The West Wilts Magazine - July 2018

JULY 2018 // ISSUE 107

FREE

West Wilts The

Al Fresco Dining

ENJOY EATING OUT IN THE SUNSHINE

A JURASSIC JOURNEY

MAGAZINE

+ LOCAL LISTINGS OPEN AIR THEATRE BATH RUGBY & MUCH MORE

Hot tubs & Spas

r e m m Su un F

A LONG WEEKEND ON THE SOUTH COAST

WIN ANS iTUNE R! E VOUCH

MAKING A SPLASH THIS SUMMER

OME F OAR-S S FOR THE O S E G 12 PA TIES & EVENT JOY ACTIVI FAMILY TO EN WHOLE

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

EX FO SEE CU R W RS FUL EB IO L L SIT NS IS E & TO OF F FE RS

SUMMER IN MONSCHAU & THE EIFEL

Neatly nestled in the hilly Eifel region of Western Germany, surrounded by tranquil woods and picturesque black and white villages, the idyllic town of Monschau is a charming centre with half-timbered houses, narrow alleys, cobbled streets, spires and a castle.

Sunday 22 July, 5 days £475

LONDON ‘DO AS YOU PLEASE’

As British as Beefeaters and as multicultural as anywhere in the world, London’s got it all. Wander the banks of the Thames, enjoy some of the world’s best museums and attractions and discover gastronomic delights down every side street. One trip to London will never be enough.

Saturday 21 July, £27

COME & SEE US ON 14TH JULY AT TROWBRIDGE PARK FAMILY FUN DAY!!

Tel 01373 824500 www.chandlerscoach.co.uk 158 Chemical Road West Wilts Trading Estate Westbury BA13 4JN

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: Towpath Trail Canoe & Bike Hire

July 2018 // issue 107

W

ith the school holidays just days away, this edition is packed full of ideas for making the most of summer. Whether you want to dine out with the kids or get away from them you’ll definitely want to take a look at our al fresco dining guide - we have everything covered, from burgers and beers to Mediterranean-inspired fine dining (p21). It also lets you know which venues are really well set up for families.

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On the subject of families our summer activities guide runs to 12 pages of ideas from exhibitions and one off events to venues to enjoy a great day out (p48).

We have also included a special feature on Taff Valley Quad Bike & Activity Centre in Wales - a great place for head for some adrenaline fuelled fun (p52).

If you are still planning your holidays then you may want to take a look at our recent experience down in Charmouth on the Jurassic coast for inspiration (p38), and there are great BBQ recipes to try (p31) if you are staying at home too. Whatever you’re up to, make sure you keep this edition to hand, it may well prove useful!

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 July

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LOCAL NEWS Round up of news & events The Elizabethan Evening Merkins Café

12 14 16

FOOD & DRINK The Orchard Lounge Eat The Seasons BBQ recipes Meet the Chef at The Bath Arms Food News

18 30 31 34 36

HOMES & GARDENS Vici Cabins Hot Tubs & Spas

56

48 Homemaker’s refurbishment Garden Trends

58 60

FEATURES Al Fresco Dining A Jurassic Journey

21 38

Summer Fun Taff Valley Adventures Bowood Golf

43 52 70

BATH RUGBY Bath’s Summer Camps

78

COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES Quiz, wordsearch & sudoku

80

COMMENT The Last Word

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Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary Saving stray & unwanted dogs since 1958

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• 1958 - 2018 • th

A N N I V E R S A RY

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

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

CELEBRATING 60 YEARS!

OPEN DAY Saturday 4th August, 12-4pm FUN DOG SHOW Sunday 19th August, from 12 (judging from 1.30pm)

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

CHEESE &GRAIN WED 4TH JULY 8.30PM FRI 6TH JULY 7PM SAT 7TH JULY SUN 8TH JULY 7PM MON 9TH JULY 8PM TUES 10TH JULY 7.30PM WED 11TH JULY 7.30PM THUR 12TH JULY 7.30PM SAT 14TH JULY 7.30PM WED 18TH JULY 7.15PM WED 18TH JULY 8.30PM FRI 20TH JULY 8PM SAT 21ST JULY 6PM WED 25TH JULY 8.30PM FRI 27TH JULY 7.30PM SAT 28TH JULY 10AM FRI 3RD AUG 7PM SAT 4TH AUG FRI 10TH AUG 8PM

BOX OFFICE: 01373

455420

MARKET YARD, FROME, SOMERSET BA11 1BE

www.cheeseandgrain.com

ROOTS SESSIONS FREE ENTRY ASTON MERRYGOLD £22 adv FROME VEGAN MARKET FREE ADMISSION 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 DR JOHN COOPER CLARKE £22 LATER WITH…FROME COLLEGE £7 / £5 CONCS ROOTS SESSIONS FREE ENTRY LEO SAYER £25 PROSECCO & FIZZ FESTIVAL £10 ROOTS SESSIONS FREE ENTRY CHAKA DEMUS & PLIERS £27 adv SATURDAY MAKERS & CRAFT MARKET FREE ENTRY STIFF LITTLE FINGERS £23.50 FROME VEGAN MARKET FREE ADMISSION GRANDMASTER FLASH £17.50

Badly Drawn Boy

Chaka Demus & Pliers

Stiff Little Fingers

| events

local

listings JULY 2018

MELKSHAM ASSEMBLY HALL

Life of the Party (12A), Melksham Assembly Hall

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

THE DREAMBOYS 22 July, 7.30pm Tickets: from £24.50 The UK’s top male glamour show, perfect for a night out!

LIFE OF THE PARTY (Cert 12A) 6 July, 7.30pm Tickets: £6 When her husband dumps her, housewife Deanna turns regret into reset by going back to college.

THE LEISURE SEEKER (Cert 15) 20 July, 7.30pm Tickets: £6 Traveling in their Leisure Seeker vintage recreational vehicle, John and Ella Spencer take one last road trip from Boston before his Alzheimer’s and her cancer can catch up with them.

WILTSHIRE MUSIC CENTRE

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

AMADEUS ORCHESTRA 19 July, 7.30pm Tickets: £25 (Concs £10) A thrilling programme of music from Russia, France and the United States

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MUSICAL IN A WEEK 30 July – 3 August, 9am Tickets: £120 Join Felicity Courage for a fantastic five days creating a brand-new showstopping mystery musical.

WEYO / WYJO 30 July, 7.30pm Tickets: £15 (Concs £9) Two regional youth orchestras join forces ahead of their tour to France.

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

RIAMBA 7 July, 7.30pm Tickets: £14 (Concs £12) Riamba make a welcome return to The Pound with their upbeat Latin music incorporating Cuban classics, sizzling jazz improvisation and relaxed Brazilian Bossa Novas.

WALK WITH ME (Cert PG) 10 July, 7.30pm Tickets: £7.50 (Concs £6) A documentary about a community of Zen Buddhist monks and nuns who have dedicated their lives to mastering the art of mindfulness.

JOSEPH TONG 11 July, 1pm Tickets: £7.50 (Concs £5) Joseph Tong returns with a late-romantic programme of Grieg, Schumann and Sibelius culminating with Robert Schumann’s joyful Carnival Jest.

THREE CANE WHALE 14 July, 7.30pm Tickets: £12 (Concs £10) A multi-nstrumental acoustic chamberfolk trio consisting of Pete Judge, Alex Vann and Paul Bradley. Expect some familiar instruments and some beguilingly unusual.

THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING MISSOURI (Cert 15) 19 July, 11am & 7.30pm Tickets: £7.50 (Concs £6) Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell star in this awardwinning film by Martin McDonagh.

THE DIVINE ORDER (Cert PG) 24 July, 7.30pm Tickets: £7.50 (Concs £6) A Swiss comedy drama in which a housewife causes a stir in her town when she leads a campaign for equal voting rights for women.

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

| events THE POST (Cert 12A) 26 July, 11am & 7.30pm Tickets: £7.50 (Concs £6) Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks star in Steven Spielberg’s Oscar nominated historical drama, based on true events.

MERLIN THEATRE

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

EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE 7 July, 7pm Tickets: £16 (Concs £10.50) Inspired by a true story, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is the new awardwinning five-star hit musical for today.

BUFFALO GALS – MIRACULOUS MEDICINE SHOW 8 July, 7pm Tickets: £12.50 (Concs £10.50) With song, dance, humour and stories from the world of old-time American country, Buffalo Gals bring happiness and longevity to the folks of Frome.

A CAREER IN RUINS 9 July, 7pm Tickets: £9.50 Julian Richards is a presenter, writer and archaeologist with over 30 years’ experience of fieldwork and publication.

GEORGE EGG: DIY CHEF 12 July, 7.45pm Tickets: £15 (Concs £13) An inspiring and inventive evening of stand-up, live cooking and comedy lecture. And you get to taste the food!

Saul - Glyndebourne, Merlin Theatre

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE 15 July, 7pm Tickets: £15 (Concs £11.50) Shakespeare’s great courtroom drama performed by Illyria theatre company.

War make an arduous trek enduring hardship, death and sacrifice until they reach safety in a refugee camp in Kenya.

DAD’S ARMY 19, 20 & 21 July, 7.30pm Tickets: £10 SAUL – GLYNDEBOURNE The Athenaeum Limelight Players 26 July, 6.30pm present Dad’s Army by Jimmy Perry Tickets: £16 (Concs £10.50) Performed live at Glyndebourne in 2015, & David Croft. Bringing together all your most loved characters and Barrie Kosky’s blazingly original staging of Handel’s oratorio pairs baroque music catchphrases. with contemporary choreography.

LACOCK ABBEY

THE PRINCESS & THE GIANT 27 July, 6pm Tickets: £16 (Concs £10.50) Princess Sophie is exhausted and it’s all because the grumpy old giant can’t sleep. Filled with music, puppetry and wonderful characters, this family show is one not to be missed!

ANDRÉ RIEU 28 July, 7pm & 29 July, 3pm Tickets: £16 (Concs £10.50) Amore – My Tribute to Love sees Andre and his 60-piece orchestra once again perform against the stunning backdrop of his Dutch hometown.

THE ATHENAEUM CENTRE

18-20 High St, Warminster, BA12 9AE Box Office: 01985 213891 theath.org.uk For full listings go to the website.

THE GOOD LIE (Cert 12A) 11 July, 7.30pm Tickets: £5.50 Four Sudanese children orphaned after their village is attacked in the Civil

Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2LG Tel: 01249 730459 nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock Normal admission applies unless otherwise stated ANOTHER WAY OF TELLING Until 9 September, 10.30am FREE Karen Knorr’s exhibition features works focusing on Japanese and Indian temples, shrines and palaces, occupied by animals, bringing folk tales and fables to life in a visually mesmerising manner.

THE FOUNDATION STORY OF LACOCK ABBEY Until 15 July, 10.30am FREE Part of the Women and Power national programming theme, Lacock will be exploring the legacy of Ela the founder of Lacock.

CHEESE & GRAIN

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

BLAZIN’ FIDDLES 8 July, 7pm Tickets: £20 Touring to celebrate their 20th Anniversary and release of their latest album “The Key”, Blazin’ Fiddles never fail to bring the party!

BADLY DRAWN BOY 12 July, 7.30pm

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

| events

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

Blazin’Fiddles, Cheese & Grain

Tickets: £22.50 One of the headline acts of this year’s Frome Festival.

DR. JOHN COOPER CLARKE 14 July, 7.30pm Tickets: £22 Britain’s best loved and most important performance poet. John is as vital now as he was in the 70s.

LEO SAYER 20 July, 8pm Tickets: £25 The Grammy winning, multi-platinum disc selling legend comes to Frome!

CHAKA DEMUS AND PLIERS 27 July, 7.30pm Tickets: £30 Jamaican reggae stars Chaka Demus and Pliers have announced tour the UK for the first time in over ten years.

NEELD ARTS CENTRE

High Street, Chippenham SN15 3ER Tel: 01249 446699 neeld.co.uk For full listings go to the website.

LES MISERABLES 7, 8 & 9 July, various times Tickets: from £9 A youth production brought to you by Courage Performers, the most talented young performers in the South West!

VILLAGE PUMP FRIDAY FOLK

Lamb Inn, Mortimer Street, Trowbridge villagepump.org.uk OPEN MIC NIGHT 13 July Tickets: £3

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SINGAROUND 3, 10, 17 & 24 July FREE, 8pm KEVIN BROWN 31 July FREE, 8pm

PRESTBURY SPORTS BAR The Close, Warminster, BA12 9AL Tel: 01985 847070 prestburysportsbar.com Bands start at 9pm and entry is FREE TWO BEATLES 7 July A two man tribute playing all The Beatles classics.

WHO’S NEXT 14 July The UK’s number one tribute to The Who. RETRO ELECTRO 80’s 21 July Retro will transport you back in time to the colourful 80’s.

OTHERS ACOUSTIC OAK The Royal Oak, Corsham, SN13 0HF 5, 12, 19 & 26 July Tickets: £2 Singers and spotlight nights. For more info go to The Acoustic Oak Facebook page BRADFORD ON AVON ARTS ASSOCIATION 21 July, all day Tickets: £17 Cardiff has always been popular venue for the Arts Association. It has a wide appeal with historical and cultural aspects. This coach outing to leaves Bradford at 8.45am. To find out more call 01225 864159 or go to boaarts.org

GO WEST UKE FEST 28 July, from 10am Holt Primary School & The Old Ham Tree in Holt Tickets: £12 adult, £6 child Go West Uke Fest is back! This grassroots festival is a family friendly interactive day involving all things Ukulele! There’ll be workshops, refreshments and table stands and performances from ukulele groups from around the county at the Old Ham Tree pub from 6pm.

Tickets can be booked in advance at wiltshireruralmusic.co.uk

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

REBEL HEROES 13 July THE HAMMERVILLES 14 July BOB BOWLES 15 July PORT ERIN 20 July THE FORGETTING CURVE + SUPPORT 21 July THE TROPHY FOUNDLINGS 22 July THE SOAP GIRLS 27 July THE BUCKY RAGE + SUPPORT 28 July

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

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

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INTERIOR COLOUR CONSULTANT

PERSONAL COLOUR AND INTERIOR ADVICE FOR YOUR HOME, BUSINESS OR RENTAL PROPERTY

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CLBURGESSJAMES@GMAIL.COM T 07973 627048

| local news

roundup

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

STANTON MANOR UNDERGOES £250,000 REFURB!

On Thursday 14 June the newly renovated Stanton Manor hotel flung open its doors to the great and the good for a lunch party to remember.

Bought at the beginning of the year

by Tudor and Lucy Hopkins Stanton Manor has been given a new lease of life with a £250,000 renovation of all its public areas.

The 23-bedroom manor house hotel located in Stanton St Quintin sits in 4 acres of beautifully manicured gardens.

Guests were treated to a dessert safari by award-winning pastry chef Damien Wager.

This is Tudor and Lucy’s 3rd venture in The Sleeping Bear Hotels

collection which includes The Moonraker Hotel in Trowbridge and The White Hart Hotel in Wells.

Tudor says “It’s fantastic to bring this lovely old hotel back to life.

Our head chef just got back from competing in MasterChef and we are launching afternoon tea next week which has been created by our wonderful pastry chef Damien Wager.”

To take a closer look at the beautiful renovation make a renovation for food, or one of their new afternoon teas, by calling 01666 837552.

Stanton Manor is the third hotel in the Sleeping Bear hotels collection

• stantonmanor.com

THE DIBLE & ROY SUMMER SALE IS ON! Dible & Roy’s famous summer sale began on 18 June and runs through to the end of July, with discounts throughout the shop. It’s a great opportunity to refresh your home at bargain prices. There is up to 50% off across the product range from carpets, vinyl and wood flooring to fabrics, blinds, poles and tracks. There are also big savings on giftware and roll stock fabrics and remnants. Many items are end of line so it really

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will be a case of once they’re gone, they’re gone!

Dible & Roy’s free home measuring service is always in high demand during the sale so be sure to book your appointment to get those sale quotations.

Give them a call on 01225 862320 or pop by their central Bradford on Avon showroom to find out more!

• dibleandroy.co.uk

The sale offers up to 50% off!

local news |

THE CHEESE & CHILLI FESTIVAL RETURNS! The chilli eating competition is a crowd favourite

The Cheese and Chilli Festival is back again in 2018 with a bang when it arrives in Swindon on the weekend of 7 & 8 July! There are approximately 100 trade stands selling cheese and chilli associated products as well as craft and retail goods.

demonstrations and talks from well known guests including Chilli Olly, a crowd-pleasing chilli eating competition, a chilli sauce taste competition judged by you in the Taste Tent and the Man v Food challenge. There is plenty to eat and drink with authentic local food stalls Entertainments include the Daniella and dedicated bars from the likes of D’Ville Freak Show, falconry Worley’s Cider, Downton Brewery displays, Punch & Judy, balloon and the famous inflatable pub! modelling, magic shows, a treasure Tickets cots £8 for adults on the gate hunt, free garden games, children’s and children under 16 go free! fun rides and inflatables, live music from local bands, cooking • cheeseandchillifestival.com

LA BOHÈME COMES TO GREAT CHALFIELD On Thursday 5 and Friday 6 July Bath Opera will present Puccini’s best loved opera ‘La Bohème’ at Great Chalfield Manor. Sung in English, the opera is packed with wonderful arias (‘Your tiny hand is frozen’,’ They call me Mimi’) and intense emotion, taking the audience on a roller coaster ride of love and tragedy.

Julia O’Connor is in the role of Mimi and Luke Daniel as Rodolfo.

Great Chalfield is a beautiful setting for an evening of opera

Musical direction is by Peter Blackwood and stage direction by Tom Magnone.

The performance is a wonderful opportunity to combine great music with the stunning setting of the manor and its gloriously maintained gardens. As such, guests are invited to picnic in the gardens from 5.30pm, with La Bohème’ to be performed in the Great Hall at 7.30pm.

PINE RIDGE TO CELEBRATE 60 YEARS

Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary was founded in 1958 by Mr Bernard Cuff, who worked throughout his life to save homeless dogs with terribly bleak futures. 60 years on, the sanctuary continues to work tirelessly to give unwanted and stray dogs a better future.

Pine Ridge relies solely on donations from the public, through monthly donations, one-off event sponsorships and monies raised from the fundraising events held at Pine Ridge – their Open Day and Fun Dog Show.

This year, their special 60th anniversary Open Day is taking place on Saturday 4 August from 12noon to 4pm. Visitors will be free to visit the dogs and speak to the manager about any dog they may wish to give a home to. There will be a barbecue and food bar on hand as well as stalls and a raffle – it’s a great day out for dog lovers!

Tickets are £35 each (£30 for Friends of Great Chalfield) and may be booked by ringing Patsy or Robert Floyd on 01225 782239, or by email patsy@greatchalfield.co.uk.

Sunday 19 August marks their annual Fun Dog Show. Again the event starts at midday, with judging from 1.30pm. There will be lots of prizes, including waggiest tail and, of course, dog the judge would most like to take home! The barbecue will be firing, and the food bar will be open all afternoon.

Every penny raised goes to the dogs so if you can – head along to support this worthy cause.

• greatchalfield.co.uk

• pineridgedogsanctuary.org.uk THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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| local news

An Elizabethan Evening returns!

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ward-winning outdoor theatre company Illyria will bring their fabulous production of The Hound of the Baskervilles to Manor Farm for The Elizabethan Evening on 4 August.

Who killed Sir Charles Baskerville?

Can anyone prevent the same fate befalling the young Sir Henry Baskerville? Is a monstrous hound really roaming Dartmoor? Why is someone systematically stealing Sir Henry’s shoes? And how does a ghostly hound manage to leave vast paw-prints and other unwelcome evidence of its existence?

but chilling adaptation...

The Elizabethen Evening is a highlight of the summer calendar for many, giving audiences the chance to enjoy a lovely picnic in the grounds at Manor Farm near Corsley before settling down for a fantastic performance from one of the best outdoor theatre groups around. Gates open at 5.30pm for picnics, and the main event starts at 7.30pm. There is a licensed bar, and a pre-booked supper is also available. Tickets cost £14 for adults, £7 for children aged 9-16. The pre-booked supper is £9.

The original and greatest literary detective of them all, Sherlock Holmes, and his assistant Doctor Watson, tackle the most baffling case of their careers in this faithful, cheeky

Now in its 27th year, Illyria has delighted audiences the length and breadth of the UK and beyond, performing some of the most wellloved productions on offer. The company has attracted numerous

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lifestyle choices. The team strives to enhance privacy and dignity through the unique bonds and relationships they mutually build with residents.

5-star and critics’ choice reviews for the lively clarity of its approach to Shakespeare’s plays, the high quality of its family shows and the refreshingly quirky originality of its English classics adaptations and Gilbert & Sullivan musicals.

You can buy tickets direct online from the organisers, by calling 01373 832113 or via illyria.co.uk.

• theelizabethanevening.com

This year’s play is Hound of the Baskervilles

Longbridge Deverill House

ongbridge Deverill is a gracious Victorian house set in two acres of mature landscaped gardens. It was originally built by the Thymes of Longleat as a Vicarage. It is conveniently situated in the village of Longbridge Deverill, only 3 miles from Warminster, on the main A350 close to Trowbridge, Westbury and Frome.

All rooms are individually decorated, with en-suite facilities and some with private patios. There are lovely views over the beautiful gardens and rooms are accessible by passenger lift.

Pets are welcome and residents are encouraged to personalise their rooms with their cherished possessions.

The highly qualified and experienced staff team work with each resident to formulate an individual plan of care tailored to meet needs, wishes and

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As well as an Activities Co-ordinator, the house provides visiting professionals for foot care, movement to music, yoga, aromatherapy and massage (all included within fees).

Longbridge Deverill House is adjacent to their purpose built nursing Longbridge Deverill House has beautifully lanscaped gardens

home, where 24-hour nursing care is provided along with a specialist dementia unit for those with more advanced dementia. The facilities and entertainments within the nursing home are available for residents of Longbridge Deverill House if they wish. To find out more, or to arrange a visit telephone 01985 214040 or email info@equality-care.co.uk • equality-care.co.uk

The Friends of Great Chalfield is a local Asssociation supporting development of the gardens at Great Chalfield

‘La Bohème’ at Great Chalfield, 5th & 6th July 2018 Bath Opera will present Puccini’s best loved opera (sung in English) at Great Chalfield.

Packed with wonderful arias and intense emotion, it takes the audience on a rollercoaster ride of love and tragedy. Julia O’Connor is in the role of Mimi and Luke Daniel as Rodolfo.

Musical direction is by Peter Blackwood and stage direction by Tom Magnone.

THE ELIZABETHAN EVENING

Tickets: £35 (£30 for Friends of Great Chalfield)

AT MANOR FARM, BA12 7QE

To book tickets call Patsy or Robert Floyd on 01225 782239, or by email patsy@greatchalfield.co.uk. Cheques should be made payable to Friends of Great Chalfield and a SAE for tickets would be very helpful if sent to Great Chalfield Manor, Melksham SN12 8NH.

Saturday 4th August 2018 at 7.30pm

BUY TICKETS FROM www.theelizabethanevening.com / 01373 832113 / www.illyria.co.uk Adult: £14, Child (9-16): £7. Pre-booked Supper £9 Gates open 5:30pm. Bring a picnic. Licensed bar.

FENCING

GATES

01225 769145 01225 302687 4 acres of gardens

CELEBRATING OUR 60TH YEAR OF SERVICE

Pets are welcome

We offer a special lifestyle with large ensuite rooms, many ground floor with private patios.

Dedicated activities co-ordinator and daily programme of activities.

You’ll be able to enjoy outings, entertainments, massage, physiotherapy and chiropody.

Conveniently situated on the A350 within easy reach of Westbury, Warminster and Salisbury

If you are looking for care and comfort, tailored to suit your needs contact the manager on 01985 214040 or visit www.equality-care.co.uk Separate Nursing Home also on site • Ensuite room with patio available now

PAVING

DECKING

SHEDS

LANDSCAPING

COME & SEE OUR

GARDEN WAREHOUSE AT DUNKIRK BUSINESS PARK, SOUTHWICK

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

| local news

Cutteridge House Weddings

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f you are looking for a fantastic venue to host your wedding or special celebration, then few can compete with the setting at Cutteridge House, near Brokerswood. On arrival there is a long sweeping driveway through an avenue of lime trees which leads you to a 16th century farm house.

There are well laid flower beds and walled gardens surrounding the house. The marquee, which will host your guests, will sit in the walled gardens, making the very best use of the fabulous gardens and views of the Westbury White Horse and surrounding countryside. With its extensive grounds, Cutteridge House is perfect for temporary structure of all sizes. What’s more, their specialist team can also help provide your event catering, marquee hire and even glamping!

See Cutteridge House for yourself at their Wedding Fayre

As well as hiring the venue for the day itself you might want to stay onsite before and on your special day or event in their newly converted red brick barn. It offers two top-ofthe-range spacious en suite double rooms, an open plan kitchen/lounge and outdoor seating area.

If you’d like to take a closer look, Cutteridge House is hosting a Wedding Fayre on Wednesday 8

August from 5-8pm. It’s a fantastic opportunity to come and see this new beautiful venue and to see how it might work for your wedding or celebration. There’s a free glass of prosecco on arrival and nibbles from one of their recommended food caterers available too. Call Mary Rose on 07714 447363 or 01225 761589 to find out more.

• cutteridgeweddings.co.uk

Take in the view at Merkin’s Café

S

et on a farm in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside, just a stone’s throw from Bradford-On-Avon, you will be surprised when you walk through the door into this far from ordinary farm café…

– which offers options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or afternoon tea, and a selection of mouth-watering homemade cakes. There are also vegan and gluten free options across the menu.

Taking the theme from Merkin’s Farm campsite you will find colourful tables inside and out, walls adorned with vintage pictures and signage, and even a caravan-themed room named Bertha!

Given their location, well behaved dogs are welcome at the farm, they stock treats and even doggy ice

If it’s sunny, the outdoor tables really do enjoy the best of the setting, but if the weather isn’t so kind you can always pop in, take in the panoramic views, and be spoilt for choice by the menu and seasonal specials board - the all-day cooked breakfasts are a particular favourite with locals

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DOG FRIENDLY

Merkin’s Café is a fun, colourful café in a beautiful setting

cream! They are also once again looking forward to hosting the Fun Dog Show in Aid of Wiltshire Air Ambulance on Saturday 4 August, from 11.30am. Why not come along for a bit of fun, enjoy an ice cream, and have a wander around the stalls?

You never know, you could go home with a rosette!

• merkinsfarm.com/cafe

THE

Farmhouse INN

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Cutteridge

Wedding Venue A spectacular, idyllic venue for all occasions

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

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

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

Visit our Wedding Fayre!

Wednesday 8th August, 5pm -8pm Free glass of prosecco & nibbles on arrival

We can also provide catering, marquee hire, glamping and accommodation in our stunning newly converted red brick barn!

Call Mary Rose on

07714 447363 / 01225 761589 cutteridgeweddings@gmail.com

www.cutteridgeweddings.co.uk

Find us: Brokerswood Rd North Bradley Trowbridge BA14 9PT

Escape the hustle and bustle, come to Merkin’s Farm CafÊ to enjoy a Coffee, Breakfast, Lunch or Homemade Cake, and take in our beautiful countryside views.

Dog Show - Saturday 4th August

We will have a variety of stalls, a raffle, a Pimms Tent, as well as a Fun Dog Show. In aid of Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

Merkins Farm, Bradford Leigh, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire BA15 2RW Tel: 01225 869487 Web: www.merkinsfarm.com

| food & drink

A one-of-a-kind venue

Next time you go out to eat why not try somewhere a little different and head on over to The Orchard Lounge…?

A VENUE FOR YOUR SPECIAL OCCASION Whether you’re planning a big breakfast with friends, a working lunch, birthday party, anniversary, Christmas party, or any other occasion, The Orchard Lounge can tailor your event to suit your needs.

They can also functions for between 20-70 people. To find out more email info@theorchardlounge.co.uk or call 01225 767511 to discuss your needs.

• theorchardlounge.co.uk

T

he Orchard Lounge is a unique café, bar and restaurant located at the top of Fore Street in Trowbridge. It’s a cosy, friendly and rustic venue and whether you want to pop over for a freshly cooked breakfast, lunch with colleagues or friends or a family dinner, you’ll be welcomed by a dedicated team that love what they do. From head chef Chris Benton, who has years of experience creating delicious food that looks as good as it tastes, to the smiley front of house team, nothing is too much trouble.

They have breakfast, lunch and dinner menus available each day and these change regularly depending on which of their locally sourced ingredients are at their best. In the morning you might want a full English breakfast or perhaps a granola jar topped with natural yogurt and seasonal fruit. At lunch their rustic sandwiches and toasted pitta breads are a real treat – choose your filling and add your choice of

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The Orchard Lounge can cater for you for breakfast, lunch and dinner

chips. That’s not to mention their delicious assortment of homemade cakes and sweet treats - great for enjoying with a coffee at any time of day. At dinner time their burgers and steaks have gained an enthusiastic following and there are also weekend specials available, which you can find out more about by following them on Facebook.

“At dinner time their burgers and steaks have gained an enthusiastic following and there are also weekend specials available” As well as being a lovely venue to eat, The Orchard Lounge also hosts regular live music events.

Coming up next on 25th July is Canadian artist Lindsey Ferguson.

This Canadian singer songwriter has an eclectic sound which is a mix of folk, country and pop. Tickets are £5 each and can be purchased at The Orchard Lounge bar!

A

A one-of-a-kind café, bar & restaurant in the heart of Trowbridge

We serve locally sourced freshly cooked homemade food with a welcoming smile in our cozy, friendly and rustic venue. There really is no where quite like us…

You’ll find award-winning coffee, homemade cakes, desserts and the most delicious weekend specials on our menu…

Our dedicated team love what we do and have years of combined experience in the industry and get most enjoyment from seeing and hearing our happy customers enjoy their experience with us.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Wednesdays Tapas Night £9.95 for 3 dishes Thursdays Steak Night £14 for steak & 2 sides Acoustics Nights Next up: 25th July Canadian artist Lindsey Ferguson

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR DETAILS ON UPCOMING EVENTS T 01225 767 511 E info@theorchardlounge.co.uk W theorchardlounge.co.uk 66 Fore Street, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 8HQ Open Mon & Tues: 9am – 3pm, Weds & Thurs: 10am – 10pm, Fri & Sat: 10am – 11pm, Sunday: Closed

BEAUTIFUL AWARD-WINNING VILLAGE PUB

the biddestone arms “THE FIRST AND LAST PUB IN THE COTSWOLDS”

Great Food and Drink in a Cotswolds Country Pub • Beautiful Garden • Boules Piste • Home of Le Tour des Cotswolds 01249 716481 | www.thebiddestonearms.co.uk | The Green, Biddestone, Nr Chippenham SN14 7DG

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

themethuenarms.com

food & drink |

Al Fresco Head outdoors and enjoy some great food and drink this summer...

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| food & drink

THE BARGE INN

The Barge has a wonderful canalside setting

Seend Cleeve, Melksham SN12 6QB Situated on the picturesque Kennet & Avon Canal, The Barge Inn offers excellent food, great Wadworth beers, an extensive wine list and a beautiful setting on the banks of the Kennet & Avon canal. With a new cocktail menu available you can really enjoy the view too!

The new summer menu boasts all your pub classic staples as well as lighter seasonal salads and boards, including a delicious vegetarian messe board with smoked aubergine, roasted peppers, falafels, houmous and toasted flatbreads. A real favourite with regulars are their summer barbecues. Hear the sizzle and smell the beautiful aroma of fantastic BBQ food using meat from award-winning butchers Walter Rose.

01380 828230 | bargeinnseend.co.uk

THE BIDDESTONE ARMS

The Green, Biddestone, Nr Chippenham SN14 7DG The Biddestone Arms is the first and last pub in the Cotswolds – depending on which way you are travelling! It has a beautiful secluded garden, two boules pistes and ample parking. Eccentric landlord Giles Wareham (aka Basil) looks after front of house whilst exceptional young chef Jamie Hurst has created a menu that has been garnering rave reviews among locals and independent food websites alike. As well as serving delicious modern British cuisine, The Biddy also offers takeaway fish and chips and their famous double cheeseburger, ensuring all palates are catered for. You can also take away beer in cartons and wine by the bottle at very competitive prices.

All the kitchen produce is locally sourced from the West Country with meat and eggs from Corsham and

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homecooked food. The summer menu bursts with great pub classics, delicious pizzas and sizzling steaks and every Sunday their carvery is popular too. If you’re looking to enjoy a lunch out, their 2 course for £10 lunch deal could fit the bill perfectly.

If you haven’t ventured in before, give it a try, you won’t be disappointed, and despite its central location, it has a sunny courtyard garden to enjoy on The Biddestone Arms a summer’s days too.

“Over the summer be sure to make the most of the wonderful mature garden, where you can enjoy a drink or meal on a fine day with a menu offering everything from ciabattas to chateaubriand!” herbs and some vegetables grown in their own garden.

Over the summer be sure to make the most of the wonderful mature garden, where you can enjoy a drink or meal on a fine day with a menu offering everything from ciabattas to chateaubriand! Add in their wellkept beer and a value wine list and you have an ideal al fresco choice.

The pub is also home to Le Tour des Cotswolds and early July will see the opening of the Rum Shack – watch this space!

01249 716481 | thebiddestonearms.co.uk

THE CROSS KEYS

High Street, Rowde SN10 2PN The Cross Keys is a multi awardwinning traditional pub in the centre of Rowde village. A real hub of the community it offers everything you expect from a great local – proper Wadworth beers, pool table, skittle alley and tasty, good value

01380 739567 | crosskeysrowde.co.uk The Cross Keys’ gravel courtyard

THE GEORGE

67 Woolley Street, Bradford on Avon BA15 1AQ The George in Bradford on Avon is the perfect place to visit for local ales, top quality wines and fantastic food.

As well as a lovely interior and open kitchen, it also has a sunny courtyard garden that’s ideal for catching some rays on a warm summer’s day. It also boasts a secret summerhouse, and, if the nights do get a little cool, they have snuggle throws and burners to keep you warm.

We’re open from 9.30am for coffee and breakfasts

Enjoy a drink and delicious food in our sunny garden

EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT IN JULY

SET LUNCH

BBQ including sirloins, sliders & home smoked chickens, £17.50, kids £10 plus live music from 8pm BOOKING ESSENTIAL

MONDAY TO FRIDAY 2 Courses £15.95 3 Courses £17.95

MIDWEEK SPECIAL DINNER

THURSDAY SUPPER CLUB 26th July, 4 Courses, £25, see

for menu

MONDAY & TUESDAY 6pm-9pm 2 Courses £17.95 3 Courses £19.95

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

The Cross Keys A T

R O W D E

www.crosskeysrowde.co.uk

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

High Street, Rowde SN10 2PN ✆ 01380 739567 f TheCrossKeysRowde

| food & drink of food vibrates through the kitchen and front of house, ensuring The Methuen is well established on the ‘foodie’ radar.

The George has a real suntrap of a garden

Head chef Alex Venables has recently introduced a fantastic light bite menu for summer – ideal for a warm summer’s day when you don’t want something heavy but don’t want to scrimp on flavour either. They are also organising fantastic BBQ and live music nights every Friday in July. Starting at 6pm, they’ll light up the barbecue, serving Church Farm sirloin steaks, homemade sliders and homesmoked chicken (from their new inhouse smoker) alongside a delicious salad bar. Then, at 8pm you can enjoy some fantastic live music.

The evening costs £17.50 – and booking is essential!

the owners have recently won a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence for the third year in a row.

With its wonderful gardens, complete with children’s play area, The Lamb is a great summer venue, and ideal for sunny days over the school break. They specialise in top quality, freshly prepared food and if you are watching the pennies their Prix Fixe Menu, available lunchtimes Monday to Saturday, could be just the thing – prices start at only £9.50 and dishes include the likes of classic prawn cocktail and roast beef hash – real crowdpleasers. Another 01225 865650 | thegeorgebradfordonavon.co.uk great option is to head over for their delicious Wiltshire Tapas - £4.95 THE LAMB ON THE each or 3 for £12 - including salt and STRAND pepper squid, cider braised chorizo Semington, Trowbridge BA14 6LL and spiced chicken wings; perfect A family run pub and restaurant, The for sharing out in the garden with a Lamb offers excellent food and drink glass or two of wine. in a cosy and relaxed atmosphere; 01380 870263 | thelambonthestrand.co.uk The Lamb has a great garden for families

THE METHUEN ARMS

2 High Street, Corsham SN13 0HB Ashley and Abi run The Methuen Arms, an award-winning inn where hospitality meets fabulous food and drink at a relaxed pace. It enjoys a great reputation for its food, in large part down to the efforts of Head Chef Leigh Evans and his team. Leigh’s love

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Set immediately beside the stately home and beautiful grounds of Corsham Court, The Methuen serves food every day of the week, breakfast, lunch and dinner, and is open all day for tea, coffee and delicious homemade biscuits and pastries.

Despite its town centre location, it also boasts a sun-soaked courtyard in which to escape the hustle and bustle. It’s a lovely space, protected by mature trees and shrubs and lit with strings of fairy lights at night – great for unwinding with a drink after a long day at work, catching up with friends for lunch, or spending a relaxed evening with loved ones.

01249 717060 | themethuenarms.com

“Despite its town centre location, it also boasts a sun-soaked courtyard in which to escape the hustle and bustle.”

The Methuen Arms

THE OLD HAM TREE Ham Green, Holt BA14 6PY Landlords Steph and Sam run a pub that offers a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and tasty, fresh good value food. The Old Ham Tree is a Wadworth pub, so you can expect to find a tasty pint. Their Cask Marque The recently revamped garden at The Old Ham Tree gets sun all day

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

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

The Red Lion

W O O L V E R T O N

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.

COME & SAMPLE OUR NEW SUMMER MENU Fresh, seasonal & delicious!

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

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

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

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

Tel 01380 828230 www.bargeinnseend.co.uk

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

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

Seend Cleeve, Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 6QB

A

PUB

| food & drink When the sun shines you can sit in “On warmer days you the large garden where you might be can even grab a blanket, lucky to catch a game of cricket and enjoy the wonderful sound of leather order some food and a on willow. Or simply sit and enjoy the bottle of wine and have tranquillity of the English countryside your own picnic under with a pint of cask marque accredited the shade of a tree” real ale or a glass of wine from around The Red Lion at Heytesbury the world. The ground is available for private hire for BBQs, rounders or and a bottle of wine and have your cricket. own picnic under the shade of a tree or umbrella. What could be better on Why not venture inside to sample a summer’s day?! accredited beers include 6X, IPA, delicious homecooked food?

01985 840315 | redlionheytesbury.co.uk Horizon and Swordfish. They also Head chef Ben uses locally sourced have a range of ciders including ingredients wherever possible and RED LION Thatchers Gold, Stowford Press and WOOLVERTON Addlestones (perfect on a warm day) there is always a choice on the daily specials board to suit everyone.

Woolverton, Somerset, BA2 7QS as well as lagers, wines, spirits and a Follow it up with a scrumptious Situated on the A36 between full complement of soft drinks. Over homemade dessert. Food is served 7 Warminster and Bath, The Red Lion the summer spend time soaking days a week. is a traditional pub serving home up some rays in the pretty, recently 01225 752426 | poplarsinn.co.uk cooked food and three Wadworth refurbished, garden, it gets the sun cask ales. Families are always from late morning all the way into RED LION welcome; kids will especially enjoy the evening.

HEYTESBURY playing on the climbing frame when Everyone is welcome at The Old Ham 42A High Street, Heytesbury, Warminster the weather allows. And don’t forget BA12 0EA your four-legged friends either - if you Tree; those with lighter appetites This family-friendly pub with B&B bring the family dog there is always a and children are catered for with is situated in the pretty village of biscuit treat for them too! the smaller portions menu and the Heytesbury, at the heart of the Wylye family pooch is welcome too, so it Valley and on the edge of Salisbury As a Wadworth-owned pub, makes a great stop off point on a Plain in Wiltshire. You’ll find it just good beers are a given. The Red walk. Open every day from 12noon, off the A36 and ten minutes from Lion holds the Cask Marque and The Old Ham Tree is well worth a the A303, so it’s an ideal base for serves three Wadworth cask ales look for those who like good beer visiting the likes of Longleat Safari 6x, Bishops Tipple and IPA, along and tasty food that doesn’t cost Park (5 minutes’ drive), Stourhead with a seasonal guest ale. There the earth. and Stonehenge over the summer is also a comprehensive wine list 01225 782581 | theoldhamtree.com holidays. as well as the usual array of spirits, mixers and soft drinks. The food THE POPLARS INN Food at The Red Lion is freshly is home cooked, with choices to Shop Lane, Wingfield BA14 9LN prepared and homecooked, and this Now that summer is here, a The Red Lion‘s garden is great for kids includes the children’s menu, and warm welcome awaits you in this every children’s meal comes with quintessential English pub and a free ice cream sundae. There is restaurant. It is a well established something on offer for all tastes and family run business which prides appetites, with snacks, sandwiches itself on serving great food in a and hearty pub classics all available. friendly relaxed atmosphere. That At the back of the pub is a large beer is why it has been awarded the Trip garden which leads down to the Advisor Certificate of Excellence for Wylye River and includes a children’s the last six years and, as part of the Wadworth estate, won Best Tenanted play area. On warmer days you can even grab a blanket, order some food Pub of 2017.

At The Poplars you might be lucky to catch a game of cricket when dining outside

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THE POPLARS INN COME & SEE US FOR GOOD VALUE, HIGH QUALITY FOOD & FRIENDLY, EFFICIENT SERVICE.

• Wadworth Real Ales • Pretty Beer Garden • Children & Dog Friendly • Open All Day • Large Car Park • Smaller Portions Available

SHOP LANE, WINGFIELD, WILTSHIRE BA14 9LN

Traditional family run village pub

Open for lunch & dinner seven days a week serving homecooked food with accredited Cask Marque Wadworth ales

• Ample Parking • Bar • Two Restaurants • Award-Winning Gardens • Cricket Pitch • Real Ales tel 01225 782581 email theoldhamtree@gmail.com

www.theoldhamtree.com

H a m G r e e n , H o l t , W i l t s h i r e B A 1 4 6 PY

TEL 01225 752426 EMAIL info@poplarsinn.co.uk

www.poplarsinn.co.uk

A

WADWORTH PUB

THE RED LION

F A N TA S T I C V I L L A G E P U B I N T H E H E A R T O F H E Y T E S B U R Y

We offer home-cooked food using fresh seasonal ingredients, a warm and friendly atmosphere and affordable en-suite B&B accommodation.

New Summer Menu, Real Ales, Large Beer Garden, Children’s Play Area, Dog Friendly, Ample Parking, Darts & Pool Table, Great Local Walks, Sunday Roasts T 01985 840315 E info@redlionheytesbury.co.uk W redlionheytesbury.co.uk 42A High Street, Heytesbury, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 0EA

Opening hours: Mon – Thurs 11am – 11pm, Friday – Sat 11am – 12pm, Sunday 11am – 6pm

| food & drink suit all appetites, and they offer a traditional Sunday lunch every week – book in advance to guarantee a spot though! They also have a dedicated gluten free menu.

Highlights on the summer menu include a smoked haddock fishcake with a poached egg and lemon hollandaise sauce and a delicious free range grilled chicken Caesar salad. Another great summer dining option are the series of sharing boards and salads – perfect for sunny days spent dining outside.

The Westbrook has a beautiful newly refurbished deck overlooking the garden

01373 830350 | redlionwoolverton.co.uk

THE WESTBROOK

Westbrook Road, Bromham SN15 2EE If you have young children, you simply won’t find a better place to take them than The Westbrook.

With its large garden and huge array of children’s play equipment (and bouncy castle on sunny days!), little ones can let off steam whilst you relax with a glass of something chilled. The newly refurbished deck is seriously comfy, ideal for when you want to decamp for an afternoon!

The Westbrook offers great food; keeping the kids happy doesn’t mean compromising on eating well here. The set lunch menu, which offers 2 courses for only £13 Monday to Friday, is an absolute winner.

And kids aren’t forgotten on the food front either, with a selection of children’s meals with homemade and healthier options as well as nice touches like children’s cutlery, a simple idea so often overlooked.

Sundays are hugely popular too, with roasts from only £9.50pp – booking essential!

01380 850418 | westbrookbromham.co.uk

WHATLEY MANOR HOTEL & SPA

Easton Grey, Malmesbury SN16 0RB Grey’s Brasserie at Whatley Manor serves lunch and dinner every day

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of the week. When the weather is fine, you can enjoy your meal on the Kitchen Garden terrace. With borders filled with fragrant herbs and vegetables, it is the perfect setting for al fresco summer dining. The seasonal Market Lunch menu will transport you to the Mediterranean and costs £24.50 Monday to Friday.

A brunch option is also served every Saturday (£39). Dishes include the likes of baked eggs, tomato vinaigrette and chorizo, Steak frites with salad béarnaise, buttermilk panna cotta and a zingy lime sorbet.

Be transported to the shores of the Mediterranean by the menu at Whatley Manor

Why not combine your visit with one of the Whatley Manor Garden Tours? Running on 3, 10, 17 & 24 July, you can enjoy a private tour of the beautiful grounds from head gardener Andy Spreadbury. The day includes tea, coffee and biscuits on arrival, the garden tour, a two-course lunch with a glass of house wine followed by coffee served in Grey’s brasserie and costs £49.50 per person. To book call events on 01666 822888 or email reception@whatleymanor.com 01666 822888 | whatleymanor.com

THE

WESTBROOK

Bromham, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 2EE

tel 01380 850418

www.westbrookbromham.co.uk

WINNER OF BEST FOOD & BEST OVERALL PUB IN THE DEVIZES CONSTITUENCY BEST LOCAL PUB AWARDS! Kevin & Louise invite you to visit The Westbrook. It offers an inviting bar, a beautiful sun deck, garden and a new children’s play area. The menu is bursting with superb value traditional pub classics and top notch specials.

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

FOOD AVAILABLE UNTIL 8PM ON SUNDAYS

| food & drink

eat the

seasons I

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

t is a great month for salads and summer vegetables. Everything you can think of is available (except the obvious winter staples).

The supermarkets have started to demand everything 12 months of the year, not caring where it comes from in the world. This is treating fruit and veg as any other commodity, just like a can of baked beans. In response, many of our large English growers have had to set up farms on the continent or to seek suppliers of their own from abroad to meet the demand.

This means for example, that if a chef wants to start using bunch carrots early in the season they will be coming in from abroad, but this is losing the impact and excitement that always used to happen when waiting for the English season to start. In our opinion we would recommend waiting for the local season produce to start, it always has a better taste and to be fair our growing season is now longer because of milder winters.

Food miles should also be on people’s minds as well with so much traffic on our roads.

I can’t believe how beetroot has become so popular

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over the last few years, especially with the introduction of the heritage varieties. It is all about colour and taste on a plate! I really enjoy talking to my passionate chefs who tell me about their amazing recipes. With Instagram and Twitter you can see the enthusiasm they have and they love sharing with their peers in the food world. As we all know beetroot has always been used as a dye. Anyone who has worn a white shirt and spilt some beetroot will know this well! The ancient Greeks cultivated beetroot in around 300BC, they didn’t use the roots but ate the leaves.

Why not try pickling some eggs using white vinegar and some red beetroot juice, they come out a lovely colour.

My granddaughter Chloe loves to roll the eggs

gently to de-shell them, she is much better at it than me! She pops them in a kilner jar with some white or malt vinegar and away they go in a dark cupboard for a few weeks (Or until someone is desperate for a pickled egg!).

It’s not too late to grow some fast growing crops like radish and carrot.

My granddaughter Emily loves to plant seeds and see them come up within a week. If you’re trying to introduce children to gardening and growing their own, always plant things that they can eat straight away, it keeps their interest.

Email me with any questions or queries and I will do my best to help.

Have a good growing month!

Neil @lovejoysuk

@LovejoysLarder • lovejoyswholesale.com • lovejoyslarder.com

Get on the

recipes |

GRILL Make the most of summer by getting out the barbecue and cooking up these tasty seasonal treats! Recipes come courtesy of Waitrose.

Griddled Mackerel With Orange Wedges & Garlic Potatoes Serves 2 Ingredients 750g new potatoes 1 large orange 2 x 300-400g Cornish mackerel, cleaned and fins removed ½ coarse sea salt 1 tbsp garlic butter 50g watercress

✃

Method Preheat the barbecue or grill. Cook the potatoes in boiling water for 12-15 minutes until they are tender when pierced with a knife.

Meanwhile, halve the orange and cut one half into 4 wedges. Make 3 deep, diagonal slashes on each side of the mackerel then sprinkle with the sea salt. Griddle the mackerel and orange wedges for 5-8 minutes on each side, until the fish is crisp-skinned and just cooked through, and the orange wedges are starting to char.

Drain the potatoes and return to the pan with the roasted garlic butter.

Pare the zest from the remaining orange half and add to the pan

along with the juice. Toss together then add the watercress.

Divide the potatoes and watercress between 2 plates and serve with the mackerel and orange wedges.

Cook’s tips To prevent the mackerel skin from sticking to the barbecue or grill rack, rub with a little olive oil before cooking.

When preparing a barbecue make sure the coals are glowing red under a thin coating of ash before cooking.

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| recipes

Butterflied barbecued chicken with chimichurri sauce Serves 4

Ingredients 4 chicken breast fillets, skinless 3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped 2 tsp Bart Sweet Smoked Paprika Grated zest of 1 lemon 1 tbsp olive oil For the chimichurri sauce 1 echalion shallot, roughly chopped 2 tbsp red wine vinegar Pinch of chilli flakes 25g flat leaf parsley, roughly chopped 15g oregano, roughly chopped 2 tbsp olive oil

Ingredients ½ x 568ml bottle Stella Artois Cidre 4 tbsp maple syrup 4 cloves garlic, halved 8 sprigs thyme 420g essential Waitrose British Pork Fillet, cubed 2 courgettes, thickly sliced 8 shallots, halved 1 red pepper, seeded and thickly sliced Olive oil spray Method Place the cider in a large glass bowl and stir in 2 tbsp of the maple syrup, the garlic cloves and half the thyme sprigs. Add the pork and leave to soak for at least an hour or overnight.

Lift out the pork, discarding the marinade. Thread the meat and

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vegetables alternately onto 8 skewers. Spray lightly with the oil.

Barbecue, grill or griddle the skewers for 15–20 minutes, turning regularly until cooked through.

Strip the leaves from the remaining thyme sprigs and stir into the remaining maple syrup. Brush onto theskewers and continue to cook for a further 5 minutes until shiny and nicely browned. Serve with leafy salad and a chilled glass of the remaining cider.

Cook’s tips A metal skewer works best with meat as it helps to cook faster. If you’re using wooden skewers, ensure you soak them in water for 30 minutes before using so they don’t burn on the grill.

To prepare the chicken, place on a chopping board and slice through each fillet horizontally, making sure not to cut all the way through, then open out.

In a bowl, combine the garlic, sweet paprika and lemon zest with the olive oil and rub all over the chicken pieces.

Place the chicken in the centre of the barbecue and grill for 3-4 minutes on each side until cooked through with no pink meat. Serve with the chimichurri sauce and a salad.

✃

Cider-soaked BBQ pork kebabs Serves 4

Method Preheat the barbecue. For the chimichurri sauce, place all the ingredients in a food processor and pulse a few times until you have a finely chopped yet coarse mixture – be careful not to over process. Set aside, seasoning with a little salt and pepper.

✃

Enjoy The Great Atmosphere At

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

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

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

CAMRA RURAL PUB OF THE YEAR 2018!

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

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

| food & drink

Meet the Chef

BRIAN HALL, head chef at The Bath Arms at Longleat, talks about cooking a big Braai, cycling to the coast and making ice cream.

What was your first job in catering?

I started in 1995 as an apprentice chef in Harare (Zimbabwe). It was a full-on apprenticeship that ensured a detailed and thorough understanding of all aspects of culinary etiquette.

What was the first dish you mastered?

Sadza and polenta stew.

Where do you source your ingredients and do you have any favourite local suppliers?

We source almost all our ingredients from local and responsible suppliers.

Our butcher is Ruby & White which is an award-winning butcher specialising in local pure breed meats.

We rotate our fruit and vegetable suppliers depending on the produce we need for the menu. However, we are very lucky to have a broad range of local suppliers here in the South West.

What is your favourite dish on the menu?

Coffee & cardamom crusted loin of lamb, roasted pineapple puree, pearl barley & red wine jus (pictured). It represents a clean combination of tender lamb, complemented by an almost bitter coffee and cardamom crust. When accompanied with the freshly roasted pineapple puree, it really does pull together the best of spring with a summer burst of sweetness.

What is the most memorable event you have cooked for?

It was a large wedding for a well known rugby player. The focal point

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was a large BBQ and we had to create food from the BBQ that ranged from marinated monster tomahawk steak to delicate lobster entrées with a range of aromatic cartoccios.

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

I love spring. In Wiltshire, there’s an abundance of fresh local produce which makes designing and crafting the menu a lot more fun. With the produce often very colourful and a lot lighter, spring makes a refreshing change after serving heartier fare throughout the winter months.

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

I tend to hop on my bike and head for the coast. There are a handful of small independent fish restaurants that always put a smile on my face.

When you cook for friends, what’s on the menu?

Usually, I love to cook a big ‘Braai’ (a big Zimbabwean BBQ). When I’m hosting it tends to turn out to be a long-chilled day cooking with meat which has been marinating for a long time prior to firing up the BBQ.

What’s your favourite kitchen gadget?

Our ice cream maker sure takes a fair pounding in our kitchen. We make a lot of flavours, both sweet and savoury. I add a little scoop on certain dishes to give them a seasonal salute you won’t find elsewhere.

And your guilty pleasure?

Biltong and Koeksisters – a sticky traditional South African doughnut.

It is very easy to eat and quite filling.

Although, like most doughy delights, they won’t set you on the right track for achieving that summer beach body!

To make a reservation at The Bath Arms call 01985 844308.

• batharms.co.uk

THE

Shaw Country

HOTEL & RESTAURANT

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

PLANNING AN EVENT?

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

BOOK FOR 2018 & BEYOND!

SUNDAY ROASTS

Two Courses £17 | Three Courses £20 Bath Road, Shaw, Nr Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 8EF www.shawcountryhotel.com // 01225 702836 Winner Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014

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

| food & drink

The Organ Inn wins CAMRA award villages in Wiltshire and Somerset.

The whole area is a rich haven of real ale with over 300 splendid pubs and 17 excellent breweries.

The Organ Inn has won this award for the second time in less than 5 years

T

he Organ Inn in Warminster has just been awarded the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) 2018 Rural Pub of the Year award for the Bath & Borders Region. This branch of CAMRA covers a wide area, which encompasses Bath and towns and

“This award is in recognition of the hard work and dedication Dan and his team have shown over the years, by offering a thriving real ale and cider pub and an asset to the community in Warminster. It feels warm and welcoming, with a multiroomed interior, selling a good range of excellent real ales and ciders, and it even has a gallery upstairs showing local artists.” Says Bath & Borders CAMRA Social secretary, Denis Rahilly.

Not just celebrating this brilliant award, the pub is also celebrating the fact that they have helped raise over £50,000 for Charities in the eleven

years they have been trading. The pub prides itself with the fact that it can help 12 different charities a year by having a ‘Charity-of-the-Month’ and invites these charities to host events in the pub such as skittle and quiz nights.

The Organ Inn will also be hosting their eleventh Beer & Cider Festival this coming September 7th and 8th, with free entry. The Organ Inn’s Landlord, Daniel Keene said: “We are very pleased to have got this award and to have helped raised so much money for so many different charities. It has been a great achievement for myself and my amazing team. We couldn’t have done it without the help and support of all our customers, friends and families.”

• theorganinn.co.uk

The Granary is opening soon!

T

he Granary in Frome will be open for drinking, dancing and some absolutely amazing live music acts for you every weekend as of Friday 20th July. With a clean and modern look, The Granary, part of the George Hotel, which is fully air conditioned, has a pool table, dart board and a large projection screen. It promises to be the place to be in Frome.

The management team already has some amazing live acts lined up to play with Harmonica Nick & Friends an amazing acoustic blues band opening for us on Friday 20th July & Laura Mai on Saturday 21st July. She is an absolutely fantastic singer who will leave you stunned and begging for more. Be sure to check out the website for more information about up and coming

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events and follow them on social media to be kept up to date with all of the latest events and offers.

All the gang at The Granary would love you to come along to their opening weekend events and have a great offer for you if you do;

SIMPLY BRING YOUR COPY OF THE WEST WILTS MAGAZINE WITH YOU AND THEY’LL GIVE YOU 15% OFF YOUR FIRST DRINK. Now that really is an incentive!

• georgehotelfrome.co.uk/granary

The Granary is set to become one of the hottest venues in Frome

@

Join us from the 6th – 15th July for some amazing events. Including...

LIVE MUSIC from Sweet Machine and Alan Clayson HILARIOUS COMEDY from Laura Doe and Sam & Tom Don’t miss out on these magical evenings.

The Granary is fully air conditioned, has a fully stocked bar and has a pool table & darts board to keep you occupied before and after the events.

What more could you ask for?

Please visit our website and Frome Festival website for more info.

| travel Charmouth beach

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travel |

A JURASSIC JOURNEY

I

Last month LISA ROCKLIFFE ventured to deepest Dorset for a long weekend away in Charmouth.

In June my daughter’s school had a teacher training day, meaning we had the opportunity to steal a long weekend away without her missing a day and without having to face the school holiday price hikes. It was an opportunity not to be missed and so we booked a long weekend away on the South Coast.

– heated – swimming pool. When you have a kid whose mad about swimming and the vagaries of the British weather to contend with, this was to prove a master stroke.

Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre is a 65-acre ape and monkey sanctuary and rescue centre near Wareham in Dorset. Costing £38 for a family ticket, admitting two adults and two children, the centre helps governments around the world shut down the illegal primate trade whilst also rehabilitating its victims, as well as those that have suffered abuse or neglect, into natural living groups. It’s a really worthy cause and a fun family day out at the same time, giving visitors young and old the chance to get up close to lemurs, chimpanzees, orang-utans and monkeys from across the world. We loved it.

As I have mentioned, when you holiday in the UK good weather is by no means a given, and so it proved on our weekend away, which was a bit chilly, a bit windy, Our destination for our time away, a bit rainy, altogether a bit meh, so and our infant son’s first ever a weekend of beach combing for holiday, was Charmouth in Dorset. fossils wasn’t on the agenda. In fact, Charmouth is a delightfully unspoilt if we’d attempted it on the Saturday village set in an Area of Outstanding we’d have struggled to even locate Natural Beauty with a fantastic beach the beach such was the thickness of world-renowned for its fossils. the sea mist. Undeterred we headed off to Monkey World for a day’s Our second day saw little Just two miles from Lyme Regis, entertainment. Famous as the setting improvement in the weather Charmouth retains an old world of TV’s Monkey Life programme, unfortunately so once again we charm, with traditional amenities such as pubs, cafes, a post office, Benny & Nia, a pair of white throated guenons, are the newest arrivals at Monkey World pharmacy, hairdressers, an excellent fish and chip shop and even a butchers and bakery. Our home for the weekend was the aptly named Jurassic Retreat, part of Manor Farm Holiday Centre. Our purpose built let was well equipped, with two comfortably sized bedrooms that could very comfortably sleep five, a lounge/diner and modern kitchen.

On site was the main reason for our choosing this particular let, a covered

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| travel daren’t brave the beach. Instead we headed off to nearby Seaton to try out the famous tramway and enjoy the Wetlands. The tramway’s three mile route runs through the Axe Valley, between Seaton, the small village of Colyford and the ancient town of Colyton. The journey takes half an hour from end to end. And, as of 28th June, it promises to be even better with the opening of the new £3 million station. Providing a contemporary, all-year round facility, café and gift shop, it will allow visitors to immerse themselves in the history and operations of the tramway before boarding a tram and travelling back to a golden age of travel. Family tickets (2+2) are £33.

Seaton Wetlands, which you can see from the tram route, is an absolute must for bird lovers with five bird hides and nearly 4km of level trails and boardwalks to explore, all suitable for wheelchairs, bikes and pushchairs.

It’s a countryside haven, home to an abundance of wildlife and absolutely free to get into. On site, The Discovery Hut is staffed by volunteers Saturday to Monday. When open you can find out more about the Wetlands, hire pond-dipping equipment (perfect for inquisitive young minds) and

purchase refreshments. There were shelducks and mallards, geese, reed warblers, kestrels, herons, sand martins swooping all around and, on our visit, even a swallow’s nest inside one of the hides being attended to every few minutes – a real treat to observe.

On our final morning our weather prayers were answered as we awoke to glorious sunshine. After our now customary early swim we headed down for a morning on the sand, rock pooling, dipping our toes in the frightfully chilly waters and – finally – looking for some fossils. We didn’t find any unfortunately, down to a combination of lack of know-how and the impatience of our 5-year old travelling companion! To improve your chances of finding one though the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre runs guided fossil walks from £8 for adults and £4 for children for a two hour session – booking is essential. At the centre itself until January 2019 you can also see the incredible ichthyosaur that starred in the BBC documentary ‘Attenborough and the Sea Dragon’. The ichthyosaur was discovered by local collector Chris Moore and he has kindly loaned it to the centre for a year.

“Seaton Wetlands is an absolute must for bird lovers with five bird hides and nearly 4km of level trails and boardwalks to explore” The beautiful Seaton Wetlands

The centre has free entry and is on Charmouth beach.

In our long weekend we managed to pack in quite a bit, but with so much more on offer and all of it just a 90-minute drive away, we’ll be making a return visit very soon.

A typical Jurassic coast fossil find

TRAVELLER’S TIPS

We booked our stay with Farm Cottages, and our 3-night stay cost £629. Such is the nature of the changeovers etc, the increased cost for a full week’s stay is negligible, so if you can, go for that option, it’s much more economical. Be aware though that what is provided for you on cottage breaks varies greatly. We’ve been left the absolute bare minimum, not even enough to make a cup of tea on arrival, up to homemade scones and a full complement of necessities and added extras. It’s not consistent so make sure you stock up on supplies and take them with you as you won’t necessarily want or be able to get to a shop on the day you arrive.

If you do want to go fossil hunting, and haven’t done so before, the guided trips are the best option, but at the very least do look up the great advice given on the Charmouth website, link below!

USEFUL LINKS • charmouth.org • holidaycottages.co.uk • monkeyworld.org • tram.co.uk

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TOWPATH TRAIL HIRE CENTRE BRADFORD ON AVON

est 1990

The Original Bike and Canoe Hire on the Kennet & Avon Canal • Top quality, recreational mountain bikes

• Helmet / life jacket hire included free of charge

• Kids bikes, trailers & child seats available

• Barista coffees, milkshakes, Winstone’s ice cream, cold drinks & snacks available

• E-Bike hire also available

• Dry barrels available to • Canadian canoes fitted with keep your kit dry 4 seats (suitable for 2 adults • Open 7 days a week & 2 children or 3 adults)

EAT

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01225 867187 • www.towpathtrail.co.uk • Frome Road, Bradford on Avon BA15 1LE

summer activities |

r e m m u S un F

OOL AR’S SCHMOST E Y IS H T FOR THE PIRATIONUIDE TO SOME OF HIBITIONS S IN F O D IN NEE ? HERE’S OUR G VENTS AND EX TO HELP D S ,E HOLIDAY E ATTRACTIONS Y’RE GUARANTEE M E OAR-SO HE REGION; TH WEEKS FLY BY...

ACROSS T THE NEXT SIX

Canoe hire at Towpath Trail in Bradford on Avon

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| summer activities

BATH PRESERVATION TRUST

Various venues across Bath Bath Preservation Trust Museums, including No1 Royal Crescent and Beckford’s Tower, are celebrating Women’s Suffrage 100 this summer.

In 2018 through exhibitions, performance, lectures, events and music, Women’s Suffrage 100 explores the enduring fight of women to gain equality alongside the power and impact of war, celebrating the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage.

performances, lectures, workshops, music and activities.

• bath-preservation-trust.org.uk

BOWOOD

Derry Hill, Calne Whether it’s the 2,000-acre Capability Brown parkland, Adventure Playground or a Walled Garden guided tour, you’re bound to be drawn to Bowood this summer with a line-up of diary dates appealing to all ages and various interests.

Look out in particular for Bowood’s Summer Garden Party on Saturday The exhibitions at No. 1 Royal 28 July; it’s set to be a great fun Crescent and the Museum of Bath celebration for all the family to kick Architecture highlight the fight for start the summer holidays! Then, over women’s suffrage, the journey taken the weekend of 18 and 19 August it’s to achieve it and aspects of how the the Tractor Ted Diggers and Dumpers fight continues today. The influence Weekend – the perfect day out for all that such activism continues to have digger and big machine fans with JCB today – and could have in the future – antics, a Digger World Cup, tug of war, is also explored. tractor and trailer rides, bouncy castle and much more!

At the Herschel Museum of • bowood.org/events Astronomy the Wonder Women of Space exhibition explores the role of COURT FARM women in science, and at Beckford’s COUNTRY PARK Tower they look at the influence the Banwell, Weston-s-Mare women in William Beckford’s family Open for more than 25 years as a had upon his life and work. These visitor attraction, Court Farm Country form part of a wider programming Park is looking forward to another fun on the theme of women’s equality. filled summer of entertainment for all Expect over 40 events in all including the family. The park has been voted runners up in the Farm Attraction Of The Year competition twice in recent years, an accolade that the attraction’s owner, Peter Gwyn, puts down to the friendly atmosphere and the excellent facilities the farm now boasts. With over 25000sq ft of undercover attractions and playgrounds, all visitors can enjoy a day in the countryside whatever the weather.

Bowood is fab for a family adventure, with options for all the family

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If its animals you want – they have loads, from Shires and Shetlands to lambs and piglets. Budding adventurers will love the Safari Jeep track. There are two large indoor

Court Farm has been open for more than 25 years

adventure playgrounds, which suit all ages of children and there are lots of friendly animals on show too. With twice daily bottle-feeding shows kids can marvel at the antics of the farm’s baby animals. Tractor rides, pony rides, and a whole host of other goings on will leave your kids begging to come back soon. Court Farm Country Park is open daily all year round, 10am to 5.30pm.

• courtfarmcountrypark.co.uk

DEVIZES FESTIVAL FORTNIGHT

Across Devizes DOCA are hard at work booking some of Europe’s best bands, street and circus performers all appearing during the Festival Fortnight, which starts on 19 August and finishes with Carnival on 1 September. If you’ve not been to one of DOCA’s events you are in for a treat. There’s something for everyone from edgy European contempary circus in a Big Top, a show about two clowns trying to escape their crazy world at the Wharf Theatre and their great escape at the Confetti Battle which promises to be quite a spectacle. Top outdoor theatre shows, fantastic street food and beautiful makers market at the Street Festival on 26/27 August.

• docadevizes.org.uk

DRIVE-TECH LTD

Castle Combe Circuit, Chippenham Drive-Tech Ltd are Skid Control, Karting and 4x4 Off Road experts.

Based at Castle Combe Circuit (within easy reach of the M4 & M5) their

| summer activities ultimate driving experiences will help you build individual skills, increase your confidence, improve your personal safety, raise your awareness and provide white knuckle tension, all at the same time!

Any motorsport fan would love pushing their driving skills to new limits and there are options for everyone aged 10 and over – perfect for entertaining the kids during the school break. Gift vouchers, starting at just £36, open dated and valid for 18 months make great gifts too. For more details see the website or call their team on 01249 783010.

• drivetechltd.co.uk

HAYNES MOTOR MUSEUM

Sparkford, Yeovil Throughout the summer the museum is bursting with lots of exciting and fun activities, including Sparky Trail, Tour and Talks, and Discovery Days every Tuesday and Wednesday starting on 24 July.

“Younger visitors are able to test their driving skills at the awesome Haynes Motorland outdoor activity centre”

Younger visitors are able to test their driving skills at the awesome Haynes Motorland outdoor activity centre, which is packed with a myriad of motoring-themed interactive games and miniature vehicles for children.

The construction zone meanwhile has a host of impressive looking, large scale adventure play JCB diggers in a giant sand pit, with the coin operated Kids can go kart at Drive-Tech from the age of 10 Super diggers where you can operate an actual digger bucket. There is a regular holiday art camps (£38 a play petrol station, garage and realistic day and suitable for 5-11 year olds) road layout. and cinema in the garden to look forward to. Not only that but the Children can challenge themselves hugely popular Colourscape event on ‘Haynes Hatch’ go-kart race is back too! It is a unique experience circuit with its coin-operated electric of the most intense colours you can vehicles, as well as the Vroom Room; imagine. Put on a coloured cape and featuring a soft play area for younger step into a new world where there visitors. Aimed at families, this is are no horizons just soft curved edges a fantastic chance to explore the and intense colour and light. Turn a Museum and Education Centre, as corner and another fabulous view well as getting hands on with some opens up. Become lost in colour and artefacts from our motoring past space and explore until you discover and present. All of these activities live musicians and dancers to lead are offered at no extra cost over the you on a journey of music and colour. normal admissions price.

Colourscape runs from 20-29 August • himm.co.uk and tickets are £5, availble on the day.

• holburne.org

HOLBURNE MUSEUM

Great Pulteney Street, Bath The Holburne Museum is a wonderful venue for a family day out. Open daily, there are lots of lovely workshops,

Haynes has loads of stuff for kids of all ages

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HOPE NATURE CENTRE Southwick Country Park, Southwick Hope Nature Centre is a open 7 days a week, and is unbelievable value: costing just £3.50 per adult, £2.50 per child or a family ticket (£9.50) gains entry for two adults and two children.

The centre is set in 15 acres and provides a home to a large number of animals. If you’d like to make a friend for life then remember to buy some food at the park hut when you pay! As well as providing a great visitor attraction, the park does an excellent job at achieving its main aim... to provide jobs for vulnerable adults, who help to care for the animals and carry out important park management.

FUN ART CLASSES FOR CREATIVE KIDS!

• Weekend & holiday classes & workshops • Qualified art teacher • Small class sizes • Ages 4-7 & 8-11 • Based in Trowbridge Call/text Lise Macdermott on 07505 621858 to view her home studio or to find out more

pocketpicassos.co.uk

| summer activities For visitors who have difficulty walking longer distances, the Land Train is a great way to see the park, and at just 50p per passenger it’s excellent value too. There is a wooded area which is home to some lovely fairy folk [currently under construction!] and a dedicated storytime area with special storytime sessions during the summer.

Scattered around the park are various play areas for little ones and benches for parents to sit and enjoy the scenery. After your animal park adventures you may wish to stop off at Squirrels Tea Room, a country style log cabin that serves hot and cold drinks, homemade cakes, freshly cooked lunches and, if the weather demands it, ice creams!

• hopenaturecentre.org.uk

LACOCK ABBEY

Lacock, Chippenham As the world comes out to play in July, spending hazy week days watching out for traditional hay cutting in the orchard, and counting wildflowers in Lacock’s Abbey grounds are the perfect ways to relax. Summer holiday activities in the colourful Botanic Garden lets little explorers make the most of every second of sunshine, putting energy in creating watercolour and sun print masterpieces. As the nights draw in, don’t miss the opportunity to spend an evening on Lacock’s South Lawn, with a choice of two outdoor theatre performances with traditional sweets to nibble, and sleepy, torch-lit walks back to the car.

• nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock

“Summer holiday activities in the colourful Botanic Garden lets little explorers make the most of every second of sunshine”

Lacock Abbey

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Hope Nature Centre offers a superb value family day out

MILL ON THE BRUE

Bruton, Somerset Mill on The Brue Outdoor Activity centre offer fantastic summer camps for your children. Having been open for 35 years they really know what kids like! The fun and excitement on offer at the camps includes two huge zip wires, a climbing tower with a 10metre ‘Big Jump’, canoeing, raft building, archery, muddy assault courses, fire lighting and shelter building, archery, crafts, rocket firing, pizza making, air rifle shooting, a giant water slide, challenging tasks and much more in 25 acres of beautiful countryside.

Summer day camps cater for 7 – 12 year olds and run Monday to Friday from 8.45 am to 5.30pm from 23 July – 24 August. They cost £60 per day or £269 a week for all activities (they get through at least five a day), snacks, drinks, and a two course cooked lunch. The camps contain small groups of 10-12 children with two instructors. They also offer Mini-Mobsters for 5 & 6 year olds – a morning of fun and activities on Wednesdays 25 July and 1,8 and 15 August. These mornings cost £21 per session. To book, or to find out more call 01749 812307 or email info@ millonthebrue.co.uk.

• millonthebrue.co.uk

POCKET PICASSOS

Trowbridge Pocket Picassos is for children who love art and want to expand their knowledge and skill in a fun and friendly environment. Run by art teacher and artist Lise MacDermott (BA PGCE MA) children learn to make art in lots of different mediums including painting, drawing, collage and sculpture, with classes themed to cover different artists, styles and movements; from graffiti to photorealism; the Renaissance to the Postmodern. At a maximum of 5 children per class, a child’s individual thoughts and ideas can be explored and made.

A 5 week term time course runs for two hours on Saturdays; at

Pocket Picassos is great for creative kids

| summer activities 10am-12noon for age 4-7 and 2-4pm for age 8-11 year olds and costs £40 for the 5 week block. Over summer the 3 day holiday club runs from 10am-1pm and costs just £30, or just £10 a day. It runs from 31 July-2 August for 4-7 year olds and from 7-9 August for 8-11 year olds. Call/text Lise on 07505 621858 to discuss or arrange a visit.

• pocketpicassos.co.uk

Mill on the Brue offer summer day camps for 7-12 year olds

PLACES LEISURE CENTRES

Various venues Keep your kids smiling all summer by checking out the fab range of courses and summer holiday activities on offer at your nearest Places Leisure centre in Wiltshire. Intensive swimming courses provide a real boost to your child’s confidence and overall ability in the water, but courses fill up fast so make sure you get your booking in as soon as possible. Many centres also offer lots of other activities as well including badminton, gymnastics and trampolining, so best to check in centre or on the website for more information. With the summer holidays fast approaching – at least you can tick ‘Book summer activities for the kids’ of your list – so it won’t be just your little one’s who are smiling!

• placesforpeopleleisure.org/wiltshire

THE ROWDEY COW

Devizes Road, Rowde The Rowdey Cow, complete with glass fronted café, children’s outdoor The Rowdey Cow’s animals, play equipment and homemade ice cream make it perfect for children

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and indoor play areas and farm animals is the perfect place to bring the little ones over the summer. On warm days their fresh homemade ice cream (made with milk sourced from their own cows that very morning) are hugely popular, with up to 16 different flavours to choose from that change on a daily basis. The café meanwhile also offers scrumptious cooked breakfasts, lunch and teas, all sourced from local produce. You can also enjoy home baked cakes and barista coffees.

are in good condition – all less than 6 months old – and are ideal if you and the family want to head off to Bath (10 miles) or Devizes (12 miles), home to the famous Caen Hill lock flight.

There are also child trailers, trailer bikes and child seats for hire should you need them. Alternatively, you might want to take to the water in a canoe. Their canoes are very safe and easy to use and can be paddled solo, or can accommodate mum, dad and two children, the choice is yours!

• towpathtrail.co.uk

The animals on site range from the traditional cows, horses and donkeys but also include llamas, pygmy goats, rheas, geese and ducks. All this and spectacular views of surrounding countryside make it a great place to take the kids this summer.

• rowdeycow.co.uk

WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY

Minehead, Somerset Travel behind a steam locomotive through the Quantock Hills and long the coast to the seaside town of Minehead. There are nine idyllic stations situated along the line, which includes, the historic harbour town of TOWPATH TRAIL Watchet where you can explore the Frome Road, Bradford on Avon small shops, cafes, pubs, museums The Kennet & Avon Canal towpath and beaches. The medieval village offers traffic free and easy cycling for of Dunster is home to the National all the family. Stretching from Bristol to Trust’s Dunster Castle, and Minehead Reading, through and along hills and a bustling seaside town with a large valleys, the cities and towns along the sandy beach, cafes, pubs and shops way offer an interesting backdrop to too. There are lots of special events the wonderful country path. Towpath throughout the year. For more Trail is the original bike and canoe hire information on all their events, just call on the canal. Operating from Frome or visit the website.

Road in Bradford on Avon, their bikes • west-somerset-railway.co.uk

| activities

Thrilling activity breaks & exciting weekends at Taff Valley Quad Bike & Activity Centre This summer head along for some adventure and to experience the thrill of trying something new. Whether you want to challenge yourself or take it easy, you will have lots of fun and take home unforgettable memories.

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aff Valley Quad Bike & Activity Centre started out in 1992 as a farm diversification business, employing two parttime family staff. Over the years the centre has grown with the addition of new activities catering for all ages and abilities. The initial six all-terrain-vehicles (quad bikes) have been expanded to a fleet of over 40. The range of activities on offer has increased dramatically too and now includes clay shooting, laser shooting, archery, a woodland assault course and gorge walking.

The centre also networks with other providers to offer other activities like paintball, speed boats on Cardiff Bay and pony trekking in the Brecon Beacons, even activities as diverse as chocolate making and graffiti art!

Taff Valley also delivers education courses, including citizenship for young people, and helps to train others in the use of quad bikes. There are OCN Accredited Safe Driving & Maintenance Courses for young people on quad bikes, as well as courses on gun crime and gang culture.

The woodland assault course, introduced two years ago, has been very popular with corporate and sports groups for team building, although the most popular groups are hen and stag parties.

To provide accommodation packages, Taff Valley links with hotels, guest houses and bunk barns, counting among their corporate

activities | The popular woodland assault course was created two years ago

“The woodland assault course, introduced two years ago, has been very popular with corporate and sports groups for team building” clients companies as diverse as Panasonic, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Admiral, Inland Revenue, DTZ, Scandinavian Airlines, McDonald’s, Capita and Tesco.

For more details give the centre a call on 02920 831 658 or send an email to hopkinsmith@btconnect.com.

Testimonials, directions and more can also be found on the website.

Sport groups that have visited Taff Valley include the Georgia international rugby team, Cheltenham Football Club, Welsh Rugby, Aylesbury Rugby, as well as judo clubs, netball, hockey clubs, but also scouts, girl guides and other sports and community groups.

• adventurewales.co.uk

The property is also used as a location for filming programmes and has been used for programmes such as Question of Sport, Belonging, Gadget Show, Dress To Impress, Alfie’s Angels and X- ray.

The Taff Valley team, led by senior instructor Matt Perrott, currently employs five full time staff, three part time, up to 10 contract staff and casual staff on weekends. And their plans for future? “To offer group accommodation in converted shipping containers, an air rifle range as well as a facility for drones and model planes,” says Matt.

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

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

Veni, Vidi, Vici Spas You’ll find all the industry’s leading hot tubs, spas and swim spas at the Vici Cabins & Spas showroom in Norton St Philip.

W

hen you are investing in a big ticket item like a hot tub or spa, you want to make sure you’re buying the right one to suit your needs, so getting expert advice is an absolute must. On the other hand, the pressure put on you to buy once you’ve had that advice can often be enough to put you off altogether! That’s where the Vici’s no hassle, no pressure tactics come into their own. They are a family run business that prides itself on offering customers a full in house service from sales and installation to aftercare and servicing. They’re confident they can find exactly the hot tub or spa to match your needs, whether medical or social, within your budget.

Vici Cabins & Spas stock spas with the lowest running costs on the market

At their large showroom, based at Haven Timber in Norton St Philip, they have a wonderful range of hot tubs “With the lowest running costs on the market… and swim spas from the industry’s top Relaxation doesn’t need to cost the earth” providers. There are 10 on display on site, including the wonderful Softub, Villeroy and Boch and Catalina to your garden transformation, including name but a few. They even carry the modular pieces and dining sets latest in swim spa technology, which featuring fabrics from ultra modern uses powerful river swim jets to give prints to Classic Laura Ashley designs. you an invigorating workout. Feel free to pop in and take a look for yourself. On your visit to Vici you can also take Prices start from £3500 and they stock time to view the extensive selection models with the lowest running costs of beautiful log cabins, gazebos and on the market... Relaxation doesn’t garden rooms, which Haven Timber have to cost the earth! They also have have to offer - they’re a great way of a range of delivery and installation making your hot tub or spa inviting packages for you to choose from. And whatever the British weather can if you already have a hot tub, they throw at you! carry a full range of spa chemicals and accessories, from test sticks to Whatever you are looking for, if replacement lids, to keep your spa in you want to dip your toe into great working order. hydrotherapy why not pop over to see them and take a look?

They also have a selection of garden furniture on site to help complete • vicicabinsandspas.co.uk

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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

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

Visit our hot tub and swim spa showroom at Haven Timber and you’ll find beautiful hot tubs from Villeroy & Boch, Catalina Spas, Dreammaker Spas & Clearwaters Spas.

Softubs now on display for those looking to add beauty and relaxation to their home.

These also have the lowest running costs of any hot tubs on the market! Starting at £3500...

24 Edward Street, Westbury, BA13 3BD

Tel 01373 822431

www.vicicabinsandspas.co.uk

N

C

O OFF W EE O BA PE R N !

www.daviesofwestbury.co.uk

T: 01225 430588 E: sales@vicicabinsandspas.co.uk

FOR GREAT DESIGN IDEAS, COME & VISIT OUR

INSPIRATIONAL SHOWROOM AT SILVER STREET, GASTARD, SN13 9PY

FEATURING

Bespoke Curtains & Blinds, Wide Range of Fabrics, Wallpapers & Flooring options, Cushions & Complementing Accessories, Bespoke Furniture Including Headboards, Ottomans & Sofas & Chairs. Also stocking furniture from Vincent Sheppard, Whitehead Designs & Coach House.

Customer parking is available in front of showroom

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

| house & home

Homemaker’s new showroom unveiled...

Be inspired by the brand new displays at Warminster’s only independent kitchen and appliance retailer. your kitchen is always bright and welcoming.

Homemaker’s new showroom showcases the latest kitchen designs and trends

Kitchen Express – Homemaker’s best value brand. Priced to match the ‘trade price sellers’, it offers solid timber and five piece shaker styles with soft close doors and a range of painted finishes.

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omemaker has been serving the local community for 25 years and really enjoy making a difference.

They have recently completed work on their new showroom, and invite everyone to come and see their latest kitchen designs featuring both traditional and modern styles with the latest trends in colour, work surfaces and appliances.

To find out more pop into the newly design team can work to your budget to get all the things you want refurbished store on George Street in and suggest some options you may Warminster or call 01985 219200. not even have considered.

• myhomemaker.co.uk

Despite their independent status, Homemaker are far more competitivley priced than you might think, thanks to their partnership with Euronics group buying. They also offer a free measuring, design and quotation service and interest free deferred finance*. Kitchens are priced to compete with Homemaker’s national ‘Big discount’ rivals but with a local personal service. Homemaker’s highly skilled

Purley - characterised by its painted real wood doors and the moulding surrounding the centre panel. Purley fills the void between traditional and modern shaker. See the stunning Butler’s pantry with the solid oak customised interior in store.

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

QUANTUM KITCHENS

Homemaker supply a beautiful range of kitchens from Quantum. These are made right here in the westcountry and are guaranteed for 25 years.

The range includes…

Aluma – a true handleless kitchen, its sleek linear designs offer a kitchen without clutter or interruption.

Choose a high gloss finish to ensure

*Terms and conditions apply

Leigh – Leigh’s offers a bold colour palette, available in 27 stunning and diverse colours, ranging from bright saffron to deep Hartforth blue.

Striking hues teamed with a sleek handleless design make Leigh a great centrepiece for your living space.

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

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

NEWLY REFURBISHED SHOWROOM 5-6 George St, Warminster BA12 8QA 01985 219200 Longmead, Shaftesbury SP7 8PL 01747 851476 www.myhomemaker.co.uk

| gardens

Edibles

Living walls featured in many gardens, and in this garden you could eat it too!

Copper This hugely popular interior trend was seen popping up all over Chelsea, from huge sculptures and water features to outdoor kitchenware...

s d n e r T n e d r Ga

Flower Show here this year’s RHS Chelsea at ns sig de e th m fro d planting...

Taking our lea nt trends in design and rre cu lar pu po st mo e are some of th

Garden Rooms e Garden was th The LG Eco-City at om ro en a gard best example of ung Jo yHa by d ne the show. Desig nning garden Hwang, this stu astic central featured a fant area, colour g sunken seatin ting and an pl d te co-ordina of water all impressive use te a restful yet ea cr combine to ace alongside an stimulating sp llion. impressive pavi t colour palette It’s bold, brigh the most of was also one zingy at the d an g in refresh whole show.

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The LG Eco-City Garden also marries two of the most pressing gardening considerations: the incorporation of new technologies and concern for the environment

gardens |

Sculpture

medal winning Jo Thompson’s gold nning metal tea garden featured a stu ucture is the str ong pavilion. This str space ole wh the of me central the

Iris

Picking up on the copp er theme, gardens fe many atured stu nning rust bearded ir coloured is such as ‘Car nival T ime’

Lupins

Almost every garden it seemed featured lupins this year. The most popular was the dark purple ‘Masterstroke’, but also on display were the bright blue ‘Persian Slipper’ and the gorgeous red ‘Towering Inferno’

s g f e t

Romance

Other notable mentions Geum ‘Totally Tangerine’, continues to be hugely popular, as does salvia ‘Caradonna’ and a huge range of ferns and woodland planting including tellima grandiflora. Roses too were as popular as ever

With ‘A Very English Garden’ designer Janine Crimmins created a lovely country house feel, complementing immaculate drystone walling with old-fashioned roses such as ‘Tuscany Superb’ and ‘Cardinal de Richelieu’ amongst hardy geraniums, salvias and delphinium ‘Summer Skies’. Rosa ‘Rose de Rescht’, which she’s used as a hedge along with ‘Walker’s Low’ catmint, is great for small gardens with its compact habit.

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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, Sat 9.00-5.00pm

www.pwasltd.com

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

Tel 0207 610 6111

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

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

FIND LUXURY BATHROOMS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES 01225 765000

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

www.activeplumbingsupplies.co.uk

R

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IN

ROOFING & DRIVEWAY SPECIALIST NEW ROOF REPAIRS

FLAT ROOFS CHIMNEY WORK • TILES & SLATES

FASCIAS • GUTTERING • SOFFITS • UPVC

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FREE QUOTATIONS Professional & Reliable General Builders OVER 40 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE!

01242 500918 ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

info@glosbuild.co.uk www.glosbuild.co.uk Court Farm, Tewkesbury Road, Twigworth, Glos. GL2 9PX

Classic Gardens

FOR ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS

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

CALL US TODAY!

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

CALL TROWBRIDGE OR WARMINSTER

Phone: 07940 261734

43 Shails Lane, Trowbridge 43 Copheap Lane, Warminster

Email: info@classiclandscapesandecopools.co.uk

classiclandscapesandecopools.co.uk

01225 753333 / 01985 213348 www.ejshanley.co.uk

WILTSHIRE‘S LEADER IN SKIP HIRE

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

Howard Roofing

S.L. Corden & Sons

For All Your Roofing Needs

Qualified Roofer Offering...

• Tiling • Stone Slate • Natural Slate • Leadwork • Repairs Mob: 07812 093962 Office: 01225 282652 DeneHowardRoofing@gmail.com Based in Box, Wiltshire

We are a traditional hardware store with a modern twist.

Come to us for...

Gardening Equipment | Outdoor Furniture Household Items | Ironmongery | Tools Paint | DIY | Electrical | Key Cutting Camping Equipment | Sugarcraft | Gifts 4 High Street, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 9AE 01985 212115 | slcorden.co.uk | s.fraser2@btconnect.com

| health & wellbeing

Take a fresh look at Bowood The well known house and gardens has more than that in its armoury, it is also home to a beautiful hotel, spa and award-winning golf resort.

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health & wellbeing |

et amidst the beautifully landscaped parkland on the Bowood Estate between Chippenham and Calne, Bowood is renowned as one of the finest golf courses in the South West. The stunning 18-hole championship golf course is consistently voted Wiltshire’s no. 1 course and is one of the only golf courses in the area where you can enjoy great golf all year round.

Bowood Golf is open to visitors, members’ guests and hotel residents and has something to offer everyone. In addition to the 18-hole championship course, there are extensive practice facilities, including a 3-hole Academy Course and well-stocked Pro Shop for all your golfing needs. The golf academy offers the perfect environment for golfers of all ages and abilities to develop, learn and have fun while playing golf.

If you are new to golf or simply looking to refine your swing, the team of PGA Professionals offer a range of lessons and coaching to suit all abilities. Coaching is also available individually for ladies and juniors. The Head Professional and Director of Golf, Ben Emerson has recently been awarded the accolade of one of the Top 50 Coaches in the UK by Today’s Golfer.

“Director of Golf, Ben Emerson has recently been awarded the accolade of one of the Top 50 Coaches in the UK by Today’s Golfer.”

Why not enjoy a great day of golf with your friends, clients and associates or simply an excuse to gather your golf buddies and play a round at Bowood? Packages for groups of 12 and above include breakfast and a one course lunch with a round of golf.

Of course, you can be assured of Bowod’s first-class hospitality.

Why not add something a little different to your golf day, like a pop-up Gin Bar or Hog Roast from their extra options to customise your day just the way you’d like it. Book a Society Golf Day for August for a group of 16 or more and receive a free ‘Beat the Pro’ challenge, from only £45 per person*.

There are a number of membership categories to cater to suit all abilities, including special rates for golfers under 30 years of age and juniors. The popular levy scheme entitles all members to 15% off throughout the resort including exclusive member social events. The membership team will be happy to chat through the various available options to tailor a membership package to suit, so call them today on 01249 823881.

To find out more about more call 01249 823881 or visit the website.

• bowood.org/golf THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

*valid on new bookings only

Golf membership at Bowood brings a whole host of privileges including exclusive tee times, social events and generous discounts across the whole Bowood resort.

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Trowbridge Chiropodist Peter Wilkinson M.Inst.Ch.P

IMPROVING YOUR FOOT HEALTH We can help with...

• corns • calluses • hard skin • ingrown toenails • footcare for the elderly, diabetics & those with poor circulation • advice & support Member of the Institute of Chiropodist and Podiatrists

Call today to make an appointment

Tel: 01225 571030

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

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

MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER

• Rise & Recline Chairs • Stairlifts • Adjustable Beds • Mobility Scooters • Walkers & Wheelchairs • Bathing Aids • Daily Living Aids

Visit our independent showroom at

17 George Street, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 8QA

or call our team today on

01985 843035

www.lifeandmobility.co.uk

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for special offers!

OAKVILLE CARE CENTRE Fo r a l l y o u r i n d e p e n d e n t l i v i n g n e e d s

For over 20 years Oakville has been sourcing the most suitable and best mobility, daily living aids and continence care products from around the world to buy from our shops in Frome and Wells and online.

OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK

Free local delivery!

3 Badcox, Frome BA11 3BQ 32 St Cuthbert Street, Wells BA5 2AW

www.oakvillecarecentre.co.uk

Tel 01373 455415 / 01749 670765

A l w a y s T h e r e . . . To C a r e

| legal & financial

Is long term elderly care free at the point of delivery?

We asked ANDREW DOUGLAS, a partner at Awdry Bailey Douglas Solicitors who specialises in elderly care, for his views.

SURELY ELDERLY CARE IS NO DIFFERENT FROM THE NHS?

or self employed is disregarded as is 50% of a person’s occupational pension income if paid to a spouse Unfortunately it is the exact opposite. or civil partner.

45% of people in long term care homes are private funders. 10% end IS YOUR HOME TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT? up with bills in excess of £150,000.

Yes it is but it will be disregarded if The system as it presently exists in you are receiving care at home, you England expects everybody to pay something. Those with capital assets are in temporary care intending to return to your home or you leave in excess of £23,250 have to fully fund their elderly care in a care home behind in your home a spouse, civil partner or other qualifying person. or at home.

Yes you can but be wary of the deprivation of asset rule!

“In March 2017 a report from the Commons Committee on Communities & Local Government found self funders paid 43% more for the same bed and services compared with their state funded neighbours.”

• www.abdcare.co.uk

IF YOU ARE A SELF FUNDER DO YOU PAY MORE THAN PEOPLE WHO ARE FUNDED BY THEIR LOCAL AUTHORITY?

In March 2017 a report from the Commons Committee on Communities and Local Government found that self funders paid 43% more for the same bed and services compared with their state funded neighbours.

IS YOUR INCOME TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT WHEN DECIDING WHAT YOU PAY?

Yes, all income is taken into account to include state pension, occupational pensions, dividends and interest on savings. That said earnt income whether employed

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If you want to know more, then for a free appointment and to find out the answers to questions that need answering email Andrew Douglas or his team on ajd@awdrys. co.uk or call 0800 072 8636. The firm has offices in Marlborough, Royal Wootton Bassett, Devizes and Chippenham. Alternatively, take a look at their website.

Also it is not taken into account for the first twelve weeks that you are in a care home.

ARE YOUR SAVINGS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT?

Yes all your savings are taken into account to include bank accounts, shares, unit trusts and premium bonds etc. As with houses some savings can be disregarded. For example savings underwritten in full or part by life cover such as Investment bonds.

CAN YOU GIVE MONEY AWAY OR SPEND IT ON AN ASSET WHICH IS DISREGARDED?

Andrew Douglas

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

Lasting Power of Attorney

SUMMER PROMOTION

£75

OFFER 25% PRICE (Normally £100+VAT) SAVE

+VAT

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:

01225 400060

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

e s n .

| bath rugby

BATH SUMMER CAMPS Youngsters can improve their rugby this summer by attending one of Bath Rugby’s fantastic camps, which take place across the region. taking them to the next level of their rugby journey.”

Matt Garvey, Bath Rugby

The camps work on technical and tactical aspects of the game

WHAT PARENTS SAY

E

very year the Bath Rugby Community Team host a variety of camps across Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset for boys and girls of all abilities aged U7s - U16s. To comply with the new RFU age grade regulations Bath’s summer camps will focus on core sporting skills such as decision making, spatial awareness, agility, catch and pass, hand eye coordination, fitness and more, all of which can be applied to a number of sports.

HOW THEY WORK The camps encompass both technical and tactical aspects of the game. All activities are fun based, but with a focus on the development of all camp goers, whatever their level.

Each age group’s coaching is specifically tailored to meet the needs and requirements of that exact age group, with camps ranging from U7s-U16s.

Along with the rugby camps, the team also run a series of Skills Clinics.

These sessions provide participants an opportunity to focus on specific skills and techniques in a particular area.

The clinics are open to boys and girls aged U13s - U18s and last season saw a Passing Clinic with Kahn Fotuali’i, Max Green and Will Homer, a Tackle

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“A huge, big, thank you to the Bath Rugby Community coaches for putting on such an amazing camp. My child has not stopped going on about how much he enjoyed it! Not knowing any & Breakdown Clinic with Francois other children, he was a bit nervous, Louw, Sam Underhill and Zach Mercer, but the coaches made him feel very a Kicking Clinic with Freddie Burns, welcome, and after the first day, he Rhys Priestland and Tom Homer and a loved it and came away learning lots.

Scrum Clinic with Tom Dunn and Lucas I cannot recommend your camps Noguera. Keep an eye out for future highly enough and encourage any kid skills clinics on the club’s website. with a passion for rugby to attend.”

Douglas Crane, father of camp WHAT PLAYERS SAY participant “The Bath Rugby Premiership Rugby Camps are a great way for those For further information please email attending to learn new skills and tom.fogerty@bathrugby.com. Book techniques. I’ve seen first hand the via rugbycamps.co.uk, search by club. opportunities the camps give children in terms of making new friends and • bathrugby.com

“All activities are fun based, but with a focus on the development of all camp goers, whatever their level”

SUMMER CAMPS 26 - 27 Jul Yeovil RFC Boys & Girls (U7s - U13s) £90.00

Core Skills Camp

30 Jul - 1 Aug Salisbury RFC Boys & Girls (U7s - U13s) £90.00

Core Skills Camp

8 - 10 Aug Swanage & Wareham RFC Boys & Girls (U7s - U13s) £90.00

Core Skills Camp

13 - 15 Aug Chippenham RFC Boys & Girls (U7s - U13s) £90.00

Core Skills Camp

20 - 22 Aug Wimborne RFC Boys & Girls (U7s - U13s) £90.00

Core Skills Camp

28 - 30 Aug Rec Outfield, Bath Core Skills Camp Boys & Girls (U7s - U13s), Boys (U14s - U16s) Girls (U14s - U16s) £various

| puzzles

TEA BREAK TEASERS RACING DRIVER WORDSEARCH

What/who is missing from the grid?

ALONSO BOTTAS GASLY HAMILTON HULKENBERG

SUDOKU

EASY

LECLERC MAGNUSSEN OCON PEREZ RAIKKONEN

RICCIARDO SAINZ VANDOORNE VERSTAPPEN VETTEL

WIN A £15 iTUNES VOUCHER! Email your answers to these trivia questions to comp@wired-publishing.co.uk by 23.07.18 to be in with a chance of winning a £15 iTunes voucher. Good luck!

Q1: On what circuit, in 1926, was the first British Grand Prix held?

Q2: In what year was the British Grand Prix last held at Aintree?

LAST MONTH’S SOLUTIONS Wordsearch missing word: CATTON Quiz answers: 1: Bring Up The Bodies 2: Kenneth Baker 3: Remains of the Day 4: Nina Bawden 5: The Handmaid’s Tale

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Q3: Which driver won the last Formula 1 race at Brands Hatch?

Q4: Up to and including 2017 which constructor has the most wins of The British Grand Prix?

Q5: Who is the only American driver to win The British Grand Prix?

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

Debbie Batten DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT...

“Having spent over 15 years advertising our business in various local publications, I can safely say that the WWM has by far been the most productive...I couldn’t recommend them highly enough.”

STUART FAINT, Pietra Wood & Stone

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ADVERTISING WITH US...

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

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

Mob: 07557 100943 Email: info@debbiebattencounselling.com

www.debbiebattencounselling.com

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

| last word

N

Cheap Cheap

o doubt you have read everything in this edition of the magazine cover to cover so already know that we’ve recently returned from a short family break in Dorset. Our holiday let was perfectly acceptable but a bit lacking in certain areas and it got me thinking about the inconsistencies we have endured over the years whilst having to…staycation I think the youngsters call it…and the differences we’ve encountered on similar holidays abroad.

do with it? Surely not top up your own condiment sets! Or do you think the mere presence of the sets will appease your guests? ‘Oh how thoughtful of our hosts to provide a salt cellar and pepper grinder, it’ll save us having to use the pestle and mortar we brought with us for the purpose!’

a bloody cup of tea! And don’t even get me started on charging for WiFi access.

As and when we travel slightly further afield on our holidays we always rent a villa and pretty much every time there is a welcome pack generously stocked with tea, coffee, milk and sugar, a packet of pasta and The standard of cleanliness is also a jar of sauce, some cooking oil, salt variable and if you’re going to ask me and pepper (major tick) and maybe to check off an itinerary and count some biscuits to enjoy with your the number of teaspoons I think its tea/coffee after your long journey. fair to ask that you’ve tested the light Occasionally there is a bottle of wine bulbs to see if any need replacing. and maybe a loaf of bread. Neither of these would be the most expensive “The standard of cleanliness is also variable and but that’s not really the point. You if you’re going to ask me to check off an itinerary feel your hosts actually care you have and count the number of teaspoons I think its fair a good experience from the off. For some reason a villa sounds much to ask that you’ve tested the light bulbs to see if more fancy than a cottage but price any need replacing. ” wise there is very little difference, We always rent a cottage if we are Most places it seems ask you to strip in fact a holiday cottage in Devon/ holidaying in the UK (my wife refuses the beds and leave the linen and Dorset would be around the same to camp, she doesn’t like being the bathroom towels by the door, price for a week that you pay for a quite that close to nature, or other clean the bathroom and kitchen villa in France/Spain/Portugal and people, or the ground) and I have including the fridge and oven - and sometimes even more expensive. to say that as far as UK cottages go, generally leave the place ready for Obvs you have to pay a bit more to I’m always frustrated by a lack of the next incumbents to arrive. Hold get there if you are staying abroad common standard in the materials on a minute. You wouldn’t let us but the level of service and the supplied to paying guests. To my even enter the property on the first general feeling of being looked after mind if there’s a dishwasher there day of our holiday until 4pm so what makes it all worthwhile. should at least be a few tablets, exactly have you been doing all day likewise for a washing machine. What if your previous guests have already I love holidaying here in Britain, do they think I’m going to do, stash cleaned the place for you and some of my favourite places in the away three fairy tablets and head shipped out by 10am? They must be world are here, and sometimes hosts off into the sunset? As an absolute counting all those teaspoons back in. are just fantastic, with nothing too minimum facilities to enable your much trouble and lovely treats like guests to make a cup of tea on arrival Am I being fussy? Probably, these homemade scones on arrival. But a should be a non negotiable and if are small gripes really but a lack of lot of people who cater for UK visitors you supply items like salt and pepper generosity from your hosts, when need to up their game, especially grinders they should actually contain you are paying some very serious given that you can’t guarantee the some salt and pepper! How tight do money, does rankle when you arrive weather, otherwise families like us you have to be to empty them at tired and irritated from a car journey will just end up going elsewhere. the end of the previous occupant’s with two equally tired and irritated stay, and what are you going to young children and can’t even make Phil Rockliffe

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