APRIL 2019 // ISSUE 116
FREE
West Wilts The
AN ISLAND ESCAPE
MAGAZINE
TAKING A BREAK IN BARBADOS
WIN TICKETS TO BATH RACES
Easter Fun Tee Time
OUR ANNUAL GUIDE TO LOCAL GOLF COURSES
ENJOY OUR 12-PAGE FAMILY ACTIVITIES GUIDE
+ LOCAL LISTINGS NEW WINDOWS FUSSELS FINE FOODS & MUCH MORE
FOOD & DRINK // PUZ ZLES // HOME & GARDENS // HEALTH // COMMENT
YOUR LOCAL VILLEROY & BOCH STOCKISTS
VISIT OUR NEW SHOWROOM IN BATH
5 The Shambles, Bradford on Avon BA15 1JS t 01225 309110
&
12a Trim Street, Bath BA1 1HB t 01225 308060
www.bathroomsatno5.co.uk
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: Easter chocolates
April 2019 // issue 116
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n our house, Easter, and especially its accompanying ovoid-shaped chocolate, is cause for great joy. Whether it be baking Easter treats (p27) or getting involved in egg hunts, food is at the centre of the Easter celebrations. So perhaps it is apt that our Easter activities guide for this year (p37) contains not just a guide to the former, but also lots of ideas of how to burn off all those extra calories too. That’s one of the best bits about Easter - that lovely long weekend where you can head outside with the family and take in all that wonderful spring air (as long as the weather plays along of course). Be sure to enter our competition on p18 - we’ve got tickets to Bath Racecourse’s opening fixture of the season to give away!
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As the weather improves, it is also a great time to get out on the golf course. We are blessed with lots of fantastic local courses and golfing centres - head to p63 to find out more if you fancy teeing off this month. And if the onset of spring isn’t enough sunshine for you we’ve jetted off all the way to Barbados to explore this beautiful Caribbean island (p31). All that, plus lots more besides of course.
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Enjoy! Lisa Rockliffe, Editor Follow us on Twitter... @westwiltsmag Read online... www.westwiltsmag.co.uk
in this issue... LOCAL LISTING What’s on in April
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LOCAL NEWS Round up of news & events Marlborough College Summer School Local charity & care news
12 15 74
FOOD & DRINK Fussels Fine Foods Meet The Chef at Rode Mill Eat the Seasons Easter Recipes
20 24 26 27
FEATURES Barbados - an island escape Taff Valley Quad Biking Easter Fun It’s Tee Time
31 34 37 63
HOMES & GARDENS Wadswick Green Trowbridge Garden Centre New Windows
46 52 56
LEGAL & FINANCIAL BLB Wansbroughs
68 70
BATH RUGBY Francois Louw re-signs with Bath
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COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES Win tickets to Bath Races That’s interesting... Quiz, wordsearch & sudoku
18 78 80
COMMENT The Last Word
82 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
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JOIN US THIS EASTER FOR OUR
BENTLEY CELEBRATION TRAIL ACTIVITIES • EASTER BINGO • AND MUCH MORE
Free with Museum admission The Celebration of Bentley Exhibition runs until 6th May
Book online at himm.co.uk
| events
listings local
APRIL 2019
MELKSHAM ASSEMBLY HALL
Market Place, Melksham, SN12 6ES Box Office: 01225 709887 melkshamassemblyhall.com FAST LOVE: A TRIBUTE TO GEORGE MICHAEL 5 April, 7.30pm Tickets: £20 The world’s favourite George Michael tribute show. STAN & OLLIE (Cert PG) 12 April, 7.30pm Tickets: £6 Laurel and Hardy, the world’s most famous comedy duo, attempt to reignite their careers by embarking on a grueling theatre tour of post-war Britain. BON JOVI FOREVER 13 April, 8pm Tickets: £20 A high energy electric packed show guaranteed to raise your hands! GREEN BOOK (Cert 12A) 19 April Tickets: £6 Oscar-winning true story of a white man who works as chauffeur for an AfricanAmerican classical pianist (Mahershala Ali).
TOWN HALL ARTS Trowbridge Town Hall, BA14 8EQ Tel: 01225 774306 trowbridgearts.com
TECHNICOLOUR EVERYDAY 5 April, 7.30pm Tickets: £10 An entertaining evening of ambitious, playful dance. UNSIGNED 12 April, 7.30pm Tickets: £4 Young, local, unsigned musicians take to the stage in the Town Hall’s old court room.
Tickets: £20 Lucis begin their 2019 season with a performance of one of the most wellloved and enduring Requiem masses.
I’M NOT SO CREAM ON CRACKERS 19 April – 1 June, 10am FREE An exhibition of photography, film, sculpture and soundscape produced by artist Katryn Saqui.
ROH: LA FORZA DEL DESTINO 7 April, 2pm Tickets: £15 (Concs £7.50) A star-studded cast of singers, incl Anna Netrebko, Jonas Kaufmann and Tézier, in Verdi’s epic opera.
WILTSHIRE MUSIC CENTRE
THE SHEE 14 April, 7.30pm Tickets: £16 (Concs £8) Folk multi-instrumentalists The Shee are an exceptional all-female band.
DORIC STRING QUARTET 5 April, 7.30pm Tickets: £20 An evening of masterworks with The WMC resident quartet.
SEANN WALSH 24 April, 8pm Tickets: £15 This disheveled, fiery millennial man child is one of best comedians in the country.
Ashley Rd, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1DZ Box Office: 01225 860100 wiltshiremusic.org.uk
THE MIKE SMITH BIG SWING BAND CONCERT 28 April, 8pm Tickets: from £18 LUCIS CHOIR: EIN DEUTSCHES Enjoy your favourite music from the 40’s, REQUIEM 60’s, 80’s and more. 6 April, 7.30pm
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NT Live: All About Eve, Pound Arts
ALUMNI OF THE CHOIR OF CLARE COLLEGE, CAMB.
send your listings to info@wired-publishing.co.uk
For all your sewing needs, covering Frome, Westbury, Bradford on Avon, Trowbridge and surrounding areas.
CLOTHING & SOFT FURNISHINGS No job too small!
• Alterations • Repairs • Custom Tailoring • Curtains • Soft Furnishings
FIXED PRICE QUOTATION PRIOR TO STARTING WORK. m 07455 913796 e fashionv@hotmail.com
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REAL ALES & LIVE MUSIC From leather jackets to suits, work boots to shiny shoes and mohicans to combovers, you’ll get a warm friendly welcome at The Three Horseshoes.
LIVE MUSIC
EVERY FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY Real Ales | Beer Garden | Pub Games Real Log Fires | Parking Next to Bradford on Avon Train Station Frome Road, Bradford On Avon, Wiltshire BA15 1LA Tel 01225 865876 Find us on Facebook
| events 26 April, 7.30pm Tickets: £22 (Concs £11) Conductor Graham Ross and his choir present an a cappella programme exploring the music of heaven.
MOORE MOSS RUTTER 27 April, 8pm Tickets: £14 (Concs £12) A contemporary folk trio from Norfolk/ Somerset/Yorkshire.
THE ATHENAEUM DYLAN & IGOR CENTRE 27 April, 3pm 18-20 High St, Warminster, BA12 9AE Tickets: £8 (Concs £4) Music, mayhem and laughter abound in Box Office: 01985 213891 theath.org.uk this heart-warming story of friendships found. ALL ROADS LEAD TO HOME 5 April, 7.30pm POUND ARTS Tickets: £14 CENTRE Carl Daniels brings you songs from Pound Pill, Corsham, SN13 9HX Box Office: 01249 701628 his favourite shows that have both poundarts.org.uk changed and inspired his life. NT LIVE: ALL ABOUT EVE 11 April, 7pm Tickets: £15 (Concs £14) All About Eve, starring Gillian Anderson and Lily James, will be screened live. KITTY MCFARLANE 12 April, 7.30pm Tickets: £12 (Concs £10) A songwriter and guitarist from Somerset. ROB AUTON: THE TALK SHOW 18 April, 8pm Tickets: £12 A brand new show from funny man Rob Auton. JACK COOKSON 26 April, 8pm FREE A multi-instrumentalist and singersongwriter, his distinct style combines his articulate lyrics with memorable melodic hooks. Swimming With Men (12A), The Athenaeum Centre
SWIMMING WITH MEN (Cert 12A) 10 April, 7.30pm Tickets: £5.50 A man suffering a mid-life crisis finds new meaning as part of an all-male, amateur synchronised swimming team. GOODNIGHT MISTER TOM 18-20 April, 7.30pm Tickets: £10 The story of an 8 year old evacuee who is sent to live in the English countryside during WWII.
NEELD ARTS CENTRE
High Street, Chippenham SN15 3ER Tel: 01249 446699 neeld.co.uk FEAST OF FIDDLES 6 April, 7.30pm Tickets: £22.50 Don’t miss their 25th annual spring tour! PSG CHOIRS FOR ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT 7 April, 2.30pm Tickets: £10 Pop, soul and gospel songs, raising money for Alzheimer’s Support. RICHARD JONES: ESCAPE 11 April, 7.30pm
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Tickets: £22 (Concs £19.50) The winner of Britain’s Got Talent 2016, Richard is a British Army soldier and one of the world’s greatest magicians. PONGO’S PARTY 14 April, 1.30pm Tickets: £10 Come dressed in your best party clothes for a show full of fun, songs and laughter.
FROME MEMORIAL THEATRE
Christchurch St West, Frome, BA11 1EB Tel: 01373 462795 fmt.website JIVE TALKIN’ 6 April, 7,30pm Tickets: £20 The timeless repertoire of the Bee Gees is brought to life in this stunning stage production that is taking the country by storm.
LACOCK ABBEY
Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2LG Tel: 01249 730459 nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock Normal admission applies unless stated SPRING FLOWERS AT LACOCK Throughout April FREE Escape for a winter walk around the grounds at Lacock. THE EXPLORER’S GUIDE TO LACOCK Until 19 May, 11am The Abbey grounds are perfect for exploring with streams, gargoyles and botanic gardens waiting to be found.
CHEESE & GRAIN
5 The Bridge, Frome BA11 1AR Box Office: 01373 455420 cheeseandgrain.com For full listings go to the website. THAT PEDAL SHOW LIVE 4 April, 8pm Tickets: £12.50 Dedicated to anyone and everyone with an interest in great guitar sounds.
send your listings to info@wired-publishing.co.uk
Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary Saving stray & unwanted dogs since 1958
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• 1958 - 2018 • th
WWM059
A N N I V E R S A RY
Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary is a small independent animal rescue organisation. We are a non-destruction sanctuary for abandoned and unwanted dogs.
Open Daily 10:00 - 12:15 & 14:00 - 16:00
Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary, Priory Rd, Ascot, Berks SL5 8RJ
01344 882689 | pineridgedogs@yahoo.co.uk Registered Charity Number 256728
✃ ✃
Our dogs are all vet checked, vaccinated, wormed, neutered (if old enough), chipped, and looking for loving new homes * NOTVALID IN CONJUNCTIONWITH OTHER OFFERS.VALID ON SATURDAYS BEFORE 8PM. EXPIRY DATE 31.05.19. ROAR
| events RUBY TURNER 6 April, 8pm Tickets: £25 For many years Ruby Turner has been regarded as having one of the greatest voices the UK has ever produced.
JOHNNY COPPIN 12 April, 8pm Tickets: £10 A singer/songwriter, composer and poetry anthologist. Support from Paul Openshaw.
THE WURZELS 19 April, 8pm Tickets: £17 The Wurzels are back for their annual Good Friday gig and with Skimmitty Hitchers in support.
OPEN MIC 26 April, 8pm Tickets: £3
PORT ERIN 5 April
OTHERS
VIRUS 6 April
THE PRESTBURY SPORTS BAR
COFFEE MORNING & TABLE TOP SALE Holy Trinity Church, Dilton Marsh 1st Saturday of each month FREE Stall holders – no set fee. A voluntary donation requested for the charity of the year. Monthly coffee morning and meet the village event.
HIP ROUTE 7 April
The Close, Warminster, BA12 9AL Tel: 01985 847070 prestburysportsbar.com Bands start at 9pm and entry is FREE CLAPPED OUT 13 April Rock covers band playing everything from Credence to the Pistols. CLIFF RICHARD TRIBUTE 20 April Showcasing Cliff Richard’s greatest hits. ABSOLUTE OASIS 21 April, 7pm Tickets: £5 Expect all the Gallagher brother’s bangin’ hits from the 90’s & 00’s. A.F.K. 27 April A classic rock covers band
BRADFORD-ONAVON FOLK CLUB
Cellar Bar, Swan Hotel, Bradford on Avon boafolkclub.org.uk SINGAROUND 2, 9, 16 & 23 April, 8pm FREE LIGHTGARDEN 30 April, 8pm A unique acoustic music ensemble
VILLAGE PUMP FRIDAY FOLK
The Lamb Inn, Trowbridge BA14 8BN villagepump.org.uk
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THE ARUNDELLS OF WARDOUR: SIX CENTURIES OF A WILTSHIRE FAMILY Wallington Hall, Bradford on Avon, 7 April, 7.30pm Tickets: £5 A talk by Barry Williamson describing the history of the Arundells from the Civil War to Colditz. boaarts.org TABLE TENNIS FOR THE OVER 60’s Progressive Hall, North Bradley Every Thursday, 2pm Cost: £2 Great fun and exercise. Contact: Linda on 01225 768705 ACOUSTIC OAK The Royal Oak, High St, Corsham 11, 18 & 25 April, 8pm Singers and spotlight nights. Tickets: £2. For more info go to The Acoustic Oak Facebook page. BRADFORD LIONS EASTER EGG HUNT AND EASTER BONNET COMPETITION Pound Lane, Bradford on Avon 22 April, 10am FREE Open to children up to the age of 10. For more information go to The Lions website or telephone 01225 865851.
THE THREE HORSESHOES
Frome Rd, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1LA Tel: 01225 865876 All gigs are FREE and start at 9pm
BIG MASSIVE ORCHESTRA 12 April THE REFUSAL 13 April BENNY J 14 April HATEPENNY 19 April THE FORGETTING CURVE 20 April THE MIKE HODDINOTT BLUES ALL-STARS 21 April SEMANTICS 26 April STRAIGHT SHOOTER 27 April OLD DRY SKULLS 28 April
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
Wedding Open Day Saturday 27th April, 10am to 2pm
WE WOULD LOVE TO HOST YOUR BESPOKE WEDDING AT THE GEORGE.
Come and enjoy a glass of bubbles whilst you meet our bespoke wedding suppliers... Bespoke Bridal Gowns, Florists, Photographer, Cakes & Musicians
Meet our very own celebrant, Pamela Woodford, who will make your day so special. She can talk you through the options available at The George, so whatever size of occasion you are planning, you can be confident that everything will be just perfect. 67 Woolley St, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1AQ 01225 865650 | thegeorgebradfordonavon.co.uk
CHEESE &GRAIN
BOX OFFICE: 01373
455420
MARKET YARD, FROME, SOMERSET BA11 1BE
www.cheeseandgrain.com
WED 3RD APR 7PM SABA DOUGLAS HAMILTON: A LIFE WITH ELEPHANTS £22.50 THU 4TH APR 8PM THAT PEDAL SHOW LIVE £12.50 FRI 5TH APR 8PM APEX FROME LAUNCH W/ PHIL HARTNOLL & WILL WHITE £20 ADV SAT 6TH APR 9AM FROME VEGAN MARKET FREE ADMISSION SAT 6TH APR 8PM RUBY TURNER £25 ADV SUN 7TH APR 10AM MAGPIE MARKET FREE ADMISSION TUE 9TH APR 7PM RESPECT TO ARETHA £26 ADV SUN 14TH APR 8.30AM WESSEX CAMERA FAIR £5 (EARLY BIRD) FRI 19TH APR 8PM THE WURZELS £17 (EARLY BIRD) SAT 20TH APR 7PM FROME CIDER FESTIVAL 2019 £5 FRI 26TH APR 8PM EAT STATIC & BANCO DE GAIA £18 ADV SUN 5TH MAY 10AM MAGPIE MARKET FREE ADMISSION THU 9TH MAY 7.30PM JASON DONOVAN £29 FRI 10TH MAY 8PM SHARON SHANNON & BAND WITH SECKOU KEITA £22 ADV SAT 11TH MAY 8PM MARTIN KEMP DJ SET £16.50 THU 16TH MAY 7.30PM THE QUO EXPERIENCE £22.50 ADV FRI 17TH MAY 7PM ANTARCTIC MONKEYS + SPECIAL GUESTS £14 ADV FRI 24TH MAY 7.30PM FRANKIE MILLER’S FULL HOUSE £20 ADV SAT 25TH MAY 7.30PM GENO WASHINGTON & THE RAM JAM BAND £20 ADV SUN 26TH MAY 7.30PM DR FEELGOOD £20 ADV
Ruby Turner
Sharon Shannon
Geno Washington
| local news
roundup
All the latest news and events from West Wiltshire and beyond!
FLEET AIR ARM CONCORDE CELEBRATIONS To mark 50 years since the first test flights of Concorde in 1969, the Fleet Air Arm Museum near Yeovilton in Somerset is poised to unveil special exhibits, including the futuristic helmet worn by the pilot of those early flights, Brian Trubshaw CBE. The museum is home to one of only two prototype Concorde aircraft in the world and the first Britishmade Concorde (002), which was constructed as a test aircraft for the eventual fleet of 16 Concordes built for British Airways and Air France. Concorde 002 was largely designed and built at Bristol’s Filton airport, under the leadership of Trubshaw, a former Second World War pilot.
like a space helmet than anything modern pilots would recognise, it was developed to cope with extreme altitudes and speeds. Throughout April of this 50th anniversary year, visitors to the Fleet Air Arm Museum will be able to attend daily talks from the museum’s experts on all things Concorde.
the first commercial Concorde flights began. The museum is also home to a number of aircraft that formed part of the Concorde development programme including HP 115 which was flown by several test pilots including Neil Armstrong.
Entry to the Fleet Air Arm Museum costs from £12.75 per adult and Concorde 002 was retired to the Fleet £9.50 per child, with family tickets Air Arm Museum on long term loan available. from the Science Museum after the • fleetairarm.com test programme ended in 1976 and The Fleet Air Arm Museum is home to one of only two prototype Concorde aircraft in the world
In the 1960s and 70s Trubshaw was described as ‘every schoolboy’s hero’, flying test missions for fighter aircraft. He was at the controls on 9 April 1969 when Concorde 002 made its historic first flight from Filton to RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, a journey lasting just 22 minutes. Trubshaw’s helmet is a fascinating piece of aviation history. More
CREATING SPACES 2019 SCULPTURE EXHIBITION Cotswold Sculptors Association is mounting its latest exhibition ‘Creating Spaces 2019’ at Abbey House Gardens in Malmesbury. Come and enjoy over 230 wonderful sculptures set against the glorious formal gardens of Abbey House. Designed by the late Ian Pollard, the delightful gardens are formally laid out providing a wonderful backdrop
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for the sculptures, a perfect place to showcase work from established artists from around the region. The exhibition will run from 1 April to 30 May 2019. In April there will also be an indoor exhibition in The Belvedere, next to the ponds and café, to enjoy too. Abbey House Gardens opens 7 days a week, entry fee to visitor is £8. • cotswoldsculptorsassociation.com
An example sculpture from artist Richard Cresswell
local news |
CHALFIELD MANOR PLANT FAIR The plant fair attracts specialist nurseries with a huge range of plants
The plant fair at Great Chalfield Manor on 5th May (10am – 4pm) is a great opportunity to see one of the most beautiful medieval manor houses in England. Set in the tranquil Wiltshire countryside and with seven acres of gardens, this ancient house has survived the five centuries since its building and appears much as it did in the 1470’s, when it was commissioned for the Wiltshire landowner Thomas Tropenell.
Not usually open to the public, this is a rare chance to see the gardens. The plant fair attracts specialist nurseries with a huge range of plants for your garden. There are teas, coffees, cakes and delicious fish and chips, making for a fabulous day out. All proceeds are spilt between the Friends of Chalfield and Jamie’s Farm- a local charity benefitting disadvantaged young people. • jamiesfarm.org.uk
TRANSFORMING TROWBRIDGE TOWN HALL
A local community group in Trowbridge is calling for your vote to secure up to £50,000 of National Lottery funding as part of this year’s People’s Projects. Town Hall Arts, based in Trowbridge, provides opportunities for people of all backgrounds to be inspired by the arts in a building at the heart of its community, and is one of five groups in the region in the running for a share of a life changing pot of £3 million up for grabs across the UK.
look at using the grant to make improvements to the building, making it more accessible and welcoming, and would also be interested in hearing your ideas.
Voting opens on 1 April and closes at noon on 15 April 2019. People can vote once per region and will need a phone number or email address to vote. To support Town Hall Arts and for Ts & Cs visit the website below.
EASTER AT ALLINGTON FARM Allington Farm Shop near Chippenham has been established since 1981. This award-winning farm shop specializes in quality, home and locally produced food. The shop boasts a fantastic range including; fresh vegetables and fruit, an in house butchery selling meat reared on their farm, a delicatessen counter as well as many locally produced store cupboard essentials and specialty grocery items. Whether you are looking for locally produced ingredients to make your own creations or something delicious, quick and ready to eat, you are sure to find it at Allington. At Easter, the shop is packed full of delicious Easter goodies, local handmade chocolates, Easter eggs and unusual gift ideas including fabulous hampers tailor made to your requirements; there are a huge range of hampers ready to be filled to the brim with the goodies of your choice. There is an extensive range of locally produced goods on sale (any of which can be included) from local cheese, chutneys and biscuits, fine wines, local ales and ciders, preserves, cakes and chocolates to an entire roast dinner! • allingtonfarmshop.co.uk Allington offer delicious local handmade chocolates
• thepeoplesprojects.org.uk
On 28 March, Town Hall Arts will showcase its project, ‘Transforming Trowbridge Town Hall’ on ITV News telling local viewers exactly why they deserve to win. If successful, Town Hall Arts will THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
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SCHOOL'S IN FOR SUMMER
local news |
For enriching learning experiences and entertainment your whole family will enjoy, sign up now for Marlborough College Summer School. The Summer School is a wonderful opportunity to totally immerse yourself in something new
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n 2019, Marlborough College’s annual Summer School will take place from 14 July to 10 August and host over 500 courses suitable for all ages, abilities and interests. Whether you wish to learn a new skill or entertain the children, you will find the perfect course for you.
FIVE GREAT REASONS TO HEAD BACK TO SCHOOL Time to explore your creative, physical or intellectual self All Summer School courses run from Monday to Friday and last for either five full or five half days giving you a wonderful opportunity to totally immerse yourself in a favourite pastime or discover something completely new. A course for everyone Summer School offers an inspiring programme of art, culture, sport and life skills. New adult courses for 2019 encompass everything from
Jewellery Making to Road Cycling, American Literature to British Politics, Ballet Fitness to Meditation and Bee Keeping to Code Breaking. There is also a choice of over 130 exciting and diverse activities for young people aged from three to 17 years. Top class entertainment Another highlight is the entertainment on offer to both Summer School students and the public. In addition to recitals, film nights and 5.15pm lectures on a range of fascinating topics, showcase Gala Performances take place every Tuesday and Friday evening. This year’s line-up includes Clare Balding and the Reverend Richard Coles,
outdoor family theatre from Illyria and music from The Counterfeit Stones, The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, The Magic of Motown and much, much more. Excellent hospitality Marlborough College offer the option of convenient accommodation, which is ideal for friends and family joining you from further afield. In fact, with full board included in the cost, even locals may be tempted to stay and take advantage of the indoor swimming pool and state-of-the-art gym, free admission to all entertainment and, especially, the delicious food served by the College’s talented chefs.
"Another highlight is the entertainment on offer to both Summer School students and the public." A unique and vibrant experience The mix of generations, groups and individuals creates a unique holiday experience and the atmosphere at Summer School so vibrant. Last summer saw no fewer than 35 different nationalities in attendance, making Summer School a truly international event set amidst the history and tradition of Marlborough College. For more information and to request a brochure, call the Summer School team on 01672 892388 or visit the website.
Fantastic family entertainment
• summerschool.co.uk THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
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| local news
WEDDING FAIR AT THE GEORGE!
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he George at Woolley, situated at the top of Bradford on Avon in the hamlet of Woolley, is a fabulous Georgian country house suitable for all styles of intimate weddings. Set in a idyllic location (with parking) their dedicated team can help to make your special day what you want it to be. The owners wanted to keep weddings at The George an intimate and personal occasion, with this in mind, they offer a celebrant wedding whereby, before or after your special day (to save on nerves) the legal bits are already sorted. They can then offer a fabulous wedding celebration and humanist ceremony at a fraction of any hotel costs. Choosing this option saves on time and fees. The private dining rooms, The Map Room and The Brunswick, are
perfect for your daytime celebration, whilst The Vault can be set up for your evening entertainment. The George has fabulous renowned celebrant Pamela Woodford to help with your big day. She will meet with you well before your wedding to build a bespoke ceremony that is all about you. You’ll have the vows and the ring exchange, and you’ll still get to walk down the aisle!! But you can feel more relaxed and it really makes it a great wedding day. Find out more about weddings at The George by joining them for their special Wedding Open Day on Saturday 27 April from 10am to 2pm. Enjoy a glass of bubbles and meet their bespoke wedding suppliers including bridal gown specialists, florists, a photographer,
The George can host your special day
cake makers and musicians. Call 01225 865650 for details or take a look at the website. • thegeorgebradfordonavon.co.uk
EVENTS AT THE GRANARY
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he Granary in the Market Place, part of The George Hotel, is a great sports and live music venue in the centre of Frome. As well as hosting gigs and showing all the big matches live on BT Sport, it’s also the perfect place for a party. With its very own bar, dancefloor and DJ booth, it’s a great venue for a party. For details call 01373 462584.
Over at The George Hotel - and its own No.5 Coffee Shop - they are hosting yet more events in the coming weeks. On Saturday 6 April, the coffee shop is hosting a cocktail evening and there also is a family Easter Egg Hunt running throughout Easter bank holiday weekend too. There will be prizes for all ages and food served all day.
They also host their own events. Coming up on Sunday 14 April is their general knowledge quiz. Entry is only £1 each and there are prizes available for the team finishing 1st, 2nd and 3rd! Call now to book a table and test your knowledge - teams can have a maximum of 6 players. On Saturday 4 May Grease Up is also back by popular demand, promising a great night of swinging sing-alongs. Tickets are available now!
The George Hotel is also highly regarded for its food, and particularly its Sunday roasts, which are served every week from 12pm-8pm. They have mains from £11, two courses for £14.55 and three courses for £17.95. The best way to keep up with all the goings on is to follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
• georgehotelfrome.co.uk
The George serves Sunday roasts every week The Granary is a perfect party venue
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.
SUPPER CLUB
WEDDING OPEN DAY
THURSDAY 25TH APRIL, 4 COURSES £25
SATURDAY 27TH APRIL, 10AM-2PM
Three Little Piggies, pork rillettes, quince cheese. Gammon, peas & egg. Slow roast pork belly with apple sauce. Finished with chocolate torte & raspberry cream.
EASTER SUNDAY LUNCH EASTER EGGS ALL ROUND!!
01225 865650 | 67 Woolley St, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1AQ | thegeorgebradfordonavon.co.uk
THE
GRANARY @ The George Hotel
The George Hotel
5 Market Place, Frome BA11 1AF 01373 462584
FROME’S PREMIER SPORTS & MUSIC VENUE!
Family Easter Egg Hunt
14th April General Knowledge Quiz Cash prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd! Max teams of 6, call now to book a table and test your knowledge! t 01373 462584 georgehotelfrome.co.uk
fti
Throughout Easter weekend At The George Hotel & No.5 Coffee Shop. Prizes for all ages and food served all day
Sunday Lunch
Served every week from 12pm-8pm. Mains from £11, 2 Courses £14.55, 3 Courses for £17.95
georgehotelfrome.co.uk
fti
| competition
WIN TICKETS TO BATH RACES!
Enter our competition to win extra special ROOF GARDEN TICKETS to Bath Racecourse's Good Friday Racing - their first meeting of the 2019 season!
T
he Easter long-weekend is the signal that sunshine and longer days are finally on their way. Make the most of the time off from work and get a group together for something a bit special with a trip to Bath Racecourse’s opening fixture of the season - Good Friday Raceday on Friday 19 April. The perfect excuse to let your hair down, the Good Friday Raceday will see seven thrilling horseraces with entries battling it out to win a share of the record £190,000 total prize pot. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never been racing before, the atmosphere as horses gallop towards the finishing line is infectious and you’ll soon be cheering along. Whether you want a day out for the whole family or a child-free day with friends, the Good Friday Raceday is a great way to start the Easter weekend. A good value day out for families, not only do under 18s get FREE entry but there will be loads of free entertainment to keep older children and little ones happy throughout the day (as well as being good fun for the adults too!). They'll be a dedicated family area with a funfair, pony rides, an Easter egg hunt with appearance from the Easter bunny, ride on toys perfect for toddlers, and face painting. All included for free. For groups of friends and people looking to celebrate, they’ll be plenty of delicious food and drink available to keep everyone happy. Plus live music by the incredible genre-
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Be at Bath Racecourse's opening fixture of the year on Good Friday
bashing Mr Wilson’s Second Liners – a New Orleans style street band who’ll be playing throughout the day. Bath Racecourse is located north of Bath City centre and is easily accessed from Bristol and the M4 with plenty of free parking. Alternatively, there’s a bus service from outside Bath Spa train station. If you book in advance then you’ll benefit from an advance booking discount and a special family ticket option but there will also be tickets available on the day. Tickets for adults cost £22 in advance.
COMPETITION TIME
We have 2 pairs of special Roof Garden tickets to give away worth £200! Enjoy all the benefits of a general admission as well as access to Bath Racecourse’s exclusive rooftop bar - a covered roof terrace on top of the brand new stand offering panoramic views over the racecourse. All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is email your answer to this question to comp@wired-publishing.co.uk!
HOW MUCH IS THE RECORD PRIZE POT AT THIS YEAR'S MEETING? a) £130,000 b) £160,000 c) £190,000
Email your answers now. Good luck! Closing date for entries is 16.04.19. Entrants must be 18 or over. Prize is as stated and not transferrable. Winners will be picked at random from the entries received by the closing date.
Award Winning, Family Run Farm Shop Established for over 30 years Selling Quality Local Produce Open Daily 9am - 6pm (9.30am - 5pm on Sundays)
Our shop is packed with delicious Easter goodies
HOME & LOCALLY REARED FRESH MEAT, POULTRY & GAME HOMEMADE SAUSAGES, BURGERS & FAGGOTS Easter Orders now being taken
LOCAL CHEESES & HOME COOKED MEATS LOCALLY GROWN VEGETABLES, FRUIT & SALADS HOMEMADE CAKES & PIES LOCALLY MADE CHOCOLATES & FUDGE FINE WINE, LOCAL ALE & CIDER PRESERVES & CHUTNEYS GIFT HAMPERS
www.allingtonfarmshop.co.uk TEL: 01249 658112 Allington Bar Farm, Chippenham, SN14 6LJ
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
| food & drink
FUSSELS FINE FOODS Fussels Fine Foods has been producing cold pressed rapeseed oil for 10 years from their Rode farm. And now you can go on a tour to see the production process and learn how to get the best from this fantastic local cooking oil.
R
apeseed oil has grown dramatically in popularity over the last few years, topping the leaderboard as the healthier choice for cooking. It has the lowest saturated fat content of any culinary oil - half that of olive oil - a great health benefit considering current advice confirms a diet high in saturated fat is linked to poorer heart health. It has less monounsaturated fat, but more polyunsaturated fat, which helps to lower LDL cholesterol. It’s also rich in Vitamin E and omega-3, 6 and 9 fatty acids. Rapeseed oil is stable at high temperatures which makes it a good choice for frying and roasting and it’s also a great substitute for butter in baking, reducing the saturated fat content of some family favourite cakes by over 50%. It’s produced from the bright yellow rapeseed crop we see in fields all over the UK during the summer months and is recommended that our choice is cold pressed, but why? Fussels Fine Foods has been producing single cold pressed rapeseed oil for the last 10 years from their third-generation farm in Rode, Somerset. With a family passion for farming and good
Fussels runs tours and demonstrations showing the versatility of their rapeseed oil products
quality British food, Andy Fussell and his team grow, harvest and press rapeseed to arrive at a carefully crafted, healthy oil that is highly versatile and incredibly delicious.
“Visitors can now see the whole process, from the crop in the field, through to seeing the pressing and bottling process”
TOUR & TASTE
On a mission to encourage home cooks and chefs alike to learn the versatility and health credentials of this oil, Fussels’ has seen a recent expansion and not only is producing more golden oil than ever but now hosts a
demonstration kitchen which is cooking up a storm. Visitors can now see the whole process, from the crop in the field, through to seeing the pressing and bottling process and finishing with learning how to use it at home to its greatest benefits. Local societies, clubs and activity groups can book to visit the farm and find out first-hand what goes into both growing and pressing the oil whilst working up an appetite to then enjoy a tasty lunch cooked using the Fussels’ extensive range of oils, dressing, sauces and mayonnaises. The demonstration kitchen and all its facilities can also be hired for team building days, business brunches and bespoke parties. For further information email info@fusselsfinefoods.co.uk, call 01373 831286 or see the website. • fusselsfinefoods.co.uk
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BREAKFASTS, SNACKS, LUNCHES, AFTERNOON TEAS
now open for spring & summer! Local, homemade, freshly prepared delicious food in beautiful surrounds Event catering also available.
Call for details on 07595 503337 or email avonfieldkitchen@gmail.com
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm Avonfield Gardens, The Nursery, Marsh Road, Hilperton BA14 7PL
*******Our cakes and traybakes can now be found in Wiltshire-based cafes & independent retailers*******
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) BOOK NOW FOR EASTER BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND! Dates for your Diary: Live Music on Sat 6th April & Sat 13th April ✦ Doggie friendly ✦ Open fire ✦ Delicious Sunday lunches ✦ Quiz every Sunday
f
Find us on Facebook for upcoming events
01225 765370 Chilmark Rd, Trowbridge BA14 9DD www.thewiltshireyeoman.co.uk
Voted the UK’s Top Caft Bakery 2018 and as the world’s oldest Cornish pasty maker, we are devoted to baking. Nothing makes us happier than using fresh ingredients & our hand crafted artisan bread to make delicious sandwiches, toasties and paninis. We also offer a range of tasty confectionery - including our renowned saffron cake and tea treats - in our new Wiltshire stores.
**** NEW STORES NOW OPEN IN DEVIZES, MELKSHAM & TROWBRIDGE **** 16 High Street Melksham SN12 6JU 01225 635529
30 Fore Street Trowbridge BA14 8EW 01225 938154
warrensbakery.co.uk
19 The Brittox Devizes SN10 1AJ 01380 699715
fti
THE
WESTBROOK
Bromham, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 2EE
tel 01380 850418
www.westbrookbromham.co.uk
WINNER OF PARLIAMENTARY PUB OF THE YEAR FOR THE SOUTH WEST OF ENGLAND!! 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
EAT T H R E E DAG G E R S A destination in Wiltshire 47 WESTBURY ROAD EDINGTON WILTSHIRE BA13 4PG
DRINK
STAY
PAMPER
Whether you are passing through, local to Edington or here to visit the area, the Three Daggers has something for everyone. A quintessential charm coupled with luxury accommodation, sophisticated and humble dishes, our very own farm shop and micro brewery and fabulous conference facilities. Our Sunday menu includes a vegan roast and is now served all day, from 12noon til 8pm. Book now for Easter Sunday!
01380 830940 www.threedaggers.co.uk
| food & drink
MEET THE CHEF
MATT ROGERS, head chef at Rode Mill, talks fine dining, fish & chips , Japanese whiskey and Chinese takeaways. What is your favourite dish on the current menu? We are currently working on a new menu which will be launched this month which will be great, and I’m very excited by some of our specials such as the pie of the day and mussels in cider cream. What is the most memorable event you have cooked for? I did a vegan wedding last year for 200 with some very interesting canapes, sharing boards and lovely vegan buffet food. Matt started his career at The Priory Hotel in Bath
What was your first job in catering? I started my career as a work experience student at The Priory Hotel in Bath, where I first developed a passion for fine dining. I moved onto the Bertinet Kitchen run by Richard Bertinet. He taught me to make fresh bread and desserts, which I’ve carried throughout my career and have now brought to Rode Mill.
When you cook for friends, what’s on the menu? I love making a big fresh baked pie or a nice curry. I also love Asian food so I like to try my hand at some traditional Japanese dishes.
What is the first dish you mastered? Probably fish and chips, I know it sounds simple but it’s really important to get a good batter!
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What’s your favourite kitchen gadget? I like a spiralizer, it makes funky veg for spring salads and veggie dishes. What is your guilty pleasure? Curling up in front of the fire with a bottle of Japanese whiskey and a Chinese takeaway or turning my phone off and taking the dog out for nice long walk.
Which local pubs and restaurants do you like visiting on a day off? I like a nice trip to Farleigh Road Farm To make a reservation at Rode Mill call 01373 831100. Shop. Lovely food and a great little shop too! • rodemill.co.uk
Where have you worked before? Woolley Grange Hotel, The Abbey Hotel in Bath and the Marlborough Tavern.
Do you have any favourite local suppliers? We source our meat from Ruby & White of Bristol and we get all our seasonal veg from Neil at Lovejoys.
Do you have any special offers running in the spring? We are looking at launching both a curry night and a pie night, serving a big selection and at fantastic prices.
Rode Mill is launching a new menu this month
“I started my career as a work experience student at The Priory Hotel in Bath, where I first developed a passion for fine dining.”
The Red Lion
W O O L V E R T O N
THE
Farmhouse
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
INN
Sunday 21 April
Book Now for Easter Sunday lunch! Homecooked food served every lunchtime & evening. We also offer a dedicated gluten free menu. Enjoy great Wadworth beers – unsure what you like? We offer a third of a pint taster. Traditional Sunday roast with a choice of meats for only £11.50 01373 830350 | www.redlionwoolverton.co.uk Bath Road, Woolverton, Somerset BA2 7QS
Your wedding day should be the best day of your life, filled with happines, for you, your family and friends. Our Wedding Co-ordinator, Janet Harris, will be delighted to work with you to ensure your wedding reception is truly memorable. ALSO AVAILABLE FOR CONFERENCES Frome Road, Southwick, Nr Trowbridge BA14 9QD t 01225 764366 e the.farmhouse@btconnect.com www.farmhousesouthwick.co.uk
April Deals at Rode Mill THURSDAY NIGHT PIE NIGHT
Every Thursday 6pm-9pm Delicious shortcrust savoury pies made by hand in our country kitchen and baked until the pastry is golden brown, with a wholesome and hearty filling. £13 per a person
WINE & DINE WEEKLY
Two main courses* with either a starter or dessert plus a bottle of house white or red wine. (*not including steaks) £50 for Two People Rode, Frome, Somerset BA11 6AG
t 01373 831100 www.rodemill.co.uk
ft
PERFECT FOR... Weddings • Anniversaries & Parties • Corporate Events • Walking Maps • Dog Friendly • Riverside Dining • Regular Events
| food & drink
seasons eat the
Keeping you in the know as to what is coming into season each month is NEIL MORTIMER from Lovejoys Wholesale...
S
pring is in the air and a few seasonal items are starting to appear. The two products on the top of your list to try should be asparagus and wild garlic. Wild garlic is still a real seasonal favourite, which is nice as so much of what we eat now seems to be available all year. Purple sprouting is available for 9 months now and spring greens are available all year round. Most of the asparagus we sell comes from the Wye Valley as we don’t have a local grower who is able to supply us with the amount we need to give our chefs a continuous supply. The first of the English tomatoes are now available and even a few English strawberries have appeared. If the weather is favourable there is plenty to do in your vegetable garden
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or allotment. You can get some parsnips and potatoes sown this month and your second sowing of
“Most of the asparagus we sell comes from the Wye Valley as we don’t have a local grower who is able to supply us with the amount we need to give our chefs a continuous supply.” carrots to keep the continuity going, then you can keep eating the young carrots, which is when they are sweeter. We are now starting to look forward to better weather and more time out of doors. As far as crops go we will be looking to see
new season carrots, spring onions, beetroot, new potatoes and fresh herbs next month. As usual any questions you might have regarding your allotment, or tubs in your garden, please get in touch with me. Next month we will have one of our regular competitions so look out for it Neil neil@lovejoyswholesale.com @lovejoysuk • lovejoyswholesale.com
recipes |
EASTER TREATS
Get ready for Easter with these fantastic fun recipes that are ideal for making with the kids. These recipes come courtesy of Tesco.
Bunny twist bakes Makes 6
Ingredients 250g strong white flour, plus extra for dusting 7g fast-action yeast ½ tsp salt 1 tsp mixed spice ½ tsp cinnamon 2 tsp caster sugar 1½ tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing 1 free-range egg, beaten For the fluffy coconut tails (optional): 1 tsp honey 3 tsp desiccated coconut
✃
Method Mix the flour, yeast, salt, spices and sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the centre and pour in the olive oil and 150ml lukewarm water. Mix well until the dough starts to come together
(add a splash more warm water if needed), then tip onto a floured work surface and knead for 5-7 mins until you have a smooth, springy dough. Roll the dough into a large sausage shape and cut into 6 even pieces. Roll one piece of dough into a thin strand (about 35cm long). Cut 1cm off the end and roll into a smooth ball for the tail; set aside. Lie one long strand in a ‘U’ shape on the work surface. Hold one end in each hand and cross over each other twice to form a twist, leaving a small loop at the bottom to form the body and to leave a hole for the tail. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Carefully transfer the bunny twist to the tray and flatten slightly to help it hold its shape. Pinch or trim the ends
of the dough into pointed shapes to make the ears. Brush the hole in the loop (the bunny body) with a little water and place the reserved ball for the tail inside. Repeat steps 2-4 with the remaining pieces of dough to form 6 bunny shapes. Cover the tray loosely with oiled clingfilm (to stop it sticking) and set aside in a warm place to rise for 45 mins, or until doubled in size. Preheat the oven to 180°C, 160°C fan. Brush the bunnies with the beaten egg and bake for 30-35 mins until lightly golden. They should sound hollow when tapped underneath. If adding the fluffy tails, lightly brush or dab the tails with honey and sprinkle over the coconut. Leave to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving, or cool completely and store in an air-tight container until needed. THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
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| recipes apricot jam, for brushing 1kg white fondant icing 250g pack pink fondant icing 50g white chocolate, melted black writing icing pen
Meringue chicks Makes 22
Method Put the Maderia cakes, roughly broken up, into a blender and whizz to fine crumbs. Add the vanilla buttercream icing and blend together. Roll into 20 balls, then freeze for 30 mins.
Ingredients 2 medium egg whites, at room temperature 120g caster sugar (or double the weight of your egg whites) ½ tsp vanilla extract yellow food colour gel black food colour gel orange food colour gel
Pipe 22 small circles onto the lined baking tray, 2cm apart, then carefully pipe a smaller circle on top of each one, finishing with a peak.
Push a long lollipop stick into each ball and brush with warm apricot jam. Take the white fondant icing and roll small pieces to the thickness of pound coins. Use to cover the balls, pressing it round with your fingers. Cut away the excess icing from around the stick.
Make ears using pieces of white fondant icing. Take a pack of readymade pink fondant icing, pull off small pieces and flatten and press onto Bake for 40 mins. When the meringues each ear. Melt the white chocolate; are ready they will pull off the paper dip the base of each ear in the easily. If they don’t, return them to the chocolate and hold in place on the oven for a few more mins until they do. cake pop until secure. Make a nose Set aside to cool for 30 mins. from pink fondant, stick on with Method melted chocolate, and then draw on Preheat the oven to 130°C, 110°C Put 2 drops each of the black and a mouth and eyes with a black writing fan. Line 2 baking trays with nonstick orange food colour gels in separate icing pen. baking paper. Put the egg whites small bowls. Using a new fine in a large, clean, non-plastic bowl paintbrush, mix 1-2 drops of water Put the cake pops in the stand (you’ll and beat with an electric whisk, into each colour. Paint eyes, beaks, need a cake pop stand or florists’ foam starting on a low speed and gradually feet and head feathers onto the in cups) to keep them upright. while increasing to high. Whisk for around chicks. Leave to dry for 30 mins. The you make the rest. Chill until ready 4minutes or until you have a stiff mix chicks can be stored in an airtight to serve. that holds its peaks. container at room temperature for Find more recipes at: realfood.tesco.com up to 1 week. As part of a healthy Add the sugar, 1 tbsp at a time, diet, we recommend this recipe for a whisking well between additions, special occasion or treat. until all the sugar is incorporated. Continue whisking for a further 5 mins or until the sugar has completely dissolved. Once the Makes 20 meringue is smooth and glossy, whisk Ingredients in the vanilla and a little yellow food 2 x 300g Madeira cakes, roughly colour gel until the mixture is bright broken up yellow and not streaky. Spoon the 300g ready-made vanilla buttercream meringue into a piping bag fitted icing with a round 1cm nozzle.
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✃
BUNNY CAKE POPS
✃
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est 1990
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travel |
AN ISLAND
ESCAPE Famed as a home of Caribbean chill, there’s more to Barbados than palm-lined beaches and rum. KATIE THOMSON discovered its culinary heart, unparalleled vistas and why people can’t help but catch the Bajan bug...
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| travel
T
here are few places in this world that really live up to those turquoise watered, palm-treedotted, white-sandybeach perfect postcard shots. Barbados however, could well be where the image was conceived. With 97 kilometres of pristine coastline and a friendly population with a happygo-lucky approach to life, this is certainly the place to unwind. I was lucky enough to visit St Lucia when I was a girl, but this was my first trip back to the Caribbean for over 20 years. Barbados brings together a marvellous mix of the familiar and the far flung - Anglican style churches and village greens stand in juxtaposition to palm trees, monkeys and the everpresent glittering water. The Queen is still the head of state (you can wave at her portrait in the arrivals hall!) and red post boxes adorn the streets of Bridgetown.
The Country Club at Sandy Lane
and its surrounds: the capital isn’t an obvious spot for exploration, but it is often the best port for water-based activities and the nearby Garrison area (recently placed on Unesco’s World Heritage List) is certainly worth a visit, ideally on a guided tour.
For such a small island, Barbados has certainly cultivated a reputation as a foodie hotspot - where fine dining meets great produce and even better settings. With so many wonderful When thinking about Barbados it is places to choose from, the main issue easiest to imagine the island as five was deciding which places to dine in distinct areas. First, there’s the luxurious, only a week-long visit. Stalwarts of the resort strewn west coast, where the local cookery scene like The Cliff were narrow, picturesque beaches are a must, but in there too were beachlapped by the gentle, crystalline water. side bars, beautiful twinkling dinner Second, you have the more heavily spots and urban options where food developed south coast, where the trends abound. sea off the beaches is sometimes too rough for safe swimming - the bars Before any such gluttonous revelry and restaurants here tend to attract the though, I was keen to get out on younger crowds. the water, and a catamaran trip, promising the chance to swim in the Third, is the quiet and unspoiled east warm Caribbean sea, fitted the bill coast. Buffeted by Atlantic breakers, it perfectly. Operators of this kind are is beautiful and offers amazing surfing numerous. We opted for Elegance opportunities if you like your thrills Catamaran Cruises, one of the longest on the waves. It does have limited established crews in Bridgetown. The accommodation though. Fourth, is team offer a range of cruises, perfect the island’s interior, where you can for seeing the island in its changing see those more classic sights like lights. We went for a lunch trip and plantation houses, botanic gardens set off from Bridgetown in search of and caves nestled among the fields of an iconic Bajan marine animal - the sugar cane. Lastly, there’s Bridgetown Green Turtle.
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Smooth waters and a gentle morning sun made for a fantastic outbound leg, and before long we’d found the perfect snorkelling spot. Heading into the water with our guides, we entered the turtles’ world, but admired them from a respectful distance, catching sight too of a sting ray skirting along the sea bed and a Hawksbill Turtle, alongside shoals of iridescent fish. Before long it was back on board to find a secluded cove, where we could swim out to find ourselves the only people on a white sandy beach. On the swim back, a tray of cocktails was floated into the water - nothing was too much trouble for the crew. After all the exertion, some rum punch and a delicious lunch featuring crispy flying fish, spicy jerk chicken and coleslaw was served. In a convivial atmosphere, we got to know our fellow wayfarers and together delighted in a fantastic feast in a truly unrivalled setting. While there was no concern about any real exertion on this holiday, save the snorkelling, I always love a spa trip, especially when a treatment geared at beating jetlag is on offer. I opted for The House, part of the Elegance Hotels group. The spa offers a full range of massages and facials, using products from Elemental Herbology, but I was keen to try their Fire & Ice
travel | Jetlag Massage. Included for every resident to kick off their holiday, the treatment includes muscle release stretches and a rebalancing massage with energising oils - perfect to reset the body. I combined that with a restorative shea butter head massage which left my hair soft and shiny - the perfect antidote to all that sea water the day before! If all the relaxing leaves you with an appetite, you can dine on site too, or at the neighbouring Treasure Beach hotel. If each Caribbean island is defined by one of its famous resorts, then Sandy Lane is the definitive article of Barbados. It’s smattering of rosy pink sun umbrellas punctuating the white sandy cove is one of the classic views on the island and, if budget doesn’t permit a stay, a visit for lunch or cocktails is still a must. As well as its beaches, Sandy Lane is famed for its world-leading golf courses - the Country Club and the exclusive Green Monkey (playable only by residents). Ranked amongst the best in the world, the Country Club is an unmissable course for any golf enthusiast, not least because of its beautiful scenery and carpet-like fairways.
After a day on the golf course, the evening meal beckoned, at the lovely Tides, one of the musttry dinner spots on the island. A beautiful courtyard decorated with contemporary art makes way for an open terrace, illuminated by dramatic chandeliers and gently buffeted by the cooling sea breeze. This classic seaside home is finished with local Bajan coral stone and mahogany, and as the name would suggest, it is known for its wonderful seafood, cooked simply and to perfection. The final night called, and a visit to the charming Lone Star beckoned. Like the Cliff and Tides, it enjoys a picture perfect setting right on the beach, with plantation style cladding and a breezy open plan bar and tables. Cheerful waiters bedecked in 1950s style mechanic’s jumpsuits serve up fresh plates of flying fish, crumbed shrimp and perfect steaks, classic cooking executed beautifully. Barbados is a place of many faces it’s a glorious island escape, a taste of home abroad, a foodie’s delight and a golfer’s paradise. It’s a place where you aren’t restricted to a resort - you can get out and explore, making
“For such a small island, Barbados has certainly cultivated a reputation as a foodie hotspot” Tides is one of the must-try dinner spots on the island
Elegance Catamaran Cruises
the most of the food scene and the boundless good nature of the locals. Cultural sights come together with natural wonders, and whether you’re three or ninety three, there is something to captivate and enthral. Truly, it’s a place that will make a mark on your soul, and you’ll be longing to head back.
TRAVELLER’S TIPS High season for Barbados runs from December to April. BA flies from Gatwick 12 times a week, while Virgin Atlantic flies daily from London and weekly from Manchester. Flights cost from around £650pp return. Make flying feel much more fabulous by securing lounge access in the UK and Barbados through Holiday Extras - from £24. holidayextras.co.uk
USEFUL LINKS elegancebarbados.com thecliffbarbados.com thelonestar.com tidesbarbados.com fishpotbarbados.com sandylane.com THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
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| activities
THRILLING ACTIVITY BREAKS & WEEKENDS AT TAFF VALLEY QUAD BIKE & ACTIVITY CENTRE This Easter head along for some adventure and experience the thrill of trying something new. Whether you want to challenge yourself or take it easy, you will have lots of fun and take home unforgettable memories.
CONTACT DETAILS TAFF VALLEY QUAD BIKE & ACTIVITY CENTRE tel: 02920 831658 web: taffvalley.co.uk
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T
aff Valley Quad Bike & Activity Centre started out in 1992 as a farm diversification business, employing two part-time family staff. Over the years the centre has grown with the addition of new activities catering for all ages and abilities. The initial six all-terrain-vehicles (quad bikes) have been expanded to a fleet of over 40. The range of activities on offer has increased dramatically too and now includes clay shooting, laser shooting, archery, a woodland assault course and gorge walking. The centre also networks with other providers to offer other activities like paintball, speed boats on Cardiff Bay and pony trekking in the Brecon Beacons, even activities as diverse as chocolate making and graffiti art!
Taff Valley also delivers education courses, including citizenship for young people, and helps to train others in the use of quad bikes. There are OCN Accredited Safe Driving & Maintenance Courses for young people on quad bikes, as well as courses on gun crime and gang culture. The woodland assault course, introduced a few years ago, has been very popular with corporate and sports groups for team building, although the most popular groups are hen and stag parties. To provide accommodation packages, Taff Valley links with hotels, guest houses and bunk barns, counting among their corporate
activities | The popular woodland assault course is a popular recent addition
“The woodland assault course, introduced two years ago, has been very popular with corporate and sports groups for team building” clients companies as diverse as Panasonic, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Admiral, Inland Revenue, DTZ, Scandinavian Airlines, McDonald’s, Capita and Tesco.
For more details give the centre a call on 02920 831658 or email hopkinsmith@btconnect.com. Testimonials, directions and more can also be found on the website.
Sport groups that have visited Taff Valley include the Georgia international rugby team, Cheltenham Football Club, Welsh Rugby, Aylesbury Rugby, as well as judo clubs, netball, hockey clubs, but also scouts, girl guides and other sports and community groups.
• taffvalley.co.uk
The property is also used as a location for filming programmes and has been used for programmes such as Question of Sport, Belonging, Gadget Show, Dress To Impress, Alfie’s Angels and X- ray. The Taff Valley team, led by senior instructor Matt Perrott, currently employs five full time staff, three part time, up to 10 contract staff and casual staff on weekends. And their plans for future? “To offer group accommodation in converted shipping containers, an air rifle range as well as a facility for drones and model planes,” says Matt. THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
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easter activities |
EASTER FUN
FROM EASTER EGG HUNTS TO ART, INTENSIVE SWIMMING TO ADRENALINE-FUELLED GO KART DRIVING, WE'VE GOT SOME GREAT IDEAS FOR YOU TO KEEP THE WHOLE FAMILY ENTERTAINED THIS EASTER.
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| easter activities Bowood has masses of space for kids to explore
aerial walkways, several thrilling slides, a huge scramble net and perhaps the most famous and popular of all, the Space slide with an exhilarating 19ft vertical drop! Children will be entertained for hours. Normal House & Gardens admission applies. • bowood.org
COURT FARM COUNTRY PARK Weston-super-Mare Open for more than 30 years as a visitor attraction, Court Farm Country Park is looking forward to another fun filled summer of entertainment for all the family. The park has been voted runners up in the Farm Attraction Of The Year competition twice in recent years, an accolade that the attraction’s owner, Peter Gwyn, puts down to the friendly atmosphere and Calne This Easter head to Bowood for a Big the excellent facilities the farm Spring Adventure. The Easter Bunny now boasts. With over 25000sq ft of undercover attractions and is back with his friends and has left playgrounds, all visitors can enjoy a clues around the Estate for you to day in the countryside whatever the find! Over the Easter weekend try and crack the secret code alongside weather. the big Easter eggs to unlock the If its animals you want – they have Easter basket! loads, from Shires and Shetlands to lambs and piglets. Budding Masses of open space and fresh adventurers will love the Safari Jeep air awaits you at Bowood House track. There are two large indoor & Gardens. Explore the beautiful grounds with these trails…taking Court Farm Country Park has you around the lake and back to been open more than 30 years the historic house, look among the endless daffodils and winding paths, you may just see the Easter bunny! A hop, skip and a jump away is Tractor Ted's Little Farm where children can meet friendly farm animals, see chicks hatching and watch Tractor Ted’s real action films. Outside, there is play equipment including a mini tractor track and diggers, all conveniently located near the Treehouse Café. Bounce over to the Adventure Playground too. Aimed at children up to the age of 12, it features a Pirate Galleon,
BOWOOD HOUSE & GARDENS
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adventure playgrounds, which suit all ages of children and there are lots of friendly animals on show too. With twice daily bottle-feeding shows kids can marvel at the antics of the farm’s baby animals. Tractor rides, pony rides, and a whole host of other goings on will leave your kids begging to come back soon. Court Farm Country Park is open daily all year round, 10am to 5.30pm. • courtfarmcountrypark.co.uk
"Any motorsport fan would love pushing their driving skills to new limits & there are options for everyone aged 10 & over"
Drive-Tech Ltd
DRIVE-TECH LTD Castle Combe Drive-Tech Ltd are skid control, karting and 4x4 off road experts. Based at Castle Combe circuit (within easy reach of the M4 & M5) their ultimate driving experiences will help you build individual skills, increase your confidence, improve your personal safety, raise your awareness and provide white knuckle tension, all at the same time!
| easter activities Any motorsport fan would love pushing their driving skills to new limits and there are options for everyone aged 10 and over – perfect for entertaining the kids during the school break. Gift vouchers, starting at just £38, open dated and valid for 18 months make great gifts too. For more details see the website or call their team on 01249 783010. • drivetechltd.co.uk
SUMMER HOLIDAY residential & day CAMPS
Haynes have a special Bentley exhibition on over Easter
Mill on the Brue's residential and day camps are hugely popular
HAYNES international motor museum Sparkford, Yeovil Haynes International Motor Museum has, in addition to their permanent collection of amazing cars from around the world, a Celebration of Bentley, which showcases this famous and much-loved motoring marque, open for all to enjoy. Younger Museum explorers can help find the cheeky Easter bunnies hidden across the Museum in a game of Bentley Bunny Bingo whilst older children can test their skills with our fun facts and games quiz booklet. They will also have a chocolate treat for them to collect afterwards. Throughout your visit you’ll also be able to enjoy the outdoor play area, interactive exhibits and of course Café 750 which serves delicious hot and cold meals, as well as tasty grab and go snacks. • himm.co.uk
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Bruton, Somerset The summer holidays might seem far off, but it won’t be long before parents start thinking about them. This is where Mill On The Brue can help. Family run, offering residential holidays for over 36 years to children from 8 – 15 years, or Adventure day camps for 7- 12 years - they really know what kids like! The days are packed with exciting and challenging activities set in their beautiful 25 acres of river, woodland and fields, guided by
HOPE NATURE CENTRE Southwick, nr Trowbridge There are a whole host of Easter activities happening in April at Hope Nature Centre in Southwick. From 6 through to the 22 April you’ll be able to take part in their Easter Egg Hunt, where you’ve got to explore the animal park and find four eggs to collect your prize! It’s all included in your ticket, so get ready for the hunt! On Sunday 21 April they are also hosting an Animal Park Eggstravaganza! Enjoy a variety of activities including animal petting
fun, friendly and experienced instructors. And the meals.. Delicious, homecooked and plenty of seconds too! Residential camps start Sunday 7 July until Saturday 17 August - they only take 72 children in any one week. Day camps run Mondays to Fridays, 8.30am until 5.30pm, from 22 July to 16 August, with lunches included. For more information email info@millonthebrue.co.uk, call 01749 812307 or visit the website. • millonthebrue.co.uk Hope Nature Centre has a host of Easter activities planned
and grooming, face-painting, children’s crafts and egg rolling! You can also enjoy an Easter lunch at their on site café. A popular option is the two course lunch,
FUN ART CLASSES FOR CREATIVE KIDS!
• Term time & holiday classes & workshops • Qualified art teacher • Small class sizes • Ages 4-7 & 8-11 • Based in Trowbridge Call/text Lise Macdermott on 07505 621858 to view her home studio or to find out more
pocketpicassos.co.uk
| easter activities which is £9.95 for adults and £7.95 for children. Pre-book your space by calling 01225 759075. Finally, on Sunday 22 April, you can enjoy an Animal Park BBQ and an Active Trowbridge Sports Roadshow! • fb.com/HopeNatureCentre
also looking forward to Easter and hopping from clue to clue, to claim a Cadbury’s chocolate prize. Their annual Easter Egg Hunt runs from 8-22 April and costs £2.50 (normal admission costs apply). • nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock
LACOCK ABBEY
PLACES LEISURE
Lacock, nr Chippenham Whether searching for puddles or spotting starlings in the grounds at Lacock, there’s lots for little explorers to enjoy this spring. Pick up an Explorer’s Guide to Lacock from the visitor reception and see what you can find. The guide will last you all year, with different animals and plants to spot for each season, perfect for visiting again and again.
Various sites across Wiltshire There are some ‘cracking’ activities on for children at Places Leisure centres this Easter; they're sure to have your children feeling ‘eggstatic’ with excitement. The activities are also a great way to combat the inevitable chocolate overload!
image ©Trevor Hart
After a recent refurbishment, the Fox Talbot Museum gallery is hosting a new exhibition from Hasselblad Masters Award winner John Paul Evans from the beginning of April. This month the Abbey is
"This month the Abbey is also looking forward to Easter and hopping from clue to clue, to claim a Cadbury’s chocolate prize."
Most of their centres with swimming pools offer a range of intensive swimming lessons for different Swim England stages. They are the perfect opportunity for children in lessons to improve their skills and aquatic ability by having lessons every day. For children not already in regular lessons, they are a great way to get your child started in the water, with help from friendly, fully qualified instructors. If your child is already confident in the water and fancies themselves as the next Tom Daley check out the holiday diving courses at Trowbridge Sports Centre. Bradford Lacock has lots of animals and plants to spot throughout spring
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Places Leisure offers intensive swimming lessons
Pocket Picassos is perfect for creative kids
on Avon pool is also running specialist stroke sessions, so your child can make progress with their least favourite swimming stroke! Look out for trampolining and gymnastics at some of their centres too. Courses do tend to get booked up though, so contact your nearest centre and get your child booked on today! • placesforpeopleleisure.org
Pocket Picassos Trowbridge Pocket Picassos is for kids who love art and want to expand their knowledge and skill in a fun and friendly environment. Run by art teacher and artist Lise MacDermott (BA, PGCE, MA) children make art in many different mediums including painting, drawing, printmaking, collage and sculpture. The classes cover different artists, styles and movements from junkbots and graffiti to fine drawing, casting and gilding. At a maximum of 6 children per class, a child’s individual
| easter activities
"Their Canadian canoes are very safe and easy to use and are great for setting off on an intrepid aqua adventure"
Towpath Trail is the original Kennet & Avon Canal bike and canoe hire centre
thoughts and ideas may be explored and made. Five-week term time courses run on Saturdays: 10am-12noon for age 4-7 and 2-4pm for age 8-11 and costs £30 for the five weeks. Over Easter the one-day holiday club runs from 10am-1pm at a price of £10 and there are threeday summer holiday workshops running from 10am-1pm daily at a cost of £30. Lise also runs five-week Wednesday after-school workshops for ages 10-13 and is also available for one to one tuition.
along hills and valleys, the cities and towns along the way offer an interesting backdrop to the wonderful country path.
Towpath Trail is the original bike and canoe hire on the canal. Operating from Frome Road in Bradford on Avon, their bikes are in good condition – all less than 6 months old – and are ideal if you and the family want to head off to Bath (10 miles) or Devizes (12 miles), home to the famous Caen Hill lock flight. There are also child trailers, trailer bikes and child seats for hire should you need them. Details and bookings are available Alternatively, you might want to on the website and you can call/text take to the water in a canoe. Their Lise on 07505 621858 to discuss, Canadian canoes are very safe and and arrange a visit to the studio. easy to use and are great for setting • pocketpicassos.co.uk off on an intrepid aqua adventure - you could even pack some ginger
TOWPATH TRAIL
Bradford on Avon The Kennet & Avon Canal towpath offers traffic free and easy cycling for all the family. Stretching from Bristol to Reading, through and
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"Whitehall Garden Centre has just launched a new Jungle Grotto, arriving in time for Easter!"
beer and marmite sandwiches for a stop off en route! They can be paddled solo, or can accommodate mum, dad and two children, the choice is yours! • towpathtrail.co.uk
WHITEHALL GARDEN CENTRE Lacock, nr Chippenham Whitehall Garden Centre has just launched a new Jungle Grotto, arriving at their Lacock garden centre in time for Easter! Begin your quest through the Jungle with your map to complete tasks and answer questions. Find the monkeys and spot the parrots. Meet the lions but make sure not to disturb them, you might not make it out alive! The Grotto costs £3.99 per person and is open from Saturday 30 March until Sunday 2 June from 10.30am to 4pm. Outside of school holidays the Jungle Grotto is open weekends only. Book your spot online and your ticket will be valid all day on your chosen date, subject to availability. • whitehallgardencentre.co.uk
| house & home
100 UP FOR WADSWICK GREEN
Wadswick Green retirement village has just celebrated its 100th sold apartment. interiors of Almond Close boast an open-plan layout that creates an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. Similar to the already completed Courtyard Apartments and Pavilion Residences, the homes at Almond Close will feature spacious kitchens with engineered, high-quality hardwood flooring and the latest Neff appliances. The living rooms offer a choice of wooden floors and boast large picture windows that lead onto balconies with views of the landscaped courtyard and stunning views beyond. Thorough move and downsizing process easier, insulation caters for peace and quiet and supports the energy efficient Pamela had the complete support underfloor heating, whilst wide of her son Steve who says: "I've kept entrances and lifts as well as highdropping subtle hints to my mother efficiency double-glazed windows that it may be time to move into a more appropriately sized property. My provide a bright and friendly feel. mother's old home was part of a very small community and I was beginning Interested buyers are invited to visit the show home opposite The Pavilion to feel worried she'd end up feeling at Wadswick Green. To make an isolated. Seeing her at Wadswick Green with all its communal areas and appointment, call the friendly team events, I have peace of mind that she on 01225 584500 or visit the website.
Chris Sherman (General Manager), Pam Dodd and Howard Nankivell (CEO)
W
adswick Green, the lifestyle village for over 60s, has continuous demand for their properties. Most recently, the village celebrated the sale of its 100th apartment, welcoming new resident Pamela Dodd (86) to the community. To celebrate the milestone and welcome Mrs Dodd to the village, the team held a mini celebration. Angela McKimmie, Sales and Marketing Director at Rangeford Villages comments: "Seeing our 100th apartment becoming home to a new resident feels very special and we are delighted to welcome Pam to our community and celebrate this milestone." Pam adds: "This is lovely. It's been difficult to leave my family home of nearly 40 years but I'm slowly starting to settle in. The friendly team and residents have made the experience easier and I'm looking forward to getting to know more people." Having previously lived in a 3-bed bungalow outside of Bath, Pam accumulated many belongings that had sentimental value. To make the
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won't be lonely." Pam moved into a one bedroom Pavilion apartment which has the benefit of being a mere lift-ride away from the communal areas. These include the gym, spa, hair salon, swimming pool, sauna and The Greenhouse restaurant, which is popular with residents and the local community alike. A limited number of Pavilion apartments are still available and ready to move in. Most recently, Wadswick Green has launched its latest phase Almond Close, featuring 45 one, two and three bedroom apartments. The
• wadswickgreen.co.uk
"The living rooms boast large picture windows that lead onto balconies with views of the landscaped courtyard and stunning views beyond." The Pavilion and Greenhouse
S.L. Corden & Sons
RIGHT ANGLE Picture Framing
We are a traditional hardware store with a modern twist. Come to us for... Gardening Equipment | Outdoor Furniture Household Items | Ironmongery | Tools Paint | DIY | Electrical | Key Cutting Camping Equipment | Sugarcraft | Gifts 4 High Street, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 9AE 01985 212115 | slcorden.co.uk | s.fraser2@btconnect.com
For all types of picture framing & art materials too. OPEN Mon to Fri 9am-5.30pm Sat 9am - 4pm 20 High Street, Corsham SN13 0ES
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| gardens
TROWBRIDGE GARDEN CENTRE
B
This family run garden centre has been established since 1981.
ased on the outskirts of our county town this ever popular garden centre has a great reputation for quality of service and product ranges – it has everything a gardener needs, from planting to ponds, compost to climbers their knowledgeable staff are on hand to help you discover what works best for your garden. This month head over for shrubs, trees, alpines, roses and seasonal bedding plants, and encourage wildlife into your garden with their large collection of bird feed and other wildlife products. Also see their collection of metal and wooden garden furniture and wide variety of containers and garden sculptures too. Indoor gardening has been enjoying a real resurgence of late, as people realise how rewarding it can be to look after plants inside. The trend is proving particularly popular with those who have little to no outdoor
space of their own. Trowbridge Garden Centre has a great range of houseplants to choose from, including cacti, succulents and
"Trowbridge Garden Centre has a great range of houseplants to choose from, including cacti, succulents and a selection of orchids." a selection of orchids. As well as plants, they have specialist food and compost in stock to help you care for the plants, and a lovely range of pots to suit all styles and budgets as well as stunning terrariums to make your display look fantastic. If you’re new to indoor gardening, be sure to ask the staff for more information and advice about how to collect and display your houseplants so they look their best. In late spring you can also head over for all your aquatic garden needs.
Trowbridge Garden Centre has lovely plants and a lot more besides
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They stock a range of marginal plants like iris and marsh marigolds as well as submerged aquatics (including ever-popular water lilies), oxygenators, pond snails and all other manner of things to help keep your pond healthy and wildlife friendly. They also have expert staff on hand should you need some advice. Also on site you’ll find Garden Affairs, Room to Groom, The Nail Emporium, Premium Tubs, Paul’s Double Glazing Repairs, Hair by Debs Tye-Duck and Kalahari Kitchen as well as the popular Bay Tree Café, serving breakfasts, snacks, hot meals, teas and coffees. • trowbridgegardencentre.co.uk
AUGUST 2018
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| house & home
LET THE LIGHT SHINE IN New Windows has been transforming homes in the local area for a quarter of a century and are passionate about providing top-quality home improvements. BI-FOLD DOORS What’s not to love about bi-fold doors? They replace a regular door with a wall of glass, creating a smooth transition between your interior and garden, allowing daylight to pour in. New Windows' frames are made from strong, light, thin aluminium – the gold standard for bi-folds. They also offer options for hanging, opening and securing those magnificent planes of glass.
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pring always makes us think of spending more time outdoors after months of being stuck inside. At New Windows they have a number of options available to help bring the outside in...
CONSERVATORIES & ORANGERIES If the home that once seemed spacious now feels a little cramped, you’re in the right zone for a stylish conservatory or glazed extension.
A conservatory or orangery is a wonderful way of letting light into your home
in materials and manufacturing techniques mean your installation will be pleasantly warm in summer and toasty in winter – so think year-round pleasure. Your installation will be weatherproof, energy efficient and ultra secure. New Windows offer a comprehensive guarantee to ensure your total satisfaction.
With so many options available, making the right decision for your home can be daunting. Thankfully, the experts at New Windows can guide you through to your ideal solution. They're immensely proud of their reputation as a family-friendly business providing a professional, reliable service. Why not pay them a visit at their Warminster showroom? You'll find it next door to Waitrose. You can browse through their impressive ranges and speak to the team about your home improvement plans. • newwindowsltd.co.uk
For a very reasonable price, a conservatory will flood your home with light and add a whole new room to your household. Advances
"Advances in materials and manufacturing techniques mean your installation will be pleasantly warm in summer and toasty in winter" 56
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Modern conservatories and orangeries are weatherproof, energy efficient and ultra secure
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Westbury Golf Club
PAY & PLAY
An attractive 9-hole golf course, with 18 different tees, set in the beautiful mature parkland at the foot of the famous Westbury White Horse.
Full £350 | Junior £45 Twilight £11 | Weekday £16 Weekend £18
CLUB HOUSE
With gently undulating fairways, the course suits players of all ages whilst providing a good test for all abilities. White Horse Country Park, Trowbridge Rd, Westbury BA13 4LX
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f Westbury-Golf-Club
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golf |
IT'S TEE
TIME
As the weather warms up, there are few better ways to enjoy it than with a round of golf. Here are some of the best places around to tee off.
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| golf
BOWOOD HOTEL, SPA & GOLF RESORT
Cumberwell's courses blend rolling countryside, lakes, streams and woodland
Set amidst a beautifully landscaped English country estate, Bowood is renowned as one of the finest golf courses in Wiltshire and is the new PGA Official Golf Course for the South West.
Designed by the renowned Dave Thomas, the stunning PGA Golf Course is also ranked number one in Wiltshire. You can enjoy great golf all year round at Bowood. The Golf Course is open to visitors, members’ guests and hotel residents, visit the website to find out more about their green fees and latest special offers. Interested in becoming a member? Golf membership at Bowood brings a wealth of privileges including exclusive tee times and discounts across the entire resort. At Bowood, they welcome everyone to enjoy the first-class facilities and PGA course and offer a number of different membership categories to suit everyone, including special rates for young golfers. Find out more about becoming a member today, call on 01249 823884 or visit the website. • bowood.org/golf
"Golf membership at Bowood brings a wealth of privileges including exclusive tee times and discounts across the entire resort."
Mini golf is a great way to introduce youngsters to the game
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CHIPPENHAM GOLF CENTRE
Chippenham Golf Centre is a golf facility that includes a driving range, golf shop, mini golf and par 3 golf course. Set in Tiddleywink, Yatton Keynell, in the heart of rural Wiltshire, it takes pride in offering smart and modern facilities to learn and practice golf. With welcoming and professional staff on hand to help and give advice you are sure to enjoy your experience.
CUMBERWELL PARK Since opening in 1994 Cumberwell Park has established itself as one of the best courses in the South West and has been awarded four stars in Golf World's Top Courses in Britain.
The original 18 holes - the Red and Yellow - opened in 1994, the 3rd 9 holes - the Blue course - opened in 1999 and the 4th 9 holes - the Orange course - in 2007. All the courses, designed by Adrian Stiff, provide different challenges for During the Easter break why not take golfers of every ability. The courses the kids along to play some mini golf? encompass a wonderful blend of It’s newly designed and great fun for rolling countryside, lakes, streams, any ability. Want to challenge yourself natural copse and woodland. The further? You could play a round on most recent addition is the superb 9 the par 3 course, it is a starting point hole par 3 course, designed by James for beginners and a good short game Edwards, whilst there is another 9 hole test for established golfers. You can par 3 already in the pipeline. They play the full 9 holes on our par 3 also have superb practice facilities, course in less than an hour! If you’re including a driving range, short game looking to advance your skills further area and putting greens. you might be interested to know that The club offers flexible membership the golf Centre offers lessons from schemes to suit you and your budget only £28 and has a special offer of 4 lessons for £90. Call 01249 783121 to – call for more information on 01225 863322. find out more. • cumberwellpark.com • chippenhamgolfcentre.co.uk
CHIPPENHAM GOLF CENTRE The friendly golf centre in the heart of Wiltshire
The friendly golf centre in the heart of Wiltshire
GOLF CENTRE FACILITIES • *NEW* mini-golf course for all the family! • 300yd driving range with targets & markers • 26 flood-lit bays • Tiddleywink par 3 short golf course • Large putting green • Outdoor short game area • Lessons with fully qualified PGA professional • A fully stocked professional golf shop
TELEPHONE 01249 783121 www.chippenhamgolfcentre.co.uk Tiddleywink, Yatton Keynell, Chippenham SN14 7BY
| golf
Westbury Golf Club overlooks the White Horse
WESTBURY GOLF CLUB Westbury Golf Club is a members run golf club that offers some of the best value, friendly, quality golf, available in the area. A warm welcome awaits members and visitors alike. It is an attractive 9 hole course set in beautiful mature parkland at the foot of the famous Westbury White Horse. Additional teeing creates variation for a challenging back nine holes. With gently undulating fairways, the course suits players of all ages, whilst providing a good test for players of all abilities. The 12-bay driving range allows for pre-round practice or a visit in its own right. When you visit you can also enjoy all the facilities of White Horse Country Park. • westburygolfclub.co.uk
WEST WILTS GOLF CLUB West Wilts is an extremely friendly traditional member’s golf club situated on the edge of Warminster and the Salisbury Plain. The Club was established in 1891 and the course, designed by J H Taylor, has excellent fairways and greens on chalk downland with superb views over 3 counties. Very good playing conditions are enjoyed all year round.
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Whitley's level course is ideal for those who require a gentler stroll
"Ultimately, social golf is at the heart of Whitley, and what better way to get exercise and spend time with friends than strolling around the course." The course has characteristics of an inland “links” and being 5790 yards long (Par 69, SSS 68) with 50 bunkers and relatively small greens it provides players of all standards with a fair test of golf. A good short game is essential to score well. Indoor and outdoor practice facilities are available including a state of the art GC2 golf course simulator and a fully qualified PGA professional (Lawrence Wilkin) for all coaching and equipment needs. Visitors and societies are very welcome; please contact Lawrence Wilkin (pro@ westwiltsgolfclub.co.uk) or call 01985 213133 for more information. • westwiltsgolfclub.co.uk
West Wilts enjoys great playing conditions all year round
WHITLEY GOLF CLUB
Whitley is famed for its friendly atmosphere, where everyone is welcome to enjoy the golf course, driving range and clubhouse bar facilities. With a relaxed approach, it’s the ideal place to learn and practice. The 9 hole layout provides a test that challenges all levels of golfer, with a focus on course management necessary to plot your way around the fairways to get to the green. Two sets of tees allow golfers to play 18 holes with a varied approaches. Set out over level ground, the course is sympathetic to the beginner or indeed those who perhaps require a more gentle stroll. Ultimately, social golf is at the heart of Whitley, and what better way to get exercise and spend time with friends than strolling around the course. Friends and family are always encouraged to use the clubhouse and club facilities. While membership options are available, the casual Pay & Play visitors are always welcome. • whitleygolfclub.com
| legal & financial
DIVORCE & PENSIONS ANNETTE TAYLOR, an Associate Solicitor at BLB Solicitors in Trowbridge, discusses the importance of looking at your pension, as well as your property, when considering divorce.
T
he main concern of those considering divorce is housing, and in particular the housing needs of dependent children. Many people believe that the family home is their most valuable asset. However, we should not forget pensions. It is quite common that a pension is worth more than the value of the family home and their other assets. Pensions therefore cannot be ignored and when divorce is being considered one of the first things that must be done is to obtain the divorce valuation of any pension (known as the Cash Equivalent Value or CEV). The other spouse must also obtain the same information in respect of their own pensions. The court has the power to order that a pension be divided after divorce by way of a pension sharing order. If a pension sharing order is
made a percentage of the pension is transferred into a pension fund in the recipient’s name by way of an external transfer. Alternatively if allowed by a pension company there may be an internal transfer which means that the recipient becomes in effect a pension holder of the same pension company.
the true value of the pension. This is common with pensions that are not funded by the member of the pension provider.
Another option is for the court to order a pension off-set where one spouse retains his or her pension and the other retains other assets, including for example the family home.
At BLB we work closely with pension actuaries and tax advisors to ensure that the true valuation of the pension is obtained so that our clients get the best possible outcome.
It is imperative to obtain legal advice from a specialist divorce lawyer as there are significant implications for each of these options. In some cases the Cash Equivalent Value , or divorce valuation, of the pension does not accurately reflect Annette Taylor
A specialist divorce lawyer will be able to help you to find out if this applies to yours or your spouse’s pensions.
“The court has the power to order that a pension be divided after divorce by way of a pension sharing order.” There are other considerations to be considered including pension attachment orders and situations in which pensions are already being paid. Dealing with pensions on divorce is complex and getting it right, particularly when the pension or pensions are the most valuable assets, is of paramount importance. Should you require advice about financial arrangements on divorce then please contact Annette Taylor at BLB Solicitors, Rodney House, 5 Roundstone Street, Trowbridge, call 01225 755656 or email annette. taylor@blbsolicitors.co.uk • blbsolicitors.co.uk
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| legal & financial
PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY:
DO I HAVE IT?
JARED MARTIN, a Paralegal at Wansbroughs Solicitors in Melksham, explains all about Parental Responsibility. WHAT IS PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY? Parental responsibility or ‘PR’ is comprised of the rights and responsibilities a parent has in relation to their child until they reach the age of 18. This could include but is not limited to: registering the child’s name; choosing the child’s school; consenting to the child’s medical treatment and determining which religion the child follows.
WHO HAS PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY? All birthmothers have PR. Similarly, a father married to the birthmother will have PR. An unmarried father does not automatically have PR. However, as of 1 December 2003, providing an unmarried father is named on the child’s birth certificate, he will obtain automatic PR.
UNMARRIED FATHERS An unmarried father may obtain PR by marrying the birthmother, having his name registered on the child’s birth certificate or entering into a Parental Responsibility Agreement with the child’s birthmother. However these methods are not always attainable. An unmarried father may therefore obtain PR through a Court ordered Parental Responsibility Order or Child Arrangements Order which names him as a person the child lives with.
SAME-SEX PARENTS Same-sex parents will both acquire PR providing they were married or civil partners prior to the child being conceived by either artificial
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insemination or licensed fertility treatment. For same-sex partners, not in a formal relationship, the non-biological parent can acquire PR by either obtaining a Parental Responsibility Order subject to the biological parent’s agreement or by formalising their relationship with the biological parent and entering a Parental Responsibility Agreement or jointly registering the child’s birth.
STEP-PARENTS A step-parent, married or in a civil partnership with a child’s birthparent will not automatically have PR. A stepparent must enter into a Parental Responsibility Agreement with their spouse/civil partner and the child’s other birthparent.
CARERS A person with PR cannot transfer it although it is possible to delegate the responsibility of caring for a child to another party. Ultimately the PR holder will remain liable and must ensure proper arrangements are made for the child.
ADOPTION If a child is adopted, their adoptive parents automatically obtain PR and the birthparent’s PR is severed.
PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY AGREEMENTS A Parental Responsibility Agreement can be signed at Court by all parties concerned, granting a parent or stepparent parental responsibility. This avoids a Court order.
PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY ORDER If parents cannot agree about whether a parent or stepparent should have PR, an application can be made to the Court for a Parental Responsibility Order. The Court will decide whether it’s in the child’s best interest to grant a parent or step-parent PR. It is common that an unmarried father will be granted PR providing he can show commitment and a good attachment to the child. The Family Team at Wansbroughs are well equipped to advise on all private children law matters including parental responsibility. If you would like further information, we offer a free 30 minute initial consultation to all new enquiries. Call 01225 896100 or email family@wansbroughs.com. • wansbroughs.com Jared Martin
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| charities & care
THE DUSK MEMORY WALK
T
he Dusk Memory Walk is Dorothy House Hospice Care’s 5km sponsored walk and it takes place on Saturday 13 April. The event is for all the family and starts at 7pm and ends at the Hospice as daylight begins to fade.
At the end of the walk, there is the opportunity to put your own message on a candle bag, which will shine in the grounds of the Hospice. The circular walk is open to all, including children and even the dog!
16 and under). This is a sponsored event – no minimum amount is specified, but we’d love you to raise as much as you can. If you do not wish to raise sponsorship they would be most grateful if you could make a donation in lieu instead; the amount
is your choice but they suggest a minimum of £20 per adult. For more details, or to enter, please visit the website • dorothyhouse.org.uk/events/duskmemory-walk
The Dusk Memory Walk is open to all, including children and the dog!
Part of the walk will be through fields and could be muddy so sensible footwear should be worn. There are also hilly sections. Organisers regret that due to the terrain the route is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Entry for the walk is £12 for adults and £5 for children (aged
COULD YOU FOSTER A CHILD?
A
ll over Wiltshire foster carers make a real difference by welcoming vulnerable youngsters into their homes – providing desperately needed warmth and safety in a nurturing family environment.
a child or young person to use. You need to be a full-time resident in the UK or have leave to remain. Foster carers are paid a generous allowance, and you can also carry on working if you still have enough time to provide care.
The work they do is priceless – but Wiltshire Council needs more carers so more children can find the care they need and deserve. Laura Mayes cabinet member for children services said: “Fostering can transform a child’s life and help them achieve their full potential.”
Laura Mayes added: “It is an incredibly worthwhile role – one that is so important for the children, and one that gives so much satisfaction
You don’t need a qualification to foster children. Training is provided. But there are some requirements. You must be at least 21. There is no maximum age. You need to have a spare room big enough for
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Fostering can transform a child’s life and you don’t need a qualification to do it
to the carer. No other job loves you back the way fostering does.” To find out more visit the website or phone 0800 169 6321. • wiltshire.gov.uk/fostering
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M.Inst.Ch.P
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| bath rugby
LOUW RE-SIGNS One of Bath’s most popular players, Francois Louw, committed to Bath Rugby for another season at least last month.
Capped 65 times by his country, the 33 year-old has forged a reputation as one of the most highly regarded back rowers. Strong defensively and at the breakdown, Louw brings considerable experience to the team, which is not only crucial on the pitch, but off it in developing the wealth of talent in the back row. Louw said: “I am delighted to have extended my stay for another year. It has been a privilege and honour to play for Bath over the last eight seasons and to be able to help shape the Club’s long-term future is something I’m really excited about. Thank you to everyone for your continuous support.” Up to now, Louw’s appearances for Bath have been limited by his international career. He has played regularly for South Africa in the autumm internationals and has regularly returned injured and as such has missed large chunks of the season.. It’s not yet clear whether he will retire from international duty after this year’s world cup. But, as it is a world cup year, there will be no autumn internationals
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Francois Louw has been with Bath since the 2011/12 season
next season so the South African should be available for the whole premiership campaign, which begins in October. Director of Rugby, Todd Blackadder, said: “Francois is one of those players that every coach wants in their team. He is not only a world-class player, but he brings the leadership qualities which will continue to drive us forward as a team. He has also been integral in the development of some of the younger players in the back row, with Sam Underhill, Zach Mercer, Josh Bayliss and Miles Reid all able to draw upon his experiences as a player. “I know this news is going to go down well with the Bath Rugby
supporters, who have had the fortune of watching him down at the Rec for the last eight years.” • bathrugby.com
THE CLASH The Clash is back on Saturday 6 April as Bath host Bristol Bears in a derby day showdown. Over 120,000 supporters have descended on Twickenham over the last two years, and this is your last chance to get tickets, which cost from just £15 for adults. With live music, free family entertainment and a West Country food and drink festival it should be a great family day out this Easter. • bathrugby.com/theclash
UPCOMING FIXTURES To buy tickets call the Ticket Office on 0844 448 1865 or go to the website. 6 April
14:00
H*
Bristol Bears
GP
TV
13 April
15:00
A
Gloucester
GP
TV
26 April
19:45
A
Sale Sharks
GP
TV
5 May
15:00
H
Wasps
GP
TV
18 May
16:00
A
Leicester Tigers
GP
* The Clash at Twickenham
B
ath Rugby have announced that Francois Louw has signed a new contract, which will take the South African into his ninth season with the Club. Louw arrived in the West Country at the start of the 2011/12 season from Super Rugby outfit Stormers and has since made 130 appearances.
| 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) Kibble a) the strap to bind a hawk’s wing b) a spur attached a fighting cock c) to chip a stone roughly into shape
2. Izzard a) a youth between boyhood and manhood b) anything badly formed or out of shape c) the letter Z
3. Bennets a) small worthless apples remaining on the tree after cropping b) long coarse grass or rushes c) small low clouds in a clear sky
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4. Jigget a) to ride or walk at a jog-trot b) a turnstile c) a lean deer not fit to hunt
INTERESTING FACTS In a world where commonalities become ever more universal, there is still a healthy degree of contrasts when it comes making distinctions. With regard to the range of colours, 21 languages have distinct words for black, red and white only; 8 have those colours plus green; then the sequence in which additional colours are brought into languages is yellow, with
a further 18 languages, then blue (6) and finally brown (7). As with colours, so with the rainbow. The Bassa people of Liberia see only two colours: ziza (red/orange/yellow) and hui (green/blue/purple) in their spectrum. The Shona of Zimbabwe see four: cipsuka (red/orange), cicena (yellow and yellow-green), citema (green-blue) and cipsuka again (the word also represents the purple end of the spectrum). It is just the welldeveloped countries that see the seven colours: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. ANSWERS 1C, 2C, 3B, 4A
Can you guess the correct definition?
| puzzles
TEA BREAK TEASERS
EASTER WORDSEARCH
What/who is missing from the grid? EGGCELLENT EGGCERCISE EGGCISTENCE EGGCITED EGGCITING EGGSACTLY EGGSCHANGE EGGSHUMED EGGSORCISM EGGSPECIALLY EGGSPEDITE EGGSPLORER
SUDOKU
VERY HARD
EGGSPOSED EGGSTRASPECIAL EGGSTREME
WIN A £20 iTUNES VOUCHER! Email your answers to these trivia questions to comp@wired-publishing.co.uk by 23.04.19 to be in with a chance of winning a £20 iTunes voucher. Good luck!
Q1: What is the earliest date Easter can be? Q2: What is the latest date Easter can be? LAST MONTH’S SOLUTIONS Wordsearch missing word: Denmark Quiz answers: 1: 27 2: Croatia 3:1999 4: 9 5: 23
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Q3: What is the next year in which Easter is in March? Q4: In which year will Easter next be on March 22nd? Q5: In which year was Easter last on March 22nd? Be sure to include your contact details so we can get in touch with you if you are our winner!
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| last word
CODE BROWN...
A
s I write it is 3.30 in the morning and you’d think I would be a bit hacked off and grumpy that I’m up at this time working. I am tired, definitely, but I have come to a realization over the past few weeks which means that it is okay to be up at this ungodly hour. The reason I am up is that my 18 month old son had a nightmare and had to be consoled, by my wife admittedly, but it woke me up sufficiently to not be able to get back to sleep. Most people, I think, spend a huge amount of their lives wondering what they are going to do with themselves, where they fit in, what their purpose is. Some get the answer fairly early on and some never find out what it is they are searching for. I have worked it out, finally, and as I am 54 in a month’s
then was pretty chaotic…let’s just say I quite liked a party…and I’m not talking about the ones I attend these days which generally involve cake, a children’s entertainer and a party bag when you leave. Actually they’re not so different after all!! The point being that once I met the love of my life…my wife obvs…things started falling in to place. Don’t get me wrong she also loved to party but although she is quite a lot younger than me she is soooo much more mature and helped steady the ship enough so we could think about having kids. The idea of which I had pathologically despised up until then…something to do with not being able to look after myself let alone a child I think! We had around six years together, in which time we had ordered some of the chaos and got ourselves into certain routines that we liked and
“Most people, I think, spend a huge amount of their lives wondering what they are going to do with themselves, where they fit in, what their purpose is.” time it has obviously taken me a while!! My perfect place, my hole that I fit into, if you will, is exactly where I am at this moment. More specifically to be a husband and father. It’s not always fun, especially at 3.30am or if there is a Code Brown (as we call a severe nappy situation in our house), or a myriad of other things that can happen when you are a parent but it is where I was destined to be and where I am happiest. I didn’t meet my wife until I was in my early forties and my life up until
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reached a certain level of peace and tranquility…then we had our first child and all the chaos returned but in a much more adult way. The responsibility for that helpless little human just takes you over and before you know it they are the centre of your being. We now have two children and they are both in equal measure frustrating and amazing but the thing that is most enlightening is that I have realized, for the first time in my life, that I am quite good at something. There is still lots to work on, especially at being
a husband, but it seems that I may have actually found my niche. So if I have to get up in the middle of the night, if I have to watch a film for the tenth time in a week, if I take my little girl to her rugby training with bright, sparkly, blue plastic jewel still stuck to my forehead, as I did last weekend, that’s okay because it’s all part of it and it’s where I am supposed to be. Not only that but I get to share it all with my beautiful, lovely wife which is probably the best bit…as long as I don’t hear the words “Phil we have a Code Brown in here!!!” coming from the baby’s room…Then she’s on her own!!! Phil Rockliffe
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