The West Wilts Magazine - August 2022

AUGUST 2022 // ISSUE 149

FREE

West Wilts The

GILLINGHAM & SHAFTESBURY SHOW

MAGAZINE

+ MID-SOMERSET SHOW THE GEORGE & DRAGON WILTSHIRE DAYS OUT PAGET’S PRODUCE SUMMER AT LONGLEAT

17 AUGUST 2022

DISCOVER

CORSHAM

OUR 14 PAGE GUIDE TO THIS GREAT MARKET TOWN FOOD & DRINK // PUZ ZLES // HOME & GARDENS // HEALTH // COMMENT

FOR A BEAUTIFUL HOME VISIT OUR HOLT SHOWROOM

Ham Green, Holt, Wiltshire BA14 6PX Tel: 01225 308541 info@formosakbb.co.uk www.formosakbb.co.uk

Welcome

M

aking the most of living in Wiltshire is the thread that runs through much of our August edition. With so much travel chaos, cost of living hikes and staycation prices spiralling many of us will be staying close to home over the summer holidays and that is absolutely no reason to mope - it gives us all a chance to make the most of our fabulous county!

LISA ROCKLIFFE

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

AUGUST 2022 ISSUE 149 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

The lovely folks over at Visit Wiltshire have produced a rundown of some of the great local treasures we can re-acquaint ourselves with (p47) and our 14-page feature on Corsham (p19) shines a light on one of the most beautiful market towns you could hope to visit. Lovejoys’ Neil Mortimer caught up with Bromham farmer Tim Paget (p39) one of our best local producers and we feature some great local events (you may have to cross a county line but it’s not far we promise!) including Mid-Somerset Show, Edington Music Festival (both p14) and Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show (p16). We’ve also got the latest summer news from Longleat (p16).

With brunch recipes from The Food Wife (p33), an interview with The George & Dragon’s head chef George Paget (p36) and lots more besides it’s a traditionally jam-packed summer edition. 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: Peacocks 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

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 3

Contents

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LOCAL LISTINGS What’s on in August

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LOCAL NEWS Mid-Somerset Show Edington Music Festival Summer at Longleat The Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show

14 14 16 16

FOOD & DRINK Eat the Seasons Brunch recipes from The Food Wife Meet the Chef at The George & Dragon Beechfield House Hotel Three Daggers

32 33 36 42 42

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FEATURES Discover Corsham Paget’s Produce Visit Wiltshire

19 39 47

HOME & GARDEN Garden jobs for August DrainMaster A Dream Doors kitchen transformation DIY Security Systems

52 54 60 64

39

PETS Garden Vets

62

HEALTH & WELLBEING The Big Avon Paddle Vitality Day Spa

66 67

BATH RUGBY Bath’s new season fixtures announced

68

COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES That’s interesting...

Quiz, wordsearch & sudoku

70 72

COMMENT The Last Word 4 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

74

47

.

Lucy Ellis

Floral Designer Call me to discuss...

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• Personalised Tributes • Workshops & Events

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Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary Saving stray & unwanted dogs since 1958

Our Bradford on Avon practice has served the community for over 25 years and is home to a team of highly experienced Osteopaths.

OUR TREATMENTS INCLUDE...

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

ACUPUNCTURE COUNSELLING CRANIAL OSTEOPATHY HOMEOPATHY MASSAGE THERAPY

OSTEOPATHY PSYCHOTHERAPY REFLEXOLOGY REIKI SPORTS MASSAGE SOFT TISSUE THERAPY

APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE:

Monday to Friday 9am - 6pm, Saturdays 9am - 4pm Church Street Practice 15a Church Street Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire BA15 1LN

Telephone 01225 868282

w: churchstreetpractice.co.uk e: enquiries@churchstreetpractice.co.uk

✃ ✃

WWM077

image © Steve Nash

* NOT VALID IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHER OFFERS. VALID BEFORE 7.30PM. EXPIRY DATE 30.09.22. ROAR.

HIROKO SHERWIN Japanese Artist

SONGS OF NATURE An Exhibition of Painting and Collage 9th – 21st August, 11am – 5pm

at 44AD artspace, 4 Abbey Street, Bath BA1 1NN www.44ad.net hirokosherwin@btinternet.com | www.hirokosherwin.co.uk

listings

events

local

AUGUST 2022

POUND ARTS CENTRE

Death on the Nile (12A), Pound Arts

Pound Pill, Corsham, SN13 9HX Box Office: 01249 701628 poundarts.org.uk DEATH ON THE NILE (12A) 9 August, 11am & 7.30pm Tickets: £7.50 Set against an epic landscape of sweeping Egyptian desert vistas and the majestic Giza pyramids, this tale of unbridled passion and incapacitating jealousy features a star-studded cast.

THE BAD GUYS (PG) 10 August, 11am Tickets: from £6 In the new action comedy from DreamWorks Animation a crackerjack criminal crew of animal outlaws are about to attempt their most challenging con yet--becoming model citizens.

THE BEATLES: GET BACK – THE ROOFTOP CONCERT (12A) 11 August, 11am & 7.30pm Tickets: £7.50 Peter Jackson’s unique cinematic experience takes you back in time to The Beatles’ unforgettable 1969 concert atop Apple Corps’ Savile Row headquarters in London.

PHANTOM OF THE OPEN (12A) 16 August, 11am & 7.30pm Tickets: £7.50 The heart-warming true story of Maurice Flitcroft, who entered the 8 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

1976 British Open despite never playing a round of golf before.

SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME (12A) 17 August, 3pm Tickets: from £6 For the first time in the cinematic history of Spider-Man his identity is revealed, bringing his Super Hero responsibilities into conflict with his normal life.

AVEBURY PROJECT 20 August – 24 September Site-specific work inspired by Avebury Heritage site. A multi media group exhibition featuring works from artists based at Bath Artists’ Studios.

OPERATION MINCEMEAT (12A) 30 August, 11am & 7.30pm Tickets: £7.50 Colin Firth heads up an impressive

British cast in the extraordinary true story of two intelligence officers who use a corpse and false papers to outwit German troops during WWII.

TOWN HALL ARTS

Market Street, Trowbridge BA14 8EQ Tel: 01225 774306 trowbridgetownhall.com PIPE AND SLIPPERS RAVE 20 August, 6pm Tickets: from £5 It’s called a Pipe & Slippers Rave, because of the unconventionally early start and finish times, which are intended for the benefit of the (modern) Old Skool Raver!

TEA DANCE 25 August, 2pm Tickets: £5 An enjoyable afternoon with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. No one gets to sit out for long and everyone

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

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

image © Roy McDine

trowbridgemuseum.co.uk

events is encouraged to have a go and tea/ coffee and cake are included!

West of England Youth Orchestra, Wiltshire Music

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

NATIONAL CHILDREN’S ORCHESTRAS OF GREAT BRITAIN 6 August, 4pm Tickets: from £7 The National Children’s Orchestras of Great Britain are proud to present their Under 12s Orchestra for a final performance following their summer residential course.

WEST OF ENGLAND YOUTH ORCHESTRA 27 & 28 August, various times Tickets: from £8 Young orchestral musicians from across the region return to the WMC stage for a programme of luscious symphonic gems including Hindemith, Rachmaninov and Elgar.

SCREENING: ANDRÉ RIEU’S 2022 MAASTRICHT CONCERT 3 September, 2pm Tickets: £18 Maestro André Rieu is performing brand-new summer concert: Happy Days are Here Again! It is his first performance from his hometown of Maastricht in two years.

Black Uhuru, Cheese & Grain

THE ATHENAEUM CENTRE

18-20 High St, Warminster BA12 9AE Tel: 01985 213891 theath.org.uk BELFAST (12A) 17 August, 7.30pm Tickets: £5.50 An all star cast lead this coming-ofage film written and directed by Kenneth Branagh, based on true life events from his childhood.

FROME MEMORIAL THEATRE

Christchurch St West, Frome, BA11 1EB Tel: 01373 462795 fmt.website THE LITTLE MERMAID 4 – 6 August, various times Tickets: from £10

Presented by Spellbound the awardwinning youth group of Frome Musical Theatre Company.

THE DRIFTERS 12 August, 7.30pm Tickets: £27.50 The Drifters are back on tour with a brand-new show performing all their classic hits from the last six decades.

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

AYNSLEY LISTER 5 August, 8pm Tickets: £18.50 Aynsley Lister is one of the UK’s hottest contemporary blues guitarists – many consider him to be among the best in the world.

BLACK UHURU 6 August, 8pm Tickets: £20 For over 50 years Black Uhuru has remained one of the most popular and recognized reggae bands from Jamaica.

STEFAN TAYLOR & THE SIGNATURES 20 August, 8pm Tickets: £21.50 The Signatures can be seen across the UK playing at festivals, live music venues as well as hosting their own Northern Soul nights working with various DJ’s across the UK.

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For full listings go to each venue’s website

events

Marshfest

MORCHEEBA 26 August, 7.30pm Tickets: £22.50 Morcheeba’s signature chilled electronic/organic sound has been border-hopping ever since the London-based band emerged. Their new album, Blackest Blue, is their 10th, and delves into the band’s genremashing musical heritage.

Emily is an award-winning singersongwriter, best known as the writer and performer of the theme to the BBC’s crime drama Wallander.

THE HAMMERVILLES’ BANK HOLIDAY BEACH PARTY 28 August, 8pm Tickets: £10 Popular party covers band The Hammervilles return for their annual massive bank holiday beach party!

AXIS ALL AREAS 6 August, 8.30pm A UK based band specialising in the music of Jimi Hendrix and the guitar greats of the late 60s and 70s.

VILLAGE PUMP

The Close, Warminster, BA12 9AL prestburysportsbar.com All gigs are FREE!

CHARLOTTE GAGA 13 August, 8.30pm The world’s no.1 Lady Gaga tribute act.

The Lamb, Mortimer St, Trowbridge thepumptrowbridge.co.uk

OTHERS

LILLE RODE 5 August, 8pm Tickets: from £6 Lille Rode is the brainchild of Anna Mountfield, a striking front woman and singer/songwriter.

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Heywood House, Heywood, Westbury, BA13 4NA 4 September, 2pm Tickets: £16, Children (9-15yrs) £12 Internationally acclaimed theatre group Illyria return to Heywood House this Autumn for an afternoon performance of Shakespeare’s timeless comic masterpiece, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. heywoodhouse.com/whats-on

STEVE WICKHAM 6 August, 7.30pm Tickets: from £13 Steve Wickham, electric violinist, songwriter and composer is an award-winning Irish artist .

EMILY BARKER 26 August, 8pm Tickets: £15 12

THE PRESTBURY SPORTS BAR

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MARSHFEST Marshfield Cricket Club, Ashwicke Road, Marshfield, SN14 8AB 10 September

Tickets: Adult (11+) £12.60, Child (5-11) £6.25 This fun-filled, family-friendly festival takes place at Marshfield Cricket Club, which lies between Bath and Chippenham. Music will come from great live bands including Talk in Code and Bottle of Dogs, plus there will be magic shows, arts and crafts, circus skills, fitness classes and much more including a hay bale stack that will keep the kids entertained for hours. Delicious local food and drink will range from Indian street food to Thai cuisine, pizzas and Marshfield ice creams. Every penny raised (£15,000 and counting) goes to good causes too. Keep in touch with all the latest news on Facebook and Instagram. marshfest.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 HELL BASTARD 5 August BUTT MONKEYS 6 August TIGHT LIPPED COMBO 7 August THE LOAN SHARKS 12 August HELL DEATH FURY 13 August KEITH & JULIE RICHARDS 14 August FRENZY 19 August THE CONVULSIONS 20 August FRINGE FESTIVAL 21 – 29 August JEFF INGLE 30 August

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

Stamps Wanted

Sought by local collector...

Stamp Collections, Albums and Postal History

Please Contact Ian Applin

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

SAY HELLO TO SUMMER

at Longleat BOOK TODAY longleat.co.uk astonishing adventures are waiting

local news

THE MID-SOMERSET SHOW IS BACK!

T

his year’s Mid-Somerset Show will be taking place on Sunday 21 August - gates open at 9am! After a successful show at the new site in Shepton Mallet, Somerset last year, this year’s planning is on track for the annual one-day

agricultural show to be back to full capacity with a bang.

As always, the show will boast an array of countryside events including show jumping, livestock showing, local food and drink, vintage

vehicles, gun dog displays, flower show and rural crafts. The Shetland Performance Display Team will also be back in the main ring offering exhilarating races with Shetland ponies and their mini riders, and the Paws for Thought dog display team will be putting on a spectacle of agility and games. And be sure not to miss the livestock fancy dress classes for a giggle!

Entry is free to the show with car parking charges. To prebook a car parking space at a discounted rate please visit the website.

The Mid-Somerset Show is also proud to be offering mobility scooters for the first time this year.

Visit the Show’s Facebook page for more details.

Mid-Somerset Show will be back to full capacity this year!

• midsomersetshow.org.uk

EDINGTON MUSIC FESTIVAL

I

t’s the oldest of its kind in the world, and it’s in Edington! In 1956, to raise funds to mend the roof of Edington Priory Church, six choral scholars from Cambridge sang two services a day over a weekend, the first time services had been sung in the church for 300 years.

Sixty-six years later, Edington Music Festival lasts for eight days at the end of August, from Compline by candlelight on the Sunday evening, to Eucharist on the following Sunday of the Bank Holiday weekend. A theme is chosen for each festival, around which is woven complex and beautiful music embedded in the four services a day. These are sung by choirs under some of the UK’s top choral directors, music before the evening service played on the church’s Harrison & Harrison organ by a leading organist, new commissions,

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and the regular recording of the midweek Choral Evensong on BBC Radio 3, this year recorded live for broadcast at a later date.

If you enjoy the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from Kings College Cambridge on Christmas Eve, then you surely will enjoy the experience of this extraordinary event. The 2022 festival runs from August 21-28; entrance to all services is free. The full programme is available to view on the website.

The theme this year is Creation and Recreation. Music will include Vaughan Williams’‘Mass in G Minor’, Copland’s ‘In the beginning’, Dove’s ‘Seek him that maketh the Seven Stars’ and Michael Haydn’s ‘Requiem Mass’. • edingtonfestival.org

Edington Music Festival takes place over eight days in late August

Sunday 21st to Sunday 28th August

“Creation and Recreation” 8 days of music for the soul Free entry to all services The Priory Church, Edington BA13 4QN Tel 01380 831425

For the full line up see www.edingtonfestival.org Registered Charity no:1099266

local news

GREAT SUMMER FUN AT LONGLEAT

F

From exciting animal adventures to incredible family fun, there’s plenty to keep everyone smiling at Longleat.

This summer, you’ll find extra activities on top of everything a full day at Longleat has to offer. The Park’s breath-taking bird displays showcase majestic birds of prey regularly throughout the day, and our fabulous pop-up indoor beach is bringing the seaside to you.

“This summer, you’ll find extra activities on top of everything a full day at Longleat has to offer.”

As you explore the Park itself, discover animals from all over the world. There are lots of

There’s even more to see and do at Longleat this summer!

opportunities to get up close and meet new friends. Stroll through the meerkat and lemur enclosures, hand-feed giraffes, lorikeets and deer – you can even feed the sea lions on a Jungle Cruise. Let the Longleat Railway take you on a tour past Half Mile Pond, home to our

beloved hippos, and make sure you leave time for the drive-through Safari, where lions roam, tigers prowl and monkeys swing.

A day of astonishing adventures awaits! Book tickets online today!

• longleat.co.uk

GILLINGHAM & SHAFTESBURY SHOW!

T

he Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show is back this month and promises to be more actionpacked than ever before.

exhibits. The show welcomes back the Heavy Horse Village, even bigger than last year. Sponsored

by Wincanton Racecourse, there’ll be heavy horse demonstrations by Announcing a new star attraction, the these gentle giants. show welcomes the world famous A shopping village, funfair, live music motorcycle spectacular - The IMPs Motorcycle Display Team sponsored and refreshments from local artisan

by Fuel10K. With the youngest Agriculture is at the heart of The performer only five years old, these Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show daredevil stunt riders put on a dynamic display including a deathdefying fire jump not to be missed!

From two wheels to four legs, agriculture is at the heart of this show. The much loved Grand Parade of Livestock, sponsored by Woolley & Wallis, will feature in the Gritchie Brewing Company Main Ring. Come and see the champion cattle and sheep parade in style.

Horse fans will love the equestrian

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producers ensures there’s something for everyone at this remarkable rural day out. Dogs are welcome, picnic tables on site. Mobility scooters to hire. Family tickets are just £40 for two adults and two children if you book in advance via the website.

• gillshaftshow.co.uk

corsham

DISCOVER

CORSHAM

This summer be sure to pay a visit to this bustling market town...

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 19

corsham of December. All this plus two hours’ free parking!

Corsham's historic high street is full of thriving independent businesses

corsham.gov.uk | visit-corsham.co.uk.

EVENTS CORSHAM CREATIVE MARKETS

Springfield Community Campus, Corsham A monthly hub for creativity, shopping and socialising, Corsham Creative Market has been running since 2015.

Spread over two indoor halls, the market has over 30 stalls selling a huge range of handmade goods including woodwork, ceramics, jewellery, pastries, art and even dog biscuits.

C

orsham is a hidden gem at the foot of the Cotswolds. A quintessential, historic market town with a modern outlook, full of flourishing independent shops and eating places, Corsham also offers free-roaming peacocks and film-set scenery to its visitors.The town famously stood in for Truro in BBC One’s hit Poldark series. Visit the stunning 16th century Corsham Court with its Capability Brown-landscaped parkland (corsham-court.co.uk); indulge in some retail therapy and enjoy the culture at The Pound Arts Centre, home to a vibrant and

eclectic programme of events. All this and there’s delicious local food and drink in a fantastic array of cafes and restaurants from vegan street food to high-end dining.

Corsham’s town centre events are not to be missed either. The Taste of Corsham Food Festival takes place in June. There’s all the fun of the Street Fair in September (Saturday 10th in 2022). StoryTown, Corsham’s celebration of storytelling in all its formats, takes place in October (15-16th in 2022). And the town’s family-friendly traditional Christmas Lights Switch On sees Corsham get set for the festivities on the first Friday

"A quintessential, historic market town with a modern outlook, full of flourishing independent shops and eating places, Corsham also offers free-roaming peacocks and film-set scenery to its visitors."

20 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

On special occasions the market opens its doors to live music, craft workshops and face painting and has even had the team from Kirstie Allsopp’s Handmade Fair attend with pop-up art activities. To learn more visit the website or pop across on the first Saturday of every month to Springfield Community Campus from 11am – 3pm. Free entry, free parking and it’s wheelchair accessible.

07805 996568 | corshamcreativemarket.co.uk

POUND ARTS

Pound Pill, Corsham The Pound Arts Centre is a small yet hugely ambitious community hub nestled in an old Victorian schoolhouse, just a two-minute walk from the picturesque town centre.

Run by The Pound Arts Trust, a charity organisation, The Pound provides a year round programme of live events, films, exhibitions and workshops designed to make the arts accessible and engaging to people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you fancy an evening of sublime folk music or attending a life drawing class - where the model’s a live chicken - The Pound has you covered.

There’s also The Pound’s much-loved vegetarian café bar where you

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Tel 01249 712369 11 High Street, Corsham SN13 0ES info@corshamopticians.co.uk corshamopticians.co.uk

@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

w: www.perfectrooms.co.uk e: interiors@perfectrooms.co.uk

ftip

corsham recommending the best fit for your child’s feet.

For adults they stock brands that look good and feel good! From the gorgeous podiatrist-recommended Vionics and Strives, to walk on-air comfort of the Riekers, Caprice, Legero and the wide-fit specialist DB Shoes, they’ll have you skipping away in a properly fitting pair of shoes!

01249 736114 | iftheshoefits.shop

The Pound Arts provides a year round programme of events

can catch up with friends, grab a pre-show drink, chill out or simply kill some time while little ones enjoy an after-school activity.

01249 701628 | poundarts.org.uk

RETAIL

travels around the world and ready to use in commissions and repairs. Their artisan showroom and workshop are certainly worth a look when you explore the town.

01249 715404 | coppins.co.uk

CORSHAM COPPINS JEWELLERY HARDWARE 1 Church Street, Corsham Coppins has been in Corsham’s old town for nearly 40 years. Opened by John and Ann Coppin in 1983, the company continues to be family run. with daughter Daisy now at the helm. serving the people of Corsham with their extensive collection of jewellery.

Pickwick Road, Corsham Corsham Hardware is a family-run business, established in 1999. The store is open Monday - Saturday and offers a huge range of products including electrical items, gas, paints (they can mix Dulux (Trade and Retail), Cuprinol and Hammerite paints! To order), logs, kitchenware, pet supplies, Peek through the windows and you tools, gardening supplies, key cutting will see the workshop where the and much more. There is free parking team of goldsmiths craft and repair all just outside and they also offer free manner of jewellery and silverware. local delivery. Stock arrives weekly and Specialising in engagement and if you don't see what you are after, it wedding rings there are a wide variety will arrive within the week!

01249 713556 | corshamhardware.co.uk of beautiful styles to choose from or take advantage of their years of skill IF THE SHOE FITS and knowledge to help design your very own bespoke piece. Coppins also 5 Martingate, Corsham has an extensive selection of rare and At If The Shoe Fits, they believe in the importance of properly fitted shoes unusual gemstones, gathered from for all ages, from first walkers to grown "Coppins also has an ups. They measure and fit children extensive selection and adults, as feet change shape of rare and unusual throughout our lives. For children they gemstones, gathered stock Start-Rite & Petasil as well as from travels around innovative emerging brands Bobux & the world."

Ricosta, and are experts at finding and 22

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If The Shoe Fits measure and fit shoes

PERFECT ROOMS & INTERIORS

Silver Street, Gastard, nr Corsham At Perfect Rooms & Interiors, they take pride in their reputation for quality, hand crafted work, and great customer service. Established by Sue Coleman, who has more than 30 years’ industry experience, they have expanded from tailor-made soft furnishings to home accessories, wall coverings, flooring, furniture supply and an inhouse upholstery and furniture making service.

Perfect Rooms speciality in soft furnishings includes tailor made curtains and blinds, made in their own local workroom. They stock a number of branded fabrics, wallpapers and paints in their showroom, less than a 5-minute drive from the centre of Corsham, and they co-ordinate with trusted tradespeople to provide decorating, flooring and carpentry services. As well as Perfect Rooms, if you fancy a trip to nearby Melksham they also have @Home with Perfect Rooms, a boutique home interiors

CALL

01249 713556 A family run business since 1999...

• Kitchenware • Pet Supplies • Gardening • Tools • Key Cutting

• Electrical • Gas • Paint • Logs & much more...

FREE LOCAL DELIVERY AVAILABLE

www.corshamhardware.co.uk

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

corsham store offering home furnishings, fabrics, homewares and more.

01249 716445 | perfectrooms.co.uk

Previous is full of gorgeous things

PREVIOUS HOMEWARES

51-53 High Street, Corsham On Corsham’s High Street, Previous Homewares is a mini department store full of fascinating, gorgeous things. You’ll find unusual products from independent makers so if you’re looking for an interesting, well-priced gift that the receiver will adore, then look no further: they offer everything from homewares to accessories, jewellery, ‘man’ gifts, toys, stationery and clothes, plus quirky vintage items - from over 150 suppliers and makers.

Founded by former design historian, lecturer and author Nicola White, the shop and online store sell carefully selected, interesting goodies, some locally made, many handmade, some vintage, some sourced in-person overseas and some exclusive to them in the UK. 01249 713985 | previoushomewares.co.uk

RIGHT ANGLE PICTURE FRAMING

20 High Street, Corsham A beautiful picture can really set off a room, and ensuring it really sings is a job requiring an expert eye. Right Angle Picture Framing has been part of Corsham High Street for more than 35 years, so they’ve had a lot of experience framing a huge variety 24 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

of items in many different ways, including antique oil paintings, classic album covers, sporting memorabilia, military honours or simple family photographs. In the last few years they have worked for the American Museum in Britain & the Fox Talbot Museum at Lacock. The experience and skills they have learnt there feeds back into the work they do for their regular customers too.

Right Angle also sell ready-made frames, mount board by the sheet and moulding by the length and they have a wide variety of art materials, including Winsor & Newton, perfect gifts for the artist in the family.

01249 716051 | rightanglepictureframing.co.uk

SANDERS PAINTINGS & SCULPTURE

3A Pickwick Road, Corsham The Sanders Paintings and Sculpture Gallery exhibits the work of established artists and twins Jonathan and Michael Sanders. Situated on Pickwick Road in the centre of Corsham, the gallery is open Thursday to Saturday from 10am-5pm.

Featured are a wide range of original paintings, limited edition prints, foundry cast bronze and bronze resin sculpture plus a large variety of cards.

The range of subjects on show vary Sanders exhibits the work of Jonathan and Michael Sanders

from African and British wildlife to the landscapes of Wiltshire, the English Coast, Norfolk, France, and Africa.

01249 585073 | sandersgallery.co.uk

SERVICES CLEAR VISION ACCOUNTANCY

1 Abacus House, Newlands Road, Corsham Clear Vision Accountancy offers a comprehensive range of accountancy services which are provided in three packages; Compliance, Comfort and Leadership. Each package can be adapted to suit your individual needs as a business owner, all designed to help you to relax and concentrate on running your business.

Matthew Rogers, Managing Director says, “Business is thriving in Corsham. There is a surprising array of interesting and innovative businesses for a town of its size, including a wide range of retailers, professional services, hospitality, healthcare businesses and much more.

“Many business owners in Corsham are looking to develop and grow their businesses. They work hard and appreciate getting the financial clarity and peace of mind they need to step away from their businesses

35

CELEBRATING

51-53 High Street, Corsham SN13 0EZ

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years

IN CORSHAM

RIGHT ANGLE Picture Framing

For all types of picture framing & art materials too.

OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY

BUY ONLINE OR IN STORE! NEW HOMEWARES, VINTAGE PIECES & COMPLEMENTARY ITEMS incl CARDS, JEWELLERY, WOMENSWEAR & TOYS 01249 713985 previoushomewares.co.uk

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

Tel 01249 716051

www.rightanglepictureframing.co.uk

SANDERS PAINTINGS AND SCULPTURE SCULPTURE, PAINTINGS AND PRINTS by twins Jonathan and Michael Sanders GALLERY OPEN: Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 10am – 5pm VISIT US AT: Sanders Paintings And Sculpture 3A Pickwick Road, Corsham SN13 9BQ www.sandersgallery.co.uk • 01249 585073 • jonnysanders@sky.com

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corsham and enjoy more quality time with their loved ones.”

To discuss the support you need, simply book a Discovery Call with one of their knowledgeable team members.

01249 712074 | clearvisionaccountancygroup.co.uk

CORSHAM OPTICIANS 11 High Street, Corsham Corsham Opticians is ideally situated on the High Street in Corsham and is open for all. They provide the standard eye examinations, as required by the NHS, and enhanced eye examinations which give a much more in-depth examination using up to date highly specialised equipment.

Alongside a specialist Low Vision Service for the visually impaired, they also offer a Dry Eye Clinic with an assortment of treatments available for those struggling with this distressing condition. All their services can be covered by a new loyalty plan which for a small fee each month, gives large discounts on spectacles and services.

01249 712369 | corshamopticians.co.uk

DAVID INGRAM

7 High Street, Corsham As Corsham's only family owned property agent, along with being the only business offering sales, lettings & property management under one roof, David Ingram Residential offers huge expertise on every aspect of the property market.

Matt & Kathryn Chalk and the rest of their wonderful team have a combined 90+ years' experience in the property business, including people who have lived in the area all their entire lives, so you can be confident each has a vested interest to deliver a passionate, honest and hugely knowledgeable service to all of their clients. Taking pride in combining the latest technology with traditional values and an extensive 26 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

David Ingram is family owned and run

knowledge of the local property market, they are committed to providing honest and professional advice that clients can always trust and rely on.

01249 701900 | david-ingram.co.uk

FIRST STEP GYM

Leafield Industrial Estate, Corsham Open 7 days a week, First Step offers a range of membership options to suit every lifestyle and fitness aspiration.

They don’t believe that “one size fits all” when it comes to fitness clubs, so you can opt in as much, or as little as you like. What you are guaranteed when you visit though is a fully equipped gym complete with Life Fitness cardiovascular machines and a comprehensive free weights area plus instructors on hand to make sure you’re getting the most out of each exercise. Two studios offer a wide variety of classes including spin, yoga and circuits, and they also have their own 15m swimming pool available

LITTLE WILLOWS

Stokes Rd, Corsham Little Willows Day Nursery is owned by former Bath and England rugby player, Steve Ojomoh. The nursery is open from Monday to Friday, 51 weeks of the year and offers care for babies and children aged 12 weeks to 5 years. Little Willows has one main play room, a large indoor sandpit, sensory room, and outdoor play area.

The nursery has an on-site chef who freshly prepares all meals and snacks daily, using locally sourced produce.

Little Willows strives to make its nursery accessible for everyone, providing the best possible care for all children, including those with additional needs. The nursery is set on one level so is physically accessible for all who attend. For further information call or email corsham@ littlewillowsdaynursery.co.uk.

01249 701444 | daynurseryinbath.co.uk

SOVEREIGN DAMP & "First Step offers a range of membership TIMBER LTD Ingoldmells Court, Edinburgh Way, options to suit every Corsham lifestyle and fitness Sovereign Damp Proof & Timber Ltd aspiration." has been established since 1981 and too. Once your workout is done wind down in the sauna, or perhaps you’d like a treatment at their inhouse beauty studio? The choice is yours.

01225 812612 | firststepgym.co.uk

they are renowned for their high quality of workmanship and reliability.

Sovereign offer injected damp proof courses, timber treatments including

CONNECTING WITH BUSINESS OWNERS TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL CLARITY & PEACE OF MIND

“

Everything has been clearly thought through to provide an extremely smooth service which enables me to concentrate on running my business and not the running of my accounts Matthew Clay, Director, Matthew Clay Architects Limited

01249 712074

”

“

Excellent accounting & business support. Highly recommended.

Ben Hellyer, Managing Director, Kristek Precision Limited

1 Abacus House, Newlands Road Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 0BH

theteam@cvag.co.uk

www.clearvisionaccountancygroup.co.uk

”

f ClearVisionAccountancyLimited l clear-vision-accountancy-group-limited i clearvisionaccountancy t ClearVisionAcct

corsham beetle infestation, wet rot and dry rot treatments, basement waterproofing (including Delta membrane systems) and general maintenance.

They also offer re-plastering services - including lime based plastering approved by Listed Buildings and English Heritage, which makes it perfect for use on older properties.

Both the National Trust and Crown Estates feature on their list of regular clients, as well as local authorities, estate and lettings agents, housing associations and architects as well as the general public.

01249 716161 | sovereigndpc.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK FORAGE

At Wadswick Country Store, Bradford Road, Corsham Visit Wadswick Country Store and you may just be surprised by what you find. Alongside the equestrian and pet ranges the store is well-known for is a vast collection of fashion clothing from Fairfax & Favor, Barbour, Holland Cooper, R.M. Williams and many more, as well as gifts and homeware. There’s a gunroom and shooting simulator for those inclined (and even those not!) and a modern new restaurant, Forage, all within a fabulous countryside setting just outside Corsham; it’s a perfect pit stop on a local walk.

With a sunny courtyard, rooftop terrace, and a contemporary space inside, the cafe/restaurant is a Forage at Wadswick Country Store

28 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

wonderful setting to enjoy breakfast, coffee & cake, lunches and Sunday roasts. The menu ranges from sandwiches to delicious three-course lunches with many of the ingredients locally sourced and even grown on the farm just a few metres from the restaurant. Definitely worth a visit! foragewadswick.co.uk | wadswick.co.uk

MAY’S GREENGROCERS

7 Martingate, Corsham May's Greengrocers is a family run business that has just celebrated its fifth anniversary. Located in the centre of town Mitch and his team offer fresh fruit and veg as well as local honey and yogurt, cakes, meringues, jams and chutneys, Wiltshire and Somerset eggs, juices, oils and sauces and even fantastic quality locally grown plants at great value prices.

Right now you can pop in for some gorgeous soft fruits, ideal for summer puddings, or perhaps you’d like to sample the new range of sauces that are the perfect accompaniment to a BBQ. There are always great deals to be had on top quality produce so be sure to pop into May’s and have a browse. fb.com/Maysgreengrocers

TOBY HAYNES

32 High Street, Corsham Toby Haynes traditional family butchers opened on Corsham High Street in late 2015. Seven years on and it an established reputation for selling high quality meat at reasonable prices; earlier this year it was again voted Best Butcher in the South West by the Countryside Alliance Awards.

Toby Haynes endeavours to source all its meat from the local area, including free range chicken, traditional grass finished beef and seasonal game. They also make their own sausages and pies – delicious! With expert advice from friendly staff, you needn’t go anywhere

May's have been in Corsham for 5 years

else and with BBQ packs, luxury steak packs and more, they have everything you need for a summer al fresco feast!

Pop in to find out more or you can also order on the website.

01249 713253 | corshambutcher.co.uk

"Woody’s Deli is all about great food, coffee and service."

WOODY’S DELI

18 High Street, Corsham Woody’s Deli is all about great food, coffee and service. Many of you will know their 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.

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 say hello, the team will be happy to tell you all about the exciting plans for the next few months (including Woody’s Wine Shop!), try a few of their cheeses and feast on the cake tasters, you will not be disappointed!

01249 716091 | adam@thedeliatcorsham.co.uk

Toby Haynes

We offer a comprehensive service for all kinds of damp proofing, - RISING DAMP basement waterproofing, timber - TIMBERand INFESTATION treatment specialist replastering.

- DRY & WET ROT TREATMENTS - PLASTERING - BASEMENT WATERPROOFING - RENOVATIONS

T: 01225 811222 www.sovereigndpc.co.uk E: info@sovereigndpc.co.uk

AWARD-WINNING FAMILY BUTCHERS

OFFERING MEAT PACKS WITH ALL YOUR FAMILY FAVOURITES • Handmade Pies & Sausages • Traditional Meats & Game • Weekly Specials • 28-day Dry Aged Steaks COME TO US FOR FRIENDLY, HELPFUL ADVICE

OPEN 8am-5pm Tue-Fri, 8am-1pm Sat 32 High Street, Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 0HD 01249 713253 • traditionalfamilybutcher.co.uk •

Find us on

f

SPACES STILL AVAILABLE FOR SEPTEMBER 2022 Call us on

01225 812816

Offering a variety of flexible sessions 51 weeks a year for children aged three months to five years

MEMBERSHIP OR PAY AS YOU GO NO MINIMUM CONTRACT OR JOINING FEE

Swimming Pool • Sauna • Beauty & Treatment Room Personal Training • Hot Showers • Complimentary Towels Les Mills Classes • Smith Machine • HD Elite Power Rack Lifting Platform • Full range of Dumbbells • Life FitnessTM equipment Leafield Industrial Estate, Corsham SN13 9SW firststepgym.co.uk

01249 701444 t @lwdaynursery corsham@littlewillowsdaynursery.co.uk www.daynurseryinbath.co.uk

Woody’s Deli is all about great food, great coffee and great service.

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 18 High Street, Corsham SN13 0ES TEL 01249 716091 EMAIL adam@thedeliatcorsham.co.uk OPENING HOURS: 8am - 5pm Tuesday - Saturday (Closed Sunday & Monday)

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...

A

s always I write this article in the middle of the previous month - in this case mid-July - and we are experiencing some very hot weather at the moment! I hope our local and UK fruit and vegetables won’t be too badly affected by the time you read this! One of the crops that we always hope will produce a good yield is of course potatoes.

The best time to give them a good soaking is when they are in flower.

Only water when it is cool, not in the heat of the day. Our local Maris piper potatoes are grown just outside Corsham. To give you an idea of quantity we sell over 150 tonnes of them throughout the season. We also sell other specialist varieties for different uses. Luckily most medium to large growers have irrigation but obviously even this is time consuming and very costly.

One of my favourite jobs I am responsible for throughout the summer is finding as many different

obviously the more UK produce you can buy to support the growers and the economy is always welcome.

“One of my favourite jobs throughout the summer is finding as many different kinds of tomatoes in the market.” kinds of tomatoes in the market.

Obviously they are one of the most sought after items as no salad would be complete without the lovely red colour. Instead of the normal beef variety we get a chance to buy Coer de Boeuf, their shape is amazing. Heritage Tomatoes and multi coloured cherry toms as well to name few. I know I am here to champion local and UK produce but the French tomatoes this time of year have amazing taste as well. Always look at the label when you are buying them. It is law to display where a product is grown or produced and

Grow your own tomatoes in a grow bag up against a sunny wall. It is not too late to take a trip to the garden centre to buy a healthy plant. There is nothing more gratifying than picking your own and eating them, with care you can pick them right up to the end of the summer. Flavour is the most important when choosing variety, bear in mind that how you grow has a major influence on flavour.

Keep the compost evenly moist and feed regularly to enhance the flavour. Good warmth and sunshine are also needed. The garden centres are always helpful.

As always email me with any queries or comments. Is there any vegetable or fruit you would like me to write about next month?

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

32

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

BRUNCH TIME

recipes

This month FRAN STEVENS, aka The Food Wife, shows you some delicious brunch recipes to enjoy with family and friends!

I was asked today how the diet was going. Here’s the answer! We’d just had this for breakfast and we could not be happier! Yes it’s indulgent but my goodness it’s delicious.

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a non-stick frying pan over a medium/high heat.

While the oil and pan are heating up, dip each sandwich finger in the eggy mixture, allowing it to soak up I don’t think I need say anything else, some of the liquid before flipping each one over to coat the other other than try it… side.

Ingredients Now the pan is hot add the eggy 4 slices of white bread

sandwiches and cook for a couple of minutes a side until golden.

Remove from the pan and toss in the cinnamon sugar and arrange on a serving plate.

Once all sugar-coated sandwiches are on the serving plate, drizzle the chocolate sauce over. Serve immediately.

Chocolate spread 2 eggs Milk Pinch of sugar 2 tbsp (vanilla) caster sugar ½ tsp ground cinnamon 1 tbsp vegetable oil 50g dark chocolate 1 tsp coconut oil Method Begin by making two chocolate spread sandwiches. Cut each in half and then each half into three fingers. Set aside.

In a bowl mix the two tablespoons of caster sugar and the cinnamon together. Set aside.

Whisk the two eggs, a splash of milk and a pinch of sugar together in a wide dish. Set aside.

✃

Melt the dark chocolate and the coconut oil together in a bowl. I do this in the microwave in 30 second bursts - stirring each time - until you have a smooth chocolate sauce.

Set aside.

INDULGENT CHOCOLATE BREAKFAST Serves 3-4

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 33

recipes

CHORIZO SCRAMBLE Serves 2 A perfectly quick and satisfying brunch which is ready in minutes.

The flavoursome oil released from the chorizo as it fries, gives everything a glorious orange hue.

Ingredients 75g chorizo, diced 2 spring onions, chopped 3 eggs Pinch of salt and pepper Bread/toast/rolls to serve

blueberry pancakes (VG)

create a well in the centre and begin whisking in the milk, until you have a smooth thick batter.

Heat a non-stick pan over a medium high heat and add a little vegetable oil. Use a small ladle or So what do you do when you want pancakes for breakfast but you don’t use 2 tablespoons worth to make small American style thick pancakes. eat (or just don’t have any) eggs?

Once each one has been put in the Make a stack of these and everyone pan, immediately put four or five will be happy. These are easily made gluten and dairy-free (although if that blueberries into each one. Cook for a is not an issue, regular flour and milk couple of minutes on each side until golden and fluffy. Be careful as you work great too!) turn than as they are more delicate If you’ve always got berries in the than egg-based pancakes. freezer this is a great brunch to have Serve as a stack, with syrup or more on standby. berries and yogurt, as desired.

Ingredients 2 large ripe bananas, mashed to a purée 1 tbsp of caster sugar 120g self-raising flour (gf if required) 1/2 tsp baking powder (gf if required) Pinch of salt 150ml milk (plant-based if required) Vegetable oil A couple of handfuls of blueberries (frozen or fresh)

Makes approx 12, serves 2-4

Method Place a frying pan on a medium heat, and once hot add the chopped chorizo. Allow the chorizo to become golden, releasing its oil, then add the spring onion.

Beat the three eggs together in a bowl with a pinch of salt and pepper, then lower the heat on the frying pan to its minimum and add the eggs.

Immediately begin scrambling them with a spatula and switch off the heat and let the remaining heat of the pan finish the cooking.

Serve immediately on your choice of bread/toast/rolls (with butter/dairyfree butter as desired).

• thefoodwife.co.uk

34 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

✃

Method In a large bowl, mix together the mashed banana, sugar, flour, baking powder and salt along with a splash of vegetable oil. Once combined,

✃

The

Farmhouse

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

INN

Artisan Grocery & Coffee Shop at Bradford On Avon Marina

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

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.

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

Bradford on Avon Marina, Trowbridge Rd, Bradford on Avon BA15 1UD

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

07919 910862 // noahspantry.co.uk //

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

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 LOCAL 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

MEET THE CHEF

GEORGE PAGET, head chef at The George & Dragon in Rowde, talks about mastering curries, great local suppliers and carp fishing!

What was your first job in catering?

My first job was working for an outside catering company called NUDLZ.

George Paget loves his carp fishing

Where have you worked previously?

I have previously worked at Bowood House & Gardens near Calne.

What were the first dishes you mastered?

That would have to be a coconut curry and a vegan noodle dish cooked in traditional Chinese wok.

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

All our produce is sourced as locally as possible, we use a wide variety of suppliers depending on what is in season at the time. We are also particularly well known for our seafood which comes up fresh from St Mawes in Cornwall. If I had to pick a favourite though I would say H F Stiles & Son the butchers. It's just down the road in Bromham, they have top quality produce and I spent some time working with them and they're great people too!

The George & Dragon is known for its seafood

What is your personal favourite dish from your menu?

At the moment my favourite dish on the menu is the crab & chorizo aranchini with pickled cucumber and bisque sauce.

What is the most memorable event you have cooked for?

I once worked at a local music festival, I worked all day and danced all night!

When you get a day off, which local pubs and restaurants do you like visiting?

I enjoy exploring different street foods and markets.

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

Pasta, In my opinion you can't go wrong with pasta. A carbonara usually goes down well with friends.

What is your favourite tipple?

This is a tough one! at the moment I would have to say a spiced rum and

36 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

coke, Kraken being up there!

Your favourite kitchen gadget?

My knife, it's been going strong for 10 years now and I'd be lost without it!

Guilty pleasure?

Carp fishing, if I'm not in the kitchen I'm on a lake somewhere!

Finally, if there was one piece of advice you could give to someone who wanted to start a career as a chef, what would it be?

Be sure you want it, it's not a job it's a lifestyle.

To book a table at The George & Dragon call 01380 723053.

• thegeorgeanddragonrowde.co.uk

"my favourite dish on the menu is the crab & chorizo aranchini with pickled cucumber and bisque sauce."

George & Dragon The

Rowde

Sunday Lunch

3 Course Set Menu

“An unexpected gem! Fantastic food. Wonderfully imaginative garden seating. Cute and cosy pub, can’t wait to go back!”

£28.50pp

Famous for seafood, delivered straight from Cornwall. Now taking bookings for Alfresco dining on our heated terrace! Our private Potting Shed holds up to 5 & The Pavilion up to 10 High Street, Rowde, Devizes SN10 2PN Telephone: 01380 723053 • thegeorgeanddragonrowde.co.uk •

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A traditional village pub with rooms serving local beers, eclectic wines and exceptional seasonal food.

Church Street, Maiden Bradley, BA12 7HW • reception@thebradleyhare.co.uk • 01985 801018 • thebradleyhare.co.uk

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Bath & Borders CAMRA Country Pub of the Year 2022

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

LYN & ANDY HOBBS WELCOME YOU TO THE RISING SUN

EVERY FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY

We are a traditional country pub offering tasty homemade food, real ales & ciders

REGULAR LIVE MUSIC AND EVENTS!

Real Ales | Beer Garden | Pub Games Real Log Fires | Parking Next to Bradford on Avon Train Station

• 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

Frome Road, Bradford On Avon, Wiltshire BA15 1LA

Telephone 01225 865876 Find us on Facebook

f

f

THE

WESTBROOK

Bromham, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 2EE

tel 01380 850418

www.westbrookbromham.co.uk

FREE BOUNCY CASTLE ON SUNNY DAYS ALL SUMMER! 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

interview Tim Paget in his fields in the centre of Bromham

PAGET'S PRODUCE This month, Lovejoys Wholesale's NEIL MORTIMER speaks to Bromham farmer TIM PAGET from Paget's Produce.

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 39

interview How long have your family been growers in Bromham?

The family has been here for at least five generations, growing crops on this farm, so well over 100 years. It is one of the best located farms right in the middle of the village.

became dominant. The light soil provided early cultivation and good quality crops.

What does the farm specialise in?

The farm specialises in bunch carrots with their tops on in the summer and parsnips and leeks in the winter.

How has the farm diversified over the years?

Over the years the farm has had to start to grow crops for the hospitality trade as well as retail. being more interested in where Two of the main crops we grow and distribute through Lovejoys are their food is grown, working with Lovejoys enables us to see our our heritage carrots and beetroot. produce on menus all around the county and beyond.

We at Lovejoys have a

What makes Bromham so good for veg growing?

In the 16th century Bromham’s industrial heritage was mainly weaving, evidence of this can be found in the Trowbridge Museum.

In the 17th century this collapsed and horticulture and agriculture

longstanding relationship with you, passing down the generations. Our chefs are very keen to buy locally sourced food so that food miles are kept low and seasonality is very important to them. Do you think this is more important now than ever?

With fuel costs rising and people

"The farm specialises in bunch carrots with their tops on in the summer and parsnips and leeks in the winter."

What is the busiest time of year?

The summer is our busiest time, especially in dry periods.

What is the most challenging weather for you to deal with?

Extreme heat without a doubt!

Everything needs watering at once which takes up such a lot of time and we struggle to have enough water. The sandy soil is amazing for growing but also does not hold the moisture well.

The Paget family has been farming in Bromham for well over 100 years

40 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

interview Do you enjoy what you do?

Yes, I could not think about doing anything different.

Which season do you always look forward to?

I look forward, as most growers do, to the spring.

It is a time to sit and plan new crops, rotation of the fields, and then to get on with the sowing and planting for the coming year.

Which crops are the most difficult/ easy to grow?

Leafy vegetables are most difficult to grow in the summer when it is hot.

Root crops are extremely difficult to get out of the ground in the winter when it is cold and frosty. It always proves a problem if the cold weather hits just before Christmas when everyone wants parsnips with their Christmas lunch!

What are your favourite vegetables?

Carrots!

We have our own farm shop here in Bromham that is open from 2pm to 4pm on a Thursday. Many farm shops in the area also stock our produce, even as far afield as Evesham.

• pagetsproduce.co.uk

know the village.

If you are a chef who would like to talk to us about using some of Paget's lovely produce in your menus please get in touch via lovejoyswholesale.com where you can see our full range of products.

We hope you have enjoyed this piece on Paget's, one of our main suppliers.

Take a trip to Bromham if you do not They have their own farm shop open on Thursdays

What is the easiest veg to start with if you are growing your own?

Lettuce is an easy crop to start with, especially the cut and come again varieties. Radish are also good, especially for children who like to see a quick result.

What is your favourite dish to make using your own veg?

My favourite will always be a good old fashioned roast dinner with the plate full of our own grown vegetables.

Where can readers buy your produce?

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 41

food & drink

SUMMER DINING AT BEECHFIELD HOUSE

W

hatever the time of day there is always something delicious to eat at Beechfield House Hotel, an independent country house hotel in Beanacre, on the outskirts of Melksham. Over the summer on sunny days you can enjoy your food from their 2AA rosette restaurant on their beautiful terrace overlooking the swimming pool. Lunch is served from 12noon to 2.30pm and you might also want to consider one of their delicious afteroon teas, served from 2.30-5.30pm.

If you opt for a traditional afternoon tea you will start with a selection of homemade sandwiches, followed by jam and scones and to finish a selection of mini-cakes and patisseries, all served with tea and coffee of course - head to the website to book!

If the weather isn’t quite so kind, the hotel also has four relaxed, stylish and comfortable dining rooms to choose from.

Beechfield House is also an ideal venue for business meetings. There are a variety of meeting rooms

available so whether you’re a small team looking for a change of scenery or, you need a venue for your conference (up to 50 delegates), they have have options available (beechfieldhouse.co.uk/business).

• beechfieldhouse.co.uk

Dine al fresco at Beechfield House this summer

PIZZA NIGHTS AT THE THREE DAGGERS

I

f your family is looking for a fun place to eat this summer then head to The Three Daggers in Edington near Westbury. Holding two AA rosettes, it was the AA Pub of the Year England 2019 – 2020.

The pub offers a warm welcome and its good-sized beer garden overlooks a children’s play area and gives far-reaching views of rolling Wiltshire fields. In the kitchen, executive chef James Graham champions both local

producers and seasonal cooking to create stunning modern British dishes. In the pub’s Woodshed, which is open Friday to Sunday throughout the summer, you can get sourdough pizzas, cooked in their wood-fired brick oven, salads and beers from the outside kitchen and bar. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are always available, along with a children’s menu; it’s a great informal dining out option for warm summer days. Sourdough pizza takeaway is also available - just call 01380 830940 to order.

If you’re using the pub as a stop off on a family day out, the famous Westbury White Horse is a threemile walk away whilst Edington also lies on the Ridgeway trail, with lots of footpaths to explore.

Grab some pizzas from The Woodshed this summer

42 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

• threedaggers.co.uk

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

beechfieldhouse.co.uk

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

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

• 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

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

f

days out Top: Longleat's amazing Hedge Maze Bottom: Malmesbury is England's oldest borough

VISIT WILTSHIRE With rising prices all around, it pays to stay local this summer and make the most of some of the fantastic attractions in your home county!

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 47

F

days out

rom luscious countryside hills to quaint villages and cities filled with character, Wiltshire is a county that offers all! Whether you are local, looking to explore nearby hidden gems, or have travelled from afar and love discovering new and exciting places, there’s something for the whole family!

The Caen Hill Locks in Devizes

DEVIZES Regularly featured in ‘Top 10s’, Devizes is a historic market town with a colourful Medieval past, wealth of history and architectural heritage. With more than 500 listed buildings and a large Market Place in the heart of the town, there’s plenty to explore. Take a walk and see the 29 locks of the Caen Hill flight on the Kennet and Avon canal, a triumph of Georgian engineering and a truly remarkable sight. Visit the Wiltshire Museum and explore the many exhibits and award-winning galleries which features gold from the time of Stonehenge, telling the story of the famous World Heritage site!

SALISBURY Superbly situated in the south of Wiltshire is the medieval city of Salisbury. The perfect fusion of ancient and modern, this city is full of character from its cultural food and drink scene, to the awe-inspiring Cathedral! There are many shops to browse in the compact city centre too; with major high street names and unique independent retailers no more than a short stroll away! As a city, Salisbury embraces the arts in the broadest sense; first-class venues such as Salisbury Playhouse and Salisbury Arts Centre offer quality entertainment throughout the year. From drama and dance to exhibitions and lectures, Salisbury is also fortunate to enjoy a wide range of musical events, from classical 48 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

recitals to jazz bands, folk singers to pop groups.

Located just outside of Salisbury is the Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm!

Offering a quality day out for all ages and interests, you will get the opportunity to meet some gorgeous animals, most of which are fine examples of British Rare Breeds. You can also enjoy an alpaca walk through the farm, woodlands or vineyards!

STONEHENGE Stonehenge stands impressively as a prehistoric monument of unique importance, a World Heritage Site, surrounded by remains of ceremonial and domestic structures; some even older than the monument itself! Stonehenge’s orientation on the rising and setting sun has always been one of its remarkable features. Whether this was simply because the builders came from a sun-worshipping culture, or because, as some scholars believe, the circle and its banks were part of a huge astronomical calendar, it all remains a mystery!

MALMESBURY You might already know of Malmesbury’s rich history as England’s oldest borough or heard about the stunning 12th Century Abbey still very much in use today. But there is so much more to discover in this charming market town. Visit Malmesbury and explore the original Market Cross, the Norman Abbey with its

"You might already know of Malmesbury’s rich history as England’s oldest borough" tomb of King Athelstan and the free Athelstan Museum. Enjoy an exciting shopping trip with family and friends and browse the

McArthur Glen Designer Outlet

days out around the grounds and formal gardens at your leisure. There is also plenty for the family to explore from the medieval fortress at Adventure Castle to the incredible Hedge Maze.

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument of unique importance

TROWBRIDGE Housed in a former woollen cloth mill is the Trowbridge Museum.

Weave through 1000 years of history, discovering how Trowbridge became the county town of Wiltshire. At this recently renovated museum there are also plenty of interactive exhibits for all ages to enjoy!

Just outside Trowbridge, in the village of Southwick, you'll find Hope Nature Centre where you can see a variety of animals including goats, sheep, pigs, donkeys and much more. You can also pop in for a spot of breakfast or lunch in their café.

Explore more of Wiltshire this summer and be sure to share your adventures on social media too! #timeforwiltshire Salisbury Cathedral has the tallest church spire in the UK

thriving high street with an array of independent retailers, a weekly farmers’ and artisan market taking place each Friday too! From 31 July to 3 September, Malmesbury are holding their much-loved carnival and festival! Enjoy a full-blown programme of incredible events with competitions, quizzes and music to be enjoyed throughout!

SWINDON Swindon is a modern town surrounded by some of England’s finest countryside and famous attractions. Enriched with Victorian parks and gardens, museums including the award-winning Steam Museum, and art galleries! Browse the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet,

housed in the beautifully renovated Grade II listed buildings of the Great Western Railway Works and one of the largest covered designer outlets in Europe!

• visitwiltshire.co.uk All images courtesy of VisitWiltshire Trowbridge Museum

LONGLEAT Nestled within the Wiltshire countryside is Longleat Safari Park!

Discover various species of animal from around the world including lions, tigers, wolves, koalas, red panda and sea lions. Travel by road, rail, waterway and foot and be entertained by the many interesting creatures! Grab lunch with the grounds of Longleat House and marvel at its architecture, one of the finest examples of Elizabethan architecture in Britain. Wander THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 49

photography

MORE THAN A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER MATT CURTIS explains how he wants to be considered as more than just your 'wedding photographer'...

Matt can help you commemorate all your landmark moments

T

ucked away in picturesque Chinns Court in Warminster is the fabulous photographic studio of Matt Curtis Photography offering classic and fun family photography, to heritage and fine art portraiture, business profile and head shots, pets and animals and much more. As well as this, Matt is also a qualified licentiate member of the British Institute of Professional Photography for his outstanding wedding photography. He has something rather surprising to say about that…

"I don’t want to be your 'Wedding Photographer'! There I’ve said it!

Now let me explain. Photography is what I do. I do it all day, every day.

I am a 'professional photographer' and it is how I make my living.

Okay, the definition of the term professional strictly implies one is being paid for what they do but true professionalism in photography is more, much more than being

50 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

paid for some photos. It is about the quality of service given, it’s about ensuring that people are entirely happy with the service whilst building and maintaining an excellent working relationship and it’s all of this that I’m thinking about when I make the somewhat sweeping statement above.

"Over the years I have had many couples come back to me time and again for bump shoots, newboorn shoots..."

"A wedding day is a wonderful thing full of love, joy and happiness and I relish the opportunity of capturing your day whilst creating some stunning art pieces with the bridal and married couple portraiture. I love getting to know families throughout our time together which starts from when you book me to be your

photographer. That could be a year or in some cases two years before your wedding day. After the big day of course I then spend more time reliving your wedding as I edit the photos making sure you receive the absolute best memories to look back on in your specially designed album. So yes, on the day I am your “wedding Photographer” but that’s just the start. I want to be able to give you more wonderful photos as your family grows, as I said at the beginning, that is what I do. Over the years I have had many couples come back to me time and again for bump shoots, newborn shoots, first year shoot packages, family portraits, first birthday shoots, extended family gathering events, yearly Christmas photo shoots, personalised wall art and much more.

"Maybe I should say I don’t just want to be your 'wedding photographer'; I want to be your photographer."

To find out more call on 01985 988698 or 07809 363800 or head to the website.

• mattcurtisphotography.com

gardens

GARDEN JOBS

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

1. Prune Wisteria. Cut back the whippy green shoots of the current year’s growth to five or six leaves after flowering in July or August.

This controls the size of the wisteria, preventing it getting into guttering and windows, and encourages it to form flower buds rather than green growth.

grey water wherever you can and use it to keep containers and new plants well watered. Forget about the lawn, it may go brown but it will bounce back quickly after any decent rain!

5. Collect seed from garden plants.

Don't miss an opportunity to increase your plants for free! Collect ripe seed on a dry day, as soon as the seedheads (e.g. capsules or pods) ripen. This is often indicated by a colour change from green to brown, black or red, but must be before they open and shed their contents.

2. Summer prune fruits trained as restricted forms. Summer pruning is mainly for apples and pears trained as restricted forms: cordon, espalier, fan, pyramid, spindlebush. Summer prune when the bottom third of the new shoots become woody.

Generally, this will be mid-July for 6. Harvest sweetcorn and other pears and mid/late August for apples. vegetables as they become ready Sweetcorn cobs starts to ripen from 3. Deadhead flowering plants mid-summer. Once the tassels at the regularly. Your plants will look end of a cob have turned chocolate more tidy and it will also prolong brown, test for ripeness – peel back a their flowering season as the plant little of the husk and pierce a kernel continues to put its energies into with your fingernail. If a watery liquid making flowers rather than seed squirts out, it’s not yet ripe, if the production. liquid is creamy, the cob is ready, but if it's paste-like then the cob is 4. Watering! Be water wise during over-mature. Twist ripe cobs and pull hot dry spells. Capture rainwater/ sharply from the stem. Once picked, You can start harvesting homegrown sweetcorn this month

Collect seed from your plants to get more flowers for free!

sweetcorn rapidly loses its flavour, so only harvest when required and eat as soon as possible.

7. Continue cutting out old fruited canes on raspberries Cut them down to ground level after harvesting in summer, without leaving a stub.

8. Lift and pot up rooted strawberry runners. After the final harvest of the summer, use spare runners (young plants that develop as offshoots from the parent) to fill in gaps or replace old plants. Remove any unwanted runners.

9. Keep ponds and water features topped up. Water evaporates during windy or hot weather, leading to the water level dropping. Ideally use rainwater from a butt as tap water is rich in nutrients that causes algae to prosper. If that's not possible, allow tapwater to stand for 24hours before adding it to the pond to allow the chemicals to evaporate.

10. Feed the soil with green manures Green manures are fastgrowing plants sown to cover bare soil. Often used in the vegetable garden, their foliage smothers weeds and their roots prevent soil erosion.

When dug into the ground while still green, they return valuable nutrients to the soil and improve soil structure.

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THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE HERE

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BEAUTIFUL PLANTS GROWN ON BRITISH NURSERIES

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

house & home

THE DRAINMASTER The DrainMaster can help with any drainage issues on your property 24 hours a day, 7 days a week...

problems I find and give a price upfront for the repair. Should the job change I’ll discuss it with a customer before carrying out extra work. I’m proud of the work I do and you can read reviews from lots of happy customers on the website.”

L

ee, aka The DrainMaster, is a Wiltshire-based drainage contractor backed by more than 25 years of industrial experience.

If you are having issues with your pipework, or need to have your drainage investigated, he’s the man to call, providing a bespoke advice and top quality services 24 hours a

"Using state-ofthe-art techniques DrainMaster provides tailored solutions for all kinds of drainage problems."

So if you have a problem with any part of your drainage network give Lee a call on 07796 840835 or head to the website where you can also book online! DrainMaster also offers a 20% discount for NHS workers, OAPs and the armed forces. day, 7 days a week. DrainMaster can help with any blockage issue on your property and offer technical services including gutter cleaning and repairs, high pressure water jetting, soak aways, patch repairs, ‘non-dig’ repairs, drainage reports, plumbing and CCTV installations.

Using state-of-the-art techniques DrainMaster provides tailored solutions for all kinds of drainage problems. Lee says, “I’m a firm believer in treating people how you would like to be treated and pride myself on doing a good job for a fair price. When I arrive on site I will make an assessment of the

• thedrainmaster.co.uk

DRAINMASTER REVIEWS ★★★★★ "Superb, efficient service. Sorted a recurring block in main drain... now rectified once and for all!"

Ian from Ramsbury ★★★★★ "I had continual problems with the main drain, DrainMaster found the problem which was due to tree roots!!! Lee used some device and removed the blockage, very courteous service, cannot recommend the company highly enough."

Charlotte from Inkpen ★★★★★ "I had DrainMaster Lee at my property to investigate a rather unpleasant sewer smell, Lee found the problem with the stack pipe extended and resolved the problem. Very happy customer!"

Mark from Chilton Foliat

54 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

A family run business that’s been serving Westbury for more than 40 years

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

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Tel 01373 822431

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Howard Roofing For All Your Roofing Needs

Qualified Roofer Offering...

• Tiling • Stone Slate • Natural Slate • Leadwork • Repairs

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We Offer:

• A large choice of quality fabrics • Vertical - Roller - Venetian - Roman Wood Venetian Blinds etc • Curtains expertly made to measure • Curtain poles & tracks supplied + fitted • Unbeatable DISCOUNTED PRICES • Over 50 years’ experience

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01380 825662 / 07932 640996 sales@harpersblinds.co.uk

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Allsop Carpets & Flooring

Alternative Flooring - Sisal Super Panama

• Carpets • Vinyl • Naturals • Wood Flooring

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

Using British Manufacturers & Suppliers

Local electrician available for domestic & commercial projects ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

EICRs (Landlord certs) Fuse box upgrades Full rewires Smart controls EV car charging installation Kitchens & bathrooms Garden & outbuilding work

Call today to arrange a free no obligation quotation Serving Wiltshire & Somerset

t 07525 841700 e danmagicsparks@hotmail.com w fb.com/magicsparkselectrical

We are Garden & Pond Specialists, covering Wiltshire and Somerset.

Hard Landscaping & Decking | Driveways & Patios Turfing & Artificial Turfing | Pathways & Walkways Garden Clearance | Pond Installation & Design Pond Maintenance, Cleaning and Filtration

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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

Unit 1, 23 Salisbury Street, Amesbury SP4 7AW 01980 874242 Unit 9 Wyevale Garden Centre, Bath Road, Thatcham RG10 3AN 01635 897665 1 and 2 Windsor Drive, Devizes SN10 2TH 01380 887943 The Wendy House, 3 Farrell Close, Cirencester GL7 1HW 01285 897426 62/64 High Street, Shirehampton BS11 0DJ 0117 233 8777 www.elitebedsandmattressesdirect.co.uk

5-6 George Street, Warminster BA12 8QA 01985 219200

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

Longmead Industrial Estate, Shaftesbury SP7 8PL 01747 851476

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house & home

TRANSFORM YOUR KITCHEN THIS SUMMER Breathe new life into your old kitchen with the help of DREAM DOORS.

Dream Doors' showroom is situated in the centre of Bradford on Avon

D

ream Doors offers various levels of kitchen makeovers to suit all budgets, from a simple kitchen door swap to a fully fitted kitchen. Their Bradford on Avon showroom has new, exciting displays to show you the latest trends and ranges in kitchen design, but that’s just a taster. There is a fantastic range of colours and styles to choose from, and your dream kitchen is within simple and affordable reach, up to 50% cheaper than a new kitchen.

"your transformation can be arranged on average within 6 weeks and can be completed in a matter of days."

58 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

You might already have a vision of what you want and they can help you realise it. Alternatively, if you don’t have a clear idea, they can inspire you and hold your hand through the process with their years of experience and expertise.

If you decide to proceed your transformation can be arranged on average within 6 weeks and can be completed in a matter of days. Call for details or to arrange your free no obligation quotation. So, less cost, less chaos, less time and check out their excellent Checkatrade score for peace of mind.

Call Ian for more information on 01225 282172 pop into their showroom on Silver Street in

Bradford on Avon or check out the website for lots of inspiring ideas for your project!

• dreamdoors.co.uk

pets

SAFE SUMMER FUN FOR PETS

For over 50 years, Garden Veterinary Group has been providing compassionate, quality services from their Chippenham and Corsham practices.

Here Registered Veterinary Nurse KATIE ELLIS discusses how to safely navigate the summer months with your pet...

Katie Ellis

A hazard well known by most is the temperatures of pavements leading to burnt paws! Did you know paws can be just as sensitive as human

potential danger. Blue-green algae is a type of bacteria that can be found in non-moving waters.

When clumped together, these

"Our summer social media campaign offers tips that enable owners to be confident they are ensuring the safety of their beloved pets without compromising on their fun."

W

hen the summer sun arrives and we start to move outside, the seasonal hazards to our pets might begin to feel like a thing of the past. However, it is important to remember that hazards crop up throughout the year. Summer activities, from swimming in the rivers to sunbathing in the garden can all pose potential risks that require us, as owners, to watch out for.

The advice and guidance offered by your veterinary team can be a useful tool in feeling prepared to navigate the summer months safely, without missing out on summer fun. At Garden Veterinary Group, we aim to provide a safety net of advice to our clients to ensure informed fun is had by all.

62 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

feet? A good rule of thumb to remember is if it’s too hot for your feet, it’s too hot for theirs. Why not try out the seven second rule if you're unsure – place the back of your hand to the surface for seven seconds.

If you're unable to do it, then it's too hot for your pet!

Knowing the dangers of overheating to our pets, we often try to find fun solutions to this.

Swimming in lakes and ponds can often be a fun pastime for our pets, but this too poses a

bacteria can give the appearance of greenish scum on the water surface.

Sadly, these bacteria produce toxins that can harm the livers of pets.

Our summer social media campaign offers tips that enable owners to be confident they are ensuring the safety of their beloved pets without compromising on their fun. We will be sharing more information surrounding the two topics above and ways we can avoid the dangers of other summer hazards. Summer fun and summer safety can go hand in hand, let us show you how.

Garden Veterinary Group's practices can be found in Bristol Road in Chippenham and on the High Street in Corsham. Call 01249 653181/ 01249 716432, email reception@ gardenvets.co.uk or follow them on social media to find out more.

• gardenvets.co.uk

Wild Ivy

WHERE YOUR PET IS A MEMBER OF OUR FAMILY TOO

James has spent more than 20 years designing & caring for gardens.

• RHS QUALIFIED GARDENER • PATIOS • LANDSCAPING • BLOCK PAVING DRIVEWAYS

wild-ivy.co.uk

07940 261734 • info_wildivy23@yahoo.com

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

Advertise here from as little as £15 per week*

01249 653181 • 01249 716432

*plus VAT

Call 01225 807775 or email andy@wired-publishing.co.uk

www.gardenvets.co.uk fi

Online booking & medication ordering available

E.J. SHANLEY & SON [TROWBRIDGE] LTD HOUSE OR GARDEN IN NEED OF A GOOD CLEAROUT?

CALL US TODAY!

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01747 820422

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enquiries@pfparsons.co.uk www.pfparsons.co.uk

CALL TROWBRIDGE OR WARMINSTER

01225 753333 / 01985 213348 43 Shails Lane, Trowbridge 43 Copheap Lane, Warminster

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WILTSHIRE‘S LEADER IN SKIP HIRE

house & home

DIY SECURITY, SAFETY & SMART HOME DEVICES WIRELESS VIDEO INTERCOMS All available from STE, your one stop local security specialist.

Their basic DIY system starts the range off at affordable prices in a standard boxed kit.

STE's security systems work with smart home technology through your phone

Easy to use control panels come in a sleek black finish or polar white colour that will fit right in with your home décor.

These small compact devices blend into the background and won’t disturb family life. There are also remote key fobs for simple on/off operation.

A

smart home technology interface on a mobile phone app is not something new, but at STE they are doing things their own way with tried and tested products, striving to keep costs down for their customers.

Working closely with frontline manufacturers ensures STE offers consistent build quality, reliability and performance, always. And all this easy-to-use technology is at

your fingertips giving you and your family peace of mind.

If you are away from home or at work, STE products can help you stay in touch with the safety of your family and your home. Their engineers can install the system for you if you require this service.

“Their basic DIY system starts the range off at affordable prices in a standard boxed kit.”

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This system has the capacity for up to 100 devices and sensors, so expansion is simple with minimal disruption to your property during installation.

Using the latest wireless technology means there are no cables or wires to pull through the house, instead the system just requires a few fixing points for sensors.

Whatever system you require, you can call any time for help or advice on 01225 781992 or by email at info@ste.eu.com.

• steshop.co.uk

Support Worker Opportunities £13.60 p/h evening and weekends £12 p/h weekday days

Are you passionate about caring? Are you looking for a rewarding job? Then we would like to hear from you.

The type of care you would provide would vary from person to person, but may include:

3 Practical Support

Domestic tasks such as taking people out to the shops, doctors & social events, laundry, cleaning, tidying, shopping, preparing & cooking meals

3 Personal Care

Help with getting up and ready for the day & settling in for the night, washing, bathing and toileting.

www.everlife.co.uk

What we offer:

3 Excellent hourly rates 3 Paid Holiday 3 Paid mileage 3 Free uniform 3 Award-winning paid training For more information about becoming a supporting worker, please call us on:

✆ 01225 719333 or email:

wiltshire@everlife.co.uk

fundraising

SIGN UP FOR THE BIG AVON PADDLE!

P

addle boarders, kayakers and canoeists are coming together again to raise invaluable funds for Dorothy House Hospice Care. The Big Avon Paddle takes place on 17 September. The route is a 4.5 mile loop that starts at The Boathouse (Newbridge Road, Bath) and turns back at Saltford Marina (Saltford, Bristol). Paddlers can do the loop as many, or as few, times as they wish!

serving not only alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and snacks, but ‘fresh out the oven’ pizzas and flat breads too. (Free for every participant.)

Any form of ‘paddle powered’ craft is welcome to take part. Entry is managed by Dorothy House via their

website. The entry fee is £20 and all entrants will receive a free event T-shirt as well as refreshments along the route on the day. To find out more about the event or register to participate, visit the website.

• dorothyhouse.org.uk/get-involved/ events/the-big-avon-paddle-2022/

Dorothy House launched the event last year with huge support from Channel Kayaks and The Boathouse pub. Participants paddled a collective 763 miles on the day and raised over £12,000 for local hospice and end of life palliative care both in the community and at Winsley.

This year, all attendees will be treated to live music throughout the day along with an outside bar

The Big Avon Paddle takes place on 17 September

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Visit our independent Wiltshire showrooms...

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01985 843035 01225 251601 www.lifeandmobility.co.uk

health & wellbeing

THE WANDERLUST COLLECTION Exotic Horizon is the newest addition to the Wanderlust Collection.

Bursting with citrus aromas, the refreshing trickle of water on the skin, ingredients full of antioxidants and tranquil music combine to immerse you in another world. This 50-minute full body cleanse and massage incorporates bespoke stretches

The Exotic Horizon treatment is bursting with citrus aromas

for the hips and neck. Notably a good treatment for flexibility and sciatica, Exotic Horizon is designed to revitalise the mind and body.

Combating feelings of sluggishness, the products and techniques are detoxifying and refreshing.

As part of the Wanderlust Collection, you’ll also receive a complimentary chocolate, crafted by local chocolatier Leaf and Bean, which brings the exotic flavours to life on the tip of the tongue. With every treatment purchased from this collection, a donation is made to a selected charity; so not only are these treatments exceptional for self-care but they contribute to environmental wellbeing too!

Be sure to check out the website for more information on treatments including Ocean Pearl.

• vitalitydayspa.co.uk

image © Amber Louise Photography

V

itality Day Spa in Braford on Avon is passionate about utilising the natural environment for wellbeing and relaxation. The Wanderlust Collection draws upon this inspiration and transports you to an alluring location by the multi-sensory limited-edition treatments.

V I TA LI T Y DAY S PA A sanctuary of relaxation in Bradford On Avon

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01225 309356 • vitalitydayspa.co.uk • book@vitalitydayspa.co.uk • 8 Market St, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1LH THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 67

bath rugby

NEW SEASON FIXTURES ANNOUNCED Bath Rugby’s new campaign begins with a visit to Ashton Gate... regular term off at home against Worcester Warriors early in May.

MIDWEEK CUP ACTION IS BACK Bath Rugby will host local derbies against Gloucester and Bristol Bears in the Premiership Rugby Cup.

Bath Rugby will start their season away at Bristol Bears

B

ath Rugby will kick-off the 2022/23 Gallagher Premiership season with a West Country derby against Bristol Bears.

Head of Rugby Johann van Graan’s side will visit Ashton Gate on Friday 9 September (kick-off 19:45) for the new campaign’s curtain raiser, a match which will be live on BT Sport.

In the latter stages of the Premiership season, the squad will meet Harlequins at Twickenham Stadium for their Big Summer Kick-Off event in their final away game before rounding the New Head of Rugby Johann van Graan

Over the Christmas period, Bath take on Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park and host Newcastle Falcons – dates for both matches, and fixtures past Round 10, will be confirmed at a later date.

68 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Ticket details for the matches with Gloucester and Bristol will be confirmed in due course.

• bathrugby.com

The Blue, Black and White then return to The Rec to face Sale Sharks and Wasps in back-to-back home matches to conclude the season’s opening month - both games are also included in the 2022/23 10-Game season ticket.

The return fixture against Bristol is scheduled for the final weekend in March with further local rivalries against Gloucester set for October (The Rec) and January (Kingsholm).

The team welcome the Cherry & Whites to The Rec on Wednesday 28 September before taking on Bristol a month later (Wednesday 19 October). Bath will have opened their Cup campaign on the road at Exeter Chiefs (week commencing 19 September) and also face Worcester Warriors in Pool A on Saturday 19 November.

“The Blue, Black and White face Sale Sharks and Wasps in backto-back home matches”

2022/2023 FIXTURES For ticket information and to buy tickets go to the website.

27 Aug

15:00

A

Coventry Rugby

Pre season

2 Sep

19:15

A

Jersey Reds

Pre season

9 Sep

19:45

A

Bristol Bears

GP

17 Sep

15:00

H

Sale Sharks

GP

19 Sep TBC

TBC

A

Exeter Chiefs

PRC

23 Sep

19:45

H

Wasps

GP

28 Sep

19:45

H

Gloucester Rugby

PRC

TV

TV

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puzzles

THAT’S INTERESTING...

Each month ADAM JACOT DE BOINOD, former researcher from ‘QI’ and author of The Meaning of Tingo, poses a vocabulary quiz from our local Wiltshire dialect.

CAN YOU GUESS THE CORRECT DEFINITION? 1) NAUMPEY a) the large paunch in a pig b) a weak foolish-minded person c) anything badly formed or out of shape

2) BRUCKLE

3) NIBS a) downy particles which accumulate under furniture b) the cheeks c) the handles of a scythe

70 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

a) to push with its head as a calf does its dam’s udder b) a hill c) the youngest of a litter of pigs

REDUPLICATIVE RHYMING COMPOUNDS Colloquial English takes delight in expressions suggestive of sound, known as reduplicative rhyming compounds: nibby-gibby (Cornish dialect 1854) touch and go winky-pinky (Yorkshire dialect) a nursery word for sleepy hockerty-cockerty (Scottish dialect 1742) with one leg on each shoulder

inchy-pinchy (Warwickshire dialect) a game of progressive leapfrog fidge-fadge (Yorkshire dialect a motion between walking and trotting boris-noris (Dorset dialect) careless, reckless, happy-go-lucky wiffle-waffle (Northamptonshire dialect) to whet one’s scythes together And there are Transatlantic versions: stitch 'n' bitch - sewing or knitting and exchanging malicious gossip surf & turf - a restaurant specialising in seafood and steak denture venturer - a pre-retirement long trip away from work chop shop - a stolen car disassembly place zero-hero - the designated driver

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

a) a street brawl b) to crumble away (as of stone when exposed to the weather) c) a pole slung across a stream to stop cattle passing

4) BUNT

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puzzles

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

TOM WORDSEARCH

CLANCY CRUISE DALEY HANKS HARDY HIDDLESTON HOLLAND JONES KERRIDGE MOORE PETTY RIDDLE

SELLECK THUMB WAITS

WIN A £20 iTUNES VOUCHER! SUDOKU

MEDIUM

Email your answers to these trivia questions to comp@wired-publishing.co.uk by 23.08.2022 to be in with a chance of winning a £20 iTunes voucher. Good luck!

Q1: What was Tom Clancy’s first published novel?

Q2: What is Tom Cruise’s real name?

LAST MONTH’S SOLUTIONS Wordsearch missing word: KRAJICEK Quiz answers 1: 1877.

2: Spencer Gore.

3: The first black player to do so.

4: Annabel Croft.

5: 1937.

72 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Q3: Where is Tom Kerridge’s restaurant The Hand and Flowers?

Q4: On what date was Captain Sir Thomas Moore born?

Q5: Who won the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year in 2010?

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

last word

I

FEELIN’ HOT! HOT! HOT!

am writing this on the day after, in a lot of places, the hottest day on record in the UK. What’s quite strange is that we have the office windows open and, if anything, it’s a bit parky. Not so cold you have to layer up, you understand, but there is definitely a bit of an edge to the temperature today. Yesterday was undoubtedly hot, there were wild fires in some parts of the

in Spain with radiators instead of air conditioning units. And they definitely know how to cope better with the extreme heat - siesta anyone?! We still visit these places though and survive the experience because we are relatively careful while we are there. We follow the local rules and, usually, do the things we are supposed to do to keep ourselves safe.

“Their hotels, apartments and villas are certainly more set up for the hot weather than our own homes; I doubt very much if you could find, even if you wanted one, a fully carpeted villa in Portugal” country and emergency workers’ lives were put at risk so I’m not trying to diminish this in any way…. but… come on it’s a couple of days of, granted, extreme heat and then back to normal British summer temperatures.

Every summer tens of thousands of us Brits pack their bags and head for sunnier climes. Even 22 years into the 21st century it’s still the usual suspects we choose: France, Spain, Greece, Portugal and a dabble into Turkey. These places regularly have very, very high temperatures (if they didn’t we’d probably go somewhere else to be honest). Their hotels, apartments and villas are certainly more set up for the hot weather than our own homes; I doubt very much if you could find, even if you wanted one, a fully carpeted villa in Portugal or a holiday apartment 74 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

The whole infrastructure in hot countries has been developed to be able to operate in such conditions.

On the BBC there was an interview with one of the people who run Network Rail and they asked him indignantly why it was that they could run trains in Delhi but they couldn’t in Derby?! The interviewee, commendably, very patiently - and not without a certain amount of weariness in his voice - explained that because they have these conditions more regularly the rails, carriages, stations and everything else associated with running a public transport system are designed specifically to withstand them. If they had a sudden plunge down to -5°C like we can in the winter then their trains would grind to a halt too.

Similarly, if Wiltshire Council spent £1m (which I am reliably informed is how much they cost) on a snow

plough and only used it once every ten years there ‘d be an uproar about the wisdom of their purchase but because they don’t it means we might have to battle through a six inch covering of snow every now and then.

Don’t get me wrong, it was very hot yesterday, hot enough so you didn’t really want to venture out but just hunker down inside until the evening, when it was at least one degree cooler, and I have absolute sympathy with anyone who had to endure working hard in that heat (I particularly doff my cap to any chefs who had to man a kitchen!) but I think most people went about their business as usual they just did it a bit earlier or a bit later and perhaps a little slower. Time for that siesta now I think...

Phil Rockliffe