The West Wilts Magazine - February 2018

FEBRUARY 2018 // ISSUE 102

FREE

West Wilts The

SUNSHINE STATE

MAGAZINE

NEW SEASON

e r e h t t lebe love PLANNING A TRIP TO FLORIDA

WHAT’S ON AT BOWOOD THIS SPRING & SUMMER

S GIFT ’ E N I T VALEN & RECIPES IDEAS SIDE IN

WEDDINGS OUR 2018 GUIDE FOR PLANNING YOUR BIG DAY

+ LISTINGS GUIDE TRUFFLEICIOUS PIETRA WOOD & STONE & MUCH MORE

FOOD & DRINK // INTERVIEWS // HOME & GARDENS // HEALTH // COMMENT

YOUR LOCAL VILLEROY & BOCH STOCKISTS

VISIT OUR NEW SHOWROOM IN BATH

5 The Shambles, Bradford on Avon BA15 1JS t 01225 309110

&

12a Trim Street, Bath BA1 1HB t 01225 308060

www.bathroomsatno5.co.uk

contents Published by Wired Publishing Editor Lisa Rockliffe Contributors Craig Gates-Mutton, Phil Rockliffe, Neil Mortimer, Andy Diffey, Emma Cawthra Advertising Enquiries Andy Diffey e: andy@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: Valentine’s Day

February 2018 // issue 102

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ove is in the air, everywhere I look around...

Love is in the air, every sight and every sound...

You gotta love a bit of John Paul Young. Even if you don’t it’s hard not to get caught up in the spirit of Valentine’s Day. At The West Wilts Magazine we love a bit of romance so we’ve compiled a selection of ways to treat the one you love. They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so ladies you might want to book a cookery course and make some truffles or chocolate treats (p22), pick up a few foodie gifts (p24) or prepare a delicious three course meal (p27). And gents, don’t worry, any lady would love this too!

If you are planning a wedding in 2018 or beyond be sure to take a look at our annual wedding guide (p37) for inspiration - it has details of some of the best venues and suppliers around.

Away from love and marriage, we’ve lots more for you to read about this month, from new season highlights at Bowood House & Gardens (p20), to the National Snowdrop Festival (p58), holidaying in Florida (p32) and much more besides. Enjoy!

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Lisa Rockliffe, Editor Follow us on Twitter... @westwiltsmag Read online... www.westwiltsmag.co.uk

in this issue...

LOCAL LISTINGS What’s on in February

LOCAL NEWS Round up of news & events Kumon 2 Week Free Trial The Orchardleigh Restaurant

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12 15 17

FOOD & DRINK Truffleicious 22 Gifts for foodies 24 Eat The Seasons 26 Valentine’s recipes 27 FEATURES New season at Bowood Holidaying in Florida

20 32

58 Wedding Guide National Snowdrop Festival

37 58

HOMES & GARDENS Leekes Kitchens

44

Just Shutters Pietra Wood & Stone

50 52

BATH RUGBY Bath’s international call ups

70

COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES Quiz, wordsearch & sudoku

72

COMMENT The Last Word

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| events

local

listings FEBRUARY 2018

MELKSHAM ASSEMBLY HALL

Market Place, Melksham, SN12 6ES Box Office: 01225 709887 melkshamassemblyhall.com For full listings go to the website.

THE KAST OFF KINKS 9 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £20 The iconic British rock band, The Kinks, are often cited as one of the most important and influential rock bands of all time. The Kast Off Kinks formed in 1994 to keep the music playing on.

CILLA & THE SHADES OF THE 60’S 27 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £20 (Concs £18) This stunning and elegant review of the life of Cilla Black soars its way through the 60s.

TOWN HALL ARTS

Trowbridge Town Hall BA14 8EQ Tel: 01225 774306 Website: www.trowbridgearts.com LITERALLY THE GIFFORDS 10 February, 11am FREE Drop in and hear Literally The Giffords filling the Town Hall with jazz music in an informal performance.

MAY 15 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £8 Travel back to the early 20th Century

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and uncover forgotten history. Based on a true story, “May” has a unique take on the fight for women’s rights.

WILTSHIRE MUSIC CENTRE

Ashley Rd, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1DZ Box Office: 01225 860100 wiltshiremusic.org.uk For full listings go to the website.

THE ROYAL OPERA: TOSCA 7 February, 7.15pm Tickets: £15 (Concs £7.50) Puccini’s thriller is one of the great opera experiences.

ALESSANDRO TAVERNA 9 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £18 (Concs £9) Venetian star performs masterpieces inspired by carnival and dance.

MAYA YOUSSEF TRIO 10 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £16 (Concs £8) A pioneering player of the Syrian qanun.

The Royal Opera: Tosca, Wiltshire Music Centre

Claire and Lianne will perform Gershwin, Porter and Berlin in an intimate night of world-class music and song in celebration of Wiltshire Music Centre’s 20th Anniversary.

XUEFEI YANG 16 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £20 (Concs £10) Acclaimed international guitarist performs an intimate solo recital.

CARA DILLON CLAIRE MARTIN OBE / LIANE CARROLL 17 February, 7.30pm 14 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £19 (Concs £9.50) Tickets: £20 (Concs £10) A captivating show with one of the finest exponents of Irish song Xuefei Yang, Wiltshire Music Centre

TAMSIN WALEY-COHEN VIOLIN / JAMES BAILLIEU PIANO 21 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £18 (Concs £9) This dynamic young duo celebrate the music of CPE Bach alongside works that have influenced the course of music history. send your listings to info@wired-publishing.co.uk

| events

POUND ARTS CENTRE Pound Pill, Corsham, SN13 9HX Box Office: 01249 701628 poundarts.org.uk For full listings go to the website.

GEORGE & THE FLIGHT OF THE IMAGINEES 14 February, 2pm Tickets: £8 (Concs £7) A globe-trotting quest with magical illuminations and original music in a tale about how limitless imagination can be. Age guidance 4+ JOURNEY TO THE IMPOSSIBLE 16 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £12 (Concs £10) A coming-of-age quest and homage to Jules Verne, 80s sci-fi films and timeless adventure stories, for all the family. Age guidance 7+ LEGO® BEACH 17 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £12 (Concs £10) A storm has exposed a containership of Lego to the power of the sea, scattering millions of multi-coloured building blocks. Using live music and physical theatre, the brilliant and creative INKBLOC ensemble really pack a punch.

Donizetti’s beloved masterpiece combines deft comic timing with touching emotional depth.

TWELFTH NIGHT – RSC LIVE 14 February, 7pm Tickets: £16 (Concs £10.50) A tale of unrequited love, hilarious and heart-breaking. Shakespeare’s greatest comedy, a brilliantly bittersweet account of “the whirligig of time”.

LITTLE FRANKENSTEIN 17 February, 2pm Tickets: £7.50 (Concs £5.50) Family Ticket £21 Puppeteer Frank Stein has had enough of his badly made puppets that keep falling apart! Little Frankenstein will tickle the imagination of everyone from 5 to 105 years old.

THE VICAR OF DIBLEY 24, 25, 26 & 27 February, 7.45pm Tickets: £15 This side-splitting stage adaptation, brought to life by new Community Project ‘Project Play’ is everything you could possibly want it to be.

THE WINTER’S TALE – ROH BALLET 28 February, 7.15pm Tickets: £16 (Concs £10.50) Shakespeare’s tale becomes compelling dance drama in Christopher Wheeldon’s ballet adaptation.

GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY 23 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £12 (Concs £10) THE ATHENAEUM August 1963: the heist of the century CENTRE is underway. Signals are scrambled, phone lines cut and millions of pounds 18-20 High St, Warminster, BA12 9AE – stolen. But what about the ones that Box Office: 01985 213891 theath.org.uk got away with the loot?

For full listings go to the website.

MERLIN THEATRE

Bath Rd, Frome BA11 2HG Box Office: 01373 465949 merlintheatre.co.uk For full listings go to the website.

L’ELISIR D’AMORE – THE MET 10 February, 5pm Tickets: £16 (Concs £10.50) Charmingly staged by Bartlett Sher,

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THE FULL MONTY 15- 17 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £12 They’ve dared, they’ve bared and they’re doing it all again! Adapted from the Academy Award ® winning film this charming and hilarious musical follows the journey of two unemployed steelworkers trying to make a living.

Viceroy’s House (12A) Pound Arts Centre

VICEROY’S HOUSE (Cert 12A) 21 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £5.50 The Viceroy of India, Lord Mountbatten, is tasked with overseeing the transition of British India to independence, but meets with conflict as different sides clash in the face of monumental change and the partition of India.

NEELD ARTS CENTRE High Street, Chippenham SN15 3ER Tel: 01249 446699 neeld.co.uk

TAKE THE STAGE 2 & 16 February, 8pm Tickets: £3 The under-21s ‘Battle of the Bands’ event, hosted by Riverbank Studios, sees the winners playing slots at Fieldview Festival and Chippfest as well as prizes of free recording time and more.

VOODOO ROOM 23 February, 8pm Tickets: £15 Voodoo Room are performing the incredible music of Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton & Cream.

LACOCK ABBEY

Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2LG Tel: 01249 730459 nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock Normal admission applies unless otherwise stated

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

CHEESE &GRAIN

BOX OFFICE: 01373

www.cheeseandgrain.com

FRI 2 FEB 8PM FLEETWOOD BAC £16.50 ADV SAT 3RD FEB 10AM MUSIC EXPO £15 ADV SAT 3RD FEB 8PM WHOLE LOTTA LED £16 ADV SUN 4TH FEB FROME VEGAN FAIR 2018 £2 OTD SUN 4TH FEB 8PM LIVE DEAD 69 -GRATEFUL DEAD £19.50 ADV 9TH & 10TH FEB 8PM S CLUB 3 & 5IVE £25 ADV SUN 11TH FEB 7PM FROME SYMPHONY £12 / £5 CHILD FRI 16TH FEB 8PM FAIRPORT CONVENTION £23 FRI 23RD FEB 8PM THE SELECTER & THE BEAT FEAT RANKING ROGER £30 ADV SAT 24TH FEB 8PM POP DISASTER TOUR (GREEN DAY & BLINK 182) £10 ADV SAT 3RD MAR 8PM LEGEND’ -A TRIBUTE TO BOB MARLEY £14 ADV WED 7TH MAR 7.30PM GINGER WILDHEART £15 ADV SAT 10TH MAR 7.30PM UK GUNS N ROSES £16.50 ADV SUN 11TH MAR 8PM MARCH LUNGHI BABA’S & AZEEMA’S SUPPER CLUB £14 FRI 16TH MAR 7.30PM GLITTER BALL - DRAG NIGHT £15 THU 22ND MAR 7PM LLOYD AND ROSE BUCK: OUR LIFE WITH BIRDS £16 FRI 23ND MAR 7PM LIVEWIRE AC/DC VS LIMEHOUSE LIZZY £22 ADV ND

455420

MARKET YARD, FROME, SOMERSET BA11 1BE Whole Lotta Led

Fairport Convention

Ginger Wildheart

| events SPRING FLOWERS & FAMILY TRAIL Until 31 May, 11am FREE (Normal admission applies) Lacock’s wooded grounds are full of wonderful flowers over the spring months, ideal for a gentle stroll.

‘TRIBE’ A PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION Until 20 May, 10.30am FREE (Normal admission applies) Tribe is a collaborative exhibition

THE THREE HORSESHOES Frome Rd, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1LA Tel: 01225 865876 All gigs are FREE and start at 9pm

DOWNARD + BROCKLY FOREST 9 February TRIPLE JD 10 February RUZZ GUITARS ELECTRIC BLUES REVIEW 11 February PINK DIAMOND REVUE 16 February DEAF HORSE, HELL DEATH FURY, THE BUCKY RAGE 17 February THE BOHEMIAN EMBASSY 23 February PUSSYCAT & THE DIRTY JOHNSONS 24 February

CHEESE & GRAIN

5 The Bridge, Frome BA11 1AR Box Office: 01373 455420 cheeseandgrain.com For full listings go to the website.

S CLUB & 5IVE 9 & 10 February, 8pm Tickets: £25 Calling all 90s kids! Two of the greatest pop acts from your generation are coming to Frome!

FAIRPORT CONVENTION 16 February, 8pm Tickets: £23 Fairport Convention have been making great music for over 50 years and have been credited with originating British folk-rock music.

THE SELECTOR & THE BEAT 23 February, 8pm Tickets: £30 A rare chance to catch one of the most in demand tours in an intimate setting.

VILLAGE PUMP FRIDAY FOLK

Lamb Inn, Mortimer Street, Trowbridge villagepump.org.uk

RETRO ELECTRO 25 February

OPEN MIC NIGHT 16 February Tickets: £3

WILTSHIRE FARMERS MARKETS

BRADFORD-ON-AVON FOLK CLUB at THE SWAN

BRADFORD ON AVON Last Sunday of each month, 10.30am-2pm, Lamb’s Yard

boafolkclub.org.uk Email: phil@deverall.on4free.co.uk Tel: 01380 870734

DEVIZES 1st Saturday of each month, 9am – 1pm, Market Place

SINGAROUND 6 & 20 February FREE, 8pm

WARMINSTER 1st Friday of each month, 9am – 1pm, Central Car Park

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of photography by mid-career professional artists. Their work is a narrative, addressing issues of family, history, love and loss.

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

THORNBRIDGE 13 February FREE, 8pm

Thornbridge make beautiful music, taking inspiration from the folk song tradition throughout the British Isles as well as more contemporary sources.

COSGRAVE & BANKS 27 February FREE, 8pm Superb playing and singing, all with a great sense of style and fun.

OTHERS CORSHAM CREATIVE MARKET Springfield Community Campus, SN13 9DN 3 February, 11am-3pm FREE Join one of Wiltshire’s best up and coming craft markets where over 30 local stallholders gather to sell handmade, home produced goods.

For more details email: nicola-davis@live.co.uk THE HISTORY OF TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY Upper Masonic Hall, Church Street, Bradford on Avon BA15 1LN 4 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £4 From Antarctica to Everest this talk

by Debbie Ireland will cover the development of the photograph to record and capture the experiences of travellers and explorers. Call Megan Jones on 01225 862670 or visit boaarts. org for details.

BATH ARTISAN MARKET Green Park Station, Bath, BA1 1JB Every 2nd & 3rd Sunday, Bath’s biggest monthly gathering of independent artists, designer-makers, vintage sellers and local food producers.

ACOUSTIC OAK The Royal Oak, High St, Corsham, SN13 0HF 1, 8, 15 & 22 February Tickets: £2 Singers and spotlight nights. For more info go to The Acoustic Oak Facebook page.

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

Beautiful arrangements for every occasion Come and see us in store or buy online Mother’s Day Sunday 11 March

Local delivery available

www.daisychainwiltshire.co.uk 6 Martingate Centre, Corsham SN13 0HL • 01249 714334

| local news

roundup

All the latest news and events from West Wiltshire and beyond!

RAISE FUNDRAISING EXHIBITION AT SILK MILL

Head to the Silk Mill Studios and Gallery in Frome over the weekend of 24/25 February for a Super Extraordinary Sale of Art in aid of Refugee Action in Somerset East.

A combination of internationally famous artists, along with an array of varied artisan market stalls, live music, bar, café and fun have arrived together in one place for a fantastic cause.

Would you like to own a piece of original art, unique to your own home? Are you a collector, looking for opportunity to buy an exceptional piece? There will be something for everyone and all tastes, catering for high fliers, cheapskates and everyone in between! Participating artists include Nick Andrew, David Brooke, Gerry Dudgeon, David Parfitt, Ricky Romain and Lucy Willis.

As well as offering great art for sale at the lowest possible prices, there will also be £1 a minute portraits, children’s and community craft activities, a bar, a café and live music to enjoy too!

The Super Extraordinary Sale of Art is taking place on Saturday 24 from 11am-4pm and on Sunday 25 from 11.30am-3pm.

• silkmillstudios.co.uk • raise.today

RAISE’s fundraiser will give you a great chance to buy your own original piece of artwork

MUSIC ON YOUR DOORSTEP LAUNCHES THIS MARCH Wiltshire Rural Music launches their ‘Music on Your Doorstep’ rural outreach project this March, starting in Holt. The project aims to increase engagement in music-making in rural villages across Wiltshire.

There will be a variety of free workshops, activities and performances for everyone to get involved on Saturday 17 March at Holt Village Hall. Head along and try your hand at gospel singing, West

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African drumming, music technology or the ukulele. There will be a range of instruments available to try as well as performances from local groups and much, much more.

As a result of this project, and in consultation with the villages they aim to provide a regular musical activity that will become part of village life. To book your free workshop place or to find out more visit the website.

• wiltshireruralmusic.co.uk

local news |

TRY THE DISCOVER DAYS AT HAYNES Is your family up to the challenge of taking on some of the Haynes Discovery Missions? Running throughout the February half term holidays you and your family will have to work together and employ all your detective skills. With each mission your first task will be to identify an object or objects contained within a mystery bags.

One of Haynes’ team of volunteers will be on hand to talk you through the task and help with the identification as well as sharing knowledge about the objects. Once, the object/s have been identified you will move onto the next part of the mission. You will have to find some hidden information in the museum collection in order to answer a specific question or list some accurate facts.

In total there are eight exciting new missions for this half term. Aimed at

Haynes Discover Days run throughout half term

families, this is a fantastic chance to explore the Museum and Education Centre, as well as getting hands on with some artefacts from motoring’s past and present.

There’s no need to book, no extra cost above museum admission and it runs from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

• himm.co.uk

GREAT NEWS CONTINUES FOR GOUGHS The past year has seen Goughs Solicitors shortlisted for the prestigious Law Society Excellence Awards, come runner up as Law Firm of the Year at the Gloucestershire & Wiltshire Law Society Awards and achieve the Law Society’s law management quality mark ‘Lexcel’ for the sixth consecutive year. Recent independent market research has provided more cause for celebration at the Wiltshirebased firm.

Recent findings from a series of client surveys commissioned by Goughs Solicitors and carried out by independent market research company, IRN Research, have been described by IRN Research’s director, David Mort, as “the most positive we have ever seen across

the legal sector in many years’ experience in the field”.

The results of this research were benchmarked against other 2017 surveys of consumers of legal services by IRN Research and saw Goughs score higher for average client satisfaction in every category. Richard Bebb, Marketing Partner at Goughs, commented “We pride ourselves on putting the needs of clients first in everything we do. To say that we are delighted with the findings of this independent research is an understatement.

We believe we have a very strong business which will continue to serve our clients in Wiltshire and far beyond for many years into the future”.

SEE BEHIND THE SCENES AT FLEET AIR ARM MUSEUM

The Fleet Air Arm Museum’s behind the scenes reserve collection is larger than many other entire aircraft museums and is housed in a purpose built and climate-controlled building called Cobham Hall. There are just four opportunities this year to see the collection under the guidance of Curator of Aircraft, David Morris.

The behind the scenes programme kicks off on Thursday 8 March at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm.

The aircraft awaiting their turn for display or being assessed as part of an ongoing preservation programme. There are many aircraft not seen anywhere else, such as the Supermarine 510 and Hawker P1052 and also, the oldest surviving aircraft carrier, the Seaplane Lighter H21, which is on the National Register of Historic Vessels.

Fleet Air Arm Museum Senior Curator David Morris said: “Cobham Hall is packed with a precious assortment of naval aviation heritage objects and even a glimpse behind the scenes is a real treat and fascinating, whether you love aircraft or not.”

Tours cost £12 per person, places are limited and must be booked in advance either online or via the museum ticket box.

• fleetairarm.com

• goughs.co.uk THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary Saving stray & unwanted dogs since 1958

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• 1958 - 2018 • th

A N N I V E R S A RY

THE LAVERTON - MAIN HALL 2 hrs

FREE PARKING

LARGE SPACIOUS CONFERENCE ROOM ADDS GRAVITAS TO ANY EVENT

Boardroom or individual round table set up available • Quality wireless projector • Surround sound system • Kitchen e bookings@westburytowncouncil.gov.uk t 01373 822232 www.thelaverton.co.uk

Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary is a small independent animal rescue organisation.

We are a non-destruction sanctuary for abandoned and unwanted dogs.

Our dogs are all vet checked, vaccinated, wormed, neutered and chipped, and looking for loving new homes Open Daily 10:00 - 12:15 & 14:00 - 16:15

Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary, Priory Rd, Ascot, Berks SL5 8RJ

01344 882689 | pineridgedogs@yahoo.co.uk Registered Charity Number 256728

Try Kumon’s 2 week Free Trial

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our local Kumon Study Centre is offering a two-week Free Trial between 1-28 February 2018.

Your child can experience how the Kumon Maths and English Programmes help children of any age and ability to become confident, independent learners with a positive attitude to study.

The Kumon Programmes are worksheet-based study programmes aimed at building good learning foundations and developing ability in small, manageable steps. Students attend their local Kumon study centre once or twice a week and complete work daily outside of study centre visits to cement study skills through frequent practice. Book in now for a free Information Session to find out

how the two-week Free Trial works and to get a glimpse of how Kumon could help your child develop their abilities for the future. Your child will then be assessed so your Kumon Instructor can tailor the level of study precisely to their ability.

local news |

Susan Gatward

The Kumon Frome Study Centre is located at 4 Palmer Street, with classes running on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The Frome Centre is Ofsted Registered and celebrates ten years in Frome this year.

For more information and to enrol your child, contact your local Instructor, Susan Gatward, on 07930 127 919 or email frome@ kumoncentre.co.uk.

• kumon.co.uk/frome

Valentine’s Day flower count

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ooking for a nice romantic woodland walk? Or a fun family day of spring flower spotting? If that sounds like it’d be just up your street then a visit to Lacock Abbey & Gardens could be just the thing…

visitor reception or share your photos of your favourite flowers on their Facebook (/LacockNT) and Twitter (@ LacockNT) – they’d love to see how you do! Lacock Abbey is also taking part in the NGS Snowdrop Festival find out more on p58.

Find Lacock near Chippenham, SN15 2LG. National Trust members and under 5s go free. Visit the website or call 01249 730459 for more information.

• nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock

“Every year the Lacock garden team take part in a national Valentine’s Day flower count”

From Saturday 10 – Sunday 18 February you can check them off on your spotter sheet, available from

© National Trust Images / Mark Bolton

Every year the Lacock garden team take part in a national Valentine’s Day flower count to find out how many different blooms there are growing in the abbey grounds. How many can you count?

Lacock’s flower count runs from 10-18 February

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image © Steve Nash

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* NOTVALID IN CONJUNCTIONWITH OTHER OFFERS.VALID ON SATURDAYS BEFORE 8PM. EXPIRY DATE 31.03.18. ROAR

local news |

The Orchard Restaurant

O

ff of the beaten track and away from the hustle and bustle, The Orchard Restaurant is located in the most picturesque Somerset countryside at the heart of Orchardleigh Estate.

Serving a wide range of delicious meals, coffees and refreshing drinks all day, seven days a week, The Orchard Restaurant promises a family friendly menu and specialty

evenings. The locally renowned Sunday carvery offers a selection of four roasted meats and a vegetarian option at a reasonable price of £9.95 for adults and £4.95 for children aged 5-10 years; children aged 2-4 eat for free when an adult carvery is purchased. Offering the highest quality food, the beef is grass fed from the estate’s herd of Aberdeen Angus and the lamb comes from the estate’s Welsh Mountain sheep.

As well as the recently renovated restaurant, The Orchard boasts a delightful terrace that provides a stunning spot to enjoy a drink, lunch or dinner overlooking the beautiful surroundings of Orchardleigh Estate.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Valentine’s Day Weds 14 February Evening carvery from 6.30-9pm.

Mother’s Day Sunday 11 March Delicious Sunday Carvery with one, two and three course options available. Adults from £12.95 and Children aged 2+ from £6.50.

Easter Sunday Sunday 1 April Easter Carvery with one, two and three course options available.

Call 01373 454200 for more information and to make a reservation.

• orchardleigh.net

Hope Nature Centre Events

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ocal charity Hope Nature Centre, on Frome Road Southwick, has an exciting programme of events throughout the year to launch their fundraising campaign for 2018. It all starts on Sunday 11 March with Mother’s Day – they are serving special three course Sunday lunches and afternoon teas. Then, in April, there

are holiday treats with Easter Egg Hunts and Craft Days for the kids. The annual May Fete takes place on 20 May, followed by Summer Quizzes, an autumn Dinner Dance and a Christmas Market rounds up the year.

Builders Breakfasts, Friday OAP lunches and afternoon tea and cakes. There is also the Animal Park for families to visit (charges apply) to see alpacas, donkeys, rabbits & other animals.

The Squirrel Tea rooms is open daily serving freshly cooked meals with lots of weekly specials including

The centre will also be launching a campaign of volunteering opportunities including the Work Wednesday which will be a weekly slot for volunteers to help support this local charity with a drop-in every week for individuals or groups to come along and lend a hand.

For details of upcoming events and how to get involved in volunteering and sponsorship, contact Anya Johnson 01225 759075 or email info@hopenaturecentre.org.uk • hopenaturecentre.org.uk THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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| slocal wen news lacol

Anthony Fry: A Retrospective Enjoy this fantastic new exhibition at the Holburne Museum in Bath from 9 February to 7 May 2018. was as much one of the imagination and the unconscious as it was of the outside world. Bryan Robertson OBE, distinguished director of the Whitechapel Art Gallery, described Fry as ‘a richly sensual fantasist’.

Anthony Fry was born in Essex, the son of a doctor and part of the Quaker, chocolate-manufacturing family. He had an early introduction to art through his great aunt Marjorie Fry (sister of the art critic Roger King Prawn Fry) and through her had contact with the Bloomsbury Group, and ath’s Holburne Museum has was cousin to the painter Howard announced the first museum Hodgkin. In the 1950s, while teaching retrospective of the painter Anthony lufFry itu(1927-2016). aeb ehtComprising tahw tagnikool yb won nosaes evitseatf Bath ruoAcademy y gninnofaArt lpattrCorsham atS Court, he bought a house in nearby of works lent from prestigious ...reffFry: o Ano sah troseR floG dna apS ,letoH oowoBhe spent much of his Box.dAlthough private collections, Anthony time abroad, until Retrospective reveals the considerable ylnito was s’ti whome onk ew se his evitsef fo rebmun a era erehT ehT ta srehcuov tfig dna stnemtaert death inve2016. extent o o t r e n s ’ t i t u b r e b m e t p e S oow o B t a g n i n e p p a h s t h g i l e d dnof a ghis nirtalent. epmap samtsirhC rof apS Mangodand Rice Paddies Thirunelli tuoba gnikniht trats ot ylrae .stfig samtsirhC evitseF morf ,troseR floG & apS ,letoH Tuscany.

Chris Stephens, Director at the sgniht rofFry: gnikAoRetrospective ol era uoy fI !saruns mtsirhC etaviFrom rP ot )the 05.8late 1£( 1980s, aeT nohis onretfA Anthony Holburne doow9oFebruary B ,doirepto ev7itsMay. ef ehEntrance t revo od ot ylimafisa characterised rof tcefrep ,gnby inistrong, D evitseF from dnfi ot erunotes, s er’uo“Iyam ,ecidelighted ohc siht lla htiW painting concession, that the ffo for no adults sgniht and taerg£9em os sah etatsE oitarbeinfluenced lec ynapmby octime ro ytrap is.re£10 sihtHolburne doowoB tisa table ius oto t gnihtemos intense.ncolour, mount Anthony noitam rofni eroFry’s m rofirst F .nomuseum saes evitsef spent in the sparse and sunny spaces and free to all museum members and samtIndia, sirhMorocco C ehtand htiw strunder ats r16s. adnTheelmuseum ac evitissopen ef eTh daily,“ retrospective. @troseHis r liafabulous me ,etisbeart w is eht tisiv of southern Andalucía. rarely.82seen 2228and 942deserves 10 llac roto grobe .domuch owob the yaSahara dsenDesert, deWand mo rf esuoH dfree ooadmission woB ta10am azn–a5pm gav(11am artx–E Bank Holidays) .

The critic John Berger recognised better known. Fry was an artist who ”.rebmevoN ht52 y5pm adirSundays F ot rand ebm evoN dr32 lived and worked near Bath gro.dfor oowob • Fry’s paintings as being essentially depictions sixty years but who made pictures htiw strats radnelac evitsef ehT eno dneof ttaheat dluo–c evocations uoy ylevitanofreatlA • holburne.org certain that expressed his experience of ta aznaaCamel gavartxE samtsirhC eht seireclimate vraC saand mtsiculture. rhC ylimaF eht fo Man Leading international travel and the joy he yadsendeW morf esuoH doowoB yreve tnaruatseR enrublehS eht ni Like derived from his immersion in the ht52 yadirF ot rebmevoN dr32 .rebmany meceof D hhis t81generation, ot ht4 morFry f yadnuS sought cultures, rich colours and smells of fo ssenoihcraM ehT .rebmevoN ot yatinsynthesis utroppoof laethe di efigurative ht na si sihT tradition different places around the world. ot esuoH eht snepo enwodsnaL wowin laewhich r a roFhe .sehad itivitbeen sef eht trats trainedya(by As a local artist with an international retniw dloc eht gnirud cilbup eht D sWilliam amtsirhColdstream C etarbelecand ,rotcaf others hattiw Camberwell vision, Anthony Fry perfectly .ralucatceps gnippohs a rof shtnom doowoB foSchool trofmoofc Art) eht ni and abstraction, encapsulates our ambitions for The morf weiverp gnineve eht dnettA a dna sepamost nac dnotably na engathat pmaof hc Mark and Holburne”. stekcit ,rebmevoN dr32 no mp8-4 ehRothko t ni laem esrMorris uoc-eeLouis, rht suboth oiciled of whom he hugely .tnaruadmired. atseR enThough rublehS ht42 no syad gnippohs lluf rof ro ,51£ based on real places and actual Fry’s principal inspiration was travel. rebmevoN ht52 dna )mp7-ma01( His early work, dominated by dancing experiences egatnavand da esights, kat dluFry’s oc uopictures y ,yllaniF ro yad eht no 8£ stekcit ,)mp3-ma01( were figures, reflects the landscape of .dekoob-erp fi 6£ ,symade aD apfrom S retnmemory. iW lufredHis nowarteht fo

BdoowoB ta samtsirhC

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18 71 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE ENIZAGAMSTLIW TSEWEHT

| local news

New season at Bowood The Handmade Fair presented by Kirstie Allsopp & a Classic Ibiza concert are among the 2018 events at Bowood House & Gardens.

T

he Handmade Fair, presented

by Kirstie Allsopp, arrives in Wiltshire for the first time in summer 2018, underlining the continuing pull of Bowood House and Gardens as the perfect, quintessentially British setting for a wide range of crowd-pleasing events.

With Kirstie Allsopp, Liz Earle and Sarah Raven each as a featured daily host, from Friday 22 - Sunday 24 June respectively, The Handmade Fair offers an extended weekend of creativity and the chance to learn a new craft through the joy of the handmade. This will be the perfect opportunity to get stuck into a new

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project or hobby while sharing tips, tricks and skills with other likeminded creatives. Inspiration will come from leading experts and with

“With Kirstie Allsopp, Liz Earle and Sarah Raven each as a featured daily host, The Handmade Fair offers an extended weekend of creativity and the chance to learn a new craft” handpicked sellers assembled there’s the chance to shop for unique items, materials and tools that are not to be

found on the high street. Celebrity Q & As, live demonstrations, handson making sessions and workshops are all on offer as part of this artistic celebration while food and drink from the UK’s best artisans add to the flavour too.

Just as The Handmade Fair is being introduced at Bowood in 2018, Classic Ibiza was a newcomer for the 2017 season. Declared a smash hit by some 4,000 concertgoers, Classic Ibiza will return for its second successive year on Saturday 4 August, bringing some of the best of the White Island’s dance tunes to orchestral life. The 2018 concert

local news |

The atmosphere was electric as one greatbritishfoodfestival.com. classic dance track followed another.

Other returning events that have Back for its third consecutive year achieved loyal followings over The evening will again start with will be the August Bank Holiday the years include Tractor Ted’s a chill-out set with picnics being weekend’s Great British Food Big Machines Weekend over the enjoyed as the sun fades and the Festival (Saturday 25 - Monday Spring Bank Holiday (Saturday 26 dancing begins. Then the live DJ will 27 August). Guest demos will run Monday 28 May) and September’s turn up the tempo in the interval alongside kids’ cookery lessons Living Heritage Wiltshire Game before the Urban Soul Orchestra while over 80 top local producers, and Country Fair is in the diary too (conducted by Stephen Hussey) and real ale, wine bars and live music will (Saturday 22 & Sunday 23). vocalists at the top of their game also be featured among the great return to the stage to ramp things range of foodie delights across this The new season begins at up into full, party mode. As a hint three-day event.

Bowood on Wednesday 28 March in of what’s to come, 2017’s second time for Easter and concludes, after set started with Fat Boy Slim’s “Right Ticket prices for The Handmade Fair, Halloween and half-term treats, on Here Right Now” and Faithless’ Classic Ibiza and The Great British Sunday 4 November. For more “Insomnia” to a euphoric response as Food Festival are now on sale and all details on upcoming events, visit music-accompanying lasers turned details - including ‘early bird’ offers - the website. the beautiful grounds of Bowood can be found at thehandmadefair. into a magical, alfresco nightclub. com; classicibiza.co.uk and • bowood.org/events promises to be bigger and better with the involvement of dance music pioneers, Ministry of Sound.

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| food & drink

Truly Truffleicious For a unique Valentine’s gift this year why not get some cookery tuition in your own home and create some mouthwatering delights? party. Or, how about a romantic menu to surprise your other half this Valentine’s Day? You can opt for 1 to 1 tuition or get together a group of 5 friends and learn to cook together. Whichever option you choose, the cost is £50 per hour. As well as being the perfect way to surprise your partner this Valentine’s Day, it’s a great idea for team building or your own party.

LESSON IDEAS Chocolate making Wedding Canapes Valentines Cakes Gluten/Dairy Free Cookery Healthy Eating Creating New Dinner Party Recipes Basic Pastry/Cake Making Greek Food Gateaux Food Hygiene & Baking

Jan can teach you some of the skills she’s acquired through 40 years spent in kitchens

I

f you’ve ever thought of having a cookery lesson or you’ve looked for classes but couldn’t find quite what you wanted, Truffleicious could be just what you’re looking for.

Having spent the past 40 years in the numerous different kitchens,

“You choose what you want to cook, from tuition to improve your repertoire and skills or some new recipes to try at your next dinner party.”

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cooking, creating and washing up, Jan Steele is on hand to help you master something new in the kitchen. She teaches you how to cook whatever it is that you want to learn.

HOW IT WORKS You decide what you would like to master and Jan pops along, armed with her kitchen gadgets and teach you. It’s as simple as that. You choose what you want to cook, from tuition to improve your repertoire and skills or some new recipes to try at your next dinner

All you need to do is contact Jan for more information and she will do all she can to bring out the foodie in you. Email info@truffleicious.co.uk or call 07778 157375 for details.

• truffleicious.org

| food & drink

Emma Bridgewater Pink Hearts Melamine Plate, £8.98 Laurent Perrier Cuvee Rose Brut NV Champagne, £50.34

The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve Whisky, £71.50

Love, Love, Love Great Valentine’s Day gifts for foodies.

They’re all available now from amazon.co.uk...

Charbonnel et Walker Pink Marc de Champagne Truffles, £9.99

Le Creuset Classic Cast Iron Heart Casserole, £140

LSA International Lulu Champagne Flute (Set of 4), £36.99

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Warner Edwards Distillery Victoria’s Rhubarb Gin, £37.37

We’re open from 9.30am for coffee and breakfasts

♥

♥

♥

♥

♥

♥

The George is the perfect place to visit for local ales, top quality wines & fantastic food from our award-winning chef Alex Venables.

♥ VALENTINE’S DAY

♥

Enjoy a Lunch or Supper on Wednesday 14th February.

Four courses and Prosecco, £40 BOOKING NOW

MOTHER’S DAY Sunday 11th March Enjoy a special lunch menu plus there’ll be a gift for all the ladies.

EARLY BOOKING ESSENTIAL

♥

01225 865650 | 67 Woolley St, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1AQ | thegeorgebradfordonavon.co.uk

THE

WESTBROOK

Bromham, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 2EE

tel 01380 850418

www.westbrookbromham.co.uk

FOOD SERVED ALL DAY, SEVEN DAYS A WEEK COME AND TRY OUR GREAT VALUE LUNCH MENU AVAILABLE MONDAY-FRIDAY 12-5PM. 2 COURSES JUST £13!

Kevin & Louise invite you to visit the beautifully refurbished Westbrook. It offers an inviting bar, a beautiful sun deck, garden and a new children’s play area. The menu is bursting with superb value traditional pub classics and top notch specials.

• FULLY REFURBISHED • FRESHLY COOKED FOOD • DAILY SPECIALS • FAMILY FRIENDLY • LARGE GARDEN • CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA • REAL ALES • CAR PARK

NEW LOOK , NEW MENU, NEW WESTBROOK!

| food & drink

eat the

seasons Keeping you in the know as to what is coming into season each month is NEIL MORTIMER from Lovejoys Wholesale...

S

o far the winter has not been too bad weather wise.

All of the locally grown vegetables are looking better than they normally are at this time of year. Being produced in the local area at the moment are root crops such as celeriac, parsnips, jerusalem artichokes, swede, carrots (normal and heritage) and the ever increasing popular different coloured beetroots. We have plenty of leafy vegetables, such as spring and savoy cabbage, curly cabbage and purple sprouting broccoli. Also we have our specially grown maris piper potatoes from Corsham. The quality and continuity of these has been very popular with our chefs.

At this time of year we sit down with our growers to discuss the crops they are going to grow for us this year. One special request we have had from chefs is for edible flowers. These are becoming more and more popular

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and we will be asking our herb grower if he fancies the challenge they present! If you grow edible flowers and will have a large surplus get in touch!

As I have said in previous years January and February are not my favourite months, but with March coming along with some lighter evenings, spring will be upon us.

The next thing I know it will be that time of year to get out in the woods foraging for wild garlic and nettles, while trying not to get stung!

Hopefully the birds will be singing.

Congratulations to Mr Nigel Seviour from Norton St Philip, who spotted one of our Larder Vans and wins the prize!

LOCAL PRODUCERS If you are a local grower or producer we are always looking for new

provisions for Lovejoys Larder to distribute to our chefs far and wide.

CALLING ALL CHEFS If you are reading this and you are a chef in our area who would like us to come and see you give us a call.

You are also welcome to come and look round our warehouse any time.

Neil @lovejoysuk @LovejoysLarder • lovejoyswholesale.com • lovejoyslarder.com

BOXING CLEVER

recipes |

You can create some wonderful meals with a Riverford recipe box. They contain everything you need - fresh and organic, delivered to your door - to create a food masterpiece to impress. Why not try recreating these offerings for a romantic Valentine’s Day supper?

BLOODY ORANGE MARY

✃

Ingredients Juice of 2 blood oranges Celery salt or fine sea salt Tomato juice 4 shots vodka 6 shakes Tobasco 10 shakes Worcestershire sauce Top of 2 celery sticks, preferably with some leaves on

Method Squeeze the juice from the blood oranges. Use a piece of the leftover orange to rub around the edge of the glass.

Put a little celery salt or fine sea salt on a saucer and dip the edge of the glasses in.

Serves 2 Divide the orange juice between the glasses. Add 4 times the amount of tomato juice to orange juice. Add 2 shots of vodka to each glass.

Shake in the Tobasco and Worcestershire sauce to taste, and add a few ice cubes.

Stir with a stick of celery.

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| recipes Method Grease and line a 23cm springform cake tin, leaving about 2cm of baking parchment above the rim of the tin. Reduce oven to 180°C. Blitz the beetroot in a food processor until smooth. Put the chocolate and butter in a large heatproof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water. Melt, then remove from the heat and leave to cool.

Steak Salad With Carrots, Beets & Orange & Ginger Rressing Ingredients 1 orange 1 tbsp honey Piece fresh ginger Olive oil 2 large carrots 1 large or 2 smaller beetroot ½ pack alfalfa sprouts ½ tin chickpeas 2 rump steaks Oil for frying 3 tbsp mixed seeds Salt & pepper Method Squeeze the juice from half the orange into a large bowl. Stir in the honey. Peel and finely grate 2 teaspoons worth of ginger and add along with 4 tbsp of olive oil. Season.

Whisk together with a fork.

Peel and grate the carrot and beetroot. Add the carrot to the same bowl (save the beetroot until just before you serve, as it can make the whole salad pink). Wash half the alfalfa. Rinse and drain the chickpeas.

Rub the steaks with a little oil and season with salt and pepper.

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Whisk the egg whites in a separate bowl until they form soft peaks.

Fold the chocolate mixture into the egg yolk and beetroot. Stir gently Put the mixed seeds in a dry frying pan and lightly toast on a low heat for until all the mixture is combined no more than 1 minute. Remove to a Using a metal slotted spoon, fold in a small bowl. Heat the pan again. When large spoonful of the egg whites. Mix until you can’t see any white, then very hot, fry the steaks for about gently fold in the rest, keeping as 1-2 minutes on each side for rare or much air in the mix as possible. Make medium-rare (cook for a little longer if you like your steak more well done). sure there are no white bits visible.

Remove to a plate to rest.

Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes, Add the alfalfa, chickpeas and mixed until the mixture has risen well, and still has a bit of a bounce to it when seeds to the carrot. Gently toss together, adding the beetroot at the pressed. It may have cracked slightly, this is normal. last minute. Serve with the steak.

Chocolate Beetroot Mousse Cake Serves 8

Ingredients 250g beetroot, cooked 400g dark chocolate, broken into pieces 175g unsalted butter, diced 6 eggs, separated 175g caster sugar 25g ground almonds A few drops almond essence (or use vanilla)

Remove from the oven, leave to cool completely in the tin before transferring to your serving plate.

Dust over icing sugar to serve.

• riverford.co.uk

B

✃

Serves 2

While the chocolate is cooling, in another bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until light, pale and voluminous. Add the ground almonds, almond essence and puréed beetroot and stir to combine.

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HOME & LOCALLY REARED FRESH MEAT, POULTRY & GAME HOMEMADE SAUSAGES, BURGERS & FAGGOTS

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LOCAL CHEESES & HOME COOKED MEATS WEDDING CHEESE CAKES LOCALLY GROWN VEGETABLES, FRUIT & SALAD HOMEMADE CAKES & PIES LOCALLY MADE CHOCOLATES & FUDGE FINE WINES, LOCAL ALES & CIDERS PRESERVES & CHUTNEYS GIFT HAMPERS www.allingtonfarmshop.co.uk TEL: 01249 658112 Allington Bar Farm, Chippenham, SN14 6LJ

THE THREE

HORSESHOES

From leather jackets to suits, work boots to shiny shoes and mohicans to combovers, you’ll get a warm friendly welcome at The Three Horseshoes.

Live Music with Friday & Saturday night bands, and Sunday afternoon acoustic sessions.

Good selection of Real Ales available too Beer Garden | Pub Games | Real Log Fires | Parking Next to Bradford on Avon Train Station Frome Road, Bradford On Avon, Wiltshire BA15 1LA

Tel 01225 865876 | Find us on Facebook

The Red Lion

Quality food freshly prepared for you

W O O L V E R T O N

Homecooked food served every lunchtime & evening. We also offer a dedicated gluten free menu.

Enjoy great Wadworth beers – unsure what you like? We offer a third of a pint taster.

Traditional Sunday roast with a choice of meats for only £10.95

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PRIX FIXE LUNCH MENU Available Monday to Saturday

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Book now for Mother’s Day!

Serving food 7 days a week: Mon to Sat 12-2.30pm & 6-9pm, Sun 12-5pm

99 The Strand, Semington, Trowbridge BA14 6LL t 01380 870263 | e restaurant@lambonthestrand.co.uk

www.thelambonthestrand.co.uk

An award-winning coaching inn, set in a historic Wiltshire market town, immediately beside the stately home and gardens of Corsham Cour t, and just 8 miles from Bath.

Serving food every day, breakfast, lunch and dinner, and open all day for tea, coffee and delicious homemade biscuits & pastries…

Tel: 01249 717060

2 High Street, Corsham SN13 0HB

themethuenarms.com

| travel

A stunning beach in Hollywood, FA

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travel |

THE SUNSHINE STATE UK holidaymakers have long flocked to Florida for a hit of theme park fun in the sun. KATIE THOMSON found out there’s far more to Florida than you might think...

I

t’s little wonder that Florida is such an enduringly popular holiday destination - so few places have that instant impact of ‘vacation time’ as this vast southern State. After disembarking from the flight, cloudless skies and a bonewarming heat told us immediately we were in Miami helping us to leave a cold British winter far behind.

Miami is a bustling metropolis with its own wonderful attractions and qualities, but our first taste of Florida was a little further up the coast. With a little trepidation we headed to our rental car and hit the road, muttering ‘drive on the right’ to ourselves for the first few tense minutes, heading to the East coast’s own Hollywood.

Sandwiched between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood boasts stunning coastal stretches, wide and buzzing boardwalks and a cosmopolitan feel. Our home for the night was the beautiful Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort (margaritavillehollywoodbeachresort.com), a fairly new addition to this glittering sweep of coastline. Themed around the songs and work of famous country singer Jimmy Buffett, the resort has the ultimate beach-luxe style, with every conceivable amenity and an enviable plot ensconced between the sea and Fort Lauderdale’s network of waterways.

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| travel The Greater Fort Lauderdale area has so many attractions - from trips into The Everglades, explorations of the waterways, fishing, dolphin watching, a butterfly farm and adventure park - you could easily spend a month exploring. The area surrounding the hotel is wonderful too with its famous ‘broadwalk’ - wider than a typical boardwalk and teeming with people enjoying the sun and sea air.

stand-up paddle boarding. It was as misleading a name as I’ve ever heard as I’m not sure I managed to get off my knees for more than about 30 seconds, but it was a wonderful opportunity to get out on the water and is something the hotel offers with its compliments to all guests.

Whilst on Sanibel, going to see its iconic shell-strewn beach is a must. Instead of sandy banks like its neighbouring Fort Myers and Captiva, Sanibel beach is covered with a blanket of glittering shells as far as the eye can see.

After a few days of soaking up the sun, we left beach life behind and The water is the essence of life here headed to Tampa Bay a few hours and forms a huge part of the culture. up the coast. Tampa is an amazingly It was hard to pull ourselves out of We were keen to explore more of diverse city with pretty much every the trance of relaxation, but the next this diverse ecosystem, and there is conceivable attraction within a really step of our adventure was calling, so no better place than in one of the manageable footprint. Sports fans we packed up the car and headed state’s wildlife refuges - they are the have three teams to cheer for;thrillover to the other side of the coast to perfect places to see the profusion of seekers a whole range of theme park the famous Fort Myers Beach. native and migratory birds, alongside attractions; history buffs can get a glimpses of water mammals dose of culture and foodies can soak This area is a magnet for families and reptiles. We visited the Ding it all in whilst sampling amazing food. and partygoers alike - its sheltered Darling Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel, and shallow beaches are some of famed for its mangrove waterways Tampa is a fun city; from bustling the most beautiful in the world, which provide homes for herons, Downtown to historic Ybor city. With with powdered-sugar sand and flamingoes, osprey and even a pair a packed schedule of city events and warm, crystalline waters. Alongside of bald eagles. Our water excursion diverse communities, its a rich fabric stunning coastlines, Fort Myers has was with Tarpon Bay Explorers that makes it unique. If you can, time that feeling of Old Florida charm (tarponbayexplorers.com) whose your visit with the Gasparilla festival, the town bustles with life and the experienced guide led the way usually late January, which celebrates warm weather means most of dining through the labyrinthian passages of apocryphal legend of José Gaspar is al fresco, with local performers mangrove forest. From our kayak we (also known as Gasparilla), a mythical providing the soundtrack to the watched tricoloured heron poking Spanish pirate. Gasparilla sees the city evening’s festivities. delicately through the shallows and come alive with music events, family spotted sandpipers picking swiftly fun and a full-on flotilla. It is madness, Our hotel during our stay in Fort at the mud. Lucky kayakers even but the best kind.

Myers was the Pink Shell Resort saw dolphins out in the bay - that’s (pinkshell.com). The hotel prides the beauty of completely wild For the duration of our time in Tampa itself on impeccable service and encounters - you are never quite sure we stayed at the Aloft Downtown excellent amenities, all with a magical, of what you might see. (alofttampadowntown.com), a unobstructed view of the sea. Sunset Downtown Tampa Bay is a particularly enchanting time - the gentle patter of steel drums from beach weddings peal out through the resort and the sky becomes ablaze with colour, with silhouettes of pelicans picked out in black against the golden glow.

The resort makes the most of its waterside location, offering guests the chance to try out a whole host of watersports. We opted to try our hand (and arms and abs!) at

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travel | history at the City Museum and follow that with a walking tour. Many parts of the city have been restored and protected, so you can get a keen sense of late 19th century life.

It was a magical sight to see them from the boat, but even more so to be allowed to enter their world and snorkel with them in the beautiful Three Sisters Spring Refuge. Their size was even more impressive up-close, As well as dining out in Ybor, serious but their docile and inquisitive nature foodies should make a beeline for the was what really struck me - it is very Élevage Restaurant at the Epicurean hard not to just fall in love with them.

Hotel (elevagerestaurant.com). There you will find American classics It was an incredibly special end to elevated with a gourmet edge - takes a wonderful trip, one that really on classic hamburgers and mac and changed my views on this corner cheese made decadent with the of America. Nature lovers, foodies, addition of white truffle. The hotel sun worshippers, sport fanatics and also has a wonderful rooftop bar - the culture buffs will all find something to Manatees at Crystal River perfect place to enjoy a drink after a savour and cherish in Florida, and I for day spent exploring. one can’t wait to return to continue modern and stylish hotel, which was the exploration. the perfect base to explore much The last day of our trip was to contain every site we could wish for - it’s TRAVELLER’S TIPS something very special - a trip to minutes from the trolley to take you Crystal River to swim with the aquatic The USA is the land of the car and toward Ybor and only a few minutes poster-star of Florida, the docile and this is keenly felt in Florida owing walk from the beautiful Tampa undeniably cute manatee. About 1½ to its size and scale. We hired ours Museum of Art. It just happens to also hours north of Tampa, Crystal River through floridacarhire.com - a be perched on top of Tampa’s famous is an ideal place to come looking for UK-based site which makes the riverwalk, 1.8 miles of waterside track them, as over a fifth of South Florida’s whole hiring process easy and all that runs along Hillsborough River, population gather here. the charges clear. connecting some of the most lovely destinations in the city and leading all Florida is temperate yearIt’s clear sailors must have been the way to the conference centre. round, with the peak season in away from home for a long time if South Florida occurring from they were confusing the form of As well as being known for its the manatee for that of a mermaid; mid-December to mid-April and vibrant arts scene, Tampa is earning their other name ‘sea cow’ is certainly in North Florida from April to a reputation for great food and drink. closer to the mark. Bobbing through September. In essence, you can Ybor city is a buzzing hub of culinary the water, perfectly disguised in visit anytime of year, just be sure to innovation, with independent their cloak of algae and barnacles, check the weather of the area you producers popping up and making these gentle giants move their vast intend to visit. this once-forgotten district an masses through the tidal estuaries of enchanting place to spend an Fly direct from London Gatwick to this area of Florida causing minimal evening. The whole area is worth Tampa in September 2018 from disturbance to the surface above proper exploration, as this is where £428 return per person or from them. Indeed, we found it difficult Tampa really started. Named after London Gatwick to Fort Lauderdale to spot them without the help of the cigar magnate Vicente Martinez Intl from £398 return - both with our knowledgeable guide Captain Ybor, this city built up around his British Airways. To customise your Cindi of Majestic Manatee Tours factory and became a vibrant and own American adventure to Florida (majesticmanateetours.com). The growing community which came head to the America As You Like It bulky masses under the water we to house his many workers, most website or call 020 8742 8299. For were mistaking for boulders and of whom immigrated from South more information on Florida visit banks of vegetation were in fact America, Europe and Cuba, creating visitflorida.com. resting manatees who had come in an incredibly diverse community. You from grazing in the sea to snooze in • americaasyoulikeit.com can learn all about Ybor’s fascinating these warmer waters.

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weddings |

WEDDING GUIDE

Planning your nuptials in 2018 or beyond? Before you book anything take a look at our guide to some wonderful venues, and great service providers, all of whom will go above and beyond to ensure you have the most wonderful of big days...

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| weddings

VENUES

Woolley Grange Hotel is a wonderful, family friendly, wedding venue

HOMEWOOD PARK

Surrounded by 10 acres of stunning gardens, Homewood Park offers an incredibly exclusive wedding venue, perfect for any size celebration.

Choose from a selection of elegant function rooms for the backdrop to the most memorable day of your lives and indulge in award-winning dining. As one of the top wedding venues around, Homewood Park ensures each couple has the most magical experience from beginning to end. Their dedicated Wedding Concierge will be on hand each step of the way to help guide you through the process and ensure everything is as you wish. Prices for exclusive use begin from £2,600 and include exclusive use of the hotel (excluding the spa), bar, drawing room, study and restaurant as well as accommodation in their 21 bedrooms including Full English Breakfast and use of the spa facilities, a Master of ceremonies, white table linen, complimentary Wedding Breakfast Tasting for Bride & Groom and a complimentary anniversary stay. To find out more information, download the brochure from their website or give them a call.

01225 723731 | homewoodpark.co.uk Homewood Park offers a stunning setting for a wedding

THE FARMHOUSE INN

The Farmhouse Inn is a beautiful venue for your wedding reception.

Based in Southwick village, their stunning Southwick Suite can host up to 100 guests for a seated meal and up to 150 for an informal buffet. They have a range of menus to choose from, and can cater for special dietary needs too. Speak with Jan Harris, their on site wedding co-ordinator to discuss your ideas; she has more than 25 years of event planning experience and can work with you to ensure you have a truly wonderful wedding reception. As well as catering for up to 150 guests, the Suite also has its own bar, a dance floor, private garden and patio, cloakroom facilities and parking too – just about everything you need for a fantastic party!

01225 764366 | farmhousesouthwick.co.uk

SHAW COUNTRY HOTEL

Based on the outskirts of Melksham, this is a beautiful country house venue that, because it is family owned and run, is able to make instant decisions as to your special personal requests for your wedding arrangements.

As a guide, their chefs have composed menus to appeal to all

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tastes, but will be pleased to discuss any personal requests and to arrange a composition of your choice, and can also accommodate all special dietary needs. What’s more, if you would prefer to enjoy your Wedding Breakfast in a grand marquee they can arrange that too. A bedroom with a four-poster bed for the Bride and Groom is free of charge (based on having a day and evening reception) and there are a further 12 bedrooms should any guests wish to stay overnight - a 10% discount will be given off the bed and breakfast price for guests. Should you also want your ceremony to take place at the hotel, they are also licensed to hold civil ceremonies on the premises. To organise a look around the hotel or to have an informal discussion contact Emma Lewis or Sharon Brind.

01225 702836 | shawcountryhotel.com

WOOLLEY GRANGE HOTEL

Woolley Grange is a memorable place for a wedding. This Jacobean manor house, simply oozes charm and character. Set in 14 acres of beautiful grounds, the overall ambience is one of timeless elegance and tranquility.

The hotel is licensed for civil wedding ceremonies and can accommodate

THE

Shaw Country

HOTEL & RESTAURANT

THE

Farmhouse INN

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

PLANNING AN EVENT?

We specialise in weddings, conferences and events, catering for up to 80 guests. If you’d like a look around or for an informal chat please contact Emma Lewis or Sharon Brind.

BOOK FOR 2018 & BEYOND!

SUNDAY ROASTS

Choose between roast sirloin of beef, rump of lamb or fresh fish.

Two Courses £17 | Three Courses £20

Bath Road, Shaw, Nr Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 8EF www.shawcountryhotel.com // 01225 702836 Winner Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014

Your wedding day should be the best day of your life, filled with happiness, for you, your family and friends.

Our Wedding co-ordinator, Janet Harris, will be delighted to work with you to ensure your wedding reception is truly memorable.

Frome Road, Southwick, Nr Trowbridge BA14 9QD t 01225 764366 e the.farmhouse@btconnect.com www.farmhousesouthwick.co.uk

| weddings a wedding ceremony for up to 40 people and then seat a maximum of 60 guests for the wedding breakfast.

Larger wedding parties are possible on an exclusive use arrangement. For smaller, more intimate weddings there is a choice of lovely private rooms.

Woolley Grange is happy to take the time to help you to achieve the wedding that you want, guiding you through the detailed decisions and then ensuring that every aspect of the day goes as you would wish.

Their personal service is second to none and they take a lot of care to ensure that you and your guests have a fantastic day.

The hotel is very child friendly, with an Ofsted registered crèche and plenty to keep little ones occupied in and around the hotel. Their ELEMIS spa and swimming pools, spa and steam room offer an ideal place to relax before and after the wedding for staying guests and a great place for the bride and groom to enjoy some pampering treatments.

If you’d like to find out more, then please call and ask for Vicky or email events@woolleygrangehotel.co.uk to arrange an initial chat about your wedding.

01225 864705 | woolleygrangehotel.co.uk

WARMINSTER CIVIC CENTRE

Warminster Civic Centre is an ideal venue for your wedding reception.

It offers a very flexible space, with three separate rooms for smaller functions that can be combined for larger events, catering for up to 240 guests.

Warminster Civic Centre is centrally located, with an adjacent public car park, easily accessible with extensive facilities for the less ablebodied and has a team of friendly

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David Wiltshire Photography has been photographing weddings for more than 20 years

and experienced staff always on hand to help.

You can opt for full kitchen facilities for caterers or self-catering, including crockery, cutlery and glassware, are available to hire.

With a fully licensed bar, a PA system and an entertainment license, Warminster Civic Centre has everything you need to make your event a success.

Contact Ann or Jennie by phone or email civiccentre@warminster-tc.gov. uk to discuss your requirements. More details can be found on the website.

A wedding should be all about the celebration. It is important that high quality of photography and presentation is preserved throughout, from communication on and before the day to presentation of the finished album. Most important of all the photographs must be of the highest possible standard achieved with the minimum amount of fuss. Put the most important day of your life in the hands of a true professional and preserve those unique memories forever.

01985 213376 | davidwiltshire.co.uk

01985 214847 | warminster-tc.gov.uk/rooms

OUTFITS

PHOTOGRAPHY

KEVIN’S MENSWEAR

DAVID WILTSHIRE PHOTOGRAPHY

At David Wiltshire Photography their experienced and creative team will capture your wedding day and enhance your memories.

Trust in a photographer who for over 20 years has captured those special moments that a bride and groom will never forget. With a relaxed attitude and style they understand that a wedding is an occasion for everyone to enjoy, and that the day shouldn’t be taken over by a photographer.

Kevin´s Menswear has been trading in Westbury High Street on a one to one basis for more than 50 years. They have a great range of outfits for the tall, big and

Kevin’s Menswear has a huge range of suits for hire

WARMINSTER CIVIC CENTRE Offers a warm, friendly & professional service for your wedding reception

Our three generous-sized rooms can be hired separately or combined to include a stage • Bar & entertainment licence • Full kitchen & catering facilities • Public car park adjacent Sambourne Road, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 8LB t 01985 214847 e civiccentre@warminster-tc.gov.uk w warminster-tc.gov.uk

| weddings small man in quality brands. In addition to their extensive range of products, they also provide a formal hire service and a professional fitting service and a good choice for all your formal hire, so that your friends and family will feel confident and stylish on the big day. The main suppliers - Cameron Ross - have a vast range which you can see at www.hirewear. co.uk where you can use an interactive outfit builder to create the perfect outfit for the occasion.

Peter Craft

Visit the website and Facebook page to have a look at some of their work and to order your flowers online. Any questions just get in touch – they will help and assist in any way they can, there really isn’t much they can’t do with flowers!

01373 467726 or 01985 216570 thelittleflowerco.co.uk

01373 822200 | kevinsmenswear.co.uk

TOASTMASTER

TRANSPORT

PETER CRAFT

ATWELL WILSON

Another option to consider is a cheese wedding cakes – whether in place of the traditional wedding cake, as a course for the wedding breakfast, or as part of your buffet, Allington’s cheese wedding cakes are sure to impress! The cakes can be individually tailored to your taste, with as many or as few tiers as you require. Allington’s deli manager will His very warm personality, sharp eye happily show you pictures, advise on amounts of cheese required for detail and appreciation of the importance of teamwork will ensure and let you taste the cheese when that you will enjoy a wedding day to choosing your ‘cake’! remember and one you will cherish 01249 628112 | allingtonfarmshop.co.uk for the rest of your life. Call or email peter@petercraft.co.uk for details or browse his website.

Atwell Wilson Motor Museum is based in Calne, and is probably best known for its collection of classic vehicles. Were you also aware though that it offers a fantastic vintage and modern wedding car hire service too? There are over 14 vintage and modern cars to choose from, ranging from 1929 to 1980, and which include a 1929 Model A Ford, a 1937 Buick Albermarle and a 1973 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow to name just three! To arrange a meeting and a look at their stunning collection give them a call, and take a look at the full range on their website.

01249 813119 | atwellwilson.org.uk

FLOWERS THE LITTLE FLOWER CO. “Reputable”, “reliable”, “friendly”, “professional”, “fresh” and “beautiful” are just some of the words customers use to describe The Little Flower Co. They have an excellent reputation and passion for wedding work providing ideas for any budget and style, with many items to hire. From a castle wedding to a simple bouquet and buttonholes they are able to help and guide you. They also offer same day delivery for a large range

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of gifts and plants, sympathy tributes, corporate and more.

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

It is never too early to engage a Professional Toastmaster for your wedding reception, as he can make all the difference to your big day.

Peter Craft, a Fellow of The National Association of Toastmasters, has officiated at wonderful events from palaces to pubs, and some of London’s finest venues to a marquee on a private lawn.

01666 837705 | petercraft.co.uk

CATERING ALLINGTON FARM SHOP

As well as being a lovely farm shop with a great local reputation, Allington Hog Roasts offer their delicious home-reared pigs, roasted to perfection by professional staff on top of the range equipment. The roasts are then carved and served on site, in freshly baked rolls with crackling, homemade stuffing and an assortment of Tracklements condiments. Delicious!

STAG & HEN PARTIES

DRIVE-TECH LTD

Hen Party and Stag Do Go Karting makes a really fantastic, fun and competitive addition to a group party. Drive-Tech can organise a grand prix that will get the adrenaline flowing and the excitement levels fired up. Your party will be talking about the event for the rest of the day!

Call for more information about the karting options available to your hen or stag party. Their great facilities will ensure your party will be comfortable and well catered for.

01249 783010 | drivetechltd.co.uk

Peter Craft

KEVIN’S MENSWEAR The complete outfitters for all seasons

Professional Toastmaster & Master of Ceremonies

“Making sure your wedding day is a wonderful occasion” Available for weddings across Wiltshire and the South Tel: 01666 837705 Email: peter@petercraft.co.uk Web: petercraft.co.uk

FREE

FREE R 2017 // ISSUE

R 2017 // ISSUE

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We have been trading in Westbury High Street for more than 50 years.

AS! MERRY CHRISTMThe Festival of100light THE FAMILY WITH ALL N CENTRE CELEBRATE GARDE WHITEHALL

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To advertise with us call 01225 807775 or email andy@wired-publishing.co.uk

including Formal Wear, Black Tie & Highland Dress

22-24 High Street, Westbury BA13 3BW www.kevinsmenswear.co.uk t 01373 822200

w

Any time, Any Style, Any Occasion Listening to YOU & creating YOUR perfect wedding day 1938 Daimler EL24

Great range of vintage and modern cars to choose from, ranging from 1929 to 1980 - view them all on our website or call to arrange a meeting to see our stunning collection.

Atwell Wilson Motor Museum Wedding Car Hire Stockley Lane Calne, SN11 0NF 01249 813119 | enquiries@atwellwilson.org.uk

www.atwellwilson.org.uk

SHOP ONLINE or, with FREE PARKING in Frome, it’s easy to pop in Frome

94 Forest Road Frome BA11 2TU Tel. 01373 467726

Warminster

10/12 High Street, Warminster BA12 9AE Tel. 01985 216570

www.thelittleflowerco.co.uk

T

| house & home

DREAM KITCHENS Why not work with Leekes in 2018 and realise your dream kitchen?

A

s an essential space to cook, dine and entertain, your kitchen should provide a practical, versatile and stylish addition to your home.

When Kel and Abi began looking to combine these elements in their new kitchen they found Leekes were on hand to offer design inspiration and practical advice.

“After deciding on the style of kitchen we wanted we visited many different kitchen companies” says Kel, “but the decision was easy; Leekes were competitive in price, offering affordable finance options, and after purchasing products

Leekes team can help with ideas and pracical advice

from them previously we knew the aftercare was brilliant.”

Having already decided on granite worktops and a selection of appliances, the couple opted for a traditional Sheraton in-frame oak kitchen in taupe. The neutral palette provided the ideal backdrop to suit the style of their property and enhance the features and add character.

Incorporating an island into the kitchen plan was important to the continuity, and the knowledgeable and experienced team provided the ideal solution to make the

“CRAFTED WITH QUALITY, INNOVATION & STYLE, SELECT A TRULY UNIQUE KITCHEN FROM LEEKES.” most of the space by including additional storage options integrated into the island. To complete the traditional look the couple opted for a Rangemaster cooker and a variety of leading brand appliances including a retro styled Kitchen Aid mixer and a Dualit kettle and toaster.

“We made a number of amendments throughout the

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house & home |

process as we finalised our design but none of this was too much trouble for the team at Leekes.”

to none. Our kitchen has turned out beautifully and exactly how we imagined it to be.”

“From start to finish the whole team at Leekes have been great and we cannot recommend them highly enough.” comments Abi “We will certainly continue to shop with them, knowing the quality of their products and the fact that their customer service is second

Crafted with quality, innovation and style, select a truly unique kitchen from Leekes. With an extensive choice of cabinet styles and finishes, versatile storage solutions, durable worktops and the latest sinks, taps, appliances and accessories the essential ingredients for your perfect

kitchen are here - under one roof.

Arrange a free design appointment with their knowledgeable designers and discover the range of possibilities available.

To book a kitchen design appointment visit Leekes Melksham, call 0333 222 4120 or visit them online.

• kitchens.leekes.co.uk THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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Offering beautifully designed kitchens, or kitchen replacement doors, with a FREE innovative design & planning service • Stunning ranges including Contemporary, Traditional, Painted, Gloss & more • Expert Design & Installation • Appliances from the Industry’s Leading Manufacturers • The Homemaker Customer Care & After Sales Service

REFURBISHMENT SALE ON NOW! 5-6 George St, Warminster BA12 8QA 01985 219200 Longmead, Shaftesbury SP7 8PL 01747 851476 www.myhomemaker.co.uk

OPEN TO RETAIL & TRADE SPECIALIST SUPPLIERS OF QUALITY BATHROOMS & BATHROOM PRODUCTS

We are the number one source for heating and plumbing in Trowbridge and surrounding areas. We can supply a huge range of products: RADIATORS BOILERS CYLINDERS UNDERFLOOR HEATING SHOWERS COMPLETE BATHROOM SUITES ACCESSORIES

FIND LUXURY BATHROOMS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES 01225 765000

Unit 6-7 Riverway, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 8LL

www.activeplumbingsupplies.co.uk

Allsop Carpets & Flooring

• Carpets • Vinyl • Naturals • Wood Flooring

Cormar Carpets Avebury in Tidworth Stripe

www.allsopcarpets.co.uk | 01373 463866 or 07887 953014 Corner Garage, Christchurch St West, Frome BA11 1EB

Using British Manufacturers & Suppliers

We bring the showroom to you...

Fabulous new kitchens & makeovers at competitive prices

Call 01225

459 559 to arrange a no obligation home visit

Customer reviews at checkatrade.com/premierkitchendoors

| house & home

Get the shutter look

We speak to MARK WILLIAMS of Just Shutters Wiltshire to find out how their shutters can help you get the perfect look and feel in any room.

Plantation shutters work brilliantly in humid environments like bathrooms

B

eautiful plantation shutters are a striking style statement, while also offering a perfectly practical addition to your home. A versatile window covering, shutters can be used on a variety on shapes, angles and arches, they are easy to maintain, can be used even in humid environments and have a timeless elegance that can last a lifetime.

THE PERFECT BAY Shutters are the perfect way to make a design impact while retaining the character of a bay window. Shutters maximise the light and enhance the features of a bay; by avoiding heavy and cumbersome fabrics you will open the room up and make it appear larger. Unlike less substantial materials, shutters do not bleach or fade in the sun, they are easy to maintain, and couple practicality with style like no other product available.

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BRILLIANT BATHROOMS Shutters are simply brilliant in humid environments, where curtains may mildew and blinds may warp, shutters offer a hardwearing and beautiful solution.

“Shutters are simply brilliant in humid environments, where curtains may mildew and blinds may warp” STUNNING STUDY Create the perfect study environment with the versatility and light management that shutters provide. Whether opting for full or partial light, shutters create a private and inspiring place to live and work.

FABULOUS FRENCH DOORS Create a lovely snug feeling in the winter, or a light, bright open look in

the summer - bringing the outside in! Another reason many people are opting for shutters at their French doors is the feeling of security they bring. Often exposed, rooms with large expanses of glass can become a private sanctuary.

BLISSFUL BEDROOMS Create the perfect sanctuary for restful evenings and lazy weekend mornings, our shutters provide the ideal ambiance any time or mood.

These are just some examples of how the beautiful plantation shutters from Just Shutters can give your home a makeover, for more inspirational hints, tips and a gallery full of stunning images to capture your imagination, visit the website or call 01722 440714 and they will be delighted to help you further.

• justshutters.co.uk

Wiltshire’s Leading Independent Property Management Company 12 St John’s Street, Devizes SN10 1BD t 01380 720400 e debbie@marsdenslettings.co.uk www.marsdenslettings.co.uk

Call 01225 807775 or email andy@wired-publishing.co.uk

SOVEREIGN DAMP & TIMBER LTD We offer a comprehensive service for all kinds of damp proofing, basement waterproofing, timber treatment and specialist replastering.

tel 01249 716161 or 01225 811222 Email: ross@sovereigndpc.co.uk www.sovereigndpc.co.uk 1 Ingoldmells Court, Edinburgh Way, Leafield Ind Estate Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 9XN

*plus VAT

Advertise here from as little as £15 per week*

| house & home

Pietra Wood & Stone The team at Pietra Wood & Stone are gearing up for a busy 2018.

also provides clients with the opportunity to view a selection of their product range.

2018 promises to continue the trend of 2017 with herringbone and patterned panels being extremely popular for wood flooring. Darker tones are also making a comeback to give that classic look to your floor and one that tends not to date.

“2018 promises to continue the trend of 2017 with herringbone and patterned panels being extremely popular for wood flooring.”

Pietra can help with all your home’s flooring needs

A

lthough house sales may be slowing down, it often leads to an increase in people renovating and or extending their home instead. This is where the recently extended showroom in Holt, just outside Bradford on Avon, becomes the place to visit to choose your new flooring and wall tiling.

You can choose from engineered flooring, natural stone, porcelain and luxury vinyl tiles, which can all be supplied only, or supplied and installed.

In 2017 Pietra Wood & Stone became the sponsor for Finishing Zone at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre in Swindon. This excellent facility just off Junction You will find a comprehensive 16 on the M4 provides people range of floor and wall coverings to with the opportunity to visit the suit every kind of taste and budget, centre and to learn and discover along with knowledgeable staff to all the aspects involved when help advise you on the best option either building or renovating your for your home. property. Their display area there

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New for 2018 is Pietra’s maintenance programme initiative. Whether you are an existing client, or the owner of a stone or wood floor, Pietra can provide you with a programme to bring your floor back to its original splendour and work with you to keep it looking that way for evermore. This is achieved by using state of the art technology and specialist cleaners with an ongoing programme to keep it looking pristine. Call for more information or pop into the showroom.

Pietra Wood & Stone Ltd The Old Filling Station, 400 Ham Green, Holt BA14 6PX t: 01225 783527/782408 196 & 198 Wandsworth Bridge Rd, Fulham, SW6 2UE t: 02077 369610 e: info@pwasltd.com • pwasltd.com

The Old Filling Station 400 Ham Green, Holt BA14 6PX t 01225 783527 / 782408 e info@pwasltd.com

NEW HOLT SHOWROOM NOW OPEN

Opening Hours Mon-Fri 9.00-5.30pm (until 8pm on Thursdays) Sat 9.00-5.00pm

www.pwasltd.com

Fulham Showroom 196 -198 Wandsworth Bridge Rd, London SW6 2UE

Tel 0207 610 6111

GREAT OFFERS IN STORE ALL YEAR ROUND! 01985 847031 | sofacoplus@yahoo.co.uk | sofaco.co.uk | 15 George Street, Warminster, BA12 8QA

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE HERE

SPRING BULBS STILL IN STOCK!

BEAUTIFUL PLANTS ALL GROWN ON BRITISH NURSERIES

• Bedding & Annuals • Perennials • Veg & Herbs • Trees & Shrubs • Climbers • Roses PLUS: Pots & Planters • Compost • Fertilisers & Chemicals • Bulbs & Seeds • Tools • Sundries OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK: Monday - Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm

www.avonfield-gardens.co.uk

Marsh Road, Hilperton, Wiltshire BA14 7PL Tel 01225 571331

FIND GREAT GIFTS FOR THE HOME IN STORE

BROWNS HARDWARE AND IRONMONGERY Bradford on Avon’s longest established independent hardware store

PURVEYORS OF

• HOUSEWARES • CLEANING PRODUCTS • ELECTRICAL • PLUMBING • TOOLS • DECORATING & DIY • GARDENING Opening Times

Monday to Saturday 8.30am - 6pm Sunday & Bank Holidays 10am - 4pm 30 Silver St, Bradford on Avon BA15 1JX

01225 862236

| gardens

third annual national Snowdrop Festival

O

The third annual Snowdrop Festival, organised by the National Garden Scheme, begins this February.

n a wintry day in February there is possibly no better activity than being in a National Garden Scheme garden surrounded by hundreds of flecks of white snowdrop heads, creating a carpet of glamour which is a spectacular sight to behold. In 2018 100 gardens will open for the third annual National Garden Scheme Snowdrop Festival, some with as many as 300 named varieties of snowdrops.

Many gardens open during the festival display a mix of snowdrops, hellebores and other early spring flowers, with the mix of colours making them beautiful to ‘galanthophiles’ and all. George Plumptre, Chief Executive of The National Garden Scheme, says: “During our first Snowdrop Festival in 2016 many of our garden owners were overwhelmed by the amount of visitors that attended their openings. Many remarked that visitors were perfectly happy to wrap up warm and brave the elements to see the stunning view of hundreds of snowdrops on display in a garden.”

“Whether you want to admire the different varieties of snowdrops or just have a walk in lovely surroundings followed by a nice cup of tea and slice of cake, visiting a National Garden Scheme garden in February will be the perfect escape.”

Visitors to Snowdrop Festival gardens will also have the benefit of knowing

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that their entrance fee is supporting wonderful causes; the National Garden Scheme currently donates around £3 million annually to their beneficiary charities, which include Marie Curie and Hospice UK. Details of all National Garden Scheme gardens opening for the Snowdrop Festival can be found on the NGS website.

The Wiltshire booklet is due for publication at the beginning of February with national “Gardens to Visit” book available soon afterwards. All the garden openings for 2018 are now already available on the website ngs.org.uk, so visitors can start thinking of the gardens they would love to visit. Many gardens have images on the website, to help with the planning.

• ngs.org.uk/snowdrops

LOCAL PARTICIPANTS LACOCK ABBEY GARDENS Lacock, nr Chippenham

SHERBORNE GARDENS Litton, Radstock, Somerset

BEVERSTON CASTLE Beverston, nr Tetbury, Gloucestershire

HANHAM COURT Ferry Road, Hanham Abbots, Bristol

VINE HOUSE Henbury Road, Henbury, Bristol

SOUTHFIELD FARM Farleigh Rd, Backwell, Bristol

gardens |

"In 2018 100 gardens will open for the third annual National Garden Scheme Snowdrop Festival, some with as many as 300 named varieties of snowdrops."

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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| legal & financial

Not yet ready to tie the knot?

KATHRYN BEW, an associate solicitor at Wansbroughs Solicitors in Melksham, discusses what you need to consider in a cohabiting relationship.

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ooking to set up a home with your partner but not yet ready to tie the knot? You are not alone. The Office for National Statistics states that there are now around 3.3 million cohabiting couples in the UK . But, contrary to popular opinion, cohabitation does not give you the same rights and privileges as marriage. Here are just a few things you may wish to consider before embarking on the next chapter of your relationship.

FOR RICHER, FOR POORER On the breakdown of a cohabiting relationship, the court does not have the wide range of powers to redistribute property that it has on divorce; rather, the court’s powers are largely confined to clarifying who owns what. In the case of the family home, this can still lead to lengthy and costly litigation.

“On the breakdown of a cohabiting relationship, the court does not have the wide range of powers to redistribute property that it has on divorce” To avoid this, a couple can make a declaration of trust when buying their home. This confirms how the property is owned and may be particularly useful in the case of unequal contributions. For example,

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where one party’s family has contributed towards the purchase, a declaration of trust can provide for that contribution to be repaid when the house is sold before the remaining monies are shared between the couple.

Kathryn Bew

More generally, a couple may decide to make a cohabitation or living together agreement. This is a contract that addresses various aspects of a cohabiting relationship, for example, the division of household bills. It can also determine the ownership of property on the breakdown of the relationship.

TO LOVE & TO CHERISH Parental responsibility is the legal recognition of the various rights and responsibilities a parent has for their child, for example, the right to give or refuse consent to medical treatment or travel abroad.

Mothers automatically have parental responsibility, as do fathers if they are married to the mother at the time the child is born. However, unmarried fathers must acquire parental responsibility. The easiest way to do this is to be registered as the child’s father on their birth certificate. Other ways include entering a parental responsibility agreement or subsequently marrying the child’s mother.

in accordance with the rules of intestacy. Unfortunately, these rules do not make any provision for a cohabiting partner. Although it is possible for a cohabiting partner to claim against the estate, the process may be long and the outcome uncertain. It is preferable to avoid this situation entirely by making adequate provision in a will.

‘TIL DEATH US DO PART

If you would like further information about cohabitation, the Family Team at Wansbroughs offer free initial appointments. Call 01225 896100 or 01380 733300 or email family@ wansbroughs.com.

When a person dies without having made a will, their estate is distributed

• wansbroughs.com

| health & wellbeing

Real Life Yoga

We caught up with Real Life Yoga founder EMMA CAWTHRA to find out more about how yoga helped her, and how it can help you too...

“How did I start yoga? It’s a question I’m often asked, especially by my ex-corporate colleagues. Yoga is the furthest thing that comes to mind when they remember the overly driven, always on, champagne drinking, Burberry wearing sales director that was part of their lives for 12 years. The truth is they are right. I never would have found yoga - yoga found me and only because I had no choice in the matter.

“In 2013 after a very successful sales career, my body gave up and I suffered a mental breakdown. A decade of hard work, fuelled by the poison of perfectionism, finally took its toll. My husband had warned me, my mum constantly asked me to stop, doctors and alternate medical professionals asked me to give up my job, but it was only my body that could stop me. It finally gave up and there was nothing I could do to control it.

“I had pushed my body way past its limits and I found myself in The Priory Hospital in Bristol. To cut a long story short, once I’d been given a few days to ‘settle in’ the work began. Daily group and individual counselling sessions, meditation and yoga.

Yoga was the only physical activity on offer and I jumped at the chance to do something to fill my days. It became the highlight of my week; three, one hour sessions with Sam,

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the hippy, happy yoga teacher. Sam took us through slow but enjoyable movements recognizing that we were all off our heads on prescription drugs and likely to faint at any moment. That women was my lifeline and I must one day find her and thank her.

“She had my number - immediately watching me push as hard as my body would allow into the basic poses on offer. She stuck with me, allowed me to attend every session and, as I got stronger, allowed me to learn a little more.

“And that’s how yoga found me. I had a fabulous teacher who made yoga appealing and helped me in those moments of despair to find focus within a miniscule amount of teaching. She offered a bite size chunk of what yoga could offer and I needed more.

“When I left The Priory eight weeks later I sought out my local yoga teacher and later signed up for Claire Murphy’s Teacher Training programme.

I wanted to learn and here I now am, three years into teaching.

opportunity to make choices about their health and wellbeing before the choice is taken away from them and their bodies give up, just as mine did.

“I would like people to understand what yoga really is and to share the amazing benefits that yoga can bring to one’s life without the stereotypical ideas around yoga stopping them from even trying. Yoga is not some namby-pamby hippy practice, it requires strength, commitment and focus.

“I want to teach the importance of learning that being still is OK! We all need to take time to try and bring stillness to the mind as we live in a crazy always on, hyper competitive world. This stillness does not have to be found in deep meditation or hours of mindfulness ( there is no way during my working life that I would find time for this nonsense!), but just grabbing five minutes at any point in the day to just be, to be still, to reflect and to breathe.

“I really want to bring my experiences to others as they have made me a far better, happier and much nicer person. Yes, I still get angry, frustrated and swear too much. But I am human.

Doing yoga does not make you a supreme being, it just allows you to give yourself a break and feel good at the same time. And now I ask myself, was it worth it? And the answer is undoubtedly YES. I hope to see you on the mat soon.”

“I love teaching and sharing my experiences with others, especially those who are highly driven, high achievers or Find a list of Emma’s classes on her have perfectionist website. tendencies. I want to give these people the • reallifeyoga.co.uk

Trowbridge Chiropodist Peter Wilkinson M.Inst.Ch.P

IMPROVING YOUR FOOT HEALTH We can help with...

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Call today to make an appointment

Tel: 01225 571030

www.trowbridgechiropodist.co.uk Find us at: 13 St Georges Works, Silver St, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 8AA

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Private sessions in your own home or my private yoga studio, Christian Malford.

A great way to keep your body flexible and your mind clear.

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F RLYoga e: hello@reallifeyoga.co.uk

Visit our independent showroom at

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A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document that gives somebody of your choice the power to deal with your financial affairs if for any physical or mental reason you were unable to. It is the only document which gives this power but you can only complete one while in good health, so you need to act as soon as possible.

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| bath rugby

7 BATH PLAYERS SELECTED FOR RBS 6 NATIONS

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Despite an inconsistent season, seven Bath players have been selected for international duty for the upcoming Six Nations Championship.

ive Bath Rugby players have been named by Eddie Jones in England’s squad for their first match of the NatWest 6 Nations against Italy, whilst two more have been selected in Wales’ Six Nations squad by Warren Gatland.

Regular England internationals Jonathan Joseph and Anthony Watson are joined by club-mates Sam Underhill, Tom Dunn and Zach Mercer in the 35-man squad.

“Regular England internationals Jonathan Joseph and Anthony Watson are joined by club-mates Sam Underhill, Tom Dunn and Zach Mercer in the 35-man squad.”

out with a knee injury picked up against Toulon in December and the latter has withdrawn due to a hamstring injury picked up early in the game against the Scarlets in the Champions Cup.

Zach Mercer could make his senior England debut against Italy

England, back-to-back winners, having lifted the trophy in 2016 and 2017, are looking to become the first nation to win the Six Nations three times in a row and begin the defence of their crown with a trip to Rome on Sunday 4 February (3pm KO).

Participants in this year’s Bath Men’s Walk will be able to enjoy England vs Ireland on St Patrick’s Day at The Recreation Ground - it could well be a title deciding encounter.

Meanwhile, during the Six Nations, Bath have a crucial set of Aviva Premiership games against Northampton Saints at home (9 February), Newcastle Falcons away Mercer and Dunn are both (16 February), Sale Sharks at home uncapped and could make their (24 February) and Harlequins away debuts in Rome. The Bath contingent (2 March). in the squad could have been even Faletau is still out with a knee injury picked up in December greater were it not for injuries to • bathrugby.com Semesa Rokoduguni (shoulder), Charlie Ewels (hamstring) and Beno UPCOMING FIXTURES Obano, who are all included in the To buy tickets call the Ticket Office on 0844 448 1865 or go to the website. list of players unavailable.

2 February 19:30 A Ospreys AWC Wales face Scotland in the first game of the 2018 Championship on Saturday 3 February and all matches will be shown live on either the BBC or ITV. Bath have had two of their Welsh stars called up by Warren Gatland, Taulupe Faletau and Rhys Priestland, though the former is still

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9 February

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16 February

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24 February

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2 March

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16-18 March

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| puzzles

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WIN A £10 NEXT VOUCHER! Email your answers to these trivia questions to comp@wired-publishing.co.uk by 23.02.18 to be in with a chance of winning a £10 Next Voucher.

Good luck!

Q1: What is put inside Lai See or Hong-Bao envelopes?

Q2: On what date does the Chinese New Year fall in 2018?

LAST MONTH’S SOLUTIONS Wordsearch missing word: HAMSTRINGS Quiz answers: 1: 26th January 2018 2: King William IV 3: The Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide 4: The River Torrens 5: J M Coetzee

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Q3: What does Plum Blossom symbolise at Chinese New Year?

Q4: On what day of the Chinese New Year is the lantern festival staged?

Q5: Which city in California holds the oldest and largest Chinese New Year Festival and Parade in North America?

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

www.cheverell.co.uk

| last word

I

Print is dead...

Long live print...!

t may surprise you to hear, given my line of work, how often I get told that print is dead. It’s a strange one really, people don’t seem to mind telling me this as though somehow the decline of my chosen industry – and my source of employment – is a bit amusing.

To me it’s like saying to a miner – ‘Ha ha, you’ll be out of a job soon!” I can’t imagine that going down too well, but people – mainly techies with recently grown beards and about 4 different devices on the

Sunday Telegraph was up 2.3% to 359,287. So, whilst many of these figures may be on the slide, we’re still seeing millions of people buying real copies of newspapers every day.

kind and well meaning among you who call in to let us know when we’ve made a boob (sorry!) the feedback we have on our magazine is proof of how well loved printed media can still be. It may be the tactile nature of the thing; the feel And that’s not the only increase. of a glossy mag in the hand is a lot Print sales of consumer book nicer – and far easier to navigate titles – fiction, non-fiction and – than an online edition which children’s titles – rose almost 9% may or may not freeze according last year to £1.55bn according to to whether your wi fi signal has the Publishers Association. In fact, dipped out on you. And no doubt the total UK print book market rose as the technologies improve, and 8% to a five-year high of £3bn, with ‘Suri’ and ‘Alexa’ are even more integrated into our day-to-day “We produce an online edition of The West lives, we’ll see the eventual decline in the printing industry, but as any Wilts Magazine that you can read every month trip to a supermarket or newsagent – we’re not total luddites you know – but the will tell you, where you’ll still see physical copies of our magazine are by far the aisle upon aisle of magazines and newspapers in the stands, it’s not most popular.” going anywhere too soon either… go at any one time – seem to revel ‘screen fatigue’ fuelling a five-year in the decline of an industry that high in printed book sales and a began when Caxton figured out drop in ebook sales of 17%. People Phil Rockliffe how to mass produce the printed are getting a bit fed up of their word back in the 1470s. It seems whole lives being spent staring at a inevitable, with the onset of the screen apparently. digital age, that mass produced print may indeed eventually cease, And what of our little patch? We but perhaps it’s not time to read produce an online edition of The print its last rites quite yet.

West Wilts Magazine that you can read every month – we’re not National newspapers have seen a total luddites you know – but the decline in readership, yet still 2017 physical copies of our magazine ABC figures show that 391,626 are by far the most popular. They copies of the Daily Express are are picked up from over 800 bought every day. 716,923 people locations across the region and we buy the Daily Mirror, 1,611,464 The post them through the doors of Sun, 1,491,264 the Daily Mail and many village homes too. And the 460,054 the Daily Telegraph. In fact, feedback we have is just fantastic, the Sunday Times improved its from the hundreds of people we sales by 3.8% to 792,210 and the have entering competitions to the

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