The West Wilts Magazine - January 2019

JANUARY 2019 // ISSUE 113

FREE

West Wilts The

+ LOCAL LISTINGS THE LOCK INN DIBLE & ROY & MUCH MORE

WIN!

A SPA DAY FOR 2 AT WHATLEY MANOR!

MAGAZINE

NEW YEAR NEW YOU

GET FIT & STAY HEALTHY IN MIND & BODY THIS NEW YEAR

Later Life 16-PAGE FEATURE ON RETIREMENT

TALKING PICTURES IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS WITH A COURSE AT LACOCK PHOTOGRAPHY THIS NEW YEAR

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

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

January 2019 // issue 113

W

elcome to the first edition of 2019! Having enjoyed a wonderful Christmas break (well, actually, at time of writing still looking forward to one!) if you are anything like me you’ll be looking at improving your health and fitness in the new year! If so, from page 62 onwards we have some great advice for those looking to improve their bodies and minds. And how about a lovely treat as well? We have a fantastic competition to win an Essential Escape for 2 at Whatley Manor’s Aquarias Spa (p69)!

4

As well as improving our general health, now is a good time to take stock and look at our financial and retirement health too. If you need to plan for yours, or if you or a loved one could do with help at home or are considering downsizing, our 16-page Later Life feature should be just the thing. It starts on p31.

Another thing that many of us look at in the new year is learning something new. At the end of last year I took a trip to Lacock Photography to do just that. See how I got on on p16.

16

So, that’s plenty to get your teeth into for January, and we’ve all your usual favourites too of course. Enjoy!

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

in this issue...

LOCAL LISTINGS What’s on in January

6

LOCAL NEWS Round up of news & events St Margaret’s Prep School

12 14

FOOD & DRINK New at The Lock Inn Café Meet The Chef at The Great Western Eat the Seasons Amelia Freer Recipes

18 22 24 26

31 Later Life

31

HEALTH & WELLBEING Vitality Day Spa First Step UK Gym Trowbridge Chiropody JB Kinesiology

62 62 64 64

LEGAL & FINANCIAL ABD Care

44

BATH RUGBY Incoming/Outgoing players

68

HOMES & GARDENS Rose’s Garden Services Pantone Colour of the Year Dible & Roy’s Winter Sale

50 52 58

COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES Win an Essential Escape for 2! 69 Tea Break Teaser 70 Quiz, wordsearch & sudoku 72

FEATURES Lacock Photography

16

COMMENT The Last Word

74

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

3

| events

listings local

JANAURY 2019

MELKSHAM ASSEMBLY HALL

Market Place, Melksham, SN12 6ES Box Office: 01225 709887 melkshamassemblyhall.com

19 January, 2pm Tickets: £5 This heartfelt and award-winning documentary gives us an alternative insight into life in Palestine, through the world of Gaza’s surfing enthusiasts.

FORBIDDEN NIGHTS THE ARC THEATRE 18 January, 8pm College Road, Trowbridge BA14 0ES Tickets: £22 Box Office: 01225 756376 A brand new show for 2019 with new arctheatre.org.uk acts and routines added, so brace yourself for two hours of thrilling action!

ROBIN HOOD AND THE BABES IN THE WOOD THE CARPENTERS EXPERIENCE 10-13 & 17-20 January, various times 19 January, 7.30pm Tickets: £10 (Concs £8) Tickets: £18.50 Cheer the goodies and boo the The Carpenters Experience have baddies at a traditional family captured the sights and sounds of the pantomime. amazing talents of Richard & Karen Carpenter.

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

THE URBAN LANDSCAPE IN DRY PASTELS & CHALK WITH KATE COCHRANE 10, 17, 24, 31 January & 7 February, 5.30pm Tickets: £15 per session The course is for anyone with an interest in using dry pastels or chalk at all levels of experience. Working from your own photos of cityscape, buildings, industrial scenes or local architecture.

WILTSHIRE MUSIC CENTRE

Ashley Rd, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1DZ Box Office: 01225 860100 wiltshiremusic.org.uk

BRADFORD ROOTS MUSIC FESTIVAL 18-20 January, various times Tickets: various prices Now in its 7th year this community festival is bigger and brighter than ever.

THE ROYAL OPERA: THE QUEEN OF SPADES 23 January, 6.45pm Tickets: £15 (Concs £7.50) Tchaikovsky’s most ambitious opera contains some of his greatest music and is a powerful study of destructive obsession.

MARMEN QUARTET / JOHN MYERSCOUGH 25 January, 7.30pm Tickets: £16 They launch their 2019 residency with a programme that includes Schubert’s sumptuous String Quintet in C major.

BOLLYWOOD BRASS BAND / JYOTSNA SRIKANTH Bollywood Brass Band / Jyotsna Srikanth, Wiltshire Music Centre

GAZA SURF CLUB (Cert PG)

6

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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

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

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

Allington Hog Roasts – perfect party food!

Supporting the community through music Music Events • Workshops • Ensembles Mini Musicians • Bursaries • Instrument loan Room hire & much more

www.wiltshireruralmusic.co.uk Tel. 01225 753175

E. info@wiltshireruralmusic.co.uk Registered charity number. 309499

LOCAL CHEESES & HOME COOKED MEATS WEDDING CHEESE CAKES LOCALLY GROWN VEGETABLES, FRUIT & SALAD HOMEMADE CAKES & PIES LOCALLY MADE CHOCOLATES & FUDGE FINE WINES, LOCAL ALES & CIDERS PRESERVES & CHUTNEYS GIFT HAMPERS www.allingtonfarmshop.co.uk TEL: 01249 658112 Allington Bar Farm, Chippenham, SN14 6LJ

| events 26 January, 7.30pm Tickets: £17 (Concs £8.50) Dhol drum rhythms, fiery trumpet and sax solos all combine with the silky rich tones of Jyotsna Srikanth’s virtuoso violin for an irresistible evening of passion and fun.

JIM CAUSLEY LIVE IN THE BAR 27 January, 7pm Tickets: £10 (Concs £5) An intimate performance from one of England’s finest folk musicians.

26 January, 7.30pm Tickets: £14 (Concs £12) Described by Jools Holland as one of his favourite piano players ever, Ben Waters returns to The Pound for an up-beat evening of authentic boogie, blues and rock ‘n roll.

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

ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA – NTL THE ROYAL OPERA: LA TRAVIATA 10 January, 7pm 30 January, 6.45pm Tickets: £16 (Concs £10.50) Tickets: £15 (Concs £7.50) Broadcast live from the National Richard Eyre’s beautiful production Theatre, Ralph Fiennes and Sophie provides the perfect setting for Verdi’s Okonedo play Shakespeare’s famous opera about a courtesan who sacrifices fated couple in his great tragedy of all for love. politics, passion and power.

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

SOWHAT...? TEDXCORSHAM 18 January, 7pm Tickets: £15 (Concs £5) TEDxCorsham returns to The Pound with a jam-packed evening of inspirational talks, conversation, ideas and performance.

BRADLEY JOHNSON 23 January, 1pm Tickets: £7.50 Bradley Johnson is a classical guitarist, currently studying at the Royal Academy of Music with Professor Michael Lewin.

HARRY MILLER 25 January, 8pm Tickets: tbc Harry Miller will be playing a stripped back acoustic set as he presents delicate guitar riffs, accompanied by soulful vocals with jazzy melody lines and stark, honest lyrics.

BEN WATERS - BOOGIE, BLUES & ROCK ‘N ROLL...

8

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

DAMIAN WILSON AND ADAM WAKEMAN 11 January, 7.45pm Tickets: £15 (Concs £10) Damian Wilson & Adam Wakeman embark on their second full UK tour.

Great musicianship, great singing, great songs and a great atmosphere.

ADRIANA LECOUVREUR – MET 12 January, 5.55pm Tickets: £16 (Concs £10.50) For the first time at the Met, soprano Anna Netrebko sings the role of Adriana Lecouvreur, the eighteenthcentury actress whose real-life intrigues inspired Cilea’s tragic opera.

THE TRAGEDY OF KING RICHARD THE SECOND – NTL 15 January, 7pm Antony & Cleopatra NTL, Merlin Theatre

Tickets: £16 (Concs £10.50) Simon Russell Beale returns to National Theatre Live screens.

THE MADNESS OF GEORGE III – NTL 17 January, 7pm Tickets: £16 (Concs £10.50) Multi-award-winning drama The Madness of George III will be broadcast live in National Theatre Live’s first ever broadcast from Nottingham Playhouse.

I’M NOT RUNNING – NTL 31 January, 7pm Tickets: £16 (Concs £10.50) An explosive new play by David Hare, premiering at the National Theatre and broadcast live.

THE ATHENAEUM CENTRE

18-20 High St, Warminster, BA12 9AE Box Office: 01985 213891 theath.org.uk MAUDIE (Cert 12A) 9 January, 7.30pm Tickets: £5.50 In 1930’s rural Nova Scotia, Maud Dowley, who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, is regarded as a stupid, incapable woman but gains international fame through painting.

DISNEY THROUGH THE AGES 12 January, 7pm Tickets: £8 (Concs £5) An evening of song & dance performed by Sarah Paul & friends.

A MAN CALLED OVE (Cert 15) 30 January, 7.30pm Tickets: £5.50 A comedy drama about unexpected friendship and love.

NEELD ARTS CENTRE High Street, Chippenham SN15 3ER Tel: 01249 446699 neeld.co.uk REVOLTING RHYMES LIVE! 4 January, 11am Tickets: Adult £8, Child £7

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

| events Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes are brought to life with musicians and actors in a fabulous family show.

60s NIGHT 11 January, 7.30pm Tickets: £12.50 A sensational live band will provide the dance floor soundtrack and take you through the magical moments of the 1960s music scene.

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.

CHEESE & GRAIN

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

GREEN HAZE & ONE EIGHTY TWO 12 January, 7pm Tickets: £10 Tributes to two of the greatest rock bands, Green Day and Blink 182.

T-REXTASY 18 January, 8pm Tickets: £23.50 T-Rextasy have now been performing around the world for over 20 years.

FROM THE JAM 19 January, 8pm Tickets: £21 Over the past 11 years From The Jam have toured relentlessly, having played more than 1000 headline shows in the UK since their inception.

THE SIXTIES INVASION 23 January, 7.30pm Tickets: £23

10

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

The Sixties Invasion featuring Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich, Marmalade and The Tornados.

THE PRESTBURY SPORTS BAR

The Close, Warminster, BA12 9AL Tel: 01985 847070 prestburysportsbar.com Bands start at 9pm and entry is FREE WRONG JOVI 5 January The UK’s finest tribute to Bon Jovi THE REASON 12 January Pop and rock hits from the last 50 years GREASE UP 19 January Grease tribute plus rock n roll ANGEL HEART 26 January Your favourite songs with a rock edge

OTHERS BRADFORD ON AVON ARTS ASSOCIATION 6 January, £5 Wallington Hall, Bradford on Avon ‘Battles Over the Box’ is an illustrated talk by TV documentary and drama director Michael Darlow.

Call 01225 862670 or email meganandjoyce1882@gmail.com www.boaarts.org THE ATHENAEUM SINGERS 8 January, 7.30pm FREE Christ Church, Weymouth St, Warminster Singers are invited to an open rehearsal with The Athenaeum Singers. Get a taste of singing with them as they start rehearsing Haydn’s Creation. No charge and music is provided. www.athenaeumsingers.com ACOUSTIC OAK 10, 17, 24 & 31 January The Royal Oak, High St, Corsham Tickets: £2

Singers and spotlight nights. For more info go to The Acoustic Oak Facebook page.

GREAT WAR COMMEMORATIVE TAPESTRY PROJECT Until 26 January Chippenham Museum FREE Featuring artwork from the town’s primary and secondary schools and local artist Fi Redmond, as well as community groups and individuals.

DUBIOUS PRACTICES FEATURING MERV GRIST & STEVE WILLIAMS

BRIDEFORD ON AVON 19 January, 4pm Wild and Woolley Stage at the Bradford Roots Music Festival (Festival admission charges apply) A spoken-word and poetic canter through the recent, and not so recent, history of a small Wiltshire market town nestled smugly into the steep slopes of the Avon valley. Where the shiny 4 x 4 reigns supreme and it is always jam today and jam tomorrow.

TROWBOHEMIAN RHAPSODY 24 January, 8pm Leykers, 1 White Hart Yard, Trowbridge FREE A poetic, wry, invigorating and humorous look at life, Trowbridge and its near neighbours including key moments in their recent, and not so recent, chequered histories.

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

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

Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary Saving stray & unwanted dogs since 1958

image © Steve Nash

60

• 1958 - 2018 • th

A N N I V E R S A RY

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

* NOTVALID IN CONJUNCTIONWITH OTHER OFFERS.VALID ON SATURDAYS BEFORE 8PM. EXPIRY DATE 28.02.19. ROAR

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

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

CHEESE &GRAIN

SAT 12TH JAN 7PM FRI 19TH JAN 8PM SAT 20TH JAN 8PM WED 23RD JAN 7.30PM SAT 27TH JAN 6.45PM SAT 2ND FEB 9AM SAT 2ND FEB 7.30PM SUN 3RD FEB 5PM FRI 8TH FEB 7PM SAT 16TH FEB 8PM SUN 17TH FEB 8PM FRI 22ND FEB 7PM FRI 1ST MAR 8PM SAT 2ND MAR 7PM FRI 8TH MAR 8PM FRI 15TH MAR 8PM SAT 16TH MAR 7.30PM THU 21ST MAR 8PM FRI 22ND MAR 7PM

BOX OFFICE: 01373

455420

MARKET YARD, FROME, SOMERSET BA11 1BE

www.cheeseandgrain.com

GREEN HAZE + ONE EIGHTY TWO £10 ADV T-REXTASY £23.50 FROM THE JAM + SPECIAL GUEST – JACK PERRETT £21 THE SIXTIES INVASION £23 LONDON SYRIAN ENSEMBLE £15 ADV FROME VEGAN MARKET FREE ADMISSION WHOLE LOTTA LED £18 ADV CSF WRESTLING SHOWDOWN W/ THE NASTY BOYS £12 THESE SMITHS + SPECIAL GUESTS £15 ADV HUEY MORGAN NYC BLOCK PARTY £20 ADV LAU £20 BOOTLEG BLONDIE + DJS £14 ADV LIMEHOUSE LIZZY £19.50 S CLUB & 5IVE £25 ADV KRIS BARRAS BAND £16.50 FLEETWOOD BAC £16.50 ADV ST PATRICK’S DAY PARTY £10 ADV THE SOUTH £25 RETRO ELECTRO A TRIBUTE TO THE 80S £14 ADV

From The Jam

CSF Wrestling

Limehouse Lizzy

✃ ✃

WWM056

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

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

| local news

roundup

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

GREAT 2019 LINE UP AT MELKSHAM ASSEMBLY HALL

The line up at Melksham Assembly Hall over the next few months will ensure your 2019 gets off to a cracking start! Highlights include...

FORBIDDEN NIGHTS 18 January, 8pm Tickets: £22 (18+) This all-male dance show is regarded as one of the best male variety shows in Europe.

THE CARPENTERS’ EXPERIENCE 19 January, 6.30pm Tickets: £18.50 The UK’s leading tribute to The Carpenters, featuring the amazing voice of Maggie Nestor and eight top class musicians.

Tickets: £22.50 Renowned for performing classical and pop songs in stunning harmony vocal arrangements, Blake enthral fans the world over with their amazing singing, hit albums and charismatic stage presence.

TRUMPED - FUNDING THE WALL TOUR 22 February, 6.30pm Tickets: £15 Donald Trumped said,“It’s gonna be a great show, the best show,

RICH HALL

THE NEW JERSEY BOYS

BLAKE

PURPLE ZEPPELIN 2 March, 8pm Tickets: £20 Purple Zeppelin are the UK’s top tribute to two ‘Monsters of Rock’, Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin – together on the same bill!

8 March, 8pm Tickets: £17 The Hoedown begins as a withering dissection of Trump’s America, but ends up being a celebration of Americana. There’s stand-up, improvised ballads, cracking good musicianship and, ultimately, a hilarious, foot-stomping good time to be had by all.

15 February, 6.30pm Tickets: £18 Enjoy the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons plus tributes to Showaddywaddy and other musical legends.

Rich Hall’s coming to Melksham in March

16 February, 7.30pm

you’re gonna love it. It’s gonna be tremendous, so beautiful, it’s true.

I’ve got all the best jokes it’s true. You gotta love this show, it’s gonna be huge, so huge. This is an executive order - go buy a ticket now and together we can make Melksham Assembly Hall great again.”

• melkshamassembly.co.uk

DR DAVID STARKEY CBE VISITS DAUNTSEY’S SCHOOL Dauntsey’s recently welcomed historian, author and TV presenter, Dr David Starkey, who delivered a pupil Dr David Starkey CBE

seminar and a thought-provoking public lecture at the school.

The lecture formed part of the Mercers’ Lecture series and was entitled “Henry VIII and Brexit”. Dr Starkey spoke about Henry VIII’s split from Rome and drew comparisons with this historic event and Brexit.

FORTHCOMING MERCERS’ LECTURES INCLUDE: 5 February Frank Gardner OBE; BBC

12

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Security Correspondent 7 March Alison Mitchell; Sports commentator 25 April Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards; Great Britain’s first Olympic Ski Jumper Everyone is welcome to attend the lectures and entry is free, but requires pre-booking. You can reserve your seats online.

• dauntseys.org/about/upcomingevents/mercers-lectures-2018-2019

local news |

SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE SIGN OF FOUR SOUTHWESTTOURISM AWARDS2018/19

Tourism businesses from across the region have been named amongst the Finalists of this year’s Tourism Awards, which saw a record 651 entries from Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Bath, Bristol, Somerset, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Sherlock Holmes is coming to Swindon!

Crammed full of adventure, romance, comedy and one or two rather brilliant deductions, The Sign of Four is Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s epic second Sherlock Holmes tale and it’s coming to Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre on 21&22 January.

a murky world of deception and trickery, unravelling a complex plot involving murder, corruption and stolen jewels.

Don’t miss Blackeyed Theatre’s stunning world premiere of Sherlock Holmes: The Sign of Four. Original When Mary Morstan arrives at 221B, live music, stylish theatricality and Baker Street to request help with the magical story-telling combine for an mystery of her missing father, Holmes unforgettable theatrical experience.

Tickets are £18.50 - £21. takes the case and together with • swindontheatres.co.uk his companion Dr Watson enters

BEAUTY, WELLNESS & MINDFULNESS On Wednesday 20 February Whatley Manor’s Aquarias Spa are hosting wellness and industry experts as they share their skills and methods for a healthy body Whatley Manor’s Aquarias Spa

and mind. Start the day with their pilates instructor. After a healthy lunch Natura Bissé invites you to discover your skin’s needs and pick up practical tricks to get the most of your daily routine. Finish the day with Mindfulness guru Katie Sheen of Soul Nutrition, who will give an insight into a combination of mindfulness and nutritional support techniques to enhance wellness.

Enjoy an energising smoothie and refreshing teas on arrival, champagne reception with canapés, a two-course lunch, coffee and treats. £90pp. To book your place call 01666 834026.

• whatleymanor.com

The Awards won a national accolade in the AwardsAwards earlier in 2018, with judges impressed by the rigourous and independent judging. Those principles have continued to apply to this year’s awards with over 50 judges spending weeks poring over entry forms, studying website and review sites and carrying out 472 business visits, most of them unannounced mystery visits.

Reports and recommendations were then submitted to an independent panel which made the final decisions.

The awards have seen a further increase in entries since 2017, reflecting their importance to entrants in showcasing the quality of their offering and as well as giving benchmark ideas for future improvements.

The awards will be presented at a black tie dinner at Aerospace Bristol on 7 February, with guests dining under the last Concorde ever to fly, the culmination of a 10 month programme, when 400+ of the South West’s most excellent tourism businesses will gather.

Up to six finalists have been announced in each category, but all will have to wait until 7 February to learn whether they have won Gold, Silver or Bronze trophies. The full list of Finalists and Highly Commended entrants can be found on the South West Tourism website.

• southwesttourismawards.org.uk THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

13

| local news

SPORT AT SCHOOL Headmistress of St Margaret’s Preparatory School, KAREN CORDON, believes that children gain many lessons in life by appreciating that sport, like life, is competitive.

S

port is a vital part of school life at St Margaret’s. That is why every child throughout the school is encouraged and enabled to participate in a sporting or physical activity every day. Our school teams are chosen on merit, but we try to play A, B and C teams, as fixtures permit, so as many children as possible can take part. If that is not viable, we often take more children than needed for a team and swap them in and out during a match or tournament. They have the desire to win and know there will always be winners and losers, but we teach them the art of winning with humility and losing graciously. We recognise that for some children, sport provides an additional opportunity in which they can excel. It is all part of learning that we each have different talents which should be celebrated.

St Margaret’s shares its campus with St Mary’s, Calne and benefits from excellent sporting facilities including a 6 lane, 25m indoor swimming pool which is used to host local, regional and national competitions.

There are both on-site and off-site sports pitches, a well-equipped gym, 8 hard courts and 2 all-weather astro pitches, one of which has a specification engineered to National League Hockey standards. The school employs specialist sports staff for both boys’ and girls’, enabling the children to receive expert tuition in rugby, netball, hockey, swimming, football, cricket, and athletics as part of the curriculum. A comprehensive extra-curricular activity programme offers the opportunity to further

14

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Sport can provide children with a platform from which they can excel

“The school employs specialist sports staff for both boys’ and girls’, enabling the children to receive expert tuition in rugby, netball, hockey, swimming, football, cricket, and athletics as part of the curriculum.” develop skills for these sports, as well as trying other activities such as cross country running. A number of peripatetic coaches and tutors also visit the school to teach fencing, judo, tennis, ballet and yoga. The St Mary’s Tennis Academy (SMTA) provides professional group coaching to pupils from Year 1 and above, no matter what their ability.

Teams compete against other schools in matches and festivals and are encouraged to play to win. Our teams go out to perform the best they possibly can. We want to give as many children as possible the chance to play competitive sport and of course the overall objective must be to win. Life itself is competitive and

sport is a good way of learning how to win or lose, as well as how to be resilient, from a young age. Our pupils are fantastic advocates for this and if they lose, they pick themselves up, work hard on their skills and approach the next match with even more determination to succeed!

One of the main aims throughout St Margaret’s focuses on teaching all children to be ‘sporting’. We believe that attitude towards sport is as important as ability within sport.

For children to do well in sport they require motivation, enjoyment and focus – the school encourages these at every opportunity.

• stmargaretsprep.org.uk

| photography

TALKING PICTURES Last autumn LISA ROCKLIFFE went along to improve her photography skills with a course at Lacock Photography.

Lacock is a wonderful place to take pictures, it is after all ‘the birthplace of photography’

16

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

I

bought my first ‘proper’ camera not long after my daughter was born a few years ago. I wanted to take some shots of my baby as she grew but frankly, thanks to a combination of poor skills (mine) and bad equipment (my camera phone), I wasn’t really capturing anything worth keeping. So I invested in a DSLR (that’s a digital single-lens reflex to those in the know) and immediately the images improved. Simply by sticking the camera in ‘auto’ mode I was able to capture some fantastic images of my baby and our family. I could take some pretty decent landscape shots on holiday too. I was keenly aware though that the camera was doing all the work, I didn’t understand how to take a good shot, simply that if I took enough of them, I was bound to get a nice picture eventually.

That was what I wanted to do something about. You often don’t get the chance to take lots of shots of a moment – my children don’t sit still long enough! And what about all the functions I wasn’t using – my camera was packed full of features I didn’t understand, and I wanted to.

So, I called Lacock Photography, based in Lacock village.

Courses are run by Fiona Turnbull, who has years of experience teaching at all levels. I went on the beginners’ course, which helps people get to grips with the basics of photography.

“Once you understand how the different aspects of your camera work,” says Fiona, “you can use that knowledge to help you work out which settings you need to take the best picture of your subject given the conditions.” We discuss things like aperture and shutter speed, and how you need to balance them to get a good picture. For instance in low light you need a big hole to allow as much of that light in as possible. Or if you are photographing moving objects (children for instance!) you might

photography |

“As well as breaking down these fundamentals, Fiona explains lens types, depth of field, single and multi-spot focusing, metering, ISO and file formats” want a fast shutter speed so you don’t end up with blurred shots. Simple stuff really, when properly explained, but crucial to taking good pictures.

As well as breaking down these fundamentals, Fiona explains about lens types, depth of field, single and multi-spot focusing, metering, ISO and file formats; all hitherto strange and mysterious phenomena but in Fiona’s hands clearly defined and understood – the hallmark of a great teacher.

With so much to cover there is a good deal of classroom work. But, once these basics are understood, Fiona ensures there’s plenty of time to put the principles into practise, with a wander into Lacock village armed with your camera and your new-found knowledge. I happily snapped away at scenes and objects that piqued my interest, with Fiona on hand to advise.

This meant you could change the settings as you went – really helpful as you get your head around everything you’ve just learnt.

your images onto the computer and editing them for maximum impact.

There’s no denying that there is a lot of information to absorb, something I’ve not had to do for a long time.

What’s more I’m certain I’ve not remembered it all! But what I was left with was a firm understanding of the principles involved and, crucially, an enthusiasm to get my camera out of ‘auto’ mode for good to start experimenting with taking better pictures. And to me, there can be no greater compliment.

Lacock Photography run courses for all levels of photographer, and have gift vouchers available too. Find out more, and book, via their website.

• lacockphotography.com

And once you’ve been out and about, Fiona then helps you in post-production – downloading THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

17

| food & drink

THE LOCK INN CAFÉ The Lock Inn has long been a locals’ favourite, and they’ve just added a brand new heated marquee and deck to their canalside garden.

The new heated canalside marquee means you can enjoy being by the canal whatever the weather

good cup of coffee! If you have any dietary or allergy requirements just ask a member of the team, they are always happy to help and advise.

After dark the café remains open, and after 6pm you can enjoy full table service. The newly refurbished deck and marquee is ideal for hosting a party or family get-together. Should you wish to take a paddle on the water, or a pedal on the canal towpath, speak to a member of the team, they can help with that too.

• thelockinn.co.uk

T

he Lock Inn Café in Bradford on Avon is an institution. Owned and run by the same family since it was first opened in 1990, owners Dick & Jane are proud to see many of the customers that first came all those years ago.

The café is open all day every day and ideally situated if you and the family are exploring the Kennet & Avon Canal. Locals flock over for their

“As well as the breakfasts, there’s lots more to enjoy on the menu including fantastic steaks”

18

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

famous Boatman’s Breakfast, but you can stop by anytime from 8.30am to 11pm (food served ‘til 9pm) and enjoy homemade food made from the finest – locally sourced where possible – produce. What’s more, you can now enjoy your food and drink out in their brand new heated and covered deck! Beautifully situated on the banks of the canal, it allows you to sit and watch life on the canal go by whilst you enjoy good company and some delicious food and drink.

As well as the breakfasts, there’s lots more to enjoy on the menu, including fantastic steaks, fish and chips, incredible burgers, pasta, salads and much more, all of which can be enjoyed with a pint or two of cider or beer, or a glass of wine if you prefer – the café is fully licensed. Kids also have their own menu, so they’re taken care of too. Alternatively, if you’d prefer something sweet, they have a fine selection of cakes, crumbles, puddings and ice creams to tempt you and they even make a pretty

REDISCOVER THE LOCK INN CAFÉ!

The Lock Inn Café has been home of the famous Boatman’s Breakfast since1990. But did you also know about our vast lunch, snack and evening menu?

(Our fish & chips are legendary!)

We also have a newly renovated heated canalside deck and garden, are fully licensed with good beers & wines and our kitchen is open all day, every day.

Frome Road, Bradford on Avon BA15 1LE

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

Voted ‘Best George & Dragon in England’

by Sunday Mirror 2017

George & Dragon The

Rowde

Famous for seafood, delivered daily from Cornwall

SUNDAY ROAST 3 COURSES £22.50

JANUARY SALE!!!

25% OFF LUNCH & DINNER (Mon-Thurs, T&Cs apply) High Street, Rowde, Devizes SN10 2PN • 01380 723053 • ft thegeorgeanddragonrowde.co.uk • gm@thegeorgeanddragonrowde.co.uk

Enjoy The Great Atmosphere At

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

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

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

CAMRA RURAL PUB OF THE YEAR 2018!

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

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

THE

WESTBROOK

Bromham, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 2EE

tel 01380 850418

www.westbrookbromham.co.uk

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

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

FOOD AVAILABLE UNTIL 8PM ON SUNDAYS

THE RED LION

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

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

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

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

| food & drink

MEET THE CHEF

SANTIA PANTALIANO, head chef at the newly refurbished Great Western in Corsham, talks local suppliers, Italian food and collecting kitchen gadgets!

What was your first job in catering?

I started my career as a potwash and worked my way up from there.

Where have you worked before?

I have lived in many parts of the country, as far as The Midlands, and as local as Nailsworth, Stroud. My fist significant chef job was at the Randolph Hotel near Oxford.

What is the first dish you mastered?

I mastered a pasta dish quite early on as a child, aged around 3 or 4. That’s where my love of food comes from, though my tastes and techniques have changed!

Do you have any favourite local suppliers?

Our butcher WJ Bevan in Melksham offers a really good varied selection and our fruit and veg comes from A David; they are always very helpful.

What is your favourite dish on the current menu?

I actually have two, the chicken burger, with my own secret blend

A delicious strawberry panna cotta

22

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

The Great Western is offering dining for two for just £10.95 in Jan and Feb

of herbs and spices, and our sun blushed tomato and olive tagliatelle.

What is the most memorable event you have cooked for?

I have done many, my favourite has to be a wedding I did a few years ago. 150 people attended so it was a very busy, but enjoyable, day.

Do you have any special offers running in the new year?

During January and February, we are running a two can dine for £10.95, to beat those new year blues!

What’s your favourite kitchen gadget?

I have three, my pasta maker, my ravioli shaper and my multi blade Which local pubs and restaurants do mandolin. you like visiting on a day off?

I love Italian restaurants so if I eat What is your guilty pleasure? out it’s Ponte Vecchio or Sotto Sotto, I would say buying kitchen items! both in Bath.

I’m always building my collection of knives, baking moulds and kitchen When you cook for friends, what’s equipment. on the menu?

I often overdo it for friends, I like to To make a reservation at show my creative side, and generally The Great Western call 01249 713838. do a four or five course meal, there’s always too much food!

• greatwesterncorsham.co.uk

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

WILTSHIRE YEOMAN

Enjoy a 2 Course Lunch for just £9 (Tuesday to Friday) Free Bottle of House Wine (Red or White)

When you book a meal for 4 or more people in January 2019 if you mention this advert.

✦ Doggie friendly ✦ Open fire ✦ Delicious Sunday lunches ✦ Quiz every Sunday

f

Find us on Facebook for upcoming events

LIVE MUSIC... 12TH JAN THE HAMMERVILLES

21ST JAN

ROCKHOPPAZ

01225 765370 Chilmark Rd, Trowbridge BA14 9DD www.thewiltshireyeoman.co.uk

| 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 the start of a new year and 2019 will bring in its fair share of uncertainty because of Brexit.

Some of the big food suppliers have already stockpiled large amounts of dry ingredients with long shelf life, which you have probably read about.

We will have many root vegetables, especially parsnips, as their flavour is the best over the next few months.

We also have carrots, swede, turnips and potatoes to enjoy.

“Celeriac is still proving to be very popular, People have also been buying up possibly because it can their favourite imported products so be used in so many they have a stock in their own larders. ways. It may not pretty With our business fresh supplies from but it is very versatile!”

Europe - and possible delays from customs - is on our minds. Supply of labour is an almighty concern with the hospitality trade as with seasonal staff on the land. Let us sincerely hope it is all okay and that it sorts itself out soon as the waiting is usually worse than the reality.

There will of course be plenty of home grown vegetables available all through the winter, many of them are still local.

24

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

On the cabbage front we have savoy, red and spring cabbage, curly kale, cavolo nero, leeks and cauliflower.

You should be able to get all of these locally in

the village shops and farm shops subject to extreme weather.

Celeriac is still proving to be very popular, possibly because it can be used in so many ways. It may not pretty but it is very versatile!

As always please email me with any veg related questions, ask me what to buy and where you can get locally grown, or ask me what to plant and grow in your tubs, gardens or allotments. I am always happy to help.

Neil neil@lovejoyswholesale.com @lovejoysuk • lovejoyswholesale.com

The Red Lion

W O O L V E R T O N

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.

BURNS’ NIGHT SUPPER

LIVE MUSIC

Friday 25th January... Booking Essential 3 Course Set Menu, Traditional Piper, Whiskies, Address to the Haggis & More!

Real Ales | Beer Garden | Pub Games Real Log Fires | Parking

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

Next to Bradford on Avon Train Station Frome Road, Bradford On Avon, Wiltshire BA15 1LA

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

EVERY FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY

Tel 01225 865876 Find us on Facebook

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

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.

SET LUNCH OFFER

SUPPER CLUB

AVAILABLE MONDAY - FRIDAY

THURSDAY 31ST JANUARY, 4 COURSES £25

£15.95 for 2 COURSES £17.95 for 3 COURSES

GAME TERRINE, BOUILLABAISSE, FILLET OF BEEF, CREPE SUZETTE

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

| recipes

NOURISH & GLOW

Want to lose weight and feel well this new year? Start your journey by trying these great recipes from AMELIA FREER...

Smoked Mackerel Pâté Ingredients 100g smoked mackerel, skin & bones removed zest and juice of ½ a lime 3 tbsp finely chopped fresh coriander 1 fresh red chilli, deseeded & finely chopped 2cm fresh ginger, peeled & finely grated 2 tbsp dairy-free coconut yoghurt (or 1 tbsp full-fat organic mayonnaise)

26

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

1 tbsp coconut aminos 2 spring onions, finely sliced Sea salt and black pepper To Serve 2 or 3 gluten-free oatcakes 1 apple, sliced 3 portions of raw vegetable crudités

Method Mix all the pâté ingredients together with a fork. Taste and season.

Spoon the pâté into a bowl and serve with the oatcakes, sliced apple, vegetable crudités and a generous sprinkling of toasted seeds.

✃

Serves 1

(eg a handful of asparagus tips, some endive leaves and ½ a sliced pepper) 2 tbsp Spiced Seed Sprinkle (find recipe online)

Herby Green Omelette Ingredients 2 large free range eggs Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley and/or dill 1 tbsp coconut oil or light olive oil 2 spring onions, finely sliced 2 handfuls of spinach, roughly chopped A handful of peas (if frozen, pour boiling water over them in a bowl to thaw for 5 minutes, then drain)

✃

✃

recipes |

Method In a small bowl, whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt, a grind of fresh black pepper and the chopped fresh herbs, either dill or parsley (or both).

Heat the coconut oil or olive oil in a wide frying pan over a medium heat, making sure the base of the pan is coated so your eggs don’t stick. Add the eggs and swirl again so you have a thin coating – it should bubble just

Serves 1

slightly at the edges. Keep tilting the pan to distribute the egg evenly.

Sprinkle with the spring onions, spinach and peas, cook for about 2 minutes, until the egg is almost dry, then fold over just under half of the egg to cover the greens, leaving a smile of green showing. Cook for one minute more, then slide the omelette out of the pan and on to your plate.

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

27

| recipes

Egg Salad on Toast Serves 1

28

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Method Boil the eggs for 6 minutes, then rinse under cold water to stop them cooking. Peel the eggs and finely chop them. You could do this the night before if you know you’ll be busy in the morning.

rocket. Add the olive oil and salt and pepper, and mix well.

Toast the slice of bread, and load it up with the salad.

Put the eggs into a bowl with the spring onion, lemon zest, chives, celery, cherry Nourish & Glow: The 10-Day Plan tomatoes,

by Amelia Freer, £16.99 avocado and

✃

Ingredients 2 large eggs 1 spring onion, finely sliced Zest of ½ a lemon A sprinkling of chopped fresh chives ½ a stick of celery, finely chopped A handful of cherry tomatoes, quartered ¼ of an avocado, peeled & chopped A handful of rocket, rinsed 1 tbsp olive oil Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper 1 slice of gluten-free bread

Ash welcomes you to The Methuen Arms, an award winning Great British inn where hospitality meets fabulous food & drink at a relaxed pace.

Head Chef Leigh Evans has built a team dedicated to finding the best local food representing our area, serving up great food combinations & taste driven dishes.

The Methuen also has various spaces available for hosting great par ties, meetings and functions.

✃

Tel: 01249 717060

2 High Street, Corsham SN13 0HB

themethuenarms.com

retirement |

Later Life From retirement planning to care homes and mobility, there are many things to consider as we get older. Here are some of the best local providers‌

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

31

| retirement

CARE HOMES & RETIREMENT VILLAGES CHANTRY COURT Suitable for everyone from retiring downsizers to those looking for assisted living, Chantry Court comprises 68 individual properties ranging from the smallest 1-bed apartment through to luxury penthouse suites and a 3-bedroom 2-storey lodge house. The village is located within the heart of Westbury, enabling residents to have maximum independence and access to the town’s amenities as well as 24/7 support just in case they need it.

Just like any village, Chantry Court has a range of facilities to help meet residents’ needs and add to the feeling of community and companionship. These include a first class restaurant with sun terrace, bar, lounge, library room, hair salon, cinema, doctor’s facility and therapy rooms. Those keen on keeping a full social diary can partake in clubs, musical events and resident led activities, and trips can be arranged with support inhouse. There are group quizzes and games, a hobbies room and library (with full Internet access) further making the village environment at Chantry Court perfect for residents to do exactly as they please.

The village staff are here to support residents 24/7 with a wide range of services, and they have an in-house Chantry Court is a dedicated retirement village

32

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Gracewell has a modern feel and spacious accommodation

registered domiciliary care service operating across the village to provide personal care if and when required. Properties can be bought outright, or rented on a short or long-term basis. To find out more call 01373 828800.

• chantrycourt.com

GRACEWELL OF FROME

“Gracewell of Frome is a luxury care home, providing exceptional residential, nursing and dementia care.” team creates meaningful activities which feed the mind, body and spirit, helping residents to feel connected and engaged.

Gracewell of Frome is a luxury care home, providing exceptional residential, nursing and dementia care. The home offers spacious accommodation with en-suite wet rooms, bright and spacious lounges to relax and unwind, a hair and beauty salon and cinema room.

Residents and family members can enjoy the on site café or take some time to enjoy the accessible sensory garden.

The team takes great care when it comes to the general health of residents and undertakes regular reviews of their nutrition and hydration to ensure that they are living the most fulfilling, healthy lives possible. The home’s talented, award-winning dining team listens to each resident’s dining needs and likes, and freshly prepare each meal.

To find out more call 01373 486580.

• gracewellfrome.co.uk

The highly trained compassionate team is committed to helping residents and supporting family members by providing comfort, security and life enrichment, within a safe and uplifting environment.

Providing an individual personalised care plan for every resident, the

LONGBRIDGE DEVERILL HOUSE Longbridge Deverill House, with its mature landscaped gardens, is situated in the village of Longbridge Deverill, just 3 miles from Warminster, on the A350 close to Trowbridge, Westbury and

| retirement Frome. All rooms are individually decorated; with en-suite facilities and some offer private patios. All rooms are accessible by passenger lift. Pets are welcome and residents are encouraged to personalise their rooms with their cherished possessions.

February 11am to 4pm, whilst experiencing the feel and quality of the apartments at the brand new show home.

Visitors can also discover Wadswick Green’s extensive onsite amenities, which include a swimming pool

creates an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. Nestled in the Wiltshire countryside, residents at Wadswick Green love the convenient access to the nearby villages as well as the proximity to Bath.

To secure your spot for the event on Friday 15 February, please call 01225 584 500 or, for general information, visit the website.

• wadswickgreen.co.uk

CARE & SUPPORT ABNEY & BAKER

The beautiful communal gardens at Wadswick Green

“Wadswick Green in Corsham is now launching its latest phase, Almond Close, and is inviting you to join the celebration!”

The house offers 24 hour care and their experienced staff work with each resident to formulate an individual plan of care tailored to meet needs, wishes and lifestyle choices. The plan is to strive to enhance privacy and dignity through the unique bonds and relationships built with residents.

To arrange a visit please call 01985 214040 or see the website for more information.

• equality-care.co.uk

WADSWICK GREEN Wadswick Green, the modern and popular lifestyle village for the over60s in Corsham, is now launching its latest phase Almond Close and is inviting you to join the celebration!

Enjoy a glass of fizz on Friday 15

34

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

with Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, gym, spa and hair salon. In addition, Wadswick Green is home to The Greenhouse restaurant, which has proven popular with residents and the Wiltshire community alike.

Almond Close will feature a choice of 45 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments with prices starting from £335,500.

The interiors boast an open-plan layout that

Abney & Baker offer a fresh approach to getting help at home.

Having identified that there was little spare capacity available to people who had to fund their own care and support, Abney & Baker’s founder Ian Willis set out to offer private clients a service focused on quality and personal attention. Now, from their newly opened Melksham office, Abney & Baker work closely with clients and their families across West Wiltshire to provide a service that enhances their lives.

The key to achieving this has been investment in their staff. Abney & Baker made the commitment to be a Living Wage Employer, helping them to hire and retain highly trained, dedicated team members; something they believe is key to providing the best customer experience to their clients.

Services include personal care, social and domestic support, relief visits and activities for life, which offers activity-based Abney & Baker offer a fresh approach to getting help at home

p

| retirement visits to keep people engaged in hobbies and provide social interaction. Contact Abney & Baker on 01225 952200, email support@ abneyandbaker.com or complete the online form on their website to find out more.

• abneyandbaker.com

Carewatch staff can help with many of the tasks in everday life that can become difficult

BUSY BEES CLEANING SERVICES Busy Bees is a local, friendly and reliable cleaning and garden maintenance company, based in Frome. Over the past 20 years they have built up a large database of over 3300 customers, a number that continues to grow on a daily basis.

Their services include domestic cleaning, offering a regular cleaning visit or a one off deep cleaning service (they adapt to your individual requirements), carpet and upholstery cleaning, ironing, garden maintenance (regular or one off visits) and pressure washing of paths and driveways. The sheer variety of services available makes them ideal if you are struggling with some everyday household tasks, or simply want to relax knowing your home and garden will stay clean and tidy.

All staff provided by Busy Bees are experienced, uniformed, trained, fully insured and employed directly

by Busy Bees. The company prides itself in providing a flexible approach to suit their customers’ needs, while offering a wide range of services. With one telephone call they can lighten your workload, so don’t delay and give them a ring on 01373 455911 to discuss further.

• busybees2000.co.uk

“Busy Bees is a local, friendly and reliable cleaning and garden maintenance company” 36

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

“The dedicated staff at Carewatch work within their local communities assisting those who need extra help with those activities that have become more difficult.”

CAREWATCH Enjoying good quality life experiences are important to everyone. These include being able to maintain independence, having control over decisions that affect our lives, maintaining health, learning and maintaining skills and having the respect of others around us. This is important in every area of our lives especially in our own homes. This is where Carewatch can help. The dedicated staff work within their local communities assisting those who need extra help and personal care to do those activities that have become more difficult.

The care and support worker can help in many ways providing assistance, reassurance and encouragement to meet the challenges of everyday life. They will provide support, company and friendship and are trained to recognise that there may be a need for more personal care and support and can help you with your more intimate daily routine such as washing and getting ready in the morning. They can also provide more intensive care following an

illness, discharge from hospital or long-term caring needs. Call 01225 719333 to find out more.

• carewatch.co.uk

MOLLY MAID There’s nothing nicer than coming home to a clean house… and that’s where Molly Maid come in!

They are Trowbridge’s number one professional domestic cleaning service, covering all the county town, Bradford on Avon and surrounding villages. All Molly Maid house cleaners are professionally trained and insured and their house cleaning services are backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Choose from weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or occasional cleans, or hire them for a spring clean or special occasion; their service offers a flexible schedule based on your needs – many clients are older people who need a little help keeping up with the housework. Contact Jim Jackman today for a free, in-home estimate on 01225 777757; they’re very competitively priced and there’s no contract required.

• mollymaid.co.uk

Landscaped gardens

Pets are welcome

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

Dedicated activities co-ordinator and daily programme of activities.

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

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

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

| retirement

Co-operative Funeralcare have local branches in Warminster, Westbury & Frome

LEGAL & FINANCIAL PLANNING CO-OPERATIVE FUNERALCARE The Southern Co-op Funeral Plan, available from Co-operative Funeralcare, is tailored to your individual needs so you can choose exactly what you want. The cost is guaranteed and inflation proof, protecting you and your loved ones from ever-rising costs.

The average cost of a funeral has soared well above the rate of inflation in recent years and is expected to rise further. By choosing to plan now, you are paying at today’s prices. Whether the funeral takes place in 5 or 10 years’ time, there will be no extra or hidden costs to your partner, relatives or executor.

and includes a 28 day cooling off period for complete peace of mind.

To find out more, visit one of their local branches in Frome, Warminster or Westbury or visit the website.

• funeralcare.co.uk

KINGFISHER IFA How you choose to build up cash or other assets for your retirement is up to you. There is no doubt that saving, using the tax advantages and relatively low cost of a pension plan, is the best way to build up the largest lump sum. Pensions have changed dramatically, now benefiting from far more freedom, flexibility and choice

than ever before. The Government stakeholder initiative has slashed charges and you no longer have to buy a fixed annuity or accept poor investment choice. Unspent pension funds can also now be bequeathed to survivors and even the next generation, often tax free so there is less excuse than ever before! It is however vital to grasp that your retirement provision will need to be in the hundreds of thousands of pounds before a decent income can be realised after you retire. This sounds daunting but there are things you can do.

Start now by reviewing any existing private pension arrangements you have to see if you can reduce charges and boost performance.

Also ensure you are at least saving something every month via a modern flexible investment ISA or competitive pension arrangement.

When you reach retirement age do not undo all the good work by

“When you reach retirement age do not undo all the good work by simply accepting the first annuity you are offered”

Kingfisher IFA

An easy payment scheme allows you to spread the cost from 1 to 10 years through monthly instalments, securing the cost for a fixed monthly payment.

The Southern Co-op Funeral Plan is valid in over 1,100 Co-operative Funeralcare branches across the UK

38

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

An independent IFA like Richard Salter can help make your money go further

Kingfisher Financial Planning INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISERS

Offering good, honest, advice to help you make the most of your money

SPECIALIST IN RETIREMENT & INVESTMENT PLANNING

ALSO • Critical Illness, Life Cover & Estate Planning • Chartered Financial Planner

01225 308370

richard@kingfisherifa.co.uk

Contact RICHARD today to find out more!

• Fully independent • First meeting at our expense www.kingfisherifa.co.uk

19 Timbrell Street, Trowbridge, Wilts BA14 8PP

| retirement simply accepting the first annuity you are offered; there are now so many choices and so much freedom that it is easy to make the wrong choice and undo all your years of saving. By contrast Kingfisher IFA regularly deliver significant boosts to client’s income, as well as giving flexibility and control to those who seek professional advice making this time well spent. As one of the regions most qualified and experienced IFAs Richard Salter, a Bradford on Avon resident and Partner at Kingfisher Trowbridge, is pleased to offer a no obligation free first meeting to help ensure you are on track, enjoying the best value for money and decent growth prospects

“Whatever your assets, you will want them to benefit your family rather than the state. W.T.P. provide a complete advice service that as well as ensuring your estate will be distributed as you wish”

as well as making the most informed retirement choices when the time comes. Contact Richard on 01225 308370 to find out more or email richard@kingfisherifa.co.uk.

• kingfisherifa.co.uk

W.T.P. W.T.P., based in Bath, is a specialist firm offering professional Will writing services. Their directors and associates have over 40 years combined experience in the profession, making them real experts in the field. All work is undertaken professionally, confidentially and at a time and place convenient to customers. You can visit their office on Lower Bristol Road, or, if you prefer, they can visit you in your own home at a time to suit you.

amount social services can take to cover your care as you get older.

Unlike solicitors, W.T.P. specialises in this one area of the law and charge a fraction of the price, and by contrast with many simple DIY Will kits, W.T.P. ensures your Will can be legally enforced. Their consultants are trained to advise and take your instructions by clearly explaining the legal and technical implications, free from jargon. To find out more call 01225 400060.

• wtponline.co.uk

MOBILITY LIFE & MOBILITY SOLUTIONS

This family run mobility equipment supplier has three local showrooms, one in Warminster another in Trudoxhill near Frome, and another W.T.P. is highly experienced in all manner of requirements and estates in Shepton Mallet. Life & Mobility Solutions supply all major mobility of all sizes. Whatever your assets, equipment including rise and you will want them to benefit your recline chairs, adjustable beds, family rather than the state. W.T.P. stairlifts, mobility scooters, living provide a complete advice service that as well as ensuring your estate aids and much more. They have over 30 years’ experience within will be distributed as you wish, will the industry and can offer help and also enable you to minimise the advice on most things connected to impact of inheritance tax or the your mobility.

W.T.P. can help with will writing and lasting powers of attorney

Owner Mark Cawthra and his team believe in presenting you with all the options, so you can make an informed decision on what is best for you. They carry products from all the leading manufacturers but are

“Life & Mobility Solutions supply all major mobility equipment including rise and recline chairs, adjustable beds, stairlifts, mobility scooters, living aids and much more.”

40

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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

Lasting Power of Attorney

WINTER PROMOTION

£75

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

+VAT

WILL PRICES: £75+VAT SINGLE, £100+VAT JOINT If you have money or property and become unable to deal with your affairs because of an accident or illness your assets may be frozen. If you have a stroke, or develop Alzheimer’s, your family may have to apply to the courts to deal with your affairs. This can be expensive, may take a year or more to complete and a large sum of money may have to be deposited with the courts!

A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document that gives somebody of your choice the power to deal with your financial affairs if for any physical or mental reason you were unable to. It is the only document which gives this power but you can only complete one while in good health, so you need to act as soon as possible.

To make an appointment for a home visit please telephone:

01225 400060

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

| retirement

“Oakville is a real family affair with Robert and Sue Lymer running the business along with their sons Paul and Robbie.”

Life & Mobility Solutions have the new Cabin Car MK2 in stock

not tied in with any one of them, meaning they can offer you clear, impartial advice. For instance, they are proud to have the new Cabin Car MK2 in stock. This fully enclosed British built cabin car goes a step further than your average mobility scooter. Road legal with a top speed of 8 mph, it has all the features and refinements you’d find in a car, powered by a reliable 1400-watt electric motor. You can travel up to 30 miles in comfort and style off a single charge. Contact them to arrange a test drive or to find out more visit their independent showroom at 17 George Street, Warminster. If you are unable to get to the showroom, they also offer a free home visit and delivery service – call 01985 843035 to find out more.

• www.lifeandmobility.co.uk

MENDIP MOBILITY Mendip Mobility Ltd was established in 2007 with the aim of providing excellent service, quality and value for money products.

With retail outlets in Street and Trowbridge in Somerset and Wiltshire their extensive range of mobility products enable you to

42

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

see the equipment first hand. As mobility specialists they offer a personal service with instore or at home demonstrations. They are also able to process applications for the supply of “Motability Scheme” eligible customers. Call for further details on products and services on 01225 764800.

• mendipmobility.co.uk

“Mendip Mobility Ltd was established in 2007 with the aim of providing excellent service, quality and value for money products.”

OAKVILLE CARE CENTRE Oakville Care Centre, whose nearest branch is in Frome, supplies all your independent living needs.

Established in 1996, the shop stocks a quality range of mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walkers, as well as aids for daily living, nursing, comfort and bathing. As well as all that they also stock a wide range of health and wellbeing products including natural remedies, herbal bath salts and

organic skincare products.

Oakville is a real family affair with Robert and Sue Lymer running the business along with their sons Paul and Robbie. They are renowned for their range of mobility and continence products, but in recent years have added many new natural health and skincare ranges too including some natural immune boosting products to help keep colds at bay, organic shower gels and a natural skincare range from Australia with over 30 different products.

Although trading for over 20 years, Oakville has kept up with the times and as well as serving the local people in Frome and Wells they have an extensive website where you can browse and buy online, with free local delivery.

• oakvillecarecentre.co.uk Oakville Care Centre has branches in Frome & Wells

For excellent service, quality & value for money

MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER

• Rise & Recline Chairs • Stairlifts • Adjustable Beds • Mobility Scooters • Walkers & Wheelchairs • Bathing Aids • Daily Living Aids The Jubilee Rise & Recliner from Cosi Chair

New Year Special Offer on Rise & Recline Chairs

Official Suppliers of Mobility Scooters, Beds, Chairs, Wheelchairs & Stairlifts Trowbridge: 01225 764 800 Street: 01458 448 355 Email: mendipmobility@btconnect.com

www.mendipmobility.co.uk

Visit our independent showroom at

17 George Street, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 8QA

or call our team today on

01985 843035

www.lifeandmobility.co.uk

OAKVILLE CARE CENTRE

For all your inde pendent living needs

For over 20 years Oakville has been sourcing the best mobility, daily living aids and continence care products from around the world to buy from our shops in Frome and Wells and online. (FREE LOCAL DELIVERY) OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK

3 Badcox, Frome BA11 3BQ T 01373 455415 32 St Cuthbert St, Wells BA5 2AW T 01749 670765

www.oakvillecarecentre.co.uk A l w a y s T h e r e . . . To C a r e

| legal & financial

IS EQUITY RELEASE A GOOD WAY TO FUND THE COST OF LONG TERM CARE? We asked ANDREW DOUGLAS, a partner at Awdry Bailey Douglas Solicitors who specialises in elderly care, for his views on this issue...

WHAT IS EQUITY RELEASE? It is a financial arrangement whereby financial providers allow homeowners over the age of 55 to turn capital in their homes into tax free cash to either buy an income or provide a lump sum for the purpose of funding long term care costs or to spend in whatever other way they wish.

HOW IS THE EQUITY IN YOUR HOME TURNED INTO CASH?

The provider agrees to provide a capital sum in return for you entering into either a lifetime mortgage or selling to them all or part of your property subject to you having the right to live in the property for life or as long as you need.

IS IT AN EXPENSIVE OPTION?

Yes, it is sometimes called the option of last resort. That said it is an option which is now considered to be more mainstream. Lifetime mortgages often start at 4-5%. If your property is sold to the provider it is often for less than the market value. There are then arrangement fees plus legal and valuation fees.

SHOULD YOU SEEK SPECIALIST ADVICE? Yes, always use an advisor who has a specialist Equity Release qualification. Also make sure both

44

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

“Always remember to claim your age related DWP benefits, see whether the state IS EQUITY RELEASE THE will help if your other ONLY WAY OF FUNDING capital savings are LONG TERM CARE FEES? less than £23,250 and No. Always remember to claim see if you are entitled your age related DWP benefits, see to NHS Continuing whether the state will help if your Health Care.” other capital savings are less than

the advisor and the provider are members of the Equity Release Council and regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority.

£23,250 and see if you are entitled to NHS Continuing Health Care.

You can ask your family to help out. In other words, do not rush into an Equity Release arrangement until you fully understand the product and are aware of all other options.

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

• abdcare.co.uk

Andrew Douglas

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

FREE QUOTATIONS AVAILABLE RENEW - REPAIR - READY FOR WINTER

Call 01373 822933 or 07506 373335

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

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

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

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

West Wiltshire’s Most Trusted Estate Agent * * Based on hundreds of customer reviews on Trustpilot

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

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

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

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

Offering beautifully designed kitchens, or kitchen replacement doors, with a FREE innovative design & planning service • Stunning ranges including Contemporary, Traditional, Painted, Gloss & more • Expert Design & Installation • Appliances from the Industry’s Leading Manufacturers • The Homemaker Customer Care & After Sales Service

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

| gardens

ROSE’S GARDENING & FENCING Founded in 2011, Rose’s has established a fantastic reputation for top quality work and great customer care across West Wiltshire. they all get a garden they can enjoy from a company they can trust.”

All Rose’s gardeners (they can have as many as 20 working for them in peak season) are DBS checked and the business is approved by Trading Standards’ Buy With Confidence scheme, which ensures companies have been vetted, approved and continue to be monitored by Trading Standards, to help ensure you receive a quality service. The company is also fully insured and has waste carrier and pesticide licences, which gives their client’s even greater peace of mind.

There are few plants giving seasonal interest at this time of year, snow drops are one of them

I

f you are having difficulty managing your plot, have a landscaping project in mind, or simply need some repairs carried out, Rose’s Gardening & Fencing Services can help. The company, which is approved

by Trading Standards’ Buy With Confidence scheme, is run by husband and wife Rupert and Ellen Rose.

Rupert’s 25-year career in a timber sawmill means he can do almost anything with wood, whilst Ellen’s background in business management ensures the company runs smoothly.

It’s a funny time of year in the garden, with just a few flowers and shrubs providing seasonal interest. However, whilst the ‘bones’ of the garden are on display, now is a good time to replace

“now is a good time to replace or repair fencing, gates and decking, or to get some hard landscaping done.”

50

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

or repair fencing, gates and decking, or to get some hard landscaping done. Ellen explains, “No garden is too big or too small to be cared for by our team. At this time of year, we’re busy with fencing, hedge cutting, pruning, creating raised beds ready for spring planting and erecting garden sheds and bases (which can be built bespoke if you have an awkward spot to fill). We are competitively priced too.”

From the outset, Ellen and Rupert have ensured their business is caring and trustworthy, previously winning the Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce Service Excellence Awards. “It is important our clients feel confident when our team turns up,” explained Ellen (all their gardeners carry photo ID).“We look after gardens for all sorts of clients, from busy professionals without the time they’d like to spend in their gardens, to elderly or vulnerable people who are physically unable to tackle their plots. We ensure

So, if you have a project in mind, the process starts with a free, no obligation, quotation. This is fully broken down so the customer can see exactly what they are paying for.

To find out more give Ellen a call on 01373 827601. You will be assured of quality work by a reputable company.

• rosesgardeningservices.co.uk

• FENCING, GATES, DECKING & RAISED BEDS • GRAVELLING & TURFING (INCL ASTRO) • HEDGE CUTTING (UP TO 13FT) • BORDERS, PRUNING & LAND CLEARING • REGULAR MAINTENANCE OR ONE OFF JOBS • PRESSURE WASHING

3 FULLY INSURED 3 DBS CHECKED 3 ALL TOOLS & MACHINERY SUPPLIED

COVERING TROWBRIDGE, B-O-A, WESTBURY, WARMINSTER, MELKSHAM & FROME

CONTACT RUPERT ROSE: 01373 827601 01225 765030 / 01985 800636

www.rosesgardeningservices.co.uk

NEW

GET IN TOUCH TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTATION!

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

Traditional Joinery Techniques Top Quality Materials Bespoke Projects Local Workshop

LEI G H JOINERY & INTERIORS

Where detail is key...

tel 07794 383684 email lvaughan@leighjoineryinteriors.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

Cormar Carpets - Home Counties Using British Manufacturers & Suppliers

| house & home

COLOUR OF THE YEAR 2019

S

The Pantone Colour of the Year for 2019 is Living Coral..

potted on fashion runways, social media, and even smartphones, coral is set to shine even brighter in 2019.

Crowned as Pantone’s latest ‘It’ colour, Living Coral is already making moves in the interior design world, emerging as a cheerful and versatile hue that adds personality to all parts of the home.

Soften its energetic tone with cushions, throws and rugs for an inviting feel in the living room. The dining area can also benefit from this great hue; coral plates and coasters will perk up a table arrangement.

2. MAKE A STATEMENT WITH CORAL FURNITURE Coral’s cheerful vibe can be applied on a larger scale, its warm, nurturing HERE ARE 3 GREAT WAYS TO qualities translate well to furniture.

INTRODUCE IT INTO YOUR A coral-themed sofa (see below) INTERIOR. will bring a positive, sunny vibe to any room. It can be paired with 1. HIGHLIGHT IT WITH soft neutrals for an elegant space DECORATIVE ELEMENTS or amped up for an all-out tropical AND ACCENTS feel. Dining chairs are also a great Living Coral radiates positivity and fit for this peachy colour, lending a warmth, making it an expressive cheerful, engaging vibe to the space. shade even in small doses.

Introducing it through small If you don’t want to splash out, why elements will brighten up a room, not upcycle a chair for a bedroom or creating a sense of cosiness that’s home office? A coral chair instantly also fresh and chic.

brings warmth and vibrancy to the dullest of corners.

“A coral-themed sofa will bring a positive, sunny vibe to any room.”

3. CREATE CONTRAST WITH COLOUR BLOCKING Colour blocking is another chic way to introduce Living Coral to the home. Often seen as a spring/ summer trend, matching this warm shade with other colours creates a striking contrast - a great way to tackle the winter blues. It can be paired with unexpected shades like mint for a fresh and on-trend aesthetic, or greys and blush tones for a softer look. This adds a natural, welcoming feel to a space while also showcasing the vivid, chromatic qualities of this dazzling, joyful colour.

Coral’s warm tones translates well to furniture, and a coral sofa will bring a sunny vibe to your living room

54

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

| house & home

DIBLE & ROY

Dible & Roy is an award-winning business that has been dedicated to solving interior design challenges for almost 40 years. wooden flooring is also available in a wide range of colours and styles.

A free flooring measuring service is offered with no obligation. Pride in offering value for money, advice you can rely on and most importantly a team of friendly helpful fitters means that customers come back time and time again. Now is the perfect time to reinvent your home with up to 30% off carpeting or even refresh your room with a custom-made rug available in a range of styles and borders.

Dible & Roy have up to 30% off carpeting in their Winter Sale

W

ith new ranges of furnishings and accessories and a sale running from 2nd January to 8th February, there has never been a better time to pay Dible & Roy a visit. Voted ‘Best Independent Shop’ in Bradford on Avon in the recent local awards, the company is flying high! Alongside the huge range of fabrics, carpets, flooring, wallpaper and paint, the sofas, lamps, cushions, vases, mirrors, clocks and other accessories present beautiful interior solutions for your home.

The fabric library offers everything from contemporary geometric patterns from Scion; traditional tartans from Moon and Sanderson; embroidered silks from Colefax & Fowler to plain fabrics in a variety of textures and materials.

Made to measure curtains, blinds and shutters can be tailored to meet your design requirements with a free home measuring

58

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

service. Instore consultations present an opportunity to have one to one care from experienced design consultants and absolute confidence in the choices you make for your home. A wide variety of curtain poles and tracks are available and an experienced fitter is on hand to install for you.

With up to 20% off fabrics and wallpapers during the Winter Sale, this an ideal opportunity to see what Dible & Roy can do for you. If you are choosing carpet, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming but with many years’ experience and an extensive selection you can be guided through the options to find the ideal flooring solution for your home.The range includes many styles of carpet including the increasingly popular natural fibre carpets such as Sisal, Seagrass and Jute. If you have a specific colour in mind a custom-made carpet can even be created to suit your décor.

Cushioned vinyl and engineered

Dible & Roy are well known in the area for offering high quality product and service. Why not call in and see what differences they could make to your home? Find them on Bridge Street in Bradford on Avon - they are open Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm.

• dibleandroy.co.uk

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL “A huge thank you to everyone involved in creating our beautiful bedroom curtains, they are simply stunning”

INSIDE OR OUT GIVE US A SHOUT! ENGINEERED EUROPEAN OAK HARDWOOD FLOORING KARNDEAN VINYL LAMINATE FLOORING BONA & OSMO PRODUCTS FOR FIXING & FINISHING FENCING MATERIALS DECKING DECORATIVE GRAVELS RAILWAY SLEEPERS WOOD PRESERVATIVE MAIN SYDENHAMS STOCKIST OF HARDWOODS, JOINERY AND TREATED SOFTWOODS, PINE & OAK FURNITURE PANELS PLUS SHEET MATERIALS, HARDWOOD SKIRTING & ARCHITRAVE Tel: 01985 844771 Email: Sales.MaidenB@sydenhams.co.uk Bradley Lane, Maiden Bradley, Wiltshire BA12 7JR

www.sydenhams.co.uk

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

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

FIND LUXURY BATHROOMS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES 01225 765000

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

www.activeplumbingsupplies.co.uk

| health & wellbeing

VITALITY DAY SPA OPENS IN BOA

A

nyone looking to recover from a hectic festive season with a little R&R should head over to the newly opened Vitality Day Spa in Bradford on Avon. The new spa opened in November, and has already proved a hit with locals.

Vitality Day Spa has a huge range of restorative treatments

The business was opened by the Barnes family, with the treatments led by Georgie who, after studying Beauty at Bath College (and specialising in spa therapies) worked at Thermae Bath Spa for five years before leaving to join her family’s new venture. The whole family has a role to play in the business. Director Ashley Barnes said, “We thought Bradford on Avon was the perfect location to open a day spa offering luxury treatments and therapies at affordable prices in a tranquil and relaxing environment.”

massage therapy, but there are some wonderful treatments to choose from. See the full collection on the website.

Already, they have seen their reputation grow, with most clients coming via recommendation. So far popular treatments include their personally designed facial, threepoint massage, muscular tension release and the full body scrub and

A luxury Mother’s Day gift bag will be available from 19-30 March. Plus there will be 15% off any facial treatment from 26-30 March, including a glass of fizz and chocolates.

VALENTINE’S DAY OFFERS A Valentine’s gift bag is available from 5-16 February comprising of 3 luxury products especially designed for couples. Plus there’s also 15% off hot stone therapy treatments from 12-16 February, including a glass of fizz and chocolates.

MOTHER’S DAY OFFERS

• vitalitydayspa.co.uk

TAKE THE FIRST STEP TO FITNESS

B

ased on the Leafield Industrial Estate in Corsham, and open 7 days a week, First Step Gym offers a range of membership options to suit every lifestyle and fitness aspiration.

They don’t believe that “one size fits all” when it comes to fitness clubs, so you can opt in as much, or as little as you like. What you are guaranteed when you visit though is a fully equipped gym complete with Life Fitness cardiovascular machines and a comprehensive free weights area plus instructors on hand to make sure you’re getting the most out of

“Two studios also offer a wide variety of classes including spin, yoga and circuits” each exercise. Free personal exercise programmes and regular updates are also included in your membership.

Two studios also offer a wide variety of classes including spin, yoga and circuits, and they have their own 15m heated indoor swimming pool available too. And once you are done with your workout you can wind down in the sauna, or perhaps you’d like a treatment at their inhouse beauty studio? The choice is yours. Call to find out more on 01225 812612.

• firststepukgym.com

62

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

V I TA L I T Y D AY S PA

A sanctuary of relaxation in Bradford On Avon

Vitality Relaxation & Day Spa provides 5* luxury treatments and therapies in a tranquil and welcoming environment, at affordable prices.

Only 100% natural and cruelty free products are stocked and used in the spa, and they are sourced from a local company.

Open Tuesday to Saturday 9am to 5pm, evening appointments available upon request

01225 309356 - vitalitydayspa.co.uk - book@vitalitydayspa.co.uk 8 Market St, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1LH NB we are closed from New Year until 16.01.19 (reopening on 17.01.19), but will still be taking bookings from 02.01.19.

Call us on

01225 812816 FACILITIES INCLUDE • Swimming Pool • Sauna • Hot Showers • Beauty & Treatment Room • Personal Training • Complimentary Towels • Les Mills Classes • Smith Machine • HD Elite Power Rack • Lifting Platform • Full range of Dumbbells • Life FitnessTM equipment

MEMBERSHIP OR PAY AS YOU GO NO MINIMUM CONTRACT OR JOINING FEE

Leafield Industrial Estate Corsham SN13 9SW

firststepukgym.com

| health & wellbeing

TREAT YOUR FEET THIS NEW YEAR

F

eet are one of the most vulnerable parts of the body, yet most people tend to neglect them. Figures from the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists show 80% of UK women suffer problems with their feet, while one in five men suffer foot pain most days. If your feet are looking unloved, are feeling sore , or if you have a medical condition such as diabetes that requires you take particular care of your feet, why not make an appointment with Trowbridge Chiropodist Peter Wilkinson?

The feet are a much neglected area of the body

needs, Professions whether Council. it is for verrucae, corns, Find the Trowbridge calluses, ingrown Chiropodist in St George’s Works, toenails, foot care for the elderly, “For 15 years I have supplied a trusted Trowbridge. Call 01225 571030 or diabetics and those with poor and caring chiropody service in Trowbridge and throughout Wiltshire.” circulation or just advice and support.” email trowbridgechiropodist@gmail. com to book an appointment or to Says Peter. “As a fully trained and find out more.

Peter is a member of the Institute qualified chiropodist I pride myself of Chiropodist and Podiatrists and on being able to offer a full range • trowbridgechiropodist.co.uk he is also registered with the Health of treatments to suit all my patients’

GOOD HEALTH FOR MIND & BODY

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.

Jo Brewer is a Systematic Kinesiologist and she can help you find out what is wrong and identify solutions to get you back to good health. Treatments can help 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

64

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

• Hormonal imbalances • Emotional issues like anxiety, panic attacks, stress & depression • Digestive issues such as IBS, colitis & indigestion • Food intolerances • Skin complaints: eczema, psoriasis, acne, etc • Residual problems from old injuries/traumas • Respiratory problems

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

To find out more email Jo at jo@jbkinesiology.co.uk, call 01373 859689 or 07906 063489 or see her website.

• jbkinesiology.co.uk

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.

Jo can apply gentle pressure to gauge muscle responses, detecting imbalances in the body and root causes of health issues. Kinesiology is non-invasive, drug free, enormously empowering and suitable for young and old alike. Many clients

Systematic Kinesiology can help a wide range of ailments

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

• Weight Management • IBS/Gut Health • Sports/Other Injuries • Skin Complaints • Hormone Imbalances • Migraines/Headaches

• Allergies/Intolerances • Fibromyalgia • Back Pain • Chronic Fatigue • Stress/Anxiety • Depression ...& 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

THE BEST FITNESS TRACKERS & WATCHES HERE IS OUR SUMMARY OF BEST FITNESS TRACKERS AND WATCHES CURRENTLY ON THE MARKET...

GARMIN FORERUNNER 630 £310 4 Accurate and consistent with built-in GPS, great features and excellent battery life.

6 No heart rate monitor.

STAR BUY

POLAR V800 £389 4 Stacks of features, lots of analysis, accurate, good battery life and simple to use - great for a serious athletes 6 A bit tricky to set up

FITBIT CHARGE 3

£130 4Accurate distance and calorie tracking, accurate heart rate readings, sleek design, scratch-resistant screen 6 Inconsistent step tracking, uncomfortable to wear at night

SAMSUNG GEAR FIT2 PRO £179 4 Lots of built-in exercise-tracking features (incl swimming), clear display, accurate step and calories burned 6 GPS distance tracking a little imaccurate, sits quite long on the wrist

GARMIN VIVOSPORT

£129 4 Great activity monitor, tracks steps and runs. Built-in GPS, heartrate monitor, comfortable to wear, straightforward set-up 6 Battery life not fantastic, small screen (will appeal to some)

66

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

GARMIN FORERUNNER 25 £75 4 Lightweight and comfortable, readable screen, accurate activity tracking.

Superb value 6 No heart rate monitor. Limited features

BEST VALUE

| bath rugby

PLAYERS IN & OUT

We take a look at some of the players rumoured to be coming in to Bath Rugby next season, and some of those reportedly heading out.

P

layers coming out of contract aren’t officially allowed to negotiate deals with rival clubs until the new year. The truth of the matter is though that, through their agents and representatives, clubs and players often agree terms long before that date. Now the January 1 deadline has passed though, you can expect clubs to be a little more open about who might be joining, and who might be leaving the club next season…

JOSH MCNALLY The 6’7’’ 120kg forward plays second row or flanker for Championship leaders London Irish. He also serves in the RAF and his form towards the end of last season earned him a call up to the England training squad for the May 2018 clash with the Barbarians.

WHO’S LEAVING?

a new deal in the coming weeks.

It is well known that Bath have a large number of players out of contract at the end of the season. Last month we reported that Anthony Watson, Charlie Ewels, Elliott Stooke and Nathan Catt had all signed contract extensions. Other high profile names whose contracts expire in the summer include Dave Attwood, Luke Charteris, Jonathan Joseph and Francois Louw. Whilst Louw’s future seems dependent on whether he retires from international duty after the world cup, the lack of contract news from the other three suggests it’s unlikely they will remain at the club next season, although with Joseph having not yet played this season, he may still be able to prove his worth on

Other players likely to leave include Jacques van Rooyen, Lucas Noguera (although he does still have a contract for next season), Michael van Vuuren, Anthony Perenise, Darren Allinson and Paul Grant. Question marks remain about the furures of Rhys Priestland, Max Clark, Chris Cook, Max Lahiff, Ross Batty, Cooper Vuna and Jack Wilson.

• bathrugby.com

“Louw’s future seems dependent on whether he retires from international duty after the world cup” Dave Attwood was close to joining Toulon in the summer, and may well be heading back at end of the season

MIKE WILLIAMS Another versatile second row or back row option, Zimbabwe-born Williams has played for the Blue Bulls in South Africa, Worcester Warriors, and moved to Leicester Tigers in 2015.

LEWIS BOYCE At the start of this season Nick Auterac left Bath to go to Quins. At the end of this season, it seems one of their looseheads could well be on his way to Bath. Boyce is 22 and highly rated.

WILL STUART Packing down at tighthead, Stuart, who came through the academy at Wasps and is a former England U20 international, looks set to be on his way to Farleigh House next season to provide competition to Henry Thomas. Aged just 22, he’s another highly rated young player.

68

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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

5 January

15:00

A

Worcester Warriors

GP

12 January

15:15

H

Wasps

ERCC

TV

20 January

15:15

A

Toulouse

ERCC

TV

2 February

14:30

H

Gloucester

PRC

16 February

15:00

H

Newcastle Falcons

GP

competition |

WIN AN ESSENTIAL SPA DAY FOR 2 AT AQUARIAS SPA The stunning hydrotherapy pool

***** To receive EXCLUSIVE OFFERS & THE LATEST NEWS from Whatley Manor, be sure to sign up to the newsletter on their website.*****

@Whatleymanor fti

• whatleymanor.com

COMPETITION TIME Aquarias Spa at Whatley Manor are offering you the chance to win an Essential Escape Spa Day for you and a friend. Enjoy a welcome refreshment, one 60-minute spa treatment each, lunch and full use of the spa facilities.

A

fter the excesses of Christmas it’s important to get some ‘me time’, or catch up with a friend for some much needed pampering. The Winter Day Spa offer, available at Aquarias Spa at Whatley Manor, is £145pp and includes the hydrating and revitalising sixty-minute O2 Body Perfection treatment, full use of the spa facilities and lunch. The spa features a hydrotherapy pool, heated steam cabins, salt scrub showers, wave dream sensory room, gym and relaxation areas. Available Monday to

undergoing, or recovering from, cancer treatment. The therapists at Aquarias Spa have received specialist training and are able to offer six deeply nourishing, relaxing and soothing treatments, from facials and massage to manicures and pedicures. Each treatment begins with a professional consultation, and ends with important aftercare advice, a complimentary herbal tea and the chance to relax in the spa’s Tepidarium.

Thursday from 18 January – 28 February 2019.

There is currently limited availability for Aquarias Spa Social Club membership. Whats more, there's no joining fee during January 2019. A host of membership benefits include a full social calendar and discounts on dining. HIT, Bootcamp and pilates classes, combined with the use of the latest Technogym equipment and spa facilities, will help you reach your fitness goals. Ollie Thomas, their qualified on-site fitness instructor, will be on hand too.

A NEW RANGE OF SPA TREATMENTS The Jennifer Young range of beauty products and spa treatments is beautifully soothing and nourishing for any skin type, as well the products have been specially developed for those with extremely sensitive skin, eczema and psoriasis, or dry and brittle nails. This range is completely free of plant oestrogens and is particularly beneficial for those who are currently

NEW YEAR NEW YOU

Membership is from £125 per month.

To enter, email your answer to the following question to comp@wiredpublishing.co.uk, remembering to include your name with your entry.

HOW MANY JENNIFER YOUNG TREATMENTS DOES THE AQUARIAS SPA OFFER? A) 3

B) 6

C) 12

Email your answers now.

Good luck!

T&Cs Closing date for entries is 31.01.2019. Entrants must be over 18. The winning entry will be drawn at random from entries received. Prize as stated and is non-transferable. No cash alternative will be offered.

Spa Day booking is available Monday to Thursday term times only. Booking is subject to availability. If you'd like to receive news & offers from Whatley Manor please write ADD ME on your entry.

A couples' treatment

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

69

| 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.

1) Grizzle a) unsettled weather b) a person who enjoys eating fine food, a glutton c) to cry or complain

2. Purdy a) pretty b) a lean deer not fit to hunt c) secretive

3. Trumpery a) a brief respite or interval in the weather b) a weed bed c) a turnstile

4. Mommick a) anything badly formed or out of shape b) a scarecrow c) a spur attached to the heel of a fighting cock

INTERESTING FACTS From ‘Around the rugged rock, the ragged rascal ran’ to ‘red leather, yellow leather’ a key part of mastering a language is being able to master its tongue twisters.

They are always decidedly odd sentences.

“How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? A woodchuck would chuck all the wood that he could if a woodchuck could chuck wood” Some short words or phrases ‘become’ tongue-twisters when repeated, a number of times fast (try it): ‘Thin Thing’; ‘French Friend’;’Unique New York’;’Sometimes Sunshine’; ‘Big Whip’ and ‘Irish Wristwatch’.

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

Can you guess the correct definition?

AUGUST 2018

// ISSUE 108

West Wilts The

FREE

MAGAZINE

BB QS

Getaways IDEAS BAGGING A& TIPS FOR BARGAIN SUMMER BREAK

A NEW OUTDOOR KITCHEN FROM STEPHEN GRAVER

Time for Tea GREAT LUNCHES & AFTERNOON TEAS

WIN A

£15

iTUNES R! VOUCHE

FOOD & DRINK // TRAVEL

// HOME & GARDENS

LOCAL LISTINGS+ TRAVEL ESSENTIALS PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS & MUCH MORE

// HEALTH

// COMMENT

DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT...

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

STUART FAINT Pietra Wood & Stone

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ADVERTISING WITH US...

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

westwiltsmag.co.uk 70

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

NEW YEAR... NEW LOVE...?

For a professional & personal service call 0800 180 4788 carolinecrowther.com

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

*plus VAT

Advertise here from as little as ÂŁ15 per week*

| puzzles

TEA BREAK TEASERS

WINTER BIRD WORDSEARCH

SUDOKU

What/who is missing from the grid?

HARD

BLACKBIRD BLUE TIT

COAL TIT DUNNOCK

LONG TAILED TIT NUTHATCH

BRAMBLING BULLFINCH

FIELDFARE GOLDCREST

REDWING ROBIN

CHAFFINCH

GOLDFINCH

WAXWING

WIN A £20 iTUNES VOUCHER! Email your answers to these trivia questions to comp@wired-publishing.co.uk by 23.01.19 to be in with a chance of winning a £20 iTunes voucher. Good luck!

Q1: What has been voted the national bird of Great Britain?

LAST MONTH’S SOLUTIONS Wordsearch missing word: Hochkonig Quiz answers: 1: Tessa Worley 2: Michaela Shiffrin 3: Marcel Hirscher 4: Lake Louise 5: Cross Country Skiing and Ski Jumping

72

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Q2: Who most famously released a song called Blackbird in the mid 1970’s?

Q3: What is the traditional alternative name for a Dunnock?

Q4: Which bird has an alternative name of Bum Barrel?

Q5: What are the eight varieties of Tit that can be observed across the UK? Be sure to include your contact details so we can get in touch with you if you are our winner!

| last word

LELLOW SUBMARINE

W

hen you have kids one of the things that is inevitable is that they will get older. That is okay, as in the early months you want them to develop and grow so they can communicate with you, play with you and generally be more fun than the little tiny baby that, while super cute, doesn’t really ‘do’ anything. The trouble is though once they get to a certain point you realise that actually it’s going much too fast and whilst understanding you can’t stop the march of time you would at least like to slow it down.

This was brought home to me recently when my wife and I were discussing our daughter’s progress and it dawned on us that her speech is nigh on perfect. You would think that this would be a cause for a celebration, she hasn’t won an Olympic gold medal but, at the age of six, she can speak properly and

‘lellow’. While I realise that if, at the age of 30, she was wandering around on an African safari asking if it was okay to photograph the ‘ephelants’ , or explaining to her own kids why it was illegal to park on double ‘lellow’ lines that this might pose a bit of a problem, it would have been nice if she could have kept those little quirks for a bit longer.

The loss of innocence of your children, for me anyway, is proving quite problematic to deal with physically as well as emotionally. I told my daughter once that she was a big girl now and so daddy couldn’t carry her in the same way as he used to. The look of absolute dejection and sadness on her face made me cave immediately and so she now gets what we call ‘big girl carries’ and daddy gets a visit to the physio every other week! Pretty much every time we go out somewhere she reaches for my hand and at some point in the future it will be the last time she

“The loss of innocence of your children, for me anyway, is proving quite problematic to deal with physically as well as emotionally.” has a huge vocabulary. Well done us and the teachers at her school, we have done our jobs well and she is moving forward in the expected manner. Except there wasn’t any huge celebration - we are proud of her of course - but there was also a mild feeling of loss and sadness.

Two examples of the reason for this malaise are that she now says ‘elephant’ instead of ‘ephelant’. She also now says ‘yellow’ instead of

74

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

does this, the sad part being that I won’t know that it’s the last time, it just will be.

A parent of one of my daughter’s favourite school friends and I had a bit of a moment in the playground a couple of weeks ago discussing this very thing. I wont mention any names (CM) and luckily for the both of us we were early that morning and were the only ones there to

witness each other blubbing but, neither of us, whilst being very, very proud of our respective offspring, wants the world to get hold of them.

They meanwhile - as if to emphasise the point - were rushing around like mad things playing tag (or some other game that kids these days play) and were wonderfully oblivious to the fact that their parents were absolute emotional wrecks!

I totally realise there is nothing you can do, kids grow up, I did…Well almost!! Gotta dash though, or I’ll be late for my physio appointment.

Phil Rockliffe

Putting children first helps minimise the fallout from family breakdown. And we can help you do that.

Contact Annette Taylor at our Trowbridge office on 01225 755656 or email annette.taylor@blbsolicitors.co.uk.

blbsolicitors.co.uk/family-law