The West Wilts Magazine - April 2018

APRIL 2018 // ISSUE 104

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West Wilts SPRING GARDENS The

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ENJOY OUR 16-PAGE GARDENING GUIDE

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TS TO 2 TICKENTAGE THE VIALGIA NOST VAL! FESTI

EXPLORING JAVEA SOAKING UP SOME SUMMER SUN

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+ EASTER RECIPES SOFA CO PLUS HOMEWOOD PARK & MUCH MORE

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

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contents Published by Wired Publishing Editor Lisa Rockliffe Contributors Craig Gates-Mutton, Phil Rockliffe, Neil Mortimer, Andy Diffey, Katie Thomson 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: Beautiful tulip display

April 2018 // issue 104

A

s it turns out I was rather hasty last month when I heralded in the start of spring; rather we were nowhere near finished with winter as The Beast from the East and his little brother both had the UK in their sights! Surely though, with Easter here we can finally head out into the garden and begin the gardening year proper?! At The West Wilts Magazine we certainly hope so as we bring you our bumper gardening guide for the year, featuring no fewer than 16 pages of gardening info on some of the best garden centres, nurseries, landscapers and suppliers around (p41).

Whilst gardens are our main focus of this issue that is by no means it. Golfers will no doubt find our Fair Play featuring illuminating (p65) and if you are planning your summer holidays you may well find my report on Javea of interest (p37)Those with kids at home may want to try some of our yummy Easter recipes (p28).

As well as that we have news on Bowood’s Woodland Walk, Marlborough College Summer Schools, Sofa Co Plus and the return of Cloth Road Arts Trail. That and plenty more, just turn the page to begin. 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 April

LOCAL NEWS Round up of news & events Drive-Tech Ltd Cheese & Grain FOOD & DRINK The Barge Inn Eat The Seasons Easter Recipes Meet the Chef at Homewood Park Down on Hartley Farm HOMES & GARDENS Sofa Co Plus

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12 14 14

24 26 28 32 34 62

65 FEATURES Exploring Javea Spring Gardens Golf

37 41 65

LEGAL & FINANCIAL Lasting Powers of Attorney

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BATH RUGBY Bath sign Jamie Roberts

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COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES Quiz, wordsearch & sudoku Win 2 adult tickets to the Vintage Nostalgia Festival COMMENT The Last Word

80 81 82

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| events

local

listings APRIL 2018

MELKSHAM ASSEMBLY HALL

Market Place, Melksham, SN12 6ES Box Office: 01225 709887 melkshamassemblyhall.com SUPER SONIC 70S! 20 April, 7.30pm Tickets: £20 Featuring Janey Bombshell, one of the finest female singers in the UK. NEIL SANDS: LAND OF HOPE & GLORY 27 April, 2.30pm Tickets: £13 (Concs £11) Memorable songs, including a rousing selection from Last Night of The Proms, singalongs, show tunes and more!

TOWN HALL ARTS

Trowbridge Town Hall, BA14 8EQ Tel: 01225 774306 trowbridgearts.com YOU CAN’T HAVE A CAREER IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY... CAN YOU?!

6 April, 6pm FREE If you are 14-25 and interested in working as a musician, in radio, studio work or music videos come along to find out more.

GAZ BROOKFIELD 13 April, 8pm Tickets: £8 Bristol-based acoustic singer/songwriter.

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WILTSHIRE MUSIC CENTRE

Plain Military Wives Choir for a unique concert not to be missed.

Ashley Rd, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1DZ Box Office: 01225 860100 wiltshiremusic.org.uk CALAN 11 April. 7.30pm Tickets: £16 (Concs £8) This award-winning Welsh band are back with their infectious rhythms and high-energy routines to celebrate the release of their latest album.

DORIC STRING QUARTET 13 April, 7.30pm Tickets: £20 British ensemble who rank among the world’s finest.

TCHA LIMBERGER TRIO / MOZES ROSENBERG 20 April, 7.30pm Tickets: £18 (Concs £9) Tcha blends swinging jazz with European folk in a gypsy-jazz extravaganza.

BATH MALE CHOIR / SALISBURY PLAIN MILITARY WIVES CHOIR 28 April, 7.30pm Tickets: £20 Bath’s celebrated Last Choir Standing Bath Male Choir is joining with the Salisbury Richard Herring, Pounds Arts Centre

THE ARC THEATRE Trowbridge, BA14 0ES Tel: 01225 756376 arctheatre.org.uk

THE ACCRINGTON PALS 25 – 28 April, 7.30pm Tickets: £10 (Concs £8) To mark the 100th Anniversary of the Armistice Trowbridge Players present this moving drama.

POUND ARTS CENTRE Pound Pill, Corsham, SN13 9HX Box Office: 01249 701628 poundarts.org.uk

RICHARD HERRING: OH FRIG, I’M 50!

13 April, 8pm Tickets: £17.50 Richard Herring gets to his half century and looks at how his life has changed in the last decade, from irresponsible, single kidult, to married father who’s midway to a telegram from the Queen.

LADY CARNARVON: AT HOME AT HIGHCLERE 14 April, 7.30pm Tickets: £15 (Concs £14) Using her latest, beautiful book At Home at Highclere, Lady Carnarvon shares the history, the visitors, the art of entertaining over the past 150 years, how the lifestyle has changed and, in some cases, remained the same.

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

| events MEGSON 20 April, 7.30pm Tickets: £15 (Concs £14) Four times nominated in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and double winners of the Spiral Earth Awards, Megson draw heavily on their Teesside heritage to create a truly unique brand of folk music.

DIPPER MALKIN 21 April, 7.30pm Tickets: £10 (Concs £9) Dipper Malkin are rapidly earning a reputation for elevating traditional music to new heights of sturdy beauty and sophistication.

Calan, Wiltshire Music Centre

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NHS? 15 April, 7.45pm Tickets: £15.50 (Concs £12.50) Nye Bevan’s beautiful baby is 70 this year, but will she make a ton?

Come celebrate the NHS with Dr Phil Hammond and laugh all your worries away…or vice versa.

EMMA ABBATE WITH JULIAN PERKINS (FOUR HANDS PIANO) 25 April, 1pm Tickets: £7.50 (Concs £5) Julian and Emma have performed piano duet recitals at many prestigious venues THE LADY IN THE VAN including the Royal Opera House and 26-28 April, 7.45pm London’s Southbank Centre.

Tickets: £10 (Concs £8) One day in 1974, a rather smelly lady MERLIN THEATRE drove her van into Alan Bennett’s Bath Rd, Frome BA11 2HG garden in Camden and there she Box Office: 01373 465949 stayed, in his driveway, until her death merlintheatre.co.uk in 1989.

JULIUS CAESAR – NT Live 12 April, 7pm Tickets: £16 (Concs £10.50) Caesar returns in triumph to Rome and the people pour out of their homes to celebrate. Alarmed by his popularity, the élite conspire to bring him down.

THE ATHENAEUM CENTRE 18-20 High St, Warminster, BA12 9AE Box Office: 01985 213891 theath.org.uk H.M.S. PINAFORE 5, 6 & 7 April, 7.30pm Tickets: £10 (Concs £8) A rollicking farce with endearing characters, memorable tunes and a hilariously happy ending.

THE DRIVE 13 April, 7.45pm Tickets: £16 (Concs £10.50) An unexpected Nordic road trip throws GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN two estranged friends together.

(Cert PG) 11 April, 7.30pm LUISA MILLER – THE MET Tickets: £5.50 14 April, 5.30pm A rare glimpse into the relationship Tickets: £16 (Concs £10.50) In the first Met performance in over ten between beloved children’s author A. A. Milne and his son Christopher Robin. years, Sonya Yoncheva sings the title role opposite Piotr Beczała as Rodolfo, CHESHIRE CATS with Plácido Domingo as Luisa’s stern 18 – 21 April, 7.30pm yet loving father.

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Tickets: £10 They’ve given up glad-rags in favour of trainers and so, with aching feet and heaving bosoms, they’re challenging themselves to the London moonwalk!

LACOCK ABBEY

Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2LG Tel: 01249 730459 nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock Normal admission applies unless otherwise stated SPRING FLOWERS & FAMILY TRAIL Until 31 May, 11am FREE 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 Tribe is a collaborative exhibition of photography by mid-career professional artists. Their work is a narrative, addressing issues of family, history, love and loss.

Goodbye Christopher Robin (PG), The Athenaeum Centre

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

| events

CHEESE & GRAIN

5 The Bridge, Frome BA11 1AR Box Office: 01373 455420 cheeseandgrain.com THE MANFREDS 7 April, 8pm Tickets: £22.50 Manfred Mann formed in 1962, they have firmly secured their place in the history book of British popular and R’n’B music. The number of hits speak for themselves.

JOHN ROBINS: THE DARKNESS OF ROBINS 11 April, 7.30pm Tickets: £16 One of the most exciting and distinctive voices in comedy returns, reflecting on love, loss and lamenting the fact he can’t break up with himself.

KATE RUSBY 15 April, 8pm Tickets: £24 Of all the stars in folk music’s wondrous firmament few shine as brightly as Yorkshire’s Kate Rusby.

PAUL SIMON’S GRACELAND PERFORMED BY THE LONDON AFRICAN GOSPEL CHOIR 20 April, 8pm Tickets: £22.50 An uplifting and amazing show which sells out every venue and receives rave reviews from the audiences.

DREADZONE 21 April, 8pm One of the most energetic, exciting and powerful live bands to emerge from the post-rave scene.

VILLAGE PUMP FRIDAY FOLK

Lamb Inn, Mortimer Street, Trowbridge villagepump.org.uk OPEN MIC NIGHT 20 April Tickets: £3

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REG MEUROSS 6 April Tickets: £10

THE PRESTBURY SPORTS BAR

The Close, Warminster, BA12 9AL Tel: 01985 847070 prestburysportsbar.com All gigs are FREE and start at 9pm

THE SECRET’S OUT 14 April Covering hits and dance floor fillers from the past decade.

UNCLE JACK - LIVE JUKEBOX 21 April A live jukebox where you choose the songs played.

INDIE-D 28 April Classic Indie and Britpop.

BRADFORD-ON-AVON FOLK CLUB at THE SWAN boafolkclub.org.uk Email: phil@deverall.on4free.co.uk Tel: 01380 870734 SINGAROUND 3, 10 & 17 April FREE, 8pm

ROGER MCGOUGH & THE LIVERPOOL POETS Wallington Hall, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1LN 8 April, 7.30pm Tickets: £4 Bob Williams takes a look at the work and influence of these sharp observers of life on Merseyside. Call 01225 862670, email meganandjoyce1882@ gmail.com or visit boaarts.org.

BRADFORD-ON-AVON PHOTO GROUP ANNUAL PHOTO EXHIBITION West Barn, Pound Lane, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1LF 14 & 15 April, 10am FREE A collection of photographs and prints will be on display and are available for you to own. Each photographer has their own style and genre, so there is something for everyone to enjoy.

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

THE RUZZ GUITAR’S BLUES REVUE 8 April THE DERELLAS + THE LONE SHARKS 13 April

SALLY IRONMONGER & BRIAN CARTER 24 April, 8pm Sally is a singer-songwriter based in Medway, writing and performing with Brian Carter, her long suffering husband, guitarist and musical director.

OTHERS EASTER EGG HUNT & EASTER BONNET COMPETITION Victory Field, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1PD 2 April, 10am A free event for children up to age 12 organised by The Lions Club of Bradford on Avon. For more details call 01225 865851 or visitboalions.org.uk

THE BAD LOSERS 14 April BOB BOWLES 15 April

WILTSHIRE FARMERS’ MARKETS BRADFORD ON AVON Last Sunday of each month, 10.30am-2pm, Lamb’s Yard DEVIZES 1st Saturday of each month, 9am – 1pm, Market Place WARMINSTER 1st Friday of each month, 9am – 1pm, Central Car Park

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

Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary Saving stray & unwanted dogs since 1958

image © Steve Nash

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• 1958 - 2018 • th

A N N I V E R S A RY

WWM048

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

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

* NOTVALID IN CONJUNCTIONWITH OTHER OFFERS.VALID ON SATURDAYS BEFORE 8PM. EXPIRY DATE 31.05.18. ROAR

✃

Open Daily 10:00 - 12:15 & 14:00 - 16:15

✃

Our dogs are all vet checked, vaccinated, wormed, neutered and chipped, and looking for loving new homes Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary, Priory Rd, Ascot, Berks SL5 8RJ

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

RIGHT ANGLE

The Vintage Bazaar

Picture Framing

For all types of picture framing & art materials too.

OPEN Mon to Fri 9am-5.30pm Sat 9am - 4pm 20 High Street, Corsham SN13 0ES

Tel 01249 716051

www.rightanglepictureframing.co.uk Serving Corsham since 1985

Saturday 28th April

The Cheese & Grain, Frome 9am - 3pm A wonderful array of quality vintage, antique & handmade delights for sale

thevintagebazaar.blogspot.com

| local news

roundup

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

CLOTH ROAD ARTS TRAIL: 5 - 13 MAY 2018

The Cloth Road is a group of artists, formed in 2004 with the purpose of promoting visual arts and artists in Bradford on Avon, Trowbridge, Melksham and the surrounding villages of West Wiltshire.

meet artists, see their work and Germany and two artists from Elblag discover the wide range of visual arts in Poland, both being twin towns of produced in this area and take part in Trowbridge. workshops.

Overall there will be 50+ artists The next Cloth Road Arts Week displaying a wide and exciting takes place between Saturday 5th variety of art throughout the area.

As part of this promotion of visual and Sunday 13th May and this line Participating artists including sculptor arts they organise a series of open up of events and participants is as an textile artist Elisa Amor, who creates studios and galleries for a nine day strong as ever. This year look out her pieces from discarded milk bottles period every other year. This provides for an exhibition at Trowbridge and plastics; renowned science fiction the public with an opportunity to Town Hall of four artists from Leer in and fantasy artist Andy Bigwood; printmaker Cath Bloomfield, who creates her prints from a workshop at the bottom of her garden; multipdiscliplinary artist Sue Cook; watercolour specialist Sally Evans who also runs beginner’s workshops in watercolour; glassware artist Esme Howard; historical portrait specialist Paul Workman and landscape and seascape artist Mary Wilkinson.

For the complete line up of participating artists and venues pick up a copy of the brochure - they have been widely distributed throughaout the region - or go to the website.

Elisa Amor

Andy Bigwood

• clothroadartists.com

GREAT CHALFIELD MANOR PLANT FAIR - SUNDAY 6 MAY

The Plant Fair at Great Chalfield Manor is a great opportunity to see one of the most beautiful medieval manor houses in England. Set in the tranquil Wiltshire countryside and with seven acres of gardens, the manor is not usually open to the public, so this a rare chance to see the gardens. The plant fair, which runs from 10am to 4pm, attracts specialist nurseries with a huge range of plants for your garden.

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There are teas, coffees, cakes and a hog roast, making for a fabulous day out. All proceeds are spilt between the ‘Friends of Chalfield’ and Jamie’s Farm- a local charity benefitting disadvantaged young people.

Admission is £4 for adults and children are free. Come and enjoy a productive visit and support good causes at the same time!

• greatchalfield.co.uk • jamiesfarm.org.uk

The Plant Fair supports Jamie’s Farm

local news |

CHOCOLATE INSPIRATION AT DAUNTSEY’S Budding entrepreneurs at Dauntsey’s School have been inspired by a talk from Jo Fairley, co-founder of Green & Black’s chocolate, who delivered the latest Mercers’ Lecture at the School.

Jo then delivered her lecture entitled ‘The Rollercoaster of Green & Black’s; and the lessons learnt along the way”.

The inspiring talk highlighted the importance of putting the customer at the heart of your thinking and decision-making and she gave the audience her top tips for becoming a successful entrepreneur. Upper Sixth form pupil, Rebecca, who attended the lecture, said:

Prior to the talk, a group of Upper School pupils took part in a question and answer session with Jo. The discussion covered topics including the creation, development and eventual sale of Green & Black’s, her role as a Chocolate Ambassador “I was left excited and inspired by meeting such an amazing, driven, and the importance of organic and Fairtrade ingredients to her business. caring, passionate and successful business woman. It will definitely go Jo Fairley down as one of the highlights of my time at Dauntesy’s. The talk left many of us thinking what we might do to make such a big dent in the world ourselves!”

The Mercers’ Lecture Series runs annually. Everyone is welcome and entry is free, you just need to reserve your seats online via the website or by contacting the school on 01380 814500.

• dauntseys.org

THE VINTAGE BAZAAR COMES TO FROME It’s time to blow away those winter cobwebs with a bit of retail therapy at The Vintage Bazaar. These lovely events have built up quite a reputation with designers, makers and lovers of all things vintage and handmade. It’s the very best place to source stunning vintage clothing and accessories, French brocante, antique textiles and beautiful handmade delights with the handpicked dealers bringing exciting new stock from all over the UK and Europe.

The spring date for your diaries is Saturday 28th April at the Cheese and Grain, Frome. A favourite with well-known designers, makers and vintage enthusiasts this is definitely

The Vintage Bazaar takes place on 28 April

MADE FOR THE TABLE EXHIBITION

Running from Friday 13 April to Sunday 1 July at the Holburne Museum in Bath is their latest Made For The Table exhibition.

It features a modern table setting including contemporary silver from the Goldsmiths’ Company Collection alongside other crafts, demonstrating how makers continue to be inspired to make beautiful objects for use.

The exhibition explores the sensory experience of the table, from taste and flavour to light and display and is free to all visitors.

Made For The Table

In its final few weeks on display at the museum is Anthony Fry: A Retrospective. This is the first museum retrospective of the painter Anthony Fry (1927-2016), who enjoyed huge commercial success in Britain and America during his lifetime but has not previously been recognised by a major exhibition. Comprising works lent from prestigious private collections, the show reveals the considerable extent of his talent.

• holburne.org

an event not to be missed. More information can be found on their dedicated FB and Instagram pages as well as their dedicated blog.

• thevintagebazaar.blogspot.com

Anthony Fry: A Retrospective

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CHEESE &GRAIN SUN 1ST APR 10AM SUN 1ST APR 7.30PM SAT 7TH APR 8PM SUN 8TH APR 8.30AM WED 11TH APR 7PM SUN 15TH APR 7.30PM FRI 20TH APR 8PM SAT 21TH APR 8PM SAT 22ND APR 10AM FRI 27TH APR 8PM SAT 27TH APR 9AM SAT 28TH APR 8PM FRI 4TH MAY 7.30PM SAT 5TH MAY 8PM 17 & 18 MAY 8PM SAT 19TH MAY 8PM SAT 26TH MAY 8PM

BOX OFFICE: 01373

455420

MARKET YARD, FROME, SOMERSET BA11 1BE

www.cheeseandgrain.com

MAGPIE MARKET FREE LISA’S ARMY GIG £15 ADV THE MANFREDS £22.50 ADV WESSEX CAMERA FAIR £2-£5 JOHN ROBINS: THE DARKNESS OF ROBINS £16 KATE RUSBY & HER BAND £24 ADV PAUL SIMON’S GRACELAND PERFORMED BY THE LONDON AFRICAN GOSPEL CHOIR £22.50 ADV DREADZONE £19.50 FROME RECORD FAIR FREE COMPLETE MADNESS £13.50 THE VINTAGE BAZAAR £2 ERIC BIBB £23 ADV GOLDIE LOOKIN’ CHAIN STAR WARS DAY SPECIAL £18.50 MARK STEEL £16.50 RUBY WAX - FRAZZLED £21 ADV SHOW OF HANDS £22 ADV KING KING £20 ADV

The Manfreds

The London African Gospel Choir

Ruby Wax

local news |

Drive-Tech has something for everyone!

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rive-Tech Ltd, the outdoor driving activity centre based at Castle Combe Circuit, offers driving experiences to suit all levels for everyone aged 10 and over at any time of the year. For kids aged 10-15, karting is fun, exciting and affordable. Enjoy professional race

tuition and have a great time on the track whether you’re there as a one off or are learning how to be a real racer! Adult karting (ages 15 and over), offers a thrill a minute as you hurtle around fighting for the best racing line and battling to be the first past the chequered flag!

It’s all about the thrills and skills in this fantastic lifesaving experience on Drive-Tech’s unique wet skid pan.

It’s a great opportunity to obtain safety driving skills and have great fun at the same time. Or perhaps you fancy a muddy marvellous 4x4 adventure? Drive-Tech has is the ultimate challenge to pit yourself against unforgiving terrain with mud and water in the mix.

Drive-Tech caters for hen and stag parties, team building and corporate events and fun days Out. Gift vouchers are available too. And don’t take their word for it see what others are saying about them by visiting Trip Advisor: search drivetechltd. For the latest championship karting news visit www.castlecombekarting.co.uk • drivetechltd.co.uk

Cheese & Grain launches £100k appeal

T

© Chris Bailey

he Cheese & Grain is celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year and as well as a series of special events throughout the year, they are launching a huge fundraising appeal.

The venue is a registered charity and a not for profit social enterprise and receives no grants or funding to assist with the ever increasing running costs. The Cheese & Grain have made

continuous improvements over the years and made national headlines last year with a secret FooFighters concert. Sell out shows recently include Jason Manford, Ed Byrne, SClub and 5ive, The Selector and the Beat, Ruby Wax and Martin Kemp.

They also play host to community education classes, free live music sessions, charity bingo, markets, roller

discos and community gatherings.

“Venues like ours that are totally independent are becoming rarer and closing at an alarming rate”, explains Tracey Rawlins, Marketing Manager. “It’s fantastic we are moving forward and increasing our events, diversifying what we program so we can keep going! We employ 50 staff and are open every day so costs mount up. Our heating system needs replacing and we are desperate for air conditioning. Our PA has also come to the end of its life so we also need to replace that too. We have launched an appeal to our patrons to help us.

There will be bucket collections after every show and donations can also be made online via the website. We really appreciate your help, whatever you are able to give!”

• cheeseandgrain.com

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ADVERTISE WITH US IN 2018 INTRODUCTORY & SERIES DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE

Call Andy today on � 01225 807775 westwiltsmag.co.uk

| local news

Spring flowers at Lacock Abbey

All spring there are lots of things to spot in the grounds. Look out for the snake’s-head fritillaries with their chequered purple, pink bell-like flowers, nodding on their thin stems in April and May. As the season progresses, different flowers will make an appearance; snowdrops, winter aconites, carpets of crocuses, daffodils and wonderful clouds of wild garlic are particular favourites, see how many you can spot!

Snake’s head fritillaries at Lacock Abbey

© National Trust Images/ Amy Bellinger

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pring is a favourite time of year for Lacock Abbey’s head gardener, Sue Carter, she says ‘Everything is changing every minute and you can hardly keep up with it all! Seeing and hearing all the birds and watching buds open and new shoots appear is a real treat here at Lacock’.

Find Lacock Abbey and the Fox website or call 01249 730459 for Talbot Museums near Chippenham, more information.

SN15 2LG. National Trust members • nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock and under 5s go free. Visit the

Enjoy a Taff Valley adventure!

H

ave you ever thought of taking yourself or the family quad biking or gorge walking or have a go at archery or clay pigeon shooting? If the answers ‘yes’ then Taff Valley Quad Bike and Activity Centre offers all of these set in the beautiful Taff Valleys just outside Cardiff.

This award-winning family business can arrange a variety of packages for individuals, families, corporate team building, hen and stag weekends as well as customised activity breaks through Wales Activity Breaks. None of the activities require any experience as full training is given by qualified instructors, making it fun for all ageas and abilities and a great idea for a day out over the Easter break.

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A recent addition is their Ultimate Woodland Assault Course, a challenge for both mind and body! The obstacles cover running, climbing, jumping, crawling, swimming and balancing elements There are loads of activities to try at Taff Valley

with the aim of testing teamwork and endurance. It’s ideal for anything from a fun family adventure day to a corporate team building exercise.

• adventurewales.co.uk

| local news

A walk in the woods

The woodland garden at Bowood House & Gardens is a springtime must and it’s open this year from Saturday 28 April.

Marquess - his great-grandfather - had intended to create a garden here over a 100 years previously.

Two miles of pathways – signposted with various Lansdowne family names, such as ‘Lord Shelburne’s Walk’, ‘Lady Lansdowne’s Walk’ and the ‘Fitzmaurice Walk’ – lead visitors on a meander for which some two hours should be allowed for full appreciation.

F

eaturing a most magnicient display of bluebells, rhododendrons, magnolias and azaleas that is unique to Wiltshire - and only in bloom for six weeks each year - Bowood’s Woodland Garden is a real treat of the springtime calendar. Saturday 28th April is the first day of the 2018 season - so do make sure a visit is noted in your diary.

This spectacular 30-acre Woodland Garden at Bowood - home to the Lansdowne family since 1754 - reveals itself in three distinct stages: the early flowering, the bluebell flush and then the appearance of the azaleas.

Originally laid out in 1854 by the 3rd Marquess of Lansdowne, the gentle upland garden boasts some of the earliest known hybrids in the UK. Returning to the rolling Wiltshire countryside in 1894, after six years as Viceroy, the 5th Marquess

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Take a walk in the woods at Bowood this spring

was keen to recapture at home the rich and vibrant colours of India. He considerably expanded the rhododendron garden with his planting on the Estate. The Woodland Garden’s positioning, on a narrow strip of green sand that runs between Poole and the Wash, is the reason why it flourishes as it does and is so very special.

A mile from Bowood House and Gardens (between Calne and Chippenham), the Woodland Garden has its own dedicated entrance just off the A342 (the road to Devizes).

Open daily from 11am-6pm, entrance is priced at £6 per adult (aged 13 and over) and £5 for seniors while admission for children 12 and under is free of charge.

To visit Bowood House and Gardens on the same day, the combined ticket price is £18.50 per adult and £16 per senior citizen. To check on the latest conditions of the Woodland Garden, call 01249 812102 or visit the website.

The present Lord Lansdowne (the 9th Marquis) is a passionate gardener with rhododendrons being his particular • bowood.org pride and joy. Since taking the helm at Bowood in 1972, he has continued the planting undertaken here by his ancestors. In 2013, he unveiled the new, additional four-acre ‘Jubilee Garden‘ - a seven year labour of love that began in 2006. Within the Woodland Garden, it is shaped by a small natural valley with magnificent clumps of yews at each corner. Lord Lansdowne realised that these corner markings indicated that the 5th

| local news

School’s in for summer!

For an enriching week of learning experiences and entertainment the whole family can enjoy, sign-up for Marlborough College Summer School.

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ookings are now open for the 44th Marlborough College Summer School in Wiltshire which returns for four weeks from 8 July to 4 August 2018. This eagerly anticipated annual event is one of the largest multi-generational Summer Schools of its kind and was recently recognised as one of the South West’s top Artistic, Cultural & Learning Experiences at the 2017/18 Tourism Excellence Awards.

The enduring popularity of Summer School is undoubtedly underpinned by the phrase “something for everyone”. Catering for students from 3 years old through to 90 years young, it is this blend spanning the generations and accommodating all combinations of family groups and individuals that creates a unique holiday atmosphere in the beautiful grounds of Marlborough College.

This summer school caters for students from 3-90 years young!

available to young people this summer include Mountain Biking, Yoga, Jewellery Making, Cricket, Forest Art, Water Polo, Fashion Sketching and even Lightsaber Combat and Duelling Training!

Young people are welcome to attend Summer School either as While there are over 370 day students or as residents with fascinating courses for adults, the their families. Evenings can be spent comprehensive programme for together or young people can take young people is a winning formula part in supervised activities while packed full of inspirational activities. parents and grandparents enjoy a With courses divided into four age wide host of entertainment options bands, the structure and content including lectures, workshops, is carefully designed to provide an country pursuits and live music. exciting adventure for each child in Gala Performances take place every a safe environment. Junior Troopers Tuesday and Friday evening for (3-6 years) and Children’s Activities both Summer School students and (6-9 years) adopt the multi-activity the general public to enjoy. This approach and feature art and year’s superb line-up ranges from crafts, music, sports and outdoor a photographic journey with Chris adventures. Meanwhile older Packham to Illyria’s outdoor theatre children and teenagers can choose production of ‘The Adventures of Dr a morning and afternoon course Dolittle’. There will also be musical which they continue all week. performances from the hilarious Just some of the diverse courses Rainer Hersch Orkestra, Classical Brit

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Award Winning group Blake and the acclaimed tribute band Killer Queen.

For more information or to request a brochure, phone the team on 01672 892388 or visit the website.

• summerschool.co.uk

| food & drink

The Barge Inn

A beautiful pub on the banks of the Kennet & Avon Canal, The Barge has just undergone a makeover and has a brand new spring menu too!

The Barge is a wonderful venue in every season

S

ituated on the picturesque Kennet & Avon Canal The Barge Inn has long been a favourite of dogwalkers, canalboat users and amblers, who like to make the most of its beautiful waterside location - there really are few better places to be on a warm spring or summer day than on the canalbank with a drink in hand. And as a Wadworthowned establishment, those drinks are always top notch, with a great range of Wadworth beers (you can get third of a pint tastings if you can’t decide which to go for), ciders and an extensive wine list.

“The Barge Inn has long been a favourite of dogwalkers, canalboat users and amblers, who like to make the most of its beautiful waterside location” 24

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The Barge Inn really is a pub for all seasons thanks to its wonderful setting, characterful building and friendly welcome from manager Anthony and his team. Those in the know also flock to The Barge Inn because of its excellent food offering. Specialising in simple, tasty and seasonal cuisine, the new spring menu is full of tasty new options to try. Sunday lunches are also a firm favourite, with favourites including roasted ‘Walter Rose’ beef, horseradish and Yorkshire pudding and slow roast

pork belly, homemade apple sauce, and crackling - booking is most definitely advised!

As well as the wonderful exterior, the interior of The Barge is just as inviting, with lovely views out that you can enjoy when the weather isn’t quite so fine. It’s just undergone a makeover too, so now boasts a a fresh new look including a restructured bar and some great new seating!

• bargeinnseend.co.uk

Quality food freshly prepared for you

PRIX FIXE LUNCH MENU NEWLY REFURBISHED!

Situated on the picturesque Kennet & Avon Canal The Barge Inn offers excellent food, great Wadworth beers, an extensive wine list and much more. It really is a pub for all seasons.

Available Monday to Saturday

from only £9.50 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

WEDNESDAY SPECIAL

Every Wednesday lunch and evening enjoy 2 Main Course fish & chips for only £18.95!

WADWORTH AWARD WINNING BEERS!

If you can’t decide which great Wadworth beer to drink, we offer 3rd of a pint tastings.

The Red Lion

W O O L V E R T O N

NEW SPRING MENU COMING SOON Fresh, seasonal & delicious!

Bar Open Mon - Sat 11am - 11pm Sun 11am - 10:30pm

Sign up to our mailing list and get £5 off your food bill when you spend £20! Details on our website.

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

Tel 01380 828230 www.bargeinnseend.co.uk

“An ideal stop off on the A36 between Warminster & Bath”

Food Served Mon - Fri 12pm - 2.30pm & 6pm-9pm Saturday 12pm - 9.30pm, Sunday 12pm - 8pm

Seend Cleeve, Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 6QB

A

PUB

01373 830350 | www.redlionwoolverton.co.uk Bath Road, Woolverton, Somerset BA2 7QS

| 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...

A

s the growing season starts this year, it generates renewed enthusiasm into all of us at Lovejoys! It means the winter is well and truly over and (hopefully!) no risks of any late snow falls. Maybe the odd frost will come along and slow growth for a bit but the new crops are on their way at last.

With English asparagus starting to appear and our chefs getting it on menus as soon as financially viable for them it is still one of the few UK crops that are seasonally grown.

The seed breeders are trying to find a way of lengthening its season by producing plants that will crop again in the Autumn.

Other crops soon to appear are new carrots, beetroot, spring onions and many fresh herbs. We are lucky enough to have built a relationship with Teeny Greeny micro herbs, who grow micro herbs and greens to order for our customers. Some of you may have seen him at local farmers markets, say hello from us!

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Meanwhile, Lovejoys Larder is continuing the ethos of seeking out local producers, with two local ice creams, rapeseed oil and quinoa all farmed and produced in the area around our base.

space for this year. More on this next month.

If you work in a school and would like us to come and talk to your children about where the food they

“We are lucky enough to have built a relationship with Teeny Greeny micro herbs, who grow micro herbs and greens to order for our customers” If you are a local producer, or you know of anybody who would fit our business with a product we might be able to market for them, then get in touch! We love local! It helps local growers/producers, keeps food miles low and allow you to eat local food in local restaurants.

eat comes from, then be sure to get in touch with us by email on enquiries@lovejoyswholesale.com.

Neil @lovejoysuk @LovejoysLarder @TeenyGreenyFarm

In the garden or allotment you • lovejoyswholesale.com should be looking at what you like • lovejoyslarder.com to eat so that you can decide what • teenygreeny.co.uk to sow this year. I always say there is no point growing what you don’t like to eat. If you have young children they love planting things that they can see grow fairly quickly. Don’t forget to grow a few flowers to cut as well when planning out your growing

THE

Shaw Country

HOTEL & RESTAURANT

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.

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!

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

SUNDAY ROASTS

Good selection of Real Ales available too

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

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

Award Winning, Family Run Farm Shop Established for over 30 years Selling Quality Local Produce Open Daily 9am - 6pm (9.30am - 5pm on Sundays)

Locally grown asparagus coming soon!

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

LOCAL CHEESES & HOME COOKED MEATS LOCALLY GROWN VEGETABLES, FRUIT & SALADS HOMEMADE CAKES & PIES LOCALLY MADE CHOCOLATES & FUDGE FINE WINE, LOCAL ALE & CIDER PRESERVES & CHUTNEYS GIFT HAMPERS

www.allingtonfarmshop.co.uk TEL: 01249 658112 Allington Bar Farm, Chippenham, SN14 6LJ

| recipes

EASTER TREATS If you have little ones at home over Easter why not try your hand at some of these delicious creations courtesy of Waitrose?

HAPPY EASTER BISCUITS

Method Preheat the oven to 180ºC. Beat together the soft butter and both sugars until creamy, then mix in the

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egg. Add the spice and flour and mix to make a firm dough.

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of 2–3mm and stamp out biscuits using Easter cookie cutters.

Transfer to baking sheets that have been lined with non-stick

parchment and bake for 8–10 minutes until pale golden. Leave to cool on the tray for 1–2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool completely.

Decorate the biscuits with coloured icing and dust with a few sprinkles.

Leave to set, then store in an airtight container until ready to eat.

✃

Makes 30 Ingredients 175g soft butter, diced 50g golden caster sugar 50g icing sugar 1 medium free range egg ½ tsp ground mixed spice 300g plain flour, plus extra for rolling Coloured icing and sprinkles, to decorate

recipes |

SWIRLED EASTER BROWNIES Ingredients 150g butter, plus extra for greasing 150g dark chocolate, roughly chopped 50g dark muscovado sugar ½ tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp cornflour 4 free range eggs 200g soft cheese 225g light muscovado sugar 75g plain flour 90g bag Cadbury Mini Eggs

✃

Method Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease and line a 20cm square

tin with baking parchment. Place the chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl and set over a pan of gently simmering water, stirring occasionally, until melted.

Meanwhile, for the cheesecake mixture, beat together the dark muscovado sugar, vanilla extract, cornflour and 1 egg in a bowl.

Gently stir in the soft cheese until mixed. Set aside.

Makes 16

into the tin, then drop in small spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture. Spoon the remaining chocolate mixture over the top.

Using a chopstick or skewer, lightly ripple the top, then bake for 15 minutes. Scatter over the Mini Eggs and return to the oven for a further 15-20 minutes until set.

Set aside to cool in the tin before cutting into 16 squares to serve.

In a bowl, beat the remaining 3 eggs. Stir in the chocolate mixture with the light muscovado sugar and flour. Spoon half of this

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| recipes

LEMON SIMNEL CUPCAKES

Makes 12 Ingredients 500g pack Waitrose Cooks’ Homebaking Golden Marzipan 150g light muscovado sugar 150g soft unsalted butter 2 large free range eggs 150g self-raising flour 125g essential Waitrose Mixed Fruit 2 lemons, both zested and juice of 1 Icing sugar to dust 2 tbsp apricot jam

pale and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, scraping the bowl down after each addition. Fold in the flour along with the mixed fruit, lemon juice and half the zest. Add a spoonful of mixture to each case, place a chunk of marzipan in the centre, then top each evenly with the rest of the mixture. Bake in the oven for 15–20 minutes, until risen and golden, then allow to cool on a wire rack.

Method Preheat the oven to 180ºC and line a 12-hole muffin tin with muffin cases.

Cut off an 80g piece of marzipan, then set aside the larger piece for later. Cut the smaller piece into 12 equal chunks.

Sprinkle a little icing sugar on the work surface and roll out the remaining marzipan. Using a small cookie cutter (about 6cm) cut out 12 circles, saving the leftover marzipan.

To decorate the cupcakes, take off the paper cases. Brush on a little apricot jam then place on the circles of marzipan. Shape the leftover marzipan into 12 balls, then place one in the centre of each cupcake, using some jam to help secure if necessary. Place them on a baking tray and pop under a hot grill for 1 minute until the marzipan is lightly browned. Finish with a small sprinkling of lemon zest.

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✃

Place the sugar and butter in a large bowl and beat together until

✃

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.

SUNDAY LUNCH

THURSDAY SUPPER CLUB

Our Sunday lunches, featuring roasts carved at the table including whole herbed chicken for four, are very popular.

BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL!

DIFFERENT THEME EVERY MONTH! 26th April ‘It’s All About The Fish’ 4 courses £25 feat. South West fish

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

Enjoy The Great Atmosphere At

The Organ Inn After a long day what could be better than a warm welcome, a convivial atmosphere & a glass of something you fancy?

REAL ALES & CIDERS (Find us in The Good Beer Guide)

4 ever changing real ale pumps, ciders and perrys on draught plus lots of bottled options showcasing the best of local and national independent breweries.

Plus quality wines, lagers and spirits & traditional bar games.

Tel: 01985 211777 | OVER 21s | www.theorganinn.co.uk 49 high st, warminster, wiltshire ba12 9aq (just a 5 minute walk from the railway station) OPEN 4pm-12midnight monday to friday, 12noon-12midnight saturday, 4pm-11pm sunday

| food & drink

Meet the Chef This month we caught up with MICHAEL BALL, Head Chef at Homewood Park Hotel, to talk chocolate tarts, Asian flavours and having a sourdough as part of the family!

What inspired you to become a chef?

As a young man the food scene was up and coming with cooking legends such as Marco Pierre White and Gordon Ramsay hitting the TV screens and books like Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain being released - I knew it was the career for me.

How did you get into the industry?

I started as a waiter/kitchen porter back in a local hotel in Clevedon, which developed in to a opportunity to acquire the foundations and knowledge to kickstart my career.

What was your first job in a kitchen?

Serving chocolate tart for a wedding.

I learnt very quickly about the importance of attention to detail and consistency!

Tell us about your style of cooking.

The restaurants I have worked in are all quite classically French but I like

to eat food that is lighter and more contemporary. I am a true believer in using seasonal local produce and the best quality ingredients. However, I don’t let this get in my way of my sense of adventure to explore the exotics and unusual ingredients.

What’s your favourite kitchen gadget?

There are so many pieces of equipment a chef can’t do without, but I’d say my vacuum pack machine as it is a vital part of our everyday kitchen equipment. It allows us to do so many technical things with our dishes and helps maintain that freshness too.

What’s your favourite dish?

I am currently enjoying marrying ingredients from Asia and closer to home so my favourite dish would have to be confit Loch Duart salmon with a beetroot dashi and pickled shimeji mushrooms and raw vegetables.

“I love to make bread - mostly sourdough. I have a starter that I’ve had for years; it’s like a part of the family.”

Best thing about being a chef?

Going to work every day with it not feeling like a job; I’m sure not many people can say that.

What do you cook at home?

Home is definitely my down time so anything simple really from Italian to Asian but one thing is for sure I love to make bread - mostly sourdough. I have a starter that I’ve had for years it’s like a part of the family.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

I would say one of my favourite chef would have to Sat Bains purely because I like his style and from following him for many years his ethos seems to stay the same with unique combinations and ideas.

To make a reservation at Homewood Park call 01225 976195.

• homewoodpark.co.uk

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THE

WESTBROOK

Bromham, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 2EE

tel 01380 850418

www.westbrookbromham.co.uk

WINNER OF BEST FOOD & BEST OVERALL PUB IN THE DEVIZES CONSTITUENCY BEST LOCAL PUB AWARDS! Kevin & Louise invite you to visit The 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.

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

NOW SERVING FOOD UNTIL 8PM ON SUNDAYS!

PRIVATE PARTIES Choose Homewood Park as your venue and enjoy a lunch or dinner that’s as special as those you’ve invited.

Book your unique event at Homewood Park Hotel & Spa and receive complimentary room hire and either a glass of fizz or tea/coffee served with petit fours.* Call our dedicated Conference & Events Co-Ordinator on 01225 723731 (option 2) or email us at events@homewoodpark.co.uk 01225 976323 | homewoodpark.co.uk Subject to availability. Excludes weddings, please see website for 2018 wedding special offers. Party must be for 10 or more guests. Ts & Cs apply. *

| food & drink

down on

the farm

TOM BOWLES from Hartley Farm gives us the latest on goings on over at the farm this spring.

A

t the start of March, I felt confident that spring was on its way after a long, cold winter. That is before the before The Beast From The East paid us a visit! A very hectic few days followed trying to manage the farm shop, the safety of our team getting to and from the farm and also the safety of all our animals who were cut off from water due to the big freeze. We managed to only close for one day in the end, and after some emergency 4x4 trips to my Uncle’s farm at Ivy House we managed to smuggle what seemed like the only milk left in Wiltshire back to the farm shop! It certainly made for a lot of fun and some beautiful scenes, but I’m glad that when its little brother arrived a few days ago it wasn’t nearly so bad!

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So, third time lucky then… April is sure to sound the start of our spring!

Our animals now return to the fields to spend the next few months out where they are happiest.

You’ll have a chance to see for yourself on the 22nd April as our Spring Farm Open Day returns.

Bring your family along to meet some of the animals and stop at our mini-farm brought to us by Farmsto-Ewe again this year. They’ll be face painting, storytelling, a bouncy castle and crafts with plenty to eat, drink and be merry with. We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating the arrival of spring...at last!

Tom @hartleyfarm

UPCOMING EVENTS

ST GEORGE’S SUPPER & QUIZ NIGHT @ HARTLEY Friday 20th April from 7pm Our quiz night will be fierce and dangerous, and equally as thrilling! If you are up for the challenge, and you have some like-minded warriors who will back you up, book your table now!

The supper costs £20pp for two course meal and quiz. Please pre-book.

SPRING FARM OPEN DAY @ HARTLEY Sunday 22nd April 10am-4pm One of our favourite days of the year, where we welcome you to spend a day on the farm, and show you a different side to Hartley Farm.

The day is free to enter but some activities will have a small charge.

Tractor rides are pre-book only.

• hartley-farm.co.uk Come and see the new arrivals on the farm

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

Arenal beach at sunrise

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travel |

EXPLORING

JAVEA This month LISA ROCKLIFFE takes a break in the family friendly destination of Javea, Spain.

L

ast summer we were making the most of our last holiday before we had to fit in with the school system. Determined to find some sun we opted for Spain and Javea (or Xabia to give it its Valencian name), which you’ll find in Costa Blanca, midway between Alicante and Valencia.

We stayed in a villa, offering us the ultimate freedom to come and go as we please, self cater or dine out and the most important feature, a private pool for our little girl to splash about in.

After picking up our car from Alicante airport, Javea is a little over an hour’s drive east, so no great bother, although being mostly motorway-bound the drive is more about the destination than the journey. On arrival the villa (Villa Guadalupe) was a pleasant surprise, with lovely interior décor – it is owned by a local artist - a large pool (major tick!) with stunning views to the mountains beyond, good WiFi access and spacious bedrooms. The only slight downside was the outside dining space, which was well placed near the kitchen, but not particularly inviting – a real shame when you are envisaging nights of al fresco dining. (It is worth noting that since our visit a new outdoor dining area has been installed next to the pool – much better!)

In truth, when it comes to summer holidays most of us are after the same simple things, good weather chief among them! The weather for our visit was sensational, there was barely a cloud in the sky and in late June, daily temperatures were a really pleasant mid to late 20˚Cs. If you aren’t lucky enough to stay in a villa with its own pool there is a beautiful blue flag beach at Arenal, which is particularly well suited to families; its gradual gradient and low waves makes it ideal for young children. What’s more there is children’s play equipment right on the beach, pedalo hire and, during peak season, a children’s amusement park with merrygo-rounds, bumper cars and other fun rides. At night the promenade is also the place to go for some great The beautiful setting at Villa Guadulupe

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37

| travel The historical centre of Javea is well worth exploring. It retains its medieval layout, with narrow streets, arched doorways and buildings crafted from beautiful In the surrounding areas of Javea, ‘tosca’ sandstone. In its centre is the you can find amusement parks, Iglesia de San Bartolomé, which was aquatic parks and zoos such as Terra built in the 14th-16th Century and Mítica, Terra Natura, Aqualandia and is an excellent example of Isabelline Mundomar, all offering excellent Gothic style. You can also find out entertainment options for families.

As well as that, Javea’s rocky coastline more about the region’s agricultural history at the Riurau de los Català makes it great for those looking for d´Arnauda, a grape-drying facility a little adventure. Xabia Activa is that shows how important the an outdoor sports company that raisin trade was to the region. Also specialises in leading groups out in the historical centre you’ll find kayaking, snorkelling, coasteering, traditional family-owned shops as hiking, climbing, canyoning, stand well as local tapas bars. The Abastos up paddle (SUP) as well as cycling and mountain biking. With their local Municipal Market is an essential landmark for visiting foodies and knowledge they can take you spots that are off the beaten track and share every Thursday a weekly street market or “Mercadillo” is held in with some of the treasures of the Plaza de la Constitución and Placeta Costa Blanca – absolute heaven for del Convent – perfect if you want to those who want to scratch beneath pick up some lovely local produce. the surface. Adventure Costa Blanca Javea is a great little holiday also caters for those in need of spot; close enough to the likes of diversion, offering air rifle shooting, Benidorm to ensure you can cater archery, horse riding, helicopter flights, hot air balloon rides and more! for your kids’ desire for action and beachside dining, and during July and August there’s a market set up every night at sunset.

“In the surrounding areas of Javea, you can find amusement parks, aquatic parks and zoos such as Terra Mítica, Terra Natura, Aqualandia and Mundomar, all offering excellent entertainment options for families.”

Aqualandia is one of many local attractions to cater for families

Entrance to the Mercado Municipal

adventure, but far enough removed that you feel a sense of old Spain too – and long may that last.

TRAVELLER’S TIPS We flew direct to Alicante from Bristol in late June via Easyjet, which costs from around £190 per person. Our villa stay at Villa Guadalupe was booked with Villa Plus. The whole package, including flights, car hire and child car seat cost a little over £1850 for 2 adults and 1 child for a week’s self-catering.

Although many areas of Spain get baking hot in the height of summer, Javea is famous for its year-round climate. August temperatures average out around 30˚C, whilst with averages of 25˚C and 26˚C June and September are great months to visit if you are looking to avoid peak season crowds.

• villaplus.com • xabiactiva.com • adventurecostablanca.com

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VISIT OUR ON SITE CAFÉ

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE HERE

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

gardens |

SPRING GARDENS After a cold - and snowy - start, spring has arrived.

Get out and enjoy your garden this spring with the help of these fantastic local businesses, who will help you take care of everything from plants to ponds and fencing to fuchsias.

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| gardens

GARDEN CENTRES & NURSERIES

Allington Garden Shop sells a great range of garden gifts

ALLINGTON GARDEN SHOP

Selling a range of unusual shrubs, roses, perennials, herbs, vegetable plants, miscellaneous garden accessories and some beautiful and highly original gardening gifts for your green-fingered friends! Owner Brenda Meade will be more than happy to advise you with your garden related woes or planning and can even make up a hanging basket or pot for you whilst you wait.

01249 659700 | allingtongardenshop.co.uk

AVONFIELD GARDENS

Avonfield Gardens, on Marsh Road in Hilperton, is looking forward to another great year on its developing and expanding site. Not only do they have a huge selection of plants to choose from, but the space is set aside purely for gardening. From plants to seeds, compost to tools, it has everything for the garden and nothing else.

The quality of plants is second to none. As well as growing a large number of plants themselves, they also source their plants and shrubs from a selection of tried and tested nurseries throughout the UK. Right now is a great time in to pop in for a supply of vegetable plug plants, including beans, lettuce, spinach, chard and more. They have strawberry plants aplenty too. As well as growing your own, now is an ideal time to take a look at their large and varied range of herbaceous perennials, although equally you may be looking to direct sow some annuals, or arrange a seasonal bedding display. Whatever you need, you’re sure to find it, and much more, at Avonfield Gardens.

01225 571331 | avonfield-gardens.co.uk

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DOWNSIDE NURSERIES

Downside Nurseries in Westwood is celebrating its 50th year in 2018!

Initially growing fruit and vegetales to supply the Bristol markets, the emphasis soon changed to growing and supplying plants to what were then the ‘new concept’ of garden centres.

Downside is now a traditional family-run working nursery in Upper Westwood open seven days/week from 9am to 5pm and growing much of its own stock. You’ll find a huge choice of the finest quality Avonfield has a huge range of vegetable plug plants

plants from more than 2000 varieties of herbaceous perennials, ornamental and fruit trees, shrubs, seasonal bedding, topiary and vegetables that will thrive in your garden. Plants account for nearly 100% of all sales so you can be sure of quality, choice and value for money.

Plants make a wonderful gift, whatever the occasion, so perfect for Easter, anniversaries and birthdays. The plant list is on the website, where you’ll also find directions, and from where you can sign up to receive news from the nursery direct to your inbox!

01225 862392 | downsidenurseries.co.uk

LAKESIDE GARDEN CENTRE

Lakeside Garden Centre is a family run business that has been serving gardeners in the West of England for over forty years. Based in

“Lakeside Garden Centre is a family run business that has been serving gardeners in the West of England for over forty years.”

OLD MILESTONE NURSERY ALLINGTON GARDEN SHOP Selling a range of unusual shrubs, roses, perennials, herbs, vegetable plants, accessories and gifts.

MELKSHAM ROAD, HOLT, WILTSHIRE BA14 6QT

01225 783226

OPEN 7 days a week 10am - 5pm For friendly, professional & personal service.

Allington Bar Farm, Allington, Chippenham SN14 6LJ 01249 659700 | www.allingtongardenshop.co.uk

ORDER YOUR SUMMER HANGING BASKETS NOW

Hundreds of ready planted baskets & pots available

SUMMER BEDDING & BASKETS 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

Large range of trailing plants & thousands of garden-ready bedding plants

PLUS standard fuchsias, geraniums, perennials, herbs, shrubs & climbers WE ARE A FAMILY RUN NURSERY SELLING ONLY PLANTS

| gardens

© Christina Cornish

for shrubs, trees, alpines, roses and seasonal bedding plants, and encourage wildlife into your garden with their large collection of bird feed and other wildlife products. Also see their large collection of metal and wooden garden furniture along with barbecues to suit all budgets.

Malus Crab Apple Royalty from Downside Nurseries

Warminster, you can be assured of a warm, friendly welcome, top-quality products and knowledgeable advice for everyone from the novice to the expert.

In addition to the wide range of trees, shrubs, patio plants and perennials, you will also find a select range of quality garden furniture, barbecues and gift items.

Also on site you’ll find Garden Affairs, Room to Groom, The Nail Emporium, Premium Tubs, Paul’s Double Glazing Clematis Barbara Jackman Repairs, Hair by Debs Tye-Duck from Old Milestone and Kalahari Kitchen as well as the popular Bay Tree Café, serving choose from, plus of course there’s breakfasts, snacks, hot meals, teas opportunity to pick the brains of some true experts in the field. As well and coffees.

01225 763927 | trowbridgegardencentre.co.uk as bedding you’ll find perennials, herbs, shrubs and climbers too, and “Trowbridge plenty of parking to boot!

01225 783226 | Find them on Facebook

TROWBRIDGE GARDEN CENTRE

Based on the outskirts of our county town this ever popular garden Lakeside is situated on the A350 in centre has a great reputation for Crockerton, just outside Warminster, quality of service and product on the edge of the Longleat estate. ranges – it has everything a gardener What really marks this garden centre could ever need, from planting to apart is the beautiful setting - no ponds, compost to climbers their visit to Lakeside is complete without knowledgeable staff are on hand to a stroll around the lake and a help you discover what works best chance to meet the resident ducks for your garden. and geese.

01985 217413 | fonthill-lakeside.com At this time of year head inside

Garden Centre has everything a gardener could ever need, from planting to ponds, compost to climbers” WHITEHALL GARDEN CENTRES

Whitehall Garden Centres offers a great day out for the whole family.

An independent group of garden centres run by the Self family since 1894, they have centres in Lacock, Whitchurch and Woodborough. They are one of the largest stockists of outdoor plants in the area, including

OLD MILESTONE NURSERY

Based on the Melksham Road on the outskirts of Holt, Old Milestone Nursery has a wonderful reputation for beautiful hanging baskets, with hundreds of ready planted baskets and pots available for you to take home. Just give them a little TLC and they’ll reward you with stunning displays of colour right throughout the summer months. Alternatively, if you would prefer to make your own, they have thousands of summer bedding and trailing plants to

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Whitehall has an extensive range of top quality garden furniture

at 288 Frome Rd, Trowbridge, Wilts BA14 0DT

www.trowbridgegardencentre.co.uk

Tel 01225 763927

Plants & Shrubs, Bedding, Fruit & Veg, Seeds & Bulbs, Gardening Products, Paving, Pots & Containers, Tools, Compost, Wildlife Feed and Outdoor Aquatics plus A wide selection of gifts for every occasion Garden Furniture & Barbecues

Also home to The Bay Tree Café, Garden Affairs, Room to Groom,The Nail Emporium, Premium Tubs, Paul’s Double Glazing Repairs, Hair by Debs Tye-Duck & Kalahari Kitchen

| gardens shrubs, roses, clematis, conifers, herbs, herbaceous, bedding plants, ornamental trees and alpine plants.

Now in stock are a range of starter plants to get your garden ready for the summer. Whitehall is so confident in the plants they sell they offer a 5 year hardy plant guarantee.

COLOURFENCE BATH

If you are in need of a new fence, or want a low maintenance solution that doesn’t require lots of upkeep then why not consider Colourfence?

Their durable fencing panels are guaranteed not to rot, warp or peel for 25 years and can withstand wind gusts up to 130mph, giving you real As well as plants there is a large peace of mind whatever the weather selection of garden furniture to may have in store. Colourfence compliment any garden with leading fencing is manufactured from names including Bramblecrest, Zincalume high tensile steel and is Hartman and Kettler. They also stock fully engineered to be light weight yet an extensive range of gifts, casual extremely strong and durable. Whilst clothing, houseplants, outdoor more expensive than traditional lap pots, ornaments and garden panel installations it costs less than sundries. Complete your visit with you might think and is remarkably afternoon tea or lunch in one of their good value when you consider there restaurants. are no ongoing maintenance costs - it 01249 730204 | whitehallgardencentre.co.uk never needs treating or painting, just the occasional hose down will keep FENCING & your fence looking as good as new.

LANDSCAPING

making Colourfence the most attractive garden fencing solution for you and your neighbour. To find out more go to the website or read their reviews on their Checkatrade page at checkatrade.com/ColoufenceBath.

01458 830486 | colourfence.co.uk/bath

EJ SHANLEY & SON

Sometimes nothing but a total clear out will do! If your garden is in need of an overhaul consider giving EJ Shanley & Son a call to see about a skip. A family run business for over 50 years, they have a huge fleet of lorries and a large selection of skips and compactor bins for hire, as well as roll-on roll-off bins, a car breakers yard and a metal reclamation centre.

01225 753333 / 01985 213348 | ejshanley.co.uk

T DEACON FENCING & LANDSCAPING

If you are looking for that little bit of extra space to store your tools and Your local franchise owner Ivor CLASSIC GARDENS McKeown offers a free, no obligation gardening equipment then head to Classic Gardens provides professional quotation service covering design T Deacon’s in Dunkirk Business Park, support for every phase of your Southwick. A neatly crafted shed or and installation. They do not employ garden project. They take care of summerhouse is ideal for the purpose high pressure sales tactics and if everything, from advice at the outset Colourfence is not right for your and their new garden warehouse to support after completion. RHS T Deacon offers a huge range of garden for any reason they will trained James Treacy has over 15 styles and sizes, including shed bases be happy to advise on alternative years’ experience in horticulture, if required, with the option of just solutions should you wish. and is happy to help with every delivery or delivery and installation. aspect of your garden care, from Available in a range of colours planting and weeding to clearance The warehouse, based at Dunkirk to complement any garden and maintenance, hedge trimming environment, both sides are identical Business Park in Southwick, is open and pruning, lawn care, hardscaping, ponds and water features.

GreenThumb can transform the look of your lawn Whatever your horticultural needs, give James a call or email info@ classiclandscapesandecopools.co.uk and he will happily come and discuss your ideas.

07940 261734 | classiclandscapesandecopools.co.uk

“Classic Gardens provides professional support for every phase of your garden project.”

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Davies of Westbury DIY, Gardening & Cook Shop

For all your needs around the home, both inside & out • DIY • Tools • Gardening • Tools • Heating • Logs & Fuels • Electricals • Decorating • Cooking • Sugarcraft

FREE LOCAL DELIVERY

TO WESTBURY & SURROUNDING AREAS OPEN Monday to Saturday 9am - 5.30pm (Sunday CLOSED)

24 Edward Street, Westbury, BA13 3BD

Tel 01373 822431 www.daviesofwestbury.co.uk

E.J. SHANLEY & SON [TROWBRIDGE] LTD HOUSE OR GARDEN NEED A CLEAROUT THIS SPRING?

Classic Gardens

FOR ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS James Treacy has spent 15 years designing and caring for gardens. He can help with everything from day to day maintenance to design and landscaping.

• RHS Qualified • Garden Maintenance • Design & Landscaping • Pruning • Tree care • Ponds & Water Features

Phone: 07940 261734

Email: info@classiclandscapesandecopools.co.uk

classiclandscapesandecopools.co.uk

NEW GARDEN WAREHOUSE NOW OPEN!

CALL US TODAY! Neatly crafted sheds or summerhouses in a huge range of styles and sizes.

Delivery Only or Delivery & Installation PLUS: Decking, Fencing & Gates

CALL TROWBRIDGE OR WARMINSTER 01225 753333 / 01985 213348

LANDSCAPING SERVICE AVAILABLE FULL TURFING SERVICE / SUPPLY ONLY

43 Shails Lane, Trowbridge 43 Copheap Lane, Warminster

t 01225 769145 / 07881 496923

www.ejshanley.co.uk

WILTSHIRE‘S LEADER IN SKIP HIRE

office.tdeaconltd@aol.co.uk tdeaconfencingandlandscaping.co.uk

Dunkirk Business Park, Southwick, Wiltshire BA14 9NL

| gardens 7 days a week, and as well as sheds and summerhouses also carries fence posts and panels, tools, patios, turf, gates, trellis, decking, concrete products and lots more. Pop in to see for yourself!

01225 769145 | tdeaconfencingandlandscaping.co.uk

LAWNS & GARDEN MACHINERY GREENTHUMB

Now is the ideal time to give your lawn an overhaul to ensure it returns to the peak of health over the coming spring and summer months.

“Weeds are the bane of many lawns, and spring-time onwards is a good time to tackle them,” agrees Graham Smith, owner of local lawn treatment company GreenThumb. “Spraying the lawn with a selective herbicide can rid it of dandelions, daisies and clover, as well as other weeds.”

In business for 15 years, GreenThumb is the area’s largest and most recommended lawn care specialist with over 3000 customers using the regular four treatments per year service. The fourth treatment is applied between September and February concentrating on maintaining that healthy colour, with an emphasis on moss control.

GreenThumb treatments cost from just £15 per application, and the householder does not have to be in when the treatments take place.

The service is pay-as-you-go and there are no customer contracts to sign. For a free lawn survey contact GreenThumb today!

TIPS ON MOWING YOUR LAWN FROM LAWN TENDER...

Apart from a regular feed and weed programme, mowing the grass correctly is one of the most important activities to improve your lawn. In our experience, grass is often cut too short, damaging the grass and creating a browner, weaker lawn.

To create a thick, lush lawn, the ideal length for grass is 3 to 4cm.

Cut no more than one third off the current height of the grass. Cutting more than a third can harm the grass, causing brown patches, as will cutting the lawn when it is wet or if the blade needs sharpening.

You won’t end up cutting the lawn more often - instead the grass’ energy goes into new side shoots rather than height!

Finally, if leaves fall onto the grass, they should be removed as soon as possible or they will damage the grass. Using a lawn mower at a raised height is a good way of lifting the leaves. run the South Wilts & East Somerset office of LawnTender. As a company, LawnTender cares for thousands of lawns throughout the south of England, ranging from small town and cottage gardens to large country houses and estates. Kevin and Sue’s area covers Andover to Bath and from their Westbury base regularly visit Warminster, Frome, Trowbridge, Bradford on Avon and all their surrounding villages and hamlets.

08000 111 222 | greenthumb.co.uk

LAWN TENDER

Creating the perfect lawn that is the envy of your neighbours is actually quite straightforward. The solution is to get someone else to do it for you! Kevin Maul and Sue Jacobs are just the people you need. They

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In what is a competitive market, LawnTender has always placed high focus on customer service and care.

They provide personal ongoing advice, feedback and support throughout the season. This has resulted in strong customer loyalty from year to year.

It all starts with a FREE, no obligation lawn assessment and quotation - all you have to do is give them a call or email southwilts@lawntender. co.uk.

01373 859016 | lawntender.co.uk

MENDIP MOWERS

Spring is here and the grass has started to grow again! Is your lawn mower fit and raring to go? If not bring it in for a service!

Alternatively they can collect it and deliver it back for you if that’s easier.

Or is it time for a change of machine?

Ready, Steady Mow - Honda has just announced up to £400 off savings across selected Honda lawnmower ranges. There’s never been a better time to buy a Honda Lawnmower.

They even do part exchange! At the showroom in Chapmanslade you’ll also find a range of brush cutters, with Honda’s quiet, cost effective and powerful 4 stroke engine and Versatool, the engine with 7 attachments.

01373 832965 | mendipmowers.co.uk

GARDEN BUILDINGS & FURNITURE BEECHFIELD RECLAMATION

From a pretty staddle stones to a statue or impressive piece of metalwork, a good architectural piece can make a garden shine, as well as providing an excellent focal point to lead the eye. Based on the Hopton Park Industrial Estate in Devizes, Beechfield Reclamation deal in all types of building materials.

They have some wonderful pieces that would look great in any garden, including arches, fountains, benches, chimney pots, birdbaths, planters, paving, bricks and more.

Reclaimed Building Materials & Architectural Antiques

All Reclaimed Building Materials Bought & Sold The White Horse Yard, Beechfield Rd, Hopton Park Ind Est, Devizes SN10 2DX

Tel

01380 730999

See our full range of stock on our website:

www.beechfieldreclamation.co.uk

| gardens As well as old items, they also sell reproduction pieces like urns too – well worth a look! All in all the range is astounding – what’s more they have a stonemason on site who can cut flagstones (and more) to size.

01380 730999 | beechfieldreclamation.co.uk

SOUTH WEST GREENHOUSES

South West Greenhouses offers a full installation service in Wiltshire and surrounding counties. From humble beginnings South West Greenhouses is now one of the largest greenhouse retailers in the UK. Because they install the greenhouses they sell they have an unrivalled product knowledge on the range; the best way to fully understand a greenhouse is to put it up...over and over again! When you contact them with your questions they will always give you an honest, informed answer by someone with great expertise and experience.

The company supplies the best quality greenhouses in their price brackets including Halls, Eden, Elite, Swallow and many more. The website has all information you could need on every greenhouse so you can order and arrange your installation with the click of a button! It’s that simple. Take a look online today – you can also view photos of greenhouses they have installed to help with your choice.

01225 710479 | swgreenhouses.co.uk

GARDEN TOOLS & SUPPLIES BROWNS HARDWARE

If you need something for the home or garden this spring then head to Browns, Bradford on Avon’s oldest hardware store. Don’t let its size deceive you, they have everything you need in store and if they don’t they will try to get it for you! Their new catalogue is out now and its full of garden tools and products all at

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South West Greenhouses are experts in the supply and erection of top quality greenhouses

bargain prices, from paint to pruning shears and loppers to lawnmowers.

All that, and you’re sure to receive a polite and friendly welcome from Dean and his knowledgeable team – what more could you ask for!?

and a much more personal service – as well as free delivery in and around Westbury.

01225 862236 | Find them on Facebook

Cordens in Warminster is a real fixture of Warminster high street.

A traditional ironmongers, the store is now so much more to local residents, and currently operates 10 departments over three floors, covering: kitchenware, DIY and paint mixing, ironmongery, tools, electrical, gardening, camping, locks and key cutting, sugarcraft and gifts.

DAVIES OF WESTBURY

If you want to get cracking in the garden Davies of Westbury have everything you need. A family run business, they have over 30 years experience selling everything for the home – inside and out. As far as the garden goes, they carry all the top brands when it comes to tools as well as electric and petrol garden machinery including mowers, strimmers, hedge trimmers, shredders and more as well as petrol mowers and chain saws. As well as the tools they also keep specialised fertilisers, pesticides, weed killers, compost, bark chippings and much more. If you require prices, just phone and a member of staff will be happy to help.

The difference between a family run business and the huge superstores is that they can offer you more choice

0845 291 6015 | daviesofwestbury.co.uk

S L CORDEN & SONS

As an independent firm, they are renowned for their helpful and cheerful staff, their knack for problem solving and their ability to source unusual items quickly. Right now, at the beginning of spring, their gardening department is the place to head for everything from seeds to secateurs, furniture to tomato feed – everything the gardening enthusiast needs to get the gardening year off to a flying start!

01985 212115 | slcorden.co.uk

We are a local, family run business that prides itself on its friendly, helpful approach, offering all the benefits of a local service combined with great value for money.

The cheapest supplier in the UK, GUARANTEED!

We offer: Full installation service, Base levelling, Base laying, Repairs, Existing greenhouse clearance, Site visits, Insurance quotes

01225 710479

swgreenhouses.co.uk

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

GET THE BIG BRANDS FOR LESS AT BROWNS!

PURVEYORS OF... • HOUSEWARES • CLEANING PRODUCTS • ELECTRICAL • PLUMBING • TOOLS • DECORATING & DIY • GARDENING Opening Times: Mondays to Saturdays 8.30am - 6pm, Sundays & Bank Holidays 10am - 4pm 30 Silver Street, Bradford on Avon BA15 1JX Telephone 01225 862236

| gardens

New bridge at The Courts The Courts gardens in Holt has recently opened a beautiful new bridge

© National Trust/Jane Stephenson Ingram

The bridge over the Dye Pool at Courts Garden

W

ith the help of children from Holt VC primary school a new bridge over the historic Dye Pool at the Courts Garden has been unveiled.

The idea was initially a response to the challenge of creating a hand rail for a wooden boardwalk that enabled visitors to walk all the way around the Dye pool pond. A secure hand rail not only makes the route safer for younger visitors especially, but also provides a badly needed focal and viewing point for this dark corner of the garden.

Head Gardener, Paul Alexander said: ‘It has taken the last 2 years to secure the funding, necessary permissions and to find a bridge builder that could deliver the vision that was for so long just an image in my head.

Richard Coulson and his father Julian of Coulson’s Bridges in Halesworth,

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Suffolk were the incredible team that delivered that vision in early 2018.’

The project also proved a wonderful opportunity to run an art competition with students from the local primary school to find a winner who could cut the ribbon at the grand opening in March.

For a number of years children from Holt VC Primary School have enjoyed the opportunity to work at the National Trust Courts Garden in the village as part of the Green Guardianship Program. They have experienced forest school activities, farming related projects, wildlife education and a number of art and science based activities. Hannah Jones, National Trust Regional Consultant, said: ‘Our places are part of the local community and it’s lovely when we can work in partnership to create something that brings joy to us and the local people who enjoy The Courts’.

She added: ‘Partnerships like the longstanding work between the team at The Courts and Holt Primary school is something we are really proud of and seek to develop wherever we can.’

The team at The Courts are still continuing to create better access and planting around the bridge, but hope all their visitors will be as thrilled by the new addition to the much loved garden as they are.

Over the Easter break head to The Courts and enjoy the free spring family trail (normal admission applies) - plot your route into the depths of the garden using a map and compass on the orienteering trail. Admission to The Courts is £8 for adults and £4 for children and free to all National Trust members.

• nationaltrust.org.uk/the-courtsgarden

SOVEREIGN DAMP & TIMBER LTD

S.L. Corden & Sons

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

We are a traditional hardware store with a modern twist.

Come to us for...

Gardening Equipment | Outdoor Furniture

tel 01249 716161 or 01225 811222 Email: ross@sovereigndpc.co.uk www.sovereigndpc.co.uk

Camping Equipment | Sugarcraft | Gifts

1 Ingoldmells Court, Edinburgh Way, Leafield Ind Estate Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 9XN

4 High Street, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 9AE 01985 212115 | slcorden.co.uk | s.fraser2@btconnect.com

haus

Household Items | Ironmongery | Tools Paint | DIY | Electrical | Key Cutting

Head to www.hauslife.co.uk and use code HAUS10 for an exclusive ÂŁ10 off your first ÂŁ40 order!

V I N TAG E & H A N D M A D E I T E M S F O R THE MODERN HOME

A stunning collection of items for the home and beautiful accessories, selected Shop our collections nowacross www.hauslife.co.uk from artisans the world. haus_lifestyle /hauslifestyle Shop ourhaus.life collections now www.hauslife.co.uk

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

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

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

Fabulous new kitchens & makeovers at competitive prices

01225 459 559

Call to arrange a no obligation home visit Read customer reviews at

checkatrade.com/premierkitchendoors

We bring the showroom to you...

N CO O FF W EE O BA PE R N !

FOR GREAT DESIGN IDEAS, COME & VISIT OUR

INSPIRATIONAL SHOWROOM AT SILVER STREET, GASTARD, SN13 9PY

FEATURING

New furniture ranges, Vincent Sheppard, Whitehead Designs, Bespoke Furniture, Curtains & Blinds, Interior Design, Fabrics & Wallpaper, Flooring, Gifts Customer parking is available in front of showroom

• www.perfectrooms.co.uk • Tel: 01249 716445 • perfectrooms@btconnect.com

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

| house & home

Sofa Co Plus

Sofa Co Plus owner TOM O’HARE looks back on history of the business and forward to the trading year ahead.

T

he snow has finally disappeared, fingers crossed, and spring has arrived. It is now time to start work on the home improvements. Small independents like me must be in a strong position to ride the rollercoaster of retail sales.

SofaCo Plus is now half way through year nine and looking forward to big celebrations on reaching its 10th birthday. I often have people saying how pleased they are to see we are still trading after several years, only to be shocked when I tell them we are nearly ten years old!

How did we get here? After heart surgery back in 2006 I think they also rewired my brain, as I walked into work one Monday morning, resigned, and by the end of the month was off around Europe in my new motorhome; complete with mountain bike and windsurfing kit.

you need a gift to be delivered on Christmas Day, then we will look at all options to make it happen! We have great support from Warminster, surrounding towns and villages, and great recommendations from our existing clients.

We have recently returned from one of Europe’s largest furniture shows, having placed orders for new exciting pieces to arrive this month. If you like modern, you’ll love our Fama collection. If you like leather, you’ll love our Alpine range. We have show wood from Tajoma, sofa beds from one of the best UK manufacturers and several other UK upholsterers on the floor too. We also have a new

lighting range, luxury throws, and a fabulous cushion selection. Pop in and see if we can help before you run off to one of the out of town giants offering the latest ‘come and get me’ prices. Instead, we offer great deals all year round, including floor models at amazing discounts, so there’s even something for those bargain hunters too!

May we thank you for all your support and look forward to many more years supplying quality sofas and chairs in the South West.

Tom • sofaco.co.uk

“If you like modern, you’ll love our Fama collection. If you like leather, you’ll love our Alpine range.”

Six months later, on my return, after a fabulous experience, I had to recalculate my future. Knowing I did not want to work for anyone again, I sold my property and rented for a while until I saw 15 George Street in Warminster was going up for auction, offering a retail unit below and living space above. The rest is history. I bought the premises, starred on BBC’s ‘Homes under the Hammer’, and in November 2009 I opened SofaCo Plus - I even advertised it in The West Wilts Magazine!

The reason we’re still here? Our overheads are kept as low as possible and we really value our customers.

My philosophy is to treat customers as I would like to be treated. If

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The Fama range offers great modern sofas and chairs

See our range of stunning armchairs & sofas instore today!

GREAT SPRING OFFERS IN STORE NOW!

01985 847031 | sofacoplus@yahoo.co.uk| www.sofaco.co.uk 15 George Street, Warminster, BA12 8QA

golf |

FAIR PLAY

There are few places better to be on a gorgeous spring day than out on a golf course, and in our region we have some of the best around…

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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| golf

CHIPPENHAM GOLF CENTRE

Tiddleywink, Yatton Keynell, Chippenham SN14 7BY Chippenham Golf Centre is a driving range, golf shop, mini golf and par 3 short golf course. Set in the heart of the rural Wiltshire the centre prides itself on offering smart and modern facilities to learn and practice golf, with welcoming and professional staff on hand to help and advise.

During the Easter break take the kids along to play some mini golf.

Newly designed, it’s great fun whatever your ability level and serves as a great introduction to the game. Alternatively you could take on the par 3 course; it’s perfect for improving your short game. Each hole has been carefully designed to test players of all abilities and as the holes are short, the course takes less than an hour to play. Those looking to learn the game might well also be interested to know that the centre offers lessons from only £25.

• chippenhamgolfcentre.co.uk

course offers many picturesque and demanding holes. The 6824 yard par 72 course for men and 73 for ladies, is set within the Estate’s established parkland; routed through mature trees and with water coming into play on 7 holes. The club is proud to offer some of the finest practice facilities in the region. Open to members and visitors alike, the all-weather covered driving range provides an excellent facility to practice your game.

They also offer first class tuition, from private lessons and individual courses to group coaching; catering for all ages and abilities. The Academy offers weekly lessons for junior golfers aged 5 to 16 years old, with the sessions for under 6’s completely free of charge.

Having changed family ownership only twice in over 800 years, Orchardleigh maintains an impalpable English charm. They are incredibly proud to offer the finest dining, facilities and service in the area; and promise a friendly and warm welcome to all visitors.

• orchardleighgolf.co.uk

TONY VALENTINE GOLF CENTRE

Chippenham Golf Centre

ORCHARDLEIGH GOLF CLUB

Orchardleigh Estate, Frome, BA11 2PB Off of the beaten track and away from the hustle and bustle; Orchardleigh is a private and family owned country estate located in the most picturesque Somerset countryside. Named as one of the premier layouts in the West of England, their 18 hole Brian Huggett

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Corsham, Priory Business Park, Bradford Road, SN13 0RB Swindon, Unit 5 Barnfield Road, Swindon, SN2 2DJ Tony Valentine’s Golf Centres are the best stocked golf stores in the South West, with 2 massive superstores in Corsham and Swindon. What sets them apart from smaller stores and internet retailers is the premium service they provide when customers are purchasing golf equipment in-store.

With their brand new GC Quad launch monitors customers can benefit from the latest technology in swing and club analysis. Then,

Orchardleigh Golf Club

their in house PGA Professionals can offer vital knowledge to analyse the information and advise you on the best club selection suited to your swing and ability. Getting the wrong club can prove costly in time and money, so getting a professional custom fit service they provide is invaluable to avoiding this pitfall.

Along with custom fitting at Tony Valentine they also offer the following services: lessons with a PGA pro, putter fitting, gapping sessions, re-gripping, club modifications and electric trolley servicing. They also have an amazing selection golf shoes and clothing, the latest current line ranges and clearance items at low prices along with accessories and other golfing items.

• tonyvalentine.com Tony Valentine’s GC Quad launch monitor

www.tonyvalentine.com

• • • • • • • • •

FT

PGA PROFESSIONALS FOR CUSTOM FIT & LESSONS HI-TECH GC QUALIFIED LAUNCH MONITORS BEST STOCKED GOLF STORE IN THE SOUTH WEST ALL THE LATEST CLUBS FROM THE LEADING BRANDS GREAT SELECTION OF GOLF SHOES & CLOTHING ELECTRIC TROLLEY SERVICE CENTRE RE-GRIPPING & CLUB REPAIR SERVICE HUGE SELECTION OF CLEARANCE CLUBS, SHOES & CLOTHING PREMIUM SERVICE YOU DON’T GET ONLINE!

CORSHAM SUPERSTORE 01249 714466 | SWINDON SUPERSTORE 01793 644448

| golf

WHITLEY GOLF CLUB Corsham Rd, Whitley, SN12 8EQ Whitley is famed for its friendly atmosphere, where everyone is welcome to enjoy the golf course, driving range and clubhouse bar facilities. With a relaxed approach, it’s the ideal place to learn and practice.

The 9-hole layout provides a test that challenges all levels of golfer, with a focus on course management necessary to plot your way around the fairways to get to the green. 2 sets of tees allow golfers to play 18 holes with a varied approach to the hole.

Set out over level ground, the course is sympathetic to the beginner or indeed those who perhaps require a gentler stroll.

Ultimately, social golf is at the heart of Whitley, and what better way to get exercise and spend time with friends than strolling around the natural golf course. Friends & family are always encouraged to use the clubhouse and club facilities. While membership options are available, the casual pay & play visitors are always welcome at the club. For more information get in touch or pop in for a chat.

• whitleygolfclub.com

WEST WILTS GOLF CLUB

Elm Hill, Warminster BA12 0AU West Wilts is an extremely friendly traditional member’s golf club situated on the edge of Warminster and the Salisbury Plain. The course, designed by J H Taylor, has

West Wilts Golf Club

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Whitley Golf Club

excellent fairways and greens on chalk downland with superb views over 3 counties. Very good playing conditions are enjoyed all year round.

The course has characteristics of an inland “links” and being 5790 yards long (Par 69, SSS 68) with 50 bunkers and relatively small greens it provides players of all standards with a fair test of golf. A good short game is essential to score well.

Indoor and outdoor practice facilities are available including a state of the art GC2 golf course simulator and a fully qualified PGA professional (Lawrence Wilkin) for all coaching and equipment needs. Visitors and societies are very welcome; please contact Lawrence Wilkin (pro@westwiltsgolfclub.co.uk) for more information.

• westwiltsgolfclub.co.uk

NEW CAPTAINS AT KINGSDOWN GOLF CLUB ARE BROTHER & SISTER! Voted in by members on 15 February, Andy Marquiss became Captain of Kingsdown Golf Club. Just a week earlier, the lady members voted in his sister, Leigh Page, as their Ladies’ Captain. Kingsdown Golf Club has been going since 1880. To have a brother and sister as captains in the same year is a first!

Andy Marquiss, on accepting his captaincy, said that it had been his birthday the day before and this was “the best present he’d ever had.”

On Saturday 24 February, the members turned out to witness the official start of the Captains’ Bowmaker Competition, the Captains’ Drive-In. Making up the Captains’ Team of 4 were the Senior and Junior Captains - a winning

combination because they ended up coming first!

Kingsdown has a thriving ladies group – and they’re keen to welcome more. Recently launched in March, Andrew Butler (PGA Pro) has introduced Ladies Golf Coaching on Tuesday mornings for just £5pp. Contact the Pro Shop on 01225 743472 for more information.

• kingsdowngolfclub.co.uk Andy Marquiss and Leigh Page

Chippenham Golf Centre The friendly golf centre in the heart of Wiltshire

Golf Centre Facilities • *NEW* mini-golf course for all the family!

• 300yd driving range with targets & markers • 26 flood-lit modern golf bays • Tiddleywink par 3 short golf course • Large putting green • Outdoor short game area • Lessons with fully qualified golf professional • A fully stocked professional golf shop

01249 78312 chippenhamgolfcentre.co.uk Tiddleywink,Yatton Keynell, Chippenham SN14 7BY

Get Into Golf at Kingsdown Golf Club LADIES’ GOLF COACHING (Golf equipment provided)

10.30am – 11.30am

1 hour’s tuition in the Driving Range with PGA Pro Andrew Butler

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Play 3 holes of golf on the Academy Course (optional) Add £2

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All ladies welcome – Go on! Give it a whirl!

| legal & financial

Is your attorney ready to ‘spring’ into action?

JESSICA DOBSON, Assistant Solicitor at Wansbroughs Solicitors in Devizes, discusses what you need to consider in relation to Lasting Powers of Attorney.

N

ow the dark days and cold nights of winter are behind us, the renewed energy of spring provides the perfect opportunity to review your affairs and ensure that all is in order. One point that you may wish to consider is Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Lasting Powers of Attorney (or ‘LPAs’) replaced their more simplistic predecessors, Enduring Powers of Attorney, in 2007 and are now the only way to formally appoint individuals to make decisions on your behalf should you become unable to do so in the future.

There are two types of Lasting Powers of Attorney available – Property and Financial Affairs and Health and Care – and it is important to note that both documents operate during your lifetime.

“Lasting Powers of Attorney are the only way to formally appoint individuals to make decisions on your behalf should you become unable to do so in the future.”

should you become unable to do so (your attorneys).

In addition, Lasting Powers of Attorney for Health and Care allow you to appoint attorneys to make decisions in relation to your health and welfare, including the type of medical or health care you receive, where you live and matters regarding your day to day care, should you lose capacity in the future.

Even if you already have LPAs in place, a review of the documents to ensure that they include all the relevant powers that are likely to be required by your attorneys when managing your affairs would be sensible. For example, recent guidance suggests that some stockbrokers require an express power within the LPA document to deal with investments on a discretionary management basis once your attorneys are in charge of your affairs. If this is likely to be relevant to you, a review of your Lasting Powers of Attorney may be required.

It is also worth noting that LPA documents can only be used by your attorneys once they have been Whilst a Will allows you to decide registered with the Office of the who will manage your finances after Public Guardian. Therefore, if your your death (your executors), a Lasting Lasting Powers of Attorney have not Power of Attorney for Property and yet been registered as required, it is Finances allows you to appoint worth considering making individuals to assist with your the relevant arrangements as soon financial affairs during your lifetime as possible.

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Jessica Dobson

Finally, if you have an existing old-style Enduring Power of Attorney (or ‘EPA’), this will still be valid provided that it has not been revoked. However, it is worth reviewing its provisions to ensure that it still reflects your wishes, as well as considering whether it is now necessary for the EPA to be registered.

If you would like to make a Lasting Power of Attorney, or if you have queries about your existing attorney arrangements, Wansbroughs can assist. Please visit our website, call 01380 733300 or email wealth@wansbroughs.com.

• wansbroughs.com

| health & wellbeing

Coffee, care and cake You can head over for Coffee, Care and Cake at Southern Co-op’s Bereavement Centre in Frome.

N

ot everyone wants a support group or to go out and about on day trips too soon after a bereavement, so The Co-operative Funeralcare operated

by Southern Co-op has introduced Coffee, Care and Cake sessions to enable people to come and meet others in a friendly and informal setting during the day.

Among the locations where these sessions are available is Frome

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Medical Practice on Enos Way where - on the second Monday of every month from 10am until 2pm - people who are bereaved and would like to meet others can join the sessions for a cup of coffee and a piece of cake for as long or as little as they like.

For more information, you can contact the team by phone on 07834 449069 or email info@thebereavementcentre.co.uk

The Co-operative Funeralcare operated by Southern Co-op also has funeral homes in Frome on Nunney Road, Warminster on George Street and Westbury on Warminster Road where you can receive a 24-hour service, free bereavement advice and information about pre-paid funeral plans. Visit the website for more information. • funeralcare.co.uk

We have been trading in Wiltshire for 20 years, and are specialists in writing Wills, advising on Trusts and helping with Probate.

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If you have money or property and become unable to deal with your affairs because of an accident or illness your assets may be frozen. If you have a stroke, or develop Alzheimer’s, your family may have to apply to the courts to deal with your affairs. This can be expensive, may take a year or more to complete and a large sum of money may have to be deposited with the courts!

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.

To make an appointment for a home visit please telephone:

01225 400060

Head Office: Redbridge House, Lower Bristol Road, Bath BA2 3EW www.wtponline.co.uk | david@wtponline.co.uk | 01225 400060

| charity

KGC Captains raise £12,785 for local charities!

The Kingsdown Golf Club captains have spent the last year raising a huge amount of money for good causes.

T

he Captains at Kingsdown Golf Club had an amazing year last year, raising £12,785 for charity. Club Captain, Leigh McCarron, Ladies’ Captain, Chris Barnes and Seniors’ Captain, Paul Steer chose two charities to donate to during their year - Bath Cancer Unit Support Group (BCUSG) and South West Children’s Hospice.

The year started with the Captains’ Drive In. Following a friendly 18-hole competition, all the members ended up in the bar for prize giving. Much later, the clubhouse was rocking to live music from local band, The Clones. The day raised almost £1,000 which got the charity pot started.

Several other very successful events – not just golf – were held across the year. Fun Quiz Evenings took place raising further funds. Ladies Captain, Chris Barnes, took it upon herself to do a Tandem Skydive with several members turning up to support.

Back in the clubhouse bar, members were entertained with a short video of her jump, showing some very amusing shots of Chris in action.

And no, she says “I will not be doing it again”.

A Charity Golf Day (in memory of Brenda Abbott, a popular past Ladies’ Captain) raised more money towards the captains’ charities.

Club Captain, Leigh McCarron arranged a 4-Course Challenge, playing four golf courses in one day

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Ladies’ Captain Chris Barnes did a tandem skydive

“The year started with the Captains’ Drive In. Following a friendly 18-hole competition, all the members ended up in the bar for prize giving.” with several other members joining him on an exhausting day done with great spirit!

On Captains’ Day, Leigh McCarron laid on a Hole in One Competition at the short Par 3 holes. His family and friends all helped out with BBQ and cold drinks at the Halfway Hut. With some wonderful prizes, a raffle, auction and ‘Race Night’ it was a great day ending with musical entertainment from Wayne Johnson.

Chris Barnes put on a most enjoyable Ladies Captain’s Day on a warm July day with 69 ladies attending. It was another family affair with the Halfway Hut being manned by Chris’s family.

Her husband Stewart could be seen whizzing around the course in a buggy providing thirsty lady members with water.

The Seniors held a Nearest the Pin contest for every home match and used all the profits from their Open Day to give to the Captains’ charities. Along with Kingsdown’s Opens, the Raffles and the ‘Jar on the Bar’ several other donations also contributed to the amazing total raised. The Kingsdown Captains of 2017 said, “We would like to thank all our members, staff and friends for their support and generosity during our year.”

Kingsdown Golf Club welcomes any new members and there are plenty of flexible memberships on offer.

The new membership year starts on 1st April, so anyone interested in joining can phone the club office on 01225 743 472 or see the website.

• kingsdowngolfclub.co.uk

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| bath rugby

JAMIE ROBERTS SIGNS FOR BATH RUGBY

The Welsh centre will join up with the squad in time for the 2018/19 season.

B

ath Rugby has announced the signing of 94-cap Wales international Jamie Roberts from the start of next season, with the centre set to complete the move from fellow Premiership club Harlequins.

Roberts joined the London side 2015 following the Rugby World Cup after spending two years with Racing 92 in France, and will arrive with a wealth of experience having featured on the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa in 2009 and the triumphant tour of Australia four years later.

The 31-year-old has made it clear that he wants to continue his international career if possible, but having not been selected for the most recent Six Nations campaign, Bath are signing a hugely experienced Six Nations Grand Slam winner who is likely to be available for the majority of the season. Todd Blackadder has been looking for a powerful gainline busting centre since Robbie Fruean’s move didn’t work out and Roberts has come to epitomise that very role.

“I’m really excited to have signed for Bath Rugby – it’s a club with a great deal of ambition, which was crucial in making my decision to come here,” Roberts said. “There is no doubt

“Bath are signing a hugely experienced Six Nations Grand Slam winner who is likely to be available for the majority of the season.”

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Jamie Roberts has earned 94 caps for Wales

that Bath can mix it with the best in both the (Aviva) Premiership and in Europe over the next few years, and I’m looking forward to being part of the journey.”

Roberts has made nearly a half-century of appearances for Harlequins, but will head to the West Country in the summer to link-up with head coach Todd Blackadder.

“Jamie needs no introduction – he is a player with vast experience with two Lions tours and close to 100 caps for his country under his belt,” Blackadder said. “We are delighted to bring someone of his quality to

the club, and I know will make an instant impact when he comes in this summer.

“He’s hugely respected both on and off the field, and it’s those qualities which makes this a really significant signing for the club. Not only that, but he’s hugely ambitious and I believe that both Bath and Wales will reap the rewards from this move.”

Bath have also announced the signings of scrum half Will Chudley from Exeter Chiefs and England sevens star Ruaridh McConnochie.

• bathrugby.com

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| puzzles

Tea Break Teasers CAT WORDSEARCH

What/who is missing from the grid?

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WIN A £10 NEXT VOUCHER! Email your answers to these trivia questions to comp@wired-publishing.co.uk by 23.04.18 to be in with a chance of winning a £10 Next Voucher.

Good luck!

Q1: What is the name of the Persian cat in the film Stuart Little?

Q2: What was the name of the Egyptian cat goddess, often represented as half feline, half woman?

LAST MONTH’S SOLUTIONS Wordsearch missing word: CAIRN Quiz answers: 1: The National Canine Defence League Silver Medal 2: Lassie Come Home 3: Petra 4: A Great Dane 5: Pembroke and Cardigan

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Q3: What is the name of the current Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office?

Q4: In what year was the charity formerly known as The Cats Protection League founded?

Q5: Which film does the song ‘We Are Siamese’ come from?

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

competition |

Win 2 tickets to the Vintage Nostalgia Festival!

The Vintage Nostalgia Festival is a hidden gem in the heart of the Wylye valley and takes place from Friday 1 - Sunday 3 June 2018.

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he Vintage Nostalgia Festival is a hidden gem held at Stockton Park, Stockton, Wiltshire in an area of outstanding natural beauty. It’s the perfect place to relax and “Live Life through Rose Tinted spectacles for the weekend”. The festival focuses on the past and offers visitors a unique

experience, with fantastic live music, vintage fashion, vintage trade stands, classic, vintage car display, hot rods, automotive memorabilia, antiques, kitchenalia, traditional crafts and various period exhibits from the turn of the last century through to the 1980’s. You can choose to visit the festival for the day on the 1st 2nd & 3rd June or stay for the whole weekend camping or glamping from the 31st May on site. Day tickets start from £10 for adults and £5 for children (5-15yrs), whilst a weekend ticket costs £39.50 for adults and £12 for children. A long weekend camping pitch costs from £30.

COMPETITION

We are lucky enough to have TWO ADULT WEEKEND TICKETS (including a large camping pitch and weekend shower passes) to give away worth more than £130!

For your chance to win simply email your answer to this easy question to comp@wired-publishing.co.uk, remembering to include your name with your entry. And if you aren’t lucky enough to win, there’s still time to book your tickets via the website!

• vintagenostalgiafestival.co.uk

WHAT WAS ELVIS PRESLEY’S MIDDLE NAME? Email your answers now.

Good luck!

T&C Closing date for entries is 30.04.18. Entrants must be over 18. The winning entry will drawn at random from the entries received. Prize is as stated and is non transferable. No cash alternative will be offered.

We add entrants to our mailing list and may pass on details to the Vintage Nostalgia Festival so they can get in touch with you with exclusive offers. If you would prefer your details not to be used please state NO INFO on your entry. You can unsubscribe from our mailing list at any time.

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| last word

I

His ‘n’ Hers...

t has no doubt become apparent to anyone that reads this column on a regular basis that we do things slightly differently in our house. In our family some of the traditional gender lines have become a bit blurred. This was brought home to me recently during the spate of bad weather we had and my wife was out, possibly, buying Polyfilla and screws (although I stopped listening after

me think there was a possibility that I may not wear the trousers in our relationship and then sauntered into the kitchen, came back what seemed like a nanosecond later and, BOOM!, heating fixed.

I do get my own back occasionally though and that usually involves a trip to the supermarket. Not one of those little ‘Express’ stores, anyone can handle those, but the big Tesco Extra in the centre of Trowbridge.

“One advantage of us being this way, hopefully, is that our children will grow up without any stereotypes as to what men and women can/ can’t do.” the sentence began with “I think we should fix this over the weekend”, so she could have been anywhere to be honest).

As soon as I walk through those sliding, glass doors we have entered in my world. I may not be able to fix heating systems or replace curtain rails but if you need a pack When she arrived home I was sat on of Kohinoor Butter Chicken Curry the sofa wrapped in at least three Sauce then I’m your man (In the blankets and donning a hat and World Foods aisle, about three feet gloves as the heating had gone off in, on the right hand side if you are and I couldn’t get it to work again. I coming from the till end since you had done the only thing I knew how ask). I’m particularly pleased that I to do, unless you count swearing can also navigate the other sections and tutting obviously, and turned of the store just as well as the food it off and on again but that didn’t areas. I’m a dab hand at finding the work so I was sat there watching correct size of children’s clothes in Bargain Hunt getting colder and the mezzanine area and would rate colder and grumpier and grumpier. my chances of locating even the most obscure type of shampoo in I did ring her to try and get the pharmacy section. I do come instructions but, and this is so a bit unstuck, though, if I have to annoying, her phone rang from go to the tech area. Although I about three feet away… She hadn’t know about all things Tesco, once taken it with her!! On her return I I approach the tech everything managed three words from my now seems to start shutting down! chattering teeth “Heating….Gone…. Things begin to get a bit blurry and Off”. She gave me a look that made I find myself thinking about the nice

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runner beans that were almost out of date and therefore mega cheap in the veg section. I usually end up wandering around for a bit and then leaving empty-handed with the phrase, “Wifey can come back and pick this up later” running around my head.

I do falter a bit if, horror of horrors, we end up going to a different supermarket but I am fairly confident in my ability to survive the unknown terrain of Bradford on Avon Sainsbury’s or Westbury Morrison’s. They are all pretty similar for a slick supermarket operator like myself. And if I do get stuck I can always ask someone who works there (but don’t tell anyone as it would ruin the mystique.)

One advantage of us being this way, hopefully, is that our children will grow up without any stereotypes as to what men and women can/ can’t do. Mummies are just as likely to be good at fixing things and doing practical things around the house as Daddies and Daddies can be just as good at cleaning, cooking, or shopping for example. I will say though that there’s a line in the sand as far as swapping gender roles goes… if you know me I’m sorry for this image… I’m not cleaning in a maid’s outfit. Although I might wear one around Tesco if pushed!!

Phil Rockliffe