The West Wilts Magazine - June 2018

JUNE 2018 // ISSUE 106

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West Wilts The

FATHER’S DAY

GIFT IDEAS TO SPOIL YOUR DAD

MAGAZINE

VOYAGE IN THE VENDÉE A GREAT FAMILY HOLIDAY DESTINATION IN FRANCE

AVONFIELD GARDENS

WE TAKE A LOOK AROUND THEIR EXPANDING SITE

WIN

A DELICIO SEASON US VEGBOX AL F LOVEJOYROM S!

FARM ECONOMY EAT & LIVE WELL BY MAKING THE MOST OF OUR REGION’S GREAT LOCAL PRODUCE

+ LOCAL LISTINGS OPEN AIR THEATRE BATH RUGBY & MUCH MORE

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

YOUR LOCAL VILLEROY & BOCH STOCKISTS

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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: Strawberries, 123rf.com

June 2018 // issue 106

T

he sun is shining and summer is finally here! the changing of the seasons has been really evident over the last few weeks and we can look forward to long warm evenings (we hope) as we head towards midsummer’s day. Make the most of the season by eating some great local, seasonal produce the best of which can be found in our region’s plethora of farm shops and local butchers - see for yourselves from p35. And don’t forget to make the most of the fleeting asparagus season with our recipes this month (p29) Enjoy!

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As well as making the most of the weather, June also brings around Father’s Day. No idea what to get your pops this year? Fear not, we’ve lots of ideas whatever his interests might be (p21).

One of the great things about the summer is that so many of the region’s best local events take place; our listings and local news pages are full to bursting with the likes of Frome Festival, the Warminster Wobble and lots more local exhibitions, events and days out for all the family. Make hay while the sun shines as they say, but not before you’ve enjoyed this latest edition cover to cover of course. 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 June

LOCAL NEWS Round up of news & events Frome Open Studios Warminster Wobble The Hilly Helmet Challenge St Augustine’s Open Evening

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12 14 14 16 16

FOOD & DRINK Eat The Seasons 28 Asparagus recipes 29 Meet the Chef at The Cross Keys, Corsley 32 HOMES & GARDENS Get a greener lawn

46

48 Perfect Rooms & Interiors Welbourn Furniture

56 64

FEATURES Father’s Day Gifts Farm Economy The Vendée Avonfield Gardens

21 35 42 48

BATH RUGBY Bath’s new faces

78

COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES Quiz, wordsearch & sudoku Win a vegbox from Lovejoys

80 28

COMMENT The Last Word

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| events

local

listings JUNE 2018

MELKSHAM ASSEMBLY HALL

Market Place, Melksham, SN12 6ES Box Office: 01225 709887 melkshamassemblyhall.com DR DOLITTLE 9 June, 2.30pm Tickets: £10 ….if I could talk to the animals!!

TOWN HALL ARTS

Town Hall, Trowbridge BA14 8EQ Tel: 01225 774306 trowbridgearts.com SUBVERSIVE SURFACES: TABOO & FRAGILITY 9 June – 14 July, 10am FREE In this unique exhibition, Gina Baum and Lou Baker challenge modern perceptions of the human body.

AXES 15 June, 8pm Tickets: £7 A four piece based in London via Essex, Scotland, Iran and Denmark who create Vocal Works Gospel Choir, Wiltshire Music Centre

exciting instrumental music.

TEA DANCE 21 June, 2pm Tickets: £5 (includes tea/coffee & cake!)

A mixed programme of dances, under the guidance of teacher Mike Freke.

LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD 23 June, 11am Tickets: £8 This much-loved story is reinvented as playful theatre; a the perfect introduction to theatre for children.

WILTSHIRE MUSIC CENTRE Ashley Rd, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1DZ Box Office: 01225 860100 wiltshiremusic.org.uk BATH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 9 June, 7.30pm Tickets: £15 (Concs £7) SMETANA: From Bohemia’s Forests and Meadows MARTINU: Rhapsody Concerto DVORÁK: Symphony No 8 VOCAL WORKS GOSPEL CHOIR 10 June, 7.30pm Tickets: £16 (Concs £10) A new show celebrating legends like Whitney Houston, George Michael, The Jacksons and Queen.

BRATTON SILVER BAND DOROTHY HOUSE FUNDRAISER 16 June, 7.30pm Tickets: £10 An entertaining midsummer evening

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devoted to the works of Scottish trombonist Alan Fernie, all performed in the presence of the composer himself.

SOULFUL MESSIAH: A CELEBRATION 17 June, 5pm & 8pm Tickets: £20 (Concs £10) Jazz and gospel meet Handel with spectacular results.

GLYNDEBOURNE SCREENING: MADAMA BUTTERFLY (AS LIVE) 22 June, 6.30pm Tickets: £15 (Concs £7.50) A classic love story that never fails to move is performed at Glyndebourne for the first time.

BIG FAMILY MUSIC DAY 23 June, 11am Tickets: £4 Discover all of the brilliant ways that children can enjoy music-making.

DAN CRUICKSHANK: 100 MOST IMPORTANT BUILDINGS 29 June, 7.30pm Tickets: £15 (Concs £7.50) Journey from ancient Egyptian pyramids to the soaring skyscrapers of Manhattan to explore history’s most influential and impressive architecture.

POUND ARTS CENTRE Pound Pill, Corsham, SN13 9HX Box Office: 01249 701628 poundarts.org.uk TWELFTH NIGHT 7 June, 7.30pm

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

| events Tickets: £10 (Concs £8) The world’s first cycling theatre company, The HandleBards, pedal from venue to venue with all the set, props and costume necessary to perform Shakespeare across the globe.

MERLIN THEATRE

THE ATHENAEUM CENTRE

Bath Rd, Frome BA11 2HG Box Office: 01373 465949 merlintheatre.co.uk

18-20 High St, Warminster, BA12 9AE Box Office: 01985 213891 theath.org.uk

SWAN LAKE – THE ROYAL BALLET 12 June, 7.15pm BLUE SKY FESTIVAL 2018 Tickets: £16 (Concs £10.50) 12 June – 17 June, various times A screening of the new Royal Tickets: various prices Ballet production of Tchaikovsky’s The Blue Sky Festival is a joyous, warm, magnificent classical ballet with quirky festival of the arts featuring additional choreography by Liam performances, exhibitions and Scarlett and designs by John workshops. Some of the events are FREE Macfarlane. and most are suitable for all the family.

Visit www.blueskyfestival.org.uk for THRILL ME: THE LEOPOLD AND more details.

LOEB STORY ALEXANDRA VADUVA (PIANO) 20 June, 1pm Tickets: £7.50 (Concs £5) Romanian-born pianist, Alexandra Vaduva has won numerous national and international piano competitions, including first prize at the Vienna International Piano Competition.

THE MILL ON THE FLOSS 21 June, 7.30pm Tickets: £12 (Concs £10) In this fluid and visceral re-imagining, Helen Edmundson turns George Eliot’s unforgettable story of first love, sibling rivalry and regret into a wonderful examination of the psyche of one of classic literature’s most charismatic heroines.

A FORTUNATE MAN 22 June, 7.30pm Tickets: £12 (Concs £10) This new multimedia performance combines the words of John Berger and the photography of Jean Mohr in a powerful and poignant tribute to mark the 70th anniversary of the NHS. LITTLEMEN 30 June, 7.30pm Tickets: £12 (Concs £10) Littlemen, crafted in the Wiltshire countryside. Their debut album, Long Road Home, marks the lives of the musicians who made it.

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16 June, 7.45pm Tickets: £12.50 (Concs £10.50) Nominated for multiple awards, this London Evening Standard and Time Out Critics Choice production returns to the UK.

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (Cert 12A) 13 June, 7.30pm Tickets: £5.50 A remake of one of Agatha Christie’s most popular whodunnits starring Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot.

BATTLE OF THE SEXES (Cert PG) 27 June, 7.30pm Tickets: £5.50 A US comedy drama based on the famous 1973 tennis match between world number one Billie Jean King and ex-Wimbledon Champion and serial hustler Bobby Riggs.

WARMINSTER COMMUNITY CHOIR CHORAL EXTRAVAGANZA BUGSY MALONE 30 June, 6.30pm 21, 22 & 23 June, 7.30pm Tickets: £8 (Concs £6) Tickets: £10.50 (Concs £7.50) Warminster Community Choir will We could have been anything that we be holding their annual Choral wanted to be…Selwood Academy Extravaganza at the Warminster students dance, sing and splurge Athenaeum, presenting an evening of through this wonderful gangster music for all tastes. caper, fun-packed and bursting with songs you’ll love.

CHEESE & GRAIN 5 The Bridge, Frome BA11 1AR CLOWN IN THE MOON Box Office: 01373 455420 30 June, 7.45pm cheeseandgrain.com Tickets: £12.50 (Concs £10.50) A dramatic portrait of the poet Dylan THE SKIDS Thomas’s chaotic, frequently hilarious, 8 June, 7.30pm and all too brief life Tickets: £24.50

Murder on the Orient Express (12A) The Athenaeum Centre

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

CHEESE &GRAIN FRI 1 JUNE 8PM SAT 2ND JUNE 7.30PM FRI 8TH JUNE 8PM SAT 9TH JUNE 6PM FRI 15TH JUNE 8PM SAT 16TH JUNE 8PM FRI 22ND JUNE 7PM SAT 23RD JUNE 12PM SUN 24TH JUNE 10AM WEDS 27TH JUNE 7PM 29TH &30TH JUNE 8PM SAT 30TH JUNE 7.30PM FRI 6TH JULY 7PM SUN 8TH JULY 7PM MON 9TH JULY 8PM TUES 10TH JULY 7.30PM WED 11TH JULY 7.30PM THUR 12TH JULY 7.30PM ST

BOX OFFICE: 01373

455420

MARKET YARD, FROME, SOMERSET BA11 1BE

www.cheeseandgrain.com

BAD MANNERS £20 FROME’S SUMMER REGGAE PARTY £15 THE SKIDS £24.50 FROME GIN FESTIVAL 2018 £10 BETH NIELSEN CHAPMAN £19 ATOMIC KITTEN £20 FROME MISSING LINKS CEILDH £6 ALL ROADS LEAD TO FROME £17.50 adv CELEBRATE SOUTH AFRICA PUBLIC IMAGE LTD 2018 £31 MARTIN KEMP BACK TO THE 80S DJ SET £31.50 SOLD OUT GIPPESWYK SINGERS £10 ASTON MERRYGOLD £22 adv BLAZIN’ FIDDLES £17 adv WARMINSTER MILITARY WIVES CHOIR £15 adv FESTIVAL FASHION SHOW £10 MIK ARTISTIK’S EGO TRIP £12 BADLY DRAWN BOY £22.50

Beth Nielsen Chapman

Public image Ltd

Badly Drawn Boy

| events MARTIN SIMPSON 18 May Tickets: £12

SINGAROUND 1, 8 & 15 May, 8pm FREE

THE PRESTBURY SPORTS BAR

ALDEN, PATTERSON & DASHWOOD 22 May FREE Americana trio who weave rich vocal harmonies around beautifully written original songs.

The Close, Warminster, BA12 9AL Tel: 01985 847070 prestburysportsbar.com Bands start at 9pm A.F.K - A FRAYED KNOT 12 May FREE Rock & classic rock covers THE DECIBELLES 19 May FREE Rock, Pop, Jazz and more; everything’s covered by Donna and Jo. BLAXAR 26 May FREE Rock covers NUTTYNESS 27 May Tickets: £10 Madness tribute

BRADFORD-ON-AVON FOLK CLUB at THE SWAN boafolkclub.org.uk Email: phil@deverall.on4free.co.uk Tel: 01380 870734

Tickets: £4 A film by Alex Clifton-Taylor Call 01225 862670, visit boaarts.org or email meganandjoyce1882@gmail.com.

OTHERS ACOUSTIC OAK The Royal Oak, High St, Corsham SN13 0HF 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 May Tickets: £2 Singers and spotlight nights. For more info go to the Facebook page.

BRADFORD ON AVON BOWLS CLUB Culver Close, BA15 1LF 28 May, 11am – 4pm FREE Anyone interested in playing bowls is most welcome to come along to find out more - equipment and tuition is provided free. Contact Lesley Hunt on fink11954@gmail.com or go to bradfordonavonbowlsclub.org.uk.

ENGLISH TOWNS: DEVIZES & BRADFORD ON AVON Wallington Hall, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1LN 6 May, 7.30pm Paddington 2 (PG), Athenaeum Centre

LITTLEBROOK COURTYARD ARTIST MARKET Littlebrook Courtyard, Melksham SN12 6LP 9 June, from 10am FREE ENTRY Local artisans in painting, glass, textiles, ceramics, jewellery display their art for sale at the first Littlebrook Artist Market.

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

THE CRY BABIES 11 May TRIPLE JD 12 May THE URBAN COHORTS 13 May TREES OF RAGE 18 May THE LARRY FISH EXPERIMENT 19 May GROOVELATOR 20 May THE MIKE HODDINOTT BLUES ALL-STARS 27 May

WILTSHIRE FARMERS MARKETS BRADFORD ON AVON Last Sunday of each month, 10.30am-2pm, Lamb’s Yard DEVIZES 1st & 3rd Saturday of each month, 9am – 1pm WARMINSTER 1st Friday of each month, 9am – 1pm, Central Car Park

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

Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary Saving stray & unwanted dogs since 1958 Aphrodite, Cathy Judge

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• 1958 - 2018 • th

A N N I V E R S A RY

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

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

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

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

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

Sculpture to Enhance a Garden

14 & 15 July, 11am-5pm in the garden of 165 Newbridge Hill, Bath BA1 3PX. Three local sculptors come together to showcase their dynamic sculpture within a garden setting.

SCULPTURES ALSO AVAILABLE FOR SALE.

tel: 07793 085267

thehiddengardensofbath.co.uk

| local news

roundup

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

HUGE FROME FESTIVAL LINE UP CONFIRMED

The Frome Festival has been the town’s biggest celebration of the arts for 17 years. This year’s Festival will feature close on 200 events across many venues starting on Friday 6th July and continuing through to Sunday 15th July. As usual, the Festival features an eclectic mix of opera, pop, choral, jazz and folk music; theatre, workshops, exhibitions, films, walks and talks, literary events, Small Publishers Fair, the Hidden Gardens and the Children’s Festival.

The Festival celebrates the 200th anniversary of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”. Amongst the “Frankenstein” related events is, a talk on the works of film director Terence Fisher, who directed the Hammer Horror “Frankenstein” movies, with showing of cult film ‘Frankenstein Must be Destroyed’.

Headliners this year are: Aston Merrygold (JLS singer and recent “Strictly” contestant) the inimitable Badly Drawn Boy; Scottish folk rockers Blazin’ Fiddles; performance

poet John Cooper Clarke, and as a post-Festival “Encore” the legendary Leo Sayer. Comedians include Tom Allen, Viv Groskop; and comedy chef George Egg. Professor Michael Wood returns to give a talk on the Myth & History of the Trojan war.

Classical events include an Opera double bill Mozart’s Coffee Cantata, and Bach’s Bastien and Bastienne, accompanied by the London Gala Orchestra, a solo piano recital by Clare Hammond, an evening with soprano Julia O’Connor and mezzosoprano Marie Elliot.

Workshops include drop in pottery sessions, a children’s dance workshop, photography walks and Bee Keeping. Many events are free.Camping is available too at vallisveg.co.uk/camping.

Full programme are available on the website, tickets are available through Cheese and Grain’s box office (cheeseandgrain.com 01373 455420), or from hosting venues.

• www.fromefestival.co.uk

Blazin’ Fiddles are one of this year’s headline acts

ENJOY THE HIDDEN GARDENS OF BATH SCULPTURE EXHIBITION Those with a love of garden and art may wish to pop over to the Hidden Gardens of Bath exhibition, which takes place over the weekend of Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 July (11am-5pm) in the garden of 165 Newbridge Hill, Bath, BA1 3PX. Three local sculptors have come together to showcase their dynamic sculpture within a garden setting.

As well as the sculptures, which are also available for sale, full afternoon

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tea, homemade cakes and scones are served from the terrace overlooking the garden. Entrance payable at the gate is £3.

Proceeds from the refreshments go to The Peggy Dodd Centre in Combe Down for those suffering from memory loss. For further information email helen@ thehiddengardensofbath.co.uk or call 07793 085267.

• thehiddengardensofbath.co.uk

Cathy Judge’s The Dancer

local news |

ANOTHER WAY OF TELLING EXHIBITION

The Survivors © National Trust Images / Karen Knorr

The new exhibition runs until September

‘Another Way of Telling’ by Karen Knorr is a new photography exhibition at the Fox Talbot Museum gallery at Lacock Abbey.

Since 2012 Knorr has been visiting India and Japan to research and reflect on traditions connected to Mughal period palaces in India and Shinto and Buddhist heritage sites in Japan. Her research into structures, colours, textures, nature and local fables have led to these images

infused with the intense feelings of past history and sanctified spaces, inhabited, not by people, but by animals reflecting the traditions of storytelling.

‘Another Way of Telling’ is on display at the Fox Talbot Museum from now until Sunday 9 September and is free with normal admission to the property.

• nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock

PRIZED POSSESSIONS COME TO HOLBURNE

©National Trust Images/Angelo Hornak

Paintings by some of the finest Dutch masters of the ‘Golden Age’ from around the country are to go on display together for the first time at the Holburne Museum in Bath.

The National Trust owns some of the finest paintings in Britain by Dutch masters. Normally seen in the rooms of country houses, the best of these paintings will be displayed together in the ‘Prized Possessions’ exhibition, which will explore what made Dutch art so sought-after among country house owners.

Paintings in the exhibition have been chosen from 12 National Trust houses, ranging from nearby Dyrham Park in South Gloucestershire to Blickling Hall

in Norfolk, Dunham Massey in Cheshire and Castle Ward in County Down. They include luminous landscapes by Cuyp and Hobbema, intimate scenes of everyday life

by Metsu and De Hooch and the recently rediscovered self-portrait of Rembrandt from Buckland Abbey.

Entry into the exhibition, which runs until 16 September 2018, costs £10 for adults, £9 concessions, NT members £7.50 and under 18s free.

• holburne.org A Magus at a Table by Jan Lievens

WILTSHIRE RURAL MUSIC EVENTS

Wiltshure Rural Music supports music-making across rural Wiltshire, enabling local communities and individuals to realise their musical ambitions and initiatives. One of their most popular series of events is their ‘Tune@Noon’ series. The next one is on Wednesday 13 June (starting at 12pm, obviously!)

Tune@Noon is a great opportunity to listen to local musicians whilst enjoying a cup of tea and a piece of cake. June’s event will feature Debbie Guy on violin and Abigail Wise on piano. Tickets are £5, which includes refreshments. Booking is recommended. Beyond that, further events feature the Double Reeds (Weds 11 July) and Piano (Weds 8 August).

Another event for fans of the violin in particular is ‘Spectrum of Sounds For Violin’ on Friday 13 July at St Margaret’s Hall in Bradford on Avon. The concert celebrates Wiltshire Rural Music’s 2017 Liz Lawrence Award-winner Katherine Stonham. Katherine will be performing, with Rachel Stonham accompanying on piano. The programme will include Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No.3, Dvořák’s 4 Romantic Pieces and Four Chants

by Mark-Anthony Turnage.

Tickets cost £12 for adults, £6 for concessions and can be bought via the website or on the door.

• wiltshireruralmusic.co.uk THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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| local news

Frome Open Studios’ time

A

rtists in and around Frome will again be opening their workshops or gathering together in a mixed venue to display and sell their creative wares during Frome Open Studios. The event will run during the Frome Festival from Saturday 7 – Sunday 15 July. There

will be a fantastic range of work for sale including paintings, from realistic to abstract, lino and screen prints, textiles such as weaving, clothing and knitted items, decorative and functional ceramics, sculpture, silver and beaded jewellery and photography. The art trail is a great

opportunity for artists and makers to meet their buyers and sell to them direct. Following the art trail around Frome is easy with their brochure, which can be found in many venues such as the Cheese & Grain, Black Swan Gallery and the Library. Frome has brilliant cafes and lovely shops to really make a day of it. There are some venues just outside of Frome that you shouldn’t miss – they’re set in beautiful countryside and you’ll receive a warm welcome!

You can find more details and download the brochure from the website and follow the event on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @fromeopenstudios for updates and sneaky peeks at some of the artists’ work.

• fromeopenstudios.co.uk

Warminster Wobble weturns!

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he Warminster Wobble is 10 years old this year. The annual two-day bike festival takes place during National Bike Week and now has a cult following in the area.

The largest festival of its kind in Wiltshire, The Wobble has consistently provided great entertainment as well as some fantastic local cycle rides. The Bike

Festival takes place on the Saturday 16 June at the beautiful and newly refurbished town park and offers a host of activities for all ages including the everpopular Turbo Challenge, whacky bikes for the kids to try out, a toddler wobble, stunt team displays, Professor crump, bike powered spin art, a graffiti wall and much more - all free and funded by the town council.

Day two (Sunday 17 June) offers guided cycle rides both on and off road, with something for all abilities.

Gentle family rides, guided mountain bike rides on some of the best single-track in the area plus a 40 mile road ride in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside. Make a date for 16 & 17 June - it’s free family fun with something for everyone!

• warminsterwobble.co.uk

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| local news

The Hilly Helmet Challenge 2018

L

ast summer 125 runners took part in the inaugural Hilly Helmet Challenge, helping to raise over £2,500 for the charity Brain Tumour Support. This August it’s all happening again and you can join in the fun. At last year’s sell out event the emphasis was on a great

Last year’s First Lady Pippa Brewer

fun night with prizes for 1st male and female finisher as well as the best helmet and randomly awarded spot prizes as well as a raffle with your race number as your ticket.

of his skull and Robin had to wait for a year for cranioplasty (or an upgrade as he calls it) when a titanium plate was fitted. During this time once some fitness had returned, Robin somehow persuaded his specialist This fantastic race came about after to allow him to run wearing a safety Hilly Helmet founder Robin-Mark helmet which drew a lot of attention.

Schols survived a brain tumour It was hard work and very hot but removal, recognised he had a second he was determined and through the chance at life, and vowed to get fit experience he came up with the idea by taking up running and aiming to for the Hilly Helmet Challenge with fundraise along the way. He has since the charity Brain Tumour Support run over 200 race events with nine being the beneficiary. full marathons among them, three in London.

After selling out last year, Robin has made more places available this After his Avon Valley Runners club time so to avoid disappointment, record London marathon in 2015, please head over to to the website Robin wasn’t feeling well and was to sign up. soon readmitted to hospital after it was discovered he had a brain • entrycentral.com/ infection. This involved removing part thehillyhelmetchallenge

Open Evening at St Augustin’es

S

t Augustine’s Catholic College has been educating young people since 1967 and has established a tradition of high academic standards and bespoke pastoral care. It is a vibrant and inclusive school that encourages, stimulates and inspires its pupils with wellbeing at its heart. The

school is proud of its academic excellence and pupils enjoy a dynamic and modern curriculum that is delivered by outstanding professionals who consider teaching to be their vocation. Exam results are outstanding and place it amongst the top non-selective performing schools in the country, with pupils

The Open Evening is on 11 July

going to their first choice universities, including Oxbridge and Russell group, higher level apprenticeships and careers of choice. St Augustine’s also provides a framework that supports the growth and development of its pupils as a whole, preparing them to lead fulfilling and purposeful lives, so that they can contribute positively to society in an ever changing world.

Headmaster, Joe Alsop, says, “St Augustine’s is a happy place where children achieve, have selfdiscipline, a feeling of self-worth and confidence. Our website and prospectus can only convey a small insight into our wonderful school and I would like to invite you to our Open Evening on Wednesday 11 July at 6pm.”

• st-augustines.wilts.sch.uk

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| local news

Westbury Summer Celebration

W

estbury will see the return of its bi-annual daytime Summer Celebration and Evening Concert on Saturday 7 July. This year’s event is Caribbean themed so come along and enjoy the sound of Samba music

and the taste of authentic Jamaican street food! There’ll be street stalls and family entertainment during the day including Captain Beaky the talking parrot, a 20ft pirate ship, face painting and balloon magic. As well as that there will be food stalls and a

Definitely Mightbe are the headline act at the evening concert

even a children’s fun fair. It’s going to be a fun day for the whole family.

The evening concert begins at 6pm and there are loads of fantastic acts performing. The Oasis tribute band ‘Definitely Mightbe’ are the headline act so get ready to relive the Britpop era. Compered by Jon Monie, the rest of the line-up includes the LBJB’s, one of Bristol’s top funk & soul outfit, the PSG Choir and the Will Blake band who are guaranteed to get the crowd moving. Westbury’s own up and coming talent Mollie Green and firm local West County favourites the Cley Hill Stompers will also be performing.

Make sure you’ve got the babysitter booked so you can party ‘til 11pm.

• westburytowncouncil.gov.uk

The Tempest comes to Bowood

T

his summer The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, in their fourteenth successful year, are touring Shakespeare’s spellbinding masterpiece The Tempest – a play of soaring poetry, high comedy and tender love. This fantastic event will take place at Bowood House & Gardens on Saturday 16 June, from 6.30pm to 10pm.

Shakespeare’s late, great gem, widely believed to be the last full play he wrote alone, examines the power of true love, our capacity for vengeance and what it takes to forgive.

Peter Stickney, Artistic Director, says, “With some of Shakespeare’s most memorable speeches and packed with famous characters, The Tempest is a spectacular play and will make fantastic viewing for a summer’s evening. A truly theatrical

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play like this, set outdoors and in our trademark style bursting with song and magic makes for an evening not to be missed!”

Bowood’s East Lawn, next to the herbaceous border and overlooking the mile long lake and Doric Temple, is quite a backdrop to enjoy a The Tempest is one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies

summer’s picnic and watch an enchanting performance of one of Shakespeare finest plays. Tickets are £16 for adults, £9.50 for children (16 and under) and a family ticket (2+2) costs £40.50. For full tour details please visit tlcm.co.uk.

• bowood.org

The Cross Keys A T

R O W D E

Winner Best Neighbourhood Pub Wadworth Best of the Best Awards

Kelly and her team invite you to our friendly traditional pub, serving delicious homemade food 7 days a week alongside a great range of ales, lagers, ciders, spirits & soft drinks.

LUNCH DEAL 2 Courses for £10 • Sunday Carvery Every Week • New Summer Menu • Pool Table • Jukebox • Dart Boards • Skittle Alley • Function Room Free To Hire

www.crosskeysrowde.co.uk ✆ 01380 739567 f TheCrossKeysRowde

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

LIVE MUSIC

EVERY FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY Real Ales | Beer Garden | Pub Games Real Log Fires | Parking

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.

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.

COOKING OUR NEW SPRING MENU NOW Fresh, seasonal & delicious!

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

Food Served Mon - Fri 12pm - 2.30pm & 6pm-9pm Saturday 12pm - 9.30pm, Sunday 12pm - 8pm Sign up to our mailing list and get £5 off your food bill when you spend £20! Details on our website.

Tel 01380 828230 www.bargeinnseend.co.uk Seend Cleeve, Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 6QB

A

PUB

Next to Bradford on Avon Train Station Frome Road, Bradford On Avon, Wiltshire BA15 1LA Tel 01225 865876 Find us on Facebook

gifts |

FATHER's Day Gift IDEAS

A F-16C Fighting Falcon ‘Zeus’ Hellenic AF, which will feature at Yeovilton International Air Day

image © Paul Fiddian

Struggling to think up a good gift idea for dad this year? Here’s some inspiration!

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| gifts

DRIVE-TECH Drive-Tech offers exciting and fun outdoor driving experiences for everyone aged 10+ any time of the year from its base at Castle Combe Circuit. As well as kid and adult karting you can opt for skid control and learn life saving skills in extreme driving conditions and have fun at the same time. Alternatively a 4x4 adventure makes the perfect Father’s Day gift. The off road course is the ultimate challenge, driving Land Rover Discoveries, their highly skilled experts will show you just what these 4×4 vehicles are capable of and teach you to tackle obstacles that would be impossible for any normal vehicle - giving you a thrilling off road adventure!

Drive-Tech is easy to reach from M4/ M5 motorways and they offer gift vouchers from £36.

01249 783010 | drivetechltd.co.uk A 4x4 adventure makes a great gift

piece and paint it for Dad or you could opt for private tuition or lessons for your Dad to pick up a wonderful new hobby. Find out more and book online via the website or call for details.

07791 699770 | enigmapottery.co.uk

"IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A GREAT FIRST FATHER'S DAY GIFT THEN WHY NOT OPT FOR THEIR WONDERFUL BABY HAND AND FOOT PRINTS?" HAYNES MOTOR MUSEUM STADIA UK

01963 440804 | himm.co.uk

Father’s Day is something for the whole family to celebrate and on Sunday 17 June Haynes’ has an amazing one day only offer that will keep all the family happy all day long. With discounted family entry to the museum, make the most of a once in a lifetime chance to get a free family snap with Dad sitting in one of the cars from either their Ferrari Collection or their Luxury Car Collection and a 10% discount voucher for the museum shop (terms apply see the website for details). So for a family experience this Father’s Day that will create memories that will last for ever

ENIGMA SCHOOL OF POTTERY Jenny Barton opened Enigma Pottery Studio and Gallery in Frome in 2001. The studio is situated at the bottom of a picturesque walled garden in Vicarage Street. As well as creating beautiful tableware, tiles, occasion tiles and commissions, Jenny also offers ongoing classes and popular one-off workshops.

If you are looking for a great first Father’s Day gift then why not opt for their wonderful baby hand and foot prints? Costing from just £5 they make a great keepsake.

Alternatively, children can find a

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come to Haynes International Motor Museum. This event is offered at no extra cost over the normal admissions price. South West Karting at Haynes have the go-kart circuit set up and especially for over the Father’s Day weekend too. Mums and dads can watch or have a go too. With more than 19 stunning exhibitions, delicious meals and snack available from Café 750 it really is the must do trip this June. Go and enjoy the fun and folly at Haynes.

Dads can sit in one of Haynes’ Ferrari collection

How about treating your dad to a day at the races for Father’s Day? Stadia UK hosts greyhound racing in Swindon 52 weeks a year, and with live racing, restaurants, licensed bars, a snack bar and free parking available, if you head over to Abbey Stadium you’re guaranteed a great night out.

If you want to visit during the day you’ll get free admission and a free racecard during the afternoon meetings. For pure excitement though nothing beats the energy and atmosphere of night racing, and the evening meetings are held

ENIGMA SCHOOL OF POTTERY CELEBRATE FATHER’S DAY image © Steve Nash

POTTERY PAINTING CLASSES WWM050

All ages welcome. 4 - 12 people

BABY HAND & FOOT PRINTS

A great forever keepsake from only £5

* NOTVALID IN CONJUNCTIONWITH OTHER OFFERS.VALID ON SATURDAYS BEFORE 8PM. EXPIRY DATE 31.07.18. ROAR

✃✃

PRIVATE THROWING TUITION ADULT POTTERY CLASSES 15 Vicarage Street, Frome BA11 1PX

Tel 07791 699770

Find details on www.enigmapottery.co.uk

TFI

| gifts The cost is £25 for 2 courses, £30 for 3 courses, and children’s menus are also available. Lunch is served from 12-2pm and must be pre-booked.

Call 01225 864705 to reserve your table. And if you really want to push the boat out, book in for the night with the hotel’s fabulous ‘Stay & Dine’ offer from as little as £75 for B&B when you spend £75 on dinner.

01225 864705 | woolleygrangehotel.co.uk

A night of greyhound racing is a great option for grow ups

every Saturday night. Pick your dog, place your bets and enjoy a great time with family and friends.

Admission and racecard for Saturday evening meetings is £6 per adult but take along their voucher on the opposite page and enjoy free entry and a free pint to get your night started. On top of that they offer a three course meal in their restaurant on a Saturday for just £22.50, which includes admission and a race guide; incredible value for money!

01793 721253 | stadiauk.com

WEST WILTS GOLF CLUB West Wilts is an extremely friendly traditional member’s golf club situated on the edge of Warminster and the Salisbury Plain. The Club was established in 1891 and the course, designed by J H Taylor, has 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

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state of the art GC2 golf course simulator and a fully qualified PGA professional (Lawrence Wilkin) for all coaching and equipment needs.

Why not book your dad a lesson for Father’s Day, or even push the boat out to a trial membership – it’s just £99! Contact Lawrence Wilkin (pro@ westwiltsgolfclub.co.uk) for more information.

01985 213133 | westwiltsgolfclub.co.uk

"IF THE WAY TO A MAN'S HEART IS THROUGH HIS STOMACH THEN WHY NOT TREAT YOUR DAD TO A SLAP UP SUNDAY LUNCH AT WOOLLEY GRANGE?" WOOLLEY GRANGE HOTEL If the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach then why not treat your dad to a slap up Sunday lunch at Woolley Grange? He can relax with a paper, enjoy a three course lunch and play in the Woolley Family Boules Championship – every dad wins a prize! The whole family can enjoy the extensive grounds.

Discover the White Witch’s house; admire the produce in the Victorian walled kitchen garden; meet Rosie the Pig, Simon the Rabbit and the Indian runner ducks; have a game of football or a bounce on the trampoline.

YEOVILTON INTERNATIONAL AIR DAY If your dad can wait a few weeks then tickets to The Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton International Air Day, which takes place on Saturday 7 July, could be a brilliant Father’s Day gift. The show will include over five hours of dazzling flying displays featuring fast jets, historic warbirds, helicopters, formation aerobatic display teams and role demonstrations enhanced by spectacular pyrotechnics and flares.

The event aims to display the world’s most capable pilots and their aircraft, both in the air and on the ground, and to provide an opportunity to see some magnificent equipment and meet our professional personnel in a family-friendly environment.

This show has everything to keep the whole family entertained. There will be a vast range of showground attractions from the latest defence technology exhibitions, engineering fairs and service displays to trade stalls, arena displays, military bands and the chance to meet pilots and even sit in the cockpit! For the thrill seekers, there will be simulators, fairground rides and helicopter pleasure flights to enjoy. Whether you are a first timer or a dedicated aviation enthusiast, the Air Day has something for everyone.

A full list of participating aircraft and ticket information are available from the website.

0330 100 3656 | royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday

REASONS TO JOIN

West Wilts Golf Club GREAT FATHER’S DAY GIFT • Trial membership for £99 • Full membership available – No joining fee • Subscriptions payable monthly • Full programme of Club Competitions • League & friendly matches for gents & ladies • FREE reciprocal arrangement with 8 golf clubs • FREE County Card • Corporate sponsorship packages available www.westwiltsgolfclub.co.uk Email: manager@westwiltsgolfclub.co.uk Telephone: 01985 213133 Elm Hill, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 0AU

| food & drink

Free Neff Cooking Demonstration at Knees Head to Knees Home and Electrical in Trowbridge on Saturday 16 June for a free cooking masterclass with ALISON HAIGH.

D

o you want to make your home cooking even better?

Are you thinking about a kitchen upgrade and considering Neff appliances? Or maybe you already a Neff convert and want to learn more about your appliances.

Visit Knees Spitfire store in their brand new kitchen studio as they welcome back Neff Home Economist Alison Haigh. Alison will be giving a masterclass on how to get the most out of some fantastic Neff appliances including induction hobs, combination steam ovens and Neff multifunction ovens.

There will be lots of chances to ask Alison questions while sampling

some of the delicious dishes. If you are updating your kitchen or simply a food lover looking to get the best from your Neff oven then this is an event not to be missed.

Knees also offer a price match Promise so you can be sure you get a great deal if you are looking to buy a new appliance.

THERE WILL BE TWO SESSIONS 11.00AM – 12.30PM SET DEMONSTRATION Alison will be working her way through several recipes using the full range of Neff appliances.

Be there for the whole session to get maximum knowledge and inspiration.

“Alison will be giving a masterclass on how to get the most out of some fantastic Neff appliances including induction hobs, combination steam ovens and Neff multifunction ovens.”

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1.00PM – 3.30PM WALK IN SESSION Turn up for whole or part of the demonstration.

Comments from customers who were at Alison’s last demo at Knees: “I had a Neff oven installed last year as part of my new kitchen. Alison’s demonstration was so helpful and I feel I now really use my new oven to its full capacity – to be honest, I had no idea it could do so much.”

“Alison was a lot of fun, she has lots of energy and it was great to see a professional at work. I came away with loads of ideas.”

Join the next free demonstration at Knees Home and Electrical at Spitfire Retail Park in Trowbridge on 16th June, starting at 11am.

• knees.co.uk

An award-winning coaching inn, set in a historic Wiltshire market town, immediately beside the stately home and gardens of Corsham Court, 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…

STEAK NIGHTS 1ST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH Tel: 01249 717060

2 High Street, Corsham SN13 0HB

THE

WESTBROOK

themethuenarms.com

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

FOOD AVAILABLE UNTIL 8PM ON SUNDAYS

| food & drink

eat the

seasons J

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

une makes a major difference with the amount of local produce around. This is something we are famous for. Can I be conceited and say ‘ I am not ‘Lord of the Green Stuff’ in this area for nothing?! (Joke - I was given that name in a press article and our chefs like to have a laugh by using it when they place their orders, especially late at night when they have had a beer after service!)

We are supplying new season carrots, spring cabbage, beetroot, broad beans, fresh herbs, watercress, rhubarb and of course asparagus from the local area so look for these things in your nearest farm or village shops. As you know we always aim to support local growers when we can. Here are a couple of interesting businesses we deal with.

The Severn Project in the centre of Bristol is going to start supplying us with lettuce. It is a very interesting urban farm, based in the heart of the city. They

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believe strongly in helping the community and having a positive social impact in helping support people who face problems getting into the workplace. We also try to do this, giving people a chance when perhaps others have not.

where your nearest allotments are. As they are in so much demand, many of them will rent you a half allotment if you are worried about the work involved, they are great for growing flowers on as well as veg!

Hoping this fine weather lasts.

We also supply Jamie’s Farm in Box. The farm invites young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to stay for a few days with their teachers. They help to look after the animals and there is counselling available too. It has been proven without doubt how much this does for their positive outlook on their future and their education. Jamie’s Farm also organise the Cock & Bull Festival in Broughton Gifford, which helps to support the running of the farm. This year it is on 10th-12th August. For more details or to book your tickets for that event go to cockandbullfestival.co.uk.

Neil

COMPETITION TIME! We have a vegbox packed full of delicious seasonal produce to give away to one lucky reader.

To enter, email me at neil@ lovejoyswholesale.com or tweet @lovejoysuk a photo of some veg growing in your garden. Closing date for entries is 30 June 2018. Get snapping now! @lovejoysuk @LovejoysLarder

• lovejoyswholesale.com A few crops to sow this month if you • lovejoyslarder.com have a little bit of space. If you do not have a large garden, just use grobags or large container, it is especially fun if you have young children or grandchildren to plant things that will grow quickly, like radish and lettuce. Other things to sow this month are beetroot, courgettes and french beans. If you fancy a little more space find out

f o s r a e p S

recipes |

y n i t s e D reat ason’s g tesy e s e h t f o ur e of one ecipes come co t s a t e h Enjoy t ragus. These r … pa ose of Waitr joys – as

GREEN BAKED EGGS WITH NEW SEASON ASPARAGUS

Serves 2

✃

Ingredients 2 tsp olive oil 400g asparagus, trimmed and cut into 4cm lengths Bunch salad onions, roughly chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 tsp cumin seeds 1 pointed spring cabbage, halved and shredded (thick core discarded) 1 green chilli, sliced Few drops lemon juice 20g feta cheese, crumbled 4 free range eggs

Method Heat a large frying pan over a high heat. Add 1 tsp oil, season the asparagus and fry, turning now and then, until charred in places, for about 3 minutes; lift out of the pan and set aside.

Lower the heat, add the remaining 1 tsp oil and sauté the salad onions, garlic and cumin for 1 minute. Throw in the cabbage and ½ the chilli, season and fry for 3 minutes, tossing regularly. Add

the lemon juice, ½ the feta and the asparagus. Turn the heat to medium-low.

Using a spoon, make 4 holes in the mix of vegetables, then crack in the eggs. Cover the pan with a large sheet of foil (it doesn’t need to be very tight) and leave for 5-7 minutes, until the whites are set but the yolks are still soft. Uncover, take off the heat and season the eggs.

Serve scattered with the remaining chilli and feta.

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| recipes

ASPARAGUS, LEMON & PECORINO PASTA Serves 2

Ingredients 150g linguine 230g asparagus, trimmed and cut into 3cm pieces ½ lemon, zest and juice 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 garlic clove, peeled and bashed 30g finely grated pecorino romano Handful chopped flat leaf parsley

ASPARAGUS, ROCKET & NEW POTATO TART Serves 8

Method Preheat the oven to 180°C. Roll the pastry on a lightly floured surface to the thickness of a £1 coin. Place a 23cm x 4cm loose-bottomed tart tin on a baking sheet and line with the pastry. Leave the edges overhanging, prick the base and chill for 15 minutes.

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Line the pastry case with parchment and baking beans or rice. Blind bake for 25 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Remove the baking beans and paper. Cook for 10-15 minutes, until light golden.

Tip the drained pasta and asparagus back into the pan with the pecorino, parsley, lemon-oil mixture and a good glug of the cooking water.

Toss together, discard the garlic, and season. Serve immediately.

Meanwhile, boil the potatoes in a large pan of salted boiling water for 5 minutes. Add the asparagus and rocket, then cover and cook for 1 minute. Drain and leave to steam dry for 5 minutes. Add to the pastry case and scatter over the cheese.

Whisk the eggs and cream together until smooth, then pour into the tart case.

Cook’s tip Adding a splash of the warm cooking water helps to emulsify the cheese, lemon and oil, creating a silky sauce for the pasta.

Bake for 35-40 minutes until just set.

Cool for 5 minutes, carefully trim the excess pastry using a serrated knife.

Serve warm or cold.

✃

Ingredients 350g shortcrust pastry Plain flour, for dusting 250g Jersey Royals, cut into 5mm thick slices 230g asparagus, trimmed and halved lengthways 50g wild rocket 50g finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano 3 medium free range eggs 300ml single cream

Method Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Add the linguine, cook for 7 minutes, then add the asparagus and simmer for 2 more minutes. Scoop out a large cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta and asparagus.

Meanwhile, whisk together the lemon zest, juice and oil with the bashed garlic clove in a small bowl.

The Red Lion

W O O L V E R T O N

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

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

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

“An ideal stop off on the A36 between Warminster & Bath” 01373 830350 | www.redlionwoolverton.co.uk Bath Road, Woolverton, Somerset BA2 7QS

Quality food freshly prepared for you

PRIX FIXE LUNCH MENU 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

| food & drink

Meet the Chef

SARA BURTON, head chef at The Cross Keys, Corsley, chats lasagne, perfect puddings and pizza!

When you get a day off, which local pubs and restaurants do you like visiting?

We like to go to Castellos in Frome; it was the first restaurant we went to after we moved here and we’ve been going back ever since!

What was your first job in catering?

Technically this is! I have worked in pubs and hotels most of my working life but this is my first full time job in a professional kitchen, and I’m really enjoying it.

Where have you worked previously?

I have worked in hotels and bars around Southampton.The Dolphin Hotel and the Bridge pub for example but they were front of house so moving into the kitchen was a big change for me.

What was the first dish you mastered?

From a young age I have always loved cooking. The first dish I mastered was a beef lasagne. It’s a classic and one of the most popular dishes on the menu.

Do you have any favourite local suppliers?

I source our ingredients from mostly local suppliers. Our veg comes from Lovejoys and I use three different butchers from Warminster to South Wales to make sure we get the

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tastiest and best value meats for our customers.

What is your favourite dish on the menu?

I have two – both proper pub classics – lasagne and our fish and chips.

I really enjoy cooking them and they go down really well with our customers too.

When you cook for friends, whats on the menu?

To be honest when we have friends over I often order in! We have so little time to socialise with friends it’s great to take the chef’s hat off for the evening and spend it with them.

What’s your favourite kitchen gadget?

I recently bought a food mixer. I’m really proud of our puddings and this makes them so much easier to make!

And your guilty pleasure?

After a long week of cooking meals I find it hard to turn down a good pizza!

What is the most memorable event To make a reservation at The Cross you have cooked for?

Keys in Corsley call 01373 832406.

Not long after we arrived here we had to do a buffet for the Corsley Choir. I • crosskeyscorsley.co.uk didn’t know what they’d like but I put on a spread and the event went really well. The choir gave me some lovely positive feedback and a few requests for next time too!

Do you have a favourite season for cooking if so why?

I love the spring when we have rhubarb and all sorts of herbs growing in our garden. It’s often said but there is something special about picking something yourself to cook that instant.

The Cross Keys Corsley A

C O M M U N I T Y

F R E E

H O U S E

The Cross Keys Corsley is now proud to be a community free house in the lovely village of Corsley, between Warminster & Frome. We serve locally brewed real ales, an impressive selection of wines and tasty homemade pub food. Come and enjoy a drink in our refurbished bar or a delicious meal in our restaurant or pretty beer garden.

• Beautiful village setting • Large garden • Sunday Roasts • Pub games • Real Ales • Regular events • Children’s menu & toys • Dog Friendly Lyes Green, Corsley, Wiltshire BA12 7PB Tel: 01373 832406 Email: info@crosskeyscorsley.co.uk Website: www.crosskeyscorsley.co.uk

Paxcroft Farm Shop Home of Wiltshire’s Finest Eggs

Free Range Eggs straight from the farm at half the price you pay at the supermarket

Wholesale prices available for customers buying more than 15 dozen eggs a week Open Monday - Friday 8am to 5pm, Saturday 8am to 1pm Paxcroft Farm, Hilperton, Trowbridge BA14 6JB • www.paxcroft.co.uk • 01225 753060

food & drink |

FARM ECONOMY

Eat and live well by making the most of our region’s great local produce – available from some of the best farm shops, delis and butchers!

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| food & drink

ALLINGTON FARM SHOP

Allington Bar Farm, Chippenham Allington Farm Shop has been established since 1981. Run by the Reynolds family, who have been tenant farmers at Allington Bar Farm for three generations; their award-winning farm shop specializes in quality, home and locally produced food. The shop boasts fresh vegetables and fruit, an in house butchery selling meat reared on their farm, a delicatessen counter as well as many locally produced store cupboard essentials and specialty grocery items. Whether you are looking for locally produced ingredients to make your own creations or something delicious, quick and ready to eat, you are sure to find it here. Great gifts, including local handmade chocolates and bespoke hampers, are also available.

Sample the unique experience of food direct from the farm to your plate at the fully licensed cafe serving farmhouse breakfasts, chef cooked meals, home made cakes and afternoon teas. And, if you can, be sure to head over for the Chippenham Lions Club Cherished Vehicle & Farm Fun Day on Sunday 3rd June.

01249 658112 | allingtonfarmshop.co.uk

CJ ROBBINS

Market Place, Warminster CJ Robbins butchers has been a fixture in Warminster for over 30 years. Chris Robbins and his staff use well tried and tested methods of butchery that have passed down through two generations. If you are planning a barbecue this summer don’t forget them – they have a full range of products available to sizzle on the griddle. They make a lot of products on site and are always inventing extra special cuts to please all. They have coatings and sauces to add extra flavour to the local meats, fully assured and with full traceability.

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Allington sells meat reared on their farm

If you have a large party why not consider their Hog Roast service?

A roasted hog may just be the way to reunite family and friends or that group from work who never see each other anymore!

Their price structure is very competitive, easily matching some larger outlets, and the quality is already known. Just call to discuss your requirements or to hear their weekly special offers.

01985 213052 | cjrobbins.co.uk

your little ones explore the new play equipment. Visit the animal walk and meet Priscilla the pig, Dudley the donkey, Lexi the pony, Chocolate and Fudge the alpacas, the goats and Shetland Sheep, not forgetting the rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens and ducks! You can even buy animal food from the farm shop to feed the animals on the animal walk too. Pick up Fairfield produce and fresh eggs from the Farm Shop or use the Post Office. There is also a fine selection of student grown plants for sale.

A real hidden gem with fantastic community support.

"IF YOU ARE PLANNING A BARBECUE THIS SUMMER THEY HAVE HARTLEY FARM SHOP AND KITCHEN A FULL RANGE OF Bradford on Avon PRODUCTS AVAILABLE TO Winsley, “It has been a busy spring at Hartley SIZZLE ON THE GRIDDLE." Farm with animals returning to the 01373 823028 | Find them on Facebook

fields and also hosting our annual Spring Farm Open day that happened last month.” Says Tom Bowles, owner of Hartley Farm. “It was a wonderful Fairfield Farm, Dilton Marsh, Westbury day, blessed with sunshine. Thank Fairfield Farm College Café and Farm you to everyone who came along to Shop has recently reopened its see us.” animal walk and newly refurbished All this sunshine has got the chefs play area. Head over and enjoy a in the barbecue mood and the Big delicious lunch, homemade cakes and refreshments from the café whilst Green Eggs have been smoking CJ Robbins

FAIRFIELD FARM SHOP AND CAFE

Award Winning, Family Run, Farm Shop Established for over 30 years Selling Quality Local Produce Open Daily 9am – 6pm, 9.30am – 5pm on Sundays 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 CHOCOLATE & FUDGE FINE WINE, LOCAL ALE & CIDER PRESERVES & CHUTNEYS GIFT HAMPERS

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

We’re a traditional butcher that’s proud to serve the finest British meats.

If you are planning a party or BBQ come & see us for our great value meat packs.

We have a selection of tasty specialist coatings & marinades especially for the BBQ! tel: 01985 213052 | www.cjrobbins.co.uk 76 Market Place, Warminster BA12 9AW

| food & drink at the farm. If you’d like to find out more about these amazing outdoor ceramic ovens give their eggsperts a call in the farm shop on 01225 864948 or pop along to their next cookout on 2nd June from 11am. They’ll be on hand to answer questions and, of course, offer up a some tasty samples.

a few more handmade attractions, so you can enjoy a lunch or brunch from the new menu - or just a coffee and cake - in peace while your kids can play away and explore.

With the little ones in mind, the Little Farmers’ Fiesta returns on the 8th July from 10am-4pm. There will be tractor rides around Neston Park Farm, animals on show, bouncy castle, face paints, Wild Woods forest school and Rugby Tots all here for the day. Entry is free but there is a small charge for some of the activities. Prebooking is advised for the tractor rides and Rugby Tots. All details are on their events page of the website.

Hartley’s butchers have been getting creative with the shop’s awardwinning meat; launching some new seasonal offerings including glazed and marinated skewers, chicken pieces, ribs and chops as well as incredible gluten free burgers and sausages. The farm shop has all the essential ingredients to finish off 01225 700881 | nestonfarmshop.co.uk the barbie including new, freshly prepared, kitchen salads available in the cafe and also in the deli counter to Hilperton, Nr Trowbridge take away. That’s summer sorted!

01225 864948 | hartley-farm.co.uk Edward Oatley moved his already successful farm to Paxcroft back in Hartley has launched new lines for summer 1947, starting a pedigree Friesian dairy herd as well as producing over 500,000 chicks every year. In the 1960s The Oatley Family at Paxcroft Farm changed to commercial egg production and cereal farming. Since then, over 400 million eggs have been produced at Paxcroft Farm under the best possible conditions, without health or environmental problems. Even though the farm has expanded to incorporate offices and workshops, today’s laying stock continues to produce over Atworth, nr Melksham 15 million eggs a year. They Summer is coming along nicely at also have their own Neston! The grass is green again, farm shop. Small, but the animals have returned to the perfectly formed, it is paddocks and the summer menu is the ideal place to pick underway. The new seasonal menu up your own supply of free includes maple glazed chicken range eggs – at half the price you’ll smoked on the Big Green Egg and a pay in the supermarket – as well as beautiful summery broad bean, pea honey, homemade preserves and and feta frittata, perfect alongside one condiments, sauces from Wiltshire of their freshly made kitchen salads for Chilli Farm, award-winning oils, a vibrant veggie feast (just add a glass snacks, soft drinks, sacks of locally of rosé!). The play area has also had a grown potatoes and more besides. bit of a spruce up with the addition of 01225 753060 | paxcroft.co.uk

PAXCROFT FARM SHOP

NESTON FARM SHOP AND KITCHEN

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LOVEJOYS WHOLESALE

(TRADE ONLY) Neil Mortimer is the man behind Lovejoys Wholesale, a specialist fruit and vegetable supplier in the Bath and West Wilts area. Regular readers will recognize him as the man who tells us what’s in season each month.

Lovejoys is a wholesale business, supplying fruit and vegetables to the hospitality trade. If it’s in season locally you will find them sourcing it and delivering it daily to their customers and you can find their produce in lots of farm shops and village shops as well as many of the best local pubs and restaurants and even schools. Their sister company, Lovejoys Larder, was launched in 2016 and specializes in the supply store cupboard essentials, many sourced from local artisanal producers. If you are an organization thinking of changing suppliers, or you’d just like to know more about the wonderful local produce available, give the team a call.

01225 708838 | lovejoyswholesale.com

POULSHOT LODGE FARM SHOP

Poulshot, Nr Devizes Open since 2010, Poulshot Lodge Farm Shop offers a carefully selected range of local meats, fruit and vegetables, eggs, cheeses, chutneys and much more, all from local producers. They sell locally sourced beef, pork, lamb and poultry, 90% of which has been reared on the Hues family farm in Poulshot.

At the fully stocked butchery you can speak to experts able to advise you on the best cuts of meat to suit your recipe ideas, alternatively they’ll be more than happy to suggest cuts should you need some inspiration. All the meat is

Toby Haynes

FA M I LY B U T C H E R S

Offering great food, great taste & traditional expertise • Award-winning local butchers • Handmade Pies • Traditional Meats • Handmade Sausages & Burgers • Friendly, helpful advice

OPEN Tues to Fri 8am-5pm & Sat 8am-3pm 32 High Street, Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 0HB 01249 713253 • corshambutcher.co.uk

V&P COLLINS F A R M

S H O P

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE OF LOCALLY GROWN FOOD Come and see our carefully selected range of local meats, fruit and vegetables, eggs, cheeses, chutneys and much more, all from local producers.

Poulshot, Nr Devizes SN10 1RQ

Tel 01380 827202

Open Tuesday to Friday 10am – 5pm Saturday 9am – 4pm

www.poulshotlodgefarm.co.uk

Delicious fresh produce straight from the fields 83 Devizes Road, Bromham, Chippenham SN15 2DZ

t 01380 850228 e vpcollins@btconnect.com

| food & drink competitively priced and 100% traceable, and as most of the meat comes from local livestock, the food miles are greatly reduced too.

Find the shop just off the A361, less than 1 mile from Devizes. Ample free parking is available too.

01380 827202 | poulshotlodgefarm.co.uk

finished beef. As well as that they also make their own sausages and pies inhouse – delicious! Not only that, but they have recently been awarded best South West Butcher at the Countryside Alliance awards – testament to both the quality of their meat and their fantastic customer service! With expert advice from their friendly staff, you needn’t go anywhere else when looking for a great roasting joint or something to put on the BBQ this summer.

"TOBY HAYNES HAS RECENTLY BEEN AWARDED BEST SOUTH WEST BUTCHER AT THE V&P COLLINS COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE Devizes Rd, Bromham AWARDS - TESTAMENT Based in Bromham, near V&P Collins is a great TO BOTH THE QUALITY OF Chippenham, local farm shop that simply offers THEIR MEAT AND THEIR delicious vegetables grown on the fields outside, as well as much much FANTASTIC CUSTOMER more. They are possibly best known locally for their fantastic spuds, but SERVICE!" throughout the year you’ll also TOBY HAYNES find homegrown purple sprouting, 01249 713253 | corshambutcher.co.uk

High Street, Corsham Toby Haynes traditional family butchers opened on Corsham High Street in late 2015. Since then it has established an enviable reputation for selling high quality meat at very reasonable prices. Toby Haynes endeavours to source all its meat from the local area, including free range chicken and traditional grass

cauliflower, onions, carrots, beetroot and spinach and more. The farm shop is open daily, but you can also look out for V&P Collins at Wiltshire Farmers’ Markets.

01380 850228 | Find them on Facebook

WHITEHALL FARM SHOP Whitehall Garden Centre, Lacock Whitehall Farm Shop prides itself

V&P Collins are renowned for their spuds

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Whitehall has a large selection of beers

on offering a diverse, unique and essential range of foods, drinks and confectionary products to cater for all your needs. You will be able to find a wide selection of organic, free range and gluten free products.

Visit the in-house butcher to view their wide range of meats ready for the BBQ this summer. All are locally sourced from West Country suppliers, lamb bred and raised on their own Whitehall Farm, beef from Wiltshire College’s Lackham site just a mile away, pork from Padfields Porkies in Seend and chicken from Pococks Farm in Melksham. They also now stock Whitehall Short Horn Beef, bred and reared on Whitehall Farm.

You will find a large selection of quality wines, beers, ales and spirits, including English wine and in 2020 their very own Whitehall Wine will be on sale, from the Whitehall Vineyard located in Lacock; it’s the largest vineyard in Wiltshire!

As well as all that you’ll also find a wide range of fresh fruits and vegetables, breads and ready meals to cater to your everyday grocery needs. Keep on the lookout for their wide range of tasting events throughout the year. It’s a great way to taste some delicious new food and speak to the producers direct!

01249 730204 | whitehallgardencentre.co.uk

| travel The VendĂŠe offers some beautiful beaches, and is a renowned spot for sailing fans too

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travel |

A VOYAGE TO THE

VENDÉE

This month LISA ROCKLIFFE takes the ferry across The Channel to enjoy a family holiday in France.

T

he Vendée is loved by both French and foreign visitors as a centre for family holidays on the long, gently sloping sandy beaches and for the popular family entertainment.

Our visit to France was our first foreign holiday with our daughter.

Before that we hadn’t dared to leave the country. We were wary of the volume of stuff that young children require and utterly terrified that if we were to fly anywhere she’d have the mother of all meltdowns on the aeroplane and we’d have to sit there, trying to placate her whilst the rest of the cabin wished they’d booked onto another flight! But I needed sun – real hot sun like you just don’t get in the UK in June or September (not unless you are exceptionally lucky anyway) – so the ferry it would have to be.

considering it was mass catering, and the next morning we were able

“The Vendée sees some 5 million visitors a year, unsurprising when you realise it is the second sunniest part of France, and boasts miles of sandy beaches and over a 1000km of signposted cycle tracks” to shower, dress and have breakfast before disembarking at Caen to continue our journey, remembering, of course, to drive on the right!

Our destination was Les Sables

d’Olonne, a pretty town on the Atlantic coast in the Vendée region.

This old fishing village is one of France’s original seaside destinations.

The Vendée sees some 5 million visitors a year, unsurprising when you realise it is the second sunniest part of France, after the Mediterranean, and boasts miles of sandy beaches, over a 1000km of signposted cycle tracks and amazing attractions! To be honest, we booked it because it looked like it would be nice and warm and not too long a drive from the ferry terminal (about 4hours).

What a treat!

The accommodation for our week’s stay was Oasis Parc’s Les Jardins des Sables d’Olonne, a resort that housed a complex of villas, most

The Vendée has the largest network of cycling trails in France

As it turns out, this was a masterstroke. From West Wiltshire, it is less than a two hour drive to Portsmouth ferry terminal, and once you are there, the holiday begins.

We opted for a cabin, absolutely essential when travelling on an overnight ferry with a young child in tow. To be honest, even if travelling sans enfant it would make a huge difference, particularly if you are faced with a long drive on arrival. The food on board was really rather good THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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| travel

Oasis Parc’s Les Jardins des Sables d’Olonne

with their own private pool, as well as facilities on site including mini golf, a large communal swimming pool, tennis court, table tennis tables and basketball court. In the high season, multiple activities are also organised for children should they want to burn off some energy and make friends with other children on the site. It also has an excellent restaurant on site if you want to forego cooking for a night or two but don’t fancy hopping in the car. For us, the option of our own private sanctuary in a complex just a mile or so from the sea was fantastic. We decamped, complete with our array of child accessories, and it was a real home from home.

Even better, on site there was a boulangerie where you could pick up fresh croissants and baguettes every morning!

As well as relaxing by the pool, we also ventured into Les Sables d’Olonne itself. It’s absolutely

charming and the beach, ‘The Grand Plage’, is one of the finest beaches in Europe; boasting beautifully manicured sands and gentle waves.

On the other side of the spit is a busy quayside lined with good restaurants and between the two are streets with characterful old houses and interesting shops – it’s great for a wander. Les Sables’ beach also has an open air salt water swimming pool.

In the summertime, by night the promenade transforms into a lively nightspot, with street performers entertaining diners and visitors in front of the pavement cafés. Foodies might also want to pop by on Saturday morning when the market is in town.

among the options are Explora Parc at St-Jean-de-Monts for forest adventures including aerial zip-wires, the aquarium at La Rochelle, Les Sables d’Olonne zoo and the theme parks Indian Forest and Puy-du-Gou Le Grand Parc. But this list is by no means exhaustive – it depends how much you want to fit into your stay!

Another facility offered by Les Jardins was bike hire, and it’s well worth it.

The Vendée has the largest network of cycle trails in France, and the region is even hosting Le Grand Depart of Le Tour de France this year. Specific signage will guide you throughout your route, which travels along either dedicated tracks or littleused roads. If you can get out on a bike, do; the views along the Atlantic coastline in particular are sensational.

If you are travelling with young children take the overnight ferry from Portsmouth to Caen with Brittany Ferries. Kids love the excitement of the cabin, there’s lots to do on board, and by travelling down as far as Caen you limit your drivetime when you get to France.

Ferry crossings in August cost around £700, including cabins in both directions, but you will need to book early for these.

As well as the beaches and cycling, there is plenty more on offer for families around here. Chief

“The Vendée has the largest network of cycle trails in France, and the region is even hosting Le Grand Depart of Le Tour de France this year.”

TRAVELLER’S TIPS

If you are a family who like getting out and about, the best thing to do it pick up a guide book or look online before you go. The Vendée is a real tourist hotspot and families are extremely well catered for.

If you can visit outside of July and August the weather is still really fine - September averages 8 hours of sunshine a day - and the price is considerably cheaper. Ferry crossings drop to around £400 per car, including cabins in both directions.

The region is really well set up for families, with lots of attractions geared towards children

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• oasisparcs.com • brittany-ferries.co.uk • vendee-tourism.co.uk

INDIA SHOWCASE FRIDAY 15 JUNE

ARE YOU THINKING OF VISITING INDIA? Come and talk to Jennie and Gill, who have recently returned from two wonderful trips to India.

On Friday 15th June we are hosting an India Showcase. Meet with Travelpack, an India Specialist, as well as Jennie and Gill who will be on hand to chat about this iconic country.

Call to find out more on 01225 860977!

haus

Come and see us in our new premises!

The Georgian Lodge, 25 Bridge Street, Bradford on Avon BA15 1BY T: 01225 860977 E: enquiries@traveloptions4u.co.uk W: www.traveloptions4u.co.uk

Head to www.hauslife.co.uk and use code HAUS10 for an exclusive £10 off your first £40 order!

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| gardens

Creating the perfect lawn If you want your grass to be greener the best thing you can do is call in the experts at LawnTender to do it for you!

H

aving the perfect lawn that is the envy of your neighbours is actually quite straight forward; get someone else to do it for you! Kevin Maul and Sue Jacobs are the people you are looking for, as they run the South Wilts and East Somerset office of LawnTender.

Now located in south Westbury, central to the area they cover, which includes all the major towns and cities between Bath and Andover, plus all the surrounding villages and hamlets too. LawnTender offers a comprehensive lawn care service either on an individual treatment basis or as part of an annual scheduled programme.

appearance. Then we will discuss our findings with you (in person or by leaving a note if you’re not home) detailing anything we feel is needed, such as simply raising the mower

in good order. There are those who have retired and find it difficult to continue maintaining their lawns as they used to. Then finally, those who have tried all the D.I.Y. treatments

“LawnTender offers a comprehensive lawn care service either on an individual treatment basis or as part of an annual scheduled programme.” height, or sharpening the blade, to giving consideration to further procedures such as having the lawn aerated or scarified at the appropriate time of year.”

and realised that it is more cost effective to hand the job over to us.”

In what is a competitive market, Kevin and Sue have always placed high focus on their strong customer The services on offer include service, providing personal ongoing scheduled weed and feed applications, advice, feedback, and technical using slow release, non burn (no support throughout the season. watering in required), commercial These core values have resulted in Kevin says, “It is not often that we get fertiliser and selective weedkillers, strong customer loyalty with many called to see a lawn that is beyond along with moss control and lawn turf customers now being on their books repair and will only recommend disease treatments. They are NPTC for over twelve years. re-turfing as a last resort.” He qualified and have full public liability added, “Although we provide a for your peace of mind.

Would you like to join them? variety of lawn care services, we Then call 01373 859016 to arrange will never recommend a treatment Sue says, “Our strength is that we one of their free, no obligation lawn or procedure that you don’t need. supply a professional service to many assessments and quotations.

Each time we visit to treat your different people. Some have invested lawn we will assess its condition and in new lawns and want to keep them • lawntender.co.uk

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FENCING

GATES

01225 769145 01225 302687 CELEBRATING OUR 60TH YEAR OF SERVICE

PAVING

DECKING

SHEDS

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COME & SEE OUR

GARDEN WAREHOUSE

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

AT DUNKIRK BUSINESS PARK, SOUTHWICK

Email: info@classiclandscapesandecopools.co.uk

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

classiclandscapesandecopools.co.uk

| gardens

AVONFIELD GARDENS

Directors Matthew Webb and James Vincent are continuing to expand the fantastic range available at Avonfield Gardens.

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A

vonfield 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 they have been busily adding a fantastic new selection of trees. They now boast the largest selection in the area, and have something for every size of garden too. There are fruit trees, others offering fantastic blossom, beautiful foliage and wonderful autumn colour. And if you haven’t quite made up your mind, Matthew, James and the team are more than happy to offer some advice.

gardens | plants and shrubs from a selection of tried and tested nurseries throughout the UK. “We know who does what best after dealing with them for years and we also see the plants before we buy so we can pick up the healthiest and strongest specimens,” says director Matthew Webb. “We buy from the best so our customers end up with healthy, strong plants.

That way we end up with happy customers. It’s a simple recipe for success but it serves us well!”

Matthew and his co director James Vincent have been in the trade for many years and both employ a simple methodology when giving advice to customers, keep it simple.

Matthew explains, “A young couple Avonfield have long been known for who have just moved into a new house will usually want attractive, their fine range of pots, containers low maintenance plants that will and obelisks but more recently they brighten up the place, so we’ll give have also added a fine selection of garden ornaments to their collection. them advice offering the appropriate plants with the necessary There are beautiful stone sundials, instructions. We can make up baskets birdbaths and statues to choose from, all able to give a garden a much and containers to order and we stock packs of plants that go well needed focal point. together, which is a great way for less experience gardeners to get going One of the best things about on a new border. On the other hand Avonfield is that the space is set we are also happy to offer advice to aside purely for gardening. From more technically minded gardeners plants to seeds, compost to tools, it who want a more challenging has everything for the garden and display.” nothing else. The quality of plants is also second to none. As well as Right now is a great time in to pop growing a large number of plants in for a supply of vegetable plug themselves, they also source their plants, including beans, lettuce, spinach, chard and more. They have “NOT ONLY DO strawberry plants aplenty too. As THEY HAVE A HUGE well as growing your own, now is SELECTION OF PLANTS TO CHOOSE an ideal time to take a look at their large and varied range of herbaceous FROM, BUT THEY perennials, although equally you HAVE BEEN BUSILY be looking to direct sow some ADDING A FANTASTIC may annuals, or arrange a seasonal NEW SELECTION bedding display. Whatever you need, OF TREES... THEY you’re sure to find it, and much more, NOW BOAST THE at Avonfield Gardens.

LARGEST SELECTION IN THE AREA”

• avonfield-gardens.co.uk THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

49

WESSEX GARDEN FENCING

• All garden fencing supplied • New fencing installations • Hedge cutting • Fencing repairs

FREE QUOTATIONS AVAILABLE RENEW - REPAIR - READY FOR SUMMER

Call 01373 822933 or 07506 373335

info@wessexgardenfencing.co.uk www.wessexgardenfencing.co.uk

NEW

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE HERE

THE LARGEST SELECTION OF TREES IN THE AREA

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

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

| house & home

Find interior inspiration Perfect Rooms & Interiors is a one stop shop for all your interior design and decorating needs.

Perfect Rooms caters for all tastes, such as the latest Scandi collection from Pacific Lifestyle

craftsmen and a network of reliable subcontractors, enabling them to provide a full installation and decorating service.

If that alone doesn’t tempt you, they now have a coffee shop in store and open to the general public, serving homemade cakes and a range of teas and coffees.

P

erfect Rooms is an interior design business located in Gastard, near Corsham, serving individuals and businesses from Wiltshire to London. Established by Sue Coleman, who has over 30 years industry experience, the company has gained a reputation for quality customer service and excellent taste interior design.

“An interior project can be daunting; their experienced team help you make the right decisions to suit your style and budget.”

The business began with a design consultancy service and soft furnishings, including made-tomeasure curtains, blinds and cushions.

It has since expanded to offer a specialist upholstery and re-upholstery service alongside bespoke furniture.

Projects have varied enormously, from period homes and townhouses to

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new builds, schools and retirement homes and the team has catered for all different design briefs from traditional period styles, to country to contemporary.

The showroom in Gastard stocks a range of fabrics, wallpapers and flooring options, as well as curtain poles, finials and home accessories for those all-important finishing touches. In addition to the bespoke, locally made furniture, they also stock Whitehead Designs, Pacific Lifestyle and an outdoor range from Vincent Sheppard.

An interior project can be daunting; their experienced team help you make the right decisions to suit your style and budget. From the moment you walk in the door, they help to ensure you enjoy the experience.

They can get you started, from exploring options for fabrics, colours and fixtures, and see it through to final completion. They have a strong, reliable team of seamstresses and

Whether it’s one room or an entire house project, they are happy to discuss your needs over a tea or coffee. Pop in for an initial consultation or call 01249 716445 to schedule an appointment and go from there.

Recent news is the addition of another great local business on site, Inspirational Bathrooms, Bedrooms & Kitchens, offering quality cabinetry, bathroom fittings and full installation service.

Keep up to date with all the goings on via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, where you’ll be the first to hear about new products, the latest trends, and get some great design tips. The showroom is open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm.

• perfectrooms.co.uk

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

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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

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Caroline Burgess-James

INTERIOR COLOUR CONSULTANT

PERSONAL COLOUR AND INTERIOR ADVICE FOR YOUR HOME, BUSINESS OR RENTAL PROPERTY CLBURGESSJAMES@GMAIL.COM T 07973 627048

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

CALL US TODAY!

CALL TROWBRIDGE OR WARMINSTER Wiltshire’s Leading Independent Property Management Company

01225 753333 / 01985 213348

12 St John’s Street, Devizes SN10 1BD t 01380 720400 e debbie@marsdenslettings.co.uk www.marsdenslettings.co.uk

www.ejshanley.co.uk

The magazine MISSED THE LATEST ISSUE? DON’T WORRY...

YOU CAN READ THE MAGAZINE ONLINE VIA YOUR DESKTOP, LAPTOP, TABLET OR MOBILE PHONE NO SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED www.wired-publishing.co.uk

43 Shails Lane, Trowbridge 43 Copheap Lane, Warminster

WILTSHIRE‘S LEADER IN SKIP HIRE

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

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

Davies of Westbury DIY, Gardening & Cook Shop

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

FREE LOCAL DELIVERY

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Tel 01373 822431 www.daviesofwestbury.co.uk

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

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FIND LUXURY BATHROOMS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES 01225 765000

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www.activeplumbingsupplies.co.uk

| house & home

Home Improvements

Whether you are building a conservatory or want to install new windows and doors, speak to Thermaglaze.

Thermaglaze has been established more than 30 years, and has helped more than 20,000 customers

T

he long awaited and very welcome arrival of summer means many homeowners will be considering whether to put their property on the market or sit tight and invest in their current home.

Whatever decision is taken there will likely be a requirement for the services of a home improvement company such as Sutton Venybased Thermaglaze, who have been installing windows, doors, conservatories and roofline products across the South West since 1987.

For the past 30 years Thermaglaze have gained an enviable reputation not only for offering an extensive range of home improvement products to cater for every type of application, but also for providing an unrivalled level of customer service, support and care. Their highly professional sales staff operate a considerate and zero-pressure approach to sales. Their surveyors and installers ensure they undertake their duties with the utmost care and minimal disruption, while a team of highly trained administration

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staff diligently work to bring every installation project together in the most efficient way possible.

Every aspect of Thermaglaze’s business is undertaken on-site at their Sutton Veny premises where you will find their exceptional showroom equipped with every type of product sample, brochures and supporting literature to assist customers with their decision making process. Thermaglaze have created an extremely comfortable and welcoming, pressure-free environment, affording you the opportunity to consider all of the options available to you in your own time. And once the decision has been made to proceed you’ll be very pleasantly surprised to discover that Thermaglaze never ask for a deposit before commencing the installation, as a matter of fact there is no requirement for any kind of payment until your installation has been successfully completed.

Over the years Thermaglaze have satisfied the requirements of

over 20,000 customers across the region, from uPVC, timber and aluminium windows and doors, to stunning bespoke conservatories and orangeries. Actually, no other company installs more Solidor solidcore composite doors in the south than Thermaglaze.

The current trend is for solid roof replacements on existing conservatories. Not only does this negate the problem of conservatories being too cold for use in winter and uncomfortably hot in summer, but it creates an additional usable year round space that serves as a genuine extension to your home - be it as a new kitchen, dining room, office or play area. In most cases it can be achieved without the need for planning permission or the services of an architect.

So if you are considering a home improvement project of your own, why not call round to Thermaglaze’s Sutton Veny showroom and enjoy the nicest possible experience as you explore the huge choice of options available. Oh, and they also make exceptionally good coffee!

• thermaglaze.com

Allsop Carpets & Flooring

• Carpets • Vinyl • Naturals • Wood Flooring www.allsopcarpets.co.uk | 01373 463866 or 07887 953014 Corner Garage, Christchurch St West, Frome BA11 1EB

Cormar Carpets Cape Diamond Sensation Using British Manufacturers & Suppliers

| house & home

Welbourn Furniture W

Get a beautiful bespoke kitchen designed and fitted with minimum fuss.

elbourn Furniture Ltd design, supply and install quality English bespoke kitchen furniture. The company is run by husband and wife team, Mark and Tessa Welbourn, who offer many years of experience in the industry. Mark has a building and engineering background and also spent many years as Head of Installations at two of the top kitchen brands.

Susie and her family are delighted with their new bespoke kitchen

Mark and Tessa use their home as a showroom which keeps the overheads to a minimum and allows very competitive and realistic pricing. A vast range of granite and quartz worktops can be supplied at extremely competitive prices too.

Susie had her kitchen designed and installed by Welbourn earlier this year. Here’s what she had to say about them.

“Working with Mark and Tessa Welbourn has been an absolute pleasure and a fabulous journey which has resulted in our bespoke kitchen. It is by no means easy creating a kitchen when your house is undergoing a complete renovation and a new glass wooden extension is being added on from two sides off the kitchen! It could never have been possible without a clear vision, an understanding of the new structure and a dynamic relationship with the builders and all those that supported the work. Without such an in-depth understanding of the project, we would not have the creation we so love living in today.

“The joy of working alongside Mark and Tessa means you are uniquely

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“The joy of working alongside Mark and Tessa means you are uniquely involved in the project, so small adaptations can be made when needed” involved in the project, so small adaptations can be made when needed or when challenges arise, as inevitably they do. There is no middle man so there is no stress involved as you feel part of the team, not the outsider wishing to be understood!

grace and patience - created a most stunning space. Thank you!”

“From choosing the granite slabs together to the final tweaks there was no question too big or any fine detail left undone.

• welbournfurnitureltd.co.uk

“I feel very privileged to have discovered Welbourn Furniture and would do the project all over again, which is a testament to them both and the relationship we’ve formed.

How they listened then created, understood how we live, didn’t put their ideas upon us and - with

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ft

| legal & financial

Lasting Powers of Attorney & Discretionary Management Powers KATHRYN SMITH COWAP, a Solicitor at Wansbroughs Solicitors in Devizes, discusses what you need to consider with this recent development.

W

hen Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) replaced their more simplistic predecessors (EPAs) in 2007, an opportunity arose whereby the person making the LPA (the donor) could include more specific guidance for their attorneys than had previously been possible. While a few clients chose to stipulate that their attorneys must not, for example, invest in companies supporting certain political parties, far more chose to provide no additional guidance, instead leaving the decision-making in the hands of their carefully chosen attorneys without restriction.

By providing one’s attorneys with

an unrestricted LPA and therefore the maximum flexibility to make decisions on the donor’s behalf, it was felt that the attorneys would be able to act in the donor’s best interests without issue.

For the last ten years this has remained the case and indeed if your assets do not include an investment portfolio then there is nothing to suggest that an unrestricted LPA is not still the best way to proceed.

We have, however, recently been

advised by two stockbroking firms that if attorneys are not given explicit power to place the donor’s investments into a fund that is

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managed on a discretionary basis then those investments can instead only be managed on an execution only basis.

Kathryn Smith Cowap

Obviously, some donors may only wish for their investments to be managed on an execution only basis so this will be no cause for concern; however, if you would want your portfolio to continue to be managed

“as LPAs are prepared in accordance with current legislation and guidance, it is well worth a brief review of your LPAs to ensure that they still reflect your needs.” on a discretionary basis or if you would want your attorneys to have the flexibility to alter how your funds are managed, then more detailed wording will need to be added to LPAs going forward.

We have for some months, where

agreed as appropriate with the client, been including specific wording within the LPAs that we have been preparing to cover this very issue.

However, as LPAs are prepared in accordance with current legislation and guidance, it is well worth a brief review of your LPAs to ensure that they still reflect your needs. Similarly, if you have an EPA and a portfolio

that is managed on a discretionary basis then please get in touch as you will need to sign and register a new LPA in order to ensure that your attorneys will be able to maintain this position on your behalf if you are unable to provide such instructions to your broker.

If you think you may be affected

by this recent development, then Wansbroughs can assist. Please visit our website www.wansbroughs.com, email wealth@wansbroughs.com or call 01380 733300 for more detailed information.

• wansbroughs.com

| legal & financial

Are you thinking about future life planning but aren’t sure which solicitor is right for you?

EMMA TAYLOR, Partner in the Wills, Trusts & Probate department at Goughs Solicitors looks at the areas you may want to consider…

EXPERTISE If it is complex tax or estate planning then look for a firm which has STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) members. STEP membership is obtained by passing a number of exams which relate specifically to trusts and estates including tax and accounting.

T

Emma Taylor

here are various factors to consider when choosing a solicitor to help with your personal affairs. Whether it’s drafting a Will or Lasting Power of Attorney, advice on complex taxation or estate planning, or support after the loss of loved one, there are certain key criteria that can help you decide which law firm is right for you.

KNOWLEDGE Not all law firms can provide all legal services. If you want a new Will for example then it is important to look for a solicitor who drafts Wills; likewise with other legal documents such as Trust deeds.

You may also need a firm which has members of SFE (Solicitors for the Elderly). SFE require their members to show that they have experience and expertise in dealing with issues affecting older and vulnerable people and that they comply with the SFE’s own code of practice.

At Goughs we have STEP qualified specialists, as well as members of SFE. So you’ll benefit from their practical and balanced advice.

CONVENIENCE Finding the time to visit a solicitor can be tricky. Look for solicitors who have offices near you, so that you can make this easier.

Travelling to and from a meeting with a solicitor may be difficult for other physical reasons. If you are in this position look for solicitors who offer a home visit.

Even if you are not sure of the technical term for what you With six high street offices in key Wiltshire towns we want, a quick chat with the firm’s receptionist should be able to confirm whether or not they have anyone who can are never far away and can meet you at your home or other location for a small fee. help you and then point you in the right direction.

At Goughs we can provide the full range of future life planning services, including Wills, Trusts, LPAs and Inheritance Tax planning. We can help to plan and protect you and your family’s future.

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“At Goughs we can provide the full range of future life planning services, including Wills, Trusts, LPAs and Inheritance Tax planning.”

legal & financial |

CONNECTIONS Does the work you need involve other professionals?

Tax or estate planning issues or the administration of a Trust or Estate can involve other professionals such as estate agents, financial advisors, etc. Look for a law firm based in the same area as your other professionals. They are more than likely to already have a good working relationship.

With our local knowledge and good relationships with local professionals and service providers we can help guide you through to a successful conclusion.

TRUST Your relationship with your solicitor could involve discussing your private affairs and that of your family.

Therefore it’s essential that you have complete trust in your solicitor.

Talk to friends and relatives to see who they would recommend. Why not pop into their offices and say hello and see how you feel after meeting with them?

Also, look at the firm’s website, any online reviews or testimonials to get real feedback from real clients.

At Goughs we are here for you. So please do pop in and say hello to a member of the team. We are proud of our service and know that clients happily recommend us to friends and family.

The future has a way of arriving unannounced. Don’t let it catch you by surprise. Speak to one of our legal experts today and let us plan and protect the future for you and your loved ones. For more information please contact emmataylor@goughs.co.uk, phone 01380 726913 or visit our website.

• goughs.co.uk

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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| health & wellbeing

The Bubble Rush is back this summer!

T

he Bubble Rush for all the family is back on Saturday 14 July! Last year the event was an incredible success raising over £55,000 for Dorothy House Hospice Care and this year they’ve got double the bubbles!

Get ready to run, jog or walk your way two times around the 2.5k route through a sea of colourful bubbles at the world renowned Bath & West Showground. The fun and foamy circuit will take you through four “bubble stations” where highpowered foam cannons will blow out 30 cubic metres a minute of bright, frothy bubbles…TWICE!

just want you to pass the finishing line Wave at 11am or the Blue Wave at 12 frothy and smiling! noon. All entrants get a free T-shirt and medal. There is no minimum The Bubble Village will be party sponsorship amount but as always central with a warm up, live they’d love you to raise as possible entertainment, children’s activities for Dorothy House to help fund vital and yummy food for participants and patient care. Sign up today via the spectators. Jazz up your attire with website and join the bubbly fun! colour gear and crazy accessories to buy too! Choose between the Pink • dottybubblerush.org.uk

There are no age restrictions and the route is child friendly. The circuit is suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and prams. It’s not a race; organisers

Last year’s Bubble Rush raised over £55,000!

Enjoy a Beaufort Polo Club experience

W

hatley Manor Hotel & Spa has got together with the iconic Beaufort Polo Club at nearby Tetbury, to offer guests the chance to stay at the hotel and enjoy a hands on Polo Experience at the club.

Get a great intro into the ‘Sport of Kings’

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Located in the beautiful countryside near Malmesbury, Whatley Manor is a lovingly restored 19th century Grade II listed manor house, which was originally built on the Beaufort Estate. It’s ideally situated for a visit to Beaufort Polo Club.

Clubhouse and the chance to enjoy the afternoon’s matches to see how the pros do it! Prices for the Polo Experience start at £100 per person or £130 pp to include a two-course lunch from the Clubhouse. Ponies and polo equipment included. A one-night stay at Whatley Manor The Club is the venue for some of Hotel & Spa costs from £260 per the best polo in the UK, as well as room based on a standard room, being a renowned training centre including bed & breakfast, full use of offering lessons to players of all ages the Aquarias Spa facilities. and experiences and is a great way to celebrate a special event or just To book a stay at Whatley Manor have a go at the ‘Sport of Kings’.

Hotel & Spa, call reservations on 01666 822 888 or email The half-day Beaufort Polo Club reservations@whatleymanor.com.

‘Polo Experience’ package offers the For more information on the Polo chance to work with HPA-accredited Experience contact Beaufort Polo coaches to get a great introduction Club on 01666 880510 or email to the game (culminating in a enquiries@beaufortpoloclub.co.uk. fun chukka) and also includes a delicious lunch in the Beaufort • whatleymanor.com

ADVERTISE WITH US IN 2018 INTRODUCTORY & SERIES DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE

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WILL PRICES: £75+VAT SINGLE, £100+VAT JOINT 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:

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| health & wellbeing

Find good mental health Keeping well is not just about looking after our bodies but our minds too.

DEBBIE BATTEN is a specialist in psychotherapy, counselling and hypnotherapy & here discusses her services & the wide range of ways in which they can help.

PSYCHOTHERAPY & COUNSELLING There are certain times in our lives when we struggle and may need help with problems or experiences that cause us emotional distress.

During these times, we may feel: sad, worried, afraid, hurt, abandoned, anxious or simply overwhelmed by life. These problems can arise from pressures at home or at work, with our relationships or with friends, trauma, bereavement or loss or they may even stem from early childhood experiences. For whatever reason, it may not feel right to share your troubles with family or friends and it’s at times like this that many people decide to talk to a counsellor.

The therapeutic relationship offers an environment where you can speak openly, in a safe and supportive, non-judgmental and confidential setting. It offers you time and space to talk and express your emotions.

Counselling can help us to make sense of difficult issues and take positive steps to resolve them; by offering support, clarity and the development of self-awareness.

Debbie Batten

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Counselling can hugely benefit your health and wellbeing

“The therapeutic relationship offers an environment where you can speak openly, in a safe and supportive, non-judgmental and confidential setting.”

You will be encouraged to draw upon your inner resources and the counselling process will support you in developing self-acceptance and and help towards making positive changes in your life.

HYPNOTHERAPY The aim of hypnotherapy is to assist you in finding an alternative to your present unsatisfactory way of feeling, thinking and behaving, by safely addressing the sub-conscious mind. It involves entering a relaxed state of mind and body, using your imagination, and listening to positive suggestions to enable your subconscious mind to make helpful changes.

It is completely safe and natural and there are no harmful side effects. Hypnotherapy can help with relaxation, stress and anxiety, self

esteem, sleep disorders, phobias and fears, weight loss and quitting smoking.

Since each of us is different, I work with an integrated model of therapy and draw from a variety of counselling approaches. These are tailored to individual needs and collaborative; we will work together at a pace that feels right for you.

My credentials include an Advanced Diploma (with Distinction) in Counselling and Psychotherapy and a Diploma in Hypnotherapy. I am also an accredited member of the National Counselling Society and a member of the Hypnotherapy Society. Please call me to discuss the next step on 07557 100943 or email me at info@debbiebattencounselling.com • debbiebattencounselling.com

Debbie Batten HELPING YOU TO UNDERSTAND & MAKE SENSE OF PROBLEMS AFFECTING YOUR LIFE Psychotherapy & Counselling Helping to resolve life’s difficulties in a safe and caring environment Hypnotherapy Help with many issues including stress, anxiety, fears and phobias, weight loss and stopping smoking Debbie Batten Ad.Dip.CP MNCS(Acc) Dip.Hyp.CS MHS

Trowbridge Chiropodist Peter Wilkinson M.Inst.Ch.P

IMPROVING YOUR FOOT HEALTH We can help with...

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Find us on Facebook: Trowbridge - Chiropodist Follow us on Twitter: @TrowChiropodist

| bath rugby

NEW FACES Bath Rugby will welcome a number of new players for the 2018/19 season.

Here’s a closer look at who will joining this summer.

WILL CHUDLEY Position: Scrum-half Previous clubs: Bedford Blues, Newcastle Falcons, Exeter Chiefs Chudley arrives at Bath having made 119 appearances for reigning Aviva Premiership champions Exeter over a six-year period. The former Loughborough student said: “Having spoken to Todd, I know how ambitious the Club is, which is one of the main factors behind my decision. I’m fortunate to have won the Premiership with Exeter, and with the world-class talent in Bath’s ranks, I’m confident we can put ourselves in contention for silverware.”

JOE COKANASIGA Position: Winger Previous clubs: London Irish Honours: England U20s The young winger rose through the ranks at London Irish as they won promotion from the Championship in 2016/17 and travelled with the England senior side toArgentina on last summer’s tour before injury prevented him from playing for Eddie Jones’ side. Cokanasiga said: “I’m genuinely excited to be joining Bath. I feel the environment is exactly what I need to develop as a player and ultimately achieve my international ambitions.

There is huge potential to achieve success, and I’m looking forward to spending my long-term future here.”

ALEX DAVIES Position: Fly-half Previous clubs: London Welsh, Yorkshire Carnegie The fly-half has made over 30 appearances with Championship club Yorkshire Carnegie, and will arrive in the West Country with Premiership

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Joe Cokanasiga is a young winger with great potential

experience, having spent four seasons with London Welsh.

VICTOR DELMAS Position: Prop Previous clubs: Colomiers Victor Delmas joined Bath Rugby in March 2018 from French second division side Colomiers. The tighthead prop spent all his career with the French side, making over 100 appearances. Delmas made his Bath debut as a replacement in The Clash.

RUARIDH MCCONNOCHIE Position: Fullback/Wing Previous clubs: Nuneaton, Hartpury Honours: England Sevens McConnochie joins the Blue, Black and White after a successful two years in the World Sevens Series. He also won a silver medal at the 2016 Olympics and a bronze medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games with England. The 26-year-old was named England Rugby’s Men’s Sevens Player of the Year 2018.

JAMIE ROBERTS Position: Centre Previous clubs: Cardiff RFC, Cardiff Blues, Racing Metro, Harlequins Honours: Wales (94 caps), British and Irish Lions (2009, 2013)

Roberts will bring a wealth of experience to Bath, with two Lions tours and nearly a century of caps for Wales. The 31-year-old started his career in Cardiff before making the switch to France. He made 45 appearances for Harlequins during his three-year spell at the Stoop.

Roberts said: “There is no doubt that Bath can mix it with the best in both the Premiership and in Europe over the next few years, and I’m looking forward to being part of the journey.”

JACKSON WILLISON Position: Centre Previous clubs: Waikato Chiefs, Grenoble, Worcester Warriors Honours: Maori All Blacks A powerful, dynamic inside centre, the 29-year-old New Zealand native will arrive after two seasons with Worcester Warriors, where he has made 36 appearances to date.

Capped seven times by the Maori All Blacks, Willison comes with a wealth of experience in top flight rugby, having spent five seasons in Super Rugby where he won the title with the Waikato Chiefs, before a two-year spell in France with Grenoble.

• bathrugby.com

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| puzzles

Tea Break Teasers BOOKER PRIZE WINNERS’ WORDSEARCH

What/who is missing from the grid?

ADIGA BANVILLE BARNES BEATTY CAREY

SUDOKU

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CATTON DESAI ENWRIGHT FLANAGAN JAMES

HOLLINGHURST JACOBSON MANTEL PIERRE SAUNDERS

WIN A £10 NEXT VOUCHER! Email your answers to these trivia questions to comp@wired-publishing.co.uk by 23.06.18 to be in with a chance of winning a £10 Next Voucher.

Good luck!

Q1: What was the title of Hilary Mantel’s second winner of The Booker Prize in 2012?

Q2: Which former Home Secretary was Chair of the judges for The Booker Prize in 2002?

LAST MONTH’S SOLUTIONS Wordsearch missing word: TENNIS Quiz answers: 1: Nozomi Okuhara 2: Jahangir Khan 3: Jelena Jankovic 4: Table tennis, badminton, squash, and tennis.

5: Seoul, 1988

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Q3: Which Booker Prize winning novel by Ishiguro was made into a film starring Anthony Hopkins?

Q4: Who was a judge in 1985 then shortlisted in 1987 for Circles of Deceit?

Q5: Which famous Margaret Atwood novel made the shortlist in 1986 but lost out to Kingsley Amis?

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

| last word

My ramblings...

W

hen I first started writing this piece for The West Wilts Magazine, back in the heady days of 2009, it was going to be a sort of grumpy old man section, somewhere I could let off steam about all the things that get my goat and generally grind my gears. I thought that would give me years of material, but, it turns out I am not that grumpy after all - despite

to hearing fingernails scratching a blackboard. You can guarantee it will wake not only you but the baby as well. All you want the bird to do is put a sock in it, but no, not only doesn’t it stop but it invites hundreds of its avian friends to join in and create a wall of sound that Phil Spectre would be proud of!

it!! If you are one of those people who is constantly on your device, when I call or text don’t not answer or avoid calling or texting back for hours. I know you have seen it was me because you are glued to the blooming thing all the time! It makes me feel unloved and it makes you look rude… So don’t do it!!

On a separate, but similar, note my favourite sound of spring and summer has to be the screeching of

I am hoping the lovely weather we are having will bring out some more birds and wildlife, just not so flipping early and don’t call or text me to tell me about it as I probs will just ignore you!!

“my favourite sound of spring and summer has to be the screeching of swifts. These guys know what time to get up in the morning, I rarely hear them before about 10am” what my family might say - and so this has turned into a humerous (hopefully) take on things I notice or stuff that might happen to me or my friends and family. Here are a couple of things that have come to mind recently...

swifts. These guys know what time to get up in the morning, I rarely hear them before about 10am and you definitely know the dank, grey weather is behind you once you hear and see them swooping over the rooftops.

BIRDS IN SPRINGTIME

RUDE TELEPHONE MANNERS

There is very little that is as beautiful as bird song. The most unbelievably musical sounds that are at once inspiring, relaxing and stress relieving… That is, of course, unless it is at 4am of a spring morning and because it is so hot you are sleeping with the windows open. If you wake at a ‘normal’ time, say 6am or so and the first thing you hear is the dawn chorus it is fantastic. I would even go as far to say that if you haven’t experienced it yet put the alarm on, wake up a bit early and have a listen.

If, however, you have a seven month old baby who is not sleeping so well, hearing the first notes of said chorus at approximately 4am is tantamount

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This is one thing I could put in a grumpy old man column. I have often railed against the march of tech. It’s a painful irony that we now have so many more ways to communicate with each other but actually communicate with each other less because of it. Mobile devices are here, and they are here to stay, but because everyone is on a device so much these days it is difficult to get away from the person you don’t necessarily want to talk to. In the past you just didn’t answer the phone if you didn’t want to talk but, my friend, it’s not that easy anymore. - we know you’re doing

Phil Rockliffe