The West Wilts Magazine - November 2022

e:

LISA ROCKLIFFE Editor

It’s beginning to look at lot like Christmas! Over at WWM

course I’ve been watching my husband assemble the

Garage for some weeks so we’re well into the

already (I know!) but now November is here it seems seasonally appropriate to start thinking properly

Every year we endeavour to give you a comprehensive

the best seasonal events taking place in and

West Wilts and this year is no exception. From American Museum’s Enchanted Garden of Light, Theatre Royal’s Aladdin (both p14) and The Pound’s Wild, Wild Woods (p16) to a full rundown of local light switch ons and markets (from p19) there is lots to read about how you can best enjoy the festive season with your family.

As is usual at this time of year much attention is on top quality seasonal fare. We meet the chef at The Raven (p44) a much loved local pub, have great Instant Pot recipes from The Food Wife (p39) and have all the best Festive Feast ideas covered too (p29). Also find out more about the new managers at The Mill at Rode and the award-winning White Horse at Compton Bassett (p42). All in all it’s a bumper edition with lots more of your usual favourites included too; enjoy the read!

Lisa Rockliffe, Editor

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Find an online version of the magazine and lots of extra content on our website.

westwiltsmag.co.uk

Lisa Rockliffe

Stevens,

Rockliffe,

Mortimer,

Jacot

Boinod

NOVEMBER 2022

MELKSHAM

ASSEMBLY HALL

Market Place, Melksham, SN12 6ES

Box Office: 01225 709887 melkshamassemblyhall.com

THE UNRAVELLING WILBURYS

11 November, 7.15pm

Tickets: £21

Expect plenty of laughs and great tunes with this tribute to the greatest supergroup of them all.

THE DINNER PARTY

19 November, 7pm

Tickets: £10

One night. Three bands. A charity event in aid of Melksham Free Dining.

WITHNAIL & I (15)

25 November, 7.30pm

Tickets: £5

Richard E. Grant and Paul McGann star as two out-of-work actors who leave their Camden squalor for a break in the Lake District. This British comedy classic is one of the most beloved cult films of all time.

POUND ARTS

CENTRE

Pound Pill, Corsham, SN13 9HX

Box Office: 01249 701628 poundarts.org.uk

HAY FEVER

9 – 12 November, 7.30pm

Tickets: £12

AdHoc, Corsham’s own theatre company, return to the Pound with a classic Noel Coward comedy.

VRÏ

15 November, 7.30pm

Tickets: £14 (Concs £12)

VRï are three young men from deepest, darkest chapel-going Wales who have mined the cultural upheaval of past centuries.

RICHARD WISEMAN: MIND MAGIC

16 November, 7.30pm

Tickets: £14

Join Richard Wiseman as he invites you to step backstage and discover the secret science of sorcery and demonstrates some of the world’s greatest illusions.

FEMALE GOTHIC

17 November, 7.30pm

Tickets: £13 (Concs £11)

In the dark between life and death, a haunted woman tells strange and terrifying tales.

THE MAYHEM CABARET

18 November, 9.30am Tickets: £22

Expect steamy burlesque, dazzling circus skills, wonderous feats of

magic and who knows what else!

MOSCOW DRUG CLUB

19 November, 7.30pm

Tickets: £14 (Concs £12)

You are cordially invited to enter the darkly comic world of the Moscow Drug Club.

PETE JUDGE

23 November, 1pm

Tickets: £8

Pete is a musician/composer based in Bristol with a number of acclaimed performing/recording projects.

JOHN SMITH & KATHERINE PRIDDY

24 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £18

Two of the UK’s most exciting songwriters hit the road together for the first time as part of a collaborative UK tour.

HARRIET KEMSLEY

26 November, 8pm

Tickets: £14 (Concs £12)

Fed up with being told how to look and behave since she was a

Send your event listings to

Moscow Drug Club, Pound Arts & The Pump

© Steve Nash

teenager, Harriet is taking a long hard squint at the beauty industry through her two remaining false eye lashes.

GIGSPANNER

29 November, 7.30pm

Tickets: £18

Described by Folk Radio UK as one of the “most quietly brilliant sets of musicians in the folk world and beyond”.

TOWN HALL ARTS

Market Street, Trowbridge BA14 8EQ

Tel: 01225 774306 trowbridgetownhall.com

OUT LOUD OPEN EXHIBITION

5 – 26 November, 10am FREE

The first exhibition by the charity Families Out Loud, in aid of supporting families of drug & alcohol users in Wiltshire.

TROWBRIDGE CHRISTMAS WEAVERS MARKET

18 & 19 November, 4pm

A special Christmas Weavers Market, taking place at the same time as the Christmas Light Switch On!

WILTSHIRE MUSIC

CENTRE

Ashley Rd, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1DZ

Box Office: 01225 860100 wiltshiremusic.org.uk

CORDELIA WILLIAMS & TAMSIN

WALEY-COHEN

4 November, 7.30pm

Tickets: £21 (Concs £11.50) Tenderness, poetry and fireworks.

EMILY PORTMAN / ROB HARBRON

5 November, 7.30pm

Tickets: £18 (Concs £10)

Bold contemporary folk from awardwinning musicians.

BILL LAURANCE

12 November, 7.30pm

Tickets: £22 (Concs £12)

Evocative soundscapes from a true jazz virtuoso.

THE ROYAL BALLET: A DIAMOND CELEBRATION

16 November, 7.15pm

Tickets: £18 (Concs £10)

Celebrating 60 years of the Friends of the Royal Opera House.

N’FAMADY KOUYATÉ

18 November, 7.30pm

Tickets: £18 (Concs £10)

West African song and funk rhythms.

RICHARD ROBBINS: PASSAGE OF TIME 23 November, 1pm

Tickets: £12 (Concs £7)

From European odysseys to musical showstoppers.

ORCHESTRA OF THE AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT: THE MOON HARES 25 November, 6.30pm Tickets: £7

The story of a village where the mayor forbids the residents from going out at night or looking up at the stars.

CALAN

26 November, 7.30pm

Tickets: £18 (Concs £10)

Traditional Welsh music with attitude and vibrancy.

DORIC STRING QUARTET

30 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £24 Experience a breadth of emotion with the WMC Quartet in Residence.

NEELD ARTS CENTRE

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

GENESIS VISIBLE TOUCH: ABACAB @ 40 (+1)

5 November, 8pm Tickets: £20

Genesis Visible Touch are the ultimate Phil Collins-era Genesis show!

70’S DISCO

11 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £8

Step back to the era of disco dancing, punk rock powerhouses and sweet soul music.

18 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £20

The Dazzling Diamonds are coming to Chippenham with their brand-new comedy variety drag show.

THE ATHENAEUM

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

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

10 – 12 November, 7pm Tickets: from £10

A nerdy florist finds his chance for success and romance with the help of a giant man-eating plant.

OPERATION MINCEMEAT (12A)

16 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £5.50

A unique tale of high-level espionage and ingenious fiction, where the stakes could not be higher.

THE VICAR OF DIBLEY

24 – 26 November, various times Tickets: £14 (Concs £10)

A stage play based on the eternally popular TV series.

FROME MEMORIAL THEATRE

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

SHOWADDYWADDY

12 November, 7.30pm Tickets; £25

‘The Greatest Rock & Roll Band In The World’ is a bold statement but Showaddywaddy has lived up to that

THE DAZZLING DIAMONDS-DRAG SHOW

Operation Mincemeat (12A), The Athenaeum

title for the last 4 decades!

MARTIN HUGHES-GAMES & IOLO WILLIAMS

19 November, 7.30pm

Tickets: £21

Wildlife TV presenters Martin HughesGames and Iolo Williams have teamed up for an amusing and informative show packed with facts and fun for the whole family.

BARRY STEELE & THE ROY ORBISON STORY

25 November, 7.30pm

Tickets: £23.50

Barry Steele and a fabulous cast of musicians and singers will take you on a musical journey from The Black and White Night right through to the Traveling Wilburys and beyond.

THE HISTORY OF ROCK

26 November, 7.30pm

Tickets: £22

The History Of Rock is a celebration of rock music through the decades.

AN EVENING WITH MICHAEL PORTILLO

29 November, 7pm Tickets: £20

Michael Portillo makes a welcome appearance in Frome to talk about his life and career.

CHEESE & GRAIN

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

FROME 80S FESTIVAL

5 November, 3pm

Tickets: £26

A massive celebration of all things 80s is coming to the Cheese and Grain.

DOM JOLY’S HOLIDAY SNAPS

6 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £24

Dom Joly’s first UK tour since 2011.

SEX PISTOLS EXPOSE

11 November, 8pm Tickets: £14

The ‘Sex Pistols Exposé’ are the world’s number 1 tribute which brings high expectancy wherever they perform.

WISHBONE ASH

12 November, 8pm

Tickets: £22

Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of their ground breaking chart topping album, Argus.

CRAIG CHARLES FUNK & SOUL CLUB

18 November, 8pm

Tickets: £20

Craig Charles is bringing his acclaimed Funk & Soul Club to The Cheese & Grain this November following his previous sell out performances.

COLDPLACE

19 November, 8pm Tickets: £22.50

The world’s leading tribute to Coldplay.

CLINTON BAPTISTE

20 November, 7pm Tickets: £28

Featured in Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights it’s Clinton Baptiste from Clinton Baptiste’s Paranormal Podcast.

MILTON JONES - MILTON IMPOSSIBLE

24 November, 7pm Tickets: £31

One man. One Mission. Is it possible? No, not really.

TURIN BRAKES

26 November, 7pm Tickets: £28

Worldwide indie pop-rockers Turin Brakes return to Frome this November.

VILLAGE PUMP

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

KATIE MALCO + LIAM HELM

11 November, 7.30pm

Tickets: £8

Solo alt rocker, Katie Malco, who has toured the UK/Europe extensively.

JOHN OTWAY

25 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £16

A maverick of the UK’s

scene, this will be John Otway’s first gig at The Pump.

MOSCOW DRUG CLUB

26 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £15

An intoxicating musical experience,

combine original material with songs by Leornard Cohen, Tom Waits, Eartha Kitt & others.

to info@wired-publishing.co.uk

Craig Charles, Cheese & Grain

THE ENCHANTED GARDEN OF LIGHT

Bath’s American Museum & Gardens has announced the return of The Enchanted Garden of Light, a sparkling festive trail of illuminations through gardens and woodland, after a hugely successful first year.

Running from 1- 31 December, families and friends will be transported once again into a magical after-dark adventure through light displays which will emblazon the entire house, gardens and woodland in glorious colour.

What’s new for 2022? Building on the success of last year, this year’s trail has a new extended route, and all new exciting light installations. There will be an atmospheric woodland lodge meeting point at the start of the trail, for friends and family to join together and enjoy delicious warming food and drink.

The event is perfect for families of all ages, with a step-free route throughout, perfect for pushchairs. Children will be given a lantern at the start to carry along the way, plus there’s a great climb and slide play area, and under-fives go free! Tickets are booking fast, so early booking to secure your perfect date and time is recommended - book via the website.

• americanmuseum.org/Christmas

ALADDIN AT THE THEATRE ROYAL

The amazing story of a boy, a lamp, and a genie returns to spread magic across the Theatre Royal Bath stage this Christmas with this year’s pantomime Aladdin!

TV and West End star Tom Lister (Emmerdale, 42nd Street) stars as the wicked Abanazar, with awardwinning Bath pantomime legend Jon Monie and dame extraordinaire Nick

Wilton (EastEnders) returning for more festive fun in a brand new pantomime packed full of enchanting story, side-splitting comedy, exotic settings, dazzling special effects, plenty of comedy slapstick and muchloved routines. Boo the baddies, cheer the goodies and join in the most magical of magic carpet

rides this holiday season, with a brand new script for 2022 by Jon Monie. So don’t wait for winter, get your tickets now and ensure that every member of the family’s wish is granted this Christmas!

Tickets cost from £9 - £38.50 (depending on date and performance time). Group discounts are available too – contact the Box Office for details on 01225 448844.

Reviews for last year’s Cinderella... “Entertainment for all the family in a dazzling, fun-filled and joyous show. It’s a spectacular success”

Western Daily Press

“The audience was in fits of laughter” Bath Chronicle

• theatreroyal.org.uk

The Enchanted Garden of Light is returning to the American Museum

TV and West End star Tom Lister will be starring as Abanazar

WILD, WILD WOODS AT THE POUND

Last Christmas, Scratchworks Theatre Company delighted audiences of all ages at The Pound with their winter spectacular The Snow Beast. This December, the gang return to Corsham with another festive treat, Wild, Wild Woods, a

bow-slingin’ fairy-tale mashup with a surprising eco-friendly twist!

Deep in the woods, the legend of a hooded hero rustles through the trees. Some know her as Robin, but first, she was Lil Red. Moons ago, a

hungry pack of wolves came for Lil Red’s village. With nothing but the cape on her back and her trusty bow and arrow, Red and her ragtag band of merries are on the run.

Saddle up and join the outlaws as this western fairy-tale comes to life with foot-stomping music, imaginative storytelling and a whole heap of junk from the recycling bin. Wolves made from bin bags, cardboard steeds and a vicious newspaper goose will have you discovering that one person’s rubbish is another person’s goldmine.

Wild, Wild Woods is running from 19-24 December, including a special BSL performance on Friday 23 at 2pm. Book online or call the Box Office on 01249 701628.

• poundarts.org.uk

Scratchworks Theatre Company are returning to The Pound with another festive treat, Wild, Wild Woods

LIGHT SWITCH ONS & MARKETS

CORSHAM

On Friday 2 December, the Christmas Lights go on in Corsham in the town’s traditional, familyfriendly way with a Christmas market, entertainment, live music, fairground rides for younger children and lots, lots more. Plus, of course, Father Christmas will be there, along with his reindeer.

This year the Christmas market will open at 3pm to give shoppers plenty of time to browse and buy Christmas gifts. There will be everything from mulled wine and freshly baked mince pies to Scandinavian baby toys, pickles and chutneys to hand-crafted Christmas stockings. The music stage kicks off at 5pm with the Shing-a-lings who play a fusion of Latin, Soul and R&B. The Lights go on at 6pm, and the fun continues until around 7.15pm.

• corsham.gov.uk

stalls, even more entertainment and live music all afternoon.

The light switch on takes places on Saturday 3 December, with Santa arriving at 1pm to open the event. He is looking forward to meeting all the Melksham children in his Winter Wonderland Grotto.

MELKSHAM

Melksham has built a great reputation over the years for the most fantastic lights around and 2022 will be even more spectacular than before! The volunteers who create the display are working their usual magic and this year Melksham’s Christmas Market and Light Switch on will be bigger than ever. As well as the usual Christmas stalls, fairground rides and hot food, there will be extra

While the mulled wine flows and the hot food warms you up, enjoy delightful Christmas music from choirs, bands and musicians all afternoon, until the famous Melksham Christmas Lights are switched on at 6.30pm, after which the music, food and fairground rides continue till 7.30pm. To get involved, contact townhall@ melksham-tc.gov.uk or call 01225 704187.

• melksham-tc.gov.uk

WARMINSTER

Warminster Civic Centre is hosting its 10th annual Christmas Market on Saturday 26 November, from 10am to 4pm, and this year it’s even bigger and better!

"Melksham has built a great reputation over the years for the most fantastic lights around"

Corsham's family-friendly Christmas Lights switch on takes place on 2 December

Melksham's Christmas lights switch on on 3 December

There will be a wide range of Christmas goodies available, including handmade teddy bears, glassware, jewellery from recycled and ethically sourced silver, macramé rainbows and décor as well as luxury soy wax melts; savoury products, edible gifts, sweets, and premium craft gin; art from local artists including re-claimed wood wildlife paintings, Disney/Pixar art and sports/ occupation paintings and posters.

As well as all this, there will be facepainting with glow in the dark face paints, a crepe food van outside offering sweet and savoury crepes, a live music programme throughout the day with local bands and choirs offering festive cheer, including Rock Choir, Warminster Community Choir, Rockport Blues and Sloejam, and a Santa’s Grotto for £3 per child, complete with elf helpers.

The Christmas Parade and Light Swich On will follow the Christmas Market, starting at 5.45pm from Three Horseshoes Walk going to St Lawrence Chapel for the 6.30pm switch on. If you have had your face painted at the face-painting stall at the Christmas Market, come along and join the parade!

• warminster-tc.gov.uk

ELSEWHERE…

Bradford on Avon is hosting their annual Christmas lights switch on Friday 25 November - the traditional lights switch on is at 6pm in Westbury Garden, accompanied by Christmas Carols. There will also be entertainment and activities for all, including music, amusements, food, a gift fair in St Margaret’s Hall, Santa’s grotto and a mistletoe trail which will run from Friday 25 November to Friday 16 December.

WESTBURY

Westbury continues to build a reputation as one of the best destinations for events in Wiltshire. The Christmas in Westbury event comes hot on the heels of the much-loved Wiltshire Chilli Fest and White Horse Soapbox events earlier in 2022. All these events are run and managed by Westbury Town Council.

Trowbridge’s lights switch on lantern festival is taking place on Friday 18 November. The lantern parade, comprising of hundreds of colourful, handcrafted willow lanterns, starts at The Civic from 6pm and will be led by a colourful samba band! The switch on itself will take place in Fore Street from 6.30pm.

On Saturday 3 December Christmas in Westbury will be lit up with a brilliant market of more than 30 stalls, all selling perfect stocking fillers right before the big day. There’s also a huge kids’ area, with mammoth inflatable slides, funfair rides, circus workshops, puppet shows and, of course, Father Christmas in his Market Place grotto. Adults can also enjoy live music starting from 5pm, including the amazing Will Blake Band and PSG Choir. The lights will be switched on between 6.30pm-7pm. • westburytowncouncil.gov.uk

In Frome Christmas wouldn’t be the same without the Light the Night lantern parade and this year it comes with the sweet touch of ‘Gingerbread Town’. Think gingerbread houses of all shapes and sizes, gingerbread people, lollipops and candy canes all made into glowing willow and paper lanterns. Taking place on Friday 25 November from 5-7pm, the event in the town centre also features local music, foodie treats and of course the lights switch-on.

"Christmas in Westbury will be lit up with a brilliant market of more than 30 stalls, all selling perfect stocking fillers"

Warminster's Christmas Market takes place on 26 November from 10am to 4pm

Frome's lantern parade

image © Chris Bailey

OTHER EVENTS

BATH CHRISTMAS MARKET

After having to scale back for the past two years, Bath’s beloved Christmas Market is back, and this year it is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Running between Thursday 24 November and Sunday 11 December, the streets of Bath will be adorned with over 150 twinkling chalets featuring some of the best

"After having to scale back for the past two years, Bath’s beloved Christmas Market is back, and this year it is celebrating its 20th anniversary."

crafters in South West and beyond with stylish homeware, handmade jewellery, personalised presents and more, alongside great festive food, so grab your seasonal favourites or a comforting hot drink to keep you toasty whilst you wander the market getting into the festive spirit!

• bathchristmasmarket.co.uk

LONGLEAT

This year at Longleat's Festival of Light you can meet all your favourite characters from the Roald Dahl stories. Each lantern scene will bring key moments from the iconic books to life including The BFG, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The Twits and Fantastic Mr Fox.

Marvel at the 5-metre-tall BFG and walk through Wonka's famous factory gates, be amazed by James'

Giant Peach, find yourself awestruck by George's Marvellous Medicine and be sure not to miss Matilda and Miss Honey!

If you can, the best option is the All-In-One ticket, which allows you to spend a full day enjoying all that Longleat has to offer, including the safari drive-through, before heading to main square for the festive attractions which include: Roald Dahl themed lanterns, festive attractions including the Enchanted Christmas Tree Show, animal attractions including Koala Creek, Jungle Cruise and Family Farmyard as well as Adventure Castle, Rockin’ Rhino, Jungle Cruise and the Hedge Maze. There is also a twilight ticket option to just include entry after 3pm for Main Square and its attractions.

• longleat.co.uk

See Willy Wonka and other Roald Dahl favourites at The Festival of Light

STOURHEAD

This Christmas the doors to Stourhead House will showcase the beautiful decorations that have been handcrafted by a team of craft volunteers and flower arrangers. Even more of the house will be decorated than ever before, and there will be lots of new decorations to enjoy including origami doves and crepe paper magnolia flowers adorning trees in the Inner Hall and Saloon.

Between Saturday 3 December and Friday 23 December, the basement of Stourhead House will be transformed into a magical grotto, where children can join Father Christmas as he tells a magical festive story, hands out gifts and poses for photographs. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and preferably no more than one adult per child. Each session lasts 30

"The after-dark illuminated trail ‘Christmas at Stourhead’ returns for its fourth year on selected dates between 25 November - 1 January. Over a million twinkling lights and seasonal sounds will fill the air with festive fun."

minutes, and the ticket price is £15 per child.

The Christmas House is open 25 November – 23 December, 11am-3pm, and outside, the garden offers a tranquil winter walk, with hints of the season dotted around thanks to festive wreaths hung on doors across Stourhead, including on the garden temples.

The after-dark illuminated trail ‘Christmas at Stourhead’ returns for its fourth year on selected dates between 25 November - 1 January. Over a million twinkling lights and seasonal sounds will fill the air with festive fun. Look

forward to some time together with friends and family as you discover sparkling tunnels of light and dancing lakeside reflections, then walk under giant baubles and beneath glistening trees drenched in jewel-like colour. For a moment of reflection pause at mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden, gaze at the larger-thanlife illuminations and, to make a moment to remember, don’t forget to glimpse Father Christmas along the way.

A crew of independent street food vendors will bring a delicious twist to tempting treats on offer.

• nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead

Children listening to Father Christmas

Trust

Images Rob Stothard

ALLINGTON FARM SHOP

Allington Bar Farm, Allington, Chippenham, SN14 6LJ

At Christmas Allington Farm Shop is packed full of delicious seasonal goodies, premium Christmas trees and unusual gift ideas including fabulous hampers tailor made to your requirements. There are a huge range of hamper baskets ready to be filled to the brim with the goodies of your choice. There is an extensive range of locally produced goods on sale (any of which can be included) from local cheese, chutneys and biscuits, fine wines, local ales and ciders, preserves, luxury homemade Christmas cakes and chocolates to an entire Christmas dinner!

run by Chris Robbins. Business is thriving largely thanks to the simple principle of offering a good quality product at a reasonable price. They source many of their wares from local established food wholesalers, including farmers, cheesemakers and egg producers, all of whom value the small business and operate exacting welfare codes, producing free range food with complete traceability. Right now they are taking orders for locally reared Woolley Park Farm bronze turkeys and geese as well as all your usual Christmas favourites, including superb beef, ducks, local pork and lamb as well as Sandridge Farm dry cured bacon and products. You can order online via their website, with the option of free local delivery or click and collect, whichever suits you. For more information email info@cjrobbins.co.uk or call today.

01985 213052 | cjrobbins.co.uk

EDINGTON FARM SHOP

47 Westbury Road, Edington Surrounded by the picturesque valleys and downland of Wiltshire, Edington Farm Shop is a destination for foodies and shoppers alike. Housed in a beautiful oak timber frame structure, they present a light-filled space that celebrates great local food.

Stop by for a homemade bacon roll, coffee and lunch, or grab any of their house specialties to take with you. Seasonally relevant produce, meat, eggs, bread, wines, cheeses and other staples are available all year round. They also provide an assortment of distinct locally and regionally sourced goods. These goods range from farm fresh food products to the handcrafted work of area artists and artisans, including the classicallystyled ales from Three Daggers Brewery team downstairs.

Orders are now being taken for Christmas in the inhouse butchery. As well as home reared turkeys, the butchery specialises in local free range cockerels, chickens, geese, ducks and home cooked hams, all cuts of pork, beef and lamb as well as local seasonal game, dry cured bacon and gammon joints and homemade sausages and faggots. Christmas trees are also on sale from 26 November.

01249 658112 | allingtonfarmshop.co.uk

CJ ROBBINS

76 Market Place, Warminster

CJ Robbins is a Warminster institution; having occupied its premises in the Market Place for three generations it is owned and

CJ Robbins

The store carries gluten-free, dairyfree, vegetarian and vegan products. Gift certificates and customizable gift baskets are also available. Edington Farm Shop is also a unique venue to host your Christmas event.

01380 830940 | threedaggers.co.uk

"Right now they are taking orders for locally reared Woolley Park Farm bronze turkeys and geese as well as all your usual Christmas favourites"

Allington Farm Shop is renowned for its hampers

Edington Farm Shop is packed with locally sourced goods

THE HERITAGE FINE FOOD COMPANY

Home Delivery

Heritage Fine Foods, based just outside of Devizes, enjoy a brilliant relationship with local farmers and other food artisans which provides a fantastic and superior supply of seasonal produce.

Buy as you like from their Heritage at Home website or sign up for a regular box on their 5adaybox website. This year order your Christmas vegetables, fruit and other groceries and enjoy free delivery as well as a free gift! Deliveries made prior to Christmas will be from Tuesday 20 to Friday 23 December.

The team looks forward to serving you and wishes you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

01380 860968 | heritagefinefoods.co.uk

HOLLYCHOCS

Poulshot Lodge Farm, nr Devizes Hollychocs is a multi-award-winning family run chocolate studio created

by chocolate engineer, Holly Garner. With a degree in chemical engineering and a successful career at Cadbury behind her she brings a scientific approach to the creation of delicious handmade chocolates. The company works in an ethical and eco-friendly way using only the finest Fairtrade (and where possible, locally-sourced) ingredients and high-quality biodegradable packaging. Their studio shop is open for you to browse Thursday to Saturday between 10am and 2pm where you can find their award-winning chocolate counter, honeycomb, wedding favours, seasonal chocolate boxes and much more. They are currently selling delicious advent calendars and you can have a hot chocolate made for you there too. If you can’t make it to the studio you can buy online. info@hollychocs.co.uk | hollychocs.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 delicious autumn pumpkins and squashes, ideal for warming soups and stews. And for your Christmas dinner you can pick up all your seasonal veg essentials including Brussels sprouts, parsnips and more. 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

NOAH’S PANTRY

Bradford on Avon Marina Noah’s Pantry is an artisan grocery and coffee shop that opened in late 2021 in Bradford on Avon Marina. This new independent family business is geared towards making the most of the region’s rich bounty, with no products travelling more than 30

"Buy as you like from their Heritage at Home website or sign up for a regular box on their 5adaybox website."

The Heritage Fine Food Company supply great seasonal produce

Noah's Pantry offers bespoke local hampers

Hollychocs offers deilicious gift boxes

miles to the store. As well as teas, coffees and tasty breakfasts and lunches, they stock a range of home essentials that care about the planet, freshly made treats, homemade breads and more. At Christmastime they have beautiful local gift hampers available, local handmade chocolates and locally produced treats and gifts! Noah’s Pantry is open daily (except Tuesdays) from 10am to 4pm. noahspantry.co.uk

PENLEIGH FARM & BUTCHERS

5 Stony Street, Frome

Penleigh Farm & Butchers is an award-winning butchers in Frome. As farmers themselves, they pride themselves on being a bit different, producing all the pork and lamb for the shop from their own rare breed pigs and sheep. Beef from traditional British breeds, free range chicken and game are all sourced from within a 30 mile radius of Frome, and all meat comes from the finest quality produce from ethical high welfare farmers. They also hand make all their sausages, faggots and stock Wiltshire dry cured bacon.

Pengleigh have Christmas covered with free range white and bronze turkeys, geese, ducks, venison and their exceptional beef, aged to a minimum of 28 days. The turkeys

are from a local farmer, where they are dry plucked and game hung for a couple of weeks to allow the flavour to develop. These are truly special and certainly different to the usual Christmas turkey. Christmas orders are now being taken, why not pop in for a form or drop them an email penleighbutchers@gmail. com. There is also a special offer on boneless turkey breast joints running from now until December, with large savings available if you want to buy now and freeze until the big day. 01373 472331 | penleighfarm.co.uk

POULSHOT LODGE FARM

Poulshot, Nr Devizes

It’s been another busy year for this family-run farm shop. Behind the scenes, preparations are in full swing for Christmas and there will be a whole range of festive fare on offer whether you’re planning to cook a traditional turkey or are considering an alternative seasonal centrepiece. As well as their own farm-reared, grass-fed beef, all the fresh produce sold in the shop is fully traceable from field to fork and comes from local farmers they know and trust.

There are two master butchers in the shop who are always on hand to advise you on the best quality ingredients for any festive feast

and would be happy to introduce you to different cuts of meat that may inspire your recipe repertoire. You’ll even find a good selection of craft beers, spirits, wines, artisan chocolates and gourmet brownies to bring even more Christmas cheer.

As well as the farm shop, the family are into their second year running the local village pub, The Raven Inn. With 2 passionate chefs at the helm, the Christmas menu will be available from 22 November and promises plenty of delicious, seasonal surprises.

01380 827202 | poulshotlodgefarm.co.uk

ROVES FARM

Sevenhampton, nr Swindon Roves Farm Christmas Craft & Food Fair is taking place on 19 & 20 November from 10am-4pm. Hosted by the Farm Shop, Butchery & Café the annual Christmas Craft & Food Fair is a great event to kick off the festive season. Showcasing crafts by talented local artists, designers and makers, who produce anything from unique handmade clothing, jewellery and accessories to candles, home "Roves Farm Christmas Craft & Food Fair is taking place on 19 & 20 November from 10am-4pm."

Penleigh is an award-winning local butchers

All Poulshot Lodge Farm produce is fully traceable

MAINS

Smoked

Creamy

Prawn

£5/£7

soup with

ciabatta ** £4/£6.50

with

Rose sauce £5/£7

Roast

Braised beef w.

&

£12.50/£16.50

Homemade nut roast w. roasties,

veggie gravy £10.50/£13.95

Homemade fisherman’s pie w. a buttery mash topping, served w.

greens £10.50/£13.50

Homemade lentil loaf w. roasties,

£10.50/£13.95

DESSERTS

Traditional

Homemade

Homemade

Sticky

brownie £4/£6.50

crème

£4/£6.50

served with butterscotch sauce £4/£6.50

décor and Christmas decorations.

Get into the spirit with twinkling lights, music & locally sourced seasonal food & drink tastings, all produced by the talented butchery & café teams and made with Rovesreared meats. Pigs in blankets, turkey, stuffing, beef, ham, nut roast, mince pies, Christmas cake, mulled apple juice... the list goes on. You can also browse a range of hampers and place your Christmas meat order at the Farm Shop & Butchery. Entry to fair, farm shop and café is free with plenty of parking. You can also shop online and if you sign up to the loyalty card scheme you can earn those points to spend instore or online.

01793 763939 | rovesfarm.co.uk

ROWDEY COW

Lower Farm, Rowde, nr Devizes One of the most popular festive offerings at the Rowdey Cow are Breakfasts & Teas with Father Christmas – spaces are so popular that they’re almost sold out but some

remaining tickets can be purchased from their new website, they may be opening up further sessions for booking - keep an eye on their social media page for updates!

The Rowdey Cow has some availability for delicious 2 or 3 course Christmas meal party nights and are also taking bookings for Christmas lunches (these must be pre-booked) – see the website for their tasty Christmas Menu. Their new Functions Barn is available for larger Christmas parties and private functions with delicious Christmas Buffet options to choose from. It is also available to hire for business meetings with a large presentation screen and seating for up to 70 people!

01380 829666 | rowdeycow.co.uk

TAPHOUSE

9-10 George Street, Warminster Taphouse is an independent off license that can cater for all your Christmas drinks needs! Run by Dan Keene and his wife Becky - who locals may remember as the landlords of The Organ Inn – the couple have brought their passion for craft ales to their special bottle shop and newly opened tasting room.

As an off license, you can pop in and select one of their various drinks to enjoy. They have an extensive spirits

collection (gins, rums etc) wines from around the world and over 40 ciders and 100 beers and craft ales to choose from!

You can now also sit inside and enjoy a taster of their draught products which change regularly. If cider, ales, or lagers aren’t your thing they even have local and independent gins and rums, or a specially selected wine for you to enjoy. And if you can’t find what you are looking for Dan and Becky are happy to source many many different beverages from their suppliers and can have it arrive on the next delivery run. The shop is open Thursday to Saturday for you to pop in and takeaway whatever you fancy, or you can order online for delivery when it suits you.

01985 217700 | taphousewarminster.co.uk

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. Woody's are now taking orders to create your very own Christmas hamper - the perfect Christmas gift.

Call them on the main number or email and they will be happy to help with some great ideas that match all budgets. Woody's is the perfect place for all your festive treats, cheeses and wines... pop in and try a few of their cheeses and feast on the cake tasters, you will not be disappointed!

01249 716091 | adam@thedeliatcorsham.co.uk

"Woody's is the perfect place for all your festive treats, cheeses and wines"

Susy Fuentes Art at Roves Farm Christmas Fair

Taphouse has recently opened its new tasting room

eat the

After our extremely dry summer and my concern that the winter vegetables and potatoes would be affected in yield and quality thankfully all is well. The vegetables coming through our local growers and the market are very good and the overall potato yields are roughly 10% down so not disastrous. Now the problem is transport costs. As you all know fuel prices and other fixed vehicle

problem. This benefits our local growers a little as they are getting a bigger share of the market for themselves.

November is a month for the promotion of all of our root and winter crops, especially squashes (a huge variety) and pumpkins. Next month will be all about Brussels sprouts and parsnips for Christmas. We probably sell as much red

lunch! They are a big hit in my family and among the warehouse and office guys.

prices are rising and this is driving (excuse the pun) additional costs for transporting produce, thereby putting the end product cost up. Some growers in the north of England and Scotland have stopped sending their produce to our southern markets because of this

cabbage at this time of year as we do in the rest of the year put together. It adds great colour to a roast.

It’s soup time of year! If you like taking the quick and lazy route, just throw some veg, or some tomatoes, or some peas and mint into a soup maker, press ‘go’ and in 18 mins you have soup for

Growing your own - if you have an allotment or any growing space November can be a lovely time of year. The season slows down and it is great opportunity to take stock of what went well and what went badly in the previous year and to learn from your experiences. You can tidy up the rest of your garden or allotment and maybe have a bonfire if you are in a suitable area. Just check the neighbour has not got a load of washing out! I have been buying tulip bulbs from the market for my mother, mother in law, daughter in laws and neighbourssome beautiful colour bulbs around this year. Even if you only have space to plant a pot of them it will be some welcome colour in the early spring.

As always just get in touch if you have any questions or queries.

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

“November is a month for the promotion of all of our root and winter crops, especially squashes and pumpkins.”

'INSTANT' SUPPERS

GARLIC & SOY CHICKEN THIGHS

Serves 4

Here is a recipe we’ve been enjoying that is sweet, salty and has a gentle kick of flavour from the garlic, ginger and chilli. I’ve given the instructions for bone-in skin-on thighs in the main recipe, but for less faff skinless thigh fillets can also be used (see notes at the end). There’s also guidance for if you don’t have an Instant Pot. Basically I’m saying there’s no excuse not to try this recipe.

If you don’t eat chicken I think this would be excellent with jack fruit too, in fact I’ll just test that and be right back…

Ingredients

1kg chicken thighs, bone in, skin on Oil (1 tbsp vegetable oil with 1 tsp sesame oil)

½ instant pot cup or 80ml (gf if required) soy sauce

½ instant pot cup or 80ml (gf if required) tomato ketchup

½ instant pot cup (up to 80ml on measure) soft light brown sugar

4 cloves of garlic, crushed

2 inches ginger, grated Chilli flakes (optional)

1 Instant Pot cup (160ml) water

Method

Set the instant pot to sauté mode. Add the oil and then seal the chicken thighs for a couple of minutes on

each side. You will need to do this in at least two batches. Remove the thighs once sealed until all are done. Turn sauté mode off.

Mix the rest of the ingredients together (use the chilli flakes if you’d like a kick to the sauce. I used a teaspoon of them).

Return the thighs to the Instant Pot and pour the sauce over the top. Put the lid on and set the vent to sealing. Set the instant pot to cook on poultry mode (or high pressure) for 20 minutes. Allow to depressurise naturally for five minutes and then cover with a tea towel and then carefully switch to venting.

Remove the thighs, and then skim any fat from the top. Switch to sauté

mode for a few minutes to reduce the sauce until thick and syrupy. Either pour over the thighs to serve or shred the meat from the thighs and return to the pot to coat in the sauce.

Serve with rice and steamed vegetables.

n.b This dish can also be made with skinless, boneless thighs. In which case simply place everything in the pot and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Shred the chicken and reduce the sauce on sauté mode.

If not using an instant pot, cook, covered with 360ml of water added, for 90 minutes in an oven at 170°C. Check periodically to ensure it isn’t drying out and add a little water if necessary.

This month FRAN STEVENS, aka The Food Wife, shares some delicious recipes made in double-quick time using her Instant Pot.

SAUSAGE & PASTA CASSEROLE

Serves 2

A perfect weeknight family meal, this sausage casserole is a one pot, Instant Pot, quick and easy satisfying meal that can be easily scaled up. The only things you scale up here are the sausages (2 per person), the carrot (1 per person), the pasta (75-100g per person) and the cups of water (1 per person). It requires about five or so minutes of work, and the Instant Pot does the rest. It’ll be on the table in no time.

Ingredients

1 tbsp oil

1 red onion, large dice

1 clove of garlic, finely chopped

1 pepper, deseeded, large dice

2 carrots, peeled and cut into 1cm thick slices

4 sausages, cut in half (v/gf if required)

150g-200g dried pasta (gf if required)

500g passata

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (v/gf if required)

Pinch of sugar

Ground black pepper

Pinch of salt

320ml water

Method

Using sauté mode, add the oil and onion to the Instant Pot and sauté for

a couple of minutes. Add the garlic and pepper and stir, followed by the carrots and sausages.

Lightly brown the sausages for a couple more minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the wet ingredients, salt, pepper, sugar and pasta. Stir.

Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Manually set the Instant Pot to high pressure for half the cooking time detailed on the pasta packetaround 4 or 5 minutes.

Once the Instant Pot has finished, carefully, using a tea towel and handle of a wooden spoon, turn the valve to venting to do quick release. Check seasoning and serve!

You can make this on the hob; cook the pasta separately, following the packet instructions. Make the sauce (without the water) in a pan on a medium heat, following steps 1-3, then cook for about 20 minutes on a low simmer. Stir through the cooked pasta and serve.

BUTTERBEAN STEW

Serves 2-4 as a main or 6-8 as a tapas

This is a frequent meal in our house this autumn and winter. It’s cheap, easy and delicious. Hat-trick!

If you don’t have an Instant Pot then you could make this on the hobfollow the instructions using a lidded pan but it will take a lot longer to achieve that rich sauce and soft beans. Let me know how it turns out!

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, halved and sliced

2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed slightly with a back of a knife

2 roasted peppers (from a jar) roughly cut into strips

1 tbsp tomato purée

2 tins of butter beans (incl their liquid)

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tbsp chopped parsley (to serve)

Method

Set the instant pot to sauté mode and add the oil, onion, garlic and peppers and stir for 2 minutes.

Add the paprika and tomato purée and stir for a further minute before adding the butterbeans (including their water).

Put the lid on and ensure it is switched to sealing mode. Place manually on high pressure for 10 minutes and then use a tea towel and a long handled implement to use the quick release valve.

Remove the lid, season to taste and switch back onto sauté mode for five minutes to allow the rich sauce to reduce. Add the chopped parsley as a garnish before serving.

We like this with crusty (garlic) bread to dip into the rich sauce. It would also work well with rice or include it as part of a tapas.

• thefoodwife.co.uk

THE NEW & IMPROVED MILL AT RODE

The Mill at Rode has recently come under the new management of Sam and Rachael. Rachael is all things people and culture, with plenty of hospitality experience under her belt. Sam worked his way from cloakroom attendant to General

Manager. Together with beaming smiles and with service in their soul, they bring you their latest adventure, The Mill at Rode.

The Mill at Rode Eating House accommodates a bright and inviting space to wine and dine. Ambient

sounds of running water from the historic mill take you back in time, while you sample the delights of our locally sourced menu. They cater for all appetites, with an array of vibrant vegetarian and fish dishes, sharing small plates and will always do their best to accommodate any allergy requirements you may need.

The Mill has started taking booking for Christmas Parties from small groups up to 100 guests in their private function space. Please visit the website for sample menus and email for more information.

To book a tabel call 01373 673112 or alternatively you can email info@themillatrode.com for more information.

• themillatrode.com

THE AWARD-WINNING WHITE HORSE

At the White Horse Inn, the kitchen philosophy is simple ‘Keep it local and keep it seasonal’. Recently awarded 2 AA rosettes and mentioned in the Michelin Guide their only goal is to deliver great-tasting dishes that everyone can enjoy.

All their suppliers are based in the westcountry and all source from local, small, family-run farms. They have meat coming from as far away as the Quantock Hills in Somerset and some so local they can walk to pick it up. Their vegetables and fruit are, again, sourced close to home, with the majority coming from Paget’s farm in Bromham. Some

produce even comes from their own kitchen garden. Line-caught fish by day boats and coastal native

shellfish are supplied fresh through the Brixham fish market.

The chef team loves a little twist on things so expect to find Asian and European influences combined with classic British ingredients. Booking is highly recommended, especially for weekends and Sunday lunch, which includes a very popular vegetarian roast with all the trimmings.

The whole team is now ready for Christmas and have a special party menu available from £25 per person. They are also planning a great shindig for New Year’s Eve, with a 6-course taster menu from £95 per person. To make a reservation call 01249 813118 or email info@ whitehorse-comptonbassett.co.uk

• whitehorse-comptonbassett.co.uk

The Mill caters for all appetites

Expect delicious locally sourced dishes at The White Horse

“The chef team loves a little twist on things so expect to find Asian and European influences combined with classic British ingredients.”

MEET THE CHEF

What was your first job in catering?

I worked at The Bath Arms, Crockerton, at the age of 15. I was employed to peel veg but instead was thrown into service and haven’t stopped since.

Where have you worked previously?

For most of my career I worked for Von Essen Hotels the Luxury Family Hotel group in their 2 AA rosette restaurants. During my time there I worked under some fantastic chefs and was able to develop my career from chef de partie through to sous chef and finally head pastry chef.

What were the first dishes you mastered?

One of the first dishes I mastered was a twice baked cheese soufflé. At the age of 17 after carefully watching my head chef, at the time, for a year before being allowed to attempt to make it, I still know the recipe by heart now!!

Do you have any favourite local suppliers?

All of our fruit, veg and meat is sourced as locally as possible with our main bulk of ingredients coming directly from our own Poulshot Lodge Farm shop. I also make savoury pastries to sell at the farm shop and

have even created my own blend of sausages to sell there. One of the things I find most fascinating is being able to farm our own grass-fed beef then watch the entire journey from field to plate.

What is your personal favourite dish from your menu?

This is tricky as our menu changes frequently in order to use the freshest seasonal produce. One of my favourite dishes to make - which always goes down a treat - is ale smoked guinea fowl terrine, medjool date purée and a pork bon bon.

What is the most memorable event you have cooked for?

One of my most memorable events was whilst cooking for Keith Lemon, Holly Willoughby and Fearne Cotton. Keith left his guests and decided to come into the kitchen and started cooking with the team whilst telling us numerous jokes.

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

On the rare occasion I have time to myself I like to try different restaurants that have a focus on using local ingredients in unexpected ways. I enjoy visiting Oak restaurant in Bath as well as Osip in Bruton.

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

When I am entertaining friends, you’ll usually find me cooking over coals, beneath our orchard using our own seasoned apple and cherry wood to

bring flavour into prime cuts of meat or cooking my own freshly caught trout nailed on cedar planks directly in the coals.

What is your favourite tipple?

It has to be The Newt’s Ice Cyder. Guilty pleasure? Eating way too much ice cream, especially after a long day in the kitchen.

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?

Cheffing is something which takes passion and creativity as well as long hours; don’t be afraid to experiment with ideas and don’t be afraid to keep learning, you can always learn from those around you. Don’t hold yourself back; if you’re no longer learning it’s time to give yourself a new challenge.

To book a table at The Raven call 01380 828271.

• ravenpoulshot.co.uk

JORDAN ADAMS, head chef at The Raven in Poulshot, talks about twice-baked soufflés, cooking for Keith Lemon and eating too much ice cream!

Jordan started his career at the age of 15

"One of my favourite dishes to make which always goes down a treat is ale smoked guinea fowl terrine, medjool date purée and a pork bon bon."

The Raven uses the freshest seasonal produce

TALKING PICTURES

The idea of taking up digital photography can feel daunting, with some being put off by the techy aspects of the hobby: the camera settings, theory and unfamiliar equipment. From the outset, all of these things combined may feel like a vast amount of information, and consequently too high a mountain to climb. If you’ve considered pursuing photography as a hobby but have experienced this mental obstacle, it’s important to remember two things: firstly, you know more about photography than you think, and, secondly, like trying anything new (and walking on the moon) you only need to take one small step at a time. Let’s consider these points in more detail and help you on your way to turning an interest into a real passion!

YOU KNOW MORE THAN YOU THINK

The basic definition of a photographer is someone who takes photos, so, even if you are

taking them on your phone, still consider yourself a photographer! And if you take snaps relatively frequently, have a tendency to take photos of particular subjects, like skies, butterflies or pics of friends, and are taking multiple images of the same subject to get the most aesthetic shot, you’ve already been developing some fundamental building blocks of photography – practice, inspiration and composition.

ONE STEP AT A TIME

Before you frighten yourself by investing in the latest digital camera or ordering an encyclopaedia-sized photography master guide, consider taking an incremental and pressurefree approach to improving your skills; take more photos than usual on your phone, read a photography blog about an area that interests you (pet photography for example), watch YouTube tutorials or attend a beginner’s workshop.

Talking about workshops, if you quite like the idea of learning the basics in person with a photography tutor, Lacock Photography’s Beginner's Photography Workshop (Part 1) is a great place to start. You don’t need any prior knowledge or experience, or even your own a camera – we are more than happy to lend you one! Our Beginner’s Workshop goes through all the need to knows and aims to inspire you to develop your interest in photography.

• lacockphotography.com

Beginner's workshops are a fun, accessible way of learning more about photography

Fiona Turnbull, co-owner of independent digital photography training school

LACOCK PHOTOGRAPHY, explores taking up photography as a hobby and how you might already be well on your way to becoming a photography enthusiast.

Simply taking more pictures is an easy way to work on the fundamental building blocks of photography

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

THE PERFECT GIFT

Matt Curtis Photography studio, in Chinns Court in Warminster, offers classic and fun family photography, heritage and fine art portraiture, pets and animals and much moreand they make great Christmas gifts.

It might seem early to be thinking about Christmas, but actually for the perfect gift there are lead times for delivery. A photo shoot is quick and easy but then the real process begins of producing your perfect images, the edits that turn your photo shoot into wall hangable pieces of art that you and your family are going to treasure daily. Once that is done you get to choose your favourite shots and how you want them finished, which frame you would like, which style of coffee table book or folio. The prints are sent to production, the materials for finishing are ordered and your artwork is painstakingly put together to produce the most fantastic and thoughtful gift.The process can take a few weeks so if

family; a perfect photograph they can enjoy every day.

Not only that but once the photo shoot is done, prints can be given to anyone. Extended family, distant friends, dad for his office…beautiful photos really are the perfect gift.

So why come to a professional to get these amazing photos when you could potentially get someone to run some off for you for next to

that suits; handmade and finished frames. In short you get a gift you can be proud to give or receive.

Alternatively, if you'd rather have photos of your family you could give them a voucher for their own photo shoot instead. To find out more call 01985 988698 or 07809 363800 or head to the website.

• mattcurtisphotography.com

photos are your thing then give me a call quickly to get booked in.

You might think “but who wants photos these days anyway?” Well, a quick answer is grandparents. What do you buy people who already have everything they need? The one thing they treasure more than anything else in the world: memories and

nothing? Unfortunately it is true that photography has become disposable: we see “snaps” every day, on our phones, through social media. But a qualified professional photographer offers so much more: a carefully constructed photograph with every aspect considered; perfectly edited images; beautifully printed photographs on a paper

MATT CURTIS explains how a professional photo shoot can make for the perfect gift this Christmastime...

"What do you buy people who already have everything they need? The one thing they treasure more than anything else in the world: memories and family"

Give a beautiful portrait as a gift this Christmas

Matt can photograph pets, animals & more...

GARDEN JOBS

1. Clear fallen leaves This isn’t just to keep the garden tidy, wet leaves can be slippery on paths, and leave your lawns soggy and brown. It’s also especially important to clear leaves from ponds to ensure water is healthy for fish and other wildlife. Leaves can be gathered up to make leafmould.

2. Raise containers up onto feet to prevent waterlogging In wet weather, raise pots up off the ground on ‘feet’ or similar to keep the bottom of the pot out of the water and prevent compost freezing.

3. Plant tulip bulbs for a spring display Tulips are amongst the most popular of bulbs, valued for their brilliant flower colours and shapes. Plant in autumn for a show of spring flowers. Choose from a large range to suit the situation.

4. Prune roses to prevent wind-rock Shrub and bush roses can grow very tall by autumn; cut back stems by between a third and half their height. This will stop the plants swaying in the wind and becoming loose in the soil.

5. Plant out winter bedding Combining it with evergreens ensures good colour and interest throughout autumn and beyond, and by limiting your colour palette (purple, white and green is a good mix) it looks a bit more contemporary.

6. Cover brassicas with netting if pigeons are a problem. Pigeons peck at leaves, tearing them, often just leaving the stalks and larger leaf veins behind. To avoid accidentally trapping or injuring birds and other animals, always ensure netting is kept taut, and check regularly for holes

7. Insulate tender plants from frost When it is not practical to lift or move tender plants, the best way to protect them from the winter cold and wet is to wrap them up. Get this done when the first frost warnings of the autumn come, usually around now. Bubblewrap works well.

8. Lift and store dahlias, cannas and tuberous bedding begonias Alternatively, in milder areas with good drainage, you can protect the tubers by covering them with an extra thick mulch - (there is a risk your plants will succumb to long periods of cold/wet though.)

9. Tidy up stakes and other supports as late flowering herbaceous plants die down for winter. Leave attractive seedheads in situ where possible as they look attractive covered in frost and provide overwintering spots for insects like ladybirds.

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

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

Seedheads provide food and cover for birds and insects

#ENERGYSAVINGHACKS

1. Switch off standby

You can save around £65 a year just by remembering to turn your appliances off standby mode.

Almost all electrical appliances can be turned off at the plug without upsetting their programming. You may want to think about getting a standby saver or smart plug which allows you to turn all your appliances off standby in one go.

Check the manual for any appliances you aren’t sure about. Some satellite and digital TV recorders need to be left plugged in to keep track of any programmes you want to record.

2. Draught-proof windows & doors

Unless your home is very new, you will lose some heat through draughts around doors and windows, gaps around the floor, or through the chimney. Professional draught-

proofing can cost around £225, but can save around £125 a year on energy bills. DIY draught proofing can be much cheaper.

3. Turn off lights

Turn your lights off when you’re not using them or when you leave a room. This will save you around £25 a year on your annual energy bills.

4. Careful with your washing

You can save around £34 a year from your energy bill just by using your washing machine more carefully:

• Wash at 30°C instead of higher temperatures.

• Reduce your washing machine use by one run per week for a year.

5. Avoid the tumble dryer Tumble dryers use a lot of energy: if possible dry clothes on racks inside where possible or outside in warmer weather to save £70 a year.

6. Spend less time in the shower

Keeping your shower time to just 4 minutes could save a typical household £95 a year on their bills.

7. Swap your bath for a shower

Some of us enjoy a long soak in the tub but swapping just one bath a week with a 4-minute shower could save you £20 a year.

8. Be savvy in the kitchen

Kettles are one of the most used appliances in the kitchen. But many of us will admit that we at least occasionally boil the kettle with more water than we’re going to use. Avoid overfilling the kettle and save yourself £13 a year on your electricity bill. You could also consider fitting an aerator onto your kitchen tap to reduce the amount of water coming out without affecting how it washes or rinses. An aerator attaches to the spout of taps and is cheap and easy to install – and could save you £30 a year.

9. Fill your dishwasher

Only run your dishwasher when it is full to reduce the amount of water you use. Reducing your dishwasher use by one run per week for a year could save you £17.

10. Top up the insulation

Effective insulation of your hot water cylinder is important: even if you have thin spray foam or a loose 25mm jacket, you can benefit from increasing the insulation to a British Standard Jacket 80mm thick, saving £70 a year in the process. Insulating your water tank, pipes and radiators is a quick and easy way to save money on your bills.

For more information and tips head to the Energy Savings Trust website.

• energysavingtrust.org.uk

Here are some quick tips from the ENERGY SAVINGS TRUST that could save you a very welcome £564 a year* on your bills.

draughtproofing can cost around £225, but can save around £125 a year on energy bills."

MOVING HOUSES

As Corsham's only family owned and run property agent, along with being the only business offering sales, lettings & property management under one roof, David Ingram Residential are uniquely positioned with huge expertise on every aspect of the property market.

Matt & Kathryn Chalk, and the rest of their wonderful team have a combined total of over 90 years' experience in the property business, including people who have lived in Corsham & Neston for their entire lives, so you can be confident that each has a vested interest to deliver a passionate, honest, personal, and hugely knowledgeable service to all of their clients, whether you are a buyer, seller, landlord or tenant.

Taking pride in combining the latest technology with traditional values and an extensive knowledge of the local property market, they are committed to providing honest and professional advice that clients can always trust and rely on, especially in the current financial climate which has changed so much over the last few weeks and had a considerable effect on the housing and mortgage market, leaving many buyers and sellers unsure whether now is the right time to be moving home.

Managing Director, Matt Chalk, is very aware of the level of uncertainty currently surrounding the market and has this to say, "A number of buyers and sellers are understandably taking a wait and

see approach to the market at present, with mortgage constraints and rising rates making things harder and more unpredictable, but we are still seeing a large number of people wanting to move home if they can make the figures work for them. Hopefully with the honest advice and professional experience we provide, we’ll be able to help buyers and sellers navigate through this tricky time without feeling the need to put their entire lives on hold. As an independent family owned business, we are free from the ties and referral target pressures which lots of estate agencies

operate under, due to the demands of their shareholders and investors. As a result, we are able to offer a bespoke, personal and honest service to each and every one of our clients, and we are always delighted to take the time to have a free, no-obligation chat with anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of how the market is currently doing - even if they just want an accurate assessment of what their property is currently worth, and aren’t actually thinking of moving home at present.”

• david-ingram.co.uk

DAVID INGRAM RESIDENTIAL offers a personal touch and great expertise when it comes to buying and selling homes in Corsham...

“Hopefully with the honest advice and professional experience we provide, we’ll be able to help buyers and sellers navigate through this tricky time”

Managing Director Matt Chalk

David Ingram combine the latest technology with traditional values

GREAT RESULTS FOR WANSBROUGHS IN THE LEGAL 500 DIRECTORY

Wansbroughs has once again been acknowledged for its legal expertise in The Legal 500.

The Wiltshire-based firm has been recognised in the key areas of Commercial Property, Corporate and Commercial, Family and Private Client legal matters.

The Private Client team provides expert advice in matters relating

to complex Wills, trusts, tax and probate through to large estate planning. The team has been promoted to ‘Tier 2’, putting them alongside much larger firms, and reflects the outstanding effort and high-quality work they deliver.

Wansbroughs’ Commercial Property team, ‘Tier 3’, was acknowledged for their efficiency, reliability and fine detail. The Family team, ‘Tier 4’, was

recognised for its strong reputation across the South West with Team Leader Naomi Owen receiving many impressive testimonials.

Finally, the newly formed Corporate and Commercial team, was listed in the category ‘Firms to watch’.

WHAT IS THE LEGAL 500?

The Legal 500 analyses the capability of law firms worldwide, assessing their strengths in over 150 jurisdictions. The research is based on detailed submission forms, client feedback and in-depth interviews.

The guide provides prospective clients or other professionals with a comprehensive directory of quality law firms.

• wansbroughs.com

The Private Client team

Corsham Opticians has been an independent practice for over 60 years. Family-owned and run you can expect to see the same friendly faces, and the same high levels of dedication and service, every time you pop in to their practice on Corsham’s High Street.

INDEPENDENT OPTICIANS

They provide the standard eye examinations, as required by the NHS, as well as enhanced eye examinations which give a much more in-depth examination using up to date highly specialised equipment. Their opticians are trained and experienced in treating

patients with varying needs – from low prescriptions to those with visual impairment.

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. In addition, Corsham Opticians also provides a hearing service which is available to everyone.

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. To make an appointment give the practice a call on 01249 712369 or you can also make a book via their website.

• corshamopticians.co.uk

BALANCED HEALTH FOR BODY & MIND

Jo Brewer is a fully qualified kinesiologist and kinesiology tutor working from her home-based clinic in Wiltshire. She helps clients of all ages achieve a healthier, happier life. Kinesiology is an incredibly effective method of healthcare which troubleshoots all sorts of health issues and provides solutions to facilitate natural healing and restore good health.

Kinesiology is a holistic, natural method of healthcare that can uncover the root causes of your health issues and reveal solutions to the practitioner and client, guiding you back to better health.

Jo explains: “ We all have ‘imbalances’ in our bodies which may be physical, biochemical, emotional, or energetic – these can go unnoticed and we self-heal without realising, but

sometimes they lead to symptoms and illness. Gentle, non-invasive techniques can unravel complex, chronic, or acute conditions, by identifying and dealing with these imbalances, ie the cause of

symptoms, rather than treating symptoms alone.”

Jo’s introduction to kinesiology happened when seeking solutions to her own health issues. She continues: “Having experienced firsthand what a difference Kinesiology made to my own physical and emotional health - how I felt, how much energy I had and my overall wellbeing, it was impossible not to develop a passion for it. I have now also started to share that passion with others who wish to learn more about kinesiology.”

For enquiries about treatments or training contact Jo via email at jo@jbkinesiology.co.uk or alternatively give her a call on 01373 859689 or 07906 063489.

• jbkinesiology.co.uk

Corsham Opticians also provides a hearing service

Jo practises and teaches kinesiology

The team at Vitality Day Spa were delighted last month to welcome classical singer Carly Paoli to their Bradford on Avon Spa! Invited guests were lucky enough to find out more about her sensational career, including her

Royal Variety performance and her many other incredible experiences. Wiltshire resident Carly popped in to the spa with her mum to enjoy one of the spa’s Serengeti Massage treatments (part of their Wanderlust collection) a very welcome

moment of relaxation for Carly in an otherwise very hectic schedule!

CHRISTMAS SPICE

Bookings for festive treatments are now available, with a beautifully merry and scrumptious treatment going live from this month.

Shea butter, cinnamon, mandarin, clove, ginger, sweet orange, frankincense and cocoa are packed into this soothing, nourishing and warming experience.

Christmas Spice is a complete heavenly pamper for your back, neck, shoulders, décolleté, scalp, hands and feet (all the best aspects).

Available to be booked now, and enjoyed from 1 November until 31 December, be sure not to miss out on this divinely gorgeous treatment.

• vitalitydayspa.co.uk

Carly (middle) with Georgie (left) and Ashley Barnes (right)

LAWRENCE

The 23-year-old made a great impact on debut against Gloucester on Saturday 8 October, making over 50 metres from 12 carries and beating six defenders. Then, against Saracens he was credited by stats service Opta with gaining a stunning 254m in attack while beating 11 defenders (a Bath Rugby record) and giving two try assists. He was also unlucky to have a fantastic try of his own disallowed for a questionable knock on in the build up.

“Ollie made a big impression on me straight away,” Head of Rugby Johann van Graan said. “I believe he will make a real difference to Bath Rugby in the years to come.”

Lawrence has seven England caps to his name and scored his debut Test try against USA in the summer of 2021. He can consider himself unfortunate to have missed out on selection for the upcoming Autumn International series.

Since debuting in the Gallagher Premiership in 2018/19, Ollie has become an established midfield threat in the league and helped Worcester Warriors win the Premiership Rugby Cup last season.

He has also made a name for himself in Europe too with seven tries in 12 matches.

FERGUS LEE-WARNER

Fergus Lee-Warner has also committed to the club for the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign and made his club debut off the bench against Saracens.

The Australian forward, who can play back row or lock, topped the statistical charts for tackles and offloads after Round 2 of this season’s Gallagher Premiership.

The 28-year-old previously competed in

“Fergus is a

“He

a

and has

said.

and

have him for the rest of the

Johann van Graan on Ollie Lawrence

GUESS THE CORRECT DEFINITION?

1) RUNT

a) a pathway up to a steep hill b) a small cavity in a rock c) to knock off the high stubs in woods

2) WIFT

a) quick and noiselessly b) a lean deer not fit to hunt c) the youngest of a litter of pigs

3) POTHERY

a) unsettled weather b) dithering c) said of sheep when they are

affected in the head and run round in circles

4) SHUCKISH a) indifferent, insouciant b) showery, rainy c) arrogant, haughty

GOLFING LINGO

One Scottish invention has been successfully exported around the world. First comes the teeing off... waggle - pre-stroke trial movements sclaffing - skidding the club over the grass before it hits the ball whiff - a stroke that misses the ball skull - to hit the ball too far above its centre shank - to hit the ball with the neck of the club

... then down the fairway... chilli-dip - a weak, lofted shot that takes more ground than ball fried egg / heavy - a ball lying embedded in sand golden ferret - a golf stroke where the ball is holed from a bunker mulligan - a free shot sometimes taken as a second chance in a social match to a player who has made a bad one, not counted on his score-card

... before the arrival at the green... frog hair - the well-cut grass that divides the fairway from the green steamy - a short shot or a putt that passes over or through the green stiff - a shot that stops so close to the hole that it must be impossible to miss the putt

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

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.

Images by Freepik

Power of Attorney AUTUMN PROMOTION

year or more to complete

large

This can be expensive, may take

may have to be deposited with the courts!

while in good

so

GLUTTON FOR PUNISHMENT

Back on 2 October I finally ran The London Marathon, although, as I will come on to later, ‘ran’ is a loose term!! This was the eighth time I had applied and so felt very fortunate to be accepted and to be able to join around 50,000 other runners in what turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life.

It did not all go completely to plan leading up to the big day. I had started training about three months earlier... 26 miles is a long way so best be prepared... and things were going well until I had an old calf niggle rear its ugly head exactly three weeks before the actual day. This meant I couldn’t run at all for

and managed, just, to cross the line in 5hrs 24mins.

One paragraph about how I completed the London Marathon doesn’t really seem enough does it? There were so many other parts of the day though which deserve a mention. The crowds lining pretty much the whole route were amazing, the encouragement - and sweeties - helped me get through some really tough moments. I run for Avon Valley Runners, a running club in Trowbridge, and seeing fellow AVR peeps spectating was wonderful. I also had a random lady shout to me at mile 18 “Avon Valley Runners!!! I’m from Trowbridge too”, which was unexpected but lovely. There was also a man competing

pain I’m not sure I conveyed that too well! Helen was very chipper and the fact that she waited for me and encouraged me to finish is the mark of a true, true friend and for that I will be eternally grateful, even though as we crossed the line it looked as though she was taking an octogenarian relative out for his daily walk. Thank you Helen.

A last and final and most important mention must go to my beautiful family who made the trip up to The Big Smoke to stand very near the end, in the shadow of Big Ben, to cheer me on to the finish. It truly was a sight for sore eyes(and legs!!!). Thank you Lisa, Georgia and Dougie and my lovely sister in law Kate for supporting me when I needed it the most... I love you all.

Would I ever do it again? Well we will see as I have entered the ballot for 2023 and will find out at the end of this month whether I am in or not!!!

the last three weeks - save for a slow 5km a few days before to test the calf and see whether or not I was going to be able to run at all. That went well so I was able to take my place on the start line; sadly the same injury cropped up just 3 miles in but I thought it might be my only chance at doing the race so I carried on. I then managed to run (granted a bit slower than planned) until 21 miles when my thighs started to cramp and what ensued I can only describe as the most painful thing I have ever experienced. Unbelievable but I continued on

who had a nasty fall from his wheelchair and we had to help him back in but he didn’t bat an eyelid he just loved the fact that he was doing The London Marathon.

One of the unexpected pluses of my slight injury was that I slowed down. Because of this my training partner, Helen, who had started a bit after me in a different starting point, was able to catch me up and we were able to cross the finish line together which we never thought would happen. It was truly a magical moment although I was in so much

Phil Rockliffe

“ The crowds lining pretty much the whole route were amazing, the encouragement - and sweeties - helped me get through some really tough moments. ”