The West Wilts Magazine - December 2018

DECEMBER 2018 // ISSUE 112

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TICKETS TO LONGEAT’S FESTIVAL OF LIGHT!

CELEBRATE WITH FAMILY & FRIENDS AT WHITEHALL GARDEN CENTRE

CHRISTMAS WISH LIST 12 PAGES OF GIFT IDEAS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

COOK UP A STORM

WITH RECIPES FROM RACHEL KHOO & JAMIE OLIVER + MUCH MORE IN OUR FANTASTIC FESTIVE EDITION

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

YOUR LOCAL VILLEROY & BOCH STOCKISTS

VISIT OUR NEW SHOWROOM IN BATH

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

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contents

December 2018 // issue 112

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Published by Wired Publishing Editor Lisa Rockliffe Contributors Craig Gates-Mutton, Phil Rockliffe, Neil Mortimer, Andy Diffey, Adam Jacot De Boinod 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: Whitehall Garden Centre

ur final edition of 2018 is unapologetically devoted to the festive season. Whether you want to learn more about Longleat’s Festival of Light (be sure to enter our competition to win a family ticket too!), rustle up feasts for family and friends, or find fantastic gift ideas we have it covered!

Our Christmas Wish List is an absolute must if you are in need of gift buying inspiration. We have ideas for every member of the family covering every budget too - turn to p36!

The festive break is an ideal opportunity to spend time in the kitchen experimenting with new dishes. With that in mind we’ve included some recipes from two of the most popular cookbooks available this Christmas, Jamie’s Friday Night Feasts by Jamie Oliver and Rachel Khoo’s Little Swedish Kitchen. Turn to p25 to start cooking!

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As well as all that we’ve plenty more besides including great places to take the family this December and all your usual favourites. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our readers - see you all in 2019!

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

in this issue...

LOCAL LISTINGS What’s on in December

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25 Jamie Oliver Recipes Christmas Wish List

30 36

HEALTH & WELLBEING JB Kinesiology Keeping fit at Christmas

58 60

LEGAL & FINANCIAL Gifting money this Christmas Child Arrangement Orders

62 66

BATH RUGBY Four key players re-sign

68 20 70 72 74

LOCAL NEWS Thermae Bath Spa Round up of news & events Whitehall Garden Centre Meet Santa at Orchardleigh King John’s Hunting Lodge

4 12 14 18 18

FOOD & DRINK Eat the Seasons We Meet The Chef at The New Inn

22 34

HOMES & GARDENS Stephen Graver Ltd House & Home news

50 56

COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES Win tickets to the Festival of Light!

Tea Break Teaser Quiz, wordsearch & sudoku

FEATURES Rachel Khoo Recipes

25

COMMENT The Last Word

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| local news

GIVE THE GIFT OF TIME THIS CHRISTMAS Treat a loved one this Christmas with a gift voucher to Thermae Bath Spa.

in the restaurant. For example, a Thermae Harmony at £99 includes a 4-hour spa session, a 2-course meal along with a choice of a Hot Stones Vichy Treatment, a Candle Massage or a Reviver Massage and Body Scrub.

Other packages include a Thermae Together (£199) which is ideal for a couple or two friends who want to spend time together and enjoy a couples massage or tailor-made facial.

The Wellness Suite at Thermae Bath Spa

M

ost people are terrible at making quality time for themselves. That’s why, this Christmas, the best gift you can give a friend or loved one is the gift of time and relaxation.

state-of-the-art Wellness Suite and on site Springs Restaurant. There is also a range of beneficial treatments on offer.

Thermae Bath Spa has a range of gift vouchers available for purchase online and from its two shops – ideal for anyone in need of a little escape from their everyday pressures and responsibilities.

Starting at £36, a Thermae Welcome is a great introduction and includes access to the indoor Minerva Bath, the new Wellness Suite, Springs Restaurant and the open-air rooftop pool with spectacular views over the city. The use of towel, robe and slippers is also included.

ABOUT THERMAE BATH SPA Located in the heart of Bath, Thermae is a remarkable combination of ‘old and new’ where historic spa buildings blend with the contemporary design of the New Royal Bath.

You can bathe in the UK’s only naturally warm, mineral-rich waters just as the Celts and Romans did over 2,000 years ago. In addition to bathing in the Minerva Bath and the Rooftop Pool, you can also make use of the

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GIFT VOUCHERS TO SUIT ALL BUDGETS

A firm favourite is the Twilight Package (£49 for one or £92 for two people) which lets you relax in the early evening in the open air rooftop pool before enjoying a delicious meal and a glass of wine in Springs restaurant too.

A range of packages are also available as gift vouchers and offer great value for money. Valid Monday to Friday, they have the option of a choice of spa treatments and a delicious meal

If you really want to spoil someone, why not buy them a year’s worth of spa visits? The Thermae Ten, £250, provides ten Monday-Friday Thermae Welcomes over a 12- month period.

GIVE SOMEONE THE GIFT OF TRUE RELAXATION THIS CHRISTMAS Gift vouchers can be purchased in person, by telephone or online. For details, call 01225 33 1234 or visit the website.

• thermaebathspa.com

| events

listings local

DECEMBER 2018

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

FATHER CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE 1, 8, 15, 21 & 22 December, various times Tickets: £10 A visit includes a gift, storytelling, a Christmas card activity and a splendid sepia photograph as a memento.

VICTORIAN CHILDREN’S XMAS PARTY 15 December, 6pm Tickets: from £7.50 Expect jelly and ice cream, party games and a very special guest.

THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL 19 December, 6.30pm Tickets: from £8 A family show telling the story of Alice, a match seller in Victorian London who encounters zany characters on the city streets.

LAND OF NOD 22 December, 11am & 3pm Tickets: from £8 Puppetry, captivating storytelling and an enchanting score star in this adventure.

THE ARC THEATRE

College Road, Trowbridge BA14 0ES Box Office: 01225 756376 arctheatre.org.uk THE WIZARD OF OZ 13 & 14 December, various times Tickets: £8 (Concs £6) The Performing Arts students from

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Wiltshire College present a pantomime version of The Wizard of Oz. THE ARC THEATRE CHRISTMAS CABARET 16 December, 5pm Tickets: £5 Fun for all of the family!

WILTSHIRE MUSIC CENTRE

Tchaikovsky’s yuletide extravaganza.

GBH BIG BAND 16 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £20 (Concs £7) GBH Big Band’s Christmas concert will propel your festive season into a merry, jazzy mode!

POUND ARTS CENTRE

Pound Pill, Corsham, SN13 9HX Ashley Rd, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1DZ Box Office: 01249 701628 poundarts.org.uk Box Office: 01225 860100 wiltshiremusic.org.uk THE UNRAVELLING WILBURYS 6 December, 7.30pm MYSTICAL CREATURES & MYTHICAL Tickets: £14 (Concs £12) TALES The Unravelling Wiburys replicate the 8 December, 3pm sound and songs of the 80’s superTickets: £8 (Concs £4) Join Mini BSO for an adventure exploring group The Traveling Wilburys. the lands of mystical creatures and NOBLE JACKS mythical tales through live music.

7 December, 8pm Tickets: £15 (Concs £13) JOGLARESA Noble Jacks take no prisoners as they 14 December, 7.30pm come on with their high-energy Tickets: £18 (Concs £9) Joglaresa ring in the festive season with footstompin’ rhythms. Joglaresa, Wiltshire Music Centre a magical, medieval Christmas show.

OAE - HANDEL’S MESSIAH 15 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £34 (Concs £17) An exquisite performance of Handel’s most famous work.

THE ROYAL BALLET: THE NUTCRACKER 16 December, 11am Tickets: £15 (Concs £7.50) A relaxed screening of send your listings to info@wired-publishing.co.uk

| events 100 DIFFERENT WORDS FOR LOVE 8 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £12 (Concs £10) This is James Rowland’s story of falling in love and landing broken hearted.

ANNA KONDRASHINA & ANNA GENIUSHENE 12 December, 1pm Tickets: £7.50 A lunchtime recital.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL IN CONCERT 15 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £14 (Concs £12) This unique retelling of Dickens’ heartwarming tale.

TWINKLE TWINKLE 22 December, various times Tickets: various prices There are melodies that live in all of us but sometimes, you have to learn how to find the music inside yourself.

REINDEER ON THE ROOF 22 & 23 December, various times Tickets: £8 (Concs £7, Family £28) It’s Christmas morning and Darcy wakes up to a sparkly tree, a stocking full of presents and a Reindeer on the roof!

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

Tom’s show will feature some favourite tracks as well as some originals and songs to get you in the festive spirit.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL 23 December, 4pm Tickets: £12.50 (Concs £10.50) A magical way to get into Christmas!

THE ATHENAEUM CENTRE

18-20 High St, Warminster, BA12 9AE Box Office: 01985 213891 theath.org.uk THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (PG) 5 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £5.50 This colourful, musical extravaganza tells the story of the orphaned and penniless, but ambitious, P T Barnum.

SLEEPING BEAUTY 15 – 24 December, various times Tickets: £13 (Concs £11) On the day of Princess Rose’s christening, Bad Witch Hazel bestows an evil curse upon the baby. Only the magical Good Fairy Lilac can help to rewrite her fate!

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

DREADZONE 7 December, 7.30pm Tickets: from £17.50 THE NUTCRACKER Legendary electronic dub band 6 – 15 December, various times Dreadzone are making their debut in Tickets: various prices Can Clara and her brother Fritz bring the Chippenham.

Nutcracker back to life and restore him THE RAT PACK SWINGING to the throne?

CHRISTMAS PARTY LA TRAVIATA – THE MET Cara Dillon, Cheese & Grain 16 December, 5.55pm Tickets: £16 (Concs £10.50) This new production of Verdi’s timeless tragedy features a dazzling setting.

TOM CARPENTER & FRIENDS AT CHRISTMAS 19 December, 7.45pm Tickets: £10.50 (Concs £8.50)

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10 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £20 The Rat Pack Swinging Christmas Show perfectly captures the wonderful music and comedy of the original legends.

LACOCK ABBEY

Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2LG Tel: 01249 730459 nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock Normal admission applies unless stated A PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION BY SHADI GHADIRIAN Until 13 January 2019, 10.30am FREE The photographic work of Shadi Ghadirian is the third exhibition in the 2018 Women and Power programme.

CHRISTMAS LIST FAMILY TRAIL Until 31 December, 11am FREE This festive trail is all about lists. From Father Christmas’, to the dinner shopping list, to even your own wish list, it all comes down to preparation.

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL Until 4 January, 11am FREE Experience one of Lacock Abbey’s more recent Christmas traditions with over 20 beautifully decorated trees in set of the atmospheric medieval cloister.

CHEESE & GRAIN

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

ENTER SHIKARI 6 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £27.50 The soaring career of alt rock band Enter Shikari continues to rise.

AMY – A TRIBUTE TO AMY WINEHOUSE 7 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £16.50 “Amy” have left no stone unturned

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

CHEESE &GRAIN

SAT 1ST DEC 9AM SAT 1ST DEC 8PM SUN 2ND DEC 10AM THU 6TH DEC 7.30PM FRI 7TH DEC 7.30PM SAT 8 & 15 DEC SUN 9TH DEC 10AM SUN 9TH DEC 7PM THU 13TH DEC 7PM FRI 14TH DEC 7PM SUN 16TH DEC 10AM SUN 16TH DEC 7PM TUE 18TH DEC 7.30PM THU 20TH DEC 7PM FRI 21ST DEC 8PM SAT 22ND DEC 7.30PM SUN 23RD DEC 10AM MON 31ST DEC 8PM SAT 12TH JAN 7PM FRI 19TH DEC 8PM SAT 20TH DEC 8PM

BOX OFFICE: 01373

455420

MARKET YARD, FROME, SOMERSET BA11 1BE

www.cheeseandgrain.com

FROME VEGAN MARKET FREE ADMISSION EAST 17 & BLAZIN’ SQUAD £16.50 MAGPIE MARKET FREE ADMISSION ENTER SHIKARI £27.50 AMY: A TRIBUTE TO AMY WINEHOUSE £16.50 ADV CHRISTMAS PARTIES AT THE CHEESE & GRAIN £32.50 FROME RECORD FAIR FREE ADMISSION UNDEAD RAISINS (100 REASONS ACOUSTIC) £15 ADV SKINDRED £23.50 ADV THE OSMONDS £32.50 CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL CHRISTMAS PARTY £1 CARA DILLON UPON A WINTER’S NIGHT £25 ADV NEW PURPLE CELEBRATION £19.50 ADV JINGLE BALL DRAG NIGHT £15 NEVILLE STAPLE BAND (EX-SPECIALS) £16.50 EARLY BIRD BEZ & ROWETTA – ON THE SIXTH DAY… £18.50 SOMERSET FARMERS’ MARKET: XMAS SPECIAL FREEENTRY THE UNRAVELLING WILBURYS £15, FAMILY (OF 4) £35 GREEN HAZE + ONE EIGHTY TWO £10 ADV T-REXTASY £23.50 FROM THE JAM + SPECIAL GUEST – JACK PERRETT £21

The Osmonds

Cara Dillon

From The Jam

| events when paying close attention to every detail of recreating her music.

An exceptional night of musical entertainment.

UNDEAD RAISINS (100 REASONS ACOUSTIC) 9 December, 7pm Tickets: £15 The acoustic project fronted by Colin Doran and Andy Gilmour of alternative rock legends Hundred Reasons.

THIS WAY UP 22 December The best sounds of the 50s through to today.

SKINDRED 13 December, 7pm Tickets: £23.50 Widely acknowledged as one of the most devastating and enthralling live bands on the planet.

THE OSMONDS 14 December, 7pm Tickets: £32.50 Performing songs from a career spanning over 6 decades.

SOULVILLE EXPRESS 15 December, 7pm Tickets: £10 A special Christmas Soul & Motown show mixed with Funk & Ska. CARA DILLON UPON A WINTER’S NIGHT 16 December, 7pm Tickets: £25 An evening with one of the best folk voices to have come out of Ireland.

NEW PURPLE CELEBRATION 18 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £19.50 A world class live celebration of the life, legacy and music of Prince.

THE PRESTBURY SPORTS BAR

The Close, Warminster, BA12 9AL Tel: 01985 847070 prestburysportsbar.com Bands start at 9pm and entry is FREE UNCLE JACK LIVE JUKE BOX 8 December You call ’em – The Jack’s play ’em.

THE DECIBELLES 15 December

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THE CRASH GEARS 29 December Playing an eclectic mix of rock, blues and soul.

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY 31 December, 7pm Tickets: £10 A night of rock n roll and Elvis Presley.

OTHERS ACOUSTIC OAK The Royal Oak, Corsham 6 & 13 December Tickets: £2 Singers and spotlight nights. For info go to The Acoustic Oak Facebook page.

PALM COURT TRIO CONCERT Holy Trinity Church, Bradford on Avon 6 December, 10.45am FREE with retiring collection Tel: 07595 671116 or email jacquelynbevan@yahoo.co.uk. With Trio Paradis: “Sleigh Ride” – in the setting of Holy Trinity’s wonderful Christmas Tree Festival.

CON BRIO CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT United Church, Melksham, SN12 6JU 8 December, 7.30pm Tickets: Adults £8, Children £4 Tel: 01225 700284 and 07505 000132 All proceeds in aid of Harmony Melksham.

SOUNDING IT OUT FESTIVE CONCERT Edington Priory, Edington 8 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £8 Email: contact@soundingitout.co.uk A local a cappella performance choir, drawing singers from across Wiltshire and Somerset, is holding its Festive Concert at Edington Priory.

VISUAL ARTS EXTRAVAGANZA The West Barn, Bradford on Avon 7-9 December, various times FREE Four local artists will be hosting an exhibition and sale of their work For more information call 07880663743 or contact dee.marshall@gmail.com.

TROWBRIDGE PHILHARMONIC CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT St. James’ Church, Trowbridge 8 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £10 kids are free Telephone: 01225 765573 Mozart’s Coronation Mass and Handel’s Zadok the Priest head the billing with other festive music also.

BRADFORD ON AVON LIONS CLUB CAROLS ROUND THE TREE Westbury Gardens, Bradford on Avon 24 December, 6pm FREE Tel: 01225 863404 Suitable for all ages and Father Christmas will be there too. boalions.org.uk

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

THE BOOT-HILL ALLSTARS 7 December PORT ERIN 8 December DREAM WAVE 14 December THE BLUNDERS 15 December CANTALOOP 16 December THE HAMMERVILLES 21 December FRENZY 22 December FAR CUE 23 December

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

Fresh from the Forest! � Traditional Trees

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Potted & Rooted � Large Trees � Nordman Fir

Frazer Fir Mistletoe & Holly � Wreaths � Logs in Bags

FREE REINDEER DUST! RODE DEPOT: Off the A361 between Frome & Trowbridge SatNav BA11 6PE

Tel: 07870 466179

Open daily from 1 December, 9am until dark

WHILE STOCKS LAST! www.o-christmas.co.uk

Come & see our 7-metre tall illuminated Father Christmas!!

Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary Saving stray & unwanted dogs since 1958

Merry Christmas Everyone!

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• 1958 - 2018 • th

A N N I V E R S A RY

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

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

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

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

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

| local news

roundup

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

WHAT’S ON AT LACOCK ABBEY THIS CHRISTMAS From Talbot’s prolific letter writing, to lighting yule logs and candlelit wild-turkey dinners, winter is a time when we celebrate traditions old and new. The magic of the cloisters and of breathing in the crisp cold air make that hot bowl of soup all the more rich in flavour and the perfect way to round off a visit to Lacock this month. Here is a handy guide to events in December.

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL

1 Dec - 4 Jan 2019, 11am – 4pm Experience one of Lacock Abbey’s more recent Christmas traditions with over 20 beautifully decorated trees in set of the atmospheric medieval cloister.

AN AUDIENCE WITH FATHER CHRISTMAS Weekends 1-2, 8-9, 15-16 Dec, 11am -3.30pm Meet Father and Mother Christmas in their festive kitchen at Lacock Abbey. A unique experience in a

cosy setting that is sure to please our young visitors. Booking essential.

LACOCK’S CHRISTMAS LIST FAMILY TRAIL 1 – 31 Dec, 11am – 4pm This festive trail is all about lists.

From Father Christmas’, to the dinner shopping list, to even your own wish list, it all comes down to preparation.

GREAT HALL DECORATED FOR CHRISTMAS 1 – 30 December (Thursdays to Sundays only) 11.30am - 3.30pm At Lacock, the traditions of a roaring fire and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree in the Great Hall have been going for a long time.

CAROLS IN THE COURTYARD ©National Trust Images/Connor Sheppard

6 – 21 Dec (Thursdays and Fridays only) 11am – 3pm Christmas carols are one of the most beautiful traditions of the season.

Join Victorian carol singing duo ‘Same Difference Arts’ by the big Christmas tree in the festive abbey courtyard.

Christmas at Lacock Abbey

• nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock

RUN THE BATH HALF MARATHON FOR JAMIE’S FARM! In 2019, Jamie’s Farm is celebrating 10 years since their therapeutic programme, Farming, Family & Therapy, for disadvantaged children began. Delivered via a 5-day handson residential at their working farm in Box, and accompanied by an in-school follow up programme, they specifically help those with poor behaviour, low self-esteem and a lack of engagement at school. Profound evidence for

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improvement, ultimately leading to fewer exclusions and educational reengagement, now sees them host weeklong visits 40 weeks a year at three rural farms; in total, 5,500 children have benefitted. On the cusp of further growth – please support them and join their team in the 2019 Bath Half.

“Jamie’s Farm has helped me recognise who I am and where I

belong in this world… it has made me realise that I’m strong, mentally and physically.” Hayley, Bath, aged 14.

• jamiesfarm.org.uk Jamies’s Farm hosts residential camps for disadvantaged children

local news |

CARLY PAOLI CHRISTMAS CONCERT World renowned classical music star Carly Paoli is appearing at a concert in Devizes on 21 December

World renowned classical star and local resident, Carly Paoli will perform at an exclusive Christmas concert at St. John The Baptist Church, Devizes on 21 December.

The concert is being held to raise money for the Devizes charity of Caenhill Countryside Centre, who work with and support children and young people by providing courses, placements and hands on experiences in a rural setting.

Singing in the afternoon is proving to be a great past-time for hundreds of people across the region. In the weeks up to Christmas, the nine Good Afternoon Choirs will raise thousands of pounds for local charities. Started by West Country music man, Grenville Jones, over 800 people now sing in the choirs.

Each group chooses a local charity to benefit from concerts and fundraising through the year and they are all hosting an open carol service with free admission.

As well as raising funds, the event aims to bring together the local community including the volunteers and families the charity works with.

Tickets will available from 12 November from Helie Franklin, Caenhill Countryside Volunteers & Devizes. For further information on tickets please contact Helie Franklin on 01380 723698.

The Frome Good Afternoon Choir meets on Mondays at Holy Trinity Church from 2-4pm. They are led

by Matt Finch. Their Christmas celebration takes place on Monday 10 December from 2pm-3pm and the WHY Charity is benefitting from the fundraising events from the choir. The choir have already raised just under £650 for the charity.

they have been putting on plays since April 1969. A real highlight of the calendar is their annual pantomime, and this year it’s the turn of ‘Robin Hood & The Babes In The Wood’.

The Bath Good Afternoon Choir meets on Thursday from 2-4pm at United Reformed Church in Bath.

They are led by Grenville Jones.

Their Christmas celebration takes place on Thursday 13 December from 1.30pm – 2.45pm with special guests Bathwick St Mary Church School. A retiring collection will be taken for The Peggy Dodd Centre.

Cheer the goodies and boo the baddies in their rendition of this traditional family pantomime.

Performances take place at The Arc Theatre, Trowbridge from 10-20 January. Most performances start at 7.30pm, with matinees available at weekends too. Tickets cost £10 (£8 Conc) and are available online and via the Box Office on 01225 756376.

The Devizes Good Afternoon Choir meets on Friday afternoons at St Andrews Church, Long Street, Devizes from 2-4pm, also taken by Grenville Jones. Their Christmas celebration takes place on Friday 7 December from 1.30 – 2.45pm with special guests Wansdyke School. A retiring collection will be taken for Wiltshire Air Ambulance and the choir target for 2018 is £1000.

• caenhillcc.org.uk

SEE BABES IN THE WOOD AT THE ARC The Trowbridge Players are the amateur dramatics society in Trowbridge and

TRY SINGING IN THE AFTERNOON!

• arctheatre.org.uk

• goodafternoonchoir.org THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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| local news

THIS CHRISTMAS AT WHITEHALL

Whitehall Garden Centre is renowned for its award-winning Christmas decorations, displays and events. This year it promises to be better than ever! in their brand new beauty salon.

Located in the plant area, this salon creates the perfect ambience for a tranquil relaxing treatment. Treat yourself or a friend to everything from a manicure, pedicure, spray tan, Pevonia facial or massage and much more. The perfect pamper present this Christmas is a Luxury Afternoon for Two, which includes a CND Vinylux manicure or pedicure and a luxury afternoon tea in Lavender Lodge. It’s only £50 for two people.

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The Christmas displays at Whitehall are hugely popular

t the Father Christmas Grotto you can bring your little ones along to enjoy a magical experience. The experience includes a journey through the magical Winter Wonderland, followed by a story read

by Father Christmas. His elves will then accompany you to the present room, where your child can choose their own present. As a reminder of your visit, each child will be given a real baby Christmas tree and a badge.

Child tickets cost £14.99 and adult tickets cost £2.99 (children must be accompanied by an adult).You can also watch the reindeers being fed every day at 4pm and meet their Nativity friends this Christmas, including the miniature donkeys and sheep.

today! Skate from £5.99. Tickets include skate hire and sessions last for 45-minutes. Skate aids are also available for hire and cost £4.99 per session. The ice rink café completes this family experience, offering a range of refreshments including hot drinks, hot bites to eat and snacks to recharge with after a fun time on the ice.

Whitehall’s real ice rink is open until Sunday 6 January at Lacock. This is a great fun festive activity and sessions run at varied times throughout the day. To guarantee your slot, book

You could also leave the cooking at home and dine with one of their restaurants. Treat yourself to a luxury festive afternoon tea, breakfast or lunch. You can also pamper yourself

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✃

Whitehall is a great place to head for a Christmas shop. Their christmas displays are renowned for their creativity and there is a huge array of decorations to choose from and a wide variety of gifts available for the whole family. Be sure to make a day of it!

Entertain this Christmas with the delicious array of seasonal food and drink. Visit the in house butcher at Lacock to order your turkey. Celebrate in style with their wines, beers and spirits and indulge this Boxing Day with their fantastic range of local meats, pickles & chutneys. And for those with a sweet tooth, there’s a great selection of festive sweet treats and desserts.

• whitehallgardencentre.co.uk

“Whitehall’s real ice rink is open until Sunday 6 January at Lacock and is a great fun festive activity”

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

| food & drink

SEE SANTA AT ORCHARDLEIGH

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here’s a lovely opportunity to visit Santa in his magical lakeside hideaway at Orchardleigh from 1 to 24 December 2018. It’s not the first time Santa has visited Orchardleigh but this year he’s in a brand new and top secret location!

Arrive at the Elf Station and you’ll be greeted by Mrs Claus and her team of loveable elves. Children can enjoy seasonal activities within the festive Elf Station before wrapping up warm to begin a magical family trail.

Follow the winding pathway through the woods and stop off along the way to make a wish at Orchardleigh’s Wishing Tree.

There will be lots to see and do as you follow the trail overlooking Orchardleigh lake, including the

Visit Santa in his magical hideaway

chance to strike a pose in a human snow globe! Feel the excitement grow with every step; Santa’s hideaway will appear across the lake and the main man himself will be waiting to greet you and give you an extra special gift to take home!

event are available to book online now. Children’s tickets cost from £12.50 and adult tickets are £5. For further information and to book, please visit the website or to find out more call 01373 472550 or email Christmas@orchardleigh.net.

Tickets for this magical Christmas

• orchardleigh.net

KING JOHN’S HUNTING LODGE

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ing John’s Hunting Lodge, found on Church Street in Lacock, dates back to 1210, and is one of a few hunting lodges that King John had around the country. Over the years it has been extended, first with a Tudor extension and then - this century - the tearoom itself was added on. The same family have been custodians of this beautiful building for over 20 years. Recently refurbished, the Lodge now brings to life the sense of King John and his hunting exploits!

The Lodge’s cream teas are enjoyed by locals and visitors from all over the world! They have a choice of 22 leaf teas, Italian filter coffee, and all manner of light refreshments. It is especially well known for its King John’s Royal Tea: an afternoon tea fit for a king! It is served on a stand

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layered with finger sandwiches of smoked salmon, cucumber, warm wrapped scones, dainty cakes, homemade jam, hedgerow jelly, organic Jersey cream (from a local farm) and a fine leaf tea of choice. It’s a real showstopper!

The award-winning food celebrates locally sourced ingredients and champions fresh home grown food.

Whenever possible their vegetables come from their own Hunting Lodge allotment! Breakfasts and lunches are delicious, wonderfully fresh and created using the highest quality produce. The Lodge is also fully licensed, serving a well selected range of alcoholic beverages.

In the warmer months, the garden is a real USP; it really is ‘The Secret Garden’ of Lacock! Tucked away

behind the Lodge, this beautiful walled garden offers sanctuary and peace to all. Be sure to head over and enjoy when the weather warms up and the new season begins in February 2019!

• kingjohns.co.uk King John’s garden is spectacular in the warmer months

King John’s Hunting Lodge is known for its wonderful hospitality, delicious food & rich history.

• ‘Royal’ Cream Teas • Speciality teas • Homemade cakes •Award-winning food • Fully licensed • Real log fire 21 Church Street, Lacock SN15 2LB Tel: 01249 730313 Email: info@kingjohns.co.uk www.kingjohns.co.uk nb. Our season will end, and we will be closed, from 16 December until February 2019

| xmas

THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHT The UK’s original and biggest Festival of Light returns to Longleat for the festive period with a magical journey through time and space.

R

unning until Thursday 6 January 2019, ‘A Fantastic Voyage’ is the Wiltshire attraction’s most ambitious ever Christmas event; featuring more than a 1,000 different illuminated lanterns.

From Ancient Egypt, complete with a stunning 20-metre-tall Great Pyramid, to a rocket voyage around the solar system and its planets, the fantastic new theme incorporates more than a dozen, extraordinary walk-through scenes.

"From Ancient Egypt to a rocket voyage around the solar system, the fantastic new theme incorporates more than a dozen, extraordinary walk-through scenes" Visitors will join adventurous brother and sister duo, Harry and Bea, and their fearless canine companion, Monty, as they embark on an epic, enchanted journey.

There’s the chance to travel under the sea, go back in time to the age of dinosaurs, visit the frozen Arctic

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and witness a castle besieged by knights in armour.

Other displays feature scenes from South America, Japan, India and Papua New Guinea, along with a 28-metre-long steam train, biplane and hot air balloon.

The ever-popular Enchanted Christmas Tree Show returns with its tale of seasonal joy, complete with snow, and the Santa Train will be transporting visitors to meet Father Christmas in his wintry woodland grotto.

Visitors can also enjoy the magic of storytelling with ‘A Flight Before Christmas’ – a unique festive experience featuring real flying owls, plus there’s the chance to go on a drive-through Winter Safari, visit Monkey

Temple and Jungle Kingdom, embark on a Jungle Cruise and explore the illuminated Hedge Maze.

Longleat House will be decorated

xmas | in style for a 1920s Christmas complete with live characters dotted throughout to make you really feel like you have travelled back through time.

The Festival of Light – A Fantastic Voyage is open daily from 30 November to 6 January (excluding Christmas Day).

For more information on the Festival of Light go to the website. Adult ticket prices range from £31.45 for an online Standard Day Ticket and £34.15 for an online Peak Day Ticket.

Advance booking is essential.

WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHT!!

We are lucky enough to have 3 sets of family tickets to give away to The Festival of Light, each admitting two adults and two children. For your chance to win one all you have to do is email your answer to this easy question to comp@wired-publishing.co.uk.

WHAT IS THE NAME OF HARRY & BEA'S CANINE COMPANION? Email your answers now. Good luck!

Closing date for entries is 12.12.18. Any entries received after this date will not be counted. Entrants must be over 18. Prize is as stated and is non-transferable. No cash alternative will be offered.

• longleat.co.uk

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| food & drink

I

seasons eat the

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

t is all about Christmas this month, luckily the main ingredients on the vegetable front are produced locally. As we said in November issue, you can order a large box of our local vegetables delivered to your door

by Dairy Home Team in Trowbridge.

01225 763615. Get your Christmas orders in now!

“We get the sprouts from a grower just outside Chippenham and carrots, parsnips, curly kale and cabbage from Bromham.”

We get the sprouts from a grower just outside Chippenham and carrots, parsnips, curly kale and cabbage from Bromham. Swede comes from Somerset and the most important ingredient, your roast potatoes, are maris piper (the best for roasties) grown near Corsham.

You can also

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order a fruit and salad box if you require.

As it’s Christmas here are a few facts about the vegetables you will be eating. They may even come up in your Christmas quiz!

1

Many people cannot stand sprouts because of a gene variant that affects how they perceive bitterness (according to research carried out by the University of Warwick).

2

Carrots were first cultivated in Asia and were originally white and purple.

3

Parsnips used to be used as a sweetening agent because they develop a more pronounced sweet taste after being stored in the cold. This causes the conversion of carbohydrates to sugars hence the saying ‘parsnips taste better after they have had a frost on them’.

Have a good Christmas and Happy New Year. Email me your best Christmas cracker joke for a prize!

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

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

WINNER: BEST PUB We’re open from 9.30am for coffee and breakfasts

BOA BUSINESS AWARDS 2018

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

FESTIVE MENU

FESTIVE DINING

Available from 1st December to 24th December

Enjoy a Christmas Eve dinner by our warming log fire.

We are also open on Boxing Day & New Year’s Day for lunch & comfort food!

BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL.

NYE BLACK & WHITE BALL With Gourmet dinner & Dj ’til late £55 per person

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

Scandi

recipes |

SUPPERS

Delight family and friends with some fantastic dishes this festive season. The first come courtesy of RACHEL KHOO.

Smoked Sausage Stroganoff (Korv Strogano) Serves 4 Ingredients A knob of butter 1 large onion, peeled & finely chopped 350g falukorv or smoked sausage, very finely diced 1 tbsp tomato purĂŠe 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp paprika 130ml single cream Sea salt & black pepper 400g tagliatelle/pappardelle 2 tbsp eldercapers or capers A handful of finely chopped chives Method Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil for the tagliatelle or pappardelle. Put the butter, onion and sausage into a large pan. Fry, stirring occasionally, until the sausage and onion are golden. Add the tomato puree, mustard, paprika and cream, continuing to stir so the flavours mingle, and simmer gently for 5 minutes. Season to taste.

✃

Add the pasta to the pan of boiling water. Cook for 7 minutes (or

according to packet instructions). Drain the pasta, reserving a small mugful (around 80ml) of pasta water.

Add the mug of pasta water to the sausage sauce. Stir in with the capers and take off the heat. Toss the pasta in the sauce until well coated, and sprinkle over the chives.

Serve immediately.

Get ahead The sauce can be made the day before (just don’t add the chives) and warmed up gently when you need it. You can also freeze the sauce in an airtight container for up to a month.

Simply add the pasta water as stated above just before serving, and cook the pasta fresh.

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| recipes

Swedish Beef Stew (Skånsk kalops) Serves 6 - 8 Ingredients 4 tbsp rapeseed oil 4 onions, peeled and sliced 6 Swedish anchovies (see top tip) 2 tbsp plain flour 1 tsp ground allspice Sea salt and black pepper 1kg chuck steak or stewing beef, cut into bite-sized pieces 8 thin carrots, peeled 1 tbsp red wine vinegar 1 litre beef stock 1kg potatoes (Désirée work well) A knob of butter A small handful of fresh parsley leaves Picked beetroot, to serve Pink pickled onions to serve Method Heat 2 tbsp of the oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat and add the onions and anchovies. Fry, stirring occasionally, for about 10–15 minutes, until the onion begins to turn golden brown. Meanwhile, mix the flour with the allspice and 1 teaspoon each of black pepper and salt, then toss the cubed beef in it.

Thirty minutes before the stew is

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ready, peel the potatoes, chop into large chunks and cook in boiling water until tender. Drain and toss in the butter and parsley.

Taste the stew and add more salt and pepper if desired. Serve with the boiled potatoes, the pickled beetroot and pickled onions.

Top tip If you can’t get Swedish anchovies, use regular ones plus 1 teaspoon ground allspice, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg.

Get ahead As with most stews, this is often better the day after it’s cooked.

✃

Once the onion is golden brown, remove from the pan and add another 2 tablespoons of oil. When hot, add the meat (you may have to fry it in two or three batches if your pan is too small) and brown all over. Once the meat is brown, put the onion back in, along with the carrots, vinegar and beef stock. Half cover with a lid and leave to simmer gently for 1–1½ hours or until the meat is tender.

✃

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

Christmas

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

f

CELEBRATION

Available from November

2 Courses £18.95 3 Courses £22.95

Come and join us for your Christmas celebration!

We’re also open for a

Find us on Facebook for upcoming events

22 DEC CHRISTMAS DISCO 31ST DEC NEW YEAR’S PARTY ND

5 Course Christmas Day Lunch (£59.95 per person)

Call today to book!

Please call to book tickets!!

01225 765370

Chilmark Rd, Trowbridge BA14 9DD

www.thewiltshireyeoman.co.uk

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

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

| recipes

Västerbotten pie (Västerbottenpaj) Serves 8 Ingredients For the pastry: 130g plain flour ¼ tsp fine sea salt 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard 80g cold butter, cubed 1 tbsp vodka For the filling: 3 medium eggs 300ml single cream ½ tsp fine sea salt 1 tsp black pepper 300g Västerbotten or mature Cheddar cheese, grated 1 small onion, peeled and thinly sliced For the mushroom topping: 75g butter 250g chanterelle mushrooms, brushed clean A small handful of fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped

Remove the pastry from the fridge and use it to line the pie tin. If the pastry is too hard, leave to soften for 5–10 minutes before lining the tin.

Prick the pastry in the tin with a fork.

Line with baking paper and pour in baking weights. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the baking weights and paper and bake for a further 10 minutes, or until the base is dry and firm.

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To make the filling, beat the eggs with the cream, salt and pepper until you have a smooth mixture.

Stir in the cheese. Pour into the pie case, put the onions on top and bake for another 25–30 minutes, or until the mixture is set but still a little wobbly.

Leave to cool slightly. Scatter the pie with parsley and top with the mushrooms to serve.

Get ahead This pie is also great cold. If making in advance, cook the pie and keep for up to 2 days in the fridge, but don’t cook the mushrooms until just before serving.

When the pie has cooled, heat the butter for the mushrooms in a large frying pan. Once the butter is foaming, add the chanterelles and cook for 4–5 minutes, or until lightly golden The Little Swedish Kitchen by Rachel and cooked Khoo (Michael Joseph, HBK £20) through.

✃

Method To make the pastry, mix together the flour and salt. Add the mustard and cold butter, then use your fingertips to rub it all together until you have a sandy texture. Add the vodka to bring it into a dough. Place between two sheets of baking paper and roll into a circle that is larger than your quiche tin. Leave to chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 180°C.

✃

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

| recipes

FRIDAY NIGHT

FEASTS

Delight family and friends with some fantastic dishes this festive season.

These come courtesy of JAMIE OLIVER (with a little help from his friends)...

GOLDIE HAWN’S FETTUCCINE ALFREDO

Finished with fresh truffle or nutmeg

Serves 4 Total time: 45 minutes, plus resting ½ x Royal pasta dough (find this recipe on jamieoliver.com) fine semolina, for dusting 150ml double cream 150ml single cream 1 large free range egg 60g Parmesan cheese, plus extra to serve 1 fresh truffle or 1 whole nutmeg, for grating truffle oil

Make the Royal pasta dough.

Once it’s relaxed for 30 minutes, roll the sheets out to 2mm thick. Set up the fettuccine attachment on your pasta machine and gently run through each pasta sheet, placing on a semolina-dusted tray as you go. Or, if making by hand, loosely roll up the pasta sheets, cut into strips just over ½cm wide, then use your fingertips to shake out and separate into strands.

When ready, cook the fettuccine in a large pan of boiling salted water for 1 to 2 minutes, or until al dente.

Meanwhile, gently heat all the cream in a large frying pan on a low heat, then separate the egg and whisk the yolk into the pan (save the white for another day). Finely grate and gently whisk in the Parmesan, then season with sea salt and black pepper.

Using tongs, drag the pasta straight into the sauce, taking a little cooking CALORIES FAT SAT FAT 612kcal 38.5g 19.8g

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water with it. Toss together, adding extra splashes of cooking water to loosen into a lovely, silky sauce, if needed. Plate up with fine gratings of truffle or nutmeg and a good grating of Parmesan, drizzle with a little truffle oil and serve right away.

PROTEIN CARBS 22.8g 44.7g

SUGAR 3g

SALT 0.6g

FIBRE 1.7g

✃

Homemade pasta, in a silky sauce of double cream, Parmesan and fresh truffle (or nutmeg, which is easier to get hold of and just as tasty!) is a well-known Italian dish that I cooked up for Goldie – she loves it! This is my take, swapping in some single cream to make it a little less naughty. Trust me, it’s still a heavenly mouthful.

SCARLETT MOFFATT’S SCOTCH EGGS

With fresh herbs & a spicy kick Transform any buffet or picnic into something extra-special with these beauties – golden and perfectly crisp on the outside, juicy and flavour packed on the inside, plus that allimportant runny egg yolk. There are no words. Scarlett told me she likes to dip Scotch eggs in chocolate spread, but I’m not sure I’d endorse that!

Serves 6 Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes 1 sprig of fresh rosemary 1 sprig of fresh sage 600g higher welfare pork shoulder, diced 1 whole nutmeg, for grating 1 pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper 3 anchovy fillets in oil, from sustainable sources 8 large free range eggs 100g plain flour 200g breadcrumbs 3 litres vegetable oil, for frying Pick the rosemary and sage leaves into a food processor, add the pork shoulder, a good grating of nutmeg, the smoked paprika or cayenne, the anchovies and a pinch of sea salt and black pepper, then blitz to combine. Cook 6 of the eggs in boiling salted water for 5 minutes, then remove to cold water, carefully peeling as soon as cool enough to handle.

Meanwhile, line up three shallow bowls – place the flour in the first, beat the remaining eggs in the second, and tip the breadcrumbs into the third. Divide the meat mixture into six, and roll into balls.

Place a ball on the palm of your hand, then pat and flatten until it’s big enough to wrap around the

✃

✃

recipes |

egg. Place a peeled egg in the centre and mould the meat up and around it, sealing the egg inside so you end up with a perfectly round ball.

Coat it in flour, dunk it in the egg, allowing any excess to drip off, then roll in the breadcrumbs until well coated. Repeat with the remaining ingredients, then chill for 30 minutes.

When you’re ready to cook, just under half fill a large sturdy pan with oil – the oil should be 8cm deep, but never fill your pan more than half full – and place on a medium-high heat. Use a thermometer to tell when it’s ready (170°C), or add a piece of potato and wait until it turns golden – that’s the sign that it’s ready to go. Carefully lower one Scotch egg into the pan – after about 8 minutes it should be golden and perfectly cooked through, so scoop it out, drain on kitchen paper and cut it in half to check your timings, then cook the rest, in small batches, adjusting the time, if needed. Delicious served CALORIES FAT SAT FAT 670kcal 48.4g 10.3g

with a dollop of English mustard, a wedge of Westcombe Cheddar, piccalilli, a few salady bits and bobs, and – of course – a nice, cold beer.

Happy days!

PROTEIN CARBS 32.3g 29.4g

SUGAR 1.2g

SALT 1.4g

FIBRE 1.2g

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| recipes

DEXTER FLETCHER’S PARTY-TIME MEXICAN TACOS Tender chicken, zingy salsa, feta & seeds

Serves 16 Total time: 2 hours 1 x 1.8kg whole free-range chicken 4 sprigs of fresh thyme olive oil 1 lemon 1 bulb of garlic 500g plain flour, plus extra for dusting 1 cos lettuce 250g ripe cherry tomatoes 2 ripe avocados 100g mixed seeds 200g feta cheese SALSA 2 fresh red or green chillies 500g tomatillos or green tomatoes 1 bunch of fresh mint (30g) 1 bunch of fresh coriander (30g) 2 spring onions 1 clove of garlic 2 tablespoons cider vinegar

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CALORIES FAT SAT FAT 429kcal 23.9g 5.5g

PROTEIN CARBS 22.1g 33.3g

SUGAR 3.4g

SALT 2.2g

FIBRE 3.8g

extra virgin olive oil 1 splash of quality tequila Get the chicken out of the fridge and up to room temperature before you cook it. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4. Strip the thyme leaves into a pestle and mortar and pound with a good pinch of sea salt and black pepper, then rub all over the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Halve the lemon, bash the garlic bulb, discarding the outer skin, then stuff inside the chicken cavity. Sit the bird in a snug-fitting roasting tray and roast for around 1 hour 30 minutes, or until cooked through. To check, insert a knife into the thickest part of the thigh – if the juices run clear, you know it’s done.

(discard the papery skin), vinegar, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, the tequila and a good pinch of salt. Blitz until smooth.

Once cooked, allow the chicken to cool slightly, then strip away the meat, shredding it as you go. On a clean flour-dusted surface, roll the dough balls into circles, roughly the thickness of a playing card. Preheat a large non-stick frying pan over a high heat, then, in batches, cook the Meanwhile, place the flour and a tortillas for 2 to 3 minutes, or until pinch of salt in a large bowl, then lightly golden, turning halfway. Wrap gradually add 2 tablespoons of olive in tin foil as you go to keep warm. oil and 150ml of ice-cold water, stirring Meanwhile, shred the lettuce, quarter continuously until the mixture forms a the cherry tomatoes, then halve rough dough. Knead on a clean flourand destone the avocados. Pick the dusted surface for around 5 minutes, remaining herb leaves. or until smooth and elastic, then shape into a long sausage, roughly 45cm in Serve everything in the middle of length. Slice into 16 equal-sized pieces, the table with the mixed seeds and roll into balls, and set aside for later. feta, and let everyone tuck in and build their own tacos. Delicious with a To make the salsa, preheat a griddle squeeze of lime juice. pan over a high heat. Prick the chillies Jamie’s Friday Night Feast Cookbook by Jamie Oliver with a small sharp knife, peel back is published by the papery skin from the tomatillos, Penguin Random House © Jamie then place on the griddle. Cook Oliver Enterprises for 10 minutes, or until gnarly and Limited (2018 bar-marked, turning occasionally, while Jamie’s Friday Night Feast you pick half the mint leaves into a Cookbook). food processor with half the coriander Photographers: (stalks and all). Trim and add the spring David Loftus, James Lyndsay, onions, peel and add the garlic clove, Steve Ryan then add Jamie’s Friday Night Feast Cookbook by the chillies, Jamie Oliver (Michael Joseph, HBK £20) tomatillos

✃

I made these tacos for my good friend, actor and director, Dexter, who first fell in love with tacos on a trip to Playa del Carmen in Mexico. Shredded roast chicken and all the trimmings, stuffed into homemade tortillas with a drizzle of super-fresh, zingy, spicy salsa – this epic taco recipe is perfect when entertaining a crowd.

✃

SHOPPING EVENTS

CAFÉ

WESTBURY ROAD EDINGTON WESTBURY WILTSHIRE BA13 4PG

MARKET

TELEPHONE 01380 830 940 THREEDAGGERS.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

CRAFT BEER

Premium Christmas Trees on sale now

HOME & LOCALLY REARED FRESH MEAT, POULTRY & GAME HOMEMADE SAUSAGES, BURGERS & FAGGOTS HOME REARED CHRISTMAS TURKEYS – ORDERS NOW BEING TAKEN Join us for 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 CHOCOLATE & FUDGE FINE WINE, LOCAL ALE & CIDER PRESERVES & CHUTNEYS GIFT HAMPERS

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

| food & drink

MEET THE CHEF

DAVID PHILPOTT, head chef and owner at The New Inn in Westwood, talks curry, seafood, Christmas and New Year’s parties and microplane graters!

What was your first job in catering?

At Ye Old Crown, Broadstairs, Kent while training at Thanet Catering College.

Where have you worked before?

Mostly in London, including Mirabelle and Scotts Oyster Terrace, both in Mayfair, Monsieur Max over in Hampshire and Drones in Knightsbridge.

What is the first dish you mastered?

Curry - having travelled in India!

Do you have any favourite local suppliers?

Our game comes from local gamekeepers and our Wiltshire Horn Lamb comes from my father John Philpott who breeds sheep.

What is your favourite dish on the Christmas menu?

Pan fried turkey medallions wrapped in Parma ham and sage with white wine cream sauce served with crushed new potatoes and greens.

What is the most memorable event you have cooked for?

I was lucky enough to work at

There’s lots planned for the festive season at The New Inn

Buckingham Palace for a VE Day event while I was at college.

Do you have a favourite season for food?

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?

I enjoy listening to live bands while having a beer at The Three Horseshoes, Bradford on Avon.

What are your festive offerings?

We have a Christmas party menu in December and it’s £18 for two courses and £23 for three courses.

New Year’s Eve is party night - we are offering a curry buffet and disco for £15 per person. Call us for details!

What’s your favourite kitchen gadget?

The microplane grater such a useful gadget for garlic, chocolate, lemons, parmesan etc.

What is your favourite Christmas tipple!

Mulled cider and a good single malt.

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

I love cooking fish, particularly To make a reservation at seafood and shellfish, so I’d give my The New Inn call 01225 863123. guests a selection of oysters, mussels, lobsters and crab.

• thenewinnwestwood.co.uk

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THE

Farmhouse INN

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

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

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

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

Quality food freshly prepared for you

FIXED PRICE LUNCH MENU

2 Courses only £13.95, Add Dessert for only £2 Open Monday & Tuesday for Private Functions Wed to Sat 12 - 2.30pm & 6 - 9pm, Sun 12 - 5pm 99 The Strand, Semington, Trowbridge BA14 6LL t 01380 870263 | email Restaurant@lambonthestrand.co.uk

Book online: www.thelambonthestrand.co.uk

Friendly, family run pub offering good quality food in a relaxed and cosy atmosphere.

Christmas Party Menu available from £18 for 2 Courses New Year’s Eve Curry Night & Disco £15 Lower Westwood, Bradford on Avon, BA15 2AE 01225 863 123 • www.thenewinnwestwood.co.uk • info@thenewinnwestwood.co.uk

| gift guide

HIT THE SKIDS

Skid Pan Gift Voucher, £110 Drive-Tech Ltd • 01249 783010

FESTIVE FEAST

Christmas Hampers, from £15 Allington Farm Shop • 01249 658112

local history

Westbury Cement Works, by Simon Knight, £14.99 Amberley Publishing • amberley-books.com

THE CAt’s WHISKERS

Gleneagles Cat Collectible, £25.50 SL Corden & Sons • 01985 212115

Stuck for gift ideas this Christmas?

Fear not, we’ve options for everyone in the family, from 0 to 90...

THROW DOWNS

Teddy Fleece Throw, £74.99 Casa Bella • 01225 667878

EVERY LITTLE HELPS

Gin Money Box, £9.99 GM Davies • 01373 822431

DOWN ON YOUR KNEES Garden Kneeler, £9.99 Brown’s Hardware 01225 862236

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gift guide |

TIME LORD

All Vegan Wrist Watch, £65 Chas Hart • 01373 462089

LET THERE BE LIGHT LED Lantern, £48 Dible & Roy 01225 862320

COLLAR ME HAPPY

Fake fur collar, from £8.95

By The Way • 01225 868888

IN THE BAG

Urban Traveller Bag, £65 Footloose 01225 571474

VOUCH FOR ME

NGS Vouchers, £various Avonfield Gardens 01225 571331

MAXI COSY

Baby & Child Slippers, up to 5yrs, £12.99 Dotty Fish • dottyfish.com

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

37

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

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

OUR CHRISTMAS SHOP IS NOW OPEN

COME & VIEW OUR FESTIVE DISPLAYS AND DECORATIONS The Granary, Pound Lane, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1LF Email: info@thegranaryboa.com Tel: 01225 867781 www.thegranaryboa.com

| gift guide

TOASTY WARM

Owl Knitted Click & Heat Hand Warmers, £12.99 Trowbridge Garden Centre 01225 763927

S

IT’s GOT TO BEE PERFECT

Stirling Silver Bee Necklace, £31.95

By The Way • 01225 868888

IN THE MIX

TOP TIPS

A Beginner’s Guide to Photography Book, £8.99 Lacock Photography 01249 730571

Mason & Cash Mixing Bowl, £23 Brown’s Hardware • 01225 862236

BRIGHT IDEA

Beanie Hat With Light, £8.99 GM Davies 01373 822431

TENDER HEART

LIGHTEN UP

Decorative Artichoke, £35 Dible & Roy 01225 862320

Colibri Cigar Cutter & Lighter Set, £54.95 Leaf & Bean • 01225 571520

FURRY FRIENDS

Haflinger Slippers, £49.75 Footloose • 01225 571474

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gift guide |

CHILD's PLAY

SCOOT AWAY

Scoot Beginner Bike, £114.99 TT Cycles • 01225 867187

Traditional Toys, Cat’s Cradle £2.49, Dominoes £3.99 Trowbridge Garden Centre 01225 763927

PUT YOUR FEET UP

Fairtrade Footstool, £48.50 The Granary • 01225 867781

BOOM BOOM

Wireless Boombox, £79.99 TT Cycles • 01225 867187

HEAVEN SCENTS

Mulled Pear & Spices Diffuser, £8.50 Made in BOA • 01225 282801

LOOSE MOOSE

IN HOT WATER

Enchante Yuletide Moose £27.50 Strawberry Blue • 01225 920290

Hot Water Bottle With Knitted Cover, £9.99 GM Davies • 01373 822431

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41

interiors

House

ABOUT THE

BEAUTIFUL INTERIOR ACCESSORIES & GIFT BOUTIQUE FULL INTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTATION SERVICE

Christmas Shop Now Open!

4 CHINNS COURT, WARMINSTER BA12 9AN CONTACT US ON: 01985 218882

tel 01225 920290 | strawberrybluehome.co.uk

Find great gifts for the home at Browns

6A The Shambles, Bradford on AVon

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

PURVEYORS OF

• HOUSEWARES • CLEANING PRODUCTS • ELECTRICAL • PLUMBING • TOOLS • DECORATING & DIY • GARDENING Open Mon to Sat 8.30am-6pm Sun & BH 10am-4pm 30 Silver St, Bradford on Avon BA15 1JX

01225 862236

Quality furniture.

Stunning accessories.

Irresistable value.

The Gateway, Bythesea Rd, Trowbridge BA14 8FZ 01225 66 78 78 | casabellafurniture.co.uk

Davies of Westbury DIY, Gardening & Cook Shop

FENCING

GATES

CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR THE HOME, BOTH INSIDE & OUT

01225 769145 01225 302687 CELEBRATING OUR 60TH YEAR OF SERVICE

• DIY • Tools • Gardening • Plumbing • Heating • Logs & Fuels • Electricals • Decorating • Cooking • Sugarcraft 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

PAVING

DECKING

SHEDS

LANDSCAPING

REAL CHRISTMAS TREES

AVAILABLE WHILE STOCKS LAST! AT DUNKIRK BUSINESS PARK, SOUTHWICK

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

NUMBER TEN INTERIORS VINTAGE FURNITURE & INTERIORS

CHARLES HART Jewellers Since 1820

A huge range of antique, pre-owned and vintage jewellery available online & instore Also stockists of pre-owned Rolex® watches 4 Cheap Street, Frome, Somerset BA11 1BN

f

29 High Street, Warminster BA12 9AG 07733 265795 www.numberteninteriors.co.uk

Purveyors of a handpicked range of tobacco & fine cigars, loose leaf teas & coffee beans as well as handmade local chocolates, vegan chocolates & artisanal ‘bean to bar’ chocolate bars.

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

footloose LADIES SHOES

We stock a wide range of quality ladies shoes, boots, handbags & accessories

WONDERFUL GIFT IDEAS INSTORE NOW Lamb Yard, Bradford on Avon

01225 571474 HAFLINGER SLIPPERS

4975

£

Telephone: 01373 462089 Open: Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm www.charleshart.co.uk • www.vintagetom.co.uk

| gift guide

TARGET PRACTICE

Shooting Simulator Gift Voucher, from £60 Wadswick Country Store 01225 810700

TOY SOLDIER

Gisela Graham Traditional Nutcracker Soldier, £27.50 Strawberry Blue 01225 920290

HANDLE WITH CARE

Vintage & Co Mini Hand Care Kit, £7.50 About The House • 01985 218882

WEATHER OR NOT

Weather Station, £19.99 Trowbridge Garden Centre 01225 763927

BAG FOR LIFE

Roka Bantry Bag, £59.50 Previous Homewares • 01249 713985

BOWLED OVER

Cereal Bowl With Ice Blue Glaze, £12 Norton St Philip Pottery nortonstphilippottery.co.uk

FLOWER POWER

Savannah Mixed Jug Arrangement, £29.99 SL Corden & Sons Solid Wood Jointed 01985 212115 Hare, £35 Number Ten Interiors 07733 265895

HARE TODAY

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gift guide |

ALL ACTION

Silver Label Focus Action Camera 1080p, £89.99 TT Cycles • 01225 867187

PHOTO SHOP

ON THE CASE

Photography Course Gift Voucher, £various Lacock Photography 01249 730571

Recife Leather Cigar Case, from £59 Leaf & Bean • 01225 571520

MICRO MACHINE

Maxi Deluxe LED Red, £136.96 Micro Scooters micro-scooters.co.uk

CAPED CRUSADER

CARE BEARS

Tilley & Grace Faux Fur Cape, £59.95 Wadswick Country Store 01225 810700

PUNCH DRUNK

The Drunken Botanist

by Amy Stewart, £16.99 The Granary • 01225 867781

Assorted Soft Toys, £16.95 Previous Homewares 01249 713985

take away coffee

Thermos Travel Mug, £8.99 GM Davies • 01373 822431

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45

51-53 High Street, Corsham SN13 0EZ

S.L. Corden & Sons

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

NEW ON SITE CAFÉ NOW OPEN! NEW HOMEWARES, VINTAGE PIECES & COMPLEMENTARY ITEMS incl CARDS, JEWELLERY, WOMENSWEAR & TOYS 01249 713985 previoushomewares.co.uk

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

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

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

| house & home

STEPHEN GRAVER LTD Set in the heart of rural Wiltshire, Stephen Graver Ltd. specialises in creating stunning interiors for each of their clients. design progresses by visiting their onsite workshop.

Everything is designed and manufactured at the workshop in Steeple Ashton, and whilst their craftsmen work on your kitchen, you can arrange a time to come and see your project taking shape.

The studio, open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, is the perfect way to see examples of their work.

This space details the exquisite level of finish you can expect and even showcases appliances that could be installed in your home.

F

rom bespoke kitchens and beautiful bathrooms to commissioned pieces of handmade furniture, Stephen Graver offers a solution for everything, and can also offer a building renovation service – sometimes creating a perfect room requires an alteration of an existing space - they personally visit every client for an initial consultation.

“Stephen Graver offers a solution for everything, and can also offer a building renovation service” Stephen Graver is unlike any other kitchen, bathroom or furniture design company. You are involved in the process at every stage and they make sure they not only meet, but far exceed your expectations.

50

A beautiful design is the starting point and foundation from which each project grows

The design is the starting point and the foundation from which the project grows: taking time and care over every project, ensuring that the functional requirements are met, while always looking for features to make every project personal and unique.

This is not purely a job for Stephen and his team: they put their heart and soul into providing you with your dream project, delivered to perfection.

• stephengraver.com

Stephen Graver like to think that the end result of what they do is beautiful to look at, completely original and totally designed around your needs.

But, unlike other companies, they feel that what separates them and makes them stand out is the journey you go on to reach that end result.

The experience you get with this company is one you will not have enjoyed anywhere else. Not only will they spend time advising on the most appropriate designs and appliances, you will be able to see how your

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WES

Stephen Graver

Original Kitchens | Building Renovations | Unique Furniture | Bespoke Bathrooms www.stephengraver.com | 01380 871746 | sales@stephengraver.com

WEST WILTS - NOVEMBER 17.indd 1

27/09/2017 09:17:34

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

Allsop Carpets & Flooring

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

Amtico Spacia Parquet - Natural Oak Using British Manufacturers & Suppliers

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

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

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

| house & home

THE HUB OF THE HOME

F

or most people the kitchen is the hub of the home. This is the room where family and friends gather for home cooked meals, conversations and socialising. To create this larger room it sometimes requires opening up into the room next door. A popular design is to

divide the eating and cooking areas with a peninsular or an island in addition to mood lighting to light up or dim the different zones.

A Neff hide and slide oven is perfect space saver for narrow kitchens or in order to accommodate an

island. Blues and greys are gaining momentum, especially with the combination of two shades of colour ie light blue on wall cupboards and dark blue base units. What’s more the kettle’s days may well be numbered, with many people opting for a hot water tap for speed and convenience.

The new trends in kitchen colours, a Neff hide and slide oven and a working hot tap are all on display at Home Inspirations Ltd in Devizes.

They also have their own fitting team who can take on all aspects of installations and building works.

For free advice on kitchen designs contact Home Inspirations on 01380 728644, visit their website or call into our showroom.

• homeinspirationsltd.co.uk

DOUBLE AWARD FOR EWE MOVE!

T

he team at EweMove, based in Hilperton, is celebrating after the brand won two prestigious regional South West awards for “Exceptional Lettings service” and Outstanding Sales Service”.

The agency is part of the national EweMove network, which also scooped a bronze in the sales category and bronze for lettings at the EA Masters awards held in London in October – becoming the only estate agency to win a top three prize for both sides of the housing market.

Opening its doors in 2016 and run by Brian Marsh, EweMove South West is part of the nationwide EweMove network of more than 120 branches.

EweMove are the UK’s first hybrid estate agency which is also the most trusted based on thousands of Trustpilot customer reviews. These

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award wins mean the brand will be named in the Best Estate Agent Guide 2019, compiled by the Property Academy. The Best Estate Agent Guide is supported by Rightmove, the largest property portal in the country, which means that the assessment includes over 90% of all estate agency branches in the country.

on providing exceptional customer service through its network of experienced local property agents on the ground, all supported by a national operations centre and cutting-edge technology.”

Brian Marsh said: “Working as part of a truly innovative business which genuinely puts customers at the heart of everything it does is fantastic. And, to be part of a wider team which is winning so many awards reinforces our belief that the EweMove way is absolutely the future of the property industry.

EweMove prides itself

• ewemove.com/trowbridge

To find out more about selling your home with EweMove contact Brian on 01225 430776.

West Wiltshire’s Most Trusted Estate Agent *

SOVEREIGN DAMP & TIMBER LTD

* Based on hundreds of customer reviews on Trustpilot

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

Wiltshire’s Leading Independent Property Management Company

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

Find our what your house is worth using our FREE quick online valuation tool!

Visit www.EweMove.com/Trowbridge or call 01225 430776

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

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

| health & wellbeing

BALANCED HEALTH FOR BODY & MIND Systematic Kinesiology - an effective yet little-known health therapy - could be the answer to your health problems. JO from Jo Brewer Kinesiology explains...

F

eeling under the weather but visits to the doctor are inconclusive? Do you have a persistent problem but have been told “There is nothing wrong with you” or “As we get older ….”? Or perhaps you have a diagnosis, but you just can’t get well. It can be so frustrating when we know we don’t feel right but can’t find any answers.

Systematic Kinesiology can help you find out what is wrong and identify solutions to get you back to, and then maintain, good health. My treatments have helped many individuals with a wide variety of ailments, including: • Weight management • Fibromyalgia, ME, chronic fatigue • Muscular or other physical aches & pains: sciatica, tennis elbow, etc • Migraines and headaches • Low energy levels, fatigue • Hormonal imbalances • Emotional issues like anxiety, panic attacks, stress & depression • Digestive issues such as IBS, colitis & indigestion • Food intolerances Systematic Kinesiology can detect imbalances in the body

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• Skin complaints: eczema, psoriasis, acne, etc • Residual problems from old injuries/traumas • Respiratory problems

WHAT IS SYSTEMATIC KINESIOLOGY? Systematic Kinesiology is a holistic approach to personal health and wellbeing based on the principle that muscles are linked to the various organs and systems within the body.

This link was discovered almost 100 years ago by an orthopaedic surgeon. By applying gentle pressure to gauge muscle responses, I can detect imbalances in the body and root causes of health issues. The muscle testing also informs me what treatment strategies are required to restore the body to good health. It’s important to say, Kinesiology testing does not ‘diagnose’ diseases, but a client’s symptoms will indicate to the practitioner where imbalances are most likely to be found.

Our bodies and minds function due to electrical currents conducted through our cells – this electricity is essential for the nervous system to send signals throughout the body and brain, making it possible for us to move, think and feel. The natural flow of energy can by disrupted by emotional, physical or chemical stress, and when these energetic pathways become blocked or imbalanced it can result in symptoms, illness or disease.

Kinesiology allows me to find and remove these disruptions, treating the client as a whole, rather than focusing

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL “I have had fibromyalgia for many years; I have tried all sorts of remedies, including those recommended by NHS specialists. Some have worked to an extent (including anti-depressants), but nothing wiped out the constant pain entirely. I approached Jo for help via systematic kinesiology; I admit to being sceptical initially but, after three treatments, I have had only a very few mild twinges of fibro pain. My life has improved dramatically, and I can’t recommend Jo highly enough.” only on the isolated parts which are not functioning well.

Kinesiology is non-invasive, drug free, enormously empowering and suitable for young and old alike.

Many clients feel an improvement in symptoms and wellbeing after just one treatment, but sometimes more are recommended, particularly for long term issues.

I am a Systematic Kinesiologist and Nutritional Therapist based in Westbury. To find out more email jo@ jbkinesiology.co.uk, call 01373 859689 or 07906 063489 or see my website.

• jbkinesiology.co.uk

“Systematic Kinesiology is a holistic approach based on the principle that muscles are linked to the various organs and systems within the body.”

Trowbridge Chiropodist Peter Wilkinson M.Inst.Ch.P

VALUE YOUR HEALTH & WELLBEING? Systematic Kinesiology

A natural, holistic approach to healthcare which can help:

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

• IBS/Gut Health • Sports/Other Injuries • Skin Complaints • Hormone Imbalances • Migraines/Headaches • Allergies/Intolerances

• Fibromyalgia • Back Pain • Chronic Fatigue • Stress/Anxiety • Depression & So Much More

Member of the Institute of Chiropodist and Podiatrists

Call today to make an appointment

Jo Brewer Kinesiology

Tel: 01225 571030

Balanced Health For Body & Mind

Find us at: 13 St Georges Works, Silver St, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 8AA

Tel: 01373 859689 or 07906 063489 jo@jbkinesiology.co.uk www.jbkinesiology.co.uk

www.trowbridgechiropodist.co.uk Find us on Facebook: Trowbridge - Chiropodist Follow us on Twitter: @TrowChiropodist

| health & wellbeing

BE FIT & FESTIVE!!

Places Leisure let you in on how to stay fit and festive over the holidays! and enjoy a sparkling water or two with lemon, in between tipples.

BE BALANCED

W

hen you think the average amount of calories consumed on Christmas day is a whopping 6,000, combined with all those extra tasty treats dotted around the house and a license to indulge in boozy beverages – it’s no wonder we can feel as stuffed as the turkey by New Year’s Day!

BE A GOAL SETTER

Places Leisure has leisure centres in Chippenham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Melksham, Bradford on Avon, Warminster, Malmesbury and Royal Wootton Bassett so visit the website to see what’s on and find a leisure centre near you today. What’s more, membership gives you access to all 10 centres in Wiltshire, so you can stick to your new fitness regime, wherever you are in the county.

Got a new fitness wearable for Christmas? Membership also gives you access to their Places Locker app so you can make every move really count in 2019.

Enjoy Christmas knowing you can get back on it with Places Leisure for just £1 come January.

BE MINDFUL

We all benefit from a bit of time to unwind, but setting goals for the • placesleisure.org/wiltshire early part of 2019 – whether that’s entering a 10k run or your first cycling sportive, joining your local gym, or signing up with a local sports club can help retain some fitness focus amidst all the festivities. If you can persuade a mate to sign up for an event with you – even better!

There’s nothing like having a mates training date to keep your fitness “Stick in a family programme on track.

A couple of drinks, the waft of mince pies and plates of delicious tit-bits at the buffet, rivals any black hole with its capacity to keep pulling you back for more.

Stay strong, resist going back for seconds, think about what you’re selecting and try to balance your plate with healthier options. Alcohol increases appetite and reduces resolve, so go easy on the Prosecco,

smash those fitness goals in 2019 and have a guilt free Christmas! If you sign up for any Direct Debit membership (including family) from 1-9 January in 2019 you’ll pay just £1 for your first month. That’s all the

Of course we’d never advocate total abstinence at this time of year, but here are a few tips to help stop all that festive fun, turning into unwelcome flab come New Year…

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It’s so easy just to throw in the (gym) towel during the holidays, merrily trading exercise for excess. We’re not suggesting you bust out moves in the gym on Boxing Day, but there’s no reason to turn into a total snack scoffing, sofa sloth. Christmas is exhausting - we’re all short on time and a spot of exercise here and there not only keeps your waistline in check but helps reduce stress that can build up at this time of year. Stick in a family stroll after lunch, try a spot of pyjama pilates or squeeze in a quick sesh of high intensity exercise - hills are your friend and a great way to max out when every minute counts.

gym, swim and classes you can fit in for just £1! (minimum contract period is 3 months).

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

stroll after lunch, try a spot £1 JANUARY OFFER AT of pyjama pilates or squeeze in a quick PLACES LEISURE Places Leisure centres in Wiltshire sesh of high intensity are making it even easier for you to exercise”

• 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.com Westdale Park, Holt Rd, Bradford on Avon BA15 1TS

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

Landscaped gardens

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

Dedicated activities co-ordinator and daily programme of activities.

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

Advertise here from as little as £15 per week*

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

*plus VAT

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

Pets are welcome

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

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

| legal & financial

GIFTING MONEY TO LOVED ONES THIS CHRISTMAS? Are you thinking of gifting money to your loved ones?

Make sure you are aware of the implications of your gift.

Emma Taylor, a Partner at GOUGHS SOLICITORS explains...

Who are you giving it to?

There are various allowances which mean you can give certain amounts to certain people or organisations without any taxation consequences. For example: • You can give as much as you like to your spouse without any taxation consequences.

• You can also give to qualifying charities tax free.

For other recipients it will depend on how much you wish to give and why.

G

Emma Taylor

ifting money is becoming increasingly popular for parents and grandparents, who are keen to help their loved ones by providing them with their “inheritance early”. If you are thinking of gifting money or assets there are some key factors you need to be aware of that may impact upon your decision.

Is gifting the best option for you?

Before making any gift you should consider whether or not “gifting” is actually the best way to achieve your goal.

There are other options and these can be explored. You also need to consider what the impact of making the gift will have on your own situation – can you afford to be without the assets or money you are giving?

What exactly can you give?

A gift can be anything of value, such as cash, personal possessions and property. If you choose to dispose of an asset for less than what it is worth, the difference in value also counts as a gift.

If you choose to give something away that has risen in value since you acquired the asset then there may be Capital Gains Tax consequences to making the gift. You should seek professional advice if you think this may be an issue for you.

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How much are you giving and why?

You can gift £250 to as many people as you want every year for any reason. This is to cover birthday gifts, Christmas presents etc. There are no implications to making this gift either for you or the recipient.

You also have a £3,000 annual exemption which you can use to make gifts to anyone for any reason. If you didn’t use your exemption the previous year, you can carry it forward, giving you £6,000 which is exempt from Inheritance Tax. You can give also give up to £5,000 as a wedding present (£5,000 to your child, £2,500 to your grandchildren and £1,000 to others).

If you wish to give more than this then you should consider a few other factors in order to establish the consequences of the larger gift.

“You can gift £250 to as many people as you want every year for any reason. This is to cover birthday gifts, Christmas presents etc” When are you giving it?

One-off gifts exceeding the £3,000 won’t be counted for Inheritance Tax purposes – as long as you survive for seven years afterwards.

If you don’t survive the full seven years, the money you’ve given as gifts would use some of your nil rate band

legal & financial | (£325,000) available to offset against your estate. If the value of your gifts exceeds your Nil Rate Band then there could be Inheritance Tax to pay at that point.

For the “seven year rule” to apply the gift must be outright to an individual and cannot be to a trust fund. Gifts to a trust fund will immediately use your Nil Rate Band and if the value of the gift exceeds the Nil Rate Band the excess will be subject to an immediate charge to Inheritance Tax of 20%.

What if I am thinking of gifting on a regular basis?

If you intend to make gifts more regularly and have surplus income to cover those gifts, then you could benefit from an exemption applying to gifts out of income. For this to apply the gifts must: • Be part of your normal expenditure, ie: the gifts must be part of a settled, regular pattern of gifting.

The intention to gift should also be evidenced and within a reasonable time span.

• All gifting must be made out of income and not from capital. You cannot use money from your capital savings to top up your income in order to facilitate giving.

• You must have enough income to be able to make these gifts and maintain your current standard of living, without having to resort to capital.

With proper consideration of these exemptions and allowances, and awareness of how they could apply to your own situation, you could achieve a more tax efficient way of giving, which benefits your loved ones and provides you with real peace of mind.

For clear, friendly advice on all aspects of making gifts in your lifetime or in your Will, please contact our highly experienced private client specialists today. Email emmataylor@goughs.co.uk, call 01380 726913 or visit our website for more information.

• goughs.co.uk The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.

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| legal & financial

CHILD ARRANGEMENTS ORDERS – BREAKING THE DEADLOCK MATTHEW ROBERTS, a solicitor at Wansbroughs Solicitors in Melksham, discusses child arrangements following a separation.

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nfortunately it is not always possible for parents to agree the care arrangements for their children following separation.

In those circumstances the Court can be called upon to determine what arrangements are in the best interests of those children.

These arrangements can be set out in a Child Arrangements Order specifying, amongst other things, with whom the child is to live and spend time with.

In reality, a Child Arrangements Order will not always bring matters to a conclusion. Often one parent will be unable to accept the terms of the order and will obstruct its implementation. This article briefly examines what options are available to parents to enforce the terms of a Child Arrangements Order and ensure that contact arrangements are not frustrated unnecessarily:Formal correspondence: Further proceedings should always be seen a last resort and if parents have been unable to resolve matters between themselves, further formal correspondence from a legal representative can still sometimes help break the deadlock. Their role may simply be to clarify the terms of the order or set out in detail the consequences of breaching it; Variation of existing order: If circumstances have changed

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significantly since the initial Child Arrangements Order it can sometimes be helpful to seek a variation of the order to reflect or take account of the current state of play. In extreme cases, the court can be asked to determine whether it would be in the child’s best interests to transfer their primary residence to ensure their relationships with both parents are being promoted equally;

unless the court believe this to be in the best interests of the child or children in question.

The Family Team at Wansbroughs are well equipped to advise on all private children law matters including these potential enforcement options. If you would like further information we offer a free 30 minute initial consultation to all new enquiries. Call 01225 896100 or 01380 733300 or email family@wansbroughs.com.

Enforcement Orders: It is possible to seek an enforcement order requiring that a person in breach of a Child • wansbroughs.com Arrangements Order carry out unpaid “In reality, a Child work. The court must however be Arrangements satisfied that a person has failed, without reasonable excuse, to comply Order will not always with the existing order; bring matters to a Financial compensation: If a parent has suffered financial loss as the result of the other parent’s breach, it may be possible to seek compensation up to the amount of that loss; Contempt of Court: A Child Arrangements Order should include a prominent warning that failure to comply will amount to Contempt of Court. Contempt of Court is punishable by a fine, sequestration of assets or imprisonment. The latter clearly being a remedy of last resort.

When the court is asked to determine any of the above applications, the child’s welfare will be their paramount consideration. No action will be taken

conclusion.”

Matthew Roberts

| bath rugby

KEY BATH PLAYERS RE-SIGN WITH CLUB

With so many player contracts up for renewal at the end of the season, it was great for fans to hear some key players have re-signed with the club.

A

fter Bath Rugby’s slow start to the season, fans were in need of some good news, and they had it last month with the announcement that four of Bath’s key senior players have agreed contract extensions – Anthony Watson, Charlie Ewels, Nathan Catt and Elliott Stooke have all signed long-term deals with the club. The news follows Taulupe Faletau, Semesa Rokoduguni, Zach Mercer and Beno Obano all confirming their future remains with Bath.

Director of Rugby, Todd Blackadder, said: “We have not shied away from the fact that we want to play smart attacking rugby, whilst also developing our own unique style of play. We know we are not there yet.

“To re-sign such an exciting group of players is testament to their belief in our direction of travel and the environment we have created here at Bath. Anthony Watson, Charlie Ewels, Nathan Catt and Elliott Stooke all have fundamental roles to play in our future and we are delighted to have ensured they are a part of it.

“Catty and Ewelsy are Bath men through and through and have played a crucial role both on and off the field throughout my time here.

Both have deep-rooted knowledge of our game and our club, which has been invaluable to the squad and ensuring or culture remains strong.

“Stookie has developed his game considerably over the last few seasons. I’m incredibly proud to

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Nathan Catt is Bath’s longest serving player

“To re-sign such an exciting group of players is testament to their belief in our direction of travel and the environment we have created here at Bath” TODD BLACKADDER see him involved in the England set up, and I know the prospect of international rugby will drive his performances even further.

“Ant is one of those rare players who is incredibly talented yet so hungry to learn and get better every day. His performances for Bath have earned him games at the very highest level with England and The Lions, he is a role model to our players with

his work ethic and commitment to the club. He’s currently out with an Achilles injury but that has not stopped him working tirelessly with our medical team to ensure he gets back to the field performing at the levels he expects of himself asap.

We’re really looking forward to seeing him back in the Blue, Black and White in the New Year.”

• bathrugby.com

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

2 December

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8 December

15:15

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Leinster

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15 December 17:30

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Leinster

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23 December 15:00

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| 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. c) moody or sulky

1) Griggles

a) Left-handed or awkward b) Wool taken from a dead sheep c) Diagonally across from something else

a) Waterproof leggings b) Small worthless apples remaining on the tree c) Pimples

2. Diddikoys a) The kneecaps b) Gypsies c) Downy particles which accumulate under furniture from the negligence of housemaids

3. Budgy a) Careless, reckless, happy-go-lucky b) Too much for a wheelbarrow but not enough for a cart

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4. Scrammy

INTERESTING FACTS Here in England photographers try to bring out a smile by asking us all to “Say cheese”. Elsewhere, the old Czech photographers’ phrase to try and gain attention and have us look into the lens literally meant “Watch out, a bird will be released/fly out” (from the camera). In Serbia they are

asked to say “Ptica” (bird) while the favourite amongst Danish photographers is “Sig appelsin” (say orange).

Other languages adopt other words to similar effect: “Kimchi” (Korean) a traditional fermented dish made of seasoned vegetables; “Qiezi” (Mandarin) aubergine; “Cerise” (French) cherry and “Whisky” in Argentina. In Malta people sometimes say jokingly “Ġobon”, meaning cheese, which will obviously result in the exact opposite facial expression.

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

Can you guess the correct definition?

| puzzles

TEA BREAK TEASERS

SKI RESORT WORDSEARCH

SUDOKU

What/who is missing from the grid?

EASY

ASPEN AVORIAZ

GRANDVALIRA HOCHKONIG

MERIBEL SOLDEN

BRECKENRIDGE COURCHEVEL

HOCHZILLERTAL KEYSTONE

VAIL VAL GARDENA

FLAINE

LA TANIA

VAL THORENS

WIN A £15 iTUNES VOUCHER! Email your answers to these trivia questions to comp@wired-publishing.co.uk by 23.12.18 to be in with a chance of winning a £15 iTunes voucher. Good luck!

Q1: Which French female athlete won the Giant Slalom event at Soelden on 27 October 2018?

LAST MONTH’S SOLUTIONS Wordsearch missing word: Gareth Quiz answers: 1: Swimming and running.

2: Dr David Livingstone.

3: Tonga.

4: A parliament.

5: Saint Albert the Great.

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Q2: Who won the Overall World Cup for Women’s Alpine Skiing for the season 2017-18?

Q3: Who won the Overall World Cup for Men’s Alpine Skiing for the season 2017-18?

Q4: At which resort is the World Cup Alpine Skiing being held on 3-7 December 2018?

Q5: Which two events make up the sport of Nordic Combined Skiing?

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

| last word

I’M ON THE SHOPPING BLOCK!

L

ast year on Black Friday at the Currys/PC World store on Oxford Street in London there were TV cameras in place to document the rush into the store when they opened the doors at 5am. What was very, very funny was that when the big moment came a chap in a red fleece, called Marcel apparently, rather sheepishly wandered in, all on his lonesome, to pick up his pre-ordered laptop computer. It was reportedly a similar story at lots of shops, malls and shopping centres up and down the country and although the media and the big retailers would have you believe that Black Friday is some

can be bought for the same money or cheaper after the event and so are buying afterwards. I think the pictures of people fighting and arguing over the latest ‘must have’ toy or gadget in out-oftown megastores has also put customers off. Why would you put yourself through that when you could instead pop into some of our fantastic local family run shops and retailers and enjoy a civilised shopping experience?!

Personally I like to start my Christmas shopping quite early, sometime in late January or early February. I don’t buy everything then of course, I just start to look

“the big retailers would have you believe that Black Friday is some kind of mega event, the reality seems to be a little more low key.” kind of mega event, some retailers even having Black Friday weeks in the seven days leading up to the big day, the reality seems to be a little more low key. At least out on the streets!

My guess is that most people must be buying online these days as the estimates for how much will be spent range from £2.5 - £3billion…. which is an enormous amount in anyone’s book and it must be coming from somewhere! One thing that seems to be happening this year is that the great British public are getting wise to the big retailers ways and realizing that actually things aren’t any cheaper on the day anyway and often they

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around for things that might be good and pick up stuff throughout the year so there is no huge rush in November and December and I can be pretty relaxed about the festive season’s arrival. Regular readers will know, I don’t like to be flustered!

is a really important time of year for our independent retailers so I hope you all go out and do at least some of your Christmas shopping with them. Enjoy the civility of a small boutique store, a chat with a cheerful member of staff and the tactile pleasure of holding the gifts in your hands. And if it does cost you a couple of quid more, at least you know it’s going to a local business owner who pays things like rates and rent on their shop and not some faceless-tax-avoidingwarehouse-owning-multinational that sends all its funds offshore to avoid pay any tax on its gazillion pound profit. OK, rant over!

I am usually pretty good at buying presents, I like to think I have reasonable taste in most things but if I have to buy clothes for people I have learnt, over the years, that I must, must, must keep the receipt.

If it’s socks, pants or vests (basically anything not on show) then I’m okay but with anything else I have no real fashion sense at all. I have one pair of jeans I like so I bought four pairs of them and I have a rota of about six t-shirts…that’s it…who needs anything more?! The relatively recent phenomenon of the giving of gift cards being acceptable has been an absolute godsend for me…

You cut out the middle man and just let peeps buy their own gifts!!!

If I am shopping on Black Friday, which is highly doubtful, I much prefer to visit the shops in person and have a bit of a browse. Saying that, I do like to be left to my own devices, I don’t like someone hanging around me as soon as Merry Christmas, Happy New Year they sniff a sale - let me peruse in and see you in 2019. peace! I will buy I promise, I won’t just scope it out and then go and Phil Rockliffe spend an hour scouring the internet to find it a pound cheaper! This

www.cheverell.co.uk