OCTOBER 2021 // ISSUE 139
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XMAS PARTY TIME
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HALLOWEEN
+ CRU WINES THE FARMHOUSE GOUGHS SOLICITORS THEATRE ROYAL BATH & MUCH MORE
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CLOUTS WOOD
HALF TERM DAYS OUT THIS OCTOBER
INWARD LOOKING
FEATURING A 22-PAGE INTERIORS SPECIAL FOOD & DRINK // PUZ ZLES // HOME & GARDENS // HEALTH // COMMENT
FOR A BEAUTIFUL HOME VISIT OUR NEW HOLT SHOWROOM
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contents Published by Wired Publishing Editor Lisa Rockliffe Contributors Fran Stevens, Phil Rockliffe, Neil Mortimer, Andy Diffey, Adam Jacot De Boinod Advertising Enquiries Andy Diffey e: andy@wired-publishing.co.uk t: 01225 807775 General Enquiries e: info@wired-publishing.co.uk t: 01225 807775 www.wired-publishing.co.uk Address 20 Azalea Drive, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 9GG This magazine is printed on paper sourced from sustainable forests. Please recycle it when you are done, or pass it on! The publishers shall not be held liable for any loss occasioned by the failure of an advertisement to appear, or any damage or inconvenience caused by errors, omissions or misprints. Reproduction of this magazine in whole, or in part is strictly prohibited wihout prior permission of the publishers. Front Cover:
Roslyn fabric from Sanderson’s 160th Anniversary Collection
October 2021 // issue 139
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his is only the seventh edition of the magazine that we’ve produced for this year and yet we are already talking autumn and getting ready for Christmas! Before all that though we have one of our most popular features of the year - our autumn interiors special. This year we have a whopping 22 pages devoted to all things interiors - from new kitchens and bathrooms to sofas, curtains, windows and even DIY. If you are thinking of making changes to your home in the coming months be sure to read this feature first - from p37. Next up, Christmas parties. We missed this last year with restrictions still in place but all being well we should be able to celebrate properly with friends and family again this year. See p19 for our guide on some fab places to head for festive food. Away from that we have ideas for family fun over the half term and Halloween (p14), we take a walk through Clouts Wood (p58), get preserving with The Food Wife (p29) and talk wine ruts with Leanne Olivier from Cru (p34). All that, in fact, and much more besides. Enjoy!
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Lisa Rockliffe, Editor Follow us on Twitter... @westwiltsmag Read online... westwiltsmag.co.uk
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in this issue... LOCAL LISTINGS What’s On in October
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LOCAL NEWS Theatre Royal Bath Hope Nature Centre Haynes Motor Museum Halloween at Spotty Dog Join the Dorothy House Monster Hunt
12 14 14 17 17
FOOD & DRINK The Farmhouse Eat the Seasons Pickle and preserves recipes Beechfield House Hotel Cru Wines
26 28 29 32 34
FEATURES Christmas party bookings
19
Autumn interiors Clouts Wood Milestone Press Wiltshire
37 58 62
LEGAL & FINANCIAL Wansbroughs Goughs
63 64
HEALTH & WELLBEING SpaNation hot tub hire FLexercise classes
66 66
BATH RUGBY Meet new signing Jaco Coetzee
68
COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES That’s interesting... 70 Quiz, wordsearch & sudoku 72 COMMENT The Last Word
74
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Nigel Dando
JEWELLER & GOLDSMITH
WE BUY
Gold, Silver & Platinum in any form or condition. At the highest price in Bath. Instant Payment. OPEN Wednesday to Friday 10am-4.30pm Saturday 10am-1pm
f 01225 464013 • nigeldando.co.uk • 11 Pulteney Bridge, Bath BA2 4AY
events
listings local
OCTOBER 2021
MELKSHAM ASSEMBLY HALL
Market Place, Melksham, SN12 6ES Box Office: 01225 709887 melkshamassemblyhall.com FEMALE OF THE SPECIES 16 October, 7.30pm Tickets: £10 The ‘famous five’ girls are back together for another evening of soul, rock and pop all for charity. EVERYTHING CHANGES 22 October, 7.30pm Tickets: £20 Join the fun and be part of the action as the band take to the stage to perform all of Take That & Robbie Williams greatest hits. THROUGH THE DECADES WITH ROY AND BUDDY 29 October, 7.30pm Tickets: £18 Through the Decades with Roy Orbison & Buddy Holly will deliver a feel good factor with hits including Kris Drever, Pound Arts
I Drove All Night, Pretty Woman, sound of someone who has spent Heartbeat, Peggy Sue & Raining In My years working away, content to only unleash their first full body of work Heart to name but a few. when they, as an artist, were at their most complete. POUND ARTS
CENTRE
Pound Pill, Corsham, SN13 9HX Box Office: 01249 701628 poundarts.org.uk KRIS DREVER 8 October, 7.30pm Tickets: £15 (Concs £14) One of Scotland’s finest and most in demand musicians, Drever’s voice and guitar form a part of the backbone of today’s contemporary roots and folk scene.
WOODLAND TALES WITH GRANDAD 25 October, 2pm Tickets: various TOM MOORE & ARCHIE MOSS Something is happening in the 9 October, 7.30pm woods, Laura the ladybird, Jeffrey Tickets: £12 (Concs £10) the spider, Brett the Woodlouse Widely regarded as two of the best and Willoughby the Woodpecker players and innovators in traditional are worried. Velda the Vixen knows folk. Having toured with with some there’s only one person who can of the biggest acts in the British folk help them – Granddad. But is there scene, they reconvene to perform enough time? Can they save the as duo. wood? And will the mysterious PETER FRENCH & MATTHEW TAYLOR stranger help? 13 October, 1pm TOWN HALL ARTS Tickets: £7.50 (Concs £5) An afternoon of classical music with Market Street, Trowbridge BA14 8EQ Matthew Taylor on violin and Tel: 01225 774306 Peter French on piano. trowbridgetownhall.com CHLOE FOY 15 October, 7.30pm Tickets: £12 (Concs £10) Chloe Foy’s long-awaited debut album ‘Where Shall We Begin’ is the
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NATHANIEL J HALL: FIRST TIME 16 October, 7.30pm Tickets: £12 (Concs £10) Can you remember your first time? Nathaniel can’t seem to forget his. To be fair, he has had it playing on repeat for the last 15 years. Winner of Best Show at the Edinburgh Fringe 2019.
SOUND OF THE SIRENS 9 October, 8pm Tickets: £10 Martin and Wood glide gracefully through laments of past relationships,
Send your event listings to info@wired-publishing.co.uk
events and life experiences, as well as highlighting the important topics of the day, namely mental health awareness, and homelessness. CHLOE FOY 16 October, 8pm Tickets: £8 Chloe Foy is also appearing at Town Hall Arts this month. See Pound Arts listings for info. LEWIS CLARK 23 October, 8pm Tickets: £8 A lyrical blend of jazz, blues and folk with a soul twist, Lewis Clark combines a strong virtuosic vocal with a percussive finger style guitar on compositions that hark of a bygone era.
ENGLISH TOURING OPERAHANDEL’S AMADIGI 27 October, 7.30pm Tickets: from £14.50 The Olivier Award-winning opera company return for a unique performance of one of Handel’s finest, though rarely performed, operas. LIVESTREAM: FIDELIO TRIO 30 October, 7.30pm Tickets: £10 The Fidelio Trio perform an eclectic and spine-tingling programme of ghostly music for Halloween.
NEELD ARTS CENTRE
Christchurch Street West, Frome, BA11 1EB Tel: 01373 462795 fmt.website
SIMON & GARFUNKEL: THROUGH THE YEARS 10 October, 7.30pm Tickets: £22 Critically acclaimed as one of the greatest tribute shows anywhere in the world.
WILTSHIRE MUSIC CENTRE
DAD’S ARMY 14-17 October, various times Tickets: £14 The classic BBC TV comedy series comes to the stage complete with all the well-loved characters all under the command of the redoubtable Captain Mainwaring and his effacing deputy Sergeant Wilson.
CORY BAND 10 October, 3pm Tickets: from £10 The first band ever to be Quadruple Champions, simultaneously holding the UK National, British Open, European and Brass in Concert titles in 2016, the Cory Band return to WMC with a celebration of brass music at its finest.
HALLOWEEN FAMILY SPOOKTACULAR 31 October, 2.30pm Tickets: from £8.75 You’ll need to get ready for rib-tickling laughter and bags of audience participation as you join our intrepid explorers on the Halloween Adventure of a lifetime!
FROME MEMORIAL THEATRE
High Street, Chippenham SN15 3ER Tel: 01249 446699 neeld.co.uk
SAMANTICS 30 October, 8pm Tickets: £8 Dubbed ‘the poet of our time’, Samantics is a one-man wall of sound with his unique blend of live, multi-instrumental spoken word.
Ashley Rd, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1DZ Box Office: 01225 860100 wiltshiremusic.org.uk
HALLOWEEN BOOGIE! 29 October, 7pm Tickets: various Boogie the night away as The Neeld hosts a fangtastic evening suitable for all the family.
RICH HALL’S HOEDOWN DELUXE 16 October Tickets: £17 Ever-evolving, ever-changing, Rich’s combination of keen acerbic standup combined with spit and sawdust alt-country lyricism is a “win-win”, as sold out crowds across the UK have attested. CHILDREN’S HALLOWEEN PARTY 24 October Tickets: £8 Come and join the spooky fun at the Children’s Halloween Party. There
Rich Hall, Frome Memorial Theatre
LIVESTREAM: GEORGE HARLIONO 20 October, 1pm Tickets: from £7 A prize winner at Moscow’s Grand Piano Competition, George Harliono is carving out a reputation as a versatile and stylish performer. 8
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For full listings go to each venue’s website
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
Boarding available from only £9.50 a day
CATISFACTION GUARANTEED! PEACEFUL COUNTRYSIDE SETTING OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND
01380 850372 / 07877 323778 catsonvacationbromham@gmail.com
catsonvacation.co.uk
Based in Bromham, near Chippenham
Trowbridge Museum Visit us today! A whole new second floor & fantastic events programme to explore!
image © Roy McDine
trowbridgemuseum.co.uk
events will be a disco, party dances a best costume competition. BUGSY MALONE 26 & 27 October, various times Tickets: £12 Based on the hit movie of the same name, Spellbound – the youth group of Frome Musical Theatre Company - are proud to present Alan Parker’s Bugsy Malone! THAT’LL BE THE DAY 29 & 30 October, 7.30pm Tickets: £26 From humble beginnings, the show has grown into a “must see” attraction all over the UK, coming up with a new production from its multi-talented cast year after year.
CHEESE & GRAIN
THE SKINTS 9 October, 7.30pm Tickets: £19 ADV London four-piece, The Skints, have clawed their way from the depths of the underground punk/ska scene to a unique fixture on the global reggae stage. Drawing influences from soul, pop, grime and hardcore, their original brand of ‘’tropical punk’’ has seen them evolve in to one of the most respected bands in UK music. THE SHIRES 14 October, 8pm Tickets: £31 The UK’s best-selling country act and awarding winning duo The Shires will be performing their greatest hits and favourite tracks at their first ever show at the Cheese and Grain
KOSHEEN 22 October, 8pm Tickets: £20 Kosheen’s passionate and emotionally JOHN COOPER CLARKE charged shows remaining a force that 6 October, 7.30pm continues to materialize in dazzling Tickets: from £22 and powerful performances all over John Cooper Clarke is a phenomenon the world. and one of Britain’s most beloved and influential writers and performers. THE MISSION 26 October, 7.30pm THE OVERTONES Tickets: £33.50 7 October, 7.30pm Iconic rockers The Mission return Tickets: £25 to the Cheese & Grain as part of 4 For the last decade The Overtones exclusive warm-up shows in the have been a household name UK running up to their already appearing on countless TV and radio announced headlining appearance at shows across the UK and Europe. the Sinners Day Festival. 5 The Bridge, Frome BA11 1AR Box Office: 01373 455420 cheeseandgrain.com
DEVIZES ARTS FESTIVAL devizesartsfestival.org.uk
RONNIE SCOTT’S ALL STARS 11 November Ceres Hall, Corn Exchange, Devizes SALLY BARKER 13 November Town Hall, Devizes MOTOWN GOLD 19 November Ceres Hall, Corn Exchange, Devizes There will also be free “Fringe” events throughout Devizes. See website for details and to book.
THE THREE HORSESHOES
Frome Rd, Bradford on Avon Tel: 01225 865876 All gigs are FREE and start at 9pm CORVID 2 October THE JAMES OLIVER BAND 3 October 7 CROWNS 8 October THE BLACK DOG CO. 10 October THE RADIO MAKERS 15 October FORTUNATE SONS 16 October THE WORRIED MEN 17 October DERELLAS 22 October PUSSYCAT & THE DIRTY JOHNSONS 23 October MIKE HODDINOTT 24 October STRANGE FOLK 30 October
The Skints, Cheese & Grain
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THE SOUL STRUTTERS 31 October Send your event listings to info@wired-publishing.co.uk
REAL ALES & LIVE MUSIC From leather jackets to suits, workboots to shiny shoes & 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
Telephone 01225 865876 Find us on Facebook
f
BOOKING NOW OPEN!!
COMING UP THIS NOVEMBER... Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club On Tour Thursday 11th November Corn Exchange 7.30pm | £21 Joni, Sandy & Me – An Evening with Sally Barker Saturday 13th November Assembly Room 8pm | £16 Motown Gold Friday 19th November Corn Exchange 8pm | £18 Plus free ‘Fringe’ events throughout Devizes
devizesartsfestival.org.uk ft
FRIDAY 15TH - SUNDAY 17TH OCTOBER TICKETS: £12.50 INCLUDES 2 BEER TOKENS
GREAT CHOICE OF BEERS!!!
LIVE MUSIC, SPIRITS BAR, ENTERTAINMENT, FOOD ON SITE For further info & tickets go to:
www.trowbridgebeerfest.co.uk
local news
CINDERELLA
Running from16 December 2021 - 9 January 2022 THEATRE ROYAL BATH is bringing back a real crowd favourite for this year's pantomime.
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he best-loved pantomime of them all is back! With a brand new joke-filled script by Bath’s own award-winning writer and all round pantomime legend Jon Monie, Cinderella promises the best family fun and festive frivolity you’ll find this Christmas. This spectacular production will delight with its
enchanting story, side-splitting comedy, lavish settings and adorable miniature ponies. BAFTA
stranger to the stage Dani has starred in numerous pantomimes, as well as musical theatre in the
"This spectacular production will delight with its enchanting story, side-splitting comedy, lavish settings and adorable miniature ponies." award winning actress Dani Harmer stars as the Fairy Godmother. Dani who plays the legendary Tracy Beaker in the BBC series of the same name, and was also a Strictly Come Dancing finalist, returned to the role again this year in My Mum Tracy Beaker on CBBC. No
West End and on tour throughout the UK. Jon Monie returns, for his 15th consecutive year, to play Buttons and to help create all the festive hilarity and tomfoolery that make Bath pantos so much fun for everyone. Don’t wait for your invitation – get your tickets now and ensure every member of the family has a ball this Christmas! You can book your tickets online or via the Box Office on 01225 448844. • theatreroyal. org.uk
Dani Harmer will star as the Fairy Godmother
Jon Monie will return for his 15th consecutive season to play Buttons
Press Reviews For 2019/20’s Beauty & The Beast “Absolutely top class panto fun at a great venue, and just the thing to put you in the mood for Christmas!” Bath & Wiltshire Parent Magazine “A script sparkling with wit… the sets are beautiful, the costumes glitzy… the cast is faultless… this is one classy production.” Western Daily Press 12
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PRESENT SHOWS FROM NOW TILL XMAS FOR YOU TO INDULGE....
THE BIG GORILLA TACTICS XMAS SHOW COMING SOON TO THE CHEESE & GRAIN... WATCH THIS SPACE
local news
HALLOWEEN AT HOPE NATURE CENTRE
H
ope Nature Centre, the popular animal Park and café based in Southwick Country Park is gearing up for a ‘spooktacular’ Halloween season. From 1 October, visitors can experience the Witches Brew Trail. Visitors to the animal park
will need to help the resident witch find her missing potion ingredients, so she can brew her latest potion. Find them all and she may treat you... if you’re lucky! From 29-31 October, visitors can
The Trick or Treat Fun Days feature fancy dress competitions
enjoy the brand new Trick or Treat Fun Days, featuring fancy dress competitions, pumpkin carving (pre-bookable on the website), animal petting and more. Tickets and pumpkins are limited, so early booking is advised to avoid any sad little monsters. You can find out all the information about upcoming events, as well as book tickets on the events section of the website. If Halloween isn’t your thing, then Christmas is only around the corner. Tickets for the massively popular A Magical Christmas at Hope Nature Centre are already on sale, so grab an early bird ticket and secure the best slots before they sell out. • hopenaturecentre.org.uk
OCTOBER HALF TERM FUN AT HAYNES
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his half term at Haynes International Motor Museum, see one of the oldest cars in the museum’s collection brought back to life and meet model maker David Hayward, whose scale models were commissioned by the late John Haynes OBE.
SEE THE DARRACQ DRIVE AGAIN
One of the oldest cars in the Museum collection, the 1903 Type L Darracq is being readied to take part in the 125th anniversary of the London-Brighton Veteran Car Run next month, but before this, visitors can see the Darracq put through her paces outside in ‘The Paddock’ display area. As well as a being a great photo opportunity, you’ll also be able to meet Mark from the Restoration team who will show you how the car works and 14
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answer questions on what it’s like to drive a car over a hundred years old! Understandably, this event is weather dependant, so please check the website for details.
MEET THE MODEL MAKER
A number of fabulously intricate, 1:12 scale replicas of cars in the Museum’s collection were commissioned by the late John Haynes OBE, and are now beautifully displayed in ‘The Man, the Manuals and the Museum’ exhibition. On 26 & 28 October (10am-2pm) visitors will have the chance to meet the creator of these models, David Hayward. Not only will you be able to see the models and the tools of the trade, but David will also be answering questions on all things model making. There’s also a brand-new family trail inspired by these models, where you can
discover both the replicas and their life-sized inspiration. All events are included with museum entry, visit the website for more details or to book tickets. • himm.co.uk Meet the model maker David Hayward
local news
HALLOWEEN COMES TO SPOTTY DOG!
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s the team at Spotty Dog Farm Shop look forward to their second Halloween at Lower Farm, they’ll be celebrating with activities over Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 October. You can start the day with a full English breakfast at the Rowdey Cow and then take part in a spooky treasure hunt around the farm. Pick up a quiz sheet and find one of the carefully hidden Duckula Ducks for your chance to win a Halloween hamper of treats. You can pop back to the café to enjoy lunch or a themed ice cream from Rowdey Cow Café & Ice Cream Parlour or visit Spotty Dog’s bakery and choose a box of treats from a range of ghoulish locally baked cakes, biscuits, or a handmade Pippin Doughnut!
pumpkin. Spotty Dog’s are grown just up the road in Bromham. They even started a tradition of holding a carving competition among the staff and no one could believe the effort everyone went to to create something a bit different.
the master butcher at Downlands Produce. It is all free range from the fields around Lackham College. Their free range poultry meanwhile comes from Devon. And should you want some advice around how to cook your chosen meat, just ask!
Autumn also sees us all cooking more • spottydogfarmshop.co.uk comfort food which makes the most The team at Spotty Dog hold a competition of the great locally grown produce to see who can carve the best pumpkin Wiltshire is famous for. Autumn is the season for pies, chutneys, jams and filling the freezer with things that traditionally were in short supply over the winter months. Plums, apples, damsons and blackberries are plentiful. Try freezing some to use after the fresh fruits are finished.
Roast dinners come into their own One of the things many people enjoy in the cooler months. Spotty Dog’s doing at Halloween is choosing a beef, pork and lamb are supplied by
A MONSTER HUNT FOR DOROTHY HOUSE
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orothy House has some spooktacular fun in store for all the family this October half-term with an interactive Monster Halloween Hunt. It’s a treasure hunt unlike anything you’ve experienced
before and organisers are calling on kids of all ages to help find the hidden monsters! You can join in the fun in Bath, Chippenham or Trowbridge, whichever town is closest to you. Simply register online for your chosen hunt location and they’ll send you a digital treasure hunt map via email. The map will show you where to find Monster Hunting QR codes on posters throughout each town, which you can scan with your smartphone to snag your monsters. The QR codes will unlock fun facts, jokes and the chance to take a monster selfie with each character you meet along the way.
Track down the monsters in Bath, Chippenham or Trowbridge
As an extra treat this Halloween, every person who registers will be automatically entered into a draw to
win £20 Marks & Spencer’s vouchers. The event will run from 23-31 October and you can either complete the hunt in one day or take it at your own leisurely pace. Registering for a map is just £5 and your donation will help towards funding the continued vital care Dorothy House provides in our communities every single day. So, what are you waiting for? We need all the Monster Hunters we can get. Register for your map online today, head to the Dorothy House events page join in the fun. And don’t forget to follow Dorothy House online share your Monster Selfies with the hashtag #DHMonsterHalloweenHunt, we want to see our hunters in action! • dorothyhouse.org.uk THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 17
THE PILOT
The Brewery Inn SEEND CLEEVE
A FAMILY-OWNED FREEHOLD PUB
CHRISTMAS PA R TY B O O K I N G S We can host parties of all sizes! Our function room offers its own private bar and catering for up to 100 guests.
A proper village pub with log fires, real ales, lagers and a wide range of ciders, including our famous ‘wacky cider’.
Luxury hot & cold buffet menus available full of Christmas delights!!
We serve traditional homecooked food which can be enjoyed inside, in our large garden or in our fully heated outdoor pods! We’re dog friendly too!
Prices from £15pp
Tel 01225 792915
BOOK NOW FOR CHRISTMAS 2 Courses £17.95 3 Courses £23.95 01380 828463 | Seend Cleeve, Wiltshire. SN12 6PX
thepilotbowerhill.com | Find us on
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56 Blenheim Park, Bowerhill, Melksham, SN12 6TA
fi
Christmas menu served Wednesday - Sunday from 1st – 24th December. Pre-booking Essential.
Starters
Mains
Desserts
Smoked salmon & Roast turkey Traditional Christmas pudding dill pâté Braised beef Homemade chocolate brownie Creamy tomato soup Homemade nut roast Homemade coffee Prawn cocktail crème brûlée Smoked haddock, salmon & cod in a creamy dill sauce Homemade sticky toffee pudding Homemade lentil loaf
2 courses £18.95 or 3 courses £24.95
SMALLER PORTIONS: 2 courses £16.95 or 3 courses £19.95 Please call us on 01225 782581 or book online at theoldhamtree.co.uk
christmas
It’s
PARTY TIME After a tough old couple of years be sure to enjoy a great Christmas party this year with colleagues, friends or family with a little help from our party guide...
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christmas
THE BELL
Rudge Rd, Standerwick, Somerset BA11 2PR This picturesque newly-refurbished family pub offers a large dining area, pretty gardens, and a warm welcome to the whole family, dogs of all shapes and sizes included. They serve traditional pub food alongside a selection of cask condition Badger beers.
The Brewery Inn has fully heated Yuletide pods available for hire
The Christmas menu will be available until 23 December and the team can cater for up to 90 diners in the restaurant. You’ll find a great range of dishes to suit all tastes, including turkey, duck, seafood and vegetarian option – see the website for the full menu! As well as festive dining, the team is also planning a special party for New Year’s Eve so keep an eye out on their social media channels for more information! Christmas menu: 2 courses £20.50, 3 courses £25.50 01373 830413 | thebell-standerwick.co.uk
“They serve traditional pub food alongside a selection of cask condition Badger beers” The Bell
THE BREWERY INN
Seend Cleeve, Seend SN12 6PX As well as taking bookings for Christmas parties inside the pub, The Brewery Inn also has some fab fully heated yuletide pods available for hire to celebrate in style. When it comes to food, this village pub specialises in great tasting traditional fare, and this is evident throughout their Christmas menu; it is full of classic Christmas combos and is available from 26 November - 23 December. Starters include tomato and basil soup served with warm bread and farmhouse pâté with cranberry butter and warm breaded brie wedges. As well as a traditional 20 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
The Cross Keys is offering a buffet/carvery for larger parties
roast turkey there is also pan fried sea bass with spinach and red pesto and for pudding you can choose between options like Christmas pudding with brandy cream and a rich chocolate torte with clotted cream. Your meal is finished off with coffee and mince pies, delicious! Christmas menu: 2 courses £17.95, 3 courses £23.95 01380 828463 | fb.com/breweryinnseend
THE CROSS KEYS
High St, Rowde SN10 2PN The Cross Keys is traditional pub in the centre of Rowde village that has recently come under new management. A real hub of the
community, it offers everything you expect from a great local – proper Wadworth beers, regular quiz nights and live music, a pool table, juke box, dart boards, a skittle alley and tasty, good value homecooked food. This Christmas they will be offering a tasty buffet/carvery for larger parties in their spacious function room, which can cater for up to 100 guests. They also have disco lights awaiting a DJ to bring some extra festive cheer! Christmas menu: Prices TBC, check Facebook page for updates 01380 739567 | crosskeysrowde.co.uk
1 Church Street Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1LN
01225 868686
theswanbradford.co.uk
theswanbradford @stayswan swanbradford
*****WE ARE NOW HIRING!*****
Waiting Staff, Bar Staff, Takeaway Drivers & Housekeeping (part & full-time positions available) Good rates of pay & a friendly, fun environment For further information, or to apply, email manager@theswanbradford.co.uk
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.
The Red Lion
W O O L V E R T O N Homecooked food served all day at this family friendly country pub. You can also enjoy great tasting Wadworth beers in our spacious dining room or large garden.
Now taking bookings for Christmas. 2 Courses £19, 3 Courses £25 Available from 1st – 22nd Dec, pre-booking essential 01373 830350 | www.redlionwoolverton.co.uk | Bath Road, Woolverton, Somerset BA2 7QS
christmas a creamy dill sauce and homemade coffee crème brûlée. They can cater for parties up to 32, and the prices are great value too. The menu will be served from 1 – 24 December, and spaces are filling up fast, with many dates taken up with repeat bookings. A smaller portion option - 2 courses £16.95 and 3 courses £19.95 – is available too. Christmas menu: 2 courses £18.95, 3 courses £24.95 01225 782581 | theoldhamtree.com Get cosy at the Old Ham Tree this Christmas!
THE OLD HAM TREE
Ham Green, Holt BA14 6PY Landlords Steph and Sam run a pub that offers a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and tasty, fresh good value food. It is a Wadworth pub, so you can expect to find a tasty pint, and their Cask Marque accredited beers include 6X, IPA, Horizon and Swordfish. The pub itself is grade II listed, with lovely features that include a cobbled carriageway, exposed beams and brickwork and two wood burning stoves. The food is made with an emphasis on quality ingredients and great value. All dishes are freshly prepared to order, and the kitchen team prides itself on its consistency. They are now taking Christmas bookings, offering a menu that includes traditional crowdpleasers like prawn cocktail, roast turkey and Christmas pudding as well as a delicious sounding smoked salmon and dill pâté, smoked haddock, salmon and cod in
“They are now taking Christmas bookings, offering a menu that includes traditional crowdpleasers like prawn cocktail, roast turkey and Christmas pudding” The Old Ham Tree 22
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THE PILOT
56 Blenheim Park, Bowerhill, Melksham, SN12 6TA The Pilot is a popular family-run pub that is a great place to head for a Christmas shindig. They have various rooms available depending on the number in your party and can cater for up to 100 people standing (or 60 people seated) within their large function room. Decorated in Christmas finery, it is perfect for larger celebrations and has its own fully stocked private bar. When it comes to food they offer luxury hot and cold buffets with festive favourites such as pigs in blankets, warm mince pies with brandy butter, cheese boards and much more. Options cost from as
The Pilot can cater for up to 100 guests for a Christmas party
little as £15 pp including room hire. They are taking bookings from 1 November right through until 23 December, subject to availability. Christmas parties: from £15pp 01225 792915 | thepilotbowerhill.com
THE RED LION
Bath Rd, Woolverton BA2 7QS Situated just of the A36 in Woolverton, The Red Lion is a friendy pub that caters for the whole family, including the dog! The food is simple, homecooked and good value pub food, with lots on offer too for vegetarians, vegans and anyone wanting something gluten free. Christmas at The Red Lion promises festive classics and lots of them, all freshly made from locally sourced ingredients where possible. They are now taking bookings for dates from 1 –22 December and places are filling up quickly. On the menu you’ll find traditional turkey with all the trimmings alongside a good selection of vegan, vegetarian and gf dishes too. Call for details or see their website for a full list of what’s on offer. Whatever you go decide on it’ll be tasty! Christmas menu: 2 courses £19, 3 courses £25 01373 830350 | redlionwoolverton.co.uk
WILTSHIRE YEOMAN
Come & try our delicious homemade food!
NOW TAKING CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS! 2 courses £18.99, 3 courses £24.99 LIVE MUSIC NIGHTS See our Facebook page for details ✦ Large children's play area ✦ Doggie friendly ✦ Ample parking ✦ Delicious Sunday lunches ✦ Locally brewed ales
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Find us on Facebook for upcoming events
01225 765370 Chilmark Rd, Trowbridge BA14 9DD www.thewiltshireyeoman.co.uk
christmas
THE RISING SUN
61 Woodmarsh, North Bradley, Trowbridge BA14 0SB Lyn & Andy Hobbs, welcome you to the newly re-opened Rising Sun. A traditional English pub, it aims to be the best local around. It offers delicious, classic British food complemented by a great range of well-kept traditional ales, local gins (49 of them!) and fine wines.
SIGN OF THE ANGEL
6 Church St, Lacock SN15 2LB Sign of the Angel is an awardwinning 15th Century coaching inn located in the historic National Trust village of Lacock. The Angel has built a reputation in the area for providing great tasting food and drink in a relaxed atmosphere and encompassing the key elements of a traditional Inn.
Their Christmas menu will be available from 1-24 December and the team can cater for up to 30 diners. The menu offers the likes of broccoli and stilton soup to start, for mains they have traditional turkey as well as a three fish roast and for pudding they have cheesecake, Christmas pudding, cheese and biscuits and more. The team can cater to most dietary requirements and many menu items include gluten-free, vegan or Coeliac-friendly alternatives. Booking is essential – call for details or pop in! Christmas menu: 2 courses £19.95, 3 courses £25.95
As the evenings draw in, the fires in the Angel come alive and provide a fantastic cosy atmosphere in this old inn, making it a lovely venue for a festive celebration. Their party menu, for 6-20 diners, includes the likes of chilli cured salmon on a beetroot blini to start, turkey medallion with stuffing, fondant potato and honey carrots and mustard leeks for main and banoffee cheesecake with spiced rum ice cream. Utterly indulgent and completely delicious! Be sure to book your spot today! Christmas menu: 2 courses £29, 3 courses £35
01225 776545 | therisingsun-northbradley.co.uk
01249 730230 | signoftheangel.co.uk
The Rising Sun has recently re-opened with new landlords
THE SWAN HOTEL
1 Church St, Bradford on Avon BA15 1LN Bradford on Avon’s famous town centre hotel is open all year round, including Christmas Day, where they will be offering a delicious 4-course Christmas day Festive Carvery for £70per person. As well as that they will be offering lunch and dinner Christmas lunches throughout December at £19.50 and £23.50 respectively.
“The Swan’s Alpine Bar is a great venue for a more informal get together.” As well as these restaurant options, The Swan’s Alpine Bar is a great venue for a more informal get together. It has fun atmosphere, indoor and outdoor space, mulled wine, hot chocolate, special cocktails and fun food all in a unique alpine setting.
The Sign of the Angel is a beautiful 15th century coaching inn in Lacock
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Alternatively for a party with drinks and finger food you can also book the Cellar Bar. It is available with a fully stocked bar and includes a sound and light package, all you need is a device with your own playlist (or we can even provide that!) and you have an amazing party venue with plenty of space and access to an outdoor terrace for a fun, safe environment for a simple festive shindig! Christmas menu: lunch £19.50, dinner £23.50 01225 868686 | theswanbradford.co.uk
christmas
THE WESTBROOK
Westbrook Rd, Bromham, Chippenham SN15 2EE Under the stewardship of owners Kevin and Louise Fraser, The Westbrook has established a great local reputation for its wide range of superb value pub classics, including meat from the grill, chicken, vegetarian offerings and top notch specials. They are also super family friendly, with lots of play equipment for kids, as well as a great children’s menu, small plates, cups and cutlery.
pudding. Pre-booking is essential! The Wiltshire Yeoman is family and dog-friendly pub with a great community feel and the largest beer garden for miles, complete with a children’s play area. The Yeoman is also a popular live music venue,
with a variety of bands playing on selected weekends. Keep up to date on upcoming events by following the pub on Facebook! Christmas menu: 2 courses £18.99, 3 courses £24.99 01225 765370 | thewiltshireyeoman.co.uk
The Westbrook is now taking bookings for the festive season and their menu caters for all, including classic options like smoked salmon with king prawns, roast turkey and Christmas pudding plus great alternatives like roasted rack of lamb and festive crème brûlée - delicious! Find The Westbrook on the edge of Spye Park, on the Melksham to Calne road at Westbrook, just a minute from the Devizes to Chippenham road. Christmas menu: 2 courses £25.99, 3 courses £29.99 01380 850418 | westbrookbromham.co.uk
THE WILTSHIRE YEOMAN
Chilmark Rd, Trowbridge BA14 9DD A warm welcome awaits at the characterful 18th century former farmhouse that is the Wiltshire Yeoman. They have a traditional offering of home cooked food, real ales and plenty of non-alcoholic drinks for children and your designated driver. Their carefully selected Christmas menu will be available from Friday 19 November and has something for everyone, including seafood cocktail and baked Camembert with ciabatta and cranberry sauce to start, festive burger and tradional roast turkey with all its trimmings for mains and salted caramel meringue roulade for
The Alpine Bar at The Swan is a great setting for an informal Christmas party
The Wiltshire Yeoman have a Christmas menu with something for everyone
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food & drink
THE FARMHOUSE
The Farmhouse Inn is a beautiful 17th century listed building which offers bags of character and charm with modern day comforts.
T
he Farmhouse in Southwick is a popular village pub renowned for its wide variety of tasty home-cooked food, as well as superb real ales and fine wines. It is a lovely place to enjoy lunch, dinner or a drink, with friendly efficient service.
The Farmhouse is popular with locals and visitors alike
The Farmhouse also boasts a large and well appointed separate function room, fully equipped with its own bar, private garden and patio area, with disco and DJ if required, making it an ideal venue for weddings, parties, or business meetings. During the pandemic this area of the pub was sadly out "The Farmhouse boasts a large and well of action but now things are at last appointed separate function room, fully returning to normal, owners Adam equipped with its own bar, private garden and and Janet are delighted to have been patio area" able to re-open it and are now taking bookings for the rest of 2021 and Regardless of the time of year you feels safe when they come to see us. well into next year! can enjoy lunch and dinner in the We hope to see you all soon.” restaurant every day. They have a The function room is licensed to Burger Night every Tuesday when you To make a reservation call hold up to 150 guests and is perfect can enjoy one of six delicious burger 01225 764366. for weddings, parties, meetings offerings with fries, coleslaw and salad and those much missed festive for £10. Or perhaps you’d like to try • farmhousesouthwick.co.uk get-togethers. To find out more just their steak on a hot stone? It’s a great Steak on a hot stone ring the pub and speak to Adam or way to try your favourite steak, sizzling Janet and they’ll be able to help you at your table with all your favourite with any questions and prices. They sides. There is also a daily specials are also renowned for their Christmas board which makes the most of the parties, which will be returning this best seasonal produce and there is a year. Adam says, “We are excited to light bites option too. be doing Christmas parties again in our function room Fridays and Janet says, “A big thank you to all our Saturday evenings, which will include customers that have supported us a meal and a disco. Our menus are through these very difficult times, on the website, or you can ring or it has been so nice seeing all your pop in to get more details. We all faces again as things start to return to missed out on Christmas last year so something more like normal. We are we must try and move on and make still very conscious of sanitising and Mediterranean vegetable tart the most of it in 2021!” social distancing to ensure everyone 26 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
THE
THE BELL
Farmhouse
AT S TA N D E R W I C K
INN
OUR PICTURESQUE FAMILY PUB IS SITUATED IN THE HEART OF THE MENDIPS. With a large dining area, a pretty patio garden, and a new family garden, our newly refurbished pub welcomes dogs of all shapes and sizes too. We’re pleased to offer a traditional yet varied menu, including a hugely popular Sunday Carvery, and a selection of cask condition Badger Beers. OPEN Tues-Sat: 12noon-3pm & 5.30pm-10pm, Sun: 12noon-5pm
tel 01373 830413 | thebell-standerwick.co.uk
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
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THE
Your wedding day should be the best day of your life, filled with happiness and shared with family and friends. Our Wedding Co-ordinator Janet Harris will be delighted to work with you to ensure your wedding reception is truly memorable.
ALSO AVAILABLE FOR CONFERENCES Frome Road, Southwick, Nr Trowbridge BA14 9QD t 01225 764366 e the.farmhouse@btconnect.com www.farmhousesouthwick.co.uk
WESTBROOK
Bromham, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 2EE
tel 01380 850418
www.westbrookbromham.co.uk
***BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY ALONG TO OUR FAMILY FRIENDLY PUB*** Kevin & Louise invite you to visit The Westbrook. The menu is bursting with superb value traditional pub classics and top notch specials. We also offer vegan, vegetarians and gluten free options. • FRESHLY COOKED FOOD • DAILY SPECIALS • LARGE GARDEN • CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA & DEDICATED MENU • REAL ALES • CAR PARK
OPEN WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY
food & drink
seasons eat the
Keeping you in the know as to what is coming into season each month is NEIL MORTIMER from Lovejoys Wholesale...
S
eptember has been a fairly dry month but we have had a decent summer with crops faring well, both in quality and yield. This has been a normal, average season. A crop I always keep a very close eye on is potatoes. Our chefs want large potatoes for chips and if it doesn’t rain at the right times when they are growing the size is affected enormously. This leads to lower yields and higher prices. Thankfully they are looking a decent size at the moment so the price should be normal for the year ahead. We sell several different varieties for all uses which include our locally grown Maris Piper for chips and roasting, Red Roosters (red skinned potatoes as their name suggests) for mashing and a speciality brand which is just for chipping. This is as well as baking
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potatoes, new potatoes and prepared potatoes (peeled and ready by us for the chefs kitchen).
to ripen. They have an unusual sweet taste a little like toffee apples. Quince are at their best now too;
“Quince are at their best now too; they are too tough and sour to eat raw but can be made into jelly which goes well with cheese and crackers.” All locally grown vegetables are plentiful especially cavolo nero, kale, carrots, cabbage and beetroot to name a few. Now it is autumn we have started supplying root crops such as local parsnips. Everyone expects roast parsnips with their Sunday lunch (or is that just me?) and another trend, especially among the granddaughters in my family, is to ask for a Yorkshire pudding with every roast, not just beef. Some restaurants now do this automatically.
they are too tough and sour to eat raw but can be made into jelly which goes well with cheese and crackers. My son has made damson and sloe gin this year which his mum can’t wait to taste! My gran always used to go round the farm to collect crab apples to make jelly to last the year. We will be announcing the winner of our September competition next month and will have another competition in the spring. As always if you need any advice on your allotment, or window box, please do get in touch with me.
If you are quick you might still find some autumn fruit in the hedgerows, Neil like crab apples neil@lovejoyswholesale.com and sloes. Two unusual fruits @lovejoysuk that we sell @lovejoysuk a lot of each month are • lovejoyswholesale.com Medlars which are best left to rot before eating in a process known as bletting, which means
IN A PICKLE
recipes
This month FRAN STEVENS, aka The Food Wife, is making the most of the abundance of autumn by rustling up chutneys, jams and pickles.
SPICY APPLE CHUTNEY Makes approx 1 litre of chutney
With all the cooking apples available at the moment this chutney is the perfect recipe to use up your windfalls. It requires no skill and yet you create the most wonderfully spicy chutney. This has a good kick from the homemade spice mix but you can always adjust this to taste. You do not have to use the combination of chillies I have suggested; by all means just use chilli flakes if you can’t get your hands on dried ancho chillies, for instance.
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I used a spice grinder to blitz them all to a fine powder, but with a bit of hard work you could use a pestle and mortar.
Ingredients 400g caster sugar 400ml cider vinegar 2 white onions, peeled and roughly chopped Roughly 1kg apples, peeled, cored and roughly chopped 2 handfuls raisins or sultanas 1 inch ginger, peeled and finely chopped Spice mix ½ dried ancho chilli, roughly torn 1 cinnamon stick 3 cloves Pinch salt 1 tsp whole black peppercorns 2 tsp chilli flakes 1 tsp cayenne pepper 1 tsp all spice
Method Use a spice grinder to blitz all of the spice mix ingredients together into a smooth powder. Combine all ingredients (including the spice mix) in a large, heavybottomed saucepan. Bring to the boil, and then simmer, uncovered for about an hour and a half To two hours, until the mix stays separated for a coupled seconds when a spoon is dragged through it. Transfer into sterilised jars and keep in the fridge. This chutney is wonderful with cheese or cold meats. Store in the fridge, especially once opened. THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 29
recipes
For the pickling liquid 3 cups of cider vinegar 3 cups of caster sugar 2 tbsp yellow mustard seeds 1 tsp ground cinnamon 2 tsp turmeric Method Place the prepared squash and onion rounds in a large bowl and cover with the salt and water. Cover with a layer of cling film or a plate, and then place a heavy object on top (I used a cast iron cooking pot but a pan filled with water would work) and leave for about 12 hours (or over night).
Tromboncino Pickle Makes approx 2-2.5 litres About 15 years ago I tried a pickle made from pumpkin that was simply delicious. Sweet and vinegary with a lovely bite. I was thinking about this pickle (as you do) and wondering if I could make my own version with my hardened tromboncino squash this winter (normally a summer squash, used raw). The neck of a tromboncino lends itself perfectly to being cut into the thin rounds for the pickle, with minimum effort (all it needs is to be peeled and thinly sliced). If you don’t have a tromboncino squash, then use a butternut squash or pumpkin, it will just take a little extra effort to cut them into the small rounds (about two inches wide is best). Over time the pickle will soften and lose its lovely bite so this is best eaten fresh (I am intending to devour mine over the next couple of months). Ingredients 1.2kg tromboncino neck, peeled and cut into thin (3mm) slices 400g white onion (about 4 medium), peeled and cut into thin rounds 30 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
Drain the salted water from the squash and onion and then rinse thoroughly under cold running water to wash off any excess salt. In a large pan heat the vinegar, sugar and spices until the sugar is dissolved and the liquid is just boiling. Add the rinsed squash and onion and bring the whole thing back to a simmer. Switch off immediately and then ladle into sterilised jars.
BLACKBERRY JAM Makes 8 jars There is something very satisfying about picking fruit for free and making something delicious from it. I’m sure it makes it more tasty. This weekend we went blackberry picking along the canal by our home and managed to collect a hefty haul and I knew exactly what I wanted to do with them. Several passers by stopped to ask what they’d be turned in to; a pie, crumble, jam? That was the winner. I made this naturally gluten-free and I also ensured it was vegan and dairy free.
You will need a large heavybottomed pan, eight jam jars and lids (plus wax circles or other sealants), and a sugar thermometer is useful, but not necessary. Ingredients 1.75kg blackberries, washed 1.5kg jam sugar Juice of 1 lemon Method Place the blackberries, sugar and lemon juice in a large, heavybottomed saucepan. Place a saucer in the freezer. Heat the pan gently so the sugar dissolves into the natural juices of the blackberries. Bring to the boil and simmer for 5-10 minutes (or, if using a sugar thermometer, when it reaches 102°C). Remove from the heat whilst you test the consistency. Take the saucer from the freezer and put a tsp of the liquid on to it. Leave it to cool and then push you finger in to it. If it wrinkles, it has reached the right consistency. If not, return the pan to the heat for another couple of minutes and test again. Repeat this until you have reached the right consistency, at which point remove from the heat and skim off any scum collected on the top. n.b. If you are not keeping this vegan/dairy-free you could add a small knob of butter at this point to help dissolve any remaining scum. Allow the jam to settle for 10 minutes before ladling into sterilised jars. Seal appropriately (wax seals, lids etc.) and store in a cool dark place (they should keep like this for several months). Refrigerate after opening. • thefoodwife.co.uk
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100g salt 3 cups of cold water
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Award Winning, Family Run Farm Shop Established for over 30 years Selling Quality Local Produce Open 7 days a week
CHRISTMAS MEAT ORDERS NOW BEING TAKEN
HOME & LOCALLY REARED FRESH MEAT, POULTRY & GAME HOMEMADE SAUSAGES, BURGERS & FAGGOTS
LOCAL CHEESES & HOME COOKED MEATS LOCALLY GROWN VEGETABLES, FRUIT & SALADS HOMEMADE CAKES & PIES LOCALLY MADE CHOCOLATES & FUDGE FINE WINE, LOCAL ALE & CIDER PRESERVES & CHUTNEYS GIFT HAMPERS www.allingtonfarmshop.co.uk TEL: 01249 658112 Allington Bar Farm, Chippenham, SN14 6LJ
food & drink
SUNDAY LUNCH
Head to BEECHFIELD HOUSE HOTEL at the weekend and enjoy a fabulous Sunday lunch with family and friends.
A
s the weather turns and the season changes we all crave that little extra comfort. There can be no greater comfort for us Brits than to enjoy a traditional Sunday lunch with all the trimmings with the family! And the offering at Beechfield House Hotel in Beanacre, near Melksham, is very fine indeed. Beechfield House Hotel has four relaxed, stylish and comfortable dining rooms to choose from, and following a recent refurbishment, these are all decorated in deep tones for an intimate, cosy feel. The Sunday lunch menu is served weekly from 12noon to 2pm. The dishes have been carefully created The Library
by Head Chef Joe Donson, using local suppliers and homegrown vegetables from their own kitchen garden. The menu is kept seasonal, so in the autumn you can expect delicious squashes and root vegetables to appear throughout the menu alongside sirloins of beef, loins of pork and Gravelax salmon. All main courses are served with Yorkshire puddings and delicious roast potatoes as well as those delicious homegrown veg. Special dietary needs are of course catered for too. Away from Sunday lunches, the hotel’s restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Wednesday to Sunday. Their bar is a great place to relax for drinks, afternoon tea or for an after-dinner nightcap. Their afternoon teas, prepared by the hotel’s pastry chef,
are a delicious treat and on colder days can be enjoyed in front of an open fire. Pre-booking is essential, and they are available Wednesday to Sunday 2.30pm to 5pm.
SPECIAL OCCASIONS If you are planning a party you might want to take advantage of Beechfield’s private dining rooms. They can seat up to 20 guests in the Music Room, 12 guests in the Library and 10 guests in the Card Room – perfect if you want to have an extra special get together after such a long time apart. You can book online or by calling the reservations team on 01225 703700 or by emailing reservations@beechfieldhouse.com. • beechfieldhouse.com
"The dishes have been carefully created by Head Chef Joe Donson, using local suppliers and homegrown vegetables from their own kitchen garden." The Bar
Roast lamb
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The Garden Room, which can seat up to 40 guests
THE
C ROSS KEYS A T
YOUR HOSTS, LYN & ANDY HOBBS, WELCOME YOU TO THE NEWLY RE-OPENED RISING SUN.
A traditional English pub, The Rising Sun aims to be the best local around. The menu offers delicious, classic British dishes using local and fresh ingredients, complemented by a great range of well-kept traditional ales, local gins and fine wines.
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
• BEER GARDEN • HOMEMADE FOOD SERVED DAILY • LOCAL REAL ALES & CIDERS • GLUTEN FREE MENU • STEAK DEAL • TRADITIONAL SUNDAY ROAST • TAKEAWAYS AVAILABLE • LARGE CAR PARK 61 Woodmarsh, North Bradley, Trowbridge BA14 0SB 01225 776545 therisingsun-northbradley.co.uk
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R O W D E
Paul and the team welcome you back to The Cross Keys at Rowde, now UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT!
BOOK NOW FOR CHRISTMAS PARTIES! • Large Function Room available for hire • Buffet/Carvery catering options • Pool Table, Jukebox, Dart Board, Skittle Alley • Disco Lights (ready for a DJ!) High Street, Rowde SN10 2PN
✆ 01380 739567
www.crosskeysrowde.co.uk
f TheCrossKeysRowde
Enjoy a fabulous Sunday lunch Served every Sunday 12noon - 2pm
Our Sunday lunch menu is carefully prepared by our Head Chef Joe Donson, using local suppliers and homegrown vegetables from our kitchen garden. Private Dining also available | Booking recommended
Now also taking Christmas Bookings
Beanacre, Nr Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 7PU | 01225 703700 | reception@beechfieldhouse.co.uk | beechfieldhouse.co.uk
food & drink
ARE YOU IN A WINE RUT? LEANNE OLIVIER from Cru Wines in Bradford on Avon talks about how informal wine tastings might be just what you need to get more experimental with your wine choices... Cru's wine tastings offer a fun, informal way of trying new wines
tastings? Our aim is to travel the world through wine, so we choose a different theme each month. From the Tour de France to a trip Down Under we select a range of different grapes or styles to explore. It’s the perfect way to try something new, learn something, and feel more confident when buying wine in the future. Our online tastings are designed to be fun and informative rather than too technical. Complete novices are welcome! And if an online tasting isn’t your thing, you could still use the notes to taste along at home with friends in your own time. You could also keep a look out for some of our in-person tastings at Cru.
Our online wine tasting packs include five different samples, a tasting booklet and access to the online tasting. We deliver wine packs for FREE to local addresses the day o you find yourself a restaurant, there’s the risk you before the tasting. Packs are from gravitating towards the won’t like what you have chosen. £25 per pack (with enough wine same bottle of wine time It’s incredibly disappointing when for 2 people to share) with optional and time again? Do you like the you reach for your well-deserved add-ons such as five deliciously idea of trying new things, but it glass of wine and you don’t like it. paired cheeses from Christophé seems too risky to waste money on Even though many of us won’t pour at the Cheese Shop or five handsomething you might not like? Don't it away we feel we have wasted our crafted chocolates from Holly at worry, you aren't alone! money and should have just stuck to HollyChocs. All our tastings and 'the usual'. more details of each of them can be Many of us feel overwhelmed with booked online at cruwines.co.uk/ choosing wine. There are so many If you think you’d like to take a step collections/events. We look forward to choose from: different grapes, into becoming a wine explorer, but to exploring wines with you soon! regions, styles. And unlike when don’t know where to start, why not choosing foods, the labels on wines join one of our monthly online wine • cruwines.co.uk often add to the confusion.
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When choosing a bottle of wine, whether at the shops, online or in 34 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
“Our online tastings are designed to be fun and informative rather than too technical. Complete novices are welcome! ”
homes special Roslyn fabric from Sanderson's 160th Anniversary Collection. Image courtesy Axford Interiors
INWARD LOOKING Make sure your home is looking its best this autumn with our fantastic 20+ page bumper home improvement special!
THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 37
homes special
FURNISHING & INTERIORS
You are always made welcome when visiting, there is free car parking right outside and they’ll be more than happy to have a CON-TEMPO chat about your ideas over a cup FURNITURE of coffee. See the quality and Crusader Business Park, peruse the ranges available, from Warminster contemporary dining suites to fun Con-tempo British made furniture children’s bedroom ranges, set out is based in Crusader Business Park in inspiring room sets so you can on the outskirts of Warminster and envisage how it would look within is probably best known for the high-quality oak range, however the your home. They are open Monday company has expanded its offering to Saturday from 9am to 5pm. 01985 213222 | con-tempofurniture.co.uk over the last couple of years to include classic and contemporary ELITE BEDS & painted ranges too.
MATTRESSES DIRECT
Con-tempo also offer a unique made to measure service, as they manufacture all their furniture in the factory situated next to the store. So, you can have pretty much whatever you want – particularly ideal if you are trying to furnish an awkward space. Fantastic quality at reasonable prices has always been the company mantra.
"Fantastic quality at reasonable prices has always been the company mantra."
1&2 Windsor Drive, Devizes Elite Beds and Mattresses has a wide selection of beds, mattresses and bedroom furniture for sale at the lowest prices. Elite’s sales staff have over 15 years’ experience providing expert advice to help you get the best bed for your budget. Meanwhile, their buyers ensure they stock top quality ranges including Hypnos and Dormeo, providing the best possible comfort at the most competitive price.
As a bed specialist, Elite has a wide Con-tempo Furniture variety of products to choose from,
Con-tempo design and manufacture bespoke furniture right here in Wiltshire
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whether you’re after a new mattress, an ottoman sofa for your living room or a racecar shaped bed for your little one. You can buy from the showroom in Devizes or online, and they even offer FREE next day delivery on hundreds of beds, mattresses and designer furniture. The showroom is open Monday Saturday 9am to 5pm and evenings and Sundays by appointment. 01380 887943 | elitebedsandmattressesdirect.co.uk
PERFECT ROOMS & INTERIORS
Silver Street, Gastard At Perfect Rooms & Interiors, they take pride in their reputation for quality, hand crafted work, and great customer service. Established by Sue Coleman, who has over 30 years’ industry experience, they have expanded from tailor-made soft furnishings to home accessories, wall coverings, flooring, furniture supply and an inhouse upholstery and furniture making service. They also supply furniture brands Whitehead Designs and Vincent Sheppard and top lighting brands. Perfect Rooms speciality in soft furnishings includes tailor made curtains and blinds, made in their
Perfect Rooms specialise in soft furnishings and tailor made curtains and blinds
O CO PE FF N EE N BAR O W !
FOR GREAT DESIGN IDEAS, COME & VISIT OUR
INTERIORS SHOWROOM
Bespoke Curtains & Blinds, Curtain Poles, Upholstery, Interior Design, Fabrics & Wallpapers, Flooring, Rugs, Accessories. Measuring, Fitting & Decorating Services also available.
Includes Inspirational Bathrooms, Bedrooms & Kitchens 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
NOW OPEN IN MELKSHAM... @HOME WITH PERFECT ROOMS HOMEWARES
• www.perfectrooms.co.uk • Tel: 01249 716445 • interiors@perfectrooms.co.uk
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homes special own local workroom. They stock a number of branded fabrics, wallpapers and paints in their Gastard showroom, near Melksham and Corsham, and they co-ordinate with trusted tradespeople to provide decorating, flooring and carpentry services. Whether a small or full interiors project, they can help. The showroom also incorporates business Inspirational Bathrooms, Bedrooms and Kitchens so they really can cater for all your home improvement needs. 01249 716445 | perfectrooms.co.uk
SOFA CO PLUS
15 George Street, Warminster Sofa Co is an independent boutique furniture store established by Tom O’Hare in Warminster in late 2009. In those 12 years it has established a reputation for supplying top quality sofas from some of the finest manufacturers in the UK, Europe and South Africa. There are beautiful UK built sofas, stunning leather sofas from South Africa and funky colourful designs from Spanish manufacturer Fama. As well as sofas, you can also expect to find mirrors, lighting, throws and cushions plus they are now displaying a new solid oak dining range and some exclusive pieces of SofaCo Plus has been established for 12 years
WHY CALL AN INTERIOR DESIGNER? LARA WILLMORE from Axford Interiors has over 15 years Interior Design experience. Here she suggests a few reasons why you may consider calling in an interior designer... You can spend hours searching through social media, flicking through design magazines and traipsing around home stores. The ideas are there - but something is missing? How do you find a way to make the different elements cohesive and fit the brief? Do you know your brief? While searching for inspiration we often miss the crucial point; why are we actually re-doing this room? What is the function of the space and is it practical? Your home should not only look amazing and suit your needs, but it should also be a reflection of your personality and style. Add to the mix the trends and looks that inspire you and we have a basis to begin.
At Axford Interiors we offer various levels of design advice depending on what you need. From a full room layout and designs to mood boards and colour schemes, to a collection of fabric and wallpaper samples and a bit of advice to finish the room. It usually always begins with a cup of tea and a chat! Give us a call and see how we can help you. 07749 707056 | axfordgroup.com Lara Willmore
When you hire an Interior designer, their main aim is to assist you to realise the brief and bring the elements together for you to achieve the solution while also considering budget. While the process can initially seem daunting, they will use their experience and trusted artwork; offered in amazing colours to will brighten any room. Now is an ideal time to pop in and take a look – Tom will put the kettle on! 01985 847031 | sofaco.co.uk
KITCHENS, BATHROOMS & BEDROOMS BATHROOMS AT NO. 5
5 The Shambles, Bradford on Avon When it comes to innovation and stunning design, Bradford on Avon’s Bathrooms at No. 5 offers all you could possibly need all under 40 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
contacts to get you to the end point quicker, take away the stress or the time consuming web browsing and effectively hold your hand through the creative process! Redesigning a room should be a positive experience, exceptional interior design doesn’t happen through chance.
one roof. The company, which has been established for over 10 years, has a boutique style showroom that combines a fantastic range of products with a warm, professional service and innovative approach to bathroom design and installation. They can provide everything from a new mixer tap to the most contemporary bathrooms and wet rooms, all the while offering expert knowledge, guidance and advice throughout the process. With the latest collections from Villeroy & Boch, Catalano and GSI
EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN | COMPLETE INSTALLATION
5 The Shambles, Bradford on Avon BA15 1JS t 01225 309110
www.bathroomsatno5.co.uk
homes special Bathrooms, both contemporary and traditional tastes are comfortably catered for. And once you’ve settled on your perfect design, their expert in-house installation team will ensure it is fitted with minimum fuss, yet with the maximum care and expertise.
Bathrooms at No. 5 has been established for over 10 years and has an fantastic reputation for its beautiful bathrooms
01225 309110 | bathroomsatno5.co.uk
CHEVERELL OF DEVIZES
Hopton Park, Waller Road, Devizes Cheverell was founded in 1989 by cabinet maker Neil Straker, as a one-man operation. Now, over 30 years later, the company has a stunning showroom and state-ofthe-art workshop in Devizes and a highly skilled team of designers and craftsmen. Cheverell don’t do pre-pack one-sizefits-all; every project they undertake, be it a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or studio, is bespoke, interpreting each client’s requirements to produce unique spaces that work beautifully within their environments.
"Cheverell don’t do pre-pack one-sizefits-all; every project they undertake, be it a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or studio, is bespoke" Their showroom is the ideal place to begin visualising your perfect space. There is a large selection of work on display so you can look at styles, materials, colours and finishes and talk to their experienced designers about your project. On the same site as the showroom is the workshop, where all their kitchens and furniture are handmade using traditional and modern joinery techniques with the finest quality 42 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
materials, fixtures and fittings. Their craftsmen hand select materials to bring together the components that are needed for each project, giving you a finish that is second to none. 01380 722722 | cheverell.co.uk
FORMOSA
Ham Green, Holt Formosa offers a full design, supply and installation service with a friendly, knowledgeable and personal approach. Owner Natasha Allin and her right-hand man Nick Coombes can guide you through the process of designing and creating the room of your dreams from start to finish. Between them they have more than 50 years' industry experience and share a passion for design. With a stunning showroom in Holt, between Bradford on Avon and Melksham, Formosa has the necessary experience and tools to create the perfect kitchen, bathroom or bedroom with you, no matter your budget or style. They work with top UK brands like Crown Imperial, Crown Lifestyle and System Six (which includes Quantum, Aluma and Elegance). When it comes to bathrooms they stock Ideal Standard, Villeroy & Boch Express, Novellini shower enclosures and
baths, Adamsez baths, HIB bathroom units and accessories, and many others. They can also help with flooring, stocking both Karndean vinyl flooring and Villeroy & Boch tiles. You’ll find examples of all these companies’ ranges on display within the showroom, and they also have a large range of samples to help with those all-important finishing details. 01225 308541 | formosakbb.co.uk
HOLBROOK JOINERY
2A Park View, Sutton Veny, Warminster Owner Dan Williams and the team at Holbrook Joinery craft contemporary, country and shaker kitchen designs in solid timber such as oak, maple,
Holbrook offers contemporary country and shaker kitchen designs
...keep safe and well
fti
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING LOCAL! 01985 847031 • sofacoplus@yahoo.co.uk • sofaco.co.uk • 15 George St, Warminster, BA12 8QA
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
homes special ash and walnut and in contemporary lacquered birch plywood. They can also give you a beautiful painted finish which can be sprayed or hand painted in any colour you like. A range of worktop options are also available from solid timber, crafted to fit your kitchen design perfectly, to granite and marble or the more modern look of solid surface tops such as Corian. All kitchen cabinets and units are hand built in their workshop in Sutton Veny, near Warminster. So if you are considering a new bespoke kitchen or other joinery project, why not get in touch and organise a no obligation meeting to discuss your requirements? 01985 840689 | holbrookjoinery.co.uk
HOMEMAKER
5-6 George Street, Warminster Homemaker is a family-owned independent company supplying kitchens and electrical appliances from all the major manufacturers from their shops in Warminster and Shaftesbury. As an independent, Homemaker prides itself on giving good reliable local service to their customers at very competitive prices. As well as stocking a great range of top appliances, Homemaker is probably best known for their British made kitchens by Quantum as well as their Hacker Kitchens, custom made in Germany. The latest solid quartz, acrylic and timber worktops are stocked too. If you are looking for a change but need some ideas as
"As specialist stonemasons, PM Bines are equally at home working in marble, granite, quartz and sintered stone for beautiful kitchen worktops" As well as beautiful kitchens, Formosa can help with bathrooms and bedrooms too
44 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
Homemaker design and sell whole kitchens as well as appliances
to what you could do, or even if you know exactly what you are looking for, pop into their newly refurbished showroom in Warminster to take a look around. 01985 219200 | myhomemaker.co.uk
PM BINES
Lower Farm, Broughton Gifford Based in Broughton Gifford, PM Bines Ltd is a specialist stonemason that has been helping customers transform their kitchens, bathrooms and fire surrounds for more than 35 years. A family run, locally-based firm,
DH Electrical
WE PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC PROJECTS Commercial projects Domestic work Full rewires Solar installation Smart controls EV car charging installation Kitchen & bathroom lighting ✓ Garden/outbuilding wiring & lighting ✓ Free no obligation quotations available ✓ Checkatrade approved ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Traditional and contemporary kitchens and cabinetry Holbrook Joinery Ltd. holbrookjoinery@gmail.com // 01985 840689 www.holbrookjoinery.co.uk
Serving Wiltshire & Somerset
07480 218106
e danatdhelectrical@gmail.com w dhelectricalservices.online
We provide high quality stonemasonry services to homes & commercial properties throughout Wiltshire & across the UK.
WE SPECIALISE IN
• Marble, limestone & granite worktops • Stone & marble fireplaces • Marble bathrooms • Stone restoration work • Bespoke work With over 35 years’ experience crafting in marble, granite, quartz & sintered stone you can trust P.M. Bines to complete your project to the highest standard. email marble.bines@btconnect.com tel 01225 782888 pmbinesltd.co.uk
Wiltshire’s Expert Stonemasons
homes special
P F Parsons Ltd can help with any project large or small, including kitchens and bathrooms, extensions, garden rooms and whole house builds
a large amount of their work comes from the immediate area, but such is the quality of what is on offer, PM Bines’ skills are in demand across the country. As specialist stonemasons, PM Bines are equally at home working in marble, granite, quartz and sintered stone for beautiful kitchen worktops, bathroom interiors, memorial
stonework’s, fireplaces and a wide DESIGN & BUILD range of other pieces, with materials from Britain, Ireland and beyond used P F PARSONS LTD to ensure the finest finishes. Wylye Road, Hindon, nr Salisbury P F Parsons Ltd Building Contractors Whatever you have in mind, give are based in Hindon and have PM Bines a call or email marble. been established for 35 years. The bines@btconnect.com and they can company carries out all types of invite you in for a chat about your building work including extensions requirements. and refurbishments, property 01225 782888 | pmbines.co.uk maintenance, conservatories, garden rooms and patios. If you are looking to invest in your home then give P F Parsons Ltd a call to discuss your project. Whether you want an extension or conservatory with doors that open out onto a beautiful new patio, new kitchen or bathroom or just update your property do contact P F Parsons Ltd to discuss your ideas. They have an
PM Bines' team is equally skilled in working in marble, granite, quartz or sintered stone
46 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
"If you are looking to invest in your home then give P F Parsons Ltd a call to discuss your project."
1981-2021 CELEBRATING
40
YEARS IN BUSINESS
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
• Extensions • Conversions • New Builds • Maintenance • Property Refurbishment • Kitchens & Bathrooms
01747 820422
Unit 1, Wylye Road, Hindon, Salisbury SP3 6ER
enquiries@pfparsons.co.uk www.pfparsons.co.uk
Allsop Carpets & Flooring
Cormar Carpets Primo Natural Range
• Carpets • Vinyl • Naturals • Wood Flooring
www.allsopcarpets.co.uk | 01373 463866 Corner Garage, Christchurch St West, Frome BA11 1EB
Using British Manufacturers & Suppliers
homes special Allsop Carpets & Flooring has delivered top quality service for more than 30 years
your home a clean, green and stain free environment. Their cleaning solutions are designed to minimize drying time and maximizing your time to enjoy your home. Zero Dry Time dry clean carpets with a solution that is safe for your baby, family, pets and allergy sufferers. It’s great for removing stains and once finished will be ready for immediate use. They move your furniture (so you don’t have to) clean, and then move it back straight away. Your carpets are left DRY, deodorised, sanitised and smelling fresh. They are also able to clean all the other floors in your home and offer a fantastic wooden floor restoration service that doesn’t require sanding.
extensive portfolio of photographs available which will provide inspiration and can always be viewed on their website. 01747 820422 | pfparsons.co.uk
CARPETS & FLOORING ALLSOP CARPETS
Corner Garage, Christchurch Street West, Frome During the last 30 years, Allsop Carpets & Flooring has strived to deliver the highest quality of service and first class fitting with their own team of polite and friendly fitters. Through the years their commitment to their clients has led to a loyal customer base branching throughout the South West. So, whether you want a cosy carpet for your bedroom, or a sleek looking laminate for your living room, pop into their Frome showroom and you’ll find an extensive range of flooring including wood, laminate, 48 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
sisal, coir, wool and synthetic carpets as well as rugs and remnants. You will find them at Corner Garage, Christchurch Street West (within Tonemar Express Beds). 01373 463866 | allsopcarpets.co.uk
ZERO DRY TIME
Home Visits If your floors or upholstery is in need of some TLC this autumn then give Zero Dry Time a call. The company specialises in cleaning carpets, upholstery and hard floors, making Before
When it comes to upholstery, their cleaning agent works on all manner of fabrics, including leather, and is also designed to dry almost immediately, so you don’t have to wait to use your furniture again. Call free on 0800 180 4116 for a free no obligation quote. 0800 180 4116 | nick.coyle@zerodrytime.com
DIY & MAINTENANCE DH ELECTRICAL
Home Visits As a Checkatrade approved electrical contractor, DH Electrical Services offers expertise in a wide range of After
homes special DH Electrical can help with projects large and small
If you are tidying up in the garden they keep a wide variety of gardening products to suit your every need including high quality brands like Wilkinson Sword or Faithfull. 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.
services. Since founding the business in 2016 they’ve been committed to their clients’ needs and satisfaction. So, if you have a project in mind, large or small, DH Electrical are available to make it happen. They can offer services for small jobs, consumer unit changes, rewires, additional points and upgrades, EV charging points, smart controls, heating wiring, immersion heater changes and more. Get in touch to arrange a free no obligation consultation. 07480 218106 | dhelectricalservices.online
0845 291 6015 | daviesofwestbury.co.uk
EJ SHANLEY & SON
Shails Lane, Trowbridge & Copheap Lane, Warminster If you have a home improvement project coming up give EJ Shanley & Son a call to see about a skip. A family run business for over 50 years, they can provide you with a reliable and professional skip hire service. Their extensive range of skips mean that they can accommodate any request for waste removal, and they cover areas such as Trowbridge, Melksham, Chippenham, Corsham, Bath, Bradford-on-Avon, Westbury, Warminster, Tidworth, Shaftesbury, Frome and much more.
"A family run business, they are celebrating 40 years this year so are hugely 01225 753333 / 01985 213348 | ejshanley.co.uk experienced serving the local community." MILLER KEHOE Davies of Westbury DECORATING Home Visits DAVIES OF WESTBURY Miller Kehoe is an experienced and highly 24 Edward Street, Westbury If you are busy with DIY this autumn then head to Davies of Westbury. A family run business, they are celebrating 40 years this year so are hugely experienced serving the local community. Their DIY department is fully stocked, plus they have logs and fuel to keep you cosy as the days get colder. If you are redecorating they stock a large range of both wellknown brands such as Stanley, Harris and Dulux and budget decorating supplies as well as a range of Weathershield, gloss and satinwood. 50 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
professional decorating team
Miller Kehoe is an experienced, family run decorating team providing professional and highquality painting and decorating services in Bath and West Wiltshire. They can carry out interior and exterior works to residential and commercial properties offering fantastic attention to detail and high levels of skill. MK can complete all aspects of painting and decorating, glossing, varnishing, wallpapering, woodstaining, floorboards, tiling and gates and railings. Whatever the size of your project, get in touch with Sean on 07377 381612 for a free no obligation quote. 07377 381612 | sean@millerkehoedecorating.com
S L CORDEN & SONS
4 High St, Warminster Cordens in Warminster is a real fixture of Warminster high street. A traditional ironmongers, the store is now so much more to local residents, and currently operates 10 departments over three floors, covering: kitchenware, DIY and paint, ironmongery, tools, electrical, gardening, camping, locks and key cutting, sugarcraft and gifts. As an independent firm, they are renowned for their helpful and
E.J. SHANLEY & SON [TROWBRIDGE] LTD
S.L. Corden & Sons
HOUSE OR GARDEN IN NEED OF A GOOD CLEAROUT?
CALL US TODAY! We are a traditional hardware store with a modern twist.
Come to us for... Gardening Equipment | Outdoor Furniture Household Items | Ironmongery | Tools Paint | DIY | Electrical | Key Cutting Camping Equipment | Sugarcraft | Gifts
CALL TROWBRIDGE OR WARMINSTER
01225 753333 / 01985 213348 43 Shails Lane, Trowbridge 43 Copheap Lane, Warminster
www.ejshanley.co.uk
4 High Street, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 9AE 01985 212115 | slcorden.com | Find us on
WILTSHIRE‘S LEADER IN SKIP HIRE
f
“MK Painting & Decorating recently finished painting our house from top to bottom and did a wonderful job. Would thoroughly recommend.” Martin, Bath
We are an experienced, family run decorating team providing professional and high quality painting and decorating services in Bradford on Avon, Trowbridge and the surrounding areas. We carry out interior and exterior works to residential and commercial properties. No job too big or small. Get in touch today for a free no obligation quote. Contact Sean on 07377381612 millerkehoedecorating.com Email sean@millerkehoedecorating.com
homes special cheerful staff, their knack for problem solving and their ability to source unusual items quickly. As a true home improvement hub, whatever project you have in mind you’ll find the tools for the job at Cordens, either instore or on their new online shop. With an eye on Christmas their gift department is well worth a visit too.
Cordens is a traditional ironmongers in the heart of Warminster
01985 212115 | slcorden.com
SOVEREIGN DAMP & TIMBER LTD
Ingoldmells Court, Edinburgh Way, Corsham Sovereign Damp Proof & Timber Ltd is based in Corsham and has been providing services throughout the South West since 1981. Established for 40 years, they are renowned for their high quality of workmanship and reliability. Sovereign offer injected damp proof courses, timber treatments including beetle infestation, wet rot and dry rot treatments, basement waterproofing (including Delta membrane systems) and general maintenance. They also offer re-plastering services - including lime based plastering approved by Listed Buildings and English Heritage, which makes it perfect for use on the beautiful old properties you find in the local area. It comes as no surprise that both the National Trust and Crown Estates feature on their list of regular clients, as well as local authorities, estate and lettings agents, housing associations and architects as well as the general public. 01249 716161 | sovereigndpc.co.uk
STEVE MORRIS PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
Home visits Steve Morris has been helping customers look after their homes for over 10 years. Reliable and 52
THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
Sovereign Damp Proof & Timber has been providing its services for 40 years
SOVEREIGN DAMP & TIMBER LTD PROPERTY MAINTENANCE 10+ YEARS EXPERIENCE RELIABLE & PROFESSIONAL
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Painting & Decorating Tiling Laminate flooring Small plumbing jobs Flat pack assembly Built-in cupboards/wardrobes General DIY jobs
Covering... Bradford on Avon, Frome, Melksham, Trowbridge & Westbury
CALL 07941
201650
e: morris.steve@virginmedia.com
Christmas
Christmas Department opens 21 October!!!
We offer a comprehensive service for all kinds of damp proofing, basement waterproofing, timber treatment and specialist replastering.
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
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, Premium Tubs, Paul’s Double Glazing Repairs, Hair by Angela, The Foot Clinic & Kalahari Kitchen
homes special professional, he can help with a multitude of home improvement works including painting and decorating, tiling, small plumbing jobs and laying laminate flooring. He is also more than happy to help with tricky DIY tasks like flat pack assembly, fitting shelves, tv brackets and putting up curtains, blinds and much more. Covering Bradford on Avon, Frome, Melksham, Trowbridge and Westbury give him a call to arrange for a visit and a free no obligation quotation. 07941 201650 | morris.steve@virginmedia.com
WINDOWS, DOORS & CONSERVATORIES NEW WINDOWS
Station Rd, Warminster There is still time to organise the replacement of faulty or leaky windows and doors before the winter comes. By replacing single glazed windows and doors with energy efficient glazing you could save around £135 per year on your energy bills, reduce your carbon footprint, make your home less draughty and insulate your home against unwanted outside noise. With over 25 years of continuous service, New Windows has a long-standing reputation for providing high quality products, all manufactured in the UK to a high specification. As well as installing top quality replacement windows, they are also specialists in conservatories, orangeries and contemporary bi-fold doors. Their team of expert fitters are all trained craftsmen and provide a friendly and professional service tidily and without fuss. Based in Warminster, New Windows serves West Wiltshire, Bath and most of the South West. Call to arrange a free no obligation quote. 01985 215566 | newwindowsltd.co.uk
54 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR FIRST MEETING WITH A DESIGN CONSULTANT Experts in top quality interior developments and refurbishments, STEPHEN GRAVER offers five tips to make the most of your first design consultation...
open about it! This is absolutely not to give us a target to work towards, but so that designers don’t waste your time with products that don’t fit your needs.
1
4
2
5
Think about what inspires you Bring along your inspiration to give us an idea of what inspires your love for design, colours or textures. If you’ve no idea where to start, don’t worry. Our first meeting will find out more about what you like and don’t like and how you want to use the living space and then guide you through potential styles, colours and textures to create your vision. Have an open mind It’s great to have ideas and a vision for your space. We encourage you to be a part of the process as much (or as little) as you want to be. Our job is to listen to you and provide unique solutions that are tailored around your lifestyle and needs.
3
The b-word Consider your real budget before you arrive and be
Try to keep an open mind about your project
Textures and colours Think about your current home décor, furniture and even your clothes. Do you see bright colours and clean lines? Or do you see warm tones, natural materials and classic themes? To compliment your existing palette or establish a space that evolves where you can be braver and bolder in your choices to really make a statement? Making every day easier Think about the little things that would help to make your day flow more smoothly and how it influences your appliance or design choices. Consider what ‘challenges’ you want to resolve and let your designer consider the solutions. To discuss your project give the team a call today. 01380 871746 | stephengraver.com
wildlife
CLOUTS WOOD
Next in our series of features on Wiltshire Wildlife Trust's 40 reserves is CLOUTS WOOD in Wroughton. The site also includes Markham Banks, Kings Farm Wood & Diocese Meadows. On the website you can download a reserve leaflet or visual ID guide for all the pre-arrival information you need.
image © David Hall
OS map grid reference SU144802 What3Words: ///crop.piano.person • 13.62 hectares • In winter wear wellies as the steep terrain is often muddy • Dogs on leads are welcome • Suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs Parasol Fungi
C
louts Wood is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and falls within the North Wessex Downs, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty managed by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. It is situated near Wroughton and can be found between Markham Banks nature reserve and King’s Farm Wood and Diocese Meadows. Combine an autumnal walk through all four areas to enjoy contrasting landscapes. Clouts Wood is a traditionally managed coppice with some standard trees left to grow on. Most trees are 50 to 100 years old, although a few oaks are about 200, with superb autumnal colours. Records of the coppice rights stretch back to the 1600s and because of the wood’s
"The nature reserve is great for families with such different landscapes to explore." 58 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
great age, 29 ancient woodland indicator species grow there. Each year, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust leaves some areas of woodland with a dense canopy, this provides dead wood for fungi, beetles and holenesting bats and birds. During your autumn walks look for shaggy parasol mushrooms, stump puffballs and velvet shank toadstool. Also the great spotted woodpecker, treecreeper and chiffchaff can all be found at Clouts Wood, with blackcap and goldfinch particularly liking the coppiced areas and you may even spot a roe deer. The nature reserve is great for families with such different landscapes to explore. It also has good access for wheelchairs and pushchairs, accessible from the entrance at Kings Farm Wood, with flat gravel paths. Dogs are also welcome but must be kept on a lead.
f WiltsWild t @WiltsWildlife • wiltshirewildlife.org
DIRECTIONS If driving - Parking is limited so it's best to park in the Ellendune Car Park, Hall Close, Wroughton, SN4 9LD and walk to the entrance - just 5 minutes. Turn into Nursery Close from the High Street (at the traffic lights). Continue straight ahead until you reach the junction with Badgers Brook. Enter the reserve via a small bridge. If using bus – the 49 Trowbridge to Swindon bus stops in Wroughton High Street. Go down Nursery Close from the High Street (at the traffic lights near the Co-Op). Follow the road round to the right until you come to a footpath on your left follow this to enter the reserve via a small bridge and kissing gate. If cycling - Visit sustrans.org.uk
image © Owain Shaw
wildlife
Clouts Wood is a Site of Special Scentific Interest
THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 59
HUGE SELECTION OF TREES & SHRUBS
GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE HERE
BEAUTIFUL PLANTS 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
the-nursery.co.uk
Marsh Road, Hilperton, Wiltshire BA14 7PL Tel 01225 571331
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
AUGUST 2018
// ISSUE 108
West Wilts The
Wild Ivy
FREE
MAGAZINE
BBQ S
Getaways IDEAS BAGGING A& TIPS FOR BARGAIN SUMMER BREAK
A NEW OUTDOOR KITCHEN FROM STEPHEN GRAVER
Time for Tea GREAT LUNCHES & AFTERNOON TEAS
WIN A
£15
iTUNES R! VOUCHE
FOOD & DRINK // TRAVEL
// HOME & GARDENS
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DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT...
COVERING WILTSHIRE, SOMERSET & DEVON
“Having spent over 15 years advertising our business in various local publications, I can safely say that the WWM has by far been the most productive... I couldn’t recommend them highly enough.” STUART FAINT Pietra Wood & Stone
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ADVERTISING WITH US... Contact Andy on tel 01225 807775 or email andy@wired-publishing.co.uk
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James has spent 20 years designing & caring for gardens. He can help with everything from day to day maintenance to design & landscaping. • RHS QUALIFIED GARDENER • MAINTENANCE • DESIGN & LANDSCAPING • PRUNING • TREE CARE • WATER FEATURES
wild-ivy.co.uk
07940 261734 • info_wildivy23@yahoo.com
memoirs
LIFE STORIES
Bradford on Avon writer JO MOYSER is encouraging people to share their life stories and boost their mental wellbeing in the wake of the Covid crisis.
J
o established Milestone Press Wiltshire, a private autobiography service, to encourage would-be authors to write a book about their lives with a team of expert interviewers, ghostwriters, editors and proofreaders. Jo said “Millions of us have been vaccinated and you can feel the hope in the air, it’s the perfect time
Jo Moyser with her grandfather-in-law, Bob Moyser and her two children
whilst our ghostwriter will transcribe your interviews into a manuscript and help you hone your book into a readable, even ‘unputdownable’ narrative. “After all the challenges of lockdown, I hope lots of local people will make the most of our service and enjoy the benefits of starting a stimulating new project.
"sharing your life story is a wonderful way to bring friends and family together and pass knowledge down through the generations"
where she met a number of other ghostwriters and interviewers and realised the joys of helping people to write a book about their lives. She said “I started helping people record their life stories after my grandfather-in-law passed away. We used to spend hours talking about the past, and I dearly wish I had recorded his stories whilst I had the chance. It’s too late for that now, but it’s not too late to help others.
“By pooling our talents, free of corporate restraints, we can to start a new project. If you find the "A regular visit from someone who continue to do the jobs we enjoy prospect of writing a book a little is a keen and responsive listener can whilst offering a truly individual daunting, we can help you narrate be a marvellous tonic. And sharing service with tailor-made solutions your life story in a series of recorded your life story is a wonderful way to for all budgets.” interviews, over three to four months, bring friends and family together, in the comfort of your own home. build empathy and pass knowledge For further details please call down through the generations.” 01225 309149, or email “Our Milestone interviewer will know info@milestonepresswiltshire.co.uk how to help to bring light-touch Jo previously freelanced for a large encouragement to your storytelling private autobiography publisher • milestonepresswiltshire.co.uk
62 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
legal & financial
K
DOES CHARITY BEGIN AT HOME?
athryn Smith Cowap, a Partner in the Private Client team at Wansbroughs Solicitors considers whether charity really does begin at home. When writing their Wills, many people decide to make a gift to charity. If you are considering doing the same, you may find it benefits not only the charity but also your family. Any gift made to a UK registered charity is free of inheritance tax. When you include a gift to charity in your Will, this figure will not count towards your nil rate band, leaving the entire band available to reduce the tax impact of gifts to
your loved ones. Not only are UK charitable gifts free of inheritance tax; they also have the potential Kathryn Smith Cowap
to reduce your entire tax bill. If you decide to leave 10% or more of your net estate to charity, your estate can benefit from a reduction in the rate of inheritance tax charged, from 40% to 36%. This lower percentage would be applied to the entirety of your assets, whether or not intended for charity. The outcome? Your estate will pay less inheritance tax and your family and the charity will reap the benefits To discuss making a charitable gift in your Will, please contact us at wealth@wansbroughs.com or on 01380 733300. • wansbroughs.com
THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 63
legal & financial
COPING WITH SEPARATION
Heidi Cordoza, Associate Family Solicitor at GOUGHS SOLICITORS, talks about helping your children cope with separation.
S
eparating from your spouse or partner is a difficult and emotional process and can be just the same for any children. You will need to have important discussions about arrangements for the children and there is no 'one size fits all' when it comes to how best to deal with a separation. When it comes to your children, you know them best.
Associate Family Solicitor Heidi Cordoza
Children will have many questions and worries when find out that their parents are separating; who will they live with; where will they live; how much time will they spend with the other parent; will they still go to the same school; is it their fault...
• It is hugely important for children’s self-esteem and COMMUNICATION IS KEY development for them to have a • Separation not only affects adults; positive image of both parents, so try to portray a positive view of it changes children’s lives too. their other parent, even if this is not • Talk to your children, let them something you are feeling. know what is happening and that • Be honest and realistic with them. it’s not their fault.
"Talk to your children about the plans but make sure you, as parents, make the decisions." • Tell your children how their lives will change as a result: where they will go to school; when they will see each parent; that they will have two homes. Talk to your children about the plans but make sure you, as parents, make the decisions. Avoid giving them choices as they may feel torn and will not always know what's best for them. 64 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
WORKING TOGETHER • Show a united front. It is important for the children to see that, despite the separation, you remain committed parents putting their interests first. • Conflict and lack of agreement will only serve to create further upset and uncertainty for the children. • Don’t involve the children in disagreements or make the children choose between you.
REASSURANCE
that it is OK for them to feel angry, upset, or hurt. • Children need to feel and know they continue to be loved and cared for by both parents, and that this will not change because of the separation. • Children cope well if there is no long-term parental conflict. • You can help children cope by ensuring you are taking care of yourself. If you are separating or divorcing, there is bound to be an impact on children within your family unit. If you are struggling with child arrangements, Goughs Solicitors are here to support and guide you. Contact us today via the website for your free 30-minute family consultation. Alternatively you can email info@goughs.co.uk
• Children may have trouble dealing with their emotions. Let them know • goughs.co.uk
health & wellbeing
UNWIND IN A SPANATION HOT TUB
L
et’s face it, there are few things more relaxing than slipping into a luxury hot tub and letting the warm, bubbling water wash over you. A hot tub can be the perfect way to unwind, either alone or with loved ones. More and more people are hiring hot tubs from SpaNation for special occasions, including birthday parties, anniversaries, and romantic evenings with that special someone.
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HOT TUB PACKAGES SpaNation’s Long Weekend package is proving highly popular. With this generous package, you can enjoy a hot tub from Thursday all the way through to Tuesday, giving you
a whole five days of use. Or, add some bubbles to the festive season by opting for the Christmas & New Year package! Whilst everyone else is huddled indoors trying to keep warm, you could be knocking back Eggnog in your own private hot tub! • spanation.co.uk
Hire a hot tub for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries and even Christmas!
SpaNation is one of the leading hot tub rental companies in Wiltshire, offering spas perfect for home use and private events. Hot tubs can be customised to your needs, with various optional add-ons ranging from gazebos to lights and Bluetooth speakers. The team aim to provide the ultimate hot tub experience for their customers,
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Julie Reid
66 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
back care, balance, increasing range of movement, stretching & strengthening, good music and FUN! The strong community feel before, during and after each session lets you meet new people as you improve your own health and wellbeing. Julie Reid runs five classes in and around Trowbridge. Three are in the evening and two in the afternoon including one specifically aimed at those who, for whatever reason, have limited mobility. These sessions comprise of exercising in a chair, standing (using a chair for support if required) and weight-bearing ‘movement’ for those who are able. It is very much looking at improving mobility, strength, balance, co-ordination and confidence!
Julie also offers a ‘Personal Trainer’ service FLexercise@Home, which is a gentle, person centred exercise to music session to music to specifically meet that persons needs. Julie is fully qualified and has been teaching classes for the young, old and in-between for over 30 years. She already runs classes in local care and nursing homes, as well as community classes in village halls and community centres. Her qualification is recognised by CIMPSA Level 3 and classes are based on sound knowledge of the way the body moves. To find out more, or to book a session, contact Julie on 07877 020481 or email juliefit@outlook.com. • fb.com/FLexercisewestwiltshire
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bath rugby
INTRODUCING JACO COETZEE
Bath Rugby have signed a new number 8 this season and his mind is set on emulating his compatriot, and Bath legend, Francois Louw.
T
he players and staff have been hard at work at Farleigh House to prepare for an eagerly anticipated 2021/22 campaign in front of packed out stadiums. After a period of adjusting to life at Bath Rugby, Jaco Coetzee is reenergised, ready and raring to go. The South African Number 8 spent his first few months at Farleigh House soaking up the culture, bonding with his new teammates as well as rehabbing a pre-existing knee injury. “Bath as a city is so amazing, I can’t get enough of it.” Coetzee said. “The people here at the club are really nice and have made the move so easy for me and I’ve settled in quite nicely. I was very relieved I could join Bath a bit earlier just to familiarise myself with everyone and see how things work instead of being thrown into the deep end six weeks before the competition starts. “It was great to see the club’s values and what they believe in, how they train and getting connected to the guys and the way we play. It’s given me a lot of confidence to go out on to the field with my new teammates and I’m really excited for the challenge ahead.” So what can fans expect to see when Jaco takes the field in the blue, black and white? “My strength is obviously ball-carrying, getting momentum for us and stopping momentum in defence and poaching on to the ball
68 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
– that’s one thing I’ve worked on. “I have had long chats with Neal Hatley and David Williams about the new shape we want to play which is quite like the shape we used to play as The Stormers in Cape Town. “It’s very quick and a lot of interlinking with the backs as a forward. It’s quite nice that I don’t have to change too much of my game to fit in and hopefully that will help provide forward momentum for the team.”
in Bath. I think that’s every rugby player’s dream. I would love to live here. I’d love to get my British passport and be able to properly stay here and say I’m a British citizen. “I love the culture here and love how everything is being done. It’s completely different to South Africa and it’s amazing just to experience it. I want to make the most of it and not just come here for work, I want to make a life here.”
And looking forward, Jaco is hoping to emulate his hero Francois Louw by making Bath his home long term. “It’s actually a bit corny but I wouldn’t mind having the same legacy as Flouw – living and playing rugby here for 10 seasons and retiring here
• bathrugby.com
Jaco Coetzee
2021/2022 FIXTURES For ticket information and to buy tickets go to the website. 1 Oct 17 Oct 23 Oct 30 Oct 5 Nov
19:45 15:00 15:00 15:00 19:45
A H A H A
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puzzles
THAT’S INTERESTING...
Each month ADAM JACOT DE BOINOD, former researcher from ‘QI’ and author of The Meaning of Tingo, poses a vocabulary quiz from our local Wiltshire dialect. CAN YOU GUESS THE CORRECT DEFINITION? 1) mander a) one who haunts good tables, a greedy sponger b) a salesman c) to order about in dictatorial fashion
2) purler
3) quiff a) diagonally across from something b) the number five in shepherds’ counting c) a knack, a trick
a) a shapeless, confused mass b) a blockhead, an idiot c) the last sheep to be sheared
BETTING TERMS Down by the track there’s little that passes the bookies by with this wonderful vocabulary: Tic-tac (1905) the system of telegraphy used by bookmakers communicating a change in the odds to outside bookmakers Pencil-fever (c1872) the laying of odds against a horse certain to lose Springer (UK slang 1922) a horse on which the odds suddenly shorten Skinner (Australian slang 1891) a horse which wins at long odds
Stickout (US slang 1937) a racehorse that seems a certain winner Nap (bookies’ jargon) a racing tipster’s best bet of the day To kiss the parson’s wife (late 18C) to be lucky in the choosing of or betting on horses (from the belief that those who wish for such luck must ‘kiss the parson’s wife’) To the pros, there’s slang for any bet you care to make: macaroni - odds of 20/1 carpet - odds of 3/1 elef a vier - odds of 11/4 bottle - odds of 2/1 shoulder - odds of 7/4 ear’ole - odds of 6/4 up the arm - odds of 11/8 wrist - odds of 5/4
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70 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
APRIL/MAY 2021
// ISSUE 134
West Wilts The
+ WE ARE UNDRESSED CAPABILITY CHARLOTTE LACOCK PHOTOGRAPH Y & MUCH MORE
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TAKE A BLUEBELL WALK THIS SPRING
The Great Outd oors
THE BATH FESTIVAL
OUTDOOR DINING RECIPES THE FOODFROM WIFE
17-24 MAY
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// COMMENT
Call Andy today on � 01225 807775
e andy@wired-publishing.co.uk westwiltsmag.co.uk
ANSWERS 1C, 2A, 3C, 4A
a) a knock-down blow, a heavy fall b) a large playing marble c) a lean deer not fit to hunt
4) mummock
puzzles
TEA BREAK TEASERS What/who is missing from the grid?
CHEESY WORDSEARCH
BLUE VINNEY CAERPHILLY CHEDDAR CHESHIRE CROWDIE
DUDDLESWELL LANCASHIRE PERL LAS RED LEICESTER SAGE DERBY
SHROPSHIRE STILTON STINKING BISHOP WENSLEYDALE
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Q1: What colour is Sage Derby? Q2: What is Yarg wrapped in? LAST MONTH’S SOLUTIONS Wordsearch missing word: ST AUGUSTINES Quiz answers 1: King Edward III of England. 2: William the Conqueror. 3: 1967 4: Matravers 5: Nelson Haden School.
72 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
Q3: What does Perl Las mean in English? Q4: Which Welsh cheese has European Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status? Q5: From what specific breed of cattle is traditional Stinking Bishop cheese made? Be sure to include your contact details so we can get in touch with you if you are our winner!
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last word
COACH PHIL’S RUNNING CLUB
Y
ou must forgive me loyal reader(s) if any of what I am about to write descends into gibberish. Yesterday, for some unknown reason, I ran, in the loosest sense of the word, the Bristol Half Marathon. Apparently, according to The Oracle, or the internet as it’s known these days, the human body has about 600 muscles and I’m fairly sure a decent 90% of them ache including, bizarrely, my fingers. The other 10% are, I’m fairly certain, in my ears and they clearly don’t work properly anyway as otherwise I’d have heard people saying “No Phil don’t run 21km around Bristol on a sunny September Sunday morning. Stay home and have cake instead”. Alas I didn’t hear those wise, wise words and instead I went and had a go. The actual day itself was really quite pleasant, I was with two lovely ladies, Helen and Jenna, protégés of Coach Phil’s Running
say but it wasn’t me! We all finished it though, which was fantastic. To call Bristol city centre hilly would be a bit of a stretch but who knew it had that many slopes? When I’ve been there before I hadn’t noticed how many times you are, ever so gradually, making your way upwards. Of course that could be something to do with the amount of cider I’d had on board at the time as the only real reason, up until Sunday, to go to Brizzle was to get drunk and fall over! The amount of people that put so much effort into doing mass participation races like this always astounds me. There are speedy greyhound people who are very serious (and rightly so) right down to your St. Bernards who have all the motivation to do well but unfortunately not the fitness or the physique. I am somewhere in the middle. I like to think of myself as an old, slightly overweight, labrador; I’m greying at the muzzle, sound
“I like to think of myself as an old, slightly overweight, labrador; I’m greying at the muzzle, sound a bit throaty when running and like food as a reward when it’s all over.” Club. We were all chatting away on the journey there, making merry, laughing and joking and generally looking forward to a good, fun time racing around the streets of Bristol. The journey home was somewhat quieter. In fact one of us was almost sick; no names, no pack drill as they 74 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
a bit throaty when running and like food as a reward when it’s all over. Everybody though, whatever their shape, size, culture, colour or creed, is having a go and it’s a rather beautiful thing to see. Once you change out of your ‘day’ clothes and into your running kit you cease
to be big or small, black or white, Christian or Muslim, you are just a runner and you are each going to put yourselves through a lot and at the end, unless you are one of the greyhounds, all you get really is the satisfaction of finishing… Jenna, Helen and I did that…well done us!
Phil Rockliffe
