The South Wilts Magazine - Nov/Dec 2019

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 • ISSUE 62

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South Wilts magazine

+ LOCAL LISTINGS SOFACO PLUS ONE POT RECIPES & MUCH MORE

ENJOY A GREAT LINE UP OF EVENTS THIS CHRISTMAS IN SALISBURY

HAVE AN ECO CHRISTMAS TIPS ON HAVING A MORE ECO-FRIENDLY XMAS

SALISBURY LONGLEAT’S FESTIVAL RETURNS WITH A MYTHS & LEGENDS THEME

2020

A CITY ON THE MOVE

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

contents

Nov/Dec 2019 // issue 62

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Published by Wired Publishing Editor Lisa Rockliffe Contributors Fran Stevens, 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

ne of the huge benefits of living in, or near, a city as beautiful as Salisbury is that it looks absolutely stunning festooned with Christmas lights! In fact, the lights switch on, which marks the official start to the festive season, has become one of the best-loved events in the city’s calendar. We let you in on what to expect at this year’s event, plus all the other things going on over the festive season, from page 18.

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Fran Stevens, aka The Food Wife, is back with more recipes - this time offering delicious one-pot dishes that are brilliant for a fuss-free midweek meal. Not only that but we’ve the latest from two wonderful drinks producers/retailers, Downton Brewery and Cambridge Wine Merchants.

As well as Christmas there’s lots more to enjoy, including a look back at 10 years of SofaCo Plus in Warminster and some really useful info from the experts at Northwood on who to notify when you move house.

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All that, and much more besides, makes up our final edition of 2019. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year - I hope to see you again in 2020!

Lisa Rockliffe, Editor wired-publishing.co.uk

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Follow us on Twitter... @wiredpublishing

in this issue...

LOCAL LISTINGS

CHRISTMAS

What’s on in November

Address 20 Azalea Drive, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 9GG

& December

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.

LOCAL NEWS

Downton Brewery

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Front Cover:

Cambridge Wine Merchants

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Salisbury Christmas Market

by Ash Mills

One pot recipes

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Christmas in Salisbury

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A more eco-friendly Christmas

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HOMES & GARDENS

Lord Robertson talk

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Who to notify when moving

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Local author book launch

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10 years of SofaCo Plus

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Salisbury 2020: A City on the Move

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FOOD & DRINK

COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES Wordsearch, sudoku and quiz

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COMMENT The Last Word

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events

listings local

November/December 2019 CITY HALL

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

BEN ELTON LIVE 6 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £31.50 After 15 years Ben Elton returns to stand up comedy.

THE ILLEGAL EAGLES 8 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £26.50 Following continued public demand the World’s Official No.1 tribute to the legendary rock band return in 2019 for more stunning vocals, tight harmonies and awesome guitar riffs!

BOURNEMOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 9 November, 7.30pm Tickets: from £16.50 Works and composers include Smetana’s The Bartered Bride Overture, Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Mendelssohn’s Symphony No.3 ‘Scottish’ THE MERSEY BEATLES 14 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £23 The Mersey Beatles are touring to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic 1969 album Abbey Road.

SHOW OF HANDS 16 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £28 4

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Steve Knightley and Phil Beer, two undisputed kings of the folk, roots and acoustic scene reunite with longterm collaborator Miranda Sykes for a brand-new album and tour.

ALEXANDER ARMSTRONG 19 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £31.50 Alexander Armstrong embarks on his first ever stand-up tour with ‘All Mouth and Some Trousers’. A brand new account of a career that has taken him from Armstrong & Miller, to presenting, documentary making, singing and – ultimately – taking his rightful place as the Voice Of Toilet Duck.

NEIL OLIVER 20 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £26 The presenter of BBC2’s Coast gives audiences ‘The Story of The British Isles in 100 places’.

JOSH WIDDICOMBE 21 November, 8pm Tickets: £22 The guy everyone can do an impression of is back with a brand new stand up tour.

RUBY WAX: HOW TO BE HUMAN 30 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £24 Based on her bestselling book, Ruby’s new show How To Be Human answers every question you’ve ever had about evolution, thoughts, emotions, the body, addictions, relationships, sex, kids, the future and compassion.

Ruby Wax, City Hall

JIMMY CARR: TERRIBLY FUNNY 7 December, 8pm Tickets: £31.50 Jimmy’s brand new show contains jokes about all kinds of terrible things.

SLADE - THE ROCKIN’ HOME FOR CHRISTMAS TOUR 8 December, 7pm Tickets: £26.50 With their unique blend of perfect pop rock’n’roll, outrageous flamboyance and pure fun, Slade are a firm favourite in the hearts of pop fans all over the world.

SAVING GRACE FEATURING SUZI DIAN & ROBERT PLANT 10 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £27 Saving Grace is a co-operative including Suzi Dian, Oli Jefferson, Tony Kelsey, Robert Plant and Matt Worley.

THAT’LL BE THE DAY CHRISTMAS SHOW 14 December, 7.30pm Tickets: from £27.50 Topped with lashings of Christmas spirit, That’ll Be The Day returns with its brand new 2019 Christmas Show!

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

events STEELEYE SPAN 15 December, 7.30pm Tickets: from £23.50 Steeleye Span mark their 50th anniversary with new album and a tour that will celebrate a band that are as creative and vital now as ever.

The Night Watch, Salisbury Playhouse

SALISBURY PLAYHOUSE

Malthouse Lane, Salisbury SP2 7RA Tel: 01722 320333 wiltshirecreative.co.uk AN EVENING OF ERIC & ERN 31 October – 2 November, 7.30pm + matinees Tickets: £22 A brilliant show full of Morecambe and Wise’s most loved routines, songs and sketches and, of course, a musical guest.

THE TAILOR OF GLOUCESTER 9-28 December, 10.45am & 1.30pm Tickets: £10-£12 Christmas Day is just around the corner and the Tailor of Gloucester is busy working on an extraordinary TOAST new coat for the Mayor. But the Tailor 4-9 November, 7.30pm + matinees is unwell and worried that the coat Tickets: £27 + concs might not be finished in time for the Direct from the West End, Toast vividly Mayor’s wedding on Christmas Day. recreates Nigel Slater’s childhood Simpkin, her cat, is too busy chasing through the tastes and smells he mice to help but who knows what shares with his mother, culminating might happen on this, the most in the young Nigel’s escape to magical night of the year.

London.

THE NIGHT WATCH 11-16 November, 7.30pm + matinees Tickets: from £16 The Night Watch is a tender, tragic and beautifully poignant portrait of four ordinary people caught up in the aftermath of an extraordinary time.

ROBIN HOOD 30 November– 12 January, various times Tickets: £12-£28 Join Robin and his merry band for a fantastic adventure this Christmas.

With all the elements of a traditional pantomime – comedy, dance, audience participation, fantastic sets – and familiar songs, you won’t want to miss this year’s Playhouse extravaganza. It’s the perfect treat for all ages.

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SALISBURY MUSEUM

The Kings House, 65 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EN Tel: 01722 332151 salisburymuseum.org.uk ANN-MARIE JAMES - ALCHEMY: ARTEFACTS REIMAGINED Until 4 January 2020 The Wessex Museums Partnership invited Ann-Marie James to explore Salisbury Museum’s collections and those of three partner museums to inspire a series of artworks.

TRINITY BUOY WHARF DRAWING PRIZE 2019 Until 11 January 2020 The Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize, formerly the Jerwood Drawing Prize,

is the largest and longest-running annual open exhibition for drawing in the UK. The 2019 exhibition is made up of a diverse selection of work which explores the nature, role and value of drawing in creative practice today.

DRAWN TO CRAFT 21 November – 18 January 2020 A winter exhibition showcasing work made by some of the top contemporary British Craft practitioners. The exhibition seeks inspiration from drawing and will reflect on the drawn line.

TUDOR CHRISTMAS 14 December, 10am – 4pm Tickets: £2 The medieval King’s House museum building will be decked with Tudor splendour and offering drop-in crafts workshops and Tudor tales from a regal Tudor lady. A refreshing change from shopping and elves!

SALISBURY ARTS CENTRE

Bedwin Street, Salisbury, SP1 3UT Box Office: 01722 321744 wiltshirecreative.co.uk WILDERLAND FILM FESTIVAL 6 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £14.50 Incredible short wildlife films,

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

events introduced by Wilderland founders Dan O’Neill and Isaac Rice.

NT LIVE: HANSARD 7 November, 7pm Tickets: £17 (Concs £15) See two-time Olivier Award winners, Lindsay Duncan (Birdman, About Time) and Alex Jennings (The Lady in the Van, The Queen), in this brandnew play by Simon Wood, broadcast live from the National Theatre in London.

MET OPERA LIVE IN HD: PUCCINI’S MADAMA BUTTERFLY 9 November, 5.55pm Tickets: £17 (Concs £15) Leading sopranos Hui He and Ana María Martínez share the heartbreaking title role of the doomed geisha, with tenors Piero Pretti and Andrea Carè as the American naval officer who abandons her.

ALL IS TRUE (12A) 20 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £8 Shakespeare is acknowledged as the greatest writer of the age. But disaster strikes when his renowned Globe Theatre burns to the ground, and a devastated Shakespeare returns to Stratford, where he must face a troubled past and a neglected family. Starring Kenneth Branagh, Judi Dench and Ian McKellen.

MET OPERA LIVE IN HD (ENCORE): GLASS’S AKHNATEN 25 November, 7pm Tickets: £17 (Concs £15) Director Phelim McDermott tackles another one of Philip Glass’s masterpieces, following the now-legendary Met staging of Satyagraha. Star countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo is the title pharaoh, the revolutionary ruler who transformed ancient Egypt, with the striking mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges in her Met debut as his wife, Nefertiti.

THE WEDDING PRESENT 5 December, 8pm Tickets: £20 A tour to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the release of their major label debut long-player, Bizarro.

NT LIVE: PRESENT LAUGHTER 7 December, 7pm Tickets: £17 (Concs £15) Matthew Warchus directs Andrew Scott (BBC’s Sherlock, Fleabag) in Noël Coward’s provocative comedy Present Laughter; a giddy and surprisingly modern reflection on fame, desire and loneliness.

THE BEAT GOES BANG 14 December, 8pm Tickets: £16 (concs £14) Everett Morton, the original drummer for The Beat, has brought together some of Birmingham’s most talented artists to reform as The Beat Goes Bang, delivering that classic Ska and Reggae sound with a Post-Punk edge.

MOSCOW DRUG CLUB 17-19 December, 8pm Tickets: £18 (concs £16) Transcendent troubadours of gypsy jazz and swing! A curious musical place where elements of Berlin cabaret, Hot Club de France, French musette and storytelling meet. Imagine stumbling into an Eastern European bar where Django Reinhardt and Tom Waits are having an after-hours jam.

NT Live, Hansard, Salisbury Arts Centre

Wilderland Film Festival, Salisbury Arts Centre

beset with many personal problems, attempts a Christmas time suicide before an angel intercedes and shows him what his hometown would be like without him.

SALISBURY CATHEDRAL

6 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EF Tel: 01722 555198 salisburycathedral.org.uk

TWILIGHT TOWER TOURS 2-23 December Tickets: £17.50 (Under 18 £12.50) Climb 332 steps through the Cathedral’s secret roof spaces to the base of the spire and admire the view of Salisbury’s magical lights from THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL above. Timed to take place at the 18 December, 2.30pm same time as Salisbury’s Christmas Tickets: £5 market, this spectacular tour is the The fabulous Muppets band together perfect way to end a festive day out. to teach Scrooge (Michael Caine) the meaning of Christmas in this THE SNOWMAN WITH ORCHESTRA charming adaptation of Charles 6 December, 1.30, 4 & 7pm Dickens’ classic tale.

Tickets: from £11.25 Immerse yourself in the irresistible IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (U) animated film of The Snowman 18 December, 7.30pm this Christmas, accompanied by Tickets: £8 a live orchestra. A heart-warming George Bailey (James Stewart), experience that brings more than a

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

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events colour and dripping with shards of light, frosty snowflakes, stars and baubles. nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead

Minotaur at Longleat’s Festival of Light

snowman to life – and featuring the much-loved classic ‘Walking in the Air’ – it’s a festive favourite for the whole family.

BBC WILTSHIRE’S ‘CAROLS AT THE CATHEDRAL’ 15 December, 5pm Tickets: from £4.50 BBC Wiltshire return for the popular live recording of ‘Carols at the Cathedral’. The recording will be transmitted on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. CAROL CONCERT 20 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £22 - £35 The Cathedral hosts a Carol Concert in aid of Help for Heroes and ABF The Soldiers’ Charity organised by the ABF - The Soldiers’ Charity.

SHAFTESBURY ARTS CENTRE

13 Bell Street, Shaftesbury SP7 8AR Tel: 01722 555198 salisburycathedral.org.uk BEDROOM FARCE 17 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £10 Bedroom Farce is in the true spirit of Alan Aykbourn’s work, in that it makes a hilarious farce out of a calamitous situation.

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THE UNRAVELLING WILBURYS 23 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £17 (concs £15) A tribute to The Traveling Wilburys and their rock legend members CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME? (15) 6 December, 8pm Tickets: £7 (Under 18s £5) Lee Israel, once a successful biographer, turns to deception when her books fall out of fashion, aided and abetted by her friend Jack.

Nominated for three Oscars, and numerous other awards.

WILD ROSE (12A) 20 December, 8pm Tickets: £7 (Under 18s £5) The story of a Scottish mother of two whose ambition is to be a country singer in Nashville.

OTHER CHRISTMAS AT STOURHEAD Stourhead, Wiltshire 29 November - 30 December Tickets: (inc. National Trust members) Adult £18, Child (3-16) £12, Family £56 For the very first time at Stourhead the tree-tops will glisten and the gardens will shimmer and sparkle. It’s definitely the most wonderful time of the year to wander beneath unique tree canopies drenched in seasonal

LONGLEAT FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Longleat House, Warminster 9 November - 5 January 2020 Tickets: adults from £22.45 This winter the UK’s original, biggest and best lantern festival returns to Longleat. Running from 9 November to 5 January, ‘Festival of Light – Myths and Legends’ will take visitors on a thrilling odyssey to discover epic tales from around the globe.

This year’s festival includes more than 3,000 lanterns, crafted using 50,000 LED lights and 30,000 metres of silk.

Among the legendary figures are St George slaying the mighty dragon, the trickster spider god Anansi, Atlas and King Midas with his golden touch.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the magic of storytelling with the ‘Flight Before Christmas’ – a unique festive experience featuring real flying owls plus there’s the chance to enjoy all of Longleat’s popular animal and adventure attractions, including the Safari Drive-through, Jungle Kingdom, Koala Creek, Jungle Cruise and Longleat Hedge Maze.

All that and Longleat House will be decorated in style for a 1920s Christmas to make you really feel like you have travelled back through time. Advance booking is essential. longleat.co.uk/festival-of-light

Can You Ever Forgive Me? (15), Shaftesbury Arts Centre

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

Unit 11, Glenmore Business Park Telford Rd, Salisbury SP2 7GL www.inspiremobility.co.uk 01722 323 666

Making the most of your freedom with our extensive range... Available all in one place Bath Lifts • Walkers • Toileting • Wheelchairs • Scooters • Recliners • High Seats • Stairlifts Open Monday to Friday 9am - 4.30pm & Saturday 10am - 1.30pm

local news

AN EVENING WITH LORD ROBERTSON

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njoy an evening with Lord Robertson of Port Ellen on Wednesday 20 November at Salisbury Guildhall.

Lord George Robertson, Baron of Port Ellen, is a Labour peer and former Secretary General of NATO. His tenure as NATO Secretary General encompassed the September 11th attacks and the subsequent military action in Afghanistan and Iraq.

As such he was NATO’s Secretary General through a defining moment in 21st century geopolitics. His experience at the front line of international relations gives him a fascinating perspective on the key geopolitical risks and security issues facing the world today.

His talk, entitled Can an Unstable World be Made Safer? promises to be informative, enlightening and

engaging. The evening will begin with wine and canapes from 6.30pm and the talk commencing at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £27. Visit the Arundells website or call 01722 331440 for tickets. Arundells hold a series of interesting and thought provoking

talks year round. The house closes for the season in November but for the first time ever is also opening at Christmas, with a busy schedule of workshops and events planned.

• arundells.org/events

Lord Robertson was NATO Secretary General from 1999-2004

THE CATERPILLAR WHO WANTED TO FLY

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ocal author Maureen Brown’s new book, The Caterpillar Who Wanted To Fly is out now, and makes a perfect gift for a child this Christmas.

Maureen began telling stories for her children to enjoy at bedtime and wrote them down in

a notebook so as to recall them at a later date. However, it was only after the birth of her first grandson that she started creating stories again and embarked on the path of becoming an author.

Maureen says, “Elliot used to arrive with his Pinky Pig toy and ask me to make up a story about Pinky’s adventures. Ten stories later they were made into my first book, The Adventures of Pinky Pig & Friends. Then more grandchildren arrived and so the demand for stories continued, leading to the publication of Taffy’s Adventure In The New Forest, Tell Us A Story Granny and The Extraordinary Othello & Other Cats. Her latest book The Caterpillar Who Wanted To

Fly came off the printing press earlier this year.

The Caterpillar Who Wanted To Fly is a wonderfully engaging tale, beautifully illustrated by Maurice Stevens. It’s perfect for reading to children as a bedtime story as it’s not too long, but also ideal for those learning to read independently. Maureen explains, “I created my books because I wanted children to enjoy reading, either by being read to or as independent readers, so that they would appreciate all books during their lifetime.”

The Caterpillar Who Wanted To Fly is available from all good bookshops, and online, now.

• riversidepublishingsolutions.com/ product/the-caterpillar-who-wantedto-fly-by-maureen-brown/ THESOUTHWILTSMAGAZINE

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local news

SALISBURY 2020: CITY ON THE MOVE Plans to mark the 800th anniversary of the founding of Salisbury Cathedral and the development of modern Salisbury announced at the Guildhall. cathedral and its community from Old Sarum to its present site.

Driven by the need to access fresh water, and desperate to escape bad weather, royal supervision and regular harassment by soldiers stationed at Old Sarum Castle, his actions changed the community and landscape of South Wiltshire forever.

By April 1220 the foundation stones for what was to become an iconic national landmark were laid and expansion of the city we know and love began.

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Salisbury 2020 will mark the 800th anniversary of the founding of Salisbury Cathedral and modern Salisbury

ast month, plans for Salisbury 2020: City on the move, a year-long programme of events and activities marking the 800th anniversary of the laying of Salisbury Cathedral’s first foundation stone and the development of Salisbury, were announced at the city’s Guildhall.

Photographed with a giant Salisbury 2020 logo, founding partners Salisbury Cathedral with Salisbury BID, Salisbury City Council, Wiltshire Creative, Wiltshire Council, Wiltshire and Swindon Sports Partnership and Visit Wiltshire outlined plans for the year and invited local organisations, business and community groups to get involved and contribute their own events and activities to the evolving programme.

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The logo was kindly provided by Signs Express, Salisbury, which along with a number of other local organisations has already agreed to take part in the year. A complete list of partners will be released in due course along with a full events programme.

“The story behind the anniversary begins in the early 1220s when Bishop Richard Poore moved the cathedral and its community from Old Sarum to its present site."

The story behind the anniversary begins in the early 1220s when Bishop Richard Poore, the medieval bishop of Salisbury, moved the

The anniversary programme is themed around movement with three ‘pillars’ or key areas of activity: • Events that offer opportunities to take part in physical activities, echoing the strength and endeavour required to build a new cathedral • Technology activities and events that celebrate the ingenuity of our forebears and offer ways to discover the latest in technology and science • Activities and events that explore developments in thought and ideas across the last eight centuries Anyone wishing to receive information about how to get involved with Salisbury 2020 can sign up via the Cathedral website.

• salisburycathedral.org.uk/ salisbury2020

CHRISTMAS SET MENU

2 Courses.....£21

3 Courses.....£25

Starters

Cream of Asparagus Soup served with a Toasted Baguette Smoked Mackerel Pâté with Creamed Horseradish & Toasted Brioche Baked Goat’s Cheese Filo Parcel with a Walnut & Wiltshire Honey Salad Pan Seared Pigeon Breast in a Madeira and Pancetta Jus Cornish Sole Goujons served on Mango Salsa with a Coriander & Lemon Dressing

Mains

Traditional crown of roast Turkey served with Sage & Garlic Stuffing, Pig in Blanket and Rich Gravy Lamb Shank slowly cooked in a Mint and Redcurrant Sauce Venison Bourguignon in a Rich Red Wine, Pancetta & Thyme Sauce with Blue Clawson Stilton Mash Oven Baked Cod coated in a Mixed Herb Crust with a Roasted Cherry Tomato, Red Onion & Lime Sauce Roasted Vegetable Wellington with a light Parsley Sauce Vegan options available on request All served with Roast Potatoes, Roast Parsnips, Honey Glazed Carrots, Braised Red Cabbage & Brussels Sprouts

Desserts

Traditional Christmas Pudding served with Homemade Brandy Cream Winter Berry & White Chocolate Cheesecake served with Minted Chantilly Cream Sticky Toffee Pudding with a Salted Caramel Sauce topped with Clotted Cream Cheese & Biscuits Book now for Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday (Lunch or Evening) and get £3 off when buying 3 courses

thewhitehart.bishopstone@gmail.com • 01722 780244 Butts Lane, Bishopstone, Salisbury SP5 4AA

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food & drink

A NEW LOOK FOR DOWNTON BREWERY This popular Wiltshire microbrewery has recently undergone a makeover!

The makeover has kept the trademark 'Chimera' at its heart

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ownton Brewery is a microbrewery based in Downton, Wiltshire, which started brewing back in April 2003. More than 15 years on, it was decided that a fresh look was needed. Keeping the trademark

"We love getting out to meet our customers too, and over the Christmas period you will be able to come and visit us at the brewery bar, Winchester Christmas market and the Salisbury festive markets."

‘Chimera’ at the heart of the brand, new look bottled beers, pump badges and merchandise will be introduced over the festive season.

There's no need to be concerned 14 THESOUTHWILTSMAGAZINE

though, the range and recipes of the award-winning beers will remain the same!

Owner Martin Strawbridge says: “We brew quality beers, using only the finest ingredients, often enhanced by experimenting with new and interesting raw materials. Not only that but we supply our beers at a fair and reasonable price to both the trade and public. We love getting out to meet our customers too, and over the Christmas period you will be able to come and visit us at the brewery bar, Winchester Christmas market and the Salisbury festive markets. Come and have a chat and sample our beers! We’ll also be selling bottled beers, gift packs and merchandise."

SHOP & TOUR Away from the festivities, the brewery has its own shop open

Monday to Thursday from 9am until 4.30pm and until late (9pm) on Fridays, giving you the chance to enjoy a pint in the brewery and grab any takeaway beer for the weekend.

You can also arrange your own tour.

Enjoy a group tour with the brewer, a tasting session and a presentation pack to take away, all for only £20 per person.

• downtonbrewery.com

food & drink

WHY CAMBRIDGE WINE MERCHANTS? GARETH THOMAS, manager of the Salisbury branch of Cambridge Wine Merchants, explains why you should stock up with them this Christmas.

And it also stocks more than 300 whiskies

Cambridge Wine Merchants is an award-winning independent

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stablished in 1993 Cambridge Wine Merchants is one of the country’s leading independent wine merchants having picked up many awards on the way.

We import wines from all over the world and we are very picky with what we stock. We have a large range of over 500 different wines from quality focused producers, and also one of the largest whisky and spirits ranges in the country, with over 300

“We have a large range of over 500 different wines from quality focused producers” single malts to choose from. Many of our whiskies come from tiny littleknown distilleries, some so small they only employ two or three people.

Such whiskies are rare, fascinating

and excellent value - making them superb Christmas presents! We have many samples open to nose or to taste, so drop in for a chat and we'd be more than happy to help.

Whatever you fancy, from spirits to champagne to a fruity cocktail or even just a few beers, Christmas time is a great time to get together with loved ones and enjoy good times with a glass of something. And if you are hosting a larger party and need some supplies we can cater for that too.

As well as great products, we also have some of the best trained staff around, all with expert knowledge and passion. We care about our customers, and

our customer service is sets us apart.

We don’t buy into the corporate style of customer service which is just a way of selling more. Rather we talk to our customers as individuals; focusing on building relationships founded on trust and service. Our staff are happy and able to help everyone, from those who already have a keen interest to those who need a little guidance to find what's right for them. That kind of service you just don't get in a supermarket.

As well as retail we also have a very good wholesale business selling to high quality restaurants and pubs. We offer serious expert advice, staff training, generous discounts and a free delivery service too. If you'd like to know more about this side of the business just call me on 01722 324486 or email salisbury@ cambridgewine.com.

• cambridgewine.com THESOUTHWILTSMAGAZINE

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recipes

This edition FRAN STEVENS, aka The Food Wife, offers three deliciously tasty one pot dishes for all the family to enjoy...

Serves 2

This combination uses spicy chorizo and naturally sweet peas to give a nice balance of flavours. I like to use bouillon vegetable stock and find I don’t need to add any extra salt as the stock and parmesan are salty enough. I also cut the chorizo up into different sized pieces, some finely diced, some half moons, some full slices, I find this gives a good dispersion from the small pieces and also you still get the odd big chunk!

Make sure the pan you use is hoband oven-safe and deep enough to 16

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hold the cooked risotto. It does not need a lid. If you are feeding a larger group just scale up the proportions!

Ingredients 1 tbsp oil or butter 1 onion or leek, finely chopped ½ bell pepper, cut into small dice 75g chorizo, chopped 110g arborio rice 320ml hot veg or chicken stock 50ml white wine or vermouth Pinch of white pepper 2 tbsp grated Parmesan 150g frozen petit pois Method Preheat your oven to 150°C. Heat the oil or butter on a medium heat in a deep oven proof pan. Add the

leek or onion and soften for five or so minutes before adding your red pepper and softening for another five minutes.

Add your chorizo and stir to release its oils and then stir in the rice, coating it in the oils. Add the white pepper, stock and wine and bring to the boil, then transfer the pan (uncovered) to the preheated oven and leave for 25-30 minutes.

After this time, remove from the oven and stir in the parmesan and frozen petit pois and then return to the oven for a further 15 minutes.

Serve immediately with seasonal veg and an extra sprinkling of parmesan.

✃

A traditional risotto can be a labour of love but a baked risotto requires little interference and still produces a satisfying dish for a weeknight meal.

Serves 4-6

During the week it’s a godsend to be able to throw a few ingredients in a dish and then pop it in the oven and forget about it. This dish takes five or 10 minutes of prep and then about 50 minutes in the oven and it’s ready to serve.

Method Preheat the oven to 190°C. Mix the spices together and set to one side.

You can choose how much effort you put in to the spicing too. I made my own spice mix, but if there is a shop-bought one you like, by all means use that. I have suggested cooking this in two baking dishes, as I found cramming it into one made it overcrowded and would have resulted in it steaming rather than baking.

Score the top of each of the chicken thighs with a sharp knife three times and place on top of the potatoes.

Toss the potatoes, peppers and onions in the olive oil and a pinch of salt and divide between two baking trays.

Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the skin of the chicken and toss lightly with the vegetables, before nestling them, skin-side up amongst the potatoes and peppers. Place in the preheated oven and cook for 50 minutes.

Ingredients For the spice mix: 1 tsp (hot) paprika This is nice served with seasonal veg 1 tsp chipotle chilli flakes in winter or green salad in summer 1 tsp dried oregano with some feta cheese sprinkled over.

1 tsp sumac (or the grated zest of a lemon) 1 tsp caster sugar 1 tsp garlic powder (or two garlic cloves, crushed) Pinch of salt Serves 5-6 For the bake: Sometimes you just want a bowl of 2 peppers, cut into 1- inch pieces warmth you can eat with a spoon, 750g small new potatoes, quartered and this is just that.

2 red onions, peeled and cut into thin No oil is needed as the chorizo will wedges release its own, adding extra flavour.

2-3 tbsp olive oil Made in just one pot it is ready in Pinch of salt about half an hour, and can be eaten 1kg chicken thighs

✃

✃

recipes on its own; but you could also try it with some white fish, green vegetables or a chunk of crusty bread.

Ingredients 200g chorizo ring, peeled and sliced into slices 3-4mm thick 1 onion, medium dice 1 fat clove of garlic, peeled & minced 1 heaped tsp hot paprika 1 heaped tsp smoked paprika 1 red pepper, deseeded & dice 1 tin butterbeans, drained 350g sweet potato, peeled and cut into 2cm cubes 150g red lentils 500g passata 700ml vegetable stock Salt and pepper Method In a heavy bottomed sauce pan, over a medium heat, add the chorizo and let its oil come out. After a couple of minutes add the onion and stir, cooking for another five minutes. Next add the garlic, red pepper and paprika and stir, and cook for a minute.

Add the beans, lentils and sweet potato, stir well and then add the passata and stock. Season with a big pinch of salt and pepper and bring to a simmer. Put a lid on the saucepan, lower the heat (it should still be simmering) and cook for about 20 minutes until the potatoes are cooked and the lentils are soft.

Check the seasoning and serve.

Find more recipes at: thefoodwife.co.uk

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christmas

CHRISTMAS EVENTS

Salisbury is beautiful at any time of year. But at Christmas it truly sparkles. Making people happy and bringing families together is a Salisbury tradition.

photo © Ash Mills

F

The Christmas market starts on 30 November

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christmas Salisbury Lights Switch On takes place on 21 November

F

or hundreds of years people have gathered in Salisbury to celebrate.

Once again in 2019 our city and Cathedral provide the wondrous backdrop for a series of festive events and activities. Celebrate with us. Enjoy Christmas with a Salisbury twist. Here are some of the

foods to hand-crafted gifts, the fayre will be a chance to experience unique Christmas shopping.

Whilst listening to the programme of live music and enjoying festive treats in the food and drink quarter, the fayre will provide a vibrant and atmospheric place to sit back and relax. There is also an exciting highlights of the season… addition to the this year's fayre - an advent calendar chalet will bring CHRISTMAS LIGHTS magical wonderment and surprises SWITCH ON every day in December in the lead Salisbury’s Christmas Lights Switch On up to Christmas. is set to light up Salisbury on Thursday 21 November from 6pm until 8pm in SALISBURY ICE RINK Salisbury Market Place. The popular Get your skates on in Salisbury this FREE event for all of the family Christmas! Following the success of officially marks the start of Christmas last year's first Christmas ice rink in in Salisbury and will feature live music, Salisbury's historic Guildhall Square, fireworks, Father Christmas, festive food stalls and more!

the ice rink will be returning for the 2019 festive season!

From Saturday 30 November until Sunday 5 January, Salisbury’s picturesque Guildhall Square will host the festive ice rink. The ice rink is a wonderful addition to the city at Christmas and is the perfect opportunity for families, friends, colleagues, schools and community groups to come together to experience and enjoy the festive spirit.

The ice rink will be protected from the elements by a marquee, making it the perfect Christmas activity come rain or shine. Visit the Christmas in Salisbury website to book your tickets. School bookings and private hire are available.

SALISBURY CHRISTMAS FAYRE Authentic German-style wooden chalets in Salisbury's Market Place will be home to traders from across the country selling their finest products.

The fayre begins trading on Saturday 30 November and runs until Christmas Eve, with food and drink traders set to attend until Sunday 5 January. From traditional festive

The ice rink returns on 30 November

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christmas The Lantern Procession takes place on 12 December

travel through the streets of Salisbury before arriving in the Market Square.

Everyone is welcome to join in the procession. Bring your lanterns, lights, torches and help light up Salisbury.

Free lantern making workshops are being held on 9 November and 30 November at Salisbury Guildhall.

Learn how to make traditional willow and tissue paper lanterns, ahead of the annual Salisbury Lantern & Lights Procession

SANTA’S GROTTO AT THE GUILDHALL

photo © Spencer Mulholland Photography

Visit Father Christmas in his enchanted grotto and receive your special gift.

Salisbury has received a little North Pole magic this year as Santa visits his enchanted grotto in The Guildhall.

Groups of 8 children will enjoy a story read by the special man himself.

Each child will then receive a special gift and have the chance to take a photograph with Santa as a keepsake.

Saturday and Sundays from 7 until 22 December, 10am – 2pm • salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk • christmasinsalisbury.co.uk Santa's Grotto opens on 7 December

NUTCRACKER TRAIL A great way to keep the kids entertained whilst doing some Christmas shopping, or just a fun festive activity for the whole family to enjoy.

Gift Card! A winner will be drawn at random from the submitted entry forms. This is a FREE trail for everyone to enjoy.

Pick up your trail booklet from the Information Centre or download your copy from the Christmas in Salisbury Find the ten giant Nutcrackers located website. around the city centre and be in with a chance of winning a £100 Salisbury

"Find the ten giant Nutcrackers located around the city and be in with a chance of winning a £100 Salisbury Gift Card!"

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LANTERN AND LIGHTS PROCESSION Whether you join the procession or come to enjoy the colourful spectacle; this will be a truly magical evening for the whole family on Thursday 12 December. The procession will leave Salisbury Cathedral at 6.15pm and

The Nutcracker Trail is free to do

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christmas

ENJOY A MORE ECO-CHRISTMAS It is estimated that we throw out more than 100million rolls of Christmas wrapping paper each year. That's a lot of waste! Here are some easy steps to show how you can cut down this year.

E

ven the most wellintentioned of us may be unaware that the wrap we put in recycling isn’t actually recyclable, if it contains plastic, dye, foil, glitter or leftover sticky tape. Most of us aren’t prepared to hand people unwrapped gifts – where’s the joy in that? – but thankfully there are eco-friendly alternatives.

RECYCLED BROWN PAPER

Simple brown paper is one of your cheapest options, and yet has the most potential to look impressive – you just have to get crafty. You can get recycled brown paper at your local post office or craft shop – the Post Office offers 25m for £5.60. It looks good as it is, or you could personalise it with your own stamps which are available from local craft shops and online. It’s all very Sound of Music!

GO DIY WITH OLD FABRIC

Got old Christmas tablecloths lying around the house? Christmas tea towels? Feel like making the most of the kitsch Christmas patterns in your local

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christmas fabric shop? Wrap your presents in it! Secure it by tying a knot as a bow, or by using eco twine or cut-up fabric as ribbon. Just ensure you get the fabric back to use again if the recipient doesn’t plan to use it.

USE REGULAR WRAP

Make sure it’s recycled and recyclable. If you’re not into any of the above options, and simply want a more eco version of your usual minimal effort wrapping sure paper, then all is not lost. All you REUSABLE FABRIC you have to do is make sure your paper GIFT BAGS/BOTTLE is recycled, and that it’s recyclable. use it up, and BAGS This Sophia Victoria Joy recycled then You can buy reusable fabric gift wrap from NotOnTheHighStreet bags. Gift bags and bottle bags are comes in different festive designs, re-use it if such a waste – as soon as the and you buy it by the sheet, you can. gift has been taken out, starting at £1.10. If all else Save the they’re usually chucked fails at least make sure the planet and your in the bin. You can now wrap you use is fully purse by re-using buy reusable fabric recyclable, if it’s not versions. Wrag Wrap made from recycled perfectly good materials that have sells a Christmas content itself. Wilko already been manufactured! gift bag starter does a range of TWINE NOT TAPE pack, featuring a recyclable 10m Shun regular plastic ribbon small, medium rolls for £2. and jazz up your gifts with and large environmentally-friendly twine gift bag, for REUSE instead. Eco-Craft does a wide £15.95. The OLD selection of colourful, natural and bags conceal WRAPPING biodegradable twine, starting gifts better than PAPER AND from £1.99. If you like you can normal gift bags, Wrag Wrap sells a range of eco friendly GIFT BAGS really go for it . Unleash your as they have a wrapping alternatives, wragwrap.com Who remembers inner forager and head out and pull cord. They’re collect pine cones and foliage older relatives an expensive option, but they’re to complement your wraps (you laboriously pick off the tape made from 45% recycled fabric, could also use some mistletoe or and the company promises they’re from gifts and save the wrapping Christmas tree clippings) and add paper to use again? Most of us durable enough to last a lifetime. some natural colour. Plastic sticky thought these people had lost You just need to make sure you tape can’t be recycled, so use an their marbles or were incredibly gift them to someone who’ll eco version like eco paper packing tight) but now it’s clear they had re-use them. tape (£3.90 for 50m) from The the right idea! Keep a stash of old Green Stationery Company, which wrapping paper and gift bags and USE MAGAZINES OR is made from recycled brown save up ribbons and bows from NEWSPAPER paper and is biodegradable. gifts throughout the year. And Chances are, you’ve got some old if you have any old paper lying newspaper or magazines lying Happy eco wrapping! around from previous years make around the house – instead of chucking these straight in your "Keep a stash of old wrapping paper and gift recycling bin, why not give them a bags and save up ribbons and bows from detour? A new life as giftwrap?

Obviously make sure the gifts throughout the year. And if you have any old paper lying around from previous stories printed in the years make sure you use it up, and then publication are, er, appropriate. re-use it if you can."

THESOUTHWILTSMAGAZINE

23

house & home

WHO TO NOTIFY WHEN MOVING HOME MARYAM CALVERT at Northwood Salisbury gives you some advice about who you need to inform when you move house.

M

oving to a new home can be a rather stressful affair and it’s easy to forget things with all the hustle and bustle of packing and unpacking. You’ve not only got to get your belongings from A to B on moving day, but you will probably have your hands full with fractious children and pets too.

One thing you will need to do is notify important people and organisations about your change of address. Regardless of whether you intend to take their services with you or need to cancel them they will all need to be informed of your new abode. It’s best to do this as soon as you can, bear in mind

When you move there is a long list of companies that need to be informed

one) and transfer it to your new home. Your landline telephone will be automatically billed according to Utilities (Gas, Electric, Water) your usage, but your supplier needs All your utiility companies will to know where to send the bill. If need to be informed that you are moving and that you will no longer you want to keep your landline number this may be possible, talk to “All your utiility be paying the bills at the current your provider when you call about address. You will also need to companies will need transferring it. Similarly, your mobile provide final meter readings on your to be informed that phone service provider will need to last day of occupation, so schedule you are moving and know you are moving home. Whilst that you will no longer this to make sure you don’t forget. this may have no bearing on your Remember to take pictures of the be paying the bills at bill it will prevent communications readings too just in case there is a the current address. dispute. The good news is that you with your personal details on going to the old address. One thing You will also need to can do this by phone or online. If people often forget is to change the provide final meter you have Smart Meters installed address on their TV license. This is readings on your last for your gas and electricity supply, easy to do online. then you may not need to provide day of occupation” a final reading as, once notified, the Finances (Banks and building many suppliers will have a notice supplier(s) will be able to take this societies, Insurance companies, period in place if you are cancelling for you on your moving date.

Paypal and other online payment their services or if you want to services, Credit card companies, take services with you, they Telecoms (Landline Telephone, Council tax, Savings and pensions, usually book supply appointments Broadband, TV/Satellite, TV Your employer, Inland revenue if sometimes weeks in advance, so Licensing, Mobile Phone) you are self-employed the sooner you contact everyone You will need to disconnect your You’ll be surprised how many the better!

TV and satellite service (if you have 24 THESOUTHWILTSMAGAZINE

CHANGE OF ADDRESS CHECKLIST

house & home different parts of your financial life need to be addressed when moving home. Sit down and make a list of all people or businesses that you have financial transactions with and go online to find out how you change your address. If you want to avoid statements and your financial details going to your old address, you should do this as soon as possible.

One of the first to be addressed will be your home insurance, for contents insurance it is useful to understand if your belongings are covered during the move and buildings insurance will be required for your mortgage provider.

Health (Doctor, Dentist, Optician) These are the big three but you may have others that you need to contact. Include your vet if you have pets, as their records will also need to be transferred, or if you are staying in the local area your address will need to be changed.

Other Contacts (Friends and family, clubs and community groups, library, electoral roll, school or college, DVLA for your licence and car log book, breakdown company, subscription companies, online stores such as Amazon and eBay if you use them) As you can see there’s a pretty varied number of contacts here.

Our advice is to sit down and make a checklist of everyone you need

Ensuring your council knows you have moved is one of the many financial matters you’ll need to deal with

“Sit down and make a list of all people or businesses that you have financial transactions with and go online to find out how you change your address.” to contact and work through this gradually. Notifying your change of address can end up being a timeconsuming business and our advice is to do it in bite-size chunks. One good way is to break your list down into sectors like in this article and tackle the most important first.

communications from suppliers often contain sensitive information.

To avoid opportunists getting hold of this personal data, it is strongly recommended you apply to the Post Office for a post redirection service, that way should you forget to inform a company of your move the postal communications will be redirected to you. A postal redirection service can be set up online and costs from around £30.

When it comes to friends and family it’s easy to leave someone out but it’s not as costly as forgetting, for example, to tell your utility company that you are moving. Focus on If you are looking to move house, businesses, organisation and be it into a rental property or institutions first. purchasing your own home, talk to us at 56 Castle Street, Salisbury or Avoiding Identity Theft call 01722 330066.

An important consideration when moving home is your post. Bills and • northwooduk.com The Post Offce can redirect your mail

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25

house & home

10 YEARS OF SOFACO!

This November sees Warminster retailer SofaCo Plus celebrate 10 years in business.

Owner TOM O'HARE reflects on a decade of independent trading.

2008's credit crunch had passed and my friends and I thought that after a tough 12 months I'd be flying! As it turns out, a rollercoaster ride would be a better desription of how the next decade would unfold. I'd spent 30 years working for others though; stepping into the unkown and becoming self-employed was nervy but exciting.

I can honestly say that the quality of life, and the lovely people I have met on my journey far outweigh the financial challenges. The support from the wonderful people of Warminster, its surrounding villages and further afield has been amazing.

Warminster Independent Traders have also been very supportive.

When I need an extra pair of hands there is always help from the neighbouring shops.

W

ow, we made it…. 10 years in business. A lot of you will know my story, but for those who don’t, it started by going to auction in Devizes in July 2009 and buying 15 George Street in Warminster.

At the auction they were filming for BBC’s “Homes Under the Hammer”, and once my winning bid went

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Over the years SofaCo Plus has kept evolving

down, I was persuaded to make my TV debut. During the recording presenter Martin Roberts asked me why I thought I could run a successful business from this end of town, after so many before me had tried and failed. My answer was….”Low overheads”. It seemed ideal to me. The building was paid for, business rates were low, I had no rent to pay and living above the shop would help keep my costs down.

The shop is constantly evolving…

Some years ago, I used to let local artists display their work, but I found it was not always in keeping with the feel I was trying to create within the store. Now I have carefully selected artwork, sculptures and lighting which are fun and give the shop a brighter look. We've also updated the outside of the shop, changing about a year ago from our original cream and grey to a new livery of charcoal and burnt orange (the paint supplied by our good friends at A Touch of Tradition just a few doors down).

And how can we talk about the last 10 years without a mention of the shop cats...?! Both arrived within the first year. Poor Mr Darcy passed away about a year ago, but they

house & home were always around to greet clients, and many local people popped in just to see them. Tosca is doing well, and loves testing out the new sofas that come on display…. For non cat lovers, Tosca is always willing to rest upstairs too!

Fashions change, and SofaCo Plus adapts to these changes...

Furniture-wise, fashions change, and we must adapt to those changes.

Leather used to be very popular, but the vibrant colours of fabrics - and their textures - have seen a growth in this market. By visiting the international shows during the year, we keep abreast of those ever-changing fashion trends. Most clients prefer to be subtle with their choice of fabrics on a large sofa, but we have a fabulous range of contemporary seating in a choice of “loud” fabrics to make a statement.

We buy from the UK, Europe, South Africa etc and are always searching for new exciting suppliers. You need

...Scouring international shows for the latest trends ...And offering them to clients in a range of colours and fabrics

"Leather used to be very popular, but the vibrant colours of fabrics - and their textures - have seen a growth in this market." to visit to see what our Aladdin’s cave has to offer, as we have so much more up our sleeve from beds and solid furniture to sofa beds and more.

So, if you're on the lookout for some new furnishings try local first before you scour the internet… remember we have to be competitive to be here, and we offer a much more personal service than a big out of town chain ever can.

You'll find us at 15 George Street in Warminster - the kettle's always on or call 01985 847031 to find out more.

• sofaco.co.uk THESOUTHWILTSMAGAZINE

27

puzzles

TEA BREAK TEASERS FOOD SURNAME WORDSEARCH

What/who is missing from the grid?

BACON BEAN BERRY CANDY CHERRY

CURRY ÉCLAIR GUINNESS LAMB MEATLOAF

MILK MUSTARD ONIONS PARTRIDGE RICE

WIN A £20 iTUNES VOUCHER! SUDOKU

EASY

Email your answers to these trivia questions to comp@wired-publishing.co.uk by 15.12.19 to be in with a chance of winning a £20 iTunes voucher. Good luck!

Q1: Keith Lemon is one of the alter ego’s of which comedian?

Q2: In which 1998 Lynda La Plante crime drama did Former Take That star Jason Orange (pictured, second from left) appear?

LAST MONTH’S SOLUTIONS Wordsearch missing word: Dziesiec Quiz answers 1: Suzann Pettersen 2: Modern Family 3: Juan Martín del Potro 4: Sir David Attenborough and Prince William 5: Angela Merkel

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Q3: In which year was the album Tidal by Fiona Apple released?

Q4: Who, from 1980-1987, was Zimbabwe’s first President?

Q5: Who was named Baseball’s National League Rookie of The Year in 1983?

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last word

O

CRISIS? WHAT CRISIS?!

ne of the things I guess I have to be aware of, being the age I am, 54, is a mid-life crisis.

It’s one of those things that seems to happen to men of a certain age.

It apparently doesn’t happen to women, but the difference between men and women? That’s a topic that may have to wait until another time… perhaps when I have a spare three years to write it!!!

One of the more traditional, if you can describe it that way, events in an M-LC is ditching the wife and trading her in ‘for a younger model’. The fact that my lovely wife

rather besides the point. Truth be known I’ve never been interested in ‘motors’ like many of my mates were back in the day were. Until said mates realized I had little or no knowledge - and even less interest - in cars I used to have to spend many a dank, wet, drizzly afternoon at Westbury Car Auctions kicking tyres and pretending to know the pros and cons of a Mini Metro Turbo or an XR3i.

Phil Rockliffe Another more modern thing that M-LCers seem to embrace is the MAMIL (Middle Aged Men In Lycra). This is the relatively recent phenomena affecting of men of a certain age. It sees all different

“Buying a brand new sports car is another classic M-LC indicator. I’m letting the side down again here too - I’ve absolutely no interest in cars, motorbikes or any other form of motorized transport.” shapes and sizes squeezing themselves into tight lycra shorts and then attempting to cycle various distances, sometimes quite long distances, because they once cycled from Trowbridge to Westbury when they were at school and are Buying a brand new sports car is sure they haven’t ‘lost the knack’. another classic M-LC indicator. I’m letting the side down again here too I’ve written about the fact I have embraced my MAMIL status before - I’ve absolutely no interest in cars, and, as my wife’s Tuesday morning motorbikes or any other form of motorized transport. I guess I could coffee buddies can testify (ladies you know who you are!!!), I think get a bit interested in a pimped up I look rather fetching in my lycra Winnebago at a push but then I’d two-piece….in fact I believe on one want my wife and family to come with me to enjoy it which I guess is occasion it was even requested?!! of 8 years, and mother of my two children, is already 18 years younger than me sort of knocks that one on the head so I’ll have to think of something else.

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I think if I am going to do the whole M-LC thing then I may have to think of something else, although I’m not sure what that might be. I think the very fact I can’t think of anything probably precludes me from being able to have an M-LC but that’s OK as I don’t feel as though I am in a very ‘crisis’ place at the moment anyway. I’m very happy with my young wife thank you!!

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