on to help build a development of six medium sized, affordable homes. He told the foreman that he would be very happy not only to do carpentry but also to provide security. He would bring his sleeping bag with him and spend the night on site. He had nowhere else to live. So he did just that, house by house.

The owner of the company was impressed by the man’s abilities and commitment. He was also aware that he had nowhere else to sleep.

So, at the end of the project, almost a year in the making, the company director took the man aside and said, “I want to thank you for what you've done for us. And I want you to stay working for the company.” Then he handed the man a set of keys and said,“The sixth house we built is yours. Take it.”“But I can't pay for it,” the carpenter said. To which his employer answered, “You'll find a way.” How did he repay him? He volunteers some of his time every year. At least twice a year he puts a roof over the head of 82

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

someone else who needs it, just as the foreman did over his.

The story reminded me of God; a God who loves us free of charge, claims us as his own and asks us to stay on in the company to remain part of the family. Followers of Jesus often talk about the grace of God. God’s grace is the free undeserved kindness and mercy he give us, because he desires for us to have it. That act of God’s grace should love us into loving too. It’s the moment that we feel so overwhelmed by being claimed by God that we suddenly feel called.

Called to love others as God loves us.We want to pay all the favours of God’s grace forward, sharing with others the gift of grace that has been shared with us.

Blessings on you all Rev Sam King (revsamking@talktalk.net) Design & Computer Graphics by Alexander S. Grenfell, Calne.

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

83

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84

The Town Crier Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019 just off junction 17 of the M4 Located