The South Wilts Magazine - May/June 2019

MAY/JUNE 2019 • ISSUE 59

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A WALK IN THE WOODS GREAT BLUEBELL WALKS IN WILTSHIRE

LARMER TREE 2019 LINE UP ANNOUNCED

ARMED FORCES DAY SALISBURY SET TO HOST THE NATIONAL 3-DAY EVENT THIS JUNE

+ LOCAL LISTINGS MAGNA MAZDA ASPARAGUS RECIPES & MUCH MORE

WIN TICKETS TO ROYAL NAVY INTERNATIONAL AIR DAY!!

FOOD & DRINK // PUZZLES // PROPERTY // LISTINGS // COMMENT

contents Published by Wired Publishing Editor Lisa Rockliffe Contributors Craig Gates-Mutton, Phil Rockliffe, Andy Diffey Advertising Enquiries Lisa Rockliffe e: lisa@wired-publishing.co.uk t: 01225 807775 General Enquiries e: info@wired-publishing.co.uk t: 01225 807775 www.wired-publishing.co.uk Address 20 Azalea Drive, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 9GG This magazine is printed on paper sourced from sustainable forests.

Please recycle it when you are done, or pass it on! The publishers shall not be held liable for any loss occasioned by the failure of an advertisement to appear, or any damage or inconvenience caused by errors, omissions or misprints. Reproduction of this magazine in whole, or in part is strictly prohibited wihout prior permission of the publishers.

Front Cover: A Royal Marine bandsman’s snare drum. Crown Copyright LA(Phot) Vicki Benwell

May/June 2019 // issue 59

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iltshire has long enjoyed a close connection with the military. It can also not be denied that Salisbury and its surrounds has endured a tough old year. So it is fantastic that the city gets to play host to the national celebration of Armed Forces Day this June. There is a packed programme over the three days with a parade, air show, military demonstrations, live entertainment, fireworks and a concert as well as a barbecue for serving military personnel and their families. It should be a great event (p10). We also have a fantastic competition to win tickets to the Royal Navy International Air Day (p29).

May is a fantastic time to get out and about in the countryside, and there are few finer sights this month than carpets of woodland bluebells. We explore some of the best places to find them over the coming weeks.

For more things to do see our previews of Wylye Valley Art Trail and events at Arundells (p12) and a look ahead to this year’s Larmer Tree Festival too (p26). As well as all that, catch up with everything that’s going on in our great listings pages. Plus loads more of course. Enjoy!

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Lisa Rockliffe, Editor

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Follow us on Twitter... @wiredpublishing

in this issue...

LOCAL LISTINGS What’s on in May & June

FEATURES 4

LOCAL NEWS

A walk in the woods

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Larmer Tree Festival

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Armed Forces Day

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MOTORING

Wylye Valley Arts Trail

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The all-new Mazda3

Events at Arundells

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FOOD & DRINK Asparagus recipes

COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES Quiz, wordsearch & sudoku

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Win tickets to Royal Navy International Air Day

HOMES & GARDENS

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Top tips for first time sellers

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COMMENT

PF Parsons Ltd

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The Last Word

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| events

listings local

MAY & JUNE

Paul Young, City Hall

CITY HALL

Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, SP2 7TU Box Office: 01722 434434 cityhallsalisbury.co.uk For full listings go to the website.

LET’S HANG ON 10 May, 7.30pm Tickets: £26 This critically-acclaimed production takes you on a musical journey through the prolific career of ‘Rock n Roll Hall of Famers’ and still one of the most successful bands in pop history – Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.

THAT’LL BE THE DAY 24 May, 7.30pm Tickets: £27 & £29 Back by popular demand, get ready to party as the UK’s favourite rock & roll variety production returns with another brand new show! This hugely entertaining spectacular blends gold hits from the 50s, 60s and 70s, with bags of hilarious comedy!

GLENN HUGHES Al Murray, City Hall 21 May, 8pm Tickets: from £29.50 Glenn Hughes, the former bassist and singer of Deep Purple, known to millions as the ‘Voice of Rock’ will be performing Deep Purple only material on this nationwide UK tour.

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MILKSHAKE! LIVE 31 May, 12noon & 3.30pm Tickets: from £10, Family tickets £57 Milkshake Monkey can’t wait to put on a spectacular new musical for you all!

But when stage fright hits, his favourite Milkshake friends come to help, creating the most dazzling show you have ever seen!

AL MURRAY - LANDLORD OF HOPE AND GLORY 9 June, 7.30pm Tickets: £29.50 Citizens of Hope and Glory! A new tomorrow beckons. A new tomorrow that smells reassuringly of yesterday, but with wifi. Join Al to marvel at the majesty of our green and pleasant land. A land just off the coast of France, except now it feels a little further away!

THE BON JOVI EXPERIENCE 14 June, 8pm Tickets: £25 The Bon Jovi Experience are the world’s first and finest tribute to Bon Jovi and are the world’s only tribute to have performed live on stage with Jon Bon Jovi himself.

SUN RECORDS, THE CONCERT 15 June, 8pm Tickets: £25 The legendary record label that brought you Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, Rufus Thomas

Send your listings to info@wired-publishing.co.uk

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| events and scores more pioneers, comes to life live on stage. Revisit the recording studio where the distinctive sound we know and love today was crafted by musical visionary Sam Phillips.

PAUL YOUNG 23 June, 8pm Tickets: from £22 ‘No Parlez’ was Paul’s debut album. It reached number 1 in the UK charts in 1983 for 5 weeks and fast became triple Platinum. The album produced Paul’s first UK number 1 single, The Marvin Gaye cover of ‘Wherever I Lay My Hat’, and hits ‘Come Back & Stay’ & ‘Love of The Common People’.

HERE COME THE GIRLS 26 June, 7.30pm Tickets: £30 An all new show ‘Here Come The Girls’ brings an exciting mix of individual performances and group numbers.

The show has been choreographed by Patrick Helm and promises to be fresh and innovative with amazing routines.

Patrick will also perform in the show with Dianne Buswell!

MAGIC OF MOTOWN 28 June, 7.30pm Tickets: £30 Music fans are invited to the biggest party of the year as the unstoppable Magic of Motown show steams into town! Seen by over a million people, it’s The Remains Of The Day, Salisbury Playhouse

no surprise that the show is one of the biggest success stories in British theatre history, even performing for Her Majesty the Queen, as special guests at the Royal Variety Performance.

SALISBURY PLAYHOUSE

Malthouse Lane, Salisbury SP2 7RA Tel: 01722 320333 wiltshirecreative.co.uk THE REMAINS OF THE DAY 30 April - 11 May, various times Tickets: from £13 Kazuo Ishiguro’s literary masterpiece has entranced generations as a novel and film. A deeply atmospheric drama about time and memory, loneliness and longing, The Remains of the Day depicts the morally-compromised truth behind a world of manicured gardens, formal dinners and grand houses.

THE STRANGER ON THE BRIDGE 2 – 4 May, various times Tickets: £13.50 (Concs £9) This stranger-than-fiction true life story is a moving and thoughtful portrayal of one man’s determination to find the Good Samaritan who changed his life.

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON 9 – 11 May, various times Tickets: £13.50 (Concs £9)

Born in the most unusual circumstances, Benjamin Button is an old man, not at the end of his life, but at the beginning. Trapped in a body where he doesn’t belong, locked away from the world and branded a monster, Benjamin dreams of freedom and adventure. And more than anything, he dreams of love. But just as he gives up hope, resigning himself to a life of solitude, a miracle occurs – a local girl, by the name of Elowen Keene.

EDUCATING RITA 17 – 22 June, various times Tickets: from £13 When married hairdresser Rita enrols on a university course to expand her horizons, little does she realise where the journey will take her. Her tutor Frank is a frustrated poet, brilliant academic and borderline alcoholic, who’s less than enthusiastic about taking Rita on, but the two soon realise how much they have to teach each other.

SALISBURY MUSEUM The Kings House, 65 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EN Tel: 01722 332151 salisburymuseum.org.uk

THE MORAL COMPASS OF BARCHESTER: A TALK BY LORD CHARTRES 9 May, 6.30pm Tickets: from £9.60 Richard Chartres, former President of the Trollope Society, reflects on Anthony Trollope’s life and his generally benign view of the characters in his novels.

AUGUSTUS JOHN: DRAWN FROM LIFE 18 May – 29 September, 10am In partnership with Poole Museum this exhibition of the art of Augustus John looks in detail at his work, particularly in the decades between the Wars. At his peak, John’s reputation as one of

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Send your listings to info@wired-publishing.co.uk

events | the towering figures in British art was based upon his extraordinary talent as well as his bohemian lifestyle. See website for extra talks associated with the exhibition.

CREATIVE WILTSHIRE WORKSHOPS 27 – 31 May, 10am FREE A range of fun, craft activities over the May half term with artist Charlie James.

SALISBURY CHAMBER ENSEMBLE 15 June, 2.30pm Tickets: £10 (Concs £8) A programme of early classical music that will include quintets by J C Bach and I J Pleyel.

PORTRAITURE IN PRACTICE WITH ARTIST CLAIRE THOMAS 23 & 30 June & 7 July, 1pm Tickets: from £14.40 Why not try your hand at painting portraits from life and inspired by Augustus John? You can join artist Claire Thomas for one, two, or all three Sunday afternoon workshops.

Learn how to make a colour palette, how to structure a portrait and how to position a portrait within a background. Suitable for artists of all abilities.

NATIONAL ARMED FORCES DAY EXPLORE SALISBURY MUSEUM 28 – 30 June, 10am FREE Salisbury Museum is opening its doors for services personnel and their families to enjoy all the museum has to offer for FREE. Discover 500,000 years of history under one roof. Meet the ancestors in the Wessex Gallery, with stunning archaeology from Stonehenge, the Amesbury Archer and trails for archaeologists of all ages.

SALISBURY ARTS CENTRE

Bedwin Street, Salisbury, SP1 3UT Box Office: 01722 321744 wiltshirecreative.co.uk

BLACKKKLANSMAN (Cert 15) 8 May, 7.30pm Ron Stallworth, the first AfricanAmerican detective on the Colorado Springs Police Department, resolves to make a name for himself and a difference in his community. He bravely sets out on a dangerous mission: infiltrate and expose the Ku Klux Klan.

NT LIVE: ALL ABOUT EVE 9 May, 7pm Tickets: £17 (Concs £15) All About Eve tells the story of Margo Channing. Legend. True star of the theatre. The spotlight is hers, always has been. But now there’s Eve. Her biggest fan. Young, beautiful Eve. The golden girl, the girl next door.

But you know all about Eve…don’t you…?

MET OPERA: DIALOGUES DES CARMALITES 11 May, 5pm Tickets: £17 (Concs £15) As the French Revolution begins, shy Blanche, sung by mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard, becomes a novice nun under an elderly prioress—Met legend Karita Mattila. Blanche’s aristocratic family flees the Terror, but she remains behind, struggling between her fear of the guillotine and her duty to the convent.

CABARET (Cert 15) 15 May, 2.30pm Tickets: £5 A female girlie club entertainer in Weimar Republic era Berlin romances two men while the Nazi Party rises to power around them.

THE CHURCHFITTERS TRIO 16 May, 8pm Tickets: £14.50 A folk band like no other. Heartwrenching vocals accompanied by a musical saw or a glass harp; foot-stompingly fast fiddle mixed with infectious funk-rock rhythms; traditional tunes reinvigorated with mesmerising jazz sax. A high energy, uplifting show that leaves audiences cheering.

NT LIVE: SMALL ISLAND 27 June, 7pm Tickets: £17 (Concs £15) Andrea Levy’s Orange Prize-winning novel, Small Island, comes to life in an epic new theatre adaptation. Small Island embarks on a journey from Jamaica to Britain, through the Second World War to 1948 – the year the HMT Empire Windrush docked at Tilbury.

SALISBURY CATHEDRAL

6 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EF Tel: 01722 555198 salisburycathedral.org.uk ANTIQUES ROADSHOW 14 May, 9.30am-5pm Join Fiona Bruce and the Antiques Roadshow team of the country’s leading authorities on arts and antiques who will offer free valuations for your family heirlooms or car boot bargains.

Cara Dillon, Shaftesbury Arts Centre

MARY POPPINS RETURNS 15 May, 7.30pm (Cert U) Tickets: £8 In Depression-era London, a now-grown Jane and Michael Banks, along with Michael’s three children, are visited by the enigmatic Mary Poppins following a personal loss.

Send your listings to info@wired-publishing.co.uk

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| events through the music making it a thoroughly magical evening where, for a couple of hours, you can shut out the rest of the world and escape with the music - wherever that may take you.

NT Live: All About Eve, Salisbury Arts Centre

CLARENDON WAY WALK 2 June Adults: £24, Children: £18 This popular event, now in its 13th year, raises vital funds to help care and support children and young people living with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions from across the south. Support Naomi House by walking along the beautiful and historic Clarendon Way, finishing at Salisbury Cathedral. naomihouse.org.uk THE SOUTH TRANSEPT RECITAL SERIES: MY LADY NEVELLS BOOKE 12 June, 7.30pm Tickets: £12.50 Music from the keyboard collection by William Byrd. Performed by our Organ Scholar, Alexander Palotai, on the chamber organ.

SHAFTESBURY ARTS CENTRE

13 Bell Street, Shaftesbury SP7 8AR Box Office: 01747 854321 shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk For full listings go to the website.

60’S NIGHT OUT - THE DREAMERS & EVERLEY BROTHERS TRIBUTE 4 May, 7.30pm Tickets: £17.50 (Concs £15) An Evening with Sixties group The Dreamers including a special tribute to USA Legends The Everly Brothers.

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THE KAST OFF KINKS 11 May, 7.30pm Tickets: £22.50 (Concs £12) The Kast off Kinks features three former members of the legendary band ‘The Kinks’, back together playing great music and re-living the good times whilst keeping the songs alive that made The Kinks a household name.

SHERLOCK HOLMES & THE EMERALD OF ALCAZAR 14 & 15 June, 7.30pm Tickets: £5 Just why has mild mannered Edgar Popin travelled to Gaslight Alley to meet the mysterious Mr. Tibbins in the Jellied Eel public house? Is it simply to escape the wailing Harriet and their thirteen children or is there more to it?

To legendary sleuth Sherlock Holmes nothing is ever as straightforward as it seems and this is no exception.

OTHER

DOWNTON CUCKOO FAIR Downton, Salisbury 4 May, 10am-4.30pm FREE ENTRY CARA DILLON Downton Cuckoo Fair is an ideal 18 May, 7.30pm family event held on the greens in this Tickets: £22.50 (Concs £12) picturesque village 6 miles south of Whether she’s singing her native Salisbury. There are lots of things to traditional songs of lost love and entertain visitors including rural craft emigration, or original compositions, demonstrations; maypole and morris you will be hard pressed to find a more dancing; street entertainment; music emotive and captivating performer. and plenty for the children including Punch and Judy, Alfredo’s Pirates and HAMLET: PRINCESS OF DENMARK Jonathan the Jester.

19 & 20 May, various times Tickets: £5 PICTURE SALISBURY With the audience sitting close to Arundells, Salisbury SP1 2EN the actors, with minimum props and Until 21 May, 11am simple costumes we hope to bring Tickets: £3.50 alive Hamlet’s pain and anger at the An exhibition by the Salisbury death (murder?) of her father, and Group of Artists at Arundells, in the confusion and subterfuge of the which the work on display depicts royal court. the city and the surrounding countryside so loved by Sir Edward IMAGES: CLASSICAL GUITAR during his twenty years living in CONCERT the area. A percentage of any sales 8 June, 7.30pm will go to the Sir Edward Heath Tickets: £12.50 (Concs £10) Charitable Foundation. For more In his own inimitable style Bob information call 01722 326280 or visit Drury weaves anecdotes and stories salisburygroupofartists.co.uk Send your listings to info@wired-publishing.co.uk

| local news

ARMED FORCES DAY

Salisbury is set to host a spectacular three-day national Armed Forces Day event.

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There is a packed programme over the three days, with Friday focusing on saying thank you to serving military personnel with a free barbecue for them and their families, followed by live entertainment open to everyone.

On Saturday morning, the military will parade through the streets of the city centre, a spectacle expected to be watched by thousands of people, while at Hudson’s Field, the Saturday line-up includes an air show, military demonstrations, live entertainment and fireworks. Sunday focuses on veterans and young people – those who have served and those who may serve – with a commemoration and Drumhead service, supported by the Royal British Legion, with the Bishop of Salisbury and Padres leading the service. There will also be the opportunity to help break a world record by creating the world’s largest human poppy in the main arena.

Salisbury is set to host the national Armed Forces Day event

"On Saturday morning, the military will parade through the streets of the city centre, a spectacle expected to be watched by thousands of people"

on the main stage on one of the three are also supporting the event as gold days at Hudson’s Field after winning a sponsors, and several local businesses Facebook competition. are also backing the event as silver sponsors and supporters.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook OBE, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: Armed Forces Day nationally takes “This is an extremely important date place on 29 June. Celebrations begin in the military calendar, and I know on Monday 24 June, when the Armed people from all over Wiltshire and Forces Day flag is raised on buildings beyond will join us to celebrate this and landmarks across the country. special weekend. Wiltshire is the Showing support for the Armed Forces beating heart of the Army and we provides a much-valued morale boost are extremely proud of our long for troops and their families. For more association with the military. We are information about Armed Forces looking forward to recognising and Day National Event 2019, visit the celebrating our Armed Forces and the website or follow @SalisburyAFD and vital role they perform in protecting #SalisburyAFD on social media. us and our country.”

• www.wiltshire.gov.uk/salisbury-afd The event’s platinum sponsors are KBR Aspire Defence and Lovell.

The headline acts and entertainment SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has been announced as the official main for the weekend will be announced charity sponsor and the Royal British soon, but there will be a local flavour Legion and Help for Heroes are charity to some of the music, as Duck n partners. General Dynamics, Landmarc, Cuvver, The Treblemakers, and Salisbury Rock Choir will each perform MiPermit and Nationwide Engineering

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Marching Band ©UK MOD Crown Copyright 2019, Planes © Gavin Smith

iltshire has a long and proud military history and the Armed Forces Day National Event, to be held in Salisbury on 28-30 June, is a unique opportunity to recognise and celebrate our Armed Forces and the vital role they perform in protecting us, as well as honouring veterans. This free-to-attend weekend, to be hosted on Hudson’s Field, will see thousands of people flock to the city to enjoy a weekend of military parades, an air show, concerts, live entertainment, exhibitors and much more.

Marching Band ©UK MOD Crown Copyright 2019, Planes © Gavin Smith

| local news

THE 10TH WYLYE VALLEY ART TRAIL

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ince its founding in 2001, the biennial Wylye Valley Art Trail has established itself as the largest visual arts event in Wiltshire.

This year, in May, is the 10th Wylye Valley Art Trail. The largest and most exciting yet, with 87 venues, scattered across southwest Wiltshire, set in some of the most beautiful countryside this county has to offer, covering Warminster, Westbury, Wylye, Maiden Bradley, Mere, Hindon, Tisbury and villages in between.

demonstrations, workshops and talks.

It is a unique opportunity to see the high standard of visual arts and crafts currently being carried out in this area, across a wide range of skills, from painting to print- making, furniture making to photography and sculpture to ceramics to contemporary art forms such as digital art, installation, video and art using recycled materials.

by the fantastic response from visitors.

From the start we were strong in our desire for an event which was all- inclusive, non- selective and artistrun. I’m so pleased that in this, the 10th Wylye Valley Art Trail, that original ethos still holds firm.”

• wvat.co.uk Robert Baker, Lamp Stands

To celebrate the 10th trail, this year organisers have extended the event to 10 days from Saturday 18 May The Wylye Valley Art Trail is an eclectic until Bank Holiday Monday 27 May. patchwork of art and craft by over Nick Andrew, the founder of the trail 390 exhibitors, ranging from awardsays: “I’d long recognised the need winning artists with international for a framework for visual artists and reputations, to those just starting their makers to bring their work to a local creative journeys. Visit open studios and wider audience. The first event and workplaces, galleries, exhibitions included the work of 80 people in 34 by art and student groups and venues under the Wylye Valley Art Trail other fascinating events including banner and we were overwhelmed

ARUNDELLS: A PM’S HOUSE

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ith an art collection featuring works by Sir Winston Churchill, L S Lowry, John Piper, John Singer Sargent and August John, photographs, cartoons, ceramics, sailing and musical memorabilia, Arundells has something of interest for everyone. Vases gifted

by Chairman Mao and a writing desk previous owned by David LloydGeorge. The beautiful garden has river frontage and magnificent views

ragtime in the garden at Arundells?

Bring folding chairs, rugs and a picnic and join ‘James Emmett’s Ragtime Revellers’ on Thursday 20 June. Ian Dyson, Commissioner of the City of London Police, is giving a talk titled ‘Tackling Crime in the Modern Age’ on Friday 21 June. This is being held

A RANGE OF EVENTS ARE TAKING PLACE OVER THE SUMMER MONTHS: On Thursday 6 June, there will be a concert of music for violin and piano, played by Gisele Boll and Colin Howard, and with pieces by Beethoven, Elgar, Stravinsky and Shostakovich. And what better way to spend a lovely summer’s evening than listening to some jazz and

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Arundells has a beautiful garden with magnificent views

at the White Hart Hotel in Salisbury and will include a two course lunch.

For further information - and to purchase tickets – telephone 01722 331440 or visit the website.

• arundells.org

| recipes

Top Tips

Seasonal treats don’t get much better than English asparagus. Make the most of the short season with These recipes come courtesy of Tesco.

Chorizo, asparagus & manchego tarts

Serves 4 Ingredients 320g pack ready-rolled lighter puff pastry, at room temperature 2 tsp milk 100g chorizo, thickly sliced

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125g asparagus tips, each cut into 3 4 tbsp soft cheese 75g Manchego cheese, grated 90g pack babyleaf and rocket salad, to serve Method Preheat the oven to fan 200°C. Unroll the pastry on its paper and cut out 4 x 11cm squares. Using a sharp knife, mark a border 1cm in from the edge and score the centre.

Transfer to a baking tray lined with non-stick baking paper and brush the border with the milk. Bake for 10 mins, until puffed.

Meanwhile, heat a griddle pan over a high heat. Dry-fry the chorizo for 2-3 mins, until crisp. Remove from the pan and drain on kitchen paper.

Put the asparagus in the pan and griddle for 1 min.

Flatten the pastry centres, then fill each with 1 tbsp soft cheese.

Divide the chorizo and asparagus between each, then scatter over the Manchego. Return to the oven for 10 mins, or until the cheese has melted and the pastry is golden. Serve with something light, like a babyleaf and rocket salad.

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These savoury tarts are simple to make and packed full of flavour.

Golden, light-as-air pastry topped with smoky chorizo, nutty asparagus and creamy Manchego – baking in the oven makes these beautiful bites, which are perfect for picnicking, gorgeously gooey.

gluten-free flour) 30g vegetarian hard cheese, grated 3 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley 3 spring onions, finely sliced 40g lighter salad cheese Method Preheat the oven to 170°C fan. Put the peeled garlic cloves in a 26cm round, shallow baking dish (or tart tin) and drizzle with the oil. Place on the middle shelf of the oven and roast for 15 mins, stirring once, until lightly browned. Add the asparagus and peas, tossing well with the garlic, and return to the oven for 5 mins.

Roasted asparagus, purple sprouting broccoli & feta salad Serves 2 (as main) Ingredients 100g asparagus, woody ends snapped off 100g purple sprouting broccoli, any woody ends cut off 2 tbsp vegetable oil 85g bag watercress For the dressing 1 lemon, juiced and zested 2 tbsp honey or sugar 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp Dijon mustard 50g feta, crumbled

in the oil and mustard. Pour the dressing over the warm vegetables, stir through the watercress, sprinkle over the feta and serve.

Crustless quiche with asparagus & peas Serves 4 Ingredients ½ garlic bulb, cloves peeled ½ tbsp olive oil 125g pack asparagus tips 100g frozen peas 4 eggs 200g natural cottage cheese 1 heaped tsp plain flour (or use

Meanwhile, make the egg and cheese filling. Crack the eggs into a mixing bowl and add the cottage cheese, flour, grated cheese, parsley and a little seasoning. Beat with a fork until well combined.

Remove the dish from the oven, discard the garlic, and spoon the egg mix evenly over the vegetables. Sprinkle over the sliced spring onions and crumble over the salad cheese. Bake for 20-25 mins until set.

Set aside to rest for 5 mins then ease a knife around the edges to loosen and remove from the dish.

Cut into quarters to serve.

Method Preheat the oven to 160°C fan. Pour 2 tbsp oil into a roasting tray and heat it in the oven for 2 mins. Add the asparagus and broccoli, season and roast. Take the asparagus out (especially if it’s the thin, delicate type) after 5 mins, and broccoli after 10 mins.

For the dressing, mix the lemon juice, zest, honey and a pinch of salt and stir to dissolve. Then whisk

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recipes |

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| recipes

Asparagus & peas with anchovy dressing

Serves 4

1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp clear honey 1/2 lemon, finely zested and juiced 25g (1oz) pumpkin seeds, toasted A handful fresh basil leaves, chopped 1 avocado, peeled, stone removed and chopped 50g rocket Method Cook the quinoa following packet instructions with the hot stock until tender. Drain, fluff up with a fork and tip into a large bowl.

Put a griddle pan over a high heat.

Drizzle the asparagus tips with a little oil, then griddle until charred all over and just tender. Cut into bite size pieces and add to the quinoa.

Ingredients 2 eggs 375g asparagus, trimmed 100g fresh podded peas or frozen peas, defrosted 3 tsp red wine vinegar 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 4 anchovy fillets, from jar of anchovies in oil, finely chopped A handful flat-leaf parsley, chopped Method Add the eggs to a pan of cold water, bring to the boil then cook for 8 mins. Remove from the pan and immerse in cold water to stop the cooking process. Cool, then peel and chop.

Quinoa with griddled asparagus and peas Serves 4 Ingredients 200g quinoa with bulgur wheat 900ml hot vegetable / chicken stock 125g pack asparagus tips 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 150g frozen peas, defrosted

Cook the peas for 2 minutes in boiling water, refresh under cold running water and drain.

Mix together the mustard, honey, lemon zest and juice, remaining olive oil and season. Pour over the quinoa and mix together. Add the toasted pumpkin seeds, basil leaves, chopped avocado, peas and scatter over rocket. Mix gently and serve immediately.

Find more recipes at: realfood.tesco.com

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Steam the asparagus for 3-5 mins, until tender. Add the peas for the last 2-3 mins. Remove from the heat, immerse in cold water, then drain.

To make the dressing, whisk the vinegar and oil in a bowl. Add the anchovies, season, then whisk again.

Lay the asparagus on a serving plate and scatter over the peas, egg and parsley. Drizzle over the dressing.

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GREAT VALUE LIGHT LUNCH MENU

2 COURSES JUST £12.45! AVAILABLE MONDAY TO FRIDAY.

Tom & Zara welcome you to The White Hart. We are situated in the heart of Bishopstone, near Salisbury, in a traditional 18th century family pub & restaurant.

We have a lovely large beer garden and children’s play area.

There is a large, easy access, car park and plenty of room for larger dining parties, with set menus available on request.

We are very proud of our locally sourced delicious homemade food; daily fish specials and wide choice of menus that aim to cater for everyone.

• FRESHLY COOKED FOOD • DAILY SPECIALS • FAMILY FRIENDLY • LARGE GARDEN • CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA • REAL ALES • CAR PARK thewhitehart.bishopstone@gmail.com • 01722 780244 Butts Lane, Bishopstone, Salisbury SP5 4AA

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| motoring

THE ALL-NEW MAZDA3

The all-new, award-winning Mazda3 is available now at MAGNA MAZDA.

considered genuinely ground-breaking and visionary. The new-generation compact joins the growing list of award-winning Mazda models designed according to the Kodo: Soul of Motion philosophy.

T

he all-new Mazda3 has captured the “Red Dot: Best of the Best” prize at the 2019 Red Dot product design awards.

The competition’s highest accolade is awarded to products whose designs are

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Expressing Japanese aesthetics in a simple, single form, the designers of the new Mazda3 eliminated character lines so the body panels reflect the surroundings. The less-is-more approach applies throughout the car. Components like the head and taillamps, for example, feature a clean style free of all unnecessary elements.

“Beauty through subtraction is the key principle behind the Mazda3’s design,”

motoring | explains Yasutake Tsuchida, chief designer of the new model. “But it’s more than just minimalism. Coming up with such a pure design requires

model offered with the Skyactiv-X, Mazda’s revolutionary petrol engine delivering diesel-like efficiency.

The international jury selected fewer

“The new Mazda3 will also be the first-ever model offered with the Skyactiv-X, Mazda’s revolutionary petrol engine delivering diesellike efficiency.” much effort and refinement and it’s something we believe can only be created by the human hands of our expert clay modellers.”

The car’s performance reflects this mind-set. Built around humancentricity to enhance the joy of driving, the new Mazda3 feels completely natural while accelerating, turning or braking, yet also filters out road input before it reaches the occupants. The cockpit is arranged in perfect symmetry with the driver.

The new seat, for example, keeps the pelvis upright, enabling natural movement of the trunk and therefore helping reduce fatigue. The new Mazda3 will also be the first-ever

entries are granted this distinction,” says Dr. Peter Zec, founder and CEO of Red Dot. “It is well-deserved recognition for a wonderful design achievement and proof that the award-winning companies are among the best in design.”

This is the seventh Red Dot prize to date for Mazda’s Kodo models than 100 products for the “Best of following the MX-5 RF in 2017, the the Best” prize from the more than MX-5 soft top, CX-3 and Mazda2 (all 5,500 entries received from 55 2015), the previous generation Mazda3 countries. Criteria for selection include (2014) and the Mazda6 (2013). innovation, functionality, ergonomics and longevity. Mazda and the other Initiated in 1955, Red Dot is one of the winners will receive their awards on world’s largest design competitions.

8 July at the 2019 Red Dot award The product design winners, selected ceremony in Essen’s Aalto Theatre. this year in 48 categories including The new Mazda3 will then join the cars & motorcycles, have earned the “Design on Stage” exhibition of award- right to bear the Red Dot symbol, an winning products at the Red Dot international seal of excellence.

Design Museum Essen and feature in the Red Dot yearbook, website and To test drive the Mazda3 pop into design app. the Magna Mazda showroom in Downton, near Salisbury or call 01725 “Winning the ‘Red Dot: Best of the 513777 to find out more.

Best’ is a very special honour because only a very small percentage of • magnamazda.co.uk

THESOUTHWILTSMAGAZINE

19

ENQUIRE ABOUT THE HAYLOFT...

AVAILABLE FOR BUSINESS MEETINGS, NETWORKING EVENTS & CONFERENCES.

DELI

CAFÉ

We bring together the best local Come and have a proper breakfast produce and showcase it alongside any day until 11.45am, choose from a few well-chosen products from our quiches, soups, salads of the abroad that just cannot be beaten. day or platters for lunch, or opt for a As well as fresh produce we also cake, scone or full tiered afternoon have an extensive selection of tea! All lovingly prepared in our onsite dry-store goods. kitchen. Outside seating available.

KITCHEN Our kitchen bustles during the day making produce for the farm shop along with catering for outside events. Whatever the occasion, we can cater for it: from weddings to fishing and shooting parties; canapé receptions to christenings.

tel: 01722 744 177 email: annie@birdandcarter.co.uk AMPLE FREE PARKING Find us at: Chilhampton Farm, Warminster Road, A36, Salisbury SP2 0AB

days out |

A WALK IN THE WOODS May is a beautiful time to take a walk in the woods - seeing the carpets of blue flowers is one of the highlights of the year for plant and nature lovers. Here are some of the best places to go for bluebells in and around Wiltshire.

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image credit: Visit Wiltshire

| days out

WEST WOODS

South west of Marlborough, West Woods is a very extensive expanse of beech woodland and becomes very popular in late spring thanks to its fantastic displays of bluebells, which carpet the forest floor. The area is managed by the Forestry Commission. A great option for a day out, especially with children where they can have lots of fun exploring and making dens. woodlandtrust.org.uk

GROVELY WOOD

On the outskirts of Wilton, Grovely Wood forms part of the Wilton Estate and sits between the Nadder and Wylye valleys. See the area come to life with bluebells and other spring

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flowers. It is recognised for its nature conservation importance through designation as a County Wildlife Site. This an ancient broadleaved woodland with many ancient, veteran and notable trees including yews.

Reached on foot from Wilton or car park at end of track leading past The Royal Oak in Great Wishford. And, on Tuesday 29 May Great Wishford celebrates Oak Apple Day and the renewal of the village’s ancient rights to collect fallen timber from Grovely Wood. A day full of festivities begins at 4am (!!) with the Rough Band waking up the villagers. It’s a great day out call The Royal Oak on 01722 790613 for details or see their website. woodlandtrust.org.uk royaloakgreatwishford.com

DUNCLIFFE WOOD

This large woodland stretches over the double summits of Duncliffe Hill like a saddle as they rise out of Blackmoor Vale. Lying 3 miles west of Shaftesbury, its prominent setting ensures it can be seen for miles around. The surrounding landscape is characterised by sweeping valleys and rounded hills with a dominance of woodland on the scarp faces. The site is well known locally for its spectacular

“on 29 May Great Wishford celebrates Oak Apple Day and the renewal of the village’s ancient rights to collect fallen timber from Grovely Wood.”

days out | their open season however look out for the bluebells, particularly when the rhododendron gardens open up for the season. This year’s runs through May. Each year the public is encouraged not to miss out on discovering Bowood’s magnificent display of rhododendrons, magnolias and azaleas. There are three distinct stages: the early flowering, the bluebell flush and then the appearance of the azaleas.

The Woodland Garden has its own dedicated entrance. Open daily from 11am-6pm, entrance is priced at £7 per adult (aged 17 and over), £6 per senior (60+), £6 per young adult (13-16 years) while children 12 and under are free of charge. bowood.org

MORTIMORES WOOD

Just a mile from Chippenham, Mortimores Wood is a small area of ancient woodland with a recorded history extending back over 800 years. It houses a diversity of plant and bird life only found in such old woodlands, including a large number West Woods in Wiltshire is the perfect place for of native species. It is now managed a bluebell walk in the spring by a group of dedicated volunteers.

As well as beautiful bluebells you’ll display of bluebells – but its location means there are steep paths in places. also see a wide range of other woodland plants and wildlife too. woodlandtrust.org.uk mortimores.org.uk

SANDY LANE

STOURHEAD

Plenty of wildlife roam the ancient woods and the bluebells steal the show come spring. This year, as part of their Floralia festival, look out for stunning floral arrangements, Roman symbols of fertility and stories of Flora in the temples. Their gardeners will be leading free tours every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon throughout May and June. Spaces are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Book on arrival at visitor reception. Another part of the Floralia festival offers visitors the chance to make a spring wreath in a workshop led by professional florist Sarah Pettigrew. Workshops take place on 21 & 28 May as well as 4 & 11 June, from 10am-12pm. Tickets cost £38 per person and must be booked online.

This year Stourhead is also working with the Great Big Tree Climbing Company to offer climbing experiences, so you can see the Stourhead landscape from up high.

The experiences are suitable for all over the age of 6 and each session is run for up to 8 people, creating a unique and intimate experience. The events are taking place on 29 May, 1 June and Saturdays throughout July and August, book your place online. nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead

Travel from the pretty village of Sandy Lane with its thatched cottages towards Lacock and you’ll be greeted with beautiful displays of bluebells in Wheelers Wood as you descend Bowden Hill towards Lacock. And obviously if you are in the National Trust village, the Abbey is always well worth a visit, it has a wonderful display of wild garlic and a beautiful botanic garden too.

BOWOOD

The gardens of Bowood come to life with many colours throughout

Meander through Bowood’s rhododendrons and enjoy the carpet of bluebells

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| house & home

TOP TIPS FOR FIRST TIME SELLERS

MARYAM CALVERT at Northwood Salisbury gives you a run down of the most important things to remember when selling a home for the first time...

YOUR MORTGAGE The first thing you should check is your mortgage. Find out if there are going to be any additional fees now that you have decided to move. If you’re on a standard variable rate or have a ‘portable’ mortgage then you will be fine. If you are liable for early repayment charges, however, it could cost you anywhere between 1 and 5% of the remaining mortgage and that could set you back a few thousand pounds. Use this calculator from MoneySavingExpert.com to see how much might need to pay back.

Being a first time seller is stressful, here’s a list of things to remember

“Undertaking necessary repairs that could influence people’s decision to buy should be PREPARING YOUR HOME There are varied opinions about what top of your to-do list.” you need to do to make your home more likely to sell or to gain the best price. A lot will depend on what value these renovations or updates will add to your sale value. For instance, replacing all the windows and doors may not be profitable but laying down new carpets could be.

Undertaking necessary repairs that could influence people’s decision to buy should be top of your to-do list.

Top Tip: Pay special attention to the outside of your property, ensure it is clutter free and in good repair, as initial kerb appeal can be a great way to drive more people to view the property.

GETTING YOUR HOME VALUED Fortunately, there’s an easy way to do this before you get anyone else involved. Go online and check similar properties in your area and see what

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the asking prices are. That should give you a pretty good idea and act as a baseline. The next step is to ask an estate agent to value your property.

The key here is that you will want to get a realistic selling price for your property. Talk to one of our local property experts for advice.

HIRE A CONVEYANCER You will need the services of a conveyancer. It makes a lot of sense to ask your estate agent for a recommendation. At Northwood we have our own conveyancing service which can speed the process up.

ARRANGING REMOVALS

Of course, you are going to need to have your possessions ready to transfer to your new home. Removal There are two options: to use a high firms can get booked up far in street estate agent or sell the property advance, especially at certain times online. There’s no real right or wrong of the year. Once you have decided way but, if this is your first time, it to sell your home, you should start could make much more sense to planning the removal process, even if use a local agent, particularly if you you don’t have a fixed date, it pays to aren’t going to have the time to show plan ahead. people around your property. Your high street estate agent will also know If you have a property to sell come the area well and will be able to help and speak to us at 56 Castle Street, you avoid the pitfalls that usually Salisbury or call 01722 330066. come with do-it-yourself selling or using an online agency.

• northwooduk.com

DECIDE HOW YOU ARE GOING TO SELL

house & home |

PF PARSONS LTD

PF Parsons Ltd is a local builder, with more than three decades of industry experience, that you can trust with any building project.

W

ith a family background spanning generations in the local area, Phillip Parsons established PF Parsons Ltd in 1985. By 1990, he had 5 members of staff and had taken premises in Berwick Courtyard, Berwick St Leonard. In 2000, having outgrown these premises, the company moved to larger offices in Hindon.

Three decades of experience in the building industry allows P F Parsons Ltd to offer a professional, friendly and efficient service, carrying out an extensive range of building work supported by a knowledgeable pre-project advice service, if required.

The company is also a member of the Federation of Master Builders and a registered TrustMark Business, which is the government endorsed quality scheme. The majority of the workforce at PF Parsons has been with the company for many years with several employees having completed their apprenticeships with them too. This retention of skilled craftsmen enables PF Parsons to offer a wealth of experience. In the last few years, their skills have helped the company win awards from the Federation of Master Builders for the quality of their workmanship.

This beautiful stone house was completed recently by the PF Parsons team

“With over three decades of experience in the building industry, P.F Parsons Ltd offer a professional, friendly and efficient service” assisted them through the planning process. As they understood their clients' objectives from the outset, they were adaptable to any changes in design as and when they arose, including the design of the staircase, adding laundry shoots and incorporating the roof area as living space. Because of the ease of communication, they were able to address these changes with minimal fuss and still meet the build deadline.

well received by local residents and, most importantly, their clients are thrilled with it!

• pfparsons.co.uk

The house is built in a classic design using traditional materials. By using local stone and other local materials PF Parsons has recently completed they were also able to employ the a number of bespoke new build services of local businesses and properties in the area and one keep transport emissions to a example of this is a beautiful minimum. The house is sympathetic 7-bedroom stone house (pictured) to the surrounding area and the that they built for clients who design, along with the use of natural approached PF Parsons at the very local materials, give the house the start of their project. The team worked with them and their architect impression it has been there for centuries. The house has been very to fully understand their vision and THESOUTHWILTSMAGAZINE

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| events

LARMER TREE LINE UP Larmer Tree Festival returns to its beautiful home on the Cranbourne Chase from 18 – 21 July with a line-up set to be its most exciting yet!

Larmer Tree Festival's line up includes Kate Tempest, Jack Savoretti and Gomez

Larmer Tree Gardens in July. Regular co-host of The Guilty Feminist podcast Jessica Fostekew joins the bill, along with the youngest ever winner of the prestigious So You Think You’re Funny award Ivo Graham, and hotly-tipped rising talent, Catherine Bohart.

Kids will be delighted to see children’s TV favourite Andy Day live on stage with his band Andy and the Odd Socks, who will be bringing some of their best-loved tunes to the mainstage. And elsewhere they’ll have their very own stand-up experience in the Comedy Club For Kids.

Southport’s indie-rock veterans Gomez will celebrate 20 years since

"if you like big laughs alongside your big tunes, then the comedy line-up is all set to tickle some funny bones."

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their Mercury Award winning debut album, while critically-acclaimed Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall makes a more than welcome return to the Larmer Tree Gardens. Tank and the Bangas will be getting the festival on its feet with their unique New Orleans sound, and Jade Bird is sure to cement her place as one of UK’s hottest new musical talents.

If you like big laughs alongside your big tunes, then the comedy line-up is all set to tickle some funny bones. Josie Long is one of the most respected and distinctive talents on the comedy circuit and recently completed two sold-out weeks at London’s Soho Theatre. Joining her is no less than critically acclaimed stand-up, host of The Mash Report and panel show regular Nish Kumar.

The line-up also features Larmer Tree favourite Stuart Goldsmith, who returns to host another live recording of The Comedian’s Comedian podcast with guest Rob Auton, who is also previewing his Edinburgh show at

Returning by popular demand and heading up the thrilling Theatre, Talks and Poetry programme is the inimitable Kate Adie, in conversation with Richard Osgood. Kate and Richard will discuss her life and work, cultures and war zones and will explore the changing perceptions of women in the media. Plus, BBC Radio 4’s Four Thought will be recording their hugely popular show on-site, alongside festival favourites The Antipoet, Living Spit and many more.

And it just wouldn’t be Larmer Tree without a dazzling array of workshops, where you can discover new skills, make a festival keepsake to treasure, or soothe your worries away with a much-needed chill-out. So whether you fancy gong-bathing, a nighttime hula disco or even making your own festival knickers, check out the biggerthan-ever array of activities. For tickets and the full 2019 line-up, visit the website. Under 11s go FREE! • larmertreefestival.co.uk

image © Phoebe Reeks

M

ercury Prize winner Kate Tempest is topping the bill and ready to take the Main Stage by storm with the political hip-hop of her acclaimed albums Everybody Down and Let Them Eat Chaos. Plus folk-tinged acoustic singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti will be returning to Larmer Tree fresh from a 2-date stint at Wembley Arena, alongside the UK’s biggestselling country-music act The Shires.

Also added to the 2019 headliners are Australian party-starters The Cat Empire, who have captivated audiences around the world with their infectious, genre-crossing anthems and unforgettable live shows.

image © Phoebe Reeks

01747 820422 Unit 1, Wylye Road Hindon, Salisbury SP3 6ER

• Extensions • Conversions • New Builds • Maintenance • Property Refurbishment • Kitchens & Bathrooms enquiries@pfparsons.co.uk

www.pfparsons.co.uk

| puzzles

TEA BREAK TEASERS

SPRING FLOWERS

What/who is missing from the grid?

ALLIUM ANTHEMIS AQUILEGIA ASTRANTIA BLEEDING HEART CORNFLOWER DELPHINIUM GERANIUM GEUM IRIS LUPIN POPPY SOLOMON’S SEAL TULIP VIOLAS

SUDOKU

MEDIUM

WIN A £20 iTUNES VOUCHER! Email your answers to these trivia questions to comp@wired-publishing.co.uk by 15.06.19 to be in with a chance of winning a £20 iTunes voucher. Good luck!

Q1: In what year was the Chelsea Flower Show first held in Chelsea?

LAST MONTH’S SOLUTIONS Wordsearch missing word: Denmark Quiz answers: 1: 27 2: Croatia 3:1999 4: 9 5: 23

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Q2: What are the four grades of awards at Chelsea Flower Show?

Q3: On what dates will the 2019 show be held?

Q4: In what year did The Times’‘Garden of Tomorrow’ include a radio controlled lawn mower?

Q5: In 2009, TV presenter, James May exhibited a garden made entirely of what?

Be sure to include your contact details so we can get in touch with you if you are our winner!

competition |

WIN TICKETS TO THE ROYAL NAVY INTERNATIONAL AIR DAY! The Royal Navy International Air Day will take place at the Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton in Somerset on Saturday 13 July to showcase the Fleet Air Arm’s current & future capabilities & historic accomplishments spanning over 100 years.

See fantastic aerobatic displays from the Red Arrows and more!

arena displays, military bands and the chance to meet pilots and even sit in the cockpit! For the thrill seekers, there will be simulators, fairground rides and helicopter pleasure flights to enjoy. For full details on various enclosure options or to book tickets visit the website.

• royalnavy.mod.uk/airday An F-16 in full flight

“Some of the world’s most capable pilots and their aircraft, both in the air and on the ground will be on display” The show will include over five hours of dazzling flying displays featuring fast jets, historic warbirds, helicopters, formation aerobatic display teams and role demonstrations enhanced by spectacular pyrotechnics and flares. Some of the world’s most capable pilots and their aircraft, both

in the air and on the ground will be on display, providing an opportunity to see some magnificent equipment and meet the professional personnel in a family-friendly environment.

There are already some rare and exciting aircraft confirmed. Watch the world’s only flying Westland Wessex HU5 open the show; see the Red Arrows perform one of their last UK Displays before their tour of North America and get ready to be blown away by the Typhoon when it ‘Brings the Noise’. They will be joined by many other military aircraft from around the world.

This show has everything to keep the whole family entertained. There will be a vast range of showground attractions from the latest defence technology exhibitions, engineering fairs and service displays to trade stalls,

WIN TICKETS! We are lucky enough to have 2 PAIRS OF TICKETS to give away to our lucky readers. For a chance to win all you need to do is email your answer to this question to comp@wired-publishing.co.uk, remembering to include your contact details so we can dispatch your tickets if you win!

WHICH RARE AIRCRAFT IS SET TO OPEN THE SHOW? Email your answers now.

Good luck!

Closing date for entries is 15.06.19. Entrants must be 18+. Prize as stated and is non transferrable. Winners will be picked at random from all the entries received by the closing date.

THESOUTHWILTSMAGAZINE

images © Paul Johnson

A

s one of the busiest military airfields in the UK and home to many aircraft operating in front-line Squadrons and training units, the air station’s gates will be open to an expected 40,000 visitors.

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| last word

CODE BROWN...

A

s I write it is 3.30 in the morning and you’d think I would be a bit hacked off and grumpy that I’m up at this time working. I am tired, definitely, but I have come to a realization over the past few weeks which means that it is okay to be up at this ungodly hour. The reason I am up is that my 18 month old son had a nightmare and had to be consoled, by my wife admittedly, but it woke me up sufficiently to not be able to get back to sleep.

Most people, I think, spend a huge amount of their lives wondering what they are going to do with themselves, where they fit in, what their purpose is. Some get the answer fairly early on and some never find out what it is they are searching for. I have worked it out, finally, and as I am 54 in a month’s

then was pretty chaotic…let’s just say I quite liked a party…and I’m not talking about the ones I attend these days which generally involve cake, a children’s entertainer and a party bag when you leave. Actually they’re not so different after all!! The point being that once I met the love of my life…my wife obvs…things started falling in to place. Don’t get me wrong she also loved to party but although she is quite a lot younger than me she is soooo much more mature and helped steady the ship enough so we could think about having kids. The idea of which I had pathologically despised up until then…something to do with not being able to look after myself let alone a child I think!

We had around six years together, in which time we had ordered some of the chaos and got ourselves into certain routines that we liked and

“Most people, I think, spend a huge amount of their lives wondering what they are going to do with themselves, where they fit in, what their purpose is.” time it has obviously taken me a while!! My perfect place, my hole that I fit into, if you will, is exactly where I am at this moment. More specifically to be a husband and father. It’s not always fun, especially at 3.30am or if there is a Code Brown (as we call a severe nappy situation in our house), or a myriad of other things that can happen when you are a parent but it is where I was destined to be and where I am happiest.

I didn’t meet my wife until I was in my early forties and my life up until

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reached a certain level of peace and tranquility…then we had our first child and all the chaos returned but in a much more adult way. The responsibility for that helpless little human just takes you over and before you know it they are the centre of your being. We now have two children and they are both in equal measure frustrating and amazing but the thing that is most enlightening is that I have realized, for the first time in my life, that I am quite good at something. There is still lots to work on, especially at being

a husband, but it seems that I may have actually found my niche.

So if I have to get up in the middle of the night, if I have to watch a film for the tenth time in a week, if I take my little girl to her rugby training with bright, sparkly, blue plastic jewel still stuck to my forehead, as I did last weekend, that’s okay because it’s all part of it and it’s where I am supposed to be. Not only that but I get to share it all with my beautiful, lovely wife which is probably the best bit…as long as I don’t hear the words “Phil we have a Code Brown in here!!!” coming from the baby’s room…Then she’s on her own!!!

Phil Rockliffe