The West Wilts Magazine - December 2020

DECEMBER 2020 // ISSUE 132

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West Wilts The

WIN

A DAY’S COOKERY COURSE WITH A TOP LOCAL CHEF!

MAGAZINE

CHRISTMAS WISH LIST GIFT IDEAS FOR ALL THE FAMILY

ENJOY OUR VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS QUIZ!! + STEPHEN GRAVER THE SWAN HOTEL CRU WINES VINCIENTS WOOD & MUCH MORE

THE

LAND OF LIGHT

UNTIL 10 JANUARY AT LONGLEAT

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

contents Published by Wired Publishing Editor Lisa Rockliffe Contributors 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: The Land of Light

December 2020 // issue 132

V

ia another lockdown we have limped towards the end of 2020. It has been a truly unforgettable year, largely, unfortunately, for all the wrong reasons. Still, with this, our final edition of the year we hope to go out on a high!

Every December we love putting together our annual Christmas Wish List (p34). As I said last month, your local independents have never needed your support more so please enjoy this jam-packed gift selection and go out and buy local!

Our series on Wiltshire Wildlife Trust venues continues this month with Vincients Wood near Chippenham (p14). A lovely woodland wander is sure to pique the interest of anyone trying to walk off a full Christmas dinner! And be sure to make the best of all that festive fare with the help of The Food Wife who has some great leftover turkey recipe ideas (p27) to try at home.

Keen cooks should also see Lovejoys’ competition to win a day’s cookery course with a top local chef (p26) that could be just what you need to finish the year off on the right note!

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So, for the last time in 2020 please turn the page to enjoy a great read! Merry Christmas one and all!

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

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in this issue...

LOCAL NEWS Courage Above All Things Julian House Christmas events ACT Events goes virtual

8 12 16

FOOD & DRINK The Swan Hotel’s Alpine Bar Cru Wines’ Festive Favourites Eat the Seasons

22 24 26

Leftover turkey recipes

27

FEATURES Vincients Wood The Very Merry Christmas Quiz The Land of Light Christmas Wish List

14 18 32 34

HOUSE & HOME Stephen Graver How to make a Christmas Wreath Wadswick Green

50 52 56

BATH RUGBY Tom Dunn makes his England debut 60 COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES Win a day’s cookery course with a top local chef courtesy of Lovejoys! 26 That’s interesting...

62 Quiz, wordsearch & sudoku 64 COMMENT The Last Word

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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)

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

RODE

OPEN FROM 28th NOVEMBER 9am until 5.30pm ***Delivery service available see website for details***

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local news

COURAGE ABOVE ALL THINGS: BEHIND ENEMY LINES Local author and social historian ROMY WYETH has just published a new book that includes stories of remarkable courage under fire...

in the Prison Camps of Italy, Germany, Poland and Borneo. Above all every story in the book tells of survival against all odds and the resilience of the human spirit.

Each chapter tells a different story

Every chapter tells a different story: Why did Hitler give Iron Crosses to a unit of the Royal Army Medical Corps? What was it like to be a German family in Minden during the War? What happened to the evacuation ships and their passengers as they attempted to escape before the Fall of Singapore?

How did a secret section of British Military Intelligence condemn thousands of British POW’s to further imprisonment and death unbeknown to Churchill and the War Cabinet? Find out about two battlefield miracles, a young officer at Mons and an American GI in Normandy saved despite being left for dead.

Singapore Yacht Club c1934, before the country's fall

C

ourage Above All Things: Behind Enemy Lines includes individual stories of remarkable courage and endurance from both World Wars through to Palestine, Korea and Suez. The book includes fighting behind enemy lines in North Africa, Europe, the Middle and the Far East. There is bravery on the battlefields from Normandy to the Reichswald Forest, in the air with

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Bomber Command and beneath the sea with Naval Clearance divers. The book heads into the Burmese jungle with Orde Wingate’s Chindits and into the desert with 51 Commando and The Special Interrogation Group. We are taken behind the wire

For anyone with a keen interest in history, or simply for those who love to see human courage win out, this is a great read.

Courage Above All Things: Behind Enemy Lines by Romy Wyeth is published by Brown Dog Books and costs £15. It is available from all good bookshops as well as online.

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local news

FESTIVE VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS

Raise spirits and support the great work of Julian House this Christmas! said: “This year has been challenging for everyone, not least those in our care. While many of us are looking forward to Christmas, it will be different. We hope these virtual workshops will go some way in bringing people together and lifting spirits – all for a good cause.”

The workshops are open to everyone and members of the public can sign up online via the website.

• julianhouse.org.uk/support-us/ events/christmas-workshops/

The virtual events include an origami worksop

T

his Christmas, you may not be able to get out and about like normal, but to counterbalance that local charity Julian House is hosting a series of festive themed virtual workshops to boost community spirits.

The Christmas workshops will take place online via Zoom and Google Meet from 28 November – 17 December and will see numerous local businesses donating their time and skills to host a workshop for everyone to enjoy. From quizzes with comedian Dr Phil Hammond and Bootcamp workouts with Zita Alves to bake offs with local business Sugarcane Studio and wreath making with Bohemian Blooms.

Everything raised by the participants’ donations goes towards supporting extremely vulnerable men and women who this year, face the double threat of COVID and plunging winter temperatures out on the streets. With the public’s

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donation and support, Julian House can ensure it’s there to support individuals during this difficult time.

Jessica Gay, Senior Community and Event Fundraiser at Julian House Dr Phil Hammond is hosting a virtual quiz

"Everything raised by the participants’ donations goes towards supporting extremely vulnerable men and women"

Nigel Dando

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wildlife

image © Owain Shaw

The wood was given to Wiltshire Wildlife Trust in 1990

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"Most of the trees are 30-50 years old, but because of the woodland’s continuous history as a wood, 17 ancient woodland indicator species can be found."

wildlife

VINCIENTS WOOD Next in our series of features on Wiltshire Wildlife Trust's 38 reserves is VINCIENTS WOOD and it sits on the western side of Chippenham...

coloured blewits, great bunches of trooping crumble cap that suddenly appear overnight, candlesnuff, and the miller.

A carpet of wood anemones comes out in the spring

Chippenham. SN14 0TN OS map 156; Grid ref: ST898734 • Not suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs • Dogs on leads are welcome • 5.81 hectares • wiltshirewildlife.org

image © Rob Large

DIRECTIONS

V

incients Wood is a seminatural broadleaved woodland on the western edge of Chippenham. A circular route around the wood crosses a medieval woodbank that divides the wood in two; it would have been placed there as a boundary and to keep livestock out.

Parts of the reserve are ancient woodland, which means they have been continuously wooded since at least 1600. The northern section is more recent and until the Second World War its trees were felled for timber. Most of the trees – ash, maple, and oak – are 30-50 years old, but because of the woodland’s continuous history as a wood, 17 ancient woodland indicator species can be found. One, the tiny treeclimbing door snail, is an indicator of

If cycling - Leave Regional Cycle Route 20 at the turning to Moss Mead. Follow Moss Mead to a dead end. The reserve entrance is across a stream and grass strip. a wood’s great age because it takes such a long time to colonise a place.

The wood was given to Wiltshire Wildlife Trust in 1990 and volunteers run a coppicing programme between October and March to create small sunny glades on a seven-year cycle, providing perfect conditions for wildflowers. In spring, wood anemones, bluebells, and early purple orchids blossom. Comma, holly blue, ringlet, and speckled wood butterflies live here. Listen out for the great spotted woodpecker drumming on tree trunks; other birds such as the blackcap, nuthatch, goldcrest, and tits prefer the sunny south edges of the wood.

Vincients Wood has a damp, dark interior, deliberately left untouched.

Here you will find fungi – lilac-

If using the bus - Vincients Wood is a half-hour walk (1.6 miles) from Chippenham bus station. Services to the station are regular. Routes 231, 635, 234, X34, 35/35A, 75, 36, 95, B44, D44, A44.

If driving - From Chippenham town centre head out on the A420 (Bristol Road). Turn left at the roundabout into Hungerdown Lane (signposted Frogwell). At the first mini roundabout just past the petrol station, turn right into Frogwell. Take the third left into Moss Mead, then bear right. Follow the winding road through the housing estate until you reach a dead end. There is limited parking on the road. Walk between the bollards, across the stream and grass strip and enter the reserve through a kissing gate.

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 15

local news

EVENTS COMPANY GOES VIRTUAL...

Do you need to do your annual family together virtually this Christmas?

Do it in style thanks to ACF Teambuilding & Events!

F

ormer firefighter Mark Fanning, director of ACF Teambuilding & Events, is igniting the events industry by introducing Virtual Online Game Shows to his clients and to the wider public.

He says, "Teamwork was vital in the fire service as lives depended on it.

In any work environment though, situations come up where a team must pull together. That is what our business is all about - helping to build better teams. This year, more than ever, we are adjusting from our normal live events to provide the much-needed fun and staff engagement online. We've worked hard as a group to make sure we are moving with the uncertain times."

ACF, which is one of the region’s top event management companies, has long offered a wide a range of indoor and outdoor events around the South West and has now diversified and added virtual Christmas events from game shows to online cooking workshops to its portfolio of events. They can be adapted to work just as well for families as for companies too.

ACF Teambuilding & Events now offers a host of events online

"ACF... has now diversified and added virtual Christmas events from game shows to online cooking workshops to its portfolio of events" events. One of the hosts you may be familiar with is Sean Price. Sean, wearer of many hats including Director of Southwick Parkrun and former Westbury Town Crier, can often be seen compering ACF's virtual events!

Mark joined ACF Hospitality in 2006 as a Sales Director. In 2012 he became the owner, rebranded to become ACF Teambuilding and Events, and expanded the company's offerings to include a Mark has built up a huge network of huge range of corporate days to suit businesses of all types and sizes. people to help provide the events, as well as working at the Wiltshire Mark said: “My life experiences have Times for five years he has also taught me that friends and family worked for GWR Radio (now Heart FM). After working with many radio always come first, but adding smiles to people's faces comes a very close presenters he now employs some second. So whether you want a of them to help host the online 16

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virtual family game show organised, or need to move your work Christmas party online, we have the expertise to help you do it in style!"

• acfteambuilding.co.uk

Mark Fanning

christmas

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS QUIZ ADAM JACOT DE BOINOD, former researcher from ‘QI’ and author of The Meaning of Tingo, poses 40 festive questions.

1) In which year was the first Christmas card printed in England? Was it 1863, 1883 or 1843?

2) Who introduced Christmas Carols to formal church services?

3) Which foreign city gives the city of Westminster a Christmas tree The Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree

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every year to adorn Trafalgar Square?

custom of children placing wooden shoes next to the hearth the night before 4) The story of Babushka the arrival of St. Nicholas is famous in a traditional before they became the Russian Christmas. now familiar Christmas What does the name stocking? translate as?

7) In which country 5) What do did baubles, the red berries ornamental balls represent at on a Christmas Christmas? tree, originate?

6) In which country did the original

8) Why was Christmas Day Humphrey Bogart

christmas 20) Why was Christmas Day particularly special to WC Fields, Charlie Chaplin and Joan Miro?

The Queen's Speech

21) In which country is ‘kiviak’ a gastronomical Christmas treat made from the raw flesh of an auk buried under a stone in sealskin for several months until it's achieved an advanced stage of decomposition?

22) Hanging gifts on trees is supposed to stem from what? particularly special to Humphrey Bogart, Sir Isaac Newton and Princess Alexandra?

9) In the Scottish dialect what is a yule-hole?

10) With the recent addition of Rudolph, how many reindeer does Santa have … 8, 9 or 10?

a ‘cotillon’, a kind of party bag containing sweets and whistles?

14) What is the biggest selling Christmas single of all time?

15) In which decade was the Queen’s first speech broadcast on television?

16) In which South Pacific country is your 11) Which British monarch age measured not in changed the customary years but by how many Christmas fare of the goose into Christmases you've the turkey? lived through?

12) At what time on British television on Christmas Day is the Queen’s Christmas Message first broadcast?

17) What does the word ‘hederated’ mean?

18) In which country do some priests advise you to say "Happy Christmas", not "Merry Christmas", because Merry has connotations of getting drunk?

13) In which Mediterranean country on New Year’s 19) Who was the first to add Eve do you lighted candles to the collect at Christmas tree? each party

23) In which Mediterranean country does the 'consoada' feast take place at midnight on Christmas Eve? 24) Why at a traditional Bulgarian Christmas does the family not get together around the table but instead choose to sit on the floor?

25) In 1861 Tom Smith launched a new range of what he called 'Bangs of Expectation'. What were they?

26) Originally a fertility rite with live animals, what Wiltshire Christmas custom later degenerated into singing in the streets and collecting money in a bowl?

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christmas 27) What kind of plays were performed historically in Wiltshire at Christmas in the evenings in the big houses and farmhouses?

28) Why is Xmas the common abbreviation for Christmas?

29) Who banned Christmas Carols in the 17th century, thinking that Christmas should be a very solemn day and so the only celebration was by a sermon and a prayer service?

30) Who in America tried to make Thanksgiving Day the most important annual festival instead of Christmas?

31) Why is 26 December known as Boxing Day? 32) The first printed reference to what Christmas feature appeared in Germany in 1531?

33) Who was a busy man who wanted to save time in his own Christmas letters, but was also interested in encouraging the expansion of the postal system

Charlie Chaplin

and thereby printed the first Christmas card?

34) In which famous truce that lasted a few days did men exchanged presents of cigarettes and plum puddings, sang carols and songs and even played a game of soccer?

35) Who brought the first Christmas tree to Windsor Castle for the Royal family in 1834?

36) Where do they call the poinsettia "Flower of the Holy Night" - the Holy Night being

ANSWERS 1) 1843 2) St. Francis of Assisi 3) Oslo 4) Grandmother 5) the drops of Christ's blood 6) Holland 7) Germany 8) It was their birthday 9) The last hole to which a man could stretch his belt at a Christmas feast 10) 9 11) King Henry VIII 12) 3pm 13) Spain 14) Bing Crosby's White Christmas 15) The Fifties (1957) 16) Papua New Guinea 17) Adorned with ivy 18) Australia 19) Martin Luther 20) It was the day they died 21) Greenland 22) Tree worship of the Druids 23) Portugal 24) Because during the Secret Dinner Jesus and the apostles also sat on the floor 25) Christmas Crackers 26) Wassail 27) Mummers’ plays 28) It is derived from the Greek alphabet. X is letter Chi, which is the first letter of Christ's name in the Greek alphabet 29) Oliver Cromwell 30) The Puritans 31) Because money was collected in alms-boxes placed in churches during the festive season which was then distributed to the poor and needy after Christmas 32) A Christmas tree 33) Sir Henry Cole 34) World War One, at midnight on Christmas Eve 1914 35) Prince Albert 36) In Mexico 37) President Franklin Pierce 38) Tom Smith 39) Some of Santa’s reindeer 40) Rome

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their way of saying "Christmas Eve"?

37) Which President decorated the first White House Christmas tree in 1856?

38) Which sweet shop owner was the creator of the first Christmas cracker?

39) Who are Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen?

40) The first Christmas is said to have taken place in 336AD in which city?

The Deli at Corsham PACKED WITH ALL THOSE WONDERFUL EXTRAS THAT MAKE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL.

For that special gift, order one of our beautiful individualised hampers.

And for the busy host, ask about our ‘Christmas Made Easy’ boxes; full of basic essentials as well as pure indulgence!

18 High Street, Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 0ES 01249 716091 | www.thedeliatcorsham.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

ENJOYING SOME APRÈS SKI

I

The Swan Hotel in Bradford on Avon is launching a new chalet-style bar in time for Christmas...

t has been a tough old time this year so The Swan is hoping to add a bit of festive winter cheer for December; so The Swan has partnered with Travel Options 4 U, the Bradford on Avon based travel agent, to launch a new 'Alpine Bar' concept. It is located off the hotel

"It's being designed as an indoor-outdoor space so offering plenty of fresh air but with a lovely cosy feel" car park and will be a chalet style bar, serving traditional hot chocolate, spiced apple cider, Lilleys mulled cider and mulled wine. There will also be a table ordering app if you want to order something from the main bar.

It's being designed as an indooroutdoor space so offering plenty of fresh air but with a lovely cosy feel complete with skis, simulated fireplaces and blankets. You're sure to feel as if you have been transported to alpine climes!

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James Sullivan-Tailyour of The Swan said 'We wanted to give the community somewhere to escape to this festive season as most of us have not had a chance to travel this year. It's going to be a much needed bit of fun, we are even going to put up a couple of community notice boards where people can bring in their own photos of skiing or snow fun and post them on the boards!'.

'Travel Options 4 U are really very happy to be part of this exciting initiative which will bring a taste of the slopes and après ski to Bradford

on Avon and we look forward to being able to arrange real holidays for the local community once we can all travel again!" added Jenette Spirovski of Travel Options 4 U, who are co-sponsoring the Alpine Bar. The opening hours of the new bar will be evenings and weekends, all subject to the demand of course!

Further information is available from the hotel's website or by calling 01225 868686.

• theswanbradford.co.uk

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 Open 12 noon – 3pm & 6pm – 10pm Our pub also offers a great selection of real ales, lagers, ciders, wines & soft drinks.

food & drink

WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS...

LEANNE OLIVIER from Cru Wines encourages you to travel the world with wine, offering some great alternative choices for the festive season...

I

t's lockdown 2.0 and who knows where we’ll be at Christmas? One thing is certain, the nights are darker, colder and the fires are on! As we turn to our winter-time creature comforts such as slippers, electric blankets and roast dinners what should we be drinking?

There will always be the typical classics. However, after a year of limited travel and exploration, why not travel the world with wine this winter and try something different?

For those who enjoy crisp, dry, aromatic Sauvignon Blancs, travel to Macedonia to try a bottle of Tikves Smederevka. Smederevka is an indigenous grape that is similar in style to Sauvignon Blanc; a pale lemon wine delivering tropical and stone fruit aromas underpinned by a streak of zesty citrus. A perfectly balanced easy sip! If you prefer a rounder, heavier white for food, how about a wine tour of the gorgeous South Africa? Oaked in huge 50 litre oak barrels for a year, the Babylonstoren Chardonnay has a beautiful round buttery note, or the Olifantsberg Grenache Blanc is a richly textured wine that’s a real treat!

A very quaffable fruity red can be found by popping over to Sicily for a bottle of Vitese Nero d'Avola with rich, juicy flavours of ripe plum and black cherries interlaced with subtle violet notes? And for a heavier red, that deserves decanting & pondering over simply catch a flight to Central Chile where halfway between the coastline

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and The Andes mountains you’ll find a wonderful bottle of Undurraga Cabernet Franc. Guaranteed to warm you up.

With the fire burning, the cheese board ready and fortified wines on your mind, transport yourself to California and explore a glass of Starboard 88 a fortified wine with luscious ripe blackberry, raisin and chocolate truffle flavours. Delicious!

And if these wines sound perfect, chances are someone you know might also like them! We hand wrap and bag our bottles so your perfect

Christmas gift is ready to give, and we also have vouchers, gift packs, tastings and events that would make a great treat for that someone special too.

Explore Cru Wines Emporium and Tasting Room at 4 Silver Street, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1JX, or visit our online shop.

• cruwines.co.uk

"We hand wrap and bag our bottles so your perfect Christmas gift is ready to give"

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...

L

et’s hope this month is going to be as near to normality as possible for all of us and that our restaurants, pubs and hotels are going to be able to do some Christmas trade, with everyone distancing appropriately.

Our growers will then sell most of what they normally sell, as they had been producing to a programme

“The sprout is a brassica but it is anyone’s guess when someone mutated it from the original cabbage.” for the year, growing their crops for December. If they can’t sell this produce it will sadly rot in the fields.

We source what I would say are the three key ingredients for your Christmas dinner. It might be a smaller Christmas lunch that what you are used to, with

26 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

some friends or family saying hello on Zoom later in the day, but nevertheless I hope you enjoy it.

Red rooster and maris piper will be best for your roast potatoes, these come from our grower in Corsham, sprouts from Sherston and parsnips from Bromham. Look for these farm shops and garden centre shops locally.

Vegetable of the month - it just has to be Brussels sprouts! The sprout is a brassica but it is anyone’s guess when someone mutated it from the original cabbage. There are various theories. It is believed they originated in Belgium where they were sold in markets as early as the 13th Century.

They did not appear in England or France until the end of the 18th Century. Most Belgiums believe sprouts to be of Italian origins.

As always email me with any questions on

COMPETITION Our very special competition to end this very strange year is to win A DAY’S COOKERY COURSE WITH ONE OF OUR TOP CHEFS. All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is place an order for a Click & Collect box of fruit and vegetables, ordered via our website. Every order made will be placed into the competition.

It will run from 1 December to 24 December 2020 inclusive with the winner being announced in time for the New Year. The course will take place in 2021 as and when Covid rules allow. storage of vegetables, fruits etc, or what to do on your allotment (which I am sure is very tidy ready for the winter!). Otherwise Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!

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

GOBBLE

recipes

GOBBLE

After your Christmas Day feast is over liven up your turkey leftovers with these delicious recipes from FRAN STEVENS, aka The Food Wife.

For the bowls: 100g pho noodles (I used flat rice noodles) cooked (by soaking in boiled water for a few minutes) 2 handfuls of beansprouts 1 pak choi, shredded into ½ cm pieces 1 red chilli, finely sliced 2 spring onions, finely sliced 2 small handfuls of cooked turkey meat, shredded/roughly chopped (I used the dark meat) A handful of coriander and basil, roughly chopped ½ lime (to serve) Method Place all the ingredients for the broth (except the fish sauce) in a lidded saucepan and simmer for 1½ hours.

(You can either put all the aromats in a muslin or be prepared to sieve these out at the end).

TURKEY PHO

Serves 2

My first leftovers suggestion is a little something different. Utilising your leftover meat and stock, you can create a light but filling Vietnamese soup.

✃

Ingredients For the broth: 1L turkey stock 25g sugar (I used coconut sugar)

10 star anise 1 black cardamom 2 large pieces of cinnamon (or cassia bark) 1 tsp fennel seeds 1 tsp coriander seeds 1 tsp black peppercorns 4 cloves 1 tsp salt 2 tbsp fish sauce

Add the fish sauce and check seasoning. Add ground pepper and sugar as required.

In each serving bowl place the cooked noodles followed by the spring onion, chilli, bean sprouts, pak choi, turkey and herbs.

When ready to serve either remove the muslin or sieve out the aromats before ladling the broth over everything in the bowls. Serve with a wedge of lime.

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recipes A little nod to the retro here, but it’s hard to think of a (meat eating) situation where coronation chicken doesn’t go down well, so why not switch it up for turkey? It’s great as a sandwich filling, piled into a baked potato, or as part of a buffet.

TURKEY TAGINE Serves 4+

This is the simplest of versions, by all means adorn it with roasted flaked almonds, chopped fresh mango or apricots etc, but this is pretty good as is.

This can be scaled up or down and will keep in the fridge for a couple of days.

Ingredients 7 heaped tbsp mayonnaise 3 tbsp mango chutney 2 heaped tsp medium curry powder A handful of sultanas 350g cooked turkey, shredded This is a super quick dinner to make and the preserved lemons really make it zing.

If you don’t have any pomegranate molasses try a tablespoon of honey instead and add a second (if needed) to taste.

Ingredients 1 tbsp oil 1 onion, chopped 2 cloves of garlic, chopped 2 heaped tsp ras al hanout 1 tbsp tomato purée 1 tin of chickpeas, including their water 400ml water or stock 1 red pepper, deseeded and chopped 2 tomatoes, chopped 12 olives, stoned and chopped 3 preserved lemons, diced 350g cooked turkey, shredded 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses Salt and pepper, to taste

another minute. Stir through the ras al hanout.

Add the purée and cook out for a couple of minutes before adding everything else.

Cook for 15-20 minutes and then serve with rice or cous cous.

Method Mix the mayonnaise, mango chutney, curry powder and sultanas in a bowl.

Stir through the shredded turkey and serve with the accompaniment of your choice!

CORONATION TURKEY Serves 3+

28 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

✃

Method Heat the oil in a large pan and add the onion, softening for a few minutes. Add the garlic and cook for

✃

events

THE LAND OF LIGHT

Running until 10 January 2021, Land of Light features thousands of spectacular light sources, illuminating seven themed areas across the Longleat estate.

S

pecially created for Longleat, Land of Light's mix of technology, art and interactive installations will provide a stunning and unique alternative to the much-loved winter lantern spectacular; the Festival of Light, which is postponed until 2021 due to COVID-19.

Longleat House illuminated for their new winter event

See sensational projections light up the iconic Longleat House, dancing fountains and animated light displays across the ornate grounds and gardens, Half Mile Lake and The Longhouse.

Wander through motion-detected splashes of playful colour and sound and step inside the giant fourmetre tall geometric portal with its immersive and vibrant pattern of choreographed lights.

"Longleat’s famous Sun Maze and Love Labyrinth will be embellished with LED lighting, mirror balls and atmospheric haze" Longleat’s famous Sun Maze and Love Labyrinth will be embellished with LED lighting, mirror balls and atmospheric haze, with trees and topiary hedges decked out in their own stunning illuminated displays, bringing a wintery shimmer to the historic gardens.

The Adventure Castle will be creaking at the parapets with the sights and sounds of the medieval. Listen to knights jousting and watch steam billowing from the blacksmith’s forge.

32

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Venture into the 70-metre long sensory tunnel before heading inside The Longhouse for a 360° infinity experience, featuring fully mirrored walls and hundreds of diffracted laser beams in a floor-to-ceiling optical and aural experience.

The Santa Train will be back to whisk guests away to Father Christmas’ magical woodland grotto.

This year, there’s also a brand new storytelling experience on offer. Enter Santa’s cosy den to hear a whimsical story told by the man himself; of course, he will also have special gifts for all the children on the nice list.

During the day, guests can enjoy Longleat’s animal and adventure attractions, including the Safari Park, Koala Creek, Jungle Kingdom, Jungle Cruise and the iconic Longleat Hedge Maze.

Entry to the Land of Light is prebookable and visitors can choose

from two ticket options: An All-in-one ticket, which gives full access to park attractions during the day and Land of Light or a Night Lights ticket for a timed entry slot to the Land of Light only.

• longleat.co.uk/land-of-light • Admission to the Land of Light event is by pre-booked online ticket only - head to the website to book • All-In-One Tickets cost from £36.50 per adult and £27.35 per child. Night Tickets cost £27.95 per adult and £20.95 per child.

Additional costs apply for the Santa Train and Santa Storytelling experiences.

• Due to COVID-19 and for the safety of Longleat’s guests and Team Members, the Land of Light will have a much-reduced capacity and online bookings are on a first come, first served basis.

events The Land of Light is set to be a huge winter attraction at Longleat

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 33

gift guide

BAND TOGETHER

wine not

Hair bands - many colours & designs available, £13.95 Bonbon Chic • 01985 219526 bonbonchicshop.co.uk

Whitehall Vineyard Wine Gift Set, £4.50 (plus cost of wine) Whitehall Garden Centre • 01249 730204 whitehallgardencentre.co.uk

LET IT SNOW

Silver Snowflake Earrings, £13 Haus Life • hauslife.co.uk

CHOCS AWAY

Luxury Handmade Chocolates Medium Round Box £16.95 Leaf & Bean • 01225 571520 leafandbeantrading.co.uk

LITTLE CHEF

Large White Kitchen With Accessories, £104.99 Molly & Friends • 07736 062242 mollyandfriends.co.uk

ticket to ride

Ridgeback Scoot Beginner Bike, £119.99 TT Cycles • 01225 867187 ttcycles.co.uk

34 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

local news

GOOD VIBES

AKAI Vibes LED Handbag Speaker, £29.99 Davies of Westbury • 01373 822431 daviesofwestbury.co.uk

HANDS FREE

Fleece-lined Fingerless Gloves

By The Way • 01225 868888 fb.com/bythewayshop

FAMILY HEIRLOOM

British Isles Counties & Sea Areas Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle, £34.99 Heirloom Puzzles • 01225 868612 heirloompuzzles.co.uk

A MOTHER'S PRIDE Lioness & Cub £34.99 SL Cordon & Sons 01985 212115 slcorden.com

tea time

8 Ltr Cast IronTeapot, £38 Leaf & Bean • 01225 571520 leafandbeantrading.co.uk

back TRACK

Healthy Back Bag, from £42 Footloose • 01225 571474 Find them on Facebook THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 35

BRADFORD ON AVON

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

• • • • • •

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

GET YOUR CHRISTMAS BIKES & ACCESSORIES NOW...WHILE STOCKS LAST!!

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

gift guide

HIP FLASK

Range of Stanley Thermos Flasks, from £29.99 Davies of Westbury • 01373 822431 daviesofwestbury.co.uk

SPA DAYS

Gift Vouchers & Gift Sets available, £various Vitality Day Spa • 01225 309356 vitalitydayspa.co.uk

HANDS ON

Mini Hand Cream Set, £6 Trowbridge Garden Centre 01225 763927 trowbridgegardencentre.co.uk

GROW YOUR OWN

Electric Propagator, £32.50 Browns Hardware • 01225 862236 brownshardware.co.uk

38 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

SUPER STAR

Star Patterned Scarf, £15.95

By The Way • 01225 868888 fb.com/bythewayshop

gift guide

TIME TO MAKE UP

Lua Large Green Velvet Zebra Star Make Up Bag, £19.95, Matching Purse, £9.50 Bonbon Chic • 01985 219526 bonbonchicshop.co.uk

FLOWER ARRANGING

Silhouette D'art Vase, £34.99 SL Cordon & Sons • 01985 212115 slcorden.com

TABLE H'ART

Solid Wood Sycamore Etched Table, £80 Strawberry Blue 01225 920290 strawberrybluehome.co.uk

PHOTO SHOP

Photography Gift Voucher, £various Lacock Photography 01249 730571 lacockphotography.com

AROUND THE NECK

Hestia Gold Leaf Multi-Strand Necklace, £24 Haus Life • hauslife.co.uk

ON YER HEAD

Kids' Cycle Helmets, various colours, £29.99 TT Cycles • 01225 867187 ttcycles.co.uk THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 39

GIFTS, ladies wear & accessories

f

OPEN MON - SAT 9.30am - 5pm SUN 11am - 4pm 14 High Street, Warminster BA12 9AE • 01985 219526 info@bonbonchic.co.uk • www.bonbonchicshop.co.uk 9 Catherine Hill, Frome BA11 1BY • 01373 464412 You can also BUY ONLINE with HOME DELIVERY & CLICK & COLLECT services available...

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

Purveyors of ethical, sustainable, luxury grown products A unique concept store, we offer a handpicked range of tobacco and fine cigars, specially selected loose teas and coffee beans from the same growing regions.

We also have a selection of handmade local chocolates, vegan chocolates, and a range of artisanal ‘bean to bar’ chocolate bars.

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

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

gift guide

ADVENT CANDLE

Yankee Candle, Small £8.99, Large £23.99 Whitehall Garden Centre • 01249 730204 whitehallgardencentre.co.uk

MOON LIGHT

Elthia Moonstone Earrings, £22 Haus Life • hauslife.co.uk

GAME TIME

Tiddly Winks Game, £8.99 Trowbridge Garden Centre • 01225 763927 trowbridgegardencentre.co.uk

PLAYING HOUSE

Primrose Cottage Doll's House, £69.99 Molly & Friends • 07736 062242 mollyandfriends.co.uk

FEELING HOT HOT HOT

Microwaveable Hot-Paks, £9.99 Davies of Westbury • 01373 822431 daviesofwestbury.co.uk 42 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

gift guide

GIFTS FOR GARDENERS

NGS Vouchers, £various The Nursery 01225 571331

coasting through life Country Animal Coasters, £26 Strawberry Blue • 01225 920290 strawberrybluehome.co.uk

for the ladies

Ladies Ridgeback Mountain Bike, £379.99 (limited availability) TT Cycles • 01225 867187 ttcycles.co.uk

turn the screw 9-in-1 Precision Screwdriver, £4 Browns Hardware 01225 862236 brownshardware.co.uk

all tied up

No Kink Hair Ties, Loads Of Styles & Colours Available, £5-6 Lottie Loves • lottie-loves.com THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 43

footloose LADIES SHOES

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

WONDERFUL GIFT IDEAS INSTORE NOW

We are an online toy retailer based in Bradford on Avon.

Lamb Yard, Bradford on Avon

We stock a range of toys from well-known manufacturers as well as our own brand of wooden kitchens, baby walkers, wigwams and dolls houses.

MAGIC SLIPPERS

01225 571474

2600

£

FREE

LOCAL

Available in purple & blue

DELIVERY

Find us at

mollyandfriends.co.uk fi

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

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

An emporium of gifts for every occasion

Christmas Shop Now Open!

6A The Shambles, Bradford on AVon

01225 920290 | strawberrybluehome.co.uk

gift guide

LIGHTen UP

Stealth Torch, £2.99 Davies of Westbury • 01373 822431 daviesofwestbury.co.uk

SMELLS GOOD

Kate of Kensington Reed Diffusers, £29.99 Whitehall Garden Centre • 01249 730204 whitehallgardencentre.co.uk

AN EAR FULL

Fern Leaf Earrings, £13.99 Haus Life • hauslife.co.uk

THE OWLS HAVE IT

Bronze Effect Owl Figurines, £29.99 SL Cordon & Sons • 01985 212115 slcorden.com

saving a penny

Savings box (various options), £6.49 Trowbridge Garden Centre 01225 763927 trowbridgegardencentre.co.uk

HI-VIZ

Men's Cycling Jacket, £79.99 TT Cycles • 01225 867187 ttcycles.co.uk 46 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

gift guide

SLIP ONS

Mule Slippers, £26 Footloose • 01225 571474 Find them on Facebook

DRIVE HOME FOR XMAS

Various Gift Vouchers, from £40 Drive-Tech Ltd • 01249 783010 drivetechltd.co.uk

IN THE BAG

Personalised Tote Bag, £4.99 Trowbridge Garden Centre 01225 763927 trowbridgegardencentre.co.uk

enjoy a wee dram

Country Animal Tumblers (set of 4), £40 Strawberry Blue • 01225 920290 strawberrybluehome.co.uk

JOIN THE CRU

Gift Cards, from £10 Cru Wines • 01225 862289 cruwines.co.uk

THAT'S A CRACKER

Christmas Cracker Bath Fizzers, £7 Trowbridge Garden Centre 01225 763927 trowbridgegardencentre.co.uk THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 47

house & home

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS STEPHEN GRAVER discusses a very odd year and how it has changed the way we use and think about our homes...

W

ell we’ve made it, we’ve finally got to the end of a tumultuous year that none of us will ever forget, all for different reasons.

We have all spent more time in our homes this year, either forced or by choice or for a “staycation.”

Kitchen tables became makeshift desks or Zoom rendezvous points

It's time for a well deserved break this Christmas

50 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

or work from home hubs. Space became more important as families, often joined by a relative, came together to eat, sleep, play and chew the fat. Heating and lighting came on at all times of the day and those

house & home with outdoor space felt blessed to have somewhere to take in safe fresh air or to do some gardening to retain some level of sanity!

The housing market saw sales in London increase by 57% compared with last year and knocked 20 days off the offer-to-completion schedule from 69 to 49 days. This excitement is down to an urgent desire to upsize properties since the first lockdown and of course, the impact of the stamp duty cuts.

Rightmove estimates that 650,000 sales are currently being processed, an increase of 67% on this time last year with most sales occurring in

the £400k-£500k price bracket. But experts fear the bubble will not last and there will be lasting implications from this market as homeowners outstretch themselves while the going is good.

ry project is underpinned by outstanding craftsmanship from conception to completion and

"As an alternative to moving, the pandemic forced us all to think about how we use the space available to us most efficiently and how to really make the most of our homes."

As an alternative to moving, the pandemic forced us all to think about how we use the space available to us most efficiently and how to really make the most of our homes.

Searches on Houzz for garden offices rose by 80% during lockdown, garage and loft conversions and outdoor kitchens have also increased. backed by exceptional customer service that has kept clients returning Based in the very pretty village of again and again for over 30 years.

Steeple Ashton, Stephen Graver has seen a change in how receptive The majority of Stephen Graver’s clients are at using the space clients are from word of mouth available to them in more innovative recommendation and a visit to their and exciting ways once they start unique award-winning studio in the to work with his team of expert Wiltshire countryside makes it clear craftsmen in their award-winning to see why. studio and showroom.

If you’re thinking of making a new Stephen Graver’s trademark is start with changes to your property exceptional quality design and in the New Year, find a feast of new delivery of outstanding interior ideas and more on the website. projects. From handmade kitchens, bathrooms of distinction, In the meantime we would like to awe-inspiring garden rooms that wish you and yours a very safe and merge the inside and outside of peaceful Christmas. your space, beautiful bespoke home offices to full home renovations.

• stephengraver.com Lockdown has made us value our outside space all the more

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 51

christmas

MAKE YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS WREATH A homemade Christmas wreath is a beautiful thing to behold and they are simpler to make than you might imagine. Here is our step-by-step guide‌

1

Secure some of the reel wire around the wreath frame - this will anchor it as you start to build up the moss. Push sections of moss about the size of your hand into the frame, securing each chunk with 3-4 wraps of reel wire. This is the base of the wreath and it is worth making it as sturdy as possible. Continue until you have filled the frame, securing each piece of moss as you go. Do not cut the wire.

smaller). Then attach each bunch to your wreath, fixing it in place by wrapping the reel wire around it to secure. With the next bunch, cover the previous stems to hide the join.

Try to keep the bunches facing slightly outward - you want to maintain the whole in the middle. Cut and secure the reel wire when finished.

3

When you have secured the bunches check the shape (you can always add smaller bunches if you have gaps). Decide on a centre and then loop a yard of ribbon through the centre and knot it at the end. Carefully turn your wreath over and secure the knot at the back of the wreath with pins (hair pins will do). Turn your wreath over again and cut another yard length and tie a bow at the front and centre.

2

Put the wreath to one side and begin to cut stems from both eucalyptus plants - you want the pieces 10-15cm long. Mix the stems together and bind 5-6 into a little bunch. Secure this tightly with reel wire (from the other reel).

Make 6-7 bunches (more if yours are

52

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

4

Depending on your choice of foliage, you need to secure the smaller pieces. If you are using single stems, secure the wire around it, leaving two prongs to help you wrap it from front to back. If you are using little bunches of foliage, first secure them together and then add another piece of wire to help fix them to the wreath.

You will need: Wire Wreath Frame Scissors/wire cutters 2 x Reel Wire Moss Ribbon

Foliage (available from florists): Berried Eucalyptus Baby Blue Eucalyptus Hydrangea Brunia Silver Viburnum Berries Blackberries Rosehips

5

Keep standing back and admiring your wreath from a distance - this will help with the composition. Keep adding foliage until you are satisfied and make sure to keep the integral circular shape.

NEW HOLT SHOWROOM OPENING SOON

O CO PE FF N EE DA BA IL R Y

Email: info@formosakitchens.co.uk • Tel: 07970 181502 • www.formosakitchens.co.uk

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

CHRISTMAS TREES, WREATHS & MISTLETOE ON SALE NOW!

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE HERE

BEAUTIFUL PLANTS ALL GROWN ON BRITISH NURSERIES

• Bedding & Annuals • Perennials • Veg & Herbs • Trees & Shrubs • Climbers • Roses

PLUS: Pots & Planters • Compost • Fertilisers & Chemicals • Bulbs & Seeds • Tools • Sundries OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK: Monday - Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm

f thenurseryhilperton

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

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

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

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

fb.com/classicgardeners

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

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

FREE QUOTATIONS AVAILABLE RENEW - REPAIR - READY FOR WINTER

Call 01373 822933 or 07506 373335

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

later life

MAKING THE MOVE Make your buying decision easier with a tailored offer to make the move to Wadswick Green Retirement Village in Corsham.

L

ater living specialist Rangeford Villages’ Wadswick Green is located in Corsham and features a wide range of wellbeing amenities and social activities, as well as spacious 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments complete with modern designs and private balconies to make the most of the surrounding countryside.

Rangeford Villages understands that there can be obstacles to overcome ahead of making a moving decision so they will tailor a bespoke package for each prospective resident to help make a move sooner than they thought possible.

There is a wide range of home buying offers with practical support and services to choose from when buying a new apartment: 45-Day Move In Pledge Selling your home can take a lot longer than you want, with multiple house viewings and the added stress of dealing with estate agents and other sellers in the chain. In an uncertain housing market, this can take even longer, use Rangeford’s home buying partner's service and you will save on the selling costs. Once you accept an offer, following the valuations, you could move into your new home from as little as 45 days.

56 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Wadswick Green offers tailor made packages to help your move easier

Monthly Fees Paid Rangeford can offer a package to pay your monthly fees, giving you more money in your pocket now to help you settle into your new home and enjoy starting to make new friends and acquaintances.

Fees cover the general management and upkeep of the village, as well as your use of concierge and driver services, 24-hour emergency support response, resident group activities including exercise classes in the gym, spa facilities, building insurance and even your home’s window cleaning.

Stamp Duty Holiday Legally complete before 31 March 2021, there’s no stamp duty payable up to £500,000, if you purchase an apartment with a higher price Rangeford will pay the rest!

Assisted Living Plan Paid Rangeford’s onsite team are there to assist you to be as independent as you can or want to be. They can tailored an Assisted Living package for one year to match your requirements which could include: • Daily meals in The Greenhouse Coffee Shop & Restaurant

"Rangeford can offer a package to pay your monthly fees, giving you more money in your pocket now to help you settle into your new home" • Companionship in your home, to a social activity or an appointment • Help with personal care, getting up & going to bed & other daily tasks • Housekeeping & laundry services Stress Free Moving Services Paid Rangeford can offer a range of specialist moving services from decluttering and selling your current home, moving to and setting up your new home, just ask what’s available.

Get in contact to discuss your bespoke tailored package by calling 01225 584500 or visit the website.

Terms and conditions do apply – see website for full details on each offer.

For more information on Wadswick

Green Retirement Village visit the website or call 01225 584500.

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

bath rugby

TOM DUNN WINS FIRST ENGLAND CAPS

Bath Rugby academy graduate TOM DUNN won his first caps for England last month and his emotional call to his family afterwards went viral.

T

om Dunn warmed hearts with the footage of him talking with family on his phone after England had defeated Italy in the Six Nations decider in Rome last month, but just minutes earlier he was dreading the prospect of another aborted debut.

Tom Dunn won his first cap against Italy in the final round of the Six Nations

The video of a tearful Dunn wearing his first cap went viral in the aftermath of a 34-5 victory over Italy that was enough to clinch a third Six Nations title for Eddie Jones and his England team.

“The video of a tearful Dunn wearing his cap went viral in the aftermath of a 34-5 victory over Italy” The Bath hooker replaced Jamie George with only two minutes of the match left to banish memories of February’s fixture against Scotland when he was an unused replacement.

“I’d be lying if I said there weren’t some demons, but whether I got on wasn’t in my control,” Dunn said. “All I could control was what I was doing, so I did a few throws on the side of the pitch, bounced around and warmed my shoulders up a bit. All I could do was be ready, and I was.

“For the Scotland game, there was quite a big build-up, all that excitement and then almost a come down after the game. I was buzzing that we won but just that little bit 60 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

of disappointment that I didn’t get my cap.”

Jubilant that his moment had come in Rome, Dunn can be seen on the footage wiping away tears as his voice crackles with emotion. “The first conversation was with my other half and my kids, just showing my cap on the camera – my kids enjoyed that and enjoyed seeing me on telly,” he said.

“They’re only four and two, so they don’t really understand. They just like seeing me. Then sharing a moment with my other half was lovely.

“The second conversation was with my parents. Again, it was a very proud moment because it was a great honour to play. It was a shame they couldn’t be there in person but it was brilliant to have them on the phone in the stadium.”

Tom and his England team mates will be hoping to push on for more victories in the Autumn Nations Cup event this month, whilst Bath will be hoping to continue the form that led them to the Gallagher Premiership Semi Finals at the end of last season.

• bathrugby.com

2020/2021 FIXTURES All Gallager Premiership fixtures will be shown live on TV until crowds are allowed to return.

TV 5 Dec 15:00 A Worcester Warriors GP TV 12 Dec 15:15 H Scarlets HC TV 19 Dec 15:15 A La Rochelle HC TV 26 Dec 14:00 H London Irish GP TV 3 Jan 15:00 A Leicester Tigers GP

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

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

PRE-LOVED MEN’S CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

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. NIBS a) small worthless apples remaining on the tree after the crop has been gathered in b) the cheeks c) the handles of a scythe

2. BRIZE

3. ANNEAL

4. SLADE a) a spur attached to the heel of a fighting cock b) a ridge in ploughland c) verbally to belittle someone

BINGO LINGO There’s one sociable game often favoured by the older woman, which comes with its own inimitable rhyming language. Here’s a selection: 1… buttered scone 6… Tom Mix (more modern:

choppin’ sticks or chopsticks) 7… Gawd’s in ‘eaven 12… monkey’s cousin (from rhyming slang for dozen) 21… age o’ mi ol’ dutch (since all ladies like to be thought younger) 22… two ducks (from the shape of the figures) 23… a duck and a flea (from the shape of the figures) 50… half-way house (1940s) (since there are 100 numbers available to the caller) 76… was she worf it? (from 7/6d., the old price of a marriage licence) 77… two little crutches (from the shape of the figures) 88… two fat ladies (from the shape of the figures)

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

a) a stupid person, a fool b) to press heavily on or against, to crush down c) to burn the down off a bird after plucking its feathers

a) in the opposite direction, the wrong way b) a thoroughly heated oven c) a spur attached to the heel of a fighting cock

Peter Wilkinson

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64 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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last word

WE’RE BOXED INTO A CORNER

B

ack before the whole pandemic situation arose we decided we would move house.

We had sold our place, found a lovely house in need of some work and were all set to move Conveyancing was all done and the exchange and completion dates were all set. We had actually packed, literally, all our worldly possessions into boxes and were ready to go when our buyers pulled the plug because of ‘the virus’. We were

how I tell you! We do have a slow cooker but everything starts to taste a bit samey after a while. There are only so many times you can serve up a version of stew/casserole with any enthusiasm. We have now borrowed a camping stove but that is obviously not an ideal situation.

We are a couple of weeks away yet from the finish line but it should be done and dusted well before Christmas (fingers crossed!) It is though starting to take shape and

“There are only so many times you can serve up a version of stew/casserole with any enthusiasm.” supposed to move on the Friday and they pulled out on the Thursday! It was all a bit of a nightmare.

The reason I mention this is because we have had to pack almost everything into boxes again as, instead of moving house, we are having the whole of the back of our house and garden refurbished.

I say refurbished but it is more like rebuilt from scratch. We cannot use any of the ground floor except the living room, which is packed to the gunwales with the previously mentioned boxes. It mightn’t be so bad if we could get out to visit people or go to a restaurant or café to eat but, because of the current lockdown rules, we are very restricted to what we can do. Feeding a family of four with a microwave, a kettle and a toaster is stretching even my culinary know 66 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

it seems as though it might be worth the disarray and hassle… it’s looking like it might just be amazing.

It doesn’t always feel like it’s worth it when you are ploughing through your third microwave meal of the week though! You also might think that being given a licence to eat takeaways would be nice. It is for the first three or four times, guilt free eating, after a bit though you just hanker for something healthy, something green. I may actually be a lot healthier once the disruption is all over as I’m not sure I will be able to face another takeaway!

As an aside and on a slightly different topic I have used a couple of words in this piece that would never have crossed my mind if I was writing in 2019 but now are very much part of our day to day vocabulary. It got me thinking about other words

and phrases that have become commonplace in 2020 and ones that I would very happily never hear again. Pandemic, social distancing, lockdown, PPE, self-isolation, new and persistent cough, panic buying, stockpiling, home schooling (OMG that was fun!!!) the list goes on. On the plus side though there are a few words that I would quite happily use over and over, key worker, NHS staff, regular exercise, sourdough, baking!

Not such a long list, maybe, but a small positive to end what has been, by anybody’s measure, a dreadful year. Merry Christmas everyone and bring on 2021, it’s gotta be much, much better than 2020 surely!!

Phil Rockliffe