The West Wilts Magazine - February 2020

FEBRUARY 2020 // ISSUE 126

Griff Rhys Jones

BRINGS HIS ALL OVER THE PLACE TOUR TO WILTSHIRE MUSIC CENTRE

SNAP HAPPY HOW TO TAKE GREAT

FREE

TASTES OF ASIA MORE DELICIOUS

RECIPES FROM THE FOOD WIFE

MAGICAL OMAN WE TAKE A TRIP TO THE MIDDLE EAST

SEASONAL SHOTS

HEALTH & WELLNESS IMPROVING YOUR HEALTH & WELLBEING

+ LOCAL LISTINGS THE GREENHOUSE KNEES KITCHENS LACKHAM LAMBING & MUCH MORE

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

contents Published by Wired Publishing Editor Lisa Rockliffe Contributors Andy White, Fran Stevens, Phil Rockliffe, Neil Mortimer, Katie Thomson, 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: Griff Rhys Jones

February 2020 // issue 126

A

s I write it is the 54th day of January and we are yet to see the arrival of February. OK, that’s not quite true, but it certainly seems like January goes on forever. Eventually though we’ll make it through and then it’s onwards and upwards to February!

After last month was graced by national treasure Alan Titchmarsh we have another cover guy this edition in the form of Griff Rhys Jones. Read our intervierw with him ahead of his appearance at Wiltshire Music Centre later in the month (p19).

19

We’ve recently experienced our first proper cold snap of the winter. All the more reason to cook up some warming recipes. The Food Wife, aka Fran Stevens, serves up some fantastic Tastes of Asia (p27).

Elsewhere, Katie Thomson ventures to Oman (p38), Fiona Turnbull has some great tips on winter photography (p42) and we cover Health and Wellness to help ensure that as well as looking after others, you also make time to look after yourselves too (p60)!

38

And of course, you can find all your other favourites featuring too. And if you are hankering after spring, don’t worry, February only has 28 days in it! Ah, no, wait a minute!! Enjoy.

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

in this issue...

LOCAL LISTING What’s on in February

6

LOCAL NEWS Round up of news & events

12

Stephen Graver

15

The Little Flower Co

16

Dents Factory Shop

16

St Margaret’s Prep

22

Hope Nature Centre

22

Heywood House

24

FOOD & DRINK Eat the Seasons

26

Tastes of Asia recipes

27

We meet the chef at The Greenhouse

30

60 FEATURES Griff Rhys Jones interview Magical Oman Winter photography tips Health & Wellness

19 38 42 60

HOMES & GARDENS Kitchens at Knees Westbury Fencing

52 54

BATH RUGBY The Bath Rugby Walk

68

COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES That’s interesting...

70 Quiz, wordsearch & sudoku 72 COMMENT The Last Word

74

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events

listings local

FEBRUARY 2020

MELKSHAM ASSEMBLY HALL

WILTSHIRE MUSIC CENTRE

ROCK N ROLL PARADISE 7 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £20 Rock ‘n’ Roll Paradise bring their tour to Melksham, featuring an amazing number of tributes to the all-time legends of rock n roll.

BATH PHILHARMONIA / MARIAM BATSASHVILI 7 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £28 (Concs £10) Tragedy, fantasy and passion in full orchestral splendour.

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

UK MONSTERS OF ROCK 8 February, 8pm Tickets: from £18 The show will transport you back to the heyday of classic rock.

CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’ 21 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £23.50 The greatest hits of the flower power era featuring the hits of the Mamas and Papas and many, many more.

Griff Rhys Jones, Wiltshire Music Centre

6

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

EMPIRICAL / GWILYM SIMCOCK 8 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £16 (Concs £8) WMC’s new Nimmo Artists in Residence open their year.

GEORGIA LEWIS TRIO 9 February, 7pm Tickets: £10 (Concs £5) Rising folk stars add spice to wellworn ballads.

GAUGUIN FROM THE NATIONAL GALLERY 12 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £14 (Concs £7) Explore the artist’s works in this documentary screening.

GRIFF RHYS JONES: ALL OVER THE PLACE 14 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £18 Griff Rhys Jones is back and once again all over the place touring the UK this autumn with his brand new full-length stand-up show.

SPIRITATO! THE TASTE OF THE NATION 15 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £19 (Concs £9.50) Exploring lesser-known British works with premiere baroque ensemble.

FARA 19 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £17 (Concs £8.50) All-female folk quartet bring the spirit of the Orkney Isles to Wiltshire.

BENJAMIN GROSVENOR 21 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £20 (Concs £10) Gramophone’s Young Artist of the Year gives his debut recital at WMC. MAYA YOUSSEF TRIO 22 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £17 (Concs £8.50) Syrian Dreams: a tribute to the unbreakable human spirit.

DON’T PICK ME MISS! 23 February, 3pm Tickets: £10 (Concs £5) A new musical show for children.

BLAZIN’ FIDDLES 29 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £19 (Concs £9.50) Infectious folk group burn brighter than ever after more than two decades.

POUND ARTS CENTRE

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

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

events DOWNTON ABBEY (Cert PG) 6 February, 11am Tickets: £7.50 Follow the dramatic lives of the aristocratic Crawley family in this period feature that’s not to be missed.

EDUARDO NIEBLA 8 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £14 (Concs £12) A spellbinding evening of passion, verve and fleet fingered virtuosity from one of the most potent forces in flamenco jazz fusion.

JESSICA FOSTEKEW: HENCH 13 February, 8pm Tickets: £12.50 It’s like watching a snake eat, but funny. You’ve seen Jess in BBC sitcoms Motherland and Cuckoo and BAFTA Award-winning drama Three Girls.

VINLAND 18 February, 4pm Tickets: £8, £28 family A dark, wintry Viking adventure for ages 8 and up.

END OF THE PIER SHOW 19 February, 2pm Tickets: £8, £28 family Renowned stand-up poet and theatre maker Jonny Fluffypunk presents a new show for families, with poetry, puppetry, song and a healthy dose of anarchy.

NT LIVE: CYRANO DE BERGERAC 20 February, 7pm Tickets: £15 (Concs £14) Adam Hills, Neeld Arts Centre

James McAvoy returns to the stage in an inventive new adaptation of Cyrano de Bergerac.

YE VAGABONDS 21 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £14 (Concs £12) Ye Vagabonds are a modern expression of a tradition that is truly robust and important to these islands.

THE ATHENAEUM CENTRE

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

GENESIS VISIBLE TOUCH 27 February, 7pm Tickets: £16 Genesis Visible Touch are the ultimate Phil Collins-era Genesis show.

ROCKETMAN (Cert 15) 26 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £5.50 This acclaimed, epic musical follows the fantastical journey and transformation of shy piano prodigy Reginald Dwight into the international superstar Elton John.

ABBA FOREVER 8 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £22.50 ABBA Forever are recognised as one of the best ABBA tributes and theatre audiences worldwide have long enjoyed this superb recreation of possibly the world’s greatest pop band.

ALL FLOYD 29 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £18 The 2020 tour builds on the successes of 2019 to both astound and impress even the most hardened of tribute act doubters.

ELKIE BROOKS 14 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £29.50 Long before the end of a live show and the frequent standing ovations that accompany it, there comes a point where Elkie does something so amazing that it leaves her audience almost spellbound.

NEELD ARTS CENTRE

ADAM HILLS: WORK IN PROGRESS 16 February, 8pm Tickets: £15 Join Adam Hills as he takes to the road trying out new material.

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

THE FUREYS: LEGENDS OF IRISH MUSIC & SONG 23 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £23.75 Their emotive songs stir many emotions….tears and laughter, sadness and joy. A Fureys concert is always a night to remember.

THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES 21 & 22 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £12 This hilariously witty, and often moving, FROME MEMORIAL THEATRE collection of tales gives voice to a Christchurch St West, Frome, BA11 1EB chorus of lusty, outrageous, poignant, Tel: 01373 462795 brave and thoroughly human stories. fmt.website

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

8

ONE NIGHT OF ADELE 21 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £21.50 J’Adele has been voted the UK No.1 best live tribute to Adele.

ALAN TITCHMARSH 20 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £26 A gardener, poet, TV presenter, writer of non-fiction and novelist, Alan is an immensely creative and empathetic man and a great host for an evening.

MARTY WILDE & THE WILDCATS 28 February, 7.30pm For full listings go to each venue’s website

Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary Saving stray & unwanted dogs since 1958

WWM068

image © Steve Nash

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

✃ ✃

Our dogs are all vet checked, vaccinated, wormed, neutered (if old enough), chipped, and looking for loving new homes * NOT VALID IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHER OFFERS. VALID ON SATURDAYS BEFORE 8PM. EXPIRY DATE 31.03.20. ROAR

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

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

CHEESE &GRAIN

BOX OFFICE: 01373

455420

MARKET YARD, FROME, SOMERSET BA11 1BE

www.cheeseandgrain.com

SAT 1ST FEB 9AM VEGAN MARKET FREE ENTRY SAT 1ST FEB 8PM SUPERGRASS £35 ADV SOLD OUT FRI 7TH FEB 8PM THE BLUES BAND £27.50 SAT 8TH FEB 8PM DAVE PEARCE DANCE ANTHEMS £15 ADV SUN 9TH FEB 3.30PM FROME SYMPHONY FAMILY CONCERT £5 SUN 9TH FEB 7PM FROME SYMPHONY A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES £12 FRI 14TH FEB 10AM A TRIBUTE TO BOB MARLEY £15.50 SAT 15TH FEB 8PM FLEETWOOD BAC £16.50 ADV FRI 21ST FEB 7.30PM EDDIE MARTIN £12.50 ADV SAT 22ND FEB 7.30PM BOOTLEG BLONDIE £16.50 ADV SUN 23RD FEB 10AM POTATO & SEED SWAP DAY £2 SAT 29TH FEB 9AM ARTEMIS WITCHES MARKET FREE SAT 29TH FEB 8PM SHOWHAWK DUO £16.50 SUN 1ST MAR 7PM THE MISSION £33 MON 2ND MAR 7.30PM THE CALLING £22.50 FRI 6TH MAR 7.30PM FAITH – THE GEORGE MICHAEL LEGACY £23.50 ADV SAT 7TH MAR 8PM WHOLE LOTTA LED £18 ADV SUN 8TH MAR 4.30PM CSF WRESTLING £11 FRI 13TH MAR 7.30PM GREEN HAZE VS THE OFFSPIN £12 ADV

Supergrass

The Blues Band

The Calling

events Tickets: £25 An opportunity to experience, live on stage, one of Rock’n’Roll’s original pioneers.

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

THE BLUES BAND 7 February, 8pm Tickets: £27.50 2019 saw The Blues Band celebrate their 40th year together: Paul Jones, Dave Kelly, Tom McGuinness, Rob Townsend, and Gary Fletcher.

DAVE PEARCE DANCE ANTHEMS 8 February, 8pm Tickets: £15 The creator and original presenter of BBC Radio 1’s Dance Anthems comes to the Cheese & Grain.

FLEETWOOD BAC 15 February, 8pm Tickets: £16.50 The sound, look, mystical atmosphere and on-stage chemistry of Fleetwood Mac portrayed with passion and energy.

BOOTLEG BLONDIE 22 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £16.50 Bootleg Blondie is the world’s No.1 official Debbie Harry & Blondie tribute band established in 2001.

THE PRESTBURY SPORTS BAR

The Close, Warminster, BA12 9AL Tel: 01985 847070 prestburysportsbar.com Bands start at 9pm and entry is FREE MADONNA TRIBUTE 8 February Fans of Madonna are in for a real treat when one of the top tribute acts performs at the Prestbury.

THE TREBLEMAKERS 15 February From the 50’s to the present The 10

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Treblemakers are guaranteed to have you dancing all night.

PEAKY BLINDERS 22 February Classic hits with a peaky blinders twist.

LOCAL HEROES 29 February Rock, punk and indie cover band ranging from Green Day to ACDC.

BRADFORD-ONAVON FOLK CLUB Swan Hotel, Bradford on Avon boafolkclub.org.uk SINGAROUND 4, 11 & 19 February, 8pm FREE

LACOCK ABBEY

Lacock, nr Chippenham SN15 2LG nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock Tel: 01249 730459 (Normal admission charges apply) ADORNMENTS BY CARLA VAN DE PUTTELAAR Until 12 July, 11am ‘Adornments’ was inspired by the work of the Dutch Old Masters, particularly Rembrandt’s nudes.

SPRING FLOWERS AT LACOCK ABBEY 15 February – 30 April, 11am Lacock’s wooded grounds are full of wonderful flowers over the spring months, ideal for a gentle stroll.

OTHERS

REG MEUROSS 25 February, 8pm FREE Reg’s imaginative and finely crafted songs have earned him the title of Master Storyteller.

VILLAGE PUMP FRIDAY FOLK

The Lamb Inn, Trowbridge BA14 8BN villagepump.org.uk OPEN MIC 21 February, 8pm Tickets: £3 PHIL KING 7 February, 8pm Tickets: £10 Bristol-based songwriter and guitarist of considerable energy.

Downton Abbey (PG), Pound Arts

ACOUSTIC OAK The Royal Oak, High St, Corsham 13, 20 & 27 February, 8pm Singers and spotlight nights.

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

BRITISH ART OF WWI: AN ILLUSTRATED TALK BY SARAH LATHAM PHILLIPS Wallington Hall, Church Street, Bradford on Avon BA15 1LN 1 March, 7.30pm Tickets: £5 Bradford on Avon Arts Association presents this illustrated talk from Sarah Latham Phillips. Call 01225 862670 or email meganandjoyce1882@gmail. com for details. boaarts.org

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

roundup

local news

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

LACKHAM LAMBING WEEKENDS Spring is just around the corner which means one thing – Lambing at Lackham is almost underway!

Wiltshire College & University Centre is delighted to be hosting its annual lambing weekends once again at its specialist land-based campus.

This year’s event takes place across two weekends Saturday and Sunday 14-15 March and 21-22 March when it is expecting around 1380 lambs from 826 ewes.

earlier flock this year so many of the lambs will be out in the fields ready and waiting for visitors.

Visitors will also be able to see the dairy cows being milked, enjoy free By the time the weekends take place tractor and trailer rides, learn about the college will have welcomed lambing and agriculture, visit food more than 400 lambs as there is an and beverage stalls.

The Lambing Weekends are a real treat for the whole family

Throughout the lambing period agricultural students work on rotas day and night ensuring the safe arrival of the lambs. Students from other curriculum areas also support the event, including running the tea shop.

Tickets bought in advance cost £20 per car (maximum seven seats) £6 for adults over the age of 17 or £4 for children aged 4-16 years-old.

Children under that age go free They are available to purchase from the website now – head to the link below and click on ‘Events’ to book.

• shop.wiltshire.ac.uk

image © Mark Bolton

JOIN THE VALENTINE’S DAY FLOWER COUNT AT LACOCK

12

Signifying the start of spring, colourful flowers are a welcome sign of the longer, warmer days to come. Every year around this time, Lacock Abbey does a Valentine’s Day flower count. The gardeners count up the number of blooms in the gardens and grounds at Lacock.

This, added to the results from all over the South West, gives an indicator of what the gardens are going to look like throughout the THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

year. It also allows the team to compare with previous years and see trends. From this they can build a picture of how spring flowers are affected, or not, by climate change.

Why not head along and help this year? Ask at Visitor Reception or speak to one of the gardeners during your visit between Friday 14 and Sunday 23 February.

• nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock

Help with the flower count at Lacock Abbey

local news

MILES CANTELOU OPENS GALLERY BAG A BARGAIN IN BRADFORD ON AVON CHARITY SALE Miles Cantelou is a published photographer and artist who has relocated from London to Bradford on Avon. His commissions have taken him all over the world, but more recently the focus of his work is for interior designers in London and the USA. His unique originals are now available as limited editions in the Miles Cantelou studio (MCCAAD) on Market Street in Bradford on Avon. During weekdays this is where Miles creates most of his artwork, but at weekends the studio is open to the public and MCCAAD is open to the public at weekends, with artworks to suit all budgets

everyone is welcome to pop in.

The first exhibition starts on Saturday 1 February and continues every weekend during the month of February. The studio will be open on weekends from 10am to 5pm.

This month’s theme is “Inception” a collection of 8-10 individual pieces of abstracted and colourful artwork illustrating life stages from first life to maturity. Artworks are available to suit all budgets, so be sure to take a closer look.

• milescantelou.com

Get great designer clothes at bargain prices, all for a good cause!

The Bag a Bargain Sale of Nearly New Designer & Top Brand Ladies Wear is taking place on Friday 7 (10am-8pm) & Saturday 8 February (10am-5pm) in The Gathering Barn, Keysley Farm, Monkton Deverill. In addition to the wonderful clothes, footwear and accessories available, The Nearly New Cashmere Boutique will also be there, with a huge range of excellent quality ladies and gents jumpers, cardigans and accessories at incredibly low prices for pure cashmere. Like all the clothes for sale, they are all in good clean condition and look virtually new. From 6-8 pm on the Friday evening there will be a glass of fizz and canapés included in the £5 entrance fee for the first 60 arrivals!

Throughout both days of the sale, Coco & Roses is offering fantastic food and drink, including a pre-booked, delicious seasonal lunch priced at just £12.50pp.

Over the years, these popular nearly new designer clothes sales have raised circ £80,000 for local charities.

This year they are supporting The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust and Sir Jackie Stewart’s small charity Race Against Dementia.

The best way to get to the Bag & Bargain sale is straight off the A303 - Keysley Farm is signposted off the A303 (a few miles East of Mere).

• fb.com/bagabargainforcharity THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 13

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

STEPHEN GRAVER SHORTLISTED FOR AWARD Wiltshire based interiors company, Stephen Graver, has been shortlisted for a top award in the design industry’s biggest and longest established awards, the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2020.

The stunning studio is a great showpiece for the quality of work the team carries out

B

ased in the picturesque village of Steeple Ashton in Wiltshire, Stephen Graver is a family owned business, headed by Stephen and his wife, Amanda. They are supported by a team of expert and time-served craftsmen in their on-site workshop and unique studio, which is one of only four in the country to

the outstanding quality of their work and customer experience. Stephen Graver has been awarded the Houzz award for Best Design for the past five consecutive years. This award is determined by the number of votes from online users to the Houzz design community, a renowned resource of over 40 million active users,

"This is not the first time the local business has been recognised for the outstanding quality of their work and customer experience." be in with a chance of taking the top award in the Kitchen Showroom of the Year category. The winners will be announced at a showstopping ceremony on 2 March at the Hilton Bimingham Metropole alongside this year’s ‘kbb2020’ exhibition at the NEC. This is not the first time the local business has been recognised for

in handmade kitchens. Those clients have gone on to recommend them to others, which is where the majority of their work originates from and why client testimonials can be found behind every project.

The company has grown to not only design and produce beautiful kitchens, but also added bathrooms, home renovations and bespoke furniture to their area of expertise, which can be seen on their extensive website for further inspiration.

connecting property owners with the best design professionals and vendors in the sector. He is also a previous Customers considering a home winner of the Kitchen Retailer of the improvement project are warmly Year in the kbb awards. invited to visit the studio in Edington Road, Steeple Ashton by The quality workmanship and design appointment, or to contact Stephen has seen clients return to Stephen himself for an initial conversation.

Graver time and time again since the business opened in 1990 specialising • stephengraver.com

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 15

local news

THE LITTLE FLOWER CO

W

hen describing The Little Flower Co in Frome, ‘Reputable”, “reliable”, “friendly”, “professional”, “fresh” and “beautiful” are just some of the words customers use. They have an excellent reputation and

passion for wedding work providing ideas for any budget and style, with many items to hire. From a castle wedding to a simple bouquet and buttonholes they are able to help and guide you. To view some of their work you can visit their Facebook

The Little Flower Co has an excellent reputation and passion for wedding work

page and Instagram both can be accessed via the website. They also offer same day delivery for a large range of gifts and plants, sympathy tributes, corporate and more.

They do have some changes in 2020, owner Tessa Nicholas explains. “We are closing our Warminster shop and running all our business from the Frome site. Nothing at all changes for our Warminster and Westbury customers apart from not being able to pop in. We are still delivering out to all the areas we currently do at the same prices as before. You can order your gifts via our online shop or call 01373 467726 and place your order, where our familiar and friendly staff will be able to assist and guide you through your choice”.

• thelittleflowerco.co.uk

FIND THE LATEST LOOKS AT DENTS

B

16

e prepared for a blaze of bright colours in the new looks that are coming in for spring 2020. Exciting new shades and fresh colour combinations will create a distinct style for the upcoming season... but you don’t need to break the bank or travel far to achieve the latest fashion looks.

Unlike many others, the Dents Factory Shop does not stock items which have been made specially to be sold at discounted prices. The beautiful accessories are all genuinely discontinued styles or items returned from shops at the end of the season, meaning they are often only available in limited quantities.

Iconic global brand Dents has a range of beautiful accessories in all the favourite shades on sale at its exclusive Factory Shop in Warminster.

The shop is restocked on a regular basis with eye catching fashion accessories for every occasion, whether for general day to day wear, special events and functions or for exciting holidays. For both men and women, there is a huge range of beautiful accessories available, all at low factory shop prices.

The Dents Factory Shop at Furnax Lane, Warminster is open Mon to Sat 9am to 5.00pm with parking on site.

For more information, call 01985 217367.

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

• dents.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW? Wiltshire based Dents is one of the oldest fashion companies in the world. The brand Dents was founded by master craftsman John Dent in England in 1777. Thanks to his meticulous workmanship and eye for creativity, Dents soon developed a reputation as a leading leather glove company and everyone, from British and European royalty to working men and women, would look to Dents to provide them with the perfect accessory for day or evening wear.

Today Dents is recognised the world over for its fabulous trend setting designs and its beautiful leathers and fabrics.

ADVERTISE WITH US IN 2020 INTRODUCTORY & SERIES DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE

JANUARY 2020

Wedding Flowers Exactly how YOU want them Listening to YOU & creating YOUR perfect day With free parking in Frome it’s easy to pop in

// ISSUE 125

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REAL ALES & LIVE MUSIC

“An ideal stop off on the A36 between Warminster & Bath”

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

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 £10.95 01373 830350 | www.redlionwoolverton.co.uk Bath Road, Woolverton, Somerset BA2 7QS

interview

"LEE MACK TOLD ME HIS FAMILY DIDN’T WANT HIM TO TOUR, BUT MINE SEEMS QUITE KEEN TO GET ME OUT OF THE HOUSE." Ahead of his upcoming tour All Over The Place, ANDY WHITE caught up with sketch show star, actor and TV presenter Griff Rhys Jones...

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 19

interview

20 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

G

riff Rhys Jones shot to stardom in the 1980s when he featured in the groundbreaking sketch show Not The Nine O’Clock News along with Rowan Atkinson and the late Mel Smith with whom he went on to create comedy gold as Smith & Jones. He’s since carved out a pretty decent reputation as a presenter of travel documentaries, actor, a saviour of historic buildings (the Hackney Empire), and is also president of Civic Voice – an organisation that protects public spaces. He also founded the multimillion pound TV production company Talkback with his mate Mel Smith. And he’s just topped it all with an OBE.

interview HOW DIFFERENT DOES IT FEEL TO BE IN FRONT OF A LIVE AUDIENCE, HAVING DONE A LOT OF RECENT WORK ON DOCUMENTARY SERIES? It’s great. I have done 20 years of arts docs and travel stuff and I have just made 10 one-hour shows in NZ and Australia. But TV has 12 executives, in a pyramid, all of whom seem terrified of losing their jobs. With some justification. They all interfere with every word. This show is unmitigated and I can say what I like. So I do.

DO YOUR AUDIENCES STILL HANKER FOR YOUR WORK ON NOT THE NINE O'CLOCK NEWS AND ALAS SMITH AND JONES?

Hardy film because It was just like the relationship between Mel and I. It was so emotional.

DO YOU HAVE ANY CELEBRITY FANS? Peter Kay it turns out. When I was making Murder on the Blackpool Express last year he came on set and told me that he and his son can quote one of our shows by heart: Mel and I did a show called The Homemade Xmas Video – a really early comedy reality show. That was touching and emotional for me.

WHAT’S YOUR FUNNIEST SHOWBIZ STORY? I’ve literally been mistaken for everyone else. I was outside the Groucho Club one night when Melvyn

Bragg came out a bit worse for wear and told me to wait while he went inside to get his daughter who was my biggest fan. He came out after The show is called ‘All Over The Place’. DO YOU AGREE WITH 10 minutes and went, “Melanie…

We were going to call it ‘Rambling THE IDEA THAT WE ARE look it’s John Sessions.” And another Again’ and I think it’s supposed to be a IN A GOLDEN AGE OF time I was on a train platform once pun as we play a lot of places, you see. TELEVISION? and this Lib Dem minister got off But it is also a bit what it’s like. Stories It’s interesting. TV is always examining the train, came up to me and said, and things. It’s my third outing. One its belly button. It’s in the middle of “I’m a lumberjack and I’m OK”. He was was about Mel and one about travel a revolution of selectivity and choice but I never stuck to the subject. So I’m at present but not everybody will be convinced I was Michael Palin, I get that a lot. taking no chances this time. left standing. I am very proud and humbled by the fact that the creators Griff Rhys Jones: All Over The Place tour comes WHAT SORT OF STORIES to the Wiltshire Music Centre on Friday 14 of the greatest current TV Series February. For tickets go to wiltshiremusic.org.uk WILL YOU BE SHARING? “Succession” started in Talkback. or call the box office on 01225 860100.

There’s a few about shopping. And I’ve been in New Zealand recently, so that WHAT SORT OF will probably feature. And the second PROGRAMMES DO half is largely about my personal YOU ENJOY NOW, humiliation, which tends to make AND WHERE DO YOU audiences laugh immoderately.

SEE THINGS GOING,

TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEW SHOW

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE GOING BACK OUT ON THE ROAD?

I should think so. We wallow in nostalgia together.

PARTICULARLY IN COMEDY?

I like box sets and Fleabag just like everybody else and comedy will always surprise us. As soon as some format is written about as ‘finished’ it comes back to bite you.

Well I have only recently been a ‘one-man-show’ sort of guy. I had a partner, but he died. Lee Mack told me his family didn’t want him to tour, but mine seems quite keen to get me DO YOU CRY A LOT? out of the house.

All the time. I bawled at the Laurel &

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 21

local news

EXPLORE ST MARGARET’S PREP

S

t Margaret’s is a thriving independent day school for boys and girls, sharing a site with St Mary’s, Calne. Entry is from 3 years when children join Kindergarten and children move to senior school at the end of Year 6 when they are aged 11.

built teaching spaces. 30 acres of campus and offsite facilities mean there’s space to explore, learn, play, let off steam, relax, think and grow.

Teaching throughout the school is tailored to meet the needs of the individual child. Children are encouraged to reflect and evaluate Your child will learn in a safe, nurturing their own learning and with support environment and spend each day in identify their next steps. Specialist modern, stimulating and purposeteachers offer a wide range of

experiences and as a result, our teaching delivers truly personalised learning for each child. An extensive range of technology enhances learning across the curriculum.

Children are thoroughly prepared for entrance examinations to senior schools and St Margaret’s has an impressive record of success in academic and specialist subject scholarships, as well as consistently gaining entry to first-choice schools.

St Margaret’s is having an Open Day on 12 March

Of course you want your child to be happy, alongside giving them the best possible start in life. They will join a school with real spirit and energy, which lives each day to the full. We purposefully pack excitement and learning experiences into every moment. See St Margaret’s in action at their next Open Morning on Thursday 12 March. Register on the website.

• stmargaretsprep.org.uk

ENJOY HALF TERM FUN AT HNC

I

t’s going to be an action-packed February at Hope Nature Centre, with a whole host of exciting events to keep everyone entertained this half term. Tickets have just been released for the extremely popular Goat Walks,

after a sell out during January. For only £7.50, you can take a friendly Goat for a walk around the Animal Park, and after they’ve worked up an appetite, you can feed them! Entry to the Animal Park for the whole day is

Enjoy a Goat Walk this half term at Hope Nature Centre!

included, so you’ve got an afternoon of fun all in one ticket.

They also have a Crafty Half Term event, where you can let your creativity run free on their craft bus, decorating a variety of ornaments to keep and take home. Don’t miss their Half Term Feb Fun Days, on Wednesday 19 and Saturday 22 February. There will be animal meet and greets, animal petting, giant games, a bouncy castle and more.

You can also warm up in the café, serving a selection of barista coffees, homemade cakes and some delicious lunches. Find out more about upcoming events on the website.

• hopenaturecentre.org.uk

22

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

local news

HEYWOOD HOUSE

Heywood House is not only a stunning mansion house, but also a spectacular working facility offering state-of-the-art facilities to its business customers. and barista coffee whilst offering a unique environment for hot desking, informal meetings and special events.

Heywood House is a stunning venue...

2019 saw a number of successful events take place in the Conservatory including breakfast meetings, launch parties, seminars, company awaydays and celebrations. 2020 promises to offer a programme of interesting events including the launch of Heywood’s bi-monthly breakfast meetings ‘Toast Talks’ - with a host of fascinating speakers already lined up.

W

ellbeing is at the heart of the historic Jacobean mansion Heywood House near Westbury.

The stunning estate has been transformed into a hi-tech business centre with a thriving community. It has all the amenities expected of a modern office space, with excellent

"The extensive grounds of Heywood House lend themselves to unique team building activities" connections to Westbury and its mainline station, all set amid 25 acres of country estate.

Heywood House offers spectacular facilities including hi-speed 24 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

broadband, unique office space, meeting rooms, event space and co-working. Surrounded by nature, the site offers peace and tranquillity, alongside the buzz of business activity, resulting in the perfect work life balance.

The co-working facilities offer all the amenities and conveniences of an office space without the overheads. Co-working and shared office spaces are an affordable way to access a professional work environment.

This year has seen the rebuilding of the Victorian palm house and its conversion into a splendid subsidised café for tenants and members. The café is the perfect place to sample the delicious homemade food, teas

The extensive grounds of Heywood House lend themselves to unique team building activities designed to help strengthen, unite and inspire staff. The dedicated in-house events team will work with you to tailor a package to meet the objectives of your event.

MEMBERSHIP Heywood House has a variety of memberships all from £20/month.

For further information please email landlord@heywoodhouse.com or call 01373 486800.

• heywoodhouse.com ...with great facilities

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seasons

food & drink

eat the

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

O

ver the last five years we have seen an explosion in micro herbs on our plates when eating out. They grace our plates with their beautiful curly stems and pretty leaves. Adding a burst of colour and texture to every dish from avocado toast to, erm…strawberry cheesecake.

winner in Indian and Middle Eastern dishes. Lovejoys’ most popular is peashoots, which are available all year round. Try them in place of fresh peas as a garnish to pea & ham soup, in veggie pasta or chicken risotto.

‘Taste of the Sea’ range and from the ‘Inspired Range’ mint chocolate, rose petals or wasabi leaves. For any information on our micro herbs please email enquiries@ lovejoyswholesale.com

“It is easy to think of micro herbs as a passing fad or a thing fussy chefs do but think again!

Micro herbs have a unique, intense flavour that can add a new dimension to your dishes”

It is easy to think of micro herbs as a passing fad or a thing fussy chefs do but think again! Micro herbs have a We supply a full range of micro herbs, unique, intense flavour that can add a including edible flowers, from a new dimension to your dishes. grower in Evesham and keep around 10 of the most popular varieties in stock at all times. Less common WHAT ARE MICRO varieties can be cut overnight and HERBS? Sometimes called micro greens they delivered the next day. There are over 200 varieties to choose from, most are basically the seedlings of plants that are usually harvested when they of which are available all year round with some quite zany ones like sea are fully grown. One of the purslane, samphire and most popular is micro sea kale coriander, it’s from a real the

COMPETITION

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

WHICH MICRO HERB IS MOST POPULAR WITH OUR CHEFS? Please send your emails to enquiries@lovejoyswholesale.com by 29.02.2020. Good luck!

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

26 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

recipes

TASTES OF ASIA

When it’s cold outside it’s great to be able to warm up with some spicy food.

This month FRAN STEVENS, aka The Food Wife, offers three delicious recipes inspired by Asian flavours...

If I’m going for Japanese, and not eating sushi, it is very likely I’ll opt for a katsu curry. Referring to the breaded and fried meat or tofu, katsu is served with a fruity curry sauce and a sticky rice.

✃

At home I’ve been researching recipes for the curry sauce as I had already decided I wanted to have a go at making a lower calorie katsu by cheating on the frying element (by just using frylight and a non-stick pan).

I knew I wanted to use apples in my recipe and I also wanted to make sure it could be both vegan and gluten-free if required. I succeeded in adapting the recipes to make this version which I 2 tsp caster sugar was really pleased with.

1 tbsp cornflour, slackened in a little cold water It is really quick to make (it only 2 heaped tsp of curry powder (I used took about 20 minutes) and I made medium strength) it earlier in the day so I only had to ½ tsp ground ginger reheat it in the evening whilst I was 350ml hot vegetable stock (gluten free frying my tofu. I have included a if required) description of how I created the katsu A drop of sesame oil element at the end of this recipe, and Salt and pepper whilst this is not gluten-free/vegan, it could be adapted by using gluten-free Method flour, aquafaba (the thick water found Melt the coconut oil on a medium in a tin of chickpeas that is often used heat in a frying pan and add the as a vegan egg-replacement) and onion, carrot and apple. Put a lid on gluten-free bread crumbs if necessary. the pan and cook for 8-10 minutes until softened (you may need to stir or Ingredients shake the contents a couple of times).

1 tbsp coconut oil 1 onion, diced Whilst this is softening add the sugar, 2 carrots, peeled and grated soy sauce and tomato purée to the 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored slackened cornflour and stir. Set to and roughly diced one side.

3 cloves garlic, finely diced 1 heaped tbsp tomato purée Remove the lid and add the garlic and 1 tbsp soy sauce (gluten free if required) cook for a minute, followed by the two

KATSU CURRY Serves 4

spices, stirring for 30 seconds. Add the vegetable stock and stir followed by the cornflour mix and stir. Add a tiny drop of sesame oil. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 4 or 5 minutes.

Blend the mixture to a thick purée.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

I served this with a low calorie, low fat version of tofu katsu, but there is no reason you couldn’t follow the same method with chicken or pork. I used a firm tofu and cut slices 1-1½cm thick, pressed on kitchen paper to remove the excess moisture and then panéed by first dusting them in seasoned flour, dipping in beaten egg (if you wanted to make this vegan replace the egg with aquafaba) and then coating with a mix of panko breadcrumbs and sesame seeds. I fried them, in a non-stick pan with a spray of fry-light, on a medium heat for 3-4 minutes each side and served two of these slices with some sticky sushi rice and a small salad on the side.

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 27

recipes Baos are essentially a light, fluffy steamed bread, that is folded to create a little pocket to fill with deliciousness.

You can find ready to steam bao buns in supermarkets nowadays. I still get mine from the freezer in the Chinese supermarket though, a more cost effective way if you need lots!

SPICY KOREAN BEEF Serves 2-3

I have sung the praises of beef skirt before and here I use it with a Korean vibe. The star of the show today however is the spicy fermented Korean paste, gochujang, which has featured in the Korean Chicken Wings and Asian Pork Belly recipes on my blog.

½ red pepper, cut into strips 2 spring onion, cut on the diagonal Oil for stir-frying

Method Combine the gochujang, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar and sesame oil in a cup or bowl to make a sauce (don’t worry I love the stuff and keep a tub of it in my if it’s lumpy at this stage, this will sort fridge at all times (and a spare in the itself out in the wok). cupboard!). A friend recently noticed it and asked what it was, musing that the Heat the oil in a wok on a high heat and add the beef; cook for 2 minutes, contents of my fridge were intriguing. stirring all the time. Then add the The thing is, she hadn’t looked in my vegetables and stir fry for another cupboards! I have friends who make minute. Finally add the sauce and stir a point of rummaging through them for a couple of minutes and then serve. whenever they come over, as they know I’ll have weird and wonderful things inside them.

If you are in the vicinity of an Asian supermarket or food shop I’d recommend picking up a tub. It’ll keep a long while in the fridge but that won’t be an issue anyway as you’re sure to become addicted to its intense heat and be using it at every opportunity.

Serve with rice and pak choi. I also like to sprinkle the dish with a few sesame seeds and some ready-fried crispy onions, but this is by no means obligatory.

I made this over the festive season using up leftover turkey but it would work well with most meats, making it ideal for an easy Monday supper using the leftovers from Sunday lunch.

Ingredients 1 heaped tbsp gochujang 2 tbsp dark soy sauce 1 tbsp caster sugar To serve Shredded (cooked) turkey Strips of cucumber Strips of leek or spring onion Steamed bao buns Method Combine the sauce ingredients. You will have a thick dark paste.

Over a gentle heat mix the sauce and shredded turkey. Allow the turkey to warm through and the sauce to become sticky.

Serve the spicy sticky turkey in freshly steamed bao buns with strips of crunchy cucumber and leeks.

Find more recipes at: thefoodwife.co.uk

KOREAN TURKEY BAOS Makes enough for 4 baos

28 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

✃

Ingredients 300g beef skirt steak (or steak of your choice), cut in to thin strips 1 heaped tbsp gochujang 1 ½ tbsp dark soy sauce 1 ½ tbsp rice wine vinegar 1 tbsp sugar A couple of drops of sesame oil 1 carrot, peeled and cut diagonally in to thin pieces

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food & drink

MEET THE CHEF

DARREN SHARP, head chef at The Greenhouse Coffee Shop & Restaurant in Wadswick Green, talks about using local ingredients, lemon tarts and cooking at a function for HRH The Prince of Wales!

What was your first job in catering?

I started out as a Commis Chef at Dart Marina Hotel, Dartmouth.

Darren started his career in Dartmouth on the south coast

Where have you worked previously?

Several high end country house hotels including the Manor House, Castle Combe and a few years on International private yachts.

What was your first dish you mastered?

The first dish I mastered was a classic lemon tart. I still use the same recipe on menus today.

Where do you source your produce?

We're passionate about using high quality and local produce. We source all our meat from Bartletts Butchers and our vegetables from Lovejoys.

What is the most memorable event you have cooked for?

What's your favourite dish on the I cooked at a function for Prince menu?

Charles when I worked at the Manor Our menu changes frequently, House. That was pretty special. hopefully offering a selection of delicious options depending on what When it’s your day off, what local pub/restaurant do you visit? you fancy. At the moment we are serving a great vegan dish Lentil Dhal A big fan of Yen Sushi in Bath and my with roast celeriac and pomegranate local The Methuen Arms in the centre of Corsham. that I particularly like.

The restaurant is renowned for its classic British dishes like fish & chips

"The first dish I mastered was a classic lemon tart. I still use the same recipe on menus today."

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

Probably something like slow cooked beef cheeks in red wine followed by a lemon tart.

What's your favourite treat/tipple?

A cheese board with local cheeses with a really good bottle of wine.

Your favourite kitchen gadget?

My Kitchen Aid. And your guilty pleasure?

Like most chefs a fish finger sandwich!

To book a table at Greenhouse Coffee Shop & Restaurant call 01225 585880. • thegreenhousewg.co.uk

30 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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travel

MAGICAL OMAN KATIE THOMSON journeys to the mountains and dunes of Oman to discover unrivalled landscapes and classic Arabian hospitality.

Oman has a rich heritage and incredible landscape

38 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

T

he name Oman is a particularly evocative one. It speaks of the shifting sands of dunes and deserts, the intricate mastery of wood carving, interiors bedecked in jewel-toned fabrics reflected in shining brasswork and of millennia-old traditions and classic Arabic hospitality. It is also a country of contrasts - high mountain passes with spectacular valleys and picture postcard famous backdrops of sand dunes.

travel Dunes by Al Nahda Resort & Spa

You might not think mountains when you think of Oman, but the country has some of the most spectacular landscapes and vistas anywhere "Mirage-like and utterly majestic, the in the Middle East. Indeed, many nationals from the UAE or Saudi head Dunes by Al Nahda resort sits amongst the to the Omani mountains for their undulating sand dunes of Wadi Al Abyad." holidays, preferring the milder climate of Wadi Al Abyad. Only 40 minutes Akhdar mountain range. It was in the summer months. from Muscat, it’s a world away from special indeed to sip my morning city life, creating an authentic taste coffee whilst gazing out across SAHAB RESORT & SPA the vastness of the surroundings, of the Omani experience. The hotel Sitting atop a peak in Jabel Al is made up of a series of static ivory watching as the sun stretched and Akhdar is the Sahab Resort and one or two bedroom Bedouin tents, touched each mountainous ridge Spa, the latest hotel offering from each luxuriously furnished with dark in turn. the Omani Al Nahda group. Known woods, richly patterned fabrics and for their strong commitment to ultra-comfortable beds. For a truly There are lots of excursion options service and luxurious settings, this majestic stay, and this resort does host from the hotel - some abseiling and hotel seeks to offer a mountain royalty, there are the Royal Suites. The mountain climbing for adrenalinegetaway where guests can truly seekers, alongside more sedate tours size of almost four tents together, each relax. The hotel is centred around is capacious at 139 square meters and of local villages, the rose garden its spectacular vistas of gorges, equipped with separate bedrooms, a or even star gazing. I opted for waterfalls and stone cut ridges. living room and a private patio. the village tour, taking in the local The designers have been keen to waterfall and getting a sense of ground the hotel in its location Other than the opulent the unique challenges of living in through a series of careful touches accommodation, what makes Dunes somewhere so remote.

- the million year-old fossils found unique is the swimming pool in the valley are visible throughout unlike many desert camps, Dunes After days of soaking up the endless the grounds and the local rosewater is unique in having a spectacular views by the pool, it was time to scents the halls. move on to a more archetypal Middle infinity pool, with views stretching Eastern experience in the sand dunes. out for miles over undulating terrain.

Sahab offers 27 rooms in three This immersion in the landscape different categories - Studio rooms, DUNES BY AL NAHDA is important, and it is emphasised Suite rooms & Family Suites. The at every opportunity - each tent RESORT decor is influenced by rich Omani enjoys similarly spectacular view Mirage-like and utterly majestic, culture, equipped with all the of the dunes or the distant Al Hajar the Dunes by Al Nahda resort sits modern amenities and offering a mountains, so, if like me you have a amongst the undulating sand dunes magnificent view of the Jabal Al little jet lag, you can watch the sunrise THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 39

travel Dunes has a stunning infinity pool

over the sands from your bed!

The resort offers a whole host of amazing experiences - from riding on Abdul the resident camel, guided quad biking on the dunes and even a most spectacular Arabian feast served under the stars. Just as in Sahab, Dunes prides itself on an excellent menu of Indian and Omani dishes. These are served in the Fleur Restaurant, open on all sides to the panoramic mountain views. Fleur’s head chef is somewhat of a local celebrity, having won the Omani equivalent of MasterChef. He was also a part of Rick Stein’s series on India 40 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

showing the calibre of the cookery on offer.

It is clear with both resorts that the work is collaborative and dependent upon excellent staff. The chefs, both Indian, are adept and dexterous in the kitchen, creating different takes on classic Omani dishes and elevating them to fine dining - of course with some spice and curry flavours thrown in. The spas too are what the group are known for; Dr Mary Ann is one of those brought in at the conception of the hotel group, with the owners seeking out her health and wellbeing expertise to set up the medi-spa

in the original Al Nadha Hotel. Her ethos and whole-body approach to wellbeing is echoed in each resort and she has designed a treatment menu for each that reflects its setting.

In Sahab, perched as it is high in the mountains, the signature scent is called ‘Clouds’ - an uplifting fragrance which pairs with the Signature massage. In Dunes, the scent is a more musky ‘Arabian Nights’ and the signature treatment is quite extraordinary. Called the ‘Sand Spa’, clients take to an open air treatment room are immersed in sand which has been heated by the sun. It is said that

travel after setting up the spas - but she fell in love with Oman and moved permanently. I asked her about her thoughts on the way the modern world is changing what is ostensibly a tradition-led country “the country is not virgin anymore, in the respect of technology and infrastructure, she is newly married though - growing a little, finding her way, experiencing new things and of course changing - but ultimately Oman is not so changed from its core and that is what makes it so magical.”

a sand bath provides relief for people suffering from a range of muscular disorders as well as helping to ease the symptoms and heal various skin conditions too - the gentle heat is also supremely relaxing, bringing a soothing warmth to the body without becoming overly hot. After the sand, which exfoliates the skin too, a moisturising coating of natural yoghurt is applied to the skin. Quite unique and almost elemental in its approach, this is a treatment unlike any you might find elsewhere.

Dr Mary, originally from Scotland, was certain she would return home

It is amazing that a country can have as peaceful an existence as this, often called upon to be the mediator of other political conflicts. The Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said plays a part in this prosperity, and his particular penchant for aesthetically pleasing architecture has seen Oman, and Muscat in particular, grow gracefully and with tradition at its heart - you won’t see the skyscrapers of Dubai here as all buildings are limited to four storeys. There are lots of excursions available from Dunes which take in some of the city’s best sights - you can meander through the nearby Matrah Souk or visit the city’s architectural gem - Sultan Qaboo’s Mosque. This mosque can accommodate over 7,000 worshippers inside it’s cool marble prayer rooms and at its heart it houses the most dazzling chandelier I have ever seen - all 8 tonnes of it.

I have travelled fairly extensively in the Middle East, but something about Oman really did capture my imagination. It offers so much to the traveller - world-class scenery, lots of cultural sights, and of course that wonderful Omani hospitality.

The Al Nahda Group too make the most of these elements, amplifying them in their hotels to give guests an authentic, but relaxing experience

and surely fond memories of a holiday filled with adventure and discovery.

TRAVELLER’S TIPS Oman is a sunny country during almost all its seasons, even in the winter. Temperatures vary between 25°C and 17°C in the winter, to 40°C and 30°C in the summer.

My stay included 4 nights at Sahab and then three nights at Dunes, private transfers and return flights with Oman Air. Cox & Kings (0203 642 0861) offers 4 nights at Sahab Resort & Spa on a full board basis and 3 nights at Dunes by Al Nahda on a half board basis from £2,395 per person (two sharing) including all private transfers and return economy international flights with Oman Air. The currency is the Omani Rial 2 rials is approximately £1 The national language is Arabic handy phrases include 'Shukraan' - thank you, 'Salam Alaikum' – hello or peace be with you, to which the response is 'Wa-Alaikum-Salaam' and peace with you also

USEFUL LINKS coxandkings.co.uk omanair.com sahabresort.com dunesbyalnahda.com

Bedrooms at Sahab

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 41

photography

A GUIDE TO WINTER PHOTOGRAPHY FIONA TURNBULL from Lacock Photography offers a fantastic guide to making the most of the conditions offered by winter.

S

pring, summer and particularly autumn are all popular times of the year for photography, but winter always seems to get left out in the cold.

Winter photography undoubtedly presents more challenges than the other seasons: low light levels, rain and cold fingers to name but a few, however, with a little know-how, all these problems can be overcome.

So, this winter, instead of leaving your camera to hibernate, put on some

42 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

gloves and try out these simple tips for winter pics and uncover those photographic gems that winter has to offer.

"Photographing snow is tricky for any photographer, so always shoot in RAW format so you can make exposure and colour adjustments when you come to edit your winter shots"

READY, SET, SNOW! Who doesn’t love snow? Waking up to your garden transformed into a winter wonderland is enough to put anyone in a good mood. If you’re lucky enough to have snow this year, or are planning a wintry getaway, have a go at capturing the beauty and excitement that snowfall brings.

A top tip for snow photography is to head out early: warm sunrise tones will stop your snowy landscapes looking dreary, and the snow will

photography be fresh and footprint free!

Photographing snow is tricky for any photographer, so always shoot in RAW format so you can make exposure and colour adjustments when you come to edit your winter shots.

CITY PHOTOGRAPHY Although the natural world may turn brown and bare in the winter, urban spaces, especially at night, come alive with the bright lights of shops and traffic.

When out and about this year, practice your street photography and use the glowing city streets for a moody backdrop. Have a go at mastering the bokeh effect, that is creating a softfocus background made up of blurred light spots. To achieve this effect, you’ll want to use a low F number or simply set your camera to portrait mode.

THE GREAT INDOORS Urban spaces come alive with the bright lights of shops and traffic Use a tripod to photograph a still life scene

Photography isn’t always about new places, sometimes it’s nice to just stay home and relax with some in-house photography.

If you’re photographing a still life scene, such as your famous winter soup or a stack of favourite rainy-day books, the best way to achieve a professional looking snap is to use a tripod as it will enable you to produce a super sharp image even on dark days. Take advantage of natural light sources by positioning your subject by a window, and pay extra attention to your background: remember to clear away that household clutter!

• lacockphotography.com THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 43

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fi

house & home Knees has recently added the design and installation of kitchens to their repertoire

KITCHENS AT KNEES Knees has been associated with great value products for the home for 140 years. Now, they have launched a new range of kitchens so you can rely on them for a great design and installation too.

52

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K

nees has combined 140 years of expertise with carefully selected, experienced and knowledgeable business partners that share their company values.

Working together they provide the very best in kitchen design, product choice and installation.

At every step of the way, from design to delivery, they have assembled a team with the skills to take control and manage each aspect of your new kitchen project. Their aim is simple: to make your kitchen project experience as hassle free as possible and; an enjoyable, creative process which delivers the kitchen of your dreams.

house & home

THE APPLIANCES As an independent family retailer Knees is proud of its heritage. The skills and knowledge of their friendly team combined with an extensive choice of appliances, across all major manufacturers, allows them to help you find the appliances to perfectly complement your new kitchen.

THE FITTERS

SMH Construction is a wellestablished family business, and members of the Federation of Master Builders. SMH believe in exacting standards and has a collaborative approach to ensure the smooth running of your kitchen installation.

They offer a wealth of experience THE KITCHENS and trade skills with projects ranging Masterclass, makers of award from small alterations and kitchen winning kitchens, are an innovative replacements through to building family business that has been extensions. Their knowledge and manufacturing kitchens since 1975 expertise means they can manage in the UK. With over 270 different and deliver your kitchen project with doors, 40 colours and 16,000 different dependable commitment to quality cabinet configurations, choice is of work, scheduling and cost control. at the heart of every Masterclass kitchen design. Choose your favourite BOOK A DESIGN modern or classic style and start the APPOINTMENT journey to a kitchen that has the Located in the Knees Trowbridge quality to last a lifetime. store at Spitfire Retail Park, the kitchen showroom has been designed to THE DESIGNERS offer an interactive and immersive A Knees kitchen is individually experience. If you would like to designed and made for each discuss your new kitchen ideas with customer. It starts with a one of their kitchen designers pay a conversation, and their designers visit to the store or call 01225 759810. listen and develop those discussions into your ideal kitchen. Designers • www.kitchensatknees.co.uk Richard and Ross can guide you through the process whilst providing Choose from modern and classic designs their expert practical advice.

"At every step of the way from design to delivery they have assembled a team with the skills to take control and manage each aspect of your new kitchen project."

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 53

home & gardens

ON THE FENCE

Westbury Fencing can carry out whatever it takes to turn your garden into a beautiful outdoor living area.

FENCING SERVICES • Close Board Fencing with Featheredge Boards • Overlap Panel Fencing • Picket Fencing • Gates • Repairs and replacements

LANDSCAPING

Westbury Fencing is a family run business

A

well-kept garden is welcoming, relaxing and increases your property’s value, but fitting new garden fencing into your busy life can be difficult.

Westbury Fencing are ready, willing and able to help anyone with a garden fencing project to provide a professional finish to your garden and property. Based in the Wylye Valley, their fencing services cover Trowbridge, Warminster, Westbury, Frome and surrounding areas. As a small, family run business, they pride themselves in providing the highest

They can replace a broken fence or replace your whole boundary

54 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

possible standards of professional service. They understand that quality and reliability are at the top of everyone’s list when choosing a fencing contractor and aim to exceed your expectations.

A fine fence is an essential attribute for your garden, giving it definition, protection and privacy. A well-built fence can be an attractive feature too, and at Westbury Fencing they are experts at installing solid fencing, fencing posts and panels. They can also construct ornamental fencing

"A fine fence is an essential attribute for your garden, giving it definition, protection and privacy." (including contemporary horizontal fencing) and trellises, which can then be planted up with climbers like clematis, jasmine or roses for a beautiful display that will last for years.

As well as fencing, Westbury Fencing's garden expertise also extends to landscaping, including laying decking, paving and gravel and installing turf and artificial turf too. The winter is an ideal time to carry out your hard lanscaping, giving the ground and plants time to recover or bed in before the growing season starts.

Whatever your garden requirements might be, you can rely on Westbury Fencing to get the job done. What’s more, all their materials are CCA standard pressure treated and wherever possible - locally sourced. A consultation and quotation will cost you nothing, so why not give them a call today on 01373 822933 or 07506 373335 to see what they can do for your garden?

• westburygardenfencing.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

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Marsh Road, Hilperton, Wiltshire BA14 7PL Tel 01225 571331

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Visit our independent showroom at

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01985 843035

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Tel 01225 763927

Plants, Trees & Shrubs, Bedding Plants, Fruit & Veg, Seeds & Bulbs, Gardening Products, Paving, Pots & Containers, Ornaments, Tools, Compost and Wildlife Feed plus A wide selection of gifts for every occasion Garden Furniture & Barbecues

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

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

Lasting Power of Attorney

WINTER PROMOTION

£75

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

+VAT

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

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

To make an appointment for a home visit please telephone:

01225 400060

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

SAFE CARE Providing care in the comfort of your own home We can assist with: • Personal Care: Showering, washing & bathing • Lunches: Fresh or frozen meals • Domestic: General cleaning • Laundry: Washing, drying & ironing • Shopping: You can go with your carer or we can do it for you • Medication prompting • Safety visits • Sitting services

For more information please get in touch.

We operate 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Covering Bradford on Avon, Melksham, Trowbridge & surrounding villages Tel: 01225 350612 | www.safecare-wiltshire.co.uk Email: safe-care@blueyonder.co.uk CQC Rated Good

CALM MINDS YOGA

Wednesdays: 7.15-8.25pm

Yoga for all levels from a stimulating Hatha into a lovely Yin practice. Our classes aim to energise, balance & calm the body & mind.

at South Wraxall Village Hall, near Bradford on Avon Call Gemma on 07473 114416 for class details, booking & availability FIND US ON

f

health & wellbeing

HEALTH & WELLNESS After a hectic festive season and as we enter late winter, we could all do with a refresh. Here are some great ways to invigorate your mind and body & ensure you are looking after you in 2020.

60 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

health & wellbeing The Rooftop Pool at Thermae Bath Spa

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 61

health & wellbeing

"Yoga unites the mind, body and soul in a way that eases tension, reduces inflammation and promotes health and wellbeing."

Bradford on Avon every Wednesday from 7.15-8.25pm and costs £9 per session or you can block book classes for a reduced rate. Call 07473 114416 to find out more.

• calmminds.org.uk

CONNECT WITH REIKI

Reiki's true translation is 'Spiritual Energy', it is all around us and within us. Reiki is a method of channelling this energy through the hands to benefit a person on an emotional and physical level. It is not a belief system, it is not a religion and does not contradict any religious faith - it works with them.

The Spa at Bowood combines indulgent treatments with impeccable facilities

BOWOOD SPA

At The Spa at Bowood, they combine some of the most indulgent spa treatments in Wiltshire with a breadth of impeccable facilities to create the perfect spa day, leaving you feeling refreshed and relaxed.

Rejuvenate and detox the mind and body with a signature treatments then take some time out in their luxurious relaxation area, soaking up the warmth from the roaring fire.

Indulge in delicious food and make the most of the full use of their spa facilities, including infinity swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, state of the art gym, plus a sumptuous robe and slippers.

Alternatively, if you have a loved one in need, why not treat them to one of their gift experiences? Call 01249 822228 or see the website for details.

• bowood.org 62 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

CALM MINDS YOGA

Yoga unites the mind, body and soul in a way that eases tension, reduces inflammation and promotes health and wellbeing. Yin and yang can be seen as being present in everything.

Two opposing qualities that can't exist without the other. This is the same in yoga. Yang (hatha) yoga involves sun salutations, sequences and flows focusing more on the muscles, blood and tissues. The yin element is a more passive practice, focusing on the joints, bones and connective tissues, relaxing and calming the mind and body.

Gemma Howard runs a session of Hatha and Yin yoga aimed at all levels of ability but especially for those new to yoga. The session involves a 30-35 minute Hatha flow followed by a 20-25 min Yin practice and a savasana meditation. The class takes place at South Wraxall village hall near

Jenny teaches three levels of Reiki, Shoden level 1, Okuden level 2 and Shinpiden level 3. Reiki Treatments available for stress relief, relaxation, illness, peace of mind, and so much more! Jenny says, “The effects of regular meditation and reiki (reiki is meditation) on health have been extensively studied at more than 200 universities, hospitals, and research institutions in 27 countries. Medical and surgical conditions were 60-70% less in those who practised regular meditation, with 87% fewer instances of diseases of the heart and blood vessels, 55% fewer tumours, 73% fewer respiratory disorders, 87% fewer neurological problems and 30% fewer infections.”

• connectwithreiki.co.uk

FIRST STEP GYM

If you missed the January rush to the gym don’t despair, now is a great time to make good on those New Year’s resolutions and improve both

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

They don’t believe that “one size fits all” when it comes to fitness clubs, so you can opt in as much, or as little as you like. What you are guaranteed when you visit though is a fully equipped gym complete with Life Fitness cardiovascular machines and a comprehensive free weights area plus instructors on hand to make sure you’re getting the most out of each exercise. Two studios offer a wide variety of classes including spin, yoga and circuits, and they also have their own 15m swimming pool available too. And once you are done with your workout you can wind down in the sauna, or perhaps you’d like a treatment at their inhouse beauty studio? The choice is yours… Call to find out more on 01225 812612.

• firststepukgym.com

"Jo Brewer uses gentle muscle testing techniques to go beyond your symptoms, detecting underlying imbalances within the body"

JB KINESIOLOGY

Do you have persistent symptoms or ongoing physical or mental issues which just don’t seem to get better, or you can’t get to the bottom of?

balance. She employs a wide range of Kinesiology techniques, which are targeted to address the root causes, allowing your body and mind to heal. Kinesiology is suitable for all ages and a wide range of problems including anxiety, IBS/digestive issues, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, physical injuries and so much more.

Call Jo to find out more on 01373 859689 or 07906 063489 or email jo@ jbkinesiology.co.uk.

• jbkinesiology.co.uk

PARHAM PHYSIOTHERAPY SOLUTIONS

Parham Physiotherapy Solutions offers more than 30 years combined experience delivering specialist Physiotherapy services within a wide range of settings. They have worked at the highest level within professional sport and NHS settings and use their knowledge of current evidence to provide you with the most effective management programme to help you on your road to recovery.

Appointments are available at their clinic in Edington, located in a beautiful yet still convenient location with plenty of free on-site parking.

Alternatively, appointments are also available at Roundstone Surgery in Trowbridge for those who would prefer to be seen at their clinic in the town centre. To find out more call 01225 375125 or email info@ parhamphysiotherapy.co.uk.

• parhamphysiotherapy.co.uk

Kinesiology, a complete holistic therapy, could be the answer. Jo Brewer uses gentle muscle testing techniques to go beyond your symptoms, detecting underlying imbalances within the body and the root causes of those symptoms.

Further muscle testing reveals what ‘corrections’ are required to restore 64 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Parham Physiotherapy Solutions use their extensive knowledge to get you on the road to recovery

VITALITY DAY SPA

With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, many of you will be considering treating a loved one with a spa day.

At Vitality Day Spa in Bradford on Avon they are offering a fantastic pamper package that will be available throughout February. This

special 70-minute treatment includes a back, neck and shoulder massage, an express facial and scalp massage and a hand and foot scrub and massage. Alternatively, join in the fun with their ‘Love Is In The Air’ couples offer, which gives you 10% off either their personally designed facial or three-point massage when booking in for a couples treatment on the 14, 15 or 16 February. Not only that but all treatments enjoyed from the 14 Vitality Day Spa is offering a special 70-minute treatment this February including a back, neck and shoulder massage

VALUE YOUR HEALTH & WELLBEING? Systematic Kinesiology

A natural, holistic approach to healthcare which can help: • IBS/Gut Health • Sports/Other Injuries • Skin Complaints • Hormone Imbalances • Migraines/Headaches • Allergies/Intolerances

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

Jo Brewer Kinesiology

Balanced Health For Body & Mind Tel: 01373 859689 or 07906 063489 jo@jbkinesiology.co.uk www.jbkinesiology.co.uk

HIGHLY SKILLED PHYSIOTHERAPISTS BASED IN EDINGTON & TROWBRIDGE

EXPERTS IN: • SPORTS INJURIES • MUSCULOSKELETAL COMPLAINTS • PAIN MANAGEMENT

• BACK CARE • REHABILITATION • ACUPUNCTURE • MANUAL THERAPY • PILATES

info@parhamphysiotherapy.co.uk | 01225 375125 REGISTERED WITH ALL MAJOR HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANIES

www.parhamphysiotherapy.co.uk

Call us on

01225 812816

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

Swimming Pool • Sauna • Beauty & Treatment Room Personal Training • Hot Showers • Complimentary Towels Les Mills Classes • Smith Machine • HD Elite Power Rack Lifting Platform • Full range of Dumbbells • Life FitnessTM equipment Leafield Industrial Estate, Corsham SN13 9SW firststepukgym.com

health & wellbeing to 16 February are accompanied by a free glass of fizz and chocolates.

Away from Valentine’s Day, the February Treatment of the Month is a personally designed facial with a twist. Using a gorgeous cacao massage candle, this treatment involves a neck, décolleté, shoulder, arm, hand and foot massage as well as all the other usual aspects of their fabulous personally designed facial.

This 60-minute treatment costs £64.

Call 01225 309356 or email book@ vitalitydayspa.co.uk.

• vitalitydayspa.co.uk

WOOLLEY GRANGE

Woolley Grange has a range of imaginative options for spa days

THERMAE BATH SPA & THE GAINSBOROUGH BATH SPA JOIN FORCES TO PUT WELLNESS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

The family friendly spa at Woolley Grange offers wonderfully relaxing Elemis treatments and Jessica Nails for grown-ups. It has a warm indoor pool overlooking the walled kitchen gardens and, in summer, a heated outdoor pool with far reaching views across the valley. There is also a steam room and sauna (strictly for the adults).

Throughout January, February and March, Thermae Bath Spa and The Gainsborough Bath Spa will be staging a series of events focussed on wellness. The programme is open for anyone who has an interest in wellness, both physical and mental.

Some of the events that are on offer during Feel Good Bath are:

The hotel offers some imaginative options for spa days. The Morning Refresh, Afternoon Revive and Twilight Treat are perfect for working people who want squeeze in a bit of relaxation to their busy week.

Midweek Reviver 21 January – 26 March Dispel those winter blues and treat yourself to a great value Midweek Reviver package at Thermae Bath Spa offering a choice of lovely spa treatments.

Going the whole hog? Then it has to be the Indulge & Soothe Day, including a full 55 minute treatment of your choice and a two course lunch or full afternoon tea.

There is also the special Time for Mum2Be day including a peaceful pregnancy massage, and the Time Together day for adult and child, which includes a cream tea, a swim for you both, one hour in the Ofsted registered crèche for your little one whilst you enjoy a treatment, then read the paper and have a coffee. For details see Spa Days on the website.

• woolleygrangehotel.co.uk 66 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Phenomenal Women 23 January & 25 March A series of events focusing on high profile business women who have made a significant impact in their field. Each woman will talk about the experiences she has encountered on her route to success. Eva Hamilton MBE, CEO & Founder of Key4Life, and Jessica Siggers, a high profile digital content creator will be our next Phenomenal Women.

Aquasana in the Rooftop Pool 6 February & 5 March Aquasana is an invigorating fitness

session that combines yoga poses, Tai Chi and strengthening moves to tone and stretch the body. Early birds to the Spa can start their session with a complimentary class, taking in the sights of the city from the rooftop pool.

Live music in the Minerva Bath 27 February Guests can soak up the atmosphere and relax in the Minerva Bath while listening to the uplifting sounds of the Gaulois Brothers.

Truth behind Meditation 4 March Meditation can help to begin many positive changes to your body & mind. Join Madeleine Blackburn of The Soul Spa for a guided breathing exercise and talk on the scientific effects and benefits of regular meditation.

Cross Bath Open Day 19 March The historic Cross Bath will be open for FREE 1-hour sessions throughout the day when guests can bathe in the natural thermal waters.

For full details and bookings, please visit the website.

• ThermaeBathSpa.com

V I TA L I T Y D AY S PA

A sanctuary of relaxation in Bradford On Avon

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

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

VALENTINE’S DAY PAMPER PACKAGE... £75 AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT FEBRUARY

TREATMENT OF THE MONTH - PERSONALLY DESIGNED FACIAL WITH A TWIST A 60 MINUTE TREATMENT... £64

***FREE GLASS OF FIZZ & CHOCOLATES WITH ALL TREATMENTS 14-16 FEB*** TREATMENT MENU & DESCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE IN THE SPA & ON OUR

f PAGE

01225 309356 • vitalitydayspa.co.uk • book@vitalitydayspa.co.uk • 8 Market St, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1LH

bath rugby

BATH RUGBY WALK The Bath Rugby Walk will return in March, raising funds for Dorothy House Hospice Care and Bath Rugby Foundation.

T

aking place on Saturday 7 March, the Bath Rugby Walk will once again follow the Kennet & Avon canal path route. It starts at Dorothy House’s Winsley base at 11am and ends at the home of Bath Rugby in Bath city centre.

Last year over 530 people took part.

The Bath Rugby Walk is a highlight of the year for both the charities it supports

Once at the Rec walkers will be able to enjoy a well-earned drink and a pie while watching Six Nations action together: • Ireland v Italy - 2.15pm • England v Wales - 4:.45pm Men and women aged 12 years and over are invited to take part and help raise vital funds for the Bath Rugby Foundation and Dorothy House Hospice Care.

Emily Knight, Event Fundraiser, Dorothy House Hospice Care said: “Last year’s walk was a fantastic success with over 530 walkers getting involved. The funds raised for Dorothy House this year will help us provide patients with specialist palliative and end of life care and support for their families. We’re looking forward to a big turn out for this year’s Bath Rugby Walk which is always an important fundraiser for both charities.”

“The money raised by walkers makes a huge difference to the lives of young people in Bath, many of whom have had the toughest start to life.” of our year, seeing so many people walking along the canal path in great spirits. The money raised by walkers makes a huge difference to the lives of young people in Bath, many of whom have had the toughest start to life. The fact that this money is raised by people having a lovely time – with a bit of light exercise thrown in, is a bonus.”

Victoria Dulley, who took part in the 2019 Bath Rugby Walk as a member of the St John’s Foundation team, said: “Last year’s Bath Rugby Walk was a brilliant occasion and the whole St Halena Coury, Head of Fundraising John’s team had a great time. We all at Bath Rugby Foundation, said: “The encourage everyone in Bath to take Bath Rugby Walk is always a highlight part – you’ll have a lovely day and Watch England v Wales at the Rec after the walk

help raise money for Dorothy House and Bath Rugby Foundation.”

If your team is between 12 and 20 people and you’d enjoy a private space to watch the Six Nations you can even reserve a box at Bath Rec. Entry is £25 for men and women aged 18 and over. For children aged 12-17 and students with a NUS Card the cost is £17.50. Sign up to take part at bathrugbywalk.org.uk Once again Thrings have given their support to the Bath Rugby Walk as the event’s Lead Sponsor, along with Event Partners Chunk, Bath Ales and Thatchers.

• bathrugby.com

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

15 February 15:00 A Worcester Warriors GP 22 February 15:00 H Harlequins GP 1 March 15:00 H Bristol Bears GP 7 March 14:30 A Exeter Chiefs GP TV 21 March 15:00 H London Irish GP

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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. CHAMRAG

a) to gossip b) a scarecrow made of old garments c) one who haunts good tables, a greedy sponger

2. LINCHARD

a) a thin, lanky person b) a pole slung across a stream to stop cattle passing c) a precipitous strip of land on a hillside

3. MICKLE

a) a large playing marble b) to move food about on the plate for want of an appetite c) much, occasionally

4. PODGE

a) anything very thick & sticky b) a badly manufactured tiddlywink, flat on both sides c) being chubby & somewhat squat

LOST IN TRANSLATION In their eagerness to move into and conquer new markets, many huge Western companies forgot to do their homework. When the name Microsoft was first translated into Chinese, they went for a literal translation of the two parts of the name; unfortunately that meant it was called ‘small and flaccid’.

Pepsi’s famous slogan ‘Come Alive with Pepsi’ was dropped in China after it was translated as ’Pepsi brings your ancestors back from the grave’.

When General Motors tried to market the Chevy Nova car in Central & South America, they overlooked the fact Nova means, ‘it doesn’t go’ in Spanish.

When American Airlines wanted to advertise its new leather seats in the Mexican market, it translated its ‘Fly In Leather’ campaign literally, which meant ‘Fly Naked’ in Spanish.

When Parker marketed a ball-point pen in Mexico, its ads were supposed to say “It won’t leak in your pocket and embarrass you”. However, the company’s mistakenly thought the Spanish word “embarazar” meant embarrass. Instead the ads said that “It wont leak in your pocket and make you pregnant”.

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

CAN YOU GUESS THE CORRECT DEFINITION?

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puzzles

TEA BREAK TEASERS What/who is missing from the grid?

PARKRUN WORDSEARCH

ASHTON COURT BATH CHELTENHAM CHIPPENHAM FROME

KEYNSHAM MARLBOROUGH MELKSHAM SALISBURY SHEPTON MALLET

SOUTHWICK STREET SWINDON TETBURY YEOVIL

WIN A £20 iTUNES VOUCHER! SUDOKU

EASY

Email your answers to these trivia questions to comp@wired-publishing.co.uk by 23.02.2020 to be in with a chance of winning a £20 iTunes voucher. Good luck!

Q1: Who founded parkrun in 2004?

Q2: Who is the, running unassisted, female world record holder with a time of 15mins 50 secs?

Q3: What is the name of the only parkrun on The Falkland Islands?

LAST MONTH’S SOLUTIONS Wordsearch missing word: Morocco Quiz answers 1: Kingston S.E., SA 2: Whale watching 3: Vendee 4: Valley of the Wolf 5: A cricket pitch

72 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Q4: What was the date of the first parkrun held in Australia?

Q5: Where was the first parkrun outside the UK held?

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

last word

ICE ICE BABY...

TOO COLD! TOO COLD!

B

rrrrrrr!! I believe that is the traditional way to convey how cold it is in writing? It is currently 4am on what I think will turn out to be the coldest night of the year. The reason I am up so early is that I find it much easier to write without any distractions so will often get up while it is dark and the rest of the family are still slumbering. The reason I am colder than I might expect to be, even on a night like this, is that two days ago, right at the beginning of this current cold snap, our boiler broke down! Not a complete meltdown, just a part that needs replacing but that still means a couple of days without heating. Luckily for

great height. But I love my onesie…

I love it so much I actually wore it to school pick-up once as the couple I have tried to stave off the worst of who bought it mistakenly said “We thought you could wear it to school the iciness by wearing the onesie I if it was cold” as a bit of a joke not was bought just before Christmas. realizing I’d take this as a challenge Yes you heard correctly and those and rock up doing just that….I was of a nervous disposition may want quite lucky to be allowed past the to stop reading now as I attempt school gates I think!!! My 6-year old to describe the scene. Some good daughter thought it was hilarious friends of mine were at a jumble that her dad would pick her up sale and saw an adult men’s onesie dressed in such a way… Can you priced, very reasonably, at 50p. I imagine what she will think if I arrive would have had the stallholders to pick her up in 3 year’s time in my give me 50p to take it away but onesie? I’m not sure I’d get the same each to his own I guess. It is blue and white in a sort of Nordic pattern reaction!! (all very hygge)with a hood as Phil Rockliffe well to complete the look. I should probably say at this point that I’m pack up her protests about Global Warming if she were here.

“I have tried to stave off the worst of the iciness by wearing the onesie I was bought just before Christmas. Yes you heard correctly and those of a nervous disposition may want to stop reading now as I attempt to describe the scene.” us we have a solar panel linked to the hot water so we have that at least, but no heating at all, in minus temperatures is a bit of a trial.

Whilst without central heating we are fortunate at least to have the use of three electric heaters, one for each kid’s bedroom and one for ours, which means there isn’t one for the office at this time of day. Obviously we can move them around and the office is lovely and toasty when my wife is at her desk… just saying… but currently it is cold enough that Greta might 74 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

not a small man, if I were to wear a pair of Speedos, which I don’t by the way (thank God for small mercies) it would look a bit like a rubber band on an egg!! So I am sat at my desk with my onesie zipped up to the top, my hood up and the ends tucked into a rather fetching pair of polka dot socks. I am still a little bit nippy but it’s actually not too bad.

I never thought I’d be the proud owner of a onesie for the first time in my mid-fifties. In fact, if you had told me I’d ever own such a thing I’d have poured scorn on you from a