The West Wilts Magazine - December 2019 edition

DECEMBER 2019 // ISSUE 124

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West Wilts The

MAGAZINE

CHRISTMAS WISH LIST

12 PAGES OF LOCAL CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IDEAS...

ECO XMAS

HOW TO LOWER YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT THIS FESTIVE SEASON

RICK STEIN RECIPES FROM HIS NEW BOOK & SERIES

SECRET FRANCE

+ LOCAL LISTINGS THE SEVEN STARS FEEDING THE BIRDS THE FOOD WIFE & MUCH MORE

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

CELEBRATING

YEARS IN BUSINESS

EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN | COMPLETE INSTALLATION 5 The Shambles, Bradford on Avon BA15 1JS t 01225 309110

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: Image credit: 123RF

December 2019 // issue 124

A

fter ten years our readers will no doubt be well aware that over at The West Wilts Magazine we rather like Christmas, and in this, our final edition of 2019, we’ve gone all out. If you want to find fantastic gift from great local businesses, our Christmas Wish List is an absolute must. It’s one of our favourite features to put together each year and this one’s a cracker - featuring ideas for every member of the family covering every budget - turn to p36!

The festive break is an ideal opportunity to spend time in the kitchen experimenting with new dishes and cuisines. With that in mind we’ve included stacks of recipes, from our own inhouse food guru The Food Wife (p31) as well as from one of the nation’s favourite chefs Rick Stein (p24). We even have some great cocktail ideas for all your festive shindigs - but please don’t blame the hangovers on us, you’re all grown ups! (p20) As well as all that we’ve plenty more besides including great places to take the family, spa time treats (p4), advice on feeding the birds (p50) and all your usual favourites too. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our readers - see you all in 2020!

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

in this issue...

LOCAL LISTING What’s on in December

6

50 Wadswick Green Dible & Roy Winter Sale

56 58

FEATURES Rick Stein Recipes Christmas Wish List

24 36

LEGAL & FINANCIAL Cohabitation Agreements

64

HEALTH & WELLBEING Keeping fit at Christmas

66 68

LOCAL NEWS Thermae Bath Spa Round up of news & events Whitehall Garden Centre Osborne’s Christmas Trees Dent’s Factory Shop

4 12 14 19 19

FOOD & DRINK Drinks Recipes Eat the Seasons Pudding Recipes We Meet The Chef at The Seven Stars

20 30 31 34

BATH RUGBY We interview Tom Dunn

HOMES & GARDENS Feeding birds this winter Having a more eco-Christmas

50 54

COMMENT The Last Word

COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES That’s interesting...

70 Quiz, wordsearch & sudoku 72 74

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local news

GIVE THE GIFT OF RELAXATION

T

A gift voucher from Thermae Bath Spa is a wonderful way to treat family and friends this Christmas.

aking time out of the hectic day-to-day schedule is not something many people prioritise throughout the year. Give the gift of relaxation to a friend or loved one and encourage them to recharge and unwind with a gift voucher from Thermae Bath Spa.

Time together in the rooftop pool

ABOUT THERMAE BATH SPA Located in the heart of Bath, Thermae Bath Spa is a remarkable combination of ‘old and new’ where historic spa buildings blend with the contemporary design. You can bathe in the UK’s only naturally warm, indoor Minerva Bath, the Wellness Suite and the open-air rooftop pool mineral-rich waters just as the Celts with spectacular views across the "A variety of treatment rooftops of Bath. Towel, robes and packages are also slippers are also included.

available for those in need of some extra pampering."

As dusk begins, the Twilight Package provides the opportunity to make use of the spa facilities and experience and Romans did over 2,000 years ago. the gradual change in the light and In addition to bathing in the Minerva atmosphere. This package includes a spa session and delicious meal & drink Bath and the Rooftop Pool, you can also make use of the state-of-the-art in the Springs Restaurant, perfect for Wellness Suite and the onsite Springs those wanting to experience Thermae at its most magical.

Restaurant, with dishes for both the health conscious and those who A variety of treatment packages want a little indulgence. There is are also available as gift vouchers also a range of spa treatments and packages on offer that can be bought for those in need of some extra pampering. A Thermae Treat at £82 as a gift voucher. includes a Reviver Back Massage and the choice of either a Facial or A GIFT FOR ALL Head & Foot Massage. For those BUDGETS & looking to treat a couple that OCCASIONS deserve some relaxation, a Thermae With prices from £37, a Thermae Together package offers the chance Welcome is a great introduction to to experience either a Traditional the facilities and gives full use of the 4

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Massage or a Tailor-Made Facial in our bespoke couples room.

GIFT THE GIFT OF RELAXATION Gift vouchers can be purchased in person, by phone or via the website.

For details call 01225 33 1234 or visit the website.

• thermaebathspa.com

Couples treatments are available as vouchers Enjoy delicious food in Springs Restaurant

events

listings local

DECEMBER 2019

MELKSHAM ASSEMBLY HALL

Market Place, Melksham, SN12 6ES Box Office: 01225 709887 melkshamassemblyhall.com THE 80’s vs 90’s CHRISTMAS PARTY 13 December, 8pm Tickets: £10 Melksham’s finest Christmas knees up is back to its usual tricks.

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES 17 December, 2pm Tickets: £13 Filled with songs and stunning costumes, expect anunforgettable afternoon of festive nostalgia.

A festive family treat introducing the wonderful world of chamber music.

THE ROYAL BALLET: COPPELIA (AS LIVE) 14 December, 7pm Tickets: £16 (Concs £8) A charming and funny story of love, mischief and mechanical dolls is set to Delibes’ delightful score.

GBH BIG BAND 15 December, 7.30pm GBH Big Band, Wiltshire Music Centre Tickets: £20 (Concs £10) Swing into the festivities with a selection trans-European and pioneering Angloof seasonal favourites.

Beat sound fusing traditional folk melodies and modern dance rhythms.

SWINGING AT THE COTTON CLUB 20 December, 7.30pm NICK COPE’S FESTIVE FAMILY SHOW Tickets: £23 (Concs £11.50) 14 December, 11am & 2pm Step back into 1920/30s New York and Tickets: £8 (Concs £7) through the doors of Harlem’s hottest Expect songs about head lice, night club. hedgehogs, redundant robots, saving

PANTOMIME: ‘RAPUNZEL’ 19 & 20 December, various times Tickets: £10, Family ticket: £25 Does the prince save Rapunzel? Come THE ROYAL BALLET: THE NUTCRACKER along to the pantomime to find out.

(AS LIVE) 21 December, 2pm WILTSHIRE MUSIC Tickets: £16 (Concs £8) CENTRE Ashley Rd, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1DZ Created by Peter Wright in 1984, this production par excellence is an all-time Box Office: 01225 860100 ballet favourite. wiltshiremusic.org.uk TASMIN LITTLE 7 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £23 (Concs £11.50) Celebrated British violinist takes her final curtain call at WMC. CARDUCCI STRING QUARTET FAMILY CONCERT 14 December, 3pm Tickets: £10 6

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POUND ARTS CENTRE

Pound Pill, Corsham, SN13 9HX Box Office: 01249 701628 poundarts.org.uk USHTI BABA 6 December, 8pm Tickets: £13 (Concs £11) A riotous folk outfit with a hypnotic

the polar bears and honey bees, gender stereotyping... the list goes on!

STEAMED – A DICKENSIAN IMPROVISED TALE 19 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £12 (Concs £10) Steam ships, steam trains, steamed puddings, hilarious comedy, astonishing drama, endearing orphans and perhaps the odd catchy music hall number!

BELSHAZZAR’S FEAST: CHRISTMAS GIG 21 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £14 (Concs £13) Paul Hutchinson and Paul Sartin return to Corsham with their annual festive show – Christmas starts here!

Send your event listings to info@wired-publishing.co.uk

events THE SELFISH GIANT 21-24 December, various times Tickets: £8 A heart-warming imagining combining captivating storytelling with spellbinding puppetry, original music and a sprinkling of festive magic.

THE ATHENAEUM CENTRE

The Village Singers featuring popular sing-a-long tunes, with lyric sheets for the audience.

CHEESE & GRAIN

TERRY FRANKS’ BIG BAND CHRISTMAS 20 December, 8pm Tickets: from £24 Step into Christmas with award winning vocalist Terry Franks and the exciting 18-piece big band, 41 Degrees.

18-20 High St, Warminster, BA12 9AE Box Office: 01985 213891 theath.org.uk

SANTA’S CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN 22 December, 2pm Tickets: £10.75 FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS (Cert 12A) An interactive family show, particularly suitable for 2-7 year olds. Afterwards 4 December, 7.30pm the adventure continues as each child Tickets: £5.50 A feel good film about a London music gets to meet Father Christmas and executive who heads to Cornwall on a receive a specially wrapped present. stag weekend where he’s pranked by FROME MEMORIAL his boss into trying to sign a group of THEATRE shanty-singing fishermen.

Christchurch St West, Frome, BA11 1EB Tel: 01373 462795 JACK & THE BEANSTALK fmt.website 14 – 24 December, various times Tickets: £13 (Concs £12) THAT’LL BE THE DAY CHRISTMAS SHOW Something BIG is coming this 7 December, 7.30pm Christmas. Fee, Fi, Fo, Fum, we smell Tickets: £26 lots of panto fun!

The UK’s most popular Rock ‘N’ Roll variety show celebrates the festive NEELD ARTS season Christmas classics from the 50s, CENTRE 60s & 70s, plus plenty of comedy!

High Street, Chippenham SN15 3ER Tel: 01249 446699 BEAUTY AND THE BEAST neeld.co.uk 29 December – 4 January, various times Tickets: £14 (Concs £12) GRAHAM PARKER Based on the traditional tale this 6 December, 7pm production is very much a Pantomime Tickets: £26.25 with all the usual characters and Regarded as one of the UK’s most distinguished and original songwriters. slapstick fun!

VIENNA FESTIVAL BALLET PRESENTS SNOW WHITE 10 December, 7.30pm Tickets: from £19 Join Vienna Festival Ballet on a magical journey with their unmissable production of Snow White.

5 The Bridge, Frome BA11 1AR Box Office: 01373 455420 cheeseandgrain.com

BAD MANNERS 6 December, 8pm Tickets: £20 This legendary British Ska band are still packing venues out all over the world.

STEELEYE SPAN 8 December,7.30pm Tickets: £24.50 Steeleye Span are set to mark this 50 years in the business with new album EST’D 1969 and a tour celebrating a band that are as creative and vital now as ever.

MERRILL OSMOND 9 December, 7pm Tickets: £28 Merrill will be performing all the big hits from The Osmonds plus talking about his experiences of growing up in one of the world’s biggest bands.

THE CUBAN BROTHERS 13 December, 8pm Tickets: £17 The Cuban Brothers’ peerless funk soul review blends sexy, soulful music with jaw-dropping Bboy action and riotous comedy.

THE HAPPY MONDAYS 18 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £41.50 Legendary Manchester band Happy Mondays Greatest Hits Tour hits Frome!

Happy Mondays, Cheese & Grain

CHRISTMAS CHORAL CONCERT 18 December, 2.30pm Tickets: £5 A choral concert from Sutton Benger’s 8

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For full listings go to each venue’s website

events DUB PISTOLS 20 December, 7pm Tickets: £20 A rampant mix of dub, reggae, ska, punk, breaks, beats and drum ‘n’ bass.

THE PRESTBURY SPORTS BAR

The Close, Warminster, BA12 9AL Tel: 01985 847070 prestburysportsbar.com Bands start at 9pm and entry is FREE

HARP & A MONKEY 6 December, 8pm Tickets: £10 Award-winning experimental folk and story-telling Northern folk trio, specialising in poignant, humorous and melodic short stories.

LACOCK ABBEY

Lacock, nr Chippenham SN15 2LG nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock Tel: 01249 730459 (Normal admission charges apply)

KYLIE TRIBUTE 14 December CHRISTMAS POP-UP SHOP Showcasing some of the pop princess’ Until 15 December, 10.30am greatest hits.

Pick up some presents or delightful decorations at the National Trust THIS WAY UP pop-up shop in Lacock’s Manger Barn.

21 December Hits from the 50’s through to the 00’s. LACOCK’S REINDEER GAMES FAMILY TRAIL PANAMA Until 5 January, 11am 28 December Pick up your trail sheet at visitor Rock and Pop covers. reception and head on a festive family adventure around Lacock village and DEFINITELY PARKLIFE abbey grounds.

29 December Tickets: from £6 LACOCK COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS An Oasis + Blur tribute night.

TREE FESTIVAL Until 5 January, 11am ELVIS TRIBUTE + ROCK N ROLL Every year local clubs, societies and 31 December charities decorate a tree in Lacock Tickets: £10 Abbey’s cloister for what is now a true A Rock n Roll party to see in 2020!

Lacock Christmas tradition.

BRADFORD-ONAVON FOLK CLUB

Cellar Bar, Swan Hotel, Bradford on Avon boafolkclub.org.uk SINGAROUND 3 & 10 December, 8pm 17 December, 8pm Christmas Party FREE

VILLAGE PUMP FRIDAY FOLK

The Lamb Inn, Trowbridge BA14 8BN villagepump.org.uk OPEN MIC 20 December, 8pm Tickets: £3 10

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OTHERS ATHENAEUM SINGERS CONCERT The Minster Church, Warminster 30 November, 7pm Poulenc Gloria, Vaughan Williams, Fantasia on Christmas Carols.

BOX CHRISTMAS MARKET Selwyn Hall, Valens Terrace, Box 1 December, 2pm FREE This fun-filled, festive event provides a shopping experience with a difference.

There will be over 20 fabulous stalls from foodie items, pictures, wonderful bunting and hand crafted gifts, jewellery, stocking fillers, children’s toys and clothes and much more…

ACOUSTIC OAK The Royal Oak, High St, Corsham 5, 12 & 19 December, 8pm Singers and spotlight nights.

Christmas Party on 19 December.

Tickets: £2. For more info go to The Acoustic Oak Facebook page.

ADVENT CONCERT BY THE PHILOMEL SINGERS St. Mary’s Church, Steeple Ashton 17 December, 7.30pm A free fundraising concert with retiring collection divided between the Church and Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

Includes interval refreshments. For details call 01373 858878 or email philomel@btinternet.com.

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

THE THREE HORSESHOES

Frome Rd, Bradford on Avon Tel: 01225 865876 All gigs are FREE and start at 9pm THE BOOTHILL ALL-STARS 6 December PORT ERIN 7 December KEITH AND JULIE RICHARDS 8 December THE HAMMERVILLES 13 December MERV GRIST 15 December FAR CUE 20 December FRENZY 21 December

Send your event listings to info@wired-publishing.co.uk

Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary Saving stray & unwanted dogs since 1958

Merry Christmas Everyone!

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

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

Our dogs are all vet checked, vaccinated, wormed, neutered (if old enough), chipped, and looking for loving new homes 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

roundup

local news

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

WOOLLEY GRANGE WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD! Woolley Grange Hotel in Bradfordon-Avon has won a prestigious Family Traveller Excellence Award as it is recognised as one of the top 50 family experiences in the world.

The 25-bedroom hotel, which is part of the Luxury Family Hotels collection, was recognised in Family Traveller magazine’s ‘Learning and Enrichment’ category.

Woolley Grange was singled out for making guests feel at home and for

offering them the chance to learn new skills such as pesto making with the hotel’s award-winning chef, discovering/exploring nature’s ‘seed to harvest’ with its head gardener and for offering simple pleasures and family focused activities, such as walking Rex the hotel dog in the hotel’s extensive grounds.

to win this wonderful award. We were competing alongside well known attractions such as the London Zoo, so feel really grateful that members of the public recognised and appreciated what we do to make a stay at our hotel both relaxing and enjoyable for all members of the family, whatever their age.”

Caroline Mackay, Marketing Manager This news comes hot on the heels of at Woolley Grange Hotel, says: “We the hotel being awarded the Good were delighted Caroline Ma Hotel Guide’s Editor’s Choice ckay picking up the award from Sophie Ellis Bextor for Family and a Surfers Against Sewage Award recognising the steps the hotel is making to become more sustainable by getting rid of single use plastics. Earlier this year the hotel was also awarded a 2 AA Rosette award for its restaurant.

Rooms start from £119 bed & breakfast and to book please call 01225 864705 or visit the website.

Woolley Grange Hotel was voted one of the top 50 family experiences in the world!

• luxuryfamilyhotels.co.uk

RUN THE BATH HALF MARATHON FOR JAMIE’S FARM Wiltshire based charity, Jamie’s Farm, is recruiting runners for the 2020 Bath Half Marathon on March 15.

Set up in 2009, the charity has since gone on to support over 7,000 disadvantaged young people via their unique blend of farming, family and therapy. The charity offers a preventative solution to one of the most serious problems affecting vulnerable young people and society as a whole: social and 12

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academic exclusion. Delivered via a 5-day residential at their working farm in Box, and accompanied by an in-school follow-up programme, the charity specifically helps those with poor behaviour, low self-esteem, poor mental wellbeing and with a lack of engagement at school.

Profound evidence for improvement has seen the charity expand in recent years to four farms to meet increasing demand. They now have the potential

to help 2,000 young people each year, but need your help! By running the Bath Half and raising funds for Jamie’s Farm you will be empowering young people to change course and see their futures differently.

“Jamie’s Farm gave me the care and attention to allow me to feel self worth, the confidence to believe that change is possible and the resilience and motivation to last a lifetime.”

• jamiesfarm.org.uk/bath-half

local news

GORILLA TACTICS CHRISTMAS PARTY Tickets are available from the Cheese & Grain, See Tickets and Event Brite.

ENJOY A COSY CHRISTMAS AT LACOCK

DUB PISTOLS

The South West party/promotion/ DJ collective GORILLA TACTICS return to the Cheese & Grain on Friday 20 December for their annual Christmas party.

STANTON WARRIORS:

Since bursting onto the scene in 2001 with their multi award-winning compilation ‘The Stanton Sessions’, the Stanton Warriors irresistible and Fresh off their summer festival tour inimitable sound has consistently including running stages / headline remained the soundtrack to some of DJ sets at Shangri-La/Glastonbury, Boomtown Fair and more, they bring the world’s biggest and best parties; some of their favourite acts to Frome from East London warehouses, to help bring in the festive holidays. Miami boat parties and illegal Detroit raves, to smashing up the stages of This year’s extravaganza includes Coachella, Glastonbury, Burning Man Dub Pistols and Stanton Warriors. and Ultra, and selling out global tours.

It is always a busy night so advance • fb.com/gorillatacticsproductions booking is highly recommended.

FANCY A GO AT GOAT WALKING? Love walking? Love goats? Well, you won’t want to miss this opportunity!

Head to Hope Nature Centre on selected dates throughout January for one of their new Goat Walks. You can meet the friendly goats first, before getting the chance to feed them and take them for a walk in

the Animal Park. Priced at only £5 per person, it’s perfect post-festive fun, and your ticket allows you entry to the Animal Park for the whole day.

You can purchase tickets, and find more information, on the website.

• hopenaturecentre.org.uk/goatwalks You can take a goat for a walk this January at Hope Nature Centre

Enjoy a visit to the Abbey as part of your Christmas traditions

For those looking for somewhere special to escape the high street crowds this Christmas, look no further than Lacock. From Saturday 30 November the Great Hall will be decked out for the season with its roaring open fire, and visitors can enjoy a stroll in frosty winter gardens or peaceful cloister walks.

Lacock Abbey’s traditions of a roaring fire and beautifully decorated tree in the Great Hall have been going for a long time. It’s the perfect opportunity to capture a Christmas memory in the birthplace of photography by striking a pose in front of the Great Hall Christmas tree.

Christmas Tree Festival © National Trust Images / Chris Lacey

Dub Pistols headline at some of the biggest festivals in Europe

A rampant mix of dub, reggae, ska, punk, breaks, beats and drum ‘n’ bass. The band’s reputation as an explosive live act has seen them turn into super tight festival regulars, with the Dub Pistols headlining some of the biggest festivals in Europe including Glastonbury, Bestival and BeatHerder...

Christmas trees decorated by local community groups and charities on the theme of a ‘sustainable Christmas’ will line the cloister walks and rooms. Twinkly lights will add a warm glow, creating a peaceful festive atmosphere.

Visitors can check out the decorations inspired by the theme of a ‘sustainable Christmas’ in the annual community Christmas tree festival, and warm themselves with the knowledge that each magical day at Lacock Abbey supports the National Trust’s work as a charity looking after special places for future generations to enjoy.

Christmas activities at Lacock are best visited on Thursdays and Fridays, 30 November-5 January, 11am-4pm.

• nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 13

local news

CHRISTMAS AT WHITEHALL

Whitehall Garden Centres have everything you need for a great family day out this Christmas - and you can even pick up your festive fayre too!

A

t Whitehall Garden Centres they are focused on providing customers with the best possible family day out. With events for all ages; Ice Rink, Father Christmas Grotto and five restaurants (Lacock; The Herb Garden, Lavender Lodge Tea Room & Bistro, The Ice Café.

Whitchurch: The Orangery Restaurant.

Woodborough: Strawberry Fields Tea Room & Bistro) they cater for every member of the family.

FOOD & DRINK Treat yourself to a luxury festive afternoon tea, breakfast or enjoy lunch. The restaurants provide the perfect ambience for a festive dining experience. In Lacock be sure to visit the in-house butcher to order your meats ready for the festive celebrations and - while you’re there - pick up some Boxing Day essentials including local meats, pickles and chutneys.

Enjoy ice skating from just £6.99

you can learn how to get Christmas card ready. The workshops are run

by Francesca Mclean, an illustrator and designer and a lover of nature, based in Salisbury. You will learn the beautiful art of modern calligraphy using ink and nib in a relaxed workshop environment.

will be included as well as a mince pie and a hot drink. For more information on events, visit the website.

GISELA GRAHAM GIFTS

Gisela Graham has been making Christmas more fabulous for over 30 years, but no-one could accuse her Another brand-new event is a Floral of resting on her laurels; leading a CHRISTMAS EVENTS & Centrepiece workshop. Learn how to team of talented designers from her make the perfect Christmas Day table London studio, Gisela produces over WORKSHOPS centrepiece. All necessary materials Little ones will love the Father 20 new collections each year and Christmas grotto experience, which at Whitehall they boast the biggest The Christmas shop is open until the new year includes the chance to meet some selection of her products anywhere real-life nativity animals. And in in the world. So be sure to visit the Lacock you can all skate on the festive Christmas shop, which is open now ice rink too (from only £6.99). There until the new year! are also plenty of events for adults • whitehallgardencentre.co.uk too, including a Gin & Jazz Evening on Friday 6 December where you "In Lacock be sure can meet suppliers, try up to 15 gin to visit the in-house samples, indulge in some delicious butcher to order your canapés and enjoy listening to a live meats ready for the Jazz band. There is also a brand-new festive celebrations" Calligraphy Course for 2019, where 14

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CHEESE &GRAIN

BOX OFFICE: 01373

455420

MARKET YARD, FROME, SOMERSET BA11 1BE

www.cheeseandgrain.com

FRI 29TH NOV 5PM CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA MARKET FREE SUN 1ST DEC 10AM MAGPIE MARKET FREE ADMISSION SUN 1ST DEC 7PM FRIENDS & MEMBERS CHRISTMAS EVENT FREE FRI 6TH DEC 8PM BAD MANNERS £20 SAT 7TH DEC 9AM FROME VEGAN MARKET FREE SUN 8TH DEC 10AM FROME RECORD FAIR FREE SUN 8TH DEC 7.30PM STEELEYE SPAN £24.50 ADV MON 9TH DEC 7PM A XMAS EVENING WITH MERRILL OSMOND £28 FRI 13TH DEC 8PM THE CUBAN BROTHERS £17 ADV SAT 14TH DEC 7PM THE GREATEST CHRISTMAS PARTY £32 SOLD OUT WED 18TH DEC 7.30PM HAPPY MONDAYS £41.50 THU 19TH DEC 8PM AGAINST THE GRAIN COMEDY CLUB £9 FRI 20TH DEC 7PM DUB PISTOLS + STANTON WARRIORS, GORILLA TACTICS DJS £20 SAT 21ST DEC 7PM THE GREATEST CHRISTMAS PARTY £32 SOLD OUT TUE 31ST DEC 8PM NYE WITH THE UNRAVELLING WILBURYS £15 FRI 17TH JAN 7.30PM AN EVENING WITH SHAUN RYDER £22 SAT 18TH JAN 3PM FROME PUNK FESTIVAL £15 ADV SAT 25TH JAN 8PM T-REXTASY £26 FRI 31ST JAN 7.30PM WANNABE – THE SPICE GIRLS SHOW £16.50 ADV

Bad Manners

Cuban Brothers

Happy Mondays

Fresh from the Forest! � Traditional Trees

�

�

�

Potted & Rooted � Large Trees � Nordman Fir

Frazer Fir Mistletoe & Holly � Wreaths � Logs in Bags

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

Tel: 07870 466179

Open daily from 30 November, 9am until dark

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

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

Foreign Languages Centre

Daytime, lunchtime and evening foreign language classes for members of the public. Enrolling now!

Arabic French German Italian Japanese Mandarin Chinese Portuguese Spanish We offer a wide range of foreign languages at beginner through to advanced level.

To find out more about the courses available, or to enrol, visit our website www.bath.ac.uk/flc and apply online or call 01225 383991.

local news

FRESH FROM THE FOREST

J

ohn Osborne encourages everyone to pay Osborne’s Christmas Trees a visit at their Rode depot this Christmas. He planted his first Christmas Trees in 1982 as a hobby alongside his day job as a forester. Today, with help from his family, he grows over 60,000 Christmas trees with varieties including Norway Spruce, Nordman Fir, Frazer Fir, Cannan Fir and Pine.

The Rode depot is open daily from 9am

John says: “Come and visit our friendly staff who will help you select your tree and pack it into your car for you. We have traditional trees, potted and rooted trees and can even supply large trees for tall spaces.

All things are possible, we have put a 6ft tree on a moped that was ridden home like a broomstick! We have put

a 14ft tree in a Porsche and last year even managed to put a 12ft tree on the roof of a Maserati!

“As well as our fantastic range of Christmas trees we also supply tree stands, wreaths, holly and mistletoe. In face we have everything you need to make your house full of Christmas cheer. We even provide free reindeer dust to sparkle in the night and attract Santa’s reindeer to your home.

“We are open from 9am every day until dark at Butleigh and Colerne and until 5.30pm at our Rode depot from now right through until Christmas. We look forward to seeing you.”

Find the Rode depot off the A361 between Frome and Trowbridge - the satnav postcode is BA11 6PE. • o-christmas.co.uk

LOCAL CHRISTMAS GIFTS AT DENTS Dents has been making the world’s most beautiful leather gloves and other accessories since 1777 and today still employs a talented team of highly skilled leather cutters and hand sewers. The signature style of Dents is timeless luxurious leather gloves with fine silk linings and beautiful stitching and trims, all created with inspired design and superb craftsmanship. However, today Dents also makes a range of exclusive scarves, hats, bags and other leathergoods for men and women.

from the widest range of leather, knit and evening accessories to fabulous jewellery, small leather goods and even beautifully wrapped soaps and pretty spectacle cases - it is a must visit destination.

Dents Factory Shop, at Furnax Lane, Warminster, is open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm. Call 01985 217367 for more information.

• dents.co.uk

Dents’ makes beautiful gloves, exclusive scarves, hats, bags and other leathergoods

EXCITING GIFTS FOR MEN AND WOMEN The colourful factory shop is packed full of carefully selected and unusual gifts for both men and women.

Available at very affordable prices, there is something here for everyone, THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 19

food & drink Espresso Martini

DRINKS PARTY...

IF YOU’RE HAVING A PARTY THIS FESTIVE SEASON WHY NOT JAZZ THINGS UP WITH THESE FANTASTIC DRINKS’ RECIPES…?

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food & drink

Espresso Martini A perfect festive season tipple for those who love their coffee!

Serves 1

Method You need an espresso machine and a cocktail shaker to make this cocktail. Shake together the coffee liqueur (such as KahlĂşa), vodka and espresso with plenty of ice. Around 10 seconds should create the ultimate frothy effect.

Ingredients 1 part coffee liqueur 1 part espresso coffee 1 part vodka Strain into a cocktail glass to get rid Ice of all the small ice chips. Finish with Extra coffee beans to serve (optional) 2 or 3 coffee beans and serve.

Eggnog

options for champagne... french 75 This elegant blend of gin and Champagne is just the thing for your festive get-togethers Serves 1 Ingredients 25ml your choice of gin Champagne 12.5ml fresh lemon juice 12.5ml Monin sugar syrup Orange twist & cherry to garnish ice cubes Method Pour the gin, sugar syrup and lemon juice into a cocktail shaker, fill with ice and shake well until thoroughly chilled.

Strain into a Champagne flute, top up with Champagne and garnish with a maraschino cherry and twist of orange.

French 75

eASY Eggnog A traditional favourite that's well worth the effort and which can be made to be child friendly too Serves 4-6

✃

Ingredients 50g caster sugar 4 egg yolks 1 tsp vanilla essence 397g can condensed milk 100ml brandy Cinnamon sticks for garnish

Method Put the sugar in a saucepan with 75ml water. Simmer until the sugar has dissolved, then cool and chill.

Beat the yolks with the vanilla until smooth. Add the condensed milk, brandy and cooled sugar syrup, mixing well.

Pour into a jug and chill for at least 2 hrs. Serve with a cinnamon stick to garnish. (Leave out the brandy for a child-friendly version!)

BUCKS FIZZ A classic combination for a celebratory brunch Serves 1 Ingredients 100ml orange juice, freshly squeezed 200ml chilled champagne Method First, pour 50ml of the orange juice into each glass. Very slowly top up each glass with 100ml champagne.

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food & drink

Pomegranate mojito mocktail A non-alcoholic option that's great for non-drinkers and kids Serves 6 Ingredients 3 tbsp pomegranate seeds A large bunch mint 2 limes, quartered, plus slices to garnish 1L pomegranate juice 500ml lemonade

Amaretto Sour

amaretto sour With its almond/marzipan flavouring this classic cocktail is a wonderful option for a party Serves 4 Ingredients 200ml amaretto 3-4 lemons, juiced (you will need 120ml) 1 egg white Maraschino cherries in syrup ice ice cubes

Snowball

Method Put the amaretto, lemon juice, egg white and 4 tsp of the cherry syrup into a blender (you can also do this in a large cocktail shaker, you will just need to shake it very hard without adding any ice). Whizz the mixture a few times at a high speed until it is pale and starting to increase in volume.

If your blender is suitable for use with ice, add a few handfuls and pulse just twice more to chill the mixture. Alternatively, just stir in the ice until the outside of the jug feels cold. Pour into glasses and garnish with cherries to serve.

Method A day ahead, divide the pomegranate seeds between the holes in an ice cube tray, top up with water and freeze.

Reserve half the mint for serving, and tear the rest into a large jug with the lime quarters. Using a rolling pin, bash the mint and lime to release the flavours. Add the pomegranate juice and lemonade.

Put ice cubes in each glass, then strain over the pomegranate mix through a small sieve. Garnish with lime slices and more mint.

CLASSIC SNOWBALL A fun retro option that deserves a festive revival!

Serves 1 Ingredients 50ml advocaat 50ml sparkling lemonade ice, to serve Lime twists for the garnish

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✃

Method Add the advocaat and lemonade to a tall glass filled with ice. Stir gently until the outside of the glass feels cold. Garnish with the lime and serve.

✃

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recipes

SECRET FRANCE Just in time for Christmas, we have three recipes from RICK STEIN’S new book Secret France, which accompanies the BBC TV series of the same name.

Many versions of this leek tart or pie from Picardy exist, some with a top of puff pastry or brioche or with added ingredients like cheese or lardons.

Being something of a purist I prefer just a case of really short shortcrust pastry, my mother’s recipe, with plenty of leeks sweated down in butter, then bound with an egg and cream mixture and baked. Delicious.

Method First make the pastry. Put the flour, salt, butter and lard in a food processor and process until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

Transfer it to a bowl and add enough of the water to make a smooth but not sticky dough.

Put the dough on a floured work surface and roll it out to a circle about 28cm in diameter. Place the pastry in a 25cm loose-bottomed fluted tart tin, then trim the edges and prick the base with a fork. Cover with cling film and refrigerate or freeze for at least 30 minutes.

24 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

LEEK TART FROM PICARDY Serves 4-6

For the filling, melt the butter in a large shallow pan, add the leeks and leave them to sweat, uncovered, over a medium to low heat for 20–30 minutes until soft, stirring occasionally.

If the leeks seem very watery after this time, cook until the liquid has reduced. Stir in the crème fraiche and beaten eggs, then season well with salt, pepper and nutmeg.

Preheat the oven to Fan 180°C. Remove the pastry case from the

fridge or freezer, line it with baking parchment and fill with baking beans.

Bake it for about 10 minutes, then remove the paper and beans and continue to cook for another 4–5 minutes to allow the pastry base to dry out a little. Turn the oven down to Fan 170°C. Fill the pastry case with the leek mixture and season with black pepper.

Bake the tart for 25–30 minutes, then serve warm or at room temperature.

✃

Ingredients Shortcrust pastry 200g plain white flour, plus extra for rolling 1/2 tsp salt 60g cold unsalted butter, cubed 40g cold lard or vegetable shortening, cubed 2 tbsp ice-cold water Filling 75g butter 1.25kg leeks, cut in half lengthways, washed and cut into 1cm slices 300g full-fat crème fraiche 2 large eggs, lightly beaten A few rasps freshly grated nutmeg Salt and black pepper

✃

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recipes and halved if large 1 free-range chicken (about 1.7kg), jointed into 8 pieces 1tbsp plain flour 500ml medium-dry Riesling 350ml chicken stock 1 bay leaf 2 thyme sprigs 100ml single cream 1 egg yolk Small handful flatleaf parsley, chopped, to garnish Salt and black pepper Method Heat half the oil and butter in a shallow flameproof casserole dish and fry the shallots, garlic and bacon lardons until the shallots have started to colour. Add the mushrooms and fry for a couple more minutes. Transfer everything to a bowl with a slotted spoon.

Serves 4-6

Alsace’s answer to coq au vin. The chef, food writer and designer Richard Cawley describes coq au vin as ‘love in a lorry’ and once you’ve heard that it slightly takes the romance out of this time-honoured French dish. In fact, I’ve never been entirely happy with coq au vin because the ‘vin’ bit always seems rather pale. I think if you are going to make a red wine sauce, make it deep and red, or everything can take on a rather mauve hue. Coq au Riesling, on the other hand works, 26 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

much better because white wine with some cream and lots of parsley just looks much more appetising. The acidity of Riesling can be a rather surprising joy in Alsatian cookery.

Ingredients 2 tbsp vegetable oil 70g unsalted butter 12 shallots, peeled but left whole 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped 160g smoked bacon lardons 250g chestnut mushrooms, wiped

Return the strained liquid and juices to the pan and reduce a little. Take the pan off the heat. Whisk the cream with the egg yolk and a ladleful of the reduced cooking liquid, then pour this into the pan with the stock. Place over a medium heat until the sauce has thickened, but don’t let it boil.

Put everything back into the pan and let it warm through. Check the seasoning and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with pommes purée or buttered spätzle.

✃

COQ AU RIESLING

Add the remaining oil and butter to the casserole dish. Dust the chicken joints with flour and brown them in a couple of batches. Put all the chicken back in pan and add the wine, stock, herbs and the cooked shallots, lardons and mushrooms. Season with a teaspoon of salt and plenty of black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, uncovered. Pass everything through a colander set over a bowl and keep the chicken, lardons and vegetables warm.

✃

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recipes tablespoon of cold water to make a smooth but not sticky dough. Add the extra water if required.

Put the dough on a floured work surface, roll it out and line 6 loosebottomed 10–12cm tartlet tins. Chill for about 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 200°C/Fan 180°C. Line each tin with a circle of baking parchment or foil, add baking beans and bake blind for 10 minutes.

Remove the beans and paper, then put the tins back in the oven for a further 5 minutes. Turn the oven down to 190°C/Fan 170°C.

Makes 6 x 10–12cm tartlets

The idea for these little tarts comes from the delightful southern town of Uzès. At dinner one night, I had a fig tart and was intrigued by the fact that it had this delicious moelleux texture in the centre. On leaving, I asked for the recipe and was told, sorry, they bought it in. Sadly, this happens so much in French restaurants – the cost of staff I’m afraid. What I took to be subtlety was probably simply that the tart had been cooked from frozen and was still slightly underdone in the centre. This is a proper version and quite delicious. I favour crème fraiche with these.

Ingredients Shortcrust pastry 170g plain flour, plus extra for rolling 100g cold unsalted butter, cubed 28 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Pinch of salt 1 egg yolk 1–2 tbsp ice-cold water Filling 100g butter, at room temperature 100g caster sugar 2 eggs, beaten 1/2 tsp almond extract 100g ground almonds 9 figs, quartered 1 tbsp flaked almonds To serve 1 tsp icing sugar 6 tbsp crème fraiche Method For the pastry, put the flour, butter and salt in a food processor and pulse until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Transfer to a bowl and add the egg yolk mixed with a

Extracted from Rick Stein’s Secret France (BBC Books, £26).

Photography by James Murphy.

✃

FIG & FRANGIPANE TARTS

While the pastry cases are cooking make the frangipane. Beat the butter and sugar together in a bowl until you have a smooth paste. Gradually whisk in the eggs and almond extract, then stir in the ground almonds and mix well. Divide the mixture between the pastry cases and arrange 6 fig wedges on top of each tart. Scatter with some of the flaked almonds and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.

Dust with a little icing sugar and serve warm or at room temperature with some crème fraiche.

✃

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

seasons

food & drink

I

eat the

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

t’s the month to think about Christmas dinner and there are plenty of high-quality, fresh, local vegetables available. Sprouts from Sherston, Potatoes from Corsham and vegetables from Bromham.

Also watercress, parsley & sage from Warminster.

Please feel free to email us for a list of farm and village shops where you can purchase the above items.

We also sell Christmas and seasonal veg boxes through Dairy Home Team, please contact them direct for more information.

“As well as Brussels sprouts, parsnips are one of our favourites at the Christmas table.”

As well as Brussels sprouts, parsnips are one of our favourites at the Christmas table. Another stand out vegetable and very popular at this time of year, is red

30 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

cabbage, although a little tricky to get the flavour combination right, probably best to follow a recipe.

Boxing Day lunch in a lot of households includes pickled red cabbage to accompany your cold meats, mash or the traditional bubble & squeak.

COMPETITION

All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning a DELICIOUS SEASONAL VEG BOX WORTH £20 is email me with your answer to this question:

WHICH FRUIT & VEGETABLE WHOLESALER IN WILTSHIRE STOCKS THE FRESHEST PRODUCE?

Pickling and preserving has become very popular with our chefs, to ensure local produce can be eaten year round. We will touch more on this subject in Januarys Eat the Please send your emails to Season. enquiries@lovejoyswholesale.com by 30.12.19. Good luck!

A crazy Brussels sprout fact, the mention of the mini cabbages Neil appeared in 1587 during the 16th neil@lovejoyswholesale.com century. Their popularity grew in Holland & Belgium, the latter being @lovejoysuk an indication on how sprouts acquired their modern name.

• lovejoyswholesale.com

PUDDING CLUB

recipes

This month FRAN STEVENS, aka The Food Wife, offers three delicious pudding recipes that make a great alternative to the usual Christmas fare...

JAFFA CHEESECAKE Serves 12

Here is a cheesecake recipe inspired by the jaffa cake. There are several steps and it’s best to start it the night before to ensure the jelly is fully set.

For an added citrus hit you could stir a tablespoon of marmalade into the jelly when it is still liquid. And if you want to make it a bit boozy use an orange liqueur to taste, in place of the orange extract.

Ingredients For the base: 200g digestive biscuits, crushed to resemble breadcrumbs (gf if required) 75g butter, melted For the cheesecake filling: 150g best dark chocolate (min 60% cocoa solids) 500g mascarpone (Remove from fridge 20 mins before use) 200ml double cream (Remove from fridge 20 mins before use) 100g icing sugar 2 tsp orange extract

✃

For the orange jelly: 135g orange flavoured jelly block,

cut into small pieces Boiling water For the ganache topping: 100g best dark chocolate (minimum 60% cocoa solids) 100ml double cream Method Start the night before by making the jelly disc. Melt the jelly in boiling water and then pour in to an 8 inch cake tin lined with clingfilm. Allow to set, by transferring to the fridge once cooled.

The next day, make the base by mixing the digestive biscuits with the butter until combined and then press in to the base of a nine-inch spring release cake tin. Level out with the back of a spoon and put in the fridge for at least 20 minutes to set.

Begin to prepare the filling by melting the dark chocolate in a bowl over simmering water. Ensure the base of the bowl does not touch the water, nor should any liquid go in to the chocolate otherwise it will seize up

and you will have to start again. Once melted, remove from the heat and allow to cool.

Whilst the chocolate is cooling, in a separate bowl, sieve the icing sugar and add the double cream and orange extract. Whisk until it forms stiff peaks.

Only once the chocolate has cooled but still liquid (this is very important as you do not want the chocolate to seize up) beat in the mascarpone cheese using a spoon or whisk. Mix until smooth and combined evenly.

Gently fold in the orange cream mixture until smooth. Spread evenly over the set biscuit base, loosely cover and return to the fridge to set.

To make the ganache topping, break the remaining chocolate into pieces and place in a bowl. Heat the remaining cream until just boiling and then pour over chocolate. Leave to rest for a couple of minutes and then stir; the chocolate should melt into the cream and begin to thicken as it cools.

(If the ganache splits, try adding a little bit of warm milk and whisking until smooth. You can eat the ganache split it just isn’t as aesthetically pleasing!)

Carefully transfer the jelly disk onto the top of the cheesecake. Once the ganache is cool, spread evenly over the jelly and cheesecake top and return to the fridge to fully set (about an hour).

Once ready to serve, carefully remove from the tin but allow to be out of the fridge for 20 minutes to soften slightly before serving.

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 31

recipes Ingredients 200g dark chocolate, melted 200g milk chocolate, melted 100g white chocolate, melted 100g butter 2 tbsp golden syrup 100g gummy bears 100g Maltesers 100g Munchies 50g mini marshmallows 10 rich tea biscuits, roughly crushed

POACHED PEARS Serves 6

A dessert you can make ahead of time is a winner when entertaining.

These pears are poached in a simple sugar syrup flavoured with vanilla and cinnamon. By all means add some other aromats; try star anise, lemon or orange peel.

Place the pan over a mediumhigh heat, and once the sugar has dissolved use the stalks to put each pear into the liquid. Bring to a simmer and cover with a lid. Simmer until tender (check them after 20-30 minutes).

The length of time they poach for will depend upon their ripeness. Mine were just ripe and took 30 minutes. But they will take less time if they are more ripe (and vice versa).

Remove the pears from the spiced sugar syrup. remove the pan lid and reduce the syrup by half by which time it should by slightly thicker and nice and sticky.

You could also exchange the water for wine; in either case make sure you reduce the syrup by half once you have removed the cooked pears.

These can be made a day or two ahead of time. Store the pears in their syrup in an airtight container in the fridge. They can be eaten hot or cold.

Serve on their own or with ice cream.

Ingredients 300g caster sugar 1L water 1 vanilla pod (split lengthways and scrape out the seeds, then use both the seeds and the pod) 1 large cinnamon stick 6 pears

NEW YEAR ROCKY ROAD

Carefully peel your pears, leaving the stalk intact, and then slice the bottom off so they can stand up.

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Line a shallow baking tray (such as a brownie pan or swiss roll tray) with greaseproof paper.

Spread the gummy bears across the tray. Pour half the dark and half the milk chocolates over the gummy bears.

In a bowl combine the crushed biscuits, Maltesers, Munchies and marshmallows with the remaining dark and milk chocolate. Pour over the gummy bears and chocolate and spread out until even.

Use a spoon to drizzle the white chocolate over everything and allow to set (in a cool room or fridge) and then slice into squares (this is best done when not fully set). Keep them in the fridge, wrapped either in tin foil or in an air tight container.

Find more recipes at: thefoodwife.co.uk

Makes approx 30 pieces

I’ve posted a recipe for rocky road before, and called it my ultimate rocky road. It is seriously good but this new year I went down a different path. Inspired by a strangely moreish delicacy of chocolate covered gummy bears, this rocky road features a layer of gummy bears that make a more fruity, chewy hit in each piece.

✃

Method Put the sugar, water, vanilla and cinnamon in a large saucepan.

Method Have your three molten chocolates in separate bowls. Melt together the butter and syrup (I did this in the microwave, but you could do this on the hob) and then split between the dark and milk chocolate and stir until smooth.

✃

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food & drink

MEET THE CHEF

TOM GARNETT, head chef at The Seven Stars in Winsley, talks cooking for pop stars, Christmas menus and eating cheese!

What was your first job in catering?

My first job was at The Rose & Crown in Limpley Stoke. I prepped food and was a kitchen porter.

Tom creates delicious food created using high quality locally sourced ingredients

Where have you worked previously?

I’ve worked many places in the area.

Before The Seven Stars I was at The Freshford Inn and I’ve also worked at Bowood in the Shelburne Restaurant.

What was your first dish you mastered?

Beef Wellington.

Where do you source your produce?

We get our meat from Terry’s Butchers and our fruit & veg from Total Produce. Fine Foods I think are my favourite supplier, they do some great produce.

What is your favourite dish on the Christmas menu?

I think our monkfish dish but they are all great.

What is the most memorable event you have cooked for?

It has to be when I was part of a brigade cooking for the Sugababes and The Gorillaz many years ago.

When it’s your day off, what local pub/restaurant do you visit?

I love going to Neston Farm Shop in Atworth. It’s spot on every time.

When you cook for friends, what is on your menu?

I usually do a great steak, homemade chips and a sauce.

Slow cooked rolled beef cheek, creamy mashed potato, roasted roots, crispy kale & a beef jus

What is your favourite festive treat or tipple?

At Christmas I like to eat my body weight in cheese with some good chutneys.

Your favourite kitchen gadget?

That would definitely have to be our Rational oven, it’s a great piece of machinery.

And your guilty pleasure?

I love chocolate.

To book at table at The Seven Stars call 01225 722204.

• sevenstarswinsley.co.uk

"At Christmas I like to eat my body weight in cheese with some good chutneys!"

34 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

UR !

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THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 37

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Men's Pre-owned Rolex Oyster Watch, £3950 Chas Hart • 01373 462089

SUPER SUCCULENTS Artificial Succulents in Ceramic Pot, £20 Dible & Roy • 01225 862320

WINTER WOOLLIES Knitted Hats, from £10 Dent's Factory Shop 01985 212291

stop & go Hand Turned Wine Bottle Stopper, £19.50 Strawberry Blue 01225 920290

TICKLED PINK Flamingo Lidded Jar, £80 Dible & Roy 01225 862320

stick the boot in 'Camping Fund' Money Box, £7.99 Trowbridge Garden Centre 01225 763927

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 41

S.L. Corden & Sons We are a traditional hardware store with a modern twist. Come to us for...

BROWNS HARDWARE Bradford on Avon’s independent hardware store

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

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

Davies of Westbury DIY, Gardening & Cook Shop

CHRISTMAS GIFTS & DECORATIONS PURVEYORS OF • HOUSEWARES • TOOLS • CLEANING PRODUCTS • ELECTRICAL • PLUMBING • DECORATING & DIY • DULUX MIXING LAB • GARDEN SUNDRIES Open: Monday to Saturday 8.30am - 5.30pm 30 Silver Street, Bradford on Avon BA15 1JX Tel 01225 862236

footloose LADIES SHOES

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

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

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

24 Edward Street, Westbury, BA13 3BD

Tel 01373 822431 www.daviesofwestbury.co.uk

WONDERFUL GIFT IDEAS INSTORE NOW Lamb Yard, Bradford on Avon

01225 571474 HAFLINGER SLIPPERS

4975

£

interiors

House

ABOUT THE

BEAUTIFUL INTERIOR ACCESSORIES & GIFT BOUTIQUE

Christmas Shop Now Open!

FULL INTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTATION SERVICE

tel 01225 920290 | strawberrybluehome.co.uk

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

6A The Shambles, Bradford on AVon

CHARLES HART Jewellers Since 1820

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

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

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

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

Made in Bradford on Avon

The perfect place to buy unique, handmade gifts for Christmas

www.madeinbradfordonavon.co.uk

gift guide

GLOVED UP Leather Gloves, from £12 Dent's Factory Shop • 01985 212291

good reed Ski Lodge Reed Diffuser, £19.99 Whitehall Garden Centre 01249 730204

the cat's slippers Haflinger cat slippers (other options available), £49.75 Footloose • 01225 571474

read the seasons Making Winter by Emma Mitchell, £15.95 The Granary • 01225 867781

MOTION CAPTURE iTek Sports Camera, £29.99 Davies of Westbury 01373 822431

WRIST ACTION Black Yak Handmade Fairtrade Wrist Warmers, £22 Bonbon Chic • 01985 219526

44 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

gift guide

DRIVE HOME FOR XMAS Various Gift Vouchers, from £38 Drive-Tech Ltd • 01249 783010

A FAIRY TALE FRAME IT

Handmade fairy figurines, £17.99 Fairygoodies • fairygoodies.co.uk

Decorative Photo Frame, £15.75 The Granary • 01225 867781

LIGHT THE WAY Kilner Jar Candle, £15 The Granary 01225 867781

it's tea time Maxwell Williams Cashmere Fine Bone China Tea For One Teapot £41.50 Strawberry Blue • 01225 920290

horse world Leonardo Collection Mother & Foal, £13.85 SL Cordon & Sons 01985 212115

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 45

gift guide

WATCH YOURSELF Women's Pre-owned Ladies' Rolex Watch, £3450 Chas Hart 01373 462089

HOT DOG

snuggle up

Golden Dachshund, £35 Dible & Roy 01225 862320

Deyongs Snuggle Touch Microfibre Throw, £19.99 Whitehall Garden Centre • 01249 730204

glitz & glamour Glitzies Magic Sequin Plush Toys, £8.99 Davies of Westbury 01373 822431

in vino veritas Host Your Own Wine Tasting, £29.95 Strawberry Blue • 01225 920290

treasure chest Small Wooden Chest, £28.50 The Granary • 01225 867781

cycle path Ridgeback Scoot Beginner Bike, £114.99 TT Cycles • 01225 867187

MONEY MONEY MONEY Leather Wallet, from £12 Dent's Factory Shop 01985 212291

back for good Healthy Back Bag, from £42 Footloose • 01225 571474

46 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

BRADFORD ON AVON

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

FANTASTIC BIKES ACCESSORIES & GIFTS ON SITE WORKSHOP CAR PARKING LATE NIGHT OPENING ON THURSDAYS

• • • • • •

TOP BRANDS SHIMANO SERVICE CENTRE FINANCE CYCLESCHEME E-BIKES GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE

TOWPATH TRAIL BIKE HIRE NOW RELOCATED TO OUR MAIN SHOP

www.towpathtrail.co.uk 01225 867187 • www.ttcycles.co.uk • info@ttcycles.co.uk TT CYCLES, UNITS 6-8, ELMS CROSS BUSINESS CENTRE, ROWDEN LANE, BRADFORD ON AVON BA15 2AY

wildlife

FEED THE BIRDS...

Feeding the birds in your garden is a great thing to do and a wonderful way of getting youngsters interested in the natural world...

G

iving birds a little extra food is a simple and fun way to help, especially when natural sources are low.

Making cakes for the birds is great, sticky fun and the mix of fat, seeds and mealworms is irresistible for many garden birds!

Hang them from your garden trees, or on your balcony and watch your neighbourhood birds discover them.

Wild birds are understandably timid at first, but especially in the depths of winter, these seedy birdcakes won't last long!

HOW TO MAKE A BIR D

YOU WILL NEED...

CAKE

• String • Scissors • Mix ing bowl • Moulds eg em pty yoghurt pots • Lard (to bind the ingred ients together) • Mealw orms • Mixed seed • Nuts (unsalted) • Raisin s • Hard cheese

STEP-BY-STEP GUID E

Carefully make a small hol e in the bottom of your mould or yoghurt pot. Thread string through the hole and tie a knot on the inside.

Leave enough string so you can tie the pot to a tree or bird table.

your finger tips. Keep add ing the seed/raisin/cheese mixture and squidging it until the fat holds it all together. This bit can get quite sticky!

Fill your yoghurt pots wit h bird cake mixture and put the m in the fridge to set for an hour or so.

If using lard, allow the fat to warm up to room temperature, but don’t melt it. Then cut it up into small Hang your speedy bird cak es from pieces and put it in the mix ing bowl. trees or your bird table. Watch for greenfinches, tits and who Add the other ingredien ts to the knows, maybe even great spotted bowl and mix them togeth er with woodpeckers if you're lucky!

OTHER THINGS YOU CAN DO...

You can also help your garden birds by putting out fresh, unfrozen water for drinking and bathing.

Another great option for all wildlife is to leave areas of your garden untidy for shelter, such as hedges and ivy. You can also refrain from 50 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

cutting your garden back until late winter (February or early March).

Seedheads from perennial plants and grasses look great covered in frost, give your garden structure and provide seeds for birds and nesting habits for overwintering insects.

O CO PE FF N EE DA BA IL R Y FOR GREAT DESIGN IDEAS, COME & VISIT OUR

INSPIRATIONAL SHOWROOM

Bespoke Curtains & Blinds, Upholstery, Interior Design, Fabrics & Wallpaper, New furniture ranges, Vincent Sheppard, Whitehead Designs. Flooring, Rugs, House Accessories.

Find us at Silver Street, Gastard, Corsham, SN13 9PY

We are just a 4 minute drive from Corsham Town Centre with free customer parking available

BATHROOMS & WARDROBES FROM INSPIRATIONAL BATHROOMS • www.perfectrooms.co.uk • Tel: 01249 716445 • interiors@perfectrooms.co.uk

fi

Allsop Carpets & Flooring

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

Amtico Flooring Noble Oak Using British Manufacturers & Suppliers

christmas

ENJOY A MORE ECO-CHRISTMAS It is estimated that we throw out more than 100million rolls of Christmas wrapping paper each year. That's a lot of waste! Here are some easy steps to show how you can cut down this year.

E

ven the most wellintentioned of us may be unaware that the wrap we put in recycling isn’t actually recyclable, if it contains plastic, dye, foil, glitter or leftover sticky tape. Most of us aren’t prepared to hand people unwrapped gifts – where’s the joy in that? – but thankfully there are eco-friendly alternatives.

RECYCLED BROWN PAPER

Simple brown paper is one of your cheapest options, and yet has the potential to look impressive – you just have to get crafty. You can get recycled brown paper at your local post office or craft shop – the Post Office offers 25m for £5.60.

It looks good as it is, or you could personalise it with your own stamps from local craft shops and online. If you don't have time for crafting though, Warminster gift shop About The House also stocks beautifully decorated recycled brown paper - 3m costs £3.50.

About The House's Brown Paper Packaging Tied Up With String, £3.50

GO DIY WITH OLD FABRIC

Got old Christmas tablecloths lying around the house? Christmas tea towels? Feel like making the most of the kitsch Christmas patterns in

54 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

christmas your local fabric shop? Wrap your presents in it! Secure it by tying a knot as a bow, or by using eco twine or cut-up fabric as ribbon.

Just ensure you get the fabric back to use again if the recipient doesn’t plan to use it.

REUSABLE FABRIC GIFT BAGS/BOTTLE BAGS

USE REGULAR WRAP

Make sure it’s recycled and recyclable. If you’re not into any of the above options, and simply want a more eco version of your usual minimal effort wrapping paper, then all is not lost. All you have to do is make sure your paper is recycled, and that it’s recyclable.

This Sophia Victoria Joy recycled wrap from NotOnTheHighStreet comes in different festive designs, and you buy it by the sheet, starting at £1.10. If all else fails at least make sure the wrap you use is fully recyclable, if it’s not made from recycled content itself. Wilko does a range of recyclable 10m rolls for £2.

sure you use it up, and then re-use it if you can.

Save the planet and your purse by re-using perfectly good materials that have already been manufactured!

You can buy reusable fabric gift bags. Gift bags and bottle bags are such a waste – as soon as the gift has been taken out, they’re usually chucked in the bin. You can now buy reusable fabric versions. Wrag Wrap sells a Christmas gift bag starter TWINE NOT TAPE pack, featuring a Shun regular plastic ribbon small, medium and jazz up your gifts with and large environmentally-friendly twine gift bag, for REUSE instead. Eco-Craft does a wide £15.95. The OLD selection of colourful, natural and bags conceal WRAPPING biodegradable twine, starting gifts better than PAPER AND from £1.99. If you like you can normal gift bags, Wrap sells a range of eco friendly GIFT BAGS really go for it . Unleash your as they have a pull Wrag wrapping alternatives, wragwrap.com Who remembers inner forager and head out and cord. They’re an collect pine cones and foliage older relatives expensive option, but they’re made to complement your wraps (you laboriously pick off the tape from 45% recycled fabric, and the could also use some mistletoe or from gifts and save the wrapping company promises they’re durable Christmas tree clippings) and add paper to use again? Most of us enough to last a lifetime. You just some natural colour. Plastic sticky need to make sure you gift them to thought these people had lost tape can’t be recycled, so use an their marbles or were incredibly someone who’ll re-use them. eco version like eco paper packing tight) but now it’s clear they had tape (£3.90 for 50m) from The the right idea!

Keep a stash of old USE MAGAZINES OR wrapping paper and gift bags and Green Stationery Company, which NEWSPAPER is made from recycled brown save up ribbons and bows from Chances are, you’ve got some old paper and is biodegradable. gifts throughout the year. And newspaper or magazines lying if you have any old paper lying around the house – instead of Happy eco wrapping! around from previous years make chucking these straight in your recycling bin, why not give them "Keep a stash of old wrapping paper and gift a detour? A new life as giftwrap? bags and save up ribbons and bows from Obviously make sure the stories printed in the publication gifts throughout the year. And if you have any old paper lying around from previous are, er, appropriate.

years make sure you use it up, and then re-use it if you can."

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 55

house & home

BOOST YOUR WELLBEING A move to Wadswick Green could help you or a loved one improve their health, fitness and wellbeing in later life...

W

hen we think of retirement, most of us envision a less stressful way of living that allows us to socialise and take up new or forgotten hobbies. Yet, many retirees in the UK are feeling lonely and are not motivated enough to be active, which can lead to depression and a drastic decline of a person’s wellbeing.

Wiltshire resident Diana Harrison was afraid her parents were facing exactly this scenario and decided to take action, suggesting to her parents to downsize and move closer to her. “I felt I needed to show my mum and dad that a move could really improve their overall lifestyle; give them a new lease of life.” Having searched for suitable properties with her parents, Diana discovered Wadswick Green, the modern lifestyle village for the over 60’s in Corsham. Wadswick Green offers state-of-the-art amenities and services that support the overall wellbeing of residents on a social and physical level.

The village’s hub is known as The Pavilion and is home to a spa

The Pavilion is home to a spa, gym, swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and hair salon

"Wadswick Green offers state-of-the-art amenities and services that support the overall wellbeing of residents" with numerous treatments, gym, swimming pool including Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and hair salon.

Adding to the residents’ wellbeing from a fitness aspect is Wadswick Green’s own personal trainer as well as many free classes to join in.

Boosting the social life is Wadswick Green’s events calendar with activities and day trips, whilst hobby groups also add to the list of things to do.

“Having lived at Wadswick Green for several months now, my parents absolutely love it and say it feels like being on holiday all the time. My mother goes swimming almost every day and they both appreciate the quaint surroundings of the Wiltshire countryside,” Diana adds.

Homes at Wadswick Green have an open-plan layout that creates an inviting atmosphere. The spacious kitchens are furnished with the latest

56 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Neff appliances (Bosch appliances in The Pavilion residences) and feature engineered, high-quality hardwood flooring. The large living rooms have floor-to-ceiling double-glazed windows that make the most of the natural daylight and lead onto walkon balconies with picturesque views.

The modern design carries through to the apartments’ bathrooms, equipped with convenient walk-inshowers and luxury taps and fittings.

Thorough insulation supports the energy efficient underfloor heating.

To experience the feel and quality of Wadswick Green’s apartments first-hand, interested buyers are encouraged to visit the marketing suite and showhomes, located opposite The Pavilion. To book an appointment, please call 01225 584500 or visit the website.

• wadswickgreen.co.uk

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

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

Visit EweMove.com/Bradford-on-Avon or call 01225 430776

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

Classic Gardens • RHS Qualified Gardener • Maintenance • Design & Landscaping • Pruning • Tree Care • Ponds & Water Features

Call James on 07940 261734

Email: info@classiclandscapesandecopools.co.uk

f fb.com/classicgardeners

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

house & home

WINTER SALES!!

We may not yet have had Christmas but at Dible & Roy they're already gearing up for their big Winter Sale, which starts on 2 January...

D

ible and Roy are pleased to announce that their Winter sale begins on Thursday 2 January at 8am! Open Monday to Friday and just past the Bridge Tea Rooms in Bradford on Avon, they will be celebrating their 40th year in the town in 2020 too!

Set across two floors, the showroom boasts a vast collection of over a thousand fabric and wallpaper books, carefully chosen to suit a range of tastes and styles. A large flooring department covers wool, man made and natural fibre carpets

"Set across two floors, the showroom boasts a vast collection of over a thousand fabric and wallpaper books, carefully chosen to suit a range of tastes and styles."

The showroom is set across two floor and has a vast collection of fabric and wallpaper boooks Dible & Roy is celebrating 40 years in Bradford on Avon in 2020

of various grades, wooden flooring, vinyl and bespoke rugs and runners.

In addition to this, they also have a large selection of home furnishings, giftware and lighting in store, you simply can’t visit without feeling inspired!

During the sale there will be up to 25% discount across the showroom covering carpets, wood and vinyl flooring, wallpaper, paint, fabrics and blinds and up to 50% 58 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Dible & Roy has a large selection of home furnishings that will be up to 50% off

discount on home furnishings and accessories!

To assist with bespoke orders, they offer a free home consultation and measuring service to meet in your home and discuss your

options. These get booked fast during the sale period so be sure to book soon to avoid missing out!

For more information pop in to the showroom, call 01225 862320 or take a look at the website. • dibleandroy.co.uk

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

FREE QUOTATIONS AVAILABLE RENEW - REPAIR - READY FOR WINTER

Call 01373 822933 or 07506 373335

info@westburygardenfencing.co.uk www.westburygardenfencing.co.uk

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

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

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

FIND LUXURY BATHROOMS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES 01225 765000

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

www.activeplumbingsupplies.co.uk

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

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

legal & financial

COHABITATION AGREEMENTS- ARE THEY REALLY NECESSARY? DANIELLE CELLETTI, Paralegal at Wansbroughs Solicitors in Melksham, explains about cohabitation agreements.

T

he Office for National Statistics reports that numbers of cohabiting couples are growing faster than married couples; with an increase of 25.8% between 2008 and 2018. This demonstrates that a large number of people are choosing to set up home together without the ties that come with marriage. Couples may make this choice for perfectly good reasons, however, they need to be aware that they do not have the same legal rights as married couples and there may be future unseen pitfalls.

WHY SIGN A COHABITATION AGREEMENT? If an unmarried couple are living together, it is imperative that they sign a cohabitation agreement. Such an agreement can help provide both parties of the relationship (and their children) with a greater degree of financial security.

On the breakdown of the relationship or, sadly, in the event of the death of one of the couple, the cohabitant left behind can be at a serious disadvantage. This may include no financial support or even losing their home, if the deceased partner was the sole owner.

WHAT WILL THE AGREEMENT COVER? • How rent/mortgage and bills are to be paid and how this should be reflected at the time of separation; • How finances should be managed 64 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

i.e. joint bank accounts and pensions; • Asset division - what should happen to the family home, any other jointly purchased investments and how their respective shares should be calculated? And; • What arrangements have been agreed for the care of any children.

WHO MIGHT REQUIRE ONE? Many people! Including; • Unmarried couples who are thinking of moving in together.

This may involve entering into a joint mortgage or supporting children of the family; • An individual who has inherited money which will be used to purchase a property with their partner; • Friends who are planning to buy a house together.

THE VALIDITY OF THE AGREEMENT • The couple need to enter into the agreement individually and of their own volition. Both parties should obtain independent legal advice to ensure they understand the agreement they are entering into; • The agreement needs to be in form of a deed. Both parties must sign it and the signatures should be witnessed.

Relationships have evolved dramatically over the years, along with the changing views on the sanctity of marriage and the emancipation of

women. Couples now, more than ever, need to be aware of the importance of cohabitation agreements.

At Wansbroughs, we have a specialist Family Team who can help you to prepare a cohabitation agreement which addresses your individual needs. 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

"Couples now, more than ever, need to be aware of the importance of cohabitation agreements."

Danielle Celletti

health & wellbeing

BE FIT & FESTIVE!!

W

Places Leisure let you in on how to stay fit and festive over the holidays!

hen you think the average amount of calories consumed on Christmas day is a whopping 6,000, combined with all those extra tasty treats dotted around the house and a license to indulge in boozy beverages – it’s no wonder we can feel as stuffed as the turkey by New Year’s Day! Of course we’d never advocate total abstinence at this time of year, but here are a few tips to help you navigate the festive season…

BE MINDFUL A couple of drinks, the waft of mince pies and plates of delicious tit-bits at the buffet, rivals any black hole with its capacity to keep pulling you back for more. Stay strong, resist going back for seconds, think about what you’re selecting and try to balance your plate with healthier options. Alcohol increases appetite and reduces resolve, so go easy on the Prosecco, and enjoy a sparkling water or two with lemon, in between tipples.

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

66 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

BE A GOAL SETTER

We all benefit from a bit of time to unwind, but setting goals for the early part of 2020 - whether that’s entering a 10k run or your first cycling sportive, joining your local gym, or signing up with a local sports club - can help retain some fitness focus amidst all the festivities. If you can persuade a friend or partner to sign up for an event with you – even better! There’s nothing like having a mate’s training date to keep your fitness programme on track.

£20 OFFER AT PLACES LEISURE Running from 27 December – 9 January 2020 Places leisure centres in Wiltshire are making it even easier for you to smash those fitness goals in 2020 and have a guilt free Christmas!

Royal Wootton Bassett so visit the website to see what’s on and find a leisure centre near you today.

What’s more, you can add up to four of your own children aged Sign up for an all-inclusive gym, swim and classes membership and 15 or under to your membership FREE. Simply ask in centre or visit pay just £20 for your first month. the website, use the promotion Places Leisure has leisure centres code ‘SMILE’ to get your great in Chippenham, Trowbridge, 2020 offer…

Westbury, Melksham, Bradford on Avon, Warminster, Malmesbury and • wiltshire.placesleisure.org

“We all benefit from a bit of time to unwind, but setting goals for the early part of 2020 can help retain some fitness focus amidst all the festivities.”

If you can work out with friends you’ll both feel the benefit

Peter Wilkinson

M.Inst.Ch.P

IMPROVING YOUR FOOT HEALTH WE CAN HELP WITH...

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

Contact us to make an appointment t. 01225 571030 e. trowbridgechiropodist@gmail.com

www.trowbridgechiropodist.co.uk

55-57 Stallard St, Beaufort Mansions, Trowbridge BA14 8HH

THE

Farmhouse

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

INN

MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER

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

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

Visit our independent showroom at

17 George Street, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 8QA

or call our team today on

01985 843035

www.lifeandmobility.co.uk

bath rugby

DUNN TALKING...

TOM DUNN is first choice hooker at Bath Rugby and Lisa Rockliffe spoke to him about Stuart Hooper, Neal Hatley and his England prospects.

Tom Dunn came through the academy to become Bath’s first choice hooker

ON PLAYING AT THE REC...

ON THE SEASON AHEAD...

Being at The Rec always makes a big difference. It means a lot more to me personally and I think it means a lot more to our squad. The Rec is our home and that’s what we have to defend. It gives us a massive advantage. All the home comforts are there and when the crowd gets involved it can be the difference for us. Ultimately though it’s down to the 15 players on the pitch, 23 players in the squad to take responsibility and do their jobs.

With Stuart Hooper taking over and a lot of new faces coming in it’s been like a new beginning and it’s fantastic. It gives us motivation. You have to build new relationships and nothing that went on before matters that much. A lot of new front row boys have come in and I’ve really enjoyed that and I’m looking forward to putting our best foot forward.

ON THE DIFFERENCE STUART HOOPER HAS MADE...

It’s not just Stuart. He’s been here for a while, albeit in a different role. But we have new coaches, new S&C staff, new medics. A lot has changed, and the way we run things has changed, and that’s had the biggest impact on day-to-day life here. We are judged on the 80-minute performance we put in at the weekend, that’s the pinnacle of our week, but there are 10,080 minutes in every week, so it’s all about the 10,000 minutes that go on before that and those 10,000 minutes massively affected by the people at the club and that has changed, hopefully for the better.

ON HIS ENGLAND PROSPECTS...

It’s not on my mind at the moment.

I had an opportunity back in the summer to make the world cup squad but I didn’t get picked. I did my best and I can sleep well at night knowing I’ve done that. But I am a Bath player and I need to crack on. I have no expectations with England,

“We are judged on the 80-minute performance we put in at the weekend, but there are 10,080 minutes in every week, so it’s all about the 10,000 minutes that go on before that”

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

TV 6 December 19:45 H Clermont Auvergne ERCC TV 15 December 15:15 A Clermont Auvergne ERCC TV 22 December 15:00 A London Irish GP 28 December 15:00 H Sale Sharks GP TV 2 January 15:00 A Gloucester GP 68 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

bath rugby you just have to do your day to day stuff, that has to take priority.

ON NEAL HATLEY’S RETURN...

our set piece so I think the biggest impact he’ll have will be in the management side of things and the rugby programme.

Boys like Anthony Watson, Joe, JJ, Flo, as they come back will have a huge impact on our squad but we want a level of intensity that they know they have to rise to that level. I don’t think they would anyway, but we need to set the standards and that is what will drive us all forward.

When he was here before I was in ON INTERNATIONAL the first team squad but I was on PLAYERS RETURNING... the fringes. Rob Webber and Ross They are fantastic players, each of Batty were definitely the first picks. them is individually a great player, Neal gave me my opportunity. I was but we have quality here already.

• bathrugby.com a loosehead and he and Toby Booth took me to hooker and I made my debut. I probably made 15/20 games through injuries or development games, but Hats was heavily involved in the progress I made in that period, and I like to think that the work I did with him set me up for the year after when he went off to England.

I’ve been in touch with him during his time with England and his ethos and core values are great and he’ll bring them back with him. It’s great, I’m looking forward to it. Lills (Mark Lilley) and Charts (Luke Charteris) He’s known for his high work rate and tackle count have been outstanding working on

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puzzles

THAT’S INTERESTING...

Each month ADAM JACOT DE BOINOD, former researcher from ‘QI’ and author of The Meaning of Tingo, poses a vocabulary quiz from our local Wiltshire dialect.

1. LIPPING

under furniture from the negligence of housemaids b) long strips of cabbage in broth c) live boughs woven into a hedge

a) of weather, showery, wet & stormy INTERESTING FACTS Many Christmas customs are b) a small cavity in a rock c) anything badly formed /out of shape carryovers from pre-Christian celebrations. Hanging gifts on trees is 2. MARLEY supposed to stem from tree worship a) wool taken from a dead sheep of the Druids, and the belief that b) streaky, marbled the tree was the giver of all good c) a tree bare of leaves or twigs things. The Druids are also partly responsible for the use of mistletoe 3. RAMPING at Christmastime. They regarded the a) tall mistletoe as sacred, made certain b) beautiful (of a girl) it never touched the ground, and c) handsome (of a man) dedicated it to the Goddess of Love, 4. PLEACHERS which explains the kissing that goes a) downy particles which accumulate on under it. Originally, when a boy

70 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

kissed a girl, he plucked a berry from the cluster and presented it to her.

When the berries were gone, so were the kisses.

Tinsel on the Christmas Tree is attributed to a woman whose husband died and she was left to bring up a large family by herself. She was determined to make a happy time for her children at Christmas. She prepared a tree to surprise them on Christmas Day. Unfortunately spiders crawled from branch to branch, making webs all over it. The Christ Child saw the tree and knew she would be devastated to find this on Christmas morning so he changed the spiders’ webs to shining silver.

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

CAN YOU GUESS THE CORRECT DEFINITION?

puzzles

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Q1: Which party political leader in Great Britain & Northern Ireland has held the post the longest?

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LAST MONTH’S SOLUTIONS Wordsearch missing word: CHERRY Quiz answers 1: Leigh Francis 2: Killer Net 3: 1996 4: Canaan Banana 5: Darryl Strawberry

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Q3: Sinn Fein do not take their seats in Westminster. How many did they win in the last election?

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last word

IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

C

hristmas is without any doubt my favourite time of the year. I love everything about it. The songs, the decorations, the whole giving and receiving of presents thing and the fact that, so it seems at least, just for a couple of days people are much nicer to each other. The thing I love most of all though is the food. I much prefer autumn and winter food anyway. That is what comfort food is all about and who doesn’t like to feel comforted? Stews and

have form. Every time I go on holiday, even if I go for a run every day, I come back five pounds heavier. It takes me a month to get back to where I started!!! I undoubtedly have more to eat than usual, I am on holiday after all, but I didn’t go massively overboard. Now, if I can put on five pounds in a week, during summer, just imagine how much will I could put on over Christmas?!

two lines alone!! The children will almost certainly be gifted their own weight in chocolate and sweets too.

What sort of parents would we be if we let them eat all of it… childhood obesity is a very real problem in this country you know… it would be remiss if we didn’t help them out. You can call it what you like but eating your kids’ chocolate at Christmas is good parenting in action!!

Another of my fave things at this time of year also causes me grief on the diet front. I love watching cooking programmes anyway but especially “Every time I go on holiday, even if I go for Christmas ones. Delia, Jamie, Rick (yes I will be trying out the recipes in a run every day, I come back five pounds this edition), Nigella - I feel I’ve spent heavier. It takes me a month to get back enough time with them to be on to where I started!!!” first name terms - all have their own shows. It doesn’t matter that some are 20 or sometimes 30 years old enjoying the festivities, is counting casseroles, roast dinners, steamed and I’ve seen them countless times. puddings with lashings (lashings!!) of the calories in every morsel of food Every day I’ll watch some kind of food I consume whilst poring over the custard, cooked breakfasts, mugs of hot chocolate, I could go on but I can nutritional information of all the treats programme. The consequence of this is my mind is always on food and and muttering about unsaturated feel the weight piling on just talking when you are trying to cut down that fat consumption. Also not everyone about all those lovely things. knows that I am watching what I eat is not a good place to be. so I’m bound to get food as presents.

I am now hitting upon my annual I guess what I am trying to achieve Chocolate brazils, biscuits and cake seasonal dilemma. I’ve been is a guilt free Christmas where I watching what I eat over the last few (Lebkuchen, mmmm) will definitely can eat what I want and not have make an appearance. Homemade months so I’ve lost a bit of weight to deal with the consequences in pickles and chutneys will arrive as and I’ve been trying to get some well, which you can’t eat on their own January. I can hear you all now, like a speed back in my legs for running choir at Midnight Mass, in beautiful so have to be eaten with cheese… the Bath Half marathon again in the harmony….”Good luck with that my spring and I don’t want to put all the and maybe a small piece of pork friend”. weight back on again over the festive pie… and just a couple of slices of the homebaked ham…and probably period. Running’s a very weight Merry Christmas everyone. cold turkey and chipolatas. That’s a dependent discipline don’t you Phil Rockliffe know! I’ve reason to be worried too. I five pound weight gain in the last 74 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

I can’t not join in though. I can’t be the person, who, on Christmas morning, while everyone else is