The West Wilts Magazine - August 2013. Issue 48

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august 2013

inside...

PLAY TIME

YOUR PRE-SCHOOL OPTIONS

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GREAT NEW DISHES TO TRY

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PARK LIFE THIS MONTH’S FOOD HERO - LADY FULLER food & drink // interviews // property // shopping // comment


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August // WELCOME A Royal baby has been born, we’ve had sporting successes beyond our wildest dreams and have enjoyed more sunshine than we’ve seen since ‘76 (not that I remember ‘76 but apparently it was very warm indeed). Yes, it’s been a great couple of months for our fair isle - and with the line up of events in our region over the coming months the good times look certain to continue.

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This edition we caught up with our cover girl, Lady Fuller, from Neston Park Farm Shop to talk about the success of the shop, it’s values, and the importance of buying and her food heroes. As the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge now know only too well, having a little one changes life a bit! To help parents navigate

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through those tricky early days we’ve put together some great options for nurseries and activities for pre-schoolers. With a bumper selection of events, great options for food and drink and all your usual favourites, it’s another jam-packed issue - enjoy! See you next month.

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inside this issue LOCAL LISTINGS FOR AUGUST......................................................4 LOCAL NEWS ..................................................................................................8 FOOD & DRINK Meet the Chef at The Red Lion ...................................................................28 Eat the seasons ..............................................................................................30 Barbecue recipes ..........................................................................................31 Food News ........................................................................................................39 Dining out in Malmesbury.....................................................................40 HOME & GARDEN Gardeners’ Calendar...................................................................................52

FEATURES Food Heroes - Lady Fuller.......................................................................35 Play Time.............................................................................................................45 HEALTH & WELLBEING Balance Hypnotherapy.............................................................................66 Lucknam Park Spa........................................................................................68 Blue Sky Enabling.........................................................................................70 PUZZLES...........................................................................................................72 LAST WORD ...................................................................................................74

Sofa Co Plus......................................................................................................56 Stephen Graver bespoke furniture...................................................58 The Great Outdoors....................................................................................61 Published by Wired Publishing Editor Lisa Rockliffe Contributors Craig Gates-Mutton, Harriet Shorthose, Phil Rockliffe, Neil Mortimer, Andy Diffey

Read online www.wired-publishing.co.uk Join us on Facebook... Wired Publishing Follow us on Twitter... wiredpublishing Advertising Enquiries Andy Diffey Email andy@wired-publishing.co.uk Tel 01225 807775 Website www.wired-publishing.co.uk Address 10 Grosvenor Place, Bath, BA1 6AX

This magazine is printed on paper sourced from sustainable forests. Please recycle it when you are done, or pass it on! The publishers shall not be held liable for any loss occasioned by the failure of an advertisement to appear, or any damage or inconvenience caused by errors, omissions or misprints. Reproduction of this magazine in whole, or in part is strictly prohibited wihout prior permission of the publishers. Cover image © Chris Allerton

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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August What’s on in

MELKSHAM ASSEMBLY HALL Market Place, Melksham, SN12 6ES Box Office: 01225 709887 www.melkshamassemblyhall.co.uk For full listings go to the website. MELKSHAM COMIC CON 31 August, 10.30am Tickets: £5 A fun filled day of Marvel super heroes, artists, writers and more.

WILTSHIRE MUSIC CENTRE Ashley Rd, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1DZ Box Office: 01225 860100 www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk For full listings go to the website. THE MUSICAL TREE HOUSE 5 and 12 August, 9.30am Tickets: £7 Involving musical games and dancing, your child will be engaged with wonderful puppets, instruments and singing for all. WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE WITH WILTSHIRE SCRAPSTORE 6 August, 10am - 3pm Tickets: £25 Following the success of last year's amazing Gruffalo Day, Wiltshire Scrapstore returns with "Where the Wild Things Are" - a day of cutting, gluing and sticking a gang of Wild Things puppets and making your very own crown, plus a very special screening of the film over the lunchbreak. 4

AFRICAN DRUMMING WITH KAYA RHYTHM & ARTS (ages 5 - 8 years) 9 August, 5 - 8 yrs at 10am, 8yrs + at 1pm Tickets: £9 Discover the rhythms and roots of Africa through these amazing stimulating drumming workshops STREET DANCE 12 August, 1pm Tickets: £50 Work on your street dancing skills using a wide variety of different music and moves. Produce your own show for family and friends!

POUND ARTS CENTRE Pound Pill, Corsham SN13 9HX Box Office: 01249 701628 www.poundarts.org.uk For full listings go to the website. I GIVE IT A YEAR (Cert: 15) 8 August, 11am and 7.30pm Tickets: £7 (Concs: £6) This side-splitting ensemble piece picks up where most wedding comedies end by following the couple though their first year of married life.

3D ANIMATION WITH OSCAR STRINGER 14 August, 10am Tickets: £70 Create your own stop-motion animation film from scratch! A popular workshop back by popular demand!

NO (Cert: 15) 9 August, 11am and 7.30pm Tickets: £7 (Concs: £6) Based on a true story, this Oscar nominated comedy/drama tells the story of the man who created the “No” campaign to be shown on Chilean TV.

10 THINGS TO DO WITH A DIDGERIDOO WITH RALF DORRELL 15 August, 9.30am Tickets: £25 Learn about the aboriginal culture then design and make your own Didgeridoo!

ROBOT AND FRANK (Cert: 12A) 22 August, 11am and 7.30pm Tickets: £7 (Concs: £6) This odd couple comedy with a twist features an endearing performance from Frank Langella as a crotchety old man who lives with a caretaker robot.

MERLIN THEATRE Bath Road, Frome BA11 2HG Box Office: 01373 465949 www.merlintheatre.co.uk

9 AUGUST • NO (CERT 15) POUNDS ARTS CENTRE

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN 23 & 24 August, 7pm Tickets: £9 (Concs: £7.50) This wonderful musical features fantastic

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dance routines set to a glorious score including the classics Good Morning, Make ‘em Laugh, Moses Supposes and the legendary Singin’ in the Rain.

MEMORIAL THEATRE

Frome Farmers Market is recognised as one of the largest and most successful of the Somerset Farmers Markets and offers high quality produce and plants. Choose from organic meats, pies & pastries, delicious dairy products, juices and vegetables to name but a few.

Christchurch St West, BA11 1EB Box Office: 01373 462795 www.fromememorialtheatre.org.uk

THE GEORGE @ WOOLLEY

DR DOLITTLE 8 - 10 August, 7pm Tickets: £10 (Concs: from £8) Step into the 'Wonderful World of Dr. Dolittle' and be delighted by his feathered friends and furry companions! Follow the doctor on an adventure across the sea to find the Giant Pink Sea Snail and find out how his ability to talk to the animals leaves him accused of murder.

67 Woolley Street, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1AQ Tel: 01225 865650 www.thegeorgeatwoolley.co.uk All gigs start at 9pm and are FREE! THE PARLOUR KATS 9 August Original blues, funk and soul VENEZUELAN PIG RUSTLERS 10 August Classic blues rock

CHEESE & GRAIN Market Yard, Frome, BA11 1BE Tel: 01373 455420 www.cheeseandgrain.co.uk FROME FARMERS MARKET 10 August, 9am - 1pm

WILTSHIRE FARMERS MARKETS Tel: 07541 762497 www.wiltshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk 9am-1pm BRADFORD ON AVON 15 and 25 August DEVIZES 3 August TROWBRIDGE 19 and 23 August CORSHAM 17 August WARMINSTER 2 and 16 August 6

TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC SESSION 14 August TRIP THE SWITCH 14 August Original jazz/pop trio THE RICHARD O'BRIEN PROJECT 16 August Original soul, funk and jazz quintet THE BUTTMONKEYS 17 August Classic rock covers GOD SAVE THE QUEEN 23 August Classic punk rock covers BIL 25 August, from 3pm Acoustic duo STRAIGHT SHOOTER 30 August Classic rock covers

THE SWAN HOTEL Cellar Bar, Swan Hotel, 1 Church Street, Bradford on Avon BA15 1LN www.boafolkclub.org.uk www.theswanbradford.co.uk SINGAROUND 6 & 20 August CHLOE TYGHE 8 August Locally based singer/songwriter ROSIE EADE 13 August Solo Musician, singer songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, playing lively and evocative life inspired songs of her own, interspersed with carefully chosen traditional songs. NOBODY’S BUSINESS 15 August Blues guitaer and harmonica FOLKLAW 27 August Nick Gibb’s Folklaw brings you unique, exhilarating songs and music, guaranteed to get feet tapping, minds thinking and crowds jumping! BLUES JAM 22 August

ACOUSTIC OAK AT THE ROYAL OAK 72 High Street, Corsham SN13 0HF www.finemusicworks.com Doors open 7.30pm for 8pm SINGERS NIGHTS 8, 15, 22 and 29 August 8pm start

SEEND ACOUSTIC CLUB Rusty Lane, Seend SN12 6NS www.seendacoustic.org

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CROSS KEYS BEER FESTIVAL 23 - 26 August Midford Rd, Combe Down, Bath Sponsored by Dartmoor Brewery this fantastic event will be showcasing some great local beers and the best traditional Thatcher’s ciders. In all there’ll be 12 real ales to try and live music and a barbecue to enjoy on Friday and Saturday night. Plus, on Sunday 25 August, there’s a Family Fun Day from 2-6pm complete with bouncy castle, face painting, games,

tombola, coconut shy and a barbecue. It’s all free to get in and should be great fun for all. See the website, www.crosskeysbath.co.uk for details.

BLACK SWAN ARTS 2 Bridge Street, Frome BA11 1BB Tel: 01373 473980 www.blackswan.org.uk

LOUISE LATHAM 7 August, 8pm Tickets £3

BEE AND HONEY DAY 11 August, 10.30am FREE Bee and honey day at Lacock is the ALMOST ANGLO_AMERICAN ALLSTARS place to BEE seen! Discover fascinating support JAMES HOLLINGSWORTH facts about these essential creatures. 21 August, 8pm Tickets £3 SEASIDE PICNIC 13 August, 11am FREE LACOCK ABBEY Oh we do like to be beside the seaside! Lacock, nr Chippenham SN15 2LG At Lacock Abbey they like it so much Tel: 01249 730459 they've brought the seaside to Wiltshire www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock with a beach themed picnic. For free events, normal admission charges apply FAMILY BAT WATCH ARRANGEMENTS IN BLACK AND GREY: 20 August, 7.30pm BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY IN Tickets: Adult £8, Child £4 Ever seen a bat fly out of a gargoyles THE 21ST CENTURY mouth? Or felt a bat swoop past your Until 22 September, 10.30am - 5.30pm cheek, safe in the knowledge it won't hit FREE you? Well, now is your chance. Has black and white photography become irrelevant in the age of colour? Have digital cameras and the prints they produce made monochrome images obsolete? Visit the Fox Talbot Museum and offer your opinion on the subject. 50 THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU'RE 11 ¾ ADVENTURE TRAIL 29 July to 1 September, 10.30am to 5.30pm Come and enjoy the great outdoors by discovering how many of the '50 things to do before you're 11 ¾' you can do on an adventure around the Abbey grounds. " *#'$ ( "& %& " % "&# '% &

THE MIKADO 23 August, 7pm Tickets: Adult: £15.50, Child: £9 Discover Japan in the heart of Wiltshire as Gilbert and Sullivan's wonderful comic opera comes to Lacock Abbey. Outdoor theatre in a beautiful setting

29 JULY - 31 AUGUST • BRYLCREEM & BROKEN BISCUITS • FAT FOWL

EDWINA BRIDGEMAN - THE PLACE BEYOND 6 July - 17 August. Opening night: 5 July, 6-8pm Edwina has a long history exhibiting at Black Swan Arts and is delighted to be back to present this new body of work centered around new beginnings.

OTHER EVENTS IKEBANA MODERN AND FREE with DIANE NORMAN Bradford on Avon & District Flower Club 6 September Talk at Holt Village Hall from Diane Morgan. Email mem1417@aol.com for details. BRYLCREEM AND BROKEN BISCUITS The Fat Fowl, Bradford on Avon 29 July – 31 August FREE Nowadays there’s much talk of revitalising the high street, supporting small traders and buying local. It all makes sense and is exactly how things were back in the 1950s. Brylcreem & Broken Biscuits is a special exhibition that features photographs of the town shops from the Fifties and Sixties. The exhibition coincides with publication of a book of the same name by Stephanie Laslett, full of detail on the history of Bradford on Avon’s shops and available from Ex Libris bookshop. Take a look on the website, www.fatfowl.com for more information. 7


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FringeBoA Festival There are only a few weeks to go to Bradford on Avon’s Fringe Festival on 31 August-8 September, with all but a few events in place. BoA’s answer to the Bath Fringe may be more modest but is still an exciting adventure... THERE ARE FOUR MAIN HAPPENINGS • The ‘wake’ of the Fringe celebrates another successful event and looks THAT ANCHOR THE FRINGE: • The opening Party at Westbury Gardens on 31 August is sponsored by Linden Homes and features a sculpture-making celebration, music, family and children’s fun, stalls, food and drink and surprises, the launch of the BoA Campus campaign and the introductionof a new appearance of the Millennium Embroidery at Linden’s showrooms.

forward to the next one, in the

• Phil King and Mike Scott at the Swan and Burger and the Beast at the George on Tuesday.

“The opening Party at Westbury Gardens on 31 August features a sculpture-making celebration, music, family and children’s fun, stalls, food and drink and surprises”

afternoon of Sunday 8 September at • On Wednesday, Spooky Men’s the Three Horseshoes. Music all Chorale at the Wilts Music Centre, afternoon, a chance to get hold of the Bootleg Theatre and the last tickets for the prize draw, plus the Bradfordians at the Swan and Liv draw itself at 3.30 pm offering over 20 • The Fringe at Lamb Yard on Saturday Torc at the ‘Shoes. prizes donated by local and not so 7 September pulls together a variety local businesses. of activities: ‘hilarious books’ for • Film night at the Mt Pleasant Centre children, acoustic music, film-in-a day on Thursday features Beasts of the WELL OVER 40 EVENTS TAKE PLACE judging and showing, tyre swans, Southern Wild, and at the ‘Shoes it’s DURING THE WEEK & INCLUDE: Kawai Law and Trowbridge College Belles Fleurs music cabaret. • Gorgeous Big Horn at the ‘Shoes on art show and more. the first Sunday, family ceilidh at the • Wine tasting at the Swan on Friday Scout Hut, Merv Grist and Tim Webb • The Party at Poulton shifts attention to followed by acoustic roots music at the Swan on the same day. the other end of town, also on that with Gary Hall, magic at the ‘Shoes Saturday, with more music, family fun, and the Worried Men at the George. barbecue, young people doing a film • Words and Ears at the Swan on the Monday, plus Round the Horne at the survey on the social facilities available • Saturday also sees a paramotor fly-in Three Horseshoes, Jazz Factory at in the area, and again the Campus and demonstration at the Rugby Sebastien’s Bistro. campaign. Club, Night at the Opera at The Castle, the Chippenham film Bash Street followed by Music by Something about Justice at the Swan, and Burlesque at The Three Horseshoes, an ample day of entertainment. Almost all events are free! Look for more details on www.fringeboa.co.uk, or look up FringeBoA on Facebook and Twitter for newsflashes. And most importantly: come! • www.fringeboa.co.uk 8

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SATURDAY 14 SEPTEMBER

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GREAT BUSTARD REINTRODUCTION

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Britain. The GBG was set up in 1998 to explore the possibility of reintroducing the Great Bustard to the UK and after encouraging progress with successful releases the population has been added to since 2004. The Group works tirelessly to re-establish the species with the aim of creating a self-sustaining population.

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reat Bustards (the heaviest flying animal alive today) were once very much part of British wildlife but were hunted to extinction in this country by the 1840's. But in Wiltshire, on the wilds of Salisbury Plain, there is a project underway to bring the bustard back to

Birdworld, in Farnham, has been supporting the Great Bustard Project for several years, annually giving a percentage of all money raised in raffles, collections and other initiatives to the GBG. Now Birdworld is delighted to

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announce the park will soon become home to a pair of Great Bustards. Both birds are unable to be released into the wild so Birdworld is delighted to care for them and plans to create a bustard centre to showcase this amazing project. Birdworld, also home to attractions Underwater World and Jenny Wren Farm, have lots of other events going on over the summer time too, making it a great option for a family day out. A family ticket, admitting 2 adults and 2 children, costs £49.95. • www.birdworld.co.uk

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ancy getting up close and personal with a parrot or an owl, trying some of the tastiest cheeses in the world, watching craftsmen and women demonstrating traditional and all too often overlooked rural skills or maybe even trying your hand at archery? Well, you can – and all in one place, the West Woodlands Showground where, on Saturday, September 14, the gates open to the 136th Frome Show. The show, one of the biggest and most important events of its kind in the region, will be heaving with attractions of all kinds, from dogs showing off their agility to stunt motorcyclists risking life and limb to entertain the crowds. There will be competitions to find the finest cattle in the country and races between scurries, tiny carriages pulled by a pair of incredibly nimble ponies. There will be pavilions offering a mouthwatering choice of the best local foods and marquees where creative home and handicraft skills will be vying for coveted show award certificates. There will be some of the latest agricultural machinery, a great choice of clothes to be tempted by and a fairground which will help make a visit to the show a great family day out. Show secretary Brenda Scott says, “We’ve sold more than 350 trade stand spaces this year, entries for all of the competitions, from the Best Bull in Show to the children’s craft classes, are already flowing in and with entries for the Cheese Awards coming from all over the world and everything else that will be on offer, Frome Show 2013 will have something for everyone. We’re very much aware that people’s pockets are being squeezed so we’ve held ticket prices at last year’s levels. Last year’s show was the best ever and while it will be hard to match, the success of that show and the publicity which the Global Cheese Awards have given us point to this year’s event being one to remember too.” • www.fromecheeseshow.co.uk

SOAP BOX DERBY

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upported by Hire Standards, Westbury, the Soap Box Derby - an everpopular family event - returns on Sunday 18 August to thrill and entertain the crowds on Castle Street in Trowbridge. Enter your own cart (basically a box on wheels created to the design and specification of your choosing, with steering and preferably brakes built in!) or come along and watch purpose built Soap Boxes race downhill against the clock. Head protection, long sleeves, trousers and gloves MUST be worn. There’s no need to pre-book, you can just turn up and register on the day - entry is £2 per rider. The event will run from 9.30am - 1pm (approx.) with registration from 9am. For more information call 01373 859899 or follow Trowbridge Carnival on Twitter, @TrowCarnival.

CORSLEY SHOW MONDAY 26 AUGUST

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orsley Show organisers are looking forward to welcoming thousands of visitors on Bank Holiday Monday 26 August. Action-packed events are planned for the main arena, including Ridgeside Racing Lurchers (pictured above) and falconry display. Swainsford Working Horses will provide a striking contrast in the main arena majestic power, not speed. There is also a gymkhana programme, covering everything from showjumping, best turnout & riding horses and dressage. Many of the competitions also allow you to enter on the day - contact Clare Bayman (01373 832495) or Clare Brown (01373 832004) for more information. The Kennel Club are hosting a Dog Show on the day. As well as pedigree and obedience classes there will also be a selection of novelty classes, including best child handler, best six legs and dog the judge would most like to take home. For details on entering these competitions contact Wendy Miller on 01373 863166. Around the scenic Corsley Show field you will find the Artful Bodger displaying his woodworking skills and inviting you to have a go yourself. Snuffy’s Grand Punch & Judy Show will keep the children entertained and watch out for walkabout magic tricks. In the Horticulture & Crafts Tent the National Vegetable Society is joining the Corsley Show for the first time this year to add to the magnificent display that will astound the crowds. Vintage vehicles, a children’s sports day, lots of trade stands, including a farmers market, are among the host of attractions that should combine to make it a wonderful day out for all. • www.corsleyshow.org.uk 11 11


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Mercers’ Lecture Season Dauntsey’s School will welcome a number of distinguished public figures this Autumn for their annual Mercers’ Lecture Season.

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ohn Bercow, Speaker of the House of Commons; Baroness D’Souza, Lord Speaker; Robert Swannell, chairman of M&S; and TV presenter, marine biologist and adventurer Monty Halls are just a few of the notable speakers who will appear in this year’s celebrated Mercers’ Lecture Series. The Mercers’ Lectures are named in recognition of the links between

This year’s lecture series promises to be as entertaining and stimulating as ever. The academic life of the School

“John Bercow, Baroness D’Souza and TV presenter and adventurer Monty Halls are just a few of the notable speakers who will appear in this year’s celebrated Mercers’ Lecture Series.” is vibrant and stimulating, and pupils are fortunate to have access to such high quality speakers, many of whom hold discussion groups with Sixth Formers before their lecture.

Monty Halls

Dauntsey’s and the Mercers’ Company which go back to Mercer founder, Alderman William Dauntsey, Master of the Worshipful Company of Mercers, who founded the School in West Lavington in 1542. From these humble beginnings over four and half centuries ago, Dauntsey’s has grown into a thriving, modern, fully coeducational school with more than 780 pupils.

The Mercers’ Lectures start on 13 September with Robert Hiscox, one of the City’s longest serving executives and Hon President of Hiscox Ltd. All lectures are free and open to the public. Please contact the school if you wish to attend, by emailing

Robert Hiscox

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info@dauntseys.org or calling 01380 814500. All lectures start at 7.30pm and are held in the Memorial Hall at

Dauntsey’s. Please see the school website for more details • www.dauntseys.org


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The Cross Keys A Wadworth pub in Rowde, near Devizes, The Cross Keys is a fine traditional pub offering tasty homecooked food.

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he Cross Keys at Rowde is a Tudor style pub built back in the late 1930s, and has recently undergone a redecoration in both the bar and restaurant, exposing

Press. As we go to press a new wine list is being finalised, and with landlord Treeza an enthusiast and recent recipient of Level 1 in Wine Serving, you can expect to find some lovely offerings

“Being a Wadworth pub you can naturally expect to find a great range of their beers behind the bar” the beautiful original wooden floor. Sadly, the building was initially thatched and burnt down some time ago - now only the chimney and fireplace in the bar remain from the original building. Despite that, this is a characterful pub that offers a warm traditional country pub welcome above all else.

should you fancy something fruity! The food at The Cross Keys is no nonsense homecooked pub grub, and highlights include the seafood and sharing platters, the tempura battered hake fillets and a new tapas menu that’s ideal if you want something small, or fancy sharing a few plates with

family and friends. As such you’ll find food options ranging from just £3.50, but all in all the menu represents good honest value. There’s also a children’s menu available for little ones. The Cross Keys is closed on Mondays, but then open throughout the week for lunch and dinner - all day on Friday and Saturdays. The only exception being Bank Holidays when they are open all day - they even have a Family Fun Day planned for the end of August. Follow them on Facebook - The Cross Keys Rowde - for more details. Find The Cross Keys on the High Street in Rowde. • www.crosskeysrowde.co.uk

Being a Wadworth pub you can naturally expect to find a great range of their beers behind the bar, including 6X, Henrys IPA and Corvus Stout, along with a good selection of lagers and ciders, including Thatchers Gold and Stowford 15


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Chippenham town

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A stunning grade II listed building set in the very heart of Chippenham. The Town Hall is fully licensed to conduct civil ceremonies and partnerships. You can exchange your vows as well as holding your wedding reception here banqueting in style. Whether you want an intimate ceremony or an extravaganza we can cater for your needs.

For more information please call the Halls Manager on 01249 446699 hallsadmin@chippenham.gov.uk • The Town Hall, High St, Chippenham SN15 3ER • www.chippenham.gov.uk


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Shire Horse Holiday

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very August crowds gather at The Raven Inn in Poulshot to mark the start of the Wadworth Shire Horse Holiday. The hard-working dray horses are let loose in the fields to begin their two week break from duty, but not before having a well earned pint of 6X at The Raven. Their arrival marks the start of a 3 day festival of fun that caters for the whole family. This year the festivities take place between Friday 9 and Sunday 11 August. The pub will be open from 11am, with the shire horses expected to arrive at noon. There’ll be a pig and lamb roast, beer festival, clowns and ice creams during the day and in the evening a charity evening being hosted in aid of Wiltshire Air Ambulance. The night’s entertainment will be given by Pete

Lambs Heart Beats – a local Devizes group – and there will also be a raffle, games and a barbecue. And that’s just the Friday! Over the Saturday and Sunday loads more events are taking place including a Caribbean Food & Music Night on Saturday, which includes music by Train to Skaville. There’ll be curried goat, beef pepperpot and jerk chicken too. On Sunday a Lazy Afternoon starts at 4pm with Afternoon Teas, scones, sandwiches, desserts, ice creams, pimms, bubbly and swing music by Serenade. All in all its one of the highlights of the summer. Call 01380 828271 for more details or ask behind the bar! • www.ravenpoulshot.co.uk

Biddestone Boules

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aturday 7 and Sunday 8 September is the weekend for the 2013 Biddestone Boules Tournament. Hosted by The Biddestone Arms, it’s a great fun weekend for all the family. In all there’ll be 64 teams taking part in an all day boules competition. Following a minimum of 7 games, the top two teams will from each group will go through to a knock out competition.

“As well as the boules, this is a family friendly event, with children’s entertainment, face painting, circus workshop...musiqu e de francais and much more!” 20

As well as the boules, this is a family friendly event, with children’s entertainment, face painting, circus workshop, balloon modelling, a morris dancing exhibition (back by popular demand) ice cream van, creperie, vintage tea and cake stall, big booth, fancy dress competition, musique de francais and much much more! With breakfast and lunch supplied by the

award-winning Biddestone Arms, it’s a weekend of fun and entertainment that’s pretty hard to beat - even if your boules isn’t up to much! To download a registration form, go to www.biddestoneboules.com, or get in touch with The Biddestone Arms. • www.biddestonearms.co.uk


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Open from 11am, Shire Horses arrive at 12noon. Pig & Lamb Roast, Beer Festival, Sunshine Clowns, Ice Creams plus Charity Evening for Wiltshire Air Ambulance. Music by Pete Lambs Hearts Beats playing classics from the 60s & 70s. Raffle, Games & BBQ

Caribbean Food & Music Night. Music by Train to Skaville, Caribbean food incl. Curried Goat, Beef Pepperpot, Jerk Chicken & Caribbean produce for sale by Roseapple Afro-Caribbean Food

Lazy Sunday. Afternoon Tea, Scones, Sandwiches, Desserts & relax to the sounds of the Rat Pack with music by Serenade

• Award winning Wiltshire food pub

• Cask Marque award for our real ales

• Fresh Cornish fish

• Large, attractive garden

• Game from local estates

• Impressive Sunday Carvery

Perfect Summer Dining

Tel: 01249 714377 | www.biddestonearms.co.uk Biddestone Arms, The Green, Biddestone, Nr Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 7DG


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Yum Yum Thai This month, our resident food reporter SASHA HESELTINE has been to visit Yum Yum Thai – a firm favourite on the Bath dining scene.

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here are few restaurants I could visit over 50 times without despairing of their menu, but Yum Yum Thai in Kingsmead Square, Bath, is one of them. It’s the perfect pit-stop for pretheatre or pre-Bath rugby matches, with an unassuming inside (simple wooden tables and chairs) and a menu that never changes, incorporating 24 main dish options and 15 sides. After eating at Yum Yum for more than seven years, my husband and I have worked comprehensively through the menu and there’s not a dish that disappoints. My husband settled on Moo Pat Prik (£10.50) five years ago and although he threatens to change his order, always goes back for more pork, stir-fried with chilli, ginger and basil and red curry. Our theatre-going chum Stephen hovers between Pat Kra Praw Talay (£10.50), mixed seafood and peppers, and Kang Kieo Warn Kai, a classic green curry (£8.50), while my favourite is Yum Nua (£12.50), slivers of beef topside served with a spicy warm salad and scented sweet basil. Rice or noodles are included with each main. Hotly tipped side dishes include Pak Chuk Pang Tod (£5.20), crispy vegetables served in tempura batter with chilli and plum sauce, and Khanom Jeep (£5.50), pork and prawn dumplings. Singha beer accompanies Thai cuisine perfectly but for wine buffs there’s a well-priced range of organic offerings ranging from an Argentinian Tempranillo at £3.60 a glass, a dry Sancerre at £18.90 a bottle through to a chocolaty Italian Merlot for £40.

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“My husband settled on Moo Pat Prik five years ago and although he threatens to change his order, always goes back for more” All dishes are MSG free and cooked from scratch using local produce and organic meats. Even when Yum Yum is full to the rafters on weekend evenings, service is polite and smiley and orders come out briskly.

takeaway menu too. There ain’t no frills here but the food is consistently well cooked and the waiting staff are a charming bunch seemingly hand picked for their beauty. To make a reservation call 01225 445253.

Although prices have crept up over the years, the café is still fantastic value for money - especially with lunchtime offers at £6.50 per dish - and there’s a

Read more restaurant reviews online at www.sashaheseltine.com. • www.yumyumthai.com


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· Local Business · Local Food · Friendly Service · Relaxing Atmosphere t 01249 463326 www.allingtoncafe.co.uk

• Traditionally Ground Fresh Coffee • Teas, Fruit Smoothies & Milkshakes

• Freshly Made Tasty Salads • Panini, Sandwiches, Wraps • Chef Cooked Lunches • Homebaked Cakes, Scones

• Hearty Cooked Breakfast

• Cream Tea & Afternoon Tea

• Homemade Soups

• Eat In OR Take Away

within Allington Farm Shop, Allington Bar Farm, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 6LJ

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Renowned for its traditional home cooked fayre the Hunting Lodge has built a reputation for high quality lunches and superb cream teas including the indulgent ‘ King Johns Royal Tea’. The stunning garden comes to life on sunny dayswelcoming all generations. Award winning Bed & Breakfast facilities are available - bookings advisable. Homemade cakes, pastries, puddings & special dietary options are always available. Open Weds - Sun & Bank Holidays 10.30am-5pm Children are very welcome. Disabled access. 21 Church Street, Lacock, Nr. Chippenham Tel: 01249 730313 Email: info@kingjohns.co.uk

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Selling a scrummy selection of homemade light lunches, snacks, cakes & scones. Not to mention our fabulous Brian Wogan coffee, delicious teas and delightful hot chocolate! ~~~~~~~ We also sell a great selection of cards & lots of wonderful gifts & homeware for all occasions! Please be aware we do NOT accept credit/debit cards . . .


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THE FAB This month, some great local coffee shops...

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ALLINGTON CAFÉ

GALLERIES SHOP & CAFÉ

Allington Bar Farm, Chippenham SN14 6LJ

Freshford Lane, Freshford, Bath BA2 7UR

Allington Café, located within Allington Farm Shop, is a family friendly cafe serving homecooked food in a relaxed atmosphere. Based on a farm you can enjoy sampling dishes created with seasonal ingredients sourced direct from the surrounding fields wherever possible. Recently they have improved their menus with fresh fish now delivered daily, straight from the Cornish coast. Also served is excellent fresh bean coffee, pastries, full English breakfasts, homemade lunches, cakes and puddings all made by the in house team of chefs. Based at Allington Farm Shop (on the A420 just off the Bumpers Farm roundabout) the café includes a wonderful large decked area that’s perfect for dining al fresco. They are open seven days a week too so there is no excuse not to give them a try!

The Galleries Shop and Café was built and is owned and run by the people of Freshford and Limpley Stoke – which is why it has such a friendly lively atmosphere. It’s fun to visit and talk to the enthusiastic volunteers. The recently enlarged café offers excellent coffee, freshly baked croissants and delicious cakes all day and great home-made lunches including panini, soups, fresh salads, a special dish of the day and baguette sandwiches over lunch. You can sit on the outdoor terrace and enjoy great views, and with a wine licence as well you can relax just that little bit more. The shop stocks everything a normal household needs - a true village shop. But it specialises in local produce and products and also carries cards and paintings by local artists. The emphasis is on local, fresh, fairtrade, green, and a bit different. Find the shop and café next to the Village Hall.

Tel: 01249 463326 | www.allingtoncafe.co.uk

Tel: 01225 723249 | www.galleriesshop.co.uk

KING JOHN’S HUNTING LODGE

PICKLEBERRY COFFEE & GIFT SHOP

21 Church St, Lacock SN15 2LB

Fitzroy Farm, Westbury BA13 4RP

King John’s Hunting Lodge offers a warm welcome to all who visit. Renowned for its traditional fayre, owner Margaret Vaughan prides herself on creating food using local ingredients with flair and respect. Pop along and try ’The Lacock Lumb’, hand raised pork pies or award-winning ‘Vegetable Bobbin’ ; not forgetting the fabulous ‘King Johns Royal Tea’, served with lashings of organic Jersey cream and delicious jams and jellies - perfect for enjoying in the stunningly beautiful garden. The Dresser is weighed down with a wonderful choice of homemade cakes, pastries and puddings and dietary options are always available. They are also open for weddings, birthdays etc. so get in touch to discuss your event. They are open Wednesday to Sunday (plus Bank Holidays) from 10.30am to 5pm. Children are very welcome, and there is full disabled access too.

If you're passing through Bratton, why not visit Pickleberry Coffee and Gift Shop? It’s a delightful little shop in a beautiful spot, Fitzroy Farm. A family run business it sells a fabulous, scrummy selection of homemade light lunches, snacks, cakes and scones to be washed down with a cup of Brian Wogan coffee, delicious tea or lovely hot chocolate… You really will be spoilt for choice! As well as the usual foodie treats Pickleberry also sells a great selection of cards and lots of wonderful gifts and homeware items for all occasions, including Tala retro cookware and even vintage clothes.

Tel: 01249 730313 | www.kingjohnslodge.2day.ws

Tel: 01380 831242

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Love Wildlife? Dig Worms! Get busy this summer with Riverford’s Big Worm Dig...

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rganic vegbox delivery company Riverford is launching a citizen science project to help improve our understanding of British earthworms. With their handy kit and just a lively half hour of rummaging in your garden, you’ll be contributing to brand new scientific research. Get involved and there’s also the chance to win a Canopy & Stars family glamping holiday, River Cottage courses, Yeo Valley cook books, Original Organics wormeries, and of course Riverford meat and veg boxes. “They may not be the most appealing of creatures, but we really need worms,” explains Riverford’s founding farmer, Guy Watson. “They are like mini tractors, loosening up the soil to allow air and water to penetrate. They also convert soil nutrients into a form that plants can use more readily, which is why we love them at Riverford; they help look after our veg. Whenever I find worms in our soils, I’m a happy farmer.” Lots of other British wildlife species depend on worms too, as earthworm expert Emma Sherlock from the Natural History Museum explains. “Birds, badgers, moles, hedgehogs and even foxes rely on them as a source of protein. Without earthworms, leaf litter and dead decaying matter would start to build and build, and the world as we know it would change.” Despite their importance we know very little about the British earthworm

26

Emma Sherlock

“They may not be the most appealing of creatures, but we really need worms.” population. To help Emma and her colleagues understand them better, Riverford is hoping to get as many people as possible, young and old, taking part in their Big Worm Dig survey this summer and beyond.

“We’ve come up with a really accessible and enjoyable way of surveying them that takes less than half an hour,” continues Emma, “and by uploading your results to Riverford’s Big Worm Dig website you’ll be contributing our worm knowledge, and learning more about these fascinating creatures.” This is the first year of the survey, the results of which will be released after analysis. Find out more at www.riverford.co.uk/bigwormdig. • www.riverford.co.uk


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Meet the chef This edition we chat to Matthew Jackson, head chef and manager at The Red Lion in Lacock, about his cooking style, signature dishes and his inspirations. inspiration from some pretty unexpected places. WHERE DID YOU EAT YOUR BEST EVER MEAL? The Ebrington Arms in Chipping Campden in the heart of the Cotswolds. A dish that stands out from that meal was cod loin and scallops with a leek and bacon sauce, it was fantastic. WHAT IS YOUR SIGNATURE DISH? Risotto is my favourite, but the way I cook it you couldn’t class it as a true risotto. I also really enjoy making a really spicy Thai green curry. WHAT’S YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE? Oh there are a few. Barbecue chicken, bacon and cheese sandwiches or a cheeky pizza. To make a reservation at The Red Lion call 01249 730456. • www.redlionlacock.co.uk HOW AND WHEN DID YOU FIRST GET INTERESTED IN COOKING? When I was 15 while helping my father cook for the family HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE AS A COOK? Throw it all in and add strong flavours, creating interesting dishes from fresh ingredients. IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT IS THE BEST SEASON FOR FOOD AND WHY? Despite the recent sunny weather I have a real love of winter food and hearty traditional English dishes. Saying that, I also like experimenting 28

with other food cultures, and that definitely influences my food too. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE DISH FROM YOUR SUMMER MENU? When it’s warm outside the Thai spiced steak salad takes some beating; it’s fresh, well balanced, and has bags of flavour. WHAT INSPIRES YOU AS A COOK? I draw inspiration from all around me everything from fast food chains right the way up to some popular television chefs and those little bistros and tavernas you visit on holiday. If you keep your eyes open you can take

“If you keep your eyes open you can take inspiration from some pretty unexpected places.”


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GOLDEN FLEECE

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A warm welcome awaits drinkers and diners in our traditional country pub DINE BETWEEN 6PM & 7PM TO ENJOY A 20% DISCOUNT OFF YOUR BILL! ~~~~~~~~~ Our new website, www.thefleeceatshaw.co.uk, has menu information, news & upcoming events ~~~~~~~~~ We look forward to seeing you this summer for a jug of Pimms and some lunch or dinner! Tel: 01225 702050 | www.thefleeceatshaw.co.uk Folly Lane, Shaw, Melksham SN12 8HB

Come to The Cross Keys, where you’ll find tasty homecooked food, a welcoming and friendly atmosphere and an attractive, secluded beer garden. We pride ourselves on our superb quality real ales served with the confidence of the Cask Marque. • Family Run • Real Ales • Large Garden • Pub Games • Children & Dog Friendly • Function Room Available Lyes Green, Corsley, nr Warminster, BA12 7PB 01373 832406 | www.wadworth.co.uk

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eat the

seasons Keeping you in the know as to what is comIng into season each month is Neil Mortimer from LOVEJOYS WHOLESALE...

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he recent weather conditions have been great for our local crops, I’m sure you can see that in your gardens as everything is lush and green. The right amount of rain and sun have made excellent growing weather. Our vegetable of the month is the wonderful Heritage carrot, unique to Lovejoys in this area. We have them grown to order especially for our customers and they’re a huge hit with our chefs. The taste is superb and they cause quite a stir with diners (that is diners, not dinners - although that works too). You can purchase them from Neston Park in Atworth, Edington Farm Shop, Hartley Farm shop in Winsley and Prior Park garden centre

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in Bath. If you cannot find them ask them to order some more!! I’m sure you’ll enjoy the old fashioned taste. Other local gems we have are gooseberries, raspberries and many salad crops. All our lettuce, including exotic varieties, come from a grower in Salisbury. From Bromham we have all varieties of beetroot (lovely roasted), carrots, cabbage, potatoes and spinach. Also great are our broad beans and peas, which are fab in warm salads and risotto. Our chefs are passionate about their food and their ingredients. They deal with us because of the quality, the freshness and knowing that where possible it has been sourced locally.

We make sure they are kept up to date with all of the latest information about what is available or going to be available shortly as then they can plan their seasonal menu accordingly. If you eat a lovely meal out somewhere, why not check where the vegetables have travelled from? Other fruit in season from Europe are cherries, peaches, nectarines and apricots - which make a lovely fruit salad. If you’re a keen forager you’ll find fantastic elderflower in the hedgerows. Find out more at www.lovejoyswholesale.com.


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s ! Serves 4 Ingredients 4 chicken breast fillets 2 tsp coriander seeds 2 large garlic cloves Zest and juice of 2 limes 2 tsp smoked paprika ½ x 145g bag Waitrose Watercress, Rocket and Spinach Salad 200g tomato salsa

Method Make sure your barbecue is really hot. Slice through the centre of each

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chicken breast horizontally but don’t quite cut them in half. Open the fillets out so they lie flat. Using a pestle and mortar, crush the coriander seeds roughly. Add the garlic cloves and lime zest, then pound to make a coarse paste. Add the lime juice and the paprika, then season and mix again until well blended. Rub the mixture into the chicken breasts and leave to marinate for 5 minutes. Cook the butterflied chicken breasts on the barbecue for 5-

" 10 minutes on each side or until cooked through and lightly charred. Alternatively, cook under a grill, set to high. Serve with the salad and salsa. Method The marinade contains lime juice, which tenderizes the meat - but don’t leave it for more than the 5 minutes or the chicken may fall apart as you cook it. When preparing a barbecue make sure the coals are glowing red under a thin layer of grey ash before cooking. 31


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using bamboo or wooden skewers, soak them in cold water for at least 10 minutes to prevent them from burning. Place the rub in a bowl and add the meatballs, rolling them in the rub to coat evenly. If you have time, cover and place in the fridge for 10-20 minutes to allow the flavours to develop. Once the barbecue is lit, wait until the coals are glowing red under a thin layer of ash. Thread three meatballs onto each of four metal or wooden skewers, alternating with the halloumi, courgette and pepper pieces. Brush lightly with a little of the olive oil.

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Method Heat a little olive oil in a small pan, add the onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and golden then remove from the heat. In a large bowl, mix together the lamb mince, harissa, mint and cooked onion. Form into 4 burgers and chill for 15 minutes. Rub the burgers with the remaining oil and cook on the barbecue over a medium heat for 5–6 minutes on 32

each side until nicely browned and cooked through. Meanwhile, lightly toast the cut side of the rolls. To serve, place a handful of rocket on the bottom half of each roll, top with a burger, a large dollop of tzatziki and the remaining half roll. Serve hot.

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Make the salad by combining the onion and tomatoes, and drizzling with the remaining oil. Serve the koftas with the salad. For more barbecue tips go to waitrose.com/bbq

Serves 4 Ingredients 1½ tbsp Fiddes Payne Mediterranean Rub 12 Beef Meatballs 250g pack Cypressa Halloumi Lite, cut into chunks 1 courgette, trimmed and sliced 1 pepper, cut into chunks Method Prepare and light the barbecue. If

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Serves 4 Ingredients 1 tbsp olive oil 1 small red onion, finely chopped 500g lamb mince 1 tbsp rose harissa paste 2 tbsp chopped mint leaves 4 granary rolls, halved 50g bag rocket 4 tbsp tzatziki

Cook the koftas on the barbecue for about 16-20 minutes, turning regularly until the meat is thoroughly cooked and the halloumi is lightly charred.


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Kevin and Louise Fraser are delighted to welcome you to their charming 19th Century pub. A traditional village pub in the heart of the idyllic village of Bromham, it also boasts a beautiful mature garden that’s perfect for winding away a sunny afternoon.

FOOD SERVED ALL DAY (12-9pm DAILY) The menu is bursting with a wide range of superb value traditional pub classics, meat from the grill, chicken, vegetarian meals and top notch specials. All our steaks are sourced locally and are matured for 2835 days to give them a richer, more succulent flavour. Our fresh Seafood Specials are delivered from St Mawes Cornwall. We also offer high quality freshly home made stone baked pizzas to eat in or takeaway.

SUMMER BARBECUES Our luxury barbecues are hugely popular. Run on specific dates throughout the summer you can enjoy some truly beautiful food - everything from handmade burgers to whole lobsters - in a wonderful setting that includes live music and a bouncy castle for the little ones.

This summer’s BBQs are Sundays at 4pm on: 4, 11, 18 & 25 August & 1 September

*NEW* BOUNCY CASTLE ON WARM SUMMER DAYS! The Greyhound FOOD OFFER

2 MEALS FOR £20 From a selected menu on production of this voucher. Valid until September 30 2013 (excluding Bank Holidays). Available Sunday to Thursday 5pm - 9pm. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. T&Cs apply.

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Neston Park is one of the area’s most popular farm shops. Owned and run by the Fuller family, we caught up with LADY FULLER to talk about the family’s background in farming, the farm shop’s commitment to quality and her food heroes…

PARK LIFE 35


All Photography By: Chris Allerton

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Tell us about your background, how and when did it all begin at Neston Park Farm Shop? My husband and I are fortunate enough to live on a stunning organic farm with a beautiful herd of Jersey cows, who have always had a completely natural diet and can be seen in the grazing in the clover fields. The farm has been involved with environmental schemes for the last 20 years to maintain a natural and sustainable system of farming. We always knew the organic Jersey milk and Jersey/Aberdeen Angus beef from our farm was very special and it worried us that the produce was simply moving into the food chain without any identity. In February 2005 we began delivering meat boxes locally. Fortunately the word spread quickly and sales grew rapidly. With the confidence of knowing we had loyal customers and a market we were able to apply for a DEFRA grant to help us turn a disused cattle byre into the Neston Park Farm Shop and we opened our doors in November 2006. We are very much a family business. My

husbands’ great great grandfather was one of the founders of the Wiltshire Farmers Co-op, which enabled local famers to work together. We try hard to continue in his footsteps and work very closely with local suppliers and other farmers. How did the business evolve into what it is today? It was very important for myself and the team to be able to offer local and naturally sourced produce and to provide a welcoming environment for people to meet and have coffee. The priorities were to provide a first-class

butchery, to make our own bread and to offer cheeses and other deli products from the surrounding area. The business has evolved quite a lot

over the years; we are always listening to our team, to our suppliers and most importantly to our customers and make changes accordingly. One of the major changes was to move from making our own bread (sadly a commercial decision that had to be taken) to offering the famous Bertinet bread from Bath - we’ve never looked back! Richard Bertinet is fantastic and comes and gives the children bread-making lessons on the odd Saturday morning that he has available - great fun for all. Our children have also helped us evolve. They have been involved from the

beginning giving us some good (and some rather suspect!) ideas for making the farm shop a wonderful place for families. It’s great fun helping children


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friendly place we have managed to strike a happy balance between great service and a great atmosphere. Where can we buy your goods? All our products are available in the Farm Shop, it would be fantastic to see you and everyone is guaranteed a warm welcome on Monday to Saturdays from 9am to 5.30pm and on Sundays from 10am to 4pm. There are plans afoot to supply a number of restaurants around the country with our beef, lamb, milk, cheese and salami too watch this space!

understand where their food comes from and how important farming is to us and our environment. We have a very rustic woodland trail for those who want a walk, a fun playground with a wooden tractor and jumps and lots of outdoor tables at which to enjoy the local landscape and hopefully sunshine! We originally started with a small coffee shop and we were soon bursting at the seams. We talked and listened to our customer’s thoughts and ideas and extended the coffee shop in 2011. We can now seat up to 80 - this sounds a lot of people but in such a homely and

Does Neston Park Farm Shop have any homegrown recipes? Our fantastic team of chefs, led by Neil Clark, create a variety of recipes for the coffee shop and the menus and specials are updated regularly. Sunday lunches are to die for and they save me having to do the washing up at home! We also have a range of ready meals cooked to our own recipes and freshly made. If you chat up our knowledgeable and dedicated team of butchers they’re always willing to part with cooking tips and their favourite recipes too! What’s the secret to your success? Knowing the provenance of every item we sell, listening to our customers and working as a team is at the heart of our business and our success. Has the economic downturn affected you in recent times? The timing hasn’t been great - we started the farm shop at the beginning of the recession and we have had to ride the bad times as well as the good along with the rest of the world. The thing I believe has kept us going is our customers - they know and trust both us and what they are buying which is so important. During the horsemeat scandal our sales went through the roof, the tide has definitely turned on

people’s expectations and desires - we all want to know exactly what we are buying and eating and this will stand us in good stead for the future. What are your favourite local products? There are so many – it’s hard to name only a few! If really pushed I would say it’s our Bertinet sourdough bread, topped with Ivy House butter, our own game salami and chutney! My husband would disagree - he can’t get enough of a Bertinet ciabatta roll filled with a Neston Park homemade beef burger, award-winning Baronet Cheese and, naturally, a bottle of Fullers beer. Do you have any local food heroes? This is such a difficult question, all our suppliers are heroes. I think my biggest hero would have to be Sandy Macfarlane, our Farm Manager. His enthusiasm, knowledge and energy has been truly inspiring. It’s very sad he will soon be retiring but he has promised me he won’t be far away and will be keeping a close eye on me! I’d also like to mention the exceptional animal husbandry and commitment of Steve Carnie and his lovely family and Juliana Sedli who works so hard to make and create the wonderful Baronet Cheese. Do you have any special events planned this year, or any new projects or products even? Well, there is always something going on, especially over the summer, so the best thing to do is to keep checking our website and Facebook page for all our upcoming events – you can also follow us on Twitter @NestonPark. We’re also busy trying to take the business online, so our customers can do all their food shopping from the comfort of their own home. Keep an eye out for our meat boxes – they’ll be available online soon! • www.nestonparkfarmshop.com 37


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STREET FOOD FEST ORGAN BEER FORE ore Street Food Fest, which is FESTIVAL Ftaking place on Saturday August 31, from 11am-4pm, will bring local food producers and artisans once again into the county town and promises to be a day filled with music, workshops, talks and of course FOOD. You’ll get to try before you buy on many of the stalls and will be supporting the army of talented people who bake, grow, pickle, rear, cook and make mouth-watering produce in Trowbridge and the surrounding towns and villages.

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f it’s not already in there, mark the 13 & 14 September in your diary - the dates of the annual Beer Festival at The Organ Inn in Warminster. It’s a charming pub that strives to keep the old traditions alive and well, with good beers, old fashioned pub games and regular charity and music events.

farm as well as an array of street food from across the globe. If you think that you’d like to come along in 2013 with something homemade, handmade, local, ethical, sustainable or just down right delicious get in touch with Ellie Gill on 07971 184723. For more information look at the events page on the Trowbridge Town Team website.

There will be a fantastic range of offers available on the day and your support will help to strengthen links between town and country. These producers will be bringing healthy, fantastic goods into the town and offering produce off the • trowbridgetownteam.wordpress.com

PRIDE & PREJUDICE ON MANOR HOUSE

THE LAWN AT

Real ale aficionados are already familiar with The Organ Inn - it’s in The Good Beer Guide and is renowned locally for the quality of its beers, and its welcome. The festival promises a treat for real ale and cider enthusiasts. There will be at least 16 different beers to try and another 11 or so ciders and perrys. The offerings come from near and far, representing the very best of what’s available locally and nationally. As well as the drinks on offer, there’ll be plenty more to keep the crowds amused, and the best news of all? It’s free to get in - you just buy the beers! To find out more about the event, give landlords Carly and Dan Keene a call on 01985 211777 or pop along to their pub at 49 High Street, Warminster, it’s just a 5 minute walk from the train station • www.theorganinn.co.uk

M

anor House Hotel & Golf Club is proud to host a live production of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice on Monday 26 August to celebrate the 200th anniversary of its publication. Gather family and friends on the rolling Manor House lawns and take a step back in time with Chapterhouse Theatre Company to meet Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters. Join family and friends for what promises to be the most splendid evening of the summer as you picnic under a beautiful summer sky and revel in this most renowned of love stories.

Find a spot to call your own, lay out your picnic blanket, put up your deck chairs and unpack the wine glasses! Picnic hampers are available in advance and on the day there’ll also be a BBQ and bar serving tea and coffee, soft drinks, Pimm’s and a selection of beer. Book early to ensure your place. Arrive for 4.30pm. Tickets are £15 per adult, £9 per child or student with family tickets from £45 for 2 adults and 2 children and parties of 10 or more receive a 10% discount. • www.manorhouse.co.uk 39


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Dining in Malmesbury Malmesbury is one of Wiltshire’s finest foodie destinations, with restaurants, pubs & food outlets that are the envy of much of the county. Here are a few of our favourites... traditional and cosy hotel bar that opens up into a full size restaurant area and just over the way you’ll find the Sportsmans bar which comes to life at the weekends with regular entertainment. There are also 12 letting rooms (all en suite) of all accommodation types including the ground floor for those with limited mobility in this award winning hotel which maintains its down to earth nature and welcoming atmosphere. Tel: 01666 823383 | www.thekahotel.co.uk Whatley Manor

WHATLEY MANOR Easton Grey, Malmesbury, Wiltshire SN16 0RB

You couldn’t mention dining in Malmesbury without referencing its fantastic two Michelin starred restaurant at Whatley Manor. Head Chef Martin Burge has been with the hotel since it opened, winning his first Michelin star after 18 months of opening, for his cuisine served in ‘The Dining Room’ and has retained his second Michelin star for the last five years. Martin also oversees the informal brasserie, ‘Le Mazot’. Whatley Manor has just celebrated its 10th anniversary. To mark the occasion, at the beginning of July owners Alix Landolt and Christian Landolt alongside general manager, Peter Egli welcomed over 70 guests to The Loggia Garden for a champagne reception, followed by a four-course dinner prepared by Martin Burge. At the end of the evening guests also enjoyed a spectacular fireworks display with a glass of Deutz Rose Champagne to mark the occasion. The Dining Room serves dinner 40

THOMAS’S BUTCHERS Wednesday - Sunday. The à la carte menu in ‘The Dining Room’ costs from £85 per person; the seven course tasting menu is £110 per person. Le Mazot, the brasserie, is open daily for lunch and dinner. A three-course lunch in Le Mazot costs from £24 excluding wine. Tel: 01666 822 888 | www.whatleymanor.com

“The Kings Arms on the High Street is a great place to take a pit stop on a visit to Malmesbury”

51 The Triangle, Malmesbury, Wiltshire SN16 0AH

Michael Thomas is the sort of man who likes to be the best at everything he puts his hand to, so when news came to him of a competition to find the best sausage in Britain he created ‘the Malmesbury King.’ With 400 entries to chomp through the judges chose Michael’s sausage as the one to reign over all the others. Accordingly, orders rose from 25lbs a week to over 800lbs -with requests for ‘the King’ coming from all over the UK. With a shop in Malmesbury and another in Corsham Thomas’s is a true family butchers offering meat as it is meant to be - fresh, local, traditionally reared and, above all, tasty.

THE KINGS ARMS 29 High St Malmesbury, Wiltshire SN16 9AA

The Kings Arms on the High Street is a great place to take a pit stop on a visit to Malmesbury, particularly if you’re thinking about staying overnight. Like any historic watering hole The King Arms, which was built in the late 16th century, offers two bars both serving good food along with well kept ales and quality wines. The first is a

Both shops also have a deli counter with a vast array of cooked meats, pies and pasties all freshly prepared in addition to over a hundred cheeses to choose from. Malmesbury’s shop can be found at the Triangle and the Corsham outlet is on the High Street (01249 713253). If you wish you can order online by visiting their website. Tel: 01666 823981 | www.thomasofmalmesbury.co.uk


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THOMAS’S ...

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A 16th Century coaching inn offering fine food, functions & two bars.

Situated in the centre of the historic and beautiful hilltop town of Malmesbury, the hotel has 12 ensuite letting rooms, all differing in layout and each with their own unique character. - Restaurant Open Every Day - 12 En-Suite Rooms - Great Sunday Lunches - Free Parking in private courtyard - Private Function Room 29 High Street, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, SN16 9AA

Tel: 01666 823383 | www.thekahotel.co.uk

Quality Butchers in Malmesbury & Corsham

'Creator of the Malmesbury King' Sausage of the Year 2011 51 The Triangle Malmesbury Wiltshire SN16 0AH

32 High Street Corsham Wiltshire SN13 0HB

t 01666 823981

t 01249 713253

www.thomasofmalmesbury.co.uk


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Pilgrims Based in Trowbridge, Pilgrims is an independent emporium of wonders, specialising in clothing, handicraft and incense from India and Nepal. We caught up with owner CAROLINE DYMOND, who runs the shop in partnership with her husband James, and with the help of her son, Thomas, 2! really good friend. That's the nice thing with what we do, we're not just working with people, we're building up friendships - although he did get our last order wrong and added a zero to all of the incense figures - to say we're knee deep in incense is an understatement! DO THESE PRODUCTS CHANGE WITH THE SEASONS AT ALL? Probably the clothing, obviously in the winter we sell more warm jackets and blankets and a LOT of Afghan socks! The odd thing is, we find our woolly blankets sell all year round as they're great for camping, the beach, picnics etc. WHAT DOES PILGRIMS STOCK? We are an independent retailer specialising in Indian clothing, handicrafts and incense and in the last couple of years, we have extended into a range of Nepalese shawls and blankets, which our customers really like. HOW AND WHEN DID YOU START UP? Pilgrims opened in Trowbridge in 2009 although we had been doing a few festivals and online selling for about a year before. I'd had a business a few years before in Southampton and missed it and decided to give it another go, found an affordable little shop and we've been there 4 years in September. HAS THE CURRENT ECONOMIC CLIMATE EFFECTED YOUR BUSINESS? Not really. It's sad to see what's happening on the high street with so many businesses and shops closing but more and more people have made their way to Pilgrims and we now have lots of 42

regulars who are very loyal. I think people are a bit more conscious about where they shop and they are starting to support independent retailers. I just wish we had more in Trowbridge as it adds so much character to a place. WHERE ARE YOUR PRODUCTS FROM? Mainly India. We buy handicrafts on a fair trade basis and for things we buy in the UK, the suppliers we use are recognised as Fair Trade. We’ve a great Nepalese friend who imports our incense and blankets from Kathmandu. We have used him for about 4 years and he's become a

WHAT DO YOU OFFER THAT SETS YOU APART FROM THE REST? I think it's our prices compared with similar shops in other towns and that we interact a lot with our customers and that's really important. In fact, we're on first name terms with a lot of them. We also give away free reusable shopping bags and that always takes people by surprise. ARE YOU BRINGING OUT ANYTHING NEW IN THE NEAR FUTURE? That's a difficult question as we don't really know what we're looking for until we arrive in India! Our next trip is on 28 October ready for Christmas. We're going to be there to celebrate Diwali (the Festival of lights), which is a little bit like Christmas with all the fairy lights and gifts that are given. Maybe we'll find some interesting quirky Diwali decorations to being home! • www.pilgrimsbazaar.com


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TIME

For new parents, figuring out which nurseries, classes and groups to go to can be a bit of a minefied. Thankfully, The West Wilts Magazine is on hand with some options.... THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE 45


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little ones JO JINGLES With lots of activities to choose from in your area, why opt for Jo Jingles? It is the UK’s largest music, singing and movement group and introduces children between the ages of 3 months to 5 years, to music in a fun yet educational way. Classes are structured and sizes limited, allowing the children to enjoy themselves in a safe environment, where the songs and activities are tailored to the development needs of each age group. Jo Jingles also offers a free trial to all new customers. For details on local classes see advert, or log on to the website. Tel: 01225 760088 | west-wiltshire.jojingles.com Jo Jingles

LONGSCROFT CHILDREN’S NURSERY At Longscroft Children’s Nursery they care for children from 3 months to 5 years. They have 4 separate rooms for each age range with a free flow garden attached to each with lots of other outdoor space including an allotment, sensory garden and pet’s corner. Longscroft follow the themes and principles of the EYFS and incorporate learning in both the indoor and

Tractor Ted’s Little Farm

VISIT TRACTOR TED’S LITTLE FARM AT BOWOOD At Tractor Ted’s Little Farm at Bowood House & Gardens children can watch real chicks hatching, pet animals, enjoy lots of farm games and watch Tractor Ted’s real action films, all under cover in a purpose built American barn.

Tractor Ted's Little Farm brings to life many of the real action farming stories told by Tractor Ted, which engage children with the fun of the countryside and where their food comes from.

Outside Ted’s barn there is a mini tractor track, play ball scooping in the mini digger den and on special occasions you will be able to see some really big, modern farm machines like combine harvesters, forage harvesters, balers and ploughs.

Don’t miss the special Tractor Ted’s Big Machines Weekend on 17th and 18th August. There will be fun for everyone. Admission to Tractor Ted is included in the House & Gardens day ticket.

“Busy Bees are particularly proud of their outdoor area, which includes a vegetable garden where the children grow their own veg.” outdoor environments. They enjoy messy play and yoga, gardening and story times as part of the daily routine. There is also an after school and holiday club for children aged 5-8 and a training academy for staff. Tel: 01225 777698 | www.longscroftnursery.co.uk

BUSY BEES NURSERY

Longscroft Nursery

46 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

• www.bowood-house.co.uk

Busy Bees Pre-school is a committee run, non-profit making charity, based on the grounds of Chapmanslade C of E Primary School. They are registered to take 20 children each day, aged 2-5

years. Their aim is to provide a happy, fun, stimulating environment to enable all the children to develop their skills at their own pace, through free choice and structured play. They are particularly proud of their outdoor area, which includes a vegetable garden where the children grow their own veg - wellies are a must! Tel: 07749 257608

WATERBABIES “Swimming is one of the most complete and beneficial activities for


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Full day care for children aged 3 months to 5 years Funding available for 3 & 4 year olds Out of school & holiday club for 5 to 11 year olds Fantastic outdoor facilities

Trowle Common, Trowbridge, BA14 9BL

www.longscroftnursery.co.uk | 01225 777698

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little ones learning to respond to these is excellent for your baby’s mental development. Swimming is also excellent for stimulating your baby’s eating and sleeping patterns and is fantastic for strengthening the bond between you. Lots of parents find that becoming confident in water makes them more confident generally and it’s something they both adore. For more information on Water Babies classes near you, give the team a ring or email ringaring@waterbabies.co.uk. Tel: 01793 337118 | www.waterbabies.co.uk. Water Babies

babies, as well as being one of the few things you can do from birth,” explains Claire Southworth who runs Water

Babies across Wiltshire. The multiaward winning Water Babies course teaches using voice commands and

Kumon Study Centre

NEW KUMON STUDY CENTRE OPENS IN TROWBRIDGE The new Kumon Trowbridge Study Centre has opened, offering Kumon’s unique maths and English programmes to children of all ages and abilities. The programmes enable children to develop their independent study skills and confidently tackle advanced work beyond the international standard for their age. Established for over 50 years, daily study of the Kumon programmes can make all the difference when it comes to keeping the brain active between school terms, as well as throughout the 48 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

year. The summer holidays provide an ideal opportunity for your child to settle into their new routine of daily Kumon study, before getting off to a flying start in the new school year. The new Trowbridge Study Centre is located at Castle Place Leisure Centre, Level 5A Multi Storey Car Park, with classes running on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. For more information, call Instructor Julia Combellack on 01373 465663 or email trowbridge@kumoncentre.co.uk. • www.kumon.co.uk

WESTVIEW DAY NURSERY Westview Day Nursery is open from 7.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday throughout the year. Westview Day Nursery and Club is located in a three storey Georgian building in the centre of Bradford on Avon and boasts a large garden with a car park at the rear. Whilst the nursery accepts children from three months to 5 years of age, the Westview Club also welcomes children between 4 and 11 years of age who can attend The Club before school or after school and during holidays. Westview understand the importance of flexible care at both nursery and club, offering the children of working parents the same opportunities as children of nonworking parents, with emphasis on developing the whole child. They provide a friendly atmosphere where children can learn, gain experience and confidence in a safe environment. Tel: 01225 864544 | www.westviewdaynursery.co.uk


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Offering ancient monuments, beautiful Mediterranean sunshine and a flavour all of its own, it’s little wonder that Tunisia welcomes around 7 million tourists every year. LISA ROCKLIFFE takes a look at what all the fuss is about…

may be but a slim wedge of a country in North Africa, but Tunisia has enough history and diverse natural beauty to pack a country many times its size. With its Mediterranean coastline and a reputation for wonderful seafood, Tunisia is prime territory for a straightforward sunsand-and-sea holiday. But beyond the

IT 50

The beautiful town of Hammamet

beaches, it’s an underrated destination where distinct cultures and incredible extremes of landscape can be explored in just a few days.

Thanks in large part to its location – just across the seas from Sicily and Italy beyond - Tunisia was a region of great importance in the ancient world and it


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those interested in Islamic culture in this part of the world – be advised though visitors must be appropriately dressed.

The beaches of Djerba

The country’s coastline has the full spectrum of resorts. If there was a competition for the prettiest, Hammamet would be a strong contender. Its whitewashed houses tumble down towards a sandy beach that stretches along the coast for miles. Head south and you’ll come to Port El Kantaoui, a place with a cosmopolitan vibe – its yacht-filled marina is flanked by seafood restaurants and jewellery shops. A little further down the coast are Sousse and Skanes. The ancient medina in Sousse is the real attraction

You can’t mention Tunisia without paying homage to Djerba. This little isle just off the country’s south coast is real castaway territory; perfect if you want to drop off the radar for a while. On the island, a visit to the Ras Rmel peninsula tops the list of things to do. It’s home to flocks of neon-pink flamingos and is a great spot for swimming and sunbathing. So, that’s sights, sand and sea taken care off – and with flights from less than £300 return, it might well save you a bob or two on your usual holiday destination too. WHEN TO GO April to June are ideal, as is September – these months give you

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the best of the weather (it gets very hot midsummer) and are quieter too. WHERE TO STAY The Riu Palace Oceana Hammamet - adults only hotel in Hammamet - costs £850 a week B&B. A cheaper option is half board at the Tej Marhaba Hotel in Sousse at around £515 per person, incl flights & transfers. If you fancy staying on Djerba, the Hasdrubal Prestige Thalassa & Spa has rooms from £960 per week. Away from these options, First Choice has a range of All Inclusive options, and all operators offer excursions to the top attractions. HOW TO GET THERE Thomson fly direct from Bristol Airport to Tunisia. Flights in September are around £280 return.

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Kairouan is broadly considered the holiest city of Tunisia, being the oldest Islamic settlement, having the oldest mosque in North Africa and the world’s oldest minaret. The Great Mosque dates back as far as AD 670, and although it has been destroyed a couple of times, then rebuilt, today’s structure closely resembles the original mosque. The oldest parts are the 414 Roman columns decorating the prayer hall, pillaged from the El Jem region and which come from as far afield as Carthage. The Great Mosque is a great architectural beauty and a real treat for

here - delve beyond the stone walls and search the backstreets for hand woven rugs, intricate jewellery and leather.

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Gardeners’ Calendar Here’s a quick guide to what you need to be doing to keep your plot looking its best right into the start of autumn...

1

Consider investing in some bright dahlias to fill boring gaps, the nurseries and garden centres start reducing prices on all sorts of plants about now so there are some fantastic bargains to be had.

2

Water pots really well - hardly any rain gets to the compost. Stand the pot in a dish as you water it and watch how thirsty it really is over the next five minutes.

3

Prune Wisteria shoots continually throughout the growing season. The more regularly you prune the more flowers will be produced. – Shoots should be reduced when they exceed a metre in length, cut down to 10cm.

4

Cut back herbs to encourage a second flush and keep an eye on rocket, basil and parsley which can be prone to bolting at this time of year. Dry bunches of herbs and hang in a warm dry cupboard for best colour retention. Collect seed of anything you fancy trying to grow from seed, it may be easier than you think.

5

Prune shrubs that are getting out of hand. If you prune now then your plants won't grow too much before the winter saving you going out later in the year when it's all a bit grotty. If the whole branch is misplaced prune it just above ground to where it forks with another branch. Otherwise cut back halfway along its length, again to where it forks be tidy!

6

Collect fruits. In August our hedgerows are teeming with wild fruits from blackberries and plums to crab apples and sloes- perfect for making all sorts of desserts, jams and liqueurs for Christmas.

7

Cut hedges, especially evergreen hedges, as they will get less dieback of tips in winter. Water them thoroughly two or three days consecutively as it is more effective in dry conditions.

8

Look out for grey dusty patches on the leaves of hedges and other plants. This means they need regular watering.

“nurseries and garden centres start reducing prices on all sorts of plants about now so there are some fantastic bargains to be had.” 52


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TIDY GARDEN

SERVICES

FENCING, DECKING, PAVING ETC 20

years experience in

landscaping & associated works

POND CLEANING SPECIALISTS

Give Martin Tidy a call today on

PLUS... Hard Landscaping • Pond Construction • Maintenance • Water Treatment • Moving Service

01225 777114 / 07769 822011

t 07738 192020 • www.aquamagic.co.uk


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Sofa Co Plus SofaCo Plus is an independent boutique sofa shop in Warminster, selling a range of contemporary and designer furniture including sofas, chairs & dining tables...

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fter a long miserable winter, finally, last month, the sun decided to come out. Through the economic doom and gloom, was there anything to be happy about? Well, Kate and William are expecting (as we go to press), the Lions conquered Australia and a Brit won Wimbledon! Not only that but at SofaCo Plus in Warminster there’s even more good news. Tom O’Hare first purchased the property that has become SofaCo Plus HQ in July 2009 at auction, which is now famous for being televised on BBC’s ‘Homes under the Hammer’, and very soon they

will have reached their fourth trading year - a real milestone. Tom’s accountant

“I can’t deny it’s been a difficult few years, but we’ve had amazing local support from Warminster and the surrounding villages” once quoted that when you get to year four your business is established. “I can’t deny it’s been a difficult few years, but we’ve had amazing local support from Warminster and the surrounding villages. We’ve even made deliveries to London and France!” Says Tom, “With great backup from the local media we have survived through difficult times.” So, what’s the secret to their success? “Not waiting for it to happen!” Tom continues, “We took our stall to Sherborne Castle and Nunney International Horse Trials this summer, sharing a marquee with Pisces Pine & Oak. The two shows saw over 20,000 visitors, so were great for spreading the

56

word. They were such a success we’ve more planned for September.”

SofaCo Plus may be a ‘small independent’ but they think big! They have a mix of unique pieces, high quality fabrics and specialist leather sofas as well as the ‘plus’ – artwork, lighting, accessories and bespoke handmade furniture in their beautiful boutique store. New products arrive every few weeks, so it’s always a little bit different and well worth popping in when you’re in Warminster. If you can’t bear to part with your old sofa, give it a new lease of life by taking advantage of their repair and reupholstery service too. Whatever you do, don’t think sofas and chairs without a visit to Sofaco Plus - find them on George Street in Warminster. • www.boutiquesofas.co.uk


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Beautiful & Bespoke For stunning, custom built furnishings, think Stephen Graver - they offer more than just kitchens...

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o, you’re in the market for a new all singing all dancing, state of the art 3D 40+ inch Television? You’ve done your research and are about to tell the lady of the house just what you’ve been up too. Then you remember she doesn’t share your love of large TV screens and that your young children will be all over this new purchase; they know the benefits of this new TV will bring for them. Oh yes, gaming on the Wii will never be the same again.

So you need to find a solution of having your new toy, not having it dominate the room and keeping it safely away from grubby mitts. You walk the high streets looking for a solution. You go to all the top retailers but nothing you see would tick the boxes of having something that would not only store your new prize possession but keep it safe from interference from minors. Next stop the Interweb! 56

Bulls eye! You come across an amazing and, quite frankly, beautiful

media units from their workshops on the edge of Steeple Ashton.

“Not only is Stephen Graver an awardwinning kitchen designer, but the company also manufactures a range of beautifully designed and crafted media units.” piece of furniture design from Stephen Graver - bespoke Media Units that will conceal the TV and all its appendages - DVDs, Blu Rays, the Sky Box, and the Wii – naturally. Not only is Stephen Graver an awardwinning kitchen designer, but the company also manufactures a range of beautifully designed and crafted

Give them a call on 01380 871746 and make an appointment to visit the studio. The team will talk you through the different styles and will find out what your requirements are. Let’s not beat around the bush, it’s a box to hide a television, but what a beautiful box to hide it in! Plus it can be designed to fit exactly what you want in terms of style and size. A popular option at the moment is ‘the Curve’, a retro 50’s look with great storage that can be painted to the colour of your choice. And delivery? All taken care of. To see the Curve in action, have a look at Stephen Graver TV on YouTube. • www.stephengraver.com


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DRINKS DISPENSER, £12, NEXT

LANTERN, £22.50, M&S OUTDOOR FIREPIT, £130, DEBENHAMS

ICE LOLLY MAKER, £2, MATALAN

the great

COCKTAIL SHAKER, £5, M&S

outdoors

The recent spell of sunny weather has meant spending more time in the garden (hurrah!). If your patch needs some freshening up here are some great items to inspire you, or pop along to your local independent store or market for more fun ideas…

COURTADO BISTRO SET,£79, M&S

PICOLINO BARBECUE, £65, DEBENHAMS

GARDEN PLAQUE, £6, NEXT

DISHES & BOWLS, FROM £4, DEBENHAMS 61


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Brunel House Brunel House is the latest care home to be opened by Maria Mallaband Care Group, one of the UK's leading luxury care home providers. elegance and security. The care home also includes cafés, cinema room, dining rooms, reminiscence room and a hair and beauty salon, as well as beautiful landscaped gardens. Why not call in for a coffee and a chat and meet Care Manager, Emma Murphy, and her team? Call 01225 560100 or email brunel.house@mmcg.co.uk for further information. Brunel House Care Home, The Wharf, Box, Wiltshire SN13 8EP

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aria Mallaband Care Group is one of the UK's leading care home providers, renowned for offering luxurious, modern facilities and outstanding services. Brunel House, Maria Mallaband’s latest care home, is situated in the picturesque village of Box near Corsham. The home provides

luxurious five-star accommodation for 65 elderly people and specialises in Nursing, Residential, Dementia Nursing and Dementia Residential. All 65 bedrooms are en-suite and decorated to a hotel standard. Rooms come with flat screen TV, telephone point, safety features and nurse call system. The care home is classical/contemporary in style and finished to a superior standard throughout, offering comfort,

“The care home is classical/ contemporary in style and finished to a superior standard throughout, offering comfort, elegance and security.” • www.mmcg.co.uk

62


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Shape your body...

Shape your life! Fiona Robinson DHP HPD MNCH MAfSFH is a clinical hypnotherapist who practises out of the Warminster Osteopathic Clinic. Here she talks about how Solution Focused Hypnotherapy may be able to help with weight loss… layers of anxiety and ‘over-thinking’.

A

ccording to the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (N.I.C.E.), more than half the adult population are overweight or obese and it’s generally acknowledged that numbers are increasing. Excess weight can contribute to heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and some cancers among other things - and it’s known that achieving a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of these diseases. Very often, when faced with actual ill-health, we do make changes to our diets and lifestyle. So if we can do it then, why not do it now and help prevent the onset of ill-health or a limited lifestyle? There are many possible reasons for weight gain. For a smaller number of people, there may be medical reasons; the most obvious reasons are that as a population, we are eating too much of the wrong types of foods and are not

Fiona Robinson

tempted to eat certain food types. Around us, we see: ‘Kids eat free’ or ‘Eat all you like’ and somehow we feel as if we might be missing out if we don’t take what’s ‘free’, especially if others are doing it. We have a natural tendency to want to ‘be’ like others, so ‘adopt’ a similar way of being: if others around us are

“Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can help you to think clearly about what you want and how to achieve change independently of what others around you might be doing.” taking enough exercise. However, there are other factors: in our society, sweet and fatty food is readily available. We are ‘programmed’ to eat for survival, and ‘early’ man would have eaten fatty or sweet food when he could as he might not get food for a while. Fatty and sugary food can release endorphins, our ‘feel-good hormones’ so it’s no wonder we feel 66

overweight, we might come to accept our weight gain as ‘normal’ and the motivation to lose weight disappears behind this ‘normality’. So how can you find your motivation to lose weight and be generally happy? Most of us know what we want inside us, but we may have ‘lost’ the answers under

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can help you to think clearly about what you want and how to achieve change independently of what others around you might be doing. It can also help you to 'shape' your own life. When you become proactive and take control of your life, you can produce your own feelgood hormones in a healthy way without the need to 'comfort eat'. ‘Feelgood hormones’ give us that natural feeling of motivation. The level of relaxation achieved through hypnosis enables the sub-conscious mind to be more active and to accept positive thoughts which can result in us feeling naturally inclined to take positive action. That motivation is always inside, waiting to be discovered! Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy can help you to make changes in many areas such as: anxiety, depression, fears and phobias, IBS, nail biting, OCD, panic attacks, performance areas, self-confidence, selfesteem, skin problems, sleep problems, smoking, weight issues and much more. For further information, or to arrange a consultation, give Fiona a call today. Fiona Robinson DHP HPD MNCH MAfSFH Clinical Hypnotherapist 07801 436633 fiona@balancehypnotherapy.co.uk • www.warminsterclinic.co.uk


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The Spa If you haven’t managed to plan an escape this August then why not take a spa day at Lucknam Park? Indulge in a day of relaxation in the Spa and it’ll feel like a holiday...

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his state-of-the-art spa is the very essence of luxurious relaxation, tucked away in the gardens it merges into its surroundings; wood, marble and glass reflect the warm seasonal hues of the estate’s 500-acre parkland.

SPA FACILITIES Your time at The Spa extends well beyond the hands-on treatments. Every aspect has been designed to relax and indulge you, from the private gardens to the luxurious surroundings of The Spa itself. Linked pools indoor and out allow you to move effortlessly from hydrotherapy to gentle swim. Cleanse and unwind in any of the four thermal cabins featuring Japanese salt, aromatic steam, sauna and the amethyst room. The Experience showers will revive you after a dip in the outdoor salt water plunge pool or just relax poolside, indoors or out.

WELL-BEING FROM THE SPA AT LUCKNAM Finding a space that allows quiet contemplation and time to restore the balance of body and mind is so important in today’s fast paced lives. Lucknam Park are delighted to have enhanced their Spa facility by creating an oasis of calm, a centre for nurturing and relaxing, restoring and rebuilding, a space to be indulgent and self-focussed. The Well being centre opens this August offering a Yoga and Pilates studio, reformer suite, Sunlight therapy room and Dry Flotation. Maximise your recovery time with these restorative treatments as part of a Well being Spa Day. 68

SPA PARTNERS The best treatments demand the best products. That is why Lucknam Park have chosen two world-leading brands to feature in The Spa. Anne Semonin, the French spa and beauty specialist, combines aromatic essential oils, trace elements and marine ingredients with a European twist. Each is then matched to your own specific requirements. Carita Paris is a global leader in anti-ageing skincare with its range of exquisite elixirs for face, body

and hair. Both blend beautifully with the treatment collections.

INTRODUCING ila Their range of organic treatments from ila - delivering purity, energy and balance - offers the perfect complement to the physical process of caring for your body. Their products are made from 100% organic ingredients in the UK. To find out more about the The Spa and Well being at Lucknam Park call 01225 740570, email Spa@lucknampark.co.uk or look at the website. • www.lucknampark.co.uk

“Their range of organic treatments from ila offers the perfect complement to the physical process of caring for your body.”


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Obelisk Hypnotherapy Solution Focused Clinical Hypnotherapy

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LOOKING FOR THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE? Caroline Crowther is a truly local personal introduction agency helping you meet someone new in your area. We offer a long term personal service until you find your perfect match. For a professional and personal service call

0800 056 3179 or 01934 744788 www.obeliskhypnotherapy.co.uk $)

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For more information about advertising in this magazine please call

01225 807775

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& WW48_A5 Dummy Gridmaster 23/07/2013 14:20 Page 70

Overcoming fear & stepping out Real life stories showing the way to better health and wellbeing: Rosamund's Story...

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or many older people the outside world can seem an unfamiliar and daunting place. In comparison to the world they were born into, the modern world is an alien, frenetic place where everyone is constantly on the move, whether walking purposefully or sitting in cars moving quickly or progressing slowly bumper to bumper. As their own mobility and deteriorating senses get progressively worse people can find it increasingly difficult to venture out, preferring instead the familiarity of their own home. Along with this come isolation and a growing fear of the unknown world outside the front door. Blue Sky Enabling spend quality time getting to know each person so they understand their individual concerns and are able to help them slowly expand their experiences and live a happy and engaged life.

ROSAMUND’S STORY In her working life, Rosamund was constantly busy dealing with students and visiting dignitaries or helping her husband collating his research. When retirement came both were happy to pursue a more private life based around their home and garden. When her husband died bereavement and the loss of her sight and failing hearing brought a solitude and isolation Rosamund had not experienced before, 70

and with it came a growing fear of strangers and the world outside. Quietly, and without fuss, Rosamund became a recluse. Although cautious at first, Rosamund met with Shelley Saxon, Registered Manager of Blue Sky Enabling, and over several meetings together they created a unique package of support for Rosamund. Blue Sky Enabling provides Rosamund with her own team of enablers who help Rosamund with her medications, maintain a healthy diet and look after her home and who provide her with companionship. As Rosamund came to trust her dedicated enablers she slowly started to blossom. Her enablers discovered Rosamund’s sense of humour, her ability to recite poetry learnt at her father’s knee and her talent for making up ditties that had them in stitches; together they created a song book for Rosamund. To help Rosamund reconnect with the local community and the outside world, her enablers started reading articles out of the local magazine and bringing back information on community activities from trips to the local shops, and with her permission carried Rosamund’s news and good wishes out to her

neighbours. It wasn’t long before Rosemund started to reconnect more directly with her neighbours and take an active interest in their lives. No

“When her husband died bereavement and the loss of her sight and failing hearing brought a solitude and isolation Rosamund had not experienced before” longer satisfied just to hear about life outside, in recent weeks Rosemund took her first step outside! She said, “When I stepped over the threshold to go outside I said, “There’s a strange smell out here. My goodness it’s fresh air!” It was exhilarating and exciting being outside. I really enjoyed it!!” Rosamund and her enablers are planning more trips out now that the weather is fine. To find out how Blue Sky Enabling can support you or someone you love to overcome obstacles to live an engaged life that brings them joy and happiness, contact Shelley Saxon on 0844 225 1337 or take a look at the website. • www.blueskyenabling.org


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PUZZLES aug_A5 Dummy Gridmaster 23/07/2013 14:32 Page 1

puzzles

Tea break teasers CRICKET WORDSEARCH What/who is missing from the grid? BALL BAT WICKET BAILS PADS HELMET GLOVES UMPIRE OVER BOUNDARY CENTURY CREASE ASHES AUSTRALIA WHITEWASH

HARD

SUDOKU

WIN A £10 NEXT VOUCHER! Email your answers to these trivia questions to phil@wired-publishing.co.uk by 25.08.13 to be in with a chance of winning a £10 Next Voucher. Good luck!

Q1: Who directed the 2008 film August? Q2: Who plays August Booth in Once Upon A Time? LAST MONTH’S SOLUTIONS Wordsearch missing word: SOLE Quiz answers: 1: Miranda July 2: Ringo Starr 3: July 19th – July 21st 4: Ron Kovic 5: Boris Becker

Q3: What was the name of the German photographer who died on 20th April 1964? Q4: On what dates is The Edinburgh Festival Fringe taking place this year? Q5: The month of August is named after which Roman Emperor? Be sure to include your contact details so we can get in touch with you if you are our winner!

72 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE


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LAST WORD AUG_A5 Dummy Gridmaster 23/07/2013 14:33 Page 1

last word

Getting the balance right

M

y daughter is now six months old and growing up fast. You can start to see her personality developing and there are times you can, physically, see either my wife, myself or both in her little face. I’m quite happy for her to inherit some of my attributes… others not so much. I have size 13 feet for instance and she seems to have inherited those…..they aren’t size 13 just yet, that would be a very odd look for the poor girl but they are on the large size for someone so small. One of the things I’d definitely prefer she doesn’t get from me is my clumsiness. I’m writing this early on a Sunday morning when I should be out on a run. Unfortunately I can’t go running today as last night I stubbed my toe. When reading this you have to bear in mind we have lived in the same house for seven years. In that time we’ve had no structural work done, so it’s the same layout as it’s always been. Anyhoo back to last night. I was walking, not running you notice, out to our back door and as I

was barefoot. There may have been some language, bad enough to have the cats on the run. The upshot is that I may have broken my toe. Unfortunately, as I looked across to my wife for

sympathy none was forthcoming. My beloved simply looked up at me, surveyed an all too familiar scene and told me I really should, “look where I am going”. What a ridiculous concept…to actually be aware of obstacles that may be in your way. One of my clumsy episodes that even I find quite funny is what has become known as ‘The Curious Incident of the Ham Sandwich’. I had made myself a ham sandwich and had eaten the first

“There may have been some language, bad enough to have the cats on the run. The upshot is that I may have broken my toe.” passed a wall, a wall I have passed on many, many occasions, I came over all Jack Douglas and gave it an almighty kick….oh by the way did I mention I 74 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

half. I didn’t really fancy the bread part of the second sandwich so ate the ham and left the two pieces of bread, butter side up, on a plate, on

the arm of the sofa. It was then I decided I needed a cup of tea, so off I went to make said cuppa. On the way back, while negotiating a particularly steep bit of carpet, I stumbled and not wanting to spill the tea - sort of carried on going, arm outstretched toward the table at the side of the sofa to set down the drink. It was at this point I overbalanced and went face first into the half eaten ham sandwich. Now picture, if you will, my attempt to retain a semblance of dignity while rising up to my full height of 6’3” with two pieces of bread stuck to my face! My lovely wife, in between paroxysms of laughter, managed to squeak out two things. “How do you manage to overbalance with feet that big?” and, to placate me a bit I think, added, “At least you didn’t spill all the tea”. If my daughter inherits the best traits from myself and my wife she has every chance of growing up to be a lovely young woman but just in case she does get the feet and the clumsiness perhaps we should invest in deportment lessons.

Phil Rockliffe


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