The West Wilts Magazine - June 2022

JUNE 2022 // ISSUE 147

FREE

West Wilts The

FROME FESTIVAL

MAGAZINE

+ LE VISAGE AESTHETICS BOX UKELELE FESTIVAL COTSWOLD SCULPTURE AVALON INTERIORS BATH MIDNIGHT WALK

1-10 JULY 2022

EAT LOCAL

WE BRING YOU THE BEST LOCAL FOOD

FABULOUS FLOWERS

WE REVIEW THE RHS MALVERN SPRING FESTIVAL

30 DAYS WILD RETURNS...

take a walk on the wild side FOOD & DRINK // PUZ ZLES // HOME & GARDENS // HEALTH // COMMENT

Welcome

O LISA ROCKLIFFE

Editor e: lisa@wired-publishing.co.uk

JUNE 2022 ISSUE 147 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 w: wired-publishing.co.uk

ur cover shot this month celebrates a national campaign run by The Wildlife Trusts that is also very much embraced here in Wiltshire - 30 Days Wild. It’s the biggest nature challenge in the UK and is a great reason - should you need one - to get outdoors this month and appreciate our fantastic corner of the world. Read our article on p45 and also see the website for wild ideas!

Another way of celebrating our great area is through food. we have a selection of fantastic local independent retailers and producers who can tempt you with the best of the bounty of Wiltshire (p25).

Late spring/early summer is some of the best time to spend in the garden all year, and with garden shows coming up it’ll be at the forefront of many gardeners’ minds. I was lucky enough to visit this year’s RHS Malvern Spring Festival and came away inspired - read more about it on p49.

In this issue there is also lots of info on upcoming events like Frome Festival (p14), Roves Farm Family Day Out and Bath Midnight Walk (both p17), Shakespeare Live and Box Ukulele Festival (both p22) and lots lots more. Of course we have all our other usual favourites present and correct too. Enjoy.

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!

Front Cover: 30 Days Wild © Tom & Evie Photography 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.

Lisa Rockliffe, Editor

Follow us on Twitter... @westwiltsmag Find us on Facebook..wiredpublishing Find an online version of the magazine and lots of extra content on our website.

westwiltsmag.co.uk

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Contents

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LOCAL LISTINGS What’s on in June

8

LOCAL NEWS New Joanna May exhibition Frome Festival Roves Farm Bath Midnight Walk Cotswold Sculpture Association Heywood House Talk Green Sky Festival Holburne Museum exhibitions Box Ukelele Festival Shakespeare Live

13 14 17 17 18 18 20 20 22 22

33

FOOD & DRINK Eat the Seasons Homegrown & homemade recipes Meet the Chef at The Longs

32 33 36

FEATURES Eat well, buy local!

30 Days Wild

25 45

HOME & GARDEN Matt Curtis Photography RHS Malvern Spring Festival

42 49

Garden jobs for June Tile House PM Bines Avalon Interiors Abbeyfield House

52 54 56 58 66

HEALTH & WELLBEING Le Visage Aesthetics

64

The Hilly Helmet

64

BATH RUGBY Bath player departures

68

COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES That’s interesting...

Quiz, wordsearch & sudoku

70 72

COMMENT The Last Word 4 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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45

49

Avalon Interiors Locally Made Furniture Painted, Oak & Pine Furniture Made to order in our own workshop Choice of paint colours, oak finishes & handles Excellent quality & affordably priced lamps, clocks, mirrors, cushions & home accessories

Free Local Delivery ✆ 01373 466414

sales@avaloninteriors.co.uk

www.avaloninteriors.co.uk Also find us on Instagram and Facebook Westway Shopping Centre | Frome | Somerset | BA11 1AL

Visit our shop at 1 Church Street, Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 0BY or online at coppins.co.uk 01249 715404 | info@coppins.co.uk IN-HOUSE GOLDSMITHS | BESPOKE DESIGN | READY TO WEAR JEWELLERY

Trowbridge Museum A whole new second floor & fantastic events programme to explore!

trowbridgemuseum.co.uk

image © Roy McDine

Nigel Dando

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listings

events

local

JUNE 2022

MELKSHAM ASSEMBLY HALL

Market Place, Melksham, SN12 6ES Box Office: 01225 709887 melkshamassemblyhall.com THE ROYAL (SILENT) DISCO 4 June, 8pm Tickets: £11-£13 Panda Events presents the biggest silent disco this Jubilee!

Headphones provided, 3 music channels, discount for NHS workers.

Royal fancy dress encouraged!

MELKSHAM PRIDE FESTIVAL 12 June, 10am Tickets: £3 on the door Melksham’s inaugural Pride event is a gigantic celebration of the local LGBTQIA+ community with stalls, live music, cabaret, magic and more! proudmelksham.com.

ONE LOVE REGGAE NIGHT 1 July, 7pm Tickets: £10 A celebration of International Reggae Day, with beats/vibes courtesy of DJs Mister M, Rubba Ranxs and Super T.

POUND ARTS CENTRE

Pound Pill, Corsham, SN13 9HX Box Office: 01249 701628 poundarts.org.uk JONNY & THE BAPTISTS: DANCE LIKE IT NEVER HAPPENED 10 June, 8pm Tickets: £15 It’ll be the funniest, most joyful and 8 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

uplifting show you will ever see about feeling totally bereaved.

ROAD NOT TAKEN 13 June, 7.30pm Tickets: £12 (Concs £10) Road Not Taken are a Bristol-based four piece starting to make waves on the UK folk scene.

ELLIE GOWERS Ellie Gowers, Pound Arts 17 June, 7.30pm Tickets: £12 (Concs £10) TOWN HALL ARTS What grew from a childhood love of Market Street, Trowbridge BA14 8EQ literature and traditional folk song is Tel: 01225 774306 a carefully crafted and emotionally trowbridgetownhall.com mature catalogue of original material.

DAYDREAM RUNAWAY SIMONE TAVONI (PIANO) 11 June, 8pm 22 June, 1pm Tickets: from £6 Tickets: £8 Four pop culture obsessives who Simone has given recitals came together to celebrate their love internationally, including in the U.S.A, of nostalgic pop rock.

U.K., Denmark, Hungary, France, MARTIN CARTHY Spain, Malta, Estonia, Greece and 30 June, 8pm across Italy.

Tickets: from £18 SNATCHED Martin Carthy is one of folk music’s 25 June, 7.30pm greatest innovators, one of its best Tickets: £12 (Concs £10) lovedand, at times, most quietly This humorous and revealing show controversial of figures. displays no remorse in championing female sexuality, fighting body WILTSHIRE MUSIC shaming and the taboo of sex and CENTRE disability.

Ashley Rd, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1DZ Box Office: 01225 860100 NT LIVE: STRAIGHT LINE CRAZY wiltshiremusic.org.uk 30 June, 7pm Tickets: £12 (Concs £10) GWILYM SIMCOCK & THOMAS Ralph Fiennes leads the cast in GOULD a blazing account of the most 10 June, 7.30pm powerful man in New York, a master Tickets: from £10 manipulator whose legacy changed Musical masters explore golden the city forever. thread between Baroque and jazz.

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

PRESENTS

INSPIRE WARMINSTER

FREE LIVE MUSIC IN THE PARK SUNDAY 3RD JULY 1PM—7PM

HEADLINERS: PEOPLE LIKE US SUPPORTED BY...

COYOTE COUNTRY - JUNKYARD DOGS BRAKELIGHT - DR ALIBI

Great Chalfield Manor 8th & 9th July Picnics from 5pm in the gardens (Performance starts at 7.30pm)

Tickets £35 For tickets & info: chalfield@aol.com

events MIDNIGHT SKYRACER 11 June, 7.30pm Tickets: £18 (Concs £10) Virtuoso playing and stunning harmonies from critically acclaimed bluegrass quintet BATH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 18 June, 7.30pm Tickets: £19 (Concs £9) A programme of British music, including Elgar’s Enigma Variations.

BIG FAMILY MUSIC DAY 26 June, 10am – 4pm Tickets: £6 (Concs £3) Celebrate International Make Music Day by having a go in a relaxed environment, led by expert practitioners and local groups.

NEELD ARTS CENTRE

High Street, Chippenham SN15 3ER Tel: 01249 446699 neeld.co.uk DR. JEKYLL & MR HYDE 17 June, 8pm Tickets: from £12 First performed in 2006, this is a fast-paced adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel.

I’M EVERY WHITNEY 18 June, 7.30pm Tickets: £20 An incredible tribute to the late, great Whitney Houston.

KEEPING UP APPEARANCES 24 & 25 June, various times Tickets: 316.50 Hyacinth continues her attempts to prove her social superiority, and to gain standing with those she considers upper class.

THE ATHENAEUM CENTRE

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Steven Spielberg’s colourful and spectacular adaptation of the classic 1957 musical of the same name.

WARMINSTER MILITARY WIVES CHOIR JUBILEE CONCERT 10 June, 7.30pm Tickets: £12.50 A celebration through song to mark the Life of Service of Queen Elizabeth II. MEET TOMMY ATKINS 17 June, 7.30pm Tickets: from £10 Meet Tommy Atkins takes the audience not just through Tommy’s war, but also his life back home in Britain post war.

FROME MEMORIAL THEATRE

Christchurch St West, Frome, BA11 1EB Tel: 01373 462795 fmt.website AN EVENING WITH BRIAN BLESSED 10 June, 7.30pm Tickets: £26.50 Larger than life actor, writer and presenter Brian Blessed is known for his hearty, king-sized portrayals on film and television.

ALL FLOYD 11 June, 7.30pm Tickets: £19.50 This tour brings more classic Pink Floyd songs to shows throughout the year, all faithfully recreated in the meticulous detail now expected by All Floyd fans.

JEREMY VINE 17 June, 7pm Tickets: £17 Get ready to laugh and cry as Jeremy tries to make sense of a world that increasingly makes no sense at all.

CHEESE & GRAIN

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

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

WEST SIDE STORY (Cert 12A) 8 June, 7.30pm Tickets; £5.50

T-REXTASY 10 June, 7.30pm Tickets: £26

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West Side Story (12A), The Athenaeum Centre

Marc Bolan, with his band T.Rex, was one of the most flamboyant and charismatic stars of the original glam rock era.

THE FEELING 11 June, 8pm Tickets: £32 Pop-rockers The Feeling will be coming to Frome to play a rare one-off show!

CSF WRESTLING 12 June, 4.30pm Tickets: £12 CSF Wrestling returns for another action packed edition of Showdown!

PUBLIC IMAGE LTD 13 June, 7pm Tickets: £33.50 Widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential bands of all time.

METALLICA RELOADED 17 June, 8pm Tickets: £16 They always strive to give the audience what they want in every performance, delivering the ultimate Metallica sound.

THE BEAT 18 June, 7.30pm Tickets: £28 Legendary 2-Tone/ Ska /Reggae Group led by vocalist Dave Wakeling celebrate their 40th Anniversary.

VILLAGE PUMP

The Lamb, Mortimer St, Trowbridge thepumptrowbridge.co.uk KEITH JAMES WITH THE SONGS OF For full listings go to each venue’s website

Stamps Wanted

Sought by local collector...

Stamp Collections, Albums and Postal History

Hatch House Garden Open Upton Lovell

Sunday 3rd July 2.30pm-5.30pm

A beautiful riverside garden to walk around Discover the history of the Mill, and at 3.30pm a flower arranging demonstration

Please Contact Ian Applin

Home (after 7pm): 01275 331821 Mobile: 07768 093576 Email: ipakeeper@gmail.com

Admission £5 to include cream tea

In aid of the NSPCC Warminster & District Branch Parking available

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Croquet and giant draughts

events The Feeling, Cheese & Grain

The UK’s leading two man tribute to The Fab Four.

AXIS ALL AREAS 25 June, 8.30pm Specialising in the music of Jimi Hendrix and the guitar greats of the late 60s and 70s.

OTHERS

LEONARD COHEN 9 June, 7.30pm Tickets: from £12 With a lifetime of performing and an undying love of the pure song, Keith James gives you a concert of Cohen’s amazing material.

BEN OSBORN 10 June, 7.30pm Tickets: from £6 Songwriter and composer Ben Osborn has brought together two of his long-term collaborators, Bethany Roberts and Malo, to form a unique trio of three voices.

HIT LIKE A GIRL 17 June, 7.30pm Tickets: from £6 Beefy riffs and rollicking drums prove the band’s knack for stellar arrangements, as the lyrics offer a source of comfort for the similarly anxious.

THE PRESTBURY SPORTS BAR

The Close, Warminster, BA12 9AL prestburysportsbar.com All gigs are FREE! ANGELHEART 11 June, 8.30pm Covering a wide range of popular artists with their own quality rock sound.

TWO BEATLES 18 June, 8.30pm 12

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JUBILEE GEMS 4 June, 7.30pm Tickets: £12.50 Christ Church, Weymouth Street, Warminster BA12 9NS A concert of celebration for the Platinum Jubilee hosted by The Athenaeum Singers. Drinks and canapés in the interval. athenaeumsingers.com THE AVON CONSORT 11 June, 7.30pm Tickets: £15 St. Martin’s Church, Bremhill, SN11 9LA A concert of thanksgiving for the life and ministry of the Revd. Jim Scott and also for the support of local refugees from Ukraine. Refreshments will be served after the show. Call Christopher Kent on 01249 740294.

exhibits will be on display - cars, commercials, steam engines - plus trade stands, live music, children’s fairground rides, bar and catering.

FROME OPEN ARTS TRAIL 2-11 July FREE The Frome Open Art Trail celebrates local artists, makers and crafts people, taking place during the Frome Festival. On view will be a variety of beautiful arts and crafts, exhibited in studios, homes and venues in and around Frome.

Brochures are available from various local outlets, or online at fromeopen-art-trail.co.uk.

THE THREE HORSESHOES

55 Frome Road, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1LA Tel: 01225 865876 Find them on Facebook All gigs are FREE and start at 9pm BILLY IN THE LOW GROUND 3 June DREAMWAVE 4 June

BRADFORD ON AVON CHORAL SOCIETY 11 June, 7.30 pm Holy Trinity Church, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1LW Tickets: £20 (includes a glass of wine) Children & students: £5 Karl Jenkins’ dramatic “Stabat Mater” and John Rutter’s lyrical “Magnificat” performed by a choir and an orchestra in a beautiful setting.

Email: dizzyway@hotmail.co.uk

MIRIELE MATHLENER 5 June

WESSEX MIDSUMMER VINTAGE SHOW 18 & 19 June Admission: £6 Adults, under 14s free with a paying adult White Horse Country Park, BA13 4LX The Wessex Midsummer Vintage Show is back and staged at new home of Westbury’s White Horse Country Park. All types of vintage

THE TROUBLE SHOOTERS 19 June

SHOT FROM BOTH SIDES 11 June THE JON AMOR BAND 13 June THE BOOTHILL ALL-STARS 17 June STRANGE FOLK 18 June

DEATH IS A GIRL 24 June BIARITZ 25 June BELOW THE SALT 26 June

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

local news

NEW WILTSHIRE MUSEUM EXHIBITION CELEBRATES LOCAL WILDLIFE ARTIST

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‘Joanna May’s Love Letter to Wiltshire’ will be on display in spring 2023...

he creative work of Wiltshirebased wildlife artist, author and conservationist Joanna May will be celebrated in a new exhibition that is set to run at the Wiltshire Museum early next year.

Recognised and collected widely, Joanna has a listing in ‘Who’s Who In Art’, her hare paintings have featured on BBC Springwatch and she has paintings at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Raymond Blanc’s famous hotel near Henley.

‘Joanna May’s Love Letter to Wiltshire’ collection will be displayed at the Devizes-based museum between March and June 2023. It will be a celebration of the artist’s commitment to capturing the region’s wildlife and recognition of her work in the county throughout the past two decades.

In 2019, the artist published The Hare on the Moon, an extraordinary illustrated puzzle book with a difference. The book takes readers on a journey of discovery through a series of hare paintings based upon spiritual landmarks in her home county of Wiltshire - including

Joanna is known globally for her contemporary paintings of hares, leopards, zebras, lions and tigers. Her original works sell at up to £15,000, with paintings gracing the homes of celebrities and sold at Christies’.

"The centrepiece for the exhibition will be a commissioned artwork which will depict ‘The Moonraker myth’"

Joanna May has been a wildlife artist for more than 20 years

Stonehenge, Avebury stone circle and Westbury white horse, as well as the zodiac.

The book, which has delighted readers and art-lovers alike, tells the story of a Wiltshire hare who gives her life for a stranger. In return she becomes the hare on the moon and, in order, to return to Earth she has to undertake a series of tasks. Each task unlocks the key to the next one and her final destination leads the code breaker back to hidden treasure – and the hare back to Wiltshire.

The planned exhibition of the local artist’s exquisite work and fine attention-to-detail is sure to be a big attraction when it is unveiled at the Wiltshire Museum next spring. Joanna May, artist and conservationist, told us: "I am excited to say I am planning to produce some new paintings, especially for the exhibition, on crop circles and indigenous wildlife to include - hares, foxes, hedgehogs and owls. The centrepiece for the exhibition will be a commissioned artwork which will depict ‘The Moonraker myth’ featuring the story of the moon being raked out of the local pond (The Crammer) which is part of Wiltshire’s folklore history."

You can buy The Hare on the Moon book and its associated map, as well as prints and originals through her website or at Joanna's gallery in Northgate Street, Devizes.

• joannamay.com THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 13

local news

FROME FESTIVAL

With Covid reducing last year’s programme, FROME FESTIVAL will return with a full line-up from Friday 1 to Sunday 10 July.

The Food Feast returns on 2 July

image © Gayle Glover

This year’s Hidden Gardens will be open from 8 to 10 July, 10.30-5pm.

The festival has a record number of gardens this year and have now included them in a booklet. This will be on sale at the Box Office and various outlets throughout the town and is still £5. A digital version which you either print off, or scroll through on your phone, can be purchased through the festival website.

Tickets are now available through the Festival Box Office and online.

H

eadliners for 2022 include ever-popular performance poet Roger McGough at the Merlin; historian and TV presenter David Olusoga, DJ Jo Whiley, Andy Fairweather Low, Wilko Johnson and the Kris Barras Band at the Cheese and Grain; and popular vocal group Blake at the Memorial Theatre.

the river. The Frome Street Bandits will open the live music with a procession from St John's Church at 5pm making their way to entertain the crowds at Market Yard. Headline band is Jump 66 with local support, street performers, Rock Choir, comedy and more.

"Quite possibly Frome's favourite event of the year, the Food Feast is back on Saturday 2 July"

To celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Ecos Amphitheatre, a new musical called “The Haunting of Richard the Third” will receive its premiere on July 7th and run for three nights. The musical tells the story of the last English king to die on the battlefield and whose body was extraordinarily found ten years ago under a car park in Leicester.

Quite possibly Frome's favourite event of the year, the Food Feast is back on Saturday 2 July. There will be a great choice of delicious food and drink from local traders and live music and entertainment by 14

Hall Trust and the Foyle Foundation, free events this year include: two children’s theatre shows, a Turkish dance and music display, two big bands in Victoria Park and a free “Richard the Third” show for Frome College students.

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Thanks to generous funding from Frome Town Council, the Cooper

• fromefestival.co.uk Kris Barras Band

Jo Whiley

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

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

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

local news

30 YEARS OF ROVES FARM!

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his year marks the 30th anniversary of Roves Farm Visitor Centre. Back in 1992, the Burr family decided to open the farm for ‘just a few days’ during lambing. They popped a sign in the village to see if anyone would be interested, and hundreds of people flocked (pun intended!) to the farm to see the lambing action.

indoor & soft play barn is great for all ages, with a large café serving freshly prepared, homemade food, snacks and drinks. The thriving farm shop and butchery prepares and sells all of their home-reared meats and lots of other locally sourced produce too.

On 18 June everyone is welcome to pop along to their Family Fun Day, a day to celebrate the last 30 years with animal racing, a funfair, games and a big BBQ and bar too!

• rovesfarm.co.uk Roves Farm has been a hit with families for 30 years!

Since then, Roves has grown to become a well-known local family destination, attracting tens of thousands of visitors every year.

Open every day, come rain or shine, visitors can meet and feed the friendly animals, bottle feed kids and lambs in the spring, hop on a tractor ride, walk the goats, wash the tractor, race the animals every weekend and during school holidays (April-Sept) plus lots more. The large

BATH MIDNIGHT WALK IS BACK!

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he Women’s Midnight Walk is back! Dorothy House have revamped their popular Midnight Walk, to celebrate the wonderful community of local ladies!

Taking place on Saturday 11 June, all fabulous females aged 14+ are invited to join forces and take on

a 5km midnight walk around the beautiful city of Bath.

The theme this year is... get glowing in neon outfits! You’ll receive an exclusive free Midnight Walk T-shirt and you can go as crazy (or non-crazy) as you like with groovy glow accessories!

Bath Midnight Walk helps to fund vital patient care

The event will be based in the new home of the UV-bedecked Bath Pavilion. Arrive from 10pm for fun and games, before heading off into the city to walk at midnight.

Get back for food and celebrations and then head home, happy and glowing by 2am.

Dorothy House asks every lady taking part to raise a minimum of £40 in sponsorship, or to make a donation in lieu of sponsorship. This money will fund their vital patient care they provide to those in our community.

Register for the Midnight Walk on the website today and be part of Bath’s premier event for ladies. The charity can’t wait for you to join their tremendous night for an amazing cause!

• dorothyhouse.org.uk THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 17

local news

CREATING SPACES 2022 EXHIBITION

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he Cotswold Sculpture Association has grown in prominence since it began in 2017 with major exhibitions having taken place in Uley, Abbey House Gardens in Malmesbury and Berkeley Castle. It now boasts over 100 members made up of professional, semi-professional and keen amateur members from as far afield as London, Northumberland, and Cornwall.

extensive farmland which provides a sanctuary for wildlife and unrivalled walks. The stunning 17th century walled garden offers spectacular views over the deer park, rolling Cotswold hills and beyond.

The sculptures will use the garden as the canvas of the exhibition with 130 pieces being placed within the garden and 70 sculptures, designed for indoor settings, being exhibited within The Club Room, in the centre This year, the association will be of Miserden village, two minutes’ hosting their annual ‘Creating Spaces walk away. The exhibition will run 2022’ exhibition within beautiful from 1 June until 31 July – all art and timeless Gardens at Miserden is for sale and there is a full colour near Stroud in Gloucestershire. catalogue including map and price The Miserden estate is a family-run list available on the door (cost TBC). rural estate situated in an area of Entry cost is £9 per adult, children outstanding natural beauty within under 16 free. the Cotswolds and encompasses 850 acres of woodland and • cotswoldsculptorsassociation.com

Marie Shepherd, Little Owl IV (I Spy)

Christine Baxter, Topsy hare

GLEN SENK AT HEYWOOD HOUSE

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he business guru behind some of America’s biggest brands, will be at Heywood House near Westbury on 23 June 2022. Glen Senk, the creative force at some of the world’s leading retailers, will be telling his fascinating story on ‘Building

Glen Senk

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Billion Dollar Businesses’ at a breakfast meeting. Glen took on Anthropologie when it was a test project at US firm, Urban Outfitters, and shaped it into a global brand... just one of his many successes.

His unrivalled knowledge of how to grow a brand and unique approach to management will make for an engaging talk and provide a rare opportunity to get an insight into this global brand builder’s story.

Tickets are available to anyone from the business community to attend and the price includes entry to the event along with a delicious breakfast, all to take place in the light and airy Conservatory Café, Heywood House, 8am to 9am, Thursday 23 June. Tickets for this event cost £20 for members and

£25 for non-members. For more details about tickets, visit: www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/building-billiondollar-businesses-tickets Heywood House is a classic country estate transformed into dedicated offices and co-working space for the business community. If you want to find out more, or if you have any questions, contact the landlord team on 01373 486800 or by email at landlord@heywoodhouse.com • heywoodhouse.com

“His unrivalled knowledge of how to grow a brand and unique approach to management will make for an engaging talk”

A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Heywood House Sunday 4th September 2022 Gates Open: 2pm

Show Starts: 4pm

Tickets on sale now!

www.heywoodhouse.com/whats on

local news

GREEN SKY FESTIVAL LINE-UP

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he line-up for Corsham’s Eco-Friendly festival of arts and culture, The Green Sky Festival, just got even bigger!

even exist? Or are humans the real monsters after all?

A festival favourite returns! Aida H Dee of Drag Queen Story Hour we An Tolbar and Mull Theatre presents be reading tales from her LGBTQ+ In The Weeds, a gripping and original children’s books in typically over play about a marine biologist on a the top and brilliantly bonkers style. quest to find the sea creature that Join Tristan Gooley (aka The Natural killed his family. But does the monster Navigator) for a talk about his new Sarah Smout

image © Tim Morozzo

In The Weeds

book, The Secret World of Weather, and learn rare skills that will enhance every minute you spend outdoors.

A double bill of live music awaits!

Experience the haunting melodies and beautifully deep lyrics of cellistsinger and activist Sarah Smout, as well as the genre bending original music of multi-instrumentalist Natalie Holmes, all in one night.

The festival closes with Vigil by Tom Bailey, a breathtaking and vital physical theatre piece in which Tom embodies twenty-six thousand endangered animal species all within the space of one hour. And that’s not all! To see the full line-up, visit the website. Tickets can be booked online or by calling the box office on 01249 701628.

• greenskyfestival.org.uk

JUNE AT HOLBURNE MUSEUM

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his June you can head over to Holburne Museum to see the new exhibition on David Hockney, a talk from renowned art historian Andrew Graham-Dixon and an exhibition of incredible 17th century textiles.

A great event early in the month is a talk from Andrew Graham-Dixon on 6 June at 7pm (Tickets £20). In a wide-ranging talk, Andrew plays the role both of biographer and detective to discuss the principles and practice of art appreciation. He will explore some of his favourite paintings from many different corners of the history of art, telling the fascinating stories that lie behind them and revealing their often hidden meanings.

‘Love Life - David Hockney Drawings 1963-1977’ runs from 27 May to

20 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

18 September and features a sumptuous collection of rarely seen drawings by one of our most popular and recognisable artists.

collection, presents jewel-like objects that allow visitors to look closely at the incredible detail of exceptional works.

Hockney’s delight in the world is no better demonstrated than in the drawings he made in the late 1960s and 1970s. Visitors will be able to marvel at his extraordinary power of observation and skill in using tiny, mundane details to help capture a situation, a sitter’s character, or a place.

• holburne.org

Another exhibition running from 13 May to 11 September is ‘Marvellous Makers, Wondrous Worlds: Raised Embroidery from the 17th century’. The Holburne has an important collection of raised embroidery and other 17th-century textiles. To complement this a focused exhibition, from a private

Marvellous Makers: Wondrous Worlds

local news

BOX UKELELE FESTIVAL THIS JULY!

A

fter a covid-enforced hiatus, Box Ukulele Festival is returning this summer on Saturday 16 July. The Box Ukulele Festival is a welcome addition to an impressive collection of music events held in Box (which lies

between Bath and Corsham) and will be hosted by The Queen’s Head pub, home to Box Rocks and Schtumm festivals. Box Ukelele Festival is a jam packed, family-friendly day, full of musical ukulele fun! A fantastically varied line up of talent is scheduled

with ukulele groups performing on stage throughout the day. Gates will be open from 1pm with the day’s festivities carrying on until 11pm.

As well as great music, food stalls will be available and the bars will be open, with an outdoor bar and stage undercover in case of inclement British summer weather.

Entrance is £10 per adult, children are free and all proceeds will be donated to Dorothy House Hospice Care. So come along and bring your ukulele if you fancy a strumalong! Further details are available on Facebook by searching for Box Ukulele Festival 2022 (in events), for The Mother Pluckers group and also on the ‘soon to be live’ website.

Ukelele groups will be performing on stage throughout the day

• boxukulelefestival.co.uk

SHAKESPEARE AT CLEEVE HOUSE

W

hat better way to spend a summer’s evening than to enjoy one of Shakespeare’s funniest plays from the comfort of a reserved, tiered and covered seat in a beautiful rural setting? Shakespeare Live’s 33rd annual outdoor production is

‘Twelfth Night’ in the lovely gardens of Cleeve House in Seend, with evening performances from 4-9 July, including the Saturday Gala with live entertainment before the show, and a Saturday matinee as well. Audiences are welcome to picnic on the lawns before the show begins. There’s a bar, Twelfth Night is one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays

easy parking and disabled facilities.

If it rains, the show always goes on even if the actors get wet!

‘Twelfth Night’ is a lively mix of romance, farcical confusion, wit and heartbreak. It is always a popular choice, and this production, directed by one of the founder members, Pat Cannings, promises to be an absolute winner, with a mixture of experienced Shakespeare Live players and some talented newcomers to this group of dedicated volunteers. Live music, professional sound and lighting, and beautiful Tudor costumes add to the overall experience.

For details and booking links go to the website or call 07780 938107 for information. Shakespeare Live are also on Twitter and Facebook.

• shakespearelive.com

22

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WWM075

image © Steve Nash

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* NOT VALID IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHER OFFERS. VALID BEFORE 7.30PM. EXPIRY DATE 31.07.22. ROAR.

The Three Daggers

The Three Daggers is an award-winning, great British inn - an exceptional spot to eat, sleep & unwind.

PUB | FARM SHOP | RESTAURANT | INN Brewery bar available for private hire Westbury Road, Edington, Wiltshire BA13 4PG 01380 830 940 | threedaggers.co.uk

Award Winning, Family Run Farm Shop Established for over 40 years Selling Quality Local Produce Open 7 days a week

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 Loose Chocolate Counter FINE WINE, LOCAL ALE & CIDER PRESERVES & CHUTNEYS GIFT HAMPERS

www.allingtonfarmshop.co.uk TEL: 01249 658112 Allington Bar Farm, Chippenham, SN14 6LJ

food & drink

EAT WELL...

BUY LOCAL! Eat better and support your independent retailers by shopping with these local farm shops and producers...

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 25

food & drink

ALLINGTON FARM SHOP Allington Bar Farm, Chippenham Allington Farm Shop near Chippenham has been established for more than 40 years. Run by the Reynolds family, who have been tenant farmers at Allington Bar Farm for 3 generations; this award-winning farm shop specializes in quality, home and locally produced food. The farm shop boasts a fantastic range including fresh vegetables and fruit, an in house butchery selling meat reared on their farm, a delicatessen counter and many locally produced store cupboard essentials and specialty grocery items. Whether you are looking for locally produced ingredients to make your own creations or something delicious, quick and ready to eat, you are sure to find it at Allington.

Also on site is a lovely café, serving breakfasts, homemade cakes and many other delicious treats and Allington Garden Shop, which is packed with unusual plants, wonderful hanging baskets and gardening gifts too.

01249 658112 | allingtonfarmshop.co.uk

"this award-winning farm shop specializes in quality, home and locally produced food."

Allington Farm Shop

CJ ROBBINS 76 Market Place, Warminster CJ Robbins is a Warminster institution; having occupied its premises in the Market Place for three generations it is owned and run by Chris Robbins.

Business is thriving largely thanks to the simple principle of offering a good quality product at a reasonable price. They source many of their wares from local established micro food wholesalers, including farmers, cheese makers and egg producers, 26 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

CJ Robbins offer a good quality product at a reasonable price

all of whom value the small business and operate exacting welfare codes, producing free range food with complete traceability.

If you are planning a BBQ this summer they have a full range of products available to sizzle on the griddle. They make a lot of products on site and offer extra special cuts you just won’t find in supermarkets as well as coatings and sauces to add extra flavour to their locally sourced meats. You can buy in store or order online via their website, with the option of free local delivery or click and collect, whichever suits you.

For more information email info@ cjrobbins.co.uk or call today.

01985 213052 | cjrobbins.co.uk Edington Farm Shop offers great local seasonal produce

EDINGTON FARM SHOP

47 Westbury Road, Edington Surrounded by picturesque valleys and downland, Edington Farm Shop is a destination for foodies and shoppers alike. Housed in a beautiful oak timber frame structure, you can stop by the café for homemade breakfast or lunch, or grab any of their house specialties to take with you.

Along with local seasonal produce, they have meat supplied from local farms, free range eggs, artisanal breads, British cheeses and charcuterie and other staples available year round. They also provide an assortment of distinct locally and regionally sourced goods

A 5TH GENERATION WHOLESALER SPECIALISING IN LOCAL PRODUCE

WE ARE AN ACCREDITED WHOLESALER OF VEGETABLES, FRUIT, DAIRY, BREAD, EGGS, ICE CREAM AND MORE.

01225 708838 • lovejoyswholesale.com

We’re a traditional butcher that’s proud to serve the finest British meats.

If you are planning a party or BBQ come & see us for our great value meat packs.

We have a selection of tasty specialist coatings & marinades especially for the BBQ! tel: 01985 213052 | www.cjrobbins.co.uk 76 Market Place, Warminster BA12 9AW

TRADITIONAL BUTCHERS

Purveyors of fine meats & poultry in Westbury, Wiltshire.

BBQ MEAT BOXES AVAILABLE IN STORE & ONLINE!

4 High Street, Westbury BA13 3BW tel 01373 865948

elliottsbutcherswestbury.co.uk

food & drink

LOVEJOYS WHOLESALE Wholesale Deliveries Lovejoys Wholesale is renowned for the quality of the vegetables it supplies; sourcing fresh produce from Wiltshire and surrounding counties, supplying restaurants and hotels in Bath and West Wilts direct from their base in Melksham every day.

Enjoy a lunch at Fairfield Farm Café

ranging from food products to the handcrafted work of local artists and artisans, including classically-styled ales from Three Daggers Brewery team downstairs.

farms. Choose from dry-aged beef, succulent lamb and pork, free range poultry. They also have all your BBQ meats plus pies, hams and more for a summer picnic.

01373 865948 | elliottsbutcherswestbury.co.uk

The store carries gluten-free, dairyfree, vegetarian and vegan products.

Gift certificates and customizable gift baskets are also available.

01380 830940 | threedaggers.co.uk

"They also make their own delectable sausages and burgers, delicious pies, and home cured bacon."

Elliott's Traditional Butchers

ELLIOTT’S TRADITIONAL BUTCHERS High Street, Westbury Andy Elliott has been a butcher for more than 35 years. He has a passion for offering his customers fully traceable ‘farm to fork’ locally sourced meat, raised according to the highest welfare standards, from his shop in Westbury High Street.

They also make their own delectable sausages and burgers, delicious pies, and home cured bacon.

You are more than welcome to pop in and Elliott’s also offer home delivery on a huge range of items, all of which include the finest cuts of meat fresh from West Country 28 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

FAIRFIELD FARM SHOP & CAFÉ 43 High St, Dilton Marsh, Westbury Fairfield Farm Shop offers fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs, store cupboard staples and more including the freshest milk from their Tytherington Milk Station dispenser As well as popping in for your essentials you can also stop by at their popular café. Serving breakfast, lunch and a delicious selection of homemade treats, it is the perfect place for a catch up with friends and family. Enjoy a variety of delicious, hot and cold, freshly prepared meals and refreshments. They cater for all dietary requirements so you will always find something on the menu to tempt you.

There is also a great terrace and play area to enjoy when the sun is shining and children love the on site animal walk too.

01373 823028 | ffc.ac.uk

HOLLYCHOCS Poulshot Lodge Farm, nr Devizes Hollychocs is a multi-award-winning family run chocolate studio created by chocolate engineer Holly Garner. With a degree in chemical engineering and a successful career

Lovejoys is one of very few companies that still go to the market personally to view the product and buy the very best quality produce fresh on the day, this makes them unique.

Not only restaurants and hotels take advantage of the lovely fresh veg, they also supply local farm shops, village stores and more. Lovejoys also supplies many local schools so if you are a school or college give them a ring and they can discuss their schools service with you.

Alongside fresh fruit and vegetables they also provide a full service of bread, milk, dairy and ambient larder ingredients for your kitchen.

01225 708838 | lovejoyswholesale.com

at Cadbury behind her she brings a scientific approach to the creation of delicious handmade chocolates.

The company works in an ethical and eco-friendly way using only the finest Fairtrade (and where possible, locallysourced) ingredients and highquality biodegradable packaging.

Their studio shop is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays between 10am and 2pm where you can find their award-winning chocolates alongside bake-at-home kits, wedding favours, limited edition monthly boxes and a wide range of gift boxes. If you can’t make it to the studio you can also buy online. info@hollychocs.co.uk | hollychocs.co.uk

Specta Food c u la rced rV Sou a Mini y e r l l A atur iews ay ca l P o eP s ’ L n on re ies ild Ch Delicious Home Made Ice Cream

FARM CAFE & ICE CREAM PARLOUR Open 7 Days a Week Cooked Breakfasts Full Lunch & Snack Menu Children’s Menu Available Ice Cream Available All Day Home Made Cakes & Cream Teas

all our food is freshly made from local produce Lower Farm, Devizes Road (A342), Rowde, Nr Devizes SN10 2LX

Tel: 01380 829666 | www.rowdeycow.co.uk

Find us at

Lower Farm just of the A342 at Rowde (SN10 2LX) Deliveries and Click & Collect also available

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

Butchery (Locally Reared & Free Range Meat) Locally Sourced Fruit & Veg Fresh Fish Dairy (We have a Fresh Milk Vending Machine) Deli, Bakery & Cakery Dried Goods Children’s Toys & Clothing Natural Pampering Cards & Stationery & lots lots more Visit Our Courtyard Pop-Up Shops Every Weekend!

Also home to Rowdey Cow Café & Ice Cream Parlour

www.spottydogfarmshop.co.uk Proud of the people we work with

food & drink Holly tempering chocolate

NOAH’S PANTRY Bradford on Avon Marina Noah’s Pantry is an artisan grocery and coffee shop that opened in late 2021 in Bradford on Avon Marina. This new independent family business 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 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.”

Poulshot Lodge has an array of fresh meat and veg

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

07919 910862 | noahspantry.co.uk

POULSHOT LODGE FARM Poulshot, Nr Devizes Poulshot Lodge is a family run farm shop that is proud to support the local community. With full traceability of everything they stock from field to fork, you will find an array of fresh seasonal meat and vegetables bursting with flavour from their own and nearby farms, with local fresh bread, chutneys and gourmet brownies, to name but a few of the treats in store. They are happy to advise you on the best quality ingredients for any occasion or introduce you to alternative cuts of meat that may inspire your cooking repertoire. There has never been a better time to buy local.

01380 827202 | poulshotlodgefarm.co.uk

THE ROWDEY COW Lower Farm, Rowde, Devizes The Rowdey Cow, complete with glass fronted café, children’s outdoor and indoor play areas and farm animals is the perfect place to bring the family in the summertime. On warm days their fresh homemade ice cream (made with milk sourced from local cows delivered every morning)

30 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Rowdey Cow make their own ice cream

are hugely popular, with up to 16 different flavours to choose from that change on a daily basis. The café meanwhile also offers scrumptious cooked breakfasts, lunch and teas, all sourced from local produce. You can also enjoy home baked cakes and barista coffees.

The animals on site range from the traditional cows, horses and donkeys but also include llamas, pygmy goats, rheas, geese and ducks. All this and spectacular views of surrounding countryside make it a great place to take the kids too.

01380 829666 | rowdeycow.co.uk

SPOTTY DOG FARM SHOP Lower Farm, Rowde, Devizes If you are planning a picnic, afternoon tea or BBQ this summer, you’ll find what you need at Spotty Dog Farm Shop. With burgers, sausages, koftas, marinated meat and ribs (all from local suppliers) plus all the salads, condiments, drinks and brioche rolls you could need they are BBQ ready.

Or if you’re looking for picnic supplies you will find beautiful English strawberries and lots of lovely cakes including lemon drizzle, blueberry bakewell, dark cherry and marzipan, maple flapjacks and their everpopular all-butter scones baked for them by Hobbs House Bakery.

You can also head over at the weekend and discover the lovely local pop-ups in their courtyard chalets

food & drink celebrating small Wiltshire Businesses – there is always something to see!

01380 720002 | spottydogfarmshop.co.uk

TASTE OF CORSHAM Taste of Corsham, the Wiltshire town’s fabulous food festival, returns on Saturday 18 June. The town centre and historic high street will be full of stalls promoting the best local and regional food and drink.

The day will also include live music on the Taste Stage - part of The Pound Arts Centre’s Green Sky Festival, street theatre, children’s activities – and the town’s delicious Taste Trail. Can you ‘eat Corsham’ in one day? Visitors can sample free tasters at local shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants, get their entry forms stamped as they go and not only discover the best food and drink Corsham has to offer, but also be in with the chance of winning a fizzy, bubbly prize. Taste of Corsham is a great festival of food and fun - and

there’s free parking all day too!

01249 702130 | tasteofcorsham@gmail.com

WOODY’S DELI 18 High Street, Corsham Woody’s Deli is all about great food, coffee and service. Many of you will know their Head Chef Caroline Roake, renowned for her excellent high-end food. Woody’s is a local team, that above all, wants to give Corsham locals exactly what they deserve: a great experience.

Taste of Corsham is on 18 June Woody's has great plans for the months ahead!

They don’t push very much on social media - they’d rather you do all the talking rather than them wax lyrical about how great they are. So next time you’re in the centre of Corsham pop in and see them, the team will tell you all about the exciting plans for the next few months (including Woody’s Wine Shop!), try a few of their cheeses or just feast on the cake tasters, you will not be disappointed!

01249 716091 | adam@woodago.com

Multi-Award-Winning Family Run Chocolate Studio.

Chocolates engineered to perfection to provide the ultimate sensory experience.

Award-Winning Chocolates | Monthly Boxes Chocolate Masterclasses | Bake-At-Home Kits Advent Calendars | Wedding Favours Corporate Gifts & Much More...

Shop online or come & visit our Studio Open Thurs-Sat, 10am-2pm Poulshot Lodge Farm, Devizes SN10 1RQ www.hollychocs.co.uk | info@hollychocs.co.uk

COME TO US FOR...

• Great Coffee • Freshly Prepared Salads • Baguettes & Sandwiches • Cakes & Savouries • Artisan Deli Items • Speciality Cheeses • Bespoke Hampers • Corporate Lunches & Platters Local delivery (min order £25) / order for collection OPENING HOURS: 8am - 5pm Tuesday - Saturday 18 High Street, Corsham SN13 0ES TEL 01249 716091 EMAIL adam@woodago.com THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 31

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...

F

irstly I would like to pay tribute to a market gardener in Bromham who has just retired at the grand old age of 82, Bernard Smart. His wonderful produce will be sorely missed and we wish him a happy retirement. If anyone deserves to put his feet up he certainly does. Fortunately we still have the Paget family headed up now by Tim, whose business goes back as far as ours down the generations.

If you are one of our customers please don’t worry, Bromham produce will be on your menus for many years to come. At the moment Pagets are supplying baby bunch carrots, hispi cabbage, cauliflower and beetroot to mention a few.

Other farms around Wiltshire and the West Country supply Lovejoys with the best quality, continuity and taste that we are famous for. Five generations of knowledge and relationships that are second to none. Maris piper potatoes come from Corsham, 32

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watercress from the chalk streams at Longbridge Deverill, herbs from Folly Farm in Warminster. All of our lettuce and salad crops come from

something, anything, as just seeing the fruits of your labour lifts the mood! If you want to give it a go you can still sow runner beans,

“Other farms around Wiltshire and the West Country supply Lovejoys with the best quality, continuity and taste that we are famous for.” the New Forest, asparagus from the Wye Valley and the Vale of Evesham, Ice Cream from Lacock, bread from Hobbs House at Yate and milk and cream from Chew Valley.

The crops above come from areas that are best suited to their needs.

An example is the lush green pastures of Chew Valley provide the milk, the chalk streams for the watercress and the beautiful sandy soil in Bromham for the vegetables.

No wonder top chefs come to us for quality produce.

As I am writing this it is Mental Health Awareness Week and I can only encourage anyone to grow

peas, squash, sweetcorn, carrots, courgettes and pumpkins. You don’t need a large garden, my 91 year-old mother-in-law grows her carrots in two old milk crates! Just make sure you have enough depth for the crop you are growing. This is also a good time to feed any established plants with a liquid feed and continue every couple of weeks and watch out for slugs and snails.

Have a good growing month and as always email me if you need to ask anything.

Competition to follow next month!

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

HOMEGROWN & HOMEMADE

recipes

This month FRAN STEVENS, aka The Food Wife, shows you how to prepare a few delicious summery homemade treats for you and your friends!

These are super easy to make. Make and eat them fresh (within a day or two). Use them as a garnish on a dessert or as the dessert if you are hosting a dinner party or bring a box of them if you’re the guest.

Ingredients Approx. 100g chocolate (white, milk or dark) per 300g strawberries Method Carefully wash the strawberries and dry them (gently!) using a clean tea towel.

CHOCOLATE-DIPPED STRAWBERRIES ✃

I’ve been thinking about homemade edible gifts, full marks if they are homegrown too! The strawberry plants on my allotment are in flower and I’m eagerly anticipating the arrival of the berries (I’m also anticipating the slugs will get to some

of them before I do too).

So at the moment I’m relying on punnets of shop bought strawberries but it won’t be long before I can harvest my own or indeed you can visit a PYO.

Melt your chosen chocolate (if making these gluten-free and/or dairy-free use an appropriate chocolate) either in a heat proof bowl over a pan of simmering water (don’t let the bowl come in contact with the water) or in a bowl in the microwave in 30 second bursts, stirring after each time.

Line a tray with baking paper, and then use the stalk to hold each strawberry as you dip it in the molten chocolate. Use a spoon to help cover then gently shake off any excess and carefully place on the paper. Leave a gap between each one so they don’t stick together. Allow to set in the fridge and store in the fridge until ready to eat!

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 33

recipes continue to thicken as it cools. As it cooks it will darken too. Pour into sterilised jars and seal.

The high sugar content should mean that this will keep a long time.

RHUBARB GIN Makes approx 900ml Rhubarb is one of my favourite flavours. I’m also rather partial to gin.

Marry the two together? Sign me up!

Makes approximately 1L (3 jam jars) About a year ago I heard about dandelion ‘honey’ being used as an alternative to honey for vegans. I was intrigued. I gave it a go and am really impressed.

The flavour and texture are a perfect substitute!

It’s important to pick dandelions that are pesticide free and away from popular dog walking areas (for obvious reasons)!

You can scale down the quantities here but this should make three good sized jars.

Ingredients Approximately 200 dandelion heads 1 unwaxed lemon, sliced 1.5L water 1.2kg caster sugar Method Thoroughly wash the dandelion heads (I do this in a clean sink full of fresh water).

34 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Drain the liquid through a muslin or fine sieve. Discard the dandelions and lemon.

Place the liquid back into the (clean) pan and add the sugar. Bring to the boil and simmer until the mixture has reduced and thickened (this took me about an hour and a half ). Remember it will

If you use forced rhubarb the result will be beautifully bright pink, or use regular rhubarb, as I did, and you are left with a more subtle shade, but either way the flavour is all there! I like to serve mine as a fizz - simply pour a 50ml measure of rhubarb gin into a fluted glass and top up with a sparkling wine of your choice, delicious!

Ingredients 240g white caster sugar 600g rhubarb, cut in to 2-3 inch pieces 70cl good quality gin Method Combine the three ingredients in your container and seal.

Leave for four weeks, shaking every few days to mix everything up.

After four weeks, strain the liquid and decant into your gin bottle (you will make slightly more than the original amount of gin so make sure you’ve got an extra bottle to decant the last little bit into).

• thefoodwife.co.uk

✃

DANDELION HONEY

Place the clean dandelion heads, the lemon and the water in a heavy bottomed pan. Bring to the boil and simmer, for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat, cover and leave to cool and steep overnight.

Simmer the dandelions and lemon and then allow to steep overnight.

This takes four weeks to brew (boo!) but the good news is it is quick to put together. You need only four things: a good quality gin, raw rhubarb, caster sugar and a large, sealable vessel (I used a 2L mason jar). Also, don’t forget to keep your empty gin bottle to decant back into afterwards.

✃

Beanacre, Nr Melksham Wiltshire SN12 7PU

tel 01225 703700

Enjoy a fabulous Sunday lunch Served every Sunday 12noon - 2.30pm

Our Sunday lunch menu is carefully prepared using local suppliers and home grown vegetables and herbs from our kitchen garden Private Dining also available | Booking recommended

Delicious afternoon teas served daily

reception@beechfieldhouse.co.uk

THE

WESTBROOK

beechfieldhouse.co.uk

Bromham, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 2EE

tel 01380 850418

www.westbrookbromham.co.uk

FREE BOUNCY CASTLE ON SUNNY DAYS FROM 1 JUNE! Kevin & Louise invite you to visit their award-winning pub 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

MEET THE CHEF

JAMES WILSON, head chef at The Longs in Steeple Ashton, talks about mastering steaks, serving up roasts for friends and cooking in Bogota.

What is the most memorable event you have cooked for?

It would be the Four-Hands Dinner I cooked in Bogota, Colombia at Cuarto Frio with Koldo Miranda and my boss at the time, Magnus Ek from Oaxen Krog. Such a cool restaurant.

Which local pubs and restaurants do you like visiting?

The usual spot for a day off is The Castle Inn in Bradford On Avon, it's just round the corner from home.

When you cook for friends, what’s on the menu?

It’s usually on a Sunday so a roast dinner does the job.

What is your favourite tipple?

Jubel Peach Lager.

Your favourite kitchen gadget?

I wouldn't be without a PacoJet, it's a great bit of kit!

And your guilty pleasure?

It'd have to be cheese and beans on toast with a couple of fried eggs and brown sauce.

James Wilson

What was your first job in catering?

I started out, like most, as a pot washer..

Where have you worked previously?

I’ve worked around the south and southwest of England, Finland and Sweden. Notably, Michelin starred Grön in Helsinki and 2 Michelin Star Oaxen Krog in Stockholm.

What was the first dish you mastered?

It has to be steaks. About a year into my career, I was put onto the grill section at a busy bistro doing 36 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

around 150 covers a night so I had to learn quickly!

Where do you source your produce and do you have any favourite local suppliers?

We source our meat from local game dealers and Ruby and White butchers in Bristol, and vegetables from Heritage Fine Foods in Devizes.

What is your personal favourite dish from your menu?

I really like the pollock and asparagus with potatoes and a beurre blanc mixed with wild garlic oil, raw asparagus and pickled shallots.

To book a table at The Longs in Steeple Ashton call 01380 870245.

• longssteepleashton.co.uk At The Longs you'll find flavour driven dishes with something for everyone

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

Chilmark Road, Trowbridge, BA14 9DD

food & drink

THE ‘SHOES WINS PUB OF THE YEAR!

L

andlord Shaun Dobson and the team over at The Three Horseshoes in Bradford on Avon have been celebrating being named Bath & Borders CAMRA Country Pub Of The Year 2022! With well over 300 pubs and bars in the branch area competition was fierce, but The Three Horseshoes, which is known as both a great real ale

pub and a vibrant live music venue, won the day. Shaun says, “We are absolutely chuffed to bits to win this award, it was totally unexpected and completely lovely to be recognised

by CAMRA. I’d like to thank the hardworking team we have here and our very loyal locals for their continued support. It is great that we can be recognised for both the James Honey (left) presenting Shaun with the award

quality of our beers and as a popular local live music venue too, and it also goes to show that you don’t have to serve food to run a successful pub!”

The Three Horseshoes, situated next to Bradford on Avon train station, always has a range of three real ales to sample, they are changed regularly and are mainly from local breweries, although Shaun does like to occasionally bring in other interesting beers from further afield.

He adds, “The ceiling of our pub is covered with beer clips from breweries that we have used from all over the UK and beyond, and I can say I have had at least a pint of every one of them! We love our real ales at The Shoes, and it’s great to support local independent breweries too.”

• Find them on Facebook

SUMMER AT THE GEORGE

T

he George in Bradford on Avon is the perfect place to visit when you want some great tasting food. As well as a lovely interior and open kitchen, it also has a sunny courtyard garden that’s ideal for catching some rays on a warm afternoon. It also boasts a secret summerhouse, and, if the nights get a little cool, they have snuggle throws and burners to keep you warm.

The George has been awarded 2 AA Rosettes for its food and also boasts a 4 gold star AA rating for its luxury apartments. Head chef Alex Venables specialises in producing delicious seasonal dishes using great local meat and game, with fish coming from Brixham. To accompany your meal they have a carefully selected wine list, lovely local ales and a wide range of spirits

38 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

too – including lots and lots of gins!

The George hosts a ‘Thursday Supper Club’ on the last Thursday of each month with four courses for £35, booking is essential.

Alternatively make the most of a sunny Friday or Saturday afternoon and treat yourself and a loved one to a delicious afternoon tea (£22 per person – booking essential). They also offer an eat-at-home version, packed in a lovely display box and perfect for a picnic, costing £14pp, (minimum of two persons).

The George is open seven days a week from 9.30am for breakfast, coffee and cake. Between 9.30am and 11am Monday to Friday you can also enjoy a complimentary chocolate brownie with your coffee.

• thegeorgebradfordonavon.co.uk

The George offers a craccking afternoon tea

The

Farmhouse

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

INN

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 Adam, Janet and all the staff look forward to welcoming you to The Farmhouse.

We offer tasty homecooked food, superb real ales & fine wines in stylish, comfortable surroundings.

We’re an ideal venue for weddings & events with our large, beautifully-appointed function room.

Frome Road, Southwick, Nr Trowbridge BA14 9QD t 01225 764366 e the.farmhouse@btconnect.com www.farmhousesouthwick.co.uk

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

ROYAL GARDEN PARTY Live Music & Luxury BBQ

3 June, 12noon, £25pp

The George is the perfect place to visit for local ales, top quality wines & fantastic food from our award-winning chef Alex Venables.

THURSDAY SUPPER CLUB 30th June, 4 Courses £35

AFTERNOON TEAS £22pp

Fridays & Saturdays 2.30-3pm, Booking essential.

Eat at Home version available only £14pp, (min 2 persons)

DAILY SET MENU

2 Courses £19.95, 3 Courses £23.95 Available Monday to Friday

OPEN DAILY FROM 9.30AM For Coffee, Cake & Breakfast!

01225 865650 | 67 Woolley St, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1AQ | thegeorgebradfordonavon.co.uk

ADVERTISE WITH US IN 2022 INTRODUCTORY & SERIES DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE

LYN & ANDY HOBBS WELCOME YOU TO THE RISING SUN We are a traditional country pub offering tasty homemade food, real ales & ciders

APRIL/MAY 2021

// ISSUE 134

West Wilts The

+ WE ARE UNDRESSED CAPABILITY CHARLOTTE LACOCK PHOTOGRAPH Y & MUCH MORE

FREE

MAGAZINE

WYLYE VALLEY ART TRAIL

HAGBOURNE

COPSE

REGULAR LIVE MUSIC AND EVENTS!

1-9 MAY 2021

TAKE A BLUEBELL WALK THIS SPRING

The Great Outd oors

THE BATH FESTIVAL

OUTDOOR DINING RECIPES THE FOODFROM WIFE

17-24 MAY

• Beer garden • Homemade food served daily • Local real ales & ciders • Gluten free menu • Steak deal • Traditional Sunday roast • Takeaways • Live music • Large car park • Open 7 days a week 61 Woodmarsh, North Bradley, Trowbridge BA14 0SB 01225 776545 therisingsun-northbradley.co.uk

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GET GROWING IT’S OUR ANNUAL

FOOD & DRINK // PUZ ZLES

GARDENS GUIDE

// HOME & GARDENS

// HEALTH

// COMMENT

Call Andy today on � 01225 807775

e andy@wired-publishing.co.uk westwiltsmag.co.uk

• Wadworth Real Ales • Covered & Heated Beer Garden • Takeaway service • Children & Dog Friendly • Gluten Free & Coeliac Menu Available • Large Car Park • Homemade Smaller Portions from £7.50 • B&B Accommodation

Please call us on 01225 782581 or book online OPEN: Wed - Sat 12-10pm, Sun 12-4.30pm FOOD SERVED: Wed - Sat 12-2.30pm & 5.30-8pm, Sun 12-3pm

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

f

Wiltshire Inns features two historic town centre properties that both offer character and charm alongside a warm friendly welcome.

Both hotels are great places to head for drinks with friends or to enjoy some tasty homemade food in a friendly atmosphere.

The Swan Hotel is a charming grade II listed coaching inn located in Bradford on Avon near Bath.

Known locally for its traditional pub food and selection of ales, The Swan is also home to The Thai Chilli Restaurant renowned for serving mouth-watering authentic Thai cuisine and pub classics 7 days a week. It is open for breakfast from 8am and serves food all day until 9pm.

The Swan also offers 12 stylish and well-appointed rooms making it the ideal place to stay when visiting Wiltshire or Bath.

theswanbradford

_theswanhotel

www.theswanbradford.co.uk

This gorgeous 14th century coaching inn is a great place to socialise. With a mix of local residents, hotel guests and tourists the inn has a vibrant atmosphere with animated conversation, live entertainment and plenty of comfortable seating.

The bar offers a range of local beers and is renowned for its fine selection of whiskies and spirits including over 20 gins for you to sample at your leisure!

The hotel also boasts The Thai Chilli Restaurant, where the team of Thai chefs serve up delicious homemade Thai food alongside the pub’s traditional menu.

oldbellwarminster

oldbellwarminster

www.oldbellwarminster.co.uk

photography

MAGIC MOMENTS

I

For photographs you can treasure for a lifetime speak to MATT CURTIS PHOTOGRAPHY.

n the heart of Warminster, just off the Market Place, you'll find the picturesque backwater of Chinns Court and the fabulous photographic studio of Matt Curtis Photography offering his absolutely essential photo shoots of various styles from classic and fun family photography, to heritage and fine art portraiture, business profile and head shots, pets and animals and much more. But just why is a photo shoot so absolutely essential? We all know the answer...

PHOTOS BRING US CLOSER A printed photo hanging on the wall, beautifully mounted and framed in pride of place above a mantle or a gallery of your family and those you cherish on a feature wall puts a smile on our faces. Photos evoke memories

and emotions as they capture the essence of personality, a fleeting moment of playfulness, cheekiness in a glance or perhaps the strong confidence of self-assuredness.

With recent and current events either keeping us from loved ones or at least making it very difficult for us to be with them, good professional portrait photography is ever more important to help keep those memories close.

PHOTOS BRING US HAPPINESS How often do we hear the words “I love that photo”? With last month’s Mental Health Awareness Week highlighting the need for positivity, affirmation, esteem and confidence, photographs can give you all of these and deserve their place on your wall.

IS A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER ESSENTIAL? Beautiful photos are wonderful at marking out important moments in our lives, weddings, birthdays, milestones like the arrival of a new baby and many more. What better way to mark those moments than with beautifully crafted professional photographs. To find out more about how a photoshoot can bring happiness, joy, confidence and more to enrich your life and home, get in touch with Matt and book your shoot today.

• mattcurtisphotography.com

"Photos evoke memories and emotions as they capture the essence of personality" A beautiful printed photo can take pride of place in your home

42 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

WHERE YOUR PET IS A MEMBER OF OUR FAMILY TOO

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 For over 50 years, Garden Veterinary Group has been providing high quality, compassionate veterinary services in Chippenham and Corsham.

• 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)

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Online booking & medication ordering available

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HIGH QUALITY GARDEN MACHINERY FROM LEADING BRANDS Ride On Lawn Mowers Self Propelled Lawn Mowers Hedge Trimmers Leaf Blowers & Vacs

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LAWN MOWER & GARDEN MACHINERY SERVICING We have a dedicated workshop for garden machinery repairs and servicing and a popular fixed price menu structure. So if your ride-on stops running or your chainsaw is in need of looking over, we are the place to come.

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM Mon - Fri: 8am to 5pm Sat: 8.30am to 12.30pm Closed Sundays Bath Road, Chippenham Wiltshire SN14 0RL Tel 01249 652573 | www.johnmillerltd.co.uk | Email: sales@johnmillerltd.co.uk

TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

L

30 DAYS WILD, the UK's biggest nature challenge, is back this June!

ast year a record 760,000 people across the UK took part in 30 Days Wild (1,805 officially took part in the challenge in Wiltshire) and approximately two million people have participated since it began in 2015.

Every year The Wildlife Trusts invite people to do one wild act every single day during the month of June, with the aim of bringing people closer to nature.

Last year supporters completed over 16 million acts of wildness; the most popular activities were

attracted celebrity support from the likes of TV presenters Monty Don, Liz Bonnin and Dr Amir Khan, and this year is championed by The Vamps’ guitarist James McVey. James says, “I’m really looking forward to getting involved with 30 Days Wild this summer.

It doesn't matter

where you live,

"Last year supporters completed over 16 million acts of wildness" wildlife-watching, eating outdoors, planting wildflower seeds and listening to birdsong.

image credit: Eleanor Church

wildlife

Other suggested wild acts include litter picking in your local area, bug-hunting and even taking on a fundraising challenge for wildlife.

When surveyed, most participants said their favourite activities were those that directly helped nature, or those that expanded their knowledge of the natural world.

Funded by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, 30 Days Wild has an enthusiastic fan base and has

countryside, city and everywhere in between.

I personally take huge enjoyment from being in nature, whether that's doing 10,000 steps from my house, down to the

river and back, or even something as simple as opening the windows and listening to the green parakeets in the summer (yes, we really do have them in London!). I like 30 Days Wild because it's open to everyone and we can all benefit by giving just an ounce of effort! Please get involved.”

30 Days Wild is for people of all ages and from all backgrounds. From mums, dads and kids to schools and care homes, participants come from all walks of life.

Alison Loudon, a mum of five from Coatbridge, who participated in 30 Days Wild last year, says: “I felt like a bit of a fraud joining the challenge as I wasn’t really an outdoors person at all, and just joined in as part of home-schooling my kids. I found I learned as much as they did, and the experience has been so enriching for myself THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 45

image credit: Evie + Tom Photography

wildlife

The website is full of wild ideas

and my kids. 30 Days Wild totally converted me and taught me and my family to pause for a minute, take in what’s around us, and do our bit for nature.”

In 2020, a five-year review of 30 Days Wild participants, run in conjunction with the University of Derby, found that people reported they felt happier and healthier from taking part, with positive effects lasting for at least two months afterwards.

will actually make you happier and healthier too.”

are lots of ways – big and small – to go wild and connect with nature.”

Laura Chow, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, says: “I’m delighted funding raised by our players is encouraging people across the country to experience the benefits of being outside and beside nature.

• wiltshirewildlife.org

“Every year we encourage the team at People’s Postcode Lottery to get involved in 30 Days Wild and I love to see all the creative ways people Register your interest in 30 Day Wild bring a little bit of the wild to their at: wildlifetrusts.org/30dayswild day. Whether it’s having a meeting Craig Bennett, chief executive of The outside, eating lunch on the grass Wildlife Trusts, says: or picking up a piece of litter on a “We’re thrilled that our annual walk, there nature challenge has become so popular – two million people have taken part so far and it continues to grow every year. We now know that the challenge not only connects you with nature, but that keeping it wild for the whole of June 46 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

participant SURVEY A survey of 2021 participants revealed that the pandemic positively affected their appreciation of the natural world, and that by connecting with nature, people were inspired to take action for the world around them: • 78% of participants said the pandemic made them value nature more • 88% said they were very likely to make their garden more wildlife-friendly after participating in 30 Days Wild, or had already done so • 74% said they had either already taken action to reduce their carbon footprint, or were very likely to after taking part in 30 Days Wild

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gardens

FABULOUS FLOWERS Last month saw the 33rd RHS Malvern Spring Festival take place at the Three Counties Showground.

LISA ROCKLIFFE was there.

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 49

S

gardens

et against a backdrop of the magnificent Malvern Hills, Malvern Spring Festival is the largest RHS show outside of London, and was a great way to kick off the show season proper.

SHOW GARDENS This year’s event saw six showpiece show gardens and a further five feature gardens. A new permanent garden honouring the Queen on her Platinum Jubilee was also unveiled. This garden, designed

by Jess Russell-Perry, was officially opened at the festival by HRH Princess Royal.

The winning garden this year was The Hide Garden designed by

The Hide Garden was Best In Show

Emily Crowley-Wroe. The garden contained a large garden room that led out onto a naturalistic space with water at its heart. An angled deck area featured sculptural carved benches and looked out over a pebble pond complete with stepping boulders and marginal planting that made it inviting to all wildlife visitors.

New for 2022 was an Affordable Gardens category, created with a strict budget and using plants available in the Floral Marquee, which displayed over 50 handpicked nurseries offering top-quality plants.

PLANTS & TRENDS Many show gardens featured colour palettes of contrasting blues and oranges offered by blue camassias and geum ‘Totally Tangerine’ interspersed with the vibrant lime of euphorbias. Pines and conifers featured heavily, providing strong evergreen structure. In other areas, shade planting took centre stage – striking upright ostrich ferns, perfect hostas and delicate epimediums and tiarellas sat underneath beautiful multistemmed amelanchier and silver birch trees. All very naturalistic and all very beautiful.

50 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

There was abundant use of natural materials including stone sculptures, willow hurdles and wany edged wood as well as more contemporary options like corten steel and corrugated sheeting.

"Pines and conifers featured heavily, providing strong evergreen structure."

DEMOS & GUESTS Malvern had a host of talks and demonstrations on gardening, food, drink and more. Host James Alexander-Sinclair welcomed experts including Monty Don, Arit Anderson and Frances Tophill, there were demonstrations in floristry, qigong and more and in the newly named Nourish Theatre chefs including Raymond Blanc cooked foods from around the globe. There was a lot more than just plants to see!

COMING UP After Malvern and Chelsea in May there are a further seven shows to look forward to this summer.

See the website for tickets and information.

• rhs.org.uk

gardens

GARDEN JOBS

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

1. Hoe borders regularly to keep down weeds. Do this on a dry day so the weeds dry out on the surface of the soil.

Half-hardy annuals such as cosmos, rudbeckia and nicotiana can go into the garden now

2. Be water-wise, especially in drought-affected areas. Gather rainwater in butts, even those connected to a greenhouse or shed can collect surprisingly large amounts of water. It's easy to do, better for your plants and it's free!

Collect rain water wherever you can

watered well or they could bolt in hot, dry conditions.

with large flowers are most likely to require support.

5. Position summer hanging baskets and containers outside.

The last frosts are over so even tender plants can be planted out into their final positions.

9. Prune many spring-flowering shrubs. Deciduous shrubs that flower in late winter, spring and early summer need annual pruning to encourage strong, healthy shoots and improve flowering. See the RHS website for species specific pruning advice.

6. Mow lawns at least once a week. Growth should be at its best so regular mowing will produce a beautiful dense turf. If conditions are dry then growth will slow but continue to mow at least every 10 to 14 days to control coarse grasses and seed heads.

Pinch out tomato side shoots

3. Pinch out sideshoots on tomatoes. This ensures the plant's energy goges into the growth of the main stem and cordens, and not into creating unproductive vegetation.

4. Harvest lettuce, radish, other salads and early potatoes. The hungry gap is over! Ensure repeat sowings to keep the supplies coming throughout the summer. Vegetables are thirsty plants so ensure they are 52

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

7. Plant out summer bedding.

It's time to plant out half hardy annuals you have grown from seed or bought from garden centres/ nurseries for a hit of summer colour.

8. Stake tall or floppy plants.

Perennials in borders often put on strong lush growth that makes them vulnerable to collapse, especially after heavy rain or strong winds.

Staking them early will give a more natural look. Tall plants and hybrids

10. Shade greenhouses to keep them cool and prevent scorch.

Greenhouses, whether of glass or plastic, can overheat in sunny weather. Plants can be protected from excess heat by shading and ventilation.

Harvest crops like radish

Wild Ivy

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WILTSHIRE‘S LEADER IN SKIP HIRE

house & home

MAKING BEAUTIFUL BATHROOMS Warminster independent bathroom specialist TILE HOUSE is celebrating its second year anniversary next month.

T

ile House has enjoyed almost two busy years of trading having established itself as Warminster’s favourite bathroom outlet. Whether you are looking to refresh an existing bathroom or want to start from scratch, Tile House can bring those dreams to life. The bright and airy showroom on Silver Street has been thoughtfully created to offer an extensive range of displays, handpicked to suit a variety of tastes and budgets.

Tile House offers traditional and contemporary suites

"The bright and airy showroom has been thoughtfully created to offer an extensive range of displays" Tile House stock trusted brands such as Atlanta, Scudo, Eco, Roca and Ideal Bathrooms to name a few, ensuring you can make choices with confidence. To make the experience even more enjoyable a full fitting service is available removing the stress of finding and co-ordinating the various tradespeople needed for your project. There is the added benefit of Tile House offering a wide range of wall and floor tiles allowing the bathroom dream to be realised under one roof. Tiles from Porcelanosa, Johnson, Minoli and Waxman are some of the names picked for their quality of product and variety of ranges.

Tile House offers a warm welcome and a relaxed atmosphere in which to design your new bathroom, and 54 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

images produced using the latest in You can also find them on Facebook CAD design technology can show or take a look at the website. you what your new space will look like. Parking is available to the front • tilehousewarminster.com of the showroom and a collection point to the rear makes accessing Tile House straightforward. The showroom is open Tuesday to Friday 9am until 5.30pm and Saturdays 10am until 2pm. So why not pay a visit to Tile House Warminster, call on 01985 804745 or drop them a line info@tilehousewarminster.com.

INDEPENDENT SHOWROOM OPEN IN WARMINSTER! Open: Tuesday-Friday 9am–5.30pm & Saturday 9am - 2pm

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

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

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

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

Enhance your home with premium window shutters Control of light and privacy in your home Stylish and contemporary design to match any of your rooms Unrivalled customer service and after care Local Wiltshire business

For your FREE consultation, contact Simon, your local Shuttercraft specialist: 01225 459 389 www.shuttercraft.co.uk PROUD TO FIT S:CRAFT PRODUCTS

Shuttercraft Somerset_West Wilts Magazine_landscape_Feb 22.indd 1

17/01/2022 14:52:06

house & home

SPECIALISTS IN STONE

PM BINES LTD has been crafting beautiful stonework for over 35 years.

PM Bines can source the finest materials from across the world

Bines says, “What sets us apart is that we still make everything from the raw materials. We are able to source some of the most beautiful materials from all over the world.

Our craftsmen then work their magic to ensure each customer receives a top quality, completely bespoke finish.

“We aren’t a big business, we are a small company and very down to earth. Over the years there aren’t many materials we haven’t worked with so we can be relied upon to give good advice on your project and we’re really approachable too.”

Whatever you have in mind, give PM Bines a call on or 01225 782888 or email marble.bines@btconnect.com and they can invite you in for a chat about your requirements.

• pmbines.co.uk

B

ased in Broughton Gifford, PM Bines Ltd is a specialist stonemason that has been helping customers transform their kitchens, bathrooms and fire surrounds since 1985. A family run, locally-based firm, 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

56 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

worktops, bathroom interiors, memorial stonework’s, fireplaces and a wide range of other unique pieces, with materials from Britain, Ireland and beyond used to ensure

"PM Bines are equally at home working in marble, granite, quartz and sintered stone" the finest finishes. Their highly skilled craftsmen are passionate about what they do – everything they make is handcrafted using traditional methods. Owner Philip

5-6 George Street, Warminster BA12 8QA 01985 219200 Longmead Industrial Estate, Shaftesbury SP7 8PL 01747 851476

Everything for the heart of your home

Beautifully designed kitchens, or kitchen replacement doors, with a FREE innovative design & planning service

www.myhomemaker.co.uk

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

house & home

AVALON INTERIORS

AVALON INTERIORS in Frome offers a large selection of beautiful furniture handmade in their own workshop.

R

unning a local furniture making business for over 30 years means that Sarah, the owner of Avalon Interiors knows that their well designed and well made furniture will stand the test of time in any home.

All Avalon's furniture is handmade in their own factory

Specialising in made to order painted pine and oak cabinet furniture, Avalon Interiors offers a large selection of furniture for the whole home in choices of paint colours and oak finishes that few can rival. With all the cabinet furniture being made in their own workshop, within a few miles of the shop using solid wood, you can be confident of the provenance and hand made craftsmanship that goes into each piece and truly support local jobs when you make a purchase.

Avalon’s showroom displays are set out in stunning inspirational room sets designed to help you explore the many options available. They are

enhanced with home accessories from around the world like mirrors, lamps, cushions, throws and much more. The relaxed environment enables you to browse at your leisure and the friendly staff are on hand to answer any questions you may have.

As well as a large range of standard pieces across differently collections, any item of furniture can be customised to precisely match your requirements, and they even offer free local delivery by their own experienced team. Alternatively, if

"With all the cabinet furniture being made in their own workshop you can be confident of the hand made craftsmanship that goes into each piece" 58 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

you are on the lookout for a bargain, Avalon also sell 'factory seconds' items with minor cosmetic issues - that you can snap up at much reduced prices. So whether you are looking for a wardrobe or bookcase to fit in that alcove, a chest of drawers or a new dining table, pop in to see how they can help.

• avaloninteriors.co.uk

S.L. Corden & Sons

A HOME IMPROVEMENT HUB IN THE HEART OF WARMINSTER Come to us for...

Gardening Equipment | Outdoor Furniture Household Items | Ironmongery | Tools Paint | DIY | Electrical | Key Cutting Camping Equipment | Sugarcraft | Gifts

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Allsop Carpets & Flooring

Cormar Apollo Comfort in Earl Grey

• Carpets • Vinyl • Naturals • Wood Flooring

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

Using British Manufacturers & Suppliers

@HOME with Perfect Rooms WE PROVIDE:

• Home Furnishings • Gifts • Home Accessories • Antiques • Furniture • Lamps • Cushions • Made to Measure Curtains & Blinds • Paints & Wallpapers • Fabric Remnants • Room Rugs Whatever your vision, we have the perfect finishing touch, whether that is a unique antique, or a home accessory.

Visit us at: 26 Bath Road Melksham SN12 6LP • tel 01225 899200 Also at Perfect Rooms: Silver Street, Gastard SN13 9PY • tel 01249 716445

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health & wellbeing

LE VISAGE AESTHETICS NOW OPEN

L

e Visage Aesthetics is a brand new independent skin care clinic on Market Street in Bradford on Avon. It offers a comprehensive range of non-surgical treatments for anyone looking to improve and maintain the appearance of their skin. Available treatments include advanced skincare products (they are a Medik8 stockist), cosmetic injectables, facial treatments and skin rejuvenation. All treatments are tailor made to the individual needs of each client with the aim of restoring, enhancing and maintaining the health of their skin.

in the UK and Europe including at Clinique La Prairie in Switzerland and in clinics in Harley Street, London.

Gabriella provides an intimate and free confidential consultation to discuss your skin concerns with no obligation or pressure. Gabriella says, “We are delighted to have

received such great support for our recent launch. I’m very happy to say that we are now officially open for treatments so keep a look out on our website and Instagram page for some great special offers!”

• levisageaesthetics.co.uk

Le Visage Aesthetics offers a range of non-surgical treatments

Owner and practitioner Gabriella qualified with a CIDESCO International Diploma in Aesthetics and Beauty Therapy in 2011. Since then she has worked in some of the most prestigious health resorts

THE HILLY HELMET IS BACK!

T

he award-winning Hilly Helmet race is back, taking place at Leighton Recreation Centre at Westbury on Wednesday 10 August 2022 starting promptly at 7pm. The 4(ish) mile event was created by Robin-Mark Schols based on his experience of having to The Hilly Helmet raises money for Brain Tumour Support

wear a safety helmet for a year after suffering a brain infection following a brain tumour removal.

Prizes will be awarded for the first male and female finishers and of course there’s a prize for the best helmet. Organisers love to see your helmet creations and this year are offering the theme of the number 6 on which to base your designs on – runners are of course welcome to design anything they like – all helmet wearing participants will be in with a chance to win the coveted Best Helmet prize.

This year there is a new prize for the first male and female finishers in the under 18 age category. Every participant will also receive one a unique pottery memento as they cross the finish line.

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Once again, the event is held to help charity partner Brain Tumour Support who appreciate the fundraising more than ever, especially after a much-reduced couple of years of fund-raising opportunities for them. As well as the race Westbury Cricket Club will also be offering refreshments and a BBQ to complete the evening’s entertainment!

Due to the nature of the course it is unsuitable for wheelchairs. Entry is £15 with £2 discount to members of ARC Affiliated clubs. Entry is available online at entrycentral.com/ thehillyhelmetchallenge and on the night but be warned, this event sells out fast, so don’t delay and sign up today!

• facebook.com/hillyhelmet

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later life

ABBEYFIELD HOUSE The Abbeyfield Society provides high quality accommodation for older people. With a focus on community, residents are encouraged to share meals and enjoy a socially active life whilst maintaining their independence.

hours of 9am and 5pm daily. In addition, a Life Line call system is provided for the use of residents 24 hours a day.

WHAT'S THE COST?

B

uilt in 1900 and renovated in 1992 Abbeyfield is an elegant townhouse situated just a few minutes walk from the centre of Bradford on Avon with its weekly market, library, cafes, restaurants and shops. There are also good transport links to nearby Bath (8miles) and Trowbridge (3.5miles) with their wide variety of shops, cinemas, theatres.

Abbeyfield House has 11 comfortable apartments each with its own kitchenette enabling residents to make their own breakfast, at a time to suit, as well as private bathroom facilities.

"On site cooks prepare delicious homecooked meals served in the communal dining room making mealtimes a social occasion" 66 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Abbeyfield is an elegant townhouse in Bradford on Avon

Apartments are rented unfurnished for you to style with your own furniture and possessions giving a familiar homely feel.

Outside is an easily accessible private sunny garden to the rear (green fingered residents love helping here) and visitor parking to the front. There is also a guest room for visitors or those wishing a trial stay.

On site cooks prepare delicious home-cooked meals served in the communal dining room making mealtimes a social occasion, while fridges on each floor enable residents to keep milk and supplies fresh for their own use.

Residents enjoy a friendly and relaxed homely environment supported by a dedicated, caring house manager and team of staff who are available between the

Depending on room size, the all-inclusive fees start from £1300 per month. Included in this monthly cost are all household bills, WiFi internet access, TV licence, delicious lunch and high tea, activities and events, laundry facilities and a Life Line pendant alarm. Nursing and personal care such as bathing and dressing assistance is not provided as standard but can be arranged on a private basis if required.

For more information, or to arrange a visit, call the House Manager on 01225 864334 or email abbeyfield. boa1@gmail.com.

• abbeyfield.com

bath rugby

BATH DEPARTURES Bath Rugby will have a very different looking squad next year with a large number of players departing at the end of the season.

A

fter a torrid season Bath Rugby is set to hit the reset button over the summer with a host of new faces in the playing and coaching departments due to arrive at the club. As well as excitement for those arriving, it is also time to bid farewell to a good number of players too, many of whom have been longterm servants of the club.

ANTHONY WATSON After nine seasons with Bath, Anthony Watson is leaving the club in the summer with the 28-year-old set to join title-chasing Leicester Tigers. Head Coach Neal Hatley said: “I have been privileged to work with Ant since he was 13 and have watched him develop into a 50-cap England international and double British & Irish Lion.

He’s one of the best and most loyal players I’ve ever worked with. His desire to win, infectious laughter and brilliant attitude will be missed at the club. I can’t talk about him highly enough as a person first and then a player.”

SEMESA ROKODUGUNI Fan-favourite Rocco is bringing his 10-year stay at The Rec to an end Rocco is believed to be heading to France

Anthony Watson is set to join Steve Borthwick’s Leicester Tigers

with reports linking him to clubs across the channel. Neal Hatley said: “Rocco is one of the most exciting players I have had the pleasure of working with at Bath Rugby. Added to this he is one of the most humble and selfless people in our squad. Rocco will be sorely missed by everyone associated with our club.”

TAULUPE FALETAU Wales international number 8 Taulupe Faletau will bring his six-year stay to an end when he returns to Wales to join Cardiff.

His time at the club would no doubt have been far more successful were it not for a catalogue of injury problems.

MAX CLARK Max Clark, who joined Bath’s academy as a 13-year old, is following Faletau to Wales having signed a contract to play for United Rugby Championship side the Dragons next season. The 68 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Welsh-qualified centre will no doubt have ambitions to make the Wales 2023 World Cup squad.

DANNY CIPRIANI After a frustrating season that saw injury and illness curtail his first team involvements, the mercurial fly half is leaving the club to take up a new challenge in America.

Neal Hatley said: “Cips has been a fantastic mentor for the younger players at our club and has really helped the likes of Orlando Bailey and Max Ojomoh with their development this season.”

Other confirmed departures include scrum half Ollie Fox (Ealing Trailfinders), hooker Jacques Du Toit (Zebre), prop Valeriy Morozov (Worcester Warriors) fly half Tian Schoeman (Newcastle Falcons) and Joe Simpson, who will return to parent club Gloucester after his season-long loan.

• bathrugby.com

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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) PRIDE a) the ovary of a sow b) the fruit of the yew-tree c) a black eye

2) LINCH

3) QUILL a) the second swarm of bees in the same place b) the humour, mood or vein for anything c) a quarter

a) the heart, liver and lungs of a calf b) a pathway up to a steep hill c) a spade’s depth in digging

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f

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

a) a pole slung across a stream to stop cattle passing b) a bank c) a policeman

Boris fighter Byron from the cottage Cameron crooked nose Delilah happy and makes other people happy FIRST NAME Douglas dark river MEANINGS Fenella fair shoulder Elizabeth oath Often when saying it, we take for Horace keeper of the hours granted someone’s name. Indeed Isaac he will laugh when naming a child it would be Javier owner of a new horse wise to be aware of what it originally Matilda strength in battle meant. Many first names have Moses saved meanings completely unknown.

Quentin fifth born child Here are just a few examples (worth Philip friend of horses noting that many girls' names derive Simon listening attentively from a male counterpart...)

Victoria borne by the Roman Aesop burnt faced goddess of victory Audrey noble strength Wayne wagon maker Benjamin son of my right hand William helmet of resolution Bjorn bear Zoë life

4) RACE

puzzles

TEA BREAK TEASERS NEIGHBOURS WORDSEARCH

What/who is missing from the grid?

BOUNCER CAROLINE CHARLENE CHRISTINA DAPHNE HAROLD HELEN

HENRY JIM

JOE LOU MADGE PAUL SCOTT TODD

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LAST MONTH’S SOLUTIONS Wordsearch missing word: PLYMOUTH Quiz answers 1: Oceanus Hopkins 2: 102 3: Christopher Jones 4: English Mastiff and English Springer Spaniel 5: 16th September 2020

72 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Q2: On what date was Neighbours first screened in the UK? Q3: Which British duo wrote the original theme tune for Neighbours?

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last word

PENNY PINCHING

U

sually what happens at this time of the month is I sit down at my computer with a subject in mind to write about and proceed to do just that. This month though there are two things going on that deserve a mention and they are sort of linked. One is the ongoing and potentially troublesome cost of living situation and the other is Bath Rugby and their woeful/dreadful/ appalling/rotten (insert your choice of other appropriately terrible adjectives!!) season in the Gallagher Premiership and, actually, every other competition they entered in the 2021/22 season.

This leads into the cost of living situation that is happening at the moment which is undoubtedly quite a challenge and, it seems, is set to get worse before it gets better. As well as our rugby expenditure we’ve had to look at everything else we spend money on to see if savings can be made. However small they might be if you add it all up it can make quite a difference. Sir Dave Brailsford, the former head of the enormously successful (though not

“We are fortunate enough to have solar panels too - the sight of us rushing to turn everything electrical on when the sun peeps out from behind the clouds is something to behold”

entirely uncontroversial) Team Sky and British Cycling, made famous the idea of ‘marginal gains’ - doing enough of the little things they add up to a big change (my wife used a sporting analogy to get me on board). We have had a smart meter and accompanying in-home display unit for a few years now and have never really bothered too much with it (it resided in a drawer until fairly recently). But now with electricity and gas prices going up by so much we watch that little screen almost With everything increasing in price as much as the TV. The heating recently we’ve had to reassess our was turned off earlier this year, we spending as travelling to The Rec switch off every standby appliance every couple of weeks just to get a beating from whoever we’re playing overnight, the lights and TVs are doesn’t seem like enormously good turned off when we leave the room value. Isn’t one definition of insanity and a myriad of other small things have helped us to decrease our doing the same thing over and over again but expecting a different electricity usage by more than a third! We are fortunate enough to result? That’s us every second Saturday!! Of course we will actually have solar panels too - the sight persevere, possibly because we are a of us rushing to turn everything bit insane, but also it’s a nice day out electrical on when the sun peeps out from behind the clouds is if nothing else!!!

My wife and I are avid fans of Bath Rugby and try to get to as many home games as we can; BC (Before Children!) we made the odd away game too. Now obviously that comes at a price and usually it’s not too much of a problem as we don’t have quite the social life that we used to so our social budget, as it were, is spent on a trip to the rugby on a Saturday afternoon.

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something to behold, I reckon my wife could have a career as a formula one pits mechanic the speed she can get the washing machine on when called upon! As a confirmed luddite I’m not sure exactly how it works but essentially when the sun shines we can do some electrical stuff for free, which is handy. This means though that we try and save the washing for a sunny day as we only pay for the water and detergent and then dry it outside on the line.

This works brilliantly unless of course you have a sustained period of drab weather or rain and the ‘clothes mountain’ piles up which obviously is not ideal.

We are, as everybody will I think, have to tighten our belts. It’s just the way it is at the moment but I think Bath Rugby might just squeeze into our monthly spend…they’ll do better next season won’t they???

Phil Rockliffe

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