The West Wilts Magazine - November 2018

NOVEMBER 2018 // ISSUE 111

FREE

West Wilts holidays Festive coming The

MAGAZINE

ARE

XMAS MARKETS, LIGHTS SWITCH ONS & EVENTS

Feasts 12 PAGES OF FANTASTIC LOCAL PRODUCERS & RETAILERS

KEEP ON RUNNING

THE AVR WILTSHIRE HALF MARATHON RETURNS

+ LOCAL LISTINGS FORMOSA KITCHENS PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS & MUCH MORE

FOOD & DRINK // PUZ ZLES // HOME & GARDENS // HEALTH // COMMENT

contents Published by Wired Publishing Editor Lisa Rockliffe Contributors Craig Gates-Mutton, Phil Rockliffe, Neil Mortimer, Andy Diffey 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: Festive Feasts

November 2018 // issue 111

W

elcome to our November edition, where we herald in the start of the festive season.

Now is the time to begin thinking about present buying and food shopping (if you haven’t already of course) and this bumper edition is packed to the gunwhales with great places to stock up.

With food so important to the season we guide you towards the best farm shops, butchers, delis, breweries and even chocolatiers to help you gather your supplies (p21) to feed family and friends. Then we follow this up with some of the best markets and events going on in the region (p43). And as if that weren’t enough we also have a guide on taking great festive photos (p50) and have even picked out some great gifts for babies too (p54).

If all this talk of Christmas has got you thinking of escaping to sunnier climbs this winter, turn to p52 to see how the experts at Co-Operative Travel in Melksham can help you plan your perfect getaway.

We’ve all that, and plenty more too, including all your usual favourites.

6

21

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

in this issue...

LOCAL LISTINGS What’s on in November

6

LOCAL NEWS Round up of news & events HubNub The Vintage Christmas Bazaar Wiltshire Rural Music Wadswick Country Store

12 15 15 16 16

FOOD & DRINK Food News Eat the Seasons Pie recipes We Meet The Chef at The Weaving Shed

18 32 33 36

FEATURES Festive Feasts Holidays are Coming!

21 43

43 Co-Operative Travel

52

HOMES & GARDENS Sofa Co Plus Formosa Kitchens

58 60

HEALTH & WELLBEING Avon Valley Runners

70

LEGAL & FINANCIAL ABD Care

74

BATH RUGBY Autumn International call ups

76

COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES Tea Break Teaser Quiz, wordsearch & sudoku

78 80

COMMENT The Last Word

82 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

3

| events

listings local

NOVEMBER 2018

MELKSHAM ASSEMBLY HALL

Market Place, Melksham, SN12 6ES Box Office: 01225 709887 melkshamassemblyhall.com NEIL DIAMOND TRIBUTE 9 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £15 Bob Drury has been described as “One of the world’s finest vocal tributes to Neil Diamond”.

CHAMPIONS OF ROCK 30 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £24 The ultimate tribute to Queen!

TOWN HALL ARTS Trowbridge Town Hall, BA14 8EQ Tel: 01225 774306 trowbridgearts.com

MAY 8 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £10 Based on a true story, ‘May’ has a unique take on the fight for women’s rights that will change the way you see the early 20th Century.

Leon McCawley, Wiltshire Music Centre

6

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

TROWBRIDGE LAUGHS 15 November, 8pm Tickets: £10 Compere Sally-Ann Hayward hosts David Ward, James Bran and Quincy.

THE ARC THEATRE

College Road, Trowbridge BA14 0ES Box Office: 01225 756376 arctheatre.org.uk CINDERELLA - PANTOMIME 15 – 18 November, various times Tickets: £10 (Concs £9) A fantastic tale of rags to riches that everyone knows and enjoys!

THE GONDOLIERS 21 – 24 November, various times Tickets: £14 (Concs £12) The award winning TAOS Musical Theatre presents Gilbert & Sullivan’s much-loved The Gondoliers.

WILTSHIRE MUSIC CENTRE

Natalia Makarova’s production of this fantastical 19th-century classic ballet brings an exotic world of temple dancers and noble warriors to life.

SKERRYVORE 17 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £18 (Concs £9) A unique fusion of folk, traditional, rock and Americana that represents the different personalities of the band members.

WILTSHIRE YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA 18 November, 3pm Tickets: £15 (Concs £9) A mix of established big band classics and new work at the leading edge of the art form.

LEON MCCAWLEY 21 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £18 (Concs £9) Award-winning pianist performs early and late classical favourites.

COURTNEY PINE CBE / OMAR EPPS Ashley Rd, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1DZ 30 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £26 (Concs £13) Box Office: 01225 860100 Multi-instrumentalist Courtney Pine wiltshiremusic.org.uk CBE has remained at the forefront of UK jazz for decades.

ENGLISH TOURING OPERA-ST MATTHEW PASSION POUND ARTS CENTRE 11 November, 7.30pm Pound Pill, Corsham, SN13 9HX Tickets: £22 (Concs £11) Box Office: 01249 701628 A special community-inspired poundarts.org.uk performance with Olivier Awardwinning opera company FLO & JOAN - ALIVE ON STAGE 10 November, 7.30pm THE ROYAL BALLET: LA BAYADÈRE Tickets: £12 16 November, 7.15pm Musical comedy duo and sisters Flo Tickets: £15 (Concs £7.50) send your listings to info@wired-publishing.co.uk

EW T N EN ER M D E N G U NA A M

• Alterations • Repairs • Custom Tailoring • Curtains • Soft Furnishings FIXED PRICE QUOTATION PRIOR TO STARTING WORK.

CLOTHING & SOFT FURNISHINGS No job too small!

t 01225 867940 m 07455 913796 e fashionv@hotmail.co.uk Westdale Park, Holt Rd, Bradford on Avon BA15 1TS

Open: Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am-3pm or by appointment

WILTSHIRE YEOMAN ✦ Doggie friendly ✦ Open fire ✦ Delicious Sunday lunches ✦ Quiz every Sunday, 8pm

f

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

Find us on Facebook for upcoming events

BOOK NOW FOR CHRISTMAS! 2 Courses £18.95 3 Courses £23.95

01225 765370

Chilmark Rd, Trowbridge BA14 9DD

www.thewiltshireyeoman.co.uk

| events & Joan are travelling the country with a new hour of their dark and witty songs.

JACKIE OATES 16 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £15 (Concs £13) Jackie’s mellifluous voice, plaintive fiddle and tantalizing approach to traditional songs has gained her several BBC Folk Awards and a large following on the folk scene.

SHEELANAGIG 17 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £15 (Concs £13) Sheelanagig bring an array of footstomping folk tunes to audiences across the globe.

KIKI DEE & CARMELO LUGGERI 24 November, 8pm Tickets: £18 (Concs £16) For almost two decades, Kiki and Carmelo have toured their spellbinding acoustic live show.

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

MARNIE – THE MET 11 November, 5.55pm Tickets: £16 (Concs £10.50) Based on the novel that inspired Hitchcock’s celebrated thriller, composer Nico Muhly’s Marnie receives its US premiere at the Met this season.

LA BAYADÈRE – ROH 13 November, 7.15pm Tickets: £16 (Concs £10.50) Natali Makarova’s production of this 19th-century classic ballet brings an exotic world of temple dances and noble warriors to life.

TROILUS AND CRESSIDA – RSC 17 November, 7pm Tickets: £16 (Concs £10.50) Virtuoso percussionist EvelynGlennie collaborates with RSC Artistic Director Gregory Doran to create a satirical futuristic vision of a world resounding

8

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

with the rhythm of battle.

a totally engaging speaker, who both entertains and inspires.

PYGMALION 22, 23 & 24 November, 7.45pm Tickets: £10 (Concs £8) A chance meeting between a phonetics expert and a flower girl on a rainy evening in Covent Garden is the beginning of Shaw’s brilliant comedy.

THE ATHENAEUM CENTRE

18-20 High St, Warminster, BA12 9AE Box Office: 01985 213891 theath.org.uk BREATHE (Cert 12A) 14 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £5.50 The inspiring true story of Robin Cavendish who was struck down by polio at the age of 28.

AND THEN THERE WERE NONE 22 – 24 November, various times Tickets: £10 Agatha Christie’s thriller is one of her darkest tales and a masterpiece of dramatic construction.

MACBETH - THE COMEDY OF ERRORS 28 November, 6.30pm Tickets: £10 (Concs £8) Part of the Shakespeare Schools Festival.

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

THE DREAMERS & THE TEMPLE BROTHERS 16 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £20 An evening with sixties band The Dreamers- including a special tribute to USA legends The Everly Brothers.

SIMON YATES: MY MOUNTAIN LIFE 20 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £15 Told with wit, dry humour and lavishly illustrated with images and film collected on his great climbs. Simon is

THE BLOCKHEADS 25 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £16 The Blockheads are a legendary outfit that has grown in stature from the early days of the Stiff tour in 1977, right up to the present day.

LACOCK ABBEY

Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2LG Tel: 01249 730459 nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock Normal admission applies unless stated PEACE - BY ANNA HEINRICH & LEON PALMER Until 18 November, 10.30am FREE Lacock hosts the first in a series of artistic responses to the art commission ‘Peace’ at Lacock.

MAGIC THEMED FAMILY TRAIL Until 18 November, 10.30am FREE Enjoy a magic themed trail around the grounds and the cloister where famous witches and wizards once walked.

A PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION BY SHADI GHADIRIAN Until 13 January 2019, 10.30am FREE The third exhibition in the 2018 Women and Power programme.

TROWBRIDGE PHILHARMONIC CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT St. James’ Church, Trowbridge, BA14 8DW Tickets: £10 (kids are free) A regal programme with organ, trumpets and timpani. Mozart’s Coronation Mass and Handel’s Zadok the Priest head the billing with festive music to include In Dulci Jubilo, Joy to the World and Tchaikovsky’s Crown of Roses.

Telephone: 01225 765573

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

| events 26 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £50 With Ex Bath Rugby & now TV commentator David Flatman.

Telephone: 01225 863322

CHEESE & GRAIN

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

RORY BREMNER & JAN RAVENS 8 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £20 (Concs £18) Featuring personalities from Farage to Lumley, Diane Abbott to Fiona Bruce and the sublime to Jacob Rees Mogg.

WISHBONE ASH 10 November, 8pm Tickets: £19.50 One of the world’s top rock/blues bands.

ROBERT NEWMAN’S TOTAL ECLIPSE OF DESCARTES 17 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £15 In a world gone crazy, can philosophy help? This sparklingly brilliant new show tries to give you the answer.

Rory Bremner & Jan Ravens, Cheese & Grain

Rock covers from the 1970’s to today.

FOLK CLUB AT THE SWAN The Swan Hotel, Bradford on Avon Tel: 01380 870734 boafolkclub.org.uk SINGAROUND 6, 13 & 20 November FREE, 8pm JIM CRAWFORD & KEVIN BROWN 27 November, 8pm FREE Highly respected professional recording artists, writers and performers.

SETH LAKEMAN 22 November, 7pm OTHERS Tickets: £22 Seth Lakeman has just released his WWI COMMEMORATIVE TAPESTRY ninth studio album ‘The Well Worn Path’ PROJECT and is out on tour around the UK with a Chippenham Museum, Market Place, new band line-up.

Chippenham, SN15 3HF From 11 November, 10am BIG COUNTRY Free 24 November, 8pm Featuring artwork from local schools Tickets: £22 and local artist Fi Redmond, as well as The Scottish rockers will be playing community groups and individuals. their stunning back catalogue.

THE PRESTBURY SPORTS BAR

The Close, Warminster, BA12 9AL Tel: 01985 847070 prestburysportsbar.com Bands start at 9pm and entry is FREE THE SECRETS OUT 17 November Hits from the last decade.

A FRAYED KNOT 24 November

10

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

OXFAM QUIZ The Scout Hut, St. Margaret’s Hill, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1DP 17 November, 7pm Tickets: £10 including supper and cake.

These quizzes have raised thousands of pounds for Oxfam over the years and remain very popular. Tickets available from Ex Libris Bookshop.

BRADFORD ON AVON ROTARY CLUB SPORTSMAN’S DINNER Cumberwell Park, BA15 2PQ

HOLT WI GIFT & CRAFT FAIR Holt Village Hall, BA14 6QH Email: dmbarton316@btinternet.com 1 December, 10.30am FREE Come and buy your Christmas gifts and enjoy refreshments provided by the WI. RAILWAY BOOK SALE & CHRISTMAS FAYRE Frome Cricket Club, Rodden Road, BA11 2AH 1 December, 10am Telephone: 01373 471103 Ffestiniog Railway Bristol Group are holding a sale of second hand mainly railway books. The event also includes a Christmas Fayre with cards, gifts, calendars and craft items.

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

JAMES HOLLINGSWORTH 4 November THE SOAP GIRLS 9 November THE WORRIED MEN 11 November THE REFUSAL 16 November THE BUCKY RAGE 17 November THE LEWIS CRAVEN BAND 18 November CANTALOOP 23 November MERCY LOUNGE 24 November THE MIKE HODDINOTT BLUES ALL-STARS 25 November

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

WINNER: BEST PUB BOA BUSINESS AWARDS 2018

We’re open from 9.30am for coffee and breakfasts

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

ENJOY A DELICIOUS SUNDAY LUNCH AT THE GEORGE Get the whole family round the table this Sunday! We have plenty of room to accommodate you. Our We cater for families large and small with our Map Room, with open fire, seats 36, our private sharing boards, complete with a perfectly roasted dining room The Brunswick seats 16, whilst The joint, delicious veg, accompaniments & gravy jugs!!

Pantry and The Vault both seat 24 - ideal for a special gathering without the cooking!

ENJOY A WHOLE ROAST CHICKEN FOR 4 WITH ALL THE TRIMMINGS FOR ONLY £50 BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL.

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

CHEESE &GRAIN

THU 1ST NOV 7PM FRI 2ND NOV 8PM SAT 3RD NOV 7.30PM SUN 4TH NOV 10AM WED 7TH NOV 7.30PM THU 8TH NOV 7.30PM FRI 9TH NOV 7.30PM SAT 10TH NOV 8PM SUN 11TH NOV 10AM SUN 11TH NOV 7.30PM THU 15TH NOV 7PM FRI 16TH NOV 8PM SAT 17TH NOV 9.30AM SAT17THNOV7PM SUN 18TH NOV 9AM SUN18THNOV7.30PM THU 22ND NOV 7.30PM FRI 23RD NOV 7.30PM SAT 24TH NOV 10AM SAT 24TH NOV 8PM SUN 25TH NOV 7.30PM

BOX OFFICE: 01373

455420

MARKET YARD, FROME, SOMERSET BA11 1BE

www.cheeseandgrain.com

REEF £25 50 YEARS OF BOWIE – ABSOLUTE BOWIE £18.50 MIK ARTISTIK’S EGO TRIP £12 ADV MAGPIE MARKET FREE ADMISSION GORDON BUCHANAN £23 RORY BREMNER & JAN RAVENS £20ADV AGAINST THE GRAIN COMEDY CLUB £10 WISHBONE ASH £19.50 ADV / £22.50 DOOR LITTLE PICKLES MARKET £1 ADMISSION LINDISFARNE 50TH ANNIVERSARY £19 ADV AFRO CELT SOUND SYSTEM £27.50 CRAIG CHARLES – FUNK & SOUL £17 CHRISTMAS CHARITY FAIR FREE ADMISSION ROBERT NEWMAN’S TOTAL ECLIPSE OF DESCARTES £15 FROME CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL £2 ADMISSION FROMESYMPHONY:BEETHOVEN,MOZART&MAHLER£12 SETH LAKEMAN £22ADV THE UPBEAT BEATLES £20 ADULT / £45 FAMILY / £5 CHILD CHRISTMAS MAKERS MARKET FREE ENTRY BIG COUNTRY £22 ADV STRAWBS 50TH ANNIVERSARY £19 ADV / £22 DOOR

Gordon Buchanan

Rory Bremner & Jan Ravens

Seth Lakeman

| local news

roundup

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

PETER PAN PLAYING AT THE THEATRE ROYAL

Star of stage and screen Paul Nicholas is confirmed to play Captain Hook alongside Bath pantomime favourite Jon Monie as Smee in the Theatre Royal’s swashbuckling Christmas treat Peter Pan.

a thrilling adventure begins in the magical world of Tinkerbell, Tiger Lily and the Lost Boys, where they do battle with the dastardly Captain Hook and his pirate crew. Packed with comedy, singing, dancing, beautiful costumes and plenty of audience participation, Peter Pan promises to be an unmissable, swashbuckling Christmas treat for audiences of all ages.

The Theatre Royal Bath is thrilled to announce that one of the UK’s bestloved actors Paul Nicholas (EastEnders, The Real Marigold Hotel, Just Good Friends) will take centre stage as Jon Monie as Smee Captain Hook alongside Bath favourite Jon Monie, who plays Hook’s right-handman Smee, in this year’s family pantomime, Peter Pan appearing at the Theatre Royal this Christmas from Thursday 13 December to Sunday 13 January 2019.

When Peter Pan flies into the Darling children’s nursery one night and whisks them off to Neverland,

Paul Nicholas brings a wealth of experience to the role of Captain Hook, his impressive career has seen him star in numerous best-loved television series and play leading roles in many legendary West End stage musicals.

Much-loved comedian Jon Monie returns by huge popular demand to play Smee, and he will enter the record books when he makes his 1,000th Bath pantomime performance during the run of this production of Peter Pan. Alongside the experienced company of professional actors, this year’s pantomime will also feature the delightful young dancers from Bath’s Dorothy Coleborn School of Dance.

Peter Pan continues Bath’s proud tradition of outstanding family pantomime. Produced by UK Productions, it will be staged by director Michael Gattrell, choreographer Danielle Drayton and musical director Oliver Rew - the same talented creative team who masterminded Bath’s acclaimed 2017 pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Tickets are on sale now. To book contact the box office on 01225 448844 or visit the website.

• theatreroyal.org.uk

CHARITY GOLF DAY RAISES £5,000 FOR WILTSHIRE AIR AMBULANCE Wiltshire based law firm Goughs Solicitors recently held its 9th annual charity golf day at Cumberwell Park in support of its nominated charity for 2018 - Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

The day was attended by over 60 guests from the Wiltshire business community and raised over £5,000 for the charity.

Wiltshire Air Ambulance provides a helicopter emergency medical service throughout the county, saving the

12

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

After 18 holes of golf the day concluded with a presentation dinner and charity auction. The auction, expertly conducted by Charlie Doel of Strakers, contained an array of incredible lots generously donated by local businesses.

of Goughs Real Estate, Land and Development department, who organised the golf day, commented “Even storm Bronagh couldn’t stop our intrepid golfers heading out onto the course! A huge thank you to every one of our 18 teams, who despite the fairly challenging conditions turned out en masse to help us raise thousands of pounds for Wiltshire Air Ambulance”.

Andrew Given, Partner and Head

• goughs.co.uk

lives of people living, working and travelling in Wiltshire. It currently costs £3.25m a year to keep the air ambulance operational.

local news |

VISIT THE NEW LEYKERS COFFEE BAR!

JOIN THE WESSEX MIDSUMMER VINTAGE SHOW COMMITTEE! The Midsummer Vintage Show organisers are desperate for more volunteerss

Leykers has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment

Leykers Coffee Bar in the centre of Trowbridge has long been a locals’ favourite. Now, following an extensive refurbishment and rejuvenation, it’s bigger and better than ever! The site now seats in excess of 150, including an extensive outdoor seating area.

Leykers also hosts live music by local artists every other Thursday, with more entertainment nights being added this autumn. The café is also available for private hire; anything from a club’s AGM to a wedding reception can be accommodated, with capacity to cater for up to 100 guests. If you As well as serving excellent coffee are still on the lookout for a festive from 7am, Leykers is also fully party venue, Leykers is a great licensed and offers late night choice, with cocktails, canapes and opening until 10.30pm from live music all on the menu. Call Thursday to Saturday, with cocktails 01225 768844 to find out more. and bar snack bowls, perfect for an • leykers.co.uk after work drink or two.

RUN THE BATH HALF FOR THE RUH

Make every step you take from now until March count for patients and families cared for by the Royal United Hospitals Bath, by joining The Forever Friends Appeal’s Bath Half team today!

You can choose to run for any ward, department or campaign that is close to your heart and in

Raise money for any department at the RUH

return for your super hero efforts you’ll receive your own RUH team running vest, fundraising and training support and an invitation to the celebrations in the marquee (celebrating YOU and the charity’s 20th year of fundraising!)…and not forgetting, the biggest cheers on race day in the RUH’s home city!

The Wessex Stationary Engine Cub Ltd will once again be staging the Wessex Midsummer Vintage Show in Semington on the weekend of 15 & 16 June 2019.

The event raises much needed funds for the Children’s Hospice South West and the organising committee are desperately on the hunt for more volunteers to help with the show. The event will be in its 11th year in 2019, and it is hoped that a fresh influx of helpers will ensure its continued success in bringing locals and visitors alike out to enjoy a special day. With over 300 vintage and classic exhibits on site along with living history groups, a working sectino of old crafts, a craft marquee and trade area, it’s a great community event.

Charity places are available for £35, with a pledge to raise £175 for our patients. To join the team, please visit the website or contact Maddy in the Events Team on 01225 825823. If you already have your place, we would love to welcome you on board too, just get in touch!

So, if you would like to make new friends and get involved helping the life limited children of The Children’s Hospice South West then join the friendly group running the Wessex Midsummer Show. And it’s not all work, there is fun to be had and social events for its members too! Call Eric Gay on 01225 754374 to find out more.

• foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk

• wessexsec.org THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

13

The Vintage Bazaar

Saturday 17th November The Corn Exchange, Devizes 9am - 3pm

Antique-Vintage-Brocante-Handmade

thevintagebazaar.blogspot.com

Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary Saving stray & unwanted dogs since 1958

image © Steve Nash

60

• 1958 - 2018 • th

A N N I V E R S A RY

* NOTVALID IN CONJUNCTIONWITH OTHER OFFERS.VALID ON SATURDAYS BEFORE 8PM. EXPIRY DATE 31.12.18. ROAR

✃ ✃

WWM055

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

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

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

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

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

local news |

CHRISTMAS VINTAGE BAZAAR

T

his Christmas why not avoid the high street crowds and mass produced gifts and opt for beautiful antique, vintage and handmade delights instead? The Christmas Vintage Bazaar brings together the very best vintage dealers and designer/makers from all over the country and it returns to The Corn Exchange in Devizes on Saturday 17 November.

With beautiful antique gifts, vintage party dresses and handmade

“With beautiful antique gifts, vintage party dresses and handmade decorations you can do all your Christmas shopping in one relaxed place.”

decorations you can do all your Christmas shopping in one relaxed place. The bazaar’s knowledgeable dealers have been busily sourcing stunning vintage goodies from here at home and brocantes in France ready for the event so be sure not to miss it.

The Christmas Vintage Bazaar is a great place to find a unique gift

As well as textiles and homewares you’ll also find vintage children’s books and games, toys, one of a kind jewellery, beautifully crafted handbags and hats, Observer’s books and maps too: perfect if you are on the lookout for something truly unique this Christmastime Doors open at 9am and the event finishes at 3pm. For further information follow Vintage Bazaar on FB/Instagram or at their blog.

• thevintagebazaar.blogspot.com

XMAS @ THE HUBNUB CENTRE

T

he HUBnub Centre is a thriving community venue in a beautifully restored church.

It nestles in the heart of Frome and has been lovingly created for the community to enjoy and share together. A place to Eat, Learn, Play, Get Together!

This festive season brings fantastic events and workshops to the HUBnub Centre. To start there is the Sisters Guild Archive Sale on Friday

“This festive season brings fantastic events and workshops to the HUBnub Centre.”

9 November so come and grab those gorgeous bargains, perfect for Christmas pressies followed by Luxury Christmas Wreath-Making

Workshops run by the brilliant Bramble and Wild taking place on Saturday 1 December.

full of colour. The Private View takes place on Friday 9 November from 6.30pm - all are welcome.

There will be family fun with the • hubnubcentre.com magical Music for Miniatures on Saturday 15 December for their Christmas show, bringing classical music to babies and young children, and the centre are delighted to show their first ever family panto bought to you by OOOH ARRR Productions showing their Pantomime ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ on Saturday 22 December.

The HUBnub Gallery will be showcasing local artist Susanna Lisle with her beautiful solo show starting on Saturday 10 November until the New Year. Her beautiful large-scale paintings are inspired by nature’s pattern through the seasons and are

Troubadour 2012 oil on canvas by Susanna Lisle

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

15

| local news

NEW WADSWICK COUNTRY STORE

W

adswick Country Store is a family-owned and operated business based just outside Corsham. They sell a wide range of equipment and clothing with top brands including Dubarry, Musto, Schöffel, Barbour and Joules to name just a few. They

also have an extensive collection of footwear including Fairfax & Favor and Le Chameau wellies. As equine specialists, Wadswick is also the place to come for protective gear – they have qualified staff on hand to fit both body protectors and safety hats correctly.

Wadswick’s extensive works include a stylish new entrance and cafe

As well as clothing, at this time of year look out for wonderful gifts for the whole family (pets included!) as well as stunning accessories for the home.

Alternatively, their shooting simulator makes a fantastic gift for seasoned shooters, beginners and groups. This year, extensive work has taken place to create a stylish new shop entrance and cafe so why not head over and enjoy a relaxing shopping experience in the countryside?

• wadswick.co.uk

WILTSHIRE RURAL MUSIC EVENTS

T

he Christmas Tune@Noon on 5 December will feature the Wiltshire Rural Music choir Bratton Sings, as well as local choir Clarity and Bratton Silver Band (who both performed at the Christmas Special last year).

There will be mince pies and a chance for the audience to sing some well-known carols. As usual the tickets are just £5, to

“The beginners Uke Group will run throughout the Autumn term and is open to anyone with an interest in taking up the instrument” include a cup of tea/coffee and a mince pie. Book your spot via the website.

16

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

The beginners Uke Group will run throughout the Autumn term and is open to anyone interested in taking up the instrument.

You don’t need to own a ukulele either, as they have some available at their hub.

The term will culminate in a performance at a venue in Trowbridge town centre (TBC).

Bratton Sings is going from strength to strength but organisers are still on the look out for more singers, particularly basses and tenors.

It is an open-access community choir who sing songs in a variety of styles, but always a cappella.

The sessions are full of fun and you will leave feeling uplifted - singing in a group is brilliant for your mental wellbeing! Get in touch if you are interested in joining!

Following the success of the drumming sessions at the Music On Your Doorstep event in Holt, Wiltshire Rural Music invites you to come and have a go at African drumming with experienced workshop leader Justin Fellowes. Ngoma Dzeholt! (Drums of Holt!) is great fun and suitable for all ages and abilities.

The cost is just £25 for 5 sessions (£15 for under 16s).

• wiltshireruralmusic.co.uk

| food news

THE LEAF & BEAN TRADING CO

L

eaf & Bean is a unique concept store based in The Shambles in Bradford on Avon. A family run business, it specialises in top end grown produce including luxury chocolates, coffee, loose leaf teas and tobacco. They have a wide variety of fine hand rolled and machine made cigars from Cuba, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic and Holland in their walk-in humidor, alongside pipes and associated accessories – ideal if you are on the lookout for a unique Christmas gift.

Alongside their tobacco products, Leaf & Bean also offers a huge range of craft chocolate bars, a counter full of handmade chocolates, and even refined sugar-free and vegan friendly chocolate items. There is

also a large selection of loose leaf teas and brewing equipment and locally eco-roasted, single origin coffee beans – perfect for the coffee lover in your life!

Leaf & Bean Trading Company was borne from passion and integrity. They enjoy and want to promote some of the amazing luxury products that originate from developing countries, whilst also giving the highest social and environmental benefits to those people and places. Theirs is a carefully selected range of products that they believe in and want to share, so they invite you to come and see, smell and taste the world!

Or, if you would prefer, you can also buy online from their website.

Leaf & Bean stock a huge range of craft chocolate... ...alongside their tobacco products

• leafandbeantrading.co.uk

VAUGHAN’S COOKERY SCHOOL

I

t’s that time of year when adverts tell us how many shopping days to Christmas and we start to rack our brains about what to buy friends and family. Look no further – a Vaughan’s Cookery School voucher is the perfect answer. Easy to buy online or over the phone - if you prefer to speak to a friendly person - all can be arranged in no time at all. Vouchers start from £30 and there are loads of courses to choose from: Mini Chefs

or Young Chefs for the younger ones in the family; Seafood Special, Speedy Meals, Indian, Thai, Bread making; Beginners; Gluten Free – just too many to list. Look at the website to see the whole range.

They also have special guest tutors such as Juanita Hennessey, a finalist on MasterChef 2016. For the festive season, why not try something different for your works Christmas party/outing? They are offering a Dickensian Christmas culinary challenge this year. Basically you cook your own Christmas dinner – with some help, of course, and the washing up is done for you. It’s a lot of fun and something just a bit different. It’s definitely worth finding out more…

• vaughanskitchen.co.uk

18

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Vaughan’s offers a huge range of courses

HAM GREEN, HOLT BA14 6PY

Christmas Menu

2 COURSES £18.95 3 COURSES £23.95 SMALLER PORTIONS: 2 COURSES £12.95 3 COURSES £16.95

Served 1st December – 24th December. Pre-bookings only.

Starters

Smoked salmon & dill pâté Creamy tomato soup with warm ciabatta Baked camembert with half baguette* * not available with smaller portions

Mains

Roast turkey with all the trimmings Beef braised with red wine & cranberry Homemade nut roast Smoked haddock, salmon & cod in a creamy dill sauce

Desserts

Traditional Christmas pudding with brandy butter Homemade chocolate brownie Homemade coffee crème brulee with shortbread Homemade Sticky Toffee Pudding with butterscotch sauce FOR BOOKINGS PLEASE CALL 01225 782581 OR EMAIL THEOLDHAMTREE@GMAIL.COM WWW.THEOLDHAMTREE.COM

Purveyors of ethical, sustainable, luxury grown products A unique concept store, we offer a handpicked range of tobacco and fine cigars, specially selected loose teas and coffee beans from the same growing regions.

We also have a selection of handmade local chocolates, vegan chocolates, and a range of artisanal ‘bean to bar’ chocolate bars.

01225 571 520 kate@leafandbeantrading.co.uk 10 The Shambles, Bradford on Avon BA15 1JS

The Cheese Shop 5 Market Street, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1LH

Retailer of fine cheese, quality delicatessen produce, gifts & hampers Taking pre-Christmas orders from 1 Nov - 8 Dec

Open daily from 11 December

t: 01225 920240 e: info@cheese-shop.co.uk

www.cheese-shop.co.uk

We are now taking orders for our locally reared Bronze Turkeys and Geese as well as all your Christmas favourites.

All our staff are qualified to offer an efficient, reliable and personal service, using traditional methods of butchery. tel: 01985 213052 | www.cjrobbins.co.uk 76 Market Place, Warminster BA12 9AW

Festive

food & drink |

Feasts With our bounty of fantastic local producers and retailers, eating well in the West Country at Christmas is easy. Here are some of the best around…

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

21

| food & drink your door every month – the perfect gift for the chocoholic in your life!

There are one off boxes costing £9 and a 3 month box costing just £27, including postage! For that you get some delicious products every month and each box is different.

Allington has a fine range of hampers available

As well as Christmas, ARJ Chocolate is on hand to cater for your every chocolate need throughout the year, including Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Easter, birthdays and weddings.

They can supply you with chocolate whatever the occasion!

07850 408296 | arjchocolate.co.uk

ALLINGTON FARM SHOP

Allington Bar Farm, Allington, Chippenham At Christmas Allington Farm Shop is packed full of delicious Christmas goodies, premium Christmas trees and unusual gift ideas including fabulous hampers tailor made to your requirements; there are a huge range of hamper baskets ready to be filled to the brim with the goodies of your choice. There is an extensive range of locally produced goods on sale (any of which can be included) from local cheese, chutneys and biscuits, fine wines, local ales and ciders, preserves, cakes and chocolates to an entire Christmas Dinner! Christmas orders are now being taken in the inhouse butchery; home reared turkeys are naturally matured on the farm, just behind the shop, in large open fronted barns on deep straw bedding. Turkeys are dry plucked, hand finished and then hung for at least 7 days in cold rooms; a process that preserves the natural texture and enhances the superior flavour of the bird. As well as home reared turkeys, the butchery specialises in local free range cockerels, chickens, geese, ducks and home cooked hams, all cuts of pork, beef and lamb as well as local seasonal game, dry cured bacon and gammon joints and homemade sausages and faggots.

22

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Christmas Trees are on sale from 24 November and they have two Christmas events this year; a Tasting Day on Saturday 24 November (10am – 3.30pm) and a Christmas Shopping Evening on Friday 7 December (5pm – 8pm).

01249 658112 | allingtonfarmshop.co.uk

ARJ CHOCOLATE

Buy Online ARJ Chocolate is a Trowbridge-based local business that sells beautiful handmade chocolate to order. Now is one of their busiest times of the year; last year they got through over 25,000 grams of chocolate!

As all ARJ’s chocolate is handmade they can make one off orders and personalise your chocolate too. There are lots of different options available for Christmas, with bunnies, truffles, selection boxes and much more besides. They also have a brand new chocolate subscription box where you can get chocolate delivered to All ARJ’s Chocolate is handmade

“The Cheese Shop is a retailer of fine cheese and quality delicatessen produce” THE CHEESE SHOP

5 Market Street, Bradford on Avon The Cheese Shop, just up Market Street hill in Bradford on Avon, is a retailer of fine cheese and quality delicatessen produce including local ham, pâtés, olives, jams, chutneys, biscuits, wine, luxury chocolates, gifts, hampers and much more! Perfect treats whatever the occasion, they are also taking pre-orders for the festive season from 1 November until 8 December for your perfect cheese board at Christmas or for gift hampers for that someone special - book early to avoid disappointment! They are also open daily from 11 December through to Christmas Eve for you to pop in.

01225 920240 | cheese-shop.co.uk

CJ ROBBINS

76 Market Place, Warminster CJ Robbins is a Warminster institution; having occupied its premises in the Market Place for three generations it is now owned and run by Chris Robbins.

Business is thriving largely thanks to the simple principle of offering a good quality product at a reasonable

The Deli at Corsham Licensed Delicatessen & Cheesemonger

Bronwen & her team welcome you to visit and explore the impressive selection of delicatessen favourites including award-winning chutneys, pickles & jams.

Delicious bespoke hampers available Why not stay for a coffee or pick up a delicious filled baguette or sandwich whilst you are here?

18 High Street, Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 0ES Tel: 01249 716091 | www.thedeliatcorsham.co.uk

ARJ CHOCOLATE Delicately Handmade Chocolates

ORDER ONLINE NOW FOR XMAS!

Bunnies, Advent Calendars, Personalised Chocolate Bars, Selection Boxes, Crackers, Truffles, Hot Chocolate & much more!

07850 408296 a-r-j@hotmail.co.uk www.arjchocolate.co.uk

Award Winning, Family Run, Farm Shop Established for over 30 years Selling Quality Local Produce Open Daily 9am – 6pm, 10am – 5pm on Sundays

Premium Christmas Trees on sale from Saturday 24th November

HOME & LOCALLY REARED FRESH MEAT, POULTRY & GAME HOMEMADE SAUSAGES, BURGERS & FAGGOTS Christmas Orders Now Being Taken Join us for our Tasting Day on Saturday 24th November, 10am-3.30pm and our Christmas Shopping Evening on Friday 7th December, 5pm-8pm LOCAL CHEESES & HOME COOKED MEATS LOCALLY GROWN VEGETABLES, FRUIT & SALADS HOMEMADE CAKES & PIES LOCALLY MADE CHOCOLATES & FUDGE FINE WINE, LOCAL ALE & CIDER PRESERVES & CHUTNEYS GIFT HAMPERS www.allingtonfarmshop.co.uk TEL: 01249 658112 Allington Bar Farm, Chippenham, SN14 6LJ

| food & drink price. They source many of their wares from local established micro food wholesalers, including farmers, cheese makers and egg producers, all of whom value the small business and operate exacting welfare codes, producing free range food with complete traceability. Right now they are taking orders for locally reared Woolley Park Farm bronze turkeys and geese as well as all your usual Christmas favourites, including superb beef, ducks and cockerels, local pork and lamb as well as Sandridge Farm dry cured bacon and products.

01985 213052 | cjrobbins.co.uk

Edington Farm Shop carries gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian and vegan products

Why not request a delicious hamper, made to order? They create a unique gift for Christmas or any other special occasion. Whilst you’re there, you could also stop for a coffee or pick up a delicious filled baguette or sandwich; the perfect way to sample what The Deli has to offer.

01249 716091 | thedeliatcorsham.co.uk

EDINGTON FARM SHOP

The Deli at Corsham creates fantastic made to order hampers

THE DELI AT CORSHAM

18 High Street, Corsham The Deli is your one stop shop for some of the finest foods in the region. It is a licensed delicatessen and cheesemonger offering a superb selection of artisan cheeses, as well as some continental and local cold meats. As you would expect there are also many other delicatessen favourites – including delicious freshly baked pastries and quiches, a selection of olives and some award winning chutneys, pickles and jams. For those with more of a sweet tooth, take a look at The Deli’s tasty cakes, biscuits and quality chocolates. You can also take home some aromatic freshly ground coffee and impressive wines.

24

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

47 Westbury Road, Edington Surrounded by the picturesque valleys and downland of Wiltshire, Edington Farm Shop is a destination for foodies and shoppers alike.

Housed in a beautiful oak timber frame structure, they present a light-filled space that celebrates the convergence of traditional farm shop and fresh foods café.

free, vegetarian and vegan products.

Gift certificates and customizable gift baskets are also available. Edington Farm Shop is also a unique venue to host your next private event.

01380 830940 | threedaggers.co.uk

“Elliott’s Traditional Butchers has a great local reputation for their high quality, keenly priced meat.”

ELLIOTT’S TRADITIONAL BUTCHERS

4 High Street, Westbury Based on Westbury High Street, Elliott’s Traditional Butchers has a great local reputation for their high quality, keenly priced meat. All locally sourced and supplied, owner Andy Elliott and his Stop by the café for homemade team are now taking bookings for breakfast or lunch, or grab any of their Christmas and are offering local free house specialties to take with you. range bronze turkeys (which they Seasonally relevant produce, meat, can bone and roll for you at no extra eggs, bread, wines, cheeses and other charge) and turkey crowns as well staples are available year round. They as free range geese, Gressingham also provide an assortment of distinct ducks and locally reared pork, lamb locally and regionally sourced goods. and beef. They have smoked and These goods range from farm fresh unsmoked back bacon, gammon food products to the handcrafted work joints, sausage meat, chipolatas and of area artists and artisans, including pigs in blankets too. If it’s easier, they the classically-styled ales from Three also offer Christmas Meat Boxes – filled Daggers Brewery team downstairs. with everything you might need The store carries gluten-free, dairyif you are entertaining friends and

TRADITIONAL BUTCHERS

Now taking orders for Christmas including Turkeys, Cooked ham joints, Geese, Pork, Lamb & Beef. All meat is locally sourced and supplied.

CHRISTMAS MEAT BOXES AVAILABLE ONLINE & IN STORE!

4 High Street, Westbury BA13 3BW tel 01373 865948 Elliotts Traditional Butchers

f

SHOPPING EVENTS

CAFÉ

WESTBURY ROAD EDINGTON WESTBURY WILTSHIRE BA13 4PG

MARKET

TELEPHONE 01380 830 940 THREEDAGGERS.CO.UK

CRAFT BEER

| food & drink

Farleigh Road Farm Shop is holding a Christmas Tasting Event on Wednesday 21 November

family this festive season. Order forms are available now, and orders will be taken up to a week before Christmas – subject to availability.

FARLEIGH ROAD FARM SHOP

Norton St Philip, Nr Bath Farleigh Road Farm Shop & Café, 01373 865948 | Find us on Facebook based 6 miles south of Bath on the FAIRFIELD FARM CAFE, A36, offers a fantastic selection of homemade produce and gourmet SHOP & POST OFFICE treats. On Wednesday 21 November 43 High Street, Dilton Marsh they are holding a Christmas Tasting Fairfield Farm Café, Shop and Post Event from 4pm til 7pm with a Office can be found in Dilton Marsh, chance to try great festive food and near Westbury. The shop and post drink from local suppliers as well as office stocks fresh Christmas veggies fabulous delicacies made in their and has recently introduced a new own farm shop kitchen. The instore range of gifts from Rex, London which butchery is now taking orders for make ideal Christmas presents. locally reared turkeys, grass fed geese and all your other Christmas “Pre-order your favourites.

homemade Christmas Cake from the shop by Friday 16 November”

Fairfield Farm Café, Shop and Post Office

Pre-order your homemade Christmas Cake from the shop by Friday 16 November and collect, iced, decorated and boxed in time for Christmas.

Be sure to head over for Fairfield’s Christmas Fair on Friday 7 December, 6-8pm at the college. There will be lots of stalls, Christmas goodies and lovely festive gift ideas, with all funds raised going to directly benefit the students of the college.

01373 823028 | ffc.ac.uk

26

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Their award-winning café is now taking bookings for their seasonal lunch menu – available from Monday 10 to Friday 14 December – and their Christmas Evening Menu, which is being served on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 December. Places are limited so be sure to book early!

01225 720006 | farleighroadfarmshop.co.uk

H.F. STILES & SON LTD

22 High Street, Bromham H.F. Stiles & Son is a traditional family run butcher supplying quality beef, pork and lamb from their own

abattoir. As well as meat joints they also sell their own homecooked meats and handmade and homecooked pies, pasties, scotch eggs, quiches and sausage rolls. Stiles is well known locally for supplying the catering trade, but they are equally at home selling their wares to the general public from their High Street shop. This Christmas, they have special Christmas boxes available. These contain a beautiful fresh Usk Vale turkey, a homecooked ham joint, homemade chestnut and sausagemeat stuffing, homemade chipolata sausages, homecured streaky bacon and a luxury cranberry sauce – delicious. Boxes vary in size to cater for 4 to 10 people and turkey crown, beef and cooked meat boxes are available too.

01380 850342 | hfstiles.co.uk

HARTLEY FARM SHOP

Winsley, BA15 2JB The shelves are starting to fill with festive fayre and the nights are drawing in but the real launch of Christmas comes with Hartley’s annual Christmas Market! This year it is being held on Saturday 1 December.

Expect a foodie’s festive dream with some of their favourite local suppliers, plenty of homemade treats, carols and food demonstrations too. There will also be plenty to try from this year’s butchers’ Christmas order form. Recently awarded a Great Taste Award Gold Winner, an order with the butchers at Hartley will ensure you are buying the best quality meat from named local farms for your family and friends this Christmas.

01225 864948 | hartley-farm.co.uk

LOWDEN FARM SHOP

at Lowden Garden Centre, Shaw 2018 has been a busy year in Lowden Farm Shop. Along with the bigger butchery and deli counters they now have an extensive range of foods sourced from all over Europe, perfect for foodies.

H.F. STILES & SON LTD Special Christmas Menu in our café Lunch 10th -14th December Evening 14th & 15th December Booking Essential

Christmas Tasting Event

Wednesday 21st December 4-7pm Festive Food & Drink Gift Ideas & Hampers

FAMILY BUTCHERS

CHRISTMAS BOXES Fresh Usk Vale Turkey Home Cooked Ham Joint Homemade Chestnut & Sausagemeat Stuffing Homemade Chipolata Sausages Home Cured Streaky Bacon Luxury Cranberry Sauce

4 people £49.50 6 people £67.50 10 people £89.50 Turkey Crown, Beef & Cooked Meat Boxes also available Please phone for more details or to place an order 22 High Street, Bromham, Chippenham SN15 2EX Telephone: (01380) 850342

Paxcroft Farm Shop Home of Wiltshire’s Finest Eggs

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

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

| food & drink The farm shop is packed with fresh vegetables, the butchery with amazing local meat and the deli with delicious cheese, olives, meats and scrumptious homemade goodies, they have a great selection of Hobbs House breads along with delicious homemade cakes.

Lowden are holding a Christmas Market on Friday 16 (6pm to 8pm) and Saturday 17 (9.30am to 4pm) November, where you will be able to taste their delicious produce and meet their suppliers. The farm shop is taking Christmas orders right up until 16 December.

01225 702345 | lowdengardencentre.com

NESTON FARM SHOP

Atworth, SN12 8HP Neston Farm Shop is an aladdin’s cave of Christmas food, gifts and treats! The team at Neston also have a wonderful selection of hampers for the perfect foodie gift, or if you fancy something a bit more bespoke for that special person you can create your own!

You can place your Christmas orders now with local meat supplied by the award winning butchers at their sister site, Hartley Farm Shop. The kitchen also has a rather mouth watering Christmas party menu available for your festive gathering. Whether you are after a formal or informal

celebration with friends, family or colleagues, Neston Farm Shop & Kitchen is a beautiful location to kick off the Christmas calendar!

01225 700881 | nestonfarmshop.co.uk

PAXCROFT FARM SHOP

Hilperton, Trowbridge Edward Oatley moved his already successful farm to Paxcroft back in 1947, starting a pedigree Friesian dairy herd as well as producing over 500,000 chicks every year. In the 1960s The Oatley Family at Paxcroft Farm changed to commercial egg production and cereal farming. Since then, over 400 million eggs have been produced at Paxcroft Farm under the best possible conditions, without health or environmental problems. Even though the farm has expanded to incorporate offices and workshops, today’s laying stock continues to produce over 15 million eggs a year. They also have their own farm shop.

Small, but perfectly formed, it is the ideal place to pick up your own supply of free range eggs – at half the price you’ll pay in the supermarket – as well as honey, homemade preserves and condiments, sauces

Lowden Farm Shop is hosting a Christmas Market on Friday 16 & Saturday 17 November

“As farmers themselves, Penleigh are proud to be a bit different, producing all the pork and lamb for the shop from their own rare breed pigs and sheep.” from Wiltshire Chilli Farm, awardwinning oils, snacks, soft drinks, sacks of locally grown potatoes and more besides.

01225 753060 | paxcroft.co.uk

PENLEIGH FARM & BUTCHERS

5 Stony Street, Frome Penleigh Farm & Butchers is an award winning butchers shop in Frome. As farmers themselves, they are proud to be a bit different, producing all the pork and lamb for the shop from their own rare breed pigs and sheep. Beef from traditional British breeds, free range chicken and game are all sourced from within a 30 mile radius of Frome, and all meat comes from the finest quality produce from ethical high welfare farmers. They also hand make all their sausages, faggots and stock Wiltshire dry cured bacon.

Penleigh have got Christmas covered, with free range white and bronze turkeys, geese, ducks, venison and their exceptional beef, which is aged to a minimum of 28 days. The turkeys are from a local farmer, where they are dry plucked and game hung for a couple of weeks to allow the flavour to develop. These are truly special and certainly different to the usual Christmas turkey. Pop in for a Christmas order form or email

28

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Local, sustainable, slow growing, high quality, well bred & overall yummy!

TRY OUR NEW DELIVERY SERVICE!

PLUS NOW TAKING ORDERS FOR ALL YOUR CHRISTMAS MEATS! 5 Stony Street, Frome BA11 1BU 01373 472331 | penleighfarm.co.uk

Toby Haynes

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

CHRISTMAS ORDERS NOW BEING TAKEN • Free Range Turkeys, Geese & Hams • Handmade Pies • Traditional Meats & Game • Friendly, helpful advice

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

| food & drink penleighbutchers@gmail.com. There is also a special offer on boneless turkey breast joints running from now until December, with large savings available if you want to buy now and freeze until the big day.

01373 472331 | penleighfarm.co.uk

TOBY HAYNES

32 High Street, Corsham Toby Haynes traditional family butchers opened on Corsham High Street in late 2015. Three years on and it has established a great local reputation for selling high quality meat at very reasonable prices; earlier this year it was voted Best Butcher in the South West by the Countryside Alliance Awards.

Toby Haynes endeavours to source all its meat from the local area, including free range chicken, traditional grass finished beef and wonderful seasonal game. As well as that they also make their own sausages and pies inhouse – delicious! With expert advice from their friendly staff, you needn’t go anywhere else when looking for a great turkey this Christmas. Theirs are free range and can be bought whole, butterflied or crowned. They also have goose, duck and cockerel as well as gammon, ham, rib of beef and all your favourite Christmas trimmings too.

01249 713253 | corshambutcher.co.uk

TWISTED BREWING CO

Commerce Close, Westbury Twisted Brewing is an authentic micro-brewery located in Westbury and has been brewing since 2014.

The team produce six core ales together with several seasonal beers throughout the year, which are supplied on a weekly basis into pubs, restaurants and farm shops throughout West Wiltshire.

As full brewing members of the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) the brewery has achieved a full quality

30

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Twisted Brewing Co have special gift packs available direct from their brewhouse

mark by being independently audited ensuring the brewing process meets or has exceeded the stringent criteria.

All the beer produced uses wholly natural products from both local suppliers in Wiltshire and from around the world to bring on-trend flavours and aromas into the local pubs.

Andrew Murray, owner and head brewer of the company studied for a General Certificate in Brewing from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling during 2016 in London, and has a passion for great beer. Andrew has created and maintained strong relationships with many businesses around Wiltshire, and has a preference to do business locally where possible.

Special gift packs of beer are available direct from the Brewhouse and can be ordered for Christmas.

01373 864441 | twisted-brewing.com

WHITEHALL FARM SHOP

Within Whitehall Garden Centre, Lacock With its Santa Grotto, ice rink and Award Winning Christmas department, Whitehall Garden Centre is already a hugely popular destination over the festive season, providing the perfect family day out. Its farm shop is fully stocked with high quality,

fresh local produce to cater for your daily essentials or your lavish festive entertainment this season. You’ll find a great selection of free range and gluten free products along with locally sourced meat from their in house butchery. Celebrate in style with their range of alcohols and liqueurs. Why not indulge this Boxing Day with some local meats, pickles and chutney or treat yourself to a selection of festive desserts and sweet treats? Alternativley, forget cooking and dine in style in one of their restaurants. Treat yourself to a luxury festive afternoon tea, breakfast or enjoy lunch. Whitehall’s restaurants provide the perfect ambience for your festive dining experience.

01249 730204 | whitehallgardencentre.co.uk

LOVEJOYS WHOLESALE

Wholesale Only Christmas is an exceptionally busy time in the hospitality industry. With venues fully booked for lunch and dinner sometimes 7 days a week, anything that can help save time is more than welcome. Lovejoys Wholesale, who already supply many of the top local eateries in Wiltshire and beyond, are renowned for the quality of the vegetables they supply. At this time of year many chefs will also be delighted to hear they can prepare that veg for you at their Melksham warehouse, delivering to you a wonderful product that has been cleaned and prepped, ready for the pot.

What’s more, they are proud to source their produce as locally as possible; this Christmas they are supplying their vegetables from Bromham, potatoes from Corsham and their Brussels sprouts from near Chippenham.

01225 708838 lovejoyswholesale.com

| food & drink

seasons eat the

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

A

s all of the growers in the area, and suppliers, are gearing up to the busiest time of year I am sure you are all doing the same. Things like starting to decide who is hosting Christmas lunch in the family, what presents to buy and visiting the Christmas market in Bath. On your list somewhere will be the vegetables to buy for visiting family and cosy winter meals.

You can order a fresh box of vegetables for Christmas, including all of the favourites from us through Dairy Home Team, your home delivery milkman. Place your order with them as soon as possible. Don’t contact us direct for it as they deal with the orders. You will be able to get local Bromham produce to eat for Christmas Day. Remember they do a veg box from us all

32

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

through the year as well if you ever fancy one.

This month we are putting Halloween and pumpkins behind us and by the time you read this I expect Bonfire night was successful and you enjoyed your jacket potatoes with your favourite fillings.

My favourite is baked beans and grated cheese on the top!

When you are in Bath at the Christmas Market please grab your bite to eat from the Stew in a Box shed outside the Pump Rooms by the Abbey. All of the produce is supplied by us, local where possible of course. They usually do a beef and apricot stew, with creamy mash plus a butternut one. Not only that the sticky toffee pudding is amazing!

Veg that are locally available are all root crops including leeks. Savoy cabbage and rainbow chard, kale and red cabbage are all

colourful on the plate. You will find local produce in farms shops, village shops and of course Dairy Home Team. Always look at the source of origin and try to use what has been

“Always look at the source of origin and try to use what has been grown closest to you, for the least food miles and, usually, the best taste.” grown closest to you, for the least food miles and, usually, the best taste. You are also supporting the local economy if you do this as well.

Have a good month.

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

recipes |

FEELING A LITTLE

pastry Warm up this autumn with these delicious pie and tart recipes from Waitrose.

Onion, olive & tomato galette

✃

Ingredients 1 tbsp olive oil 3 large onions, sliced 1 tsp caster sugar Handful oregano, leaves roughly chopped 320g cherry vine tomatoes 50g pitted dry black olives 225g plain flour, plus extra for dusting ½ tsp salt 110g unsalted butter, cubed & chilled 1 tsp nigella seeds 1 egg, beaten for glazing

Method Heat the oil in a large saucepan.

Fry the onions, ½ tsp sugar, the oregano and a pinch of salt over a medium heat for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden. Take off the heat. Stir in the tomatoes and olives; cool.

Serves 6

into a disc, wrap in cling film and chill for 20 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 180˚C; put a large, flat baking sheet in to heat up. Roll the pastry out on baking parchment to a circle about 3mm thick. Pile the onion mixture in the middle, leaving a 5cm border, then bring the pastry up around the filling.

Meanwhile, whizz the flour, Brush the exposed pastry with egg. remaining sugar and the salt in a Slide the galette, on the parchment, food processor. Pulse in the butter until it resembles breadcrumbs. Pulse onto the hot baking sheet. Bake for in the nigella seeds and 3-5 tbsp iced about 35 minutes until golden. Cool water until it comes to a ball. Shape for 10 minutes then serve.

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

33

| recipes

Leek & Caerphilly lattice tart Serves 6

Chicken, leek & mushroom puff pie Serves 6 Ingredients 1 tbsp olive oil 12 boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks 50g butter 2 leeks, sliced 250g chestnut mushrooms, quartered 1 tsp dried tarragon 50g plain flour, plus extra for rolling 150ml dry white wine 350ml whole milk 500g pack puff pastry 1 egg, lightly beaten Method Preheat the oven to 180°C. Batch fry the chicken in an oiled non stick pan over a medium heat for 4-5 minutes.

Set aside.

softened leeks and thyme.

Preheat the oven to 200°C. On a lightly floured surface, roll out threequarters of the pastry to the thickness of a £1 coin and cut out a 25cm x 35cm rectangle. Re-roll the trimmings and reserved pastry and cut out 12 long strips of varying widths.

Transfer the pastry rectangle to a non-stick flat baking sheet and spread with the mustard, leaving a narrow border. Spoon the potatoes Method and leek over the mustard, then dot Heat the butter in a large frying pan with the crème fraîche and cheese. over a medium heat and cook the Brush the border with egg and leeks and thyme for 5-10 minutes arrange the pastry strips on top of until softened. the filling, in a wide diagonal lattice.

Meanwhile, cook the potatoes in a Brush the pastry strips with more egg. saucepan of boiling water for 8-10 Bake for 25 minutes until the pastry minutes until just tender, then drain is cooked through and golden. Slice and transfer to a large bowl. Stir in the and serve warm.

34

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Roll out the pastry on a floured surface until just larger than the dish then trim the edge with a knife. Brush the edge of the dish with egg and stick on the pastry off-cuts. Brush with more egg then lay the pastry sheet over the dish and press the edges together. Trim the edge again and make 2 small holes in the centre for steam to escape then brush all over with egg. Bake for 35-40 minutes until piping hot. Delicious with salad or vegetables.

✃

Ingredients Small knob of unsalted butter 400g trimmed leeks, thinly sliced 3 fresh thyme sprigs, leaves stripped 300g Charlotte potatoes, diced Plain flour, for dusting 500g shortcrust pastry 2 tbsp wholegrain mustard 100g half fat crème fraîche 120g Caerphilly or Wensleydale cheese, crumbled 1 egg, beaten

Add the butter, leeks, mushrooms and tarragon and cook for 5 minutes. Add the flour and stir for 1 minute. Add the wine gradually, then slowly stir in the milk. Cook for 3 minutes or until thickened then season. Remove from the heat and stir the chicken and juices into the sauce. Leave to cool. Spoon into a 1.5-litre lipped pie dish.

✃

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

BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY WITH US TODAY!

AVAILABLE 1ST-23RD DECEMBER 2 COURSES £22, 3 COURSES £27 Delicious Seasonal 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 www.redlionheytesbury.co.uk 42A High Street, Heytesbury, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 0EA Open: Mon - Thurs 11am - 11pm, Friday - Sat 11am - 12pm, Sunday 11am - 6pm

CHRISTMAS

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

NOW TAKING CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS FESTIVE MENU 2 Courses £29.50 / 3 Courses £36 per person Available from 26th November until 22nd December

CHRISTMAS LUNCH £80 per person NEW YEAR’S EVE £70 per person Tel: 01249 717060

2 High Street, Corsham SN13 0HB

themethuenarms.com

| food & drink

MEET THE CHEF

RICHARD SYNAN, head chef and owner at The Weaving Shed in Bradford on Avon, talks apple tarte tatin, cooking for friends and fish and chips!

I love autumn. I love when the weather starts to turn so we can start cooking comfort foods.

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

The Barge Inn in Seend is a popular one for us. Usually in the winter so we can grab a bite to eat in front of the fire.

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

Usually something for sharing. Last time I cooked for friends, I ended up cooking a big chicken and mushroom pie. Simple, but tasty.

Richard started his career at Gordon Ramsay at Claridges

What was your first job in catering?

Gordon Ramsay at Claridges. I finished catering school in Edinburgh on the Friday, packed up and moved to London and started on the Monday!

all our dry goods and dairy.

What is your favourite dish on the menu?

Currently it’s a smoked beef brisket as a starter. It takes us 9 days to Where have you worked before? make from start to finish, so a lot of As well as Gordon Ramsay at Claridges, care and effort goes into what the L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, Lucknam customer receives on the plate. The Park and The Old Bell in Malmesbury. beef literally melts.

What is the first dish you mastered?

Apple tarte tatin. We used to make 20 a day every single day at Claridges.

Do you have any favourite local suppliers?

All our suppliers are within the local area. We are extremely lucky. We use Lovejoys for all our fruit and veg.

Walter Rose supply us with all our meat. Ashton Farms supply us with

36

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

What is the most memorable event you have cooked for?

A few years ago, I helped at an event called “Chefs Night Out” with Hywel Jones. It was a charity event in Cardiff and I loved it. We were cooking alongside a lot of top Michelin star chefs all with the aim of raising money for good causes.

Do you have a favourite season for food?

What’s your favourite kitchen gadget?

My mixer. The amount of things you can make in them is amazing. Cakes, bread… Love it.

And your guilty pleasure?

Fish and chips.

To make a reservation at The Weaving Shed call 01225 866519.

• weaving-shed.co.uk

Quality food freshly prepared for you

BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY TODAY! Dine & Disco Nights Friday & Saturday 7th & 8th, 14th & 15th December

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

www.thelambonthestrand.co.uk

“Brunch: the socially acceptable excuse for day drinking”

Christmas

CELEBRATION

Available from November

SERVED DAILY AT THE WEAVING SHED FROM 10AM - 12NOON

2 Courses £18.95 3 Courses £22.95

Come and join us for your Christmas celebration!

We’re also open for a

5 Course Christmas Day Lunch (£59.95 per person)

Call today to book!

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

TEL: 01225 866519 3 Bridge Yard, Kingston Mills Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire BA15 1EJ www.weaving-shed.co.uk

Christmas

Celebration

Available from November

Starters

Pea & mint soup with bread & butter (v) Classic prawn cocktail w. Marie Rose sauce Ham hock & pickled carrot terrine w. piccalilli & toast Camembert, fig & onion tart on a dressed walnut salad (v)

Mains

Turkey roulade with sausage meat, sage & onion stuffing,pigs in blankets, vegetables & roast potatoes Roast topside of beef w. Yorkshire pudding, vegetables, roast potatoes & horseradish sauce Salmon, lemon & parsley fishcakes w. sweet chilli mayonnaise, fries & dressed leaf salad Butternut squash, bean chilli & cheese pie with seasonal vegetables, potatoes & vegetarian gravy (v)

Puddings

Traditional Christmas pudding w. brandy sauce Chocolate and coconut tart w. vanilla ice-cream (v) Lemon meringue tartelette w. lemon sorbet (v) Selection of cheeses, grapes, celery, chutney & biscuits (v)

Situated on the picturesque Kennet & Avon Canal The Barge Inn offers excellent food, great Wadworth beers, an extensive wine list and much more.

We also cater for different events and functions with our own private function room. It really is a pub for all seasons!

WEDNESDAY SPECIAL

Every Wedneday, lunch and evening, enjoy 2 main course fish & chips for only £18.95!

NEW AUTUMN MENU! It’s fresh, seasonal & delicious!

CHRISTMAS PARTIES Call for menu details and availability!

Bar Open Mon - Sat 11am - 11pm Sun 11am - 10pm Food Served Mon - Fri 12pm - 2.30pm & 6pm-9pm Saturday 12pm - 9.30pm, Sunday 12pm - 8pm Sign up to our mailing list and get £5 off your food bill when you spend £20! Details on our website.

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

A

PUB

Rode, Frome, Somerset BA11 6AG

t 01373 831100 www.rodemill.co.uk

NOW TAKING CHRISTMAS PARTY BOOKINGS • Daily food specials • Heated terraces • Fine country dining • Function rooms • Legendary Sunday roasts • Warm welcome & efficient service

✃

ft

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

LIVE MUSIC

EVERY FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY Real Ales | Beer Garden | Pub Games Real Log Fires | Parking Next to Bradford on Avon Train Station Frome Road, Bradford On Avon, Wiltshire BA15 1LA Tel 01225 865876 Find us on Facebook

FTI

A WARM WELCOME AWAITS

With a hardworking team, wonderful locally sourced produce and a great selection of beers, wine and spirits this handsome bustling inn has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, where children and dogs are very welcome.

• REGULAR LIVE MUSIC • QUIZ NIGHTS & FUNDRAISERS • REAL ALES • GLUTEN FREE MENU • CAR PARK WINSLEY, BRADFORD ON AVON BA15 2LQ SEVENSTARSWINSLEY.CO.UK TEL: 01225 722204 ENQUIRIES@SEVENSTARSWINSLEY.CO.UK

OPEN: Mon-Thurs: 12pm-3pm, 6pm-10:30pm Fri-Sat: 12pm-11pm Sun: 12pm-10:30pm

THE

WESTBROOK

CHRISTMAS PARTY MENU 2 courses £24.99 per person • 3 courses £28.99 per person

STARTERS

Christmas Spiced Bromham Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Velouté (v) Oak Smoked Salmon Mousse with King Prawns Smooth Duck & Madeira Pate Smoked Haddock Somerset Brie Parcel (v)

MAINS

Traditional Roast Turkey Breast 28 Day Aged Scotch Sirloin Steak Santa’s Little Helper short-crust pastry pie Loch Duart Salmon Fillet Rack of Lamb Christingle Pie (v) Fig & Cranberry Nut Roast (v) *** All will be served with a selection of locally grown seasonal vegetables, roast and new potatoes, unless stated otherwise ***

DESSERTS

West Country Christmas Pudding Christmas Ice-cream Sundae Gordon’s Pink Gin & Raspberry Cheesecake Lindt Milk Chocolate Gateau Apple Crumble Festive Crème Brulee Cheese and Biscuits

CALL FOR AVAILABILITY & TO BOOK! Bromham, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 2EE tel 01380 850418 www.westbrookbromham.co.uk

christmas |

holidays coming ARE

Markets, fairs & lights switch ons are coming to town. Here is our rundown of the best of what’s happening over the coming weeks.

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

43

| christmas

Christmas in Corsham Christmas is coming and it’s time for all good boys and girls – and grown-ups, too – to make a festive wish and hope that it comes true.

To help that happen, Corsham’s Wishing Tree will be open for business on Saturday 1 December, from 10am-1pm. Visit the tree in the High Street to write your wish, pop it in a Christmas bauble and hang it on the branches. Wishes are free, but donations to the Chairman’s chosen charity are welcome. Then, on Friday 7 December, the Christmas lights go on in Corsham, and Father Christmas will be making a special visit, along with his reindeer! The Christmas Lights Switch On in Corsham features a Christmas market, entertainment, live music, fairground rides for younger children, and lots, lots more. The fun starts at 5pm, with the lights going on at 6pm.

• corsham.gov.uk

Christmas in Warminster Saturday 24 November marks the start of Christmas in Warminster with the fabulous annual Christmas Market at the Civic Centre, and in Three Horseshoes Walk, running from 10am until 4pm. The 30+ stalls this year will be packed with Christmas gift ideas from toys, crafts, beauty products, jewellery, Christmas wreaths and much more.

Santa will be in his grotto with gifts for the children and there’ll be festive music to entertain visitors too.

The High Street will be closed to traffic from 4.30pm to 7.30pm for the switch-on, which once again is focused around the Chapel of St Lawrence, where the town Christmas tree takes centre stage.

A lantern parade will process from Three Horseshoes Walk at 5.45pm, and there’ll be Charlie the donkey,

44

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Corsham’s lights switch on also features a market, entertainment, live music and fairground rides

Ice Skating & more at Whitehall

Awards). Children can also visit Father Christmas in his Grotto from 17 November until Christmas Eve. You can also meet their real reindeer and watch them being fed daily at 4pm from Saturday 3 November.

Whitehall Garden Centre in Lacock is one of the top festive destinations in the South West, providing families with the perfect day out this Christmas. Their spectacular ice rink is now open and will be available until Sunday 6 January 2019. View their award-winning Christmas decorations and displays (voted the best in the South West) and find the perfect present for your loved ones in their award-winning gift department (awarded by The Greats Gift Retailer

If you fancy it, you can also leave the cooking at home and treat yourself to a luxury festive afternoon tea, breakfast or lunch in one of their restaurants; they provide the perfect ambience for your festive dining experience. And once you’ve done all that, you can even pick up your Christmas tree – they have an extensive range of real Christmas trees in stock too!

• whitehallgardencentre.co.uk

Christmas carols, food and seasonal stalls in the Market Place too.

• warminstergov.co.uk

Whitehall is one of the best festive destinations in the region

| christmas

Lacock Abbey's Christmas Tree Festival Experience one of Lacock Abbey’s more recent Christmas traditions with over 20 beautifully decorated trees in set of the atmospheric medieval cloister. From Saturday 1 December until the new year you can view the handiwork of the local clubs, societies and charities who have decorated each tree differently to the theme of peace. Vote for your favourite in the festive ballot box.

As well as the festival there is also a festive family trail to enjoy and an opporunity to meet Father Christmas on selected dates in December – see the website for details and to book.

The experience lasts approximately 30 minutes, with Mother Christmas telling a story and Father Christmas giving gifts to each child. The experience costs £8 for each child, which includes admittance. Adults are free, but charges will apply for entry for non-members.

• nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock

"Experience one of Lacock Abbey's more recent Christmas traditions with over 20 beautifully decorated trees in set of the atmospheric medieval cloister."

Lowden Christmas Market Lowden is welcoming in the season with a fabulous Christmas Market on Friday 16 November (6-8pm) & Saturday 17 November (9.30am-4pm) in their marquee.

It will be brimming with gifts, decorations, jewellery, stocking fillers, wreath making, floral decorations and festive food & drink tasting from their Farm Shop and local suppliers.

On the Friday and Saturday there will be Christmas songs, roasting

46

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

chestnuts & fabulous food, on the Friday they will be kicking off the event with festive fizz & mince pies.

There will be a raffle in aid of Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

• lowdengardencentre.com

"Whilst Bath Guildhall Market offers everything you need all under one roof throughout the year, at Christmas things really step up"

The Christmas Tree Festival is a real crowd favourite at Lacock Abbey

Bath Guildhall Market Whilst Bath Guildhall Market offers everything you need all under one roof throughout the year, at Christmas things really step up and the excitement and buzz of its annual Christmas Market is not to be missed. Extending out of the building next to the Market Café, large interlinked centrally heated marquees are erected in the car park at the rear housing an amazing array of fabulous seasonal gifts for everyone. There’s also a licenced seated bar serving locally brewed Abbey Ales, beers, wines, hot mulled wine and hot speciality Italian foods with ‘live’ entertainment throughout the day.

This year’s Christmas Market runs for 18 days from Thursday 22 November until Sunday 9 December – entrances on Orange Grove (next to Browns and opposite Bath Abbey), Pulteney Bridge (side of The Empire) and High Street (next to The Guildhall). The marquees are open from 10am each day until 7pm

Monday to Wednesday and until 8.30pm Thursday to Saturday and Sunday until 6pm.

• bathguildhallmarket.co.uk

Longleat Festival of Light In 2018, Longleat’s extraordinary Festival of Light will take you on a fantastic voyage. More than 645 breath-taking, illuminated lanterns, adorning over 30 acres the Estate, will transform Longleat as darkness splendid falls.

This year Longleat are inviting guests to join a thrilling expedition around the world, journeying through time and space with three new characters, Harry and Bea, a plucky brother and sister, and their fearless terrier companion, Monty.

In each lantern scene the intrepid trio can be found exploring wondrous locations, from the exotic to the glacial, filled with astonishing creatures, magnificent scenery, stunning structures and sensational modes of transportation.

S.L. Corden & Sons

We are a traditional hardware store with a modern twist. Come to us for...

• Household Items • Ironmongery • Tools • Paint • DIY • Electrical • Key Cutting • Gardening • Camping Equipment • Sugarcraft • Gifts

THE CHRISTMAS SHOP IS NOW OPEN! 4 High Street, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 9AE | 01985 212115 | s.fraser2@btconnect.com

| christmas Marvel as these heroes take flight in a glorious hot air balloon. Be amazed as they trek by camel to the immense Great Pyramid of Giza towering 20 metres into the night sky, and gaze in awe at the 28 metre-long classic train, the Longleat Flyer, as it glides through the dark in a cloud of steam. Guests will be enthralled as a rocket ship blasts off into the dazzling solar system, gargantuan dinosaurs loom from prehistoric vegetation and medieval knights on horseback surround a castle’s battlements with bows and swords drawn.

The seasonal spectacle continues with the 50ft enchanted Christmas Tree Show, Longleat House dressed for a 1920s Christmas and the much loved Santa Train. You can also enjoy all of their other famous attractions too. The Festival of Light takes place on selected dates from Friday 9 November until Sunday 6 January 2019.

• longleat.co.uk

Box Christmas Market The Box Christmas Market is back after a two year break and will be welcoming all to the Selwyn Hall, Box on Sunday 2 December from 2 - 5pm.

Longleat’s Festival of Light opens on Friday 9 November

Christmas cakes by Lyn’s Cakes.

Entry is FREE although there will be a donation pot if anyone wishes to make a contribution.

• Find them on Facebook

NSPCC Christmas Fair On Thursday 29 November at Codford Village Hall, Warminster & District NSPCC are hosting their annual Christmas Fair from 10am-3pm. Entrance is free, there’s an excellent raffle and a large variety of stalls selling clothing, jewellery, beauty products, books and a wider choice of gifts than in previous years. There’ll also be NSPCC food, Christmas cakes and cakes for Bridge teas, preserves, bowls of indoor bulbs and NSPCC Christmas cards too. You can pick up some presents for the family and perhaps a little indulgence for yourself. Cheque books are advisable as some stallholders don’t take credit/debit cards. All in all it promises some time for some stress free shopping and a coffee, or a drink with friends.

• Find them on Facebook

This event provides a magical Christmas experience with stalls displaying local products, a scrumptious cafe to tickle the taste buds and Year 6 pupils from Box Primary School showcasing their entrepreneurial talents - all under one roof, a haven from any winter weather. This year expect a wide selection of offerings including handmade items such as candles, toys and home décor as well as the gorgeous silver jewellery by Rebecca Head along to St Margaret’s Hall in Bradford on Avon and start your Hanwell, personalised prints by festive season early by browsing an designer Kaz Lammie and delicious

Made in BOA Christmas Market

48

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

array of festive stalls offering unique local and handmade products. This special event has been created due to the popularity of the permanent Made in Bradford on Avon Community Arts Centre, which is home to over 100 local artists and creators. Cakes, coffee and raffles are provided by a local charity for exhausted shoppers too! The market will be open from 10am – 4pm.

• Find them on Facebook

Step into Christmas at Steam On Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 December at Swindon’s STEAM Museum you can step into a wonderland of over 50 Christmas market stalls set amidst the museum’s fabulous story-telling displays and famous GWR locomotives. Find that unique gift from hand crafted silver jewellery, photographic prints, glass artworks and home furnishings to Christmas tree decorations, wooden toys, traditional games, Christmas tree decorations, chutneys and luxury confectionery. Admission costs £1 for children (15 years and under) and seniors (65+), £3 for adults (or £5 for two adults), and under 3s go free!

• steam-museum.org.uk

Davies of Westbury DIY, Gardening & Cook Shop

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

EVERYTHING FOR THE HOME & GIFTS! FREE DELIVERY TO WESTBURY & SURROUNDS OPEN Monday to Saturday 9am - 5.30pm (Sunday CLOSED)

24 Edward Street, Westbury, BA13 3BD

Tel 01373 822431 www.daviesofwestbury.co.uk

Christmas

Christmas Department NOW OPEN!

at 288 Frome Rd, Trowbridge, Wilts BA14 0DT www.trowbridgegardencentre.co.uk Tel 01225

763927

Christmas Trees, Gifts, Lights, Children’s Toys, Decorations, Wreaths, Garlands & much much more!

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

| christmas

CHRISTMAS MARKET PHOTOGRAPHY Get out and about and take some great shots this festive season with these fantastic tips from FIONA TURNBULL at Lacock Photography.

your favourite glistening bauble or gorgeous ornament, and make it pop by using a blurred Christmaslight background! To achieve this blurred effect, use a shallow depth of field by selecting a low F number or setting your camera to Portrait or Macro mode. Look out for other light sources such as fires, candles and lanterns, as they’ll also make for festive backgrounds and will add some warmth to your winter shot.

C

Capture markets in the evening. The low light levels and colourful Christmas lights will make your scene more magical

hristmas Markets are one of the best things about the season, and a festive playground for any photographer!

They are everything we love about Christmas; the lights, the gifts, the calorific treats; and not to forget the potent mulled wine! So, as soon as the markets start to pop up, capture the spirit of the season by following these top tips to Christmas market photography!

SHOOT IN THE EVENING Have a go at photographing Christmas markets in the evening; low light levels contrasted with colourful Christmas lights will make your scene even more magical. For the best results, use a tripod, or if you do shoot handheld, select a fast shutter speed and a high ISO to avoid a blurry image. A top tip for handheld photography is to make yourself as steady as possible by leaning against

50

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

a solid object when taking your shot; this will minimise camera-shake and hopefully help your image turn out crystal clear! However, don’t worry if your snap isn’t perfectly sharp, as a little motion blur is a great way to represent the hustle and bustle of your Christmas setting.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Always use Christmas lights as a backdrop, rather than the centrepiece of your image; a straightforward fairy-light shot can turn out a tad boring. Explore the market and find

PHOTOGRAPH PEOPLE Christmas markets provide the perfect opportunity to capture some amazing portrait shots: the markets are packed with people from all walks of life; all eating, drinking and having fun, and the anonymity of a crowd means you can catch some beautifully candid moments! When photographing people, always focus on your subjects’ eyes and select a fast shutter speed.

Pay extra attention to your festive backdrop when taking people shots; your background should pack a Christmas punch but should not distract from your portrait shot.

Online course booking and Christmas gift certificates are available for all courses on the website.

• lacockphotography.com

| travel

CO-OPERATIVE TRAVEL Your local branch of Co-operative Travel in Melksham can help with all your travel needs, from luxury worldwide travel to UK mini breaks.

Travel advisor Sue alongside the Amadeus Royal

A

s your local independent travel agent, Co-operative Travel Melksham can offer you the widest selection of holiday destinations with unbiased advice and award winning customer service.

Branch Manager Ian and his team are well travelled and between them have visited many destinations including South Africa, Costa Rica, Norway and Gibraltar to name just a few. Specialising in all aspects of Travel, Ian said that ‘Cruising and escorted touring have proven very popular over the past few years’.

Branch manager Ian

52

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

The team at Melksham’s Co-Operative Travel can help you plan your next holiday adeventure

Sue, a Travel Advisor at Co-operative Travel Melksham, recently had the opportunity to experience a Saga River Cruise from Strasbourg to Amsterdam, saying it was ‘one of the best trips she has ever been on’ and that the ship, the Saga Amadeus Royal was ‘comfortable and homely and provided great value for money cruising’. A new addition to the river cruise vessels from Saga, the Amadeus Royal offers impressive facilities and delicious cuisine as well as spacious, comfortable public rooms with generous windows for you to enjoy the scenery.

Saga are also delighted to sponsor Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure, and you can follow in her footsteps with their handpicked collection of journeys from Europe to the Far East.

From the wine regions of Georgia and the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, to Uzbekistan’s rich architecture and cultural treasures of China, this region

“A new addition to the river cruise vessels from Saga, the Amadeus Royal offers impressive facilities and delicious cuisine” will ignite your passion for adventure.

Ask Ian and the team for more information on trips to these amazing locations.

From luxury worldwide travel, stylish cruises, UK mini breaks or even an African safari, Co-operative Travel have a destination perfect for every budget.

Plus, we can also help with those little extra’s that will enhance your trip even more! From stylish airport lounges and airport hotels, to attraction tickets and commission free travel money, we’re on hand every step of the way.

Pop into your local Co-operative Travel branch in Melksham or call 01225 808929 today and they can help find your perfect getaway.

• cooptravel.co.uk

| shopping

ABC blocks

Cuddle Dry soft hooded towel

£50, amazon.co.uk/handmade

£29.99 for 1-3 yrs, cuddledry.com

EDITOR’S PICK

Dotty Fish soft leather shoes

GIFTS FOR

£8.99, dottyfish.co.uk

Slumbersac sleeping bag with feet £29.99, slumbersac.co.uk

LITTLE ONES Here are some great ideas if you are buying gifts for a baby celebrating their first Christmas...

Personalised wooden aeroplane toy

£28, amazon.co.uk/handmade

Moccis (available for babies, children & adults) £25, moccis.co.uk

Crocheted monkey

£32, amazon.co.uk/handmade EDITOR’S PICK

Knot hat & mittens

£16.50, amazon.co.uk/handmade

54

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

S

LEADING BRANDS AT GREAT PRICES OVER 25 MATTRESSES TO TRY FROM THE INDUSTRY’S BEST BRANDS

• FREE LOCAL DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE PARKING • OLD BED / MATTRESS DISPOSAL SERVICE AVAILABLE

N

O

CO

W FFEE O BA PE R N !

1 & 2 Windsor Drive, Devizes, SNlO 2TH | 01380 887943 | www.elitebedsandmattressesdirect.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

SOFACO PLUS

TOM O’HARE, owner at Sofa Co Plus, reflects on being a small business owner as the store enters its tenth year of trading.

O

ur journey began on 7 November 2009; that’s when we opened the doors of SofaCo Plus. If you are an avid follower of BBC’s “Homes under the Hammer” you will know how it all came about. For those of you who missed the programme we have spare DVD copies to view!

Sofa Co Plus opened in November 2009 and has thrived thanks to its excellent reputation for quality and value for money

2008 saw a major crash in the economy and when we opened, one of the comments I heard quite a lot was…. “Get this year out of the way and we’ll be out of recession and business will be flying”...

After 30 years of being an employee there was much to learn on running your own business. Strangely, it had never been on my radar until having poor working experiences after my heart surgery left me not wanting to work for anyone again. The size of the pay packet meant nothing.

It was now time to have more control over my destiny…. I’m still working on that! I am a self-taught business owner, so I’ve had to learn a huge amount over recent years, both technically and commercially.

The thing with starting your own business is that you literally don’t know what you don’t know. I can honestly say I awake every morning looking forward to the day ahead.

We are now embarking on “Year 10”. The support from Warminster and surrounding villages has been amazing. There is also something about small businesses supporting other small businesses that helps us stick together. Statistically only 40% of small businesses survive beyond

58

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

their fifth year, so heading towards my tenth birthday has got to be something worth celebrating.

Recently a client came in and said they had been searching everywhere to find something different and were amazed that from one of the smallest sofa retailers they found just what they were looking for. My trips far and wide to the international furniture shows (Paris in December) keep me in tune with current trends, fabrics and designs.

Currently we display several UK manufacturers, Spanish, South African and more, which helps to create an interesting look around the store. We offer a mixture of leather sofas and fabric, from fixed seating to powered recliners. We also have lots of accessories to choose from, including lighting, artwork, sculptures, cushions, throws and candles. These all add to the ambience of the store, and help you visualise how your new sofa might look in your home too.

I don’t for one-minute claim to be an expert on all things business, but I have learnt some useful pearls of wisdom along the way…. here are a few little gems • Good business is about good relationships.

• It takes a small community to raise a small business • Fresh air (windsurfing) helps creative thinking!

• Coffee really does fuel small business (especially either side of me!)

• Taking a leap of faith and trying something different can lead to great things.

To those of you who have supported me... a big thank you. And to those who know who and where I am I look forward to seeing you in the future.

• sofaco.co.uk

NOW IN OUR TENTH YEAR OF TRADING!

See our range of stunning armchairs & sofas instore today!

GREAT AUTUMN OFFERS IN STORE NOW!

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

| house & home

FORMOSA IS BACK! Bradford on Avon’s Formosa Kitchens is relaunching this month as owner NATASHA ALLIN makes her return from maternity leave.

something simple and classic or cool and contemporary.

A new look website has been created to coincide with Formosa’s relaunch, allowing visitors to learn a little more about Natasha, Formosa’s history and the service and products they supply.

There’s also the opportunity to view examples of their work and read testimonials from their many happy customers.

“Natasha can work with you to create a kitchen that is beautiful, functional and tailored for your family’s needs.”

With a friendly and relaxed approach, and personalised support, Natasha is now taking new enquiries and welcomes anyone looking to make a Natasha can work with you to create a beautiful, functional new kitchen change to their kitchen - be it a total transformation or simple update n July last year, Formosa Kitchens, be offering the same service from - to contact her on 07970 181502 based on Silver Street in Bradford the comfort of your own home. The to discuss their plans. Taking on on Avon, closed its doors whilst process will be as customer-focused such major works can be a stressful owner Natasha took time out to as ever; Natasha can work with you, experience, but with an excellent enjoy her maternity leave. The through a series of meetings and business had been a huge success for consultations, to create a kitchen that reputation, and longstanding 6 years, with clients praising Natasha is beautiful, functional and tailored for experience of designing and installing kitchens, Formosa will be for her fantastic attention to detail, your family’s needs. able to create the perfect kitchen for competitive pricing and personal, you with the minimum of fuss. friendly approach. It has been hugely Formosa Kitchens are still able to missed on the high street. offer the same varied range of products and suppliers as before too. • formosakitchens.co.uk Now, after enjoying the last 13 Natasha has built a great rapport treasured months with her son, with these suppliers over the years Natasha is delighted to announce and trusts in the quality of their she is ready to relaunch Formosa workmanship. What’s more, they and get back into offering her design provide a huge variety of door, services to the local area. She has worktop and flooring options to currently taken the decision not to help create the kitchen of your open a showroom, but instead will dreams, whether you are looking for

I

60

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

RIGHT ANGLE Picture Framing

For all types of picture framing & art materials too.

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

Tel 01249 716051

www.rightanglepictureframing.co.uk Serving Corsham since 1985

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: info@sovereigndpc.co.uk www.sovereigndpc.co.uk 1 Ingoldmells Court, Edinburgh Way, Leafield Ind Estate Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 9XN

Allsop Carpets & Flooring

• Carpets • Vinyl • Naturals • Wood Flooring

Amtico Spacia Parquet - Natural Oak

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

Using British Manufacturers & Suppliers

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

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

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

FREE QUOTATIONS AVAILABLE RENEW - REPAIR - READY FOR WINTER

Call 01373 822933 or 07506 373335

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

WILTSHIRE’S PREMIER HOLIDAY RENTAL SPECIALISTS

Classic Gardens

f

AG BESPOKE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

HOLIDAY RENTALS, INVESTMENT PROPERTIES & SECOND HOMES AROUND BATH & WILTSHIRE • Fully Managed Holiday Rentals • Second Homes • Student Lets & HMO • Business Premises WE CAN OFFER...

• Housekeeping Staff • 24hr Call Out • Maintenance Contractors • Locksmiths • Key Holder • Debt Collection

Tel: 01225 775653 Mob: 07800 600583 / 07817 257224

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

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

Phone: 07940 261734

Email: info@classiclandscapesandecopools.co.uk

classiclandscapesandecopools.co.uk

FENCING

ADVERTISE WITH US IN 2019 INTRODUCTORY & SERIES DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE

GATES

01225 769145 01225 302687 CELEBRATING OUR 60TH YEAR OF SERVICE

PAVING

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

DECKING

SHEDS

LANDSCAPING

REAL CHRISTMAS TREES AVAILABLE FROM NOVEMBER AT DUNKIRK BUSINESS PARK, SOUTHWICK

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

| health & fitness

FANCY A RUN?

Avon Valley Runners is one of the most popular sports clubs in the region, and one of their biggest events of the year, the AVR Wiltshire Half Marathon, takes place on Sunday 25 November.

AVR welcomes runners of all ages and abilities

A

von Valley Runners (AVR) running club was formed in 1986 and currently has over 600 members. They offer club runs from Trowbridge and Bradford on Avon and cater for runners of all abilities and experience, competing in road running and cross country running as well as multi-sport activities like triathlon. They run a popular beginner’s course in the autumn and in the spring run a 5k – 10k group for those who are wishing to progress, with an aim of completing a 10k race at the end.

They also have an ever growing junior section called JAVR for youngsters.

If you feel as though you would like to have a go at running with some slightly mad but thoroughly lovely people then you can try it out for free!

Your first three visits are completely free, with a small yearly subscription required after that should you want to continue. They run from Trowbridge Rugby Club on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and Pound Lane,

70

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Bradford on Avon on a Thursday and Sunday. All sessions start at 7pm apart from Sundays which is at 9.30am.

As a club they organise several road and off-road races a year and this month sees the sixth running of The AVR Wiltshire Half Marathon. The 13.1 mile (21.09km) course starts from Station Yard in Edington and makes its way out of the village through beautiful, undulating Wiltshire, countryside into Steeple Ashton, through Great Hinton,

Coldharbour, back through Steeple Ashton, through the hamlet of Dunge and then back to Edington. It is a challenging route with some lovely flat sections but also a few decent hills thrown in to keep you on your toes.

There are three drinks stations and, if you are very lucky, the possibility of jelly babies too! It is a loop course (with around 40 volunteer marshals stationed at strategic points all the way round so you don’t get lost) so starts and finishes at the same place, Station Yard, where there is a race village with parking, secure areas for bags etc and a tent selling tea, coffee and homemade cakes. It is a very friendly, well organised race which still has spaces available if you would like to have a go.

AVR really is an inclusive and encouraging club, whatever your level. If you would like to have a go or would just like some more information then check out the website and if you would like to enter the AVR Half head to entrycentral.com/avrhalf • avonvalleyrunners.org.uk

“AVR really is an inclusive and encouraging club, whatever your level.”

Avon Valley Runners pose before a race

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

AUGUST 2018

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

// ISSUE 108

West Wilts The

FREE

MAGAZINE

BBQ S

Getaways IDEAS BAGGING A& TIPS FOR BARGAIN SUMMER BREAK

A NEW OUTDOOR KITCHEN FROM STEPHEN GRAVER

Time for Tea GREAT LUNCHES & AFTERNOON TEAS

WIN A

£15

iTUNES R! VOUCHE

FOOD & DRINK // TRAVEL

// HOME & GARDENS

LOCAL LISTINGS+ TRAVEL ESSENTIALS PHOTOGRAP HY TIPS & MUCH MORE

// HEALTH

// COMMENT

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...

Contact Andy on tel 01225 807775 or email andy@wired-publishing.co.uk

westwiltsmag.co.uk

| legal & financial

WHEN IN A CARE HOME IS IT POSSIBLE TO DEFER PAYING YOUR CARE HOME FEES? We asked ANDREW DOUGLAS, a partner at Awdry Bailey Douglas Solicitors who specialises in elderly care, for his views on this issue...

SURELY YOU CANNOT DEFER PAYMENT OF FEES WHEN IN A CARE HOME? Surprising though it may sound, it is a fact that if, after a financial assessment by the local authority, a person is unable to pay all their care home fees from their income and other assets (which must fall under the upper capital limit of £23,250) other than through the sale of their home then in those circumstances a local authority must offer them a deferred payments agreement.

IS THERE AN AUTHORITY FOR WHAT YOU SAY?

Yes, sections 34-36 of the Care act 2014 and The Care and Support (Deferred Payment) Regulations 2014. This is a must requirement by a local authority provided they can obtain a first registered charge against a person’s title to their property or another form of adequate security. If adequate security cannot be provided then in those circumstances a local authority cannot enter into a deferred payments agreement.

WHAT CAN BE DEFERRED? The amount agreed for care costs plus the local authority’s administration charges and interest.

HOW MUCH CAN BE DEFERRED? There is an upper limit which can be deferred and which is 90% of the

74

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

equity value of the property. From this value is deducted the lower capital limit which every person is allowed to keep namely £14,250.

When the deferred payments reach 50% of the equity the local authority should revalue.

The firm has offices in Marlborough, Royal Wootton Bassett, Devizes and Chippenham. Alternatively, take a look at their website.

• abdcare.co.uk

“Surprising though it may sound, it is a fact that if a person is unable to pay all their care home fees from their income and other assets other than through the sale of their home then in those circumstances a local authority must offer them a deferred payments agreement.”

IS INTEREST CHARGED? Yes at the prevailing market gilt rate plus 0.15%. Interest is charged on a compound basis meaning that the charge is rendered on the loan outstanding and accumulated interest.

WHEN IS THE LOAN REPAYABLE? It is repayable on the sale or disposal of the property or 90 days after the date of death of the person concerned.

Additionally the person concerned can terminate the arrangement at any time.

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.

Andrew Douglas

| bath rugby

5 BATH PLAYERS IN ENGLAND SQUAD

Despite injuries to Anthony Watson and Jonathan Joseph, Bath Rugby has still seen five players picked in Eddie Jones’ latest England squad.

B

ath Rugby’s Joe Cokanasiga, Charlie Ewels, Zach Mercer, Elliott Stooke and Sam Underhill have been named in a 36-man squad to prepare for the first match of the Quilter Internationals against South Africa. Jones has confirmed Owen Farrell and Dylan Hartley will be co-captains for the four-Test series.

There are eight uncapped players named in the squad including Cokanasiga, Nathan Earle, Ted Hill, Mercer, Ben Moon, Michael Rhodes, Nick Schonert and Stooke. Ben Morgan has also earned his first call up since 2015. Ewels is selected in the squad for the first time this season while Worcester’s Ted Hill has been named as an apprentice. With Billy Vunipola and Sam Simmonds out injured and Nathan Hughes banned, Zach Mercer could well be in line to make his senior England debut against the likes of South Africa or New Zealand, his father’s homeland.

Eddie Jones said: “I’m really happy with the squad. We can only control what we can control and injuries have happened. It gives an opportunity for some good new players to play some important Tests for England while players who have been in the squad before, will have to take on more responsibility.

I have named Dylan and Owen as co-captains for the series. They have both been excellent captains for England in the past and will provide a powerful leadership base for us on and off the field.”

76

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Zach Mercer could make his senior England debut this autumn

“With Billy Vunipola and Sam Simmonds out injured and Nathan Hughes banned, Zach Mercer could well be in line to make his senior England debut against the likes of south africa” England will play South Africa (3 November), New Zealand (10 November), Japan (17 November) and Australia (24 November) over the course of four weekends at Twickenham Stadium, with the kick off for all games at 3pm, live on Sky Sports HD.

During the Autumn Internationals Bath will be facing Exeter and Newcastle in the inaugural Premiership Rugby Cup, before playing Worcester and then Newcastle again in the Gallagher Premiership.

• bathrugby.com

UPCOMING FIXTURES To buy tickets call the Ticket Office on 0844 448 1865 or go to the website.

3 November

13:00

A

Exeter Chiefs

PRC

9 November

19:45

A

Newcastle Falcons

PRC

17 November 12:45

H

Worcester Warriors

GP

23 November 19:45

A

Newcastle Falcons

GP

2 December

H

Sale Sharks

GP

15:00

TV

B

BRADFORD ON AVON NOW AVAILABLE Basic Bike Maintenance Courses. Contact store for details!

COME & FIND US IN OUR NEW STORE LOCATED BEHIND SAINSBURY’S • • • • •

MORE BIKES MORE ACCESSORIES BIGGER WORKSHOP CAR PARKING LATE NIGHT OPENING ON THURSDAYS

• • • • • •

NEW BRANDS SHIMANO SERVICE CENTRE FINANCE CYCLESCHEME E-BIKES SAME GREAT SERVICE

BIKE & CANOE HIRE STILL FROM OUR FROME ROAD STORE...

EAT

PEDAL/PADDLE

SLEEP

01225 868068

01225 867187

01225 865049

www.thelockinn.co.uk

www.towpathtrail.co.uk www.widbrookbarns.co.uk

SHOP

www.ttcycles.co.uk

01225 867187

TT CYCLES, UNITS 6-8, ELMS CROSS BUSINESS CENTRE, ROWDEN LANE, BRADFORD ON AVON BA15 2AY

| puzzles

THAT’S INTERESTING...

Each month Adam Jacot de Boinod, former researcher from ‘QI’ and author of The Meaning of Tingo, poses a vocabulary quiz from our local Wiltshire dialect. and wrinkled from being too long in the washtub

1) Hudgy

4. Chimp

a) Clumsy b) A scarecrow c) High-spirited, proud

2. Loggers a) Lumps of dirt on a ploughboy’s feet b) Small low clouds in a clear sky c) The traces left by a stag in the underwood

3. Quobbled a) Anxious, concerned, apprehensive b) Suffering from criticism c) Of a woman’s hands: shrivelled

78

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

a) To flick a marble with finger and thumb b) The grown-out shoot of a stored potato c) The second swarm of bees in the same season

INTERESTING FACTS In these days of intense email use, it seems amazing that there is still no official name for @. It is generally called the ‘at’ symbol.

Other languages have come up with all kinds of mostly animalistic

nicknames. There are monkey references in Polish, Afrikaans, German and Dutch. The Finns and Swedes see it as a cat in various forms. In French, Korean, Indonesian, Hebrew and Italian it’s a snail. In Turkish and Arabic it’s an ear, in Swedish an elephant’s ear and in Danish a elephant’s trunk.

Elsewhere we find pickled herring (Czech); little mouse (Taiwan); worm or maggot (Hungarian); little dog (Russian); duckling (Greek); a curly pig’s tail (Norwegian).

ANSWERS 1. A, 2. A, 3. C, 4. B

Can you guess the correct definition?

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

| puzzles

TEA BREAK TEASERS

STORM WORDSEARCH

What/who is missing from the grid?

ALI BRONAGH CALLUM DEIRDRE ERIK

SUDOKU

EASY

FREYA GARETH HANNAH IDRIS JANE

KEVIN LILY MAX NIAMH OLIVER

WIN A £15 iTUNES VOUCHER! Email your answers to these trivia questions to comp@wired-publishing.co.uk by 23.11.18 to be in with a chance of winning a £15 iTunes voucher. Good luck!

Q1: What are the two disciplines in an aquathlon?

Q2: Who was found in present day Tanzania on 10th November 1871?

LAST MONTH’S SOLUTIONS Wordsearch missing word: Korma Quiz answers: 1: Chai.

2: Dosa 3: Brinjal 4: Lizardfish 5: Chickpea

80

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Q3: Who are Wales’ opponents in the Autumn International on 17th November?

Q4: What is a group of Rooks called?

Q5: Which Saint whose feast day is November 15th is the patron saint of medical technicians, natural sciences, philosophers, scientists, and students?

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

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

AUTUMN 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

| last word

‘DOING A FREDDIE’

I

f you are lucky, you will have a few ‘I was there’ moments in your life. Obviously there are the proper big personal moments that come along, I’m not really talking about these – you don’t hear anyone boasting that they made it to their child’s birth anymore, it’s kinda expected for you to show up. It’s more about being there when something really significant is happening. I imagine millions now claim to have been near the grassy knoll in Dallas on that November morning when Kennedy was assassinated, or in the crowd when Dr Martin Luther King gave his ‘I have a dream’ speech’ I wonder how many say they were crowded into Wembley on that sunny July afternoon in 1966 when England won the football world

on the day Chris Ashton scored one of the most amazing tries in England’s history against Australia in an autumn international (they won the game 35-18 too, although I confess I had to look that up). It happened just after half-time and unfortunately (for her) my wife was still in the queue for the toilets when it happened. Never leave your seat at half-time at a big sporting occasion…that’s my advice!

And in the 2014/15 season I was at both of the record breaking victories that Bath Rugby had over Leicester Tigers (45-0 and 47-10) at The Recreation Ground. Good times. Phil Rockliffe Lastly, and this was incredible for entirely different reasons, I was also there on Saturday 13 October

“I was at Twickenham on the day Chris Ashton scored one of the most amazing tries in England’s history against Australia” cup. I’m fairly sure it was just my wife, me and the midwife at our children’s births but the nature of that experience meant you could never be sure how many turned up on the day!

2018 when Freddie Burns did one of the most stupid (not to mention embarrassing) things ever seen on a rugby pitch. Bath were playing Toulouse in a European Champions Cup game and trailing by a couple of points with five or so minutes Now, I can’t claim to have been left to play. Firstly, he missed a kick at any of the earth shattering from straight in front of the posts 25 moments, but I think I’ve been yards out, which we thought was pretty lucky in catching some about as bad as it could get….oh no big sporting moments at least.

Mr Burns had something far worse I was at The Ashes in Cardiff in up his sleeve. He then seemingly 2009 when Jimmy Anderson and made amends by carving through Monty Panesar stopped Australia the Toulouse defence to score winning a test match with an under the posts, and win the game unlikely unbroken 69-ball last wicket for his team. Only he didn’t. Rather partnership. It got England a draw than dot the ball and celebrate he and they went on to win the series got rather ahead of himself, saluting 2-1. A year later I was at Twickenham the crowd and slowing down to

82

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

take in the crowd’s applause. He didn’t hear the Toulouse defender approach, and when Maxime Medard knocked the ball out of Burn’s clutches as he went to place it down all the Bath man could do was sink to the ground and hope it would swallow him up whole. Any Bath fans reading this will recall Sam Vesty doing a similar thing against Wasps a couple of years ago and big mistakes, in the sporting arena at least, immediately became ‘doing a Vesty’ from now on I’m fairly sure it has been renamed ‘doing a Freddie’!!