The West Wilts Magazine - February 2022

FEBRUARY 2022 // ISSUE 143

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contents

February 2022 // issue 143

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Published by Wired Publishing Editor Lisa Rockliffe Contributors Fran Stevens, Phil Rockliffe, Neil Mortimer, Katie Thomson, Andy Diffey, Adam Jacot De Boinod Advertising Enquiries Andy Diffey e: andy@wired-publishing.co.uk t: 01225 807775 General Enquiries e: info@wired-publishing.co.uk t: 01225 807775 www.wired-publishing.co.uk Address 20 Azalea Drive, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 9GG This magazine is printed on paper sourced from sustainable forests.

Please recycle it when you are done, or pass it on!

The publishers shall not be held liable for any loss occasioned by the failure of an advertisement to appear, or any damage or inconvenience caused by errors, omissions or misprints.

Reproduction of this magazine in whole, or in part is strictly prohibited wihout prior permission of the publishers.

Front Cover: © Lacock Photography

ne of the few good things to emerge from the difficult last two years we’ve all gone through is the enduring ingenuity of our community. From pubs that became takeaways and grocery stores, to great new businesses created at kitchen tables. In this edition we find out more about some of the welcome new faces that have appeared on our high streets (p37) .

As life returns to normal, going to shows and gigs is becoming more routine once more. With his show Billionaire Boy coming to Wyvern Theatre this month we caught up with children’s author and comedian David Walliams to find out more about the show (p31).

With stress levels still high you might want to consider taking up a new hobby to help with mindfulness. Fiona Turnbull from Lacock Photography discusses how photography can help you stop and appreciate the little things in life (p28).

The Food Wife offers up some wonderful bakes to try (p25), we find out there’s more to design than just following trends (p46) and lots more besides, just turn the page and enjoy!

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

in this issue...

LOCAL NEWS What’s on in February Melksham Assembly Hall Matt Curtis Photography Pound Arts Holburne Museum Hope Nature Centre Bowood House & Gardens

6 12 14 17 17 18 20

FOOD & DRINK Eat the Seasons Baking recipes

24 25

FEATURES Mindfulness & Photography David Walliams interview New Faces

28 31 37

HOME & GARDEN SofaCo Plus Axford Interiors Stephen Graver Garden Jobs

44 46 48 50

LEGAL & FINANCIAL Goughs Wansbroughs

52 56

BATH RUGBY New coaching line up announced

60

COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES That’s interesting...

62 Quiz, wordsearch & sudoku 64 COMMENT The Last Word

66

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events

listings local

FEBRUARY 2022

MELKSHAM ASSEMBLY HALL

Market Place, Melksham, SN12 6ES Box Office: 01225 709887 melkshamassemblyhall.com JULIA MARTIN SINGS CELINE DION 12 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £18 Julia captures the voice and stage presence of Celine Dion uncannily, completing the illusion with stunning replica costumes and studied mannerisms.

WATERLOO LIVE 19 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £20 Stunning vocal harmonies, quality musicianship and a meticulous attention to detail make Waterloo Live one of the most impressive and sought-after Abba tribute acts on the circuit.

THE CARPENTERS’ EXPERIENCE 5 March, 7.30pm Tickets: £20 The UK’s leading Carpenters’ tribute is led by the incredible voice of Maggie Nestor which, backed by some top class musicians, conjures up the power of one of the 1960’s finest groups like no one else.

POUND ARTS CENTRE

Pound Pill, Corsham, SN13 9HX Box Office: 01249 701628 poundarts.org.uk 6

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M G BOULTER & IONA LANE 4 February, 8pm Tickets: £12 (Concs £10) M G Boulter is a singer songwriter living in Essex, Iona is a Leeds-based folk singer and songwriter

ELI CARVAJAL 5 February, 8pm Dream Horse (PG), The Athenaeum Centre Tickets: £12 (Concs £10) Eli is a natural storyteller, weaving tales Tickets: £12 (Concs £10) of family history, generational trauma, An evening of stories, jokes and love lost and found. He is supported poems from writer, poet and TV and

by Lo Barnes and Olive Featherstone. film producer Henry Normal.

LITTLEMEN 11 February, 8pm Tickets: £10 (Concs £8) Littlemen, based in Bath, make lush and sweeping Americana /roots-rock, reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty.

JONNY DONAHOE: FORGIVENESS 12 February, 8pm Tickets: £12 (Concs £10) Forgiveness is about the cycles of abuse that affect who we are; if and how we can escape them.

DOUGLAS DARE 26 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £15 Dare’s music speaks of his own experiences of universal themes like love, loss, and childhood.

TOWN HALL ARTS

Market Street, Trowbridge BA14 8EQ Tel: 01225 774306 trowbridgetownhall.com JEALOUS TINA 5 February, 8pm Tickets: £8 Taking creative influence from the work of Arlo Parks, Puma Blue and Lianne La Havas, they deliver a tight and punchy line up of poetic lyricism and passionate melodies.

CARA DILLON 18 & 19 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £15 (Concs £14) Cara Dillon occupies an enviable position at the top of her genre. She has been captivating audiences and achieving exceptional acclaim for over COSMIC NINJA 20 years.

12 February, 8pm Tickets: £8 HENRY NORMAL: THE ESCAPE PLAN Cosmic Ninja are a queer-fronted, 24 February, 8pm

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

events four-piece band who never fail to leave an impression with their fusion of rock, alternative and electronic sounds.

THE SKIMMITY HITCHERS 19 February, 8pm Tickets: £10 With their dry and fruity blend of Scrumpy & Western, these scrumpy swillin’ reprobates appeal to everyone from folkies to cider punks, beardy badgers to shifty blaggers.

16 February, 7.15pm Tickets: £16 (Concs £8) A 20th-century ballet masterpiece, Romeo & Juliet has been a ballet classic since its premiere in 1965.

CORY BAND 20 February, 3pm Tickets: £24 (Concs £16) 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.

GECKO 26 February, 8pm Tickets: £8 Singer storyteller Gecko tours with his second album ‘Climbing Frame’.

Pronounced ‘Album of the Year’ in the Morning Star newspaper Gecko’s playful songs cover the big things in life with wit and warmth.

CITY OF LONDON SINFONIA 26 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £32 (Concs £17) The City of London Sinfonia perform an evening of enduring Classical masterpieces by Mozart and Haydn.

There is also a pre-concert talk with the artists at 6.30pm which is free.

WILTSHIRE MUSIC CENTRE

NEELD ARTS CENTRE

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

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

CORDELIA WILLIAMS 12 February, 7.30pm Tickets: various prices Cordelia Williams celebrates exquisite piano playing that explores both sorrow and comfort and is full of magical harmonic strokes and sublime melodies.

LDN WRESTLING 11 February, 7pm Tickets: from £13.25 Expect to see the edge of your seat, death-defying moves as the stars of wrestling take part in actionpacked matches for the whole family to enjoy! Get those foam fingers at the ready for a night of family THE ROYAL OPERA: ROMEO & JULIET entertainment you will not forget!

(AS LIVE)

QUEEN II 19 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £22.50 The band faithfully recreates the energy, excitement, and emotion of a classic Queen concert. An authentic tribute, the four-piece delivers powerful vocals, driving rock anthems and flamboyant showmanship.

THE FUREYS 27 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £23.75 Having sold out their last visit, legends of Irish music & song, The Fureys, renowned for their hit songs ‘I Will Love You’, ‘When You Were Sweet 16’ and ‘The Green Fields of France’ make a triumphant return.

THE ATHENAEUM CENTRE

18-20 High St, Warminster BA12 9AE Tel: 01985 213891 theath.org.uk TRISTAN & YSEULT 3-5 Feb, 7.30pm (matinee 2pm Fri) Tickets: £8 (Concs £6) Warminster school’s production of Kneehigh’s Tristan and Yseult which is adapted by Emma Rice.

DREAM HORSE (PG) 16 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £5.50 (non-members) The inspiring true story of Dream Alliance, an unlikely race horse bred by small town Welsh bartender Jan Vokes (Toni Collette).

TALKING HEADS II 26 February, 2pm & 7.30pm Tickets: £12 The Athenaeum Masqueraders bring back their acclaimed production of Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads II!

FROME MEMORIAL THEATRE Cordelia Williams, Wiltshire Music Centre

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Christchurch Street West, Frome, BA11 1EB Tel: 01373 462795 fmt.website

For full listings go to each venue’s website

events THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY 11 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £23.50 (Concs £21.50) Using original film footage, this 50th Anniversary Celebration also features a full live band performing all the hits including - Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound and many more.

POP PRINCESSES 12 February, 3pm Tickets: £15.50 A musical spectacular starring four fabulous fairy tale princesses who just love to sing! Featuring a soundtrack of top pop hits plus songs from all your favourite films and musicals.

AN EVENING WITH AGGERS & TUFFERS 18 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £27.50 Jonathan and Phil have teamed up for a brand new show. This is a fascinating, entertaining, no-holdsbarred evening and you can tweet Aggers with your own questions.

The event is raising money for The Professional Cricketers’ Trust.

MARTIN HUGHES-GAMES & IOLO WILLIAMS WILDLIFE ROAD TRIP 26 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £21 Wildlife TV presenters Martin Hughes-Games and Iolo Williams have teamed up for an amusing and informative show packed with facts and fun for the whole family.

Museum: 100 extraordinary images showcasing the very best in astrophotography.

DISCOVER ONE OF THE OLDEST COTTAGES IN LACOCK 8 – 11 February, various times FREE A chance to see inside one of the oldest complete houses in Lacock.

Discover its history from medieval open hall to Victorian coffee tavern and then home to a post-mistress at the centre of village life.

been there, done that and done it all again for almost 3 decades!

The iconic artist has influenced an entire generation and continues to dominate the playlists of millions of people.

SALIVA 21 February, 7pm Tickets: £17.50 American nu-metal rockers Saliva embark on their 20th anniversary tour to promote their smash-hit platinumselling album “Every Six Seconds”.

CHEESE & GRAIN

MARK THOMPSON’S SPECTACULAR SCIENCE SHOW 26 February, 2.30pm Tickets: from £12 Designed for children and adults ED BYRNE: IF I’M HONEST alike, Mark’s Spectacular Science 1 February, 7.30pm (Rescheduled Date) Show explores the strange and Tickets: £25 magical properties of matter with Ed Byrne presents his brand-new exploding elephant’s toothpaste, masterclass in observational comedy. vortex-generating dustbins and even howling jelly babies!

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

12 February, 5pm Tickets: £12 Featuring: The Members, Far-Cue, Ghost of the Avalanche, The Raggedy Men, Dr. Alibi and One Chord Wonders.

JUDGE JULES 19 February, 8pm Tickets: £18 Judge Jules is the Club DJ that has

THE MISSION 27 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £33.50 Iconic rockers The Mission return to the Cheese & Grain return as part of 4 exclusive warm-up shows in the UK running up to their already announced headlining appearance at the Sinners Day Festival in Belgium.

An Evening With Aggers & Tuffers, Frome Memorial Theatre

LACOCK ABBEY

Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2LG 01249 730459 nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock (Normal admission charges apply) ASTRONOMY PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR EXHIBITION Until 27 February, 11am FREE Explore beyond your horizon with an exhibition at the Fox Talbot 10

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

Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary Saving stray & unwanted dogs since 1958

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.

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: 10:00-12:00 & 14:00-16:00)

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

01344 882689 | pineridgedogs@yahoo.co.uk

LIVE MUSIC EVERY FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY

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Telephone 01225 865876 Find us on Facebook

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Registered Charity Number 256728

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* NOT VALID IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHER OFFERS. VALID BEFORE 7.30PM. EXPIRY DATE 31.03.22. ROAR

local news

ENJOY THE BEST LIVE MUSIC IN TOWN!

W

ith Melksham’s musical heart beating again and spring just around the corner, what better time to head down to The Assembly Hall for the best live music in town! On 19 February, award-winning ABBA tribute Waterloo Live hit the stage for an evening of some of the most beloved, life-affirming pop music of all time. Combining stunning vocal harmonies, world-class musicianship and authentic replica costumes, this is as close as you’ll get to the joyous atmosphere and sizzling energy of those classic ABBA performances.

Bringing the tempo up a little, Complete Madness join us on March 12th for a celebration of one of the UK’s biggest musical exports, before everything gets turned up on the 19th for the mighty Purple Zeppelin.

Twice voted the UK’s best tribute band and having featured on BBC’s

March sees a bevvy of equally exciting tributes at the Hall, kicking off with The Carpenters Experience on Saturday 5th, who conjure up the magic and beauty of one of the sixties’ finest like no one else.

The Joy of the Guitar Riff, these guys storm their way through Deep Purple and Led Zepp’s best tunes, bringing with them all the power and raw energy of two of the greatest bands ever to grace a stage.

• melkshamassembly.co.uk

Waterloo Live hit the stage on 19 February

WMC’S SPRING SUMMER PROGRAMME

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iltshire Music Centre’s thrilling programme of live music for spring/ summer features leading artists across classical, folk, jazz and world music genres. With returning WMC favourites and an exciting line-up of debut artists, rising new talents and internationally acclaimed stars, available live and online, there’s much to look forward to.

Breabach are coming to WMC this March

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The classical season offers something for everyone with large orchestral works through to intimate recitals. Mew WMC Artist in Residence for 2022, Cordelia Williams (12 Feb) opens the classical season, and then Marmen Quartet (8 Apr) return to perform well-loved works by Haydn and Beethoven.

There is a much-anticipated WMC debut from internationally acclaimed VOCES8 (29 Apr) with a programme entitled ‘Stardust’.

Audiences can also look forward to much loved orchestral works with performances by City of London Sinfonia (26 Feb), Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment (14 May), and the European Union Chamber Orchestra (27 May), and a unique performance from contemporary group, Riot Ensemble (12 Mar), who make their WMC debut with an interactive programme.

Audiences can step into the 1920s and 1930s with Alex Mendham & His Orchestra (4 Mar) in a dazzling show stopping, toe-tapping programme celebrating the golden age of Hollywood. Further jazz highlights include the American Jazz Swing Trio, Hot Club of Cowtown (27 Apr) and an exciting ‘Bach meets Jazz’ collaboration from the dynamic duo of Gwilyn Simcock and Thomas Gould (10 Jun).

Folk fans can look forward to Breabach (11 Mar) and their fiery Scottish folk with a traditional twist, Scottish fiddle quartet RANT (20 May), father and daughter duo Martin & Eliza Carthy (19 Mar), and Anglo-Irish all-female quintet, Midnight Skyracer (11 Jun) featuring Wiltshire-based Carrivick sisters.

• wiltshiremusic.org.uk

VALENTINE'S MENU

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w. WHITE CRAB MEAT, APPLE, QUAIL EGG, LEMON DILL CREAM

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w. FIGS, GREEN OLIVES, PICKLED COLHRABY, CRACKLING CRUMBS

MUSHROOMS & POTATO RISOTTO w. SAGE GREMOLATA

Mains

PAN FRIED CHICKEN SUPREME

SAFFRON POTATO, GLAZE WILD MUSHROOMS, TRUFLE CAVIAR, SMOKED LEEK SAUCE

SOUS VIDE BEEF FILLET

OYSTER MUSHROOMS, POTATO PAVE, DOUGLAS FIR, CARROT MAAFE SAUCE

FILLET OF COD

CLAMS, ROAST ONION CREAM, ARTICHOKE, GNOCCHI, LEMON FOAM

BEETROOT & POTATO GNOCCHI

BROAD BEANS, COURGETTE, RICOTTA, BEER SOIL, ONION DASHI

Desserts

PASSION FRUIT CHEESECAKE

ELDERFLOWER STRAWBERRIES, MANGO COMPOTE, HONEY COMBE

CARAMELISED WHITE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE RASPBERRY, POACHED PRUNES, VANILLA SQUASH

SALTED CARAMEL TART

HAZELNUT PRALINE, ROASTED PINEAPPLE, CHAMOMILE The Valentine's menu must be pre-booked.

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local news

PICTURE PERFECT PORTRAITS

From his studio in Chinns Court Studio in Warminster photographer MATT CURTIS offers a whole range of photo shoots and styles from classic and fun family photography to heritage and fine art portraiture and more...

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BIPP qualified photographer Matt Curtis started working in photography in the late 1990’s and in 2014 based his own business in Warminster, opening his studio in the picturesque centre of Chinns Court two years later.

the Year’, ‘Newborn Photographer of the Year’and ‘Portrait Photographer of the Year’ with the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP), the leading qualifying body for professional photographers for over 120 years. Matt gained his Licentiate qualification with the Specialising in Studio and Wedding British Institute in 2020 and as well photography, Matt has recently won as being their Cotswold Regional accolades such as ‘Cotswolds and Chair is now working towards his South West Pet photographer of Associate level qualification.

“Happiest working in portraiture, Matt takes great pride in creating the highest quality images and wall art for families and individuals” Matt Curtis specialises in portraiture

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Happiest working in portraiture, Matt takes great pride in creating the highest quality images and wall art for families and individuals.

“I feel truly professional photography has never been more important.

If recent events have shown us anything it is the value of those we hold dearest. We all have snaps on our phones and social media but carefully considered photographs, properly displayed, help us to keep our friends and family close and our homes looking fabulous.”

• mattcurtisphotography.com

local news

HALF TERM PARTY AT POUND ARTS!

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his half term, The Pound Arts Centre in Corsham and Half Moon Theatre are hosting a party extravaganza for children aged 2-5 and their families.

Afonso wants to go to his best friend’s birthday party, but where

is his invitation – has it been lost in the post, or maybe he wasn’t even invited? When it finally arrives the excitement and nerves become too much to handle. What should he wear? Will they have balloons? Will anyone play with him? And what about the cake?

Heartfelt, provocative and full of quirky humour, Party features striking, colourful designs and a glorious contemporary soundtrack.

Let the warmth of a Portuguese summer take you to a place where difference is something to celebrate.

Party was created and live-recorded at Half Moon without an audience during lockdown 2021. Now, after much digital acclaim, Half Moon invites little ones and their grownups to experience a live performance of this unforgettable zany birthday party.

Join in the Party on 26 February!

Half Moon: Party takes place on Saturday 26 February, at 11am and 2pm. Parent and child tickets are £8.50. Book online now!

• poundarts.org.uk

SPRING AT HOLBURNE MUSEUM

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s ever, Holburne Museum in Bath has a wide range of displays and exhibitions to enjoy over the coming months.

What’s more they are also offering FREE admission for families during Half Term and Easter holidays (maximum 2 adults).

Here are some of the highlights of their spring calendar...

The Tudors: Passion, Power & Politics Until 8 May Come face-to-face with the five Tudor monarchs - Henry VII, Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I - who, to this day, remain some of the most familiar figures in English history; not least because these instantly recognisable portraits have preserved their likenesses for five centuries.

Mick Peter: Old Ghosts Until 15 May An exhibition of new sculptures by artist Mick Peter takes a wry and affectionate look at the idea of history as an industry. In several surprising interventions, inside and outside the Holburne Museum, visitors will encounter amusing scenes which appear to be cartoons that have come to life drawing on Bath’s Roman history and the Museum’s more recent role as Lady Danbury’s home in Bridgerton.

reinvigorate and challenge museums and their collections and make museums relevant.

• holburne.org Studio Selfie © Mick Peter

People Make Museums Until 2 May A celebration of creativity showcasing over 20 sculptural pieces and celebrating the importance of people in museums.

People bring stories, memories and ways of seeing which constantly THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 17

local news

HALF TERM AT HOPE NATURE CENTRE

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ope Nature Centre Animal Park and Café in Southwick, near Trowbridge, is bringing back a popular event just in time for half term. Goat Walks are back, and visitors can partake in this rather unusual activity. Take Hope Nature Centre’s friendly (and cheeky) goats for a walk around the 26-acre Animal Park. After you’ve walked them, there will also be a feeding and grooming session where keepers will be on hand to answer questions and give fun facts. Tickets for the Goat Walks are extremely limited and pre-book only, so check the website for remaining availability.

Alongside the Goat Walks, the main Animal Park will be open, and visitors can say hello to a wide variety of animals that call Hope Nature Centre home. Wallabies, donkeys, cows,

pigs,and goats are just some of the animals you can visit. Access to the Animal Park also includes four play areas, including the Adventure Play area, which is full of exciting equipment for children to ‘run wild’.

For those looking for a stop for breakfast or lunch, the Hope Nature

Centre Café is the perfect place. With a wide range of freshly prepared breakfasts and lunches, you’ll find something tasty to tempt your tastebuds. There is also plenty of sweet treats and cakes to enjoy over a freshly prepared hot drink.

• hopenaturecentre.org.uk

Goat Walks are returning to Hope Nature Centre this half term

STEP INTO SPORT AT FAIRFIELD FARM

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wo Fairfield Farm College students have recently completed a Sports Leaders UK course and are now putting their newly obtained qualifications to good use. Both Josh and Nathan have actively participated in a Youth Sport Trust leadership initiative called ‘Step into Sport’. This year, the pair has been chosen to be the Swindon & Wiltshire Young

Athlete Role Models, which means they will attend this year’s Step into Sports days, offering support and encouragement to other participants. They will also get the chance to speak to the new cohort of trainee leaders about their experiences.

Former Paralympian Kate Ager joined them at the college to help

plan their talks and offered her advice on leadership in sports. Kate is a Paralympic swimmer and has represented Great Britain at European and World Championships and the 2008 Beijing Paralympics. Both Josh and Nathan thoroughly enjoyed their time with Kate, and discussed their leadership journey, what they had found difficult and how they had overcome their challenges.

“I couldn’t be prouder of Josh and Nathan, as well as all the Sports Leaders at the college. They’ve done a great job encouraging and inspiring others with disabilities to get involved with sports” said Rachel Bown, leader of the programme at Fairfield Farm College. “We can’t wait to see where the journey takes them next” she continued.

Josh and Nathan have become Swindon & Wiltshire Young Athlete Role Models

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• ffc.ac.uk

local news

OPEN TO THE SKIES ‘Open To The Skies’ concert to feature band of the Royal Air Force and Battle of Britain memorial flight at Bowood on Sunday 24 July.

Bowood will host Open To The Skies for the first time this summer

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uly’s ‘Open to the Skies’ concert promises an evening of celebration and rousing military music for all the family as this thrilling new event comes to Wiltshire’s Bowood House & Gardens to raise funds for a number of RAF, Army and Wiltshire charities.

Concert goers of all ages will be welcomed as the gates open at 4.30pm on Sunday 24 July to set the scene, within Bowood House & Gardens’ stunning parkland, for picnicking and pre-concert entertainment starting around 6.15pm. A military Pipes & Drums band will then strike up, followed by the Wiltshire Army Cadet Force Corps of Drums.

As the Central Band of the Royal Air Force - which has played a vital part in state ceremonial events and military tattoos since its establishment in 1920 – takes to the stage and a dramatic Spitfire, Hurricane, Lancaster and Dakota formation fly-past (again depending on the weather) emerges from three different directions, just ahead of sunset, the concert will truly

"As the Central Band of the Royal Air Force takes to the stage the concert will truly be underway."

be underway. With Bowood House as a stately backdrop, there will be performances too by soprano Matilda Wale and the award-winning Wessex Added meaning will come to the Male Choir. The singing of ‘Jerusalem’, evening’s ‘Open to the Skies’ theme the RAF march past and a fireworks when - favourable weather permitting display over the lake are all bound - the Royal Air Force’s six-man Falcons to provide a highly moving and parachute display team (also known memorable round-off to the evening as the ‘Big Six’) from No 1 Parachute Training School, perform ahead of ‘This first-time event looks set to be the main concert itself beginning at tremendously appealing for those approximately 7.15pm. living in and near to Wiltshire who 20 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

are so proud and supportive of our armed services and the region’s military heritage. Our ‘Open to the Skies’ Patrons are drawn from RAF and Army top brass and we are also delighted that Bowood’s Marchioness of Lansdowne and Wiltshire’s Lord Lieutenant Sarah Troughton have kindly agreed to be Patrons too,’ says Colin Cheshire who has devised, and is steering, the concert together with fellow volunteer Des Morgan. ‘Just a month after this year’s centrepiece Platinum Jubilee celebrations, the evening at Bowood will very much continue in the same spirit of national pride.’

Des Morgan adds, ‘After the various challenges of the past two years, we also anticipate that concert goers will have a great appetite for a stirring summer gathering of this nature. We are hoping to attract an audience of some 6,000+ with a view to raising £100,000 for various highly-deserving military and Wiltshire charities, such as Combat Stress and Julia’s House.’

Early booking - via the website - is encouraged to secure tickets, as well as special prices. Until 28 February, tickets range from £20 per child to £39.50 per adult (with 4s and under admitted free).

• opentotheskies.co.uk

THE

Farmhouse

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

INN

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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Your wedding day should be the best day of your life, filled with happiness and shared with family and friends.

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01225 782 581 • theoldhamtree@gmail.com • theoldhamtree.co.uk • HAM GREEN, HOLT, TROWBRIDGE BA14 6PY

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A warm welcome awaits you, your family & your dog at

THE WILTSHIRE YEOMAN Serving local ales, delicious home cooked breakfasts and traditional Sunday lunches.

Why not try our popular two-course lunch from £12pp.

For our latest events, including live bands, please see our Facebook page or website.

Tel 01225 765370

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tel 01380 850418

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seasons

food & drink

eat the

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

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very chef looks forward to February for a key ingredient - forced rhubarb! It requires sub-zero temperatures to trigger the roots to start growing again, but milder winters mean the season is starting later by a couple of weeks.

The season for Yorkshire forced rhubarb runs roughly from midJanuary to March. Forced rhubarb begins life with 2-3 years in open fields. This is so the plant can build up its root system and stores of energy, it relies upon this energy entirely when it gets moved into the forcing sheds. It is then the growers work their magic to get this wonderful crop to market. It is especially prized by our chefs whilst there are few new British ingredients to grab our attention at this time of year.

We still have plenty of root vegetables and winter greens available from the local area including purple sprouting broccoli - subject to any hard frosts which will temporarily stop harvesting.

I hope you have had time to start planning what you are going to grow this year if you are lucky enough to have an allotment or a patch in your garden. Even a window box of a gro bag can give you some joy.

24 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

If the soil allows you can sow early varieties of carrots and parsnips.

Remember, potatoes are one of the easiest to grow and children love to harvest them, it is like finding GOLD! You can buy very cheap gro bags especially for potatoes.

“We still have plenty of root vegetables and winter greens available from the local area” As always if you would like any growing tips or hints please do email me, I am more than happy to give you my advice. And you can also follow us on Twitter or Instagram if you want to keep up to date with seasonal fruit and vegetables.

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

recipes

READY, SET, BAKE! This month FRAN STEVENS, aka The Food Wife, has some great bakes for a warming afternoon tea on a cold winter’s day.

DAIRY-FREE BANANA AND CHERRY LOAF CAKE Makes 8-10 slices

This is a bit of a favourite in our house at the moment. Using up over-ripe bananas, no need for butter as it uses vegetable oil, and using frozen cherries to get little bursts of extra fruitiness.

It’s great to make with kids, as it’s an all-in-one method that just needs stirring together (another benefit of using oil over butter).

✃

To make this a bit more naughty you could also add 100g of broken dark or white chocolate (dairy-free

if required) to the mix at the same time as the cherries.

Ingredients 2 large/3 medium/4 small very ripe bananas, mashed 110g vegetable oil 60g caster sugar 170g self raising flour 2 eggs, beaten 1 tsp vanilla extract 100g frozen pitted cherries Method Preheat the oven to 180°C fan.

In a large bowl, mix the bananas, oil, sugar, flour, eggs and vanilla together.

Fold in the cherries.

Pour into a lined 2lb loaf tin and bake for 50 mins, or until golden, risen and springs back to the touch.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the tin for half an hour before transferring to a wire rack.

Store in an airtight container and it will last a few days.

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 25

recipes Gently beat in the sour cream, flour, baking powder and salt.

after each addition (don’t panic if the mixture looks curdled!)

Pour into a lined loaf tin and bake for 50-60 minutes until cooked through.

Add the lemon zest and lemon curd and beat again.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

Fold in the polenta, flour and baking powder, until combined. Add half the blueberries and fold again.

Make the icing by combining the lemon juice and icing sugar to a smooth consistency. Pour over the cooled cake and allow to set.

Makes 8-10 slices Lemon cake is a firm favourite at our house. If I’m making a gluten-free version then I go for my Lemon and Blueberry Polenta Cake, which can also be made dairy-free. This is a bestseller on my market stall.

First though is a more traditional lemon loaf cake with a lemon icing.

The sponge is flecked with lemon zest and I adorn the icing with candied lemon slices and more zest.

Lemon & blueberry polenta cake Makes 12 pieces

Ingredients 190g softened butter/margarine 190g caster sugar 2 unwaxed lemons, zested 3 eggs 190g plain flour 1 tsp baking powder Pinch of salt 1 heaped tbsp sour cream

Ingredients 225g caster sugar 225g softened butter 4 eggs 75g quick cook polenta 150g gluten-free flour 1½ tsp gluten-free baking powder 2 unwaxed lemons (zest only) 2 tbsp lemon curd 150g blueberries

For the icing 2 lemons, juiced 200g (royal) icing sugar

For the drizzle 100g caster sugar 2 lemons (juice only)

Method Preheat the oven to 170°C fan.

Method Preheat the oven to 180°C fan.

Cream together the butter, sugar and lemon zest.

With an electric mixer, beat the sugar and butter together for a couple of minutes until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs, one at a time. Beat until smooth.

26 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Bake in the oven for 40 minutes (the top should be a mid-dark brown).

Whilst this is baking make the drizzle by combining the lemon juice and sugar in a bowl.

Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack (still in the tin). Use a fork to pierce the top of the cake all over. Pour over the drizzle and leave for 30 minutes, until removing from the tin, and leaving to fully cool on the rack.

Once cool, cut in to 12 equal pieces.

Before adding the blueberries you could dust them in a small amount of the flour to help stop them sinking. The ones you place on top will go into the batter as it cooks but should provide a more equal distribution.

• thefoodwife.co.uk

Add each egg, one at a time, beating

✃

LEMON LOAF CAKE

Decorations If you like you can decorate with candied lemon zest and slices. To make these make a sugar syrup with equal parts sugar and water (50g/50ml of each is enough to make enough for the top of the cake). Add thin slices of lemon and/or the zest to the syrup on a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes. Remove the pieces into a non stick surface, such as some greaseproof paper, until ready to use.

Pour into a lined square or rectangular tin (I used a brownie pan) and level, then place the remaining blueberries dotted over the surface.

✃

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photography

"Mixing mindfulness with photography is an amazing way to relax, explore your creativity and foster a healthy and positive mindset."

MINDFULNESS & PHOTOGRAPHY FIONA TURNBULL, co-owner and tutor at Lacock Photography, discusses how photography can help ease those everyday stresses...

28 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

photography so it really increases your awareness and appreciation of the world around you. It’s also a great reason to get moving and brave the outdoors; the well-being benefits of fresh air and exercise should never be underestimated!

HOW DO I TAKE PHOTOS IN A MINDFUL WAY?

try letting your mind and photographs explore the smaller details in life; for example, if you cross paths with a cat, take a close look at the pattern of its fur or the colour of its eyes. This visual focusing technique is extremely calming, and will get you taking better shots than ever before.

WHAT IF I DON’T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT Mindful photography encourages you PHOTOGRAPHY? You don’t need to know anything to take photos spur-of-the-moment, and so discouraging you from having about photography, but if you do have an interest in exploring the basics, any preconceived ideas about your ith so many us then go for it! Getting to grips with images.

This spontaneous approach battling with the your camera will give you confidence stresses of modern to photography can be achieved and help you express yourself more living, it’s no wonder by always having a camera to hand, effectively, but the key thing is to get whether that be your DSLR or your that mindfulness has become such out there and enjoy yourself. phone, and letting a photograph a hot topic, especially over the last present itself to you rather than few years. If you haven’t heard of • lacockphotography.com tracking one down. You should also the well-being movement (which has actually been around since the If you cross paths with a cat, take a close look at the 1960s), it is the practice of focusing pattern of its fur or the colour of its eyes on what we’re doing, thinking and feeling, and giving our minds a much needed break from everyday anxieties.

The photographic community have made many connections between the act of taking photographs and this meditative technique, exploring how photography helps to increase awareness of one’s surroundings, appreciate beauty in the small things and view the world from a different perspective. If you have an interest in well-being, but perhaps find the idea of meditating a little too New Age, the photography and mindfulness combo, aptly named ‘mindful photography’, could be a great activity to get into in 2022!

Photography increases your awareness and appreciation of the world around you

W

WHY TAKE UP MINDFUL PHOTOGRAPHY? Mixing mindfulness with photography is an amazing way to relax, explore your creativity and foster a healthy and positive mindset. Mindful photography uses visual experience as an anchor (whereas traditional meditation focuses on breathing) and THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 29

14 JAN – 9 APR 2022

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Image copyright: Petr Horáček

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interview

Billionaire Boy WE CAUGHT UP WITH CHILDREN'S AUTHOR DAVID WALLIAMS TO TALK ABOUT THE ADAPTATION OF HIS BOOK 'BILLIONAIRE BOY' FOR THE STAGE...

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 31

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david walliams

avid Walliams is on a roll. The celebrated comedian, talent show judge and writer closed last year as the country's biggest-selling author for the second year running, which is not surprising given global sales of his books have reached 32 million copies. His story Billionaire Boy, which was adapted for television, is now touring the UK in a brandnew adaptation from the acclaimed producers Birmingham Stage Company.

“It’s the most brilliant thing, seeing a book you’ve written come to life on stage”, he explains. “You feel like a magician because what was in your head is somehow real, right in front of you, so it is a very exciting thing.”

Billionaire Boy was David's third book and tells the story of Joe Spud, a boy who is wealthy beyond anyone's wildest dreams. But it's not a typical rags to riches story. "The reason Joe is a billionaire is because his father, Len Spud, who was just a humble man who worked in a factory, came up with this brilliant idea of a creating a special toilet roll which is moist on one side and dry on the other.”

It sounds lovely, but would it be David’s brand of choice? “I think this is a fantastic invention and I cannot This will be the third of his books to believe someone hasn’t come to me get be staged by the Birmingham and given me a billion pounds for Stage Company, following the the idea because, if it was produced, success of Gangsta Granny and Awful I think it would really catch on. But Auntie. What does David think about I liked it being something like this seeing his stories take the leap from from which they made their money. the page to performance?

When you sometimes meet people

who have lots and lots of money you find it’s really bizarre things that they do. I met someone who was really rich and it was because their

"Billionaire Boy was David's third book and tells the story of Joe Spud, a boy who is wealthy beyond anyone's wildest dreams." father provides toilet rolls to lots of pubs in the north of England and I thought, I could do that, but I didn’t have the idea.”

So what would David buy today if he was given a billion pounds?

“There’s one thing that Joe Spud, has in the book which is a water slide going down from his bedroom to a swimming pool. He just gets out of bed and goes straight down a water slide. That is something I don’t have and it really pains me. So if I had a billion pounds to spend today I’d get that water slide because water slides are so much fun. I love them!”

Billionaire Boy tells the story of Joe Spud

32

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

interview Many of David's stories have an epic quality, which hasn't made it easy for the experienced theatre producers, particularly when it comes to landing a helicopter on stage. “The thing is that when I write the books, I’m not thinking much beyond them being books. And, of course, in children’s books you want to have lots of really exciting things happening like helicopters and fast cars and I know that does create problems for people staging it. But the brilliant thing about theatre is that with imagination, anything can be done.”

Yet as so often in his stories, there's a more to Mrs Trafe's character than simply providing laughs. “It highlights the fact that Joe’s in a pretty difficult predicament because everyone is asking him for money and they all have good reasons why they need it. But at the same time money is quite a corrupting thing and it makes people do bad things and lie to him.

Mrs Trafe is really a side character but she does something pretty important in the story.”

that a third book of mine is in their hands!”

This will be David's third partnership with the Birmingham Joe encounters some fantastic Stage Company, who also produce characters on his journey and David all the Horrible Histories shows can't resist talking about one in live on stage. It was their West particular. “My favourite character in End production of Barmy Britain the story of Billionaire Boy is Mrs Trafe, where David first saw their work. the dinner lady and I actually played “The Birmingham Stage Company her in the television adaption. In the have already done two incredible story she asks Joe for money which adaptations of my books, Gangsta she says she needs for a hip operation Granny and Awful Auntie, both of but instead she spends it on plastic which went round the country a surgery. It was a lot of fun creating few times, came into London and her horrible school dinners, giving her got great reviews. Audiences loved the surgery in the book and seeing the shows and came back and what she does with the money.” back and back, so I’m really excited

With David’s brilliant ideas and Birmingham’s Stage’s world-wide reputation for staging family theatre, it's a partnership that looks likely to continue for a long time yet.

And he has high expectations for the show. “I think this could the most fun show of all because in a way this is the most comic book. It’s a story with an emphasis on jokes and silly situations and obviously the whole thing is quite surreal with someone having so much money. I think it’s going to be a really fun theatre show and I can’t wait to see it”.

Billionaire Boy is suitable for ages 5 + Billionaire Boy is at the Wyvern Theatre from Wed 23 – Sat 26 February 2022. Tickets are available online or by calling the Box Office on 0343 310 0040.

• swindontheatres.co.uk • birminghamstage.com

All photos by Mark Douet

Joe encounters fantastic characters on his journey including dinner lady Mrs Trafe

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 33

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new faces

Yarn For The Soul

Cassia

NEW FACES

Cesar's Coffee Bar

One of the few positives to come out of a tough last couple of years is the emergence of a good number of new businesses breathing new life into our towns. Here are some of the new faces that have been making a welcome appearance on our high streets…

SpaNation

Studio Bacchus

Noah's Pantry

The Corsham Gallery

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 37

new faces

RETAIL

CORNHYLLE

High Street, Warminster Cornhylle, which opened last July, is a tiny independent emporium of handmade crafts situated on Warminster’s high street. It is proving a popular destination shop with locally made ceramics, cards, lampshades, cushions and lino prints displayed alongside specially curated pieces ensuring that every visit is extra special. The unusual name is a nod to the history of the area ‘Corn Hill’ where farmers sold corn in medieval times. Owners Gaynor and Sarah are keen artisans themselves, and make prints, coasters, scarves, jewellery and wooden hares for the store too. Cornhylle is a vibrant hub for retail and definitely worth a visit!

• instagram.com/corn_hylle

THE CORSHAM GALLERY

Martingate Centre, Corsham Following on from success at the Peacock Arts Trail in 2021 a group of seven artists have joined together in collaboration to open The Corsham Gallery at 15 Martingate, Corsham.

The venture has been hugely supported by both the landlord and the town council. The artists involved are: Ali Haynes - Oil paintings and Resin Art, Joanne Spencer - Reduction Lino Prints, Emelie Hryhoruk Contemporary Well Being Artist, Libby Mornement - Bloemen and Blue Cyanotypes, Jo Moorshead - BSPK Jewellery, Cheryl Cork - Ceramics and PJ Buchanan - Fused Glass.

These seven have formed a team of resident artists that will permanently exhibit in the gallery. They are also looking to work with emerging and established guest artists who will be able to have a space to exhibit their work in the window.

• thecorshamgallery.co.uk 38 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Cornhylle is a popular destination shop

DOROTHY HOUSE

Market Place, Warminster Local hospice provider and charity Dorothy House opened a new shop in central Warminster at the end of last year. The shop stock’s quality pre-loved furniture, clothing, brica-brac, toys and a selection of new goods.

Rowena Midgley, Head of Retail for Dorothy House said “We have had a presence in Warminster for some time and are delighted that our relocated shop is now open. It is exciting to welcome back both existing and new customers and has been really well received. Not only do our shops provide a large part of our income, but they are an important way to promote the Dorothy House brand in our local area. Please do pop

in to drop off any quality pre-loved donations, to browse through our fantastic stock or just for a chat. Our team will be delighted to see you.”

The shop’s trading hours will be Monday to Saturday 9.30am – 5pm and Sunday 10am – 4pm. Dorothy House will be recruiting additional volunteers to work in the shop. If you are interested in a position, please pop into the shop or visit the Dorothy House website.

• dorothyhouse.org.uk

"Not only do our shops provide a large part of our income, but they are an important way to promote the Dorothy House brand in our local area."

new faces to create a supportive workspace for small businesses and freelancers.

• studiobacchus.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

CESAR’S COFFEE BAR

The Gateway, Trowbridge Cesar’s Coffee Bar has been earning a great reputation for its delicious Colombian coffees – served from its mobile coffee van – whilst appearing Yarn For The Soul's new premises has space to sit and enjoy a cuppa while you craft at local markets across the region. eat and socialise, and after opening Now fans will be delighted to hear YARN FOR THE in Bath in February 2021, a second that in January Cesar’s opened its first SOUL Cassia has now opened in Bradford coffee bar in Trowbridge! Located in East Street, Warminster on Avon. Cassia BoA is an adults-only The Gateway, just opposite the train Yarn for the Soul is a multi-award café during the week, open to all station, Cesar's speciality Colombian winning shop specialising in natural and welcoming those who want coffee is ethically sourced, directly fibres, hand dyed luxury yarns and to pop in and work for an hour or imported at a fair price and handbeautiful knitting, crochet and two. Upstairs they have sixteen desk roasted by Cesar himself! As well as spinning accessories. They stock spaces for hire, which will be opening fantastic coffee there are delicious West Yorkshire Spinners, Sheepjes, next month, as well as a Wellness freshly made sandwiches and lots HiyaHiya, Soak, Knit Pro, Sirdar, Rowan Studio with regular yoga and Pilates of sweet treats on offer too. Cesar’s and of course their very own brand of classes. Owner Anna Sabine says “I is open 7am to 5am Monday to hand-dyed yarn. live in Bradford and I know that it’s Saturday and 9am to 4pm on been a bore being stuck at home Sundays.

Yarn For The Soul has just made the during Covid. I’m hoping Cassia will • cesarscoffee.com move to larger premises! Now in the help lure in the many professionals centre of Warminster, the new shop who live in and around the town and Our aim is to be has space to sit and enjoy a cup of known for our great want to meet some new faces.” tea or coffee while you craft, a regular quality coffee, food • cassiacollective.co.uk knit and natter group and room to and local produce so run more of their very popular classes.

STUDIO BACCHUS

If you’re stuck for a gift for the crafter in your life, look no further! With gift vouchers and subscription clubs available there’s bound to be something that’s just right and if you can’t see it, Katie is more than happy to help put something special together. Call 01985 219737 or go to the website for more details.

• yarnforthesoul.co.uk

WORK SPACES

CASSIA

Avonworks House, Bradford on Avon Cassia is a co-working café on a mission to change how we work,

Silver Street, Bradford on Avon Studio Bacchus is run by Ruth (an art therapist and artist) & Klas (an architect) and it provides opportunities for those who’d like the opportunity to work alongside like-minded individuals within a comfortable and relaxed environment. Housed within one of Bradford on Avon’s beautiful historic buildings with eight carved stone heads of Greek gods along the front façade, including Bacchus himself, the studio is just a 5-minute walk from the train station. They offer three different ‘co-work’ memberships starting from £16/day where they aim

come and find us and give us a try! Noah's Pantry

NOAH’S PANTRY

Bradford on Avon Marina Noah’s Pantry is an artisan grocery and coffee shop that opened in Late October in Bradford on Avon Marina. This new independent family business is the brainchild of Jacqui and Steve Hargreaves, who share a passion for good food and supporting local businesses, Noah’s Pantry is geared towards making the most of the region’s rich bounty, with no products travelling more than 30 miles to the store. As well as teas, coffees and tasty breakfasts and THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 39

new faces lunches, they stock a range of home essentials that care about the planet, freshly made treats, homemade breads and more. Steve says, “The best part about shopping with us is you’ll know exactly where the products in your basket have come from; we aim to put the planet and its people first. This means we source with both miles and seasons in mind. Our produce will reflect what’s around us, ensuring we offer the real taste of Wiltshire and Somerset.”

In the weeks since they opened the welcome they have received has been superb. Jacqui added, “We are thrilled to have had a huge amount of support from the local community and reviews have been fantastic.

Our aim is to be known for our great quality coffee, food and local produce so come and find us and give us a try!”

Noah’s Pantry is open daily (except Tuesdays) from 10am to 4pm.

• noahspantry.co.uk

ESTATE AGENT

EWE MOVE

Hill Street, Trowbridge EweMove Trowbridge has just opened a new office on Hill Street, Trowbridge, enabling the multiaward-winning estate agents to bring their expertise to Trowbridge high street!

The highly successful sales and lettings brand has recently won Silver Hybrid Estate Agency of the Year at The Negotiator Awards and Best National Lettings Agent at The Best Estate Agent Guides, both as recently as November 2021.

Ewe Move's Penny & Brian

40 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

EweMove Trowbridge is actually approaching its 6 year anniversary.

Brian Marsh, Branch Director and owner, commented “We are really excited to be bringing our brand to the streets of Trowbridge, we have

"EweMove operates a 24/7 service to ensure any viewing, enquiry, offer or application is never lost." had great success since launching and plan on continuing this with our new office where customers can call in for a friendly chat, free advice and guidance for any property matter.

It is a great chance to meet and get further involved with the local community and bring our trusted award-winning service to even more people locally!”

EweMove operates a 24/7 service to ensure any viewing, enquiry, offer or application is never lost. With most people searching for houses online when they’ve finished work, or at weekends; this is when most agents are shut. However, EweMove clients don’t miss out and they get lots of enquiries during these periods.

Locally, EweMove has received a number of five-star reviews on Trustpilot with comments such as; ‘We had the pleasure of having Brian and Penny of EweMove Trowbridge selling our house. We spoke with a few agents to begin with but

Brian & Penny were by far the best.

Brian was excellent throughout the process. We had many viewings in the first week which ended up with us accepting an offer after only 12 days on the market’.

To find out how much your home is worth visit the website to do a free online valuation of your property or call 24/7 01225 430776 to book an appointment.

• ewemove.com/trowbridge

LEISURE

SPA NATION

Home Visits 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.

More and more people are hiring hot tubs from SpaNation for special occasions, including birthday parties, anniversaries, and romantic evenings with that special someone.

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, providing a professional and stress-free service from start to finish.

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. Whilst everyone else is huddled indoors, you could be enjoying the warmth of your own private hot tub!

• spanation.co.uk

fi

Cornhylle Award-winning stockist of hand dyed yarns, natural fibres for knitting, crochet, spinning & felting.

NEW FOR 2022

A selection of classes & workshops available in our new East Street Store!

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 4.30pm or by appointment www.yarnforthesoul.co.uk | 01985 219737 6 East Street, Warminster BA12 9BN

fi

Artisan Grocery & Coffee Shop at Bradford On Avon Marina

Come and find us for great quality coffee, tasty food and local produce all of which comes from no further than 30 miles from the Pantry.

Bradford on Avon Marina, Trowbridge Rd, Bradford on Avon BA15 1UD 07919 910862 // noahspantry.co.uk //

fi

TINY CRAFT SHOP SELLING CARDS, HOMEWARES, BAGS, LAMPSHADES, & MORE HANDMADE BY LOCAL CRAFTSPEOPLE 27 HIGH STREET, WARMINSTER BA12 9AG

house & home

INDEPENDENT THINKING

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TOM O'HARE of SofaCo Plus discusses the challenges his and other independent businesses have faced during the pandemic.

he last two years have been eventful with the pandemic being the main event…. not mentioning a little heart attack! As a “non-essential “retailer we had to close our doors; our recently added garden furniture ranges did mean we were able to sit in the garden area in great comfort though - every cloud and all that!

With disruption to opening and changing government rules it wasn’t easy to plan a way forward.

Meanwhile, a detached retina (and ensuing eye surgery) put a stop to me building my new website!

As if that weren't dramatic enough my manufacturers have endured an even tougher time. Staff sickness and raw material shortages had a huge impact on supplies, meaning the delivery of furniture increased from 6-8 weeks to over 20 weeks with some suppliers! Driver shortages then added another complication. It has been a testing time in all areas!

The good news is we are still here and trading thanks to the amazing support of past and new local customers. As many of you know my business is also my home, living above the shop (maybe I should change my name to Arkwright, Open All Hours!!!! Nooooo!!!)

As least being forced to close every day allowed some time to put some planned maintenance works into action. Firstly, we had the roof over the conservatory replaced

42 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Pop in and be surprised by the range of options and prices available

and insulated, creating a better showroom space. We gave the place a fresh coat of paint too. With new items ready to come into the store, there are also some beautiful pieces on sale at bargain prices - come in to take a look! Our new website is also under construction and we are looking forward to launching in the coming weeks.

Recently, a customer, who is now a good friend was talking to me about my shop, and mentioned that his impression of my store prior to buying from me was that we

"The good news is we are still here and trading thanks to the amazing support of past and new local customers."

were going to be way outside of his budget, and he was pleasantly surprised at the different ranges we offer at great prices.

In our 12 years of trading we have gained knowledge from our suppliers and feedback from our customers of what they like.

As the pandemic eases, we take precautions to keep you safe within the store, and look forward to you coming in to browse, and are also on hand to offer help guiding you through the models and fabrics available. Finally, thank you for your continued support; we look forward to supplying Warminster and surrounding for many years to come.

Tom (and Tosca) • sofaco.co.uk

...thanks for shopping local

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house & home

TREND SETTING

With 15 year's industry experience, LARA WILLMORE of Axford Interiors discusses the importance of not getting side-tracked by the latest trends.

T

ype 'interior design trends' into a search engine and you are instantly hit with a list of articles telling you what we should be doing in our homes, what colours are 'in' what styles we should be using and what we should be buying. There are trends that are ongoing for a few years, flash trends based on something current that becomes popular or something more seasonal.

There is no escaping 'trends'. But whether you live by them or feel totally unaffected, there are more important things to consider when decorating your home.

To really feel at home in your home, the interiors need to reflect the distinctive personalities that live there while also being fit for purpose. Ultimately, we want our homes to make us happy and feel relaxed, rather than just to impress our guests. We advise our clients to really consider why they are changing the room - what is currently wrong with it? What isn't working and why? This helps to begin to establish the brief. Then we can look at trend inspiration, personal tastes and how to also be sympathetic, appropriate to the age of the property.

When looking through fabric collections and paint charts, clients often have an emotive reaction - knowing whether they like or dislike something by the way it makes them feel. This can lead to developing other choices in the room and a designer will take note of this rather than influence

46 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Base your interior choices on what makes you feel happy and relaxed

"To really feel at home in your home, the interiors need to reflect the distinctive personalities that live there" solely through trends. Our design consultancy service offers a free initial chat with a designer to talk through the brief and to help work out how you can make the changes to suit your taste as well as your budget.

The Victorian designer William Morris famously declared "Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." With this in mind, you can create a home that you will want to go home to.

Axford Interiors has a vast collection of fabric and wallpaper sample books - offering help in the comfort of your home with choosing colour schemes, curtains, blinds and other soft furnishings white also offering assurance with high quality make up and installation.

If you have a project in mind, or need a design solution in your home, give us a call on 01225 895400 or email hello@ axfordinteriors.co.uk to see how we can help. You can also keep an eye on our social media channels for examples of work, influences and testimonials!

• axfordinteriors.co.uk Axford has a vast collection of fabric and wallpaper sample books

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house & home

THE FINER DETAILS

STEPHEN GRAVER talks about how a steadfast commitment to great design has helped the company stay on track over the pandemic.

Stephen Graver has been shortlisted at this year's KBB Retail & Design Awards

We’re not complacent by any stretch, but we’re quietly optimistic, because it shows just how much enthusiasm there is to really get the best out of a project and push the design boundaries. And that’s something we love. And we’re not alone. 77% of businesses* in our industry are reporting a significant increase in enquiries over the last 12 months, as the times they are a changin’ once more, and for the better.

Of course, our sector is not without its challenges, with order shortages and supply timings beyond our control. But people are ready for change and development and it

has allowed us to look at alternative designs, products and finishes we might not have had the opportunity to consider pre-Covid. We’ve also been lucky to be unaffected by a shortage of quality craftsmen as many of our team have been with us since we started the business.

Considering the challenges of the last two years, we are so pleased to be one of only 4 businesses across the UK to be shortlisted as a finalist for this year’s KBB Retail & Design Awards for Kitchen Design of the Year over £50,000. We’re proud of this for so many reasons which signify that the growth in our sector is back. Also, it’s proof, if needed, that the attention to detail that has always played an integral part of our projects, is still as important as it ever was. Perhaps even moreso, as aesthetics are not enough on their own in the planning of any

"Every project is underpinned by outstanding craftsmanship and backed by the unwavering exceptional customer service" 48 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

project. Functionality, sustainability, useability and durability - all paramount in any project, but can still be achieved with unbelievably stunning and uncompromised design.

With an award-winning showroom and workshop on the same site in the very pretty village of Steeple Ashton, Stephen Graver’s trademark is exceptional quality, design and the delivery of outstanding interior projects, from concept to completion.

From bespoke handcrafted kitchens, bathrooms and furniture to breathtakingly beautiful garden rooms that merge the indoor and outdoor space right through to full home renovations. Every project is underpinned by outstanding craftsmanship and backed by the unwavering exceptional customer service that keeps clients returning to us time and time again.

• stephengraver.com

(*The kbbreview Retailer Survey 2022 – 300 surveyed.)

W

e’re fully into the swing of the year now and we’re having conversations with our clients and our suppliers on a daily basis. A lot of great conversations.

(*The kbbreview Retailer Survey 2022 – 300 surveyed.)

gardens

GARDEN JOBS

Here are some of the top jobs to be getting on with in the garden this month...

1. Prepare vegetable seed beds, and sow some vegetables under cover Knowing which vegetables to sow where, when and how means you can maintain constant supplies throughout the season.

Snowdrops can be divided 'in the green' after flowering

2. Chit potato tubers It’s important with earlies, and a good idea with maincrops, to ‘chit’ the seed potatoes before planting. This means allowing them to start sprouting shoots.

3. Protect blossom on apricots, nectarines and peaches When fruit trees start into growth in spring, flowers and buds are vulnerable to frost and may need protection to crop well.

4. Cover veg with netting if pigeons are a problem. Pigeons peck at leaves, tearing them, often just leaving the stalks and larger leaf veins behind. To avoid accidentally trapping or injuring birds and other animals, always ensure netting is kept taut, and check regularly for holes 5. Prune winter flowering shrubs that have finished flowering Deciduous shrubs that flower in late

Chit potato tubers so they are ready to plant out

50 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

winter, such as forsythia, need annual pruning to encourage strong, healthy shoots and improve flowering.

6. Divide snowdrops and other bulbs 'in the green' This method is often used for snowdrops (Galanthus) and snowflakes (Leucojum) as they do not re-establish well when planted as dry bulbs. Rhizomes of wood anemone may also fail to establish when planted in a dry state, as may the bulbs of the bluebell.

7. Give wisteria its winter prune Cut back to two or three buds in

January or February (when the plant is dormant and leafless) to tidy it up before the growing season starts this ensures the flowers will not be obscured by leaves.

8. Cut back deciduous grasses Ornamental grasses fall into two main groups, evergreen and deciduous.

Deciduous grasses need cutting back annually so that they will look their best - this is best done in late winter before the new growth emerges.

Evergreens just require a tidy-up and the removal of dead grass.

9. Keep up with your general maintenance Take action to remove algae from paths if they start to become slippery. If we get snow, gently remove it from glasshouses and conservatories to prevent damage to the glass and allow good light penetration.

10. Feed the birds In winter provide foodstuffs with a high fat content to help keep birds warm. Feed regularly too so they won’t waste vital energy visiting your garden when there is no food.

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legal & financial

LEAVING A LEGACY

Goughs Solicitors is working in collaboration with the Youth Adventure Trust; leaving a legacy of adventure through a scheme that offers 50% off Wills.

G

oughs Solicitors are generously offering to write not for profit discounted Wills throughout February 2022 as part of their Charity of the Year partnership with the Youth Adventure Trust.

Goughs are working in collaboration with the Youth Adventure Trust in 2022

Within this scheme, Wills - both single and joint - will be offered at a 50% discount of their normal cost, with all proceeds being donated

by Goughs to the Youth Adventure Trust. This means that a Single Basic Will costs only £175 and a Married Couple Will costs £225.

The Youth Adventure Trust uses outdoor adventure to empower young people in Swindon and Wiltshire to fulfil their potential and lead positive lives in the future.

Goughs have offices throughout Wiltshire in many of the towns where the Youth Adventure Trust’s young people come from and share the same values of Accountability, Excellence, Engagement, Trust and Teamwork that we promote to our young people.

The Youth Adventure Programme, which spans 3 school years, is a genuinely life changing opportunity, giving young people the chance to build resilience, develop confidence and learn skills that will last a lifetime.

They help up to 360 young people a year develop these key skills through the challenge of outdoor adventure. Each young person is supported to build on their personal strengths through our individualised support and feedback, enabling them to become reflective, see their 52

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

"Wills will be offered at a 50% discount of their normal cost, with all proceeds being donated

by Goughs to the Youth Adventure Trust." abilities and challenge themselves to develop in the ways which will help them in the long term.

The YAT Wills Scheme encourages supporters to include a gift to Youth Adventure Trust in their Will by using this service, although this is not essential. By leaving a gift to the charity within a Will, individuals are leaving the gift of adventure to inspire young lives, which is a wonderful way of showing support for local, vulnerable youth.

To take advantage of this offer, please contact your nearest Goughs branch office, or email info@goughs.co.uk, and quote the YAT Wills scheme when making your appointment*.

• goughs.co.uk * This offer is subject to Ts & Cs. A maximum of 40 Wills can be made within the scheme.

YAT's young people during adventure days

The Goughs team taking on the YAT10 Peaks Challenge in July 2021

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legal & financial

NEW PARTNER AT WANSBROUGHS

WANSBROUGHS SOLICITORS has announced a new Partner and Head of Corporate & Commercial, William Ingram Hill.

W

ansbroughs Solicitors is pleased to announce that William Ingram Hill has joined the firm as a partner and head of the new Corporate and Commercial team. William brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. He trained and spent his early career at magic circle law firm Allen & Overy before moving to Burges Salmon LLP in Bristol. In 2009 he moved into industry and spent six years at AIM-listed company, Helius Energy plc, first as General Counsel and then as Chief Operating Officer and acting CEO. He joins from a London firm where he has been a partner since 2017.

William has been a director of a number of private SMEs in the energy, media and technology sectors and is an accredited and practising Mediator. He also has extensive experience advising on multi-jurisdictional mergers and acquisitions, corporate structuring and fundraising, complex commercial contracts and environmental, social and governance matters.

William’s newly formed Corporate and Commercial team comprises Philip Wigg (Partner), Emma Jewell (Associate Solicitor), Danil Galushko (Paralegal), Sally Bevan (Team Co-ordinator) and Josie Welch (Secretary). The team will work between the firm’s head office

56 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

in Devizes and its new office on Regent Street in London.

joining us and he brings strength and depth to the ser-vices that we can offer. Rapid expansion, with an Commenting on his appointment, increase in our headcount of over William said “I am extremely excited 10% this last quarter, has meant that to be joining Wansbroughs and very we now have stand-alone teams much look forward to working with offering Corporate & Commercial my excellent team to expand the and Dispute Resolution advice.” firm’s corporate and commercial offering regionally, nationally and If you would like any further internationally.” information, please do not hesitate to contact Wansbroughs Solicitors Commenting on his appointment, on 01380 733300 or email Oliver Price (Managing Partner and mail@wansbroughs.com Head of Dispute Resolution) said “We are delighted about William • wansbroughs.com

"William has been a director of a number of private SMEs in the energy, media and technology sectors and is an accredited and practising Mediator."

William Ingram Hill (pictured bottom row, centre) has joined Wansbroughs as a partner and head of the new Corporate and Commerical team

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bath rugby

BATH RING CHANGES Bath Rugby has recently confirmed the line up of its senior squad coaching unit for the 2022/23 season and beyond.

B

ath Rugby announced the arrival of new head coach Johann van Graan on a long term contract at the end of last year. The club has now moved to confirm the full coaching unit for the 2022/23 season.

The former Springboks Forwards Coach and current Munster Head Coach will join Bath for the 2022/23 season having served five successful years with the United Rugby Championship side, during which he has led Munster to two Champions Cup semi-finals, three league semi-finals, and a PRO14 final earlier this year.

Following his appointment, van Graan will be able to draw on significant expertise from the current coaching group, notably from current Head Coach Neal Hatley and former Wales international Luke Charteris. Hatley will return to his role as forwards coach - the position he recently had with the England team that reached the 2019 RWC final.

Head Coach - Johann van Graan Forwards Coach - Neal Hatley Defence Coach - JP Ferreira Lineout Coach - Luke Charteris Attack Coach - tbc Tarquin McDonald, Chief Executive, said: “We are pleased to confirm these appointments. Under Johann van Graan, Neal Hatley will continue as Forwards Coach and JP Ferreira will become Defence Coach after successful stints at the Lions in Johannesburg and with Munster in Ireland. Luke Charteris will

60 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Johann van Graan

“Following his appointment, van Graan will be able to draw on significant expertise from the current coaching group, notably from current Head Coach Neal Hatley and former Wales international Luke Charteris” continue as Lineout Coach and a new Attack Coach will be confirmed imminently.

Luke Charteris

“The current coaching unit will continue in their posts until the end of the 2021/22 season, and the club is grateful for the continuing contributions of David Williams, Mark Lilley and Ryan Davis.

“Stuart Hooper will continue in his role as Director of Rugby.”

• bathrugby.com

2021/2022 FIXTURES For ticket information and to buy tickets go to the website.

5 Feb 12 Feb 19 Feb 26 Feb 5 Mar

15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00

A A H A H

Saracens Wasps Leicester Tigers Newcastle Falcons Bristol Bears

GP GP GP GP GP

TV

bath sleep out

BIG BATH SLEEP OUT JULIAN HOUSE'S Big Bath Sleep Out is making a return this March with two different ways to participate.

Julian House helped support over 1500 vulnerable individuals last year

J

ulian House’s popular Big Bath Sleep-Out fundraising event is back for 2022, but this year, with a twist. Families, friends, and colleagues are being challenged to sleep outside for one night on Friday 4 March to support the charity.

However, for the first time ever, supporters can choose whether to join the charity and sleep out together in Alice Park or sleep out in their own gardens or homes.

In March 2021, due to the pandemic, the event, usually held at Alice Park, encouraged supporters to sleep out at home. Due to positive feedback, the charity decided to create a hybrid sleep out where participants can choose where they would like to take on the challenge.

"It gives people the option to join this special eye-opening event wherever they are and raise money and awareness to help people who are forced to sleep out every night."

Event Organiser Jessica Gay said: “By giving our supporters the option, we hope the event will appeal to a wider audience and encourage more people to take a step out of their comfort zone.

It gives people the option to join this special eye-opening event wherever they are and raise money and awareness to help people who are forced to sleep out every night.

The camraderie in Alice Park always astounds me and I am delighted we are returning to in person events.

But if people do wish to join from home, we’re running a series of live streamed events and talks so we can be together and feel part of a collective mission.”

Last year Julian House provided life-changing support to over 1500 vulnerable individuals who were experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness across Bath, Bristol, and the South West. It’s a grim realisation, that without support of a charity like Julian House, the life expectancy of a long-term homeless

person is just 44 years! By taking on the sleep out challenge in March and raising vital funds, anyone can help to change that.

This year’s event is sponsored

by Bath based financial advisors, Unividual. Marketing director Cherie-Anne Baxter said: “Anyone living in Bath knows the importance of helping the local charities that support men, women and children without homes. When we sit down every day to help clients manage their money, few people realise many of us are just one paycheque away from living on the streets. It only takes one failed relationship, the death of a loved one or a closed business. The best thing anyone can do when seeing someone sleeping on the streets is to think how can I help get them back on their feet instead of stereotyping people.”

• bigbathsleepout.co.uk Camp out in Alice Park...

or at home...

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 61

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. purification especially to alcohol or CAN YOU GUESS 4) Mort wine; later shortened to alcohol THE CORRECT a) a quantity DEFINITION? Chauffer (French) to heat; then b) wool taken from a dead sheep 1) Litten or litton

a) a churchyard b) lopsided c) a tree bare of leaves or twigs

2) Midstay

3) Muggerum

a) anything badly formed or out of shape b) a scarecrow c) part of the internal fat of a pig

62 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

SNOBS & CHAUFFEURS Words don’t necessarily keep the same meaning. Simple descriptive words such as ‘rain’ or ‘water’ are clear and necessary enough to be unlikely to change. Other more complex words have often come on quite a journey since they were first coined: Al-kuhul (Arabic) originally, powder to darken the eyelids; then it was taken up by alchemists to refer to any fine powder; then applied in chemistry to any refined liquid obtained by distillation or

meant the driver of an early steampowered car; subsequently chauffeur Manu operare (Latin) to work by hand; then narrowed to the act of cultivating; then to the dressing that was added to the soil, manure Prestige (French) conjuror’s trick. The sense of illusion gave way to glamour which was then interpreted more narrowly as social standing/wealth Sine nobilitate (Latin) without nobility; originally referred to any member of the lower classes; then to somebody who despised their own class and aspired to membership of a higher one; thus snob

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

a) diagonally across from something else b) the barn floor between the mows c) during

c) a small cavity in a rock

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puzzles

TEA BREAK TEASERS CHINESE NEW YEAR WORDSEARCH

What/who is missing from the grid?

LUNAR CHINESE NEW YEAR RAT OX

TIGER RABBIT DRAGON SNAKE HORSE

GOAT MONKEY ROOSTER DOG PIG

WIN A £20 iTUNES VOUCHER! SUDOKU

MEDIUM

Email your answers to these trivia questions to comp@wired-publishing.co.uk by 23.02.2022 to be in with a chance of winning a £20 iTunes voucher. Good luck!

Q1: In the Chinese Zodiac 2022 is the year of the…?

Q2: And 2023 is the year of the…?

LAST MONTH’S SOLUTIONS Wordsearch missing word: TENNIS Quiz answers 1: A goose.

2: The Harlem Globetrotters.

3: Wladimir.

4: Siobhan Marie-O’Connor.

5: 8 times.

64 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Q3: Between what two dates will Chinese New Year always fall?

Q4: Traditionally which calendar do the Chinese calculate their New Year by?

Q5: Who or what are ‘men shen’?

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

last word

I

THE CHRISTMAS GARAGE PART II

n December’s issue I introduced you to the phenomenon that is The Christmas Garage (as before now known as TCG). For those of you that didn’t read it, a small minority I know, it is the concept of filling up a part of your house, in my case the garage, with Christmas goodies, starting in late November, in the lame attempt to be ready for the festive season and thence not have to splurge at an already expensive time. I say ‘lame attempt’ because inevitably many trips to TCG will be made before the big day thus depleting the stock of Matchmakers, Elizabeth Shaw mints etc and it ends up costing you far more than you would have ever spent if you had just done a big shop a week before!

longer will I be urged to “Pop to the garage and get a little something to keep us going?”. Not unless we are doing some DIY anyway. And, if you’ve read more than a few of my pieces you’ll know that will not be anywhere near as much fun as chowing down on a Terry’s Chocolate Orange or loading up a Chilli Heatwave Dorito with some Christmassy dip and firing it down your throat!!

No, TCG is no more and we are back to having to watch what we eat and be sensible (boring?) with our calorie intake. I guess it makes sense only having TCG for a little while. If I had one all year round I’m fairly certain, after eating all the lovely things, I’d struggle to get

“I’m trying to think what the earliest date I could start stocking up TCG for 2022 would be? Might I get away with lateOctober?”

Well this week, I am writing this in mid-January, dawned a very, very sad day!! The absolute final thing from TCG was taken off the shelf.

Just a month ago it was lovely and pretty, laden with colourful, sparkly boxes containing a myriad of treats, savoury and (mostly) sweet, winking at me and saying “Pick me! Pick me!” every time I went in. Now it’s just two bare shelves waiting for some functional (and ultimately very boring) boxes of screws/rawlplugs/badly-folded-andpotentially-leaky-paddling-pools to be put back where they belong. No 66 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

through the door… mind you I’d probably still have one given the choice!! I’m trying to think what the earliest date I could start stocking up TCG for 2022 would be? Might I get away with late-October?

People are just about starting to think about Christmas then but I’m certain that would be the earliest.

Pubs and restaurants, though, have to start thinking about menus and bookings etc in July/August and if you want to make sure you get your office Christmas party in the place you want you need to be booking it in September, at the latest, so

maybe I could extend it back to the beginning of autumn… I’m sure I could get away with that!!

One final thought to cheer you all up… from 1 February it’s only 327 sleeps until the big day… I, for one, can’t wait.

Phil Rockliffe