The West Wilts Magazine - November 2020

NOVEMBER 2020 // ISSUE 131

FREE

West Wilts The

A JOURNEY THROUGH

WIDBROOK WOOD

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

GIFTS FOR ALL THE FAMILY

+ LACOCK PHOTOGRAPHY TT CYCLES WOOLLEY GRANGE & MUCH MORE

MAGAZINE

WIN AN OONI PIZZA OVEN!

E V I T S FE

S T S A FE S ISTMA L R H C A C US LICIO THESE LO E D B GRA IES FROM ITES R GOOD FAVOU

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

EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN | COMPLETE INSTALLATION

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

www.bathroomsatno5.co.uk

contents

November 2020 // issue 131

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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: Festive Feasts

ovember is always a fantastic edition to work on as the excitement starts to build towards Christmas. Granted, we have to start working on it around about the end of September, which is a bit early for anyone to be feeling festive, but now the weather has turned and the nights are drawing in Christmas is definitely on the way. Two of our main features this edition celebrate this fact; Festive Feasts and Christmas Shopping!

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Festive Feasts is always a popular one - Christmas is so much about eating and drinking with those we love. Support your local producers and traders this Christmas as best you can by making sure you surround yourself with the best quality produce you can afford (p21).

Our Christmas Shopping feature (p37) is packed full of ideas on where to get your gifts and decorations this festive season. Again, do support local independents whenever you can, they’ve never needed your support more.

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Turn the page to enjoy a great read and stay safe everyone!

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

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in this issue...

LOCAL NEWS Frome Walking Festival Hope Nature Centre Haynes Motor Museum re-opens Rustiq Fitness Luxeco Holidays

6 8 8 10 12

FOOD & DRINK Cru Wines Festive Nights Out Winter at Woolley Grange Eat the Seasons Pumpkin recipes

14 18 28 29

FEATURES Festive Feasts Widbrook Wood Christmas Shopping TT Cycles

21 34 37 44

Lacock Photography

46

HOUSE & HOME Haus Life Wadswick Green

52 54

HEALTH & WELLBEING Woolly Grange Vitality Day Spa

58 58

BATH RUGBY 8 Bath players called up for England 60 COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES Win an Ooni Pizza Oven!

16 That’s interesting...

62 Quiz, wordsearch & sudoku 64 COMMENT The Last Word

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Allsop Carpets & Flooring

• Carpets • Vinyl • Naturals • Wood Flooring

Amtico Rotterdam Oak

www.allsopcarpets.co.uk | 01373 463866 or 07887 953014 Corner Garage, Christchurch St West, Frome BA11 1EB

Using British Manufacturers & Suppliers

MANY NEW ITEMS ...great prices all year round

fti

01985 847031 • sofacoplus@yahoo.co.uk • sofaco.co.uk • 15 George St, Warminster, BA12 8QA

local news

AWDRY BAILEY DOUGLAS TO OPEN NEW SWINDON OFFICE

A

wdry Bailey & Douglas, one of Wiltshire’s leading law firms, has recently completed the lease of their new office in Swindon as part of the firm’s continued expansion plans.

services, including Conveyancing, Commercial, Employment, Family Law and Private Client services to the local community throughout Swindon and the surrounding areas.

The newly built, well specified office is part of the Swindon Gateway North business park on Latham Road, adjoining the B4534 Lady Lane and the A419 dual carriageway. The office provides dedicated car parking spaces, is easily accessible via Junction 15 of the M4 and is conveniently located close to the Orbital Shopping Park and the David Lloyd sports and leisure club.

Tim Hotchkiss, Partner and member of ABD’s Management Board, who have overseen the completion of the lease, • awdrys.co.uk commented “Geographic expansion is one of the firm’s key strategic The new Swindon office objectives. Whilst we already offer our services remotely, through video calls, over the telephone and via email, we understand being able to access your lawyer in person, in an easily accessible, COVID-19 secure environment, is still highly valued by our clients.

The new office, due to open in early 2021, will provide a full range of legal

“Being part of the local community is important to us at ABD. Our new

D

SAVE THE DATE FOR FROME WALKING FESTIVAL

uring lockdown many people discovered beauty spots around Frome for the very first time while taking their daily exercise - others took the opportunity to visit their favourite walks many times, appreciating how they change on a daily basis.

Although some Covid restrictions remain, Frome Walkers are Welcome are pleased to announce the return of their annual walking festival on the weekend of Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November.

numbers will be limited by current guidelines.

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listed on the Discover Frome website which you can download and use at your leisure.

Cllr Rich Ackroyd said: “Last year’s festival was incredibly popular, even • discoverfrome.co.uk/town-walks with all the rain! Now in its 3rd year, even though circumstances are Frome Walking Festival returns this month a little different due to the Covid guidelines we have to adhere to, we are pleased we are able to plan some walks that we hope walkers of every level can enjoy”.

Keep an eye out over on the Discover Frome website as a full programme There will be a number of walks on of walks taking place, and how to offer, including self-guided walks and reserve your space, will be available activities for families, plus guided soon. walks in small groups. To make the walking festival as safe and enjoyable If you fancy exploring some walks as possible this year, all participants in your own company and time, will have to book in advance and there are also a host of town walks 6

Swindon office will enable us to offer easy access to our highly qualified lawyers, who are here to provide not only the trusted, personalised and high quality legal services we are renowned for, but also to help and support local people, local businesses and the wider community as a whole.”

local news

HOPE NATURE CENTRE GEARS UP FOR A NEW CHRISTMAS EVENT

H

ope Nature Centre is getting ready for an exciting new Christmas event, running on selected dates in November and December this year. ‘A Very Magical

Christmas At Hope Nature Centre’ is set to make the attraction a ‘must visit’ for families this Christmas, with a whole host of enchanting experiences on offer.

Hop aboard the Snowflake Express train, and enjoy a ride around the Animal Park. After you have disembarked, you’ll step through the doors of the Toy Workshop. Here you will have your very own ‘meet and greet’ with Santa or Mrs Claus, and can see where preparation for the big day happens.

Tickets to the event include a present for every child, and access to the Animal Park for the day. Adult tickets also include a hot chocolate and mince pie. The event is designed for groups of 5 or less, with a variety of measures in place to keep families (and Santa) safe. To find out more and book tickets, visit the website.

Meet Santa at Hope Nature Centre this Christmas

• hopenaturecentre.org.uk/christmas

COUNTDOWN TO REOPENING BEGINS AT HIMM

E

xcitement is building behind the scenes at the Haynes International Motor Museum in Somerset, as the team help to get both cars and exhibitions ready to welcome visitors in time for October half term. Photos from the Museum reveal the first of the famous Red Room cars, carefully making their HIMM are reopening in time for half term

return to the improved exhibition another big change for the returning space, as well as a sneak peek of visitor will be the way they journey one of many iconic Williams F1 cars through the space. entering an exclusive new exhibition.

Without compromising on visitor experience, the Museum’s look and There have been many new layout has changed significantly, developments since the Museum incorporating well-defined closed, with brand new exhibitions one-way and free flow zones as and interpretations installed but well as automatic hand sanitisers throughout.

Chris Scudds the Museum’s CEO explained further “Welcoming visitors back safely to experience the Museum in a new light is our team’s top priority. Now more than ever it’s important for the nation to support our museums and heritage sites.

Please come and visit, we’re open again from the 24 October.”

• himm.co.uk

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local news

GOING RUSTIQ

Rustiq Fitness, based out of Church Farm in Winsley, is a great new way to exercise that takes it all back to basics.

B

ased within a beautiful farm Rustiq is a brand new fitness community for Winsley, Bradford on Avon and the surrounding areas.

Rustiq Fitness use equipment from around the farm to give you a great all-round workout

Rustiq was founded by Fran and Arron, two passionate, experienced and knowledgeable trainers with a wealth of qualifications across all areas of fitness. They are supported by some of the best trainers in the area and are committed to providing enjoyable and effective workouts in a unique way.

Rustiq takes exercise back to basics, from the equipment, much of it repurposed elements from around the farm, such as old tractor tyres, sand bags and drums, through to the raw and spacious farmyard and fields where various classes are held.

There are a range of classes throughout the week, varying between Yard, a high reps and aerobic based “farm style” bootcamp, through to lower rep, heavier weight workouts in Grip and ending the week with Combine, a HIIT calorieburning workout on a Saturday.

The different classes ensure clients get a fully balanced workout week designed to improve every area of physical fitness.

MEMBERSHIPS There are a number of flexible payment options including pay as you go, class passes and membership. There are no joining or cancellation fees, all they ask is that you try and attend all classes you have booked.

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“Rustiq takes exercise back to basics, from the equipment, much of it repurposed elements from around the farm, through to the raw and spacious farmyard and fields where various classes are held” Classes have a maximum of 10 people, are all socially distanced and safe, and you have to pre-book a space on the website to guarantee your spot.

FREE TRIAL SESSION If you fancy giving a farm workout a go you can come for a free trial session using the code FREETASTER

at checkout. They are also offering a 15% discount on our class memberships to the first 25 people using the code ENDSUMMER. This will mean that instead of £90, you pay £76.50 on your first month! This gives you unlimited access to all the classes!

• rustiqfitness.com

local news

LUXECO HOLIDAYS

How the pandemic prompted entrepreneur ALICIA SHARPE to follow her dream of opening a luxury travel company with a difference…

A

licia is one of many who lost her livelihood. She explains, “I had just become a sole trader, preparing students for exams, while working freelance for a travel company. Then in a matter of days, that all ended.” Instead of letting that bring her down, Alicia used the time to merge her desire to work for herself and her love for travel to create Luxeco Holidays, a luxury eco-friendly travel company.

“People are taken aback when I tell them I’ve launched a travel company amid a pandemic, but I believe now is the best time to go for it!”

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It is a tough time to begin, but she is grateful for her wonderful support network of family and friends. “I was nervous about the uncertainty of it all. But now I have launched, I feel nothing but determination and optimism. My passion for travel started 14 years ago when I left Toronto to teach internationally. Since then, I have lived in four countries and travelled to over 60. Bradford-On-Avon has been home for the past six years, and I’ve found the community incredibly supportive. They have the philosophy ‘We are in this together.’”

the environment, which is why we source gorgeous, eco-friendly accommodation, without compromising on luxury.

Luxeco Holidays sets itself apart by trying change to way people travel - for the better. “Being independent allows us to provide high quality, personable service at each stage of our client’s journey. Our ethos is to ensure people travel responsibly.

We encourage everyone to reflect on how they can minimise their impact on local communities and

“I am just so passionate about travel. Each place I have visited has changed me. My calling is to inspire The world is slowly opening up. others on their own journey and Places like the Caribbean depend to connect as a global community. on tourism and are taking essential To find out more just follow me measures to create a safe experience. on Facebook: @LuxecoHolidays, or For the immediate future, many email: info@luxecoholidays.co.uk” people will be taking trips to Europe and exploring places closer to home. • luxecoholidays.co.uk

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Alicia Sharpe has opened Luxeco Holidays to help change the way we travel for the better

“Being independent allows us to provide high quality, personable service at each stage of our client’s journey. ”

Luxeco has a great range of options for tailor-made holidays, including wellness, nature, and culture. ‘The Purple Envelope Fund’ ensures your holiday makes a difference. Luxeco will donate to one of three local and international charities; you choose which cause to support.

WHY IS NOW A GREAT TIME TO BE BOOKING YOUR 2021 HOLIDAY? • Flexible booking terms • Low deposits; from as little as £99pp • Excellent promotions worldwide • Help the recovery of local economies and the UK travel industry • It gives you something positive to look forward to!

Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary Saving stray & unwanted dogs since 1958

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 BY APPOINTMENT ONLY (Office Hours: 10:00-12:30 & 14:00-16:30)

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

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

Contact our experienced consultants to design your bespoke holiday.

Let us take the stress out of planning... so you can relax, recharge and reconnect.

www.luxecoholidays.co.uk email info@luxecoholidays.co.uk tel 01225 941081

NEW SHOWROOM NOW OPEN IN WARMINSTER! Open: Monday-Friday 09:00–17:30hrs, Saturday 09:00–14:00hrs, Sunday Closed

A new family run bathroom and tile showroom offering an extensive range of bathrooms and tiles to suit all budgets and tastes, from traditional to contemporary.

FULL INSTALLATION SERVICE AVAILABLE We stock trusted bathroom brands including Roca, Scudo, Heritage as well as quality floor and wall tiles from Porcelanosa, Minoli and many more...

(Parking to the front of the showroom and a collection point to the rear.)

6 Silver Street, Warminster BA12 8PN Email: info@tilehousewarminster.com Tel: 01985 804745

food & drink

HOW TO ENTERTAIN ...IN A PANDEMIC LEANNE OLIVIER from Cru Wines discusses how they have adapted to offer socially distanced events in time for the festive season...

with the fire on and a glass of wine in hand, we’ve got some great winter-time warmers in stock. We are continuing to offer our FREE delivery service with no minimum order to Bradford on Avon, Trowbridge, Winsley and surrounding areas.

Visit us at Cru Wines, 4 Silver Street, Bradford on Avon, call 01225 862289, or place an order online and we’ll deliver the next working day.

Enjoy a socially distanced night out at Cru this Christmas

"With Christmas approaching we have launched a calendar of socially distanced tasting evenings that can be enjoyed in small groups."

W

e have all endured quite a year. Covid-19 has disrupted our lives more than at any other time in the last 75 years. We've gone through lockdown then other, lighter restrictions, and even as I write we are facing very real uncertainty.

By and large we have all risen to the challenge, doing our bit to help keep one another safe and embracing technology to keep in contact when it's not been possible to meet in real life. But we are social creatures and have all missed that real life contact.

With Christmas approaching we have launched a calendar of socially distanced tasting evenings that can

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MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTIONS be enjoyed in small groups. The upstairs space at Cru is the perfect wintry setting; a classy laid-back kitchen vibe with a small team on hand to offer you table service throughout the night. As you would expect all tables will be socially distanced. Whether you fancy a Christmas wine tasting, a cocktail or two with the girls, or a hearty beer & curry night we think they’ll be something for you to enjoy. All events will need to be pre-booked and will be open on a first come first served basis. More details can be found at cruwines.co.uk/collections/events or by following us on social media.

And if you decide that you’d rather stay in and enjoy the winter nights

We have recently launched a range of wine subscription boxes that are delivered monthly to your door with our monthly favourites and include tasting notes. Head to localgrape. co.uk/signup/client/cruwines/ to sign up!

• cruwines.co.uk

competition

WIN AN OONI FYRA PORTABLE PIZZA OVEN

Enter our competition for your chance to win an OONI FYRA portable pizza oven worth £229! They are great gifts for all pizza lovers!

O

oni Pizza Ovens has recently released a new wood pellet-powered pizza oven: Ooni Fyra. Ooni make cooking pizzeria-quality pizza possible for every home cook. Portable and affordable, their pizza ovens heat up fast to the exact temperatures as professional ovens for cooking authentic pizza with bubbling, wellcooked toppings, a nicely charred base and a puffy crust. Ooni Fyra streamlines wood-fired cooking with energy efficient hardwood pellets that simply feed through for maximum efficiency and a hasslefree cooking experience.

Perfect for pizza lovers and those ready to take on wood-fired cooking with ease, Ooni Fyra is a portable outdoor pizza oven and its incredibly easy to use. Simply set it up in your back garden or terrace, top it up with wood pellets and fire out delicious, authentic pizzas with a true wood-fired flavour!

home, it’s perfect for a cosy night in or to make the most of your outdoor space and enjoy wood-fired pizzas, veggies, steaks and so much more.

Kristian Tapaninaho, Ooni CEO and founder, said: “We know that even more people want to enjoy the magic of making wood-fired pizza, without the fuss of managing the fuel or fire. The strength of Ooni Fyra is in its incredible simplicity and ease of use - firing up with wood pellets takes all the hassle out of wood-fired cooking, along with the oven’s

With a two-part chimney plus a pellet burner and hopper that can be detached and stored inside the oven, Ooni Fyra is truly portable The Ooni Fyra makes and easy to pack cooking outdoors a away. For those breeze, and is a great gift idea for any pizza lover entertaining in the comfort of their own 16

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

truly intuitive design, so you can focus wholeheartedly on making pizzeria-quality, wood-fired pizza super fast.”

Ooni Fyra has been created to open up the Ooni wood-fired cooking experience to all pizza fans, whether they’re confident with cooking with fire or are keen to just give it a go.

Ooni Fyra is now available for £229 from uk.ooni.com and at selected retailers.

• uk.ooni.com

COMPETITION

For your chance to win one of these great Ooni Fyra Portable Pizza Ovens all you have to do is email your answer to this easy question to comp@wired-publishing.co.uk.

A CHEESE & TOMATO PIZZA IS ALSO COMMONLY CALLED WHAT? A) MARGHERITA B) PEPPERONI C) HAWAIIAN Email your answers now.

Good luck!

Ts & Cs: Closing date for entries is 30.11.2020.

Entrants must be 18 or over. Prize is as stated and is non transferable. Your details will not be stored or passed on.

1 Church Street Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1LN 01225 868686 theswanbradford.co.uk

theswanbradford @stayswan swanbradford

OUR DELICIOUS SUNDAY LUNCHES ARE BACK! Served every Sunday 12 noon – 3.30pm (Booking essential) Vegetarian options available, Dogs welcome

AUTHENTIC THAI FOOD (prepared by our Thai Chefs) Available Monday to Saturday Lunch & Dinner Thai Chilli Restaurant Open 12 noon – 3pm & 6pm – 10pm (Thai Takeaway and local non-contact delivery service also available)

PUB CLASSICS MENU (available all day)

Monday to Saturday 12 noon-10pm, Sunday 4pm–9pm Our pub also offers a great selection of real ales, lagers, ciders, wines & soft drinks.

THE

WESTBROOK

Bromham, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 2EE

tel 01380 850418

www.westbrookbromham.co.uk

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

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

Opening Times: Wednesday - Sunday 9am-10pm Food Served: Wednesday & Thursday 9am - 3pm & 5.30pm - 8pm, Friday-Sunday 9am - 8pm

food & drink

EAT DRINK & BE MERRY AT WOOLLEY GRANGE Woolley Grange, always a favourite place to relax, is offering some great family friendly dining options this festive season...

F

rom mid-November festive lunches and festive afternoon teas entice us into this beautiful old Jacobean manor. The fires are lit and the hotel has a cosy, homely charm. Where better to spend a cold afternoon?

Woolley Grange is a wonderfully cosy venue for a cold afternoon

The seasonal lunch (£25 for two courses, £30 for three) includes a complimentary glass of Bucks Fizz or a Cranberry Mocktail. Chef Jethro Lawrence spins his magic with some delicious dishes to whet the appetite. A real delight. Follow with a brisk stroll around the 14 acre grounds, including the Victorian walled kitchen garden where you can see Indian runner ducks, chickens and rabbits as well as the wonderful freshly grown produce on sale in the Potting Shed shop.

"The seasonal lunch includes a complimentary glass of Bucks Fizz or a Cranberry Mocktail.

Chef Jethro Lawrence spins his magic with some delicious dishes to whet the appetite."

The festive afternoon tea is a wonderful treat for the whole family (adults £25, children £12.50) and is truly as meal in itself!

Enjoy a selection of freshly made sandwiches, home baked scones

with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of deliciously sweet offerings from their talented French patisserie chef - white chocolate and chestnut macarons, chocolate profiteroles, mascarpone mousse with mango gel and spicy apple

cake. All served on white porcelain along with the finest looseleaf tea or fresh coffee.

The festive children’s tea includes healthy options of hummus and crudites, sandwiches, savoury tartlet and orange juice, alongside sweet treats of a home baked scone with cream and jam, chocolate cookie and carrot cake. Have a play in the grounds afterwards. Explore the playhouses, swings, trampoline, farm animals and perhaps a game of croquet, football or just a run around!

Call 01225 864705 or go online to make a reservation.

• woolleygrangehotel.co.uk

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The Cheese Shop 5 Market Street, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1LH

TRY OUR NEW ONLINE SHOP! We are now taking orders for our locally reared Bronze Turkeys and Geese as well as all your Christmas favourites.

All our staff are qualified to offer an efficient, reliable and personal service, using traditional methods of butchery. tel: 01985 213052 | www.cjrobbins.co.uk 76 Market Place, Warminster BA12 9AW

Retailer of fine cheese, quality delicatessen produce, gifts & hampers Taking pre-Christmas orders from 1 Nov - 7 Dec

Open daily from 10 December

t: 01225 920240 e: info@cheese-shop.co.uk

www.cheese-shop.co.uk

Award Winning, Family Run, Farm Shop Established for over 30 years Selling Quality Local Produce

Open Daily 9am – 6pm (9.30am – 5pm on Sundays)

Premium Christmas Trees on sale from Saturday 28th November

HOME & LOCALLY REARED FRESH MEAT, POULTRY & GAME CHRISTMAS MEAT ORDERS NOW BEING TAKEN ONLINE & IN STORE

LOCAL CHEESES & HOME COOKED MEATS LOCALLY GROWN VEGETABLES, FRUIT & SALADS HOMEMADE CAKES & PIES LOCALLY MADE CHOCOLATES & FUDGE FINE WINE, LOCAL ALE & CIDER PRESERVES & CHUTNEYS GORGEOUS GIFT HAMPERS

We are working hard to keep our staff & customers safe. During the busy Christmas shopping period we will be having extra space in store & outside, continuing to have contactless shopping collections & we will be offering extended opening hours & evening shopping slots www.allingtonfarmshop.co.uk

TEL: 01249 658112

Allington Bar Farm, Chippenham, SN14 6LJ

food & drink

FESTIVE FEASTS GRAB DELICIOUS CHRISTMAS GOODIES FROM THESE LOCAL FAVOURITES...

Allington Farm Shop

CJ Robbins is a three generation family business

Allington Bar Farm, Allington, Chippenham At Christmas Allington Farm Shop is full of delicious goodies, premium Christmas trees (on sale from 28 November) and gifts including fabulous tailor made hampers. Orders are now being taken for Christmas in the in house butchery and online;

"At Christmas Allington Farm Shop is full of delicious goodies, premium Christmas trees and gifts" As well as home reared turkeys, the butchery specialises in local free range cockerels, chickens, geese, ducks and home cooked hams, all cuts of pork, beef and lamb as well as local seasonal game, dry cured bacon and gammon joints and homemade sausages and faggots. Throughout Pick up delicious deli treats at The Cheese Shop

the pandemic the farm shop has remained open and worked hard to keep staff and customers safe.

the festive season from 1 November until 7 December for your perfect cheese board at Christmas or for gift hampers for that someone special book early to avoid disappointment!

They are also open daily from 10 December through to Christmas Eve for you to pop in.

During the busy Christmas Shopping period the farm shop will be creating extra space in store and outside, continuing to offer contactless 01225 920240 | cheese-shop.co.uk shopping collections and offering extended opening hours and taking CJ Robbins bookings for evening shopping slots to avoid long queues. Visit the website 76 Market Place, Warminster and keep an eye on their social media CJ Robbins is a Warminster institution; having occupied its premises in the for further information.

Market Place for three generations it 01249 658112 | allingtonfarmshop.co.uk is owned and run by Chris Robbins.

The Cheese Shop Business is thriving largely thanks 5 Market Street, Bradford on Avon to the simple principle of offering a The Cheese Shop, just up Market good quality product at a reasonable Street hill in Bradford on Avon, is a price. They source many of their retailer of fine cheese and quality wares from local established micro delicatessen produce including local food wholesalers, including farmers, ham, pâtÊs, olives, jams, chutneys, cheese makers and egg producers, biscuits, wine, luxury chocolates, all of whom value the small business gifts, hampers and much more! and operate exacting welfare codes, Perfect treats whatever the occasion, producing free range food with they are also taking pre-orders for complete traceability. Right now they THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 21

food & drink are taking orders for locally reared Woolley Park Farm bronze turkeys and geese as well as all your usual Christmas favourites, including superb beef, ducks and cockerels, local pork and lamb as well as Sandridge Farm dry cured bacon and products.

You can order online via their new website, with the option of free local delivery or click and collect, whichever suits you. For more information email info@cjrobbins.co.uk or call today.

01985 213052 | cjrobbins.co.uk

"The Deli is your one stop shop for some of the finest foods in the region."

The Deli at Corsham 18 High Street, Corsham Sitting on the High Street, The Deli is your one stop shop for some of the finest foods in the region.

It is a licensed delicatessen and cheesemonger offering a superb selection of artisan cheeses, as well as some continental and local cold meats. As you would expect there are also many other delicatessen favourites – including delicious freshly baked pastries and quiches, a selection of olives and some award winning chutneys, pickles and jams.

For those with more of a sweet tooth, take a look at The Deli’s tasty cakes, biscuits and quality chocolates. You can also take home some aromatic

freshly ground coffee and impressive wines. Why not request a delicious hamper, made to order? They create a unique gift for Christmas or any other special occasion. Whilst you’re there, you could also stop for a coffee or pick up a delicious filled baguette or sandwich; the perfect way to sample what The Deli has to offer.

High Street, Dilton Marsh Fairfield Farm Shop is filled with festive goods this Christmas season.

There is a wide range of homemade Christmas produce, made on-site by the students at Fairfield Farm College. Their popular Christmas puddings, chutneys, cakes and 01249 716091 | thedeliatcorsham.co.uk homegrown vegetables are just some of the items available to Elliott’s Traditional purchase. Their post office is ready Butchers to help send all your Christmas High Street, Westbury gifts and cards, and the café is Based on Westbury High Street, also serving a delicious array of Elliott’s has a great reputation for their Christmas treats. And on your visit high quality, keenly priced meat. All don’t forget to pick up one of their locally sourced and supplied, owner extremely popular handmade Andy Elliott and his team are now wreaths! taking bookings for Christmas and 01373 823028 | ffc.ac.uk/services are offering local free range bronze turkeys (which they can bone and roll H.F. Stiles & Son Ltd for you at no extra charge) and turkey 22 High Street, Bromham crowns as well as free range geese, H.F. Stiles & Son is a traditional family Gressingham ducks and locally reared run butchers supplying quality pork, lamb and beef. They have beef, pork and lamb from their own smoked and unsmoked back bacon, abattoir. As well as meat joints they gammon joints, sausage meat, also sell their own homecooked chipolatas and pigs in blankets too. meats and handmade and If it’s easier, they also offer Christmas homecooked pies, pasties, scotch Meat Boxes – filled to the brim with eggs, quiches and sausage rolls. everything you might need if you are entertaining friends and family this festive season. Order forms are available now, and orders will be taken up to a week before Christmas – subject to availability.

01373 865948 | Find us on Facebook

Elliott's has a great reputation for high quality keenly priced meat

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Fairfield Farm Shop

Stiles is well known for supplying the catering trade, but they are equally at home selling their wares to the general public from their High Street shop. This Christmas, they have special Christmas boxes available. These contain a beautiful fresh Usk Vale turkey, a homecooked ham joint, homemade chestnut and sausage meat stuffing, homemade chipolata sausages, homecured streaky bacon and a luxury cranberry sauce – delicious!

Boxes vary in size to cater for 4 to 10 people and turkey crown, beef and cooked meat boxes are available too. Phone for more details or to place an order.

01380 850342 | hfstiles.co.uk

TRADITIONAL BUTCHERS

Now taking orders for Christmas including Turkeys, Cooked ham joints, Geese, Pork, Lamb & Beef. All meat is locally sourced and supplied.

CHRISTMAS MEAT BOXES AVAILABLE ONLINE & IN STORE!

4 High Street, Westbury BA13 3BW tel 01373 865948 Elliotts Traditional Butchers

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The Deli at Corsham Licensed Delicatessen & Cheesemonger

H.F. STILES & SON LTD FA M I LY B U T C H E R S

GREAT VALUE CHRISTMAS BOXES Fresh Usk Vale Turkey Home Cooked Ham Joint Homemade Chestnut & Sausagemeat Stuffing Homemade Chipolata Sausages Home Cured Streaky Bacon Luxury Cranberry Sauce

4 people £52.50 6 people £75.00 10 people £95.00

Bronwen & her team welcome you to visit and explore the impressive selection of delicatessen favourites including award-winning chutneys, pickles & jams.

Delicious bespoke hampers available

Turkey Crown, Beef & Cooked Meat Boxes also available Please phone for more details or to place an order 22 High Street, Bromham, Chippenham SN15 2EX Telephone: (01380) 850342 www.hfstiles.co.uk Find us on

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Why not stay for a coffee or pick up a delicious filled baguette or sandwich whilst you are here?

18 High Street, Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 0ES Tel: 01249 716091 | www.thedeliatcorsham.co.uk

food & drink

Lovejoys Wholesale B6 Ashville Centre, Commerce Way, Melksham Christmas is an exceptionally busy time in the hospitality industry, and with so much pressure on the industry currently, anything that cuts down on labour costs is a real help. Lovejoys Wholesale, who already supply many of the top local eateries in Wiltshire and beyond, are renowned for the quality of the vegetables they supply. They can also prepare that veg for you at their Melksham warehouse, delivering to you a wonderful product that has been cleaned and prepped, ready for the pot.

It's a very busy time at Lovejoys!

Poulshot Lodge has full traceability of everything they stock

What’s more, they are proud to source their produce as locally as possible; this Christmas they are supplying their vegetables from Bromham, potatoes from Corsham and their Brussels sprouts from near Chippenham. To find out more about their service give Lovejoys Wholesale a call.

"Poulshot Lodge also offer a collection service – simply place your order in advance and collect at a convenient time for you without having to leave your vehicle." gourmet brownies, to name but a few. They are happy to advise you on the best quality ingredients for any occasion and would be happy to introduce you to alternative cuts of meat that may inspire your cooking repertoire.

poulshotlodgefarm@gmail.com.

They are also soon to launch a new online ordering system – keep in touch for details!

As well as a weekly delivery service to local villagers, Poulshot Lodge also offer a collection service – simply place your order in advance and collect at a convenient time for you without having to leave your vehicle.

Simply email your order to

Lower Farm, Rowde, Devizes Whatever your Christmas plans end up looking like for this year, at Spotty Dog Farm Shop you can get all your gifts and foodie treats under one roof.

As a fully stocked farm shop you can order your Christmas meat and pick up delicious seasonal veg as well as cheeses, jams and chutneys, breads, artisan confectionary, chocolate, drinks and a whole lot more.

Order online or pop in for a booking form.

01225 708838 | lovejoyswholesale.com

Poulshot Lodge Farm

Poulshot, Nr Devizes A family run farm shop that is proud to support the local community.

With full traceability of everything they stock from field to fork, at Poulshot Lodge you will find an array of fresh local meat including their own grass fed beef, reared on the farm, as well as pork, lamb, poultry and game from nearby farms. They also stock seasonal vegetables and other locally produced treats such Huffkins Apricot & Cake, available at as artisan chocolates, chutneys and Almond Spotty Dog Farm Shop 24 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

01380 827202 | poulshotlodgefarm.co.uk

Spotty Dog Farm Shop

FARM FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE

We only source the best fresh local products, including our own farm produced grass fed beef alongside other local pork, lamb and poultry, all bursting with flavour and reasonably priced.

Poulshot, Nr Devizes SN10 1RQ

Open Tuesday - Friday 10am – 5pm, Saturday 10am – 4pm

Follow our blog or subscribe to our monthly newsletter online at www.poulshotlodgefarm.co.uk for all our latest news and offers.

food & drink That’s not all though, Spotty Dog Farm Shop is also a gift shop with ideas for every member of the family.

Their Christmas Courtyard, which features outdoor chalets filled with gorgeous gift ideas, is open now alongside the shop. Open 7 days a week, you can come late night shopping or could even get up to 5 friends and have the entire shop and courtyard to yourself for a while (see advert for dates and how to book). Stuck for a gift idea? Their gift hampers are always popular and always appreciated – choose one of the selections or pick your own choice of gifts and they will make a hamper up for you. They also have a huge selection of their range online too so you can choose to shop in whichever way suits you best!

Toby Haynes is an award winning local butcher

V&P Collins

81-83 Devizes Rd, Bromham V&P Collins is a 100-acre family run farm producing fresh vegetables, potatoes and their famous pumpkins and squashes. They are the original 01380 720002 | spottydogfarmshop.co.uk farm shop in the area having been established for almost 60 years, Toby Haynes opening in 1962. They have recently 32 High Street, Corsham extended their on site shop, which Toby Haynes traditional family stocks their own fresh vegetables butchers opened on Corsham High as well as good quality fruit and Street in late 2015. Three years on vegetables from other growers. and it has established a great local They also offer a good selection reputation for selling high quality of meat sourced locally along meat at very reasonable prices; with jars of jam and honey. You regularly winning local and regional may see them at the weekly awards! Toby Haynes endeavours local markets in Melksham, to source all its meat from the local Calne, Bath and Royal area, including free range chicken, Wootton Bassett traditional grass finished beef and where they very wonderful seasonal game. As well much enjoy chatting as that they also make their own sausages and pies inhouse – delicious! to customers about their With expert advice from their friendly fresh produce. staff, you needn’t go anywhere else With Christmas in mind when looking for a great turkey this they are always a popular Christmas. Theirs are free range and choice for fresh Brussels can be bought whole, butterflied sprouts, carrots, parsnips or crowned. They also have goose, and cauliflowers and duck, cockerel as well as gammon, ham, rib of beef and all your favourite you can also pre order your Christmas turkey Christmas trimmings too. Call or pop and a good selection of in to find out more or to place your Christmas meats from order, or alternatively order on the them too! website.

01249 713253 | corshambutcher.co.uk

26 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

01380 850228 | vpfarmshop.co.uk

V&P Collins is the original local farm shop

Whitehall Farm Shop Within Whitehall Garden Centre, Lacock At the Farm Shop within Whitehall Garden Centre you will find a selection of local, free range and gluten free products along with locally sourced meat that includes lamb bred and raised on their own Whitehall Farm, beef from Wiltshire College, pork from Padfield Porkies in Seend and chicken from Pococks’ Farm in Melksham.

There is also a large selection of quality wines including their own award-winning wines from Whitehall Vineyard as well as a wide range of fresh fruit, vegetables, breads and ready meals from Cook.

You can also shop online with Whitehall this Christmas with the Whitehall Christmas Company, the largest online Christmas shop around.

There is free next day delivery when you spend over £50 too!

01249 730204 whitehallgardencentre.co.uk

Toby Haynes

FA M I LY B U T C H E R S CHRISTMAS ORDERS NOW BEING TAKEN ONLINE & IN STORE

• Free Range Turkeys, Geese & Hams • Handmade Pies • Traditional Meats & Game • Friendly, helpful advice

WISHING ALL OUR CUSTOMERS A MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR! 01225 708838 • lovejoyswholesale.com

BEST BUTCHER IN THE SOUTH WEST COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE AWARDS 2019

OPEN Tues to Fri 8am-5pm & Sat 8am-3pm 32 High Street, Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 0HD 01249 713253 • corshambutcher.co.uk

DELICIOUS FRESH PRODUCE STRAIGHT FROM THE FIELDS

V&P COLLINS ‘The Original Farm Shop’

83 Devizes Road, Bromham, Chippenham SN15 2DZ t 01380 850228 e vpcollins@btconnect.com w Find us on

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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...

N

ovember is the month when frosts and heavy rain usually arrive. Potato growers have finished harvesting and have their crop safely stored in their sheds for winter. Any other vegetable crops are safe left out in the elements with some, like parsnips, benefiting from frosts as that turns the starch into sugar, making them taste sweeter.

It has been a good year for local produce, mainly from Bromham.

The rain has come at the right times, especially for the potato crops. We are extremely lucky in this area to have an abundance of fantastic vegetables being produced, including Cavolo Nero, curly kale, bunched carrots, rainbow chard, beetroot of all colours, cabbage plus previously mentioned potatoes. We also have lovely watercress grown in Warminster.

Other great local produce we sell to our chefs and shops are mussels, rape seed oil, Lacock Dairy ice cream, Hobbs House bread and Shipton Mill flour. We also sell local cheeses and dairy products

28 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

including milk from Shaftesbury and Gloucestershire, eggs from Trowbridge and even quinoa from Corston Fields Farm just outside Bath.

We really do our best to champion the local area as much as possible.

If you are interested to see other products that we sell please look at our new website and you can see the entire catalogue, plus read about the history of the business.

A DIFFICULT YEAR It has been an extremely difficult year for so many. Most of our cafĂŠs, restaurants and hotels are open again and doing a wonderful job complying with changing regulations, although even on days when they are full they have far less tables than usual due to distancing. It has been very stressful and demoralising at times, but the hospitality trade is there to serve and it will win through. Many have had to come up with ideas to continue to trade, with takeaway options, meals to freeze at home and gazebos, sheds or tents so people can eat outside.

One even put

reclaimed sash windows in between tables for screening!

We also supply nurseries and schools, many continuing to cook a hot meal each day. Closures and isolation for year groups have been happening, but through it all smiling cooks and lunch staff keep the ball rolling. It gives the children a little normality and is vitally needed for some who perhaps do not get one at home.

Our care homes also need a mention - they have again kept three meals a day going, despite all of the many difficulties, a big well done to all of the kitchen teams!

This year has shown us that our customers have been resourceful in the face of huge adversity, Lovejoys will continue to provide them with the ingredients and produce to provide meals, or food, to their customers and community. As always email me your questions on growing or anything else.

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

SMASHING

recipes

PUMPKINS

Enjoy the best of the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness with these delicious squash-inspired recipes from FRAN STEVENS, aka The Food Wife.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH, BLACK BEAN, TOMATO & COCONUT CURRY Serves 6-8

Creamy and mild, this curry is great for all the family. It’s naturally vegan and gluten free too so caters for a range of dietary requirements. If you like some heat, add a chopped chilli or two during step two.

This is rather rich because of the coconut milk, and should serve 6-8, depending on appetite. It’s a perfect batch cook recipe so you can freeze portions for a quick and nutritious meal for another night.

✃

Ingredients Coconut oil 2 onions, small dice 2 inches of ginger, grated 2 cloves of garlic, crushed 2 cinnamon sticks 2 heaped tsp ground cumin 2 heaped tsp ground coriander 2 heaped tsp ground turmeric 2 heaped tsp ground paprika 1 tin coconut milk 500g passata

2 tins black beans, drained 2 tomatoes, halved and cut into wedges ½ butternut squash, small dice Salt and pepper Method Heat a tablespoon or two of oil in a large pan (it will need to have a lid).

Add the diced onion and cook over a medium heat for 10 minutes. Add

the ginger and garlic and cook for a further five.

Add all the spices and stir to stop them from burning. After a minute or two add the coconut milk and passata, along with the squash, tomato and black beans. Cover with a lid and cook on a low heat, until the squash is tender. Season to taste and serve with rice and/or flatbreads.

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 29

recipes (where the squash would replace the macaroni). These instructions will tell you how to roast one to achieve perfect stands of spaghetti squash.

Ingredients 1 spaghetti squash Salt and pepper Cheese sauce / the accompaniment of your choice Method Preheat your oven to 200°C and put a small amount of water (50ml or so) in the base of a large lipped baking tray.

Serves 4 Every autumn I welcome soup back to the menu. This one is sweet from the veg and lightly spiced by curry powder. It’s low calorie (especially if you use a spray oil like I did for softening the onion) but is really delicious. You could always make it more substantial by serving it with some crusty bread.

This is gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan so covers a range of dietary requirements. It freezes well too.

Winner!

Ingredients In a large saucepan heat a little oil (I used a spray oil) and add your onion and cook over a medium heat for 10 minutes until it has begun to soften and colour slightly.

Add the chopped garlic and cook for a couple of minutes.

Stir in the curry powder and the pieces of potato and squash.

30 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Add the vegetable stock and creamed coconut and bring to a gentle simmer.

Put a lid on the pan and cook gently until the vegetables are soft and a sharp knife can easily pass through (about 10-15 minutes).

Remove from the heat and carefully blend until smooth (I used a stick blender). Season to taste with salt and pepper.

SPAGHETTI SQUASH Serves 2-4

Place each half in the tray, flesh side up. Season with a little salt and pepper and then transfer to the oven.

Cook for 50 minutes and then remove and allow to cool for 10 minutes before you use a spoon to shred the flesh from the skins.

Serve with the accompaniment of your choice, such as a cheese sauce.

One spaghetti squash will serve 2-4 people.

Over the years I’ve seen so many Pinterest pins for spaghetti squash and have wanted to try it for so long.

They are so called as their cooked flesh shreds into spaghetti-like strands and so are often used as an alternative to pasta. I’ve never seen one for sale in the UK so decided I would buy some seeds and grow my own (or in this case ask my mum to grow them at her allotment as I didn’t have enough garden space this year!).

So, the day has come for me to finally cook and eat one! I decided to go for a low carb mac and cheese

✃

CURRIED SWEET POTATO & BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

Carefully cut the squash in half lengthways and use a spoon to scrape out the seedy middle until you have a clean hollow.

✃

REAL ALES & LIVE MUSIC From leather jackets to suits, work boots to shiny shoes and mohicans to combovers, you’ll get a warm friendly welcome at The Three Horseshoes.

LIVE MUSIC

EVERY FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY Real Ales | Beer Garden | Pub Games Real Log Fires | Parking Next to Bradford on Avon Train Station Frome Road, Bradford On Avon, Wiltshire BA15 1LA Tel 01225 865876 Find us on Facebook

WILTSHIRE YEOMAN

RELAX IN OUR LARGE BEER GARDEN! OR enjoy your meal or drink inside where we have introduced new measures for your safety and peace of mind.

LIVE MUSIC Most Sunday afternoons in the garden

Opening Hours Mon to Thur 4-10pm, Fri & Sat 12-11pm, Sun 12-10pm ✦ Doggie friendly ✦ Open fire ✦ Delicious Sunday lunches ✦ Quiz every Sunday

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Find us on Facebook for upcoming events

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

wildlife

image Š Darin Smith

The water by the wooodland is home to kingfishers and little grebes

34 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

"The woodland is host to a number of bird species. Near the water, look out for kingfisher and little grebe."

WIDBROOK WOOD

Next in our series of features on Wiltshire Wildlife Trust's 38 reserves is WIDBROOK WOOD and it sits between Trowbridge and Bradford on Avon...

A peacock butterfly Widbrook Wood down the Bristol Avon

W

idbrook Wood is one of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust's newest nature reserves, being gifted to the charity by the Alex Moulton Charitable Trust in 2016.

The reserve is a 16-hectare, seminatural woodland. It is bordered on the south by the Kennet & Avon Canal and to the north by the River Avon. The River Biss flows through the south-eastern section of the wood and the Widbrook, from which the reserve takes its name, flows through the west.

Widbrook Wood forms part of a large woodland complex on the River Avon and Kennet & Avon Canal and includes a mixture of ash, cherry, poplar, willow, and oak trees.

The woodland is host to a number of bird species. Near the water, look out for kingfisher and little grebe.

Along the path edge, the scrubby

image © Steve Smailes

image © Stephen Davis

wildlife

woodland is habitat for migrating warblers such as whitethroat, blackcap, and chiffchaff. During May, the woodland comes to life with an abundance of wildflowers.

The edges of the woodland and the riverbanks are very open and different butterfly species can be found, including peacock, comma, and speckled wood. Damselflies such as the banded demoiselle are also present on the riverbank.

Trowbridge, BA14 9BL OS Map 15; Grid ref. ST848596 Main access is from several points along the towpath of the Kennet & Avon Canal. There is no car parking on this site and it can get boggy after wet weather, making it more difficult for pushchairs and wheelchair users.

• Dogs on leads are welcome • 16 hectares • wiltshirewildlife.org

DIRECTIONS

If driving - From Trowbridge, head to the Canal Road Industrial Estate. The nearest car park is by Airsprung Beds. From here you can walk along the canal towpath to the reserve.

If using bus – From Trowbridge, catch the 265 bus to Bath and alight at Trowbridge Road.

Widbrook Wood is about 10 minutes’ walk from the bus stop.

If cycling – Travel from either Trowbridge or Bradford on Avon along the towpath of the Kennet & Avon Canal.

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 35

shopping

Christmas Shopping After a strange year comes an uncertain festive season, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the ritual of preparing for it as we always do. So settle down and enjoy a rundown of where you can find some great Christmas gifts and decorations this year…

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 37

shopping Vouchers at Drive-Tech Ltd start at £40

DAVIES OF WESTBURY

Whenever you visit Lakeside, which is open 7 days a week, you can be assured of a friendly welcome, top-quality products and knowledgeable advice for everyone from the novice to the expert. In addition to the wide Davies of Westbury has a dedicated Christmas area range of trees, shrubs, patio plants packed with decorations and gifts and perennials, at this time of year you’ll also find a great selection DRIVE-TECH LTD of gift ideas, beautiful Christmas Castle Combe decorations, seasonal plants and, Based at Castle Combe race circuit from December, premium quality Drive-Tech Ltd are Skid Control, Christmas trees. That, and you can Karting and 4x4 Off Road experts enjoy the beautiful setting in the and provide unforgettable Covidcafé with a warming drink and slice safe driving experiences that make great gifts any time of the year for all of homemade cake.

01985 217413 | fonthill-lakeside.com the family.

24 Edward Street, Westbury If you are getting your home ready for Christmas then head to Davies of Westbury. A family run business, they have over 30 years’ experience selling everything for the home – inside and out. If you need to get the house ready their DIY department is fully stocked, including heating supplies, logs and fuel to keep you cosy.

Their Christmas area on the mezzanine floor is open now with everything from tinsel and baubles to wreaths and artificial trees, lights, candle arches, lit decorations, Christmas crackers and much much more. From early December they also have three sizes of Nordmann Fir trees and holly wreaths to choose from.

The difference between a family run business and the huge superstores is that they can offer you more choice and a much more personal service – as well as free delivery in and around Westbury.

0845 291 6015 | daviesofwestbury.co.uk

38 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

It’s all about thrills, skills and adventures at this local family run business. A must for adrenaline junkies, off road enthusiasts and motorsport fans alike. Vouchers start from £40 and are valid for 18 months. For a gift that truly lasts see the website or call today!

01249 783010 | drivetechltd.co.uk

LAKESIDE GARDEN CENTRE

Crockerton, Warminster Lakeside Garden Centre is a family run business that has been serving gardeners in the West of England for fifty years. The centre is based in Crockerton, on the outskirts of Warminster, and benefits from a beautiful position on the edge of a lake, ideal for taking in the view, even on cold wintry days.

RIGHT ANGLE PICTURE FRAMING

High Street, Corsham A beautiful picture can really set off a room and ensuring that it really sings is a job requiring an expert eye. Right Angle Picture Framing has been part of Corsham High Street for more than 30 years, so they’ve had a lot of experience framing a huge variety of items in many different ways. Whether you have an antique oil painting, classic album cover, sporting memorabilia, military honours or even simple family photographs, they can frame almost anything and make it look fantastic – a great gift idea for those who are impossible to buy for! In the last few years they have worked for the American Museum in Britain & the Fox Talbot Museum at Lacock.

A family run business situated in the heart of Westbury

FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS IN & AROUND THE HOME • DIY • Hand & Power Tools • Gardening • Plumbing • Heating • Logs & Fuels • Electricals • Decorating • Cooking • Sugarcraft FREE DELIVERY TO WESTBURY & SURROUNDS OPEN Monday to Saturday 9am - 5.30pm (Sunday CLOSED)

24 Edward Street, Westbury, BA13 3BD

Tel 01373 822431

www.daviesofwestbury.co.uk

35

CELEBRATING

years

IN CORSHAM

RIGHT ANGLE Picture Framing

For all types of picture framing & art materials too.

OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY

10am-1pm for collections & purchases 1pm-4pm for consultations (by appointment) 20 High Street, Corsham SN13 0ES

Tel 01249 716051

www.rightanglepictureframing.co.uk

An emporium of gifts for every occasion

Christmas Shop Now Open!

6A The Shambles, Bradford on AVon

01225 920290 | strawberrybluehome.co.uk

shopping

Cordens is a traditional ironmongers and much much more

The experience and skills they have learnt there feeds back into the work they do for their regular customers too.

As an independent local company, they are renowned for their helpful and cheerful staff (many of whom have been in the shop between 6 and 35 years), their ability to solve If you are keen to mount your own problems, and being able to source pictures, Right Angle also sell mount unusual items quickly. Their famous board by the sheet and moulding Christmas Shop is now open for all by the length, as well as readymade your decoration requirements. If you frames and art materials, so you are looking for gifts and stocking can get really creative and make fillers you won’t be disappointed something unique for your home. with their selection.

01249 716051 | rightanglepictureframing.co.uk

01985 212115 | slcorden.com

S L CORDEN & SONS

STRAWBERRY BLUE

4 High St, Warminster S L Cordens & Sons is a real fixture of Warminster high street; it's an independent store with good old-fashioned values, packed with a huge array of top-quality merchandise – an Aladdin’s Cave of DIY delights, home decorating supplies, kitchenware, tools, gardening equipment, ironmongery, general hardware, novelty gifts and even camping equipment.

40 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

The Shambles, Bradford on Avon Bradford on Avon independent Strawberry Blue is a home and gift store that’s perfect for picking up Christmas gifts. From jewellery and fashion accessories to home scents, cookware, books and stationery, there’s something for every member of the family. Each item in the store has been specially selected for quality, charm and originality and includes top brands

like Emma Bridgwater. There is a also a great selection of cards and wrappings paper to make your gifts look sensational. The store is open Tuesday to Saturday – be sure to pop in for a browse.

01225 920290 | strawberrybluehome.co.uk Strawberry Blue is perfect for picking up Christmas gifts and wrapping

BROWNS HARDWARE & IRONMONGERY Bradford on Avon’s independent hardware store

TOP BRANDS AT BROWNS VISIT US FOR YOUR WINTER WARMERS...

...INCLUDING WOOD, FUEL, FIRE LIGHTERS, MATCHES, TORCHES & MORE...

PURVEYORS OF... HOUSEWARES • CLEANING PRODUCTS • TOOLS • ELECTRICAL • PLUMBING • DECORATING & DIY • GARDENING Open: Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm & Saturday 9am - 3pm 30 Silver Street, Bradford on Avon BA15 1JX Telephone 01225 862236

S.L. Corden & Sons

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

• 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 | slcorden.com

shopping Wadswick Country Store is a great place to head for a relaxing shopping experience

and Kalahari Kitchen as well as the popular Bay Tree Café, serving breakfasts, snacks, hot meals, teas and coffees.

01225 763927 | trowbridgegardencentre.co.uk

"At this time of year look out for wonderful gifts for the whole family (pets included!) as well as stunning accessories for the home" Wadswick Country Store WADSWICK COUNTRY STORE

Manor Farm, Wadswick, Corsham Wadswick Country Store is a familyowned and operated business based just outside Corsham. They sell a wide range of equipment and clothing with top brands including Dubarry, Musto, Schöffel, Barbour, Holland Cooper and Joules, to name just a few. They also have an extensive collection of footwear including Fairfax & Favor, Hunter and Le Chameau wellies. If you enjoy horse riding, animals and country pursuits, Wadswick is the place to go with qualified staff on hand to fit gear and offer expert advice.

Trowbridge Garden Centre is renowned for its Christmas department

TROWBRIDGE GARDEN CENTRE

Frome Road, Trowbridge Based on the outskirts of our county town this ever popular garden centre has now opened its Christmas department, and as usual it is packed full with everything you need to get prepped for the festive season including beautiful Christmas wreaths and garlands, indoor and outdoor lights, baubles and tree ornaments, decorations, picture frames, calendars, candles 42 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

and oil burners, gifts, children’s toys and much more!

And don’t forget the garden! As well as winter hanging baskets, they also carry mistletoe and real Christmas wreaths, holly and ivy as well as indoor plants like poinsettias, bulbs for forcing and all your winter garden sundries. Also on site are Garden Affairs, Room to Groom, The Nail Lounge, Premium Tubs, Paul’s Double Glazing Repairs, Hair by Angela White, Foot Clinic

At this time of year look out for wonderful gifts for the whole family (pets included!) as well as stunning accessories for the home.

Alternatively, their state-of-theart shooting simulator makes a fantastic gift for seasoned shooters, beginners and groups.

Forage, their recently opened cafe/ restaurant, offers an exciting locally sourced menu in a smart and modern environment. With extensive works to extend and create a stylish new destination store having recently taken place, why not head over and enjoy a relaxing shopping experience in the countryside?

01225 810700 | wadswick.co.uk

Christmas

Christmas Department NOW OPEN!

at 288 Frome Rd, Trowbridge, Wilts BA14 0DT www.trowbridgegardencentre.co.uk Tel 01225

763927

Christmas Trees, Gifts, Lights, Children’s Toys, Decorations, Wreaths, Garlands & much much more!

Also home to The Bay Tree Café, Garden Affairs, Room to Groom, The Nail Lounge, Foot Clinic, Premium Tubs, Paul’s Double Glazing Repairs, Hair by Angela White & Kalahari Kitchen

shopping

HOT WHEELS

TT Cycles has been trading for over 30 years, and continues to offer a fantastic range of bikes backed up by a great workshop and service department.

H

aving relocated from Frome Road in Bradford on Avon to much larger premises in Elms Cross Business Centre (behind Sainsbury’s) back in 2018, TT Cycles has just enjoyed their busiest, and strangest, year yet. Owner Dick Barrow explains, “We’ve been in business since 1990 but this has easily been our biggest challenge.

Like everybody else we had to shutdown for a time, but as soon as we were able we re-opened our doors, aware that cycling was more crucial than ever to people’s health and wellbeing.

"you’ll find everything in TT Cycles including top brands like Ridgeback, Scott, Focus and Genesis, Cube e-bikes, clothing and all the parts a cycling enthusiast could ever need."

TT Cycles sells bikes and a whole lot more....

- as we’ve dealt with interrupted supply chains and sometimes overwhelming demand.”

As a specialist bike shop you’ll find everything in TT Cycles including top brands like Ridgeback, Scott, Focus and Genesis, Cube e-bikes (they are also a recognised e-bike service centre), clothing and all the “Our workshop has been rammed parts a cycling enthusiast could ever full of every kind of bike you can need. They also stock car racks for imagine in recent months, from when you want to take your bike on specialist high end time triallers to holiday! Don’t forget kids bikes either, rusty old mountain bikes that have their range of Ridgeback kids’ bikes been dug out of a garden shed. I’m and balance bikes is still as popular terrifically proud of the effort that our as ever. staff have made to help people get out on their bikes.

TT Cycles is open 7 days a week and they offer an online Click & Collect “Despite moving over two years service too. If you’re looking for a ago, many local residents only really great Christmas gift be sure to pop found us during lockdown; we are in soon – supplies of many bikes and really pleased to have seen so many accessories are already running low new faces. I’d like to thank customers so get your gift while stocks last! old and new for their support and in some cases, their patience • ttcycles.co.uk 44 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

...including e-bikes

...clothing and accessories

...parts and maintenance products

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COME & FIND US IN OUR DEDICATED STORE LOCATED BEHIND SAINSBURY’S • FANTASTIC BIKES • ACCESSORIES, CLOTHING & GIFTS FOR ALL AGES • ON SITE WORKSHOP • CAR PARKING • CHILD & JUNIOR BIKES

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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

interview

LIFE THROUGH A LENS...

FIONA TURNBULL is a wildlife photographer, photography trainer and co-founder of Lacock Photography, an independent photography training school in Lacock.

Most photography training schools are owned by large organisations, what made you think there was an opening for a small independent like Lacock Photography?

When my husband Andy and I started the business in 2011, we knew it was going to be a bit of gamble, but because I loved photography so much, we believed it was a gamble worth taking. From the beginning we wanted to create a photography school that was a bit different, something special and personal. I think it’s been our small classes and focus on building relationships with students that

has allowed us to carve out a space amongst much bigger companies.

Lacock Photography is coming up to 10 years in business, what did your business look like a decade ago compared to now and what’s the secret behind its longevity?

So I suppose the big difference between then and now is that, originally, I was the sole person delivering workshops, whereas now we have 10 talented photography trainers offering a wide variety of interesting and diverse workshops, and have something suitable for every skill level!

“We have 10 talented photography trainers offering a wide variety of interesting and diverse workshops, and have something suitable for every skill level!”

Fiona is an avid wildlife photographer

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We hear you’re an avid wildlife photographer. What do you find the most troublesome animal to photograph?

Definitely flying birds! To capture a flying bird, you need to have a good amount of technical know-how and it takes a lot of practice to get it

interview right. When you come home from a photoshoot with a beautiful image of a flying wild bird, it’s an extremely satisfying feeling!

We’ve included your favourite photograph that you’ve taken recently, could you tell us the story behind the image and explain why it’s your favourite?

I’ve chosen a photo of a giraffe I took a few weeks ago during my first visit to the ‘Wild Place Project’, a wildlife conservation park run by Bristol Zoo. There are two main elements that I think have made this a particularly successful image – firstly, I created a bright, white background for the giraffe to sit against, which produces quite a dramatic yet serene feel and puts this magnificent animal on centre stage. The second thing I love about this image is the composition.

I wanted to highlight both the strength and elegancy of a giraffe’s physique: its long spine leads you

Fiona has run Lacock Photography with her husband Andy for almost 10 years

from one corner of the picture to the other, finally spiralling inward to focus on the giraffe’s sharp and fawnlike eye. I’m so happy with it, I think I’ll get it printed!

And finally, what’s next for Lacock Photography?

We will continue to come up with new and exciting workshops, we

never stand still! Recently we’ve been thinking about developing some historic process workshops. Of course being in Lacock, the birthplace of photography, we’re in the ideal place to run some traditional photography workshops – so this is hopefully the plan for next year.

• lacockphotography.com

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 47

house & home

ORIENTAL RUGS OF BATH

S

ituated in the rolling countryside between Bristol and Bath, Oriental Rugs of Bath is home to a vast collection of authentically handcrafted carpets, rugs and kilims from the Middle and Far East, where these crafts have sustained their peoples for centuries.

The eclectic range of stock accommodates for the traditional taste of period properties alongside more contemporary designs and modern living. The team prides itself on offering a personalised on approval service to ensure complete customer satisfaction when seeing

items in situ. They also manage bespoke orders, helping to find appropriate sizes, complementary colour schemes and composition.

Additionally, they can supply a selection of elegant furnishings and one off pieces of decorative furniture.

Their specialist cleaning and repair services are renowned and their team can be entrusted with the most valuable of oriental rugs and kilims - both antique and modern. Expert restorers bring beloved woven heirlooms back to life by re-weaving and re-piling worn areas, as well as putting right minor blemishes. The cleaning methods employed are gentle and precise, to never damage the weave nor fade the colours.

Oriental Rugs of Bath has a hugely eclectic range of stock

• orientalrugsofbath.com

CHARLIE CAFFYN FURNITURE

A

modern British artisan, Charlie Caffyn designs and makes contemporary, elegant, solid-wood furniture with architectural influences. Standing up for the traditional craftsmanship values of handcrafted, timeless furniture that lasts generations not seasons, Charlie makes each piece of furniture by hand from his original designs.

Turleigh Bookends, £89

The Farleigh Magazine Rack presents itself as a piece of architecture on a miniature scale. Inspired by the wrought- iron structures used to construct the large expanse of railway stations in the Victorian period, the lines and angles all serve a function, yet the resulting form takes on a sculptural aesthetic whilst remaining practical at its core (even down to the ever-useful carry handle).

£199 (including UK delivery) - available in ash, oak, cherry and walnut.

A simple interlocking design handmade from 45mm solid oak means the Turleigh Bookends are heavy and stable enough to support books and magazines with a clean, uncomplicated structure making them a sculptural piece in their own right. Bringing together a love of books, and desire to make what are normally mundane objects into pieces to marvel at, the Turleigh Bookends are objects that can just as easily be used as a doorstop, paperweight or be admired on a shelf. £89 (including UK delivery) in oak.

See the full range, and buy online, from the website.

• charliecaffynfurniture.co.uk

48 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

house & home

ABOUT THE HAUS We caught up with KATE THOMSON from Haus to talk about all things house and home...

TELL US ABOUT HAUS...

Haus is really the result of the convergence of my love of interiors and travel - I came back from Morocco having bought a classic pouffe and so many friends wanted one - the process of how they are made is fascinating, each takes two full days to make. There are so many artisanal makers practising these centuries-old crafts and I wanted to give them a platform. We all want to fill our homes with beautiful, tactile objects that have some integrity and meaning. We now work with makers all over the world, and with women's co-operatives where possible.

We’ve grown from stocking a handful of pieces to a whole range of fabulous furnishings and accessories – including beautiful handmade jewellery. It's free UK P&P over £15 and if you live in Bath or Trowbridge, you may just get your order handdelivered by me!

special – all the colours and patterns pieces are handmade all have different in India and the focus meanings - they are for the collection is objects which are subtle pattern and used for storytelling. abundant texture.

Each piece takes The cushions and between four days throws feature rows and four weeks to of hand-tied tassels make (depending on and fringes, or ultrasunshine!) - we buy luxe heavyweight the fabric in large cotton. I wanted it pieces and have the to echo the desire cushions made up by to get cosy and a local dressmaker Mudcloth cushions cosset yourself in in Trowbridge. The autumn and winter. Finally, my go to texture of these pieces is beautiful style to nail that modern bohemian - they have these fabulous tactile look at home are the mudcloth ridges where the panels are sewn cushions – there are so many patterns together and look amazing in and colours available. modern rustic homes.

WHAT IS MUDCLOTH?

I could go on and on about this amazing fabric! Mudcloth or bogolan is from Mali in Africa - primarily it's a clothing material, but its amazing pattern and texture have made it really popular in the world of interiors.

WHAT DOES THE The name comes from the making NAME MEAN? process – cotton is handspun, then Haus is the German word for house woven on a loom into six-inch wide – obviously as an online homewares strips, these are sewn together store it’s a good fit! My Nana was also and then the fabric is painted with German, so it felt like a nice nod to her fermented mud! This is left to use a Germanic name. in the sun, which bleaches the fabric CAN YOU TELL US and the process ABOUT SOME OF is repeated YOUR FAVOURITE to intensify PRODUCTS? the Well, it all started with the leather colour. pouffes and I adore these – The depending on the colour, they look wonderful in any style of home. My new Bohemia collection is really 52

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

DO YOU SELL CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS? Yes, some lovely pieces with a Scandivibe. We’ve got some wonderful glass baubles with pampas or eucalyptus filling, then some beautiful, simple brass pieces in simple geometric shapes. During December, every order over £30 will also come with a free gift worth £8!

• hauslife.co.uk

Moroccan leather pouffe

NEW SHOWROOM OPENING SOON

O CO PE FF N EE DA BA IL R Y

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FOR GREAT DESIGN IDEAS, COME & VISIT OUR

INTERIORS SHOWROOM

Bespoke Curtains & Blinds, Roller Blinds, Curtain Poles, Upholstery, Interior Design, Fabrics & Wallpapers, Flooring, Rugs, House Accessories New furniture ranges including Vincent Sheppard, Whitehead Designs & Pacific Lifestyle Measuring, Fitting & Decorating Services also available 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

INCLUDES... INSPIRATIONAL BATHROOMS, BEDROOMS & KITCHENS • www.perfectrooms.co.uk • Tel: 01249 716445 • interiors@perfectrooms.co.uk

fi

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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

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Classic Gardens FOR ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS

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

James Treacy has spent 15 years designing and caring for gardens. He can help with everything from day to day maintenance to design and landscaping.

• RHS Qualified Gardener • Maintenance • Design & Landscaping • Pruning • Tree care • Ponds & Water Features

Phone: 07940 261734 Email: info@classiclandscapesandecopools.co.uk

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retirement

LIFE AT THE TOP

At Wadswick Green the later living village for over 60s in Corsham, residents enjoy their retirement in spacious 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments complete with modern designs, as well as private balconies and large terraces to make the most of the surrounding countryside.

G

raham and Diana Wilkins, 72 and 71 respectively, settled last year into their brand-new penthouse apartment at the top of Almond Close, one of the village’s latest developments.

They made the most of their large private terrace, which overlooks the beautiful landscaped gardens around the development and nature surrounding the village.

Like all apartments at Wadswick Green, their home was built with the needs of over 60s in mind and boasts a single floor, open-plan layout for ease of mobility, walk-in showers, moveable kitchen units and waist-height appliances. The property features picture windows to make the most of the views of the countryside and offers residents’ unrestricted access to nature and to beautiful landscaped gardens.

Graham says: “We love the many walking trails around the village, and we have nice daily walks. Diana’s also always loved gardening, so as soon as she was able to, she started to help tend to Almond Close’s gardens, weeding, and tidying which she finds very therapeutic and relaxing.”

Graham and Diana Wilkins have 'right-sized' into a three-bedroom flat

"The property features picture windows to make the most of the views of the countryside and offers residents’ unrestricted access to nature and to beautiful landscaped gardens."

The couple had made the decision to “rightsize” into a three-bedroom flat, rather than downsize into a one-bedroom home.

Graham says: “It’s just what we needed. Diana paints, so we turned one of the bedrooms into an art studio with a pull-down bed for guests. I make model aircraft so the other bedroom doubles as a study and my workshop. We never felt bored or cramped at all during lockdown, even when we couldn’t go outside - in fact, time went by really quickly!”

The couple also enjoy meals from the onsite Greenhouse Coffee Shop and Restaurant, located at the heart of the village, which has now reopened to residents, their friends and family.

Graham explains: “Their takeaway

56 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

service has been great, and now that they’ve opened the terrace it makes a great space to catch up with friends and other residents. It’s been really well organised, so that everyone is still well-distanced from one another whilst being able to feel part of the community and chat comfortably.”

The village can offer residents in need of a little extra help tailored personal care and support plans via its Rangeford Care service, which means a team of professional carers can also be on call 24/7 to provide support, companionship, and help with daily chores.

For more information on Wadswick Green Retirement Village visit the website or call 01225 584500.

• rangefordvillages.co.uk/villages/ wadswick-green

health & wellbeing

AUTUMN SPA TREATS AT WOOLLEY GRANGE

W

inter is better with a bit of pampering! In these challenging times, a few dates in the diary can go a long way to dispel the gloom. Woolley Grange, is always a favourite place to relax; why not book yourself in for an Elemis or Jessica Nails treatment at The Spa at Woolley Grange?

Why not come with a friend? At the moment when you book two 45-minute Jessica Prescriptive manicure or pedicure treatments in the spa you can enjoy a free cream tea or savoury sharing pate for two in the hotel. Enjoy a natter and a stroll around the grounds, followed by a treatment and tea. Alternatively

enjoy both a manicure and a pedicure and, perhaps, invite your partner for the cream tea afterwards.

You can find out more and book by calling the Spa directly on 01225 865979.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS

Stuck for Christmas present ideas?

The beautiful Elemis Christmas Gift boxes available in the Spa’s Elemis Christmas shop would make a lovely present for that someone special and are great value too!

There’s also a range of new spa treatment gift vouchers. The perfect gift for someone who deserves a little bit of ‘me time’. You can buy them online at woolleygrange. wearegifted.co.uk or pop into The Spa.

Book two 45 minute manicure or pedicure treatments and get a free cream tea for two!

• woolleygrangehotel.co.uk

WINTER WONDERLAND AT VITALITY DAY SPA

M

uch has changed in the world over the past few months, but head to Vitality Day Spa and you’ll still find a sanctuary of relaxation in the heart of Bradford on Avon.

Their most recent treatment is their Winter Wonderland. Managing Therapist Georgia Barnes explains: “It’s been a manic, chaotic and stressful year, and because of this, we decided to create a seasonal treatment so sublime that stress, worry, disappointment etc will all melt away whilst you are engulfed in pure and utter relaxation and tranquillity.

“Start your heavenly experience with a full body scrub that floods the room with a sweet buttery scent of pear, inspiring thoughts of English meadows and warming desserts.

After your skin has been renewed and

58 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

softened allow your body & mind to completely let go as it is cocooned into our soothing self-heating chocolate wrap. Formulated with cocoa beans, this wrap is stimulating to the skin as well as relaxing and nourishing, the perfect combination to warm your heart, body & soul.

“If you then choose to prolong your Winter Wonderland experience, indulge further with a full body massage. Allow your muscular tension to dissolve whilst aromas of lavender and fennel circulate around you. An oil designed to relieve feelings of anxiety and clear mental fog is the perfect way to finish off this unique and special treatment. A 50 minute treatment costs £60, and 90 minutes, £98 (a saving of £16).”

Call 01225 309356 or email book@ vitalitydayspa.co.uk to schedule an

appointment. The spa is open 7 days a week - Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sundays 10am to 4pm.

Evening appointments available upon request.

• vitalitydayspa.co.uk The Winter Wonderland treatment can last 50 (£60) or 90 minutes (£98)

V I TA LI T Y DAY 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.

TREATMENT OF THE MONTH

WINTER WONDERLAND

A full body scrub with the sweet scent of pear followed by a soothing self-heating chocolate wrap to warm your heart, body & soul. The longer treatment also includes a full body massage. 50 minute treatment £60, 90 minutes £98 (saving of £16) FULL TREATMENT MENU & DESCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE IN THE SPA & ON OUR

f PAGE

NOW OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK - BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

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

bath rugby

8 BATH PLAYERS CALLED UP BY ENGLAND Eight Bath Rugby players have been called up to the England training squad ahead of England’s Autumn Nations Cup, which starts this month.

E

ddie Jones has called eight of Bath Rugby’s squad into his training camp ahead of the upcoming Autumn Nations Cup taking place in November.

Rhys Priestland won the Golden Boot for the 2019/20 season

Bath Rugby’s Tom Dunn, Beno Obano, Will Stuart, Club captain Charlie Ewels, Sam Underhill, Anthony Watson, Jonathan Joseph and Tom de Glanville have all been all selected.

Product of Bath Rugby’s Academy, de Glanville will take part in the senior international set-up for the first time following an impressive first season in the senior squad for the Blue, Black and White. On Tom de Glanville’s call up, Director of Rugby Stuart Hooper paid tribute to the young full-back and praised his attitude and quality during the 2019/20 campaign, having come through the player pathway at the Club.

He said: “I’m so excited for Tom to get the opportunity at this level. He has played a huge part in our season and shown great balance in his game from full back.

“He’s a quality young player who loves playing for the Club and I’m sure that will transfer to England should he be given the opportunity.

On the selection of the rest of the Bath Rugby contingent in Eddie Jones’ camp, Hooper praised his players and wished them well as they continue to develop at the highest level.

Hooper continued: “Tom Dunn, Beno, Anthony, Sam, Charlie, Will and JJ have been instrumental in our growth this 60 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

season. They are incredibly deserving of their place in this England training camp. They have added a wealth of experience to Bath Rugby, especially since restart and have worked rigorously in helping the side achieve a place in the play-offs. We are all very proud of their achievements at the Club and wish them luck heading into the Autumn Nations Cup.” As well as England, Bath’s Taulupe Faletau has also been selected for Wales’ Autumn Nations Cup squad.

taking his season total to 200 points between rounds 1 to 22 in the Gallagher Premiership.

Director of Rugby Stuart Hooper said: “Rhys has been a key part of our development this season. This award is fantastic recognition of his quality goal kicking but his all round leadership and game management has been outstanding for us.

RHYS WINS GOLDEN BOOT

“It is always great to see our Bath players recognised as stand outs in the competition. I’m sure supporters will join me in congratulating Rhys on this fantastic achievement.”

Bath Rugby’s Rhys Priestland was awarded the Gilbert Golden Boot

• bathrugby.com

2020/2021 FIXTURES New Gallager Premiership fixtures have been announced but at the time of going to press we aren’t sure which matches will be shown live on TV or when crowds will be allowed to return. European games are still TBC. 21 Nov 28 Nov 5 Dec

12:30 H 15:00 A 15:00 A

Newcastle Falcons Exeter Chiefs Worcester Warriors

GP GP GP

g ow in s N pt the ce lo ac W c A/

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50/50 COMMISSION BASED

Pre-loved men’s clothing including top designer brands Get ready for winter with our selection of scarves, hats, boots, coats & gloves!

Great Christmas gift ideas 37 Silver Street, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire BA15 1JX Tel: 01225 684688

Also pop into Secondhand Rose, our ladies & children’s wear store, on Market Street

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.

CAN YOU GUESS THE CORRECT DEFINITION? 1. BRUCKLE a) the leather strap to bind a hawk’s wing b) to crumble away (as of stone when exposed to the weather) c) a pole slung across a stream to stop cattle passing

a) to quarrel b) to talk for the sake of talking c) a slight, tickling cough

3. NURK a) a tree bare of leaves or twigs

4. SPRONKY a) impulsively; without deliberation b) anything badly formed or out of shape c) said of trees full of short branches

SKIP TO THE LOO The idealised body is all very well to look at, in a painting or beautiful photograph. But in life, of course, bodies are constantly working organisms, managing repetitive functions that we often try and pretend are not actually happening to us. Just look at the string of

Check the price of wheat in Chicago (Fife) Empty the ashtrays (Manchester) Empty the teapot to make room for the next cup of tea (Buckinghamshire) See a friend off to the coast (BBC) See the vicar and book a seat for evensong (Isle of Wight) See what time it is on the market clock (Bedfordshire) Shake the dew from one’s orchid (Cumbria) Turn one’s bike round (Suffolk) Water the horses (Cheshire) Wring out one’s socks (Kent)

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

2. JARL

euphemisms for our regular trips to the loo. We go and...

b) a lean deer not fit to hunt c) the worst pig of a litter

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

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

62 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER

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

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17 George Street, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 8QA

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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

puzzles

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

BEEF WORDSEARCH

BRISKET CHEEK CHUCK FILLET FORERIB

NECK ONGLET RIB EYE RUMP SHIN

SILVERSIDE SIRLOIN SKIRT T BONE TOPSIDE

WIN A £20 iTUNES VOUCHER! SUDOKU

MEDIUM

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Q1: What is the name of the Hungarian domestic pig that grows a coat of curly hair?

Q2: Which large bird has the scientific name Meleagris Gallopavo?

LAST MONTH’S SOLUTIONS Wordsearch missing word: ROWDE Quiz answers 1: Biddestone 2: Clara Grant 3: AD878 4: Sir Terry Pratchett 5: Tony Gardner

64 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Q3: What is the name of the Warner Bros. cartoon rooster?

Q4: Which Dick King-Smith novel was the film Babe based on?

Q5: What is a Beefalo?

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

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

last word

I

ON YER BIKE

between Heywood and Bratton. I saw many, many other animals, birds, insects and even another reptile... a common lizard since you ask! I also managed to clock where the biggest, juiciest blackberries were growing too and, as soon as they were ready, I took a bag and container with me and picked about 3kg of them and turned them into crumbles, pies and I have been running three times cordials. (I know, I’m dangerously a week and cycling three times a rock’n’roll). I also attempted to make week with a day off to let my old bones recuperate. I mostly run in and some blackberry jam (see!). This part did not go to plan; I ended up around Trowbridge but the cycling have always exercised a bit but over the summer and through into the autumn of 2020 I seem to have had a bit more time on my hands so have been doing more than usual…not sure why but I’m sure it’ll come to me at some point!

“On my travels I saw, and continue to see, a lot of people out and about either cycling or running or just walking with or without dogs. I hope this upsurge in people’s activity continues; we are incredibly lucky to live in such an pretty area of the country.” takes me much further afield. I have a few routes which take in some of the loveliest Wiltshire countryside and some of our prettiest villages. North Bradley, Heywood, Bratton, Edington, Steeple Ashton, Keevil, Bulkington, Poulshot, Rowde, Bromham... I could go on. I have regularly been cycling around at least another 15 more of these hidden treasures and have come to know them quite well - if only from the viewpoint of a bike saddle. I have seen some fantastic sights too; red kites being mobbed in the skies over Bromham/Stockley; a grass snake sunning itself in a field gateway in Steeple Ashton. I recentjly enjoyed the company of a Muntjac deer bounding beside me for about 30 metres just outside Edington and, most bizarrely, a couple of young, male peacocks running alongside me for around 50 metres 66 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

with what can only be described as blackberry concrete having gone a smidge over the setting point! On my travels I saw, and continue to see, a lot of people out and about either cycling or running or just walking with or without dogs. I hope this upsurge in people’s activity continues; we are incredibly lucky to live in such an pretty area of the country. Within a five or ten minute drive from almost anywhere you can be out in the middle of the wild, beautiful Wiltshire countryside.

What got me thinking about this was the start, a couple of weeks ago, of the ‘Beat The Street’ initiative in Trowbridge. For those of you who don’t know it’s a thing for families to do together and you earn as many points as possible for you and your team by walking, running, scooting,

cycling or rolling between Beat Boxes across Trowbridge. The boxes are fixed to lampposts all over town and you scan a fob or a card to say you have been to that particular one. The amount of families I have seen participating has been incredible and very heartening.

Granted Trowbridge may not have quite as many picturesque views as a three hour cycle through the heart of Wiltshire but to see everyone out, in the fresh air getting some exercise, spending time with each other and having fun has been fabulous. I did however see a brother and sister arguing about who should be allowed to scan the fob the other day so maybe it’s not all fun and games!!

Phil Rockliffe